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0ivy0's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Monstrous Heart is a modern gothic fantasy, set in a lighthouse and sea-side town. The book explores prejudice, misogyny, rape culture, ableism and eugenics so isn't necessarily an easy read, but is definitely an enjoyable one.
Our lead, Arden, is a blood magician from a noteable family who has been sent from her urban home to a seaside town to keep a lighthouse burning - a family tradition. She is 27 years old, stubborn and assertive with a strong sense of justice - she's not one to run from conflict.
She encounters ancient beasts, judgemental people and misogynistic attitudes. Her closest companions are the sea and the creatures in it, her assistant, her neighbour with a bad reputation and the man blackmailing her into courtship. And there are rumours surrounding them all.
I love the gothic vibes in a seaside location, I wonder if there's an aesthetic word for this (similar to steampunk?) - either way I thoroughly enjoyed it and am yearning for more.
The writing is beautiful including compelling metaphors, female rage and a unique setting with mysterious side-characters.
The plot felt slow-paced, however was engaging and contained twists I didn't see coming (which is rare).
There was no info-dumping or boring exposition and we learn about the world the more we read which kept me interested - although at some points I felt I had to reread parts as I didn't understand straight away.
The book contains a close female friendship which I thoroughly enjoyed, though wish there was more bonding and sweet scenes between them. I also enjoyed the romance despite the obvious nature of it, and was glad to see a disabled character with queer characters included.
I was expecting an exploration into the isolation of living in a lighthouse and was disappointed to discover that it was somewhat ignored. Our lead suggests that she's behaving out-of-character due to her isolation, however we never see her in an isolated state (I.e. we are told but not shown).
The author also wrote a little strangely, sentences would occasionally miss a starting word (especially it, he, she, they etc) e.g. 'Did not glance up' instead of 'he did not' and 'was not' instead of 'it was not' - this was quite confusing and I never quite got used to it.
The book feel like it will be most enjoyed by classical and gothic readers as it has a historical gothic fantasy feel, however it also has strong fantasy elements.
I loved the world, although it was somewhat saddening (especially as a disabled reader). I hardly ever see books set by the sea-side so the world felt unique and memorable.
It's not an easy read due to themes of eugenics, misogyny, rape culture and general prejudice but I never-the-less enjoyed reading and will complete the series.
Our lead, Arden, is a blood magician from a noteable family who has been sent from her urban home to a seaside town to keep a lighthouse burning - a family tradition. She is 27 years old, stubborn and assertive with a strong sense of justice - she's not one to run from conflict.
She encounters ancient beasts, judgemental people and misogynistic attitudes. Her closest companions are the sea and the creatures in it, her assistant, her neighbour with a bad reputation and the man blackmailing her into courtship. And there are rumours surrounding them all.
I love the gothic vibes in a seaside location, I wonder if there's an aesthetic word for this (similar to steampunk?) - either way I thoroughly enjoyed it and am yearning for more.
The writing is beautiful including compelling metaphors, female rage and a unique setting with mysterious side-characters.
The plot felt slow-paced, however was engaging and contained twists I didn't see coming (which is rare).
There was no info-dumping or boring exposition and we learn about the world the more we read which kept me interested - although at some points I felt I had to reread parts as I didn't understand straight away.
The book contains a close female friendship which I thoroughly enjoyed, though wish there was more bonding and sweet scenes between them. I also enjoyed the romance despite the obvious nature of it, and was glad to see a disabled character with queer characters included.
I was expecting an exploration into the isolation of living in a lighthouse and was disappointed to discover that it was somewhat ignored. Our lead suggests that she's behaving out-of-character due to her isolation, however we never see her in an isolated state (I.e. we are told but not shown).
The author also wrote a little strangely, sentences would occasionally miss a starting word (especially it, he, she, they etc) e.g. 'Did not glance up' instead of 'he did not' and 'was not' instead of 'it was not' - this was quite confusing and I never quite got used to it.
The book feel like it will be most enjoyed by classical and gothic readers as it has a historical gothic fantasy feel, however it also has strong fantasy elements.
I loved the world, although it was somewhat saddening (especially as a disabled reader). I hardly ever see books set by the sea-side so the world felt unique and memorable.
It's not an easy read due to themes of eugenics, misogyny, rape culture and general prejudice but I never-the-less enjoyed reading and will complete the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
saltedduck's review against another edition
The main character was deeply unlikeable, the plot was going nowhere, I did not like the constant talk of sexual situations and assault.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexual assault, and Classism
sinful's review against another edition
DNF 60~ %, but will try to finish another time.
The book started off interesting, i really liked the vibe of the story. Unfortunately it turned from a gothic and interesting fantasy story, into a drama romance story. The romance felt so forced, and many sences just felt like SA/rape. I'm very disappointed with it and don't recommend it.
The book started off interesting, i really liked the vibe of the story. Unfortunately it turned from a gothic and interesting fantasy story, into a drama romance story. The romance felt so forced, and many sences just felt like SA/rape. I'm very disappointed with it and don't recommend it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault
thecourtface's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore and Sexual content
Minor: Sexual assault, Sexism, Misogyny, and Rape
sophiereads21's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Highly atmospheric, one of those books where the weather is almost its own character! This book has a touch of everything, gothic atmosphere, political maneuvering, romance. Also sea monsters/dinosaurs!!
The magic system is incredibly interesting, not completely unique but the addition of eugenics spun it in an interesting direction (lets be real if magic was used to run our industry/business/society - humans would definitely be breeding for certain abilities!). This book hints at political upheaval, oppressive and over-reaching government but doesn't ever directly interact with it (I assume this will be the focus of the next 2 books). Arden as a character I like, she's fairy street-savvy and down to earth, but through he whole book gets vaguely annoying as she mourns a break up and contemplates her rather precarious career situation. It's pretty obvious from the sheer number of times that Riven=evil is mentioned that he won't actually be a monster.
I was so curious about the wider world and its history and you get a very limited view/explanation but I think this is planned to be a trilogy? It does make it difficult I think to fully appreciate the consequences of the main characters actions. I also would have highly appreciated a map! This is why its a 4 star not a 5 star book for me
The magic system is incredibly interesting, not completely unique but the addition of eugenics spun it in an interesting direction (lets be real if magic was used to run our industry/business/society - humans would definitely be breeding for certain abilities!). This book hints at political upheaval, oppressive and over-reaching government but doesn't ever directly interact with it (I assume this will be the focus of the next 2 books). Arden as a character I like, she's fairy street-savvy and down to earth, but through he whole book gets vaguely annoying as she mourns a break up and contemplates her rather precarious career situation. It's pretty obvious from the sheer number of times that Riven=evil is mentioned that he won't actually be a monster.
I was so curious about the wider world and its history and you get a very limited view/explanation but I think this is planned to be a trilogy? It does make it difficult I think to fully appreciate the consequences of the main characters actions. I also would have highly appreciated a map! This is why its a 4 star not a 5 star book for me
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexism, and Rape
soniajoy98's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Grief, Physical abuse, Hate crime, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Cursing, Death, Fire/Fire injury, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Religious bigotry and Rape
Minor: Incest, Child abuse, and Trafficking
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