Thanks to Atria Books for this ARC!

Friends… I know a book about someone’s husband turning into a great white shark sounds weird, but this is honestly one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read, and one I’ll be thinking about for a looooong time.

In an incredible debut from Emily Habek, you’ll find not only top-tier writing - like legitimately incredible - but also topics that will pull at your heartstrings: the difference between loneliness and being alone, regret, love, hope, mental health, what makes a family, what make someone human. While the obvious focus is on external transformation into an animal, this is also a really lovely narrative on internal transformation and change over time.

In Part One as Lewis is turning into a shark, I was reminded of my Grandpa’s journey with dementia: losing himself bit by bit, becoming more aggressive, heading to an uncertain future - but having my Grandma there for it all. While this may hit you differently, there’s something in Shark Heart for everyone. I highly encourage you to pick this one up even if it seems out of your comfort zone. I really don’t think you’ll regret it.

Wren and Lewis are newlyweds when Lewis gets a surprising diagnosis. He is mutating into a great white shark. In this story, mutations are common, doctors specialize in mutations based upon the type of animal/fish/bird, and mutations vary in both frequency and length of mutation. The great white shark is one of the hardest as far as being a quick and painful metamorphosis. A precious love story unfolds as Wren goes to great lengths to make Lewis as comfortable as possible. As unlikely as this sounds, the writing is such that you are completely immersed in the story and feel joy and anguish along with the characters.

This is the story I didn’t know I needed. When you read the reviews or the synopsis, please don’t let the crazy story line dissuade you for you will miss out on something special. Not at all the type of story I gravitate towards, but again - I am so glad I listed to the recommendations!

Thank you to NetGalley and S&S/Marysue Rucci Books for the advanced ecopy of this book.

It's hard to describe what exactly Shark Heart is. I've seen it described as girl meets boy, boy turns into a great white shark. Wren and Lewis are newly married when Lewis slowly starts to turn into a great white shark. Wren tries to find ways to make it work when the transformation is complete and remembers her life with her mother who suffered from a different animal transformation.

In the world of Shark Heart, people turning into animals is not entirely unheard of and society already has ways of addressing these conditions. This gives the novel room to explore grief and loss for people suffering from the condition and their loved ones in lyrical and profound ways. The prose, changing formats from poetic to scenes from a play, supports the mindsets of the characters beautifully.

There are a lot of things in the novel that I would have guessed wouldn't have worked well, such as a big background dive to Wren's past, her relationship with her mother. The decisions Lewis and Wren made were unexpected at times. There are definitely a lot of threads to pull to discuss on topics of identity, motherhood, marriage, and lots of metaphors. For me the final message was one of acceptance and making peace with your circumstances.

I definitely enjoyed how unique this novel was. I can see it being a great book club pick too since there are a lot of layers to be peeled.

Lewis and Wren are unlikely newlyweds. Lewis--the artist, the actor, the dreamer; and Wren--the realist, the stable one, Lewis' anchor. Together, they harmonize perfectly and set their sights on a long life together. Then, out of the blue, Lewis is diagnosed with a rare but rapidly-progressing mutation that will turn him into a great white shark.

I haven't lost you, have I? Please tell me I haven't lost you.

Because over the course of 9 poignant, poetic months, Lewis' transformation from man into shark in "Shark Heart" can only be described as masterful. Set against the backdrop of Lewis and Wren's marriage, Habeck pens a story that is part novel, part play, and part poetry; a curious amalgam of metaphors and magical realism, but one that is utterly spellbinding.

The characters of Wren and Lewis (and later, Angela, but wait for Act II for her) are imbued with such a delicate, familiar humanness that it almost took my breath away, what I expected to be a weird, fantastical story of transformation turned out to be a powerful meditation on love, loss, and seasonality. I clung to every word in this and found myself transfixed by Lewis' passion, Wren's longing, and the fleeting glimpses I got of other characters throughout the novel--some afflicted by animal mutations like Lewis, some afflicted by voids the mutations left.

An unforgettable journey--and quick read, despite its 400 or so pages--that barrels straight into the heart of the human condition, "Shark Heart" is weird and wonderful and profound and so, so much more. A must-read of the year, and an astounding debut.

Shark Heart is wonderfully weird. I have already talked to some booksellers about how this is a great handsell for those customers looking for speculative fiction.

I actually enjoyed the majority of Shark Heart, and looking back I wrote some very similar stories (although not nearly as well written) in my middle school language classes. I think that was why it was so fun to read!

In Shark Heart Wren and Lewis have fallen in love and have finally agreed to get married. After their wedding Lewis begins to have some health complications and begins mutating in a great white shark. This is an unfortunate and rare animal mutation that has begun to effect certain people. As the novel goes on you see how Wren chooses to lover Lewis through his diagnosis and eventual transformation.

My favorite part of this book is the character development that occurs in both Wren and Lewis. However, some of the background stories, particularly that of Wren's past girlfriend did not really had to the story, and I could have skipped it. Altogether though a creatively lovely book!

What a strange, uniquely original, and beautiful read. Another reviewer perfectly described the book as “one of the oddest, strangest and weirdest books I have ever read but it totally captivates me. At its heart it is a moving story of people who face the impossible, it’s about hanging on to love, but also coming to terms with grief, loss or with regret.” And of course, if you liked Remarkably Bright Creatures, you’ll like this. But aside from the sea life link, these books are nothing alike. Will be interesting what this debut author plans next.

This book is truly unique and quirky. I’m a big fan of fantasy and can normally hang with oddities in books. But I struggled with this one. Once a woman was pregnant with twin birds, it lost me.

The writing is compelling though. And the short chapters make this a quick read. I loved the various formats.

This novel, told in two parts, is loosely centered around Wren, a thirty-something newlywed whose husband Lewis has been diagnosed with a rare mutation-he is quickly transforming into a great white shark. Part one follows Wren and Lewis on the roller coaster that is adjusting to their new fate. Part two goes back in time to tell the story of Wren’s mother Angela, who got pregnant with her as a teenager. Both stories are rich with emotion, character and depth.

There is a wonderful juxtaposition here between the grounded, relatable characters and the outlandish idea of humans mutating into other species. While devastating for their relationships, the bizarre idea of animal mutation seems to be a relatively common occurrence in the world. Similar to Our Wives Under the Sea, Shark Heart takes a peculiar premise and fills it with truth and heart.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon Element for the advance copy of this book.

What a strange and incredible read! I absolutely loved Shark Heart and couldn't believe it when I found myself near tears throughout the story. This is one of the most unique and eloquently written books I've ever read.

Goodness, I loved this book so much. I wasn't sure what I was getting into - a man transforming into a great white shark just sounded a little weird. But once you're in the midst of the book, a world in which such mutations occur (and a woman can be pregnant with birds) all seems normal if heartbreaking. The stories of family and love told here (husband/wife, mother/daughter) are beautifully wrought. The use of various literary styles and episodic storytelling is very effective and propels the reader along. Highly recommend.

For newlyweds Lewis and Wren, their first year of marriage is also their last. A few weeks after their wedding, Lewis receives a rare diagnosis: he is transforming into a great white shark. While he will retain most of his consciousness, memories, and intellect, his physical body will be that of a shark. Wren initially resists her husband’s fate, hoping to find a way for them to be together after Lewis changes. But a glimpse of Lewis’s rapidly developing carnivorous nature reminds Wren of long-repressed childhood memories.

On the surface, this is book about magical realism. As Lewis turns into a great white shark, we learn that mutations are common in this present-day version of the United States. Wren even befriends a woman who is pregnant with twin birds and meets a woman whose brother is turning into a zebra. But at its core, this is a story about love and grief.

In Part One, the story is told from Wren’s point of view with flashbacks to her childhood in Oklahoma and her time in college. Part Two gives us the point of view of Wren’s mother, Angela, when she becomes pregnant at 15 while in an abusive relationship with Wren’s father. Part Three is told from Lewis’s perspective after his change is complete. I enjoyed the second half of the story much more than the first half, and I found Angela’s story very compelling. The style of this book was definitely unique. The author goes back and forth between traditional prose, poetry, and theater script. The chapters were fairly short, and some were only a few sentences. The premise of this story really intrigued me, but in the end, this book just wasn’t for me. Overall, I would recommend this book to those who like magical realism or stories about dealing with grief.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon Element, S&S/Marysue Rucci Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Overview:
Lewis and Wren meet and fall in love. They are utterly different, so opposite but somehow they balance each other out. He is arty, a school theatre teacher and outgoing, she is quiet, likes structure but their relationship works. Throughout their first, and only year of marriage Lewis slowly goes through a transformation…. into a great white shark. This is their journey of self-exploration, love, change, and so much more.

Review: 
This book took me on a journey I was not expecting. The formatting took me a bit to figure out and it was a bit hard to read until I figured that out. This book had me crying half way through. It was a great way to show character change and growth. I was a little unsatisfied with the ending, wishing for a different one but it was well written. The change in scenes was a little hard to follow but once the smaller stories picked up again it flowed easy. Wrens mother who I grew to hate in the first story, you grew to appreciate and understand the life she tried to give Wren. 
This undoubtable was one of the weirdest most confusing books I have read in a long time and trying to follow the plot left me lost. 

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Quercus Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Shark Heart follows Lewis and Wren, a newly married couple, who have to navigate a difficult diagnosis throughout their first year of marriage--Lewis is slowly turning into a great white shark.

Shark Heart is exactly what it claims on the cover: it's a love story. I liked following Wren and Lewis as characters. They're complicated and sometimes make difficult decisions, but it was clear to me how much they cared about one another. I bought into their relationship and was rooting for them, even though you know the outcome of Lewis's diagnosis pretty early on.

What really worked for me in this novel, though, was the look at generational trauma and family dynamics: particularly between Wren and her mother Angela.

The writing was quite beautiful at times, though at other times it was a bit overly sentimental. The author does experiment with form, which I thought was great, though not always successful. Some sections read as a screenplay would and others read almost as poetry? Or perhaps a monologue from a screenplay? I would have to see how it's laid out on the actual physical page. I give credit to Habeck for trying something so experimental in a debut novel, and it makes me excited for future books from her. There were also some really funny moments, which I loved.

Ultimately, I enjoyed this. It was a quick read and, at times, really touched me. I wouldn't recommend this for everyone, but if the synopsis sounds intriguing to you, I would recommend it.

I loved this book. It’s almost like three novellas that link together through the characters because there are three distinct parts to the book. I finished yesterday afternoon and I’m still thinking about it.

Lewis and Wren are married for just a few weeks when Lewis gets his diagnosis. He will gradually turn into a great white shark — but his mind and consciousness will mostly stay intact. The book follows Lewis and Wren as they navigate this horrific disease (this reminded me of the reverse of what families deal with when dementia or Alzheimers strikes), and Wren tries to support Lewis. The other parts of the book deal with Wren’s back story and Lewis in the ocean.

I’ve seen people say if you like Nightbitch read this. I loved Rachel Yoder’s Nightbitch, but this book is quite different as I can see it being received more widely. It’s also like When Women Became Dragons (also a 5 star for me), but again, I think this one will appeal more widely.

Rumor has it this is a BOTM August pick. Add it to your box for sure.

Thank you Simon and Schuster and Marysue Rucci Books for the free e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.

Shark Heart is a lovely and original debut novel. Lewis and Wren are a newlywed couple when Lewis is diagnosed with a rare medical condition that will transform him into a great white shark. I know, I know, but you’ll believe it when you read it! For me, the diagnosis was a metaphor for any life altering condition and the repercussions from the disease on the person and their loved ones.

There are quite a few early reviews out on Shark Heart and loads of spoilers. Go in unprepared so you can enjoy the story. It’s about love, marriage, transformation, grief and living in the moment. It’s a highly emotional and beautiful story.

Thank you @netgalley and @_simonelement @marysueruccibooks for this advance copy.
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This beautifully written debut novel needs to be read slowly so you can savor every word. Unfortunately, once you start reading, you can’t put it down, and then you end up devouring it in one day (ask me how I know). The short chapter format only ups the binge reading factor.
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The book begins as the love story of newlyweds Wren and Lewis, who learn Lewis is mutating into a great white shark. Let me stop right there and say that sentence sounds like a big no thank you from me. But Habeck makes the entire situation feel so real and relatable, you might find yourself sobbing as a man turns into a shark. This is ultimately a story about love and loss and how life often forces us to transform in new ways. It was beautiful and heart wrenching and bizarre, but I think the “weird” helped dampen the heaviness somewhat. Refreshing in its uniqueness, I really encourage you to give this one a try!
Shark Heart publishes August 8th.

The cover of Shark Heart says ‘A Love Story’, but don’t let that confuse you. It’s not a romance book. It’s a book about love (and loss) - romantic love, familial love, the love of a mother and daughter. The story is melancholic and hopeful. It is heartwarming and heartbreaking. It is lyrical and humorous.

Wren and Lewis are newlyweds when Lewis gets diagnosed with a rare condition where he will transform into a great white shark. Animal mutations are normal is this world, so don’t expect that aspect to be explained. That’s not the point of the story. Shark Heart is about relationships, love, loss, and moving on.

The story is divided into three parts. First, we follow Wren and Lewis as they cope with his condition. Then, we go to the past to learn about Wren’s mother, Angela. This was my favorite section, and the section that brought me to tears. Last, we go back to Wren and Lewis after he has transformed to see how they are coping with their new realities.

Shark Heart is a beautiful debut. It is written in short chapters that are sometimes written as poetry, sometimes as normal (yet still beautiful) prose, and sometimes as scenes from a play. It made me want to stare at the sky and appreciate nature and the small things in life that bring joy.

OUT 8/8 - preorder now - DO NOT READ SPOILERS! Five stars. I can’t believe this is a debut. Gorgeous, beautiful, heart-soaring, heart-wrenching, funny, clever, smart, complex, odd: a novel about love and finding your way in the world in which we meet Wren and Lewis. Opposites, they make it work and each begins to evolve in their own unique way. The writing is evocative and had me deeply feeling these characters throughout. I loved seeing their choices and learning more about them with sections of the book telling the backgrounds in a beautiful, heartfelt way. Thank you to Marysue Rucci Books for the advanced copy. I’ll treasure it forever.

Wren and Lewis are newly married, in love, and looking to start their lives. Unfortunately, Lewis is diagnosed with an animal mutation, which will upend both of their lives.

This story was so unique. It felt like a romance, a family drama, and sci fi all wrapped up into one emotional read. The book is broken down into three parts, and the reader becomes fully invested in both Wren and Lewis, their life before and after each other, and the love they share. I kept saying to myself “wow this is such a unique book”, but also with so many “normal” elements. I really loved it. If you are looking for a story that encompasses genres, emotion, character building, and a bit of reality suspension, definitely pick this up! 4.5⭐️

This was a story so full of love. For the first half of the book we follow Wren and her husband, Lewis as he is transforming into a Great White Shark. (Sounds really weird, right? But I've been into weird books lately.) I fell in love with Wren and Lewis and was a little disappointed when I realized the second half was a different perspective. But wow, Angela's story (Wren's mom) was just as heartfelt and wonderful. I really enjoyed this novel and can't believe it's a debut. As far as "weird" books go, this is the most heart-warming one I've read. I do think it's a little neat the way it all wraps up in the end, but I still loved every minute of it and it deserves all the stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon Element, S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books.