Hell’s Heart by Alexis Hall Narrated by: Charli Anne Delores Source: NetGalley

Hell’s Heart has an eye‑catching premise and a world that immediately intrigued me, enough that by the 25% mark, I genuinely thought I was settling into a story I would enjoy. Unfortunately, that early investment didn’t hold, and my interest faded as the book went on.

The reading experience felt slow and, at times, surprisingly dull for a story with such a bold setup. The timeline could be confusing, and while the structure wasn’t impossible to follow, it often felt disjointed in ways that pulled me out rather than drawing me in. I never connected with any of the characters, and the relationships didn’t feel compelling or emotionally grounded enough to keep me invested.

The world itself has interesting elements, especially the religious aspects, but even the most promising pieces became overwrought. Instead of feeling immersive or atmospheric, the execution made the story feel heavier and more tedious than it needed to be.

One of the biggest hurdles for me was the humor. The constant jokes about sex and the repeated mentions of the protagonist’s sexual escapades didn’t land at all. They felt forced rather than character‑driven, and instead of adding levity or personality, they made the narrative feel tonally inconsistent.

By the time the narrator reached the line about wanting future readers to think, “This woman is real and she mattered,” I found myself wishing the story would wrap up. The emotional beats simply didn’t resonate for me.

On the positive side, Charli Anne Delores delivers a strong performance. Her narration fits the tone of the protagonist and brings energy to the story even when the plot itself wasn’t holding my attention.

Overall, Hell’s Heart had a fun premise and a world with real potential, but the pacing, humor, and character work didn’t come together in a way that kept me engaged. This one just wasn’t a match for my reading tastes.