Review: A Splintered Land (Heartsong)

Deborah Grace White is quite possibly my favorite modern author. She did an amazing job with her enchanting series of fairy tale retellings in The Singer Tales, but I think I like her original fantasy romance stories even better. I was blown away by the magic, romance, and worldbuilding in her amazing mermaid tetralogy, The Vazula Chronicles. Since then she's done an excellent job of writing even more original romance stories about curious heroines living in controversial worlds. Her contribution to the Sacrificed Hearts series takes place in the same magically enriched world as The Singer Tales as does her newest trilogy, Heartsong. To celebrate the completion of Heartsong, she offered an irresistible promotion to read the first book, A Splintered Land, for free. To her readers' delight, A Splintered Land contains many of the same elements that I loved from her other books.


Marieke (pronounced muh-REE-kuh) is a recent graduate of the Academy of Song, a school that those gifted with singing powers can attend to learn more about their craft. As an accomplished student, she is offered an ambassadorship to travel to a nearby land to help calm political tensions between their leaders and learn more about their singing academy. Before she arrives, she is met with a natural disaster that nearly takes her life. The first person she encounters after the near-fatal experience attempts to do her in again, but she is rescued by Zev, a mysterious farmer with a heart of gold. Zev hopes to part ways with her after this since aiding a singer from enemy territory goes against his personal and familial goals. However, the two are fated to meet time and again, and each time, he is there to save her from an unknown attacker.

Although this book doesn't contain the dazzle factor of dragons and mermaids that populate so many of Debrah Grace White's other fantastical works, it shares the same heart and soul that makes her books enticing. Like Merletta, the feisty mermaid heroine from The Vazula Chronicles, Marieke is a curious student who is hungry for knowledge and innocent of the corruption that surrounds her territory and culture. Zev, like White's many other reluctant love interests, is fiercely protective of her and is willing to give up his personal interests for her safety. Unfortunately, his personal interests are in direct conflict with her safety. With his family's aversion to singers and his deceptively simple upbringing, hints are dropped that he is someone far more important than he lets on. Although Marieke has her suspicions, the book leaves many questions to be answered in the rest of the trilogy.

Deborah Grace White excels at writing clean romance with high stakes, and that's where this book shines. From Marieke and Zev's first encounter, it is undeniable that they belong together. Marieke is innocent and curious, and Zev is worldly and knowledgeable. If it hadn't been for Zev, Marieke's quest to solve the mysteries of their lands would have ended several times over with her death. Unfortunately, Zev alone was unable to save all the singers who became victims to the unknown threat. As only the first book in the Heartsong trilogy, it is heavily implied that their combined forces will be necessary to save countless lives in the future. Their romance is fraught with tension due to Zev's secret, which makes it all the more enticing when the young lovers can push aside their reservations and share tender moments together.

In A Splintered Land, Deborah Grace White weaves a formidable tale of magic, romance, and political intrigue, reminiscent of her previous works. Marieke and Zev's story is a slow-burning flame that builds into a passionate and suspenseful narrative, filled with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. While it may lack the fantastical creatures of her other series, it makes up for it with its rich worldbuilding and complex characters. As the first installment in the Heartsong trilogy, it expertly sets the stage for a thrilling adventure, with a clean romance that will leave you rooting for the star-crossed lovers. If you're a fan of White's previous works or just looking for a new fantasy romance to get lost in, A Splintered Land is a must-read. So, buckle up and join Marieke and Zev on their epic journey, as they navigate the treacherous landscape of their world and discover the true power of their hearts.
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