A Thousand Heartbeats by Kiera Cass Published by HarperCollins on November 29, 2022
Genres: Young Adult Fiction / Girls & Women, Young Adult Fiction / Romance / General, Young Adult Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
Pages: 576
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library
#1 New York Times bestselling author of The Selection series Kiera Cass is back with her most epic novel yet—a sweeping enemies-to-lovers standalone romance.
“Love has a sound. It sounds like a thousand heartbeats happening at the same time.”
Princess Annika has lived a life of comfort—but no amount of luxuries can change the fact that her life isn’t her own to control. The king, once her loving father, has gone cold, and Annika will soon be forced into a loveless marriage for political gain.
Miles away, small comforts are few and far between for Lennox. He has devoted his life to the Dahrainian army, hoping to one day help them reclaim the throne that was stolen from them. For Lennox, the idea of love is merely a distraction—nothing will stand in the way of fighting for his people.
But when love, against all odds, finds them both, they are bound by its call. They can’t possibly be together—but the irresistible thrum of a thousand heartbeats won’t let them stay apart.
Kiera Cass brings her signature sparkling romance to this beautiful story of star-crossed lovers and long-held secrets.
My Review
Reader, have you ever gone into a bookstore or a library and selected to go on a blind date with a book? I had seen this trend in bookstores but never in a library until I went to my library in February. I was so intrigued that I decided to pick a date up but sadly, the date I chose I had already read. The following week, when I went to the library, I decided to choose another date, and AGAIN, I had already read my chosen date. I was smarter this time, though, because I opened the book when I was close enough to the library to be able to return it the same day. I really wanted to participate in this so I chose my third and final date and this time I lucked out because I had never even heard of this book. I will include the date information below so you can see why I was tempted to pick this book up.
Date Information:
At the same time Annika was reaching to feel her sword in its hiding place, beneath her bed, Lennox was wiping blood from his.
Do you see why I chose this book, Reader? I am so glad that I did because I really loved this story. So I am just going to say it now this book is a romantasy and a wonderful one at that. I am happy that this ended up being the first book I have read by Kiera Cass, and it definitely will not be my last. So, enough about how happy I am with my blind date choice; let me get into what the story is all about.
We are following two main characters from two completely different backgrounds. Annika is a princess who was raised in a castle and remains there with her father (the king), her brother, and multiple servants and other workers. Annika is the youngest of the siblings, but that does not mean she cannot lead and hold her own in the kingdom of Kadier. She is not to be underestimated, regardless of the rank she holds. She is very close with her brother and uncomfortable with her father since her mother went missing two years prior. Her father did not handle the news well and has changed dramatically from the man she used to know. He is now prone to outbursts, bullying, and cruelty. He keeps a close eye on Annika to the point where she is not allowed to leave the castle area, nor can she choose her husband. Her marriage will be advantageous to her kingdom, and the groom is selected by her father. She is not interested in the man she is to marry, nor does she like him much. Also, it should be said that her brother does not like him either. Annika and her brother have a sweet relationship where they look out for one another, are close friends, and share secrets. One of their bigger secrets is the one where he is teaching her how to defend herself with a sword that she hides under her bed.
Lennox lives in a “kingdom” that is bare and poor. He did not always live this way; however, he grew up in a loving home with a mother and father who loved each other. They were a very happy family until one day when a man came to their home, and his world changed forever. This man spoke of a kingdom that was not in their possession but had been stolen from them and was now run by the wrong family. The kingdom he speaks of is Kadier. This knowledge is what led to Lennox’s family falling apart and the death of his father. This man (I apologize, I can not remember his name, and I do not have a copy of the book to check) eventually ends up with Lennox’s mom, and let’s just say he is not a kind man. He is controlling and abusive to Lennox. Lennox proves himself through violence so no one dares to cross him. He does the dirty and unflattering tasks that no one wants, and he does them because he will do anything for his people. He has devoted his life to the Dahrainian Army and is an enforcer of sorts for his mother’s boyfriend. He truly believes that his people are supposed to be the true leaders of the kingdoms.
One day, while out for a ride with her betrothed, Annika is kidnapped by Lennox and his people. She is taken back to their run-down castle and imprisoned while her fiance rides back to her castle. Shocker, I know he does not even try to save her. He is all about himself. In a way, though, this is lucky for Annika because she finally discovers what has happened to her mother. She also learns some things about this so-called kingdom that will be good for her father to know. As I said before, just because Annika is a princess does not mean you should underestimate her abilities, which is precisely what Lennox did, which allowed her to escape.
This story includes action, determination, loyalty, loss, grief, and star-crossed lovers. If you love a character-based story with multiple viewpoints, then this one might be for you. I found Annika to be a fair and level-headed character with struggles and heartbreak, which made her more realistic than just some princess living the perfect life. I could not help but feel for Lennox and the things that he had to endure at the hands of his mother’s boyfriend, not to mention the sadness he carried for his actions. Lennox believes himself to be worthless, which I find to be heartbreaking. I have already said at the start of this post, but I really enjoyed this story and flew through it, so please do not let the size of the book discourage you from picking it up. Reader, have you read anything by Kiera Cass, and if so, what was it, and do you recommend it? I am always looking for new authors to read. Until next time, Reader, Happy Reading.
Trigger Warnings:
- Kidnapping
- Death of Parents
- Death of a Girlfriend
- Battle Scene
- Mental and Physical Abuse
- Loss of a Pet
- Murder