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Book Review: Tales of a Monstrous Heart by Jennifer Delaney

Book Review: Tales of a Monstrous Heart by Jennifer Delaney

As the days grow shorter and the night’s get colder, the urge to curl up with something darkly atmospheric and bewitchingly gothic begins to take its hold. Jennifer Delaney’s Tales of a Monstrous Heart is the sweeping slow-burn romantasy to lure you in with its Jane Eyre inspired vibes, ominous supernatural backdrop and brooding romance. But the best thing about this book, aside from the perfect blend of macabre fantasy and heart-stealing romance, is how completely unpredictable it is. From one eerie chapter to the next, you never quite know where this story is going to take you.

All Katherine Woodrow wants is to graduate from the Institute of Magic. But after years of being mistreated and punished for her fey blood, she doesn’t hold out much hope for her chances of independence. When the prejudiced mortal council threatens her position at the institute, she’s left with only one option: accept a Mage Partnership with the elusive Lord Emrys Blackthorn – a battle-scarred war hero who’s both feared and revered. With his dark history and unpredictable ways, Emrys is a mystery Kat is afraid of unravelling, yet she’s inexplicably drawn to him.

When a string of murders and fey disappearances herald the return of dark magic, Kat and Emrys are compelled to investigate, sending them down a dangerous path full of ancient books, gruesome monsters, nightmarish curses and ruthless mortals who’d like nothing more than to see the two of them burn. But there are other evils that haunt Kat and Emrys, physical and emotional traumas that aren’t so easy to vanquish. Together they make a formidable partnership and their shared attraction could be their salvation… if it doesn’t lead to their ruin first.

Not only had I riled up the Council, but I’d also got myself partnered up with a Lord who was clearly insane and took enjoyment from humiliating them on my behalf. Something I knew they wouldn’t be in a hurry to forget.”

Tales of a Monstrous Heart is a richly imagined novel that starts slow as it introduces its characters, sizzles with longing and tension throughout the middle, and builds up to a thrilling final third that will have readers teetering on the edge of their seat. The story is lyrically written and woven with a palpable emotion that lets you not only wholeheartedly believe in the characters but inhabit every part of their struggle. Kat’s empathy and kindness make her an instantly likeable protagonist, but it’s her resourcefulness, curiosity and intelligence that both surprises and delights Emrys – a classically dark and brooding love interest who carries the shadows of his past everywhere he goes.

It’s not just Kat and Emrys who all-too easily capture readers’ hearts. The novel is populated with endearing side characters like Alma, Kat’s fiercely loyal maid, and William, Emrys’ unrelentingly optimistic apprentice. Delaney pens a swoony, achingly tender romance like the best romantasy writers, but the friendship threaded throughout this novel holds equal importance. Then there’s the sentient house that feels like another character, constantly shifting and playing tricks, as well as helping Kat and Emrys when they need it most. A special mention for Thean too, a delightfully wicked trouble-maker of a character who’s destined to be a firm favourite with readers.

It’s difficult to know just where Delaney will take readers next but with the way this book ends (you’ll be holding your breath until the very last line), it’s destined to be a captivating, romantic and supernaturally-driven journey.

★★★★

Tales of a Monstrous Heart was published by Gollancz on 29 August 2024

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