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Weak Heart
Something has gone very wrong on the sleepy Scottish Isle of Mab. The tides are angry. Reality has shifted. Selkies are coming up from the ocean, boys are missing, magic is going haywire, and memories are being pulled from people’s minds. Thomas Madigan is living in a nightmare. Isla just wants to go back to the sea. Kit Macrae thinks he’s drowning. Tanis Hughes needs to feed. And Owen Darrow doesn’t seem to exist. WEAK HEART is an LGBT+ horror fantasy featuring blood, sea salt, magic, and banter.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
17 people are currently reading
2319 people want to read
About the author
Ban Gilmartin
2 books151 followersBan Gilmartin is the author of WEAK HEART (2019) and THERE IS A LIGHT (2020).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
April 17, 2019
I've heard this is good.
September 23, 2022
rep: achillean mc with anxiety, Filipino achillean mc, sapphic mc, Black lesbian mc, hijabi side character, Black side character, nonbinary side character
tw: magic requiring self-harm, gore, blood, drowning
i love thomas, my most dramatic son, and also his actual hungarian name (tamás) isn't hard to pronounce, it basically only differs in the last sound & the accent, thanks for coming to my ted talk
tw: magic requiring self-harm, gore, blood, drowning
i love thomas, my most dramatic son, and also his actual hungarian name (tamás) isn't hard to pronounce, it basically only differs in the last sound & the accent, thanks for coming to my ted talk
May 31, 2020
Shouldn't have read this when I'm legally banned from going to the sea because I'd like to go there now and throw myself in and do a blood ritual
November 30, 2022
4.5/5
i adored this underrated gem of a book, it's got everything i never knew i needed:
- queer friend group fighting against magic to save each other.
- sharp, witty banter and just really fun group dynamics.
- characters you want to hug and become bffs with (shoutout to my anxiety-ridden fave thomas).
- gay and lesbian relationships (and lots of gay angst).
- wlw and mlm best friendism.
- vivid atmosphere that leaps off the page in all its grey, gloomy, stormy glory.
- mysterious, page-turning plot.
- fascinating scottish folklore.
also, i loved how cohesive the plot is, how even the smallest details come together in the end to make sense. my only complaint would be that i wish there was more emotional resolution towards the end, more apologies, more feelings, a little epilogue giving us a reassuring glimpse of the future. but i'm being greedy, i just wanted to spend more time with these characters.
overall, weak heart is a hilarious, heartbreaking, and hopeful magical queer book that i cannot recommend enough.
i adored this underrated gem of a book, it's got everything i never knew i needed:
- queer friend group fighting against magic to save each other.
- sharp, witty banter and just really fun group dynamics.
- characters you want to hug and become bffs with (shoutout to my anxiety-ridden fave thomas).
- gay and lesbian relationships (and lots of gay angst).
- wlw and mlm best friendism.
- vivid atmosphere that leaps off the page in all its grey, gloomy, stormy glory.
- mysterious, page-turning plot.
- fascinating scottish folklore.
also, i loved how cohesive the plot is, how even the smallest details come together in the end to make sense. my only complaint would be that i wish there was more emotional resolution towards the end, more apologies, more feelings, a little epilogue giving us a reassuring glimpse of the future. but i'm being greedy, i just wanted to spend more time with these characters.
overall, weak heart is a hilarious, heartbreaking, and hopeful magical queer book that i cannot recommend enough.
December 17, 2020
☆ 4.5 / 5 ☆
“The magic feels woven into the landscape and beaches, keeping itself and the folk who live here safe. It’s like a defence mechanism; it’s gorgeous to look at, but if you look too closely, it draws you in and drowns you.”
This has to be one of the most unexpected books I’ve ever read. I went in it with very little knowledge of what it is actually about and I feel like it only enhanced the experience.
Thomas, a not so powerful magician, sees nightmares during waking hours and has been getting by with the help of Fadwa since he left the Isle of Mab. He never wants to go back to the place he’s known all his life and yet, he can’t help but be dragged back by Isla, a selkie he just met, to help find Kit, his missing ex who tried to kill him. It could be that everything is not as it seems and Thomas has to battle through his visions, complicated feelings and blood rituals.
The atmosphere of this story is on another level, everything felt very anchored on the Isle of Mab and its magic is so well weaved in. Thomas’ visions feel very vivid when reading them and every moment of terror experienced by the characters is enhanced by the setting. This was so captivating and I had a hard time putting it down, it was so easy to get drawn in by every aspect of this book and feel everything deep in your heart.
“If he appeared as some misshapen creature, I think I could handle it. But the strange rot that’s lurking inside me knows nothing scares me more than the fact that I miss this. I miss him.”
At the heart of the story there is this mystery of why Kit tried to kill Thomas, their relationship and complicated feelings harboured about the past. The book is very focused on its characters and their dynamics, their imperfections and the messiness of relationships.
Thomas’ perspective is so different to Isla’s as he’s suffered because of Kit and she has only ever known him as her very caring best friend. Their dichotomy is reflected in how they’re approaching their investigation: Thomas is dragging his feet because he doesn’t want to be here in the first place and is scared of the answers he’ll get, and Isla desperately wants this to be over to make sure Kit is safe and so she can get back to the sea.They don’t like each other very much and butt heads very often but a certain slow-building camaraderie is established between them and it was a very special brand of satisfying to see them warming up to each other.
“Sometimes the people we love don’t deserve our dedication. Sometimes you have to pick yourself. Being selfless isn’t always a good thing, Isla.”
Both of their character arcs however mirror each other in the way they slowly learn to let their walls down. This however still comes with important discussions about boundaries and especially those that come with trauma.
As a selkie, Isla has always wanted to stay in the sea and doesn’t really understand the impulse that her mother and brother have had to give their pelt away and stay on land for love. All she needs is her herd and her yearly day with Kit. However, things may start to shift when she meets Tanis, who is very hot and also a powerful shapeshifter, oh and runs the local pub that has amazing food. Their relationship was truly perfect and everything I wanted from it and it brought a little bit of light to the overall dreariness of the story.
There’s also talks about identity, of sacrifices and what they mean, the potential of lives not lived, and how ultimately the choices we make will feel right because of the people we love and surround ourselves with. The relationships and dynamics are all so intricate but at the end of the day there is this little family that is a little messy on this little lost island, and it makes my heart content.
This was a very wonderful read and the next time it’s grey and stormy outside, maybe this will transport you to a place with equally terrible weather, but at least they have magicians, and seelies, and selkies.
Youtube ☆ Twitter
“The magic feels woven into the landscape and beaches, keeping itself and the folk who live here safe. It’s like a defence mechanism; it’s gorgeous to look at, but if you look too closely, it draws you in and drowns you.”
This has to be one of the most unexpected books I’ve ever read. I went in it with very little knowledge of what it is actually about and I feel like it only enhanced the experience.
Thomas, a not so powerful magician, sees nightmares during waking hours and has been getting by with the help of Fadwa since he left the Isle of Mab. He never wants to go back to the place he’s known all his life and yet, he can’t help but be dragged back by Isla, a selkie he just met, to help find Kit, his missing ex who tried to kill him. It could be that everything is not as it seems and Thomas has to battle through his visions, complicated feelings and blood rituals.
The atmosphere of this story is on another level, everything felt very anchored on the Isle of Mab and its magic is so well weaved in. Thomas’ visions feel very vivid when reading them and every moment of terror experienced by the characters is enhanced by the setting. This was so captivating and I had a hard time putting it down, it was so easy to get drawn in by every aspect of this book and feel everything deep in your heart.
“If he appeared as some misshapen creature, I think I could handle it. But the strange rot that’s lurking inside me knows nothing scares me more than the fact that I miss this. I miss him.”
At the heart of the story there is this mystery of why Kit tried to kill Thomas, their relationship and complicated feelings harboured about the past. The book is very focused on its characters and their dynamics, their imperfections and the messiness of relationships.
Thomas’ perspective is so different to Isla’s as he’s suffered because of Kit and she has only ever known him as her very caring best friend. Their dichotomy is reflected in how they’re approaching their investigation: Thomas is dragging his feet because he doesn’t want to be here in the first place and is scared of the answers he’ll get, and Isla desperately wants this to be over to make sure Kit is safe and so she can get back to the sea.They don’t like each other very much and butt heads very often but a certain slow-building camaraderie is established between them and it was a very special brand of satisfying to see them warming up to each other.
“Sometimes the people we love don’t deserve our dedication. Sometimes you have to pick yourself. Being selfless isn’t always a good thing, Isla.”
Both of their character arcs however mirror each other in the way they slowly learn to let their walls down. This however still comes with important discussions about boundaries and especially those that come with trauma.
As a selkie, Isla has always wanted to stay in the sea and doesn’t really understand the impulse that her mother and brother have had to give their pelt away and stay on land for love. All she needs is her herd and her yearly day with Kit. However, things may start to shift when she meets Tanis, who is very hot and also a powerful shapeshifter, oh and runs the local pub that has amazing food. Their relationship was truly perfect and everything I wanted from it and it brought a little bit of light to the overall dreariness of the story.
There’s also talks about identity, of sacrifices and what they mean, the potential of lives not lived, and how ultimately the choices we make will feel right because of the people we love and surround ourselves with. The relationships and dynamics are all so intricate but at the end of the day there is this little family that is a little messy on this little lost island, and it makes my heart content.
This was a very wonderful read and the next time it’s grey and stormy outside, maybe this will transport you to a place with equally terrible weather, but at least they have magicians, and seelies, and selkies.
Youtube ☆ Twitter
October 8, 2023
3.5 stars
Not as horror-ish as I thought it would be considering the "horror" tag under its main genre, but really funny, cute and had a lot of fun with it. The author also introduced me to my new favourite band so rounding it off to 4 stars.
Not as horror-ish as I thought it would be considering the "horror" tag under its main genre, but really funny, cute and had a lot of fun with it. The author also introduced me to my new favourite band so rounding it off to 4 stars.
April 19, 2019
THIS BOOK! FANFUCKINGTASTIC. It's fast-paced. It's mysterious. It's totally unique. The characters are very real, because they are flawed. They're honest. The relationships are twisted and complicated and messy. Whenever a fantasy book is written realistically, it makes it so much better. It makes the magic real? That sounds corny, but I think you know what I mean.
Let's talk about the narrators!
Thomas- tired, anxious magician. I loved him from the first second. I've seen a few people say they really didn't like him? Can't relate. He's super frustrating sometimes, and I definitely wanted to thwack him in the head once or twice, but I also really understand him. I mean he's living in a constant nightmare, plagued by fear and by the fact that the boy he loved tried to kill him. He's not having a great time. I also think his character arc was interesting? It wasn't very big, sure, but I think his realization of how he's wrong is actually pretty fascinating, and you don't often see that, which is another reason Weak Heart is so different from other books that I've read.
Isla- Queen. Everyone stans her. She's just an adorably stubborn selkie, and reading a seal's perspective on humanity was different and super weird and awesome! It definitely made the book a lot more immersive. I loved how she was constantly longing to go home, but also so determined to stay. Her arc was also based on realization, I guess? About who her person is. I really loved that.
Kit and Tanis are also really fantastic and complex characters, and they really are awesome for not being tropey or following any stereotypes. Fadwa is fantastic. Owen. Owen is actually everything. I literally have so much sympathy and compassion for him, and I did start crying near the end. I'm not going to say anything more, because spoilers, but if you like morally grey characters, you're gonna love Owen.
Another fantastic part about Weak Heart was the mood. If you've read Ban's fics, you already know she's a superb writer. You really do feel like you're visitng Mab, and everything is all grey and windy and melancholy. Every scene has this sort of underlying tension to it, which makes the ending such a relief. Especially scenes that describe drowning, or the ocean... Those really struck me. Weak Heart really does have it's own vibe and aesthetic and world and it will absolutely stick with you.
So yeah, obviously I love and recommend the book! Sit down with a cup of tea on a rainy day, or wait every Wednesday and Sunday for the updates. I honestly think the latter is a great option, because as it is fast paced, this does stretch it out and I think the tension will be even more well done. I'll definitely be rereading it this way!
My only negative thought about Weak Heart is that I wish the ending was longer? Like the unraveling of the mystery? It all happens quite fast, and I think the book could have been longer. And I could of done with some more Owen (but that might just be me!) This really is my own personal taste, and I think some people will find the book's fast-pacedness very refreshing, as it doesn't hinder to the descriptions or anything! And I do think that if you're waiting for a new update every few days, the ending of the book reads even better! You'll definitely be on the edge of your seat!
Let's talk about the narrators!
Thomas- tired, anxious magician. I loved him from the first second. I've seen a few people say they really didn't like him? Can't relate. He's super frustrating sometimes, and I definitely wanted to thwack him in the head once or twice, but I also really understand him. I mean he's living in a constant nightmare, plagued by fear and by the fact that the boy he loved tried to kill him. He's not having a great time. I also think his character arc was interesting? It wasn't very big, sure, but I think his realization of how he's wrong is actually pretty fascinating, and you don't often see that, which is another reason Weak Heart is so different from other books that I've read.
Isla- Queen. Everyone stans her. She's just an adorably stubborn selkie, and reading a seal's perspective on humanity was different and super weird and awesome! It definitely made the book a lot more immersive. I loved how she was constantly longing to go home, but also so determined to stay. Her arc was also based on realization, I guess? About who her person is. I really loved that.
Kit and Tanis are also really fantastic and complex characters, and they really are awesome for not being tropey or following any stereotypes. Fadwa is fantastic. Owen. Owen is actually everything. I literally have so much sympathy and compassion for him, and I did start crying near the end. I'm not going to say anything more, because spoilers, but if you like morally grey characters, you're gonna love Owen.
Another fantastic part about Weak Heart was the mood. If you've read Ban's fics, you already know she's a superb writer. You really do feel like you're visitng Mab, and everything is all grey and windy and melancholy. Every scene has this sort of underlying tension to it, which makes the ending such a relief. Especially scenes that describe drowning, or the ocean... Those really struck me. Weak Heart really does have it's own vibe and aesthetic and world and it will absolutely stick with you.
So yeah, obviously I love and recommend the book! Sit down with a cup of tea on a rainy day, or wait every Wednesday and Sunday for the updates. I honestly think the latter is a great option, because as it is fast paced, this does stretch it out and I think the tension will be even more well done. I'll definitely be rereading it this way!
My only negative thought about Weak Heart is that I wish the ending was longer? Like the unraveling of the mystery? It all happens quite fast, and I think the book could have been longer. And I could of done with some more Owen (but that might just be me!) This really is my own personal taste, and I think some people will find the book's fast-pacedness very refreshing, as it doesn't hinder to the descriptions or anything! And I do think that if you're waiting for a new update every few days, the ending of the book reads even better! You'll definitely be on the edge of your seat!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2020
im begging u to read this book,
Rep: gay mc with anxiety, Filipino gay mc, Black lesbian mc, lesbian mc, hijabi side character, Black side character, nonbinary side character
CWs: magic requiring self-harm, some gore
Rep: gay mc with anxiety, Filipino gay mc, Black lesbian mc, lesbian mc, hijabi side character, Black side character, nonbinary side character
CWs: magic requiring self-harm, some gore
November 8, 2022
brilliant. it's atmospheric, dark, humorous, cold, and dynamic. i love pathetic gays and touch-starved lesbians. it's perfectly funny and heartbreaking.
We've never said I love you. That's not what we do. He says you keep me sane. I say you keep me focused. We talk around our feelings. We've planned a future together, but that's not new. We've always had a future together, ever since we were kids. Wherever he went, I was always going to follow.
August 22, 2024
i love angst and atrocious weather
April 18, 2019
I read this in one sitting—I couldn’t put it down.
What a fantastic debut.
What a fantastic debut.
February 16, 2021
Das war... nicht schlecht, aber anders als ich erwartet hatte. Muss nochmal darüber schlafen wie ich es nun fand.
January 12, 2022
‘More than anything, I want to exist with him.’
February 26, 2023
”She said being a human is lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. We don’t have to be.”
4.5 🌟
before winter is over does anyone want to go with me to a haunting little island in the north sea to track down the mythical creature that irreversibly destroyed our lives, fall in love with a gentle woman born out of the vengeance and tears of a woman scorned who feeds on the blood of men to survive and, amongst adventures filled with ancient blood rituals and genderless beings of moss and mist, find a family of gay misfits who will sacrifice everything to bring you back to your own humanity? no? ok
anyway this was FUCKING astronomical. i have literally zero words but luckily this book basically sells itself. i mean it’s a scottish folklore magical realism horror mystery who has lesbians turning into wolves like.
i will say tho that i am now unfortunately and forever obsessed with thomas (tamás) because it is just my life’s curse to always fall for the remus lupinesque characters. repressed anxious bi boys with fucked up family dynamics who believe every bad thing in the world is their fault what’s not to love!!!! [said hysterically]
4.5 🌟
before winter is over does anyone want to go with me to a haunting little island in the north sea to track down the mythical creature that irreversibly destroyed our lives, fall in love with a gentle woman born out of the vengeance and tears of a woman scorned who feeds on the blood of men to survive and, amongst adventures filled with ancient blood rituals and genderless beings of moss and mist, find a family of gay misfits who will sacrifice everything to bring you back to your own humanity? no? ok
anyway this was FUCKING astronomical. i have literally zero words but luckily this book basically sells itself. i mean it’s a scottish folklore magical realism horror mystery who has lesbians turning into wolves like.
i will say tho that i am now unfortunately and forever obsessed with thomas (tamás) because it is just my life’s curse to always fall for the remus lupinesque characters. repressed anxious bi boys with fucked up family dynamics who believe every bad thing in the world is their fault what’s not to love!!!! [said hysterically]
March 10, 2023
Update 09/03/2023
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at An Ode to Fiction.| Subscribe to my Booktube channel
Official Release Date : April 25th 2020
Buy the book :
Amazon|Tumblr (Read for FREE)
4/5 ⭐️
Atmospheric and neatly woven queer story that will place you in the middle of the Scottish Isles feeling weak in the knees. Ban Gilmartin serves quality and tenderness in their emotional self published debut!
It has been some time since the last time I picked up a self published book. Weak Heart by Ban Gilmartin caught my attention when a couple of my mutuals started tweeting quotes from the book. Long story short their promotion made me purchase the paperback for this book immediately. For interested readers the book is only available through Amazon. If you are from a country that does not have Amazon I suggest reading the story on Tumblr, Weak Heart is posted chapter by chapter by the author and you can read it for FREE.
Weak Heart is a story that follows a cast of characters on the Scottish Isle of Mab as they try to figure out the mystery surrounding the disappearance of their friend. There are a cast of characters but there are only two main POVs, Thomas and Isla, and a few POVs from other characters in the cast. Thomas is a magician that has lived with a chronic condition of being haunted by hallucinations and nightmares whenever he sleeps. Isla is a selkie that has dedicated her future to find her best friend Kit that has suddenly disappeared into thin air. To find Kit, Isla has reached out to Thomas, who previously has a strong relationship with Kit that left him traumatized. Reluctantly Thomas decides to help Isla find Kit and go back to his home on Mab.
When they arrive on Mab, Thomas notices changes since his departure years ago. It seems that nobody remembers the third person he grew up with Kit named Owen, there is magical residue in the air, and something sinister is swimming near the coast. The unlikely duo is joined by Tanis, Thomas’s ex-girlfriend and baobhan sith, who is also concerned of Kit’s well being. Together they travel across the island, unpack a lot of baggage, and have several mental break downs as reality isn’t always as it seems on Mab.
Gilmartin’s writing is atmospheric as they anchored the story to the island. The weather and the roiling seas in itself is an important character of the story that brought the story to life through the chilly sea winds and the bone deep cold waters. There are multiple details in the setting and environment that foreshadowed the events that happened between the characters. Every time I sit down and read this book I feel cold and chilly (or maybe I’m just coming down on something lol) as though I am standing on the edge of the cliff of Mab.
After finishing the story the strengths Weak Heart is its well developed and thought out plot. The structure is neat and clean from start to end. Gilmartin foreshadowed many things in the story and each foreshadowing is answered in the most satisfying way. The magic and world is quite simple and straightforward that made it easy to fully invest into the story. The folklore and mythological beings included in Weak Heart are all quite interesting. My favorite is one of the eldritch abominations that made an appearance around 60% of the story. I will not mention the name of the creature to avoid spoilers but if you do pick up Weak Heart, I suggest googling what it looks like because the creature is top tier horrifying.
The core of Weak Heart are the character relationships and the character development as the plot is peeled throughout the story. Thomas is an anxious and traumatized character that have rough edges that bleed out of the page. His relationship with Kit is pre-established, readers will peel back layers of their relationship from how they met to their eventual falling out. The parallels between the current events and past events are interwoven wonderfully by Gilmartin with clear and precise intent that is satisfying to see. The vulnerability and emotional weight in Thomas is realistic as the trauma and pain he felt bleeds out of the page. Thomas’s progression as a character from start to end is complete as everything comes full circle with no loose ends. It would’ve been more satisfying if Gilmartin included an epilogue.
While Isla is the spunky, brave, and inexperienced in being human selkie shines a light of hope for the other characters, especially for Thomas. Isla is positive and dives head on with her belief even when the person she recruits to help (Thomas) annoys her a lot. Isla’s character development for me is the most memorable as she is the catalyst that started the story and eventually became the one that ends it all. The relationship Isla established with all the characters in some way endearing as Isla isn’t afraid in placing her trust. Even though she is careful on who she trusts she still follows her instinct more than her head, but thats what makes Isla a good character that balances out Thomas. Isla’s relationship with Tanis felt a bit instantaneous it was done in a way that made sense. It is a cutest meet cute I have ever read honestly.
Weak Heart isn’t a weak book. It is a strong self published debut. The sheer quality of the story is impressive as Gilmartin writes a neat, emotional, and well structured plot of a book. The story itself is unapologetically queer and shows a deep level of tenderness in representing the vulnerability and love shared between multiple characters. It is not just a fantasy story with a bit of mystery following queer characters, it is a story with heart and depth.
I highly recommend this gem of a book if you have read Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell. Because Weak Heart shows the same level of vulnerability and tenderness between the characters as Kiem and Jainan from Winter’s Orbit. To readers in general pick up this book if you want to read about queer characters solve a mystery complete with magic and cool magical creatures.
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at An Ode to Fiction.| Subscribe to my Booktube channel
Official Release Date : April 25th 2020
Buy the book :
Amazon|Tumblr (Read for FREE)
4/5 ⭐️
“You’ll be the one to pay the price later.”
Atmospheric and neatly woven queer story that will place you in the middle of the Scottish Isles feeling weak in the knees. Ban Gilmartin serves quality and tenderness in their emotional self published debut!
It has been some time since the last time I picked up a self published book. Weak Heart by Ban Gilmartin caught my attention when a couple of my mutuals started tweeting quotes from the book. Long story short their promotion made me purchase the paperback for this book immediately. For interested readers the book is only available through Amazon. If you are from a country that does not have Amazon I suggest reading the story on Tumblr, Weak Heart is posted chapter by chapter by the author and you can read it for FREE.
Weak Heart is a story that follows a cast of characters on the Scottish Isle of Mab as they try to figure out the mystery surrounding the disappearance of their friend. There are a cast of characters but there are only two main POVs, Thomas and Isla, and a few POVs from other characters in the cast. Thomas is a magician that has lived with a chronic condition of being haunted by hallucinations and nightmares whenever he sleeps. Isla is a selkie that has dedicated her future to find her best friend Kit that has suddenly disappeared into thin air. To find Kit, Isla has reached out to Thomas, who previously has a strong relationship with Kit that left him traumatized. Reluctantly Thomas decides to help Isla find Kit and go back to his home on Mab.
When they arrive on Mab, Thomas notices changes since his departure years ago. It seems that nobody remembers the third person he grew up with Kit named Owen, there is magical residue in the air, and something sinister is swimming near the coast. The unlikely duo is joined by Tanis, Thomas’s ex-girlfriend and baobhan sith, who is also concerned of Kit’s well being. Together they travel across the island, unpack a lot of baggage, and have several mental break downs as reality isn’t always as it seems on Mab.
“It’s not about what you give up. It’s about what you get.”
Gilmartin’s writing is atmospheric as they anchored the story to the island. The weather and the roiling seas in itself is an important character of the story that brought the story to life through the chilly sea winds and the bone deep cold waters. There are multiple details in the setting and environment that foreshadowed the events that happened between the characters. Every time I sit down and read this book I feel cold and chilly (or maybe I’m just coming down on something lol) as though I am standing on the edge of the cliff of Mab.
After finishing the story the strengths Weak Heart is its well developed and thought out plot. The structure is neat and clean from start to end. Gilmartin foreshadowed many things in the story and each foreshadowing is answered in the most satisfying way. The magic and world is quite simple and straightforward that made it easy to fully invest into the story. The folklore and mythological beings included in Weak Heart are all quite interesting. My favorite is one of the eldritch abominations that made an appearance around 60% of the story. I will not mention the name of the creature to avoid spoilers but if you do pick up Weak Heart, I suggest googling what it looks like because the creature is top tier horrifying.
“We’ve never said I love you. That’s not what we do. He says you keep me sane. I say you keep me focused. We talk around our feelings. We’ve planned a future together, but that’s not new. We’ve always had a future together, ever since we were kids. Wherever he went, I was always going to follow.”
The core of Weak Heart are the character relationships and the character development as the plot is peeled throughout the story. Thomas is an anxious and traumatized character that have rough edges that bleed out of the page. His relationship with Kit is pre-established, readers will peel back layers of their relationship from how they met to their eventual falling out. The parallels between the current events and past events are interwoven wonderfully by Gilmartin with clear and precise intent that is satisfying to see. The vulnerability and emotional weight in Thomas is realistic as the trauma and pain he felt bleeds out of the page. Thomas’s progression as a character from start to end is complete as everything comes full circle with no loose ends. It would’ve been more satisfying if Gilmartin included an epilogue.
While Isla is the spunky, brave, and inexperienced in being human selkie shines a light of hope for the other characters, especially for Thomas. Isla is positive and dives head on with her belief even when the person she recruits to help (Thomas) annoys her a lot. Isla’s character development for me is the most memorable as she is the catalyst that started the story and eventually became the one that ends it all. The relationship Isla established with all the characters in some way endearing as Isla isn’t afraid in placing her trust. Even though she is careful on who she trusts she still follows her instinct more than her head, but thats what makes Isla a good character that balances out Thomas. Isla’s relationship with Tanis felt a bit instantaneous it was done in a way that made sense. It is a cutest meet cute I have ever read honestly.
“You don’t have to pick just one person. Love isn’t exclusive.”
Weak Heart isn’t a weak book. It is a strong self published debut. The sheer quality of the story is impressive as Gilmartin writes a neat, emotional, and well structured plot of a book. The story itself is unapologetically queer and shows a deep level of tenderness in representing the vulnerability and love shared between multiple characters. It is not just a fantasy story with a bit of mystery following queer characters, it is a story with heart and depth.
I highly recommend this gem of a book if you have read Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell. Because Weak Heart shows the same level of vulnerability and tenderness between the characters as Kiem and Jainan from Winter’s Orbit. To readers in general pick up this book if you want to read about queer characters solve a mystery complete with magic and cool magical creatures.
April 20, 2019
Literally feels like I've been waiting my whole life for a book like this - perfect blend of fantasy and Emotions and gayness. I immediately fell in love with every main character bc they're all amazing. Somehow even though it ends happily, finishing the book made me burst into tears lmao. Everyone go read this immediately no questions just do it!!
August 7, 2024
wow, i loved this book so so much. i think it might be one of my all time favourites
edit: this is one of my favourites books ever! this is the fourth time i've read this and it still makes me ache - Ban, wherever you are, I hope you're okay and maybe you'll come back one day.
edit: this is one of my favourites books ever! this is the fourth time i've read this and it still makes me ache - Ban, wherever you are, I hope you're okay and maybe you'll come back one day.
June 13, 2020
I cannot believe the stunning lack of hype this book has.
The haunted atmosphere? The folklore? The characters? The family of it all?
Truly excellent.
4.5★
The haunted atmosphere? The folklore? The characters? The family of it all?
Truly excellent.
4.5★
April 5, 2024
Best book I’ve read this year (it’s only April but I got a feeling it will stay somewhere on the top)
I love all the characters and I love the plot and not a single thing felt off and the logic… plot twists… they all made sense
I also love the narrative
I usually don’t enjoy it when the narrator changes from character to character but WHAT THIS IS PERFECT this felt like the best way to tell this story
I always feel like I have to hurt myself to feel something. Also with reading, I feel like I need the angst and pain and a bad ending and regrets to feel something. But with this book, I just feel cured
I need more time to write a better review
I love all the characters and I love the plot and not a single thing felt off and the logic… plot twists… they all made sense
I also love the narrative
I usually don’t enjoy it when the narrator changes from character to character but WHAT THIS IS PERFECT this felt like the best way to tell this story
I always feel like I have to hurt myself to feel something. Also with reading, I feel like I need the angst and pain and a bad ending and regrets to feel something. But with this book, I just feel cured
I need more time to write a better review
March 28, 2021
Absolutely lovely in every way. There wasn't a character I didn't like, and I absolutely devoured it. Recommended to any person who appreciates loving descriptions of the sea, tasteful magic, and the best written banter I've read in ages.
March 6, 2021
this was so??????? :,)))) found family, happy queer relationships, magical realism!!!!!!
March 7, 2024
4.5
Didn’t really expect supernatural element, as I only read it because I liked the first book of Ban Gilmartin.
But still a great story that keeps you hooked.
Didn’t really expect supernatural element, as I only read it because I liked the first book of Ban Gilmartin.
But still a great story that keeps you hooked.
May 26, 2022
this book was like, "sydney, i know you're a sucker for faeries, a lack of exposition, and a little gay mystery. i made this for u" and i ate it the fuck up. what a great debut
August 5, 2023
!!!!! ATMOSPHERIC I want to be in a small coastal town and be soaking wet and cold and miserable and hiding from the rain inside with a cup of tea. I loved every single character. Sometimes a story is just GOOD ya know? This was written with so much love and hope and care.
June 20, 2019
*4.5 stars!
Everything you could possibly want in a book? Weak Heart has it.
Magic? Check.
Mystery? Check.
Romance? DOUBLE CHECK.
Representation? SO MANY CHECKS.
Meet Thomas. He's had strange visions for years, but they’ve gotten worse recently, bleeding into reality until he doesn’t know which is which, paralyzing him with the accompanying migraines. Having tried solutions from therapy to exorcism, all to no avail, Thomas is on the brink of leaving for America to search out a cure when a stranger bangs on his apartment door and launches herself into his life.
Isla is a selkie who has only recently taken human form. She’s cold, hungry, miserable...and dead set on discovering what has happened to her best friend. She knows that Thomas could help solve the mystery, if only she could convince him to join her. Unfortunately, Thomas has absolutely no intention of doing so...until she tells him that the person she's seeking might have a cure for his visions.
The problem? The person she’s seeking is Kit.
Isla’s best friend.
The boy Thomas once loved.
The boy from so many of his visions.
The boy holding the knife.
When Thomas reluctantly agrees and the two set off to the Scottish Isle of Mab, the questions only multiply. What happened to Kit? Why does no one remember Thomas’s other childhood friend, Owen? What’s going on with the bees? How does Tanis have such amazing arms? (Okay, that one isn’t on the Official Mystery List, but it is on Isla’s List of Things She Thinks About A Lot)
One by one, they will find the answers and track down Kit...or they’ll die trying.
While the mystery and setting of Weak Heart lend themselves to the creepily atmospheric mood, the author manages to seamlessly weave in the perfect amount of humor, romance, and found family. The characters are fully developed and colorful, and I missed each and every one of them the second I was finished. It all pulls together to form a wonderful read that’s nearly impossible to put down.
Can be read anywhere, but best enjoyed with a cozy blanket, a hot cup of tea, and - most importantly - some cheesy pasta nearby, because I can guarantee you're going to want some cheesy pasta.
Everything you could possibly want in a book? Weak Heart has it.
Magic? Check.
Mystery? Check.
Romance? DOUBLE CHECK.
Representation? SO MANY CHECKS.
Meet Thomas. He's had strange visions for years, but they’ve gotten worse recently, bleeding into reality until he doesn’t know which is which, paralyzing him with the accompanying migraines. Having tried solutions from therapy to exorcism, all to no avail, Thomas is on the brink of leaving for America to search out a cure when a stranger bangs on his apartment door and launches herself into his life.
Isla is a selkie who has only recently taken human form. She’s cold, hungry, miserable...and dead set on discovering what has happened to her best friend. She knows that Thomas could help solve the mystery, if only she could convince him to join her. Unfortunately, Thomas has absolutely no intention of doing so...until she tells him that the person she's seeking might have a cure for his visions.
The problem? The person she’s seeking is Kit.
Isla’s best friend.
The boy Thomas once loved.
The boy from so many of his visions.
The boy holding the knife.
When Thomas reluctantly agrees and the two set off to the Scottish Isle of Mab, the questions only multiply. What happened to Kit? Why does no one remember Thomas’s other childhood friend, Owen? What’s going on with the bees? How does Tanis have such amazing arms? (Okay, that one isn’t on the Official Mystery List, but it is on Isla’s List of Things She Thinks About A Lot)
One by one, they will find the answers and track down Kit...or they’ll die trying.
While the mystery and setting of Weak Heart lend themselves to the creepily atmospheric mood, the author manages to seamlessly weave in the perfect amount of humor, romance, and found family. The characters are fully developed and colorful, and I missed each and every one of them the second I was finished. It all pulls together to form a wonderful read that’s nearly impossible to put down.
Can be read anywhere, but best enjoyed with a cozy blanket, a hot cup of tea, and - most importantly - some cheesy pasta nearby, because I can guarantee you're going to want some cheesy pasta.
April 27, 2019
My only companion when I was suffering from a horrible cold, an absolute fantastic read, I've been following Ban for a little over a year and I've loved everything she's written. and this is no exception! big ups.
April 20, 2019
One of the best books I’ve read in a while; I couldn’t put it down!
May 19, 2019
Everything about this book was amazing, the characters and their dynamics with each other, the emotions, the plot twists. I absolutely loved the mixture of mystery and fantasy elements.
May 3, 2019
A masterfully written story full of mystic creatures, horrific visions, mind manipulation, affection, life changing decisions, and more. Absolutely worth reading for every lover of fantastic worlds!
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