Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this e-Arc.

This was a great quick read for a sick day in bed, hooking me enough that I forgot to feel like death for a few hours. Plus, there were lesbians so it's always going to be a good time.

The main character, Thiya, is the princess of Agraal. A bit of a tomboy, she faces the criticism of her mother for not wanting to wear lehengas and the suffocating traditions of court. By this, I mean that she has to watch her girlfriend being courted by just about every man in the kingdom.

None of that lasts long, though, as the pair are discovered in bed together, and Amara is quickly shipped away with literally the first man to propose to her. As with all rushed marriages, there are some serious issues here. And so begins Thiya's journey to rescue her beloved featuring newfound magical abilities, one brother you like, another you don't, and a long dead aunt's hoarde of demons.

I liked this one a lot, and it's definitely right up the YA/fantasy genre. It even has a good message (if painful for teens). Definitely recommend.

I read This Dark Heart as an ebook (sent by Natgalley and the publishers firefly press) and rated it 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed and loved this book, I loved the characters especially the two female main characters, Amara and Thiya who have such a beautiful relationship and friendship and you can really see this through their love for each other throughout the book. I also loved how we got to see other relationships and friendships evolve throughout the book. Another favourite thing in this book for me is how strong willed and confident Thiya (one of the FMCs) is. The plot and all the twists and turns was so interesting and I had such an amazing time reading This Dark Heart. I was a little surprised when there were mentions/descriptions of more mature and explicit scenes in the book, which I personally didn't mind and am not fussed about, however I would look into that if that's something you are uncomfortable with, although it doesn't take away from the story at all and throughout the book only happens a couple a times briefly. I also wished the book was a little longer at end after everything had been resolved but overall I loved reading this book and will definitely be reading more from this author in the future and would definitely recommend. Thank you to Netgalley and Firefly Press for giving me an ebook of This Dark Heart and allowing me to read this amazing book.

Super fast-paced fantasy tale that explores a royal families secrets and is filled with magic, sapphic love and family ties.

With a fierce, witty heroine who's not afraid to stand up for herself, a love she's willing to fight for, a unique magic system and a family secret that risks all that she knows and cares about. Despite its fast pace you'll quickly come to love the characters and honestly I could read more about this royal family and the world created.

Very cute quick YA romantasy with some queer PG-13 spice. Grosani does a lovely job world building and exploring a non-white space with authenticity whilst balancing explaining an element based magic system.

Not my favourite read and nothing that gripped me but definitely a lovely book.

3,5 stars rounded up.
3 stars for me.
4 stars for a YA audience.
This Dark Heart is the story of Princess Thiya.
Thiya and Amara’s bond, the daayan, the story having been inspired by Indian folklore, the mage and all the fantasy were the strengths of This Dark Heart.
The plot and the prose were 3.5 stars for me, at times better than some other parts.
I appreciate the author’s declaring that she is dyslexic. As someone who teaches, works with and lives with people with dyslexia, I found the author’s openness and the fact that she is an author extremely poignant, encouraging and sweet.
I particularly enjoyed the solidarity between the characters, their fight together and the scenes set outside of the palace.