The Book of Heartbreak – at a glance
The School Reading Lists’ five word review: Curses, fate, romance and heartbreak.
YA book title: The Book of Heartbreak.
YA author: Ova Ceren.
Genre: Teenage Fiction/ Romance.
Published by: Hot Key Books.
ISBN: 9781471417856.
Recommended for children aged: 16+ year-olds.
First published: Paperback August 2025.
This YA book is ideal for: young adults who enjoy romance and fantasy with a touch of the afterworld.
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Our review:
The Book of Heartbreak is a story that revolves around Sare Silverbirch, born under a cruel curse: to die from heartbreak. As long as she doesn’t suffer a fifth heartbreak before she turns eighteen, she will break the curse and be rewarded with the torment of never being able to love again. Her heart has splintered on four previous occasions, the final time being at the sudden death of her mother, and then she meets Leon.
Set against the backdrop of Istanbul, brought to life through vivid and vibrant descriptions and a touch of Turkish folklore teamed with a host of angelic beings, Sare and Leon embark on a turbulent journey to untangle the source of the curse, its purpose and destiny. The two become closer, sharing their vulnerability, trust and loyalty, but as they draw nearer, Sare’s heart is in increasing jeopardy.
Our verdict:
The Book of Heartbreak is a magical read with plot twists and turns and an array of characters, from the main protagonist, with whom the reader empathises, to the celestial beings who provide a romanticised insight into a potential afterlife. Ceren handles the sensitive issues of death and grief beautifully, sharing a genuine understanding of their significance to Sare. The ongoing, impending romance between Sare and Leon is alluring.
Many thanks to Hot Key Books for the review copy.
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