A review by natashaleighton_
The Heart of the World by Amie Kaufman

adventurous emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

A gorgeously immersive and intricately woven high stakes sequel, The Heart of The World by Amie Kaufman, had me under its thrall for days, and I loved every second of it! 

The first book, The Isles of The Gods literally blew me away when I read it last year, so I literally jumped at the chance to read the sequel. And I’m glad to report it didn’t disappoint! 

I was once again obsessed with the prose, which was just as free flowing, evocative and heart poundingly pacy as the first book. And I adored the effortless way Kaufman weaves nuance and complexity through the entire narrative — for me, it really brought all five of our POV characters (Selly, Leander, Keegan, Jude and Laskia) to life. 

The depth we explore in each of them, through their insecurities,  traumatic experiences (both on and off the page) and the emotions that motivate and guide them was really interesting. And actually contributed to making some of the more morally grey characters (like Jude) feel more relatable. That train scene between Tom and Jude  actually had me choking up with emotion, it was that good. 

Selly, was still my fave character though! And I loved exploring a more vulnerable side of her. Especially when she realises how out of depth she is in Leander’s world of privilege, and watches her perceptions of the people she holds most dear begin to shatter. 

In fact, the depth and intimacy of all the characters (caught in their God’s unrelenting thirst for war) was what really drove the plot along and kept me utterly hooked. With the themes of love, sacrifice and destiny batting for dominance in each of them —readers are certain to find themselves on an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. 

Overall, a really satisfying conclusion but I do hope we get to see more of these characters (even if only in a cameo) in future works. 

Also, a huge thank you to Rock The Boat for the wonderful proof! 
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