Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Fantasy; Alice in Wonderland; Romance

Book Summary

This book is set before the well-known story of Alice in Wonderland, where Alice fell down the rabbit hole and encountered the cruel, murderous clutches of the Queen of Hearts. However, in this novel, she is just a young girl, falling in love for the first time.

Catherine unwillingly enters an awkward courtship with the King of Hearts, and despite being desired by many of Wonderland's inhabitants and facing constant criticisms from her mother for behaving in an unsuitable manner for a future queen; Cath stays true to herself. She is a talented baker, baking delicacies from lemon tarts to key lime pies, and has always dreamt of opening her own bakery with her best friend, Mary Ann.

Then, Cath meets the handsome and mysterious court joker, Jest, and her heart immediately warms to his kind eyes and curious nature. Although her heart longs for Jest, she can't risk the wrath of her parent's infuriation or the suffocating grip of the King of Hearts. Therefore, she and Jest embark on a intense, secret courtship, and for the first time Cath is choosing her own destiny, and falling in love on her own terms.

Notwithstanding that Cath's love for Jest is true, Wonderland is a kingdom where madness, tricks and monsters thrive. Cath and Jest's love will be put to the ultimate test of fate, and the lingering question on every reader's mind will be answered: how did a young girl in love become a brutal, ruthless queen?

“Now mine eyes see the heart that once we did search for, and I fear this heart shall be mended, nevermore.”

Is this book perfect for me?

This book is perfect for readers that loved Alice in Wonderland; the themes and characters in that book mirror Heartless' immersive universe. Familiar characters such as the Cheshire Cat and Mad Hatter reappear, and a whole world of magic and trickery is brought into light.

This book is also perfect for readers that enjoy a story of true love swayed by fate. Cath and Jest's love is one like no other, full of both shy smiles and witty jests. This story is largely based around their romance, and the innocence and will to be loved that Cath longs for. If you're searching for a book filled with burning romances, magical kingdoms, which is also the prequel of the worldwide famous Alice in Wonderland, then this book is calling out to you.

“Even the blackest heart once beat red.”