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Half a Dark Heart
A stunning gothic-horror romantasy, Where The Broken Go is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Cassandra Clare and Sarah Waters.
The Horrors gain strength when things in our world are broken.
A bone. A promise. A heart.
Ever since she first encountered 'The Horrors', Alice has hidden herself safely behind the walls of her family's Whitby guest house. Only her beloved sister, Lucille, knows that Alice can see things - gruesome, terrible things - in the darkest corners of our world. Shadow-monsters which will do anything to satisfy their violent cravings - and seemingly nothing can stop them. Of course, no one would believe them if they told them - and so the girls stay silent.
That is, until Lucille goes missing, and the boy she was in love with turns up dead. All of which coincides with the arrival of Austin - a dashing young actor from London, who claims a demon has stolen his voice, and only Alice can help him.
Faced with a world and powers she never even knew existed, Alice must race against time to save her sister, herself, and perhaps the only other person who's ever cared about her. As well as send a demon or two back to where they came from . . .
The Horrors gain strength when things in our world are broken.
A bone. A promise. A heart.
Ever since she first encountered 'The Horrors', Alice has hidden herself safely behind the walls of her family's Whitby guest house. Only her beloved sister, Lucille, knows that Alice can see things - gruesome, terrible things - in the darkest corners of our world. Shadow-monsters which will do anything to satisfy their violent cravings - and seemingly nothing can stop them. Of course, no one would believe them if they told them - and so the girls stay silent.
That is, until Lucille goes missing, and the boy she was in love with turns up dead. All of which coincides with the arrival of Austin - a dashing young actor from London, who claims a demon has stolen his voice, and only Alice can help him.
Faced with a world and powers she never even knew existed, Alice must race against time to save her sister, herself, and perhaps the only other person who's ever cared about her. As well as send a demon or two back to where they came from . . .
400 pages, ebook
Published January 29, 2026
About the author
H.F. Askwith
3 books54 followersH.F. Askwith is the author of three YA gothic fantasy thrillers - A Dark Inheritance, A Cruel Twist of Fate and Half a Dark Heart. She is a Northern Writers' Award winner and has an MA in Creative Writing. When she's not writing, she loves solving puzzles, playing board games with her family and running.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 15, 2026
I received a review copy from the publisher in preparation for a UKYASpotlight post. It has not affected my opinions.
HALF A DARK HEART is an atmospheric tale about sisters.
This book is, in some respects, a historical fantasy - it's set in the past with fantastical elements. I wouldn't absolutely classify it as a historical fantasy because the book never tells you when exactly it was set. It floats through time and can only be tied down to a loose range - there are steam trains from Whitby (so can't be before 1845) and there are still horse drawn buses in London (so it can't be later than 1910.)
The marketing calls it a "gothic thriller", which is a genre combo I've not seen before. While the mystery of the sister is key to the story, I do thriller is a misleading term. The pacing is not that of a thriller and there aren't really suspects. Plus, you do actually find out what happened to her sister by at least the half-way mark - then it's about rescuing her. I think fantasy is a better description.
The gothic does feel appropriate, though. There is a darker tone to the story thanks to the otherworld and its monsters, which manifests in a heavy atmosphere. The dread increases across the book as you learn more about the magic and monsters - and the consequences of all the secrets. It's really well done, the gradual increase meaning you're eased in and then ensnared once it's too late.
I really liked the Whitby setting (we do end up in London). The north is so under appreciated in fiction and I also liked that this was a Whitby without vampires. The town is usually just present in fiction for that association with Dracula and the striking remains of the abbey with its pointy decoration, but there is more to it than that stereotype. It was so nice to see this tale avoiding that common ground.
The heart of this book is sisterhood. Alice is searching for her sister. Her mother is estranged from her sister. What are we willing to do for our sisters? How does that close bond lead to horrible injuries that are some of the worst betrayals possible? Yes, there is a love story between Alice and Austin, but they are not THE love story of the book - that is Alice and her sister.
HALF A DARK HEART is an atmospheric tale about sisters.
This book is, in some respects, a historical fantasy - it's set in the past with fantastical elements. I wouldn't absolutely classify it as a historical fantasy because the book never tells you when exactly it was set. It floats through time and can only be tied down to a loose range - there are steam trains from Whitby (so can't be before 1845) and there are still horse drawn buses in London (so it can't be later than 1910.)
The marketing calls it a "gothic thriller", which is a genre combo I've not seen before. While the mystery of the sister is key to the story, I do thriller is a misleading term. The pacing is not that of a thriller and there aren't really suspects. Plus, you do actually find out what happened to her sister by at least the half-way mark - then it's about rescuing her. I think fantasy is a better description.
The gothic does feel appropriate, though. There is a darker tone to the story thanks to the otherworld and its monsters, which manifests in a heavy atmosphere. The dread increases across the book as you learn more about the magic and monsters - and the consequences of all the secrets. It's really well done, the gradual increase meaning you're eased in and then ensnared once it's too late.
I really liked the Whitby setting (we do end up in London). The north is so under appreciated in fiction and I also liked that this was a Whitby without vampires. The town is usually just present in fiction for that association with Dracula and the striking remains of the abbey with its pointy decoration, but there is more to it than that stereotype. It was so nice to see this tale avoiding that common ground.
The heart of this book is sisterhood. Alice is searching for her sister. Her mother is estranged from her sister. What are we willing to do for our sisters? How does that close bond lead to horrible injuries that are some of the worst betrayals possible? Yes, there is a love story between Alice and Austin, but they are not THE love story of the book - that is Alice and her sister.
March 8, 2026
This story is set in England, but when? I´m not sure. Probably some time in the past. We follow Alice Everglass, 18 years old trying to find her sister, Lucille, who has mysteriously vanished, with the help of the charming, mysterious actor, Austin Parker, who has recently lost his voice when a mimic stole it from him. In this book, Alice goes through so much self-growth and learns that the truth isn´t always simple. This book has plenty of the supernatural and a little horror, which I personally found very mild. This read more like a tragic romantasy.
SOOO, this was an interesting read. I found the world very interesting and disturbing, but the characters? Not so much. I felt terrible for the Main Character, Alice Everglass. At the age of 13 years old, she could start seeing monsters, who tried coming for her. Worse, everyone she knew and trusted was aware about what was happening, but wouldn´t tell her anything. Her older sister Lucille was described as charming, but would always lash out at poor Alice. She was reckless and annoying. Her mother kept her in the dark about everything, to "protect" her, even though Alice would have been much safer if she were aware of her powers. The MMC? At first I liked him, but after what he did to a certain someone, I couldn´t stand him. The author tried to make his death sad and painful, but the only thing I felt was relief and pity for Alice, who basically fell in love with the first guy her age that she met, because did I mention, she can´t leave her house?
If you have read this much, thank you for having put up with this terribly long review. I found the writing mediocre, however ultimately enjoyed this story. I will however not be recommending it to others, unless they have too much time at hand. The ending felt very rushed, with the first 85% feeling like an introductory phase.
SOOO, this was an interesting read. I found the world very interesting and disturbing, but the characters? Not so much. I felt terrible for the Main Character, Alice Everglass. At the age of 13 years old, she could start seeing monsters, who tried coming for her. Worse, everyone she knew and trusted was aware about what was happening, but wouldn´t tell her anything. Her older sister Lucille was described as charming, but would always lash out at poor Alice. She was reckless and annoying. Her mother kept her in the dark about everything, to "protect" her, even though Alice would have been much safer if she were aware of her powers. The MMC? At first I liked him, but after what he did to a certain someone, I couldn´t stand him. The author tried to make his death sad and painful, but the only thing I felt was relief and pity for Alice, who basically fell in love with the first guy her age that she met, because did I mention, she can´t leave her house?
If you have read this much, thank you for having put up with this terribly long review. I found the writing mediocre, however ultimately enjoyed this story. I will however not be recommending it to others, unless they have too much time at hand. The ending felt very rushed, with the first 85% feeling like an introductory phase.
March 18, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Half a Dark Heart by H.F. Askwith is a gothic romantasy where broken things, bones, promises, hearts, give rise to terrifying beings known as the Horrors. Alice has spent her life hiding from them, safe within her family’s Whitby guest house, with only her sister Lucille knowing the truth. But when Lucille disappears and death follows, Alice is forced into a dark, unfamiliar world and into the path of a boy who claims a demon has stolen his voice.
I would rate Half a Dark Heart ⭐️⭐️⭐️ because there were elements I really enjoyed, even if the overall story felt just okay to me. I loved the otherworld and the monsters. The concept of the Horrors and how they feed on brokenness was easily my favorite part and added such a creepy, unique layer to the story.
I also really enjoyed the romance, which surprised me since that’s not always my thing. It felt soft in a way that balanced out the darker elements. The bond between Alice and Lucille was another highlight for me. I really liked seeing that sister bond, especially how Alice went looking for Lucille when she disappeared and how Lucille was always on her side. It added emotional weight and kept me invested.
That said, everything else felt a bit average. I found myself wanting more from the plot and worldbuilding, and some parts didn’t fully stand out as much as I hoped they would.
Half a Dark Heart by H.F. Askwith is a gothic romantasy where broken things, bones, promises, hearts, give rise to terrifying beings known as the Horrors. Alice has spent her life hiding from them, safe within her family’s Whitby guest house, with only her sister Lucille knowing the truth. But when Lucille disappears and death follows, Alice is forced into a dark, unfamiliar world and into the path of a boy who claims a demon has stolen his voice.
I would rate Half a Dark Heart ⭐️⭐️⭐️ because there were elements I really enjoyed, even if the overall story felt just okay to me. I loved the otherworld and the monsters. The concept of the Horrors and how they feed on brokenness was easily my favorite part and added such a creepy, unique layer to the story.
I also really enjoyed the romance, which surprised me since that’s not always my thing. It felt soft in a way that balanced out the darker elements. The bond between Alice and Lucille was another highlight for me. I really liked seeing that sister bond, especially how Alice went looking for Lucille when she disappeared and how Lucille was always on her side. It added emotional weight and kept me invested.
That said, everything else felt a bit average. I found myself wanting more from the plot and worldbuilding, and some parts didn’t fully stand out as much as I hoped they would.
February 23, 2026
This was a strange book, and heavy with emotion, particularly towards the end. Horrors from the Otherworld come through to our world when anything is broken (an object, a promise, a dream), and devour humans in cruel and unusual ways. Alice, the main character, can see them, and has been terrified since her first encounter at 13. Now an agoraphobic adult, whose day to day consists of helping her mum run their guest house, she has to confront those fears and a hidden fire within when her sister goes missing.
And just for extra heartbreak, there's a love interest in there too 🤐
And just for extra heartbreak, there's a love interest in there too 🤐
April 20, 2026
thank you to netgalley and penguin for providing me with this arc of h. f. askwith’s half a dark heart
3.25 stars
i liked the story. i found it really interesting and i kept wanting to read it. i also found myself thinking about it when i wasn’t reading.
however, i do wish there was dual POV with alice and lucille and/or flashbacks of their parents and aunt sybil to explain the whole otherworld system rather than doctor binding/austin explaining it. plus, the way the story ended was rather underwhelming, especially with the way lucille found alice
3.25 stars
i liked the story. i found it really interesting and i kept wanting to read it. i also found myself thinking about it when i wasn’t reading.
however, i do wish there was dual POV with alice and lucille and/or flashbacks of their parents and aunt sybil to explain the whole otherworld system rather than doctor binding/austin explaining it. plus, the way the story ended was rather underwhelming, especially with the way lucille found alice
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2026
A really easy story, a good level of excitement but nothing that had me on the edge of my seat. I loved the ideas and the storyline, and the importance of sisterhood!! Even though it took a while to read, i still cried for the last quarter :((
Summary: Really easy filler book, good for a quite night
Summary: Really easy filler book, good for a quite night
February 20, 2026
H.F. Askwith's writing always has a dreamlike quality, this is no exception, a hidden otherworld crawling with monsters, two sisters destined to close the doors leading to it, loss, heartbreak, and the sweeping scenery of Whitby. A lovely read
March 14, 2026
This book has 40 ratings on Goodreads. My partner chose it randomly for me one day in a bookshop and I wasn’t disappointed. Couldn’t stop reading it. I loved the adventure (reminds me of a vintage Stranger Things), and also loved how it ended. Devastated that Austin died, however it did make sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2026
I did enjoy this book, it was creepy yet engaging. I liked the idea of broken things causing the horrors to come, what a unique concept. So many of the characters were annoying though, especially Alice’s mother.
April 18, 2026
If you like Howls moving castle or the Emily Wilde's series, then this could be for you. Similar vibes but a little bit darker.
I am heartbroken... But have hope that there is an opportunity for a sequel!
I am heartbroken... But have hope that there is an opportunity for a sequel!
May 11, 2026
Tell me why im suddenly reading at the speed of light when my first a level is in like 2 days.
Anyway I rlly enjoyed this icl the writing was just kind of scrumptious and it was so easy to get sucked into the story
Anyway I rlly enjoyed this icl the writing was just kind of scrumptious and it was so easy to get sucked into the story
March 8, 2026
Struggled to fully connect to the characters. Interesting premise and a good story but I was just constantly left wanting slightly more, so a bit dissatisfied with this one.
March 21, 2026
What a nice refreshing original story, interesting and fruitful. A bit too much filler and a slower buildup but definitely a story worth reading.
April 6, 2026
Warning: it has no happy end.
May 11, 2026
Enjoyed the book and thought the twist was really good at the end - wasn’t expecting it at all.
May 17, 2026
First book from this author and i must say i was pleasantly surprised. Very good written and has such a good atmosphere that i couldn't get the book down.
March 5, 2026
19.02.2026
Huge thanks to Rebecca at Penguin for sending me a copy of this!
Set against the backdrop of a Victorian Whitby, this book is suitably spooky, full of yearning and complex sister / mother relationships. I really liked the idea of the horrors and how these mimicked, and the ancestral elements threaded throughout.
My favourite part of this book though was the last 50-100 pages, when Alice really seemed to settle into herself more and grow. And the twist? Had me in a puddle of tears. Interested to see if the author continues with this story in a future book!
Huge thanks to Rebecca at Penguin for sending me a copy of this!
Set against the backdrop of a Victorian Whitby, this book is suitably spooky, full of yearning and complex sister / mother relationships. I really liked the idea of the horrors and how these mimicked, and the ancestral elements threaded throughout.
My favourite part of this book though was the last 50-100 pages, when Alice really seemed to settle into herself more and grow. And the twist? Had me in a puddle of tears. Interested to see if the author continues with this story in a future book!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews