Fantastic debut and a great start to what I can tell will be a hit series!

Great characters a touching romance and interesting world building this book will hook you in fast I finished this in a day I couldn’t put it down!

I’m looking forward to get more into fenrirs story

I really, really liked this book. I stayed up far too late finishing it, heart in my throat, racing toward a hoped-for happy ending that felt impossible—and while I won’t spoil the way it played out, I’ll just say that I wasn’t at all left disappointed. Even the ending for Lore, the devastating Dark Lady at whose behest Orpheus ravaged the world, felt fitting and satisfying.

There are a lot of tropes that can and probably will be applied to this book—grumpy/sunshine, villain redemption, antagonists to lovers, et cetera—but the story is so much more than tropes. At no point was I able to confidently predict what would happen next. The dropped-into-the-action beginning left me initially a bit confused, but after about the first chapter I got my bearings and started to become fully immersed in this strange, dark, fascinating world—which leaves some unanswered questions about its history and nature lurking in the background, but not so many that I was unable to enjoy the storyline and characters.

Recommended for anyone interested in character-driven, dark-but-sweet queer love stories about making amends and finding your place in the world.

The Crack at the Heart of Everything by Fiona Fenn
Rating: 4.25/5

I had the wonderful opportunity to read this book as an ARC reader through NetGalley, for which I want to express my gratitude! This is the first book I’ve read and reviewed as an ARC reader, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Summary:
He accidentally cursed himself...

When the consequences get him exiled to the land he helped terrorise, can this evil wizard find redemption... and love?

Orpheus can’t believe it’s come to this. After helping his childhood friend conquer the realm by raising an army of hell-beasts, the befuddled dark sorcerer finds himself banished when the price of his magic endangers the palace. Isolated and betrayed, the feared spellcaster isn’t exactly thrilled when his irritating and handsome rival keeps stepping between him and certain doom.

Ill at ease in the barren wasteland his powers created, Orpheus slowly warms to the charismatic ex-general’s relentless overtures. But as his feelings grow more intense, the former villain struggles with an inconvenient calling towards heroism.

Will dabbling in good deeds get him killed or open the doors to happily ever after?

Plot & Pacing:
The plot centres on redemption, romance, and finding a new path after making devastating mistakes. I liked how the story took its time to develop Orpheus' internal struggle while also balancing the external dangers. The romance element felt natural and integrated, but it never overshadowed the broader themes of magic, fear, and survival in a hostile, dystopian-like world.

The pacing was consistent throughout the book. It didn't rush, and I was thoroughly invested. The mix of character-driven moments with action and world-building kept me engaged without feeling bogged down.

Characters:
The characters were fantastic! Fenrir has completely stolen my heart. I’m a huge fan of stories with a Sassy King or Queen, and Fenrir more than delivers. He’s sharp, charismatic, and utterly charming. Orpheus, the protagonist, is equally compelling—fun, witty, and deeply human in his vulnerabilities. His journey of emotional growth, learning to trust, and opening up throughout the story was a real highlight.

I do wish there had been a dual POV, as it would have been fun to see inside Fenrir’s mind, but Orpheus was a strong protagonist and a joy to follow. Both characters had depth, and their interactions were believable and enjoyable to read.

Romance:
I really liked the romance in this book. It was central to the story but never felt overwhelming. It fit seamlessly into the broader narrative of human connection amid a world filled with magic, fear, and danger. Orpheus and Fenrir’s relationship felt authentic—sweet, fun, and heartwarming. I especially enjoyed the way the enemies-to-lovers trope was handled here. It felt refreshing and added a lot of tension and excitement.

The only minor issue I had was with the use of a particular nickname in the romance, which wasn’t my favourite. However, I know this is my personal taste. But I was very invested in the relationship, and it was a beautiful part of the broader narrative.

Writing Style:
The writing in The Crack at the Heart of Everything is beautifully crafted. The prose flows wonderfully and carries a magical undertone that perfectly complements the story’s tone and themes. I was particularly struck by how accessible and engaging the writing was, even with my dyslexia. The lyrical, immersive style made the experience enjoyable, and it was a reminder that fantasy prose can be both enchanting and easy to follow. This inspired me as I work on the third draft of my own first book—especially as a beginner writer with dyslexia—showing me that rich, magical storytelling doesn't have to come at the cost of clarity.

One minor issue I noticed was that, at times, shifts in tone and word choice momentarily pulled me out of the story. Occasionally, the mix of what felt like contrasting styles of fantasy writing disrupted my reading flow. As someone with dyslexia, these sudden shifts were particularly challenging, making it harder to stay immersed in the narrative because my brain had to adjust to the changes in style. But overall, the writing added depth and atmosphere to the characters and world, enhancing the magical feel of the story.

World-Building:
The world-building in this book is a fun blend of classic fantasy and dystopian elements, and it works really well! Although I’m not usually the biggest fan of dystopian settings, the way it was combined with the magical and fantastical in this book made for a fresh and intriguing world. It added a unique flavour to the story, and the balance between the two genres felt just right.

There’s clearly a lot more to explore in this world, and I’m excited to see where the author takes it in future books.

Themes & Inspiration:
At its core, the story is about redemption, love, and finding your true self, even after making grave mistakes. These themes resonated with me, especially as Orpheus struggled with his past actions and his potential to change. The romance and personal growth were intertwined beautifully with these larger themes, giving the book emotional depth and a satisfying arc for the protagonist.

Additionally, the inclusivity in this world really stood out. The representation in characters and relationships was woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story, which I appreciated. It’s something I strive for in my own writing, so I found it refreshing to see it done so well here. It’s clear that diversity and acceptance are part of the heart of this story, and that’s something I’m all here for.

Final Thoughts:
Overall, The Crack at the Heart of Everything is a fantastic debut and an intriguing start to what I hope will be a rich, expansive series. With strong characters, heartfelt romance, and a fascinating world, it’s a solid 4.25 stars for me. I especially loved the inclusivity in the world, which felt natural and well-integrated. It’s always refreshing to see diverse characters and relationships in fantasy, and I’m here for it.

I can’t wait to dive deeper into this world, learn more about these characters, and, most importantly, spend more time with the sassy king that is Fenrir! This beautiful, warm love story at the heart of everything has me hooked, and I’m eager to see where Fiona Fenn takes it next.

Also: The cover is absolutely stunning!

The review is online on Goodreads and I will post the review also on TikTok on Saturday October 5th, both my Goodreads and TikTok can be found under the name meltriestowriteastory

Tell me why I read this whole book in one sitting?
The Crack at the Heart of Everything is a slow burn romance, but the kind that drops hints early on. The grumpy x duo are absolutely heartwarming: one grumpy, brooding, and possibly under a death curse; the other chivalrous and cheerful despite his secrets and past. From the nicknames the characters had for each other to the way they were always thinking of and trying to protect each other, even when they were met with uncertainty after both falling afoul of the same person, these two had my heart.
This novel is also just...fun. The setting is a Hell dimension-esque wasteland dotted with deadly beasts and mysterious fire, and it serves as a glorious backdrop to the sometimes goofy antics of our main characters. Do I wish we had a slightly clearer idea of the setting? Yes. Was it insufficient? No.
Altogether, this was a refreshing light-hearted read, and if you like cozy fantasy that spotlights queer romance, this might be one to pick up.

So, I'm really torn on The Crack at the Heart of Everything. I definitely enjoyed parts of it, but overall I think maybe the book was too short? There is A LOT of world building that had to happen, explaining how the world we know it got to how it was in the book, but this would sometimes leave the current world a little less explained. A good chuck of it was also left to second half of the book, but there is still a lot in the first half.. This lead to the first half feeling a little meandering, which threw off the pacing. This also messed with the timing of the romance. To get where the author needed Orpheus and Fenrir to be, Orpheus kind of speedran some of his feeling realizations. Also, personal note, I could not stand Fenrir's nickname for Orpheus. "Fifi" absolutely reminded me of a dog nickname and I didn't think it was cute, it just sounded condescending to the end.

I did like Orpheus. He's an interesting character and I love villain redemption stories, when done right. I do think Orpheus' redemption makes sense, I just think it would have worked better with a little more time, both word count wise and in universe wise. I also liked Fenrir, nickname aside. Red was fantastic. I found Lore interesting, but I think she needed a little more explanation, especially for some of her choices for the ending.

I don't think this book is bad or anything, I really just wish it was been more fleshed out. However, this does appear to be this author's debut book and I do think she has a lot of potential. I do think I would be interested in her next book.

Fiona Fenn’s debut novel, "The Crack at the Heart of Everything," immediately captivates with its multifaceted narrative and richly imagined world. From the moment the nickname ‘Fifi’ is introduced, readers are drawn into a story that deftly intertwines fantasy adventure with profound character development and tender romance.


In a genre often dominated by expansive series, Fenn achieves the remarkable by delivering a standalone fantasy novel that brims with intricate world-building, a compelling historical backdrop, and a cast of well-rounded characters. The story is a quintessential fantasy adventure, complete with magic, quests, and the classic dichotomy of heroes and villains. Yet, Fenn turns the trope on its head by telling the story from the perspective of Orpheus, a dark mage whose magic once secured an empire.

The use of ‘interludes’ to provide glimpses into Orpheus’ past enriches the narrative, allowing readers to understand the complex motivations and manipulations that have shaped him. As Orpheus embarks on a journey of redemption after his exile, the novel delves into themes of self-discovery and the impact of one's actions on the world.

The dynamic between Orpheus and his cheery, albeit begrudged, companion Fenrir, is a highlight of the novel. Their evolving relationship, from reluctant allies to deep emotional partners, provides some of the most touching and often humorous moments in the story. Fenn’s ability to slowly peel away Orpheus’ grumpy exterior reveals a character of surprising vulnerability and tenderness, creating a cosy yet adventurous atmosphere.

The romance between Orpheus and Fenrir is a slow burn, filled with angst, pining, and ultimately, deep care. Their interactions are a beautiful study in contrasts—the grumpy mage and the sunny soldier—and Fenn skillfully balances their developing relationship with the overarching fantasy plot. The novel’s focus on enthusiastic consent and emotional vulnerability is refreshing, and the romance feels both organic and deeply satisfying.

Orpheus’ journey is not just one of external adventure but also of internal healing. The flashbacks to his manipulation and trauma evoke deep empathy, and his struggle to trust and open up to Fenrir is poignantly portrayed. The moments of self-harm as a trauma response are written with a raw honesty that is both painful and validating, making Orpheus’ eventual healing and acceptance all the more powerful.

While the novel excels in many areas, the epilogue might leave some readers wanting more. The ending, though heartfelt, could have provided a deeper glimpse into the future of Orpheus and Fenrir’s relationship. Additionally, Orpheus’ occasional juvenile behavior may seem at odds with his otherwise complex character, but it does serve to highlight his growth and the impact of his past traumas.

"The Crack at the Heart of Everything" is a stunning debut that combines the best elements of fantasy adventure with a heartfelt and beautifully crafted romance. Fenn’s ability to weave a narrative that is both epic in scope and intimate in its character study is commendable. This novel is a must-read for fans of queer fantasy, grumpy-sunshine dynamics, and stories of redemption and love.

“He refused to look at Fenrir again. Refused to confront his stupid blush and his stupider grin and all those stupid muscles.”

This book. This book! Ah my poor heart is in pieces over Orpheus, Fenrir and their beautiful, tender, silly, sassy, WONDERFUL romance.

Orpheus (Fifi), our villain and MMC, is a broken man who is cast out of the only home he’s ever known by the only friend he’s ever had. Followed by Fenrir for reasons unbeknownst to Orpheus (that become gently clearer as time goes on), Fifi is faced with the cruel reality of what he has unleashed on the world and is startled to find that it doesn’t sit well with him. Hot on the heels of wanting to help heal the earth, he realizes that he might literally be the only person who can. But can he put aside his own selfish desire - the simple, peaceful love of a good man - for the greater good?

This book was a joy to read - Fenn is able to weave an emotionally complex story into something that slips effortlessly off the page. The way they have written Orpheus’ inner monologue is incredibly nuanced and so descriptive that I didn’t realise until far into the story that there are actually very few characters and very little dialogue.

While I would have liked a little bit more explicit world building (and perhaps a map) at the beginning of the story, I absolutely devoured this book as I cheered (and teared up) over the heart of this story - a man’s quiet support & adoration for one who deems himself too broken to be loved.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tiny Fox Press & Fiona Fenn for the opportunity to read this book and offer an early review.

i received an e-ARC in exchange for a review

holy. shit. i am absolutely in love with this entire book. fenrir and orpheus, the use of greek myths, the story itself and how everything connected. i have so many good things to say about this book, i don’t know where to start.
i really loved fenrir and orpheus’ story. the ebb and flow of it. kept me interested and curious how they’d end up the whole time, not having them get together too early but still giving plenty of romantically tense scenes!!! so well done and hard to do.
i’m quite sleepy, to be completely honest, but i truly adored this book. everything connecting and making sense the way it did, so well done and so well construed. everything made sense, each character was well introduced. i honestly just loved how most of the book was just fenrir and orpheus. them together, their dynamic and chemistry, with little else. i hope that doesn’t sound sarcastic because it isn’t, it’s rare to find a book like that and i LOVED it. the journey orpheus goes through, of him accepting himself. i adore this book so much

Like always, I want to start my review with the positives: the main character and the arc said main character goes through over the course of THE CRACK AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING (henceforth referred to as TCATHOE) is truly near and dear to my heart, and has earned the book a good two-point-five stars all on its own. Unfortunately, the rest of it—worldbuilding, love interest, general plot, antagonist—only earns itself another point five.

I didn’t expect to like the main character, Orpheus, as much as I did, partly because he didn’t seem like a well fleshed-out character for the first third of the book, but by the halfway point I felt I’d gotten to know him enough to understand that that was the point—his whole journey begins with the fact that he’s never been allowed to be more than a cardboard cutout of a person, the stereotypical “dark wizard” holed up in their tower, and so, initially, he reads as exactly that. But as the story progresses, so does the complexity of his character, and I found him being written in this way quite genius and very fun to read! He is a very different character by the end of the book than he was at the beginning, in the best and most well-done sense possible, and his arc being his realizing he wants to be more than just useful, he wants to live was just very satisfying, heartfelt, and well-written.

However, I find the rest of TCATHOE to be fairly poorly-executed compared to that main character’s story, and as it is meant to be a romance, that means that not everything can be ignored. The world-building could be a bit better—I think that some of the exposition we get in the final third-or-so of the book could’ve been included in the first third instead to provide readers with a bit more context of what Orpheus is already aware of versus what we’re finding out along with him—and the limits of the magic system I find to be fairly vaguely defined. The plot itself is fairly simplistic—find a cure to a mysterious death curse—which isn’t a bad thing! But the “death curse” itself I had a lot of initial questions about that I think could’ve been answered by just a smidgen more worldbuilding before the discovery of said death curse so that its reveal actually holds weight for the reader, rather than TCATHOE just telling us that it’s a bad thing. As much as I hate saying it, because there are instances when you should tell rather than show, in TCATHOE’s case I do think it would have benefited immensely from some more showing instead of telling. Outside of Orpheus and his internal character arc, I felt like I wasn’t actually getting to form any of my own opinions or come to any of my own conclusions about people or events; I was just being told who they were, what that meant, and how I should feel about it.

However, the antagonist was one of TCATHOE’s redeeming qualities; I really liked Lore’s character, and I wish we got more of her. Not necessarily as an active character in the story—I think her level of involvement was pretty much perfect, honestly—but in that sort of “haunting the narrative” sense. This was still fairly well done through the flashbacks and how often Orpheus thinks of her, so I suppose this critique could be considered more personal preference than genuine criticism, but what else are reviews for? And on that topic, here’s a potentially unpopular opinion: I think TCATHOE would have benefitted from not being a romance.

I think it would’ve been much more impactful as a story focusing on Orpheus and Lore’s relationship—which it already is in many ways—rather than trying to do both that and Orpheus’s romance. This belief is mainly rooted in the fact that I just really, really believe that Fenrir’s character was written incredibly poorly, and adds nothing to TCATHOE. While Orpheus reading as two-dimensional seems to be an intentional choice—one that I love, and one that doesn’t persist as Orpheus develops as a character—Fenrir is absolutely just a cardboard cutout of “hunk of a man.” He has no personality outside of inexplicably (sorry, but inexplicably) having been pining for Orpheus for several years (me, forgetting exactly how many years it’s been since they met … so sorry) without having made any advances beyond shooting crossbow bolts at his head and calling him by an awful nickname. His presence in the story could’ve allowed it to delve deeper into the horrors of Lore’s war and the atrocities committed in her name, many of which committed by Fenrir himself, and have had his own arc be his grappling with this—all things that are hinted at or implied in TCATHOE but, as Orpheus had little to no knowledge of them, aren’t as pertinent to his arc. And there are brief moments of all this being done throughout TCATHOE, but not enough to even justify Fenrir’s existence as part of the main plot. Nothing explored through him goes beyond the surface enough that it couldn’t have just been explored through Orpheus (and then that lack of depth would’ve made a lot more sense!). Orpheus’s aforementioned arc—of wanting to live for himself rather than anyone else—would’ve been that much more impactful without Fenrir’s presence in the story. If he’d truly been “alone” leaving the castle at the beginning of TCATHOE and then gone through this arc of discovering himself along with the reality of the world outside the castle and its people—now Lore’s people, with every implication—any criticism I may have had would’ve been very minor.

All in all, I did genuinely enjoy reading this book and I loved its main character, but I really believe it would’ve been a much more cohesive, impactful book either without the romance aspect entirely, or with the romance actually being between two three-dimensional characters rather than Orpheus and a cardboard cutout of a man. That being said, I would still recommend it.

This was everything to me. Sorry for not being eloquent and articulate but my gay little heart is just experience so much joy. This book means the world to me and receiving this arc was such a moment. thank you Fiona for writing this masterpiece.

Wow, where do I even start? Orpheus is like my favorite main character of the year and Fenrir..Fenrir… when is it my turn???? When is my Fenrir going to appear. God everything about that man is perfect and I’m not settling for anything less after reading this book. The slow burn between these two was perfect, Orpheus having to come to terms with his feelings was perfect and also somehow super funny, but also so angsty and it made me want to HUG him so bad. Speaking of angst, thank you for taking years off my life span with the climax of this book. You will pay for that. But seriously, you had me stressed out in the best way. I’d give your brain a kiss if I could. What an evil little mind you have.

It was cinematic it was something I could visualize, all of the settings and adventure in this book felt like I was reading on the big screen. What an insanely well crafted fantasy world, had such a sense of both gloom but also grandeur. Also the tie in with the title and what it was actually alluding to blew my mind. Just everything was so well thought out I can’t get over it. The magic system, the world building, the background lore introduced with the interludes…I’m obsessed truly.

Also, Red was such a standout character for me. I’m so glad for her existence, I worship the ground she walks on. She was the highlight of the book for me other than the relationship between Orpheus and Fenrir. I don’t know how I feel about Lore, and I think that in itself is a success. What a complex character, I applaud you for it. This story had great characters and heavy stakes without making me too overwhelmed. It hit that sweet spot of inescapable dread but not in a way that felt suffocating, but it also had its funny and light hearted moments that brought a pick me up that was necessary.

Also Achates the lovely amazing companion that you are, I won’t say too much because I do not want to spoil but thank you for everything you brought to the story. Never did I think an animal sidekick would bring me such joy. Also that silly little dragon, thank you as well. There would be a profound loss if you weren’t part of this tale. Once thought of as an enemy…I now consider you my friend.

Overall, this was a 5 star read for me. Dare I even say this was my favorite read of the year so far? It’s gonna be really hard for another book to clear that bar, but it’s in my top 3 at least. I had a blast reading this, I also had a few cries. I had moments where my jaw was on the floor and I had moments where I blushed and cheered for Orpheus. Thank you for the rollercoaster that was this story, and you have definitely cemented yourself as an author I’ll be following the progress of.

Thank you Netgalley and Tiny Fox Press for this arc copy. It was truly my honor to get to read this amazing story.

I have mixed feelings about this. the MC is supposed to be a villain but he really isn't and his "redemption arc" was poorly done. The characters felt surface level and the world building was really confusing. I was like 40% in when i realized this was dystopian and not fantasy.

I think this is probably the first thing I read in a long time that has some steampunk vibes to it and, I got to say, it was a pleasant surprise.

This book... How would I put it? It´s not what I thought it would be. But not in a bad way, I actually found myself enjoying it quite a bit, starting with the two main characters, Orpheus and Fenrir: Their dynamic, specially at the beginning, felt very funny and YA. It´s the classic troupe of a protagonist who hates the other for some random reason, while the other character is actually a nice person and actually has a crush on him (we say yes to missunderstandments here).
The story begins with Orpheus being cursed by his own hand (apparently) and having been thrown out of palace by his best friend Lore (I pause here to say that I loved the flashbacks with Lore; I think it were all perfect to understand her character, since she didn´t appear that much in the present overall). Fenrir goes with him... for some unknown reason (though it´s pretty obvious it is for protection).
Anyway, I won´t say how the curse thing was solved, but I was satisfied. This book has its own found family (or found place, more like), some epic fights with dragons and a cozy plot where the protagonists need to close a crack in Hell so no one else dies.
I recommend if you like reading fantasy / sci fi and like the dinamic of idiots to lovers. Cause that´s what we really got here, not really enemies.

4 ⭐️
Loovved!! I loved the world built in this book and the journey we was taken on! The mc is likeable and the love interest is just as great. I love that lgbt+ relationships are being incorporated more into books and this one was well done!!

#NetGalley

Thank you to NetGalley and Tiny Fox Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Crack at the Heart of Everything is a book that bounced around in my brain for a while as I tried to decided how to rate it, and ultimately I landed at about the 3 star mark.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. It was a fun read, but it also had a lot of emotional depth to it. If you are looking for a misunderstood villain in a LGBTQ+ romance with adventure, action, some hell-beasts - you found it, I would recommend it.

Orpheus has accidentally cursed himself when he raised an army of hell-beasts, endangering those in the palace. Orpheus finds himself banished to a life outside of palace walls. His rival - the palace's general, follows him into his banishment, and steps between him and certain doom constantly. Orpheus begins to warm to the general and his persistent need to help, all while he struggles with understanding the world and making better choices.

When I picked up this review, I was promised a villain on a journey of redemption and love. However, Orpheus is not truly the villain he is made out to be in the marketing. Is he the best person? No. Is he a villain? No, he is far from it. He is a man who made some bad decisions that haunted his life, and was then labeled a villain in other people eyes because of it. Orpheus, in all honesty, was just a naive boy making choices without understanding the butterfly effect. If that makes him a villain, than so be it.

The writing itself was good. I felt that it had the correct amount of banter, and a bit of humor that made it enjoyable to read. I like a book that can give me a good giggle, and this one did.

There was an extreme depth to all of the emotions that occurred in this book, making me sad when needed, making me feel for the character at exactly the right moments. However, what did not work for me, was that I never felt like I understood the love interest as a character. I couldn't understand his motivations. When his motivations became clear, I still felt like I had needed more to fall in love with his character, as charismatic as he was. I wanted to care for him, and I didn't.

The world was also set in a very dystopian, post apocalyptic version of our own - something I wish I had known before picking the book up. It raised a lot of questions for me, and that could have been solved with just a slight bit more world building.

As a debut novel goes, this is a good one.

4.5/5 stars
After a bit of a slow start, this novel grabbed me at about 10% in after some world building, character introduction, and story setting. Orpheus is a mage with a dark history that is alluded to thru the flashback interludes and Fenrir seems to be the sunniest hero. There is a lot of tension between the main characters (there is a nickname) and some friendships earned along the way. I have a soft spot for animal companions, especially when you get to know them along the way.

The Crack at the Heart of Everything is a futuristic fantasy with a journey that begins with Orpheus’s banishment, has some monsters including a dragon, and builds upon the meaning of heroes and self-sacrifice.

I was given a copy by the publisher via NetGalley (thank you!) and all opinions are my own.

Have you ever found yourself feeling empathy for the villian of a story? Did you ever wonder what their backstory is? If they were given the opportunity to do things differently, would they redeem themselves? Fiona Fenn explores these questions in this book, with heartfelt compassion and love.

Written in Orpheus's POV, this book is a solid character driven story. You as a reader, are bringing the pieces together alongside Orpheus in understanding the timeline and setting of the story. This is a book you do have to buckle-up and stick-to-it if you're confused about things at first, the author does write with intention and a plan. Things do fall in place as you continue to read, be patient!

I felt like Orpheus himself is a wonderfully crafted character. His backstory, his journey through the book, is done very well. I found myself growing in empathy for this character, and was rooting for him as the story progressed. There were moments I found myself misty-eyed when I was reading. The romance in this book is a slow burn, rivals-to-lovers situation. And it complements Orpheus growth as a character.

The Crack at the Heart of Everything is a wonderful story unlike anything I've read before. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since reading it and I highly recommend it!

It's a great debut novel with likable characters, significant worldbuilding, nice pairing and an interesting plot.

I really like the worldbuilding in this book and especially love that the side characters are not just npcs but actually have their own "soul" in the story making them interesting (though I would've like to get to know them better). The romance between Orpheus and Fenrir was really heart warming and I really enjoyed how it was shown in the story. That being said, I guess I just wanted it where Orpheus is shown as more of a monster and how terrible of a villain he was which would've made more of an impact in his redemption and I think having that contrast of bad and good would have given it more depth to the story. Overall, it was a great quick read and would definitely recommend.

I thought this was a fun read!

I thought it blended fantasy and sci-fi really well. It was an exciting adventure full of banter, drama and a cute little slow-burn romance.

Orpheus is quite a captivating main character and I have to say I kind of loved him from very early on. At his very heart, he's just an awkward nerd and that makes him very endearing. His love interest, though... Please Fenrir is so lovable from his very first introduction onwards. He's the sort of cheeky, strong and handsome hero that's fairly typical within the Fantasy and Sci-fi genres, however he's so well written that he had my heart immediately.

Even though I loved the plot as whole, the world building was a lot as first and it took me a while to get into it. I'm so glad I pushed through the set-up, though because the adventure that followed was well worth it!

I loved Orpheus's journey. So sheltered and traumatized, he doesn't even realize that he doesn't know anything and it's rather beautiful to watch him explore not only the world but himself as well. I only wish we had a bit more of a look into Fenrir's story as the romance aspect hinges quite a bit on his feelings and I wish I understood them better. But the overall world-building is fantastic and the parallel unfolding of Orpheus's history and the current predicament is wonderfully crafted. I found myself deeply invested in both aspects. This was an incredibly creative world and premise that I don't want to say too much about since there is so much in the discovery, but I loved what it ultimately has to say about humans and our societies.

"You said, once, that empires aren’t built without bloodshed, and you weren’t wrong. But the people I was fighting... they were trying to escape this. They didn’t want our land or our food or our grid, they were running for their lives, and if we hadn’t been so scared of protecting what we had, we might have seen that. It’s something I’ve thought about every day since."

(This was a review of a free advanced review copy. Thanks to Tiny Fox Press, Fiona Fenn, and NetGalley for that privilege!)