Title: Mortal Heart.Author: Robin LaFevers.
Pages: 480.
Published: November 4th 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Sort: His fair assassin #1.
Review 1. Grave Mercy.
Review 2. Dark Triumph.
Source: My blogging friend Christina reads YA let me borrow her copy. THANK YOU! <3
Annith has watched her gifted sisters at the convent come and go, carrying out their dark dealings in the name of St. Mortain, patiently awaiting her own turn to serve Death. But her worst fears are realized when she discovers she is being groomed by the abbess as a Seeress, to be forever sequestered in the rock and stone womb of the convent. Feeling sorely betrayed, Annith decides to strike out on her own. She has spent her whole life training to be an assassin. Just because the convent has changed its mind doesn't mean she has. But across Brittany, the tides of war are drawing ever nearer, with France pressuring the beleaguered duchess from all sides. Annith’s search for answers threatens to rip open an intricate web of lies and deceit that sit at the heart of the convent she serves. Yet to expose them threatens the very fabric of her existence and risks an unforeseen chance at love, one that she can no longer deny. Annith must carefully pick a path and, gods willing, effect a miracle that will see her country—and her heart—to safety.
Rating:
I am speechless. The best feeling in the world: when one of your most anticipated books of the year exceeds your expectations. Robin did it again and this series holds it's rightful place on my favorite list of all time. I must admit that I wasn’t blown away in the beginning, but that changed soon. While Sybella will always be my favorite, I really liked Annith. So now I'm extremely happy and sad, because it was amazing and I don't want it to be over!This review is spoiler free for the entire series and book, but if you still want to be careful I will give you one sentence to describe it: This series is the perfect blend of sweet romance, kick-ass yet flawed females, action and history. I know I can’t do this book justice with my words, but I will try.
My reaction when I started:
Annith is an unique nun assassins, because she grew up in the covenant. She has trained all her life and she excels in every training. She is frustrated that everyone is send away on a mission, while she is stuck with guiding new girls. When Annith finds out that the Reverend Mother is planning to make her the new seer, she is tired of being obedient. She leaves the covenant to travel to the abbess in Guérande, but on her road she comes into the presence of Balthazaar and his group of hellequins.
The romance is, yet again, a very good part of the book. Robin has a gift for writing balanced stories. It never takes over the plot, but it’s essential for the story and important for Annith’s development. Their mutual feelings are based on respect and friendship. It has enough time to make it feel realistic and it brought a smile to my face. I was surprised by Balthazaar and while it might be a bit cliched, I was very pleased with their happily-ever-after. They aren't my favorite couple in the series, but you can't stop shipping them.
My advice: put everything down, run to the store and grab yourself a copy from Grave Mercy + Dark triumph and devour them before this pretty conclusion is published. You NEED to read this series. You want it in your life, trust me. You can thank me later.
This comes in the mail tomorrow. I am so excited!! And nice use of the Big Lebowski gif -- that scene is most excellent and weird.
ReplyDeleteI agree with how you felt when you started the book - it's finally happening! I have to admit that my heart has always been with Ismae but I have LOVED this series so hard from beginning to end. Every word. It's so re-read worthy and I will hold it close as the series that made me realize that I could love historical fiction. I'm excited that the world finally gets to have it. SIGH SIGH SIGH.
ReplyDeleteI've fallen in love with all her characters. They are all so unique and special in their own way.
DeleteAhhh wonderful review, Mel!! I am SO EXCITED to read this now. I dashed over to my ARC and the minute I finish writing this comment, I'm digging in!! I've heard nothing but greatness about this book, I can't wait :) I'm glad Annith is another great protagonist and that she still has her flaws. Another great romance?! LaFevers is awesome. Fantastic review <3
ReplyDeleteOH YES! :D Let me know what you think.
DeleteI am SO excited to start this series now! :D I've heard so many fantastic reviews about it, but for some reason I always continue putting it off for one reason or another, but hearing how much you enjoyed it makes me want to give it a try as soon as I possibly can. :) The romance and characterization sound absolutely pheonominal! :D Thanks for sharing and, as always, fantastic review! <3
ReplyDelete*PUSHES the series into Zoe's face* Haha. Try it :D!
DeleteI loved Grave Mercy, but haven't picked up the rest of the series. I'm so excited to hear that it's just that good.
ReplyDeleteGAH I'M SO FREAKING EXCITED. I LOVEEEED THE OTHER TWO BOOKS AND I GET TO SEE ROBIN LAFEVERS THIS WEEK AND JUST. GAH!!!!!!!!!!!! EXCITED I'M SO EXCITED
ReplyDeleteYOU MET HER? *jealous*
DeleteOKAY to be honest I didn't read ANY of this because I haven't even read any of the books in this series and I KNOW I need to because so many people rave about it but D: I'm lazy! I just haven't had the chance. I'll definitely see if my library carries them and I'll put them on hold; so many people love them, I feel like I'm behind the curve or something.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure this was a fabulous review as always, I just want to avoid any spoilers or anything that MIGHT be a spoiler for previous books. <3
How have I not heard of this series before if it's so awesome? I CAN'T EVEN WITH HOW LOOPLESS I AM. I HAVE NO LOOP.
ReplyDeleteI like that the romance is a good part buuuut not overwhelming. It's nice to have a strong relationship that doesn't take over every page, but subtly builds in the background. YAY for that!
CHANGE IT. You won't regret picking this series up!
DeleteWoah, this book must have been really amazing! This is the highest rating I've seen in your blog:).
ReplyDeleteI wasn't planning to read this book initially, because I never liked Annith as much as I loved Ismae and Sybella.But all the reviews I've read so far have made me change my decision.and now, I can't wait to read this book
And it's so worth the rating. I would have given it even higher if I could <3
DeleteI'm going to read book two ASAP now so that I can get to this one. I have no idea why I've put it off for so long. I adore companion books and I'm so glad that Ismae and Sybella make a return! Annith bored me initially as well but I'm glad that she's a much more nuanced character than what she first appears as. Fantastic review, Mel!
ReplyDeleteThe second book is my favorite one, happy reading!
DeleteWhy, oh why, have I not read this series yet?! It's not my usual genre, so I suppose that's why... but I've had a copy of Grave Mercy FOREVER basically, and I really need to read it soon. This sounds fantastic!! And I love that the romance doesn't take over the story, but is still super important. Yay! :)
ReplyDeleteYes, WHY LISA? Haha.
DeleteI was so happy this one lived up to ALL the expectations. Such perfection. What will Robin LaFevers have for us next??
ReplyDeleteI don't know, but I will read everything by her <3
DeletePuts textbook down to take your advice and run to the store and buy this book :P It's always so great to see people enjoying a book you've be anticipating. I'm even more excited and pleased to read this one. Now if all these exams would go away :) Great review Mel!
ReplyDelete-Mari
I read and read great reviews of this series and all I can think is: Why I haven't read it yet? I must catch up soon. This sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you enjoyed this one too! Completely agree with your thoughts, this one was better than I expected as well. I was really surprised about the twist with the romance, I really didn't predict that. Also loved seeing Sybella and Ismae :)
ReplyDeleteEeek, so glad you loved this book, Mel :D Amazing review, as always. <3 Sigh. I loved this book to pieces too. Just so so good :D Thank you for sharing about it sweetie. <3
ReplyDeleteI loved book one and I really have no excuse for not reading the other two!! I can't wait to get to this one, especially after your (and so many other) amazing reviews of it!
ReplyDeleteI knew you'd love this. :P I think it's my favorite of the series, just because I found Annith's journey so moving, and I love how strong she is by the end. And, yes, the romance is all kinds of swoon worthy (though it's hard to top Beast and Sybella). Great review, lady! I can't believe it's over either. D:
ReplyDeleteDanielle @ Love at First Page
Nobody can beat Beast/Sybella :D
DeleteThis is one of the best conclusions I've ever read. I love how everything from the first 3 books was tied so nicely together and finished off. Sybella's story was my favorite too but I really do LOVE all three.
ReplyDeleteYes, I have the same thoughts about this book!
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