Heartseeker

Heartseeker #1

by Melinda Beatty

A vibrant fantasy-adventure debut about a girl who can see lies.

You're a Fallow of the Orchard. You're as tough as a green apple in summer . . .

Only Fallow was just six harvests old when she realized that not everyone sees lies. For Only, seeing lies is as beautiful as looking through a kaleidoscope, but telling them is as painful as gnawing on cut glass. Only's family warns her to keep her cunning hidden, but secrets are seldom content to stay secret.

When word of Only's ability makes its way to the King, she's plucked from her home at the orchard and brought to the castle at Bellskeep. There she learns that the kingdom is plagued by traitors, and that her task is to help the King distinguish between friend and foe. But being able to see lies doesn't necessarily mean that others aren't able to disguise their dishonesty with cunnings of their own.

In the duplicitous, power-hungry court, the truth is Only's greatest weapon . . . and her greatest weakness.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens, Adventure, Young Adult, Historical Fiction

336 pages, Hardcover

Published June 5, 2018

Reviews

[Elizabeth Dragina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to give this book 5 stars. I wanted to so bad!!! But my personal convictions won't let me, so I'll talk about what I didn't like.... later.... xD

Wow. I don't believe I have ever cried so much over a book as I did this one. There was so much pain...( and honestly I think it deserves a better cover. ) So much heartache and Only Fallow locked it up inside so she wouldn't cry. I'm litterly not okay right now. O.O

The description was magnificent. And I am at a loss of words of how I'm to eloquently describe her description. It was that good. The flow of words, the conviction of pain, the injustice and anger the art and tapestries of nature. I'm just full of feels over here and all my friends need to read this book.

The characters.... AHH THIS IS PROBABLY WHY I CRIED THE WHOLE TIME BECAUSE THEY WERE SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!! AND THEY WERE SO HURT AND THEY WERE SO REAL!!! *sobs in my hands*

Only Fallow : How does a person go about describing someone so strong? Someone so full of life and honor? Someone who feels the reality of everything and just takes it in stride? She was a child, stripped from her home and told to serve a King whom she despises. She was a girl who stood up for those both older and younger than her..... she was strong.

Jon Fallow : Please tell me that I am done feeling pain over him???! PLEASE!! I cannot feel my heart any longer.... he probably stole it.

Lark : She was so, so, so, perfect. The exact replica of a wonderful friend.

Rowan : Ahhh kid, stop hurting my heart right now!

Non : Wise, compassionate, kind, smart, caring, loving, ..... Non.

Gareth : Okay, thank you for helping Only all those times... but stop. Stop, your hurting my heart.... I don't think I have one left.

Lamia Folque : Just because Only trusts you doesn't mean I do. Okay. Your probably gonna end up backstabbing her or something. So go stick your head somewhere it belongs.

The Content : Now I'm not sure about all this because it disturbed me throughout the book and I disliked the feminist twist and vibes I seemed to be getting from it. Like a God who is a Woman??? Uhhh....no. ( I'm not sure she was a God or not... but I disliked what I read about her. ) Then their was the mentions of Illusions... magical works... didn't like that much and I'm pretty sure their was even mention of a homosexual couple. ( AGAIN?? UHG!! I think that's what they were... to women who were married. Yuck. I think that's what it was implying. ) And a couple times it talked about naked people. Which is what forced me to knock off the star.

Over All I enjoyed it and now I'm ragging mad because THATS HOW THE BOOK ENDED??? EXCUSE ME??

So if you need me I'll be in a corner sobbing my heart out.

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a unique, magical, suspenseful story! I loved it! Only Fallow(great names in the book too!) can see when someone is lying-literally. Colors like looking in a kaleidoscope break out around them beautifully when a lie is told. Only, however, cannot tell a lie-it causes excruciating pain if she tries. This makes for interesting thoughts of what this would be like, & what it would mean..Her Non(grandma) tells her to keep it hidden. Of course somehow the secret makes it’s way to the king. She is taken from her home to the palace to be a “servant” to to the King-to help him see who is lying to him. The kingdom is full of traitors. There could also be ways they could be hiding their lies from Only.🤔 Of course people don’t want their lies known, so she is in danger. There are also all sorts of factors at play w/her wanting to go home, her family, & friends she finally made that are apart of a group of people looked down upon by others simply b/c of who they are. There are plots, possible treason, & so much more. First in the book, we get to know Only & her family & their everyday life. We also learn some about the Ordish folk-the ones most other people don’t like & have shunned. Then after the Kings people come for Only, we spend some time on the road to the Palace, where we get to know some new important characters. There’s also a lot of danger & adventure to be had on the road. The rest is Only’s 1st days in the Kingdom. Trying to figure out who to trust & not. Seeing old friends lost, & trying to save who she can. Wondering if there are others w/an ability similar to hers, & if it could hide their lies from her. She’s always thinking of home though. This had such a unique feel to it-from the dialogue & language used, the magic, the faith, just everything. Only is such a strong girl trying to do what’s best for her family about herself, & also wanting to help others who are being wronged as well. You don’t know who the bad guy is so you’re always on the edge of your seat. So fast paced, full of adventure, family, friendship, loyalty, & heart. I read this so fast! The way it ends is amazing, but you will NEED the sequel close by lol I’m so happy I have it, & can’t wait to start. Highly recommend! Beautiful cover by the amazing Vivienne To too! Stunning!💜

[Ariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on: The Quirky Book Nerd

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Heartseeker is one of those novels that makes me even more glad that I am given the opportunity to read and review books, especially those for younger audiences. Reading has always been such an important part of my life ever since I was a kid, and it is something that has led me to find my other biggest passion of writing. I get such joy out of encouraging people of any age to read, and discovering a middle grade gem like this that I can so highly recommend is always wonderful. This novel reminds me of the fantasy stories I adored when I was younger, that piqued my imagination and creativity and solidified my love of reading. It is a beautiful tale full of love, magic, and strength that will captivate readers of any age.

In this novel, we follow a young girl named Only Fallow, who has the ability to see lies. When people lie, she sees them ringed in a whole variety of colors, each connected to the type of lie and intentions of the person. However, this power comes with the curse of not being able to tell a lie without experiencing physical pain. As magic, or “cunning”, is not accepted among her people, she is forced to keep these things a secret—but sometimes secrets have a life of their own.

When Only’s powers are discovered by the King, he takes her from her home to live and work in his castle at Bellskeep. The King’s intentions are to have her assist him in determining deceit among those of his kingdom, as there are many traitors about. But this plan is not foolproof, as the potential cunning of others is not taken into account. Now, Only must navigate her new circumstances, where her greatest power can also be her greatest weakness.

This is such a unique and interesting story that I found myself immediately swept up into. The idea of seeing lies as colors—as well as the meanings given to each one—is not only an inventive way to portray this power, it is also truly and utterly magical. Readers are given the chance to fall into a vibrant world and an epic adventure that captures and carries the imagination into new realms. As a whole, this narrative is something that I believe will spark the creativity of all of its readers—I know it definitely did that for me.

Beatty has crafted every component of this novel beautifully. Her writing is incredibly easy to get caught up in, and fluidly carries the reader over the pages. The style in which she writes is very distinctive and fitting for the setting—this adds further dimension to the novel as a whole. The world is carefully constructed and vividly described. It unfolds and builds up around you as you fall into Only’s life. Beatty’s writing breathes life into her narrative and fully immerses the reader in every aspect of the story.

Only is an incredibly strong heroine. She is brave, intelligent, and extremely loyal—a very admirable female lead. Beatty does a great job of filling out her character, taking the time to really build her a three-dimensional personality. I had a quick and easy time connecting with her and coming to love her. The characterization as a whole is very solid, as Beatty fills this work with a cast of memorable characters. My particular favorites were Non, Jon, and Gareth. The relationships between everyone in this novel are very well-portrayed, and everyone plays a massive role in driving the narrative.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in this heartwarming and exciting adventure, and was very reluctant to leave. The escapades of these characters continue to replay in my mind, and will surely stay with me for a long time. It is a story that I can see being universally accessible among readers of all ages. Heartseeker is a charming and wholesome read that I would highly encourage younger readers to pick up, and that I would recommend to everyone in general.

[Charlie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Disclosure: I know Melinda Beatty because she is a bookseller at my glorious local indie, The Curious Iguana. We have never spent time together outside that context: book lover who sells (and writes) books and book lover who buys (and writes about) books. And, to be clear, I bought my copy of Heartseeker. Gladly. I will likely buy a few more for relatives and friends.

I’ve been lamenting of late the lack of books with electric plotting, memorable characters, and artful prose, the kind of books that grab hold of you, pull you into their universe, and stay with you for more than five minutes after you’ve finished them.

Problem solved.

Melinda Beatty’s debut (DEBUT!) novel, Heartseeker, checks all of those boxes and more.

Only Fallow, six years old, lives in small, simple Presston, youngest of three in a family whose father’s cider is favored by King Alphonse, bringing jealous attention to Only and her brothers, Ether and Jon. Feeling like an outcast, Only is drawn to Lark and Rowan, two children of the Ordish, the traveling folk rumored to have gifts of cunning and magic, who help Only’s father each season with the harvest and are much looked down upon, distrusted, and discriminated against by the subjects of King Alphonse, whose agents have been kidnapping Ordish children, using them as slaves until their relatives can raise the ransom for their return. Only feels especially akin to the Ordish when she discovers, with the help of her grandmother, Non, that she has a cunning of her own: she can see lies. Too, her gift comes with a price: if she herself lies, she is stricken by great pain, a seizure-like blacking out. Non advises Only to keep her gift hidden, but through twisted-misadventure, rumor of Only’s abilities reach the King, who believes such an ability to discover liars will help him save his kingdom which is in disarray. But truth being told and liars being revealed are the last things some in the kingdom want to happen, and they attempt to stop Only from taking her place at court in the enormous city of Bellskeep, a role she has only agreed to in order to save her family.

I am rat-rotten at synopses, but that’s a rough-ish outline of 336 pages chockful of adventure, plot, surprises, and fascinations. Melinda Beatty clearly has a cunning, herself. She has built a world utterly unique and wonderfully believable. Her introduction of its specific vocabulary, traditions, belief systems, and social structures is seamlessly, skillfully done by using context and dialogue. There is no pedantic, dull-as-dirt back-story-ing to interrupt the action, the world is made and the characters come to life through the telling of the story.

And what a story! Only Fallow is a likeable, trustworthy narrator and you want to go with her, warn her, stop her, help her, urge her on, hug her, protect her. Her Ordish pals, Lark and Rowan are also attention-grabbing and vitally alive, worthy of their own tales. The there’s the court intrigue. And the love story Only’s brother Jon is one half of (I don’t want to give any more away than I already have). And grandmother, Non, I can’t wait to spend more time with her.

Heartseeker, labeled Middle Grade, is also wildly enjoyable for adults. Enjoyable as in: remember that feeling you had as a child when you discovered Harriet The Spy, or Little Women, or Portnoy’s Complaint (I was a very precocious child)? Heartseeker draws you in with that same entirely other yet also totally familiar world, as in, it’s clearly outside your day-to-day reality, but the emotions and behaviors are on-point, from the heart, as if the author had culled her story from inside your head and dreams.

Melinda Beatty has that cunning of gifted authors who can fabricate riveting, riotously readable tales that elucidate real-life emotions and experiences.

I eagerly await volumes 2 and 3. And, in fact, anything else Melinda Beatty writes. I suspect she will be too busy soon inventing other worlds to sell me any more books, but that’s okay, she’ll be selling lots and lots of books in a new and exciting way by sharing her work with the world.

[Sheila Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t expect HEARTSEEKER to follow the well worn, traditional path of fantasies for children. No dragon flits between turbulent clouds, no child is whisked away on an enchanted train, and no wizard waves a magic wand. The setting and characters exist in a sort of in-between time and place, which feels like ancient Britain – but not quite – and the elements of fantasy remind me of the magic or magical realism found in many of the classic books by E. Nesbit.

In HEARTSEEKER, the first person narrator tells her tale with such clear-eyed candor, readers might be convinced it’s the truth. For, after all, Only Fallow is physically unable to tell a lie. As a small child, the few times she attempts to stray from an honest account, she develops a dull pain in her head. And as she matures, her involuntary reaction worsens; she becomes violently ill to the point of passing out. No chance of her being an unreliable narrator!

Now, Only has lived past eleven harvest seasons, and, taking to heart her grandmother’s advice, she’s managed to keep the other side of her “cunning” hidden from everyone, including the rest of her family. Her loving parents and two older brothers don’t realize that lies are revealed to her in the form of shapes and colors that surround the liar. But is her cunning a welcomed gift or a dreaded curse?

She’s puzzled by the complexity of the world around her: At “sanctuary,” Rector Wither prays to Mother All and warns his flock of the dangers of “unnaturalness;” neighbors resent her father’s success as a farmer who grows apples in his orchard to make Scrump, a drink fit for the King; people call the Ordish, who move with the seasons,“river rats” and “wet collars;” townsfolk grumble about her father hiring Ordish to help at harvest time; the King whom Only has been taught to respect is stealing children; and Only has no true friends since she can see the lies on so many lips.

This year, after the arrival of the boats, Only actually meets and befriends two Ordish children and shortly afterwards is witness to their being kidnapped. Her cunning warns her of the danger in time for her to escape but also arouses the suspicions of the child-stealer. Soon the King sends his inquisitor to confirm the reports of a girl who can be of great value to a King who needs to weed out the liars among those who surround him.

Suddenly, Only is elevated to a position she’s never considered. Ripped from her home and family, she’s facing danger and intrigue way beyond anything she could have imagined when she was only Only Fallow. Is she capable of the task she’s been assigned, or will her cunning fail her if she’s challenged by stronger magical abilities?

This story sparkles with clever language, a swiftly moving, action packed plot, and thought-provoking concepts. Middle-grade and middle-school students who read Beatty’s debut novel will be thrilled when the sequel is published, so they can follow Only's adventures. As Only might say, "Mother All! Ain't that the truth!"

[Jeremy Garber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvelous, entertaining, and important read. [Full disclaimer: the author was one of my best friends in undergrad, but the book stands by itself!] Only Fallow is a stubborn farmer's daughter with an inexplicable gift: she can see when other people lie by the colors bursting around their head, but when she tries to lie herself, it causes her literal pain. Only learns to know the Ordish, migrant farm workers that come by boat to pick her father's apples that go to make the king's scrump. When two of the Ordish are captured for sale to the king himself, the investigation leads to the discovery of Only's gift - and the king's command for her to appear at court.

Beatty writes effortlessly and readably - you can hear each character's voice in your head, from the homespun dialects of the farmers to the oily smooth enunciation of court intrigue. The reader enters immediately into her inventive world, not having to struggle with overly complex made-up names and geographies, because she introduces them naturally and subtly. The personalities are unique and amusing, and because we learn to love them, the stakes are high. Younger readers will love Only and the Ordish, and older readers will appreciate the unfortunate relevance of a political elite that preys upon the Other to maintain their economic and political status quo. My only regret is that I can't immediately turn to the next one - I need to know what happens next!

[Teresa Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beatty has a good idea here: a girl with the rare gift of finding truth and reading people's emotions is sent on an adventure to save the kingdom. Though the main character, Only Fallow, can see lies, she does not know whom to trust. Neither does the reader. Beatty does a great job of humanizing the characters by showing both their faults and good intentions, so the reader has to really think about where to place their loyalties. The main problem with the book is not the story, but the writing style. The tale takes place in an older time, so Beatty uses an older form of language and dialect. The fifth grader that asked to review the book, brought it back to me a few days later because it was hard for her to understand the words and phrases. She only made it through 2 chapters. Once I started reading it, I saw the reason for her struggle. It was tedious for me to get through the first several chapters because of the writing style. Older readers should be able to catch onto the unusual language after three or four chapters, but younger readers probably won't bother. And seeing that the target audience is mid-grade, not upper grade, this is indeed a valid concern. Which is a shame because the story idea is interesting and clever.

[Kate Feldman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this read! I loved the world building and the characters, and I loved that the book is about courage and truth. Can't wait to read the next one!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am looking forward to reading the next release in this Heartseeker series. This is so well done and thoroughly enjoyable - a middle grade fantasy/adventure.

Only Farrow is a preteen who has grown up as one of three siblings living with her two brothers, parents and grandmother in an apple orchard outside of their kingdom. They need help to harvest their trees and each year the Ordish, the river people, come to work in the orchard. They are not permitted to associate with the Ordish socially, but Only accidentally meets two Ordish children. And, the adventure escalates from there.

What I loved:
- the author incorporating the distinction between classes
- the magical aspect to the story described as "cunning"
- the relationship between Only and her brother
- the inclusion of the special relationship Only has with her grandmother
- the conflict
- Only's resourcefulness in trying to overcome her circumstances
- the author's ability to immerse the reader in the scene through the descriptions Only provides while traveling to new places and experiencing new things in her life
- the discernment Only has to make independently in trying to figure out who is good or evil

This book is very engaging and will certainly capture the imagination of a middle grade reader. I want to know what happens to Only next!

Highly recommend. Best middle grade book I've read in some time!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

[SPOILER FREE - Other reviews give plot outlines]

I read very widely and bought the Kindle Edition after a personal recommendation.

I confess that I really didn't know what to expect as this is a novel for children and young adults, apparently, and I haven't dipped my feet in those waters since I read The Hobbit when I was on the cusp of becoming a young adult myself (Harry Potter excepted, naturally). I shouldn't have been concerned as I was hooked within a few short pages and, at the very least, Heartseeker proves again what JK Rowling showed us: That when in the hands of an excellent writer, a well crafted tale remains a well crafted tale regardless of the target audience.

Melinda Beatty, make no mistake, is an excellent writer. Characters are well-drawn and believable and the world-building is both thorough and utterly compelling. Beatty's dialogue, rustic and home-spun for the most part, includes excellent turns of phrase and no little humour.

Often while I'm reading a fantasy, something on the page will suddenly strike me as simply too farfetched for me to continue to trustingly hold the author's hand. I lose belief in both the author and the story. Similarly, in the case of historical fiction, if I come across a grating anachronism then I am suddenly snapped out of the world that the author has replicated. Reading Heartseeker was immersive. Nothing jarred, nothing seemed out of place, nothing felt "wrong". I was happy to be along for the entire ride.

Speaking of which, this is the first in a series and if the second is half as good as the first then I'll be along for the entire duration.

A rare (from me) Five Stars.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! It took me just a bit to get into this because the world-building was so complete that I felt like I was visiting a country that I SHOULD already know, that I had been to before and had forgotten from my childhood, that I kept stopping to rack my brains, and try to figure it out, but no! This was so different and amazing and original! Yeah!

Once I settled down into the story, I didn't want to leave it, so when the ending came, I turned the pages looking for MORE, but there wasn't any. Be warned. You WILL want more; it leaves you hanging. Beatty, please give us a sequel soon! The characters are compelling and complex and flawed; they don't always do what you would want them to do or what you think they should do, which makes this book more interesting. The world is full of places where I would love to visit, and places I would love to visit if I had a troop of armed guards with me (haha). The plot does leave you hanging, as I mentioned, and it isn't clear whom the "bad guys" are necessarily! I can't tell if the MC has made a wise choice at the end. Yikes.

Heads-up if this is a thing: a minor character is gay and is bringing up her niece as her ward and heir. Just throwing it out there in case this is an issue. Cases of violence, death, lying, thieving, and back-stabbing (hey, part of this takes place at the royal court, so what did you expect?). On the flip side: extreme loyalty (!), love, self-sacrifice, dedication, patriotism, and family values.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Review based on an advance copy provided by the publisher*

This entrancing new fantasy adventure was the story I didn’t know I needed (but now I can’t get enough of) and is my most anticipated book of the year.

Debut author, Beatty, hooks readers from the very first sentence: Lies are beautiful.

This is storytelling at its finest with nods to 17th century England but a vivid world all its own, a courageous yet unexpected heroine, and a page-turning plot that leaves you wanting more.

A story of intrigue, sacrifice, and resilience, Heartseeker will delight fans of Cornelia Funke, Marie Rutkoski and Shannon Hale, and is the perfect follow up for readers who loved The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill.

I can't wait for the second installment!Heartseeker

[Rosanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky to get an advance copy on this one. There's a sequel in the works, and if it was out I would have ordered on Kindle immediately and kept right on reading. That's how good a book this is.

Loved this. The clever premise – a young heroine who can see lies – is beautifully crafted. The heroine Only is not “spunky” she is strong, making her way and finding connections she needs for the test she will face.

Perhaps fiction allows us to see the creative beauty of imagination, the way that Only sees lies as colors. I could see it sparkling off of this book.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it all. I'm only mad we have to wait until next year for resolution of Only's tale.

I could have read in a sitting or two, but I made myself put it down a few times because I didn't want it to be over so soon.

[Aubrey Phamdo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melinda does a brilliant job at tackling many wrongdoings of today’s time set in a fictional world filled with magic, lore, and the awesome power of love only true friendship and family can muster. I found myself feeling all that Only Fallow felt throughout her journey as she was ripped from her family to serve an ungrateful and unkind king. The hope that comes from Only’s cunning of her magical gift leaves the reader eager for her sequel! The love she feels for her family and her river friends is captivating and pulls at the reader’s heartstrings. Melinda’s beautiful flow and rhythm of her words are superior! I look forward to reading more of her books in the coming years! Now, onto Riverbound!!!

[Katrin von Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t read a lot of Young Reader books, but every now and then, one catches my eye and begs to be read. Heartseeker by Melinda Beatty, with it’s unique, fascinating premise and fun cover, was one of them. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect going in simply because Young Reader isn’t my normal genre, but I ended up really enjoying the book. Spoilers follow.

Story/Writing

Only Fallow was born with what she knows as a “cunning” – a unique ability that sets her apart from everyone else. For Only, it’s the ability to see lies, manifested as blossoms of light with colour depending on the liar’s intentions. Oh, and it prohibits her from telling any lies. In the past, it’s been something that she can keep to herself…but now, she’s caught the attention of one of the Crown’s servants. Forced to leave her family’s orchard, Only finds herself thrust into an unfamiliar world of intrigue and danger. She’s to serve the king, helping him distinguish friend from foe within his court and council, but her cunning doesn’t keep her safe. There are plots brewing, and she has plenty of enemies who would happily be rid of her.

This is a perfect example of taking a tried-and-true plot and making it truly unique. A girl with a special power being lifted from a provincial life into a position of greater power than she ever could have imagined is hardly new…but Only’s ability is something I haven’t seen before and it’s woven so thoroughly through the story that it takes a familiar plot and transforms it into something special. I was always enthralled while reading because Only’s cunning took the story in so many interesting directions and was used in intriguing ways. This is a story that never stops surprising you, both with its twists and its charm.

The pacing is also good. The story moves determinedly forward at all times. Even the “slower” moments are important for character or setting development, and some of the action scenes are quite exciting! I always found myself eager to step into Only’s world because she’s always up to something. She may be young, but she’s not a passive character in the slightest. There’s always something happening, and if there isn’t, Only is making sure that her own plans come to fruition. It’s never boring!

My only complaint is that I closed the book wanting more. A lot of time is spent setting up Only’s life with her family in the orchard. There are also a lot of pages devoted to traveling to Bellskeep – where the king lives. They don’t actually arrive at the capital until about three quarters through the novel…at which point, some very intriguing plotlines are established, and the story broadens drastically in scope (as does the danger to Only) as the book shits its focus away from Only’s plight and onto the kingdom, the court, political intrigue, the Ordish and their troubles with the king, and the many plots brewing within (and without) the castle. And it’s fascinating! But there’s not a whole lot of time to really dig into it, and I felt that the book ended a little abruptly with a lot of questions not only unanswered, but very unexplored. I get that these are likely things to be covered in the next book, and I guess it’s always better to be left wanting more…but, damn, did I really want the book to keep going!

I’ll also mention that I loved the inclusion of Only’s brother, Jon, and his inclusion in the Ordish plot. It successfully takes a storyline that’s big with broad consequences and makes it incredibly personal and high stakes for Only. It also ties in nicely to Lark and Rowen’s plight. Maybe I’ve just unintentionally set the bar low after so many mediocre novels, but I was really impressed by how the Ordish plot was handled, how much Jon added to it, and how Only gradually figured things out. Top notch in terms of making us really care!

Speaking of the Ordish, the…racial?...tensions between the River Folk and the settled families (like Only’s) is incredibly well handled. I often find myself groaning whenever YA authors decide to try their hand at any sort of racial discrimination because it’s normally so heavy-handed and lacking in thought that it feels less like an integral part of the story and more like the author taking advantage of their novel-soapbox, so I really wasn’t sure what to expect when it cropped up in a Young Reader book. I ended up being pleasantly surprised! Beatty gives the issue a lot of complexity, layers it with ambiguity, and ties it to the main plot in a way that feels important. Here, it’s limited to Only’s more personal ties to the issue through Rowen, Lark, and Jon, but it’s apparent that there’s a much bugger conflict simmering. Maybe it’s an odd thing to signal out, but it stood out to me, so I felt it worth a mention.

The world-building is amazing. It succeeds in being thorough and tightly woven into the story – no info-dumping to be found here! Everything from the kingdom’s religion, to Only’s life and the culture of the orchard, the way of life in Bellskeep, the political relations with other kingdoms, the world’s history, the general beliefs and superstitions of the people, and even how much of the Ordish beliefs and lifestyle (and how they differ from the rest of the kingdom’s) is deftly handled and presented in a natural way that gives the story a lot of depth. For a relatively short novel, it covers a lot of ground in terms of world-building and making the setting feel real. I was especially impressed by how complete the religion gelt (a good deal of that coming through Only’s voice and narrative, which I’ll get to). Beatty clearly gave her world a good deal of thought, and it definitely shows!

Romance
As far as Only goes, there’s no romance (she’s far too young for it). Her friendship with Gareth is strong, but it’s just that: a strong friendship. I wasn’t expecting any relationship drama with Only due to her age, so no surprises there (though I am always glad to get a story that doesn’t insist on forcing a romance in).

There are, however, two relationships that end up being important (or, at least, will inevitably be important in the future) to the story: that of Jon and Ordish Mauralee and the betrothal of princess Saphritte and Thorvald prince Huak. The former is happier and by choice while the latter is political, but both hold significance. Jon’s romance bridges the gap between the Ordish and the kingdom (and gets him involved in the plot there) and showcases a lot of the tension between the two groups. Saphritte and Huak’s dynamic isn’t fully explored, but it hints at the political difficulties between the kingdom and its neighbours…and some of Saphritte’s comments about it indicate a lot more than Only is aware of in regard to the marriage’s expectations and the princess’s personal feelings on the matter.

Actually, both are good examples of the subtle world-building that I mentioned earlier. They aren’t just relationships in terms of two people getting together and Only seeing it just through a six-year-old’s eyes – they tell us something bigger about the story and the world, things that may be above the narrator’s head, but are heavily implied enough that an older reader will see what’s going on.

Characters
Only might be one of my favourite protagonists that I’ve encountered in 2020. Beatty strikes a perfect balance of making her young, but not cripplingly stupid or childish. Only is spirited and determined. Her rural, orchard upbringing has made her a little rough, but also resourceful and tenacious. Just as notably, she also knows when to just be quiet and go along with things, even if she’s uncomfortable or unhappy. I really can’t overstate enough how refreshing that latter quality is – a main character that isn’t completely run by her impulses and emotions and understands that some things are above her and out of her hands…or that she sometimes needs to learn more before acting. Only is full of heart, and her provincial life has made her woefully ill-equipped to deal with court life, but she perseveres and strives to do what she thinks is best, even against amazing odds.

Her ability to see lies is also fascinating, not just in how it makes her unique, but how it’s portrayed through her eyes. It’s not just something she does - it’s part of who she is, for better or worse, and I enjoyed her complex relationship with her cunning. She never asked for it, but she accepts it even if she doesn’t fully understand it.

She’s also the perfect narrator for the story. I find that first-person is often poorly utilized, usually serving to give us a limited perspective (and therefore have “big reveal” secrets that are only hidden due to the narrator’s limited knowledge) more than an interesting character viewpoint. Only’s point of view does exactly what it should: characterize both herself and the setting. The prose is written exactly as if Only was speaking it, her verbal quirks, accent, and reliance on her beliefs (both religious and otherwise) all thoroughly incorporated and presented. Her narration alone aids, again, in that subtle world-building. You aren’t just told what’s happening: you fully experience it through Only. Both she and the story come alive through her eyes.

The other characters are equally carefully crafted, usually becoming more than they first appear. Gareth starts as an obsequious serving boy, but Only quickly learns that he’s courageous and willing to put aside his discomfort to help someone…and that he has his own (briefly touched on) background that led him to his position. Jon is a kindly, yet determined, older brother who’s willing to throw aside everything for love and gets caught up in more that he expected. Master Iordan initially comes across as snooty, uncaring, and borderline cruel, though we eventually learn that, like Only and Gareth and Saphritte, he has his role in the kingdom and pleasing the King in the presently tense atmosphere wears on him as much as it does anyone else – he’s not the monster that Only first thinks he is. Saphritte holds a complicated role in Only’s new life, first has the captain of the guard sent to retrieve her and something of a trusted friend during their flight to Bellskeep, and then as the princess, someone that Only can’t rely on in the same way in the castle. The council members are also all intriguing, all offering different things to Only with their own type of danger (while also making a lot of sense). Lark and Rowen get off to a rough start by stealing her family’s eggs, but they quickly become good friends, and important to Only’s new life…

Really, what I’m getting is that all of the characters grow beyond what Only initially sees them as and become complex, fully realised characters in their own rights. There aren’t really any good or bad guys, just a lot of shades of grey for Only to figure out. It’s also easy to see why Only is so heartbroken to be taken from her home, why the kidnapping of the Ordish matters to her so much, and why she struggles with who she can trust when everyone around her is characterized so well. This feels like a real world populated by real people.

Overall

I have no idea how appropriate or accessible Heartseeker is for its target aged group (since I’m obviously not that young, nor do I have kids), but I really enjoyed it and was pleasantly surprised by pretty much every element of the story. The plot is intricate and steady with plenty of surprises; the world-building is thorough and integrated into the story; the themes and writing feel mature and like Beatty has a lot of faith in her younger readers; and the characters are amazingly characterized! I honestly wish the YA novels that I read were this good because even with the rather abrupt ending, I really enjoyed every moment of reading this. Four and half stars rounded up to five!

And maybe I need to give more Young Reader books a chance…

[Jessica Crespino · Rating 3 out of 5]

A neat little adventure with strains reminiscent of Ella Enchanted crossed with Storybound. I don't regret reading it, but I probably wouldn't read it again and I didn't enjoy it enough to read the second.

It was hard to get oriented in the world. The religious system seems to be a really big deal (Christianity, but with a Mother deity) but the main character never interacts with it and no one seems to care about it, so that's confusing.

Male characters also take a noticeable backseat to a host of females in this book, so this probably isn't the book for you if you're wanting one that demonstrates good relationships between different genders and ages.

There was a lesbian couple in one scene, but the scene did nothing to advance or enrich the plot, so it felt more like a "Look, This Book Has LGBTQ Characters" Moment. They also made a comment about how women are more capable/reasonable than men, which is not a great attitude to help our new generation learn to respect everyone equally.

That being said, it was an immersive read. The world was very unique - country "ain't" dialect and culture in a seemingly medieval fantasy world.

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was okay, but there was some adultish content, which is not what I want when I read a kid book. Call me a prude, but there shouldn't be naked grownups in children's lit. This ain't Game of Thrones. Children's lit is where I go when I want to get away from all that.

DNF at 60% of the way through.

[Sarah Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful world...but the ending?!

Agh!
Why is that the end of the book?!
I had to do a double take when I got to the acknowledgements.
Love the story but now I am biting my nails to the quick waiting for book 2!!

[Annalise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartseeker, with its eleven-year-old protagonist and sprawling fantasy world, is solidly a middle grade book. And normally, I don’t read middle grade; the age appropriate villains, easily solved issues, and the overcompensation of authors attempting to make their protagonists sound like middle schoolers, turning them into naive idiots that even middle school me couldn’t stand, tend to be major deterrents.

This sounds like a haughty generalization, but its not. Many authors when writing middle grade are told to “dumb down” their characters, and to make their villains “less scary” in order to not alienate the parents from buying the books. The kids, if I remember anything about being a kid (arguably I still am) love a rich story but, ultimately, the decision is not up to them. It is up to whether or not the author chooses to take that risk. And I have to give credit where credit is due, Melinda Beatty takes that leap.

In Heartseeker, Beatty creates a kingdom in which the common folk live alongside the Ordish; a people that live on boats, much like Golden Compass’s Gyptians. The Ordish are rumored to have small powers, called Cunnings, that only add to the fear and distain the people of the kingdom have for them. Inexplicably, the main character, Only Fallow, also has a gift. She can see lies, but cannot lie herself. When the King’s horrible decree to steal away Ordish children in order to force the Ordish to pay taxes reaches her friends, Only accidentally reveals her power and is spirited away to the palace to become used in the political machinations of the royal family.

And there we have three things that really put this middle grade above others I have read.

1. The evil is real. It isn’t simply a bad fairy that wants to rule the world, or a strangely incompetent Greek god. It’s prejudice, and what it allows a government to get away with. This is a very important topic, historically and in today’s world, and I like how it is incorporated into Heartseeker in a truthful, yet age appropriate way.

2. Only’s power to see lies. There is so much potential in this gift. It is so unique. I can’t wait to see how it develops in the sequels.

3. It’s not condescending. Only is not stupid, and she’s not a genius. She sees things the way they are; more so because of her gift. And while the world that she’s in isn’t outrageously gory and horrific, it isn’t like my middle school’s production of 101 Arabian Nights, where, surprise, no one actually got their head cut off because the grand vizier had been lying to the king the entire time. Hooray! No, it had grit, and realism because, guess what, so does the world. Why should books be any different?

If there was any critique I would give Heartseeker, it would be this: be more creative, more immersive. Only has such a unique gift, and the author has a whole world to play in. As I seem to be using a lot of Golden Compass similes today, I’ll use some more (it’s such an interesting book). One of the reasons fans love Golden Compass so much is that its world building is phenomenal. Everything is similar to our world, yet with a wholly unique twist that gives that book such a peculiar feel that sets it apart from so many others. In that book, the protagonist visits everyone from the scholars of London to the sentient bears of Svalbard, and each group has such a unique, vibrant culture that it is easy to see a whole world within the pages of that book. In addition, the people in Golden Compass were never truly alone, they were always accompanied by an animal representing part of their soul, which gave them a wholly unique mindset towards everything from loneliness to relationships.

Heartseaker has that potential, but I don’t think it’s quite there yet. Only’s ability to see and comprehend people’s motives behind their lies could potentially evolve into a wholly unique character. Only’s kingdom in which a diverse group of people live and small magical gifts hide just below the surface has so much world building potential. It just needs that extra push of imagination. I cannot wait to read the sequel and see that potential come to life.

For more reviews like this one, visit my blog Who Needs Sleep?

[Rose Q. Addams · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the worldbuilding. Loved the style of writing. I especially liked that if you could see the lies... that you couldn't tell any, yourself.

But I won't be reading any more for several reasons: firstly, I was disgusted with the ending. "Let's just kill the king, 'cuz the end justifies the means!" (To be fair, I didn't receive any indication that this was more than a standalone book until I came to post a review. It makes much more sense that there is more to this series after that rushed of an ending with that sort of conclusion. Thank you. It's comforting to know that was not the message that the author was trying to communicate... I thought it was a dark theme, for a MG book especially.)

Secondly, the portrayal of religion wasn't one I like to see: there was a single god, but they were female. (Granted, a fantasy book, but... nah.) And all the really religious people in the tome are the most selfish, lazy, boring and/or hateful characters of all.

Content warnings also include:
-Kidnapping as a major plot point. (The king has children from the riverpeople kidnapped to "ensure they pay taxes," though it's really to keep people in fear of attacks from the Ordish.) Although there is nothing super-graphic or frightening in the kidnappings you see, it could still be disturbing to a young reader. The kidnapped children are put to work and treated as less-than, but nothing worse occurs.
-Someone sneaks through a... well, a toilet in a coach. Gross. If you have a weak stomach, be forewarned.
-There was also a side character, a very nice lady, who introduces the MC to her wife at a party. If you're someone who likes to be aware of what you might find in a book before you give it to your child, that was the extent of the encounter.

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Melinda Beatty on Twitter several years ago and have followed her on various social media platforms ever since. After seeing her tirelessly support authors, books and reading, it is incredibly exciting to finally get to read her own debut novel, Heartseeker. I grew attached to and invested in Only, her Non, Lark, Maura, Bethan, Gareth, and their families and friends from the get-go. They live in a totally original fairytale world with its own set of rules and traditions, and have a manner of expression all their own. Beatty is excellent at thoroughly creating a natural atmosphere and setting the stage for both dialogue and action. I wasn't always a fan of the story's pacing, but I did always feel engaged with the characters and did not consider putting the book down a single time.

I am really hopeful that a sequel is forthcoming because I'll definitely read it. As a sidenote, I'd love to see Beatty venture into adult fiction as well. I love the themes explored (and explored well) in Heartseeker and think that Beatty's narrative style and sense of social and political issues would translate particularly well into stories with more mature themes. Only's story often reminded me (in the best possible way) of a YA companion novel to The Wild Girl and Bitter Greens by Kate Forsyth.

I highly recommend Heartseeker to readers of any age who enjoy thoughtful fairytales, unique magic, strong heroines, and compassionate heroes.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting fantasy novel that centers around a young country girl, Only Fallow, with a surprising ability—she can see lies. They appear as colored clouds around the teller. Her gift has a drawback though, she can't speak an untruth without suffering. She wisely keeps her ability a secret, only confiding in her Non—the matriarch of her closeknit family. But circumstances reveal her gift and she's swept into the political intrigue of a kingdom in turmoil. Her gift can sort truth from lies, but can it help her navigate in a court full of intrigue, mixed loyalties, and physical danger?

Only is an appealing heroine who feels very real. Her relationships with her brothers and family are warm and multi-dimensioned. Her magical gift is a great mix of positive and negative. Imagine being unable to lie when you can see others "shading" the truth all around you.

The supporting characters are interesting and I'm impressed with how the author has painted these characters so that almost none of them are all black or all white. Even after rereading parts of the last third of the book, I am still not sure who is telling the whole truth and who the REAL enemies are. I'm really looking forward to the next book and spending more time in Only's world.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally wrote this review when I first read the book back in June but for some reason, GR is still listing Heartseeker as "to read" so...

This was an outstanding debut that left me excited to read more! Protagonist Only's talent for seeing lies, much like a form of synesthesia, is both a blessing and a curse. Probably more the latter, as the few adults in her life who understand what she can do have known all along. She tries to keep it hidden but sometimes, the truth has a way of making itself known.

The book functions on many levels and will be enjoyed by readers of different age bands. While lower middle grade readers will enjoy the fantasy aspect and will likely be outraged at the social strata, older readers will grasp the nuances and read & enjoy on a whole different level. (Since I originally wrote my review, I've had the chance to both add the book to my library shelves, and share it with my own kids. I have had way different deep conversations about the story with my elementary students and my personal high schoolers.)

Thoroughly enjoyable, from the appealing cover art right through to the hook at the end. It's been very popular in my K-6 library. We can't wait to find out what happens next!

[Janet DeCastro · Rating 3 out of 5]

MG(8-12), FICTION, FANTASY, (series, #1)
Only (that's her name) Fallow lives on her families apple orchard in a kingdom of haves and have- nots. A gypsy like band of river-barge-people (the Ordish) travel up and down the main river in search of work - migrant workers. They are not trusted and tend to have a bad reputation, though they are hard workers. Only's father has been granted a warrant by the King to produce and ship to the kingdom an apple beverage, which has put the Fallow family in good-stead with a good income.

Only Fallow has a gift/curse which allows her to see auras around people who lie. If Only attempts to lie she experiences excruciating pain. On a regular basis Ordish whelps (children) are kidnapped and sent to the kingdom as servants/slaves. Only's secret ability is discovered and she is whisked off to the King to serve as a truth-seeker in essence, as the King is always watching his back and wants to know who he can't trust. But Only needs to figure out the true heart of the King. Is he good or bad and who can SHE trust in the castle!? Interesting world building language. I would recommend this to the reader with a good command of language who can figure out how words are being manipulated to have different meaning in the story.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complex sums up the characters in this fantasy that will grip readers middle school and up. If you could tell truth from lies, if you could never utter a lie yourself, would the world, and your responsibility, be clear?

Not for young Only, who has such powers. They just make her life more complicated.

Only grew up on a small town apple orchard with her family. But even in her own town she's aware of injustice in the kingdom for the Ordish, traveling folk with small magical powers (but none like hers).

The author doesn't shy away from conversations between Only and her parents and grandma about this racism, her family's compromises, and and their advice to choose one's battles wisely.

As Only embarks on her adventures, we continue to meet unusually sophisticated characters. Not quite good. Not quite bad. And it's not totally clear what Only should do.

I found one scene early in the book quite scary and intense, earning my recommendation for middle school and up. This reads as though it is going to be the first in a series. It's a fantasy for fans of the genre looking for a work that puts ethics, and how to discern them, front and center.

[Thomas Scholtes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun book and interesting concept!

Having recently watched Knives Out, the idea of a person not being able to lie without causing them some sort of harm was still an intriguing trait for a book character. And not to mention in this story, the main character has the ability to see when others are lying, making her very valuable to multiple parties. I think this would be a very cool visual to see done in a movie, because it looked awesome in my mind!

As I neared the end of the book, I realized there was no way we were going to get all the answers and wrap everything up, but I had already bought the sequel, so no harm done. I just prefer when an entire idea is finished in one book, versus not really wrapping things up until you get to another book. On the other hand, it does make taking a break between 'books' easier, and makes you want to jump back into the world quickly.

Overall, very well written - with an interesting take on 'English' in how the characters speak - and a very cool idea that I can't wait to see utilized even further in the second book.

[Ryan Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Disclosure: I went to college with Melinda Beatty and she remains good friends with my brother.) I’m often scared to read books by authors I know for fear that I won’t like the books and that will both bring me guilt and make me think less of the authors. I’m not scared any more. Heartseeker takes some traditional fantasy themes and makes them seem fresh. The political intrigue is deep and nuanced. The good and evil within the story are not always as clear as they seem. And the concept of a girl who can not only see others’ lies, but cannot tell her own is brilliant. Why wouldn’t a ruler want to harness this power, even if doing so creates another slave?

Thanks, Mel, for the promising start to this fantasy world.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only Fallow is my new favorite heroine. She is courageous, loyal, and can literally see lies like a colorful aura around the teller. In HEARTSEEKER, Beatty has created a world that will suck readers in immediately--there are bright, memorable characters, political intrigue, incredible friendships, and touches of magic throughout. The action-packed plot make this a book hard to put down, and I guarantee readers will be hankering for the second book after they finish! HEARTSEEKER is perfect for fans of Kelly Barnhill, Laura Amy Schlitz, Shannon Hale, and Adam Gidwitz's THE INQUISITOR'S TALE.

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only Farrow can see when people tell a lie. Not only that, but she cannot tell a lie herself. She passes out from the pain when she tries. Although she tries to keep this a secret, eventually word gets out. She is taken to work for the king, to let him know who he can trust and who is scheming against him. The journey to the palace and life when she gets there are nothing like she expected. You'll want to have the sequel handy. Recommended for grades 5 & up.