Book: Heartsworn: A Novel by S.E. Wendel
Reviewed by kats_reads_books
Rating: 5/5
I might be slightly obsessed with Alaric, but I mean look at him.
I thoroughly enjoyed Heartsworn by S.E. Wendel. The story initially overlaps with the first book, Heartsong, and depicts June's perspective of the museum happenings and later, Alaric being awoken from his long time position in the rose garden of her family home.
Alaric's yearning for June is so earnest, he knows she is his Heartsong, his mate, but he gives her space to process this even as he finds it frustrating to be distant from her. They are both dealing with their own grief; June for the loss of her father that brought her home and the challenges she faces as an empath who experiences other's feelings very deeply, including those of the trapped grotesques in the museum. Alaric for the fate of his clan and the years lost being trapped in stone, and the possibility that June may not accept him. As such there is a quiet slow burn between the two as their relationship develops.
They work together to unravel some of the mysteries around the trapped grotesques, his clan and their history, the fae magic that cursed them and the enigmatic museum owners who are definitely up to something.
The overall story also ramps up in the latter half and some questions from the first book are answered and even more are raised, what is going to happen next?! That is something I love about S.E. Wendel's books, there is an overarching storyline which is well balanced with the specific perspective and romance in each book.
Thank you to Avon Books, Netgalley and S.E. Wendel for the advance copy.