Rage and Ruin

Rage and Ruin is the second book in Jennifer L. Armentrout’s The Harbinger trilogy. I read the first book, Storm and Fury, years ago and wanted to finish the series, especially since my college-aged daughter, who is now a big JLA fan thanks to me introducing her to The Dark Elements series, has been asking to have my JLA books.I didn’t reread Storm and Fury before reading Rage and Ruin, and I usually do because I like to refresh what happened in the first book. I didn’t feel like I was lost when picking up the second book years later, since JLA gives refreshers on what happened in the first book in the next book.Here are the things I enjoyed about the book:- I loved Trinity so much in this book. JLA definitely knows how to write a kickbutt heroine, and Trinity is one of those heroines you just can’t help but love and adore. She’s also spunky and fierce. She’s gone through a lot with dealing with Misha’s betrayal in the first book, and it’s really affecting her in this book, but she’s adapting.- I learned more about Zayne in this book, especially his new bonded relationship with Trinity. He’s definitely the better guardian for me, but even though I learned more about him, and may have liked him in the first book. I have some issues I will address later in the review about him.- The fantasy elements are always top-notch when it comes to JLA. The world-building and learning more about the Harbinger in this book. Which at the end of the book it’s revealed who/what the Harbinger is. There are a lot of action-packed scenes in this book, and I loved getting to read Trinity’s powers more in this book and her handling things herself.- I loved that Roth and Layla played a role in this book. If you don’t know these two, then you need to read The Dark Elements series. Roth is definitely one of my favorite MMCs ever and still is, even after reading this book.Things that bothered me:- The bond between Trinity and Zayne remained complex in this book. Their unique connection lets them sense each other’s feelings, but it operates inconsistently, in my opinion. Maybe because it’s new to both characters, and they technically were meant to be bonded originally. Zayne often senses Trinity’s emotions, impacting how he interacts with her, but Trinity doesn’t always perceive Zayne’s feelings in return. This uneven bond affects their communication and makes Zayne’s intentions harder for Trinity and for me to read. The inconsistency just drove me bonkers.- Don’t even get me started with Zayne not giving Trinity a chance at handling things, especially when he finds out she’s putting herself at risk, but she can handle herself. Even Roth knows that Trinity can handle situations that she’s put in. She’s stronger than anyone thinks.- The ending felt kind of rushed, but it still has me wanting to pick up the last book in the trilogy. I need to know what happens next after the cliffhanger.Overall, it’s a good installment, though it didn’t grip me like the first. I give it 3.5 stars and plan to read the next, especially after that shocking cliffhanger. Now my daughter can add this book to her collection as she grows her library.

Great

Protagonists were so very young; it’s hard to fully get behind high schoolers (essentially) claiming forever, even if they are supes. It was like high school senior drama with a few (more) demons

I really liked this one. I liked the characters, even though there were times that I sighed lol. I liked the world and the setting. Seeing the plot deepen really caught my attention.

JLA's 2nd book in the Harbinger series, Rage & Ruin, continues on and has so much more action than the first book. There are definitely some plot twists that I anticipated, but also others that I did not see coming at all!There is more of the fun and sassy banter between Trinity and Zayne, which I love! But there are also many moments throughout the book that show the complex range of emotions and challenges that both characters face alone and also together. Despite these challenges, they both have grown, making their relationship even stronger. Despite having a "forbidden" relationship, both of them decide to take the risk despite any consequences. There are some steamy moments, but also lots of sweet and caring moments between these two.The ending completely shook me and I was not prepared! I was going to take a break and read a different book before Grace & Glory, but I think I'm going to jump right back in and finish the trilogy!