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staceeyt's review against another edition
2.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
"Her guardian angel was pushed.
Keiron was never meant to be anything other than a hero. Born high above in a place of war and deception, he is Heartborn, a being of purity and goodness in a place where there violence and deceit are just around every corner. His disappearance will spark a war he cannot see, for Keiron has pierced the light of days to save a girl he has never met, for reasons he cannot understand. Livvy Foster is seventeen, brave, and broken.
With half a heart, she bears the scars of a lifetime of pain and little hope of survival. Until Keiron arrives. In the middle of a brewing war and Livvy’s failing heart, Keiron will risk everything for Livvy, because a Heartborn’s life can only end in one way: Sacrifice. Fall with Livvy and Keiron as they seek the truth about her heart, and his power, and what it means to love someone who will give their very life to save you."
This book had so much potential and I was really hopeful after the opening scene but am left feeling very disappointed.
My first issue is that nothing happened for ~80% of the story, then suddenly eveything happened and I couldn't follow it. I finished the book and have no idea what the final few chapters were about. The story is told from two perspectives: on Earth and in Woodook. The parts in our world, following Livvy, were SO boring. I hated them and couldn't wait to finish the chapter to move away from her story. While nothing was really happening in Woodook either, I much preferred those parts.
Character wise, I had no connection to any of them and didn't really care for them. I also hated the insta-love relationship between the two main characters. It was infurriating.
Some parts I thought were a bit juvenille but otherwise, the writing was beautiful and flowed really well. I would have liked to have seen more details about what a Heartborn (all I know is they're created for sacrifice and are born with their eyes open) and a blightwing actually are. Also there was a lack of world building, which I feel could have been executed beautifully if there was extra detail.
Good idea but delivered poorly. Save yourself a few days reading and just read the synopsis because that tells you basically everything that happens.
2/5 stars because it was written well but it just wasn't for me.
"Her guardian angel was pushed.
Keiron was never meant to be anything other than a hero. Born high above in a place of war and deception, he is Heartborn, a being of purity and goodness in a place where there violence and deceit are just around every corner. His disappearance will spark a war he cannot see, for Keiron has pierced the light of days to save a girl he has never met, for reasons he cannot understand. Livvy Foster is seventeen, brave, and broken.
With half a heart, she bears the scars of a lifetime of pain and little hope of survival. Until Keiron arrives. In the middle of a brewing war and Livvy’s failing heart, Keiron will risk everything for Livvy, because a Heartborn’s life can only end in one way: Sacrifice. Fall with Livvy and Keiron as they seek the truth about her heart, and his power, and what it means to love someone who will give their very life to save you."
This book had so much potential and I was really hopeful after the opening scene but am left feeling very disappointed.
My first issue is that nothing happened for ~80% of the story, then suddenly eveything happened and I couldn't follow it. I finished the book and have no idea what the final few chapters were about. The story is told from two perspectives: on Earth and in Woodook. The parts in our world, following Livvy, were SO boring. I hated them and couldn't wait to finish the chapter to move away from her story. While nothing was really happening in Woodook either, I much preferred those parts.
Character wise, I had no connection to any of them and didn't really care for them. I also hated the insta-love relationship between the two main characters. It was infurriating.
Some parts I thought were a bit juvenille but otherwise, the writing was beautiful and flowed really well. I would have liked to have seen more details about what a Heartborn (all I know is they're created for sacrifice and are born with their eyes open) and a blightwing actually are. Also there was a lack of world building, which I feel could have been executed beautifully if there was extra detail.
Good idea but delivered poorly. Save yourself a few days reading and just read the synopsis because that tells you basically everything that happens.
2/5 stars because it was written well but it just wasn't for me.
lilbeeemma's review against another edition
4.0
Her guardian angel was pushed. Keiron was never meant to be anything other than a hero. Born high above in a place of war and deception, he is Heartborn, a being of purity and goodness in a place where there violence and deceit are just around every corner. His disappearance will spark a war he cannot see, for Keiron has pierced the light of days to save a girl he has never met, for reasons he cannot understand. Livvy Foster is seventeen, brave, and broken. With half a heart, she bears the scars of a lifetime of pain and little hope of survival. Until Keiron arrives. In the middle of a brewing war and Livvy’s failing heart, Keiron will risk everything for Livvy, because a Heartborn’s life can only end in one way: Sacrifice. Fall with Livvy and Keiron as they seek the truth about her heart, and his power, and what it means to love someone who will give their very life to save you.
*I was given this story in exchange for a honest review*
It's been quite a while since I've read a good YA fantasy. I wasn't entirely sure if I'd like the story or not, but I decided to give it a shot. It has many twist and turns to it, and it was a lot different from what I was expecting. I thought it was just another story that appears to be different but isn't at all. Well, my mistake.
Heartborn isn't cliche and the same as all other fantasy books. It's different. Livvy was born with half a heart. I know, how is that possible? I was wondering the same thing, but just read. You'll get answers. She's on earth, living her life, not knowing about what's going on above. I adored Livvy, something about her felt familiar and real to me.
Above is Keiron, an angel who is getting his wings cut off and getting tossed below...
If you wish to finish this review, check it out here: http://abibliomaniacs.blogspot.com/2016/09/review-heartborn-terry-maggert.html
tmleblanc's review against another edition
2.0
I’ve been intrigued with the idea behind Heartborn for quite awhile. The beautiful cover and intriguing synopsis pulled me in. I just had to know more and when I found the book on NetGalley, I decided to give it a shot.
Unfortunately, Heartborn fell short for me. Just be warned, that in order to explain WHY the book fell short of me, there may be spoilers in this review.
Heartborn is told from two different points of view: 1) Livvy’s point of view on “Earth” and 2) Keiron’s family’s point of view in Sliver which I kept reading as silver.
My favorite part of the book is Sliver. The world is beautifully imagined. I could see myself among the clouds with Vasa, Saiinov, Cressa and Habira. Everything from the clothes that the angels wore to the hierarchy of the angels is well thought out. The power of the angels seeped through my iPad and I wanted more time in Sliver each time I came to one of these chapters.
My least favorite part of Heartborn is Livvy, our main character. These chapters read like a young adult contemporary romance novel—my least favorite genre. Any chapters from Livvy’s point of view are syrupy sweet especially after Keiron shows up because, despite Livvy’s hesitance to do anything that might risk her health, there is this instant connection that doesn’t fit with her character.
The chapters on “Earth” also seem to be choppier as if something is missing. Perhaps because Livvy’s chapters take place in the reader’s “known” world not enough time is spent describing the people, places and things that exist. I did not feel part of Livvy’s world. This leads to a disappointing reveal towards the end of the book regarding Livvy’s world. As a result, the reveal is jarring and confusing. Keeping the reader at arms length and assuming they know everything about Livvy’s world is a mistake. There needs to MORE subtle connections shared throughout the novel for the reader to buy the reveal.
While I had high hopes for Heartborn, ultimately, in the end, I was left disappointed and disconnected and I do not have plans to read book 2, Moonborn, in this series.
This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews
Unfortunately, Heartborn fell short for me. Just be warned, that in order to explain WHY the book fell short of me, there may be spoilers in this review.
Heartborn is told from two different points of view: 1) Livvy’s point of view on “Earth” and 2) Keiron’s family’s point of view in Sliver which I kept reading as silver.
My favorite part of the book is Sliver. The world is beautifully imagined. I could see myself among the clouds with Vasa, Saiinov, Cressa and Habira. Everything from the clothes that the angels wore to the hierarchy of the angels is well thought out. The power of the angels seeped through my iPad and I wanted more time in Sliver each time I came to one of these chapters.
My least favorite part of Heartborn is Livvy, our main character. These chapters read like a young adult contemporary romance novel—my least favorite genre. Any chapters from Livvy’s point of view are syrupy sweet especially after Keiron shows up because, despite Livvy’s hesitance to do anything that might risk her health, there is this instant connection that doesn’t fit with her character.
The chapters on “Earth” also seem to be choppier as if something is missing. Perhaps because Livvy’s chapters take place in the reader’s “known” world not enough time is spent describing the people, places and things that exist. I did not feel part of Livvy’s world. This leads to a disappointing reveal towards the end of the book regarding Livvy’s world. As a result, the reveal is jarring and confusing. Keeping the reader at arms length and assuming they know everything about Livvy’s world is a mistake. There needs to MORE subtle connections shared throughout the novel for the reader to buy the reveal.
While I had high hopes for Heartborn, ultimately, in the end, I was left disappointed and disconnected and I do not have plans to read book 2, Moonborn, in this series.
This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews
minutiae's review against another edition
Excellent audiobook narrator.
But. The book itself? Had such an interesting premise. Parts were so rushed. I only finished it because I liked the audiobook narrator.
But. The book itself? Had such an interesting premise. Parts were so rushed. I only finished it because I liked the audiobook narrator.
maureensbooks89's review against another edition
4.0
After I read the book description of ‘Heartborn’ I just knew I had to read this book. I love stories about angels and this book just sounded so good. So when I saw the sign up for the Audiobook tour I was even more excited. Now I would be able to listen to a story about angels while I was driving to and from work. I really couldn’t wait to start listening to this book.
‘Heartborn’ is definitely unlike any other book I read. The story is very original and I found myself fascinated with the characters and the storyline right from the beginning. Terry Maggert definitely wrote a beautiful story of love and sacrifice and I really enjoyed it.
I did have some trouble keeping all those character names apart in the beginning. This definitely frustrated me a little, but I honestly think this was more because I’m just so terrible bad in keeping apart names than that is was something about the writing.
The characters in ‘Heartborn’ were a lot of fun to get to know. I loved the main character Livvy the most. She was just so kind and good despite what life had given her: half a heart. I admired her strength and the way she still seemed to trust easily. I really enjoyed getting to know her.
The romance between Livvy and Keiron was not really what I expected. Although it was nice to read, I did expect a little more. But I must say this romance definitely fitted the story perfectly.
This was my first audiobook narrated by Julia Whelan and I really enjoyed listening to her voice. It took some getting used to when she talked as one of the ‘males’, but I must say I really liked her as a narrator. I definitely found myself being hooked to her voice and I could easily forget that she was only one person. Seriously.. Sometimes I wondered if maybe I was listening to more than one narrator. I’m definitely a fan of Julie Whelan now.
‘Heartborn’ is a beautiful story and I would definitely recommend it.
‘Heartborn’ is definitely unlike any other book I read. The story is very original and I found myself fascinated with the characters and the storyline right from the beginning. Terry Maggert definitely wrote a beautiful story of love and sacrifice and I really enjoyed it.
I did have some trouble keeping all those character names apart in the beginning. This definitely frustrated me a little, but I honestly think this was more because I’m just so terrible bad in keeping apart names than that is was something about the writing.
The characters in ‘Heartborn’ were a lot of fun to get to know. I loved the main character Livvy the most. She was just so kind and good despite what life had given her: half a heart. I admired her strength and the way she still seemed to trust easily. I really enjoyed getting to know her.
The romance between Livvy and Keiron was not really what I expected. Although it was nice to read, I did expect a little more. But I must say this romance definitely fitted the story perfectly.
This was my first audiobook narrated by Julia Whelan and I really enjoyed listening to her voice. It took some getting used to when she talked as one of the ‘males’, but I must say I really liked her as a narrator. I definitely found myself being hooked to her voice and I could easily forget that she was only one person. Seriously.. Sometimes I wondered if maybe I was listening to more than one narrator. I’m definitely a fan of Julie Whelan now.
‘Heartborn’ is a beautiful story and I would definitely recommend it.
theestherhadassah's review against another edition
5.0
Talk about unconditional love and sacrifice of yourself for someone else. The world and character building of this book is phenomenal. Kieron and Livvy . . . If I start talking about them, I will lose my head. Separating the story from the audio for moment. The story is developed. When Keiron looses his wings . . . *sighs* - I actually had to listen to the book over a few times because my kindle went a little wonky and wouldn't pick up where I had left off. But that's okay. I got experience the first 40% more than once. Which everyone should. Terry Maggert did a really great job reeling me in. I am uber excited for Moon Born!
Now let's bring the story back to the audio. Julia Whelan did a great job bringing the story and the characters to life. Also, her voice matches her face. And I mean that with admiration. Did you see her photo above! She's beautiful! Off topic. Julia did a great job narrating the story. She did Livvy justice. The pain and the memories of her heart drew me in further. I have several weaknesses in books. Young dads, people with disabilities/conditions. Julia gave Livvy a voice. Keiron was in perspective. The Wingborn characters were also brought to life. It was fantastic.
MY RATING: 4.5 OF 5 STARS.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Terry Maggert. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Now let's bring the story back to the audio. Julia Whelan did a great job bringing the story and the characters to life. Also, her voice matches her face. And I mean that with admiration. Did you see her photo above! She's beautiful! Off topic. Julia did a great job narrating the story. She did Livvy justice. The pain and the memories of her heart drew me in further. I have several weaknesses in books. Young dads, people with disabilities/conditions. Julia gave Livvy a voice. Keiron was in perspective. The Wingborn characters were also brought to life. It was fantastic.
MY RATING: 4.5 OF 5 STARS.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Terry Maggert. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
amberswitch13's review against another edition
3.0
The book started Fabulous however it sort of took a fall for the worse at the end.
The story is great we start off with Kieron wanting to save a life and being cast from the sky which leaves some mystery as we change POV to meet Livvy, a young girl with a bad heart condition who works in a library along with her friend, Dozen and the regular readers.
It truly was a great story however around Chapter 16 or 17 it stopped making sense.
One chapter was completely House Windhoek's fight with the council leaders which is fine and good but Habia's fight was 10 times longer than her parents and it was all clumped together in one extremely long chapter which got boring, i had to put the book down for two weeks because I got so bored and it was hard to find a good place to pause at all in the book when I had to do something else.
In the end Livvy's entire part of the story was a mirage made up by Kerion who gave her his heart to live which really upset me because I would have much preferred Cressa dying. However I do like the paring.
But whats with the shoes? How on earth did Livvy get wings in the Epilogue? Does everyone who travels through time to the future get wings? Why did they go through the water to get to the sky and how on earth does that make sense? And is Livvy a queen in her past life or something? Also what on earth is a HeartBorn?! It was slightly explained but not enough.
This book is a great book and I loved reading a self-published authors book since I don't normally read them but its confusing towards the end I didn't even understand what was happening and I was left with far more questions at the end thaN I had through any part of the story. I really do hope the sequel sheds some light into all of my unanswered questions and confusion.
The story is great we start off with Kieron wanting to save a life and being cast from the sky which leaves some mystery as we change POV to meet Livvy, a young girl with a bad heart condition who works in a library along with her friend, Dozen and the regular readers.
It truly was a great story however around Chapter 16 or 17 it stopped making sense.
One chapter was completely House Windhoek's fight with the council leaders which is fine and good but Habia's fight was 10 times longer than her parents and it was all clumped together in one extremely long chapter which got boring, i had to put the book down for two weeks because I got so bored and it was hard to find a good place to pause at all in the book when I had to do something else.
In the end Livvy's entire part of the story was a mirage made up by Kerion who gave her his heart to live which really upset me because I would have much preferred Cressa dying. However I do like the paring.
But whats with the shoes? How on earth did Livvy get wings in the Epilogue? Does everyone who travels through time to the future get wings? Why did they go through the water to get to the sky and how on earth does that make sense? And is Livvy a queen in her past life or something? Also what on earth is a HeartBorn?! It was slightly explained but not enough.
This book is a great book and I loved reading a self-published authors book since I don't normally read them but its confusing towards the end I didn't even understand what was happening and I was left with far more questions at the end thaN I had through any part of the story. I really do hope the sequel sheds some light into all of my unanswered questions and confusion.
amberswitch's review against another edition
3.0
The book started Fabulous however it sort of took a fall for the worse at the end.
The story is great we start off with Kieron wanting to save a life and being cast from the sky which leaves some mystery as we change POV to meet Livvy, a young girl with a bad heart condition who works in a library along with her friend, Dozen and the regular readers.
It truly was a great story however around Chapter 16 or 17 it stopped making sense.
One chapter was completely House Windhoek's fight with the council leaders which is fine and good but Habia's fight was 10 times longer than her parents and it was all clumped together in one extremely long chapter which got boring, i had to put the book down for two weeks because I got so bored and it was hard to find a good place to pause at all in the book when I had to do something else.
In the end Livvy's entire part of the story was a mirage made up by Kerion who gave her his heart to live which really upset me because I would have much preferred Cressa dying. However I do like the paring.
But whats with the shoes? How on earth did Livvy get wings in the Epilogue? Does everyone who travels through time to the future get wings? Why did they go through the water to get to the sky and how on earth does that make sense? And is Livvy a queen in her past life or something? Also what on earth is a HeartBorn?! It was slightly explained but not enough.
This book is a great book and I loved reading a self-published authors book since I don't normally read them but its confusing towards the end I didn't even understand what was happening and I was left with far more questions at the end thaN I had through any part of the story. I really do hope the sequel sheds some light into all of my unanswered questions and confusion.
The story is great we start off with Kieron wanting to save a life and being cast from the sky which leaves some mystery as we change POV to meet Livvy, a young girl with a bad heart condition who works in a library along with her friend, Dozen and the regular readers.
It truly was a great story however around Chapter 16 or 17 it stopped making sense.
One chapter was completely House Windhoek's fight with the council leaders which is fine and good but Habia's fight was 10 times longer than her parents and it was all clumped together in one extremely long chapter which got boring, i had to put the book down for two weeks because I got so bored and it was hard to find a good place to pause at all in the book when I had to do something else.
In the end Livvy's entire part of the story was a mirage made up by Kerion who gave her his heart to live which really upset me because I would have much preferred Cressa dying. However I do like the paring.
But whats with the shoes? How on earth did Livvy get wings in the Epilogue? Does everyone who travels through time to the future get wings? Why did they go through the water to get to the sky and how on earth does that make sense? And is Livvy a queen in her past life or something? Also what on earth is a HeartBorn?! It was slightly explained but not enough.
This book is a great book and I loved reading a self-published authors book since I don't normally read them but its confusing towards the end I didn't even understand what was happening and I was left with far more questions at the end thaN I had through any part of the story. I really do hope the sequel sheds some light into all of my unanswered questions and confusion.
jseymour2000's review against another edition
3.0
I received a copy through Netgalley
I was a bit frustrated with Heartborn. It read pretty well, I genuinely enjoyed the authors writing style, but I didn’t really enjoy the second half of the book. I thought everything was going in one direction and then it went into another. It didn’t help that I was reading several books while I was also reading this one so I kept taking breaks because it was engaging me as much as those others. In all honesty, this book was a lot like a filler book to me, much like a lot of other fantasies I’ve already read. I don’t think I would recommend for you to spend time reading this one unless you want a more basic fantasy to fill the time.
I was a bit frustrated with Heartborn. It read pretty well, I genuinely enjoyed the authors writing style, but I didn’t really enjoy the second half of the book. I thought everything was going in one direction and then it went into another. It didn’t help that I was reading several books while I was also reading this one so I kept taking breaks because it was engaging me as much as those others. In all honesty, this book was a lot like a filler book to me, much like a lot of other fantasies I’ve already read. I don’t think I would recommend for you to spend time reading this one unless you want a more basic fantasy to fill the time.
ciannareider's review against another edition
5.0
Terry Maggert does not disappoint, and Heartborn proves it yet again! This story is so engaging and emotional, you just do not want to let it end. Livvy is girl who knows the meaning of struggle. She has been dealt bad hand after bad hand, and she's still so young. Her medical condition doesn't define her, but it has shaped her in some ways. She is strong even though she doesn't know it.
When angels decide that Livvy may be the key, Keiron comes down to Earth to get to know her. His light and purity is something so different in Livvy's world, and it becomes something so much more. The angels world is so completely different, and the political intrigue was something unexpected, but at the same time, I loved it. I thought the world building was outstanding.
Overall, this book just blew me away. I love angels, and I love the way Terry writes. Each and every book he does has such a deep sense of character, and an enthralling plot line that you just NEVER want to go away. Some books you read, and some books you REREAD, and Terry is definitely a re-read author for me! Outstanding book, and a must-read!
**Review was done in conjunction with NerdGirlOfficial. For more information, visit them on Facebook or email them at [email protected]
When angels decide that Livvy may be the key, Keiron comes down to Earth to get to know her. His light and purity is something so different in Livvy's world, and it becomes something so much more. The angels world is so completely different, and the political intrigue was something unexpected, but at the same time, I loved it. I thought the world building was outstanding.
Overall, this book just blew me away. I love angels, and I love the way Terry writes. Each and every book he does has such a deep sense of character, and an enthralling plot line that you just NEVER want to go away. Some books you read, and some books you REREAD, and Terry is definitely a re-read author for me! Outstanding book, and a must-read!
**Review was done in conjunction with NerdGirlOfficial. For more information, visit them on Facebook or email them at [email protected]