What do you think?
Rate this book
Ruined Hearts #1
Heart of Time
What would you do if you could control time?
In a world where magic is outlawed, Eona has been hiding her true nature all her life, only using it to make her circus performances even more spectacular. She's always known that her ability to manipulate time could make her a target, but she couldn't have prepared for being kidnapped, manipulated and imprisoned.
After weeks in prison, the Royal sorcerer Lassadar offers her a way out by training her. But can she trust the King's right hand man?
In order to figure out what he wants from her, she needs to explore her own magic, the bond she feels with a mythical creature, and the feelings she has for a beautiful elven woman.
This book is the first in the Ruined Heart series, a reverse harem fantasy trilogy. There is no cliffhanger, and it can be read as a stand-alone.
In a world where magic is outlawed, Eona has been hiding her true nature all her life, only using it to make her circus performances even more spectacular. She's always known that her ability to manipulate time could make her a target, but she couldn't have prepared for being kidnapped, manipulated and imprisoned.
After weeks in prison, the Royal sorcerer Lassadar offers her a way out by training her. But can she trust the King's right hand man?
In order to figure out what he wants from her, she needs to explore her own magic, the bond she feels with a mythical creature, and the feelings she has for a beautiful elven woman.
This book is the first in the Ruined Heart series, a reverse harem fantasy trilogy. There is no cliffhanger, and it can be read as a stand-alone.
292 pages, ebook
First published September 25, 2017
51 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Skye MacKinnon
233 books924 followersSkye MacKinnon is a USA Today & International Bestselling Author whose books are filled with strong heroines who don't have to choose.
She embraces her Scottishness with fantastical Scottish settings and a dash of mythology, no matter if she's writing about Celtic gods, cat shifters, or the streets of Edinburgh.
When she's not typing away at her favourite cafe, Skye loves dried mango, as much exotic tea as she can squeeze into her cupboards, and being covered in pet hair by her tiny black cat (who's secretly a demon).
Join her mailing list ➜ http://skyemackinnon.com/newsletter
Join her Facebook group ➜ facebook.com/groups/skyesbookharem
Visit her website ➜ skyemackinnon.com
Follow her on Twitter ➜ twitter.com/skye_mackinnon
Follow her on Instagram➜ instagram.com/skyemackinnonauthor
She embraces her Scottishness with fantastical Scottish settings and a dash of mythology, no matter if she's writing about Celtic gods, cat shifters, or the streets of Edinburgh.
When she's not typing away at her favourite cafe, Skye loves dried mango, as much exotic tea as she can squeeze into her cupboards, and being covered in pet hair by her tiny black cat (who's secretly a demon).
Join her mailing list ➜ http://skyemackinnon.com/newsletter
Join her Facebook group ➜ facebook.com/groups/skyesbookharem
Visit her website ➜ skyemackinnon.com
Follow her on Twitter ➜ twitter.com/skye_mackinnon
Follow her on Instagram➜ instagram.com/skyemackinnonauthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 20, 2018
This book is apparently a Reverse Harem book, and since I'm blissfully ignorant of most things pop-culture, I had to look it up:
reverse harem (plural reverse harems) A group of someone's boyfriends and/or husbands in a polygamous household. A genre of anime and manga in which a woman is the love interest of three or more men.
Well, I looked long and hard, but I fail to see how this is a reverse harem book. Except maybe two guys, no one has any romantic interest in her, and even then, one of them is a complete asshole, so I don't count him.
The fantasy part, then.
A lot of work and thought has gone into the world, but unfortunately, not the characters. The book is told from Eona's point of view, and to be honest, she's not that interesting. She has the ability to manipulate time, but she's only using it in her performances in the circus she's travelling with ever since she was found half-dead on the road.
Magic is not something to flaunt in Eona's world and she tries to hide it, but is found out and kidnapped by a sorcerer from a neighbouring Kingdom. Almost 90% of the book takes place inside the castle where's she's held, and although there was a lot of writing, nothing really happened. Really, besides Eona being trained in magic, nothing happens. A lot of pages are spent on how to make candles, or explaining what herbs can be used for what malady, but that's it. Have I mentioned that nothing really happens?
Around the 70% mark, I lost interest and started to skim pages, because I was promised feelings for a beautiful Elven woman was going to happen. I missed a supposedly crucial event while doing that, but by then, I was like: "meh"
And it lived up to that promise, but we're near the end of this book by then. The thing that annoyed me, was the fact that they went from meeting to declaring love in about a week. Why do that in the last 10 pages of the book? This is the first book in a trilogy, so why not use the second book to build on those blossoming feelings?
Well, I'm going to assume they will live happily ever after, perhaps in a reverse harem, but I'm going to pass on the next installment.
reverse harem (plural reverse harems) A group of someone's boyfriends and/or husbands in a polygamous household. A genre of anime and manga in which a woman is the love interest of three or more men.
Well, I looked long and hard, but I fail to see how this is a reverse harem book. Except maybe two guys, no one has any romantic interest in her, and even then, one of them is a complete asshole, so I don't count him.
The fantasy part, then.
A lot of work and thought has gone into the world, but unfortunately, not the characters. The book is told from Eona's point of view, and to be honest, she's not that interesting. She has the ability to manipulate time, but she's only using it in her performances in the circus she's travelling with ever since she was found half-dead on the road.
Magic is not something to flaunt in Eona's world and she tries to hide it, but is found out and kidnapped by a sorcerer from a neighbouring Kingdom. Almost 90% of the book takes place inside the castle where's she's held, and although there was a lot of writing, nothing really happened. Really, besides Eona being trained in magic, nothing happens. A lot of pages are spent on how to make candles, or explaining what herbs can be used for what malady, but that's it. Have I mentioned that nothing really happens?
Around the 70% mark, I lost interest and started to skim pages, because I was promised feelings for a beautiful Elven woman was going to happen. I missed a supposedly crucial event while doing that, but by then, I was like: "meh"
And it lived up to that promise, but we're near the end of this book by then. The thing that annoyed me, was the fact that they went from meeting to declaring love in about a week. Why do that in the last 10 pages of the book? This is the first book in a trilogy, so why not use the second book to build on those blossoming feelings?
Well, I'm going to assume they will live happily ever after, perhaps in a reverse harem, but I'm going to pass on the next installment.
April 11, 2019
I’ll just come right off the bat and say this book is NOT a reverse harem story, so if that’s what you pick it up for based on the synopsis, you will be disappointed. The first book in the “Ruined Hearts” series is all about the set up. It’s about introducing the reader to Eona, who can manipulate time. It’s about her adopted family and how she is kidnapped and taken to a place where magic is both feared and coveted. It’s about how she learns to use her abilities and about her abusive past that lead her to first discovering what she could do. It’s about her learning who she can trust and what true evil looks like while she is kept in the king’s court and trained by one of his top advisors. That’s what it’s about. The romance bit? We aren’t even teased to it until about 75% into the book.
The romance aspect aside, the magic, world building, and central conflict is interesting. MacKinnon does a wonderful job crafting her magic system, of showing the reader how it works through wonderful imagery. I thought the magical creatures were imaginative and had great personalities. The two warring kingdoms and the history between them was also teased well through chapter headings in the style of historical documents and each chapter starts with an illustration which I found to be charming. Eona was fine as a character, but I was often frustrated by her and her seeming ease at trusting her captors. There is a reason for it, but it wasn’t shown very clearly and therefore didn’t quite abate my frustration with the main character.
This is a slow burn book, everything takes its time in setting up the larger world, but not so much the main antagonists. I wanted to see more of the magic users Eona was up against, I wanted to get more hints of their duplicity and to feel something for them other than knowing they were hiding something from Eona. While the author takes her time in showcasing her world and magic, she doesn’t give the same attention to her characters and so when those relationships are introduced and start changing, they escalate incredibly fast—all except for Eona’s healer friend, their interactions were the only ones that felt organic to me. Because, like I said, that romance aspect doesn’t get hinted at until the 70% mark when we are finally introduced to the elf woman in the synopsis. Given where she’s introduced, you KNOW it’s going to be an insta-romance. Plus, that’s it for romance. There is no harem. We are introduced to who may be Eona’s romantic partners in the last few chapters of the book, but that’s it. Also, be aware that there are a few instances of implied sexual assault and attempted rape, I wasn’t a big fan of the inclusion as it felt too stereotypical since all the bad guys pretty much try to take advantage of Eona, but it’s not graphic, either. Just be aware it’s there in case that is something you’re sensitive to.
Here’s the thing, if you DON'T go into this book wanting or expecting a romance, you’ll be fine. It’s a creative story and an intricate world with steady pacing, even if it is a little slow until you hit that 75% mark, and then everything escalates super quickly. The illustrations are delightful and I really enjoyed how each chapter was set up. But what I was looking forward to was the mysterious elf woman Eona was to meet, I wanted to see how her reverse harem was set up and who her different partners were and how they interacted with one another. This book doesn’t have any, or very little, of that. I’m fairly confident that all of the harem aspects will be in the next book in the series, so if you enjoy the characters in this story that’s at least something to look forward to. But I ultimately just wanted so much more from the relationships these characters were supposed to have that I’m hard pressed to give this book more than 3 stars even with the uniqueness of the creatures and magic. But thanks to the author for providing me with a copy for an honest review!
The romance aspect aside, the magic, world building, and central conflict is interesting. MacKinnon does a wonderful job crafting her magic system, of showing the reader how it works through wonderful imagery. I thought the magical creatures were imaginative and had great personalities. The two warring kingdoms and the history between them was also teased well through chapter headings in the style of historical documents and each chapter starts with an illustration which I found to be charming. Eona was fine as a character, but I was often frustrated by her and her seeming ease at trusting her captors. There is a reason for it, but it wasn’t shown very clearly and therefore didn’t quite abate my frustration with the main character.
This is a slow burn book, everything takes its time in setting up the larger world, but not so much the main antagonists. I wanted to see more of the magic users Eona was up against, I wanted to get more hints of their duplicity and to feel something for them other than knowing they were hiding something from Eona. While the author takes her time in showcasing her world and magic, she doesn’t give the same attention to her characters and so when those relationships are introduced and start changing, they escalate incredibly fast—all except for Eona’s healer friend, their interactions were the only ones that felt organic to me. Because, like I said, that romance aspect doesn’t get hinted at until the 70% mark when we are finally introduced to the elf woman in the synopsis. Given where she’s introduced, you KNOW it’s going to be an insta-romance. Plus, that’s it for romance. There is no harem. We are introduced to who may be Eona’s romantic partners in the last few chapters of the book, but that’s it. Also, be aware that there are a few instances of implied sexual assault and attempted rape, I wasn’t a big fan of the inclusion as it felt too stereotypical since all the bad guys pretty much try to take advantage of Eona, but it’s not graphic, either. Just be aware it’s there in case that is something you’re sensitive to.
Here’s the thing, if you DON'T go into this book wanting or expecting a romance, you’ll be fine. It’s a creative story and an intricate world with steady pacing, even if it is a little slow until you hit that 75% mark, and then everything escalates super quickly. The illustrations are delightful and I really enjoyed how each chapter was set up. But what I was looking forward to was the mysterious elf woman Eona was to meet, I wanted to see how her reverse harem was set up and who her different partners were and how they interacted with one another. This book doesn’t have any, or very little, of that. I’m fairly confident that all of the harem aspects will be in the next book in the series, so if you enjoy the characters in this story that’s at least something to look forward to. But I ultimately just wanted so much more from the relationships these characters were supposed to have that I’m hard pressed to give this book more than 3 stars even with the uniqueness of the creatures and magic. But thanks to the author for providing me with a copy for an honest review!
Read
October 21, 2021I managed to get my hands on a copy of Heart of Time before Skye MacKinnon published (the perks of a beta reader) and fell immediately in love with the story. The main character Eona takes you on a wonderful journey where you get to really know her as a person. With finesse, MacKinnon introduces character after character, weaving them all beautifully together in an intricate web. From cold, harsh dungeons to majestic creatures like Perytons, nothing is off limits in this wonderful story. If you love a good book, this is a must read. I can tell you, once you start, there is no going back :) I can't wait to read more of Eona's adventure and see what else this author has up her sleeve.
July 27, 2020
Heroine spends way too much time being pathetic and getting manhandled by bad guys. Couldn't get invested in her even though I wanted to. Abandoned at 20%.
July 23, 2017
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and voluntarily decided to review it
I am going to be honest and say I found it hard to get into they first chapter, I have no idea why but I admit I can be a bit funny with anything that is fantasy related, that said, once I got over myself and started chapter two I could not read it fast enough, I was totally drawn into this magical fantasy world that the writer created. I was hooked and thirsting to know what happens next. So entranced by the story I was oblivious to the world around me and the world could have been ending without me noticing as I was so deeply entrenched in this amazing story!
The main character Eona has not had an easy life, found as a small child at the side of a road after losing her family, she is taken in by a family of travellers, where she stays and uses her magical gifts to perform with her family.
This story follows Eona through her journey in life, being kidnapped by an evil sorcerer and imprisoned so that they may access her magical powers. Skye MacKinnon really brings the Characters to life, some you will love to hate and some you will just love. You will also get to meet the mythical Peryton, I am a little in love with him if i am honest
This is Eona's story leading into reverse harem, I am so excited and eagerly awaiting the next book in this magical story. There are twists and turns I did not see coming, excitement danger and new friendships made.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough, it is so different from anything else I have written and I need more!! Do yourself a solid and read this amazing magical book, in my opinion it is totally awesome and I would give it way more than 5 stars if I could
Also I would like to say that the illustrations are gorgeous and really enhanced the story along with the little bits of history of the fantasy world and snippets at the beginning of each chapter are really interesting and help make the book unique
I am going to be honest and say I found it hard to get into they first chapter, I have no idea why but I admit I can be a bit funny with anything that is fantasy related, that said, once I got over myself and started chapter two I could not read it fast enough, I was totally drawn into this magical fantasy world that the writer created. I was hooked and thirsting to know what happens next. So entranced by the story I was oblivious to the world around me and the world could have been ending without me noticing as I was so deeply entrenched in this amazing story!
The main character Eona has not had an easy life, found as a small child at the side of a road after losing her family, she is taken in by a family of travellers, where she stays and uses her magical gifts to perform with her family.
This story follows Eona through her journey in life, being kidnapped by an evil sorcerer and imprisoned so that they may access her magical powers. Skye MacKinnon really brings the Characters to life, some you will love to hate and some you will just love. You will also get to meet the mythical Peryton, I am a little in love with him if i am honest
This is Eona's story leading into reverse harem, I am so excited and eagerly awaiting the next book in this magical story. There are twists and turns I did not see coming, excitement danger and new friendships made.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough, it is so different from anything else I have written and I need more!! Do yourself a solid and read this amazing magical book, in my opinion it is totally awesome and I would give it way more than 5 stars if I could
Also I would like to say that the illustrations are gorgeous and really enhanced the story along with the little bits of history of the fantasy world and snippets at the beginning of each chapter are really interesting and help make the book unique
July 21, 2017
Wow just wow! It was actually really interesting how it starts of with a tale that's actually deals with Eona's mother and her heart. Part of me wonders if thats the reason for Eona's ability to manipulate time. Plus each chapter start of with what seems to be an snippit of a history book from their world (yes i said their world it is a fantasy novel which i wS happily surprised about) and each chapter has a beautiful illustration which relates to each chapter.
Eona travels with the Ghorres family performing tricks and her abilities. But they never travel to Fer, where it is illegal to do magic. But unfortunately they are close enough to attract the wrong attention and she gets kidnapped and goes through a pretty horrendous time. But then she gets of the dungeon to just a pretty gilded cage full of untruth and illusions. Part of me is screaming wake up wake up but it is not her fault. It does not start to crack till a Peryton, a mythical beast is born and helps Eona wake up.
And without giving too much away there are some other characters that i hope come back into the picture in the next novel. I am also really looking forward to this becoming RH and it's refreshing to see a female MC that is attracted to a female as well as guys. Definitely looking foward to the next installment.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Eona travels with the Ghorres family performing tricks and her abilities. But they never travel to Fer, where it is illegal to do magic. But unfortunately they are close enough to attract the wrong attention and she gets kidnapped and goes through a pretty horrendous time. But then she gets of the dungeon to just a pretty gilded cage full of untruth and illusions. Part of me is screaming wake up wake up but it is not her fault. It does not start to crack till a Peryton, a mythical beast is born and helps Eona wake up.
And without giving too much away there are some other characters that i hope come back into the picture in the next novel. I am also really looking forward to this becoming RH and it's refreshing to see a female MC that is attracted to a female as well as guys. Definitely looking foward to the next installment.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2017
This is a great fantasy book! I was sucked right into the world and was able to casually read it and become immersed in the world. I didn't see it as slow at first at all. I felt like Skye did a great job at really setting up and describing the world and characters. It's not one I would pick up for a quick read...it's one I'd pick up to sit down on a comfy sofa with my coffee and a blanket and thoroughly savor and enjoy.
September 29, 2017
This is the first book in a new series and has a whole lot of world building in it. It really starts to pick up towards the end. I think it's going to be a good series and am excited to read the next book.
October 1, 2017
This booked tangled me in it web from the beginning. It's a great fantasy read! I can't wait for book 2
The book does give you a lot of information in the beginning so make sure you really pay attention to it all. Otherwise it's written excellently. Skye has created a fantastic world for me to get lost in.
The book does give you a lot of information in the beginning so make sure you really pay attention to it all. Otherwise it's written excellently. Skye has created a fantastic world for me to get lost in.
November 7, 2017
Interesting
This was a very well done fantasy story. I like the world building and the characters. I enjoyed rooting for Eona!
This was a very well done fantasy story. I like the world building and the characters. I enjoyed rooting for Eona!
July 4, 2018
burn level = slow, story level = high
I did enjoy the story here, it was unique. I would say more, but I don't want to give any spoilers.
It wasn't a predictable storyline, but I also didn't feel the need to guess what was about to happen. The burn was slow, so it allowed for more character development.
I'm looking forward to book 2, really hoping it doesn't take so long that I forget what was established here.
I did enjoy the story here, it was unique. I would say more, but I don't want to give any spoilers.
It wasn't a predictable storyline, but I also didn't feel the need to guess what was about to happen. The burn was slow, so it allowed for more character development.
I'm looking forward to book 2, really hoping it doesn't take so long that I forget what was established here.
October 19, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It captivated me from the beginning and I found the main character to be genuine and Endearing. I can't wait to see where the author takes us next!
October 3, 2017
Really great
The book started off a little slow but once you really got into the meat of it I couldn't put it down. Really great read all around
The book started off a little slow but once you really got into the meat of it I couldn't put it down. Really great read all around
October 19, 2017
Good start to a new series
I really enjoyed this book. It captivated me from the beginning and I found the main character to be genuine and Endearing. I can't wait to see where the author takes us next!
I really enjoyed this book. It captivated me from the beginning and I found the main character to be genuine and Endearing. I can't wait to see where the author takes us next!
October 24, 2017
This needs WAY more than 39 ratings!
June 15, 2019
Eona's magical abilities are found out and she is kidnapped by the king's magician. She learns a little more about her abilities but is also being controlled and is fighting to maintain her own thoughts and feelings.
This was ok. It had a pretty interesting premise but the romance was thrown in as an afterthought it seems and really kind of ruined the story. Basically Eona at no point expresses any kind of romantic feelings or even a desire for those kinds of feelings. Then while locked up with a female prisoner she starts to feel things, which is totally fine...but then all of a sudden they're in love?! Like? Want? Sure, but love? and that's what saves everybody or whatever? Just a super weak ending to an ok story.
This was ok. It had a pretty interesting premise but the romance was thrown in as an afterthought it seems and really kind of ruined the story. Basically Eona at no point expresses any kind of romantic feelings or even a desire for those kinds of feelings. Then while locked up with a female prisoner she starts to feel things, which is totally fine...but then all of a sudden they're in love?! Like? Want? Sure, but love? and that's what saves everybody or whatever? Just a super weak ending to an ok story.
August 7, 2020
Dis not finish at 28%
Plainly uninteresting. I just felt like finishing it would be a waste of time.
Also, for some reason, the digital edition I have had children drawings in it. I'm all about fan art, but not in the book if it looks that bad.
Plainly uninteresting. I just felt like finishing it would be a waste of time.
Also, for some reason, the digital edition I have had children drawings in it. I'm all about fan art, but not in the book if it looks that bad.
October 26, 2017
I was instantly drawn to the story from the prologue. I loved the backstory into how Eona was born and her life before the circus. I was absolutely devastated for her mother and what she had done. I actually became teary.
Skye has created a story that is not like one that I have ever read before. I love the originality of it and from the beginning I was intrigued.
I had heard of a peryton before but had no idea what to expect, not knowing anything about the mythical creature, I was intrigued, a body of a stag and bird. I'm glad there were pictures because the image I had in my head didn't do it any justice haha. I loved the fact that it had imprinted to her and was not expecting it to be able to communicate with her telepathically. I don't know why, I just guessed it would be a silent player to the book.
Leading up to the main action of the story, you given more about Lassadar and his position alongside King Gynt. For me, Skye has written Lassadar perfectly, she has made you feel the way Eona feels about him, you become trusting of him and you like him but over time you see him for the kind of person he truly is.
I will admit there were times where I'm like, where is the action! But that stems from the fact that I am so use to reading books that have a lot of action. Once I got used to the lack of action and realised that the story would instead have a nice build up to it, I was 100% into it. The only thing I will say that during an action scene (can't give it away cause of spoilers), it seemed a bit quick, for me anyway. I wished it had been longer because it was enjoyable.
Overall I was incredibly impressed with the story and loved how it progressed, once I got over my s*** haha.
Eona is a fantastic character and she possesses a certain naivety and strength that is expected in a person. Some of her thoughts about Lassadar were a little "oh come on!!" but, despite all that I really fell in love with her character and I can't wait to read more of Eona and to see how Skye reveals her past and her mother's past. Reading the little bits that she threw in to connect her to her past were awesome and it feels like it will be a be a nice lead up to her finding out about who she is and why Lassadar was able to gain control of her so easily.
I loved the character, Jon and I really do hope that we see more of him because he helped her so much and I was wanting a more with them two. I really hope that he makes a return in the next book. Like really hope. . . .
Sa-Lia - love her character and even though she isn't in it much, it was nice to see Eona have another person to connect with that wasn't a man, was quite the sausage fest in there haha. I was a little surprised but very happy to read about Eona's rising feelings towards Sa-Lia. It is actually very refreshing to read about same sex relationships in an RH series because I have only read that in one other series and that was m/m. I absolutely love that she has written a relationship that steps out of the conventional ones seen in RH. I am excited to see how it all progresses and how Sa-Lia will fit into the RH aspect and whether she will JUST be Eona's or she will share the other men, part from her brother.
I'm really looking forward to the next book and hope that she is busy writing it.
Skye has created a story that is not like one that I have ever read before. I love the originality of it and from the beginning I was intrigued.
I had heard of a peryton before but had no idea what to expect, not knowing anything about the mythical creature, I was intrigued, a body of a stag and bird. I'm glad there were pictures because the image I had in my head didn't do it any justice haha. I loved the fact that it had imprinted to her and was not expecting it to be able to communicate with her telepathically. I don't know why, I just guessed it would be a silent player to the book.
Leading up to the main action of the story, you given more about Lassadar and his position alongside King Gynt. For me, Skye has written Lassadar perfectly, she has made you feel the way Eona feels about him, you become trusting of him and you like him but over time you see him for the kind of person he truly is.
I will admit there were times where I'm like, where is the action! But that stems from the fact that I am so use to reading books that have a lot of action. Once I got used to the lack of action and realised that the story would instead have a nice build up to it, I was 100% into it. The only thing I will say that during an action scene (can't give it away cause of spoilers), it seemed a bit quick, for me anyway. I wished it had been longer because it was enjoyable.
Overall I was incredibly impressed with the story and loved how it progressed, once I got over my s*** haha.
Eona is a fantastic character and she possesses a certain naivety and strength that is expected in a person. Some of her thoughts about Lassadar were a little "oh come on!!" but, despite all that I really fell in love with her character and I can't wait to read more of Eona and to see how Skye reveals her past and her mother's past. Reading the little bits that she threw in to connect her to her past were awesome and it feels like it will be a be a nice lead up to her finding out about who she is and why Lassadar was able to gain control of her so easily.
I loved the character, Jon and I really do hope that we see more of him because he helped her so much and I was wanting a more with them two. I really hope that he makes a return in the next book. Like really hope. . . .
Sa-Lia - love her character and even though she isn't in it much, it was nice to see Eona have another person to connect with that wasn't a man, was quite the sausage fest in there haha. I was a little surprised but very happy to read about Eona's rising feelings towards Sa-Lia. It is actually very refreshing to read about same sex relationships in an RH series because I have only read that in one other series and that was m/m. I absolutely love that she has written a relationship that steps out of the conventional ones seen in RH. I am excited to see how it all progresses and how Sa-Lia will fit into the RH aspect and whether she will JUST be Eona's or she will share the other men, part from her brother.
I'm really looking forward to the next book and hope that she is busy writing it.
July 21, 2017
I received this book as an ARC.
Prior to having been given this book i had read the prologue and the first chapter. That first chapter was enough to get me hooked and excited to read the rest of the book. I went into starting this read with not a whole lot of expectations on where the plot was going to go, i just wanted to let myself read it without trying to guess what was going to happen.
Heart of Time explores the origins of Eona, an orphan who has been living with performing wanderers for most of her life. After a series of some seriously difficult and horrible circumstances, Eona finds herself at the mercy of the Kings top adviser, who has some magic of his own that identifies with hers, and Eona feels a connection to him. Eona has never had a reason or the education to explore and hone her magic, so when presented with circumstances that demand her to leave her magical comfort zone, we truly see her develop. Not everything is as it seems though; there are wolves in sheep's clothing, unexpected friend and moral compasses that need some help finding north.
Heart of time has a lot of world building, which can be a bit dry if you do not account for this book being apart of a series. However, when you do account for this being part of a bigger story its completely necessary that this book has a lot of world building. So please be patient if you fell that its too much world building, as the book goes on you'll understand why. We can already see some pretty huge plot lines coming this stories way. That ending, wow! So much happened in the space of a few chapters and it just blew my mind.
This book doesnt have a whole lot of romance, but you can definitely see it developing. I loved the friendship and bond between Eona and the Peryton, i think the Peryton was my favourite character so far, however i have a feeling over the next few books it will be a tie between a few newly introduced characters. I cannot wait for Eona to grow into her magic a little more and for her to really find her inner strength, she has so much potential as a character.
All in all, i cannot wait for the next book!
Prior to having been given this book i had read the prologue and the first chapter. That first chapter was enough to get me hooked and excited to read the rest of the book. I went into starting this read with not a whole lot of expectations on where the plot was going to go, i just wanted to let myself read it without trying to guess what was going to happen.
Heart of Time explores the origins of Eona, an orphan who has been living with performing wanderers for most of her life. After a series of some seriously difficult and horrible circumstances, Eona finds herself at the mercy of the Kings top adviser, who has some magic of his own that identifies with hers, and Eona feels a connection to him. Eona has never had a reason or the education to explore and hone her magic, so when presented with circumstances that demand her to leave her magical comfort zone, we truly see her develop. Not everything is as it seems though; there are wolves in sheep's clothing, unexpected friend and moral compasses that need some help finding north.
Heart of time has a lot of world building, which can be a bit dry if you do not account for this book being apart of a series. However, when you do account for this being part of a bigger story its completely necessary that this book has a lot of world building. So please be patient if you fell that its too much world building, as the book goes on you'll understand why. We can already see some pretty huge plot lines coming this stories way. That ending, wow! So much happened in the space of a few chapters and it just blew my mind.
This book doesnt have a whole lot of romance, but you can definitely see it developing. I loved the friendship and bond between Eona and the Peryton, i think the Peryton was my favourite character so far, however i have a feeling over the next few books it will be a tie between a few newly introduced characters. I cannot wait for Eona to grow into her magic a little more and for her to really find her inner strength, she has so much potential as a character.
All in all, i cannot wait for the next book!
October 9, 2017
I will not lie. This book took a long while for me to really get into it. The world building took some time and the way Eona was being manipulated bugged the hell out of me. Granted I know she was in a new place, terrified and had barely scratched the surface of her own magical abilities and there were other factors involved that we found out later but I couldn’t help but want to throw something at her.
Eona has had it really rough in life. It's made her smart and resilient but ultimately she has growing up to do and she's gonna learn some of these lessons the hard way. I have a feeling though, or at least i hope, we're going to see Eona become a serious badass version of herself.
Lassadar on the other hand is the worst kind of evil. Evil that hides behind a noble face. Blah. I wanted to reach into the book and strangle him myself to be honest.
Let's talk about the Peryton for a second because AWWWWW I WANT ONE lol no but seriously I had moments when I wanted to just give him a high five, because obviously, he is way smarter than everyone else and is taking names and numbers. Reading his conversations back and forth with Eona were some of the highlights for me. He really did try to get Eona to see the light but like i said earlier. Lessons learned. That said, I can’t even begin to explain how happy I was once Eona had her eye-opening moment. Took long enough that’s for sure.
Anyhow, I remember talking to Skye when I heard this book was coming out and I’ll say it here again…I am absolutely thrilled to have a story with a Harem with another woman in it. It gave me tingles of happiness and i can't wait to see how that storyline unfolds further. “Come back to me Eona” enough said. Haha. Looking forward to Book 2.
Eona has had it really rough in life. It's made her smart and resilient but ultimately she has growing up to do and she's gonna learn some of these lessons the hard way. I have a feeling though, or at least i hope, we're going to see Eona become a serious badass version of herself.
Lassadar on the other hand is the worst kind of evil. Evil that hides behind a noble face. Blah. I wanted to reach into the book and strangle him myself to be honest.
Let's talk about the Peryton for a second because AWWWWW I WANT ONE lol no but seriously I had moments when I wanted to just give him a high five, because obviously, he is way smarter than everyone else and is taking names and numbers. Reading his conversations back and forth with Eona were some of the highlights for me. He really did try to get Eona to see the light but like i said earlier. Lessons learned. That said, I can’t even begin to explain how happy I was once Eona had her eye-opening moment. Took long enough that’s for sure.
Anyhow, I remember talking to Skye when I heard this book was coming out and I’ll say it here again…I am absolutely thrilled to have a story with a Harem with another woman in it. It gave me tingles of happiness and i can't wait to see how that storyline unfolds further. “Come back to me Eona” enough said. Haha. Looking forward to Book 2.
April 1, 2020
3.5 of 5 stars
Listened to audio narrated by Henrietta Meire.
This was labeled as a reverse harem book but up until almost the end of the story there was no indications of romance throughout the book. In fact I would classify this as YA or NA with a last minute touch of GLBT.
Eona lost her mother when she was a child and was taken in my gypsies. Magic is distrusted in the land and so she keeps her magic hidden, everyone assuming her performance is due to tricks rather than magic, until the day she's kidnapped.
Her captors toss her in the dungeon then she's told it was all a mistake and is cossetted and trained by the King's sorcerer, but not is all as it seems. Eona simultaneously grows and learns to use her magic, while becoming more and more docile and compliant. Things start to change when she connects with the mythical Peryton. I suspected what was happening but it all starts to make sense when everything is revealed later in the book.
I liked the fantasy elements but the love interest felt like it was tacked on at the very end and I was still left wondering what made anyone suggest this book was a reverse harem. Maybe the next book in the series will justify the reverse harem classification. There was also a lot of time spent reading about mundane things such as candle making and herb lore, making me think it was going to be important given how much time was spent but if it was, I didn't get it.
So while I liked the book I had some mixed feelings about it, I'm hoping the next book in the series will be better.
Content warning is due to sexual assault.
If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
Listened to audio narrated by Henrietta Meire.
This was labeled as a reverse harem book but up until almost the end of the story there was no indications of romance throughout the book. In fact I would classify this as YA or NA with a last minute touch of GLBT.
Eona lost her mother when she was a child and was taken in my gypsies. Magic is distrusted in the land and so she keeps her magic hidden, everyone assuming her performance is due to tricks rather than magic, until the day she's kidnapped.
Her captors toss her in the dungeon then she's told it was all a mistake and is cossetted and trained by the King's sorcerer, but not is all as it seems. Eona simultaneously grows and learns to use her magic, while becoming more and more docile and compliant. Things start to change when she connects with the mythical Peryton. I suspected what was happening but it all starts to make sense when everything is revealed later in the book.
I liked the fantasy elements but the love interest felt like it was tacked on at the very end and I was still left wondering what made anyone suggest this book was a reverse harem. Maybe the next book in the series will justify the reverse harem classification. There was also a lot of time spent reading about mundane things such as candle making and herb lore, making me think it was going to be important given how much time was spent but if it was, I didn't get it.
So while I liked the book I had some mixed feelings about it, I'm hoping the next book in the series will be better.
Content warning is due to sexual assault.
If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2017
I was given an ARC copy for an honest review.
There is so much going on in this introduction that it can get a little overwhelming. The story starts with a heart rending (punny, you'll get it when you read it) background into Eona's family. Each chapter begins with a hit of history, geography, fable or folk song. It provides such a unique look at the world the author has created in this story. From the beginning you feel Eona's confusion and heartbreak, her fear. The insight into her development of her abilities and the betrayal that surrounds her, seemingly from every side. You feel her hope with each new friendship, no matter how unusual.
This new fantasy series has such a cast of characters! From mythological beings and creatures to when the uncommon common folk of the realms. The world building is phenomenal. MacKinnon takes you on a fantastical journey and doesn't let go till the last page. I can't wait to see where the next book takes me!
There is so much going on in this introduction that it can get a little overwhelming. The story starts with a heart rending (punny, you'll get it when you read it) background into Eona's family. Each chapter begins with a hit of history, geography, fable or folk song. It provides such a unique look at the world the author has created in this story. From the beginning you feel Eona's confusion and heartbreak, her fear. The insight into her development of her abilities and the betrayal that surrounds her, seemingly from every side. You feel her hope with each new friendship, no matter how unusual.
This new fantasy series has such a cast of characters! From mythological beings and creatures to when the uncommon common folk of the realms. The world building is phenomenal. MacKinnon takes you on a fantastical journey and doesn't let go till the last page. I can't wait to see where the next book takes me!
January 30, 2018
This one hooked me from the first page! It was probably because the story started out similar to a fairy tale, and I have always loved those. I was also fascinated with the different types of mythical creatures that were incorporated into the story. It was a very original idea, and a total win. Another thing I enjoyed was the amount of time spent on world and character development. I think world development is very important when a story takes place in a mythical land, and this one had the perfect amount of detail. I never felt like the story got bogged down, and I never felt like I couldn't picture the world in my mind. There are many wonderful, and evil, characters in this one, too, and each one is wonderfully developed. I am excited to see what comes next!
August 5, 2017
Heart of Time really did give me a challenge, some great some not so great.
The story was amazing, the character were relatable, the setting was beautifully depicted.
The only issue I had with this story is there was a lot of info all at once, and normally that can be an awesome thing there was just something different with Heart Of Time and I can't put my finger on it.
I absolutely think it was the writing, IT WAS NOT BAD WRITING, it was just written differently then I am used to so it took me longer then I expected to get into it.
Warning: this is a reverse harem that includes a girl within the harem. This is completely new to me, so I am interested to see how it plays out later!
The story was amazing, the character were relatable, the setting was beautifully depicted.
The only issue I had with this story is there was a lot of info all at once, and normally that can be an awesome thing there was just something different with Heart Of Time and I can't put my finger on it.
I absolutely think it was the writing, IT WAS NOT BAD WRITING, it was just written differently then I am used to so it took me longer then I expected to get into it.
Warning: this is a reverse harem that includes a girl within the harem. This is completely new to me, so I am interested to see how it plays out later!
August 6, 2017
The only reason I gave 4 stars out of 5, is that there is a lot of world building in this book. Which isn't a bad thing, necessarily. I just personally prefer when the world building doesn't take up the majority of book 1. When I got to the good stuff, I enjoyed it more. However, the good stuff was very close to the end and doesn't last long before the book is over. No cliffhanger though 😀
Overall, I would recommend this read to my friends with the warning to hold in there through the world building. It gets better. ❤️
Overall, I would recommend this read to my friends with the warning to hold in there through the world building. It gets better. ❤️
July 26, 2017
I received and ARC of this book and voluntarily decided to review it.
The character and world building in this book is fantastic. I felt that the history that you learned through out the book helped understand the world the characters are living in even better.
The author does a great job of creating a world that sucks you in. I can't wait to see how the rest of the story unfolds.
I can't wait to see how the rest of Eona's story unfolds!
The character and world building in this book is fantastic. I felt that the history that you learned through out the book helped understand the world the characters are living in even better.
The author does a great job of creating a world that sucks you in. I can't wait to see how the rest of the story unfolds.
I can't wait to see how the rest of Eona's story unfolds!
September 29, 2017
We learn about Eona and a little about her Mom in The beginning. Eona gets captured Because of what she can do. It makes for a really interesting start to the beginning of a series. I like the insight we have into their world and I do really Peryton. Keep in mind that this is a reverse harem book but that Eona is Attracted to female as well as males.
The author wrote a good start to this new world.
The author wrote a good start to this new world.
October 29, 2018
Heart of Time is a well written fantasy story, with detailed locations, characters and events. The story is extremely engaging as you follow Eona’s difficult journey from her life with the travelling folk, to being kidnapped, development of being able to use the magic she has and so much more.
The beginning of this story reminds me of a Brothers Grimm fairytale. I love the addition extracts in the story from other “books” in this world.
The beginning of this story reminds me of a Brothers Grimm fairytale. I love the addition extracts in the story from other “books” in this world.
July 17, 2017
Great start to a new series. There really isn't much romance in this book but looks like it's going to develop through the series. Eons has a rough life but with each life lesson she grows. I can't wait to read the next in the series. If you like a strong MC, magic & mayhem then you will enjoy this book.
July 23, 2017
I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review.
I struggled to get through this book. It's nothing personal to the author, I just had a hard time with the story. It is well written, and has a good storyline. Eona is a really neat character, and had a hard life, but she makes the most of it and perseveres.
I struggled to get through this book. It's nothing personal to the author, I just had a hard time with the story. It is well written, and has a good storyline. Eona is a really neat character, and had a hard life, but she makes the most of it and perseveres.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews