Hummingbird grabbed my interest because of Mages and Magic. It kept my interest because of its exploration of oppression and privilege. While this story begins a bit slow, it quickly grabs the readers attention and takes you on an adventure through a well-developed urban fantasy.

This fantasy magic-based class struggle adventure is set in a version of Glasgow in an approximation of the early Victorian period. Harper’s feisty heroine, Mairi, has had a tough time of it. Raised in an orphanage and determined to better herself, she is currently working as a shopgirl/general servant to an unpleasant couple who run a shop selling tartan cloth. The other thing to know about her is that she cannot speak.

Having a mute heroine could have really got in the way. But Harper’s clever writing and skill in getting us to care about her main character meant that it didn’t in any way slow down the action. The scene setting is excellent. Tension crackled off the pages as Mairi tries to keep a low profile in a city where anyone different is immediately at risk.

There is a zombie element – the Afflicted who roam the streets at night looking for anyone to snack on. Obviously there is also a curfew in place for the protection of everyday folk, who are understandably terrified of the Afflicted. Especially as no one really knows how they are made. Do they become infected by being scratched or bitten by an Afflicted? Is it an illness? Or is it magic? The Mages claim to protect the general population, but then they claim to work for the service of the city. And as far as everyone else is concerned, they live a life of luxury shrouded in secrecy and if anyone tries to get too close – the consequences are dire.

This one grabbed me from the beginning and didn’t let go until the end. And now, I’m desperate to know what is going to happen next. Very highly recommended for fans of gripping historical fantasy stories featuring a gutsy heroine. While I obtained an arc of Hummingbird from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
9/10

Hummingbird is not just a story about magic and mages, it’s a story about oppression and the lengths people will go to fight back against their oppressors. I really enjoyed this book. I thought the first 25% was a little slow, but as this is the first in a series I think this was necessary for world building and character development. I loved the main character and several of the side characters as well. I am disappointed in a few developments about the MC but will definitely read the next book regardless.

Having never read a Helen Harper book before I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this one. The blurb ticked all the right boxes and thankfully the book didn't let me down either. This first instalment of Mairi's story grasped my attention from the very first page and never let me go until the very last line. I am thoroughly enraptured by this delightful story and will be waiting on tenterhooks until the next book is out.


Set in an alternate reality that felt to be somewhere in the late Victorian or Edwardian period, Hummingbird is written in the first person from the heroines' point of view. With themes of oppression, misogyny, poverty and greed we journey with Mairi from indentured servant through to inexperienced spy and finally watch as she becomes a revolutionary ingenue. I had expected somewhat of a cross between a cosy, witchy mystery and urban fantasy. This turned out to be a little harsher, darker and with the inclusion of both swearing and a sex scene is definitely aimed at the 18+ audience.


I warmed immediately to Mairi, she is a fighter, resilient and caring, with huge inner strength and a strong sense of moral duty. Despite being occasionally rash, belligerent and fool-hardy, she is the kind of heroine that feels real and is easy to relate to. The wide range of side characters adds depth and colour to the story but also the conundrum of who to trust and who is dangerous.


The writing style was very easy to read, the prose flowed smoothly and very easily held my attention. I was delighted with how many times the author threw a little plot twist in, taking me completely by surprise. The book ends on a very soft cliffhanger, with a lot more adventuring to be had and story to be told. I will most assuredly be continuing with this series.

What an interesting story.
I did love the setting and the use of Scottish accent within the book. Most characters were realistic and enjoyable, however it took me some time to warm up to the main character. What also took me time was to reach the half of the book, because the pace during the second half was much faster. I did like Mairi being mute, but when it came out her speech is just locked, I was a bit disappointed, because I appreciate the portrayal of disabled characters. I can be less bitter about it because it took her quite some time to speak again.
The relationship to me seemed a bit rushed and the tension wasn't always logical to me, but they were an interesting duo.
Overall, an interesting new take on dystopian novels.

Loved this series start!

I thoroughly enjoyed this refreshing step into a new world. From the first page, the story started and I could not put it down.

There is no info dump, no long, drawn out world build. This story had a graceful entrance into the world, and built throughout. Extra refreshing that the spice involved was well planned and fit into the story.

As you follow Maree through, you develop an emotional connection to her character that’s hard to shake. She’s relatable, mature, and grew within her arc.

My only ask overall, would be some more development of the secondary characters, as they were great as well, but we only saw small snippets of growth that could come across as bouncy.

This is number one in A Charade of magic books, and it is leading to being a great series if they are all as strong as number one.

This is well written, and you can’t help but feel for Mairi, and want to take her struggle from her, but she shows us just how strong she is. What a phenomenal story. This book was incredible. Could not put it down for a second and I can not wait for the next book to come out.

I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


At the beginning of this story I found I was confused with some dialect issues and word choices, but these later cleared in further dialogue in a short manner. This was a book I was interested in first for the author, and then read the description. I’m very glad this surprised me in all the best ways, and reads like the beginning of an epic series to come. Magic, historical fantasy, and strong characters made for an addictive read. My only question is- when can I get book 2?

So, there's SOMETHING about this I didn't like. I can't quite put my finger on it. But it's written very well and the plot is original enough. I'm sure someone else would really like this.

Delve into the port city of Glasgow, Scotland, where the power of mages is absolute, and the people are suffering.

You’re first introduced to Mairi; a young woman who works at a small clothing boutique, but secretly studies herbal medicine in the hope of opening her own apothecary. Her small world is turned upside down when she ventures out after dark one night save the life of a small, orphaned girl at St. Mags, a place she has intimate familiarity with.

A strict curfew is set in place as a safety net against the “Afflicted,” diseased, feral savages with a penchant for human-flesh.

Babies are being stolen, the cruelty of the mages is mounting, and public executions incite tension. Especially for Mairi, as the death of her loved one propels her into acting as a spy for the rebellion, from within the viper’s nest.

This novel is a journey of self-discovery, finding your magic, and the beginning of a revolution. The premise is unique in that magic is fueled by intent, and Mairi is mute. She is literally without voice, and yet is one of the most powerful mages to come into existence. Helen Harper builds a world with dynamic characters, a gorgeous gothic atmosphere, and a brilliant plot. The story is tense, fast-paced, dark and gritty.

“Jane’s voice was different when she addressed Fee, suggesting she was desperate for Fee’s approval…I saw how Flora looked inextricably sad when she thought nobody was looking and rubbed her thumb absently across a tiny birthmark on her wrist” (chapter 10).

The level of detail that Harper gives, cadence of voices, physical imperfections, and the surrounding scenery all allow you to really visualize what you’re reading. You are drawn into Mairi’s world, rather than being a mere spectator.

“You’ve fucked things up for yourself now, lassie. If you’d known what was good for you, you’d have stayed out there with the Afflicted” (chapter 12).

At this point, we’re already aware of Mairi’s inner strength, impulsiveness, and loyalty (that fact alone conveys Harper’s talent in building complex characters). But in the face of Mairi’s willingness to throw herself into an incredibly dangerous situation for what she believes in; this is the moment I truly connected with her character. Mairi overcomes her burdens, and thrives in the face of adversity, making her the type of person we all wish to emulate.

“A sudden vision of my fingernails clawing out his eyes before I stabbed him in the heart over and over and over again flashed into my mind” (chapter 13).

The surprising level of ferocity brandished by Mairi isn’t to her detriment. It only serves to make her stronger, formidable, even. I appreciate that Mairi is no soft-spoken princess, or a woman depending on a male protagonist to bolster her. She swears like a sailor, frequently makes mistakes, has self-doubt, and all this makes her relatable (to me at least).

“The magic choked and spluttered inside me, but it didn’t do what I needed it to” (chapter 18). Mairi is just beginning to understand her magic, and I was so pleased that an endless stream of luck and instant success with newfound magic powers didn’t apply here.

“I tightened my body and felt the mouse resist” (chapter 25).

An amazing aspect of witchcraft in this novel is the ability to shapeshift! But Harper takes it a step further. This is unique in that not only is transformation possible, but the mind and emotions of the host can still be sensed when the mage takes over.

“She always was slow to react and get her work done, wasn’t she?”... “‘Fucking run Mairi,’ he ordered. So I did” (chapter 27).

There’s nothing better than previously hated characters swooping in to save the day. Redeemable qualities are just another level of complexity Harper ties-in. My only suggestion is an elaboration on the "Afflicted," and some background on the vise-like hold the mages have on the city. It is more than likely Harper already planned on expanding on these things in the future series novels, but we were not given much information on these in Hummingbird.

I fell in love with both the author and the novel after this remarkable debut. This is definitely a series that you cannot miss out on. I want to extend my undying gratitude to the publisher and netgalley for providing this copy to me.

“Fuckety-bye, darling.”

***I was given a free advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.***

P.S. A few teeny editing notes I found: “Mairi has duties to attend to, and it looks to me as if you’re getting her way…. You ken, I heard that when she first came here, she had a thing with Ascendant” (chapter 19, missing a word in both sentences here). “On the face it they’d merely been doing charity work, though there must be more to it than that” (chapter 24, missing a word here). “It don’t think anyone got any sleep that night” (chapter 25, grammatical mishap).

Something rotting from within the shadowed halls of the City Chambers and Mairi is determined to find it... and kill the putrefaction at its root. She's willing to do whatever it takes. And despire being mute, Mairi might just have what it takes to stand against the Mages that rule the city.

I'm confident that this is just the beginnning of what will become an epic series. Packed with magic, mystery, and an ever present dread that lurks in the margins- all leading up to a mighty conclusion that has left me bereft! Leading lady, Mairi, is a determined and powerful heroine with a surprising amount of sass for a woman that doesn't speak. She's clever, impulsive, generous, and absolutely cut throat when push comes to shove. As the plot gained momentum in the second half, Mairi and all of the supporting characters made it difficult too let my eyes leave the page even for a moment! The brilliant last act had me riveted and ends with so many unanswered questions.

I am waiting on bated breath for Book 2: Nightingale - coming late 2022!

I wasn't sure how I felt about this one in the first few pages, I kind of needed a little more information rather than just being dropped into a scenario that had us meeting Mairi, a mage, an afflicted, and her best friend all in the first few pages.

However, taking a leap of faith that all would be explained later (which it was) I'm so glad I kept going, this is a book that lures you in with questions, why can't Mairi speak, why are the little girls being taken, why are the afflicted the way they are, there's so much going on I found myself speechless at times.

Mairi has had a rough life there's no denying that, and witnessing her bestfriend...... well that's more than a lot of people could take, but Mairi uses it to strengthen her resolve on finding out the secrets of everyone around her.

Belle and Twister are so much more complicated than they seem, at first I thought they were just mean people that only thought of themselves and really didn't care about what was going on or who it was happening to as long as they got what they wanted, but there's so much more to them than that, I was really glad that this one ended the way it did and we got to see both sides of them, specifically Belle, I actually liked her at the end of this.

I felt so many things through this book, wonder, fear, astonishment, there were moments I wanted to cry, and then moments that had me laughing, I won't give away any spoilers, but there is so much depth and complexity to our characters, both the main and supporting that I can't wait to read the next one.

Mind bending and fascinating, this one has a little bit of everything and is great if you're looking for something to escape reality with because with this one even the tiniest of details could end up being important or the turning point of the entire story.

I really wish I could give this one 4.5 stars.

Hummingbird is the first book in an incredible new series from Helen Harper. Only men can do magic, everyone knows that, right? In the city of Glasgow that’s what everyone has been raised to believe. The Mages rule the area with an iron fist. And for most life can be rough, but for some it’s rougher than others. Much of the populace live lives of quiet desperation. That’s especially true for Mairi, an orphaned mute who has modest dreams of making a better life for herself, but when a horrible incident occurs vengeance becomes her driving force. The Mages have secrets and she’s determined to discover them and burn them to the ground.

I enjoyed the heck out of this book. The characters are all well fleshed out and believable, especially Mairi. I got completely lost in her struggles. Her fiery spirit and impetuous actions had me truly worried for her, and of course cheering for her to succeed as well. I really enjoyed the world building and the magic system Ms. Harper created for the series, and I can’t wait to see what comes next for our young heroine.

I’d like to thank HarperFire and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an eARC of Hummingbird ( A Charade of Magic).

https://www.amazon.com/review/RLW7A7Q41CHIB/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hummingbird-helen-harper/1141316662?ean=9781913116385&bvnotificationId=24b06b70-c890-11ec-b817-128786875163&bvmessageType=REVIEW_APPROVED&bvrecipientDomain=gmail.com#review/207632894

I was delighted to receive an ARC of Hummingbird, (A Charade of Magic Book 1). This story is the first book in a new Helen Harper series and I am looking forward to subsequent books in this world.
Mairi Wallace is a mute young woman who labors for a couple of shopkeepers in a tartan shop. Underfed, abused, and most certainly underappreciated, Mairi thinks that this is the life that she has been given. An orphan with no family and no understanding of her background Mairi heeds the call of an old friend to care for a very ill child at the orphanage where they both grew up. Little does she know that her life will change forever with this mission.

Harper does a good job of creating an oppressive world where mages rule, take what they want, and execute whomever they deem troublesome.

An emotive, fresh and touching alternative reality fantasy.
The author skilfully drops us directly into a zero-technology alternative history world where the only thing a clever orphan girl can do is keep her mouth shut and do what she is told in a male dominated society.
Arrogant mages hold the power of life and death, assisted by magical daemons. Anyone of lower status who challenges their authority or wealth is killed or disappeared.
When the best friend of Mairi Wallace is hung for asking questions about missing girl babies, Mairi starts a journey to find out the truth for herself – and in the process discovers that she has a remarkable power.

I’ve been a fan of this author for a long time, and she’s an automatic try for me no matter the book. This latest is an original magic book in a type of male-dominated society but with magic. I was put in the mind of Handmaid’s Tale with this latest. Mari is an interesting character, and I love that the author made her a nonspeaking character in a world where speaking is part of magic. As with all the novels I’ve read by this author, this was a well-written, suspense-filled book with lots of great characters. If you love this author, you’ll definitely love this latest! Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

Hummingbird, by author Helen Harper, is the first installment in the authors A Charade of Magic series. There are three absolutes in Mairi Wallace’s world:

1. The Mages rule every city in Scotland with terrible, violent authority. Mages control ravens which they use as their eyes and ears, and if needed even as an attack force. They also control Daemons, a more or less humanoid race with some extras, like horns.

2. It is not physically possible for any woman to wield magic.

3. Mairi does not have a voice.

For the people of Glasgow, leaving their houses after dark is dangerous, because then the Afflicted wander around. Afflicted are people who were once normal, but who got affected by a disease of unknown origin, after which they turned into wild savages that will hunt and eat people. Mairi, who grew up in an orphanage, works at a small shop owned by Twister and Belle while studying for her apothecary test. She knows her place and her limitations. All that changes, however, when her old childhood friend sends her a desperate message seeking her help - and the Mages themselves cross Mairi’s path.

After losing her best friend, Mairi decides to infiltrate the Mages as a spy to the rebellion to find out what is happening to babies that have gone missing. Going undercover seems a little bizarre at first, throwing herself right into the lion's den, but this seems to be the only way Mairi can find out what she really needs to know and to learn how to use the magic building up inside her. Magic that the Mages definitely cannot find out that she has! Suddenly, remaining unnoticed is no longer an option, and it becomes dangerous if she is ever caught.

There’s more to Mairi than she realizes but, if she wants to fulfill her full potential, she’s going to have to fight to stay alive - and only time will tell if she can beat the Mages at their own game. From twisted wynds and tartan shops to a dangerous daemon and malevolent ravens, the future of a tattered nation might lie with one solitary woman.

One of the things that makes this a good story is the setting of Glasgow, Scotland where the author says she recently moved to. No spoilers, but Mairi is mute but soon discovers that she has a lot of power stuck inside.Why do you think the book is called hummingbird?

Thank you to Netgalley and the author, Helen Harper, for providing a copy of Hummingbird (A Charade of Magic book 1). I have reviewed honestly.

Hummingbird features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ Adult fantasy
○ Magic
○ Mages
○ Daemons
○ Revenge
○ Light romance
○ Scotland

My overall rating for Hummingbird is…

5 Stars!

If you're in need of a brand new fantasy tale with magic, a male dominant society, zombie-like beings, daemons, mages, mystery and revenge, look no further. Hummingbird is simply incredible! Right from the start the author snares you into this fantastic, dark fantasty. Mairi, the MC, was such a potent character to bond with and I loved the added mystique of her muteness. The Scottish setting created an alluring flavour to the story. Overall, Harper has demonstrated her master storytelling abilities in this outstanding book.

This book is the first in the series and we'll, it starts off very well. The plot is immersive, the characters are interesting, the elements are used well in the story. A very immersive read that I liked. I'd absolutely recommend this book..

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars and almost one spicy pepper!

I am in love with this story, with this book...everything about it is amazing.

Scotland, magic, mystery...this book has it all! Mairi lives in a time where Mages rule (men who posses magic). They swear they're protecting their people from the Afflicted (zombie-like creatures) and other awful things. but are they really? Or are they just instilling fear?

Mairi, a mute young woman, tries to find out the truth about the mages as well as herself. Why? Women aren't allowed to have magic but apparently, she has it by the bucketloads....

I can't wait for the second one!

PLEASE GO BUY THIS BOOK NOW. PLEASE. JUST GO. STOP READING THIS REVIEW AND GO ALREADY.