The Heart of Nym

The Twisted Roots Duology #1

by Katherine Whiteheart

Nymiria Celentas is the king’s most prized subject, she will do anything he tasks her to do. But even the most loyal subjects have their secrets.

And their limits.

Tasked to kill the king’s most lethal assassin and illegitimate child, Nymiria comes to learn that the person who is rebuilding the world she was captured from is the very one she’s supposed to kill. When the Truth of Aziel Haze’s intentions are brought to light, Nymiria betrays her own rebellious plans and puts her fate in his hands.

Little does she know that their fates are more entwined than she once believed.

Genres: Fantasy

520 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2025

About the author

Katherine Whiteheart was raised in the mountains of North Carolina listening to stories of local haunts and lore. She always had a fearful attraction towards the supernatural and eventually found her niche in it—developing a love for the odd, the fae, and the mildly disturbing.
Katherine lives nestled in a valley in North Carolina with her husband, her sons, her cat, and the family gecko. If she is not writing, she is probably reading. Or chasing after her little cryptids.

Reviews

[Meg (fantasybook.adventurer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨The Heart of Nym✨

Katherine does it again. Truly. She knows exactly how to pull emotions right out of my whole heart. In this new series within her Whiteheart realm, we meet characters just as tortured and lovable as in her Darkest Flame series (which I HIGHLY recommend).

In THON, we follow almost an omnipresent POV between our two MCs, Nymiria and Aziel. As the king’s favored treasure, Nym has been tasked to kill Aziel, his bastard son. Aziel has always had an unexplainable pull to Nym, sacrificing many pieces of his existence for her safety. Both incredibly traumatized and riddled with hatred for each other due to the acts of evil people, they are soon forced into a reluctant alliance against the destruction of the magic wielding community. But there are many more pieces in play. Those involving mimicry, witches, prophecies, reincarnation, and feelings that run deeper than realms.

This first installment was utterly beautiful. Kat knows how to weave a relationship and a slow burn that guts you to your soul. This was truly a slow burn but so worth the wait. The tension and yearning. The banter and sass. The found family. I enjoyed every minute of it and I cannot WAIT for what comes next from Kat!!

Tropes you may find in THON are forbidden love, reincarnated lovers, underworld daddy, life x death, forced proximity, hidden identities, plot twists, banter, found family, slow burn to medium spice, magic and witchcraft, humans & fae, he falls first, enemies to lovers, touch her and ☠️, so much pining, piercings 🤭, mental health rep, and she saves him.

Kat, it has been such a JOY to be an arc reader for all your work. I’m beyond thankful. 🫶

[J.C. Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 STARS.
SIX FUCKING STARS.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

UPDATED REVIEW:

If you are reading this on August 28, 2025, it is OFFICIALLY release day for The Heart of Nym. 🤍🤍
If you are a Dark Romantasy lover, do yourself the biggest favor and read this. Katherine delivered a true SIX STAR read with this one, and THON is my favorite DARK ROMANTASY read of 2025 thus far. Before we dive more into specifics, I will say— you should ABSOLUTELY give Katherine’s other work, “The Dark Flame series” a read! While THON is its own series, there’s a little cutie crossover action and if I know my Kat, I would bet money there will be more. (Plus, those are easily 5 star reads too and feature my number 1 book hubby). Now, on to the meat and potatoes- NO SPOILERS.

⭐️ TROPES/MICROTROPES TO EXPECT IN THE HEART OF NYM:
• Slow burn romance 🤍
• Forbidden love 🤍
• Enemies to lovers 🤍
• Mental Health rep 🤍
• Banter that is BANTERINGGG 🤍
• YEARNNINGGGGG 🤍
• Forced proximity 🤍
• Found family 🤍
• Feminine rage 🤍
• SO MANY MOREEEEE 🤍

⭐️ Nymiria Celentas is everything I’ve ever needed in an FMC. Nym is more than words on a page. She’s impulsive, emotional, stubborn to a fault, molded by a world that’s done nothing but try to break her. Nymiria is such a raw, real representation of not only myself, but every woman I’ve ever known, loved, and hoped to witness burn the world and rise from the ashes. She is an absolute powerhouse, and her story destroyed me and put me back together anew. There’s a Nymiria in all of us, and I want us all to know— our stories might be as dark as hers, but we CAN make them as beautiful. 🤍

⭐️AZIEL HAZE, THE FOREST DEMON DADDY THAT YOU ARE. If there’s one thing I love, it’s a beautifully broken boy. A tormented man with a reputation for being ruthless and cruel?? SIGN ME THE FUCK UP. The way he talks to Nymiria?? “I was born starving, moonflower. And if it hadn’t been for you, I would have never known. Having just a small taste of you will never be enough, but I could survive off crumbs if that is all you’re able to give.” !!! Are you kidding me? I’m still swooning. Poor baby Aziel, secured his place as my #2 romantasy man, next to my one and only Ren baby (READ THE DARKEST FLAME SERIES) and I fear they could even TIE. 🤍

⭐️The Heart of Nym is a DARK ROMANTASY. There are HEAVY topics in this book that could be triggering to some readers, including implied rape/SA (non-graphic). If you are a person with triggers, be sure to read the trigger warnings AT THE BEGINNING of the book, and remember to always put your mental well being first. 🤍

⭐️The Heart of Nym is book one in the Twisted Roots series, so it does end on a bit of a cliffhanger— but if you find yourself longing for a soul crushing, heart shattering, chaotic, brutal, bittersweet read— look no further, and keep some tissues on hand.

[Josclyn Craft · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to end July… I am in my obsessed, unwell, Nym & Aziel era and I’m freaking thriving. This book will be my entire personality for the rest of the summer and I’m not even mad about it.

Y’ALL. This is how you write wicked fae.. I mean wicked forest demons, cunning, dangerous, and cruel with a touch of softness that’ll ruin you. Not every author can balance that edge, but Kat absolutely nailed it.

Enemies to lovers, the destiny, the slowww burn? Flawless. I felt every ounce of tension and frustration right along with Nym. Every time Nym ran from her feelings or emotions, I was gripping my Kindle like GIRL, PLEASE. and yet Aziel was so patient, even while mentally and physically unraveling. This man CRAVED her, respected her, worshiped her, and wanted her in the most gut-wrenching way.

"I was born starving, moonflower. And if it hadn't been for you, I would have never known. Having just a small taste of you will never be enough, but I could survive off crumbs if that is all you're able to give."

SIR 😭😭😭

Let’s not even talk about the kiss in the inn (okay let’s absolutely talk about it) because I gasped. And then Trio dropping Aziel’s secret on her after? KAT YOU REALLY DID SOMETHING WITH THAT 😭 Alsooo, shadow daddy best friend energy?? Say less. I am begging for a novella or more spotlight of him in the second book. That man is brooding and I am invested.

The dark and light in this book were so well balanced. The mystic world, the lore, the magic, the plot twist at the end!!! Aziel and Nym’s true forms were written like a dream. Dark, haunting, vivid. I could see them. And when he calls her Moonflower??? I AM NOT WELL. I’m one step away from forcing my husband to read this book just so he can start using that nickname too lol.

10/10 would absolutely take some rune magic to the soul for Aziel.

Thank you Kat for this beautiful eArc, I’m screaming for book two.

[Amy | romantasy.myromanempire · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️
3 🌶️

Get ready for another epic dark romantasy series from Katherine Whiteheart! I had the absolute pleasure of beta reading this one and she has really upped her writing game! I just love reading new books from favorite authors and watching how their writing evolves! Katherine has such a way with words and her mental health rep is perfection. Her characters really go through it and you go through it with them. I just love the angst.

I fell head over heals in love with Nym and Aziel, I loved all of their banter and tension. The enemies to lovers vibes were spot on and the sexual tension? My god. This slow burn was on fire.

This new world Katherine created is super unique. They're fae, but referred to as "mystics" and are feared and hunted by the mortal kingdoms. Captured as a teenager, Nym serves a mortal king as the prince's concubine - or at least, that's what everyone thinks. There's more to Nym then even she knows, she has a dark past and feels as if she is unworthy of her destiny. I loved how her character developed as she learned more about herself and the people around her.

And lemme talk about our man Aziel. He has suffered and he has secrets but man, he is HAWT. Give me all the "who did this to you" energy and I eat it up. Not all MMC's with blond hair are bad, ok?! Let's change the stigma!

Fans of dark romantasy will love this story, it rips your heart out, sews it up, then rips it out again. I cannot wait for book 2 to see where this story goes!

Thank you to the author for the eArc to read and review!

[Heather Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, loved! This world, these fae, these gods. It is all so unique.

I really enjoyed Nym and her story. She’s a fighter, even in the darkest parts of her life. The character growth is spot on! And her relationship with Aziel is top notch drool worthy. Slow burn and tense!! And Aziel’s character growth toooo!! Well done!! This was a great dark romantasy. I also love the Easter eggs that connect to The Darkest Flame Series. If you haven’t read that, go now!

* yes I had the privilege of Beta Reading this beauty * ARCs are coming out very soon! 😜

[eclecticbychoicereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I was born starving, moonflower. And if it hadn't been for you, I would have never known. Having just a small taste of you will never be enough, but I could survive off crumbs if that is all you're able to give."

And honestly, I feel like I was born starving for this story. I would and could survive off its crumbs, at least until the second book of this duology is safely in my arms. Still, "crumbs" feels far too small a word for K.A. Whiteheart's Heart of Nym, Book 1 of her Twisted Roots duology. No, crumbs wouldn't do. The Heart of Nym was a life-altering, heart-shattering experience, as it is no ordinary book. It is an experience.

An epic experience of pain, hurt, sorrow, rage, self-deprecation, revenge. But also an experience of deeply rooted friendships forged in the direst circumstances, of devotion born in the darkness, of healing sprouting from tainted soil. This is what The Heart of Nym is. This and so much more.

It is more than a tale of forbidden love. More than a tale of meddling gods. More than a tale of power-hungry, corrupted men and those who dare to oppose them. It is a story of accepting (or, at least, trying to) your deepest, darkest truths. A story of two tortured souls battling their inner demons, learning that home may never be a place, but a person. And maybe, just maybe, that person was needed to stir something long buried deep within, begging to rise. A godly power or a soul-shattering love? Or perhaps both of them?

Allow yourself the time and the emotions to experience The Heart of Nym. Your heart and soul will forever be changed.

Thank you, K.A. Whiteheart, for having me on your team; it was an honour and a badge I will proudly wear from now on.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has dark fantasy vibes. There’s enemies to lovers, he falls first, gods, magic and fae. There were twists, there were turns and there were parts basically being set on fire. It was a wild ride. I loved the MMC Aziel in this book. He is a new favorite. I am obsessed with him. The ending to this was brutal and I’m not over it. I can’t wait to read the next book!!!! I need book 2 immediately.

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️

My god Katherine, catch me going and reading your whole backlog after this because I am fOAMING!!!!!! for book two after that last 20% i just consumed.

The world building? Spectacular
The characters? Phenomenal
THE PLOT TWISTS?!?! ... I'm almost mad I didn't see some of those coming because H U H????????

I absolutely adored Nym and Aziel so so much. Both of these characters were so complex in their own ways and while this is a fantasy novel, the relatability within these two characters gave me such bittersweet feelings at times. Watching Nym break through all her mental traumas?? *chefs kiss*

[Cait · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

Thank you to Katherine for the arc to read and review! I love love loved! this book!
The Heart of Nym was amazing! The storyline was well developed, unique and intriguing from start to end, and the plot just continued to keep me invested more and more as the story went on. the world was super interesting, with the fae being called mystics which i absolutely loved that name!!
it had enemies to lovers. slow burn. deception. betrayal. BANTER. tension. found family. plot twists! witchcraft, and magic.
i loved nyms character. she had a dark and rough past and i loved seeing her growth throughout the story as she started realizing things and becoming her own.
and Aziel, my love, the dark broody tortured man that you are. love me a dark forest demon, who would absolutely burn the world down and everyone in it for the woman that he loves. I absolutely adore the light x dark with Nym and Aziel. You can't have life without death in the end.
absolutely cannot wait for book 2, this was incredible.

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. This was a five star read for me and let me tell you why. First of all check out how beautiful that cover is. The storyline in this book for me was very well developed. It was such an intriguing story. It was full of deceit and betrayal and new found beginnings. There was turmoil and lies and inner struggles. This literally touched on so many things that I love.

Nym is such a dynamic character. In the beginning she is loyal to a fault but that's because she doesn't know the whole story. She is a fearless fighter.

Then we have Aziel, the illegitimate son of the king. The son that the king wants dead. He and Nym are on opposite sides and it's because they both have been in the dark about things. So what happens when two rivals have to band together for the common good?

I literally cannot wait to read book two in the series.

[Jazzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

NOW THIS IS A SLOW BURN, REAL ENEMIES TO LOVERS FANTASY BOOK!!!!! I was SAT. Katherine knows how to pull your heart strings at the right moment but also gives you twists and turns that have you literally yelling out loud.


I’m in DIRE NEED of book two Katherine… I’m not playing.

You know how much I love you Katherine. It’s a pleasure and honor to be an arc reader for you. Thank you <3

[Jessy Melton · Rating 5 out of 5]

KNEW immediately that this book was going to be a five star read for me. I’m obsessed with the dark and delicious MMC and there’s no such thing as too many book boyfriends.. right? This book has it all. Slow burn? Enemies to lovers? BANTER?! TWISTS. YAS. Oh and I absolutely love when the MMC gives the FMC a nickname “𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜” 🤤 UGH.

[Mikaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katherine Whiteheart has a gift for pulling readers into her worlds so effortlessly, seriously. You don’t just read her stories, you live in them. From the very first page of The Heart of Nym, I was completely immersed in the world building and the layered character dynamics that make this book amazing.

The heart of this story lies in its characters, and Katherine’s ability to create such deep human personalities left me invested in their lives. Nymira and Azriel, the two main characters, carry such heavy scars from their upbringings and the cruelty of their king/Queen and court. Their trauma is written with sensitivity and depth, making their journeys feel painfully real, while also giving readers a sense of resilience and hope. I couldn’t stop turning the pages, desperate to see where their paths would cross and how their connection would unfold.

And oh, was it worth it. The slow burn between them was perfection, the kind that builds until it consumes you. Add in the divine threads of fate and gods interwoven into their story, and you have a plot that keeps giving.

The themes of found family were another highlight for me. The bonds formed throughout the book reminded me why I love this trope so much. It brought warmth and healing to a story that dealt with such heavy topics. It balanced the darkness with light, quite literally 🥹

Our MMC Azriel completely stole my heart. He’s the epitome of a dark and deadly MMC that’s broody, mysterious, and dangerous to his enemies. But what makes him unforgettable is the tenderness and care he shows beneath the “rot.” His immense sacrifice broke me and made me love him even more deeply. He’s easily one of the most compelling and well rounded male leads I’ve read in a long time.

This book has it all: humans and fae, surprising reveals, witchcraft, the irresistible “touch her and die” energy, a heartfelt exploration of mental health, and the “he falls first” trope.

Go read it, please

[Jasmine B · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚔️🩷The Heart of Nym by Katherine Whitehouse🩷⚔️

“I’ll find you, you know. I don’t know how long it will take. I don’t know what it will take to bring you back. But I will.” ~Aziel

Available on Kindle Unlimited/Amazon/Author Website 8.28.25

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 (can it give it more?)
🌶🌶🌶

🌸🩶ARC Review🩶🌸

Katherine! I CANNOT get this book off of my mind! You know when a book is so good you have to buy the shelf trophy? This book made it into this category!🩷 I cannot wait to have this book & author original character art. I cannot wait to continue Nymiria & Aziel's journey with the Twisted Roots duology! Thank you Katherine for the opportunity to read your precious baby 🩷🩶

I can't even form words about this book to be honest😭 it's such a dark, gritty, gothic fantasy world and story, but it's so rich. The things both of these characters go through & have been through are just so heartbreaking. I never realized how much I needed their trope of Fated Mates who are bound to be gods who despise each other.

Demetrios & Desiree are two very special friends to Nymiria & Aziel that I can't get enough of🩷 they both care so much for Nymiria & Aziel and the causes they both stand for.

I can't say much more about this book without spoilers, but you won't regret buying this book! It literally had me kicking, screaming, laughing, and crying🩷🤭. Indie authors are so important in this life & community. Thank you, Katherine, for providing a form of escape from this horrid reality 🌸⚔️🩶

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Lie to me, Nymiria. Show me how sweet those lies sound."

"Flowers may start their growth in darkness, but they need light to flourish. And I don't want you to think, for one second, that you are not deserving of that light. Everyone deserves that light."

Another emotional book by the lovely Katherine Whiteheart. I loved every moment of it and did not want it to end. I am now really looking forward to the next book.

Nymiria and Aziel are just hot! I love their banter relationship. There is so much sass and sarcasm that it had me smirking. Under all that banter does lie something deeper. These characters have been through a lot, and I mean A LOT!! I was hurting for them. The pain and trauma they both endured growing up broke my heart. They each had their set of emotional and stressful memories. Throughout all that, they learn to cope, and I do love their fierce attitude and strength.

This storyline is just so unique. Mystics, which we know as fae, are looked down on by the mortal for years. They're hunted and discarded by the evil that rules this kingdom. The fantasy created in this story is just beautiful, but does this story take a turn towards the end. I found myself shocked and had no clue to what was uncovered. So good!

Katherine does it again with an intricate fantasy world and POV by the MCs. This is a great read with a forbidden love story and all the great banter and tension. 🤌

[Morgan Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC*

I am speechless. This book...I could not put it down. It dragged me into its story from page one and it's been a whirlwind ride of emotions.

I am absolutely blown away by the storytelling and just the raw emotions this book brings out. It really does have everything you need in a book; betrayal, pain, suffering, tears, mystery, secrets, trauma, healing, love, devotion, gods and goddesses, bargains.

I cannot stop thinking about the characters in this book. They all have suffered through so much trauma, so much heartbreak that you just can't help but cry for their situations. But then you get their friends who pull them back up and there is so much healing and so much revenge that it's beautiful.

The banter in this book is also just perfect. I absolutely love Nymiria and Aziel. You just can't help but root for them. And the side characters are also so well written that I just want stories focused on just them too!! Trio and Oran are just my favorites.

The Heart of Nym also includes some of the worst, most vile characters I have ever read...which means they are so well written it's scary. These villains make my blood boil.

The ending....the last 80 pages or so I was on the edge of my seat, there was so much uncovered, so much rage, so much SATISFACTION...I just loved this book so much. Highly recommend, definitely not for the faint of heart because this story is dark, it's full of pain and suffering, but there is light and there is hope and I cannot wait for book 2.

[Katarina Poppa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Heart of Nym by Katherine Whiteheart completely swept me away! I loved the unique dynamic between the main characters: their light and dark, yin-and-yang balance gave the story so much depth. The plot was rich and layered, keeping me hooked from beginning to end, and the pacing never dragged. What stood out most for me was the character growth and the beautiful sense of found family woven throughout the journey. The MMC’s possessiveness added a perfect edge to his character without overshadowing the romance, making their relationship all the more compelling. While the world building is present, it doesn’t overwhelm or take center stage, which really allowed the focus to remain on the characters and their development. This book had intrigue, passion, and heart!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Does pretending that I am the villain make this easier for you, moonflower?”

The Heart of Nym is a dark romantasy and the first book in the Twisted Roots duology, and it completely surprised me. The story is full of unexpected twists, and I quickly fell in love with Nymiria and Aziel.

The book opens with Nymiria being rescued and taken to the King of Yaar, where she becomes his courtesan. At first, I didn’t understand the purpose of this role, but Nym had me fooled the entire time. Nym struggles with her mental health
And I loved how her pain was captured and how her character developed throughout the story.

Aziel, the king’s illegitimate son, has an unforgettable first encounter with Nym (she literally punches him 🤭).
Their enemies to lovers dynamic was perfection, and the tension between them was chef’s kiss.

Beyond the romance, the adventure, teamwork, and strong found family element made this book shine. The ending had my jaw in the floor. The world of mystics being hunted added a dark, compelling layer, and the ending left me desperate for more.

[TheLiterary Mug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devilishly delicious and Stunning!

As the kingdom teeters on the brink of chaos, Nym, the king's most trusted confidant is torn between duty and morality. Tasked with murdering Aziel,the king's illegitimate son, he has shown unwavering devotion to Nym, making her second guess her intentions.
With their kingdom facing an existential threat, navigating their past, and inner demons, they forge an uneasy alliance, fraught with a unknown fate.
Beyond the surface encompassing fae, witches, prophecies and feelings that resonate deeply. A rich tapestry emerges, masterfully crafting a delicate balance of cunning cruelty and danger, that subtly captures that realistic empathetic element, which makes it all the more compelling.

Overall it has exceptional plotting and deep storytelling. Weaving a captivating relationship between Nym (Fiercely passionate) and Aziel (He is yummy!) with a raw slow burn, that leaves a lasting impact. This installment was a masterclass in world building, high tension and deep yearning, with a perfect blend of humor and cheekiness. I'm excited to see what the future holds!!

[Racheal Shanahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the 4th book that I arc read for Katherine, and she never ceases to amaze me. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. she really makes you feel like you are in the story with the characters. that plot twist though....... ugh I loved it!!!!!

[Jenn Winning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Aim for the heart”, indeed! That is precisely what this book did from start to finish. Not me trying to hold in the tears at work because I simply could not put this book down.

Katherine has done it once again, bringing us a unique story full of rich world building and character development, perfect mental health representation, maximum emotional damage, and the best banter and tension in a delicious slow burn that will undoubtedly have you begging for more!

I absolutely adore Nym and Aziel. Both used and abused from a young age for the gifts they could offer. The parts they played and the sacrifices made leave no room for negotiations that these two are made for each other. From throat punches to desperate kisses, anger and passion collide so masterfully. And oh my, the yearning and tension between these two is so palpable it hurts. Their connection is undeniable and their growth arc is even better!

I devoured every piece of this book and cannot recommend it enough. After an ending that was both empowering and heartbreaking, I cannot wait to see what comes next!

[Leapoldnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give this more than 5 stars. WOW!

Katherine Whiteheart writes some of the most beautifully complex characters I have had the privilege of reading.

Her Dark Flame series is a favorite of mine so being able to ARC read The Heart of Nym is an honor.

The Heart of Nym follows Nymiria and Aziel as they face torment at the hands of those who should have protected them and the effects of losing pieces of themselves with what they had to do to survive.
Through the darkness they see the chance for a better world and by the gods, they fight for it.

In my opinion this story has all the ingredients of a highly addictive dark romantasy.

Banter
Touch them and die
Elemental Magic
Enemies to lovers

Found Family

No shortage of tension

The world building and magic elements were intriguing and very well done. The plot was twisted wonderfully just like the twisted roots binding our characters together.

The mental health representation in this book is raw and courageously written.

At the point of posting this review, I finished the book 10 days ago and I am still not over it. It is one I have continually returned to in my mind. I am definatley going to have to do a reread.

I was enraptured from the moment I read the dedication. 

"To those waiting to bloom in the darkness. I hope this offers the light you need."

This is a story of darkness, pain, and trauma.
It is also a story of hope, redemption, and healing. 
A story my own heart needed to read.

[Sydney Victorson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

I feel confident enough to say at this point that I’m always going to love the books that Katherine Whiteheart writes. Both of her series so far (The Dark Flame series and now the Twisted Roots duology) are really great!

The magic system in The Heart of Nym is incredibly interesting! We see a sort of blend of other powers we see often (like our beloved shadow daddies) with powers we maybe don’t see a ton in romantasy (Mimics and the like). It keeps it fresh while also maintaining a comforting familiarity.

Now we have to chat about the main couple here. One word: delicious. The banter between Nymiria and Aziel is absolutely fantastic. They’re so sassy and smart with one another, and I thought it was quite fun to read. While their banter was amazing, I also have to mention their tender moments. They take a while to get there (I mean it is a slow burn after all), but wow, I just love them together. Aziel is so patient and kind while also being deliciously morally gray. That man is down bad for Nym too. I mean…HE WAS BORN STARVING. What else do you even need?!

I do want to warn that this is a dark romantasy. Emphasis on the word dark. There are some rather heavy topics in this book. I do think they were handled very well, but as always, check the trigger warnings to make sure it’ll be okay for you!

I absolutely recommend checking out The Heart of Nym as well as Katherine’s Dark Flame series!

[Beth DeLong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read Katherine's Darkest Flame series, I knew I was going to love this book!

She is such a fantastic storyteller, first and foremost. But also...the way she weaves stories of broken souls overcoming trauma and pain, and finding love and redemption... oh my gosh it's beautiful! It's also devastating, and I teared up several times while reading it.

I would consider this a dark romantic fantasy because of its themes of life and death, as well as all of the trauma some of these characters have endured. It's definitely not a light, feel-good read. But it is absolutely a story of hope, of putting yourself back together after being broken apart by trauma and abuse at he hands of others. And it's a story of being seen for who you truly are, and loved for it, regardless of your scars.

I don't want to give too much away. But suffice it to say I love the storyline. I love Aziel. And I'm intrigued to see where Katherine is going to take this in the next book!

(I say intrigued because, while I anticipated some of the twists at the end of the book, I definitely had not anticipated that last chapter. Guess you'll have to read it to find out what I mean. 😉)

⚠️Cursing, including f
Lots of trigger warnings (it's dark, after all)
LGB rep side characters, no action on-page
🌶🌶Multiple open-door scenes


Thank you so much, Katherine, for the chance to ARC read for you!!

[Katelyn Delone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright this book definitely blew it out of the park from trauma, to pain, to loss, to fighting real enemy to lovers stuff going on here, to some well needed feminine rage. All that to say it was a great book, I loved it even tho at times especially at the end after everything happened (you know that huge plot twist that happened and the aftermath) when she ran again after discovering what a baddie she was needless to say I wanted to punch Nym in the face for running yet again. Like woman what the heck are you doing!! It’s the only part I wanted to scream because gosh darn it we are not the scared little girl anymore you because a baddass and ugh!! 😩 okay enough ranting. I really did love the book I just had to rant about that. And now Aziel on my gosh talk about a book boyfriend who is delectably yummy!! Give me him I love him, I want him and I’d never run! This book had tons of action and betrayal and lies to go around not to mention killing because oh so fun to read. Really mad about having to wait for book two but alas I shall wait because homegirl needs a strong talking to in book 2. Anyways everyone add this to your TBR because it was a 10/10 and I need more and so do you. 😘

[Kelly Maugiri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a really early ARC edition that are pending edits so my review is based upon that fact. With that being said, as it stands now, I am loving the way this story is playing out. It is a different type of magic system unique in how the culture is laid out. There were some points that were somewhat confusing as to how we arrived at this point in the story that I hope are ironed out with the final edits before release (hence my 4 star review instead of a 5). I do plan on re-reading the final copy to see what changes will be made and may update my review after. The FMC is stuck as a concubine/assassin for the king. He sets up the meetings for those he intends for her to assassin. She is set to "take care of" his illegitimate son but instead develops a relationship with him. I will not delve deeper into the story to give anything away, but it is definitely worth a read, regardless of needed edits. The confusion does not take away from the story line or what is really going on. Just tweaks needed to transitions. Overall, I did enjoy this book! Thank you for the opportunity to be an early ARC reader!

[MaryAnn Walgamott · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review
4⭐️
3🌶
This book was so involved. It started out slow explaining a lot of world building snd history but then everything all started to come together once it did it was a constant train of plot. Everything just kept building off the other. There was so much character development and discovery. Nymiria is a stubborn headed independent individual. Aziel loves to ruffle her feathers. They're animosity and banter is the foreplay of their relationship. There's a lot of hard points for both characters in this book and they dont overcome them easily. There is a lot of learning and growing and if really helps the reader connect with the characters. Book 2 should be very interesting based on the ending of this one. I'd also love to have more of Oran's story. Overall a good fae/godling fantasy book.

[Monica-Sanja · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book definitely had an interesting premise, there was something there that caught my attention! But several times I found myself struggling to follow along. It felt like there were a lot of gaps, and I missed more explanation and depth.

The plot was surprising and had great potential, and the humor throughout really lifted the story. I genuinely enjoyed the dynamic between the FMC and MMC!

I also wish there had been more about the side characters, as I felt they contributed a lot to the overall story. The distant third-person perspective made it difficult to feel fully immersed in the story. It wasn’t a dual POV, which I personally prefer - so you really had to pay close attention to figure out whose thoughts or actions you were following.

All in all - a book with charm, humor, and potential, but for me, it lacked that little something extra to truly leave a mark🫶🏼

[Lucent · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.3 stars

I made it about 25% into this book before realizing I was forcing myself to keep reading, so I’ve decided to put it down.

The concept itself is interesting enough. While the FMC assassin trope is definitely overdone, I was enjoying the opening and felt the story had some potential based on the introduction. Unfortunately, that initial interest didn’t last long. If the characters weren’t named, I genuinely wouldn’t be able to tell who was who. None of them have distinguishable traits or personalities, which made it impossible for me to connect or stay invested.

On top of that, very little has actually happened plot-wise by this point. The story never picked up momentum, and without compelling characters or meaningful developments, I didn’t see a reason to continue. Ultimately, this just wasn’t engaging enough for me to push through.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Katherine does it again. I absolutely love this book.

I love her writing style and the way she develops the world, the pacing and the characters. With this author, you can always expect depth and emotions run the gambit. All of her stories are thought-provoking in the best way, and The Heart of Nym is no exception.

Nym is a powerhouse. I love her strength and ability to fight no matter what. She never gives up and is the type of FMC that I love reading. Aziel is LOVE. That's all. He is everything I could want in a morally grey man. The two together are a ball of tension and fire that is just smoldering on the page. Their relationship is so good.

This book, simply put, leaves us wanting more, which I can't wait for! Seriously, Katherine deserves more notice because this book is stunning.

Katherine, I am so thrilled to be on your ARC team! Thank you so much for this book and for what's to come.