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A City of Hearts and Feathers
Dangerous protectors. Family secrets. Byzantine mysteries. Trust no one in the city of hearts and feathers
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Decades after finding her father dead among his books, Zoe returns to the city of her lost childhood to finally put her nightmares to rest. But the dusty shelves of rare books aren't the only thing her father left her in Istanbul. Concealed about the city are lost fragments of the Sais Codex, an ancient Egyptian manuscript that led to his death, and it's up to Zoe to find them before anyone else does.
Now both the light and dark courts of Istanbul's hidden magical world are hunting her. Her only chance of surviving comes in the form of Kahil, her father's protector from the ancient Order of Anubis, whose mismatched eyes hold centuries of secrets and tattooed hands spark things in her that they shouldn't.
Lost in a labyrinth of midnight meetings with immortals, cryptic oracles, and the obsessed fanatics attempting to kidnap her, Zoe will learn that some secrets are worth taking to the grave and some loves are worth more than eternal life. Because true power doesn't lie in ancient magic—it's in choosing what you're willing to sacrifice everything for.
Please note, 'A City of Hearts and Feathers' is a stand-alone romantic contemporary fantasy that contains strong language, violence, and spicy scenes.
Decades after finding her father dead among his books, Zoe returns to the city of her lost childhood to finally put her nightmares to rest. But the dusty shelves of rare books aren't the only thing her father left her in Istanbul. Concealed about the city are lost fragments of the Sais Codex, an ancient Egyptian manuscript that led to his death, and it's up to Zoe to find them before anyone else does.
Now both the light and dark courts of Istanbul's hidden magical world are hunting her. Her only chance of surviving comes in the form of Kahil, her father's protector from the ancient Order of Anubis, whose mismatched eyes hold centuries of secrets and tattooed hands spark things in her that they shouldn't.
Lost in a labyrinth of midnight meetings with immortals, cryptic oracles, and the obsessed fanatics attempting to kidnap her, Zoe will learn that some secrets are worth taking to the grave and some loves are worth more than eternal life. Because true power doesn't lie in ancient magic—it's in choosing what you're willing to sacrifice everything for.
Please note, 'A City of Hearts and Feathers' is a stand-alone romantic contemporary fantasy that contains strong language, violence, and spicy scenes.
- GenresRomanceFantasyParanormal
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2025
45 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Amy Kuivalainen
50 books433 followersAmy is a best-selling author of fantasy, paranormal, and romance novels. After realizing she wasn't fit for academia, she channelled her passion for ancient history, magic, and mythology into her storytelling. With Amy's books, you can always expect adventure, mystery, and sizzling romance.
For those wondering, her Finnish surname is pronounced 'Quiver-lay-nen.'
For those wondering, her Finnish surname is pronounced 'Quiver-lay-nen.'
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 15, 2025
New Favorite Book!
Every time I think I can name my favorite Amy Kuivalainen book, she goes and writes a new amazing one- with a new hot book boyfriend for me to swoon over! I loved Zoe and Kahil and this wonderful world of books and magic we get introduced to here. Can’t wait for more in this series!
Every time I think I can name my favorite Amy Kuivalainen book, she goes and writes a new amazing one- with a new hot book boyfriend for me to swoon over! I loved Zoe and Kahil and this wonderful world of books and magic we get introduced to here. Can’t wait for more in this series!
July 14, 2025
“Enter a world where ancient magic pulses beneath modern streets, where immortal warriors serve secret societies, and where one woman’s inheritance could change everything.”
After reading that teaser back in February, I knew I was going to devour this book. As it happens, I finally grabbed it thanks to the KU offer. And what can I say: Amy Kuivalainen never misses. Her writing has the ability to pull me in from the very first paragraph and not let go. This book was so good, it made me absolutely despair over how badly I wanted to be swept into that fantasy world. There’s just something in the details, the found family, the myth, and the magic that is a perfect fit for my brain.
One thing I truly admire about Amy is that she writes adult women as her main characters. That’s also the case here. Honestly, I just can’t read any more stories where it’s always sixteen- to eighteen-year-olds saving the world or becoming mates with immortal beings. I’m in my mid-thirties, and I’d also like some action in my life, thank you very much.
Enter: Zoe, 33 years old. She’s a book restorer, and on her birthday, she discovers that she’s the last heir to an ancient magical bookstore. She has to travel to Istanbul to make some decisions regarding the family store. Because she becomes entangled in the discovery of a lost manuscript, she receives assistance from the Order of Anubis—and from Kahil, the tall, dark, and yes, drool-worthy bodyguard. There’s fantastic banter between Zoe and Kahil, as well as sizzling chemistry.
From start to finish, this book had me hooked! I loved how the plot wove together magic and romance while taking the main characters on a thrilling quest. I’m a nerd for all things history, travel, and fantasy, so I was ecstatic to see how Kuivalainen spoiled me by diving into not just the city of Istanbul, but also paranormal politics and Egyptian mythology.
The romance between the main characters was so well-paced, and I loved how they both grew and confronted parts of their pasts. I truly enjoy it when the leads are more than just romantic tropes and have their own personalities and lessons to learn. All the side characters were captivating as well, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the author continues to develop this world and their stories.
So why only 4 stars? I wish I could give it 5, but I felt the storyline could have used about 50 more pages. There are still so many mysteries I’d love to have uncovered in the first book. In my opinion, the other creatures could have been introduced more clearly. Also, I’m still confused about Zoe’s mother. Until the end, I had the feeling she might have had something to do with her father’s death, you know? Yeah, I know—first world problems… but it’s just a feeling.
Overall, a wonderful read with a strongly built world and magic system, intrigue, and romance all wrapped up in one. I’d recommend it to any fantasy romance or paranormal romance readers. Can't wait for the next :-)
After reading that teaser back in February, I knew I was going to devour this book. As it happens, I finally grabbed it thanks to the KU offer. And what can I say: Amy Kuivalainen never misses. Her writing has the ability to pull me in from the very first paragraph and not let go. This book was so good, it made me absolutely despair over how badly I wanted to be swept into that fantasy world. There’s just something in the details, the found family, the myth, and the magic that is a perfect fit for my brain.
One thing I truly admire about Amy is that she writes adult women as her main characters. That’s also the case here. Honestly, I just can’t read any more stories where it’s always sixteen- to eighteen-year-olds saving the world or becoming mates with immortal beings. I’m in my mid-thirties, and I’d also like some action in my life, thank you very much.
Enter: Zoe, 33 years old. She’s a book restorer, and on her birthday, she discovers that she’s the last heir to an ancient magical bookstore. She has to travel to Istanbul to make some decisions regarding the family store. Because she becomes entangled in the discovery of a lost manuscript, she receives assistance from the Order of Anubis—and from Kahil, the tall, dark, and yes, drool-worthy bodyguard. There’s fantastic banter between Zoe and Kahil, as well as sizzling chemistry.
From start to finish, this book had me hooked! I loved how the plot wove together magic and romance while taking the main characters on a thrilling quest. I’m a nerd for all things history, travel, and fantasy, so I was ecstatic to see how Kuivalainen spoiled me by diving into not just the city of Istanbul, but also paranormal politics and Egyptian mythology.
The romance between the main characters was so well-paced, and I loved how they both grew and confronted parts of their pasts. I truly enjoy it when the leads are more than just romantic tropes and have their own personalities and lessons to learn. All the side characters were captivating as well, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the author continues to develop this world and their stories.
So why only 4 stars? I wish I could give it 5, but I felt the storyline could have used about 50 more pages. There are still so many mysteries I’d love to have uncovered in the first book. In my opinion, the other creatures could have been introduced more clearly. Also, I’m still confused about Zoe’s mother. Until the end, I had the feeling she might have had something to do with her father’s death, you know? Yeah, I know—first world problems… but it’s just a feeling.
Overall, a wonderful read with a strongly built world and magic system, intrigue, and romance all wrapped up in one. I’d recommend it to any fantasy romance or paranormal romance readers. Can't wait for the next :-)
December 20, 2024
I remember stumbling on the Immortal City series by accident and enjoying it immensely. So I was super excited to find this book. It has all of the elements that made the Immortal City so enjoyable. You have a swoon worthy hero paired who a woman had more grit that she realized and a mystery wrapped in magic. There is a bit of a magical Da Vinci Code feel to the story with a lot of gray characters making you wonder if light is dark and dark is light. I should also caution that this book contains so much steam you will be reaching for ice water. Zoe handles being thrown off the magical deep end with strength and grace and learns to trust her judgement. She grows so much in the story while Khalil' heart wakes up for the first time in centuries. At times he might have seemed a touch overbearing in his need to protect but she was more than a match. The other characters in the story from Zoe's family to the Order rounded things out nicely and will leave readers wondering who book 2 will be about.
Very highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Very highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 20, 2025
From start to finish this book had me hooked! I loved how the plot was so interwoven with magic and romance while taking our main characters on a quest. I am a nerd for all things history, travel, and fantasy, so I was ecstatic to see how Kuivanlainen spoiled me by diving into not just the city of Istanbul, but paranormal politics, and Egyptian mythology as well.
The romance between our two main characters was so well-paced, and I enjoyed how they both grew and confronted some of their pasts. I truly enjoy it when the leads are more than just romantic tropes, and actually have their own personalities and lessons to learn. All the side characters were so captivating as well, and I am definitely looking forward to how the author will continue in this world and how their stories will play out.
Overall, a wonderful read with a strongly built world and magic system, intrigue, and romance all wrapped up in one. I recommend it to any fantasy romance or paranormal romance readers.
The romance between our two main characters was so well-paced, and I enjoyed how they both grew and confronted some of their pasts. I truly enjoy it when the leads are more than just romantic tropes, and actually have their own personalities and lessons to learn. All the side characters were so captivating as well, and I am definitely looking forward to how the author will continue in this world and how their stories will play out.
Overall, a wonderful read with a strongly built world and magic system, intrigue, and romance all wrapped up in one. I recommend it to any fantasy romance or paranormal romance readers.
February 21, 2025
A City of Hearts and Feathers book one is an urban fantasy that plays out in the magical city of Istanbul.
Twenty three years after her fathers murder which occurred on her birthday Zoe Kartal who still feels the pain of his loss finds her work restoring rare and damaged books the balm that keeps the horrible memory of that day from her thoughts.
When a lawyer from Istanbul arrives on her doorstep representing her father’s estate Zoe is confused as to what it could be about as her father’s affairs had been taken care of years prior.
Turns out a family legacy was left only to her, a bookstore in Istanbul, and a very special one to be given to her on her thirty-third birthday.
A wonderfully written story soon turns into a high stakes adventure filled with intrigue, suspense, magic, spice, secrets, action, mystery, danger, and the forbidden attraction that blossoms between her and Kahil the man who becomes her bodyguard and then so much more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Twenty three years after her fathers murder which occurred on her birthday Zoe Kartal who still feels the pain of his loss finds her work restoring rare and damaged books the balm that keeps the horrible memory of that day from her thoughts.
When a lawyer from Istanbul arrives on her doorstep representing her father’s estate Zoe is confused as to what it could be about as her father’s affairs had been taken care of years prior.
Turns out a family legacy was left only to her, a bookstore in Istanbul, and a very special one to be given to her on her thirty-third birthday.
A wonderfully written story soon turns into a high stakes adventure filled with intrigue, suspense, magic, spice, secrets, action, mystery, danger, and the forbidden attraction that blossoms between her and Kahil the man who becomes her bodyguard and then so much more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 16, 2024
I swear, Amy Kuivalainen never misses. Her writing has the ability to pull me in on the first paragraph and not let go. This book was so good it made me absolutely despair with how badly I wanted to be pulled into that fantasy world. Something in the details and found family and myth and magic is just a perfect fit for my brain.
I did receive a free copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving a review. This book has everything from a highly relatable, book obsessed main character, myth, history, fairytale, magic and supernatural/fantasy creatures, mystery, and is perfectly balanced with romance, spice, adventure AND a treasure hunt. Truly, this book spoils us. It’s an easy read that will have you absolutely obsessed. I loved every second of reading it.
I did receive a free copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving a review. This book has everything from a highly relatable, book obsessed main character, myth, history, fairytale, magic and supernatural/fantasy creatures, mystery, and is perfectly balanced with romance, spice, adventure AND a treasure hunt. Truly, this book spoils us. It’s an easy read that will have you absolutely obsessed. I loved every second of reading it.
February 14, 2025
never a dull moment
The authors style of writing is simply enchanting. From the magicians of Venice series to the tarot kings, she truly knows how to write a romance and shape a magical world, and this latest was no exception! Do I detect a crossover with Penelope and Zoe?! I eagerly await the next one. Thank you for sharing the hard working results of your fantastic imagination Amy!
The authors style of writing is simply enchanting. From the magicians of Venice series to the tarot kings, she truly knows how to write a romance and shape a magical world, and this latest was no exception! Do I detect a crossover with Penelope and Zoe?! I eagerly await the next one. Thank you for sharing the hard working results of your fantastic imagination Amy!
June 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this. Loved the melting pot aspect plus we get a little scene with ANUBIS!! I hope there's more in the series and this is more a different couple each book versus sticking with Kahil and Zoe. Although I loved them to pieces. It almost has a fated mates element. Loving exploring Amy's backlist!
June 30, 2025
Couldn't put it down
This is one of those books that catches your imagination and it won't let go. I hated to put it down in order to do normal stuff like cook dinner go to bed. But you know I picked it up as soon as I could again and finish it. Love this author's work. This was truly an amazing adventure and love story.
This is one of those books that catches your imagination and it won't let go. I hated to put it down in order to do normal stuff like cook dinner go to bed. But you know I picked it up as soon as I could again and finish it. Love this author's work. This was truly an amazing adventure and love story.
February 16, 2025
Enjoyed!
I have always enjoyed this author's books and this was no exception. Easy to read, funny and scorching hot, I really enjoyed this book. Hope there are more in this series.
I have always enjoyed this author's books and this was no exception. Easy to read, funny and scorching hot, I really enjoyed this book. Hope there are more in this series.
February 12, 2025
Love Amy's ability to make her characters and cities jump off the page. A perfect amount of spice and world building! Can't wait for the next book in the series
May 3, 2025
Good book
This was a fun read. It has mystery, love and suspense. Who can forget supernatural! What more do you need? I loved it.
This was a fun read. It has mystery, love and suspense. Who can forget supernatural! What more do you need? I loved it.
May 3, 2025
Addictive
I enjoyed this more than I expected and loved all the side characters. It states standalone but can definitely see many spin-offs and hope we see more!
I enjoyed this more than I expected and loved all the side characters. It states standalone but can definitely see many spin-offs and hope we see more!
May 5, 2025
at first I didn't like it a lot but I'm glad I finished it because it was really good! I liked this couple a lot.
February 12, 2025
A City of Hearts & Feathers is the first book in an exciting new series from Amy Kuivalainen. If you love mythology, magic, & fantasy then you will thoroughly enjoy this book. Zoe Kartal is a book restorer living in London when her life is shaken up by a visit from someone representing her father's estate. She has to take a trip to Istanbul to make some decisions regarding the family bookstore. Enter Kahil, the tall, dark, & drool-worthy bodyguard from the Order of Anubis. There's a lot of great banter between Zoe & Kahil as well as sizzling chemistry.
The world building here is well done & I look forward to more as the series expands. Istanbul is a character in its own right in this book. The cisterns, the Grand Bazaar, and other locales make it come alive.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The world building here is well done & I look forward to more as the series expands. Istanbul is a character in its own right in this book. The cisterns, the Grand Bazaar, and other locales make it come alive.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews