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sarietales's review against another edition
5.0
I need a few hours, maybe a day, to recover from this. This was an absolutely phenomenal, magical, enchanting novel. I am stunned. I've recovered enough to write a review.
"I would rather you say what you think freely, without restricting your true thoughts and feelings. Most people have that quality as children, only for the world to rush in and suffocate it out of them."
My love for beasts began at a young age. I can count my childhood (before six years of age and imaginary) boyfriends on two fingers, one a charming skeleton attempting to steal Christmas, the other - a beast (quite literally). Like any healthy adult who grew up being told they were too old for fairytales, I've waited and wished for a Beauty and The Beast rendition that would repair the damage and fill a void in my heart. Well, let me introduce you to the author who finally accomplished what others could not. Cia Petrichor.
Filled with death, chaos, sex, mythical creatures and magic, Heart Sworn is one hell of dark fantasy novel. Cia has truly written what could only be described as a sensational start to a series. Fear not, dear friends, you are not left with an incomplete, horrific cliff hanger - this installment tells the story of Luciana and Dorran from start to (not quite) finish, but finished enough so that you can rest easy until the next adventure.
Let's talk about Cia Petrichor's writing for a second. I'm not sure I have enough words to describe how engrossing and riveting her writing style is. Captivating and magic - no, enchanting - captivating and enchanting are the correct words. A force. An actual force that pumps life into my blood and had me weak, engrossed, inflamed, aching, riveted, and undone. Lush world building, suspenseful and tense. It's not often a book makes me cry, makes me writhe with gut churning sadness or creates a need to vomit from the unjustified... stop. There's no spoilers here.
The plot, the plot, the plot. I was interested from the first three chapters, no lie. However, the plot actually thickens the further you go. When I told Cia I was at page 200 and obsessed, she said "well buckle in because it's gonna be a bumpy ride." I heeded her warning, or so I thought? There is no preparing anyone for that ride! Bumpy? No. Mountainous potholes that throw you from the carriage is a better warning. It...just...kept...coming. I thought I could recover for a moment but Heart Sworn does not even give you two minutes to breathe - it just throws you from the carriage, drags you along, runs you over, carries you along again, and runs you over again, and again.
I felt the heart break. I felt the betrayal. I felt the continued curiosity, the confusion, the unknown that just pulled me under and drowned me in sorrow. The history of the characters is rich and thick - and I mean, thick. Just think, wading through the brambles and finding a flower, just to get stabbed with ten thorns and strung up in all the vines - thick. Cia executes and sows their discord and dark history throughout the story and engages the reader without giving it all away upfront. I'm not just talking about the main characters either. We've got a whole slew of side characters to unravel and reveal, and I...am... a mess. Papa. Theo. Roarke. Shadow. The Dam. Duvessa. Theiry. Oh for the love of character development and execution, Cia nailed it every single time.
The suspense crushed me, took my breath away. There are so many elements to Cia's writing, her execution is flawless.
The love between Beast and Beauty, Dorran and Luciania - the heat, the lust, the lack of control - the chemistry. Oh dear, my heart. I love every aspect of their story. THIS IS IT! This is the Beauty and the Beast I need forever, so much so, I ordered the hardcover immediately so I can reread this much like I rewatch Beauty and the Beast every time my sorrowful heart gets the better of me.
Cia, thank you for this beautiful and enchanting tale.
"I would rather you say what you think freely, without restricting your true thoughts and feelings. Most people have that quality as children, only for the world to rush in and suffocate it out of them."
My love for beasts began at a young age. I can count my childhood (before six years of age and imaginary) boyfriends on two fingers, one a charming skeleton attempting to steal Christmas, the other - a beast (quite literally). Like any healthy adult who grew up being told they were too old for fairytales, I've waited and wished for a Beauty and The Beast rendition that would repair the damage and fill a void in my heart. Well, let me introduce you to the author who finally accomplished what others could not. Cia Petrichor.
Filled with death, chaos, sex, mythical creatures and magic, Heart Sworn is one hell of dark fantasy novel. Cia has truly written what could only be described as a sensational start to a series. Fear not, dear friends, you are not left with an incomplete, horrific cliff hanger - this installment tells the story of Luciana and Dorran from start to (not quite) finish, but finished enough so that you can rest easy until the next adventure.
Let's talk about Cia Petrichor's writing for a second. I'm not sure I have enough words to describe how engrossing and riveting her writing style is. Captivating and magic - no, enchanting - captivating and enchanting are the correct words. A force. An actual force that pumps life into my blood and had me weak, engrossed, inflamed, aching, riveted, and undone. Lush world building, suspenseful and tense. It's not often a book makes me cry, makes me writhe with gut churning sadness or creates a need to vomit from the unjustified... stop. There's no spoilers here.
The plot, the plot, the plot. I was interested from the first three chapters, no lie. However, the plot actually thickens the further you go. When I told Cia I was at page 200 and obsessed, she said "well buckle in because it's gonna be a bumpy ride." I heeded her warning, or so I thought? There is no preparing anyone for that ride! Bumpy? No. Mountainous potholes that throw you from the carriage is a better warning. It...just...kept...coming. I thought I could recover for a moment but Heart Sworn does not even give you two minutes to breathe - it just throws you from the carriage, drags you along, runs you over, carries you along again, and runs you over again, and again.
I felt the heart break. I felt the betrayal. I felt the continued curiosity, the confusion, the unknown that just pulled me under and drowned me in sorrow. The history of the characters is rich and thick - and I mean, thick. Just think, wading through the brambles and finding a flower, just to get stabbed with ten thorns and strung up in all the vines - thick. Cia executes and sows their discord and dark history throughout the story and engages the reader without giving it all away upfront. I'm not just talking about the main characters either. We've got a whole slew of side characters to unravel and reveal, and I...am... a mess. Papa. Theo. Roarke. Shadow. The Dam. Duvessa. Theiry. Oh for the love of character development and execution, Cia nailed it every single time.
The suspense crushed me, took my breath away. There are so many elements to Cia's writing, her execution is flawless.
The love between Beast and Beauty, Dorran and Luciania - the heat, the lust, the lack of control - the chemistry. Oh dear, my heart. I love every aspect of their story. THIS IS IT! This is the Beauty and the Beast I need forever, so much so, I ordered the hardcover immediately so I can reread this much like I rewatch Beauty and the Beast every time my sorrowful heart gets the better of me.
Cia, thank you for this beautiful and enchanting tale.
booksaremysirensong23's review against another edition
5.0
This ARC….
I mean okay. It’s a beauty and the beast retelling. So many of those out there, I know. But this one? It really is different.
I wanted to cry. I wanted to rage. I rooted for those two to get the happily ever after they worked so freaking hard for.
The secrets. The sacrifices. The trauma. The devotion. It was everything and more I could ask for to give a new spin on a classic tale.
I mean okay. It’s a beauty and the beast retelling. So many of those out there, I know. But this one? It really is different.
I wanted to cry. I wanted to rage. I rooted for those two to get the happily ever after they worked so freaking hard for.
The secrets. The sacrifices. The trauma. The devotion. It was everything and more I could ask for to give a new spin on a classic tale.
darkandsmutty's review against another edition
4.0
Heart Sworn is an alluring re-telling of Beauty and The Beast. Cia created a story that constantly kept you guessing. I absolutely loved the banter and humor.
born_to_be_chey's review against another edition
5.0
Heart Sworn by Cia Petrichor
There is a heart inside of every beast, craving to be loved…
This book is for you if you enjoy:
- Monster Romance
- Plus Sized/Curvy FMC
- Curses + magic
- Beauty and the Beast (but darker)
- SPICE
- Claiming + mating
- Blurred lines between Good + Evil
The lovely Luciana, our caring firecracker FMC is everything you want and more. Her strength and bravery are only rivaled by her kindness and compassion toward those she loves. Her story and relatability are unmatched and will have you holding your heart by the end. So you best watch out, she’s got gorgeous curves and a sharp tongue, you’ll fall for her no question!
Enter deliciously dark Dorran. Tormented and as morally grey as they come, this Beast will effortlessly steal your heart. A tale as old as time, familiar, but not exactly how you expect. Dorran will surprise and tempt you, so remember, as you fall for him don’t forget to hold on tight *to his horns*.
Okay loves! If you’re sold, sprint off into Hellhind Wood and find yourself a beast, if not, please keep reading!
This book is NOT for you if you don’t enjoy monster + dark romance, spice, complex relationships, human/beast romping in the sheets (or beneath the boughs as it were), or reading trigger warnings.
**As with all dark romance, please read ALL trigger warnings. Know yourself and your boundaries. If ever you are triggered, please seek out connection and care from those around you, you aren’t alone.
There is a heart inside of every beast, craving to be loved…
This book is for you if you enjoy:
- Monster Romance
- Plus Sized/Curvy FMC
- Curses + magic
- Beauty and the Beast (but darker)
- SPICE
- Claiming + mating
- Blurred lines between Good + Evil
The lovely Luciana, our caring firecracker FMC is everything you want and more. Her strength and bravery are only rivaled by her kindness and compassion toward those she loves. Her story and relatability are unmatched and will have you holding your heart by the end. So you best watch out, she’s got gorgeous curves and a sharp tongue, you’ll fall for her no question!
Enter deliciously dark Dorran. Tormented and as morally grey as they come, this Beast will effortlessly steal your heart. A tale as old as time, familiar, but not exactly how you expect. Dorran will surprise and tempt you, so remember, as you fall for him don’t forget to hold on tight *to his horns*.
Okay loves! If you’re sold, sprint off into Hellhind Wood and find yourself a beast, if not, please keep reading!
This book is NOT for you if you don’t enjoy monster + dark romance, spice, complex relationships, human/beast romping in the sheets (or beneath the boughs as it were), or reading trigger warnings.
**As with all dark romance, please read ALL trigger warnings. Know yourself and your boundaries. If ever you are triggered, please seek out connection and care from those around you, you aren’t alone.
xkaylynelizabeth's review
Dnf @ 149 pages. I may come back another time. I’m just not in the mood for insta love/lust.
michelle_inktonovel's review
5.0
Although this was a Beauty and the Beast retelling of sorts, the world and the story that the author created was so much more than the original story we know and love. It was my first monster romance and quickly became one of my favorite retellings so far.
It took me about 1/3 of the book to really get into it, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down and was constantly wondering if Lu was ok with everything she was going through. I admittedly didn’t highlight or annotate much in this story, and it’s largely due to how connected I felt to the story and Lu’s journey.
** read the freaking trigger warnings! They are there for a reason! Loss of a parent plays a significant role in this novel and the character's actions**
Lu's father was the mayor of their quaint town, and came down with an illness without a cure. Theo was the handsome, reliable, golden boy that the whole town knew and loved. And then there was Luciana. An outcast of sorts in her small town. Whispers and rumors followed her seemingly everywhere she went. But after her mom left, everything Lu did was out of love. Her only goals were to protect her little brother Theo, and take care of him and their father in the only ways she knew how, at whatever cost.
Some moments did feel a bit predictable, but not enough to affect my overall love for the story. There were definitely unexpected plot twists that I did not see coming and the spice was top notch.
Heart Sworn was hands down one of my favorite reads of 2022. Cia, you did an outstanding job with this one, and I can't wait to find out what happens to Luciana and Dorran in Hellhind Woods next!
✔️A Beauty & The Beast retelling
✔️Monster romance
✔️Touch her and you die
✔️A curvy FMC
✔️LGBTQ+ representation
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆/5
It took me about 1/3 of the book to really get into it, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down and was constantly wondering if Lu was ok with everything she was going through. I admittedly didn’t highlight or annotate much in this story, and it’s largely due to how connected I felt to the story and Lu’s journey.
** read the freaking trigger warnings! They are there for a reason! Loss of a parent plays a significant role in this novel and the character's actions**
Lu's father was the mayor of their quaint town, and came down with an illness without a cure. Theo was the handsome, reliable, golden boy that the whole town knew and loved. And then there was Luciana. An outcast of sorts in her small town. Whispers and rumors followed her seemingly everywhere she went. But after her mom left, everything Lu did was out of love. Her only goals were to protect her little brother Theo, and take care of him and their father in the only ways she knew how, at whatever cost.
Some moments did feel a bit predictable, but not enough to affect my overall love for the story. There were definitely unexpected plot twists that I did not see coming and the spice was top notch.
Heart Sworn was hands down one of my favorite reads of 2022. Cia, you did an outstanding job with this one, and I can't wait to find out what happens to Luciana and Dorran in Hellhind Woods next!
✔️A Beauty & The Beast retelling
✔️Monster romance
✔️Touch her and you die
✔️A curvy FMC
✔️LGBTQ+ representation
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆/5
sarietales's review
5.0
I need a few hours, maybe a day, to recover from this. This was an absolutely phenomenal, magical, enchanting novel. I am stunned. I've recovered enough to write a review.
"I would rather you say what you think freely, without restricting your true thoughts and feelings. Most people have that quality as children, only for the world to rush in and suffocate it out of them."
My love for beasts began at a young age. I can count my childhood (before six years of age and imaginary) boyfriends on two fingers, one a charming skeleton attempting to steal Christmas, the other - a beast (quite literally). Like any healthy adult who grew up being told they were too old for fairytales, I've waited and wished for a Beauty and The Beast rendition that would repair the damage and fill a void in my heart. Well, let me introduce you to the author who finally accomplished what others could not. Cia Petrichor.
Filled with death, chaos, sex, mythical creatures and magic, Heart Sworn is one hell of dark fantasy novel. Cia has truly written what could only be described as a sensational start to a series. Fear not, dear friends, you are not left with an incomplete, horrific cliff hanger - this installment tells the story of Luciana and Dorran from start to (not quite) finish, but finished enough so that you can rest easy until the next adventure.
Let's talk about Cia Petrichor's writing for a second. I'm not sure I have enough words to describe how engrossing and riveting her writing style is. Captivating and magic - no, enchanting - captivating and enchanting are the correct words. A force. An actual force that pumps life into my blood and had me weak, engrossed, inflamed, aching, riveted, and undone. Lush world building, suspenseful and tense. It's not often a book makes me cry, makes me writhe with gut churning sadness or creates a need to vomit from the unjustified... stop. There's no spoilers here.
The plot, the plot, the plot. I was interested from the first three chapters, no lie. However, the plot actually thickens the further you go. When I told Cia I was at page 200 and obsessed, she said "well buckle in because it's gonna be a bumpy ride." I heeded her warning, or so I thought? There is no preparing anyone for that ride! Bumpy? No. Mountainous potholes that throw you from the carriage is a better warning. It...just...kept...coming. I thought I could recover for a moment but Heart Sworn does not even give you two minutes to breathe - it just throws you from the carriage, drags you along, runs you over, carries you along again, and runs you over again, and again.
I felt the heart break. I felt the betrayal. I felt the continued curiosity, the confusion, the unknown that just pulled me under and drowned me in sorrow. The history of the characters is rich and thick - and I mean, thick. Just think, wading through the brambles and finding a flower, just to get stabbed with ten thorns and strung up in all the vines - thick. Cia executes and sows their discord and dark history throughout the story and engages the reader without giving it all away upfront. I'm not just talking about the main characters either. We've got a whole slew of side characters to unravel and reveal, and I...am... a mess. Papa. Theo. Roarke. Shadow. The Dam. Duvessa. Theiry. Oh for the love of character development and execution, Cia nailed it every single time.
The suspense crushed me, took my breath away. There are so many elements to Cia's writing, her execution is flawless.
The love between Beast and Beauty, Dorran and Luciania - the heat, the lust, the lack of control - the chemistry. Oh dear, my heart. I love every aspect of their story. THIS IS IT! This is the Beauty and the Beast I need forever, so much so, I ordered the hardcover immediately so I can reread this much like I rewatch Beauty and the Beast every time my sorrowful heart gets the better of me.
Cia, thank you for this beautiful and enchanting tale.
"I would rather you say what you think freely, without restricting your true thoughts and feelings. Most people have that quality as children, only for the world to rush in and suffocate it out of them."
My love for beasts began at a young age. I can count my childhood (before six years of age and imaginary) boyfriends on two fingers, one a charming skeleton attempting to steal Christmas, the other - a beast (quite literally). Like any healthy adult who grew up being told they were too old for fairytales, I've waited and wished for a Beauty and The Beast rendition that would repair the damage and fill a void in my heart. Well, let me introduce you to the author who finally accomplished what others could not. Cia Petrichor.
Filled with death, chaos, sex, mythical creatures and magic, Heart Sworn is one hell of dark fantasy novel. Cia has truly written what could only be described as a sensational start to a series. Fear not, dear friends, you are not left with an incomplete, horrific cliff hanger - this installment tells the story of Luciana and Dorran from start to (not quite) finish, but finished enough so that you can rest easy until the next adventure.
Let's talk about Cia Petrichor's writing for a second. I'm not sure I have enough words to describe how engrossing and riveting her writing style is. Captivating and magic - no, enchanting - captivating and enchanting are the correct words. A force. An actual force that pumps life into my blood and had me weak, engrossed, inflamed, aching, riveted, and undone. Lush world building, suspenseful and tense. It's not often a book makes me cry, makes me writhe with gut churning sadness or creates a need to vomit from the unjustified... stop. There's no spoilers here.
The plot, the plot, the plot. I was interested from the first three chapters, no lie. However, the plot actually thickens the further you go. When I told Cia I was at page 200 and obsessed, she said "well buckle in because it's gonna be a bumpy ride." I heeded her warning, or so I thought? There is no preparing anyone for that ride! Bumpy? No. Mountainous potholes that throw you from the carriage is a better warning. It...just...kept...coming. I thought I could recover for a moment but Heart Sworn does not even give you two minutes to breathe - it just throws you from the carriage, drags you along, runs you over, carries you along again, and runs you over again, and again.
I felt the heart break. I felt the betrayal. I felt the continued curiosity, the confusion, the unknown that just pulled me under and drowned me in sorrow. The history of the characters is rich and thick - and I mean, thick. Just think, wading through the brambles and finding a flower, just to get stabbed with ten thorns and strung up in all the vines - thick. Cia executes and sows their discord and dark history throughout the story and engages the reader without giving it all away upfront. I'm not just talking about the main characters either. We've got a whole slew of side characters to unravel and reveal, and I...am... a mess. Papa. Theo. Roarke. Shadow. The Dam. Duvessa. Theiry. Oh for the love of character development and execution, Cia nailed it every single time.
The suspense crushed me, took my breath away. There are so many elements to Cia's writing, her execution is flawless.
The love between Beast and Beauty, Dorran and Luciania - the heat, the lust, the lack of control - the chemistry. Oh dear, my heart. I love every aspect of their story. THIS IS IT! This is the Beauty and the Beast I need forever, so much so, I ordered the hardcover immediately so I can reread this much like I rewatch Beauty and the Beast every time my sorrowful heart gets the better of me.
Cia, thank you for this beautiful and enchanting tale.
irrevocablyareader's review
5.0
THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING! I was lucky to get an ARC of this book but I honestly preordered it as well because I was gonna get this book no matter what. And when the paperback comes out I’m buying it and when they hardcover comes out I’m buying that too, and every book that follows this one, it was that good. The story was fantastic, while yes it is a “beauty and the beast retelling” it is so much more than that! The story is it’s own and the characters are so much more relatable than any I’ve read! The FMC was unlike any I’ve read, I connected to her on such a personal level it was therapeutic. The emotions this book brought out of me were cathartic. I loved so many things about this book; the plot and plot twist, the characters and the inclusion, themes like “soul mates” “touch her you die” “in this lifetime and all lifetimes”, the mental health and trauma representation that felt accurate to my own, and the spice!! The spice is so hot! If you love a spicy adult beauty and the beast like story than you will be doing yourself a huge favor reading this book. I will be recommending this book to everyone forever!
thelilplum's review
5.0
Heart Sworn by Cia Petrichor
The first monster book i’ve actually picked up, read, finished AND ENJOYED! Cia Petrichor writes the beautiful novel of Luciana, a human, and Dorran, a cursed beast, and their race against the clock as a mysterious illness has been ravishing its way throughout the kingdom Luciana lives in. When the clock finally starts ticking against her own Father, Luciana’s world is turned upside down as she discovers the truth behind what has been happening, most importantly who has been involved, and how everything is not how it once seemed.
Cia writes this book perfectly, and as a privilege Beta for her, the development of the book and the story of love between beauty and her beast is one I completely fell in love with. The suspense, whilst not one I usually go for, made me open my eyes and left me unable to put this book down. The twists and turns are painful, having developed such strong feelings for particular characters, that you live these moments alongside our main characters.
Cia has an amazing way of writing this book, the world building and development of characters is second to none. A truly well written book and I can’t wait to see what else she writes.
The first monster book i’ve actually picked up, read, finished AND ENJOYED! Cia Petrichor writes the beautiful novel of Luciana, a human, and Dorran, a cursed beast, and their race against the clock as a mysterious illness has been ravishing its way throughout the kingdom Luciana lives in. When the clock finally starts ticking against her own Father, Luciana’s world is turned upside down as she discovers the truth behind what has been happening, most importantly who has been involved, and how everything is not how it once seemed.
Cia writes this book perfectly, and as a privilege Beta for her, the development of the book and the story of love between beauty and her beast is one I completely fell in love with. The suspense, whilst not one I usually go for, made me open my eyes and left me unable to put this book down. The twists and turns are painful, having developed such strong feelings for particular characters, that you live these moments alongside our main characters.
Cia has an amazing way of writing this book, the world building and development of characters is second to none. A truly well written book and I can’t wait to see what else she writes.
eugeniareads's review
5.0
This book hit all my needs. I love monster romance stories and this one had me hooked. It has that beauty and the beast elements to it that pull me in every time but this had the spice. It definitely delivers on the spice and if you are like me you don’t have to wait long for it. The spice does not over take the story.
I loved the relationship between Luciana and Dorran. The way they grow together and find themselves. I love Luciana’s freedom she doesn’t care and does what she wants.
This one will definitely have you guessing what is coming next. You may think you have it all figured out but then you are hit with a twist.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone that loves beauty and the beast and wants the spice. If you are into monster romance or forbidden love this one is for you.
I was given the opportunity to ARC read for an honest review.
I loved the relationship between Luciana and Dorran. The way they grow together and find themselves. I love Luciana’s freedom she doesn’t care and does what she wants.
This one will definitely have you guessing what is coming next. You may think you have it all figured out but then you are hit with a twist.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone that loves beauty and the beast and wants the spice. If you are into monster romance or forbidden love this one is for you.
I was given the opportunity to ARC read for an honest review.
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