No one is born cruel, cold and heartless - it is society that turns people to these emotions and harden even the softest hearts. In Lewis Carrol's novel Alice in Wonderland we are introduced to a tyrannical character who's penchant for decapitation as a form of punishment is par for the course in her realm. Marissa Meyer has taken this character and looked beyond the initial impression of the Queen of Hearts and decided to dive deeper and try weave a tale for the Queen and her cut-throat, blood-thirsty nature.

Heartless, a tale of the Queen of Hearts before she gained this ill fated title, is a story that from the first chapter draws you into a world of whimsy, 'stuff and nonsense' and creates false hope for even the most pessimistic of reader. Catherine, the daughter of a Marquis, has a humble dream of being a baker but upon meeting Jest, the King of Hearts newest court jester who dazzles the crowd with his magical performances captures not only the kingdoms attention and praise, but Catherine's tender heart.

Filled with beautiful characters, scenic description and a roller coaster of emotion this is the Happily NEVER After novel we've all been waiting for.