The Hand and the Heart

The Second Death of Locke (The Hand and the Heart #1) by V. L. Bovalino

At the heart of this series lies Grey Flynn, a young woman bound to her mage by blood and magic, sworn to be his blade, healer, and shield. Her life is one of service and devotion, yet beneath that loyalty rests a secret so dangerous it could unravel the very foundation of their world. For Grey is no ordinary conduit of power, and if she falls, magic itself will wither with her.

The story moves beyond battlefield clashes and court intrigues into the intimate space where trust and betrayal blur. As Grey and Kier are pulled into a perilous quest to protect the child of a rival kingdom, every choice tests the limits of loyalty, love, and survival. Magic here is not just a weapon, but a fragile lifeline, a force that binds hearts as tightly as it binds kingdoms.

Darkly atmospheric and steeped in tension, the series draws readers into a gothic-inspired fantasy where sacrifice lingers behind every decision. It is a tale of hidden truths and haunting power, where the fate of magic itself rests on one woman’s ability to keep her secret, even from the person she loves most.

The Hand and the Heart consists of one book and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of two more books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.


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Book Covers
★ 10.00 / 1
⧗ 8.00 / 1
⧗ 8.00 / 1

Speculative Fiction Books

(The Hand and the Heart #1 / 3)
2025 | fantasy, epic fantasy, romantasy, romance
(The Hand and the Heart #2 / 3)
2026 | fantasy, epic fantasy, romantasy, romance | Release date September 29, 2026
(The Hand and the Heart #3 / 3)
2027 | fantasy, epic fantasy, romantasy, romance | Release date 2027

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