BOOK REVIEW: Heart Shaped Stones by CT Ortega

A powerful allegory on grief's hold and it's impact when left to consume those that suffer.

I am proud to say that I have read every one of Ortega’s books to date, and that is saying something since I feel he releases one every other week! While most of his works exist in a world based on mythology, there is an almost medieval feel to his stand alones. This is an aspect that I appreciate about them because I don’t read other books like his. He has worked hard to refine and develop his style, and it works for his characters and the stories he tells.

Synopsis: Lev has finally bought his freedom and no longer a slave to anyone. He makes his way to the isolated shore of Ireland, where he meets Liam, the young son of Danni, the Queen of the small village community of McGinnis. However, Lev learns that the village is facing threats from a neighboring village (the Laochra) that wants their land and a mysterious, slightly supernatural threat from the Scath, which no one can really explain what they are. Lev chooses to stay and help a grieving Danni face her trauma and help her, Liam and the villagers find a new peace in face of the unknown.

While the writing style clearly leaves zero doubt as to who the author was, this was a much different story than what Ortega has written to date. I loved the fantasy elements presented not only in the Scath, but also in the fae and leprechauns. But, this story, being an allegory, goes much deeper than the surface level plot and storyline. The depth of the symbolism from the characters themselves to the ten leaf clover are developed and presented clearly enough to see there is an undercurrent, a meaning that is just under the surface which isn’t all that easy to decipher. It takes seeing the plot take its course for all the meanings to come together. Which is what you would expect to see in an allegory.

Danni has suffered a great loss in the death of her husband, but in the year since his death, she has been unable to come to terms with it and embrace that her life has to continue as does her responsibility for her son and the village. Her grief and loss of everything that held her together has consumed her and paralyzed her. She is unable to lead her people the way she wants and needs to. Lev coming to this village at this time brings the therapy that she needs; the outside force to help her move forward that she didn’t even know she needed.

They are both immediately drawn to each other, and even though there are threats of a violent attack from the neighboring village and an increase of night attacks by these mysterious Scath, Lev is determined to stay and be whatever it is that Danni needs.

There are not a tremendous number of secondary characters that play a large role outside of the Danni, Lev, and Liam, but the encounters Lev has with them all play a role in understanding the meaning and purpose of the story. Their visit to Ones helps understand that there may be something more personal to the Scath as opposed to simply random attacks. The encounter and fight with a group of Laochra men serves as a catalyst to the events that ultimately lead to Danni’s character reformation.

One element of symbolism that I thought was special, but wasn’t necessarily mentioned in Ortega’s afterward is Danni’s parent’s house, her childhood home. Now, I may be completely wrong, but in my little brain, this house is an important aspect to Danni and her mental and emotional healing. This house is where Lev and Danni run the night of the first Scath attack because they will be safe. On the next attack, this is where Lev tries to send everyone because they will be safe. But if you think about it - why? Why is this one house in a village that is being overrun by Scath the only place they don’t go? Well, for many people, yes, I understand not everyone had good or loving upbringings, but for many people their childhood holds memories and feelings of safety and security from all the negative aspects of life to a subconscious level. From falling out of a tree and breaking your arm to coming home in tears because of the bully was still bothering you. There is a peace and safety associated with it. This still holds true for Danni. She still has the love and safety of her parents and that home. She is protected and loved and allowed to be herself. As if when she is there, nothing can hurt her.

While Lev takes the role of the main character, the story is not Lev’s. It is Danni’s story, and it is a story about taking back control of your life. About fighting through and not giving up. About defeating the personal demons in your life and becoming the person you want and deserve to be. 

I really did enjoy this story. I am a sucker for allegories, what can I say? This is a pretty quick read, and the explanation at the end of the book is a great addition to fill in any missing pieces that you may have overlooked. There was great care taken in the word choice that was used, with specific meaning and rationale behind many of the names.

It is a “beautiful” story. (If you know, you know.)

Where does this land on my bookshelf?

I’d place this on my top shelf. For me, it is the appreciation of the thought and care that went into writing this story, especially keeping in mind that this entire story was inspired by someone real. It’s an allegory, so in essence, it is just one gigantic mess of symbolism, but I love that. While it may appear simplistic at a story level, the depth is monumental when you strip it back and really inspect it. You know, like an iceberg. What you see above the water is just a fraction of what is under the surface. In a world where mental health concerns seem to be at an unprecedented high, this really makes you think. I loved the characters, and Liam is such a lovely child. Definitely give this one a read. The book is due to release later this month!

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