Heroes and Harbingers by Ark Horton is my first book read this year. I don’t think I could have started 2024 off on a better book. It had everything I love in it: found families, multiverses featuring portals, off the charts world building, magnificent blending of mythos and folklore, and an expertly executed twist of The Chosen One trope.

What is this book even about? I honestly don’t know how to describe it as anything other than a glorious take on what the world would be like if the gods – all of them – were real and magic was a thing. Things aren’t always as they appear, not everyone is your friend, people make bad decisions, and even if you are able to guess at some of the elements in the story, I guarantee there will be times when you can’t.

Each POV felt unique and fresh, and the best part about this book was that each character was real in my mind. I went through every emotion because of this. That is a type of magic I wish I could bottle up and carry with me, because it’s been nearly 24 hours since I’ve finished and I’m still riding the high.

This is a great book for that nerdy person in your life who loves urban fantasy with a twist of mythology. If it was a drink, it’d be something shadowy and sparkly and very citrusy all at once.