review and cover mani: the hearts we sold

I’m a huge fan of OwlCrate. I love the merch, and the books often aren’t ones that I’d necessarily pick up, which is awesome. I’m behind in reading selections from 2017, and recently made the conscious decision to bump them up in my TBR before they’re lost forever (sounds dramatic but you book enthusiasts know what I’m saying, right?). First up was THE HEARTS WE SOLD and I can't handle how much I loved it! So without further ado, let’s get on with the review!

Book description, from Goodreads:

When Dee Moreno makes a deal with a demon—her heart in exchange for an escape from a disastrous home life—she finds the trade may have been more than she bargained for. And becoming “heartless” is only the beginning. What lies ahead is a nightmare far bigger, far more monstrous than anything she could have ever imagined.

With reality turned on its head, Dee has only a group of other deal-making teens to keep her grounded, including the charming but secretive James Lancer. And as something grows between them amid an otherworldy ordeal, Dee begins to wonder: Can she give someone her heart when it’s no longer hers to give? 

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There were a few components of THE HEARTS WE SOLD that immediately stood out to me. First and foremost, the super cool premise. I mean, demons exchanging wishes for body parts? You have my attention. *turns off phone*

Lettering by Maricor Maricar. 

Jacket photography ©️ by Howard Huang. 

Jacket design by Marcie Lawrence

But a fabulous premise only goes so far. I need amazing characters to make the plot soar. And oh boy, did Dee ever fit the bill. A fiercely determined young woman, Dee wasn’t scared to take what she needed. And even better, when she was scared, Dee pressed onward. It may have been a crawl sometimes, and heck maybe she even took a step back here and there, but for the most part, Dee kept her eyes on the prize and exchanged her heart for a chance to live a different life. After all, bravery only counts when it’s in the face of fear.

The guiding premise launched the plot into a much more high-stakes situation than I’d anticipated and I flew through the book in two days. Lloyd-Jones posed a fair number of thematic questions to her readers as well, which I appreciated.

Most of all, I loved the dialogue. It takes a keen eye and ear to create authentic and engaging conversations, and even more of a challenge to insert humorous quips into tense situations, because there’s the worry of deflating tension. THE HEARTS WE SOLD walked that line with an enviable ease, showing personality and voice without dampening the pace. Realistic and accessible with sharp observations, this is dialogue done right.

If you’re in the market for a wild ride, filled with uncertainty and well-developed characters who are literally willing to risk it all, then you need to read THE HEARTS WE SOLD!!

Indigo | Amazon | AmazonUS

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For this mani, I used:

FingerPaints – Paper Mâché and Black Expressionism

Julep – Fiore

OPI – Red My Fortune Cookie, You Don’t Know Jacques, Mod About You, Lucky Lucky Lavender, Dulce de Leche, Tiramisu for Two, and matte topcoat

China Glaze – Immortal

Mitty Burns – minty brush

So Nailicious – needle and slayer brushes