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Heart of Xion
The plan is simple: marry the king, kill him on their wedding night, and take back the kingdom that was stolen from her family years ago. Laurel Aurelius won’t let herself be hurt again. After the pain of a ruined friendship and crushed unrequited love, Laurel is determined to have a heart of steel as she agrees to marry King Kadin and finish the coup her father started years ago.
King Kadin is dying. The sickness that has been ravaging his kingdom has sunk its teeth into him and as a last-ditch effort, Kadin is willing to marry the daughter of the man who killed his parents. His hope is that if he unites their two families, the Heart of the Jungle that has spread decay and sickness throughout Xion will be cured and his sickness healed.
But as Laurel and Kadin’s lives converge, things don’t go exactly as planned. They’re both forced to face the pain of their pasts and struggle to find a way to mend not only the jungle, but their own broken hearts.
Heart of Xion is a standalone set in the Triadic Kingdoms world and a spin-off of Desert Flower full of the arranged marriage trope, healing from past traumas, unrequited love and finding second love.
King Kadin is dying. The sickness that has been ravaging his kingdom has sunk its teeth into him and as a last-ditch effort, Kadin is willing to marry the daughter of the man who killed his parents. His hope is that if he unites their two families, the Heart of the Jungle that has spread decay and sickness throughout Xion will be cured and his sickness healed.
But as Laurel and Kadin’s lives converge, things don’t go exactly as planned. They’re both forced to face the pain of their pasts and struggle to find a way to mend not only the jungle, but their own broken hearts.
Heart of Xion is a standalone set in the Triadic Kingdoms world and a spin-off of Desert Flower full of the arranged marriage trope, healing from past traumas, unrequited love and finding second love.
Unknown Binding
First published August 9, 2022
27 people want to read
About the author
Melody Personette
36 books30 followersMelody Personette is a YA author, book dragon and follower of Jesus. She's been writing since she can remember and now tells stories about the magic of hope, light in the darkness and love conquering all and is passionate about inspiring teens and young adults with her novels. Melody lives in the home she shares with her family in Indiana where she is a college student working toward her Bachelors in general studies, is an avid reader and tea lover. You can find her on her website at www.melodypersonette.com or connect with her on her blog at www.melodypersonetteauthor.blogspot.com where she talks about everything from writing, to faith, to her latest readers. You can also connect with her on instagram @_melody_author_
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 18, 2022
Let me start by saying that half my notes while reading this were just "kadin aziz i love you so much" and I love that for me.
Heart of Xion is part romance, part political intrigue, and all great fun. Which... in hindsight maybe it shouldn't be as much fun as it is, considering Laurel's goal is to kill Kadin... but Melody's writing is so quippy and full of banter that I couldn't help but have a great time. The set up is a classic enemies-to-lovers, which isn't typically my preferred trope (I know, I know, don't @ me) but it worked really well for me here. I loved Laurel and Kadin's relationship, watching them both grow and change throughout the story, and seeing their other friendships and relationships grow as well. The worldbuilding of Xion is super cool and interesting, the descriptions dropped me right into a humid jungle, with some fun steampunk-like elements and a fascinating magic system.
The ending, to me, felt a bit rushed and easy, but the buildup to it was so fun that I have to give it 4 stars!
**I received a copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
I think I have had enough personal growth for one day. I think I want to go find something with sugar to eat and some books to read in the library."
"In other words, you want to hide from emotional vulnerability and eat lots of sugary pastries."
"Exactly."
Heart of Xion is part romance, part political intrigue, and all great fun. Which... in hindsight maybe it shouldn't be as much fun as it is, considering Laurel's goal is to kill Kadin... but Melody's writing is so quippy and full of banter that I couldn't help but have a great time. The set up is a classic enemies-to-lovers, which isn't typically my preferred trope (I know, I know, don't @ me) but it worked really well for me here. I loved Laurel and Kadin's relationship, watching them both grow and change throughout the story, and seeing their other friendships and relationships grow as well. The worldbuilding of Xion is super cool and interesting, the descriptions dropped me right into a humid jungle, with some fun steampunk-like elements and a fascinating magic system.
The ending, to me, felt a bit rushed and easy, but the buildup to it was so fun that I have to give it 4 stars!
**I received a copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
I think I have had enough personal growth for one day. I think I want to go find something with sugar to eat and some books to read in the library."
"In other words, you want to hide from emotional vulnerability and eat lots of sugary pastries."
"Exactly."
August 6, 2022
I'm so grateful that I decided to pick up this book because I got to know Laurel Aurelius and King Kadin. Every character in this book has its own uniqueness and strength which I loved so much. I definitely devoured myself into Heart of Xion from the very first page. The world building was also fantastic! Last but not least, I can't stress enough how much I adored Laurel, Kadin, and Merci.
July 14, 2022
A clean uplifting adventure with a touch of romance and an awesome take on the traditional arranged marriage storyline. I finished it so fast because I could not stop turning the pages. Riveting from the first chapter on. Stunning world-building and highly recommended.
March 15, 2023
Laurel has a political agenda against King Kaden. But often, love is stronger than politics. Both at arm's length, this is an endearing read between two conflicting parties forced together.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.
March 19, 2023
This review contains spoilers
Good set up. The characters are interesting and the story line intriguing with a bit of mystery. Disappointing resolution, though.
Good set up. The characters are interesting and the story line intriguing with a bit of mystery. Disappointing resolution, though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2022
Heart of Xion is a great addition to Melody's Triadic Kingdoms world and was such a wonderful story to read!
This book is an NA story about a young king willing to do anything to save his people and the daughter of his greatest enemy as they both attempt to save the Xion Jungle in drastically different ways. It's a story about characters healing from the past, staying true to your character and your values, and learning to do what's right in the face of adversity.
The main characters are so fun to read! Kadin is such a gentleman and just all around a really sweet character with a heart of gold. Laurel is fire and ice and doesn't back down from a challenge; she's willing to do what she believes is right and acknowledge when she's wrong.
This book is so good! Great for fans of sweet romances, plots to save the kingdom, slight steampunk vibes, and characters learning to grow and heal.
This book is an NA story about a young king willing to do anything to save his people and the daughter of his greatest enemy as they both attempt to save the Xion Jungle in drastically different ways. It's a story about characters healing from the past, staying true to your character and your values, and learning to do what's right in the face of adversity.
The main characters are so fun to read! Kadin is such a gentleman and just all around a really sweet character with a heart of gold. Laurel is fire and ice and doesn't back down from a challenge; she's willing to do what she believes is right and acknowledge when she's wrong.
This book is so good! Great for fans of sweet romances, plots to save the kingdom, slight steampunk vibes, and characters learning to grow and heal.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews