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paintedgiraffe's review against another edition
2.0
Well, that's that. Gah! The stuff was there! Dragons, the Faerie realm. But it somehow didn't translate well into words. It was VERY plodding. Plus this girl kept "falling in love" so often that by the time she gave her heart to the legit guy in the end, there was no magnitude to it at all. And then I found out it's supposed to be a Jesus metaphor, so I guess it's slightly good for a religious book (which are usually dry and preaching), but not good enough for a fiction novel on its own.
This whole trilogy is at my library, but I won't be reading the others >.<
This whole trilogy is at my library, but I won't be reading the others >.<
punandprose's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the story in this book. I'll probably read it again. 3.5 stars.
sh_imreading's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I enjoyed reading this book as a quick read but wasn’t a fan of the story structure or character depth. That being said, I’m looking forward to diving further into this series!
rainbow_grace's review against another edition
2.0
A main character should act, not be acted upon. Princess Una is the most pathetic, passive main character I've read in quite a while. But she's not the only passive one here. The only characters who really act are Aethelbald and the Dragon.
The plot is bizarrely strange too. For some reason, dragon's breath--while poisonous to the point of killing people--can turn someone into a dragon. Oh, and all dragons are evil, just because. The language used to describe them is over-the-top, beating you on the head that they are evil. And ugly too. Because everybody knows that dragons can't be beautiful right?
I wanted to like this book; I really did. But I just couldn't.
The plot is bizarrely strange too. For some reason, dragon's breath--while poisonous to the point of killing people--can turn someone into a dragon. Oh, and all dragons are evil, just because. The language used to describe them is over-the-top, beating you on the head that they are evil. And ugly too. Because everybody knows that dragons can't be beautiful right?
I wanted to like this book; I really did. But I just couldn't.
hanniegracie95's review against another edition
DNFing about 50 pages in. It's really cute but I'm just not in the right mindset for a fantasy right now.
bpass's review against another edition
3.0
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.
book_whispers's review against another edition
4.0
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.
faiththompson416'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.
justcatherine's review against another edition
4.0
I came across this while looking for Kindle Unlimited reads. It's an intriguing story and i appreciated how the author wove the story & how the changes in perspective were utilized. It stands alone, but there are some minor threads I'm curious about. Also, though I'm not usually an allegory fan, I thought this was handled well without being super heavy-handed.
alexiachantel's review against another edition
3.0
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!