A Harvest of Hearts
"A Harvest of Hearts" by Andrea Eames is a captivating fantasy novel that blends whimsy, adventure, and a touch of darkness into a story that feels both timeless and fresh. Published on March 4, 2025, this book has been likened to classics like Howl’s Moving Castle and The House in the Cerulean Sea, yet it carves its own path with a unique magical premise and a grounded, relatable heroine.
The story centers on Foss Butcher, a plainspoken, practical young woman from a small village where magic-workers periodically arrive to harvest pieces of human hearts to fuel their spells. This grim tradition is accepted as a fact of life in her kingdom, but Foss—self-described as clumsy and unremarkable—never imagines she’d be a target. That changes when Sylvester, a petulant and inexperienced sorcerer, accidentally snags a piece of her heart, binding her to him in a way that’s both physically painful and emotionally complex. Determined to reclaim what’s hers, Foss sets off for the grand City, stomping her way to Sylvester’s enchanted, sentient House to demand he fix her before the consequences of a “Snagged” heart take their toll.
What unfolds is a journey of self-discovery, unexpected alliances, and a slow unraveling of the kingdom’s dark secrets. Foss is joined by Cornelius, a sharp-witted talking cat who quickly becomes a fan favorite, and she navigates the moody, ever-shifting House while grappling with Sylvester’s sulky ineptitude. Though marketed as a cozy fantasy, the novel doesn’t shy away from grisly undertones—particularly in its exploration of the heart-harvesting magic system, which serves as a haunting metaphor for exploitation and loss of autonomy. As Foss digs deeper, she uncovers layers of intrigue about the magic-workers and their true impact on the kingdom, transforming her personal quest into something far grander.
Eames’ prose is straightforward yet evocative, mirroring Foss’s no-nonsense personality while painting a vivid, atmospheric world. Foss herself is a standout: refreshingly human, flawed, and stubborn, with a dry humor that cuts through the story’s more fantastical elements. Her dynamic with Sylvester hints at romance but never fully commits, leaving their connection ambiguous—more a partnership born of necessity than a classic love story. Cornelius, meanwhile, steals every scene he’s in, his banter providing levity amid the heavier themes.
The novel’s strengths lie in its character-driven narrative and inventive magic, though it’s not without flaws. Some readers might find the pacing uneven, with a slow build that accelerates abruptly in the final act. The romantic subplot, while emotionally charged, feels underdeveloped, and certain plot threads—like the political intrigue—could have been fleshed out more. Still, these hiccups don’t overshadow the book’s charm or its emotional resonance.
"A Harvest of Hearts" is a tale about courage, identity, and the messy power of connection, wrapped in a magical package that’s equal parts enchanting and unsettling. It’s a strong debut in the fantasy genre for Eames, who brings her experience from previous works like The Cry of the Go-Away Bird to craft a story that lingers. Perfect for readers who enjoy character-focused fantasies with a dash of whimsy and a hint of shadow, this book promises more to come from a talented new voice.
You can buy A Harvest of Hearts by Andrea Eames with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/42bk1sG
The story centers on Foss Butcher, a plainspoken, practical young woman from a small village where magic-workers periodically arrive to harvest pieces of human hearts to fuel their spells. This grim tradition is accepted as a fact of life in her kingdom, but Foss—self-described as clumsy and unremarkable—never imagines she’d be a target. That changes when Sylvester, a petulant and inexperienced sorcerer, accidentally snags a piece of her heart, binding her to him in a way that’s both physically painful and emotionally complex. Determined to reclaim what’s hers, Foss sets off for the grand City, stomping her way to Sylvester’s enchanted, sentient House to demand he fix her before the consequences of a “Snagged” heart take their toll.
What unfolds is a journey of self-discovery, unexpected alliances, and a slow unraveling of the kingdom’s dark secrets. Foss is joined by Cornelius, a sharp-witted talking cat who quickly becomes a fan favorite, and she navigates the moody, ever-shifting House while grappling with Sylvester’s sulky ineptitude. Though marketed as a cozy fantasy, the novel doesn’t shy away from grisly undertones—particularly in its exploration of the heart-harvesting magic system, which serves as a haunting metaphor for exploitation and loss of autonomy. As Foss digs deeper, she uncovers layers of intrigue about the magic-workers and their true impact on the kingdom, transforming her personal quest into something far grander.
Eames’ prose is straightforward yet evocative, mirroring Foss’s no-nonsense personality while painting a vivid, atmospheric world. Foss herself is a standout: refreshingly human, flawed, and stubborn, with a dry humor that cuts through the story’s more fantastical elements. Her dynamic with Sylvester hints at romance but never fully commits, leaving their connection ambiguous—more a partnership born of necessity than a classic love story. Cornelius, meanwhile, steals every scene he’s in, his banter providing levity amid the heavier themes.
The novel’s strengths lie in its character-driven narrative and inventive magic, though it’s not without flaws. Some readers might find the pacing uneven, with a slow build that accelerates abruptly in the final act. The romantic subplot, while emotionally charged, feels underdeveloped, and certain plot threads—like the political intrigue—could have been fleshed out more. Still, these hiccups don’t overshadow the book’s charm or its emotional resonance.
"A Harvest of Hearts" is a tale about courage, identity, and the messy power of connection, wrapped in a magical package that’s equal parts enchanting and unsettling. It’s a strong debut in the fantasy genre for Eames, who brings her experience from previous works like The Cry of the Go-Away Bird to craft a story that lingers. Perfect for readers who enjoy character-focused fantasies with a dash of whimsy and a hint of shadow, this book promises more to come from a talented new voice.
You can buy A Harvest of Hearts by Andrea Eames with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/42bk1sG
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