This just wasn't for me. I was interested at the start, but then just found that the main character, Maura, was so emotionless. Her long lost mother comes back, there's no teary reunion or anger at her having been missing for so long, nothing at all.
The whole story, despite being about a war, felt quite emotionless, and dull.
And the ending was very anticlimactic leaving me baffled as to why I'd bothered reading it.
It only gets 2 stars because I actually made it to the end.

Honestly, I am very confused by this book. I know it is targeted for children, but even then, I am sure some will have the same issues as me. The story lacks details. A lot of details. At the beginning, we are catapulted in Maura’s world with her sisters by her side and they all seem to be afflicted by some kind of curse or illness. It was very atmospheric and gave cottage vibes. And then, very abrubtly, the stakes become higher and there are treasons and battles… For me, it’s almost like we were missing scenes in the story and those gaps were so big that it made me confused. I severely struggled. Since the book is so short, we have little to no time to like the characters and understand their minds. I forged no connections and was, ultimately, left disappointed.

The Pearl Blossom Heart is a lovely story about a young girl named Maura, who lives on a small goat farm with her two sisters. Maura loves the goats and spends long days outdoors hugging and confiding in them. When Maura's sisters become ill, Maura worries that they might not get well in time. However, their mother appears one day and whisks Maura off on an adventure to restore their kingdom. Maura soon learns that their mother and father are the king and queen who have been living in exile and she and her sisters are actually princesses who have been hidden away from those who went to war against their kingdom.

The Pearl Blossom Heart is a wonderful story filled with adventure, acts of kindness and bravery, and a solid reminder of the bond of family. Maura turns out to be a genuine and authentic heroine who helps her parents and works diligently to hurry back to her sisters.

This was such a sweet story about family and growth. I loved this story and our protagonist Maura. I especially loved the setting as it felt very cozy. I wish it was longer so we could have had more details both about the background and the characters. However with the small amount of pages, all the contents and the story felt well levelled out. Also the acknowledgements by the author were very thought provoking. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was an interesting story, I think that it has a lot going for it. The cover is absolutely breathtaking. There's a few things that confused me with the story and how much was left unsaid, but I don't think they are things that would bother a middle grade reader.

This is a sweet easy fantasy read for middle grade readers. Maura is a young girl raising goats and tending corn fields with her two older sisters. Both of which are quite ill from an unknown sickness. She must go on a quest to find her father, after her absent mother (kind of randomly) shows up in their glen, as well as to find a cure for her sisters. The journey that ensues is one of discovery and growth wrapped in a beautiful landscape. The afterword gave a very cool insight into the lore that inspired this book. My younger self would have absolutely adored this!

"The Pearl Blossom Heart" is a sweet book and a pleasant fantasy to read when you're a teenager or even for all of us adults who need a little magical refuge.

The relationship between the sisters gives off a somewhat cottagecore vibe, managing to distinguish the essence of each of them in just a few pages. However, in a way, I also missed explaining a little more about their illness in the first few pages, where it came from, however, this wasn't a problem for the target audience.

It's the first time I've read a fantasy with a more Celtic vibe, but the writer knew very well how to immerse us in this environment from the first second, from the costumes, the landscapes, the customs and the aesthetic.

This would be a book that my 14-year-old self would devour in a single night, congratulations on the writing <3.

The Pearl Blossom Heart by Arthena Hall is a masterpiece! I rated it 5 stars because I couldn't put it down for a second.

I read it in one sitting! A deeply moving story with a beautiful blend of emotion, history and storytelling, quest and adventure. My heart ached for the protagonist in the dilemmas she faced and I found it gripping throughout. The dedication reinforced the power of the story.

The Pearl Blossom Heart by Arthena Hall is a mesmerizing tale steeped in Celtic inspiration, weaving together myth, magic, and the timeless struggle between light and shadow. Hall’s deep reverence for Celtic folklore and tradition shines through every page, creating a story that feels both ancient and refreshingly original.

The novel follows the journey of Eilidh, a young woman with a mysterious connection to the natural world, as she discovers a hidden artifact known as the Pearl Blossom Heart. This relic, said to hold the power to restore balance to a fractured land, becomes the focal point of a quest that takes Eilidh through enchanted forests, across misty moors, and into the heart of Celtic Otherworlds. Along the way, she encounters a cast of richly drawn characters, including a brooding warrior, a mischievous faerie guide, and a enigmatic druidess, each of whom adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

What sets The Pearl Blossom Heart apart is Hall’s ability to infuse the story with authentic Celtic elements. The prose is lyrical and evocative, reminiscent of the oral storytelling traditions of the Celts. Descriptions of the landscape are vivid and immersive, capturing the wild beauty of the natural world and its spiritual significance. The inclusion of Celtic mythology—such as references to the Tuatha Dé Danann, the Morrigan, and the concept of the thin veil between worlds—adds a layer of authenticity that will delight fans of the genre.

The themes of the novel are deeply rooted in Celtic philosophy: the interconnectedness of all living things, the cyclical nature of life and death, and the importance of harmony with the natural world. Eilidh’s journey is not just a physical one but also a spiritual and emotional quest, as she grapples with her own identity, her place in the world, and the weight of her destiny.

While the pacing occasionally slows to allow for rich world-building and character development, the story never loses its sense of wonder and urgency. The climax is both satisfying and poignant, tying together the threads of myth, magic, and human emotion in a way that feels earned and resonant.

The Pearl Blossom Heart is a must-read for anyone who loves Celtic-inspired fantasy. Arthena Hall has crafted a story that is as enchanting as it is thought-provoking, a tribute to the enduring power of myth and the timeless allure of the Celtic spirit. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or new to its charms, this book will leave you spellbound.


A beautifully written, Celtic-inspired fantasy that will transport you to a world of magic, mystery, and heart.