Void Heart

Rune Heart #2

by Celeste Baxendell

Her destiny is to give her life to save the world... but what will she do when he will let it burn to save her?

Since the appearance of a leech and the sudden growth of the Abyss, Nadiya has accepted her new role as Asentai’s Beata. Only now she’s desperate to earn the immense power she’s been blessed with. The sooner Nadiya can fulfill the prophecy and close the Abyss, the sooner Imperia is safe from the leeches and the expanse threatening to destroy them.

As her powers and abilities grow, she is sent to Praesi where Commander Saeva, Prince Sulien’s aunt, takes over Nadiya’s training. The commander’s mysterious history and tumultuous relationship with the High Priest and Lateo is worsened as Saeva pushes Nadiya to her breaking point.

Tensions rise between Prince Sulien and the city while every day leaves Nadiya incapacitated as she struggles to become strong enough to close the Abyss. As Nadiya and Lateo grow closer, she fears his feelings for her have grown dangerously out of control when there can be nothing more than friendship between them… especially when she will not leave the city alive.

If sacrificing herself is the only way to deserve the power she’s been given and close the Abyss, will she be strong enough to succeed? Or will she fail and give her life for nothing?

And if Lateo isn’t willing to let her go, what will he condemn them all to in order to save her life?

For lovers of epic magic, complex characters, and intense, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance with no spice, Void Heart is book 2 in the Rune Heart series, a YA fantasy perfect for fans of Shadow and Bone, Elise Kova, and Sarah K. L. Wilson!

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Young Adult

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 11, 2024

About the author

Celeste Baxendell has always read anything she could get her hands on, but once she read her first fantasy novel, she was hooked and hasn’t looked back since.

Her love of magic, adventure, and romance hasn’t waned with age, and she endeavors to write nail-biting stories with compelling, complex characters, and finding light in dark times.

She is incredibly blessed to spend her time writing from her favorite chair with her legs curled up under her as she fights the southern heat. When she isn’t writing, she’s either reading, drawing, or sewing, in that order, and most likely thinking about writing as she does.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nadiya has accepted her role as Beata, chosen by Asentai to fulfill a prophecy. Her mission? Save the world by closing the growing Abyss and exterminate all leeches. She travels to Praesi, at the border of the Abyss, to continue her training with Commander Saeva, Prince Sulien's aunt. Besides the Prince, High Priest Balgair and his Second Lateo are with her on her journey. Nadiya and Lateo grow closer, but she's afraid his feelings are getting too strong and might jeopardise her mission.

The second book in the series gives us more of everything! Character growth, feelings, disturbances and plot twists! The expectations on Nadiya are high, not least by herself. Prince Sulien fights to get the people on his side, while Nadiya and Lateo struggle with their feelings that can't lead to anything good. And the twist at the end was brutal! Thank heavens we don't have to wait too long for the next book to release!

“Ever since I met you, you have taken everything I thought I ever wanted and ripped it to shreds so all that was left was you.”

* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *

[Lumie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Celeste Baxendell for the ARC.

Plot 4.75/5
Characters 4.5/5
Ending 4.5/5
Interest 4.75/5

Overall 4.5/5

-It me a few pages to really get into this sequel because I had to remember all of what had happened in the first book and where it had left off. But after I had picked up on where we were and what was going on, I was hooked. I loved the first book and this one was no different. The plot line was quite different but still remained linked to the first one but it was just so good and so much happened in only 400 pages that it felt like I read multiple books in once.

-The characters were still so amazing to read about and seeing their development from the first book is already quite drastic and interesting. The romance between Nadiya and Lateo was still so sweet and it felt so nice to see how Lateo took care of her always. And then seeing what goes on and happens, I cannot deal.

-When I say that my jaw dropped, it literally dropped. The reveal, plot twist. Everything was just so good. I don’t particularly liked how Nadiya reacted but, wow. I need to know what happens next. I feel like I just cannot wait.

[Beth DeLong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book and I am DEVASTATED!! But it's that really good devastation you feel when you're invested in a book and then HOLY PLOT TWIST!!

I loved "Sacred Heart" and getting introduced to the world and characters. This sequel jumps right into the action, so I do recommend reading "Void Heart" soon after finishing "Sacred Heart" for the above reason.

Like many series, the second book has much more action and politics than the first. Usually that means I prefer the first book to the second. And while I do really appreciate the sweetness of seeing Lateo and Nadiya develop in the first book, I actually really enjoyed this sequel! I'm also really optimistic about the rest of the series!

Canace is redeeming herself, and I'm starting to really enjoy her brutally honest attitude. And I absolutely ADORE Lateo!

But that ending.... cannot wait for book 3!!

🫢 No cursing
🌶 Kisses only
⚠️ Battle scenes, minimal gore

Thank you, Celeste, for an early copy! I'm leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Hannah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Void Heart was a fantastic read that kept me at the edge of my seat and completely enthralled. I received an ARC of this book and I am happy to review it with my own thoughts. Celeste Baxendell is a master at meticulously crafting her story’s world building and bringing her captivating cast to life.

Lateo is almost utter perfection for me when it comes to his characterization and role as the romantic lead. He eventually does let his desperation show more than I expected, but then again, aren’t we all fools in love? There isn’t much more to say about him, other than I was always glad when he graced my page, and wished him back when he was gone from it.

Nadiya’s tenacity and stubbornness are never ending throughout this book. Those are certainly admirable qualities, but she often chose to be stubborn in the most frustrating areas. While I did not often agree with Nadiya, I must say she is probably one of the most consistent characters I have ever read. So hats off to the author for her craftsmanship.

I enjoyed the twist very much at the end of the book. I thought it was very clever, and loved how the previous foreshadowing clicked into place. Though to be honest, I can’t say I enjoyed the fallout from the twist, but such is life when books end with cliffhangers. I am certainly eagerly awaiting the next book to see the drama, and hopefully, satisfying resolution.

I highly recommend Void Heart as a well crafted and complex story that keeps the reader wholly entertained. I can’t wait for the next installment!

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

It was even better than the first one, folks. I had some serious book hangover.

First, can I just comment on Lateo? Boy, oh boy. This is a serious case of he falls first AND falls harder. Someone give that boy a hug. Bless his heart, he needs one. I love him to death.

Now, onto the stuff I really want to discuss. In my original review of Sacred Heart, I made several comments regarding my disappointment at the lack of theme that I kept feeling was missing (or so I thought.) I should have been more patient. Because oh my word, did this one deliver. I want to say so much about this, but as it involves a massive spoiler, my hands are tied. But this is the reason I had book hangover.

I'm still feeling a little confused by the magic system, but it made a bit more sense this time around. Probably because I had a little more free brain-space while reading it.

The slow burn was killing me slowly and that cliffhanger just finished the job.

I cannot wait for the next book.


I received an ARC from the author. I was not required to leave a review, either positive or negative, and all opinions are honest and my own.

[mith · Rating 4 out of 5]

WELL, WELL, WELL. What a sequel that was. I'm gonna be needing book 3 asap, I fear. I'm positively enamored with this series.

I'm on a kindle unlimited kick, so what I find on there is usually a hit or miss. Picking up Sacred Heart a month ago was a pleasant surprise; I enjoyed it so much that I needed book 2 right away. Back then, July felt like ages (though it was only weeks away). I adored these characters, the drive behind them and this sequel has all that and more.

Nadia was, by far, my favorite character. Rarely have I come across a main character that's so driven by her need to prove herself that she's willing to break herself time and time again. Her ambition is a vicious, visceral thing; one that stands in the way of her relationships, and honestly? I'm all for it. I loved it. There's so much to unpack there; there's so much to *discover* there and I want to see just how ruthless it could make her.

The overall plot was engaging, but it felt like it dragged in certain places. This book takes place over the span of a couple of months, and it felt like it could have been a little more tightly done. Despite it, it worked well for the book—it gave it the time to really develop characters and whatnot.

Of course, most of this was the relationship between Lateo and Nadiya. Personally, I really like this ship and the slooooow burn yall 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼 love me a good yearning. Lateo is NOT subtle in the slightest lmao.

The thing is, it's constantly mentioned how tragic and impossible they are, but there never seem to be consequences for how he acts. Like I said, bro is not subtle. An elephant in the room would be less obvious. Everyone could see it, and it's nice of them to not outright say it, but c'mon. Nadiya, admirable is she is, brushed it off way too often, to the point where it got a little annoying. There's only so many excuses you can have without doing something about it! For someone who seems to face her problems pretty head on, she never dealt with this! Yet, dangerous and forbidden as the attraction is, it's only heated arguments. Nothing else really, and they go back to being entwined.

But anywayyyyy. I loved the characters here. Lateo, with his hopeless, desperate sort of love. Nadiya, pushing herself beyond breaking. Sulien isn't as present, but Canace is a nice surprise and I loved that, especially since Raeka isn't around.

And that ENDING. I had suspected it, but still, it feels a LOT more poignant getting to it. I'm so eager to see how the rest of the series is going to play out now!

Thank you to the author for providing me with an arc! Thoughts in this review are entirely my own.

[Leigh W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nadiya has grudgingly accepted her role as Beata. She still feels cheated that she was given the massive amount of vitae she now has instead of earning it, striving to prove that she is worthy. Not knowing anything else, she takes the same dedication she had when her vitae reserve was smaller and applies it to what she has now. Because of this she is able to test theories that have never been able to be done before, pushing herself to the point of passing out several times much to Lateo’s annoyance and worry. The commanders finally reveal the prophecy tied to her and she concludes that she must sacrifice herself for the good of everyone. Lateo doesn’t take kindly to her throwing herself into danger and tries to protect her not only from the danger of the Abyss but herself. It is decided that a small group, including Prince Sulien, will travel to the outpost and city closest to the Abyss. Nadiya realizes as they get closer to their destination that not all is well and whole amongst the people in the land with unrest being noticeable. With leeches threatening the general safety of everyone, the expansion of the Abyss, and the expanding relationship with Lateo will Nadiya be able to fulfill the prophecy and the role she is meant to fill?

Celeste is really good at making characters you love and hate and gosh do I just want to shake Nadiya. She is still so determined to throw herself wholly and completely into her ideals to the point she is willing to sacrifice herself and not listen to other ideas until it is almost too late. Because she would rather be remembered for something in a blaze of glory instead of being nothing. Her need for validation is almost maddening at times, allowing her to make mistakes but make a bigger comeback from, hopefully, learning a lesson. I’m still enjoying Lateo’s arc and looking forward to more of his mysteries to be unraveled. The character I really enjoyed getting expanded on and understanding was Canace, I think she has become a favorite in this book and look forward to seeing how she evolves in the series. Huge plot twist in this book and I am looking forward to seeing how it ripples and affects the rest of the series. I am hooked and need more.

[Katherine Weda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brace yourselves, readers, for an epic ride filled with forbidden love, sky-high stakes, self-discovery, life-altering decisions and world-shattering revelations that will leave you shaken!

This stunning second installment in Celeste Baxendell's Rune Heart series begins approximately four months after the conclusion of Sacred Heart, following Nadiya in her struggles with the insane amounts of pressure her new-found powers as the Beata merit and new challenges as she trains to close the Abyss under the watchful eye of Commander Saeva—Prince Sulien's ruthless and "legendary" aunt.

Aside from the tension building between Nadiya and Lateo as they dance around their feelings for each other, my favorite part of Void Heart has to be how realistic the magic system is. In Sacred Heart, we learned that Nadiya had a lower-than-average level of Vitae, which she has always pushed herself to grow. When she becomes the Beata, her levels skyrocket, but when the story resumes, we see her being pushed to do the impossible: manipulate space.

The lengths Nadiya forces her body—and her Vitae—to go to in order to impress Saeva (whom she describes as "one of the best mages the Academy has ever seen") are great, but the aftermath of each training session is realistic. I feel that often times, authors forget to make their characters have believable weaknesses, but that is not an issue with Celeste Baxendell's characters. Nadiya is physically and magically challenged each day, and the toll it has on her body and magic is a good balance to the immense amount of power she has received.

As part of a larger series, I feel that Void Heart fulfilled its place as a thrilling sequel that both raised the already-high stakes from book one and paved the way for a thrilling continuation of the series in book three! The romantic tension between Nadiya and Lateo, the tension between Saeva, Balgair and Lateo, and the growing strain on the relationship between the Runai and Solitus communities was thrilling to read and left me wanting more!

I won't say much about the ending, but know this: Celeste is a MASTER of gut-wrenching plot twists that will simultaneously leave you breathless and pining for the next installment in the series.

If I could give this a million stars, I would, but I guess five will have to suffice. Thank you to Celeste for letting me be an ARC reader for this thrilling novel!

[Sarah Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book of the Rune Heart series. It picks up after book 1 with Nadiya having fully accepted her role as Beata. She is training to expand her magic and reservoir. Never knowing anything else, she is constantly pushing herself to the limit, whether it will go too far or not. It is decided that Nadiya, along with Sulien, Canace, Balgair and Lateo, will go to the Outpost on the edge of the Abyss to train with the most famous Commander - Seava. And Seava is even more driven than Nadiya and will stop at nothing to make a name for herself.
Knowing the prophecy, Nadiya has accepted that she will most likely die in her attempt to close the Abyss. But can Lateo let that happen? Will any of her friends allow that to happen?
This is another book where the characters are all so mature that you almost forget they are all so young. Nadiya and Lateo are carrying the heavy burdens of the prophecy and their love for each other that can never be. All while dealing with political and religious repercussions from every action any of the group takes.
And this book - gah - from the beginning I was just sucked into the story. There was never a moment where I was not feeling some strong emotion. I spent half the book worrying for Nadiya for one reason the rest of the book for a completely different reason. And I have really become fond of Canace even though I hated her in the first book. She is one of my favorite characters. And OMG the ending! No spoilers - but OMG! I was absolutely flabbergasted!!! By so many things that came to light! This is a book I have well and truly gotten a book hangover from!

[One Last Petal Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Void Heart – Rune Heart Book 2
Celeste Baxendell

Nadiya has accepted her role as Asentai’s Beata and learned to wield the power she was gifted. But is she powerful enough to close the Abyss? She must if she wants to save their land before more leeches tear it apart.
Lateo will do anything to protect her from herself. As tensions rise between the magical and non-magical factions, political uprisings make life even more precarious.
But can Nadiya keep her growing feelings for Lateo hidden as she knows the sacrifice she must make? Or will his love for her dissuade her from her task?

“He could no more stop his love from spilling over than the stars could stop shining.”

The love these two have for each other 😭
I feel for them so much. The struggles they face and how Lateo cares for her are perfect.
And once again Baxendell has crushed this reader’s heart. The hints and nuances throughout are masterful.
Nadiya’s ambitions might have changed, but she’s still determined to prove herself, even as her prejudices have grown. The supporting characters are perfect to balance Nadiya in so many different ways. Canace and Suliel are still my favorites.

I may have stayed up till 3am to finish this, and I’m still in a book hangover from it.

5 Roses
No swears
Swoony kisses; a few instances of cuddling
Battle scenes with some injuries. On page death. Unhealthy obsession with a goal (portrayed well).

(Thank you to the author for the ARC of this book. This is my honest review.)

[Caitlyn (delightful.reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You were enough before this power, and you always will be with or without it. The measure of you is so much more.”

Void Heart is one of those books that just hits. It’s a powerful continuation of Sacred Heart. This series is about a girl who’d sacrifice anything for ambition (& all of her ambitious goals) and the boy who’d sacrifice anything for her.

I love how complicated some dynamics are in this! Nadiya is unapologetically ambitious and her relationship dynamics are great. Her friendship / slow burn romance with Latteo is amazing! I love these two and I’m definitely rooting for them to get an HEA by the end of this series. Also Canace really shines in this! I love her frenemie dynamic with Nadiya

All in all if you’re looking for:
✨an unapologetic ambitious FMC
🖤complicated relationship dynamics
✨he falls first & everyone knows but her
🖤a low spice slowburn romance
✨ya fantasy with some romance elements
🖤a world with civil unrest between magic and non-magic users
✨a magic sucking Abyss that challenges the Grishaverse’s Shadow Fold for scariest magical plight

Then, pick-up Sacred Heart & Void Heart! These books are amazing and I’m excited to see where this journey goes next - especially after that major twist cliffhanger ending 😭

Many thanks to Celeste Baxendell for the eARC!

[Rachel Scaglione · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book as well Natydia is still too determined for her own good and trains so hard she makes herself sick regularly. It fits well with her stubborn nature. I kept wondering why her commanders encouraged this behavior? Like i get they are pressed for time but the void expanded once in 50 years you would think the practical person would want to train her to fix it carefully while another group works on identifying leaches better. Lateo was also consistently caring and she ignores him because she is so stubborn. Why? He is the only one actively trying to keep you alive for some reason. The commanders are like you're the Beata we have to protect you and also ignore you're options. They protect her until they need to use her then all bets are off. The most annoying person was Balgair, in book one he was overprotective and wouldn't let the his Beata do anything and scolded Lateo whenever she was in danger. Ok fine persona established. In book two she is sick constantly and every time you think he will say enough is enough he actively stops Lateo from " acting out" (sort of) in her best interest. The inconsistent behavior is not explained in this book and is mildly annoying and broke me out of the story at least once. Maybe this will be addressed later? Still really enjoyed the book :)

[Bethany Aich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping. I saw another reader friend of mine use this word to describe Celeste’s writing, and it struck me as PERFECT. When the book is hard to put down and the story stays with you long after the last page has been turned, no other word is as fitting.

Sacred Heart (book one) set Void Heart up beautifully and I went along for the emotional ride expecting good things. And there were good things…. And bad things. And things in between. But throughout, I found myself gripped by the story. As yet another reader friend said, it’s hard to remember that Celeste’s characters aren’t real. Nadiya and Lateo call to me like few other couples and I’m throughly invested and will be here for all their ups and downs until the end (three glorious—or not so glorious—books to go!).

Romance: it has some I could do without but it also really fits the book. I would suggest this for at least older teens also due to the violence in it. This is comparable to book one as well as the Runes of Pain and Peace series set in this same world.

Note: As a reminder, these books are absolutely not standalone. For best enjoyment—and to be able to understand what’s going on—be sure to start with book one, Sacred Heart.

[Priscila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind. Blown! Like, seriously, I can't even right now. I'm reeling from that epic, wild ride that was Void Heart, and I have no clue how this story will continue, but I know I'll be eagerly awaiting the next one because I need all the answers.

*Deep breath in. Out.*

OK, but let's back up for a second first. I firmly believe a series should always give you more of what you liked in the first/previous book as the story continues, and this one delivered in spades. Loved the action? There's plenty here. Love mystery and intrigue in new surroundings? Just hop on the journey to the ends of the "earth". Praesi is full of surprises. Loved Lateo and his swoony self in the first book? Be prepared for our guy to bring it on in this book 🔥 #LatinNeverSoundedMoreRomantic 😍 Love political intrigue? Plot twists? Wanna see what's going on with characters like Sulien and Canace? And who are Commander Saeva and Pernell? Wanna understand more about clan mages? Wanna see Nadiya's growth in her powers? Want to experience the Outpost? Then go preorder/pick up a copy of this book and clear your schedule because you won't want to put this down! ~ 5 stars!

I received an ARC copy from the author.

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an engaging addition to the series! I loved learning more of the lore and backstory of the world and characters and the plot was interesting!

Realistic characters are Baxendell's strongest point. Nadiya somehow grew as a person and stayed stuck in her old ways, but I'm here for the rest of her arc! At times her obstinacy was annoying, but that made her small breakthroughs that much more rewarding. And of course Lateo was amazing as always. I'm looking forward to seeing how his arc continues without as much of a certain influence in his life.

There was less happening action-wise in this book, but it still kept me engaged. I was able to predict the plot twist, but the events that happened after still left me surprised and eagerly anticipating the next book. My only complaint is that some conversations/ thoughts were a little repetitive, but I understand that is all part of a realistic story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Emelia (emeliaisreading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Void Heart by Celeste Baxendell
Genre: Romantasy
Pub Date: July 11, 2024

She's Training Her Powers
Longing + Pining
He Takes Care of Her
Ancient Prophecy
Slow Burn
Forbidden Romance
Powerful Priests + Mages

My Review:

This series is perfect if you love and extreme slow burn/forbidden Romance. The Beata (FMC) wants Lateo (the next high priest, MMC) but won't allow herself to love him because her ambition has been all that ever mattered and she refuses to let anyone in. I thought this was a duology, but I was sorely mistaken, the cliffhanger is devastating 😅 in Void Heart, we follow Nadiya on her journey to attempt to use her newly found power to close the abyss and destroy the leeches that come from it.

I can't wait for Baxendell's next book 😍

Thank you so much to the author for the early digital review copy! 💕

TW: emetophobia (lots of "being sick" but not explicit

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected but full of excitement and surprises. It took me a little while to get into it, but once I reached the 10% mark, I finished the rest in one sitting. When I reached the halfway point, the plot took a new direction which both surprised and pleased me that there was still a lot more left. The characters’ growth worked well and felt natural. Nadiya is still frustratingly modeling lack of self-preservation. Prince Sulien was a little more human this time around. Lateo, he’s still an enigma to me. I’m hoping we’ll find out more about the high priest’s, Second’s, and Nadiya’s pasts in the next book. Seeing Canance recount the spark notes version of Pax Marcella’s story was a fun Easter egg. Commander Saeva reminded me of the healers from 200 years ago, but more ethical, barely.

This is a worthy continuation of the first book in the series. I am excited to see what happens next. 10/10 would recommend.

*I received an ARC with no expectation of a review. All opinions are my own.

[Cilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series definitely needs to be read in order and be warned this book will leave you desperate to know how the twist at the end can be resolved. Nadiya is determined to be someone who does something important and this is almost an obsession and she pushes herself to total collapse again and again to achieve it. Her relationship with Lateo is obvious to everyone but her, and she is beginning to find out that the what she thought was the way the world worked...isn't... Throw in politics with the King and his heir hated by the general population, ongoing dissension between those with magic and those without, and factions within the Runai (mages). I can't wait until book 3 (and if you haven't read the story of how Nadiya even got onto the command track as a no-name then sign up for Celeste Baxendell's newsletter and get Trials of Feathers and Faith free). I received an ARC but this review is my own.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

What just happened?!

😳

🤯


What…just…HAPPENED?!?!?

Omg please beware that I may drop spoilers because I am still trying to process what I just read…and I finished reading yesterday but have been stilling trying to formulate my thoughts.

This is book 2 and definitely needs to be read in order. And the ending on this one… I was eagerly waiting for this book after how good book one was but with how mind blowing this book was I need the next book STAT!!!

This was so soooo good!

The ending of this one was EPIC! And the cliffhanger is going to leave my head spinning for a while. I did not see that coming. Lateo 😭 why?!?!?!

It’s a big book (I have been reading an arc all week and have been completely immersed). There is so much that goes on and many new characters. Plus Marcella’s story is referenced in this book when Carance gives Nadiya the ‘true’ history of their world. I absolutely loved seeing the two series come together. I had such a big grin on my face when Canace was explaining things to Nadiya and the story of Marcella came into play.

A m/f epic fantasy romance with yes a love triangle…one I’m actually enjoying because well…reasons that this book has now turned on its head. Lots of political intrigue, mystery, magic, young sweet love and brutal betrayals. Like the one that has left me shell shocked…still.

Told from Nadiya’s pov in third person

Main characters -

Nadiya - Beata
Lateo - the Second
Sulien - Prince
Canace - clan mage

Steam - clean, slow burn

[✨Ruthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing continuation of the 1st book, but the PLOT TWIST!!! I was right it did wreck my life at 12 in the morning!!!!!

Lateo and Nadiya's relationship continues to develop, but also kinda spirals with the plot twist. I found Nadiya to be slightly annoying sometimes with her ignorance about Lateo's feelings for her and continuing to deny it, until she LITERALLY couldn't anymore.

However, character development, plot, and the plot twists were spot on, and my jaw dropped, it just dropped and I was left staring at the screen (my kindle) with utter shock. Like WHAT?!?!?!? I had NO WORDS, and now I'm so confused, and I immediately jumped on the 3rd book after I finished this one, and I have so many questions, and no answers, and I'm an emotional wreck mentally *deep breath*

So, a solid 4.99/5 stars, the 0.1 for how Nadiya was kind of annoying and unfair to sweet Lateo. 💖

[Kimthebookishbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC but all opinions expressed are my own. I really love the story and world Celeste has created. The characters are so realistic, some you root for, some you love, some you wish you could slap upside the head, and some you go back and forth on loving and hating. There were intense moments you're sitting on the edge of your seat, and there was a major plot twist that made me throw my phone. The one thing I will say, I have a friend that doesn't love descriptive being carried scenes or mentioning touching body parts too much, if you're like that, you may not enjoy these books as much but there's nothing more than kissing and nothing risqué described. Definitely a good series if you need something new to read!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Void Heart was a fantastic action packed Roman inspire romantasy novel! It was a great follow up to Scared Heart with the drama, suspense, and forbidden romance. The plot was gripping from the beginning. Each twists and turn the story took had me glued to the page. All I wanted to do was keep reading! The ending had me at the edge of my seat! It is going to be a hard wait until the third book comes out. Nadiya grew a lot in this story. She is still often blind by her ambition. Breaking herself to prove her worth. She stubbornness is in full force. Yet, we start seeing more of her softer side as she starts experiencing other emotions and stops naively believing everything the academy tells her. She is still very loyal to those she cares for. We got to see a more of Lateo’s caring side in this book. He really tried to take care of Nadiya. The romance is closed door with only kissing. If you love enemies to lovers, forced proximity, slow burn, and forbidden romance book tropes, highly recommend this book!

I volunteered to read an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.

[Adena Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ow. This is one of the more brutal coming-of-age stories I have read. Nadiya has to face so much: changes in her status, questions about her beliefs, riots about the division of church and status, the conflict between her ambitions and her capabilities, and most confusing of all, her feelings. Growing up is hard enough. Growing up in the public eye is harder. Growing up in the public eye during civil disruptions? Hard does not begin to describe the situation. And the hook at the end means I have to read the next book, just to find out what Nadiya does about Lateo.

I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one was incredible but book two is totally awesome! Our epic fantasy read continues in this amazing world of magic, forbidden romance, action and adventure! Nadiya our fmc from book one is still as headstrong and as stubborn as ever as her exciting and captivating journey holds us to the edge of our seats. Twists and turns keep us spinning and the slow burn romance keeps us swooning as the author weaves their magic and once again draws us into this complex and intriguing world with an ending that has us hooked and eager for book three.

[Grace Wahls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Celeste Baxendell

Love her writing…so hoping this doesn’t twist into a further love triangle…and as for leaving me on a cliff hanger, I hope she gets her next one out soon! But in all seriousness, Celeste has a way of weaving characters, their backgrounds, mindsets, and personalities in a way that you don’t see very often. Her writing feels like that of old…when authors wrote in such detail you could taste what was on the page, feel what the character felt, as though you breathed the same air as them.

[Aubrey Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nadiya finally accepted that she's the Beata, and throws herself right back into old habits of working herself nearly to death. She's learned and grown a bit, but still very much as stubborn as ever.
I loved seeing all the characters from book 1 come back and see a few new characters join the cast. I loved how all the different relationships developed and how complex they are!
This was an absolutely fantastic sequel to Sacred Heart with an ending that had my jaw on the floor! What a twist! I have no notes. I just need to read the next book immediately!

[Rachel Wehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

What. Just. Happened?!? Oh my goodness. This is how you do an amazing sequel! The first book in the series, Sacred Heart, was so strong. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but it was better than first. And holy cow! My heart is pounding, and I feel sick after that conclusion (but, like in the best possible way!). Celeste Baxendell is an incredibly talented writer, and the more I read from her, the more I love! I can't recommend her books enough!

[Shawna Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow -This book leaves me speechless and frankly emotionally destroyed in the best way possible.

This story was everything I love about Celeste's writing. It was intense, emotionally draining, and the ending left me speechless. This book changed everything about this world and the characters that inhabited it. And now I have so many theories on who is who, and who already knew.

Nadyia and Lateo went through the wringer in the book. Everything they knew and believed in was turned upside down, especially for Nadyia. She has learned her short life has been full of lies and betrayals. I'm excited to see how she deals and grows from this.

Do yourself a favor and pick up this series. you won't regret it

[Nikki Ambrosius · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great continuation of the first! I loved all the twists and turns the story took. It definitely kept me on my toes. Can’t wait to see how Lateo and Nadiya will overcome the ending of this book. Highly recommend this to readers who love fantasy with enemies to lovers slow burn.

I received an advanced copy of this book, but it will be available to everyone soon!

[Kati Luchterhand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this sequel!

Celeste has done a great job of mapping out the plot for this trilogy. The pacing is perfect in my opinion as is her character development. Her characters have depth and emotional complexity, which I love! And enough unexpected twist to keep me guessing, all the way through the end.