The Hanging Heart

Realm of Beating Hearts, Book 1

De: Eva Simmons

Narrado por: Blair Thatcher, Anthony Palmini

Elorie has never known anything beyond the magic-void prison island of Alyssium. She tends to the dead who are sent to the shore for burning, while living among the humans who help guard the Fae prison.

Until one day, she rests her hands on a dead Fae prisoner's chest and accidentally wakes the most lethal warrior in the constellation of realms.

Fascinated by Elorie's unique ability to resurrect such power, the King summons her to the Ley Court. He declares her to be his chosen, promising a union that will restore magic to a dying land.

But the Fae she woke has other plans.

As the rightful heir to a rival crown, Wilder doesn't want to heal the kingdom that locked him in a cell for a century, he wants to destroy it. And to do so, he'll claim Elorie for himself.

Except magic can't be stolen, only offered. And in a war between crowns, Elorie is the only one who can choose how to bind her untamed power.

If only the same rules applied to her heart.

©2026 Eva Simmons (P)2026 Eva Simmons

Amazing Duet Narration

This is a well crafted and excellent book brought alive by the voices of the narrators Thank you for a story that was only enhanced by the audiobook stage!

Intriguing New Fantasy World

I'm at a point where if Anthony Palmini narrates it, I will listen. And I'm glad that so far, his list of works has all been very enjoyable. This story from Eva Simmons was just as enjoyable. It was a new take on a fantasy world and new characters. I definitely was not sure who I could trust and who was telling the truth. I liked the intrigued built between the characters and the world itself.

Book 1 is definitely spending a chunk of time building this new world and letting the readers get to know the characters. I enjoyed the pacing and structure; it allowed me to feel more of a connection to these characters. I'm curious to see what direction the next book with take the story after the cliffhanger of the ending. I have more questions than answers. I loved that I thought I knew what direction this story was going in only to be taken off guard and sent in another direction.

Surprisingly good!

The narrators did a fantastic job with this one, and I'm so glad it was done as a duet. The story itself was surprisingly good, as I just stumbled upon it and gave it a shot. Similar to some other popular romantasy titles to be comforting, but different enough to keep you from getting bored or to guess the ending.

Follows the Romantasy Recipe.

A girl without gifts: Check
A crush turned friend—Check
A hunky antihero—Check
The girl and antihero fall for each other during swordplay—Check
You get my point. The plot is predictable, but the author builds a crumbling world where the rich and powerful destroy nature for wealth and personal gain. There’s something here, that if the author lets go of the recipe and engages her creativity, could become something timely.

Duet Narration

Words!! I did not expect to enjoy this as thoroughly as I have. I’ve been drained by some of the Romantacies I’ve read recently- yet this one has invigorated me. Excited for book two. 💜