In the aftermath of a powerful betrayal, Clara Blackwell and Nikki Craven part ways. Forced to undergo her final year of training alone, Clara must contend with the forces of Seven Portals—all of whom suspect her curious powers. If her carefully-guarded secrets are uncovered, all could be lost.
Questions long ignored threaten the young lovers, Clara and Elliott. The difference in their lifespans. The future of their relationship. The ways they tackle their problems. Apart and together, the two young lovers are forced to confront their harsh realities—and finally take their next step forward.
Meanwhile, an unlikely alliance forms. Two vampires in search of answers descend into enemy territory. If they succeed in their quest, they will uncover a key to the final threat looming ahead. If they fail, they risk outright war—and the Calamity’s champion will rise.
Sorry Emma, but I cannot justifiably give a five star rating. I feel now after reaching book eight, the reading is becoming hard work. I'm just wishing we could get to the climax before maybe book ten. The storyline has been great, but feels decidedly like it has been dragged out to make a long series. I will continue to read till the end, but it now lacks the hold it had at the beginning. Would I recommend this series, I don't know. Some of its appeal has been lost in my opinion.
Better than the last one, but still so off. The story drags when it doesn’t need to and jumps around unnecessarily. It’s like the author had a million thoughts and couldn’t contain them or connect them. The worst part, and why this got two stars instead of the meh 3 stars, was the prologue and epilogue where the characters just pontificated directly to the audience. I struggle to stay in the story when that happens.
While things are finally moving forward, progress is finally being made, it's done in such a way that feels jarring. The transitions are fine, but information could have been given to help smooth out those transitions. To help give hints of Clara's progress instead of us seeing her fail and fail and fail, and then suddenly she works things out. She says she had the idea for a while now. Maybe years! So, did we not hear her working through these things because we weren't supposed to see her progress, we were supposed to just be told suddenly and accept it?
It's a frustrating way to go about it because it comes off as snap decisions in the moment instead of giving us the opportunity to experience what the characters are and come to our own conclusions to work out these mysteries along with her. We aren't given the chance to follow the main character by experiencing her growing power and knowledge. Instead, we got a few books of her failing, and then suddenly she's super powerful and all knowing.
A few things in this book made me roll my eyes so hard. Elliot calling Clara mature for her age, then later teasing Clara about how she does things without a thought for how it will affect those around her. Which is a very immature thing to do. So which is it?! If it was explained in a way that we're reminded vampires of that age are more immature so that's why he thinks she is mature, then sure, I can hop on board, but it's just not. So the characters contradict themselves often.
There is no real sexual tension or want that we hear about between the two. While I don't mind this because I don't want the focus on them making out and banging, some indication that the two are physically attracted to each other, or some inner dialogue about their feelings about each other would help solidify this relationship. But this has been the way it is in all these books so far. This lack of real connection between all the characters. It's really hard to believe Elliot is into Clara half the time because she keeps doing things against him and he just accepts it.
They are written in a way that makes it hard to be on their side or care what happens to them. There is no connection to them. We're just told what's going on and that's that. Clara wanting Elliot suddenly felt awkward, only for her to do the same ole thing she did before. Run away when things don't go her way, then assume things even after she's told she's the only one who even was thinking about sex. It makes it feel like she doesn't really want to have sex, but instead thinks it's something she's supposed to give. Which is really icky.
Something else that stood out to me was Elliot's inward grumbling about his vassal somehow curiously mysteriously turning on him and how things were better, but how weird that she turned on him before! When in those other books, he knows full well why, they discuss it several times, and they work through it. So, did he just forget? Or did the author forget?
These books are not fun to get through. At least they're fast, but even though they are they drag. It is nice seeing some momentum and things moving forward. This series has dragged on so long. I checked out somewhere in the middle after being disappointed so much when I'd finally started to get into it. While it's still not the worst thing I've ever read, and I feel like the author has a lot of potential, it's just not the kind of book for me. I'd like some character progression, connection to the characters, and less talk about human's Earth and making vampire Earth more like it. It's unrealistic to bring one character into the mix and change an entire world but it seems like that's the direction it's going in.
Clara's obsession with her birthday has been bothering me too. In a way I get it, I remember being that young and being excited for birthdays, but I also come from a family who is really into birthdays. I've met many people who did not experience that with their families, so they don't view it as a special day, some prefer to ignore it, and some don't see the big deal about making a big deal. Clara's living situation was bleak and it doesn't seem like birthdays would have been a big deal. I could understand her attitude if we got some explanation. A simple note on how Clara didn't get to experience birthdays in the same way her friends did, and she always wanted to be able to celebrate in that way, and so this is how they do it now. Her attitude is really confusing when combined with how she was raised, too. Her personality, that selfish brat, egotistical, know it all, does whatever she wants without caring how it affects others doesn't match with her upbringing. It makes for a huge disconnect.
We don't focus on her guards too much this book. She doesn't notice the one she got hurt is still struggling, and the others cover for him. She's so self absorbed. I just don't get why a main character is written in this way. She'd make for a decent villain. It's obvious she's written in this way on purpose because she's called out a lot. But I don't get why a main character is written in a way that makes it easier to hate her than to like her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
"The Witch's Heart" by Emma Glass presents a richly woven tale that explores themes of magic, identity, and the complexities of relationships. However, while the narrative has its strengths, I couldn't help but draw several comparisons to the Harry Potter series, which occasionally overshadowed its unique elements.
One of the most striking similarities is the central theme of a young witch navigating her training and its associated challenges. Clara's witch training often takes center stage, paralleling Harry's experiences at Hogwarts. While the training sequences do contribute to character development, they sometimes feel repetitive and drawn out. In many instances, these lessons seem to mirror those from the Harry Potter series, lacking a fresh take on the magical education trope. This overemphasis on witch training risks diluting the narrative’s originality, making parts of the story predictable.
Moreover, while the whimsical aspects of magic in both stories are enticing, Glass's portrayal occasionally leans too heavily on familiar conventions, failing to explore new magical possibilities. Clara's growth is palpable, yet it sometimes feels overshadowed by the sheer volume of training details, which can distract from the emotional depth and character arcs that are also vital to the story.
Overall, "The Witch's Heart" has its moments of brilliance, particularly in its exploration of personal struggles and relationships within a magic-filled world. However, the similarities to Harry Potter, combined with a focus on Clara's witch training, create a sense of familiarity that hinders the story from reaching its full potential. There’s a fine line between inspiration and imitation, and while Glass has crafted an engaging story, it could benefit from carving out a more distinct path in the realm of magical narratives.
More! I’ve been waiting for the release of this book for what feels like forever. It didn’t let me down. Clara and Elliott finally took their relationship to the next level. Nikki going off and being crazier than ever. I’m wondering now if the Carven’s will ever know the truth about their mother and father. The end left me wanting more ... now the wait for Book 9 starts
I enjoy all of the characters in this series. I am sooo glad Clara and Elliot’s relationship has reached maturity!!! That was long over due. Yet the only thing that bothers me is the short novella style story instead of making a longer novel. They just give you snippets of information before you have to wait for the next one. Overall worth reading.
Another thrilling adventure with old friends. Great storyline and plot, with vivid descriptions, magic and mayhem. Can't wait till the next book to continue on this amazing journey
Only one word describe this book epic , showcasing an adventure between father and daughter. It’s a heart thrilling book filled with emotion from the coming of age of Clara to the pain of feeling once sister in pain🤭
Another excellent book. Love this series and like to follow the multiple characters through each book and explore their development. Can't wait for book 9.
The characters throughout the book feel as real as friends emma makes you feel as if you can really feel what they feel or think can't wait for the next