Isabelle Reviews (CLOSED FOR NOW)

Hearts of Bronze (Urban fantasy, Paranormal)

Review date: January 23, 2023

Author: eldelacruzwrites

FIRST IMPRESSION: 4/5

COVER: 3/5

My first impression of the book is that it looks like a diary or a journal with the art. It's a drawing of a woman without eyes that looks like a doodle. The drawing isn't bad, I just thought that it was too plain and overpowered by the black background. I couldn't also see the text given that the font is not noticeable, the text is too small, and the color blends with the background as well.

TITLE: 5/5

At the mention of the title, I immediately entertained the familiar idiomatic expression, "heart of gold." Someone who has a "heart of gold" is known to be authentically good-natured and pleasant in character. If I spot a book with this title, I wouldn't consider reading it since it's too common and I surmise that the story would just be about a kind and gentle protagonist. In this instance, I was curious to find out why the element gold is replaced by bronze. I believed that there was a reason for it, paired with the intention to oppose the original saying (the idiom). I've never heard of a "heart of bronze," so this intrigued me at some point. That's okay! I'll give it a 5/5.

BLURB: 10/10

"When a primordial god is reawakened to unleash its revenge, a fiery-tempered demigod, a shape-shifting aswang, and a necromancing priestess must put an end to the chaos before the apocalypse begins."

I'm fine with the blurb. The contents of the blurb contain original Filipino mythological creatures that are evil, but they're translated in such a way that is gripping (you might want to remove 'aswang' though, it's not an English word haha. I suggest using "shape-shifting creature").

"When Beatrice Ramos is diagnosed with early-onset schizophrenia at twenty-five years old, she can't seem to escape the never-ending voices in her head, along with the visual horrors waiting for her at every corner. One day, she finds her life upended when her cousin Christine gets kidnapped by monsters she once thought were just in her head."

I caught the "pity" factor at once and I started to expect drama and terror, discovering that she was diagnosed with a very serious mental illness. Since the blurb was guaranteeing me this much drama, I had to make sure I'm met with the same level of expectation as I read. I put in mind that this character Christine is the force that made the story take a dramatic turn because she was apparently kidnapped by 'monsters' (I'm using quotation marks to represent uncertainty.)

"In an effort to save her family, she finds herself plunged into a whole new journey of rediscovering her roots, making deals with ancient gods, and facing a destiny she's not sure she can fulfill."

This is a very good closing! I like how this was written as a conclusion of readiness and at the same time, unpredictability.

PLOT: 19/20

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 20/20

I'm actually a scaredy-cat, so for me to read even the first few paragraphs about the hallucinations the persona was having is thrilling already. I like how the psychiatrist was included and used as a reference in the beginning, assuring the persona that the visual hallucinations won't hurt her. It gives the readers an inkling of the horror they're going to face reading the book, but not exaggeratedly. Beatrice also claims that antipsychotics don't work, which makes the air even tenser. However, I don't think that the asterisks between paragraphs are that necessary. I felt that they only cut the flow of the story and made me envision the parts as new and remote settings.

Though as I go along, I kind of lost the descriptions I loved in the beginning.

Heading to my hallway closet, I pulled out a few blankets and spare pillows and set them on the couch. "You know where to find anything else."

When I turned around, the world was black.

DESCRIPTIONS: 10/15

WRITING STYLE: 8/10

GRAMMAR/PUNCTUATION: 10/10

I think another point of the book that needs improvement is the consistency of quality when it comes to the descriptions. Firstly, it was vivid in the sense that it is full of flavor in elaboration. Then later it carries the trait of telling and not showing.

Though, I really have to commend the author for giving realistic scenarios and responses from the characters–not sugarcoating or plastic.

I just don't feel comfortable with how Beatrice and Christine just easily bounce from one scenario to another. One minute they're in Starbucks of Target, the next they're in the candle section. Suddenly, they're buying makeup. Then out of nowhere, they're at a salon. And lastly, they're in retail stores. All of which are separated by random asterisks.

Then there come the hallucinations, welcoming and giving way to the 'aswang' haunting Bea. It takes some time to encounter the action with Bea and Christine. In terms of the plot,

I really like how the story starts with mentally troubled Bea and her angst and compassionate Christine. I like how they spend time together before anything else. But if the use of asterisks is needed, I suggest using them in moderation instead

I believe that the absence of deviation in the descriptions and the uniformity of the pacing will definitely improve the work.

OVERALL: 89/100

To sum up my review, I'd say that the story concept is promising, good, and creative–and I have complete and utter faith that this can be enhanced. Still, nice job! I'm very proud to have read something as entertaining as Filipino folklore.

Thank you for trusting me in reviewing your book! <3, Isabelle