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votesforwomen's review against another edition
4.0
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.
sleepy_giraffe's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
story_singer_101's review against another edition
3.0
I really really wanted to like Heartless. I really did. Everything about it seemed like my cup of tea when I picked it up, and I'd read reviews about the author's rich prose and compelling stories. Somehow, the book didn't really connect with me. I struggled with the author's prose, which seemed somewhat forced, and the characters didn't really compel me. Part of my difficulty had to do with the story's heavy reliance on allegory, which always irritates me.
All that being said, the book isn't a bad book. The world-building was well done, and the themes were good themes. The romance was innocent and clean with the sole exception of an attempted sexual assault, and I don't remember any language.
All that being said, the book isn't a bad book. The world-building was well done, and the themes were good themes. The romance was innocent and clean with the sole exception of an attempted sexual assault, and I don't remember any language.
thestoryowl's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book! The story, the characters, everything!!! I'm really excited to see more from Ms. Stengl, and I'm thrilled that she's an NC author.
tabitha_miscellania's review against another edition
3.0
The writing in this book is beautiful, but the plot is very vague and not a lot of questions are answered. By the end you don't really get what happened or why. I think it's intentional, part of the writing style, but it made for a frustrating read. The characters are really well written, which kept me going and needing to know what happened. I just wish I really understood why any of it happened.
ilaurin's review against another edition
4.0
Slow start but then picked up. Definitely a young adult novel, not an epic fantasy but closer to a romance novel for young adult.
what_ella_reads's review
5.0
Thi is my favorite book in the series.A must read for any one who enjoys fantasy.
brandypainter's review against another edition
1.0
A more in depth version of my thoughts on this can be found here:
http://brandy-painter.livejournal.com/
I didn't enjoy reading this book and that is mostly because of the main character. I could just not find Una to be at all likable. Reading this was like what reading [b:Pride and Prejudice|1885|Pride and Prejudice|Jane Austen|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1279118438s/1885.jpg|3060926]would be if Lydia were the main character rather than Elizabeth. I also feel like the author allowed the allegory to take over the story. She wanted the allegory and worked the story to fit it and the end result made for choppy reading.
http://brandy-painter.livejournal.com/
I didn't enjoy reading this book and that is mostly because of the main character. I could just not find Una to be at all likable. Reading this was like what reading [b:Pride and Prejudice|1885|Pride and Prejudice|Jane Austen|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1279118438s/1885.jpg|3060926]would be if Lydia were the main character rather than Elizabeth. I also feel like the author allowed the allegory to take over the story. She wanted the allegory and worked the story to fit it and the end result made for choppy reading.
sjeckert's review against another edition
4.0
A good introduction to the series, but I honestly think the series just gets better as it goes. This story is very much a parallel of the Gospel, and it is beautifully told, but Stengl has created a rich and captivating world that extends beyond the story to both entertain and provoke deep thought on subjects such as vengeance, forgiveness, loneliness, and the relationship one can have with Jesus. Again, the books just get better as she dives deeper into her world.
helenafaustina's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was so enchanting! I think this is best romance I have ever read, and certainly one of the most exciting adventure stories. It is so well written that you want to pay attention to every sentence and soak up the words. Princess Una is a relatable character because her flaws are something everyone experiences in their spiritual life. It was allegorical but in a way that leaves room for different kinds of speculation. It made me cry, feel joy, feel guilty... all the feelings that the best books give you. The author has a seamless writing style that was really enjoyable, and continues in the following books. This was the start of one of my most favorite series ever, I highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Gore, Violence, and Grief
Minor: Cursing
The cursing is made up for the world so it isn't bad to read. There are dragons, so there's a lot of fire, poisonous smoke and ash, and burns.