“Not every door leads to darkness.” ~Heartmender
I love an entertaining fantasy story with a Biblical foundation, and Heartmender by far gave me that!
~Review~
(SPOILER FREE)
4/5 Stars
(Briefing)
While the Land of Barracks sees trading human hearts as a means to “success” and “fulfillment,” Adelaide Tyde sees but an enemy who stole her brother. After years of despising Heart Reign, when the time comes for Addie to trade her own heart, she finds herself caught between various choices, life-threatening battles, and a spiderweb of lies and deceit. But amongst all the darkness and heartbreak, there is a light beside her every step of the way. As Addie searches for her lost brother while fighting through the Seven Choices, she learns there is so much more to life than being afraid. Alas, when all seems right, evil and darkness leap at the opportunity to thwart any noble cause.
(First Impression 4/5)
In the beginning, I was unsure if I would like this book. Heartmender is a strange concept, but also so creative and entertaining. After a few pages, I was instantly teleported into the wondrous world of Heartmender. Each scene and chapter was unexpected, filled with suspense and adventure. One of the most unpredictable books I’ve read in a long time, and it was great!
(Character Development 5/5)
Addie excelled far past her characteristics from page one, and although she stuck to her original structure, she also transformed into a powerful, fearless young woman. She defeated her fears and grew stronger with each chapter. Her journey was amazing. I loved to see her overcome her faults and come out like the warrior she is. The other characters were lovely, too, like Claire and Eman, even the antagonistic characters were well written—evil and frustrating, yes, but realistic; they brought the story to life and made the reading journey wonderful.
(World-Building 4/5)
The setting for Heartmender is very complex and imaginative. Though I found myself a little confused at times, it didn’t compare to the fantastical journey Burton brought me through as Addie conquered the Seven Choices. The symbolism of life and the Biblical aspects in Heartmender were some of the best I’ve read so far and my favorite details from the book. It was easy to see how this story related to real life—the battles of temptations and how light never fails to overcome darkness. While putting a magical twist into Heartmender, Burton kept the most critical aspects illuminated beneath an adventurous journey. Not every author can create an entertaining story while retaining morality and Biblical attributes!
(Emotions 5/5)
I may have cried a few times, and if you ever read this book, you will know why. Emotions are a big part of Heartmender and are very well interpreted. Addie truly does have so much love to give, while also battling with the emotional strains life throws at her. It was beautiful to witness her overcoming doubt, loneliness, anger, greed, lust, and so much more. Heartmender is undoubtedly an intense and emotional journey.
(Style 4/5)
I found Burton’s style easy to read, apart from a few mistakes/typos. I read through this book easily and often forgot I was reading a book at all, which is how you know it’s good!
(Cleanliness 4/5)
As mentioned above, this book deals with many emotions, including lust. For the most part, Heartmender is a clean read, but one scene does portray a struggle with lust, which provides a steamy situation between Addie and a-person-I-shall-not-name. There is also a good amount of violence. Fortunately, it is a Christian book, and the things above, I believe, are necessary ways of bringing to light just how tempting and dangerous life can sometimes be. It also shows just how involved our God is. He is always there, reminding us we are never alone—a sword for a battle, a lantern in the dark, a friend and protector.
(Conclusion 4/5)
I can’t wait to read Heartbreaker. The ending of Heartmender had me smiling in excitement and beautifully concluded the story. I look forward to reading the next book in Addie’s story!
Genres: Christian; fiction; fantasy; adventure; romance
!TRIGGER WARNING!
Violence, temptations, lust, murder, death, emotional
“But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!” James 2:18-19 ESV
Julia Rose Books 