1. Overall, I found Dance of the Dark Heart a strange book. I really enjoyed parts of it but others I really disliked. Due to the fact that the main character Jack is driven by a dark voice, expressed mainly through his thoughts (and often half way through a sentence), I found the structure of the story quite confusing for the reader. Jack's battles with his inner demons often threw me off from the next part of the story and I found the writing style restrictive as it didn't allow me to create my own images, which I like to do when I'm reading. However, having said this, the book was very well written and it definitely improved towards the end. I especially enjoyed the last few chapters, which allowed me to create strong images in my head surrounding the really quite spooky events being described. I loved the end because it actually sent chills down my spine and by the time I got there, I didn't want the book to end.

I loved the character Old Scratch. He was a big part of Jack's life for a very long time and he cared about him greatly. Old Scratch is a goatherd, with not much in the way of possessions, but it is made clear that he will do anything for Jack and his goats. He is a character that made me happy while I was reading, and I could relate to his warmth even though he couldn't always cope with Jack and his dark ways.

The history within the book was correct but it was very vague. Expressed through Jack's flashbacks, the reader is taken to the time of the Tudors, particularly King Henry VIII's Court and the execution of Katherine Howard. I feel as though Julie Hearn used her creative license to create something only half historically correct, but enjoyed the fact that in this version of events, Katherine Howard's execution was brought about by one of the servants (in this case Jack, the fiddle player) informing the King of her cheating.  The historical background is clearest when the author describes Katherine and all the others who were executed, walking to the tower and how they laid down their heads for the last time.

I have to say that this book did not make me want to find out more about the Tudors, King Henry or Katherine Howard, although I do think the author used them well in her story. If there had been more focus than there was on this part of history, within the plot of her book, then I would have been more inspired to make some independent research into the Tudors themselves.

Generally, I like to read books that immediately strike my imagination and make me want to read on. Therefore, on the whole, I would say that this book is a slow burner but as the story progresses the author does manage to hook you in and it definitely gets better as it goes on. Overall, it is not the worst book I have ever read but I wouldn't desperately want to read another one that is similar.

By Sophia

2. I didn't enjoy this book, as it was a bit dark and had an evil tone to it. My favourite character from the book was Old Scratch, as I thought he was quite funny, but it was rather strange when he found a baby in the goat shed. The book contained quite realistic History, as King Henry VIII was mentioned quite a few times. This book did not make me want to find out more about history. This book did not make me want to read more books by Julie Hearn. I slightly enjoyed the story of this book, but the character Jack made the book seem uneasy to read and quite creepy to be honest.

By Lily

3. Dance of the Dark Heart is a good book. It has many emotions like sympathy and anger. My favourite moment in the book is when Old Scratch found the baby in the haystack with the goat. I want to leave the book how it is otherwise it might ruin it. I think the history was realistic. I might want to read more Julie Hearn if I saw it was a really good book.

By Katie

4. This book is unique. I do know the myth it is based around and I love how Julie has woven a story around this common legend. I love the battle Jack has with himself and this fight of good and evil fits the story well.

I love how intense it gets when Jack is playing and the people are dancing and you stop breathing. That is my favourite part because of the atmosphere and emotion put into that key scene. I would love to read more of her books, her passion is clear and her motivation deserves appreciation.

By Megan

5. It took me a few chapters to get into this book but then it had me hooked. I really enjoyed it and it is nothing like I've ever read before. The ending was my favourite part as a lot of unknown mysteries are revealed. The history was pretty realistic and I would read more books by this author. The writing style was tricky to understand at times but it was overall a great book.

By Lucy

6. I wanted to read this book because it was set in the Tudor times and for me this book was a bit slow in places and confusing. Bit of a common plot between good and evil for a dark love story. If I was older it might mean more.

The best bit was the start as you did not know the identity of the baby. The author does give the reader a lot of descriptive details with the plot cleverly revealed.

My favourite character was Jack and I loved the voice which put bad thoughts into his head. I liked the way in which the legend was worked into the plot as well. 8/10

By Emily

7. I really enjoyed this story. It had love and danger with a twist.

Not really read many historical novels before but I will be reading more.

8/10

By Danii