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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
***ARC REVIEW (with spoilers!)***
As I have noted in prior reviews, Wildenstein is a master of setting, and builds an absorbing landscape in Lorde’s kingdom that I already want to revisit by picking his book back up again and again. Lorde is a compelling (and at once exceptionally patient and deeply problematic) romantic pairing to the main character, Fallon. The latter continues to have some moments that are frustratingly daft (as in the first book) or heavy on denial, especially about their connection (come on, Fallon!) but is nevertheless a character I find myself deeply invested in. Their chemistry continues to build in this book. The sequence that begins in the public baths is explosive.
I did find some aspects of their relationship at once troubling and thought provoking. Once again, Lorde keeps Fallon in the dark about crucial information. While she remains notably naïve, I think that withholding that information (even if to keep her safe) is a betrayal of the trust he seems to want from her. It is also true that any form of captivity isn’t healthy, even in what is essentially a palace. I continue to swim mental laps over the fact that Lorde “let” Fallon return to land and fight back the best way she knew how without telling her that the person she was looking for was never running free. Withholding that information feels like a violation of something vital, and in some way, by withholding that information and allowing her to run about but only in a very controlled environment, it feels like he only created a second, larger cage. And while these actions are clearly based in Lorde’s desire to keep her as safe as possible as well as past and ongoing trauma he has endured, they are simultaneously problematic.
The tense push and pull between Lorde and Fallon raise crucial and challenging questions about trust, respect, and reciprocity in romantic love. Combined with Wildenstein’s signature atmosphere, compelling characters, and steamy pairings, this dynamic makes “The House of Pounding Hearts” a must-read.
Spice level:
As I have noted in prior reviews, Wildenstein is a master of setting, and builds an absorbing landscape in Lorde’s kingdom that I already want to revisit by picking his book back up again and again. Lorde is a compelling (and at once exceptionally patient and deeply problematic) romantic pairing to the main character, Fallon. The latter continues to have some moments that are frustratingly daft (as in the first book) or heavy on denial, especially about their connection (come on, Fallon!) but is nevertheless a character I find myself deeply invested in. Their chemistry continues to build in this book. The sequence that begins in the public baths is explosive.
I did find some aspects of their relationship at once troubling and thought provoking. Once again, Lorde keeps Fallon in the dark about crucial information. While she remains notably naïve, I think that withholding that information (even if to keep her safe) is a betrayal of the trust he seems to want from her. It is also true that any form of captivity isn’t healthy, even in what is essentially a palace. I continue to swim mental laps over the fact that Lorde “let” Fallon return to land and fight back the best way she knew how without telling her that the person she was looking for was never running free. Withholding that information feels like a violation of something vital, and in some way, by withholding that information and allowing her to run about but only in a very controlled environment, it feels like he only created a second, larger cage. And while these actions are clearly based in Lorde’s desire to keep her as safe as possible as well as past and ongoing trauma he has endured, they are simultaneously problematic.
The tense push and pull between Lorde and Fallon raise crucial and challenging questions about trust, respect, and reciprocity in romantic love. Combined with Wildenstein’s signature atmosphere, compelling characters, and steamy pairings, this dynamic makes “The House of Pounding Hearts” a must-read.
Spice level:
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Lore is the king of banter. Lore and his smooth words. Lore and his sensual touches. Lore you can be my monster and I wouldn’t mind at all. That. Fucking. Ending.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Another cliff hanger!!! Thank the cauldron I don’t have to wait for book three right to come out!
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
funny
medium-paced