Book Review: Severed Heart (Ravenhood Legacy, #2) by Kate Stewart
As a devoted fan of Kate Stewart and her Ravenhood trilogy, I knew that Severed Heart would be a deeply anticipated read for me. I’ve spent countless hours with these characters, reveling in their complexities and triumphs. So, when I got my hands on an ARC, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning, eager to dive back into the world that had already stolen my heart. Set to be published on June 24, 2025, this installment did not spare me from feelings—I laughed, I cried, and I was swept off my feet in ways I hadn’t expected.
At the heart of Severed Heart lies the tumultuous romance between Tyler and Delphine. Their story is layered with complexities, not the least of which is their age gap—a 12-year difference that brings its fair share of tension and heartbreak. While I initially found it challenging to engage with Delphine, especially in the book’s first half where she battles alcoholism, I was moved by her journey towards emotional growth. The dual POV allowed me to appreciate the inner workings of both characters, though it took a while to warm up to Delphine’s struggles. Seeing her history unfold was poignant, but the first 300 pages felt somewhat disconnected for me.
Once I hit the second half, everything changed. It was like flipping a switch; the tension, angst, and heartbreak culminated in a way that made me feel everything intensely. Kate Stewart’s ability to create an agonizing push and pull in relationships is nothing short of genius. I found myself sobbing through the final chapters, fully aware of the impending heartache but completely unable to brace myself for the emotional gut punch that awaited me. Those last 50% of the pages were a whirlwind, steeped in raw emotion and filled with unexpected turns. “Kate has such a gift for developing each of her characters inside and out,” and I couldn’t agree more, especially as I found myself so emotionally invested that I was ugly crying at the conclusion.
The novel also touches on some very dark themes like domestic abuse, trauma, and self-harm, which serve as crucial backdrops to the characters’ development. While I didn’t see any content warnings in my ARC, I appreciated how sensitively these issues were woven into the narrative. It made Delphine’s growth even more significant, providing the weight that Tyler needed to truly shine.
Stewart’s writing style—engaging and reflective—contributes to the pacing. The barbed dialogue, rich descriptions, and immediate emotional resonance kept me turning pages, even when I felt conflicted about some characters’ choices. As I closed the book, I couldn’t help but feel excited for the journey ahead; the perfect lead-in to Birds of a Feather left me hungry for more.
I would highly recommend Severed Heart to anyone who enjoys small-town romances laced with complexity, characters that experience genuine growth, and those who don’t shy away from heart-wrenching circumstances. If you, like me, adore stories that force you to grapple with your own feelings and connections, this one is sure to take you on an unforgettable ride. Kate Stewart has done it again, and I cannot wait for what’s next!
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