Summary
Heartless is a captivating retelling of the origin story of the Queen of Hearts from Lewis Carroll's classic tale, Alice in Wonderland. The story follows Catherine, a talented baker who dreams of opening her own shop, but is instead pushed towards marrying the King of Hearts. When she meets Jest, the charming and enigmatic court joker, she finds herself drawn to him, despite the risks of offending the king and her parents.

Characters
Catherine is a delightful and relatable protagonist. Her passion for baking and her desire for independence make her a strong and admirable character. Jest is equally charming, with a witty and mysterious persona that complements Catherine's perfectly. The supporting characters, including the King of Hearts and Catherine's parents, add depth and complexity to the story.

Trigger Warnings
This novel contains some mild violence, emotional abuse, and mature themes. However, these elements are not gratuitous and serve to advance the plot and character development.

Favorite Quotes
"The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I didn't want to be a queen. I wanted to be a baker." This quote captures Catherine's spirit and her desire for independence.

"I would rather be with someone who loves me for who I am, than be with someone who loves me for who they think I should be." This quote highlights the themes of self-acceptance and true love that run throughout the story.

Overall Review
Heartless is a beautifully written and engaging novel that explores the complexities of love, identity, and destiny. Marissa Meyer's vivid world-building and captivating characters make this retelling feel fresh and original. The only reason I didn't give it a full 5 stars is that the pacing felt a bit slow in some places, and the ending, while satisfying, felt a bit rushed. Nevertheless, I highly recommend Heartless to fans of fantasy, romance, and retellings. Rating: 4.5/5 stars.