The Lightning-Struck Heart by T J Klune

The Lightning-Struck Heart (Tales from Verania, #1)

by T.J. Klune

Once upon a time, in an alleyway in the slums of the City of Lockes, a young and somewhat lonely boy named Sam Haversford turns a group of teenage douchebags into stone completely by accident.

Of course, this catches the attention of a higher power, and Sam's pulled from the only world he knows to become an apprentice to the king's wizard, Morgan of Shadows.

When Sam's 14, he enters the Dark Woods and returns with Gary, the hornless gay unicorn, and a half-giant named Tiggy, earning the moniker Sam of Wilds.

At 15, Sam learns what love truly is when a new knight arrives at the castle - Knight Ryan Foxheart, the dreamiest dream to have ever been dreamed.

Naturally, it all goes to hell when Ryan dates the reprehensible Prince Justin, Sam can't control his magic, a sexually aggressive dragon kidnaps the prince, and the king sends them on an epic quest to save Ryan's boyfriend, all while Sam falls more in love with someone he can never have.

Or, so he thinks.

Reviewed by stacey_is_sassy on

5 of 5 stars

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Big call...but I will say this is my favourite audio for 2016

When a brilliant author teams up with a brilliant narrator, The Lightning-Struck Heart is what you get. It was brilliantly, awesomely, fantastically magical. I loved the characters, storyline and setting for the story. It was easy to follow and the only times I had to rewind were when I missed a bit from laughing so hard.

I'll be honest (and hopefully not offend), this was the campest story I have ever read/listened to. The humour is rude, crude and socially unacceptable...I LOVED IT!

So, the story is about Sam the apprentice wizard his best mates Garry the hornless unicorn and Tiggy, the half-giant. Sam is set to be the King's wizard but is still in training. The group spend a lot of time being kidnapped and having to escape from the clutches of men who fall in love with Sam.

Poor Sam, if only he could be kidnapped by his one true love Ryan...but alas Ryan the King's Knight, is betrothed to the yucky Prince Justin.

The Lightning-Struck Heart is a fantasy romance about two men who want and need each other but have every obstacle in their way. The journey towards their happiness is filled with humour but also a little heartache.

We are introduced to some very interesting characters, especially the dragon (with a deep Scottish accent that I loved), Morgan of Shadows, the Dark Lords and Big Momma - the drag queen brothel owner.

T.J. Klune writes a brilliant story and Michael Lesley is one of the most entertaining narrators I have ever heard. His ability to change his voice, act like a horse...I mean unicorn and be the characters was awe inspiring.

I loved The Lightning-Struck Heart. I don't read a lot of m/m and I know it is not for everyone, but there is only one intimate scene right at the end. If you don't mind campy humour this is definitely worth a try and I suggest you give the sample a go.

T.J. Klune...I'm a fan. Onwards...

***Sorry, this review is a bit dodgy. I'm on holidays at the beach and my motivation is pretty low to non-existent but I HAD to tell you about this story.***

To buy The Lightning-Struck Heart from Amazon - http://amzn.to/2h94EKt



I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -


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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 7 December, 2016: Finished reading
  • 7 December, 2016: Reviewed