Mortal Heart

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...

*May Contain Spoilers*

Robin LaFevers ends the His Fair Assassin trilogy with Mortal Heart. It's time for Annith's story, a young girl who has appeared in both prior books. She's always lived at the convent and no one knows the story of her parents or her innate talents. But the time has come to reveal all secrets and atone for all crimes. 

Annith knows nothing of her own history. She was raised by Mortain's own, trained to be an assassin like her sisters. She's loyal, incredibly skilled, respectful, and tired of walking on eggshells. Due to her upbringing, Annith always tries to keep everyone around her happy. As a child, she was punished frequently for making simple mistakes or because the convent's headmistress desired it. Thus, Annith grew up to be pliable and obedient. Readers will sympathize with Annith and understand why she wishes to escape the convent. Throughout the novel, more and more of Annith's history is revealed and readers will become closer to her as she learns more about herself. Annith's non-judgmental ways and persistence, as well as her unfaltering hope and innocent heart, will undoubtedly win readers over. 

The plot continues to focus on Brittany and the Duchess Anne. Annith's story overlaps with the previous two books, but continues past the adventure of Sybella and Beast. Annith travels to confront the Abbess and meets up with the Hellequin riders and Arduinnites along the way. When she finally reaches the Abbess, Ismae, Sybella, and the Duchess, the French have invaded and are closing in with no help coming to save the country of Brittany. I'm no history buff, but this fictionalized version makes it all quite intriguing to me. LaFevers has intricately altered the timeline and the facts but has kept the main story line consistent with actual events. The whole plot is highly entertaining and the writing style is detailed, focused, and a study of itself. Viewpoints, understanding, and beliefs are malleable as the story evolves and it's an quite an enjoyable ride. If only it would never end... 

Rating: 4.5/5 Cups