Review: Harbinger of Justice by Andrew Watson
It’s no secret that I watch a lot of BookTube. I love watching videos where people talk about books, whether it’s lists or recommendations or reviews. I just like to see people get excited about books. One of those people is Andrew Watson, whose channel I’ve been following for a while and where I’m also a member of his Discord and Patreon.
Last year he also published his own book and although it went straight on the TBR, it took me a while to get started. A combination of too many books on that TBR and a certain amount of reluctance for fear of not liking the book. A few weeks ago I decided that it was time to actually read the book, despite the fear, which fortunately turned out to be completely unfounded!
Andrew Watson – Harbinger of Justice (Shadowbinders #1) ★★★★
Genre: Fantasy
In the desert city of Yontar, Nya cares for her sick mother. But when Nya is arrested, her mother’s death is all but certain unless Nya joins a secret project that promises her freedom. If she survives.
Rai, a mercenary, has a shadow dark enough for two. In his quest to discover the nature of the creature living in his shadow, Rai collides with old friends and new enemies, stumbling into an ancient mystery that could mean the end of the world as they know it.
All the while, a darkness stirs and rebellion threatens, helmed by a man who promises justice will reign.
I began Harbinger of Justice on my morning commute, planning to read a chapter or two before taking a nap — but I just couldn’t put it down. From the prologue, Andrew Watson pulled me into a meticulously crafted world of ancient mysteries, menacing deities, and lost knowledge. The two-hour train ride flew by in what felt like mere moments.
“In the unrelenting places of the world, stillness was an undervalued commodity.”
Watson opens with a gripping prologue, sparking intrigue and setting up an atmosphere thick with mystery. His worldbuilding shines here: inspired by ancient Egypt, the setting teems with fearsome creatures, ancient folklore, and divine figures that loom large over every page. This dark, mythical backdrop evoked the same tension and adventure in me as classic films like The Mummy and Indiana Jones.
By using multiple perspectives, Watson gives depth to both main and supporting characters. The rapid plot development does not come at the expense of character development; we are drawn into each character’s story and their storylines are satisfyingly interwoven.
“I’m pretty sure sleeping with two eyes open is called being dead, Fax said helpfully.”
One of the primary characters, Rai, is a troubled mercenary with a complex moral code. He is burdened by dark events from his past but resolute in his search for answers to his current plight. Though he is willing to do whatever it takes, Rai’s underlying guilt and personal code make him both dangerous and strangely endearing. His chemistry with Fax, a snarky and upbeat character, brings a “grumpy-sunshine” charm reminiscent of Brandon Sanderson’s Warbreaker and provides a much-needed humorous note to the intense, dark narrative.
“I don’t want to hear that it wasn’t my fault. I don’t want to hear that I can move on, because I can’t.”
Nya, another key character, adds a heartbreaking emotional layer to the story. She struggles with the consequences of an abusive upbringing that left her with deep-seated guilt and low self-esteem. Her sense of self-worth is so damaged that she struggles to shake it off, even when Kit, a fellow streetrat, points out the injustice of these feelings, or when her pet fennec fox Dust stays with her even when there is no food.
Together, these characters, each marked by inner and outer struggles, bring warmth and authenticity to the story. When their stories come together, they create a fragile but captivating found family, united by resilience and a shared drive to unravel the mysteries surrounding them.
“We have seen the Ever Growing Tree, we have waded through the snow in the Trosan Empire, and now we have battled bandits on the black sands of Tarris. Sometimes the best memories are the ones that terrify you in the moment.”
Balancing horror, mystery, adventure, and humor, the snappy chapters maintain a brisk pace and high suspense. Some scenes, like a harrowing encounter in a cave with crushing arms, evoke a nearly palpable horror, while the diverse cultures, creatures, and landscapes give the story an expansive, authentic feel, that suggests we’re only scrathing the surface of Watson’s world.
While Harbinger of Justice is a remarkable debut, there are occasional signs of Watson’s relative inexperience.
The narrative sometimes leans on exposition, especially when describing unfamiliar animals or cultures, and a few flashbacks feel a little out of place and abrupt, as if to quickly fill in character backstory. The ending also felt a bit rushed, wrapping up a bit too quickly compared to the build-up. Combined with the ominous epilogue, which hints at dark challenges ahead, this left me feeling a bit hungry. Still, these minor points did little to detract from my overall reading enjoyment.
“You love each other and that’s what is important. Life tends to tear away those you love when you aren’t looking. Don’t make it easier by stepping back. Grab hold of your loved ones and make sure you keep a firm grip. That is how you show strength.”
In short, Harbinger of Justice is an impressive debut that captivated me with its compelling world, memorable characters, and mysterious, suspenseful plot—and I can’t wait for the sequel!
