Devourer of Hearts

Forgotten Gods #5

by Laura Greenwood

Alone and forgotten, Ammit has gotten used to life on her own. Once feared throughout the land as the infamous devourer of hearts, the demoness can barely recognise herself living alone beneath the Nile. But when a call comes from the Hall of the Dead, she has to answer, and what awaits her isn't just her purpose. On her way to do her duty, a protector god and vanquisher of demons crosses her path. Can she persuade him that she's on the side of truth and justice? Or is his heart one more she must devour?
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Devourer Of Hearts is book 4 in the Forgotten Gods series and is Ammit's complete story. It is based on Egyptian mythology.

Genres: Fiction

158 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 7, 2021

About the author

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy romance and urban fantasy. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set, with her partner. When she's not writing, Laura can be found exploring worldwide cusine with her partner, drinking tea, and reading fantasy books. Laura specialises in quick reads, featuring healthy relationships and consent-positive moments, regardless of whether she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-inspired modern fantasy, cozy fantasy or anything in between.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:
- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Forgotten Gods (mythology inspired fantasy romance)
- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology inspired paranormal rom-com)
- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)
- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)
- Scales of Justice (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)
- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)

You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Renée · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devourer of Hearts is fourth book in Laura Greenwoods Forgotten Gods universe.

A goddess who’s nature isn’t what’s being portrayed by what her worshippers once thought, will draw you into the emotion and sadness of Ammit’s story.

I love the story development and the progress, and it also shows that appearances are not what they first seem.

Side note: I accidentally read this after Acolyte of Truth, as these storyline’s interconnect I definitely recommend reading Devourer of Hearts first.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is perhaps the truest definition of ‘opposites attract’ I’ve ever seen. However, I loved seeing Ammit and Tutu discover what they had in common with each other even though their natures should have meant they were nothing more than mortal enemies. I’m also fascinated by the overarching storyline that’s going on in the background, and I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Nathalie Bookwurm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick, emotional paranormal romance rooted in Egyptian mythology. Ammit, the feared heart-devouring goddess, and Tutu, a protective god, clash and connect in an unlikely love story. With strong character chemistry, a redemption arc, and a standalone-friendly plot, it’s a satisfying short read for fans of myth-inspired romance.

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Devourer of Hearts“ is the fourth book in the “Forgotten Gods” by Laura Greenwood, a paranormal series heavily based on Ancient Egyptian Mythology, and composed of ‘stand alone’ stories, focusing in a given character, which fit together into the “Forgotten Gods” verse. “Devourer of Hearts” tells Ammit’s story, once at time feared through the kingdoms as the ruthless ‘devourer of hearts’, but with fear also comes isolation and loneliness. Ammit finds herself living in seclusion in the banks of the Nile, only leaving her (more of less chosen) confinement to perform her duties in the Hall of the Dead. Her latest call put her in the path of another God, forced Amit to choose between convince him of her true character or having to devourer his soul.

This is a captivating version of the deed of Ammut/Ammit, depicted as a lion/hippopotamus/crocodile hybrid, whose role in Ancient Egyptian Mythology is to stand at the side of Anubis at the weighting of the soul (whose was believed to reside in the heart) against a feather in the scales of Ma’at. Should the soul be heavier than the feather, Ammut would devour the soul negating the deceased of an afterlife.

Laura Greenwood story imbues one of the most feared and abhorrent Ancient Egyptian Gods with a character and personality of her own, that goes much further than her mythological role as ‘denier of the afterlife’. At about 115 pages, the story might be short in length, but is filled with meaning. One of the most original stories in the series! Because let us be real, making Ammit relatable is a very difficult feat to achieve , and yet Greenwood achieves it effortlessly.

[Ash J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first story in the 'Forgotten Gods' series by Laura Greenwood that I have read. It was really enjoyable and told the story of Ammit and Tutu. Ammit who was the goddess/demon who was responsible for 'devouring' the hearts of everyone who was not worthy to pass through the gates when they died. She was very lonely because for so long no one paid attention to her and she was mainly forgotten. Tutu was in charge of killing her but when he meets her and gets to know her they both started to grow feelings for each other. This was a great short and clean romance and I really enjoyed how it was told in the time of ancient Egyptian gods. It was sweet and exciting and I will have to go back and read the other stories that cam before this one because I really liked it and would like to check those out too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Half-blood Reader]

Read an unedited version

Devourer Of Hearts is a fantasy/mythology romance based on Ancient Egyptian mythology. It follows the goddess/demoness, Ammit, as she finds her place among the other gods. Each book in the Forgotten Gods Series can be read on its own.

Since what I read was an unedited version, I don't feel comfortable talking about it too much, since I don't know how the final version fairs. But honestly, I wasn't impressed at all.

I was bored even if it was a quick read, the characters were paper thin deep and the romance made no sense. Nothing happened.

[Michelle Dohring · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Forgotten Gods series. Ammit is the goddess who devours hearts of people who are not worthy. Tutu is sent to kill Ammit. Once Tutu and Ammit meet they develop feelings for each other. It was a delight watching them realize their feelings. The story kept you turning the pages. The author has created a wonderful world with intriguing characters. I look forward to reading more stories in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is Ammit’s story in the forgotten gods series and it’s a good one! Well written this paranormal read is based on Egyptian mythology where our character was once feared as the devourer of hearts! It was an entertaining quick read that had me laughing in places.

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, we learn a lot about the demon goddess Ammit. She who once the heart of a dead person is weighed against the feather of Ma’at, it is decided on whether they balance and the ack goes on to the journey of the Afterlife, or Ammit eats the heart and the ack is destroyed. Ammit is a hybrid- a combination of a hippo, crocodile, and a lion which she can turn into besides being a woman. No one really spent time with her, but she is the final punishment when someone is refused entry into the Duat.

One of the acks failed the balancing of the heart and feather and she curses Ammit and a demon hunter tries to kill her. But, Ammit isn’t just a demon, she is a goddess that has a part to play, a big one and shouldn’t be killed. Ma’at does a few things that brought tears to my eyes as Ammit has been alone for so long. It was beautiful to see her come into her own in this book. She teaches the hunter, Tutu, that some demons are needed and that he can’t and shouldn’t just kill them when seeing them. Tutu and Ammit get closer and they are funny, cute, and a bunch of other things, lol. Seth is up to something and Ammit may be what he wants. But, Ammit and Tutu work together.

I really enjoyed the story and how it broke down things. I was fascinated by the story and how there was so much more to Ammit than just being the devourer of hearts at a dead person’s judgement.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Manuela Molteni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Devourer of Hearts by Laura Greenwood—where do I even begin? As a self-confessed Ancient Egypt nerd and a devotee of Greenwood’s work, I dove into this book expecting greatness, and let me tell you, it devoured my heart, in the best possible way.

Ammit, the heart-eating goddess/demoness (yup, she’s both, and we love her for it), and Tutu, a demon-hunting god with a protective streak, make one sizzling pair. Talk about opposites attracting! Their chemistry crackles on the page like desert heat, and Greenwood has woven their story with her usual flair for action, emotion, and those rich, atmospheric details that make you feel like you’re strolling along the Nile or standing in the shadow of Karnak’s temples. You can practically taste the ancient air.

If you’ve been following the Forgotten Gods series, then buckle up because this one? It might just be the best yet. Greenwood doesn’t just write stories; she conjures worlds. And with Devourer of Hearts, she’s once again proven herself the queen of mythological romance.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ammit and Tutu

Ammit lives a life of isolation, partly by her own choosing and partly because of the fear everyone has of her. When a call comes from the Hall of the Dead, it is her duty to be there for the judging of the soul. She is the death goddess who shifts into a hideous monster and eats the hearts of those whose evil outweighs the feather on the scale. She is also a demoness, so it is not surprising when she finds a demon hunter waiting for her after her return from the Hall of the Dead.

Tutu has been hunting demons for centuries. He was taught they were evil and a threat to mankind. Ammit surprises him with her beauty and her mind. It is his duty to kill her but the more he gets to know her the less he wants to harm her.

I enjoyed the romance even as I learned more about the ancient gods. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Linda (ellsky) Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ammit and Tutu's story is an enemies-to-lovers story, as Ammit is a goddess/demoness who devours the hearts of those deemed unworthy to go on to Duat, while Tutu is a minor god of protection and demon-hunting. Ammit's journey of self-acceptance was the most beautiful thing to read about in this book based in a modern Egyptian world of gods and goddesses. A very powerful quote from Ammit stuck with me: "You probably haven't had anyone underestimate you simply because you're female either. I'm in a unique position where I can prove that I'm something different from what everyone expects. But even more importantly than that. I want to look this way. It's how I'm comfortable." The series continues to be engaging and entertaining, and I will be continuing with the next book. I read this on Kobo Plus.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent as a standalone short story

Overall, a very enjoyable read of the developing relationship of Ammit (a solitary goddess, frequently described as a demon) and Tutu (a solitary protector god, frequently employed as a demon hunter). Yes, you can spot the obvious problem with that pairing!

There were also a number of fascinating (to me) points that made it even better, such as the recognition that a shifter whose non-human aspect combines two river predators with a land predator might have conflicting internal feelings at times ...

Although I've dipped into the series a few times now, this book doesn't require any background from other volumes and stands nicely on its own.

Well done again Laura!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story about love and acceptance! Ammit has been on her own for so long that when she is summoned she's not sure what to think! A soul to be judged is a rarity in the modern times but do it she shall, as that's part of her job and who she is. Tutu is also summoned but for a different reason. An imbalance of judges starts a new issue, drama happens in the desert and Ammit is on a mission! A wonderful fun story about two becoming a pair.. A sweet coming together and looking forward to the next adventure in Karnak.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria Golby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgotten Egyptian Gods #4, Opposites attract

Ammit is tired of being seen as a demon and wants to find purpose again. She’s called back to the great halls where she meets Tutu, a protector god and demon hunter. Though they seem to be opposites, they work well together but can they admit what’s in their hearts and trust each other?

The characters are well written with a light romance throughout the book. It’s interesting to read about the different elements of Egyptian culture and mythology. I can’t wait to read more in this series, to see what Seth is planning and what the other gods will do about it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mystyc Metrik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a great mix of Egyptology and romance. Ammit is a forgotten goddess whose job is to devour the hearts of those judged unworthy. Her fearsome countenance as a cross between a lion, hippo, and crocodile certainly doesn't help. Ammit has distanced herself from the other gods, only going to Karnak for the judgment, and otherwise dwelling in her lair. She's more surprised than anyone when the demon hunter, Tutu, stumbles across her lair and tries to kill her. His strength is no match for Ammit's, but she gives him an enchanted bangle to ensure she's not getting up to anything "demonic". As the two grow closer, Tutu realizes that Ammit is not such a demon after all, which she proves in engaging in a rescue mission to get him away from an actual demon god. By first opening up to Tutu, and then taking up Ma'at's offer of her own temple, Ammit gradually reintegrates into society, finding that there just might be a place for her after all.

[Asterope · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story focusing on two lesser known deities. Ammit is often overlooked and most people don't even known who Tutu is.

If anyone is actually interested in Tutu there's a non-fiction book about him:
The Egyptian God Tutu: A Study of the Sphinx-God and Master of Demons with a Corpus of Monuments
It's probably the best (only?) source for info about him.

[DianaRaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

DEVOURER OF HEARTS is the fifth installment in the Forgotten Gods series by Laura Greenwood. This series is made up of individual stories of forgotten Egyptian God's and Goddesses. This is the story of a lesser and mostly forgotten goddess Ammit, both goddess and demoness. Her story is lonely but inspiring as she finds love in the most unexpected way.

Ammit has lived a life of isolation, partly by her own choosing as, everyone fears her. She is the final punishment when someone is refused entry into the Duat. When a call comes from the Hall of the Dead it's her duty to be there for the judging of every soul. She is the death goddess who eats the hearts of those whose evil outweighs the feather on the scale therefore refused entry into the Duat. 

Returning to her cave, a demon-hunting god confronts her. He's there to destroy the demon - her. He's been taught that all  demons are evil and a threat to mankind, therefore need to be destroyed.  Ammit manages to get him to talk with her. She explains that just because someone calls you a demon, doesn't necessarily make it true.  As they continue to talk the more Tutu is amazed by her beauty and her mind. Just as Tutu starts realizing his views on demons is wrong, he vanishes. Seth, the god of choas, is up to something and Ammet wonders if he took Tutu. Will Ammet be able to find and free Tutu or could this be a set-up for Seth to capture her and her powerful demon?

I was fascinated by the story and how there was so much more to Ammit than just being the devourer of hearts. It's an entertaining and easy to read short story of misunderstandings, second chances with a touch of romance. Even though I prefer longer stories with more depth, I still recommend this short story to anyone interested in Egyption culture with some romance thrown in.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Ammit and Tutu. She a goddess and a demoness who’s job is to devour the hearts of those who come to be judged and are found unworthy. He is a protector, a demon hunter. Opposites indeed but they find their way to each other and so much more than duty and loneliness.
A sweet and unexpected love story. I cannot think of two who are more different but find love with each other. My favorite of the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becca Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this author and their use of mythology. This was no exception.
I would have like more information as to why Ammit put the bracelet on Tutu, but the story flowed well. The characters were great and did not take long to read.
I definitely recommend this author and would happily carry on with the series.

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment in the Forgotten Gods series. Classic as time, boy wants to kill girl. Boy falls in love with girl. Girl finds she is worthy of love.

Want to know more? Guess you better get reading. It's fun, quirky, we see some of our most loved gods/goddesses too!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘I could tell when I wasn't wanted’
What a lonely live to be at the edge of society.

Following the rules doesn’t mean merciless:
‘It wasn't that none of the gods were merciful, it was that we were all bound to the rules which governed the universe.’

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good, short, and easy PNR romance. There are defined MCs from Egyptian Mythology, and it has some drama and romance in this entertaining and engaging storyline. I found the book enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an emotional ride laced with adventure as a read. I found it quite entertaining and a bit heart-rending at moments.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good and fascinating story about Egyptian gods and their background. I thought it was very interesting to discover what happened. I liked it I have to say. Recommended read.

[Helen Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading amit story you feel her sadness through her isolation of the world until one day that changes. I am looking forward to reading more in the series and to finding out seth plan

[Danyelle La Pookette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goddesses! I love this short story. It's a fun, clean romance with a short but sweet plot. It's about time that Ammit (the goddess/demon who eats the hearts of people who don't pass the scale test in the Hall of Judgment) got some attention. I adore all things Ancient Egyptian, but you don't have to know anything about Egyptology to enjoy this story.

I really appreciate how Laura Greenwood dusted off a few of the lesser-known and more mysterious gods and goddesses, gave them personalities (mostly), and matched them up with deities who aren’t famously connected. The Ancient Egyptians had a huge pantheon (around 1500 deities), so there was plenty of time and lots of chances to make new relationships.

I enjoyed learning more about Ammit and her situation after the fall of the Egyptian religion. She would be bored and lonely, so I’m happy with how her story plays out here. I also like Tutu being a demon hunter, and not just a protector god. I’m pretty much ecstatic about this short story. I kind of wish it was longer, but this is part of a series so I can enjoy more of this amazing world.

Tons of typos, but nothing too distracting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroine has been forgotten and alone for the longest time. When she finally is drawn forth, will she regret being remembered?

This is the fourth book in the series. It works just fine as a standalone.

This is a fantasy romance story set in the time of Egyptian gods. The story is well written and easy to read, with a straightforward plot that still manages to have some unexpected twists to it. The characters are well developed and I found our heroine's conflict made for a very engaging story. I really enjoyed the Egyptian mythology elements of the story and now want to go back and read the other books in this series to pick up more of that. Overall, a very enjoyable read.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read parts of this story via the author's newsletter, and it was so great to be able to get the completed version! I love serials, but it's so hard to wait between instalments. This is a great, quick read, and I love the whole premise of exploring overlooked/forgotten gods and goddesses. This is a sweet, sometimes funny enemies to lovers story. It has definitely inspired me to put the rest of the books on my TBR list.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgotten Gods book 4.
The story of Ammit, infamous devourer of hearts and demoness & Tutu, protector god and vanquisher of demons. This is the prequel to Acolyte of Truth: Priestess of Truth - follows Edrice & Menefer as they meet. Ammit is feared by all and on call for Judgement for the weighing of hearts. Her story is lonely but inspiring as she finds love in the most unexpected way. I read her story in the boxset collection of the Forgotten Gods and enjoy these feel good fictional stories.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.