A review by robotcorsair
Heart of Dust by H.L. Moore

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!!