Heartsong
by S.E. Wendel
San Francisco, Present day
A gargoyle warrior unprepared for the modern world…
Fifteen hundred years ago, Frey and all his kind were cursed by the vicious fae queen, their magick stolen and their bodies rendered stone. It has been a hellish existence, frozen in time as the world changes around them. A proud warrior ready for a mate, Frey rages against his stone prison, but with every year that passes, hope slips away that the curse will ever be broken.
That is, until he and some of his kin are placed in an odd little museum. And she walks through the door.
A modern woman not ready for a medieval male…
Anna Kincaid has just gotten back on her feet. After struggling with student debt, chronic migraines, a serial-dater mother, and Bay Area rent for years, she’s finally landed a job that will help with all of it. It feels too good to be true—full health care with dental and helping manage a museum full of exquisite artifacts? Her heart and history degree are thrilled, but something about the museum is…odd. The owners are a mysterious, if kind couple who call the collection the clan. And the collection is…well, monstrous. Huge, savage-looking statues from the late Celtic period.
Magick stolen can be reclaimed, and curses cast can be broken…
When the museum is stormed by masked commandos one night, it isn’t even the weirdest thing to happen. No, she could wrap her head around organized art theft—what defies belief is one of the big gray behemoths springing to life to save her. And that he flies off with her. And when he tucks her into his big body and growls mate.
.
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Martial Peak Reviews
S.E. Wendel's Heartsong is a captivating blend of fantasy and romance, set against the vibrant backdrop of modern-day San Francisco. The novel deftly intertwines the ancient and the contemporary, creating a narrative that is both enchanting and thrilling. At its core, Heartsong explores themes of love, redemption, and the timeless struggle between fate and free will.
The story introduces us to Frey, a gargoyle warrior who has been trapped in stone for fifteen hundred years due to a curse cast by a malevolent fae queen. This curse not only immobilized Frey and his kin but also stripped them of their magick, leaving them as silent witnesses to the passage of time. Wendel's portrayal of Frey is both poignant and powerful; he is a character who embodies the essence of a bygone era, struggling to find his place in a world that has moved on without him. His longing for freedom and a mate is palpable, making him a deeply sympathetic figure.
Enter Anna Kincaid, a modern woman grappling with the challenges of contemporary life. Her character is refreshingly relatable, as she navigates the complexities of student debt, familial obligations, and the high cost of living in the Bay Area. Anna's new job at the museum, which houses Frey and his kin, serves as the catalyst for the unfolding drama. Wendel skillfully contrasts Anna's modern sensibilities with Frey's medieval mindset, creating a dynamic interplay that is both humorous and heartwarming.
The novel's central theme of magick lost and reclaimed is intricately woven into the narrative. The idea that curses can be broken and magick restored serves as a metaphor for personal growth and transformation. As Frey and Anna's relationship develops, they both undergo significant changes, challenging their preconceived notions and embracing new possibilities. This theme resonates with readers, reminding us of the power of love and the potential for redemption.
Wendel's world-building is another standout aspect of Heartsong. The juxtaposition of the ancient and the modern is handled with finesse, creating a rich tapestry that draws readers into the story. The museum, with its collection of "monstrous" statues, serves as a microcosm of this world, where history and myth collide. The author’s attention to detail is evident in the vivid descriptions of the gargoyles and the intricate lore surrounding their existence. This meticulous crafting of the setting enhances the story's immersive quality, allowing readers to lose themselves in the narrative.
Character development is a key strength of the novel. Frey and Anna are well-rounded characters with distinct voices and compelling arcs. Frey's journey from a stone-bound warrior to a protector and lover is beautifully rendered, capturing the essence of a man out of time who finds his purpose in the present. Anna's evolution from a woman burdened by life's challenges to a confident and empowered individual is equally engaging. Their relationship is the heart of the story, and Wendel handles it with sensitivity and depth, avoiding the pitfalls of clichéd romance tropes.
The novel's pacing is well-balanced, with a blend of action, romance, and introspection that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The tension builds steadily, culminating in a thrilling climax that is both satisfying and surprising. Wendel's prose is eloquent and evocative, capturing the emotional nuances of the characters' experiences and the atmospheric quality of the setting.
In comparison to other works in the genre, Heartsong stands out for its unique premise and character-driven narrative. Fans of J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series or Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter novels will find much to appreciate in Wendel's blend of romance and fantasy. However, Heartsong distinguishes itself with its focus on the interplay between the ancient and the modern, offering a fresh take on the gargoyle mythos.
Overall, Heartsong is a compelling and beautifully crafted novel that will appeal to fans of fantasy romance and those who enjoy stories of transformation and redemption. S.E. Wendel has created a world that is both magical and relatable, populated by characters who linger in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned. Whether you're drawn to tales of ancient curses, modern love, or the enduring power of magick, Heartsong is a journey worth taking.
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