Heartless
A contemporary retelling of Frankenstein featuring a woman with no beating heart.
Jolene Hall wakes from abduction with a stopped heart but the ability to walk and speak. She discovers her body is stitched together from various sources, creating a grotesque appearance. Driven by a need for truth, she relies on Lucy and Eli to help find her abductors. The narrative focuses on the physical decay of Jolene and the escalating danger this poses to her loved ones. The story questions how far one will go to protect others when they are becoming a monster themselves. Soltis uses the framework of Mary Shelley’s work to explore modern anxieties about bodily autonomy and scientific ethics. The tension arises from Jolene’s deteriorating state rather than external monsters.
This novel sits within the contemporary horror genre, published in 2024 by Bloodhound Books. It directly engages with the Frankenstein literary tradition, updating the gothic themes of creation and monstrosity for a modern audience interested in psychological and physical terror.
📝 Description: Heartless
💎 Our verdict on Heartless
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers who appreciate body horror and psychological suspense will find this book compelling. It offers a unique perspective on the Frankenstein mythos by focusing on Jolene Hall, a woman stitched together from various sources. The narrative examines the limits of loyalty as her deteriorating condition threatens those she loves. It appeals to fans of dark fantasy and true crime who enjoy stories questioning human identity and scientific hubris. The tension arises from internal decay rather than external monsters, providing a fresh take on classic horror tropes.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Soltis successfully reimagines the Frankenstein framework, focusing on Jolene’s physical decay and the ensuing danger to her loved ones. The book excels in exploring modern anxieties about bodily autonomy through a grotesque yet poignant lens. It suits readers who enjoy psychological horror and gothic traditions of reanimated corpses. The narrative does not rely on traditional romance but rather on the cost of survival. This is an ideal choice for those seeking dark, thought-provoking fiction that challenges the boundaries of humanity and loyalty in the face of scientific experimentation.
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🏛 Books from this publisher Bloodhound Books
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