Review Detail

HEART's GAMBIT is an overall engaging fantasy read about love, time, and prejudice. The prologue begins with two Black teenaged slaves who have fallen in love and are trying to escape. They are stopped by the woman of the house who causes a horrible betrayal with both a blessing and a curse, as these are in balance. Their families can travel through time with magic, but they are always at odds and trying to kill one another.

The story follows their descendants who are trying to survive throughout time and use the gifts they have been given, facing the tethered gambit, where one from the two families must be the sacrifice while the other survives. Emma Baldwin wants to be so much more than the rote performer her family is asking her to be. She wants to use her magic for something grander. Malcolm Davenport is working to save as many people as he can throughout time. When they meet in the gambit and love blooms, they will have to face the curse to have any chance at a future.

What I loved: This was an interesting and intense look through time at crucial moments. Through the two, the time periods shown really come to life and become something more lush than they would otherwise seem on paper. The world-building was strong with themes of humanity, morality, and prejudice woven throughout.

Emma and Malcolm were compelling teens, coming into their own amidst an impossible and challenging situation. Their relationship was heartfelt and deep, and with their passion/energy, it was easy to understand how they were brought together and fell in love. The curse and time travel add unique elements to the story and really let their connection shine with a star-crossed lovers feel.

What left me wanting more: The story felt a bit slow in places, and it could be easy to put down at times. That being said, the premise and the question of what would happen kept the book moving along pretty well.

Final verdict: HEART'S GAMBIT is an intriguing and unique fantasy romance with elements of star-crossed lovers and time travel that will keep readers engaged.