The Heart Between Kingdoms

by Anne Kendsley, Mary Dublin

"Full of adventure and magic, The Heart Between Kingdoms delivers an action-packed good time with romance, daring rescues, and a lot of heart." -- Liz Konkel, Reader's FavoriteFae Princess Esmae is prepared to change her life as she knows it forever. She doesn't expect her choice to change the course of the world around her. Prince Daniel isn't like other humans. Esmae knows it from the moment she spots him riding through the woods that separate their kingdoms. She is content enough to be enchanted by him from afar, well aware that even the kindest human can pose a risk to her kind.But when her future is threatened by decisions that aren't her own, Esmae bargains with a witch of the woods to transform her into a human in hopes of regaining control of her life--and winning Daniel's heart through deception.Before Esmae can fulfill her end of the contract, her time is up and she's lost more than she bargained for. She's stranded in a human kingdom without her wings or her magic to offset her miniature height, and the only one who can help is the very person she worked to deceive.What she doesn't expect is for her failure to usher in a world she never dreamed of--a world where her and Daniel's lives can either intertwine in harmony or be doomed along with both their kingdoms.

Genres: Fantasy, Ebooks

459 pages, Paperback

Published November 20, 2017

About the author

Anne Kendsley is a writer from South Texas with a passion for weaving stories that explore the fantastical and surreal.

Growing up, she developed a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling and started writing her own tales at a young age. Her love for fantasy and sci-fi has carried into her writing today, blending with darker, grittier themes.

Ultimately, she loves to explore complex characters who stand resilient against societal breakdown while finding beauty in a harsh and unforgiving world. When she’s not devouring one book after another or daydreaming about her next story, she’s taking a walk in the woods or cozying up with a video game.

Reviews

[Nikki Culver · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would rather give this 2.5/5 stars, but rounded up for the sake of being nice since I feel like this review may be a little rough. This review WILL contain Spoilers, but I'll put alerts before each one.

**I received a free e-arc of this from the author for my honest review**

OKAYYYY...Let's be real here for a moment - this book isn't what the description really says it is.

I took notes all the way through my read because I realized a few pages in I wasn't going to love it as much as I hoped I would. It's marketed as a Little Mermaid inspired story but with fairies and everything within that makes me think I would like it - but it was only a little bit like that.

Bare with me through this because I have a LOT of thoughts on this book and while the overwhelming majority of them are not the best, there ARE some things about it I enjoyed and those are noted at the bottom.


PLOT -
(CONTAINS SPOILERS)

So there is a wild amount of things that happen in this book - We start off with a girl named Esmae who's apparently been picked up in the woods by a prince named Daniel and she's hiding who true identity from him and his advisors don't trust her (and that's entirely justified, considering that she's lying to him). He is finally persuaded to kick her out and she is - without any warning to the reader - shrunk down back into her fairy size. She spends a few days wandering through the walls of the castle trying to escape without being seen before she is caught by none other than the prince, who's not as freaked out by this as he should be and then he proceeds to try and help her find a way to break the spell she's under - which we, as the reader, know she made a deal with a witch to be a human and she had three days to get the prince to kiss her.

Their romance continues to grow during this time (or at least, I suppose it does, there's not much indication of it and we have no foundation of their original romance that happened in the three days between her being rescued and him kicking her out) and eventually, her best friend Brennan shows up and drags her back into the forest. At this point, there is a showdown between Esmae, Daniel and the witch. Brennan is there but is immediately incapacitated. BUT WOULDN'T YOU KNOW - since Daniel gets hurt trying to save Esmae, the blood magic reverses the spell and puts her back to human size and -- I think destroys the witch??? There's no indication whatsoever about what ultimately happens to this witch but it doesn't really matter because she doesn't ever show up again or have any bearing on the rest of the story. Esmae's father shows up - the king of the faeries that live in Evrosea - and gives them a blessing to get married - and even goes so far as to wipe the memory of Esmae from all the minds of the human's in Daniel's kingdom so they don't have to worry about anyone thinking she's still shady af like they all did before.


THE END --- right? That's an entire story, right? NOT REALLY. This all happens in the first 171 pages of the 553 page book (about 30% of the book was spent on this story).

We are then presented with a second story.

This second story shows Brennan, Esmae's fairy friend who's been sent to keep an eye on her (who...let's be real, is the best part of the whole book) helping Daniel write out a trade agreement with this guy called Anglian - who is apparently a little demanding and difficult to deal with. Daniel is working on how to run the kingdom because his father is super sick and is about to die. After what is meant to be a sad scene of Daniel and Esmae meeting with the dying king - but it's not really sad because none of the relationships in this book are built on the page for us to see, so none of them hold any weight - Daniel is convinced to go meet with Anglian to discuss the terms of this trade deal. Brennan goes for no good reason other than we need someone to be able to fly back to the castle when OMG DANIEL IS AMBUSHED after leaving Anglian because the meeting didn't go super well. He is kidnapped, Brennan is a bit roughed up but manages to escape and make it back to the castle where he immediately tells Esmae (and Sir Logan) what happened and the group sets off to go rescue Daniel. They do so without large complications. They are told during this whole debacle that Anglian set up the ambush so he could come in and rescue Daniel so that the prince would be in his debt. Daniel, I suppose, has him sent to jail, but it doesn't really matter because WE NEVER SEE THIS MAN OR THE CONSEQUENCES FROM ANY OF THIS EVER AGAIN. This little tidbit of information no one needed was a whopping 125 pages of this book. 22%

STORY THREE - Yes! There is a THIRD story in this book. The remaining story of this book takes up almost 44% of it and let me just say what a blessing that is. This story was the only one that I found at all interesting.

Story three kicks off with our lovely couple in bed asleep - until their daughter comes to get in bed with them after having a nightmare. Yes - they've been married and had a daughter - all off the page. Aveline (Avie) is the half human/half whatever Esmae is these days princess. She knows about faeries and is watched over by Brennan who continues to be the best part of the book. This story follows the family as Esmae looks for a solution for Avie's chronic nightmares and comes across a fairy in the marketplace that's being held as a pet/servant/sex slave by some creepy mfs - this fairy has also been physically tortured and her wings are severely damaged. She takes the fairy back to the castle, the fairy is (understandably) distrusting of all humans, including Daniel and Esmae - but on her attempted escape during the night, she encounters princess Avie and we find out her name is Tessa and she's able to help Avie get to sleep with no nightmares.

Debate ensues on will Tessa trust the humans and Brennan enough to stick around and let them help her, what do they do about Avie's nightmares, yada yada yada.

Then the shit hits the fan when Avie is kidnapped by a guy named Aeron - who's also killed the fairy king/Esmae's dad/Avie's grandpa. He makes her a tiny fairy and whisks her away to the forest where he plans to use her as I guess a weapon of sorts??? He wants to reveal to the human world that fairies are real and he wants the fairies to be in charge but I have no idea why Avie is meant to be able to help with that....Esmae and Daniel freak tf out, which is understandable. Brennan is mad and Tessa decides to grow some personality (Brennan has fixed her wings, they're a little flirty and I ship it). They all proceed to Evrosea to retrieve the kid and they do without much consequence. BUT they do not have a solution to make her human sized again.

Their ultimate solution is to leave the 5 year old fairy human hybrid baby on the throne of Evrosea as queen under the watch of Brennan and Tessa while Esmae and Daniel apparently go off and have another child (a son). We end this story with a scene of that little brother turning 14 and Avie - who we have no idea how old she is - picking on him like a good big sister and flirting with the guy she's going to marry.


All caught up? You're doing better than I did with this.

TIME FOR SOME CHITCHAT ON THIS

I have SEVERAL complaints about this story, the biggest being that it reads like a Disney film and not in a good way. Esmae and Daniel are so painfully like the Once Upon a Time take on Snow White and Prince Charming (who's also named Prince Daniel...I think....it's been too long since I've watched that show). They're painfully bent on being good and wholesome and loving and sweet and cute and it's gross. There's no interesting characterization of either of them until the third story and even then, they're outshined by Brennan, Tessa and Avie.

The other large complaint I have about this is that it feels like a mishmash of stories instead of one cohesive book. It's not quite an anthology, but it's not a novel either. I would have rather read two books with one about when Esmae first sees Daniel in the forest, her decision to make a deal with the witch and then the whole shenanigans of her three days with him before they wind up having to defeat the witch again. I think it would solve a lot of the issues this book faced with just not having a lot of development - I would care more about Brennan when he first shows up and gets hurt because we could see his friendship with Esmae - and we won't just be told they've been friends for a long time, we can see them actually being friends. I would be more sad when her dad dies because I would have more foundation for their relationship. I would be more upset if I thought things with Esmae and Daniel weren't going to work out because I would have seen literally any bit of their relaitonship develop before I'm supposed to be upset that he's kicking her out. I think if that was fleshed out enough and we pulled back further into the timeline of the overall events of the story, that would make a much more interesting book - which could THEN be followed up by a second book featuring the adventures of the third story. (Drop the second one entirely. It's pointless and adds literally nothing to the overall story).

The thing that made this book hard to read was the fact that EVERYTHING felt rushed. There were three large threats over the course of the book that were all dealt with fairly easily and neither of the first two held any weight on the rest of the story. There was no build up of tension. I was never worried that the characters weren't going to be saved or that things weren't going to turn out right in the end.

Smaller issues with this include poorly constructed dialogue that felt forced and unnatural, major plot points happening without any indication or explanation - I was seriously confused for a few pages when she turned back to fairy size at the beginning. The foreshadowing was not subtle or well executed, the magic system isn't well explained, the overall writing style seemed a bit juvenile and characters seem to react to situations that aren't natural. Overall, it read a LOT like a middle grade book, if you leave a bit of the language and very very very lightly sexual content (Daniel and Esmae take a bath together). A minor flaw was that there were a few formatting and punctuation errors, as well as a few sentences throught the book that had a missing word or a doubled up word where they went to change something but forgot to take the old word out.

THINGS I LIKED:

The book had cute illustrations sprinkled throughout that I enjoyed.

Brennan was the best character in the series, followed by Avie.

Brennan and Daniel had a bromance that I am here for.



OVERALL:

I wanted really badly to like this book. I enjoy the concept behind it, but the excecution left a lot to be desired. I think the story should have started further back in the timeline and been split into two separate, better fleshed out books. Part II of the book offered nothing of value or significance to the overall story and just felt like a waste of time. Part I would have been a great ending to a larger story and Part III (the final 44% of the book) was the most compelling part of the book and would stand well on it's own as a follow up to the enhanced Part I story if they were both fleshed out more. I think both of the main characters need a lot more development to give them personality and I think the authors need to work on showing us the develoment of relationships more than just tossing a character onto the page and telling us what their relaitonship is. Too much happened off page that would have been more interesting than a lot of what was chosen to happen on the page.

My biggest issue with this book was wanting to read it. For the first 56% of the book, I honestly didn't give two shits about the characters, the story, anything. It wasn't until the start of Part III that things really got to pick up and I genuinely enjoyed that part of the story. I'm glad that I didn't DNF it even though I really wanted to when I hit 50% and still didn't care.

While I feel like this just had heaps of negativity in it, I do want to say that I really really really respect both authors for working so hard on something and being able to produce a book that is 553 pages long - something I've never been able to accomplish. The fact that they even completed something that I was able to read is a huge accomplishment in itself. But, I was asked for honest feedback on this, so honest I was.

I hope that these notes will help the authors develop this story into something that I know it can be - really really interesting - because the ideas and the bones of a great story are there. Just needs shifting it around some to get where it will really be great.

[Mary Bush · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review potential spoilers.

I liked the book okay enough. I liked the characters. I just wished it didn't feel so rushed. A lot happened, and I was left with questions. Like the witch just disappears, what happened to the farmer that kidnapped Prince Daniel. A few times I was left confused. Nothing was mentioned on the wedding or funeral. The book just leaps. At the end, we leap once again. I would have like more on Avies transition. Overall fun book though.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently decided to give this book a second chance because I adore the authors' writing style and I love Daniel and Esmae so much I felt bad for dismissing them so easily the first time around. That's on me, it's certainly not the book's fault. Anyway, I pretty much consumed this book quickly which is surprising considering it's actually a pretty lengthy book, but because it was so fascinating and intriguing, I could hardly put it down for long. If you're looking for fantasy/romance with lots of magic and drama, this book is it! The way the book is set up is very interesting too, it's more like 3 (short) books in one, but it's all connected, story-wise. Also I won't be forgetting the ending anytime soon. It's not like a bad ending or anything (i would consider it a HEA) but it definitely makes my heart ache. So yeah, go check it out!

(same review as the one i submitted on amazon)

[Livelifetothefullest · Rating 5 out of 5]

A whimsical fairytale (3 stories in one) that brings you into the world of experiencing life of romance, hope, fear, and the dreams we wish for. It was like entering a fairytale land in another realm. I could not put this book down for its characters, story line, wondrous quotes of romance as well as humor. I am so blessed to find this beautiful gem of a book and to have met the local author Mary Dublin. The authors provide a book of spellbinding wording that sets your soul at ease, as well as has you drifting off to another place in "the heart between kingdoms."

[Josh Barnett · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Heart Between Kingdoms

The Heart Between Kingdoms by Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley is about a fairy, Esmae that makes a deal with a witch to become a human so she can meet Prince Daniel. The catch, Esmae has 3 days, and the witch takes her fairy magic. Surprise, the book begins on day three! Actually, that's only part one of three stories. I can't go into details of the other stories because it would spoil the first story since they feel like sequels to the first story. I would call this a trilogy of novellas because it feels like a trilogy. And now the part that everyone came here for is there any dinosaurs? Nope, there are not. Unless someone was having nightmares about them??? Any comments, Marry or Anne?

Thoughts:
I honestly have found the trilogy of novellas really fun. It really reminded me of The Little Memaid. That's a good thing cause that is my favorite Disney fairytale. It has quite a bit of action that's a lot of fun to read! I do have some cons, I feel like the first story could have been longer, and it would had benefited from more meat to it. It just left a lot to be desired. If you're a stickler for no editing errors... or is it grammatical errors? Anyways, those errors can be a little distracting.

Conclusion:
It is an earlier book by Mary and Anne, it shows. I love seeing where they started and to compare with their latest book, Shot in the Dark, which I gave 5 stars to. They definitely grew as authors. I feel like this book as a whole is a 3 out of 5 fairies. It's very enjoyable with some flaws.

[Beatrice Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so cute. It reminded of Thumbelina, with all the magic and heart-warming romance. It has fairies, good-hearted princes, witches with tricky tongues, and all the trouble miscommunication can bring. 

Now, this isn't what I'd usually read, but I enjoyed this story nonetheless. It didn't leave me hanging on the edge of my seat or biting my nails to find out what happened next - this story falls into the "cozy" section, but not in the super cheesy way. It reads like a Disney movie - like Thumbelina (I know, it's not Disney) or the Little Mermaid. It has that sweet romance that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside. 

So, if you're feeling a fix for Disney Classic love, look no further. 

The writing is well done, aside from the occasional typo. (Who am I to judge?) And the little illustrations were so cute! They added to the fairy tale atmosphere perfectly. 

[Samantha Hopper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read! This includes three parts spread out over broad lengths of time. They're large and long enough to qualify as separate books despite being merged into one, with plots and arcs that are their own.
While the first part was a five-star read that I was up until 2am for, the second two weren't as gripping. It felt like they dragged on quite a bit, and the central theme of the characters changed entirely. Overall, four out of five stars. I'd highly recommend the first book, just not necessarily the others.

[Havelah McLat · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been a while since I read a good fairy story with high stakes and page turning. This book kept me in my seat. NO edge of the seat. I love the characters (not the villains. Oh gosh I was mad and furious for their cruelties) and the whimsical vibe. My favorite character is Brennan and I love him. Only reason that kept me from hitting five is the length of the book and chapters. I can see this book break into three books with their own title and The Heart Between Kingdoms can be a series name. Overall the book was great and I loved it.

[Linda Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely story about Fairies and Love!
I had tears in my eyes as I finished this book! What a wonderful book it is! I could hardly put it down, and once I was into it, I didn't! The characters were colorful and I grew to love them (and hate a couple) the longer I read! If you love a good Fairytale, this one will thrill you! I will look for more books by these authors, for sure!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is an incredible journey of adventure from start to finish. From the first word to "the end", you will not want to put it down. Filled with adventure, mystery, romance, and magick, it takes you on a journey through the lives of its characters. Excellent read! You will be pleasantly surprised!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is a fae princess and he is a human prince. She has been wanting him for so long but knew it would only be from afar. Until one day she decided to go to him. She goes to a witch but things do not go as they expect. Things are going to get interesting. Follow them as they try to sort everything

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read of fairies and fantasy. Cute romance between Daniel and Esmae. This was my first read from either of these authors, and I would gladly read more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book with loads of romance and fantasy. Amazingly written! Not very thrilled with the ending but, still one of the best books I've ever read.

[Kristen (belles_bookshelves) · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Kindness doesn't need rhyme nor reason."

I feel like I'm coming in, like, in the middle of a story here. I don't think I am? But I find myself very confused.

[Stacy Van Buskirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving this book 5 stars because I really like the premise of the book. I really enjoy reading stories like this one and I follow the authors on Deviantart (which is where I heard about this book 2 years ago). I bought this book when it was first published along with the Shot in the Dark book. I've read this at least 3 times since then and I always enjoy the story and imagery.

I agree with the other reviews that this could've been a great series with more flushed out storyline and character development. It did seem rushed at times and I'm not sure why the authors didn't slow down some parts. It is a long book with at least 3 different story lines and ending with the bud of a new story line.

Overall, I love it. These are the types of books I search endlessly for and devour when I do find them. Thank you to the authors for creating this story and getting it out there- maybe a revision could happen one day and make it a duology at least.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.