Bunny's Reviews: Heroes & Harbingers Review Spotlight

Welcome to the tour for Secrets of Pantheons, the first book in ARK Horton's Heroes and Harbingers series! Read on for more info and a chance to win a great giveaway!

Heroes & Harbingers is the first book in Ark Horton’s Secret of Pantheons series, an adult fantasy academia novel. For those of you who are avid readers/lovers of fantasy novels, this book is for you. The blurb of this book will whisk you away into its depths to journey along with characters that you’ll be reluctant to say goodbye to when you get to the last page. The beauty of this book though? Just remember, it’s the first of many, and there are more to come!

In Heroes & Harbingers, Ark Horton, will take you on a journey with a variety of characters. You’re going to meet Pavlina Sirin, she’s a sirin and a teacher at a Magical Public School. I would say to you that I feel that she is the most complex of the characters that you are going to meet, but I’d be lying. Haha! She is complex though, especially in the emotional aspect. As you read this book, you’re going to be quick to understand exactly why. I believe that the author created her this way for a reason. Pavlina is truly unique, and she carries the weight of many things on her shoulders. The author means for us to see her not just for who she is, but for how strong she is as well.

In just the right places, we get some of her backstories, and all that she has gone through. Piece by piece things is revealed that paint a picture of this unique character. There were moments in this book where I literally reared back from her behavior or tone, but once the pieces come together concerning her, you’re going to get a better idea as to why. One of my favorite things about her though? Her family. They’re not perfect (seriously though, what family is? LOL), but they have some really great qualities.

For me, this next character - Finn MacCool, is my favorite character. Yes, he’s another flawed character, but oddly enough I feel that I can relate to him a bit more. He’s a really interesting character, and thanks to certain attributes, he has the most to tell. You’ll have quite a few empathetic moments for him as he puts his foot in his mouth more than once. He’s a bit rigid for a teacher, but he means well. You just have to give him a chance. Now, understand, there are going to be a couple scenes where you’re either going to be on his side or you’re going to side with Pavlina. Just remember this – they’re both RIGHT!

Curious about who this “Chosen One” is? Well, I’m not telling you that! LOL! You’ll have to read on to get a clue as to who that person is. Wonder why I’m not telling you? Well, obviously the author wants it to be a secret! I mean, read the blurb people! LOL! As you read the book though you’ll quickly learn exactly who it will be, of course. The “Chosen One” is a bit of a gray character initially. You’ll like them, but whether you continue to like them for a time will be entirely up to you. Some will, some won’t, but you’ll definitely appreciate this character’s growth throughout the story. That’s what is really going to win you over in the end. I love it when an author shows a character’s growth in a story. It’s a wonderful thing to see them mature.

You’re really going to appreciate how the author works these characters and this storyline. As you read, you’re going to almost feel like if you could JUST get to that alternate reality, that you could cross paths with these characters. I mean, how cool would it be to be able to experience magic?! We’ve all considered it at one point or another. Yet another reason why we all love reading fantasy novels, right? The magic elements in this story are really going to captivate you and keep you page-turning to learn more of what happens next. This book is packed with twists and surprises, so don’t be too surprised (wink wink) when you’re jaw is on the floor.

Are you curious about the dark side of this story? Oh, it’s a good one! The author wants you to piece things together, but just be patient as the pieces come together. I originally figured that things were going to take a particular path, but the author intends to surprise you, so prepare yourself! This is one that you’re not going to see coming no matter how hard you try to guess. Okay, you might guess a few things, but the big reveal...it’s just that...a BIG reveal. Not all the secrets will be told in this book though. I mean, what would be the fun in that? Then there wouldn’t be something to look forward to! But thankfully, there is. Yay!

The true beauty of this book is how the author gives us just the right amount of detail throughout this entire novel. There is drama, romance, hope, and fear – just about the full spectrum of emotions can be found in this novel. There is even an air of mystery! This book is so much more than just an adult fantasy novel. One of many things that help set it apart from others in this genre. Also, as you read this book – pay attention to each of the chapter starters. I originally dismissed those pages because all I FOCUSED on was the dark swath across it with crows flying. Stop for just a minute, read the name of the chapter, and then – look past the crows. Read what you see...it’s really cool.

While this book is classified as an “adult fantasy” novel, older teens could read this book as well. The author makes a point of giving us readers a content warning concerning this novel. Don’t worry, it’s nothing too serious, but that’s just me. I encourage you to read a sample (digital) and decide for yourself if the warnings are something that would put you off from reading this book or even recommending it to an older teen.

On the off chance that you’re looking for a new fantasy novel to check out, I highly recommend you consider this book. Packed with mythology, family, strong bonds, and just the right amount of romance this book will have you looking forward to the next one in this series. Don’t worry, you won’t have to wait too long. The next book is due to come out sometime next year.

This book earns 4.5 out of 5 stars for the author’s exceptional storytelling and mixing of mythology to give us readers a fantastic story to enjoy. I just wish that I could meet these characters. For the time being, I will miss them, but this is a book that will stay with you for a while after you’ve finished reading. For me, those are always the best ones. Until the next time!

Thank you to the author, Ark Horton, and R&R Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Secret of Pantheons (Heroes & Harbingers #1)

Publication Date: June 11th, 2022

Genre: Adult Fantasy Academia

Food fights. Detention. Dissecting fairies for science class. Just another day for teachers at a Magical Public School.

Ms. Sirin’s fate as a death harbinger has ruined her life. She longs to be more than a herald of doom, aspiring to impact lives in her teaching career. But when a new student with bold dreams joins her class and is picked as this century’s Chosen One, Ms. Sirin’s dark power senses a terrible sacrifice to come.

Finn MacCool’s warrior past didn’t prepare him for a hundred years of teaching for his community service. Spending the last decade of his sentence at a new school, the immortal develops a crush on his tempting but aloof coworker. The Irish legend blows his chance when he butts heads with the Council of Pantheons’ latest brave heroine—who also happens to be Ms. Sirin’s favorite pupil.

However, the Chosen One’s quest isn’t all it seems. Pavlina’s lethal prophecies come to pass, and her gift warns of more to come. Will this daring trio of heroes have what it takes to make the grade, or will they fail before they even make it to Summer Break?

Set in an alternate reality of Jacksonville, Florida, this adult urban fantasy is the first book in the Secret of Pantheons series. If you enjoy a hearty helping of mythology, found family, and unbreakable bonds, this book is for you. Class is in session with Heroes & Harbingers—delve in now before the bell rings!

Meet the Characters

CONTENT WARNING:

This is a book written by an adult mostly about adults and for an adult audience. While many teenagers may appreciate this book and even learn positive things from it, please read ahead if you intend to gift it to anyone under 18. It may contain some content you deem inappropriate for them. Consider the following content before purchase.

Grief
Death
Kidnapping
Pregnancy Loss
Substance Abuse
Life-Threatening Situations

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Paperback Available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble

About the Author

A.R.K. Horton is a small woman made of round shapes and long sighs. Children and animals surround her in her Florida home. Her vice is hoarding responsibilities, and she has the tired eyes to prove it. They still have a sparkle, though, seeing the next project ahead.

She began writing as a child when she became obsessed with learning about the most obscure fairytales, folktales, and myths. Now, as a Pagan Witch, she uses the stories she loved growing up with, as well as her own spiritual journey, to inspire her blogs and novels.

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