A gothic romantasy retelling of Jane Eyre with fey and dark academia vibes!?!?

This book is amazing - there is no other way to say it.
I loved the characters and romance and it is just such a good romantasy!! I can't wait for the next book in the trilogy

3 of 5 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2024/08/19/review-tales-of-a-monstrous-heart-by-jennifer-delaney/
My Five Word TL:DR Review : Mixed Feelings With This One

Tales of a Monstrous Heart has so many things that I was looking forward to and usually love in a novel. A gothic tale with hints of Jane Eyre and a brooding love interest. A world divided where the fae are treated as second class citizens and a return of darkness that brings with it a mystery to be solved before more fae are kidnapped and killed.

Katherine Woodrow is a fey student at the Institute of Magic. Unfortunately she’s usually in trouble with the mortal council who will pounce upon any excuse to try and expel her before she can complete her studies. As the story begins Katherine is once again in trouble and is only saved expulsion by a Mage Partnership offer by the elusive Lord Blackthorn (Emrys). Accepting this offer Katherine and her companion (and shape shifter) Alma take up residence at Blackthorn Manor. Soon enough these two central characters become embroiled in a mystery that both need to solve quickly before the encroaching darkness threatens their way of life.

What I really enjoyed about this. The writing is really good, it kept me hooked. This isn’t a short and snappy style but given the type of story I really liked the attention to detail and I loved all the details about the house.

I really liked the side characters. The house is practically a character itself. And I also have to give a shout out to Thean who is a deliciously wicked character. I liked Alma, Katherine’s constant companion since childhood although I felt she was a little under used and often seemed to appear simply at opportune moments to stage a rescue.

I think the author does a really good job of creating chemistry and tension between Katherine and Emrys, sly glances, hands brushing against each other all clearly leading to forbidden desires.

I found myself a little bit puzzled with the plot and the direction it took and this is an element to the book that I struggled with a little. In one respect I feel like I missed something and perhaps I did and need to go back and have a reread. In the earlier stages there’s quite a bit of history between mortals and fey to take on board and some of this felt a little clunky at times. On top of that I wasn’t always clear about the motivations of all the characters, other than the thirst for power – at any cost. The plot sometimes had a feeling of being simply too much. I would also say that Katherine is quite often placed in very difficult and upsetting circumstances and I didn’t really get a feel that Emrys helped very much – part of me thinks good for Katherine, she’s very capable and doesn’t need rescuing but at the same time I think it would be nice to feel that Emrys would at least speak up for her, which you would expect given he’s her mentor. Perhaps that’s a little wrong of me, clearly the two were playing roles in order to covertly investigate – but even so, it irritated me slightly.

Also, I would just mention that this ends on a cliffhanger which is not something I’m very fond of to be honest.

Overall, I enjoyed this because it’s well written and the characters were quite easy to like but I didn’t feel totally enamoured with it which is what I’d expected and I think the plot in some ways feels a bit convoluted. So, I have mixed feelings. I really like certain elements but others didn’t quite wow me. I can see why this would be popular though so don’t take my little niggles too seriously.

I received a copy though Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.

This book was brilliant - I loved all the characters, the world was inventive, and the romance was swooooon worthy!

And that ending 😭😭😭😭

Will this have a sequel?? Because I need it asap!

This little group has most definitely become my favorite one this year! Kat, Emrys, Alma and William are just the most randomest group of people ever but I adore them so so much.

The angst, the tension (not only sexual), the found family and all the historical facts are phenomenal. I loved every aspect of this book, you get so swept away by the characters and their own personal stories. The mysteries in here are also so so good, for once I loved not knowing much.

Steady is the heart. Swift is the flame.

Howl’s Moving Castle meets Carnival Row meets Sorcery of Thorns meets Uprooted…

A gothic romantasy that leans heavily into the horror element, which I LOVE - whilst the romance is definitely present it’s certainly not the focus of the story. A young fey woman, beset by prejudice and trauma but with her own strange gifts and heritage, bolstered by a true friendship, is offered a mage partnership by a strange and reclusive lord with secrets of his own and a mysterious house. But what other darker horrors from the past are awakening to haunt them both - and can Kat face the truth?

Sentient house! Shapeshifting sword! I know you like grumpy-sunshine, but have you considered cynic-cynic, both giving hope to the other? How about a twist on animal companion where your best friend uncontrollably shapeshifts? Put in a slow burn, sl-o-o-o-w, and some spooky gothic vibes including exploring ancient haunted ruins, uncovering curses, dark magic, and monstrous creatures…

The atmospheric moments are powerfully done and the characters are executed well, as Delaney unwraps them layer by layer to give you insight into who they truly are. The worldbuilding is done with similar skill: you aren’t info-dumped; details are dropped in as you go so the world comes to life around you, complete with a menagerie of magical beasts, ancient curses, and many dark secrets to be uncovered.

Also featuring:

He binds her wounds!
A really awkward dinner party!
Regency style ball!
Touch her and die!
Why are you in my wardrobe?
Gender fluid shapeshifting rogue!
An absolutely beautiful friendship between women!

Top stuff, absolutely smashing.

This has to be one of my favourite reads, which blends fantasy and gothic with a sprinkle of dark academia.

The novel starts as a story inspired by Jane Eyre, with a disadvantaged heroine, a broody and moody Lord with a questionable reputation and a gothic setting. Soon, it becomes its own story, full of magic, dark secrets and a turbulent past that would not stay buried. Written in a beautiful style, it surprised me with a cast of loveable characters I deeply cared about and a captivating story that made the book hard to put down. Kat has become one of my favourite heroines, as she is intelligent, strong, brave, and determined to achieve her goals despite the prejudice she faces at every turn, but also fiercely protective of those she loves. The novel also has incredible side characters like Alma and William, who basically deserve their own stories. Moreover, the romantic subplot is a delicious slowburn, perfectly woven within the story without overpowering the plot. What more can we expect from a book?

I know I will not forget these characters soon, and I am waiting for the next instalment in this exciting series.

Thank you, NetGalley and publisher, for providing the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

All Katherine Woodrow wants to do is graduate from the Institute of Magic, but as a fey, the prejudiced mortal council are looking for any excuse to kick her out. Left with no other options, Kat must accept a Mage Partnership with the elusive Lord Emrys Blackthorn. Then, when a string of murders herald the return of dark magic, Kat and Emrys are thrown into a world of monsters and nightmares, and mortal men who want nothing more than to see them both burn.

This story is based (loosely) on Jane Eyre, but it gave me serious ACOTAR vibes, only, in my opinion, much better. We have a bright, feisty young woman who ends up living with a mysterious, moody, handsome man and – obviously – they fall in love while fighting evil. It’s an unoriginal concept, but placed in a magical, dark academia setting which worked pretty well.

I enjoyed the overall premise and the characters, but the plot was a little bit disappointing. I have to say, I enjoyed reading it, but I’d reached about 70% of the way through the book when I realised nothing had really happened. It started and ended well, but everything in between was a bit of a non-event; the entire plot could probably have been compressed into a few chapters.

With that in mind, there isn’t much more I can say about Tales of a Monstrous Heart – enjoyable but bang average.

This book is going to create some serious OBSESSIONS!

We follow Kat an academic researcher with a traumatic past and an urge to do whatever she can she make thinks right. After getting caught up in an unfortunate situation Kat's future - and life - suddenly hangs in the balance. Enter the mysterious and elusive Emrys Blackthorn.

I loved the darkness in this book, I adored the 'house' and the slow build romance had me absolutely hooked. The FMC has not had a great start in life and I always appreciate when we really see this play out in the plot, there is depth and rawness in how we see Kat dealing with her past and I felt I was able to connect with her and understand her 'jump before you think' decision making. I would have liked to have uncovered more about Emrys by the end of the book - he almost stayed slightly too mysterious.

I did struggle with the first half of the book, I felt as though I had missed the first few chapters and the plot was unclear at times. There were lots of Lords and other creatures to get to grips with and it was difficult to keep track of who was who and exactly who or what we were fighting against.

I would definitely recommend this book to friends and I'm excited to pick up a physical copy on release day!

I am really intrigued to see where the story goes and I'll be looking out for the next book.

This review is for Tales of A Monstrous Heart by Jennifer Delaney which will be released in the UK on the 29th August! Thanks so much to Netgalley and Gollancz for giving me an eArc copy for this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was one of my favourite reads so far this year. That’s it. That’s all I need to say, you need to read this book!!!

The story focuses on Katherine, a fey woman whose greatest dream is to graduate the Institute of Magic and show the world that fey can be real mages too. Along the way she’s is bombarded with insults and prejudice from the institutes council and the other students around her that seem determined to thwart her success. Until the day she receives a mysterious offer for a mage partnership from Lord Blackthorn who all the records say should be dead…

It’s fast paced, brilliantly written and will leave you wanting more (I will not ruin the ending I SWEAR). It’s based on Jane Eyre, so it’s gothic with a brooding, dark haired love interest (my favourite) and dark and twisted powers trying to crawl their way back into the world anyway they can. It also has a slightly sassy sentient house, which is personally a new favourite trope of mine and I hope to see more of.

I loved the main character Katherine, she was a strong independent woman shoved into a time and place where her strength was not appreciated by the small minded men and women surrounding her. However, you do find throughout the book that she’s scared of her own strength, both physical and magical as she knows what she can do if she fully lets go. I LOVED the tension between her and the MMC Emrys, it was forbidden love (even more so by the end but again no spoilers) but I also liked the familial friendship she had with Alma. Sisters forged through trauma. I also loved Emrys on his own, he’s perfectly mysterious, brooding, thoughtful, accepting, and protective all in one tall, dark package.

I could go on and on about how obsessed I am with this book! Simply put this debut novel is beautiful and I loved every second.
If you enjoy a book with a forbidden slow burn romance, found family, and an ancient evil to destroy all set in a gothic academic world, then you need to read this book!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. Firstly, one thing that I really liked about this one is that unlike many dark academia books we do actually get some actually academia and a sense of the MC's research interests. Otherwise, this is a fun read with some great side characters, I loved Alma in particular. I think there are a lot of new terms/words throughout the book and so I think a glossary would have been a nice addition. I also found the ending a little abrupt - but overall a very good read and one I would recommend!

This highly-anticipated fantasy novel has gothic elements, dark academia vibes, an interesting magic system, a sentient house and an intense, forbidden romance.

The pacing and plot are well constructed, with frequent magical attacks, high society enemies and dark creatures troubling the characters. The action brings a sense of urgency to the story and balances the slow-burn romance well. The world building and magic system are interesting too, and you can tell the author has spent a lot of time developing the history, power and complexity of the lands.

I do find some of the scenes over-described and some of the main reveals predictable, and feel that while some aspects of the character development are done well, others could do with more unpacking. Furthermore, I know the ending will shock most readers, but it feels a bit too abrupt for me. This is the first in a multi-book series but there’s no sense of the partial closure you expect from each book as you come to the end.

That being said, the awesome magical battles and spellcasting scenes, and the romantic chemistry and protectiveness of the central couple are striking and memorable, and will appeal to those who love engrossing romantasy with interesting concepts and all their favourite tropes.

I thoroughly enjoyed the characters in this book. Each and every one of them were easy to root for and get behind, making this an enjoyable read. However, I did sometimes find the details of the plot hard to follow. I think because there was a lot of new words and magic systems and different races and political factions (old and new) going on. I followed it in broad strokes and with the added fantastic characters it was certainly a fun read. One last small point was that I couldn’t tell if the ending was the end, end or a cliffhanger.

Oh my lordy!!! Tales of a Monstrous Heart by Jennifer Delaney is most definitely the most outstanding, gripping debut I have read this year and possibly many years! Delaney has delivered a gothic fantasy that delivers both the chills and atmosphere of historic gothic fantasy but, with a thoroughly up to date perspective that truly recognises the impact of trauma alongside an agonising ‘slow burn’ romance that totally captured me.
I have read that the roots of this story come from Jane Eyre and I’m sure that for lovers of that work the romance will definitely bring Jane Eyre and Mr Rochester romance vibes but, even if you’re not a fan, this romance is still truly captivating and I would definitely not let this deter you!
I loved the protagonists, Kat, a stunning half-fae Kyrillian, persecuted for her heritage and desperate for an escape from the confines of the Institute for herself and her ‘maid,’ and Emrys Blackthorn, the mysterious, dark, dashing Mage who offers Kate a Mage partnership, the escape she desperately seeks!
Kat finds herself immersed alongside Emrys in investigating mysterious fae disappearances that put them both in serious danger and bring to light the many secrets that both Kat and Emrys are hoarding. This investigation leads them both down a very dark path as they find themselves tracking down dark magic and fighting the attraction that they feel towards each other.
I absolutely loved Delaney’s writing, her prose truly brought to life the main characters in the story, including Emrys’ home – you’ll see what I mean, without the need for lecturing or overwhelming description. Delaney definitely took me on a journey that paced the reveal and immersion into the story. This results in a story that gradually unfolds, pulling you along the way as the details of Fae and Human interactions, politics and magic emerge. I absolutely loved this method for the reveal and explanation. No, it doesn’t give you a step by step, full detail of the mechanics but, instead reveals information within the atmosphere and environment of the story, immersing you in the world.
I’m also not normally a slow burn romance but, the romance between Emrys and Kat is plagued with complications, the challenges of the society they both inhabit and their own past experiences. Delaney develops this romance beautifully, from initial attraction to the inevitable misunderstandings and interruptions and impact of past experience on both. I truly felt for them both as their relationship unfolded and IMO this is a true indicator of excellent writing and plot development.
Ultimately, I can truly say that I absolutely loved Tales of a Monstrous Heart and I’m desperate to get my hands on the next book, especially after that ending. There is no question in my mind, Jennifer Delaney is an author that I will be adding to my auto-buy list and if you are looking for your next fantasy, gothic romance, escape from reality, you definitely need to pick this up!

I love love loved this book! Fantastic debut book, 100% will be keeping an eye out for her future releases.

Highly recommend for any romantasy fans out there!

2.5 Stars - I can't bring myself to give this less than a 3 so I'm rounding up but ultimately, it didn't quite hit that three star level of enjoyment for me, SADLY!!!

The pacing was off and I couldn't connect with the characters - I wanted them to be unpacked a lot more (Give me complexities!!) The side characters didn't offer anything for me either and when this happens, I just can't seem to bring myself to care about anything. It's worth mentioning that the writing is overly descriptive too, and I usually like this but this really stood out to me and kept pulling me out of the story.

I also couldn't quite grasp the WHY of... anything? The plot or the character decisions etc... I don't know ahhh!!! I hate myself for not being in love with this :(

Definitely potential for so many to be obsessed with this though, it has:
-Slow burn romance
-Dark academia
-Spells and battles
-Gothic atmosphere

I'm not posting this anywhere NEAR Instagram because Jennifer follows me and I don't want to upset her around the time of her first book release omg!?

Lastly, it goes without saying that this is a ME problem, clearly. Already the 5-stars are flying in for this and I do genuinely hope that continues as we approach release day.

(Jennifer ily don't hate me lol)

-Sarah

I haven't read many gothic fantasy books before, but this was incredibly enjoyable!!

There is so much constantly happening in this book, and the pacing doesn't really slow down for even one minute. There are multiple threads of the story veering off in all directions that are somehow all connected back to one common theme. There's tons of dark magic, curses, mysterious relics and dangerous characters that kept the story interesting too.

All of the characters were exceptional and incredibly well thought out. There wasn't a single instance i can think of where i was frustrated/annoyed by characters actions. Everything that was said or mentioned was done for a specific reason, which was very refreshing to see,

The cherry on the cake for me was the romance!!! It wasn't quite a slow burn, but by no means insta love either. Their connection was delicious and pulled me even more into the story if that is even possible.

I seriously cannot wait to see where the rest of this series will go!! It was truly incredibly, and by far one of my favourite Gothic romances, The way that the author wove this story together was beautiful and yet haunting. I simply can't wait to sink my teeth into the next installment, especially after how criminal that cliffhanger was!!!

A massive thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for giving me the chance to review an arc of this book!!

Quite easily one of my favourite books of this year.

Jennifer's writing style and world-building is incredibly well-done.
There was never a point where I wanted to stop reading or put it down, I was hooked.

Emrys is such a dynamic and elusive love interest, I was completely entranced.
Kat is the perfect FMC for the girls who are misunderstood and severely underestimated.
She is such a nuanced character and her chemistry with Emrys was so delicious you could touch it.

This is the perfect gothic romantic fantasy and I will be chomping at the bits for book 2.

3.5⭐️
A gothic romance story replete with forbidden love and twisted monsters, Tales of a Monstrous Heart truly delivers the title’s promise.

Delaney captures the eerie, ominous atmosphere we’d expect from a Victorian gothic novel, leaving you wondering which monsters creeping in are real and imagined. Eldritch terrors, spectres, secret portals and grimoires, this book has got it all. Not to forget an old sentient manor that changes daily and plays at match maker.

We’re given a rich history that in turn dictates a hierarchy between humans and the fae. Our protagonist Kat is a Kysillian fae, at the mercy of humans and seen as a lesser being. I loved Kat’s tenacity in the face of adversity and her insatiable need for knowledge and to help others. Kat grapples with her own identity throughout this story and she really comes into her own power and voice.

Emery Blackthorn, the brooding, mysterious lord who takes Kat in as a mage apprentice starts off as an enigma but slowly we see beneath the veneer he’s put in place. Together they must work to solve a series of macabre murders while they fight growing feelings for each other. I’ve accepted the broody love interest type isn’t my thing but the romance is as promised slow burn with lots of pinning. And I loved the playfulness that Kat brought out in Emery and their mutual admiration for academia.

There was an array of very lovable characters from cinnamon roll William to Kat’s best friend Alma, a shapeshifter that changes at inopportune times.

My main gripe with this book is the flowery writing which at times overwhelmed the story. I did guess the twists but the ending was entirely unexpected and quite possibly one of the most unhinged endings I’ve read to date😭

If you enjoyed A Deadly Education, A Sorcery of Thorns and Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries, I think you’ll love this one for your autumn Romantasy fix✨

“No matter what comes next, I won’t leave you to that darkness”

𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

𝑅𝑒𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓈𝑒 𝒟𝒶𝓉𝑒: 29th August

Thank you to Netgalley and Gollanzc for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.

A gothic fantasy, with beautiful characters and a slow burning romance, Tales offers a gorgeous start to a series.

This book is action packed. You’re dropped right into it with Kat and it doesn’t really stop. There’s multiple mysteries occurring, with curses, dangerous relics, and dark forces at work. Everything happens for a reason and there’s so much to unpack.

Katherine is a gorgeous protagonist. She’s fierce and smart, with a really strong personality. I loved how determined Kat is, and how she sticks to her morals throughout. Her struggle to be accepted or even respected was heartbreaking, and the whole prejudice that she faces was woven into the story expertly.

The star of the book for me was Kat and Alma’s friendship. Their bond was so so beautiful and incredible powerful due to the hatred they’ve faced. They support and protect each other in every way, and it was so great to read about them.

I am a big supporter in slow burn romance. While this is not the slowest, I did enjoy the pacing of it nonetheless. There’s chemistry and a realistic sense of progression between both characters. Emrys has been added to the list of male love interests that I love (which is quite short). Smart, brooding and emotionally intelligent, I loved his devotion to Kat.

I can’t wait to see where the rest of this story goes in the future.

"Be wary of old spells, they grow thoughts of their own over time."

"The forbidden things always return to their master in the end."

...That ending!
That ending has made me unwell. What a cliffhanger!!!
I did not see that coming. I feel like I'm just reeling from reading this book. It is a masterpiece! There is just simply no other way to describe it.
I knew early on that I was going to love this book. It was giving me the same feelings and enjoyment I had when I read the books that first got me into reading when I was a teenager.
The love I have for this book is almost indescribable. This is definitely one that everyone should read.
Kat's story is so amazingly written, I cannot wait to find out more - I need more.
If I could give this more than 5 stars I would. Officially on my favourite books list.