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Unsilent Heart
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 25, 2026
4.5
A clever story about events in Australia that occur when people stop dying.
A clever story about events in Australia that occur when people stop dying.
August 8, 2026
“Conrad Walters’ gripping speculative story is full of sharp humour, zany imagination and offbeat characters, while its engaging young narrator, Nick, is determined to break rules and question authority. But Unsilent Heart also offers immense warmth and tenderness in its exploration of family life and in its themes of love and loyalty as Nick tries to understand some inscrutable mysteries about dying and living. Courageous, kind and funny, Nick is ultimately content not to have all his questions answered, as he guides us to an unexpected conclusion that is beautiful, moving, unsentimental, and totally apt. There’s a great treat in store for younger readers – for any readers – with Unsilent Heart.”
The above is the full cover comment I sent off for this novel, which was necessarily reduced to one sentence in order not to crowd the cover (which is beautiful). I thought it would work here in a review for Unsilent Heart, as it is one I admire enormously. The novel is conceived, written and sold as a YA title, but I am in my sixties and I’ve now read it twice. And I don’t even care much for speculative fiction, but Conrad Walters’ talent could lure you unto any subgenre.
The story concerns a world where suddenly people are unable to die, including the narrator Nick’s old and terminally ill grandfather. How teenagers cope with the prospect of dying/not dying when their life is meant to be urgent and vibrant, chaotic and impulsive, fuels much of the story as Nick and his friends try to crack this mystery that affects their lives.
With Nick, Walters has created a convincing and endearing character, one we want to listen to. And whose jokes we want to hear (some are very good, some are cringe-worthy but totally apt in context). Nick’s fundamental decency infuses the story with immense appeal. You feel you want him as you own son (or grandson).
Without risking any spoilers, highlights for me in this utterly readable novel include Nick’s growing awareness of sex (or lack of it), his talents at obituary-writing, the relationship with his parents and grandparents, and the truly wonderful and moving climax which solves one huge problem of the novel, as well as Nick’s more personal one. I cannot say more without revealing too much, but shall repeat what I’ve said above – readers are in for a treat.
And as we know, all the best stories contain a dog. Bowie (named for obvious reasons) does not disappoint.
The above is the full cover comment I sent off for this novel, which was necessarily reduced to one sentence in order not to crowd the cover (which is beautiful). I thought it would work here in a review for Unsilent Heart, as it is one I admire enormously. The novel is conceived, written and sold as a YA title, but I am in my sixties and I’ve now read it twice. And I don’t even care much for speculative fiction, but Conrad Walters’ talent could lure you unto any subgenre.
The story concerns a world where suddenly people are unable to die, including the narrator Nick’s old and terminally ill grandfather. How teenagers cope with the prospect of dying/not dying when their life is meant to be urgent and vibrant, chaotic and impulsive, fuels much of the story as Nick and his friends try to crack this mystery that affects their lives.
With Nick, Walters has created a convincing and endearing character, one we want to listen to. And whose jokes we want to hear (some are very good, some are cringe-worthy but totally apt in context). Nick’s fundamental decency infuses the story with immense appeal. You feel you want him as you own son (or grandson).
Without risking any spoilers, highlights for me in this utterly readable novel include Nick’s growing awareness of sex (or lack of it), his talents at obituary-writing, the relationship with his parents and grandparents, and the truly wonderful and moving climax which solves one huge problem of the novel, as well as Nick’s more personal one. I cannot say more without revealing too much, but shall repeat what I’ve said above – readers are in for a treat.
And as we know, all the best stories contain a dog. Bowie (named for obvious reasons) does not disappoint.
July 2, 2026
My review appears on Reedsy Discovery: https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/uns...
July 17, 2026
What’s the big deal with young Nick Hartford’s dead neighbour? The reclusive old man’s place has been cordoned off and secretive government types are rifling through its rooms, stuffed to overflowing as they are with books. Although he didn’t tell anyone at the time, Nick had earlier stumbled on the old man’s body while the lad was chasing after his dog on the neighbour’s property. At the time he didn’t know it, but Nick had just seen the last person to die.
With no explanation behind this curious phenomenon, Nick and three school friends seek answers, a quest made more urgent because he has been coping with the cold reality that his beloved grandpa Tom was to that point dying, and also because the free-spirited Ellie, one of the friends and towards whom Nick has feelings, appears to have been marked to become one of The Lost -- those who should be dead but are not.
Unsilent Heart, a story which will appeal especially to young adult readers, is told from Nick's perspective and folds urban fantasy or more specifically a light touch of magical realism into the lives of Nick, his family and the three friends as the narrative explores themes of dealing with the inevitability and imminence of a loved one's death as well as the society's at times farcical response to a phenomenon over which it has no control. As a counter to this vast dilemma, we are led gently into Nick's yearnings for Ellie, who not only represents romance, but the broader teenage milestones of "coming of age".
The story is told with sprinklings of wry humour and from the outset the reader is introduced to Nick's world in a way that offers a well-rounded view of the teenager's world, but one that is coping with his grandpa's condition and the enormous deathless world in which he knows he has a healing role.
Highly recommended.
With no explanation behind this curious phenomenon, Nick and three school friends seek answers, a quest made more urgent because he has been coping with the cold reality that his beloved grandpa Tom was to that point dying, and also because the free-spirited Ellie, one of the friends and towards whom Nick has feelings, appears to have been marked to become one of The Lost -- those who should be dead but are not.
Unsilent Heart, a story which will appeal especially to young adult readers, is told from Nick's perspective and folds urban fantasy or more specifically a light touch of magical realism into the lives of Nick, his family and the three friends as the narrative explores themes of dealing with the inevitability and imminence of a loved one's death as well as the society's at times farcical response to a phenomenon over which it has no control. As a counter to this vast dilemma, we are led gently into Nick's yearnings for Ellie, who not only represents romance, but the broader teenage milestones of "coming of age".
The story is told with sprinklings of wry humour and from the outset the reader is introduced to Nick's world in a way that offers a well-rounded view of the teenager's world, but one that is coping with his grandpa's condition and the enormous deathless world in which he knows he has a healing role.
Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Unsilent Heart by Conrad Walters is a unique and thought provoking look at what could happen if Death…disappears.
This beautifully written coming of age story follows high school friends Nick, Ellie, James and Kieran living in Australia. Nick is trying to process the progression of his beloved Grandfather’s terminal cancer..when.. the unthinkable happens. People simply stop dying. Including those who should be dead. Like, really should be dead. And only in Australia.
Initially there is widespread relief, optimism…followed by panic and concern as the realization that the absence of death does not equal a chance at eternal quality of life.
These kiddos find themselves at ground zero of this mystery, trying to make sense of it all while trying to beat the clock…and deal with all the wonderful.. and challenging experiences that come with adolescence.
It is so easy to become in invested in these dear well developed characters. The story, for me, had Stand By Me/The Body vibes. An IT or Stranger Things friendship energy, minus the horror. That perfect mix of youthful problem solving imagination, loyalty and fearlessness.
The book was well paced, engaging, giving opportunities for the readers own reflection on death and quality of life. It’s genre is YA but reading it as a retired Hospice RN in my 50’s, I’d absolutely recommend it anyone. I can already see some great book club discussion questions to pull from it!
I received an advanced read copy from the author. This is my voluntary and honest review.
This beautifully written coming of age story follows high school friends Nick, Ellie, James and Kieran living in Australia. Nick is trying to process the progression of his beloved Grandfather’s terminal cancer..when.. the unthinkable happens. People simply stop dying. Including those who should be dead. Like, really should be dead. And only in Australia.
Initially there is widespread relief, optimism…followed by panic and concern as the realization that the absence of death does not equal a chance at eternal quality of life.
These kiddos find themselves at ground zero of this mystery, trying to make sense of it all while trying to beat the clock…and deal with all the wonderful.. and challenging experiences that come with adolescence.
It is so easy to become in invested in these dear well developed characters. The story, for me, had Stand By Me/The Body vibes. An IT or Stranger Things friendship energy, minus the horror. That perfect mix of youthful problem solving imagination, loyalty and fearlessness.
The book was well paced, engaging, giving opportunities for the readers own reflection on death and quality of life. It’s genre is YA but reading it as a retired Hospice RN in my 50’s, I’d absolutely recommend it anyone. I can already see some great book club discussion questions to pull from it!
I received an advanced read copy from the author. This is my voluntary and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This review is based on an ARC of Unsilent Heart which I received courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher (Lochy Publishing).
Right off the bat I was hooked on the plot--what a fresh take on an uncanny topic: the suspension of death itself. The suspension of death leaves characters and readers alike in suspense (play on words intended) as we wait with bated breath for updates on the epidemic mysteriously plaguing Australia.
I loved the voice of Nick, our MC. His teenage naïveté lends well to this baffling storyline, and makes for a deeply compelling coming-of-age. It is hard enough to juggle teenage hormones and the transition into adulthood; throw a terminally ill grandfather and the possibility of life (or rather Death) as we know it being turned one-eighty, and you've got a recipe for intensely contrary emotions.
That said, from the blurb, I was expecting much more story between Nick and his grandfather. I thought that the story would be Their story, not Nick's story with a side of grandpa. Because of this I found myself reading nonchalantly, skimming at parts because I wanted to get to the emotional and theological story, not really caring about the scientific elements.
My own expectation skew my rating, but overall Unsilent Heart is a brilliant and refreshing read, from an author I am interested to read more from.
ATY 2026 Reading Challenge: a book published in 2026
Right off the bat I was hooked on the plot--what a fresh take on an uncanny topic: the suspension of death itself. The suspension of death leaves characters and readers alike in suspense (play on words intended) as we wait with bated breath for updates on the epidemic mysteriously plaguing Australia.
I loved the voice of Nick, our MC. His teenage naïveté lends well to this baffling storyline, and makes for a deeply compelling coming-of-age. It is hard enough to juggle teenage hormones and the transition into adulthood; throw a terminally ill grandfather and the possibility of life (or rather Death) as we know it being turned one-eighty, and you've got a recipe for intensely contrary emotions.
That said, from the blurb, I was expecting much more story between Nick and his grandfather. I thought that the story would be Their story, not Nick's story with a side of grandpa. Because of this I found myself reading nonchalantly, skimming at parts because I wanted to get to the emotional and theological story, not really caring about the scientific elements.
My own expectation skew my rating, but overall Unsilent Heart is a brilliant and refreshing read, from an author I am interested to read more from.
ATY 2026 Reading Challenge: a book published in 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This story is a fun ride that is sort of a coming of age meets Final Destination combo. The premise is that everyone in Australia has suddenly stopped dying with people termed "The Lost" who would have died in various horrible and natural ways but remain with a detectable heartbeat so cannot be designated as "dead." The MMC has a grandfather in hospice for liver cancer who is suffering so the MMC and his group of friends decide to try and help to figure out how to get people dying again. It was a very well-written story that had me reading late into the night last night to see hoe it would end. I was disappointed in the lack of explanation in the ending but would still recommend it for the story and the reflection on the meaning of life and death.
I give it 4 stars.
I give it 4 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Walters takes you into the world of an Australian teenager. Quite a feat in itself, but then death is suspended and the government is looking for someone to blame. Good enough right there but he then addresses the eternal issues that plague young people on the edge of adulthood. Is this a coming of age story? science fiction? a philosophical look on aging, death and loved ones? yes indeed it is!
This is a very credible story. It is easy to place oneself among the characters regardless of the age of the character, or reader. Well written and descriptive, it is an enjoyable read. It is not formulaic or predictable, there is no pandering to age, and the issues raised are left open ended. There is no sermon, no homily, just a very delightful read that exercises the brain.
This is a very credible story. It is easy to place oneself among the characters regardless of the age of the character, or reader. Well written and descriptive, it is an enjoyable read. It is not formulaic or predictable, there is no pandering to age, and the issues raised are left open ended. There is no sermon, no homily, just a very delightful read that exercises the brain.
July 23, 2026
Coming of age in a world confronting something unprecedented in human history, four Australian teens go through the eight stages of the grief cycle while investigating – and resolving – a mystery about why people stopped dying Down Under. While the well-developed main characters of the young adult novel “Unsilent Heart” are clearly Australian, author Conrad Walters has nimbly involved them in manners of universal significance to 16-year-olds – anticipating the deaths of a grandparent and a beloved dog, the push-and-pull of dealing with mom and dad, awkward relationships in friend groups when romantic feelings come into play, and the emotional turmoil surrounding first sex. Walters addresses these issues and many more in a fluid style accessible to his target audience and older readers.
July 30, 2026
Nick lives in the eastern suburbs of Sydney and is mostly preoccupied with the standard concerns of a teenager; hanging with his mates, getting his assignments done on time, avoiding the grade bully and losing his virginity.
Except then people in Australia stop dying… and he’s starting to ask deeper questions about the meaning of life, the nature of his friendships, the importance of family… and still his virginity.
Unsilent heart doesn’t try and answer all the questions, but it certainly asks plenty of good ones.
Except then people in Australia stop dying… and he’s starting to ask deeper questions about the meaning of life, the nature of his friendships, the importance of family… and still his virginity.
Unsilent heart doesn’t try and answer all the questions, but it certainly asks plenty of good ones.
July 21, 2026
I really enjoyed this story set in a world where people have stopped dying, narrated by an awkward but ultimately charming teenage boy. What's most impressive to me is the lightness of touch (given that the subject matter is death) and the consistency of tone. Plenty of writers would've gone dark with this - and I can imagine a version of this story which is more horror-adjacent - but the author gone somewhere different. This is ultimately a story about empathy, connection and acceptance.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews