Review: Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne

Title: Harbinger

Author: Sara Wilson Etienne

Published: Feb 2nd 2012 by G.P Putnam's Son BYR

Book Description:

When sixteen-year-old Faye arrives at Holbrook Academy, she doesn't expect to find herself exactly where she needs to be. After years of strange waking visions and nightmares, her only comfort the bones of dead animals, Faye is afraid she's going crazy. Fast. 
But her first night at Holbrook, she feels strangely connected to the school and the island it sits on, like she's come home. She's even made her first real friends, but odd things keep happening to them. Every morning they wake on the floors of their dorm rooms with their hands stained red. 
Faye knows she's the reason, but what does it all mean? The handsome Kel tries to help her unravel the mystery, but Faye is certain she can't trust him; in fact, he may be trying to kill her - and the rest of the world too. 
Rich, compelling writing will keep the pages turning in this riveting and tautly told psychological thriller.


*Spoiler Alert*

My Thoughts:

                       Fear is an illusion; I’m in control of my own reality.

I admit! I was hesitant to finish this book since I have nothing to hold on to. Half of the book is full of puzzles and unanswered questions. The story is very complex, I find myself looking back to some chapters to clarify a few questions. But I was impressed by the author’s ability to hook you. I literally wanted to squeeze the book to get some answers. My curiosity got me going. …In the end, I finished Harbinger with a huge triumph. This book didn’t disappoint me. A captivating read for mystery lovers.

The story is about Faye, a girl who is haunted by hallucinations. Her dad brought her to Holbrook Academy, an academy that said to help people like Faye. But something about the academy gives Faye the creeps. Holbrook is beautiful but there is something hidden inside the pretty façade. 

Faye’s father betrayal wounds her. She was forced to join the academy without her consent, making her more determine to leave Holbrook. But Dr. Mordoch and the takers made it difficult for her to break out. The pills and strict rules hinder her to accomplish her tasks to escape and to get some answers. The story took a great turn when Faye and her Holbrook family were plagued by symbols. They woke up dirty with blood on their fingernails and symbols sprawled on their floors. Faye finds herself looking for answers. First who is Rita? The Harbinger? The symbols? Is she really hallucinating?  This book is will make you thirsty for answers.

The characters are well made. They are very believable. Faye is my favorite character. She’s strong minded and clever. Her unwillingness to submit to Holbrook gave spunk to the story. I like how she gave Dr. Morcoch and the takers a living hell. Kel is handsome but he is such a mystery. His relationship to Faye is not quite emphasize in the book, I hope there is a little more spunk to their romance. Though I love their Nancy Drew or Scooby-Doo moments.

Overall, this book is a nice read. I recommend Harbinger to older YA readers with huge imagination. It is a psychological thriller and a mystery with a hint of romance.  

I give this book 3.5 Whales