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Heartlines
What if the Goddess you've always loved decides She's had enough?
After twelve years on the run, all trans Prince Ario wants is a chance to fight back against the anti-magic government that stole his throne. Once settled in a city friendly to magic users, Ario discovers a dark secret the previous queen held; his soul has been bonded to that of another, a mermaid shifter named Peony, whose ability to nullify magic was meant to protect him. The depth and intensity of their bond calls into question everything he's doing... and makes him wonder what else about his fate has already been decided.
When Ario's efforts threaten the Goddess's grand plan--to break away from the moon God's hold on Her--She intervenes, using Ario to bring a vessel of destruction into the world. With his trust in Her shattered, Ario finds himself back in the palace in the hands of those who destroyed his family's legacy, and abruptly without magic. To stop the Goddess's machinations, Ario needs resources only the regime can supply; the only way to move forward is to submit, and partner with his crown's traitor, who promises to restore Ario to the throne as an act of atonement. If they get caught, it's more than their lives on the line--that is, if Ario can trust him at all.
Will Ario be able to stop the Goddess's endeavors, or will he be another victim of Her threads of fate?
Dark, gritty, and political, Heartlines will delight fans who enjoyed Arcane or Final Fantasy VII.
After twelve years on the run, all trans Prince Ario wants is a chance to fight back against the anti-magic government that stole his throne. Once settled in a city friendly to magic users, Ario discovers a dark secret the previous queen held; his soul has been bonded to that of another, a mermaid shifter named Peony, whose ability to nullify magic was meant to protect him. The depth and intensity of their bond calls into question everything he's doing... and makes him wonder what else about his fate has already been decided.
When Ario's efforts threaten the Goddess's grand plan--to break away from the moon God's hold on Her--She intervenes, using Ario to bring a vessel of destruction into the world. With his trust in Her shattered, Ario finds himself back in the palace in the hands of those who destroyed his family's legacy, and abruptly without magic. To stop the Goddess's machinations, Ario needs resources only the regime can supply; the only way to move forward is to submit, and partner with his crown's traitor, who promises to restore Ario to the throne as an act of atonement. If they get caught, it's more than their lives on the line--that is, if Ario can trust him at all.
Will Ario be able to stop the Goddess's endeavors, or will he be another victim of Her threads of fate?
Dark, gritty, and political, Heartlines will delight fans who enjoyed Arcane or Final Fantasy VII.
366 pages, Paperback
Published September 9, 2025
2 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Rachel E. Wilder
1 bookRachel E. Wilder (they/them) is an indie author based in upstate New York. Rachel has been writing for nearly 20 years in all kinds of genres: fantasy, horror, sci-fi, literary/contemporary, magical realism. Having gotten their start writing Danny Phantom fanfiction, Rachel fell in love with language and storytelling and quickly branched out.
Rachel has an undergraduate degree in creative writing, and a master's in library science. In addition to writing fiction, they have experience writing grants, organizational copy, and academic papers. They are also a skilled developmental and copyeditor. When not writing, Rachel enjoys gaming, hiking, baking, and cooking.
Rachel lives at home with their partner Killian and their cat Xeno.
Rachel has an undergraduate degree in creative writing, and a master's in library science. In addition to writing fiction, they have experience writing grants, organizational copy, and academic papers. They are also a skilled developmental and copyeditor. When not writing, Rachel enjoys gaming, hiking, baking, and cooking.
Rachel lives at home with their partner Killian and their cat Xeno.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 11, 2025
This is the debut book by the author. I did read an advanced copy so all editing was not complete.
The majority of the story is told through the POV of Ario, the prince who is also hiding from the current government. There are interludes in a third-person perspective. The essential plot is that Ario wants to regain his kingdom to restore the balance of magic. The blurb says it has elements of Final Fantasy VII and Arcane. I can see the Final Fantasy elements. Particularly with the moon theme and consumption of power.
The book touches on themes of democracy vs autocracy/monarchy, bodily autonomy, trans persons and dysmorphia, and being special/magical vs normal. There is a love interest but it's closed door and tame enough to be read by teens. There is some torture/body horror but not it's fairly minor and not gruesome.
The writing itself is easy to follow. The world is similar to ours with technology but also includes magic. There isn't a lot of discussion of everything works but you get bits through the eyes of priestesses and people in power. This isn't LitRPG but the game influences would make it more interesting to people who enjoy video games. Overall, a great debut!
The majority of the story is told through the POV of Ario, the prince who is also hiding from the current government. There are interludes in a third-person perspective. The essential plot is that Ario wants to regain his kingdom to restore the balance of magic. The blurb says it has elements of Final Fantasy VII and Arcane. I can see the Final Fantasy elements. Particularly with the moon theme and consumption of power.
The book touches on themes of democracy vs autocracy/monarchy, bodily autonomy, trans persons and dysmorphia, and being special/magical vs normal. There is a love interest but it's closed door and tame enough to be read by teens. There is some torture/body horror but not it's fairly minor and not gruesome.
The writing itself is easy to follow. The world is similar to ours with technology but also includes magic. There isn't a lot of discussion of everything works but you get bits through the eyes of priestesses and people in power. This isn't LitRPG but the game influences would make it more interesting to people who enjoy video games. Overall, a great debut!
September 24, 2025
Heartlines is nothing short of breathtaking—a dark, emotional, and deeply layered fantasy that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. Prince Ario is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in a long time: complex, flawed, and impossible not to root for. The bond between Ario and Peony is hauntingly beautiful, full of tension and depth, and the way their fates intertwine left me completely enthralled.
What impressed me most is how Heartlines balances gritty realism with lyrical, imaginative worldbuilding. If you love stories like Arcane or Final Fantasy VII, you will absolutely adore this book.
Highly recommend—this is the kind of fantasy that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished reading.
What impressed me most is how Heartlines balances gritty realism with lyrical, imaginative worldbuilding. If you love stories like Arcane or Final Fantasy VII, you will absolutely adore this book.
Highly recommend—this is the kind of fantasy that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished reading.
October 28, 2025
Heartlines is about Prince Ario, a trans member of royalty who has been on the run after the coup that destroyed his family’s standing and almost took all of their lives. But when he uncovers secrets behind the magic of his world and his Goddess, can he do what it takes to save everyone and restore a government that cares for its people? Or is it too much to bear on the back of one man?
I like the LGBTQ representation in this, it delves into dysphoria and topics on gender and sexuality a lot of books I’ve read avoid while still keeping the fantasy and magical elements intact and strong. The story is intriguing and very complex with a winding plot that always gives you what you least expect and characters that have much more than what they seem at first glance. Definitely would recommend.
I like the LGBTQ representation in this, it delves into dysphoria and topics on gender and sexuality a lot of books I’ve read avoid while still keeping the fantasy and magical elements intact and strong. The story is intriguing and very complex with a winding plot that always gives you what you least expect and characters that have much more than what they seem at first glance. Definitely would recommend.
September 10, 2025
This was a decent book for an author debut. I read an advanced copy that had some editing needed still but wasn’t easy enough to read. I liked how it was similar to our real world but added the magic with it. I wish things were a little more easier to understand on how it all worked. Overall, if you’re looking for a new unique book to try then go for this.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews