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Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Icy Heart, Empty Chest by Holly Lee follows Cora, who is drawn into the dangerous black-market trade of magical kelpie hearts after her associate, Finneas, informs her that one has been removed and may be sold. She investigates its authenticity and value, meeting the witch Filla, who currently holds the heart, and navigates a tense negotiation about selling it. Cora reconnects with Damien, a kelpie from her past, who says his heart was stolen and that he is in grave danger. They revisit old grievances tied to family tragedies and high school estrangement, revealing why their trust is fragile. Cora gathers intelligence on the heart’s buyer and devises a plan to track and recover it, while trying to sustain Damien, who quickly falls into a critical condition.
Holly Lee’s Icy Heart, Empty Chest is a unique premise and a wonderfully sharp story, and Lee marries the unpredictable connection between Cora and Damien in ways that are just brilliant. I love how the history of her father punctuates intermittently, so we are shown the collision of past and present at an organic and measured pace. Lee covers all the emotional bases through moments of anger, grief, and true sympathy, as well as some good sizzle. Cora is immediately likable, and while we have some compassion for Damien, the investment in Cora is so huge that trust and accountability aren't instant. The mix of personal history, magical elements, and immediate choices gives the whole story a textured presence, and overall, this is a read that is absolutely worth the time investment. Very highly recommended.
