Heartless

Title: Heartless

Author: Marissa Meyer

First Published: November 8th 2016

Series: Stand Alone

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 449

My Copy: Physical copy 

My Overall Rating: 9/10

Goodreads Summary

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland and a favorite of the unmarried King, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, she wants to open a shop and create delectable pastries. But for her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for a woman who could be a queen.

At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the King’s marriage proposal, she meets handsome and mysterious Jest. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into a secret courtship.

Cath is determined to choose her own destiny. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

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When I saw this book in the bookstore, I wasn't actually planning to buy it. I really wanted to read it - yes - but I was just planning to buy it as a kindle edition and be on with my life, but once I saw this cover in real life? I just had to have it! Haha, who else has this problem?

I love Alice in Wonderland - who doesn't? The problem is that I've never read an actual retelling of the story. Heartless is my first and I absolutely adored it! It's always interesting to read about the backstory of the evil villain to see how they got where they are.

I'll try not to give too much away!

Cath starts off the story as the sweetest person: sassy, kind and passionate. She is the type of person to ignore social status and class to befriend who she wants. Her friendship with Mary Ann was something I found weak, as in it didn't seem like they were actual friends, unlike Cinder and Iko's friendship. How would she go from this to the cruel, ruthless Queen of Hearts? I found myself asking this question nearly every chapter, because I was nearing the end of the book and it still hadn't happened yet.

I had my theories, most of them concerning Jest. Jest, the Court Joker who Cath falls in love with. I thought it was quite cute, but it wouldn't end well at all - especially with her being courted by the King of Hearts! I really wanted Cath to be with Jest, but it wouldn't happen. Once Jest came into the picture, I knew instantly it would be him. *Spoiler alert* Either he would 1. break her heart or 2. die. Either one would work, after so much experience of YA fantasy novels. *spoiler over*

I really liked the world building in Heartless, even though 95% of it was done by Carroll. Marissa Meyer put her own twist into it, which I loved! The new characters, the new places, they were all so captivating to read about! I especially loved the Treacle Well (although that wasn't too important). She also added in Raven, which technically isn't part of the Wonderland verse, but it did make the plot a lot more effective. All these dark characters coming in? Made it so fun to read about! I do like Poe as well :)

Marissa Meyer maintains Carroll's style of writing in the characters and descriptions, and integrates her own ones in. It's quite cool, since there are the original characters and new ones as well! I especially like how she did Raven, since's he's pretty ruthless and mysterious as well. I didn't quite know what to expect from him, since we don't have anything to base him off of. Hatta wasn't how I expected him to be, because he was a lot more evil and cunning than the Tim Burton version. Every time I read his name, Johnny Depp popped into my mind :)

I really love this book, especially since it's 1. Marissa Meyer and 2. It's Alice in Wonderland. I've heard it's a stand alone, which is a shame since I love Cath, but I can't see how she can extend the plot any further. This book is the perfect length. I can't wait to read more of Marissa Meyer's retellings in the future! Which fairytale will be next? :D

My Chosen Quote

“But hoping," he said, "is how the impossible can be possible after all.”