Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.29 AVERAGE
4.29 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
If Fourth Wing and Six of Crows had a love child, it would definitely be this book.
Heart of Chaos is brimming with your favorite tropes: fated mates, who did this to you, underdogs fighting for their place, good vs. evil, and there is in fact only one bed, Greg.
But more than that there is a deep undercurrent of kindness and respect that are usually missing or overdone in most books. Most of the major characters are genuinely good people and while circumstances have forced them together, they take it in stride, support each other, and fight for each other. Situations are volatile and chaotic, but the characters are stalwart and compassionate. You can’t help but root for everyone to be their best selves.
And while I wait for book 2, I’ve totally got my eye on the author’s Whispering Sea Duet.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you @madeleineeliotwrites for the opportunity to read ahead.
Heart of Chaos is brimming with your favorite tropes: fated mates, who did this to you, underdogs fighting for their place, good vs. evil, and there is in fact only one bed, Greg.
But more than that there is a deep undercurrent of kindness and respect that are usually missing or overdone in most books. Most of the major characters are genuinely good people and while circumstances have forced them together, they take it in stride, support each other, and fight for each other. Situations are volatile and chaotic, but the characters are stalwart and compassionate. You can’t help but root for everyone to be their best selves.
And while I wait for book 2, I’ve totally got my eye on the author’s Whispering Sea Duet.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you @madeleineeliotwrites for the opportunity to read ahead.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Injury/Injury detail
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a really fast read and could’ve easily been accomplished in a day.
The overall plot was interesting- dragon shifters protecting a realm from a dark force that no one fully understands. It has the theme of the young, weak girl being chosen to be a super powerful heroine.
The overall plot was interesting- dragon shifters protecting a realm from a dark force that no one fully understands. It has the theme of the young, weak girl being chosen to be a super powerful heroine.
I personally would’ve preferred more world building and having a romance that wasn’t just hormone driven. I did appreciate the banter between the FMC and MMC, but the hormones were immediate between the two and felt rushed.
I am interested to see where the storyline goes, but overall would only give this 3.5 stars.
I am interested to see where the storyline goes, but overall would only give this 3.5 stars.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
That was really really fun. I had a hard time shaking comparison to other books at the beginning, but it didn’t take long to find where it was really unique. World building felt robust without being overly complex. Enough mystery to keep me engaged but still an easy read. Pacing was consistent throughout. And I really enjoyed the Norse elements!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Violence
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexual assault
Sexual assault is an attempt in the past. Mentioned briefly without detail.
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I started this book at noon, and was finished by 8:45 pm. I ate it up. Could not put it down. Thank you to the author for this copy to review. This one looks like it will be a permanent addition to my shelves.
The pacing is fast, literally I was sucked into this story tried to do life as I read it (aka navigating an airport and a massive sore throat), clearly the book won out as soon as my kids were in bed. I felt like the story progressed in a logical manner, which I always appreciate. This book felt like it tended toward romantic fantasy, heavy on the fantasy, which is a huge plus in my books. There were several things alluded to throughout this book that I look forward to learning more about as the series continues (no spoilers, go elsewhere for that).
We were given a world with a decent depth to it. We have a backstory of important events in this world, and the story is woven into those events. I felt as though I could really picture the tavern Eisa was picked up and the area she lived in next, and the area surrounding the rift. I am not sure of the world beyond that, but I was happy with the world building we were given. I wouldn't complain, though, if more depth was provided as the series continued. Especially as we are answering questions brought up in this book.
I really enjoyed the characters and variety of personalities that we were given. I loved the growth we saw in Eisa throughout this book and can not wait to see how she continues to grow and change. I did enjoy that she was still portrayed as such a strong character despite having a chronic condition. Arik was a solid mmc, he does a lot of things right but still has a depth that wants you to learn more about him. Branka I can't wait to have fleshed out even more since it kinda felt like we skimmed the surface with her character. Jorgan is the same, we were given a somewhat stereotypical character and we saw some change but I am excited to see more depth to his character. Revka and the dragons felt more fleshed out, but I am still in the same boat of looking forward to where we go with this crew.
The plot is so interesting. I am not going to summarize for fear of spoiling anything. I like the magic system, and am interested to know more about how it works. I feel like we were given a good glimpse of it though, I am not usually one to poke holes in magic systems. The dragons were unexpected, in I expected their own corporeal entity, this is what I get for not reading the synopsis before I started. I loved it, thought it was a great change from what we have seen in books lately. The entire plot felt like a refreshing change in the fantasy that I have read lately, and I genuinely cannot wait to see where this series goes. This was my first book by Madeleine and it will not be my last.
The pacing is fast, literally I was sucked into this story tried to do life as I read it (aka navigating an airport and a massive sore throat), clearly the book won out as soon as my kids were in bed. I felt like the story progressed in a logical manner, which I always appreciate. This book felt like it tended toward romantic fantasy, heavy on the fantasy, which is a huge plus in my books. There were several things alluded to throughout this book that I look forward to learning more about as the series continues (no spoilers, go elsewhere for that).
We were given a world with a decent depth to it. We have a backstory of important events in this world, and the story is woven into those events. I felt as though I could really picture the tavern Eisa was picked up and the area she lived in next, and the area surrounding the rift. I am not sure of the world beyond that, but I was happy with the world building we were given. I wouldn't complain, though, if more depth was provided as the series continued. Especially as we are answering questions brought up in this book.
I really enjoyed the characters and variety of personalities that we were given. I loved the growth we saw in Eisa throughout this book and can not wait to see how she continues to grow and change. I did enjoy that she was still portrayed as such a strong character despite having a chronic condition. Arik was a solid mmc, he does a lot of things right but still has a depth that wants you to learn more about him. Branka I can't wait to have fleshed out even more since it kinda felt like we skimmed the surface with her character. Jorgan is the same, we were given a somewhat stereotypical character and we saw some change but I am excited to see more depth to his character. Revka and the dragons felt more fleshed out, but I am still in the same boat of looking forward to where we go with this crew.
The plot is so interesting. I am not going to summarize for fear of spoiling anything. I like the magic system, and am interested to know more about how it works. I feel like we were given a good glimpse of it though, I am not usually one to poke holes in magic systems. The dragons were unexpected, in I expected their own corporeal entity, this is what I get for not reading the synopsis before I started. I loved it, thought it was a great change from what we have seen in books lately. The entire plot felt like a refreshing change in the fantasy that I have read lately, and I genuinely cannot wait to see where this series goes. This was my first book by Madeleine and it will not be my last.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a quick read, once I started, I couldn't put it down. While I still have questions I hope will be answered in books 2 or 3, particularly about the true nature of Eisa's illness, I'm intrigued by the mystery behind it.
When Eisa met Arik and arrived at Ironholm, I expected typical trials and challenges. Instead, the story beautifully focused on finding family, building trust, and her journey from servitude to self-empowerment. The plot moved at an engaging pace throughout. Though I'm not well-versed in Norse mythology, I thoroughly enjoyed this fresh take on it.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Heart of Chaos is book 1 in a spicy Romantasy trilogy and I’m ALL for it! We’ve got dragons… and not just any dragons but Shifter dragons! This was a first for me and I loved how it’s explained and introduced into the book and it just makes sense.
Eisa and Arik are our MFC and MMC and they hit all the targets. Banter, slow burn, cute nicknames, hurt/care scenes, and fated bonds ❤️❤️ I can’t wait to see how this all plays out in the continuing books I have so many unanswered questions!
Sigrid I’m looking at you 👀, Eisa health conditions, more about the Rift & and that creepy gothic voice (maybe it’s only creepy and gothic in my head), and I definitely feel like I need to know more about Eisa’s father!
Spoiler question
*If they do heal the Rift what happens to all the dragons trapped on the other side?!*
Expressive World building, complex dragon twists, spice, and a true found family. Grab your copy and enjoy!
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I am a sucker for dragons, overprotective MMCs, and a sassy FMC and this book delivered this all and more.
I loved the dragons being able to communicate with their humans and the unique bonds they shared. I about lost my cool when Eisa went into heat 👀 and I really hope we get more of that in book 2!!
The characters were super lovable and I greatly enjoyed the banter and spice 🔥🔥
This book is a great set up for the rest of the story and I cannot wait to see where I goes from here!
I loved the dragons being able to communicate with their humans and the unique bonds they shared. I about lost my cool when Eisa went into heat 👀 and I really hope we get more of that in book 2!!
The characters were super lovable and I greatly enjoyed the banter and spice 🔥🔥
This book is a great set up for the rest of the story and I cannot wait to see where I goes from here!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence
Moderate: Torture
Minor: Sexual assault, Vomit
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I absolutely love shifter books, and this one is at the top! If you love books with dragon shifters then you definitely need to give this one a read. I’m waiting at the edge of my chair for the next book in this series!