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A review by jinxei
Heartsong by S.E. Wendel
5.0
In the heart of San Francisco, we meet Captain, a delightful void monster much like my BLT, the companion of Anna, a character whose life is a mosaic of modern struggles—from the all-too-familiar burden of student debt and chronic migraines to the bizarre yet unique challenge of managing a museum harboring deep secrets. Her path crosses with Frey, a gargoyle warrior who is cursed into stone, yet is still alive with the fierce hope and longing of a heart undimmed by centuries and longing to find his mate. Their connection is one that is sparked amidst chaos in the unlikeliest of meetings when Frey saves Anna, and unfolds into a journey of healing one’s trauma, discovery, and the unshakable power of fated love.
There is a perfect balance of attraction yet fear as Anna and Frey explore this bond between them. Anna’s scared soul takes time and work to heal, and, as a fellow trauma and guarded heart girlie, there’s an appreciation for not insta-love overpowering the trauma approach. However, I would be hard pressed to not instantly fall in love too between Frey’s protectiveness and care for Anna—and did I also mention not only does he purr, but he also gives Captain the love and attention he deserves? What more could you ask for?
As someone that also suffers from chronic illness, the care that is placed into the representation through Anna's character is both meticulous and validating while offering a mirror to readers who rarely see their own struggles depicted with such authenticity.
On a personal note, I love SE Wendel’s knowledge and extensive research and care put into the history used, and appreciate the The lore of the gargoyles who are bound by ancient curses and battles of will against fae adversaries provides a backdrop that's as compelling as the story's emotional core. Moments of tension and danger are deftly woven into the fabric of a narrative that, at its heart, feels like a warm embrace—a testament to the way she always delivers a cozy, low-angst atmosphere I trust and love.
‘Heartsong’ is a tender symphony of love’s healing power as hurt, humor, and the magic of finding your one true mate against all odds harmonize into a beautiful melody. It manages to be both fantastical and profoundly human, a story to give even the stoniest of hearts hope in the face of love.
There is a perfect balance of attraction yet fear as Anna and Frey explore this bond between them. Anna’s scared soul takes time and work to heal, and, as a fellow trauma and guarded heart girlie, there’s an appreciation for not insta-love overpowering the trauma approach. However, I would be hard pressed to not instantly fall in love too between Frey’s protectiveness and care for Anna—and did I also mention not only does he purr, but he also gives Captain the love and attention he deserves? What more could you ask for?
As someone that also suffers from chronic illness, the care that is placed into the representation through Anna's character is both meticulous and validating while offering a mirror to readers who rarely see their own struggles depicted with such authenticity.
On a personal note, I love SE Wendel’s knowledge and extensive research and care put into the history used, and appreciate the The lore of the gargoyles who are bound by ancient curses and battles of will against fae adversaries provides a backdrop that's as compelling as the story's emotional core. Moments of tension and danger are deftly woven into the fabric of a narrative that, at its heart, feels like a warm embrace—a testament to the way she always delivers a cozy, low-angst atmosphere I trust and love.
‘Heartsong’ is a tender symphony of love’s healing power as hurt, humor, and the magic of finding your one true mate against all odds harmonize into a beautiful melody. It manages to be both fantastical and profoundly human, a story to give even the stoniest of hearts hope in the face of love.