Synopsis
An ambitious mage. A warrior priest. A divine power… they would both rather her die than let her keep it.
Nadiya has been told countless times her ambition to become the first no-name mage to hold a commander’s position amongst the Runai would get her killed. When the temple begins to collapse, her class is sent to evacuate everyone, but her determination to save lives and prove herself capable results in her and the High Priest’s apprentice, Lateo, being trapped inside.
Despite his evident disdain for her and all of the mages, he leads them to an underground vault to take shelter while they wait to be rescued. However, as the roof caves in, and Nadiya tries to catch a holy relic, the Heart of Asentai, power floods her veins.
When she wakes up, she’s become the Beata, a prophesied mythic figure with more magic than she could dream of. She’s sent away to be protected, but more importantly to protect everyone else from her and the power she can’t control. She’s now separated from the mages and stuck with the priest who hates her as her guard.
Nadiya is desperate to turn herself back into a no-name mage and return to the Runai, but is that even possible? And can she do it before someone kills her to steal a power she doesn’t even want?
For lovers of epic magic, complex characters, and intense, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance with no spice, Sacred Heart is a YA fantasy perfect for fans of Shadow and Bone, Elise Kova, and Sarah K. L. Wilson!
Thoughts
Upon reading "Sacred Heart," I was immediately drawn into an intricately crafted new world that left me deeply engrossed. The book is a captivating blend of romance and fantasy, with a unique flair that sets it apart from others in the genre.
The protagonist, Nadiya, is a character who stood out to me due to her ambition and determination. Her willpower is commendable, and even though she can be stubborn at times, her openness to criticism is admirable. She always remains receptive to critique, a trait that attests to her drive for self-improvement. I found myself relating to Nadiya on several levels, and her development throughout the book made the story all the more engaging.
As for Lateo, I found myself in a bit of a love-hate relationship with him. He's definitely a good character with a strong moral compass, but his rigidity often leaves me exasperated. Yet, it's this complex relationship that adds depth to his character and keeps me intrigued.
One of the standout elements of this book is the characters, who are not only well-written but feel real and relatable. Their complexities and contradictions made the narrative more gripping and had me eagerly turning the pages. I found myself deeply invested in their journeys and can't wait to see where the next book takes them.
The world-building in this book is nothing short of impressive. It's elaborate and thoroughly detailed, with a variety of clans, intricate systems of magic, vibrant festivals, and diverse modes of worship. The author, Celeste Baxendell, has done a commendable job in painting a vivid picture of this world that feels alive and dynamic.
Another aspect of the book that I found myself adoring is the romantic dynamic between Nadiya and her bodyguard, Lateo. Lateo's character is further intriguing as he is the handsome apprentice who is in line to be the next High Priest. The tension and attraction between them add a layer of intrigue and anticipation to the narrative.
Initially, the division between the Runai and Solitus creates a sense of resentment between them. However, as they are forced to spend every waking moment together, their relationship slowly shifts. This gradual change in dynamics is beautifully portrayed and added a layer of depth to the narrative.
In conclusion, "Sacred Heart" is a thoroughly enjoyable book, with well-crafted characters, an engaging plot, and an intricately designed world. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series and am intrigued to see where the author takes these characters next.
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