Joint Review: Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers

Title: Mortal Heart (His Fair Assassin #3)
Author: Robin LaFevers
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Release Date: November 4, 2014
Acquired Via: Personal Collection
In the powerful conclusion to Robin LaFever's New York Times bestselling His Fair Assassins trilogy, 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.

Book Trailer


Our Review

You can read Kayla's review of Grave Mercy, the first book in His Fair Assassins trilogy, HERE.

Amber: So, my first thoughts about Mortal Heart were that I should have re-read both Grave Mercy and Dark Triumph. I remembered little to nothing about the story so far and was pretty lost in the first couple of chapters.

But once Annith was away from the convent, I started enjoying it. My favorite parts by far involved the hellequin (and Balthazaar) and the followers of Arduinna. I really hope that LaFevers writes a spinoff with the other followers of the Nine.

What were your first impressions?

Kayla: When I started reading it, I was worried about how LaFevers would tie it in with the history of Brittany. And, like most other people, I wondered how in the world I would like Annith as much as I liked Ismae. As for the other two books, I had reread Grave Mercy and read Dark Triumph for the first time earlier this year.

I really liked that Mortal Heart had a bit more of the supernatural element to it than the other books. I loved learning about LaFever's Nine and their history. I thought that I would like to read about Arduinna's followers, but after finishing the book, I'd love to read more about Dea Matrona or Amourna. (Yes, I'm aware that it would be tricky, but I am sure there will be MEAT.)

Amber: How did you end up feeling about Annith? I really liked her. She truly cared about her sisters, and she had a lot of compassion. Both of these tempered her almost perfectness. I also LOVED the love interest. If I ever swooned over anything, it would definitely be over Balthazaar.

Book Deals: November 20, 2014

Title: Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1)
Author: Robin LaFevers
Price: $1.99
Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

This book has an average of 3.95 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. I rated this 5 out of 5 stars. You can read Kayla's review here.

Please remember to check prices before buying. These prices are subject to change without notice.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Want to Re-Read

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten Books I Want to Re-Read


1. Magic Bites (Kate Daniels #1) by Ilona Andrews
This is one of my favorite series, and I really want to re-read it to fall in love all over again.



2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter #1) by J.K. Rowling
Another one of my favorite series that I need to re-read just because it's so great.

Armchair BEA 2014: Introduction

Design by Amber of Shelf Notes

To learn more about Armchair BEA, visit HERE.
This is the third year that I've participated in Armchair BEA, and my decision to participate was pretty last minute. I've been super behind on All The Things because of a silly little distraction called "life", but hopefully I can finish out the week like a good girl. (I intend to schedule all of my posts, but you guys should be putting bets on me doing these posts last minute on the night before.)

1. Describe your blog in just one sentence. Then, list your social details -- Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. -- so we can connect more online.

In west Philadelphia born and rai... Wait, that one is taken. *ponders* How about:

"Bibliophile wandering around the blogosphere aimlessly, looking for more books to read."
Okay, that's my pitch. You can find my social networking stuff on the right sidebar at the top.

2.What genre do you read the most?

Top Ten Tuesday: All Time Favorite Books in the Fantasy Genre

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten All Time Favorite Books in the Fantasy Genre



1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter #1) by J. K. Rowling
The book/series that began my love affair with young adult fantasy.





2. Graceling (Graceling Realm #1) by Kristin Cashore
Katsa and Po are two of my favorite fantasy characters. This is the book I recommend to anyone that has the tiniest of interest in fantasy.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Made Me Swoon

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten Books That Made Me Swoon



1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
My all-time favorite book. Besides, who wouldn't swoon over Mr. Darcy?





2. Graceling (Graceling Realm #1) by Kristin Cashore
I love the relationship between Katsa and Po. Katsa is wounded, prickly and headstrong. Po is stubborn, compassionate and understanding. I don't want to give any spoilers, but their coming into their relationship is a wonderful story. Plus, this is one of my favorite YA fantasies.

Fool for Books Giveaway Hop (INT)

Welcome to my stop on the Fool for Books Giveaway Hop, which is being hosted by Kathy at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer.

What You Can Win

Today, I'm giving away a brand new car! Just kidding (it's April Fool's Day, you know), I'm going to give away your choice of book from a series that I love.

2012 YA Story Scavenger Hunt (Giveaway): Day 18

Looking for this, hunters? (If you're wondering what's going on, visit HERE.) I have today's trivia questions from Fiction Fervor's 2012 YA Story Scavenger Hunt here for you. 2012YASSH challenges you with your knowledge of young adult books published this year, and if you enter, you might win a prize! Check out it here for more info. And be sure to read the rules!

Without further ado, today's questions come from Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1) by R.L. LaFevers.

Easy: To which saint is the convent at which Ismae trained dedicated?



Medium: Who is the traitor to the Duchy of Brittany?



Hard: What caused the scarring on Ismae's body?





Enter your answers in the form below!

Summer Lovin' Giveaway Hop (INT)

Welcome to the Bibliophilia, Please stop on the Summer Lovin' Giveaway Hop! It was brought to you by our wonderful hosts, I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Tifferz Book Review. The novels being focused upon this go-round are of the romance genre. I don't read too many books that are considered "romance", but I am going to offer the winner the choice of one of my three favorite books of 2012 with an über swoon-worthy love.

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
Skylark by Meagan Spooner (pre-order)
The Lost Girl by Sangu Mandanna (pre-order)
Giveaway Requirements

Review: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Title: Grave Mercy 

Author: Robin LaFevers

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Release Date: April 3, 2012

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers is a historical romance novel that is aimed at the young adult audience. It has a small mix of the paranormal and mythology that lends to its story about Ismae Rienne, Death's handmaiden.

Life was hard in the 15th century. Surviving an attempted abortion and being raised by a hateful father had to make it even harder. Throw in an abusive husband, and that describes the life of Ismae Rienne. That is, until she is rescued by the followers of the Old Ways in the countryside, who recognize her for what she is. Her life changes for the better when she is taken in by the convent of Saint Mortain, the pre-Christianity god of death. Ismae finds her calling in the walls of the convent - she is an assassin, a genius with poisons, and an adept student. However, all of that may prove to not be enough when she faces an assignment that places her in a dangerous political struggle and in a partnership with the equally dangerous Gavriel Duval.

I love historical fantasy novels (okay, and some historical romance), so I was more than excited to get my hands on Grave Mercy. Reading about imaginary assassin nuns in the 15th century was a huge factor in my starting the book ahead of others on my review pile. Unfortunately, I overheard talk of a romance that played a pretty major role in the book. I was almost turned off and nearly put it down.

I have never been happier to stick with a book.