Reviewed by Taylin

TITLE: Heart Wood

SERIES: Standalone

AUTHOR: Katey Hawthorne

PUBLISHER: Hawthorne Romance

LENGTH: 591 Pages

RELEASE DATE: June 20, 2024

BLURB:

The Stone City and the Heart Wood: uneasy neighbors separated by the Bluebird River. In the City, Hendrik is about to lose the only life he’s ever known, the only love he’s ever wanted. In the Wood, corruption threatens the carefully cultivated ecosystem and Dagan’s way of life. Two worlds, fated to collide at last.

It could be the end. Or a new beginning.

REVIEW:

In a city ruled by… who knows – Hendrik is a guard to one who would become a god. He loved Kass, heart, and, soul, but what would happen when the man became a god? Hendrik wonders if love stories are fairytales. When all is gone, does love remain – to cherish, to hurt, or serve as a warning? Then, cast out of the life he knew, Hendrik discovers life outside the city walls and meets the scout, Dagan – a man who loves freely. But, what of the river – it is sick. Something is terribly wrong, but will Hendrik and Dagen survive long enough to get their HEA?

When I saw the book’s length, I’ll admit that I groaned, BUT then I began reading. Post the first page, I only paused for sleep, work, and sustenance. I found a complete world adventure in a long, beautifully written book, all wrapped up with a bow at the end. While the tale could have been split into a series, I’m glad it wasn’t because I knew I would get closure by the end. Superb.

The story is split into parts from a specific viewpoint, with chapters within those sections. An uncorrected proof was provided for review, so, I won’t comment on technicalities. I can say that the picture painted of the world was clear and vivid and had me in tears more than once. There’s the world inside the city’s walls and the one outside. Temples, priests, mines, catacombs, the sea, forests, villages, and people with abilities are described alongside subjugated and free people’s, smells, colors, and activities. The populus comprises individuals not restricted by sexuality or labeled with gender at birth. Thus, sex scenes are varied and have a high spice rating.

Hendrik is loyal and has been raised to think of the needs of his charge, Kass. His life consists of Kass, ceremonies, and sex. Hendrik’s life is set – choosing is not an option. What he wants doesn’t compute until Hendrik is alone (as the blurb says), with nothing but his memories, wishful thinking, thoughts about living or dying, anger, revenge, or what his next meal may be. The future, let alone a happy one, is not a dream he can fathom.

Dagan finds Hendrik in a sorry state and shows him that life in many forms exists outside the city walls. Dagan is a scout and can lifecast – it’s a bit like The Force but more literal. He can put his hands into the ground and sense life. With patience, he teaches Hendrik many things that were a delight to experience as a reader.

Regardless of the book’s length, the other element of this story that impressed me was that the more expansive cast wasn’t overwhelming in numbers. There were enough named people to fill out the story and be remembered. Everyone else remained in the background. The characters varied from the happy to grumpy, idealistic, brave, Zen, and specialists to the downright evil.

As for the action and adventure – I’ll say – it’s all in there. Katey Hawthorne has provided a whole world and complete adventure in one book. It is longer than the author intended, but I didn’t mind because she allowed her characters the space to complete their journeys. This story gave me the emotional ride, action, spice, and adventure that left me as one delightfully satisfied reader.

RATING:

BUY LINKS: 

Amazon