Book Review: Heartless by Marissa Meyer
Cath believes in as many as six impossible things being able to happen before breakfast. But what happens when she’s faced with an impossible decision?
Heartless by Marissa Meyer reimagines the infamous Queen of Hearts as Lady Catherine Pinkerton—a noblewoman torn between societal expectations and her own dreams. Set in the whimsical yet morally decaying Kingdom of Hearts, the story follows Catherine’s struggle to choose between love, duty, and her passion for baking.
In this glittering world of afternoon teas with royalty and masquerade balls by night, Catherine dreams of something simpler: opening a bakery with her best friend. But everything changes when she becomes entangled with the King—and an unexpected engagement that threatens to shatter her dreams.
Beneath the sweeping romance and forbidden love lies a darker truth: the moral corruption of Hearts’ nobility. Danger is brushed aside for parties, and incompetence is buried beneath extravagance.
Craftsmanship & Artistry
I loved the pacing of Heartless. Marissa Meyer’s writing style is elegant yet accessible, and she balances whimsy with emotional depth beautifully. The chapter lengths felt just right, keeping the story flowing while giving each moment room to breathe.
As a fan of Alice in Wonderland, I was delighted by how Meyer blended elements from both Lewis Carroll’s original books and the Disney adaptations. The lore felt rich and familiar, yet refreshingly new. Every so often, I could glimpse the Queen of Hearts within Catherine—a reminder that under the right pressure, she could become the furious, heartbroken monarch we know from Wonderland.
Themes & Messages
One of the most powerful aspects of Heartless is its exploration of identity and choice. Catherine’s journey is a coming-of-age story about defining herself beyond her family’s expectations. Her love of baking becomes a symbol of creativity and freedom—a stark contrast to the rigid, artificial world of the nobility.
The story’s themes of courage and self-discovery resonated deeply with me. Catherine’s fear often holds her back, but her persistence and bravery shine through as she faces impossible choices. Courage, Meyer reminds us, doesn’t always look bold or loud—it sometimes looks like simply daring to dream.
Catherine is a profoundly human character. Her transformation into the Queen of Hearts isn’t presented as an excuse but as a tragic evolution—a reminder that no one is born a monster. In Hearts, the upper class lives in a world of denial, distracting themselves with beauty and pleasure while ignoring reality. Catherine’s parents mirror this same flaw, dismissing her desires in favour of their own greed. And just as the Kingdom crumbles under its illusions, so too does Catherine’s carefully controlled world when her reality is ignored for too long.
If you’re uncomfortable with romance, this book might not be for you—but I found the romantic elements handled well. The love story adds genuine emotional weight and deepens the tragedy of Catherine’s journey.
Final Thoughts
I recommend Heartless to anyone who enjoys coming-of-age stories with a touch of romance, rich imagination, and a clever twist on classic tales. Fans of Alice in Wonderland will especially appreciate Meyer’s inventive reimagining of Wonderland’s most misunderstood queen. Overall, I would rate the book ★★★★.5
Content Disclaimers:
Minor depictions of alcohol, kissing, violence, a monster, manipulation, and mild gore.
To learn more about Marissa Meyer or her other works, visit her official website.
That’s all, folks! If you’ve read Heartless, tell me what you thought about it in the comments below ❤❤❤
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