Heartless

by Marissa Meyer

[Ashley]

Shortly after starting this book I realized something that I probably should have known already...

...I don't like the Wonderland universe...

It's not because of Heartless at all - I just don't like Wonderland in general. I'm just not a fan of that weird style.

But that being said, Marissa Meyer made me enjoy it significantly more than I expected. The story was fun, but tragic—especially because you know where it's heading. I really felt for Catherine, her family struggles, and the situation with the king.

My biggest gripe has to do with the romance. I didn't care for Jest much at all. He just wasn't interesting. Also, his relationship with Catherine was crazy insta-love. They had like two private moments together (only one of which was substantial—an entire evening) before she claims she loves him. I didn't mind this too much at the beginning, since the focus felt like it was more on Catherine (her personal journey and longing to make her own life) than their romance. But towards the end it became a bigger problem for me because Jest's death took over her entire life and reshaped her entirely. I get that his death was tragic, but she also barely knew the guy all things considered...

It was good, especially towards the end when the action really picked up. I wish I could have enjoyed the romance more though.