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The Gravesinger #2
The Heartless One
Instant USA TODAY bestseller!
Princess Jessamine and Elric’s story continues after she has brought him back to full physical form in this second book in a romantasy trilogy from USA TODAY bestselling author Emma Hamm, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas.
She won the heart of Death…now she must fight for the hearts of her people.
Jessamine never expected to be on the Deathless One’s side—let alone be in love with him. But now that Elric has returned to his corporeal form and Jessamine has joined the coven of witches that sustain his power, the two are stronger than ever.
But the kingdom is still in turmoil. Jessamine and Elric must prepare their coven of witches to meet the kingdom’s forces in battle—before the man who’s usurped her throne learns how to harness the power of Elric’s fellow gods. How can Jessamine accept that to fight for her kingdom, she might have to fight against it?
Princess Jessamine and Elric’s story continues after she has brought him back to full physical form in this second book in a romantasy trilogy from USA TODAY bestselling author Emma Hamm, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas.
She won the heart of Death…now she must fight for the hearts of her people.
Jessamine never expected to be on the Deathless One’s side—let alone be in love with him. But now that Elric has returned to his corporeal form and Jessamine has joined the coven of witches that sustain his power, the two are stronger than ever.
But the kingdom is still in turmoil. Jessamine and Elric must prepare their coven of witches to meet the kingdom’s forces in battle—before the man who’s usurped her throne learns how to harness the power of Elric’s fellow gods. How can Jessamine accept that to fight for her kingdom, she might have to fight against it?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2026
107 people are currently reading
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Emma Hamm
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
March 3, 2026
Aaaahhh absolutely obsessed! Loved book one and this one takes all the good things in that and runs with it! Even deeper political intrigue, an absolute POWER couple they’re perfect! . Love love love cannot wait for the next book! Thank you Netgalley, the author and the publisher for my arc!
Want to read
August 31, 2025Immediately added to the tbr 🥳
October 15, 2025
This read higher fantasy than I was expecting from this book. I enjoy more of the grim and atmospheric settings. Lots of witchy stuff going on. This book is written in third person and a bit ominous because I felt more distant from how things were described. It has got a lot of drama rolling, which works for the plot. I guess the one thing I couldn’t get over with this book was how things were done matter of the factly. I think it is the writing style, but I would have enjoyed to see the characters’ struggle/inner emotions more at the forefront.
Recommendable if you love solid fantasy, high fantasy, and maybe Orders structure? Think religious orders. The Deathless One is a God so there is that element of religion. The main witch is a princess. That is a unique interesting point.
Recommendable if you love solid fantasy, high fantasy, and maybe Orders structure? Think religious orders. The Deathless One is a God so there is that element of religion. The main witch is a princess. That is a unique interesting point.
October 3, 2025
I think it takes great skill to balance world building plot, characterization, and also the buildup of a relationship successfully in a way that manages to make each element wholly shine in their own way, but without distracting from any of them.
I’ve read a lot of books with inhuman protagonists before it became trendy so trust me when I say from experience, I think Emma does a fantastic job showing exactly how a relationship like that can work in a way that is utterly compelling, completely believable, and utterly romantic. It doesn’t feel like something where they like each other, because of circumstances (like life-threatening danger)or because they are intrigued by the differences, but rather because of who they are. Reading this, it is characters would always have been perfect together in any universe. That they mesh perfectly, the relationship is real, and that you can’t just substitute another character in and have it make no difference- unlike some books where the main character is just sort of a generic stand-in.
Also people often grow attached to the male main characters, especially in books that are more of a monster romance, and it makes sense, especially since they are usually built up or a focus.
However, Emma manages to have you grow extremely attached to the female characters where you want to both be them and also have them as a friend.
I have such a fondness for all her characters, they read like fully realized people with their own idiosyncrasies and quirks, where it is clear that they are developed with love and care and craft. Where is the clear the male main characters not just grow to love the protagonists, but also to respect them, which is so key and underrated. Where falling in love only enhances, showcases, and protects who they are, the same way a frame does for a painting. Adding to all that, sometimes plot or background is sacrificed for the development of the relationship in romance books, but Emma skillfully weaves in world-building without holding the reader’s hand like a child or lore-dumping in a way that overwhelms you.
It is a pleasure to have watch Emma develop her craft. She already had a knack from her first book of using the plot and setting as a vehicle for their relationship to grow and blossom rather than relying on tired tropes for conflict or development like miscommunication, but it has only grown stronger to complement her naturally fantastic grasp of characterization and relationship dynamics. I thoroughly enjoy Emma’s books, I first started reading Heart of The Fae but really jumped in with her mermaid series as it came out since it actually was the type of mermaid book I was looking for.
Since then, I have only enjoyed them more and more and I applaud her for also taking creative risks and branching out into other worlds instead of playing it safe Ike she could have. That’s the mark of a true artist and someone who genuinely loves to tell stories.
Also, as someone who is part of her Patreon and Discord, it gives me great personal pleasure to say the artist is just as charming, if not more so, than her books- and that’s a very high bar.
(Review to be finished)
I’ve read a lot of books with inhuman protagonists before it became trendy so trust me when I say from experience, I think Emma does a fantastic job showing exactly how a relationship like that can work in a way that is utterly compelling, completely believable, and utterly romantic. It doesn’t feel like something where they like each other, because of circumstances (like life-threatening danger)or because they are intrigued by the differences, but rather because of who they are. Reading this, it is characters would always have been perfect together in any universe. That they mesh perfectly, the relationship is real, and that you can’t just substitute another character in and have it make no difference- unlike some books where the main character is just sort of a generic stand-in.
Also people often grow attached to the male main characters, especially in books that are more of a monster romance, and it makes sense, especially since they are usually built up or a focus.
However, Emma manages to have you grow extremely attached to the female characters where you want to both be them and also have them as a friend.
I have such a fondness for all her characters, they read like fully realized people with their own idiosyncrasies and quirks, where it is clear that they are developed with love and care and craft. Where is the clear the male main characters not just grow to love the protagonists, but also to respect them, which is so key and underrated. Where falling in love only enhances, showcases, and protects who they are, the same way a frame does for a painting. Adding to all that, sometimes plot or background is sacrificed for the development of the relationship in romance books, but Emma skillfully weaves in world-building without holding the reader’s hand like a child or lore-dumping in a way that overwhelms you.
It is a pleasure to have watch Emma develop her craft. She already had a knack from her first book of using the plot and setting as a vehicle for their relationship to grow and blossom rather than relying on tired tropes for conflict or development like miscommunication, but it has only grown stronger to complement her naturally fantastic grasp of characterization and relationship dynamics. I thoroughly enjoy Emma’s books, I first started reading Heart of The Fae but really jumped in with her mermaid series as it came out since it actually was the type of mermaid book I was looking for.
Since then, I have only enjoyed them more and more and I applaud her for also taking creative risks and branching out into other worlds instead of playing it safe Ike she could have. That’s the mark of a true artist and someone who genuinely loves to tell stories.
Also, as someone who is part of her Patreon and Discord, it gives me great personal pleasure to say the artist is just as charming, if not more so, than her books- and that’s a very high bar.
(Review to be finished)
July 2, 2025
loved this 2nd book in the series with elric and the gravesinger and taking back the kingdom and adding more witches to the coven. loved that romance between the deathless one and gravesinger. thanks edweiss
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2026
Jessamine and Elric’s connection and bond is somthing else! I love how even though Jessamine wants power and to get back to her throne she won’t do it by hurting The Deathless One along the way she wants to support him and be a team! I loved reading the coven grow I was so nervous with each witch what it may bring our way they truly can be so unpredictable with their hidden goals I just want Elric to be able to live in his body without fear it will be taken away! THE WAY HE WAS ON HIS KNEES for Jessamine oh my gosh!
“I like to see you wild and undone, Princess.”
“Call yourself what you wish, Gravesinger. Just know that the only thing you have to call yourself is mine.”
When Elric commands a room and reminds them that he is The Deathless One and the power he can control I legit get goosebumps! Jessamine becoming the Queen that she is owning her truth and what she is owed! When she suggested space and this was his answer,
“Space? Jessamine Harmsworth, the last thing I want from you is space! I want to inhale the very air you breathe. I would live inside of your skin if I could. I want you more than anything I have ever wanted” ahhh!
Rule together or burn together!!! I want to be in Elrics coven!
“I like to see you wild and undone, Princess.”
“Call yourself what you wish, Gravesinger. Just know that the only thing you have to call yourself is mine.”
When Elric commands a room and reminds them that he is The Deathless One and the power he can control I legit get goosebumps! Jessamine becoming the Queen that she is owning her truth and what she is owed! When she suggested space and this was his answer,
“Space? Jessamine Harmsworth, the last thing I want from you is space! I want to inhale the very air you breathe. I would live inside of your skin if I could. I want you more than anything I have ever wanted” ahhh!
Rule together or burn together!!! I want to be in Elrics coven!
October 19, 2025
This is an exciting second installment in the paranormal romantasy Gravesinger series. It should be read in order.
FMC Jessamine is beginning to come into her Gravesinger powers, with MMC Elric, the Deathless One, at her side. But as they gather their coven and try to reclaim Jessamine’s kingdom and throne, it often feels like one step forward and two (or three or four) steps back.
I enjoyed this second book, though probably not quite as much as the first. There were some delightful new characters introduced and plenty of political intrigue and plot development. There’s also a lot of spice, with the main characters exploring their new relationship and power dynamics.
I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series!
Spice 4/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
My Enjoyment: 4.5/5
*** I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
FMC Jessamine is beginning to come into her Gravesinger powers, with MMC Elric, the Deathless One, at her side. But as they gather their coven and try to reclaim Jessamine’s kingdom and throne, it often feels like one step forward and two (or three or four) steps back.
I enjoyed this second book, though probably not quite as much as the first. There were some delightful new characters introduced and plenty of political intrigue and plot development. There’s also a lot of spice, with the main characters exploring their new relationship and power dynamics.
I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series!
Spice 4/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
My Enjoyment: 4.5/5
*** I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
October 13, 2025
I absolutely loved the Deathless One. This continues from the first book. I felt like the Deathless One followed their journey and had some love interest. The Heartless One was kind of hard to follow at times. I liked the story itself but it felt like there were a lot of parts that kind of dragged on. It seemed to focus more on their relationship than the story itself. The FMC seemed like she was all over the place with how she felt and her personality. There were a few chapters where she got very frustrating to listen to because she was dragging out a fight simply because she didn’t want to communicate.
However, I do love the bond the coven has. I love that they are trying to work together to solve the issues at hand (I don’t want to give away any spoilers). I enjoyed the first one more because it focused more on the story and what they were setting out to do. I hope in the last book they get back on track to taking the kingdom back.
However, I do love the bond the coven has. I love that they are trying to work together to solve the issues at hand (I don’t want to give away any spoilers). I enjoyed the first one more because it focused more on the story and what they were setting out to do. I hope in the last book they get back on track to taking the kingdom back.
January 22, 2026
I loved all the added characters. The coven dynamic was phenomenal. Jessamine and Elric’s love story was amazing and I loved the banter. Seeing them happy together is all I ever need. The plot was still very interesting, if a little off-paced here and there. I felt like we jumped around to getting things done, then focused on only on our main characters with no progress elsewhere for long periods. But I’m not complaining because I do love these characters and I can’t wait to see where they go together in book 3!
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Gallery Books for a digital ARC for review
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Gallery Books for a digital ARC for review
March 9, 2026
Emma kills me every time and I just know book 3 is going to HURT!!!!
Seeing the love and relationship grow from book 1 to book 2 is sweet. He would burn the world for her and she him.
Though I feel like after all that’s happened to both of them the insecurities they show is so HUMAN.
Yes this book is fantastical but there is something so real about the characters, I don’t even think people realize when they read it.
You start feel the emotions.
Seeing the love and relationship grow from book 1 to book 2 is sweet. He would burn the world for her and she him.
Though I feel like after all that’s happened to both of them the insecurities they show is so HUMAN.
Yes this book is fantastical but there is something so real about the characters, I don’t even think people realize when they read it.
You start feel the emotions.
March 12, 2026
Perfect second book. I absolutely love this series and cannot wait to read The Endless One. I love that Emma can give us all the things we love from a Romantasy without us needing to slog through 500+ pages of over complicated world building. Don’t get me wrong, this story is complex and unique but in a way that doesn’t feel daunting for the reader. This is not easy but Emma is an amazing storyteller.
October 13, 2025
In the follow up to The Deathless One, Jessamine and Elric continue their quest to save Jessamine's kingdom and take back her throne.
This was so good! I loved it even more than book one and I adored that one too!
First off, the world building and magic in this series is amazing. There are a few scenes that really blew me away. In this book you see Elric building his coven so the found family story gets even better. I loved seeing all of the misfit women come together and really find this true friendship. All of them, while being side characters, are still developed and you become attached to them quickly.
The main story, along side the taking back of the kingdom, is obviously the romance between Jessamine and Elric and I adored them. There is spice and even some groveling on his part.
This series just keeps getting better and I can't wait to read more!
Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy!
This was so good! I loved it even more than book one and I adored that one too!
First off, the world building and magic in this series is amazing. There are a few scenes that really blew me away. In this book you see Elric building his coven so the found family story gets even better. I loved seeing all of the misfit women come together and really find this true friendship. All of them, while being side characters, are still developed and you become attached to them quickly.
The main story, along side the taking back of the kingdom, is obviously the romance between Jessamine and Elric and I adored them. There is spice and even some groveling on his part.
This series just keeps getting better and I can't wait to read more!
Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy!
February 24, 2026
A series evolving in the right direction. My issues with it, unfortunately, are not.
If you read my review of The Deathless One, you already know my complicated relationship with this series. Gorgeous concept. Stunning worldbuilding. Writing style that keeps me at a polite but persistent arm's length.
The Heartless One picks up after Jessamine has brought Elric fully back to corporeal form, which is a sentence I genuinely enjoy typing. The two of them are stronger than ever, bound together through the coven, through blood, through whatever complicated divine thing is happening between them. But the kingdom is still in chaos. The usurper who murdered Jessamine at her own wedding altar is still on her throne. And he's figured out how to start harnessing the power of Elric's fellow gods, which is the kind of problem that makes everything significantly worse.
The plot is doing more here. The political stakes are sharper, the war preparation gives the story a momentum the first book sometimes lacked, and Jessamine stepping fully into her power as both gravesinger and leader is genuinely satisfying to watch. This is where the series finds its footing in terms of plot and I appreciated it.
But the writing. Still flowery. Still dense. Still a style that wraps around every moment like silk when sometimes you just need the window open. The dialogue carries it too, conversations that should crackle with tension or chemistry instead read like carefully composed letters between two people who have never spoken casually in their lives. I still couldn't fully feel Jessamine and Elric as a unit. I could see them. I understood them intellectually. The spark just never quite reached me through the prose.
This is genuinely a me problem as much as anything else, readers who love lyrical, atmospheric writing will be completely at home here and I understand that. But I read for emotional gut-punches, and this series keeps softening them on the way out.
Trope Chaos Check:
✨ established couple navigating power and war (growth arc doing its job)
✨ reclaimed power / vengeance quest (Jessamine is not here to be calm about any of this)
✨ coven politics (witches sustaining a god's power is a concept I will always be here for)
✨ love versus duty (the kingdom she's fighting for might become the enemy, delicious)
✨ morally complex MMC learning to be human again (Elric navigating a corporeal form is genuinely interesting)
✨ political intrigue with actual stakes (the upgrade this book needed and delivered)
⭐⭐⭐.5 The plot is finding its stride and I'm genuinely rooting for where this series is going. I just wish the writing would meet me halfway.
Thank you to the Gallery, and Emma for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you read my review of The Deathless One, you already know my complicated relationship with this series. Gorgeous concept. Stunning worldbuilding. Writing style that keeps me at a polite but persistent arm's length.
The Heartless One picks up after Jessamine has brought Elric fully back to corporeal form, which is a sentence I genuinely enjoy typing. The two of them are stronger than ever, bound together through the coven, through blood, through whatever complicated divine thing is happening between them. But the kingdom is still in chaos. The usurper who murdered Jessamine at her own wedding altar is still on her throne. And he's figured out how to start harnessing the power of Elric's fellow gods, which is the kind of problem that makes everything significantly worse.
The plot is doing more here. The political stakes are sharper, the war preparation gives the story a momentum the first book sometimes lacked, and Jessamine stepping fully into her power as both gravesinger and leader is genuinely satisfying to watch. This is where the series finds its footing in terms of plot and I appreciated it.
But the writing. Still flowery. Still dense. Still a style that wraps around every moment like silk when sometimes you just need the window open. The dialogue carries it too, conversations that should crackle with tension or chemistry instead read like carefully composed letters between two people who have never spoken casually in their lives. I still couldn't fully feel Jessamine and Elric as a unit. I could see them. I understood them intellectually. The spark just never quite reached me through the prose.
This is genuinely a me problem as much as anything else, readers who love lyrical, atmospheric writing will be completely at home here and I understand that. But I read for emotional gut-punches, and this series keeps softening them on the way out.
Trope Chaos Check:
✨ established couple navigating power and war (growth arc doing its job)
✨ reclaimed power / vengeance quest (Jessamine is not here to be calm about any of this)
✨ coven politics (witches sustaining a god's power is a concept I will always be here for)
✨ love versus duty (the kingdom she's fighting for might become the enemy, delicious)
✨ morally complex MMC learning to be human again (Elric navigating a corporeal form is genuinely interesting)
✨ political intrigue with actual stakes (the upgrade this book needed and delivered)
⭐⭐⭐.5 The plot is finding its stride and I'm genuinely rooting for where this series is going. I just wish the writing would meet me halfway.
Thank you to the Gallery, and Emma for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5/5.
Heat Index: 7/10
—dark fantasy romance
—god/witch
—second in a trilogy
The Basics:
Now that Elric (the Deathless One) has been given his mortal form once more, he and Jessamine must prepare to reclaim her stolen throne. That's going to mean training a new coven of witches—which is easier said than done. With their lives and kingdom on the line, the stakes have never been higher... never mind the threats head.
The Review:
I loved The Deathless One last year. It was dark, intense, passionate. And though the passion and intensity certainly remained with regard to Elric and Jessamine's relationship here, I feel The Heartless One suffered a bit from Second Book Syndrome. In truth, I didn't realize this was a trilogy; I think of thought it would be a duology, and maybe that would've been better?
Don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to book three. But as the cast expanded and we kept returning to Elric's trauma regarding his (gory) past, I kind of got restless. When Jessamine and Elric were together, the book had me. But when they were apart (which was more than I expected, a problem with many fantasy romance series), I wanted to go back to that. Not because I'm a romance reader first (though I am). Rather, because the new characters just weren't as interesting.
I also felt like, to an extent, the relationship wasn't pushed further to a degree that we needed three books. I'm not saying there weren't challenges. But because the first book ended on these two so committed to each other, and there isn't too much challenge to that for a lot of this one. This is one reason why romance series can be challenging. Yes, there are plot conflicts; but I also want to see relationship conflicts. For a series of this tone, big ones. I think I would've liked more moral ambiguity from BOTH parties.
Again, I did have a good time, and I'm down for book 3! But this is very much a bridge between 1 and 3, and I wish it had packed a bigger punch.
The Sex:
Okay, so. Here, there was no letting up. It was hot. It was WORSHIPFUL. Elric may be the god in the relationship, but he's more than happy to hit his knees at any given moment. This was one part of the established relationship I felt was really well done. They did feel like a couple that was really starting to know each other in that sense.
The Conclusion:
Solid, if not the thrilling follow-up I wanted, The Heartless One sets up for what promises to be a dark finale... with an HEA, I'm sure.
Thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Heat Index: 7/10
—dark fantasy romance
—god/witch
—second in a trilogy
The Basics:
Now that Elric (the Deathless One) has been given his mortal form once more, he and Jessamine must prepare to reclaim her stolen throne. That's going to mean training a new coven of witches—which is easier said than done. With their lives and kingdom on the line, the stakes have never been higher... never mind the threats head.
The Review:
I loved The Deathless One last year. It was dark, intense, passionate. And though the passion and intensity certainly remained with regard to Elric and Jessamine's relationship here, I feel The Heartless One suffered a bit from Second Book Syndrome. In truth, I didn't realize this was a trilogy; I think of thought it would be a duology, and maybe that would've been better?
Don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to book three. But as the cast expanded and we kept returning to Elric's trauma regarding his (gory) past, I kind of got restless. When Jessamine and Elric were together, the book had me. But when they were apart (which was more than I expected, a problem with many fantasy romance series), I wanted to go back to that. Not because I'm a romance reader first (though I am). Rather, because the new characters just weren't as interesting.
I also felt like, to an extent, the relationship wasn't pushed further to a degree that we needed three books. I'm not saying there weren't challenges. But because the first book ended on these two so committed to each other, and there isn't too much challenge to that for a lot of this one. This is one reason why romance series can be challenging. Yes, there are plot conflicts; but I also want to see relationship conflicts. For a series of this tone, big ones. I think I would've liked more moral ambiguity from BOTH parties.
Again, I did have a good time, and I'm down for book 3! But this is very much a bridge between 1 and 3, and I wish it had packed a bigger punch.
The Sex:
Okay, so. Here, there was no letting up. It was hot. It was WORSHIPFUL. Elric may be the god in the relationship, but he's more than happy to hit his knees at any given moment. This was one part of the established relationship I felt was really well done. They did feel like a couple that was really starting to know each other in that sense.
The Conclusion:
Solid, if not the thrilling follow-up I wanted, The Heartless One sets up for what promises to be a dark finale... with an HEA, I'm sure.
Thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 6, 2026
Book 2 after The Deathless One
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Book two shifts more toward expanding the coven and I actually really enjoyed that aspect of the story. Throughout the book, they’re essentially gathering witches who are very different from the kind the Deathless God is used to. Felt a lot this collecting strays lol.
In the past, he was surrounded by powerful witches who were confident in their magic, women who were deeply knowledgeable about their power and secure in their place within their covens. But after the gods died and many covens scattered, the witches they begin finding now are much more novice. They’re uncertain, still learning, and in many ways figuring out their magic for the first time.
Eldric acknowledges these witches aren’t the powerful, confident women he’s used to but he also recognizes that power and confidence grow with numbers. As their coven slowly expands, we start to see those witches become more sure of themselves. By the end of the book, you can already see them stepping into their power and he overhears them talking about his worst fear - sacrificing him again.
One of my favorite things in romantasy is when the MMC is completely, hopelessly down bad for the FMC.. just absolutely obsessed. This book definitely delivers on that. The Deathless God, Eldric, is so devoted to her that he’s willing to sacrifice anything and everything. At one point she literally tells him to beg for her forgiveness… and he does it. No ego, no hesitation. He just gives everything he is to her.
“You are the only goddess I will ever worship. Please. Let me touch you.”
“If you want to use me, then I will grovel at your feet for an ounce of your attention.”
My biggest issue and I think this is more of a personal preference, is the third-person POV. For me, it creates a bit of distance from the characters, and because of that I never fully felt the emotional stakes. Even when the characters were saying all the right things, it felt like there was a small barrier between the reader and their emotions.
I think if this story had been written in first-person with dual POV from both the FMC and MMC, it would have been much easier to connect with their relationship and the intensity of their feelings.
Overall, it’s not a bad book at all. It’s still a solid witch story and I enjoyed the coven-building aspect. It just isn’t very high stakes.. there’s not a lot of action, huge twists, or intense plot moments. It’s more of a slower, character-focused continuation of the story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Book two shifts more toward expanding the coven and I actually really enjoyed that aspect of the story. Throughout the book, they’re essentially gathering witches who are very different from the kind the Deathless God is used to. Felt a lot this collecting strays lol.
In the past, he was surrounded by powerful witches who were confident in their magic, women who were deeply knowledgeable about their power and secure in their place within their covens. But after the gods died and many covens scattered, the witches they begin finding now are much more novice. They’re uncertain, still learning, and in many ways figuring out their magic for the first time.
Eldric acknowledges these witches aren’t the powerful, confident women he’s used to but he also recognizes that power and confidence grow with numbers. As their coven slowly expands, we start to see those witches become more sure of themselves. By the end of the book, you can already see them stepping into their power and he overhears them talking about his worst fear - sacrificing him again.
One of my favorite things in romantasy is when the MMC is completely, hopelessly down bad for the FMC.. just absolutely obsessed. This book definitely delivers on that. The Deathless God, Eldric, is so devoted to her that he’s willing to sacrifice anything and everything. At one point she literally tells him to beg for her forgiveness… and he does it. No ego, no hesitation. He just gives everything he is to her.
“You are the only goddess I will ever worship. Please. Let me touch you.”
“If you want to use me, then I will grovel at your feet for an ounce of your attention.”
My biggest issue and I think this is more of a personal preference, is the third-person POV. For me, it creates a bit of distance from the characters, and because of that I never fully felt the emotional stakes. Even when the characters were saying all the right things, it felt like there was a small barrier between the reader and their emotions.
I think if this story had been written in first-person with dual POV from both the FMC and MMC, it would have been much easier to connect with their relationship and the intensity of their feelings.
Overall, it’s not a bad book at all. It’s still a solid witch story and I enjoyed the coven-building aspect. It just isn’t very high stakes.. there’s not a lot of action, huge twists, or intense plot moments. It’s more of a slower, character-focused continuation of the story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Heartless One by Emma Hamm
The Gravesinger 2 | Romantasy
✨ A powerful continuation that deepens the romance while raising the stakes for crown, coven, and kingdom.
Jessamine has already done the impossible. She brought Death back into flesh and chose him anyway. Now, with Elric restored to his corporeal form and Jessamine bound to the coven that sustains his power, their bond is stronger and far more dangerous.
But love does not quiet a kingdom on the brink of collapse.
As forces gather and a usurper threatens to weaponize the power of the gods themselves, Jessamine and Elric must prepare their witches for war. Jessamine is no longer just fighting for her heart. She is fighting for her people, even if that means standing against the very kingdom she was born to rule.
This book leans hard into leadership, loyalty, and the cost of choosing a future that others fear.
What I Loved:
🖤 Jessamine stepping fully into her role as leader and protector
💀 Elric navigating humanity, power, and devotion after his return
🔮 Coven politics and magic systems that feel purposeful
⚔️ Rising political tension alongside looming war
💘 A romance that grows stronger under pressure rather than resolving it
👑 Questions of duty versus love handled with care
🌫️ A darker tone that reflects the cost of power and choice
Tropes & Elements:
💀 Death as a Love Interest
🧙♀️ Witch Coven
👑 Reclaimed Power
💘 Established Romance
⚔️ Preparing for War
🖤 Morally Complex Choices
🔥 Love Versus Duty
Vibe: dark, romantic, politically tense, character driven
Spice: moderate with emotional focus
For fans of: romantasy with established couples, witches and gods, slow building political conflict, and heroines who lead with conviction
💜 The Heartless One expands the world of The Gravesinger in meaningful ways, strengthening both its romance and its stakes. A compelling middle installment that sets the stage for an explosive conclusion.
#TheHeartlessOne #EmmaHamm #TheGravesinger #RomantasyReads #WitchesAndGods #DeathRomance #FantasyRomance #Bookstagram #RomantasyTropes
The Gravesinger 2 | Romantasy
✨ A powerful continuation that deepens the romance while raising the stakes for crown, coven, and kingdom.
Jessamine has already done the impossible. She brought Death back into flesh and chose him anyway. Now, with Elric restored to his corporeal form and Jessamine bound to the coven that sustains his power, their bond is stronger and far more dangerous.
But love does not quiet a kingdom on the brink of collapse.
As forces gather and a usurper threatens to weaponize the power of the gods themselves, Jessamine and Elric must prepare their witches for war. Jessamine is no longer just fighting for her heart. She is fighting for her people, even if that means standing against the very kingdom she was born to rule.
This book leans hard into leadership, loyalty, and the cost of choosing a future that others fear.
What I Loved:
🖤 Jessamine stepping fully into her role as leader and protector
💀 Elric navigating humanity, power, and devotion after his return
🔮 Coven politics and magic systems that feel purposeful
⚔️ Rising political tension alongside looming war
💘 A romance that grows stronger under pressure rather than resolving it
👑 Questions of duty versus love handled with care
🌫️ A darker tone that reflects the cost of power and choice
Tropes & Elements:
💀 Death as a Love Interest
🧙♀️ Witch Coven
👑 Reclaimed Power
💘 Established Romance
⚔️ Preparing for War
🖤 Morally Complex Choices
🔥 Love Versus Duty
Vibe: dark, romantic, politically tense, character driven
Spice: moderate with emotional focus
For fans of: romantasy with established couples, witches and gods, slow building political conflict, and heroines who lead with conviction
💜 The Heartless One expands the world of The Gravesinger in meaningful ways, strengthening both its romance and its stakes. A compelling middle installment that sets the stage for an explosive conclusion.
#TheHeartlessOne #EmmaHamm #TheGravesinger #RomantasyReads #WitchesAndGods #DeathRomance #FantasyRomance #Bookstagram #RomantasyTropes
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is continuing the tale of Princess Jessamine and Elric (the Deathless One). Now that Elric has been restored to his mortal form, Jessamine and Elric work together to reclaim her stolen throne and prepare their newly formed coven of witches for the looming battle against the kingdom’s forces. As unrest spreads and the usurper seeks to harness the powers of other gods, Jessamine is forced to confront the difficult reality that fighting for her kingdom may mean standing against it.
Elric, known as the Deathless One, is restored from immortality to a mortal form in "The Heartless One," Elric's journey is marked by his intense and worshipful devotion to Jessamine, as well as newfound vulnerability and insecurity stemming from his past. While he flips between embracing his godly identity and wanting to be simply Elric, his love for Jessamine is unwavering and devoted, creating a complex blend of power and human emotion. This transformation, along with his passionate yet sometimes inconsistent behavior, makes Elric both compelling and flawed as he and Jessamine prepare for the looming battle to reclaim her throne.
I will admit that having not read the first book, I was at a disadvantage, but I was also a bit surprised at the relationship between Jessamine and Elric, it lacked the tension and drama I would have expected in the second book of a trilogy. Their romance, although passionate, sometimes feels too perfect and the character development was somewhat inconsistent. The overall pace of the book felt uneven, with long stretches of setup and a climax that feels rushed and underwhelming. Those things aside, the book was an entertaining, easy read and sets the reader up for what should be a satisfying finale. I think the fact that I did not read the first book made this book less satisfying than it could have been, and I would recommend reading the series in order, but that aside, if you are looking for a cozy, low-stakes fantasy romance this book should check all the boxes.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
Elric, known as the Deathless One, is restored from immortality to a mortal form in "The Heartless One," Elric's journey is marked by his intense and worshipful devotion to Jessamine, as well as newfound vulnerability and insecurity stemming from his past. While he flips between embracing his godly identity and wanting to be simply Elric, his love for Jessamine is unwavering and devoted, creating a complex blend of power and human emotion. This transformation, along with his passionate yet sometimes inconsistent behavior, makes Elric both compelling and flawed as he and Jessamine prepare for the looming battle to reclaim her throne.
I will admit that having not read the first book, I was at a disadvantage, but I was also a bit surprised at the relationship between Jessamine and Elric, it lacked the tension and drama I would have expected in the second book of a trilogy. Their romance, although passionate, sometimes feels too perfect and the character development was somewhat inconsistent. The overall pace of the book felt uneven, with long stretches of setup and a climax that feels rushed and underwhelming. Those things aside, the book was an entertaining, easy read and sets the reader up for what should be a satisfying finale. I think the fact that I did not read the first book made this book less satisfying than it could have been, and I would recommend reading the series in order, but that aside, if you are looking for a cozy, low-stakes fantasy romance this book should check all the boxes.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
December 29, 2025
3⭐️
3🌶️
📗 eARC
Themes/Tropes: revenge plot, gods x witches, found family, feminine rage
Firstly, a big thank you to NetGalley, Emma Hamm, and Gallery Books for the opportunity to do an advanced e-read of The Heartless One. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was thrilled to get approved for this read.
That being said, this book was a bit of a let down for me. This book felt laborious to me and probably could’ve been tackled in two chapters. The book focused a lot on the relationship of the grave singer and the Deathless one, but even that felt borderline cheesy and hollow. I think a big issue is that this book was all about the character development but the characters were inconsistent, a tad insufferable, and the whole thing felt a bit rushed. An example:
Elric/The Deathless One thinks to himself “He had played the role of a god perhaps a little too well, but to her, he never wanted to be that.” Then the literal next words out of his mouth to her are, “I am a God, Jessamine.” Pick a lane, sir.
Elric/The Deathless One: “ and yet he wouldn’t let her go. Even if she wanted to die, he knew he wouldn’t let her soul go to the afterlife. He would keep her here, no matter how much she begged, for he couldn’t imagine his existence without her.” - That isn’t love. That’s selfish obsession. Gross.
The Deathless One simping over Jessamine makes no sense. He gave off creepy stalker boyfriend vibes, but in the “I need a restraining order” kind of way. The intimate scenes were also very forced in the sense that they felt gratuitous and did not add to the plot.
Overall, I’m a bit bummed because I thought book one had a lot of promise and I adore Emma Hamm. Her Whispers of the Deep series is one of my favorites. Unfortunately, I just feel like this series has fallen flat for me and I’m not sure I’ll continue on in this world.
Quotes I ❤️:
“But he had learned a long time ago that age did not equal wisdom…”
3🌶️
📗 eARC
Themes/Tropes: revenge plot, gods x witches, found family, feminine rage
Firstly, a big thank you to NetGalley, Emma Hamm, and Gallery Books for the opportunity to do an advanced e-read of The Heartless One. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was thrilled to get approved for this read.
That being said, this book was a bit of a let down for me. This book felt laborious to me and probably could’ve been tackled in two chapters. The book focused a lot on the relationship of the grave singer and the Deathless one, but even that felt borderline cheesy and hollow. I think a big issue is that this book was all about the character development but the characters were inconsistent, a tad insufferable, and the whole thing felt a bit rushed. An example:
Elric/The Deathless One thinks to himself “He had played the role of a god perhaps a little too well, but to her, he never wanted to be that.” Then the literal next words out of his mouth to her are, “I am a God, Jessamine.” Pick a lane, sir.
Elric/The Deathless One: “ and yet he wouldn’t let her go. Even if she wanted to die, he knew he wouldn’t let her soul go to the afterlife. He would keep her here, no matter how much she begged, for he couldn’t imagine his existence without her.” - That isn’t love. That’s selfish obsession. Gross.
The Deathless One simping over Jessamine makes no sense. He gave off creepy stalker boyfriend vibes, but in the “I need a restraining order” kind of way. The intimate scenes were also very forced in the sense that they felt gratuitous and did not add to the plot.
Overall, I’m a bit bummed because I thought book one had a lot of promise and I adore Emma Hamm. Her Whispers of the Deep series is one of my favorites. Unfortunately, I just feel like this series has fallen flat for me and I’m not sure I’ll continue on in this world.
Quotes I ❤️:
“But he had learned a long time ago that age did not equal wisdom…”
September 23, 2025
Thank you to the author, publisher, and goodreads for the free ARC version! I read the first book in about a day to prepare for this one ^_^
✧ overall score: 4 stars
✧ TLDR: The Heartless One is a fun and exciting second installment of the Gravesinger series. Emma Hamm's unique and elegant writing style, as well as worldbuilding, was excellent. Oh, and Elric is hot!
✧ favorite quotes:
₊˚⊹ "How sacrilegious it was to see him kneel like that, worshipping at his own altar as if he had forgotten he was the god.
₊˚⊹"'There is no greater worship of a god than giving him your body.'"
₊˚⊹"'If you are going to say anything, it should be to grace this temple with the cries of your pleasure, Jessamine. Anything else I will punish you for.'"
₊˚⊹ "...and she saw stars behind her eyes that only a god could have birthed. No temple had ever been desecrated so thoroughly, and yet she found prayers still dripping from her lips."
࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ Full review: may contain spoilers
The sequel to the Deathless One was better than my expectations. While there might have been some pacing issues and plot blunders in the first book, this sequel is much better at solidifying the world-building and expanding upon Jessamine and Elric's relationship.
Although the suspence and thrill of Jessamine and Elric getting together is no longer a big plot point, their love grows stronger. The plot of this book was much more interesting, with more things for the characters to do. I also liked Jessamine a lot more in this one, because she was more confident in herself and her values. I felt I could relate a little bit more.
Like the first book, the romance scenes are steamy and hot. I wish there were more of them, but that would change the vibe of the whole book, and I'm glad it is where it's at. DEfinitely love this story, and the beautiful writing made it all the more better! The possessiveness of Elric, and their hot dynamic, is well worth the read.
✧ overall score: 4 stars
✧ TLDR: The Heartless One is a fun and exciting second installment of the Gravesinger series. Emma Hamm's unique and elegant writing style, as well as worldbuilding, was excellent. Oh, and Elric is hot!
✧ favorite quotes:
₊˚⊹ "How sacrilegious it was to see him kneel like that, worshipping at his own altar as if he had forgotten he was the god.
₊˚⊹"'There is no greater worship of a god than giving him your body.'"
₊˚⊹"'If you are going to say anything, it should be to grace this temple with the cries of your pleasure, Jessamine. Anything else I will punish you for.'"
₊˚⊹ "...and she saw stars behind her eyes that only a god could have birthed. No temple had ever been desecrated so thoroughly, and yet she found prayers still dripping from her lips."
࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ Full review: may contain spoilers
The sequel to the Deathless One was better than my expectations. While there might have been some pacing issues and plot blunders in the first book, this sequel is much better at solidifying the world-building and expanding upon Jessamine and Elric's relationship.
Although the suspence and thrill of Jessamine and Elric getting together is no longer a big plot point, their love grows stronger. The plot of this book was much more interesting, with more things for the characters to do. I also liked Jessamine a lot more in this one, because she was more confident in herself and her values. I felt I could relate a little bit more.
Like the first book, the romance scenes are steamy and hot. I wish there were more of them, but that would change the vibe of the whole book, and I'm glad it is where it's at. DEfinitely love this story, and the beautiful writing made it all the more better! The possessiveness of Elric, and their hot dynamic, is well worth the read.
March 2, 2026
An excellent sequel to The Deathless One, The Heartless One picks up right where we left off!
The political environment of the storyline advanced so much and I loved everything we learned! This book expanded on why and how the disease running throughout the kingdom came about, as well as everything the faux king is planning. I enjoyed all of the strategy running throughout this installment, especially around one of Jessamine’s lifelong bullies who played the part of a mini boss in this one. I loved watching Jessamine get her revenge against her, knowing that each of these mini bosses are just leading up to an exceptional ending brawl to come; especially with a secret ally close to the King…
I absolutely loved that Elric had a physical form in this book. Not only did it allow him to be more involved in their plans, but it lead to the much appreciated spicy scenes this book delivered! After all of the tension and burning love/hate in book 1, Emma did the readers right by giving us both quality and quantity of intimate scenes, including “desecrating” his own godly statute. Freaking brilliant!!
Speaking of Elric, his encouragement of Jessamine was EVERYTHING!! He made it very clear that he is a God, but she is his everything so he will stop at nothing to get her the throne she deserves. They had such a wonderful connection, often steadying each other even when they didn’t realize they needed it. And Jessamine is definitely coming into her own more and more as her story progresses. I loved seeing her decisions and how she was willing to hear people out and forgive when necessary, but was also very clear that her forgiveness would not come a second time. I felt this showed so much about the ruler she will be, which will be magnificent.
I loved watching the coven grow, especially with the band of misfits who were recruited. I love a ragtag group of underestimated persons, especially rageful women, coming together for a larger cause, and that’s exactly what we got! I loved how everyone had their own strengths and weakness, as well as role within the coven. I even really liked the grandson of one of the recruits who acted as muscle at times when it was needed. The coven is coming together nicely, and I can’t wait to see it dominate in book 3!
Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and Emma Hamm for the eARC! The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
The political environment of the storyline advanced so much and I loved everything we learned! This book expanded on why and how the disease running throughout the kingdom came about, as well as everything the faux king is planning. I enjoyed all of the strategy running throughout this installment, especially around one of Jessamine’s lifelong bullies who played the part of a mini boss in this one. I loved watching Jessamine get her revenge against her, knowing that each of these mini bosses are just leading up to an exceptional ending brawl to come; especially with a secret ally close to the King…
I absolutely loved that Elric had a physical form in this book. Not only did it allow him to be more involved in their plans, but it lead to the much appreciated spicy scenes this book delivered! After all of the tension and burning love/hate in book 1, Emma did the readers right by giving us both quality and quantity of intimate scenes, including “desecrating” his own godly statute. Freaking brilliant!!
Speaking of Elric, his encouragement of Jessamine was EVERYTHING!! He made it very clear that he is a God, but she is his everything so he will stop at nothing to get her the throne she deserves. They had such a wonderful connection, often steadying each other even when they didn’t realize they needed it. And Jessamine is definitely coming into her own more and more as her story progresses. I loved seeing her decisions and how she was willing to hear people out and forgive when necessary, but was also very clear that her forgiveness would not come a second time. I felt this showed so much about the ruler she will be, which will be magnificent.
I loved watching the coven grow, especially with the band of misfits who were recruited. I love a ragtag group of underestimated persons, especially rageful women, coming together for a larger cause, and that’s exactly what we got! I loved how everyone had their own strengths and weakness, as well as role within the coven. I even really liked the grandson of one of the recruits who acted as muscle at times when it was needed. The coven is coming together nicely, and I can’t wait to see it dominate in book 3!
Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and Emma Hamm for the eARC! The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
i was feral over The Deathless One last year and somehow this book said oh you thought that was intense and cranked it up. the angst, the obsession, the emotional damage, INJECT IT INTO MY VEINS EMMA. Elric and Jessamine together are genuinely lethal to my sanity. every time they shared a moment together I literally forgot how to function. i am already unhinged waiting for book three, especially with the side characters getting more layered and Elric’s past continuing to loom over everything like a storm cloud. his trauma is not just mentioned and tossed aside, it bleeds into every choice he makes and it makes the romance hit even harder in my opinion.
the first book ended with them fully locked in on each other, and this one feels like watching that devotion turn into something solid and unbreakable. yes there is external conflict and chaos, but i was living for how hard they ride for one another. THE LOYALTY babes!!! the intensity. the absolute refusal to fold. AND THE SPICE. listen. it does not hold back!!!! perioddddt. it is bold, it is reverent, it is unhinged in the best way. Elric might be a literal god, but that man will drop to his knees for Jessamine without hesitation and I SHIP IT FOREVER. The Heartless One is clearly setting us up for a dark explosive finale (i can't believe we're reaching the end!!!) and i will be seated and emotionally unstable when it arrives. thank you to GalleryBooks and Netgalley for the copy. all thoughts are my own and my obsession is very real.
✨Tropes✨
⭐️ enemies to lovers
🌙 shadow daddy
💫 feminine rage
⭐️ betrayal
🌙 found family
💫 gods x witches
the first book ended with them fully locked in on each other, and this one feels like watching that devotion turn into something solid and unbreakable. yes there is external conflict and chaos, but i was living for how hard they ride for one another. THE LOYALTY babes!!! the intensity. the absolute refusal to fold. AND THE SPICE. listen. it does not hold back!!!! perioddddt. it is bold, it is reverent, it is unhinged in the best way. Elric might be a literal god, but that man will drop to his knees for Jessamine without hesitation and I SHIP IT FOREVER. The Heartless One is clearly setting us up for a dark explosive finale (i can't believe we're reaching the end!!!) and i will be seated and emotionally unstable when it arrives. thank you to GalleryBooks and Netgalley for the copy. all thoughts are my own and my obsession is very real.
✨Tropes✨
⭐️ enemies to lovers
🌙 shadow daddy
💫 feminine rage
⭐️ betrayal
🌙 found family
💫 gods x witches
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A vengeful princess and a dark god are about to burn it all down. Call them Gravesinger and Deathless One, or Jessamine and Elric; either way, they make a stunning couple. The romance between them has grown. I love that he calls her Nightmare and that some of his dramatics have rubbed off on her. Elric is totally obsessed with her, and Jessamine is ferally protective of him. I love them together. They go through a lot, and the changes in them are noticeable. With Jess, when she's pushed into a corner, feminine rage is very real. As for Elric, he's showing a more vulnerable side than I ever would have guessed he even could. He seems more human than before, but in a good way.
Elric and Jessamine are determined to get her throne back. Between the plotting and getting more lore about the gods (aka Elric's family), I kind of forgot about a few key details. It's when I'm reminded of them that the puzzle pieces start to fit together. I loved every single moment. The new characters, the lush backdrop, and there was even more magic. I got lulled into this sense of safety, then the plot twist happened, and it was chaos. The truth behind what happened at the wedding gets revealed, and I wasn't surprised. It all fits.
The Heartless One was glorious! I thought this was a duology until I got to the end. The story didn't end in a cliffhanger, thank gods because I don't think I could have taken it, but it did break my heart. I'm nervous but excited for the next book. This book gets a thousand stars.
Elric and Jessamine are determined to get her throne back. Between the plotting and getting more lore about the gods (aka Elric's family), I kind of forgot about a few key details. It's when I'm reminded of them that the puzzle pieces start to fit together. I loved every single moment. The new characters, the lush backdrop, and there was even more magic. I got lulled into this sense of safety, then the plot twist happened, and it was chaos. The truth behind what happened at the wedding gets revealed, and I wasn't surprised. It all fits.
The Heartless One was glorious! I thought this was a duology until I got to the end. The story didn't end in a cliffhanger, thank gods because I don't think I could have taken it, but it did break my heart. I'm nervous but excited for the next book. This book gets a thousand stars.
March 2, 2026
I love the dynamic between our gravesinger queen and the Deathless One. They balance one another well and you know I love to see a man yearn and grovel for his woman!!
I’m so invested in this series, I’m super curious about what will happen next. I’m so ready to see that a-hole Leon get what’s coming to him. I want to see how creative Elric can be 😈
Jessamine is *that girl* and 100% deserves her throne. I love seeing her ruthless side come out, no one gets a second chance. Even when she gets a taste of more power, she pushes it away. That’s MY queen.
I’m loving seeing the coven grow and the new additions being added. While I have adored Sybil from the start, the dynamics added by Elissa and Agnes really help round everyone out. And, as disappointed as I am to say it, I kinda like the male additions to the group.
Really the biggest things holding me back from a 5 star rating is some of the writing. I felt like the “big event” or climax was rushed through. One minute, there’s a heart to heart moment filled with love and forgiveness and the next… we’re off to execute this master plan? Just suddenly thrust into this final meeting of the minds.
Additionally, I really felt like the timelines were off. There is one part I specifically remember where something lasted for a week after the party but then a couple chapters later, they were at the party the night before? This wasn’t the only point where things didn’t line up.
Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who loves witches and shadow daddies!!
I’m so invested in this series, I’m super curious about what will happen next. I’m so ready to see that a-hole Leon get what’s coming to him. I want to see how creative Elric can be 😈
Jessamine is *that girl* and 100% deserves her throne. I love seeing her ruthless side come out, no one gets a second chance. Even when she gets a taste of more power, she pushes it away. That’s MY queen.
I’m loving seeing the coven grow and the new additions being added. While I have adored Sybil from the start, the dynamics added by Elissa and Agnes really help round everyone out. And, as disappointed as I am to say it, I kinda like the male additions to the group.
Really the biggest things holding me back from a 5 star rating is some of the writing. I felt like the “big event” or climax was rushed through. One minute, there’s a heart to heart moment filled with love and forgiveness and the next… we’re off to execute this master plan? Just suddenly thrust into this final meeting of the minds.
Additionally, I really felt like the timelines were off. There is one part I specifically remember where something lasted for a week after the party but then a couple chapters later, they were at the party the night before? This wasn’t the only point where things didn’t line up.
Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who loves witches and shadow daddies!!
March 2, 2026
Rarely do I find a second book in a series that outshines the first, but The Heartless One by Emma Hamm absolutely does. I loved this book. The story picks up shortly after the end of the previous installment and dives straight into the action.
Jessamine is now fully aligned with Elric, and she’s beginning to understand the power she holds with him at her side. Even so, she still has a long road ahead if she hopes to reclaim her kingdom. To strengthen their position, Elric and Jessamine begin expanding their coven with new witches. Elric, however, carries a lingering fear that history will repeat itself and that these witches may eventually turn on him, as others have before.
In this installment, we learn much more about Elric’s past, how he became a god and his complicated history with other gods and witches. The story takes us on several adventures throughout the city, and I had such a great time following them.
I really enjoyed the addition of new characters. My only complaint is that I wish we had gotten to know them more deeply. They feel like they have the potential to be standout side characters, but for now, we only see them on a surface level.
The romance is no longer a slow burn like it was in book one, but I absolutely loved the way Elric worships Jessamine. Their dynamic feels powerful, but not without conflict.
Overall, this was a fantastic second installment in the series, and I cannot wait for the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Jessamine is now fully aligned with Elric, and she’s beginning to understand the power she holds with him at her side. Even so, she still has a long road ahead if she hopes to reclaim her kingdom. To strengthen their position, Elric and Jessamine begin expanding their coven with new witches. Elric, however, carries a lingering fear that history will repeat itself and that these witches may eventually turn on him, as others have before.
In this installment, we learn much more about Elric’s past, how he became a god and his complicated history with other gods and witches. The story takes us on several adventures throughout the city, and I had such a great time following them.
I really enjoyed the addition of new characters. My only complaint is that I wish we had gotten to know them more deeply. They feel like they have the potential to be standout side characters, but for now, we only see them on a surface level.
The romance is no longer a slow burn like it was in book one, but I absolutely loved the way Elric worships Jessamine. Their dynamic feels powerful, but not without conflict.
Overall, this was a fantastic second installment in the series, and I cannot wait for the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 28, 2026
I like to see you wild and undone, princess.
~
This woman would be the death of him. And he was a deathless god.
~
Emma and her books never, ever cease to amaze me. I absolutely tore through this one in less than 24 hours. I was ecstatic to be back with our original gang from The Deathless One, and the introduction of some new players on the board raised the stakes quite a bit as old faces emerged from the shadows and history and plans started to come into focus. Jessamine really growing into her new normal was so inspiring and having Sybil and Elric right along side her was wonderful. Elric is absolutely, without a doubt a golden retriever in a death god’s body and I love him for it and for all the beautiful prose he lets out to show Jessa how much he adores her. I love these two to death, and this is the epitome of touch her and die vibes. Fortuna’s character angle was very interesting, and the new information uncovered on all sides has me chomping at the bit to see how the final book in this trilogy will unfold. Emma is a master at weaving in bits and pieces that you may or may not pick up on through her mythology and world building and I felt like I was right in Inverholm with them as they built this coven on feminine rage and the adoration of a god to ready themselves to take back what was rightfully theirs. Incredible, as always!
~
This woman would be the death of him. And he was a deathless god.
~
Emma and her books never, ever cease to amaze me. I absolutely tore through this one in less than 24 hours. I was ecstatic to be back with our original gang from The Deathless One, and the introduction of some new players on the board raised the stakes quite a bit as old faces emerged from the shadows and history and plans started to come into focus. Jessamine really growing into her new normal was so inspiring and having Sybil and Elric right along side her was wonderful. Elric is absolutely, without a doubt a golden retriever in a death god’s body and I love him for it and for all the beautiful prose he lets out to show Jessa how much he adores her. I love these two to death, and this is the epitome of touch her and die vibes. Fortuna’s character angle was very interesting, and the new information uncovered on all sides has me chomping at the bit to see how the final book in this trilogy will unfold. Emma is a master at weaving in bits and pieces that you may or may not pick up on through her mythology and world building and I felt like I was right in Inverholm with them as they built this coven on feminine rage and the adoration of a god to ready themselves to take back what was rightfully theirs. Incredible, as always!
October 21, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley, for the arc edition of this book!
This book picks up right where the first one left off. I definitely liked this one a bit more than the first in the series. I mostly really liked the inclusion of more side characters, and I really liked the idea of Jessamine ‘growing’ her coven.
Although the main relationship between Jessamine and Elric seemed a little more boring. It was a bit too “picture-perfect” for me. Even when they have conflicts, it felt too ideal and easy. They were so happy together that I kept waiting for something bad to happen.
Overall, I found the plot to be quite interesting. But I mainly had an issue with the pacing. It didn’t feel like much actually happened. It took a long time to build up to the climax, and then, immediately after the action, it stops entirely while the two main characters engage in a relationship fight. It made the pacing of the action completely stutter to a halt. And then when they make up, it jumps right back into the action. It was jarring and made the timeline a little confusing. Additionally, when the entire story wrapped up quickly with a clear setup for the next book, it left me feeling like nothing was actually accomplished in the end. The ending itself just
didn’t feel terribly satisfying.
Although it was still entertaining to read. And I would recommend this to readers who want something simple yet enjoyable. I was able to get through it very quickly, and despite my annoyances with the relationship and the pacing, I still had fun with it.
This book picks up right where the first one left off. I definitely liked this one a bit more than the first in the series. I mostly really liked the inclusion of more side characters, and I really liked the idea of Jessamine ‘growing’ her coven.
Although the main relationship between Jessamine and Elric seemed a little more boring. It was a bit too “picture-perfect” for me. Even when they have conflicts, it felt too ideal and easy. They were so happy together that I kept waiting for something bad to happen.
Overall, I found the plot to be quite interesting. But I mainly had an issue with the pacing. It didn’t feel like much actually happened. It took a long time to build up to the climax, and then, immediately after the action, it stops entirely while the two main characters engage in a relationship fight. It made the pacing of the action completely stutter to a halt. And then when they make up, it jumps right back into the action. It was jarring and made the timeline a little confusing. Additionally, when the entire story wrapped up quickly with a clear setup for the next book, it left me feeling like nothing was actually accomplished in the end. The ending itself just
didn’t feel terribly satisfying.
Although it was still entertaining to read. And I would recommend this to readers who want something simple yet enjoyable. I was able to get through it very quickly, and despite my annoyances with the relationship and the pacing, I still had fun with it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This series has been a very slow build. The plot progression is reallyyyy slow and honestly, I think it could make a better duology than a triology. That being said, I still absolutely ATE this story up. Elric is absolutely everything. I love him as an MMC. His obsession and the way he talks about the FMC just makes me absolutely melt.
I loved the addition of new characters this book, and the development of others. The story is really building, and we got glimpses more into the history of the gods and also the witches.
There were a few twists and turns this book that I really enjoyed. Again, I really like the concept and plot points, I just do really feel like the pacing is off and its really slow and there is a lot of lagging.
Also, for a story about feminine rage, we haven't seen nearly enough of it yet. We keep getting these small glimpses, but I want MORE. And for a death god, Elric is surprisingly calm. A lot of threats, but no real follow thru. I wish he was a little more unhinged.
The book for me was around 3.5 stars, but I rounded up.
I am looking forward to the last book and everything finally coming to a head. I feel like the last book is going to be really action packed and I cannot wait!
I loved the addition of new characters this book, and the development of others. The story is really building, and we got glimpses more into the history of the gods and also the witches.
There were a few twists and turns this book that I really enjoyed. Again, I really like the concept and plot points, I just do really feel like the pacing is off and its really slow and there is a lot of lagging.
Also, for a story about feminine rage, we haven't seen nearly enough of it yet. We keep getting these small glimpses, but I want MORE. And for a death god, Elric is surprisingly calm. A lot of threats, but no real follow thru. I wish he was a little more unhinged.
The book for me was around 3.5 stars, but I rounded up.
I am looking forward to the last book and everything finally coming to a head. I feel like the last book is going to be really action packed and I cannot wait!
March 7, 2026
“It is my greatest fear that women will forever pay for the fear of men”
The continuation of Jessamine and Elric’s story was a fantastic journey. The most growth here happens with Jessamine. She’s still hurt over Callum’s betrayal, still a naive youth in many ways. We got a taste of feminine rage in book 1. Book 2 gave us a heartier dose. I think book 3 will be cataclysmic.
“There is a goddess in all of us, and she cries out to be seen.”
Jessamine is no goddess in this book. She’s still a limping wraith licking her wounds - but the more she learns the angrier she gets. In this book she learned how deep the betrayal ran and we finally learn the pivotal plot point that we’ll be chasing in the final third book.
Jessamine destroys the one thing the antagonist of each book hold dear to them. With Callum it was ego. With this book, I won’t spoil anything but it was very fitting for what was importing to them. I cannot wait to see what she does with Leon.
“They would dig into him with sharp knives… and he would let them. He always let them.”
And our darling Elric. I think book 3 will hold a lot of growth for him too. The end of this book ends on an ominous note for him. I predict a lot of wrath from a certain little nightmare and I am here for it.
The continuation of Jessamine and Elric’s story was a fantastic journey. The most growth here happens with Jessamine. She’s still hurt over Callum’s betrayal, still a naive youth in many ways. We got a taste of feminine rage in book 1. Book 2 gave us a heartier dose. I think book 3 will be cataclysmic.
“There is a goddess in all of us, and she cries out to be seen.”
Jessamine is no goddess in this book. She’s still a limping wraith licking her wounds - but the more she learns the angrier she gets. In this book she learned how deep the betrayal ran and we finally learn the pivotal plot point that we’ll be chasing in the final third book.
Jessamine destroys the one thing the antagonist of each book hold dear to them. With Callum it was ego. With this book, I won’t spoil anything but it was very fitting for what was importing to them. I cannot wait to see what she does with Leon.
“They would dig into him with sharp knives… and he would let them. He always let them.”
And our darling Elric. I think book 3 will hold a lot of growth for him too. The end of this book ends on an ominous note for him. I predict a lot of wrath from a certain little nightmare and I am here for it.
September 27, 2025
All Elric has known through his thousands of years of existence with the gravesingers, is pain, death, and darkness—It is what he has grown to expect from every gravesinger. Jessamine has vowed to change that expectation. Elric holds a fragile hope she will hold to her vow, but fears it will only lead to her death. Together they set out to build a worthy new coven of witches—that will worship Elric, the Deathless One, without demanding his sacrifice—to help Jessamine retake her rightful place as Queen of her Kingdom.
The h-ē-double-hockey-sticks they go through is heart wrenching. Thankfully they have each other. But, boy, mind that BIG CLIFFHANGER!
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Elric
* aka - Deathless One
FMC:
✨Jessamine
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨Cliffhanger
Series:
✨Gravesinger series Book 2
Tropes:
👉dark fantasy romance
👉enemies to lovers
👉demon shadow daddy
👉feminine rage
👉MF
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex
💥violence
💥blood/gore
💥murder
💥betrayal
💥manipulation
💥death
Burn Speed:
✨slow
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️ 1/2
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The h-ē-double-hockey-sticks they go through is heart wrenching. Thankfully they have each other. But, boy, mind that BIG CLIFFHANGER!
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Elric
* aka - Deathless One
FMC:
✨Jessamine
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨Cliffhanger
Series:
✨Gravesinger series Book 2
Tropes:
👉dark fantasy romance
👉enemies to lovers
👉demon shadow daddy
👉feminine rage
👉MF
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex
💥violence
💥blood/gore
💥murder
💥betrayal
💥manipulation
💥death
Burn Speed:
✨slow
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️ 1/2
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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