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Dark Hearts: Of Hunger and Hate
The Night Mother saved Julietta when she was but a girl and the Unseelie mistress has watched over the young waif ever since: guiding her, comforting her, keeping her from pain.
For the city is pitiless and it is punishing. It consumes all wayward wanderers and devours any unhardened hearts. Julietta knows that she would have died if not for her mistress; yet, her mistress seems at times to be just as cruel as the venal city.
When she is rescued from the gutters by a black-swathed servant of the charitable Marquis Bellamy de La Clermont, Julietta’s mistress warns her to flee.
But the servant offers her sanctuary and the Marquis’ reputation precedes him: Bellamy is renowned. Handsome. Altruistic. Gentle.
Offered hope like she had never known before, Julietta does the unthinkable; she disobeys her unseen mistress and so embroils herself in a dark new world run by a hedonistic nobility ever at odds with the fervent mutineers who lurk amidst the rabble.
Julietta is made a student of lust, loss and loathing, but only with her mistress’ guidance can she become a master of dread, desire and despair.
There is no other way to make undone the tangled web of secrets that has entrapped her.
For the city is pitiless and it is punishing. It consumes all wayward wanderers and devours any unhardened hearts. Julietta knows that she would have died if not for her mistress; yet, her mistress seems at times to be just as cruel as the venal city.
When she is rescued from the gutters by a black-swathed servant of the charitable Marquis Bellamy de La Clermont, Julietta’s mistress warns her to flee.
But the servant offers her sanctuary and the Marquis’ reputation precedes him: Bellamy is renowned. Handsome. Altruistic. Gentle.
Offered hope like she had never known before, Julietta does the unthinkable; she disobeys her unseen mistress and so embroils herself in a dark new world run by a hedonistic nobility ever at odds with the fervent mutineers who lurk amidst the rabble.
Julietta is made a student of lust, loss and loathing, but only with her mistress’ guidance can she become a master of dread, desire and despair.
There is no other way to make undone the tangled web of secrets that has entrapped her.
- GenresDark FantasyGothic
300 pages, Paperback
Published February 9, 2026
2 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Gaelan Donovan Wort
8 books20 followersGaelan Donovan Wort penned his first novel, The Nature of Predation, at the age of seventeen, driven by a restless passion for storytelling that has since deepened into a lifelong craft.
Since that early beginning, he has followed the shadows that gather between myth and memory, reverie and ruin—threads that continue to weave throughout his stories.
His fiction drifts between genres—gothic horror, mythic tragedy, psychological thriller, speculative drama, and satirical science fiction—but is always drawn to the liminal, the haunted, and the human. Whether eerie or elegiac, his stories linger where the rational frays—and the unknowable begins.
Since that early beginning, he has followed the shadows that gather between myth and memory, reverie and ruin—threads that continue to weave throughout his stories.
His fiction drifts between genres—gothic horror, mythic tragedy, psychological thriller, speculative drama, and satirical science fiction—but is always drawn to the liminal, the haunted, and the human. Whether eerie or elegiac, his stories linger where the rational frays—and the unknowable begins.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a complimentary ARC through BookSirens, and this review reflects my honest opinion.
Dark Hearts is a sharp, moody fantasy that leans into obsession, power, and the kind of resentment that sits just beneath the skin. The tone is dark without becoming grim for the sake of aesthetic, and the author does a good job letting the characters’ flaws carry the story instead of relying on shock value. I liked the protagonist right away—not because she’s warm, but because she’s believable. Her anger feels earned, her cynicism feels lived-in, and her choices make sense even when they’re uncomfortable to watch unfold. The writing has a tight, atmospheric quality that fits the story’s themes, and the worldbuilding is sprinkled in rather than dumped on you all at once.
The pacing moves steadily, with tension that builds in small, deliberate increments. I appreciated that relationships in this book aren’t romanticized; they’re messy, conditional, and shaped by hunger—for love, for safety, for revenge. The magic system has an interesting edge, tied to emotion and consequence rather than pretty tricks, and it gives the story a heavier feel in the best way. By the end, the stakes land, not because the plot is big and dramatic, but because the character growth actually feels earned. Dark Hearts will work for readers who want morally gray protagonists, dark emotional undercurrents, and fantasy that isn’t afraid to sit with the uglier parts of being human.
Dark Hearts is a sharp, moody fantasy that leans into obsession, power, and the kind of resentment that sits just beneath the skin. The tone is dark without becoming grim for the sake of aesthetic, and the author does a good job letting the characters’ flaws carry the story instead of relying on shock value. I liked the protagonist right away—not because she’s warm, but because she’s believable. Her anger feels earned, her cynicism feels lived-in, and her choices make sense even when they’re uncomfortable to watch unfold. The writing has a tight, atmospheric quality that fits the story’s themes, and the worldbuilding is sprinkled in rather than dumped on you all at once.
The pacing moves steadily, with tension that builds in small, deliberate increments. I appreciated that relationships in this book aren’t romanticized; they’re messy, conditional, and shaped by hunger—for love, for safety, for revenge. The magic system has an interesting edge, tied to emotion and consequence rather than pretty tricks, and it gives the story a heavier feel in the best way. By the end, the stakes land, not because the plot is big and dramatic, but because the character growth actually feels earned. Dark Hearts will work for readers who want morally gray protagonists, dark emotional undercurrents, and fantasy that isn’t afraid to sit with the uglier parts of being human.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The story line was strong, and the language stayed clear and grounded while still fitting the gothic fantasy horror tone. The atmosphere felt immersive and lived in, watchful, and very real. I was pulled in quickly and stayed invested for most of the journey.
Julietta is absolutely the heart of the story. She's been through so much, and that weight shows in her choices and growth. Her character development felt earned and layered, making her feel like a true hero rather than a simple survivor. In contrast, Bellamy and his so called “butler” are genuinely dark figures—monstrous, manipulative, and without redeeming qualities. The way Bellamy inspires obsession and desire in the young people he “saves” was unsettling in the bests ways of horror. The tension around whether Julietta could outmaneuver him kept me turning pages.
The pacing did wobble a bit in places, and I found myself stepping away briefly before returning with fresh eyes. Still, the ending felt inevitable in a way that worked, and I enjoyed it despite knowing where things were headed. The plot and magic system were refreshingly unique, and the relationship between Julietta, the Night Mother, and the Unseelie influence added depth and menace. Overall, it was well worth the four stars, and I'd happily read more from this author in the future.
Julietta is absolutely the heart of the story. She's been through so much, and that weight shows in her choices and growth. Her character development felt earned and layered, making her feel like a true hero rather than a simple survivor. In contrast, Bellamy and his so called “butler” are genuinely dark figures—monstrous, manipulative, and without redeeming qualities. The way Bellamy inspires obsession and desire in the young people he “saves” was unsettling in the bests ways of horror. The tension around whether Julietta could outmaneuver him kept me turning pages.
The pacing did wobble a bit in places, and I found myself stepping away briefly before returning with fresh eyes. Still, the ending felt inevitable in a way that worked, and I enjoyed it despite knowing where things were headed. The plot and magic system were refreshingly unique, and the relationship between Julietta, the Night Mother, and the Unseelie influence added depth and menace. Overall, it was well worth the four stars, and I'd happily read more from this author in the future.
January 16, 2026
♥️ Dark Hearts of Hunger and Hate ♥️
Dark Hearts of Hunger and Hate is a gothic fantasies with a lot of darkness and sharp edges. Julietta was saved by the Night Mother when she was a child, protecting her from all of the horrors and dangers city. One night, Julietta is rescued by a servant of the Marquis Bellamy de La Clermont, and he offers her sanctuary. The girl ignores her mistress’s pleas and accepts, leading her to tha handsome Bellamy and all the dark things that can entrap her.
Rating: 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Booksirens for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
This was an enjoyable gothic fantasy. It felt broody and yet calm. I really enjoyed the nobility elements in this. Bellamy certainly felt like a Marquis and Julietta- a well treated servant.
The point of view comes from the Night Mother which I thought was interesting. It added to the darkness in this story.
All the character are morally grey to an extent. They all deal with loathing, lust, and obsession. I thought each character was unique while also having similar actions and feelings due to the magic around them.
I recommend this book if you like dark fantasy, corrupt characters, and supernatural elements.
Dark Hearts of Hunger and Hate is a gothic fantasies with a lot of darkness and sharp edges. Julietta was saved by the Night Mother when she was a child, protecting her from all of the horrors and dangers city. One night, Julietta is rescued by a servant of the Marquis Bellamy de La Clermont, and he offers her sanctuary. The girl ignores her mistress’s pleas and accepts, leading her to tha handsome Bellamy and all the dark things that can entrap her.
Rating: 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Booksirens for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
This was an enjoyable gothic fantasy. It felt broody and yet calm. I really enjoyed the nobility elements in this. Bellamy certainly felt like a Marquis and Julietta- a well treated servant.
The point of view comes from the Night Mother which I thought was interesting. It added to the darkness in this story.
All the character are morally grey to an extent. They all deal with loathing, lust, and obsession. I thought each character was unique while also having similar actions and feelings due to the magic around them.
I recommend this book if you like dark fantasy, corrupt characters, and supernatural elements.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to Booksirens for the e-ARC!
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
This is a dark, gothic story. I enjoyed Gaelan’s writing. It falls right in line with what you would expect from a well-written Gothic novel. It has an eerie setting and supernatural elements. It was an immersive setting. Overall, I enjoyed the story, and it was interesting and unique. It is written from the POV of a supernatural being who is attached to or shares a connection with the main FMC, Julietta.
I love gothic novels. I read a lot of gothic fantasy, gothic horror, romance, etc. So I do anticipate that the pacing and build-up are sometimes slower and intentional. I don’t mind that. I found that it held my interest most when I hit the 65% mark, and from there out I was more “hooked in”. I’m giving it a 3.5 because it didn’t have me enthralled the entire book.
I honestly didn’t find myself itching to pick it up at every free moment to read, and it took me much longer to read than I normally would a book of this size. A true test of loving a book and a 4+ star rating is that I come back to it whenever I have the chance and usually finish within 2-5 days. I haven’t read the other books in this series, so that may contribute to how I felt about this in one in particular.
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
This is a dark, gothic story. I enjoyed Gaelan’s writing. It falls right in line with what you would expect from a well-written Gothic novel. It has an eerie setting and supernatural elements. It was an immersive setting. Overall, I enjoyed the story, and it was interesting and unique. It is written from the POV of a supernatural being who is attached to or shares a connection with the main FMC, Julietta.
I love gothic novels. I read a lot of gothic fantasy, gothic horror, romance, etc. So I do anticipate that the pacing and build-up are sometimes slower and intentional. I don’t mind that. I found that it held my interest most when I hit the 65% mark, and from there out I was more “hooked in”. I’m giving it a 3.5 because it didn’t have me enthralled the entire book.
I honestly didn’t find myself itching to pick it up at every free moment to read, and it took me much longer to read than I normally would a book of this size. A true test of loving a book and a 4+ star rating is that I come back to it whenever I have the chance and usually finish within 2-5 days. I haven’t read the other books in this series, so that may contribute to how I felt about this in one in particular.
Review of advance copy received from Author
For me, Gaelan Donovan Wort has become a sure thing. His fantastic writing and dark, gothic settings are a unique combination that never gets old.
'Dark Hearts: Of Hunger and Hate' is no exception. It's a gripping, atmospheric descent into obsession, trauma, and the monstrous hunger lurking beneath human desire. The story follows Julietta, an abused orphan guided by a dominating, unseen entity she calls Mistress. Her life spirals into darkness when the brute Farron rescues her from an assault and brings her to the grand, cursed estate of Marquis Bellamy Valentin de La Clermont. This man's beauty hides a monstrous, ancient corruption. Despite the Mistress's frantic warnings, Julietta becomes Bellamy's favored ward.
Bellamy's manor is suffocating with decadence and dread, populated by broken, submissive servants and his prized protégés. Over time, the estate's true nature reveals itself, and the curse it bears must somehow be broken.
This book has a dark, moody, and dramatic style that feels like stepping into a foggy, gothic dream. Everything feels emotional and intense, and even quiet scenes have an underlying sense of danger.
If you're a fan of this genre, you're bound to enjoy this one and the rest of the books in The Hollow Waltz series!
'Dark Hearts: Of Hunger and Hate' is no exception. It's a gripping, atmospheric descent into obsession, trauma, and the monstrous hunger lurking beneath human desire. The story follows Julietta, an abused orphan guided by a dominating, unseen entity she calls Mistress. Her life spirals into darkness when the brute Farron rescues her from an assault and brings her to the grand, cursed estate of Marquis Bellamy Valentin de La Clermont. This man's beauty hides a monstrous, ancient corruption. Despite the Mistress's frantic warnings, Julietta becomes Bellamy's favored ward.
Bellamy's manor is suffocating with decadence and dread, populated by broken, submissive servants and his prized protégés. Over time, the estate's true nature reveals itself, and the curse it bears must somehow be broken.
This book has a dark, moody, and dramatic style that feels like stepping into a foggy, gothic dream. Everything feels emotional and intense, and even quiet scenes have an underlying sense of danger.
If you're a fan of this genre, you're bound to enjoy this one and the rest of the books in The Hollow Waltz series!
Review of advance copy
This is a dark, gothic tale filled with supernatural characters, simmering tension, and a wonderfully eerie castle.
The story follows Julietta, a poor young woman rescued from a group of louts by a vampire and brought to a magical castle, where she becomes the ward of a handsome, enigmatic marquis. Set in post‑revolutionary France, the plot weaves historical atmosphere with the castle’s strange, enchanted world. A cast of intriguing characters drifts in and out of the manor, while Julietta remains its steady heart, harboring an unrequited crush on the marquis.
The narration comes from another supernatural being—one who shares a mysterious connection with Julietta and seems to have a long‑held grudge against the marquis.
I found the book both engaging and fun to read, though definitely on the darker side. I haven’t yet read the other installments in the series, but I plan to continue.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story follows Julietta, a poor young woman rescued from a group of louts by a vampire and brought to a magical castle, where she becomes the ward of a handsome, enigmatic marquis. Set in post‑revolutionary France, the plot weaves historical atmosphere with the castle’s strange, enchanted world. A cast of intriguing characters drifts in and out of the manor, while Julietta remains its steady heart, harboring an unrequited crush on the marquis.
The narration comes from another supernatural being—one who shares a mysterious connection with Julietta and seems to have a long‑held grudge against the marquis.
I found the book both engaging and fun to read, though definitely on the darker side. I haven’t yet read the other installments in the series, but I plan to continue.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Gaelan Donovan Wort does an amazing job in the fourth entry in the Hollow Waltz series, it had that historical concept that I was wanting and enjoyed from the previous three books. It had that character development that I was wanting and enjoyed in this type of book. The overall plot worked well as a fantasy horror book and continued the world perfectly and was glad it was so well written. I can't wait to read more from Gaelan Donovan Wort and am glad I got to read this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story had me wondering what was going on and who was who the whole time. I’m left some what unsatisfied but I imagine that was intentional. I would like to learn more about the Doctor and his origins. A seemingly important character but with so little page time relative to the story. Also Mistress and their origins as well. Overall a good story!
This story had me wondering what was going on and who was who the whole time. I’m left some what unsatisfied but I imagine that was intentional. I would like to learn more about the Doctor and his origins. A seemingly important character but with so little page time relative to the story. Also Mistress and their origins as well. Overall a good story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2025
I liked this a lot! I’m a big fan of dark fantasy and this was just what I was looking for! It had creepy, gothic vibes and a story that was easy to understand without having to read the others in the series. The cover caught my eye but the story was written very well and a solid 4.25 stars. Thank you to the author, publisher and book sirens for the opportunity to read an eARC!
February 10, 2026
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes/TW:
Dark paranormal fantasy romance
Gothic thriller
Setting in France
Destructive love
Horror hunger
Internal conflict
Death/Violence/Suicide
Thank you Gaelan Donovan Wort and BookSirens for the opportunity to review this ARC copy.
*I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Tropes/TW:
Dark paranormal fantasy romance
Gothic thriller
Setting in France
Destructive love
Horror hunger
Internal conflict
Death/Violence/Suicide
Thank you Gaelan Donovan Wort and BookSirens for the opportunity to review this ARC copy.
*I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
January 13, 2026
Thank you to the author for the ARC ✨ This was an intriguing dark gothic story with interesting fantasy elements filled with lust
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is good and I love the gothic fantasy.
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January 30, 2026Review comingI
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews