Lighting up a black heart

by Maria Bluelight

132 pages, Paperback

Published October 15, 2025

Reviews

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, big thanks to the author, Maria Bluelight, for reaching out and providing me with a copy of Lighting Up A Black Heart! I really appreciate the chance to read it.

The story follows Mira, a girl dealing with bipolar disorder and panic attacks, who stumbles upon a strange, magical shop. There, she meets Prince Kaiden, who’s been turned into a wooden toy after making a wish he didn’t quite phrase right. Mira agrees to help him, but only if he’s nice—if he’s rude, she’s outta there. The two head into an enchanted forest, where they face challenges and slowly open up about their own personal struggles.

I really liked how the book mixes real-world issues (like mental health) with magic and fantasy. Both Mira’s and Kaden's growth throughout the story is great to see, including their relationship development. It’s a sweet and heartfelt journey of learning to understand yourself and others.

This is definitely a book that children would benefit from reading. The lessons about kindness, empathy, and personal growth are straightforward and simple, which makes it a great fit for younger audiences. For adults, it might feel a little... awkward to read, but for kids, it’s a perfect blend of magic and important life lessons.

Again, thanks to the author for sending me a copy! While it wasn’t exactly my cup of tea as an adult, I think younger readers will really enjoy Mira’s adventure and the kind-hearted messages it shares. Now onto the next book I go!

[AT Readers · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a one sitting read a light-hearted cute story that carries a very strong and meaningful message. This story is about Mira and Kaiden, two people with their own fears and individual battles. They each have things they need to overcome to become better versions of themselves, and together they learn, grow, and heal in the most heartfelt way.
It’s beautiful how both Kaiden and Mira had so much they could have asked for themselves after winning the trials in the mystical forest and earning the chance to make a wish from Krakatuk but they didn’t hesitate even for a second about what they truly wanted. Thinking about oneself and still choosing selflessness was written so, so beautifully.
Pick this up if you’re looking for a quick, fast-paced read filled with magic, strength, friendship, and love. I’m absolutely excited for the next part of the story Lighting Up the Shadow.

[Ai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is novella fantasy, while the female main character, Mira is a refreshingly relatable protagonist whose mental health struggles are handled with raw honesty, and watching her push the spoiled, cursed Prince Kaiden the male main character toward genuine growth is an absolute joy.

The world-building is both whimsical and eerie, filled with creeping moss, hanging clocks, and reflective magical trials. It’s a perfect, cozy-yet-deep fantasy that reminds you it’s okay to be broken—and even better to heal.

[Meenal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't have chosen a better book for the post-Diwali chaos and sadness because, honestly, what's left to look forward to until Basant Panchami? I was also consuming hurtful news, which made me appreciate the stark contrast of the sweet plot even more.

This is the story of a young teenager who sets off on a challenging yet magical journey with a wooden nutcracker. It is a retelling of the English folktale, The Nutcracker, which I haven't read, so I enjoyed this version.

The FMC suffers from bipolar disorder but is so kind-hearted that you will genuinely see her as an elder sister. You will want to be as fair and understanding as she is. The cursed prince was somewhat annoying, as royalty often are, but he was also hilarious.

Their crazy adventures that unfold chapter by chapter, are a testament to the author's splendid ability to capture a vivid imagination on paper. I was thrilled to read what was coming next!

If you like exploring hidden gems, this is the book for you.

[Amelia-Jayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute little read and I loved the mental health representation within it. It brought depth to the morale behind the story. I connected with it a lot

Thank you to Maria BlueLight herself for reaching out to me to read this.

[Sutrishna Sen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lighting Up a Black Heart book review by Sutrishna Sen - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP6Xe-...