The Lightning-Struck Heart

Really fun read with great characters. There could've been more of a plot and at times the absurdity was a little over the top but you can't go wrong with this one if you're looking for some heartwarming entertainment.

Ugh. I loved the House in the Cerulean Sea, so when my book club decided to try another TJ Klune book, I was optimistic, but this? This is very far from HitCS. This is closer to Hearne/Dawson's Kill the Farm Boy series. Every line is a joke, or thinks it is a joke. Very few are funny. The characters are underdeveloped at best and flattened copies of other actually funny books/movies at worst. It's also over 400 pages long. 400 pages of anal sex jokes. 200 would have been stretching it to cover the plot. Sorry TJ, this series is not for me.

I almost didn't pick this book up – I thought “This just sounds too ridiculous,” I thought “There is no way something this silly could keep my attention.” I picked it up anyhow because it is TJ Klune and he is worth the try. 

Friends, I don't know if I've ever had laughed so hard while reading a book. Sure, books have had me in tears from laughing so hard, but this book had tears streaming down my face, had me laughing so hard I couldn't breather, I couldn't even make sound– just soundless laughter as the tears streamed down my face. I had to put the book down and try to calm myself down. So, it is ridiculous and over-the-top, but it worked for me. This kind of humor can be hit or miss, but it was a huge hit and I almost died trying not to laugh while I was reading it on my break at work. These are not jokes appropriate for work.

I came to love the characters and in the end, some of the tears were from my heart-breaking, because this author is incapable of writing a book that doesn't make me cry. I love this author it seems. I just want to cuddle and shower all his characters with love. 

If you are in need of a laugh and want to read something ridiculous but with loveable characters, give this one a try. 

Updated Review
After the emotional mess that was reading Finches, I really needed something funny and light-hearted and I think reading this one was a perfect decision. I laughed out loud on almost every page and I can't remember the last time a book entertained me so much.

Sam is probably the sweetest protagonist ever. He maybe twenty years old, the Wizard's apprentice and probably the most powerful ever; but he is also a very compassionate and good person at heart, has no filter on his mouth, is a slightly prude virgin and madly in love with Knight Commandar Ryan. He also has an uncanny propensity to get into trouble all the time - the Dark family of wizards wants to capture and kill him while giving random long monologues about their intentions, a six inch tall Dmitri wants to force Sam to gay fairy marry him and a fifty seven day old corn cult wants to sacrifice him to their dragon god... and the troubles go on and on... Every single encounter of his shows his powerful nature but also his wonderful character and is obviously hilarious to read. He also gives the most amazing adorable hugs 😊😊😊

Every conversation between Sam and Ryan always ends up being full of flirtiness and sexual banter but both of them have no clue. The whole world, including the “villains” who come to fight Sam can clearly feel the whole UST, but these two guys are the epitome of obliviousness. Ryan also happens to be engaged to Prince Justin, so that's a bit of a problem but Sam is finding it difficult to keep his heart from falling further for Ryan. The pining and longing between them is for the ages and it was actually quite sad sometimes, but mostly very funny.

The side characters in this book are also some of the best bunch ever. Gary is a hornless gay unicorn who is essentially a Diva, very vain, snorts glitter and won't go on any life saving adventures without his scarves. Tiggy is a slightly slow half-giant but is loyal as hell and loves smashing anyone who wants to harm Sam or Gary. The trio are the best buddies ever and watching them interact was complete friendship goals. Sam's parents are the most loving and supportive ever. Sam's mentor Morgan of Shadows is the very powerful King's Wizard but he cares so much about Sam and I loved their relationship. Sam actually calls him Brother-Uncle-Father and it's too cute. And King Anthony is probably one of the sweetest King character ever written. He loves Sam like a second son and is so protective of him, their interactions were a delight to read about.

The plot and world building are quite tropey but also somewhat unexpected when compared to the usual fantasy novels that I read; but that's not the important part of this book. This is a very diverse story full of light hearted adventures and the journey that Ryan and Sam go through to figure out what they want from their lives. The writing is full of sass and very crude jokes and lots of sexual innuendo (which is not subtle at all), so go into this book with an open mind. It's very entertaining and funny as hell and the amazing characters made it a very enjoyable read.

If you don't mind a very over the top, somewhat cheesy and very sassy and funny adventure romance, then I definitely recommend this book to you. It is a hilarious ride and I'm already very excited to read the sequel.

First Thoughts
I really really needed this book after my previous sobfest... And I can't remember the last time I laughed so much while reading a book... Just laughing out loud every few minutes 😂😂😂😂

Not sure how to review it yet though... will need some thinking !!!! But I definitely recommend ❤️❤️❤️

“read” via Audible, reader was REALLY excellent!
Gayest fantasy story, or most fantastical gay love-story, or ...I don't even know. but I LOOOOVED it. Really funny, true love, silly villains and lovable characters. Anxiously awaiting the sequel. :)