Heartless Review

Title: Heartless
Author: Marissa Meyer
Release Date: November 8, 2016
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Pages: 464 (Hardcover)
Format: Paperback ARC
All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

SUMMARY:

Long before she was the terror of Wonderland — the infamous Queen of Hearts — she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.


Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the yet-unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend and supply the Kingdom of Hearts with delectable pastries and confections. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next Queen.
At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the king's marriage proposal, she meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship.
Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

NON-SPOILERY REVIEW:

Going into this book, I had super high expectations because I absolutely love the Lunar Chronicles. I should probably review those soon, but anyways I thoroughly enjoy the character development and world building from a "typical" Marissa Meyer novel. That being said, I also want everyone to know before continuing with my review, that I'm not a giant fan of Alice in Wonderland-esque books. I was really hoping that Heartless would change that for me because the Queen of Hearts is my favorite character in that particular world. 

I was expecting a lot out of this book, and part of me is still unsatisfied with it. I enjoy her writing, but Heartless seemed kind of slow to me compared with the Lunar Chronicles to me. I got about 300 pages in and still felt like not a lot had happened or really changed since the beginning of the story. Sure, there was a small progression in the side love story, but I feel like there needed to be more action to hold you over for the kissing that doesn't really begin until after halfway thru the book. After that, I did start to skim, which I feel bad about, but I'd rather skim than not finish it. 

All of that being said, I did like it. I'm in no way saying that it's a bad book. It's just a bit slow for me, and after Illuminae I need more fast paced reads. Also, I absolutely love Jest. He's by far the best thing in this book. Her writing of his character is amazing. His riddles in the book are very thought provoking and we finally get an answer to why is a raven like a writing desk! I feel like I would really enjoy this book more if I was more into books on Alice in Wonderland. Don't hate me, I liked it, but I didn't love it like I wanted to. 

RATING:

Heartless by Marissa Meyer 4/5 Hearts!

OVERALL:

If you really like Alice in Wonderland prequels/additions/retellings, then this is probably more suited for you! I'm not saying it's a bad book, just not for me. 

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