Audiobook review: Black Soul, White Heart by Hailey Edwards
Although listed as book 3.5 in the Black Hat Bureau series, Black Soul, White Heart is actually a prequel to the series, sharing how Rue’s parents meet and fall in love. Many years prior to the start of the series (I don’t think a date is given, but it’s prior to electricity and cars), Vonda Winterbourne lives with her family of white witches, trying to blend in with the locals. Hiram Nádasdy, a young scout for his family of black witches, notices Vonda and is completely fascinated. He knows he should leave if he wants to save her from his evil father, but he finds Vonda impossible to resist.
Black Soul, White Heart is an interesting short story for fans of the series. While it can be read as a standalone, the short nature of the book gives little room for world building and character development. For those like me who’ve read a number of Black Hat Bureau books and understand the world, the lack of details doesn’t diminish the tale. It’s sweet and fun, but nothing of major substance.
Narration: The story is shared via the first person POV of Vonda (Howl) and (not as often) the third person POV of Hiram (Saint). Richardson narrates the entire series, and her work is familiar. I love that she slightly deepens the narrator voice for Hiram’s POV. The narrator alters dialogue, giving characters a unique voice, suited to the age, gender, species, etc.
I highly recommend Black Soul, White Heart for fans of the Black Hat Bureau series. It’s fun to see Rue’s parents in a time when they know only their love for one another. If you are new to the series, I strongly urge you to start with Black Hat, White Witch to gain a knowledge of the world and characters before diving into this one.
My Ratings
Story: B
Narration: B
Jen
About the Book:
Vonda Winterbourne is, sadly, a lady. Much to her regret. And her parents expect her to act like one. That includes marrying a nice white witch who can provide her safety, companionship, and all the comforts one could desire in their gilded cage.
Hiram Nádasdy is no gentleman. He’s a black witch with a reputation that strikes terror in the hearts of his enemies. But not in the girl. No, the girl is fearless, reckless, and determined to know him. He ought to reveal the darkness lurking in his heart and scare her away before it’s too late, but he’s curious about her as well. And, frankly, he’s not sure it would work.
Black witches don’t befriend white witches, and white witches don’t fall in love with black witches. They certainly don’t marry them.
Or do they?
Author: Hailey Edwards
Narrator: Stephanie Richardson
Series: Black Hat Bureau #3.5 (series prequel story)
Genre: Urban Fantasy, short story, romantic elements
Audiobook Release Date: August 29, 2023
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Length: 1 hrs; 15 mins
Source: Tantor Audio
Audio Speed: 1.4x
Reviews in the Series:
Black Hat, White Witch by Hailey Edwards (Black Hat Bureau #1) – Audiobook Review
Black Arts, White Craft by Hailey Edwards (Black Hat Bureau #2) – Audiobook Review
Black Truth, White Lies by Hailey Edwards (Black Hat Bureau #3) – Audiobook Review
Black Wings, Gray Skies by Hailey Edwards (Black Hat Bureau #4) – Audiobook Review
Gray Witch by Hailey Edwards (Black Hat Bureau #5) – Audiobook Review
Gray Tidings by Hailey Edwards (Black Hat Bureau #6) – Audiobook Review
Gray Court by Hailey Edwards (Black Hat Bureau #7) – Audiobook Review