I was given the opportunity to read this book via NetGalley. I was skeptical of this series when I read the first book since it not my usual genre. As I read the book, I began to like the characters and the action was fairly fast paced. The further I got in the book, the more I wanted to know more. As I read the second book, I was again, charmed by the characters. The predicaments that he characters found themselves in were relatable and matched the characters. The second book is even more engrossing than the first book. I am very interested to find out what happens with the angel Miriael, and Ferren and Kiet. I would recommend this book especially to those readers who like a more uplifting take on what happens after our current world/technology ceases to exist as we know it.

The Review

This was another fantastic entry into the author's rich, fantasy-driven dystopian world. The immense scope of the world-building the author took on in bringing this story to life was incredible to see expanded upon in this book. The threat of Dr. Saniette and the Humen in this story and the action-packed drama that unfolds as the battle rages on make this narrative genuinely memorable.

Yet the action and drama are so well balanced, thanks to the rich character dynamics. The friendship and the evolution of the relationship between the protagonists, Miriael and Ferren, is the core heart of the narrative. However, the exciting directions their journey takes them on as individuals, from the interesting romance/love triangle between Ferren, Kiet, and Zonda to the twist connection Miriael has to Asmodai, and the impact Miriael has on the growing alliance amongst the last of the tribes of humanity made this a remarkable narrative to get lost in.

The Verdict

Exhilarating, thrilling, and heartfelt, author Richard Harland’s “Ferren and the Doomsday Mission” is a brilliant sequel and a memorable fantasy-driven story that readers won’t put down. The twists and turns in the story will keep readers on the edge of their seats, and the cliffhanger final moments will bring readers back for the third book of the Ferren trilogy.

Ferren has left his tribe, known as the People, and is moving through the decimated countryside trying to persuade others like him to join the Residual Alliance. At his side is Miriael, the angel who fell to Earth and, against all odds, survived. Because she ate human food she is now banished from Heaven and has instead joined the fight against the humen armies.

As they move from tribe to tribe trying to enlist their support they discover people who are, at the same time, both similar and different to Ferren’s own kinsmen.
While they speak at the home of the Nesters a young woman called Kiet listens spellbound to their presentation but tells the two visitors that her leaders don't make decisions quickly! It is soon clear that they could be staying for longer than they'd planned and as the days pass Miriael becomes distant and secretive while Ferren, in contrast, makes friends and even allows himself to relax slightly. Eventually however, the ever lurking danger arrives on their doorstep and Ferren finds himself, once again, in the thick of a fight not even he believes he can win.

The second in Richard Harland's trilogy is a fast paced, tense, and tightly written installment of this excellent series. I found it a harder read than the first as, having previously connected with Ferren and Miriael, it was clear from the start that their journey was going to get much more dangerous and, in some instances, fragmented. There are some seriously creepy things happening and some of the descriptions needed to be read twice to take in the vivid imagination of the author. I imagine that will happen even more in the final part!

There are serious moral issues tackled alongside the excitement of the main storyline and the new characters introduced worked well both alone and, as their stories merged, with those of the more familiar protagonists. With one part to go I can, I think, foresee at least one incident and am, from behind my fingers, even more invested in this trilogy than before.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley, the author and publishers, IFWG Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is an excellent series, totally outside my comfort zone, but I am thoroughly enjoying it and will be sad to see it end.