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3.51 AVERAGE
3.51 AVERAGE
For a Christian Fiction Young Adult novel, this was very good. The writing was detailed and well done. Una, the main character, was very believable...I may not have liked her very much in several parts, but I will say that I could really understand her emotions and the author did a good job of making her lifelike and realistic. Aethelbard, however, was only slightly likable and rather flat. I understand the symbolism of who he was supposed to be, and while I appreciated the way the author chose to portray the relationship of Christ and the church, I did not really care a whole lot about him. I was constantly told how much the prince loved Una, and his actions showed how much he cared about her, but I didn't see a whole lot of depth in personality or emotion that made me connect with him. Leonard, the jester, was more real and emotionally engaging as a person. However, despite all this, it was a well-written and engaging read, and I will probably check out the other books in the series.
Original review on Book Whispers.
Genre: YA Fantasy (Classic Fairy Tale)
Fairytales are the timeless joy of the fantasy genre. Readers thrive off of them, whether it’s retellings or variations of our favorite stories. What gets readers into more of a frenzy then the classic Fairytale? Why, an original tale that is clearly worthy of the classics. That is exactly what Heartless is.
The beauty of Stengl’s writing style will please fantasy fans who hunger for the kind of quality found in Robin McKinley’s books. For those who find McKinley’s style too harsh and a bit hard to sink into, Stengl’s softer style will be a relief. The landscapes just flow up majestically and the emotions that consume the reader make the characters feel real. The story and plot sweeps across the page with a timeless grace.
Una is definitely a classic fairytale Princess. She needs to be rescued, and there are enough warnings given to her before hand that she shouldn't have fallen victim. Then again—that’s life—everyone has bitten and choked on the apple at some point. Una’s downfall is of the heart, a modern and historic story of how someone can give their heart to the wrong person. In Una's case it's a terrible price she pays for the nativity of her emotions. Unlike the classic princess, Una is strong and willful. She has enough spirit to make up her own mind, and in the end find redemption—even learning from her mistakes. (Of course Prince Charming still get to ride in and save the day.)
Dragons never quite get the attention they deserve in most fairytales. In Heartless the Dragon(s) finally get that time to shine—even if they are quite the villains. Anne has created a dragon mythology that sent my head spinning into giddiness. They're like vampires in the aspect that they must be invited into a dwelling, and that they can turn other humans into dragons. It’s breath taking, and terrifying, all at the same time. Heartless is such a tease as it reveals enough to get you there, but enough is left out to keep you crawling after the next book!
This is a win-win for Fairytale lovers! Dragon lovers will be smitten by the new mythology of the dragon. Princess Una will frustrate readers with the paroles of love, and have readers rooting for her (or wanting to smack her upside the head). This book deals with the modern day heartbreak on a grander scale only a Fairytale can exploit. The ending is just as practical and sweet as a Happily Ever After should be, so HEA readers should feel contempt. Keep an eye out for more by this author as there’s more world—and dragons—to enchant readers.
Sexual Content: Really clean. A few kissing scenes, some blushing, and some very vague sexual humor. Definitely good for the kiddies.
Rating: 4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.
Genre: YA Fantasy (Classic Fairy Tale)
Fairytales are the timeless joy of the fantasy genre. Readers thrive off of them, whether it’s retellings or variations of our favorite stories. What gets readers into more of a frenzy then the classic Fairytale? Why, an original tale that is clearly worthy of the classics. That is exactly what Heartless is.
The beauty of Stengl’s writing style will please fantasy fans who hunger for the kind of quality found in Robin McKinley’s books. For those who find McKinley’s style too harsh and a bit hard to sink into, Stengl’s softer style will be a relief. The landscapes just flow up majestically and the emotions that consume the reader make the characters feel real. The story and plot sweeps across the page with a timeless grace.
Una is definitely a classic fairytale Princess. She needs to be rescued, and there are enough warnings given to her before hand that she shouldn't have fallen victim. Then again—that’s life—everyone has bitten and choked on the apple at some point. Una’s downfall is of the heart, a modern and historic story of how someone can give their heart to the wrong person. In Una's case it's a terrible price she pays for the nativity of her emotions. Unlike the classic princess, Una is strong and willful. She has enough spirit to make up her own mind, and in the end find redemption—even learning from her mistakes. (Of course Prince Charming still get to ride in and save the day.)
Dragons never quite get the attention they deserve in most fairytales. In Heartless the Dragon(s) finally get that time to shine—even if they are quite the villains. Anne has created a dragon mythology that sent my head spinning into giddiness. They're like vampires in the aspect that they must be invited into a dwelling, and that they can turn other humans into dragons. It’s breath taking, and terrifying, all at the same time. Heartless is such a tease as it reveals enough to get you there, but enough is left out to keep you crawling after the next book!
This is a win-win for Fairytale lovers! Dragon lovers will be smitten by the new mythology of the dragon. Princess Una will frustrate readers with the paroles of love, and have readers rooting for her (or wanting to smack her upside the head). This book deals with the modern day heartbreak on a grander scale only a Fairytale can exploit. The ending is just as practical and sweet as a Happily Ever After should be, so HEA readers should feel contempt. Keep an eye out for more by this author as there’s more world—and dragons—to enchant readers.
Sexual Content: Really clean. A few kissing scenes, some blushing, and some very vague sexual humor. Definitely good for the kiddies.
Rating: 4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.
Re-Read #4:
"You are my chosen love, the only one for me."
#BRB CRYING
RE-READ 2018:
Sometimes I just need to be reminded of how much I need my Savior.
Sometimes I need a reminder of how useless my efforts to save myself are, and the fact that I could not do it even if I tried.
That I'd reject him if he hadn't loved me first.
I need to remind myself that Jesus' love for me is not because I'm perfect or anything like that...but because HE is, and because HE chose me.
I don't know how much of an /allegory/ this book is. I think of it now, after this reread, as more of a parable. A story with symbols, telling a bigger story, rather than a story where EVERYTHING is symbolic of something else. It does it beautifully, though. I read this one less of a "look, references!" kind of way (see my review from my first reread) and more in a "this is a beautiful story of true love" kind of way. It's dark. It's got looming, overwhelming evil that made me want to cry. But it's necessary. Because then you reach the ending and you see, for truth, how great it is.
This book made me lean back and whisper "Thank You" to my Jesus. I can't rate it five stars because it's not perfect--there are definitely marks of the whole "debut" feel to it in places, and the storytelling itself is not quite as strong--but it's so, so good. I don't know if I can truly recommend it to everyone, but it's incredible.
Absolutely incredible.
RE-READ 2017:
I'm just struck this time through by the number of references in later books. Like Torkom the vendor? The one who gave Una the vision in the first place, and then later steals Leo's hair? Or Sir Oeric? (heart eyes to him) And references to Arpiar! And Daylily! It's so beautiful.
The beginning of this book is a little slow, but I love the buildup in Una's dreams, and Monster is my FAVORITE fictional cat of all time. He's so real, as cats go -aloof and haughty and arrogant- but still willing to snuggle and loving of his favorite owner. And loyal to a fault. That's cats for you.
Sorry - I'm raving. XD
This is such a beautimous book. The story and the characters and the allegory and AAAAHHHHH. I AM INCOHERENT AND I AM BABBLING AND YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND ME.
"You are my chosen love, the only one for me."
#BRB CRYING
RE-READ 2018:
Sometimes I just need to be reminded of how much I need my Savior.
Sometimes I need a reminder of how useless my efforts to save myself are, and the fact that I could not do it even if I tried.
That I'd reject him if he hadn't loved me first.
I need to remind myself that Jesus' love for me is not because I'm perfect or anything like that...but because HE is, and because HE chose me.
I don't know how much of an /allegory/ this book is. I think of it now, after this reread, as more of a parable. A story with symbols, telling a bigger story, rather than a story where EVERYTHING is symbolic of something else. It does it beautifully, though. I read this one less of a "look, references!" kind of way (see my review from my first reread) and more in a "this is a beautiful story of true love" kind of way. It's dark. It's got looming, overwhelming evil that made me want to cry. But it's necessary. Because then you reach the ending and you see, for truth, how great it is.
This book made me lean back and whisper "Thank You" to my Jesus. I can't rate it five stars because it's not perfect--there are definitely marks of the whole "debut" feel to it in places, and the storytelling itself is not quite as strong--but it's so, so good. I don't know if I can truly recommend it to everyone, but it's incredible.
Absolutely incredible.
RE-READ 2017:
I'm just struck this time through by the number of references in later books. Like Torkom the vendor? The one who gave Una the vision in the first place, and then later steals Leo's hair? Or Sir Oeric? (heart eyes to him) And references to Arpiar! And Daylily! It's so beautiful.
The beginning of this book is a little slow, but I love the buildup in Una's dreams, and Monster is my FAVORITE fictional cat of all time. He's so real, as cats go -aloof and haughty and arrogant- but still willing to snuggle and loving of his favorite owner. And loyal to a fault. That's cats for you.
Sorry - I'm raving. XD
This is such a beautimous book. The story and the characters and the allegory and AAAAHHHHH. I AM INCOHERENT AND I AM BABBLING AND YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND ME.
A beautifully written fairy-tale-esque fantasy akin to Robin McKinley's works. The wold is well crafted and the entrance of the fae from the wood right in the beginning is magical. There is also a great twist to the dragon.
There is a strong parallel between prince Aethelbald and Jesus which was presented as pure, unconditional love. Though that love had no basis in the romantic relationship between Una and Aethelbald, there was no beginning to it, no reason—which I understand is biblical, but as a romantic love it didn't connect with me. But everything else did!
There is a strong parallel between prince Aethelbald and Jesus which was presented as pure, unconditional love. Though that love had no basis in the romantic relationship between Una and Aethelbald, there was no beginning to it, no reason—which I understand is biblical, but as a romantic love it didn't connect with me. But everything else did!
4.5 stars (half a star off because it took me a while to get into the writing style and the story itself, which was quite slow for the first halfish)
I finished this book and all I can think is... Jesus' love for me, despite everything, is incredible. Absolutely incredible. This book is a thing of beauty, and my heart is full.
(Chapter 35 almost had me crying. Probably the most amazing scene from a book I have ever read in my entire life. It's so real and I am in awe.
I finished this book and all I can think is... Jesus' love for me, despite everything, is incredible. Absolutely incredible. This book is a thing of beauty, and my heart is full.
(Chapter 35 almost had me crying. Probably the most amazing scene from a book I have ever read in my entire life. It's so real and I am in awe.
Reread many years later with my husband. Later books in the series are my favorite, but reading the series in order certainly helps to appreciate the interweaving of all of the story lines later on.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love this book so much! I have read it three times now and will most likely read it many more times. It never grows old. The story has so much vibrant color to the story, and the characters so easy to click with. I really enjoyed all the analogies to Christianity though I think this book will be enjoyed by anyone just for the story.
With most books that I have read on an ereader I like them and they can stay where they are, but with Heartless I want to own the physical copy to pull off the shelf and thumb through. That for me speaks volumes about how much I liked the book.
With most books that I have read on an ereader I like them and they can stay where they are, but with Heartless I want to own the physical copy to pull off the shelf and thumb through. That for me speaks volumes about how much I liked the book.
I liked this a lot. I think if I had read this as a teen it might have been a favorite. Stengl takes the cliche of princess, prince, evil dragon and crafts an interesting coming of age story of trust and love.
I'd heard some people really didn't like this book, and others loved it, so I was prepared.
Or so I thought.
The more I think about this book, the more I appreciate and respect it for its vulnerable honesty.
Heartless brings about a kind of fairy story I have missed. The kind that is disturbingly honest and yet has a happy ending that turns my thoughts to heaven.
This book surprised me. From reading the first few chapters, it seemed it would be a slow but-interesting-enough book like a Jane Austen novel set in a fantasy world. But then stuff happened and the story drew me in deeper and it got serious.
I have been like Una, longing to be poetic and dramatic for the sake of being poetic and dramatic. When I first read the book I was annoyed by her exaggeration of love, even though I was in a similar situation at the time.
Leonard was written so vividly I felt like he was a real person.
Aethebald was a good character for a Christ-figure.
It's very good for a debut novel, and holds some worth in provoking thought about trust and other spoiler-y things.
The writing style was sweet and simple and... elegant in a way, for the most part.
A few tiny things could have been a little clearer/written better. But I will be reading the next books in the series.
Note: this book isn't for everyone. If you can't stand romance, you probably won't like this book.
Also, this book was funny. That was one of the things that kept me reading through the beginning, because I'm not very good at writing comically yet.
Or so I thought.
The more I think about this book, the more I appreciate and respect it for its vulnerable honesty.
Heartless brings about a kind of fairy story I have missed. The kind that is disturbingly honest and yet has a happy ending that turns my thoughts to heaven.
This book surprised me. From reading the first few chapters, it seemed it would be a slow but-interesting-enough book like a Jane Austen novel set in a fantasy world. But then stuff happened and the story drew me in deeper and it got serious.
I have been like Una, longing to be poetic and dramatic for the sake of being poetic and dramatic. When I first read the book I was annoyed by her exaggeration of love, even though I was in a similar situation at the time.
Leonard was written so vividly I felt like he was a real person.
Aethebald was a good character for a Christ-figure.
It's very good for a debut novel, and holds some worth in provoking thought about trust and other spoiler-y things.
The writing style was sweet and simple and... elegant in a way, for the most part.
A few tiny things could have been a little clearer/written better. But I will be reading the next books in the series.
Note: this book isn't for everyone. If you can't stand romance, you probably won't like this book.
Also, this book was funny. That was one of the things that kept me reading through the beginning, because I'm not very good at writing comically yet.