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sammybunny711's review
5.0
I've read this book twice so far and every time has been a pleasure. There is some grade A slow burn happening here along with some quality angst. I can't wait to dive into Book 2!!!!❤️
elm's review
3.0
3.5 stars
I have to admit this was one of those books that I randomly picked up, not really knowing anything about. I guess it was just that the synopsis sounded cool? But hey.. I'm so glad I picked it up now!
The world was rich and diverse, the plot was super engaging, those plot twists were shocking and the female characters were an 11 out of 10. Also, the slow build up between Nathaniel and Doran was Excellent!
I do feel though that this book would have benefited by being just a bit longer. I felt somewhat disconnected from the miner’s cause and I have a feeling that it was because we never really got to see the underground gang, before the lockdown was implemented and they were backed into a corner, united and fighting for their rights. When the story starts the group isn’t really a group at all, instead it’s just one man with his two ‘advisers’, with which he doesn’t really work well with or listen to at all. The thing is that Doran was incredibly likeable and I was able to sympathise with him and his plight but, to me, he just never read as an almost 40 year old, leader of an underground gang. We were told he was a leader but we were never really shown him effectively working with others, or unifying the mining community to his cause. Really, I can only think of one time when he demonstrates any type of leadership and I really really would have liked to have seen more.
With that said, I still was invested in what Doran aimed to achieve and really felt for him when he was backed into a corner.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I'll definitely be picking up the next one.
I have to admit this was one of those books that I randomly picked up, not really knowing anything about. I guess it was just that the synopsis sounded cool? But hey.. I'm so glad I picked it up now!
The world was rich and diverse, the plot was super engaging, those plot twists were shocking and the female characters were an 11 out of 10. Also, the slow build up between Nathaniel and Doran was Excellent!
I do feel though that this book would have benefited by being just a bit longer. I felt somewhat disconnected from the miner’s cause and I have a feeling that it was because we never really got to see the underground gang, before the lockdown was implemented and they were backed into a corner, united and fighting for their rights. When the story starts the group isn’t really a group at all, instead it’s just one man with his two ‘advisers’, with which he doesn’t really work well with or listen to at all. The thing is that Doran was incredibly likeable and I was able to sympathise with him and his plight but, to me, he just never read as an almost 40 year old, leader of an underground gang. We were told he was a leader but we were never really shown him effectively working with others, or unifying the mining community to his cause. Really, I can only think of one time when he demonstrates any type of leadership and I really really would have liked to have seen more.
With that said, I still was invested in what Doran aimed to achieve and really felt for him when he was backed into a corner.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I'll definitely be picking up the next one.
emilyrpf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mariereads_books's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
kaa's review
3.0
A free copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
(I wavered a bit on the rating - this is probably more of a 3.5)
It seems fitting that I read most of this book on May Day, since Heart of Dust is really about labor disputes and organizing. This was, for me, probably the most compelling aspect of the story - there are no easy answers to be found here when it comes to balancing the costs of revolutionary action against their hoped-for benefits. Organizing and activism are very relevant to me right now, so I really appreciated seeing them given so much focus in a fantasy novel. However, as another reviewer commented, the story puts too much emphasis on individuals (heroes and villains) and not enough on groups of people and systems. (Like, how did Doran think that a riot was somehow going to lead to a revolution without anyone else's help? An uprising is not something that typically just happens spontaneously. It takes many people working together to lay the groundwork and, often, to lead the charge.) I think the book does have some interesting things to say about fractures within movements, especially regarding tactics, but... well, no wonder Doran is having so little success - he's terrible at working with his co-leaders, and even worse at working with the community. Now, the hero-centric thing is fairly typical for fantasy, but I found it disappointing given the focus in the story on labor and resistance.
I thought the setting was very cool, especially with the use of color in the cave. The author did a pretty good job of weaving the history of this unusual settlement into the story. I also appreciated the lack of judgement around gender and sexuality that was evident throughout. Though the information about other societies in this world was limited, there was enough to be intriguing.
The romance was pretty sparse (which was actually totally okay with me), and Nathaniel remained pretty mysterious for much of the book. There were some other interesting, complicated relationships, but I sometimes found the other secondary characters (especially those in the mines and the Black Lung Gang) to be hard to tell apart. I will agree with other reviewers in wishing to hear some of the story from Grace's perspective, although I do understand why that wasn't done in this book - maybe in book 2?
The ending seemed a bit too tidy for me. Several pieces of it felt very predictable, and some of the transitions were a bit too easy. But this is only the first book, so again - maybe things will be more complicated in book 2?
(I wavered a bit on the rating - this is probably more of a 3.5)
It seems fitting that I read most of this book on May Day, since Heart of Dust is really about labor disputes and organizing. This was, for me, probably the most compelling aspect of the story - there are no easy answers to be found here when it comes to balancing the costs of revolutionary action against their hoped-for benefits. Organizing and activism are very relevant to me right now, so I really appreciated seeing them given so much focus in a fantasy novel. However, as another reviewer commented, the story puts too much emphasis on individuals (heroes and villains) and not enough on groups of people and systems. (Like, how did Doran think that a riot was somehow going to lead to a revolution without anyone else's help? An uprising is not something that typically just happens spontaneously. It takes many people working together to lay the groundwork and, often, to lead the charge.) I think the book does have some interesting things to say about fractures within movements, especially regarding tactics, but... well, no wonder Doran is having so little success - he's terrible at working with his co-leaders, and even worse at working with the community. Now, the hero-centric thing is fairly typical for fantasy, but I found it disappointing given the focus in the story on labor and resistance.
I thought the setting was very cool, especially with the use of color in the cave. The author did a pretty good job of weaving the history of this unusual settlement into the story. I also appreciated the lack of judgement around gender and sexuality that was evident throughout. Though the information about other societies in this world was limited, there was enough to be intriguing.
The romance was pretty sparse (which was actually totally okay with me), and Nathaniel remained pretty mysterious for much of the book. There were some other interesting, complicated relationships, but I sometimes found the other secondary characters (especially those in the mines and the Black Lung Gang) to be hard to tell apart. I will agree with other reviewers in wishing to hear some of the story from Grace's perspective, although I do understand why that wasn't done in this book - maybe in book 2?
The ending seemed a bit too tidy for me. Several pieces of it felt very predictable, and some of the transitions were a bit too easy. But this is only the first book, so again - maybe things will be more complicated in book 2?
aligroen's review
4.0
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Oh man, I am having a hard time figuring out how I feel about this story. This was a great world that the author built and reminds me of the districts in the Hunger Games but all right together than far apart.
The story’s focus was the turmoil within Iole City much more than any romance. Doran is barely keeping everyone afloat and grateful for Nathaniel’s care and healing in his time of need. While Doran continues to fight and get help from Nathaniel neither know they have another connection to each other and when it’s revealed puts them at odds with each other.
The main problem with Iole City was figured out but there is a lot more to be done and Doran and Nathaniel are still around. I looking forward to reading more stories in this series.
Oh man, I am having a hard time figuring out how I feel about this story. This was a great world that the author built and reminds me of the districts in the Hunger Games but all right together than far apart.
The story’s focus was the turmoil within Iole City much more than any romance. Doran is barely keeping everyone afloat and grateful for Nathaniel’s care and healing in his time of need. While Doran continues to fight and get help from Nathaniel neither know they have another connection to each other and when it’s revealed puts them at odds with each other.
The main problem with Iole City was figured out but there is a lot more to be done and Doran and Nathaniel are still around. I looking forward to reading more stories in this series.
thetamehistorian's review against another edition
4.0
Highly recommended!
Engaging plot, diverse and interesting characters (whom I fell in love with far, far too quickly), fascinating setting - already looking forward to the next one.
I love the mystery in this book as well, the slow unravelling of backstories and motives, the twists and turns are delightful.
Read in two sittings because I had to go to work in the middle.
Engaging plot, diverse and interesting characters (whom I fell in love with far, far too quickly), fascinating setting - already looking forward to the next one.
I love the mystery in this book as well, the slow unravelling of backstories and motives, the twists and turns are delightful.
Read in two sittings because I had to go to work in the middle.
deehaichess's review
3.0
This was a quick easy read. The writing started off a little pedestrian but quickly improved. While the world building is more bare than I'm used to, there was some interesting detail that I think is quite unique and that warrants greater depth. What really carried the story was the characters. They were less the kinds of characters you grow with and more the kinds that you can appreciate their struggles and they were believable enough that their emotions and choices in the circumstance were logical.
The occasional usage of familiar words in this wholly made up setting threw me a little but was forgivable since it was occasional. The author made up so many other words, some of which clearly were meant to evoke the sources they were based on, that she shouldn't have been afraid to make up colloquialisms either. In fact, if I had one criticism that would be it - the dialogue seemed at times a little contemporary and didn't match the setting.
But that's a minor gripe. I liked this story and am keen to read the next book.
The occasional usage of familiar words in this wholly made up setting threw me a little but was forgivable since it was occasional. The author made up so many other words, some of which clearly were meant to evoke the sources they were based on, that she shouldn't have been afraid to make up colloquialisms either. In fact, if I had one criticism that would be it - the dialogue seemed at times a little contemporary and didn't match the setting.
But that's a minor gripe. I liked this story and am keen to read the next book.
robotcorsair's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
It's been a long time since a book got me hooked so quickly and so completely. I read this in less than 24 hours, I just could not put it down. I love good worldbuilding, so this drew me in from the start: the setting is a city carved into rock behind a waterfall, where coal miners are striking for their rights, and Doran, the main character, is trying to start a revolution (I loved him from the start, but I do have a thing for doomed revolutionaries). Doran meets and befriends Nathaniel Morgenstern, a healer with a mysterious past, whom he can't help but be attracted to. The plot is interesting, following Doran's ever more desperate attempts to improve conditions for the miners against the powerful ruler of the city, trying to balance the disapproval from his fellow miners, his deteriorating relationship with his estranged daughter, and his blooming friendship with Nathaniel.
Definitely worth a read (and a reread), I can't wait for the sequel!!
Definitely worth a read (and a reread), I can't wait for the sequel!!
xiaxia's review
4.0
Good luck at the coalface
The story follows Doran Ó Seanáin, the leader of the Black Lung Gang, an underground group (literally, they're miners) fighting for the rights of the miners in Iole. The book starts with Doran staging a riot where he is stabbed. He runs for his life and ends at the door of an apothecary owned by Nathaniel Morgenstern, a stranger who patches him up and saves his life, without asking anything in return.
Nathaniel and Doran will end up attracted to each other, but a dark secret in Nathaniel’s past will throw a wrench in their relationship. Don’t expect steamy sex or hot kisses because there will be none. The romance is a subplot of the story and in the first book it's just in its budding phase.
The main story is about the fight Doran and his gang lead against Archon Bryson Carlyon, the big fish in Iole who owns the mines. The miners’ demands are simple, standard rights: more ventilation shafts in the mines, better wages, repairs to the mines ridden with sinkholes and collapsing tunnels. The Archon turns a deaf ear to the demans.
Through the book, Doran and the Archon will play cat and mouse which will culminate with Doran threatening him he will blow up the mines if the demands are not met by Samhain.
In this cat and mouse play, one thing was getting on my nerves. This announcement, which appeared 7 times in the book. By the end, I was able to recite it by heart.
“As a reminder to all citizens, it is a crime to aid and abet a fugitive. If you are harbouring the terrorist Doran Ó Seanáin or any other members of the Black Lung Gang, you will be arrested and charged as disrupters of the peace and accessories to crimes against Iole City. The reward for surrendering Doran Ó Seanáin to authorities is 10,000 gold coins. “However, Archon Bryson extends an offer of truce and mercy to Doran Ó Seanáin. Turn yourself over to the authorities, end the strike, and release the citizens held hostage by your gang in Diamond District, and Archon Bryson promises that you will face a fair trial. “This has been an emergency broadcast. Archon Bryson wishes the citizens of Iole City serenity and prosperity.”
This was an interesting world. We understand there is some magic as we are told there are Druids, and secret assassin guilds, so I hope we will get more of them in the next book.
All in all the plot was a little predictable, but the book was entertaining to read.
Writing: The writing was good, although I did have some issues with the info dumps (mostly done via dialogue) from the first 50 pages. But if I wanted to read an infodump I’d rather read it in a dialogue than in a monologue or during the narration. 4 stars.
Characters: I liked the female characters the most. All of them from Lien, to Rhian, to Grace, even to Gertrude Harrington were strong women who didn’t take any bullshit from no one. I liked the boys too. Each of them had distinct qualities, had their own voices and none of them were stereotypical. 5 stars.
Plot: Character driven plot with one or two plot holes here and there. 3 stars
Entertainment: This was a nice, easy book to read during the weekend. 3 stars.I didn't get my BOOM.
That would take my average rating to 3.8 stars.
I received this free copy from the author in return for an honest review via the M/M Romance Group DBML program
The story follows Doran Ó Seanáin, the leader of the Black Lung Gang, an underground group (literally, they're miners) fighting for the rights of the miners in Iole. The book starts with Doran staging a riot where he is stabbed. He runs for his life and ends at the door of an apothecary owned by Nathaniel Morgenstern, a stranger who patches him up and saves his life, without asking anything in return.
Nathaniel and Doran will end up attracted to each other, but a dark secret in Nathaniel’s past will throw a wrench in their relationship. Don’t expect steamy sex or hot kisses because there will be none. The romance is a subplot of the story and in the first book it's just in its budding phase.
The main story is about the fight Doran and his gang lead against Archon Bryson Carlyon, the big fish in Iole who owns the mines. The miners’ demands are simple, standard rights: more ventilation shafts in the mines, better wages, repairs to the mines ridden with sinkholes and collapsing tunnels. The Archon turns a deaf ear to the demans.
Through the book, Doran and the Archon will play cat and mouse which will culminate with Doran threatening him he will blow up the mines if the demands are not met by Samhain.
In this cat and mouse play, one thing was getting on my nerves. This announcement, which appeared 7 times in the book. By the end, I was able to recite it by heart.
“As a reminder to all citizens, it is a crime to aid and abet a fugitive. If you are harbouring the terrorist Doran Ó Seanáin or any other members of the Black Lung Gang, you will be arrested and charged as disrupters of the peace and accessories to crimes against Iole City. The reward for surrendering Doran Ó Seanáin to authorities is 10,000 gold coins. “However, Archon Bryson extends an offer of truce and mercy to Doran Ó Seanáin. Turn yourself over to the authorities, end the strike, and release the citizens held hostage by your gang in Diamond District, and Archon Bryson promises that you will face a fair trial. “This has been an emergency broadcast. Archon Bryson wishes the citizens of Iole City serenity and prosperity.”
This was an interesting world. We understand there is some magic as we are told there are Druids, and secret assassin guilds, so I hope we will get more of them in the next book.
All in all the plot was a little predictable, but the book was entertaining to read.
Writing: The writing was good, although I did have some issues with the info dumps (mostly done via dialogue) from the first 50 pages. But if I wanted to read an infodump I’d rather read it in a dialogue than in a monologue or during the narration. 4 stars.
Characters: I liked the female characters the most. All of them from Lien, to Rhian, to Grace, even to Gertrude Harrington were strong women who didn’t take any bullshit from no one. I liked the boys too. Each of them had distinct qualities, had their own voices and none of them were stereotypical. 5 stars.
Plot: Character driven plot with one or two plot holes here and there. 3 stars
Entertainment: This was a nice, easy book to read during the weekend. 3 stars.
That would take my average rating to 3.8 stars.
I received this free copy from the author in return for an honest review via the M/M Romance Group DBML program