Reviews

Hearts in the Hard Ground by G.V. Anderson

atruyu's review

dark

sevireads's review

3.0

Perhaps I burdened [b:Hearts in the Hard Ground|55246122|Hearts in the Hard Ground|G.V. Anderson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1599560378l/55246122._SY75_.jpg|86138745] with unreasonably high expectations from the start. But really, how could I not have, when Anderson's other short story, [b:The Lay of Lilyfinger|57845106|The Lay of Lilyfinger|G.V. Anderson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1620318037l/57845106._SY75_.jpg|90619176] instantly found its well-deserved place in my heart and mind?

Unfortunately for me the two stories could not have been more different. Lilyfinger is an intricately crafted fantasy land with different races and politics that I could not get enough of. Hearts covers a smaller scale, is more melancholic and introspective, a solid short story for what it is, without a doubt, but best enjoyed independent of any expectations that may or may not arise from the author's other works.

thanulith's review

reflective

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

3.5

ravenboi13's review

dark emotional reflective 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? Yes

5.0

Holy guacamole this was insanely written, every sentence crafted with care.

baechuzz's review

dark emotional sad fast-paced

4.25

theelazyyonee's review

5.0

"The cat without a name watched as we got drunk, then mortifying high. Like, lead-weights-strapped-to-our-limbs high. We forgot our names and where our bodies ended. We didn't make it to the bed."

This was another one where the cover art caught my eye. Everything about this story was up my ally. The back & forth battle of dealing with your past, how you were back then, while trying to find yourself now, & dealing with the voices within. Plus the annoying spirits that are non-stop wth there hauntings.

Coping & moving on can be a struggle but worth it in the end.

northernplunder's review

dark emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

literaryliege's review

challenging emotional reflective 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? Yes

5.0

Beautiful short story full of imagery. Explore loss, grief and moving on with life. A lot of emotion is packed into a short read with a touch of horror that reflects the emotions portrayed by the main character.

cosmicjess's review

4.0

that was really cozy,, and quite sad as well. but cathartic in the end

iceky22's review

dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0