We all remember how The Lunar Chronicles blew our minds away. The author returned with an equally riveting retelling of how The Queen of Hearts was once a girl in love.

Set in a world of magic and romance—unlike that of The Chronicles, Heartless centers around Lady Catherine Pinkerton and her universe. Being an only child of the Marquess and Marchioness of Rock Turtle Cove, Catherine has it all; luxuries and everything a girl could possibly ask for. 

But, Catherine wants more.

Fond of baking delicacies and desserts, Lady Pinkerton wants to own a bakery. With help from her best friend, Catherine sets out to do whatever it takes. 

Her parents, however, have other thoughts for their only daughter. 

The Marchioness wants her to be wed off to the King, himself. A child of a man whom Catherine despises. It is in the din of her mother's first attempt to have Catherine woo the king that a certain someone makes an entrance. It is Jest, the king's joker. Conflicting emotions haunt her, and Catherine has a lot to think about. There are secrets, and there are lies, coincidences that are not much of what they appear, and risks that need to be taken. In the mix of all the flurry, there's a dangerous predator out on the loose, and all of Hearts is in peril...

This book was highly anticipated, and the author has indeed outdone herself. I strongly recommend it to all who have religiously read The Lunar Chronicles. It's an interesting adventure; a world devoid of science fiction.

Catherine's character is of note. She's a strong-willed and determined protagonist who wants to defy the norms set before her by her conservative, traditional parents. Having a purpose and stepping out of our comfort zones is what her story teaches us. She seeks not the glamor that she is born with, but a world of her own where she wishes to explore her gifts and make a name for herself—by herself.

There has been no comment from the author about a sequel. The note with which this book concluded should not be ruined by an additional follow-up.

It bore a rather close resemblance to Alice in Wonderland. The description of the places and the characters. Perhaps a retelling of Alice in Wonderland by Marissa Meyer ought to make more sense of this book. We'll find out, anyway, whether there's a surprise sequel that I am not in favor for. Some books are better off as standalone.

I found it funny. Each page had me gripped if my interest began to wear. Each chapter had that bombs-have-been-dropped ending that immediately had me flicking away at my tablet to read on.

I enjoyed what Chesire had to say most of the time. These are some of the quotes that amused me.

2. It is a dangerous thing to unbelieve something only because it frightens you.