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The Heart of Hornwood
Not yet published
Expected 21 Jul 26Darkness is your ally.
Eloise has spent her entire meaningless existence in the small town of Jyra under the Empire’s rule, reading the same old books, working the same job, and concealing her powerful magic from the town elders who wouldn’t hesitate to exile, enslave, or execute her if they ever learned the truth of what she was: a weaver capable of manipulating the threads that bind the world together.
But when Eloise receives a mysterious letter revealing her inheritance of an old mansion, she leaps at the opportunity to escape her boring life and leave Jyra behind.
However, within the mansion's shadow lurks an old curse binding souls to its ancient halls. It’s there that she meets the mansion’s occupants, and the most unlikely visitor, an Eldorian Lord named Tristan, charged with a single task: hunting and imprisoning weavers.
As Eloise and Tristan’s paths become entangled, she must choose to embrace her weaver blood or continue concealing her own identity. Now, she and her companions must tread through a world of dark secrets, blood magic, and ancient creatures as they search for a way to break the curse. Will they succeed, or will Hornwood Mansion claim their souls?
Eloise has spent her entire meaningless existence in the small town of Jyra under the Empire’s rule, reading the same old books, working the same job, and concealing her powerful magic from the town elders who wouldn’t hesitate to exile, enslave, or execute her if they ever learned the truth of what she was: a weaver capable of manipulating the threads that bind the world together.
But when Eloise receives a mysterious letter revealing her inheritance of an old mansion, she leaps at the opportunity to escape her boring life and leave Jyra behind.
However, within the mansion's shadow lurks an old curse binding souls to its ancient halls. It’s there that she meets the mansion’s occupants, and the most unlikely visitor, an Eldorian Lord named Tristan, charged with a single task: hunting and imprisoning weavers.
As Eloise and Tristan’s paths become entangled, she must choose to embrace her weaver blood or continue concealing her own identity. Now, she and her companions must tread through a world of dark secrets, blood magic, and ancient creatures as they search for a way to break the curse. Will they succeed, or will Hornwood Mansion claim their souls?
584 pages, ebook
Expected publication July 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fresh and exciting fantasy novel that balances despair/pain and happiness/hope so well…4.5 stars
This review was so hard to write, as this gave me such a unique reading experience. It has been a while since I have been so excited by a book. Thank you Josiah Blizzard for an ARC in exchange for an honest review, as it was really a privilege to read this book.
This book is set hundreds of years after the events of That Which Follows You Home (novella). It is now illegal to be a weaver (user of weaving magic), and the book follows two characters: Eloise, who is a weaver in secret and is running a bookstore and Tristan, a notorious weaver killer. This book is quite different to, but as compelling as, the novella with its rich worldbuilding and cool magic system. We see the magic system developed further in this book, but Blizzard balances giving us plenty of new information (in a very easy to digest way) while at the same time keeping us curious. You will finish this book with a feeling that you have barely scratched the surface of this world and the story.
The characters in this are well fleshed out and I loved seeing the development of both our main characters and some of the side characters. There is a romance subplot, for those who might be interested in this. I really enjoyed the side characters of Talia and Lucien, who we got to know better and see grow throughout the novel. This novel is still fairly fast-paced but benefits from some more time for everyday moments with the characters, which helps us grow to care for them. There are some beautiful quotes from the character dialogue and also some dialogue that will make you laugh out loud. Humour can be hit or miss for me in books, but I loved it in this one.
Without any spoilers (as I think part of the magic is discovering it all for yourself), this book gave me a sense of excitement and wonder that I got discovering fantasy books or watching animated movies as a child. There are some really fun elements to this book. At the same time, we then have some really dark and epic moments. This book made me laugh, cry and gasp. At one point in the book, I remember joking that I was in a cycle of destruction and healing and then destruction once again.
I’ve already said this, but I will read anything Josiah Blizzard comes out with and am so excited for more in the Threadbound world. This book comes out on the 21st of July 2026 and is only $0.99 to pre-order on kindle. In the meantime, I would highly recommend reading the novella while you wait.
This review was so hard to write, as this gave me such a unique reading experience. It has been a while since I have been so excited by a book. Thank you Josiah Blizzard for an ARC in exchange for an honest review, as it was really a privilege to read this book.
This book is set hundreds of years after the events of That Which Follows You Home (novella). It is now illegal to be a weaver (user of weaving magic), and the book follows two characters: Eloise, who is a weaver in secret and is running a bookstore and Tristan, a notorious weaver killer. This book is quite different to, but as compelling as, the novella with its rich worldbuilding and cool magic system. We see the magic system developed further in this book, but Blizzard balances giving us plenty of new information (in a very easy to digest way) while at the same time keeping us curious. You will finish this book with a feeling that you have barely scratched the surface of this world and the story.
The characters in this are well fleshed out and I loved seeing the development of both our main characters and some of the side characters. There is a romance subplot, for those who might be interested in this. I really enjoyed the side characters of Talia and Lucien, who we got to know better and see grow throughout the novel. This novel is still fairly fast-paced but benefits from some more time for everyday moments with the characters, which helps us grow to care for them. There are some beautiful quotes from the character dialogue and also some dialogue that will make you laugh out loud. Humour can be hit or miss for me in books, but I loved it in this one.
Without any spoilers (as I think part of the magic is discovering it all for yourself), this book gave me a sense of excitement and wonder that I got discovering fantasy books or watching animated movies as a child. There are some really fun elements to this book. At the same time, we then have some really dark and epic moments. This book made me laugh, cry and gasp. At one point in the book, I remember joking that I was in a cycle of destruction and healing and then destruction once again.
I’ve already said this, but I will read anything Josiah Blizzard comes out with and am so excited for more in the Threadbound world. This book comes out on the 21st of July 2026 and is only $0.99 to pre-order on kindle. In the meantime, I would highly recommend reading the novella while you wait.
June 29, 2026
I’m sure no one is shocked that I enjoyed this one. Very different from the novella in pace but that really allowed us to delve into the characters while maintaining the author’s rich prose.
I was especially impressed by the way the mystery unfolded. He is so good at laying down hints and clues but with enough subtlety that you can tell he trusts his readers to pick up on.
I’m going to be me for a moment and say that probably other people enjoyed the romance aspect more than me. It was better than a lot I’ve read, the characters actually got to know each other on a deeper level. There is one open-door scene I skipped through. I’m just picky and prefer other tropes/themes.
Like friendship! One of my favorite things was how the relationship of two of the main male characters really bloomed into such a great… maybe friendship is too strong a word, but allies at the very least.
I can’t wait for more from this world!
Thanks to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was especially impressed by the way the mystery unfolded. He is so good at laying down hints and clues but with enough subtlety that you can tell he trusts his readers to pick up on.
I’m going to be me for a moment and say that probably other people enjoyed the romance aspect more than me. It was better than a lot I’ve read, the characters actually got to know each other on a deeper level. There is one open-door scene I skipped through. I’m just picky and prefer other tropes/themes.
Like friendship! One of my favorite things was how the relationship of two of the main male characters really bloomed into such a great… maybe friendship is too strong a word, but allies at the very least.
I can’t wait for more from this world!
Thanks to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If I had to name a book that combines all of the things I love. This would be at the top!
Now I already said Josiah's Novella 'That Which Follows you Home' is one of my favorite novellas of all time. The Heart of Hornwood being his first novel and connected to the same world, I was unsure of what to expect, but nonetheless very excited for it. It felt different and I was warned that It WAS different. Let me just say it did not disappoint. We even get a surprise guest appearance of my favorite character from TWFYH as well as some easter eggs & lore for the world Blizzard is building. He continues featuring badass beasts and monsters and the Thread & Portal magic.
What I did not expect was how well the eerie horror elements were added in throughout - featuring a magical sentient mansion and a dreadful curse with a dark and winding mystery. There were even a few nostalgic elements that were so much fun and checked all my boxes. This book could be considered Romantasy with the gradual yearning & romance that went from true enemies on opposing sides to trauma bonding lovers. I love how natural the romance was and how it didn't take anything away from the plot - it actually added a ton of substance to the story. There is one chapter that is pretty spicy and could be skipped if needed - but I quite enjoyed it!
We can't forget about the characters! I loved that Josiah really focused in on several FMC's and did a wonderful job doing so. Revealing the fears, strengths and inner demons of our FMC Eloise and her relationships with the others was so well done. Tristian our MMC teeters on the edge of his struggles and regrets, but his present actions are always very telling. There is no lack of character depth, and more than one character is given an exceptional character arc. One which I knew (or hoped) would occur and another that keeps you guessing till the very end.
One of the side characters I was constantly suspicious of and honestly still might be! The point is it was just so much fun getting all their backstories and watching their friendships & relationships blossom (a bit of found family vibe naturally occurs) and I could never forget to mention the love I have for the animal companion featured in this as well. MEOW.
Some of the reoccurring themes in this book are dealing with trauma from parents and overcoming your fears. The unique magic systems are closely intertwined with some of these emotions, and I found that to be a focal point of the characters growth and progression of both their strength, magical training and how the story unfolds.
I will say Josiah has lovely prose that is both accessible, engaging and a joy to read. He sneaks some really funny one liners into the dialogue but balances it with very profound quotes as well. I was able to really zoom through this book anytime I sat down because it didn't require me to think much in the sense of understanding the plot or remembering things - everything you need to know comes just at the right time.
I think because of the ease and entertaining aspects this story provides, along with wanting to uncover the mysteries makes it so hard to put down. If you're in it for the romance as well, the yearning only adds another delicious layer to the mix. The plot really keeps you guessing and it all connects in such a smooth yet very climatic way. It leaves so much room for building more yet also leaving us satisfied while waiting for what's to come. I will read anything Josiah writes and I can already tell he has a long writing career ahead of him.
Now I already said Josiah's Novella 'That Which Follows you Home' is one of my favorite novellas of all time. The Heart of Hornwood being his first novel and connected to the same world, I was unsure of what to expect, but nonetheless very excited for it. It felt different and I was warned that It WAS different. Let me just say it did not disappoint. We even get a surprise guest appearance of my favorite character from TWFYH as well as some easter eggs & lore for the world Blizzard is building. He continues featuring badass beasts and monsters and the Thread & Portal magic.
What I did not expect was how well the eerie horror elements were added in throughout - featuring a magical sentient mansion and a dreadful curse with a dark and winding mystery. There were even a few nostalgic elements that were so much fun and checked all my boxes. This book could be considered Romantasy with the gradual yearning & romance that went from true enemies on opposing sides to trauma bonding lovers. I love how natural the romance was and how it didn't take anything away from the plot - it actually added a ton of substance to the story. There is one chapter that is pretty spicy and could be skipped if needed - but I quite enjoyed it!
We can't forget about the characters! I loved that Josiah really focused in on several FMC's and did a wonderful job doing so. Revealing the fears, strengths and inner demons of our FMC Eloise and her relationships with the others was so well done. Tristian our MMC teeters on the edge of his struggles and regrets, but his present actions are always very telling. There is no lack of character depth, and more than one character is given an exceptional character arc. One which I knew (or hoped) would occur and another that keeps you guessing till the very end.
One of the side characters I was constantly suspicious of and honestly still might be! The point is it was just so much fun getting all their backstories and watching their friendships & relationships blossom (a bit of found family vibe naturally occurs) and I could never forget to mention the love I have for the animal companion featured in this as well. MEOW.
Some of the reoccurring themes in this book are dealing with trauma from parents and overcoming your fears. The unique magic systems are closely intertwined with some of these emotions, and I found that to be a focal point of the characters growth and progression of both their strength, magical training and how the story unfolds.
I will say Josiah has lovely prose that is both accessible, engaging and a joy to read. He sneaks some really funny one liners into the dialogue but balances it with very profound quotes as well. I was able to really zoom through this book anytime I sat down because it didn't require me to think much in the sense of understanding the plot or remembering things - everything you need to know comes just at the right time.
I think because of the ease and entertaining aspects this story provides, along with wanting to uncover the mysteries makes it so hard to put down. If you're in it for the romance as well, the yearning only adds another delicious layer to the mix. The plot really keeps you guessing and it all connects in such a smooth yet very climatic way. It leaves so much room for building more yet also leaving us satisfied while waiting for what's to come. I will read anything Josiah writes and I can already tell he has a long writing career ahead of him.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I finished Josiah's novella That Which Follows You Home my expectations for The Heart of Hornwood were accordingly high, as the novella reached heights that novella's rarely ever do. I was not let down.
Now, TWFYH and The Heart of Hornwood are very different stories but their connections and incredibly clear and if you read the novella first the scene has been set, the world has been established and the magic of numerous worlds is already on display.
In the years that follow TWFYH, the weaver purge continues in earnest. Those who manipulate and weave the threads are hunted, captured and sent away or executed on the spot. The purge is led by Tyrannus Black and his son Tristan. Tristan is a famed weaver hunter, who we quickly learn does not love his reputation or the role he plays. Sure he has no love for weavers, but he also doesnt feel right doing what he does. Eloise, lives in a small town running a bookstore. Her father is a town elder, and unbeknownst to her community she is a weaver. As our story begins, Tristian's group of weaver hunters find themselves rounding up weavers in Eloise's village.
When Eloise inherits a mansion, and is forced to go on the run, she finds herself at this very mansion, only to discover that it already has an unfavorable occupant and that it is cursed.
Our story follows the mystery surrounding the curse and figuring out how it may be broken. What ensues, is a dark action filled adventure with great charaters, awesome magic, interesting lore and of course, a well done romantic subplot.
One of the things I loved about this story is that the majority of the time it is very self contained. It really has this standalone feeling to it, until it opens up into what will become the larger story of the series. It was refreshing to read something that felt as contained as this, which really allowed us time to learn our characters and the settingg very well before we go off and change the world. In this way Blizzard was able to give a truly action packed story that felt personal and really let us get to know our characters. The threads Blizzard weaved through this story will have vast implications for the rest of the series its world.
Fans of TWFYH will find many an easter egg and a familar face in this story and I will always be here for that.
I am very excited for Book 2, all the novellas for the main series and the Blythe and Hjalmar series I will bully Josiah into writing. Oh and the bestiary.
Now, TWFYH and The Heart of Hornwood are very different stories but their connections and incredibly clear and if you read the novella first the scene has been set, the world has been established and the magic of numerous worlds is already on display.
In the years that follow TWFYH, the weaver purge continues in earnest. Those who manipulate and weave the threads are hunted, captured and sent away or executed on the spot. The purge is led by Tyrannus Black and his son Tristan. Tristan is a famed weaver hunter, who we quickly learn does not love his reputation or the role he plays. Sure he has no love for weavers, but he also doesnt feel right doing what he does. Eloise, lives in a small town running a bookstore. Her father is a town elder, and unbeknownst to her community she is a weaver. As our story begins, Tristian's group of weaver hunters find themselves rounding up weavers in Eloise's village.
When Eloise inherits a mansion, and is forced to go on the run, she finds herself at this very mansion, only to discover that it already has an unfavorable occupant and that it is cursed.
Our story follows the mystery surrounding the curse and figuring out how it may be broken. What ensues, is a dark action filled adventure with great charaters, awesome magic, interesting lore and of course, a well done romantic subplot.
One of the things I loved about this story is that the majority of the time it is very self contained. It really has this standalone feeling to it, until it opens up into what will become the larger story of the series. It was refreshing to read something that felt as contained as this, which really allowed us time to learn our characters and the settingg very well before we go off and change the world. In this way Blizzard was able to give a truly action packed story that felt personal and really let us get to know our characters. The threads Blizzard weaved through this story will have vast implications for the rest of the series its world.
Fans of TWFYH will find many an easter egg and a familar face in this story and I will always be here for that.
I am very excited for Book 2, all the novellas for the main series and the Blythe and Hjalmar series I will bully Josiah into writing. Oh and the bestiary.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Heart of Hornwood is an absolute solid read. It has many ingredients of a good story done really well - an interesting magic system, great characters, intense action, emotional rollercoasters and a little bit of romance. Josiah really brings you into the world with descriptions that are detailed but not overdone.
I was hooked pretty quickly, but the second half of the book had me glued. Eloise is a weaver that needs to get away from Jyra. Being a weaver is illegal after all. She inherits a mansion that is quite special and takes the opportunity to get away. The mansion has interesting occupants who are bound to it and a history that slowly unravels as the book progresses.
It comes with a curse that Eloise and her friends swear to break. And that's when all hell breaks loose. The action becomes nonstop and intense with so many unexpected curve balls.
I love the creativity behind the world, especially with all of the different creatures we meet. The end leaves a lot of room of where the next book will take us and I am looking forward to continuing.
I received an ARC for this book for my honest thoughts. It's awesome when I get this opportunity and can effortlessly say how great the book is!
I was hooked pretty quickly, but the second half of the book had me glued. Eloise is a weaver that needs to get away from Jyra. Being a weaver is illegal after all. She inherits a mansion that is quite special and takes the opportunity to get away. The mansion has interesting occupants who are bound to it and a history that slowly unravels as the book progresses.
It comes with a curse that Eloise and her friends swear to break. And that's when all hell breaks loose. The action becomes nonstop and intense with so many unexpected curve balls.
I love the creativity behind the world, especially with all of the different creatures we meet. The end leaves a lot of room of where the next book will take us and I am looking forward to continuing.
I received an ARC for this book for my honest thoughts. It's awesome when I get this opportunity and can effortlessly say how great the book is!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I said it when i reviewed the novella That Which Follows You Home, that Josiah Blizzard would be an author to watch. Do not sleep on this series!
The Heart of Hornwood lulled me into a false sense of security in the beginning then everything that i felt was light and humorous about this story, turned dark. Dark, dark. Shadowy dark.
The strength in this book for me personally, remains the same as the novella, Josiah has a way of describing scenes that are visceral and epic. The descriptive narrative and verbal imagery is on point! So on point, i want more creatures please.
There is a blend of sub genres here that Josiah threads together in a way that keeps you engrossed every step on the way and this is fantasy that hasn't backed itself into a corner. With a romance sub plot and some spice, this will surely appeal to a broad audience.
Heart of Hornwood releases July 21st and pre orders are open. But don't wait to experience the goods. The Novella, That Which Follows you Home is free.
Huge thankyou to Josiah for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Heart of Hornwood. This is my honest review and all opinions are my own.
The Heart of Hornwood lulled me into a false sense of security in the beginning then everything that i felt was light and humorous about this story, turned dark. Dark, dark. Shadowy dark.
The strength in this book for me personally, remains the same as the novella, Josiah has a way of describing scenes that are visceral and epic. The descriptive narrative and verbal imagery is on point! So on point, i want more creatures please.
There is a blend of sub genres here that Josiah threads together in a way that keeps you engrossed every step on the way and this is fantasy that hasn't backed itself into a corner. With a romance sub plot and some spice, this will surely appeal to a broad audience.
Heart of Hornwood releases July 21st and pre orders are open. But don't wait to experience the goods. The Novella, That Which Follows you Home is free.
Huge thankyou to Josiah for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Heart of Hornwood. This is my honest review and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Josiah has crafted a story that will appeal to so many readers. In The Heart of Hornwood, he weaves fantasy, horror, and a bit of romance into an action packed novel that keeps you excited to see what is going to happen next.
I found myself not only invested in this world but also deeply invested in the characters. Not only were our main characters well done, but the side characters were also deeply interesting which is not always the case in fantasy books. I’m a big character first reader and Josiah delivered on that!
If you are a plot and action scene reader, this book has plenty of that too. The Hornwood mansion is very cool and it gives the book a haunted house vibe on top of everything else that’s going on.
I’d recommend reading the novella That Which Follows You Home first because it provides some background for this story that makes things even more interesting.
I really enjoyed my time with this book and I’m excited to see what’s next in the Threadbound universe!
Thank you Josiah for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I found myself not only invested in this world but also deeply invested in the characters. Not only were our main characters well done, but the side characters were also deeply interesting which is not always the case in fantasy books. I’m a big character first reader and Josiah delivered on that!
If you are a plot and action scene reader, this book has plenty of that too. The Hornwood mansion is very cool and it gives the book a haunted house vibe on top of everything else that’s going on.
I’d recommend reading the novella That Which Follows You Home first because it provides some background for this story that makes things even more interesting.
I really enjoyed my time with this book and I’m excited to see what’s next in the Threadbound universe!
Thank you Josiah for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved the prequel novella, That Which Follows You Home, and was so looking forward to getting my hands on the first installation in the Threadbound series. After a thorough read I can confidently say Josiah has yet again exceeded my expectations. It is a truly fresh and intriguing addition to the world of fantasy novels.
I am not an expert fantasy reader, I read some of everything, but this is hands down my favorite fantasy world to date. I can so clearly see it all before me, feel the struggles of each character, root for them, and sometimes pray for their downfall. There is both romantic tension and action tension, which in other fantasy novels can be so unbalanced it takes you out of the story, but that is not the case here. Blizzard has a way of leading you through every blow of the sword and also every stolen glance that sometimes I felt it to my core.
Captivating, refreshing, and deep, The Heart of Hornwood is one I will definitely be recommending!
I am not an expert fantasy reader, I read some of everything, but this is hands down my favorite fantasy world to date. I can so clearly see it all before me, feel the struggles of each character, root for them, and sometimes pray for their downfall. There is both romantic tension and action tension, which in other fantasy novels can be so unbalanced it takes you out of the story, but that is not the case here. Blizzard has a way of leading you through every blow of the sword and also every stolen glance that sometimes I felt it to my core.
Captivating, refreshing, and deep, The Heart of Hornwood is one I will definitely be recommending!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book. It was different than the prequel novella, but a really good read. The characters are so interesting and it is amazing to watch them grow through the story. The world is interesting and you are drawn into the intense background of the main character and her family. There is a love story, but that is not the main focus of the story and that makes it so much more enjoyable (even though I love a good smutty book). Josiah did an amazing job writing this book and I cannot wait for more from the Threadbound series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first time doing a Beta/ARC reading of a book. This book has it all, it's got a magic system that will remind you of Avatar with controlling elements or even Sword of Kaigen. It's got character development. It's got a love story which isn't the main plot(a chapter of spiciness 🌶️) for those who like spice. It's got a sense of finding yourself and finding your family.
Let's start with the plot and pacing of the book. I felt like the plot was solid and the first chapter will suck you in and the rest of the book will keep you engaged. The pacing was perfect, where it didn't feel too fast or too slow. Each chapter leaves you in a little cliffhanger which makes you want to keep reading. Josiah is very descriptive with his world building and with his characters. It doesn't feel like info dumping but he will work a character to tell a story to give information which was nice.
As for the characters you will definitely enjoy some of the side characters that add some some humor/wit to the plot. Plus a giant cat with wings named Nyx, I mean come on. But with the main characters, you get nice development archs. Ones that don't feel forced but natural.
Overall this was a solid book. I usually only do one book at a time but was reading this one and another one at the same time and felt myself drawn to The Heart of Hornwood a little bit more. You should read this if you like great descriptive fantasy books with a little spice and a magic system that will remind you of the Sword of Kaigen.
Let's start with the plot and pacing of the book. I felt like the plot was solid and the first chapter will suck you in and the rest of the book will keep you engaged. The pacing was perfect, where it didn't feel too fast or too slow. Each chapter leaves you in a little cliffhanger which makes you want to keep reading. Josiah is very descriptive with his world building and with his characters. It doesn't feel like info dumping but he will work a character to tell a story to give information which was nice.
As for the characters you will definitely enjoy some of the side characters that add some some humor/wit to the plot. Plus a giant cat with wings named Nyx, I mean come on. But with the main characters, you get nice development archs. Ones that don't feel forced but natural.
Overall this was a solid book. I usually only do one book at a time but was reading this one and another one at the same time and felt myself drawn to The Heart of Hornwood a little bit more. You should read this if you like great descriptive fantasy books with a little spice and a magic system that will remind you of the Sword of Kaigen.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews