Heart of Mist

The story:
Bleak is a drunken thief who is desperately trying to find a way to cure herself from the powers she possesses. But when the King sends his commander to bring her to the castle she soon realises he isn’t the only one interested in her powers. As she sets off on an unwelcome adventure Bleak is thrust into a world she’d only heard of in stories and begins to learn more about who she is and where she came from.

What I loved:
What wasn’t to love about this story? I was instantly teleported into the world Helen Scheurerer created and found myself quickly invested in the diverse array of well written characters. The plot kept me turning pages and I enjoyed every moment of this story.

What was just okay:
There were times I wanted to kick Bleak in the butt, but I really think this is because of how well written her character is.

Final Verdict:
I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series.

Heart of Mist (The Oremere Chronicales #1) by Heather Scheuerer

The Story:
Bleak, the town drunk, is hiding a terrible secret; She can read people’s minds, a power that will get her killed if anyone finds out. All Bleak wants is a cure to her ability, but when the king’s soldiers take her prisoner it soon becomes clear she’ll have to embrace the unexplored depths of her power to stay alive.

The World:
Set in a mediaeval fantasy world with magical elements. The world is rich in detail, clearly described, and visual from start to finish. There are several different races within the world, and each is unique and well thought out.

The Characters:
Bleak was adopted at a young age and, with no magical parents, was left to deal with her mind reading ability as best she knew how. She struggles with a drinking problem throughout, and we see evidence of how her past greatly haunts her. A character flawed in these ways makes for a refreshing read, and despite her vices, Bleak is caring (if prickly around the edges), and has a strong drive to do the right thing.
As enjoyable as Bleak is, this book’s strength is in the secondary characters. Aside from the King, who I struggled to connect with on a more meaningful level, each character has motive, dimension, and an emotional tie to the plot and subplots, creating a truly riveting read.

The Readability:
Professionally edited and crafted, structurally tight and balanced. From the first chapter the author’s skill is evident, and we continue reading her excellent story knowing we are in safe hands.

Final Verdict:
A must read for YA Fantasy fans who love a vibrant tale, believable characters, and a high-stakes plot.

Favorite Quote:
“She didn’t know what it meant, but along with her power pulsed horror like she’d never known. The kind of horror, she realised, that only comes with recognising the worse part of oneself, and having long-suppressed fears confirmed.”