Sweet Hearts

A fierce, tender, and utterly original work, a story of family, love, and the mysteries that bind us

In this haunting and unforgettable novel, first published in 2001, Melanie Rae Thon entwines family myth with the currents of American history, tracing the patterns of loss, wandering, and the quiet violence that shapes generations. At its center are Flint, a sixteen-year-old caught between boyhood's follies and the hardened instincts of a criminal, and his younger sister, Cecile, whose loyalty and fear are impossible to separate.

After years behind bars at the Landers School for Boys, Flint escapes, returning to the only person he can trust—Cecile. Together, they plunge into a desperate, lawless journey: robbing a local doctor, stealing their mother’s car, and following the shadows of their ancestors south to the Crow Indian Reservation. Along the way, the boundaries between accomplice, captive, and family blur, and the intensity of their bond becomes both refuge and threat.

Observing, guiding, and decoding their world is Marie Zimmer, the children’s deaf aunt. Though silent, she carries the knowledge of generations. Through Marie’s quiet witness and Flint and Cecile’s desperate journey, the echoes of the past unfold, a haunting testament to the fragile, fierce threads of violence, devotion, and survival that bind this family across time and silence.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs