Maddox Sinclair has run out of options. No job means no health insurance —a death sentence for a type one diabetic like herself. She flees to the forest to make a desperate deal with a dryad queen: kill the Redwood King and be cured of the illness that threatens her life.
In the redwood treetops, Prince Castor, is cursed– anyone who loves him is doomed to die. Like Maddox, he has made an equally unwise pact with his brother, the Redwood King: get a mortal to fall in love with him by solstice and be free of his curse forever.
When Maddox mistakes Castor for the king, sparks fly and troubles ensue. Each must decide what is more important—survival and freedom, or the love they (kind of, almost) feel in their traitorous, vile hearts.
These Vile Hearts by Melody Robinette is a dark Romantasy that is incredibly gripping. From the very beginning, I loved the world building, the way dryads are not just trees but an entire universe of creatures that are complex and as full of wickedness as humans. I also was incredibly sympathetic with Maddox, as a type 2 diabetic, I liked the use of this chronic illness to drive Maddox and how well the details of the illness were written.
Not only is Maddox well written but so too is Castor. I like his curse as well and how well the enemies to lovers trope is used in this romantasy. I liked how the story was built and especially the resolution at the end of the novel. I was a bit disappointed that it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger but I absolutely cannot wait for more.
If you like romantasy and enemies to lovers, this is a well written engaging novel that does a terrific job at building both the fantasy and romance elements. I love how Maddox’s deal is resolved as well as Castor’s but I really hope there is another book.
Rating: 4.5 dryads out of 5.
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