Review: Mortal Heart by Morgan LaFevers

Series: His Fair Assassin Book #1

Format:Paperback

Pages: 444

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Gift

Genre:Young Adult, Fantasy, Historical

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

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...  

 

Review

 

Here's another book I've been putting off reading. And now that I'm writing this review. And now that I'm writing this, I don't know what to write.

 

As my rating suggests, I enjoyed this book. Annith was an interesting and compelling character. I enjoyed reading from her perspective even though the lord knows I don't like first person books. And I do like seeing more of the relationship between the three ladies.

 

The romance was fairly compelling. I won't be super spoilery, but I did figure out what I would call the mystery. I am a little conflicted about the romance between these two even though I enjoyed the chemistry between them.

 

I don't read a lot of books in this genre, but I have enjoyed them. I will continue to read Robin LaFevers books as they come into my possession.

 

Thanks for reading!

Holly  

Review: Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

Series: His Fair Assassins Book #2
Format: Paperback
Pages:
Rating: 5 Stars
How I Got It: Gift from family
Genre: Young adult, historical fiction, fantasy
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

When Sybella arrived at the doorstep of St Mortain half mad with grief and despair the convent were only too happy to offer her refuge - but at a price. The sisters of this convent serve Death, and with Sybella naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, she could become one of their most dangerous weapons.

But her assassin's skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to the life that nearly drove her mad. Her father's rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother's love is equally monstrous. But when Sybella discovers an unexpected ally she discovers that a daughter of Death may find something other than vengeance to live for...

Review

I thought I loved Grave Mercy, but this one blew it out of the water. I do want to give a quick trigger warning for sexual abuse. There isn't anything graphic, but I'm sure it would upset some people.

While Grave Mercy was deep-seated in politics, this was more character-driven. The overall political plot of the series was moved forward but this is Sybella's story. And she was heart-breakingly amazing. Nobody should have to go through what she does, but it shows how strong she truly is.

My favorite thing is Ms. LaFevers writing. She perfectly blends historical writing. She perfectly blends historical and fantastical elements. This goes for her writing style, too. And she does a good job of hooking me in a peaceful way. This may not make sense, but when I read fast-paced books they kind of stress me out. This is so easy on my brain and eyeballs.

I know I haven't mentioned the content much, but I think you should just read this book (and series) kind of blind. Just go on the amazing journey. Oh, and there is a romance but it's pretty low-key. And it's definitely not the main focus of the story. Thought I'd say something, because I know some people feel strongly about those kinds of things.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Series: His Fair Assassin Book #1

Format: Hardcover

Pages:  549

Rating:  4 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from the Library

I did not expect to like this as much as I did or be so sucked in. And it had a little bit of a Mists of Avalon feel to it. (The mini-series).

I actually like stories with political intrigue and court politics. And I was happy it was such an important part of this story. But I wish it had been more developed or explained. I assume this is based on some true history, but I don’t know anything. I was confused for a while about who everyone was in relation to the other characters.

Ismae is an interesting character and I like her. It really breaks my heart to see her deal with affection because it’s so foreign. She’s also a physically strong character who is willing to make tough decisions. But I wish she would stop to think sometimes.

The romance was sweet and developed well. It’s a little predictable, but that doesn’t typically bother me. And I feel like Ms. LaFevers did a good job of blending the romance with the other aspects of the story. I could’ve used more romance because I’m a fan but the story doesn’t need it.

This was a great book, but I’m very eager to read the next book. I want to know how the larger plot is resolved and I’m very interested in the next main character. 

Thanks for reading!

~Holly