A THOUSAND HEARTBEATS, by Kiera Cass, HarperTeen, Nov. 29, 2022, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult)
A princess and a soldier find themselves in the middle of a battle for control of the throne in A Thousand Heartbeats, by Kiera Cass.
Princess Annika has lived a life of comfort — but no amount of luxuries can change the fact that her life isn’t her own to control. The king, once her loving father, has gone cold, and Annika will soon be forced into a loveless marriage for political gain.
Miles away, small comforts are few and far between for Lennox. He has devoted his life to the Dahrainian army, hoping to one day help them reclaim the throne that was stolen from them. For Lennox, the idea of love is merely a distraction — nothing will stand in the way of fighting for his people.
But when love, against all odds, finds them both, they are bound by its call. They can’t possibly be together — but the irresistible thrum of a thousand heartbeats won’t let them stay apart. —Synopsis provided by HarpterTeen
There are many reasons Kiera Cass’ books are so popular — her Selection series has sold millions of copies and is a New York Times bestseller. Readers are drawn to Cass’ strong writing, her stories’ drama and action and, of course, the romance.
A Thousand Heartbeats follows that tradition with a standalone enemies-to-lovers romance that is sure to sweep you away. It’s a “gentle” fantasy — chaste romance and fairly tame battles — that has an almost fairy tale quality to it.
At the center of the story are Annika and Lennox. Both started out life in warm, loving homes with loving parents. Over time, however, things have changed, and neither is exactly pleased with the direction things are moving.
You quickly get to know the two — their stories unfold in short, alternating chapters that feature clear voices and smooth prose.
There’s no denying Cass’ ability to draw in readers. Her writing is easy and her pacing strong. There are some predictable moments throughout, though readers will appreciate them nonetheless. Even though A Thousand Heartbeats is 576 pages, the action moves quickly. It’s a page-turner that feels fully fleshed out, making it a good option for gift-giving this holiday season.
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