This is the first book in a while that I have finished in just 2 days. From the very first line, I was hooked. In fact, I got this book in my OwlCrate and I was looking it over and glanced at the first page and then before I knew it I was through the first chapter. Then I just kept going.

The Hearts We Sold is a book that feels supernatural and yet like a slice of life at the same time, which I appreciated. Dee Moreno lives in a world where demons have recently declared their existence. Though they look like humans, they are a little too perfect and a little off at the same time. Dee struggles with whether to believe in such a world where a creature could grant any wish you made as long as you traded over a body part in return. She has long done away with believing fairytales and folklore, as her home life has shown her that no knight is going to save her and she must instead depend upon herself to rise above her current situation.

The demon that Dee runs across doesn't trade in body parts like the others, instead he only grants wishes for the heart, and service, of the individual. From here, our main character dives headlong into a whole world of new experiences that really open her perspective. She has always allowed herself to be held back by her fears, but with this journey she begins, one step at a time, to choose a new life for herself. "I Chose This" becomes a phrase that keeps her moving forward in confidence and empowerment since the fellow heartless, James Lancer, shared it with her. Of course, they are working with a supernatural creature, so there are plenty of mysteries to be uncovered.

I really like Dee and it was awesome seeing her start taking control of her life. I also love James and think their relationship is done very well-- one of the better romances in YA that I have read. However, outside of these two characters I didn't necessarily feel like the other characters of the book got much development. I really would have loved some more focus on the demons themselves and maybe some more backstory on their seemingly eternal fight. I thought the red knitted hearts were a clever device and enjoyed learning why this demon decided to do things differently than the rest of his kind. At the same time, I felt that overall, the semi-answers that were given for the mysteries of the novel were rather lackluster.

The ending really got me. I was not expecting it at all. There is a mixture of hope for the future and yet grief for things lost to the past throughout the book, and it's the end that truly brings this message home. All in all, The Hearts We Sold captured my attention from beginning to end, though I would have liked a bit more focus on the demons themselves and the story of why they have come out of hiding. On a final note, the pacing never seems rushed, the dialogue is realistic, and the themes which intertwine the supernatural and the ordinary are intriguing. ( )

There were two kinds of bad decisions, in Dee’s experience.
The first was due to a lapse in judgment. These were momentary slips brought about by simple emotions—distraction, anger, sadness, impatience. Dee wasn’t even sure if they could be truly called decisions, these actions made in a moment of error.
But the second kind of decision was far worse. Actions fueled by desperation. They were the worst kinds of decisions, because desperate people could see the error of their ways and simply not care. They would rush headlong into a bad situation because they could see no other options.

I liked the concept and the way the characters were written. Every one of them had their own reasons to sell their heart and I loved the emphasis on their friendship.
I also liked the depictions of Dee’s abusive family. They never hit her, but it’s still abuse she wants to escape.
The plot on the other hand was a bit meh, but it didn’t bother me. ( )

I had a couple logistical issues with this book (minor plot holes, somewhat choppy writing at times) but overall it was pretty great. An interesting concept and diverse characters and a handle on how to write about trauma. Also, vague spoilers, there's a trans girl with a sword. Which is something YA paranormal deff needs more of. ( )

This book ripped my heart out and I loved it! If you want to hear all my thoughts on this book, then stay tuned for my August 2020 Wrap Up Vlog coming soon to my YouTube channel called Completely Melanie. ( )

Dee Moreno is out of options. Her home life sucks (to put it mildly), and she's about to get booted from her boarding school--the only place she's ever felt free--for lack of funds. But this is a world where demons exist, and the demons are there to make deals: one human body part in exchange for one wish come true.

The demon who Dee approaches doesn't trade in the usual arms and legs, however. He's only interested in her heart. And what comes after Dee makes her deal is a nightmare far bigger, far more monstrous than anything she ever could have imagined. Reality is turned on its head, and Dee has only her fellow "heartless," the charming but secretive James Lancer, to keep her grounded. As something like love grows between them amid an otherworldly threat, Dee begins to wonder: Can she give James her heart when it's no longer hers to give?