Scan barcode
A review by comityoferrors
The Lightning-Struck Heart by TJ Klune
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I really enjoyed this book - it's light, heartwarming, and funny, but has surprising emotional depth. I appreciated the elements that were satirizing or subverting common Happily Ever After fantasy tropes, especially the absolute confidence that Sam has in his friends, his family, and his own worth. We so often see the tortured hero who is "fixed" by their one true love, so the love and coziness in all the relationships in this book was refreshing.
The language is VERY raunchy, and it does get a bit stale/distracting at some points, but in hindsight I do appreciate the (highly exaggerated - I hope?) reflection of what a horny 20-year-old kid is thinking about. I looked into Klune while reading and learned that he's asexual, and then was repeatedly astounded by how well-written the physical relationships and attractions are considering that fact. There's an explicit sex scene that could've been lifted right out of an erotica. That tidbit of info doesn't have anything to do with the book itself, really, it just surprised me lol.
The characters are lovable and the primary relationship is well-developed, though I did find myself wishing there was a little more depth to some of the supporting cast. The pacing stalls a bit in some parts, but overall moves along at a quick and steady rate. I felt actual sadness and longing when Sam did, and was surprised and pleased with the plot twists and the resolution. The end sets up for another book, and I will probably actually read that even though I generally don't do series. It's clear that Klune wanted to create a world with diverse queer representation, and that world is pretty delightful. I'm glad I picked this up!
The language is VERY raunchy, and it does get a bit stale/distracting at some points, but in hindsight I do appreciate the (highly exaggerated - I hope?) reflection of what a horny 20-year-old kid is thinking about. I looked into Klune while reading and learned that he's asexual, and then was repeatedly astounded by how well-written the physical relationships and attractions are considering that fact. There's an explicit sex scene that could've been lifted right out of an erotica. That tidbit of info doesn't have anything to do with the book itself, really, it just surprised me lol.
The characters are lovable and the primary relationship is well-developed, though I did find myself wishing there was a little more depth to some of the supporting cast. The pacing stalls a bit in some parts, but overall moves along at a quick and steady rate. I felt actual sadness and longing when Sam did, and was surprised and pleased with the plot twists and the resolution. The end sets up for another book, and I will probably actually read that even though I generally don't do series. It's clear that Klune wanted to create a world with diverse queer representation, and that world is pretty delightful. I'm glad I picked this up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content