A good beginning, an even better ending. I didn't expect the twist this book series brings. Beautifully and interestingly written. One of my favorites. ( )

UPDATE 23/03/2021 - Review added

CW: blood and gore, death of loved one

Well that was a whole lot of heartless drama!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I love stories where characters are at war within themselves. A battle rages within between their natural dark instincts, and the type of person they aspire to be. Zera was an engaging character whose heart is in the possession of a witch. If she completes the task of taking the prince's heart then her own heart will be restored to her. However, not everything is as it seems on the surface in this kingdom and Zera's determination and will to survive is tested. I wish the book hadn't ended quite as nobly as it did. Still, a great premise and exciting world. On to book 2!

UPDATE 21/03/2021 - Rereading in preparation to continue on with the rest of the series. ( )

Zera is a Heartless – the immortal, unageing soldier of a witch. Bound to the witch Nightsinger ever since she saved her from the bandits who murdered her family, Zera longs for freedom from the woods they hide in. With her heart in a jar under Nightsinger’s control, she serves the witch unquestioningly.

Until Nightsinger asks Zera for a Prince’s heart in exchange for her own, with one addendum; if she’s discovered infiltrating the court, Nightsinger will destroy her heart rather than see her tortured by the witch-hating nobles.

Crown Prince Lucien d’Malvane hates the royal court as much as it loves him – every tutor too afraid to correct him and every girl jockeying for a place at his darkly handsome side. No one can challenge him – until the arrival of Lady Zera. She’s inelegant, smart-mouthed, carefree, and out for his blood. The Prince’s honor has him quickly aiming for her throat.

So begins a game of cat and mouse between a girl with nothing to lose and a boy who has it all.

Winner takes the loser’s heart.

Literally.

I loved the narrative arc that didn't follow the usual trope! ( )

It started off pretty good. It was a bit preachy, but it showed a lot of promise and could have been a really interesting read with a lot of depth and commentaries and a dark tone. I knew it wasn't going to go that way, but I kinda wanted it to, because it would have been amazing. This book wasn't bad though. I liked the heart magic as it reminded me of Once Upon a Time and I really miss that show.

The ending did surprise me though. I did not see it coming. Not sure if that's a good or a bad thing. ( )