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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.asteinke19's review against another edition
3.0
This book seemed to have soo much promise! I mean it had dragons, fey and a princess. But as I read it, I never seemed to really get in tune with the story. It never captivated me, maybe that's because I've read some fantastic books lately but.... Just didn't. I pretty much skimmed the last 200 pages. So yeah I give it 3 stars, it was okay.
njstoltzfus's review against another edition
5.0
I wish I could give this book a million stars.
A beautiful story of redemption and love, it’s an allegory set in a mythical world during medieval times. It mirrors the pain that Christ went through to get us to love Him, and the process that we must go through to receive His gift.
Aside from that, the story itself is fast-paced and intriguing and beautiful (but then, I’m inclined toward books that make me cry). Wonderful, interesting characters from beginning to end, and the plot twists are fantastic. Plus, the villain is fabulously dark (as fantasy villains should be), and who doesn’t love that?
In all, this is the best book I’ve ever read, and it’ll probably always be my favorite. If you haven’t read it yet, don’t even get it from the library. BUY IT. Because after you read it, you will have to own it.
A beautiful story of redemption and love, it’s an allegory set in a mythical world during medieval times. It mirrors the pain that Christ went through to get us to love Him, and the process that we must go through to receive His gift.
Aside from that, the story itself is fast-paced and intriguing and beautiful (but then, I’m inclined toward books that make me cry). Wonderful, interesting characters from beginning to end, and the plot twists are fantastic. Plus, the villain is fabulously dark (as fantasy villains should be), and who doesn’t love that?
In all, this is the best book I’ve ever read, and it’ll probably always be my favorite. If you haven’t read it yet, don’t even get it from the library. BUY IT. Because after you read it, you will have to own it.
mgbrownley's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
toastymaloney's review against another edition
4.0
Such an interesting read. Una, the main female character, was a bit difficult to figure out at times. She seemed a bit daft, or floaty, but then you realize why eventually. A good fantasy read.
juliebihn's review against another edition
3.0
This is very allegorical. If the idea of the book's Jesus-figure seeking a princess's hand bothers you, you might steer clear of this one.
roseice's review against another edition
4.0
What a flourishing array we have here! Stengl balances the dazzle of light with the bloodfire of darkness in her novel Heartless, and I can scarce describe it any other way. This is fantasy perhaps not at its best, but at my favourite. I adored this book and its allegorical telling. Though the element of dragons and demons and a certain character's transformation was disturbing, Stengl's gorgeous writing style had me turning pages from beginning to end... I'm looking forward to reading Veiled Rose next!
katleap's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
The best word for this one is sweet. The whole thing is sweet. It's a standard fairytale, Princess dreaming of love, the steadfast white prince and the evil black dragon. The thing I appreciated most about the book was that Una grows up and we get to see her gradually change. It isn't instantaneous and she stays true to her character.
I liked it.
The best word for this one is sweet. The whole thing is sweet. It's a standard fairytale, Princess dreaming of love, the steadfast white prince and the evil black dragon. The thing I appreciated most about the book was that Una grows up and we get to see her gradually change. It isn't instantaneous and she stays true to her character.
I liked it.