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  • Of Blood and Aether

Of Blood and Aether

Harbingers #1 / 2
by Harper Hawthorne
Of Blood and Aether (Harbingers #1) by Harper Hawthorne
★ 10.00 / 1
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Welcome to Sophrosyne: the City of the Gods.

Much to her own chagrin, all eyes are on Arken Asher. As the first attending Light Conduit that the Arcane Studium has seen in over twenty years, the scholars and the immortal Aetherborne alike have high hopes for her — even if Arken’s own ambitions lean a little more... personal. Driven by insatiable hunger for answers and arcane expertise, Arken's brilliance cannot be denied. But beneath that blinding Light lies a disastrous secret — something she's been forbidden from revealing anywhere, but especially not here.

As the Scouting & Reconnaissance Captain of the Elder Guard, Kieran Vistarii is the city’s spymaster: dealing in Shadows and secrecy. Haunted by his past but dedicated to protecting Sophrosyne’s future, Kieran’s self-imposed isolation is easily masked by charm and cocksure energy. Strange disappearances and whispers of rebellion on the rise have kept his cadre busy as of late, and yet the captain finds himself sidetracked — inexplicably drawn to a certain golden-eyed Conduit after just one chance encounter.

With secrets like theirs, getting too close to anyone is a dangerous game. Despite a scorching sense of mutual attraction and unexpected kinship, the pair attempt to avoid one another... but the Fates have other plans.

In a land of gods, monsters and elemental magick, the threads of predestiny have already been spun, and these tenebrous ties that bind could be their salvation... or their reckoning.

Of Blood & Aether is the first book in the Harbingers series, a captivating and character-driven dark romantasy saga. Rife with sizzling tension, gut-wrenching angst, addictive banter and ever-growing stakes, the Harbingers series is perfect for fans of A Court of Thorns & Roses, Fourth Wing and From Blood & Ash.

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FantasyRomanceDark Fiction
Release date: April 17, 2024

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Harper Hawthorne

Harper Hawthorne

Harper Hawthorne’s writing isn’t just about creating worlds—it's about crafting intricate, emotional landscapes where characters are challenged by their own inner demons and external struggles. Known for her adult fantasy, romance, and speculative fiction, Harper infuses her stories with raw, unflinching explorations of mental health, neurodivergence, and queer-normative worlds, often set against the backdrop of richly imagined realms. These themes resonate deeply with readers seeking stories that offer both escape and reflection.

Read more ...

Born and raised on the sun-kissed beaches of Los Angeles, Harper’s journey as an author began in the coastal rhythms of California but found its roots in the misty forests of the East Coast. There, she lives with her husband, a collie, and a rather enigmatic tuxedo cat with an unsettling aura that may or may not be supernatural. When not crafting her next narrative, Harper can be found wandering the woods, mushroom hunting, befriending frogs, and dabbling in witchcraft—practices that inform the magical and often mysterious elements woven into her works.

Her debut series, Harbingers, introduces readers to a dark, enthralling world where romance and fantasy collide with the complexities of mental health and identity. The first book, Of Blood & Aether, released in 2024, was met with praise for its blend of lyrical storytelling and unapologetic exploration of the human condition. As the series progresses, Harper’s characters continue to navigate the tumultuous waters of love, power, and self-discovery, leading to what promises to be an unforgettable six-book saga.

As she continues to expand her literary universe, Harper Hawthorne remains dedicated to telling stories that challenge, uplift, and resonate with those who crave depth, authenticity, and a bit of magic in their lives.

Harbingers

In the Harbingers series, the boundaries between magic, identity, and inner turmoil blur, creating a world as haunting as it is beautiful. This adult fantasy series plunges readers into a realm where the supernatural is intertwined with the very human struggles of mental health, neurodivergence, and the search for belonging. Here, characters are both drawn to power and terrified of it, finding themselves bound by ancient forces and personal demons.

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At the heart of this world is a group of individuals marked by their extraordinary abilities—Harbingers, chosen to wield power that could either save or destroy their world. As they grapple with the weight of their gifts, each must navigate not only external threats but their own complex emotions, relationships, and fears. What begins as a quest for survival quickly evolves into a journey of self-discovery, where love, loss, and sacrifice forge bonds that will alter the fate of their world forever.

Set against atmospheric backdrops ranging from shadowed forests to cityscapes where magic pulses beneath the surface, Harbingers is a tale that explores the darker corners of the human soul. But within this darkness, there are moments of light—of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of accepting one’s true self.

As the series unfolds, Harper Hawthorne masterfully weaves together gripping plotlines, intricate world-building, and characters that feel as raw and real as the worlds they inhabit. The first book, Of Blood & Aether, introduces readers to a world of tangled relationships and forbidden magic, setting the stage for a saga that promises to be as emotionally resonant as it is spellbinding. For fans of dark, character-driven fantasy with rich emotional depth, the Harbingers series offers a fresh, captivating perspective that lingers long after the last page is turned.


Harbingers consists of one primary book, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

Of Blood and Aether (Harbingers #1)
★ 10.00 / 1
Of Lust and Lunacy: Harbingers Book 1.5 (Harbingers #1.5)
⧗ 7.50 / 4
Of Aether and Embers: Harbingers Book Two (Harbingers #2)
⧗ 8.00 / 1


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