“A Thousand Heartbeats” (2022) – Kiera Cass

A Thousand Heartbeats by Kiera Cass Spoiler Free Review

Finished reading 14 November – 9 December 2022

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Less than 5-word critique: unexpected, compelling, and as Cass describes it: sweeping.

Imagine my surprise when I got approval by NetGalley to read Kiera Cass’ latest novel A Thousand Heartbeats. It was a bit slow during the beginning for me but then it got more grabbing somewhere close to the middle. Definitely quite a heart pounding adventure. I really hope this gets picked up for a film or TV series.

In the author’s first dual POV YA romance book, we follow Annika, a feisty yet compassionate princess who is determined to rule her kingdom the right way and is forced to marry someone she doesn’t love for political reasons, and Lennox, an emotionally distant but brilliant soldier from a neighboring land, who leads a team of young soldiers to take Annika’s land, which Lennox and his people believe its theirs in the first place. Annika and Lennox’s paths collide that leads them to becoming enemies until it blossoms to forbidden and undying romance.

I thought the story was well done, perhaps Cass’ most action-packed novel yet. And the writing style was greatly mixed with engaging comedy and drama.

Princess Annika and I have a lot in common. Both of us love books, especially romantic ones, and personality wise: we’re rebellious, kind, intelligent, emotional, strong willed, independent, and hopeful romantics. I loved her character and development. Same goes to Lennox for the same reasons regarding character. And the side characters were also fun and unique. The baddies were written terrifically as well.

The world building was fun and amusing to get into and read about.

Recommended to those who enjoy:
*Enemies to lovers
*Forbidden romance
*Royal MC
*Found family
*Marry for not love reasons
*Strong protagonists who can also fight with a weapon
*Family bonds
*Duty vs love
*Twists and turns
*”Touch her/him and you’ll regret it”
*”Don’t underestimate me”

Thank you so much NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for a copy of the novel. I really appreciate it.