I have such mixed feelings about this one. In some ways I loved what it was trying to say and resonated with the driving significance of books and libraries. But on the other hand, the implementation of this theme felt heavy-handed and lost much of the magic of the first two in the series.

I typically tend to avoid Nazi Germany in fiction, not because it doesn’t have an important place in fiction, but I have to be in the right mindset for it and an epic fantasy in an entirely fictional library was the last place I expected to find holocaust fiction. However, in the end, this inclusion does make sense in the greater context of a library, always burning, that stretches across time and space. So I’m not mad about it, just caught off-guard.

Livira takes a backseat in this one and I missed her tenacity, Arpix of all people had the most to say in this one and he ended up being the most interesting to read. The library exploration that I loved in the first two is also lacking but instead we get more of the different versions of the surrounding city, and that had to be my favourite part, when they were just exploring.

Mark Lawrence has perfected wonky timelines all coming together and while the ending was bittersweet, the conclusion fit.

Well, hello there fellow reader. Have you read both previous books in the series and the shorts? You have, and you're back for more. Great, that'll save me having to spend too much time telling you just how good this series id. Explaining all about the Library, how it's bigger than it seems on the outside, the unique time travel system (Bigger on the inside. Time travel. Psychic paper. Is Mr Lawrence a bit of a Whovian?), the wonderful characters and the world building. You can just get on with enjoying this, the final book in the trilogy. Although I'm not sure enjoy is quite the right word for the chapters set in Nazi Germany at the start of the persecution of the Jews!

What's that? You haven't read the first two books and short stories! What are you doing here? Quickly run and pick 'em up. Unlike the rest of us, who had to patiently wait for each new entry in the series, you get the joy of binge reading the whole series. Aren't you lucky!

Thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK and the author for an advance copy.

cannot believe that I forgot to give a review for this gorgeous book. I really enjoyed reading it. The end of the series was so unexpected and as always his themes packed a punch. Mark really has a talent for weaving storylines and he has done a fantastic job here, whilst also managing to give even more life to his characters...
recommended

Absolutely incredible, I adore this series and this book did not let me down. Highly recommended. Great pace, character development and humour. If you haven't started reading yet, you should!

This is a fitting end to an imaginative series. At times, it was a lot to wrap your head around with time and space all warping and coming back together in new ways and frustrating cliffhangers that kept me reading. In the same way that the previous two books gradually built up the complexity of the story, this book adds on further places, times and characters that further deepen the plot. This is an impressively structured fictional universe with interesting characters and a philosophical outlook on life.

The thrilling conclusion to one of the most imaginative and unique fantasy trilogies I've ever read. In the Library, Evar, Livira and their friends and family are separated by time amongst the stacks, desperately trying to reunite, survive the worlds they've been thrown into and also find a way to save the Library from destruction.

The entire trilogy focuses on themes around knowledge, gatekeeping of information and the importance of preserving history - as well as the lovely human tendencies to hate on others due to culture, place or wealth. We see these themes get a new focus as Mark Lawrence introduces our own world - namely Kristallnacht - to his book (though anyone who reads ML knows his books are actually based in our world, just many many many years in the future) and how the characters learn and process the information they learn there, and how the creaturs of the Library take shape in our world as well.

I thought this one felt more pacey than the previous two, which is apt as the characters are in even more danger in this book and have to really get moving to figure things out before it's too late. I liked seeing the unusual pairings from Yute and Kerrel, to Sara Lita and Livira - and my favourite unlikely couple of all time Arpix and Clovis.

The ending was really beautiful while being bittersweet. This is a trilogy/ending written especially for book lovers, showing us the magic and the infinity of storytelling.

Great trilogy and great conclusion: epic, gripping, entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Mark Lawrence brings The Library Trilogy to a breathtaking, soul-shaking conclusion with The Book That Held Her Heart—a novel that is as intellectually ambitious as it is emotionally resonant. This final installment cements the series as one of Lawrence’s most powerful works, wrapping up the fates of Livira and Evar while expanding the story’s scope in unexpected and poignant directions.

What begins as a battle over the fate of an infinite library becomes something far more layered—a meditation on truth, memory, extremism, and the price of preservation versus destruction. Livira and Evar, now fully realized and tested by time and experience, must confront not only their personal beliefs about the library but the consequences of those beliefs across fractured timelines and twisted realities. The narrative shifts across worlds and layers of time with elegance and momentum, making for a reading experience that’s at once thrilling and profoundly moving.

Lawrence’s prose is as sharp and poetic as ever. His pacing is masterful—balancing high-concept fantasy with raw human emotion and piercing commentary. While this is a world of magic, lost books, and collapsing realities, it’s also a world deeply concerned with the very real fight between ignorance and understanding. The emotional toll is significant—there are moments of profound loss and sacrifice—but they’re handled with care, never cheap, always earned.

The conclusion is, simply put, unforgettable. It brings together the threads of three novels in a way that feels both surprising and inevitable. There’s heartbreak, hope, and a quiet, aching beauty in how everything resolves. You will turn the final page feeling changed—because Lawrence doesn’t just end a story; he completes a journey.

Final Thoughts
The Book That Held Her Heart is a triumph—ambitious, devastating, and deeply humane. It’s a love letter to books, to knowledge, and to those who dare to protect both in the face of destruction. A fitting and unforgettable finale to a stunning trilogy.

The Book That Held Her Heart is the final in Mark Lawrence’s Library trilogy. After the slow start in book one, the rest of the series held my attention and, for the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed book three.

The split narration between Livira, Aprix, and Evar, along with newcomer, Anne, works well. We’ve got to know these characters over the course of the three books. Aprix was a welcome addition: he’s been underused up until now but is given the chance to develop as his own character, as well as showing the development with Clovis. He’s not just the quiet librarian any longer, but a leader in his own right.

Evar, as ever, has a certain pureness to him that you want to protect. Initially heart-broken, believing he has lost Livira, you sese his determination to find the answers. Lines he wouldn’t previously cross are no longer as definitive as his loyalties become torn between his family and his new friends.

Livira feels more complete in this final book. She doesn’t seem as arrogant and doesn’t have all the answers. She’s thrust into worlds she doesn’t understand with consequences she can’t foresee, and it makes her a more likeable character. From not being bothered about her in the first book, I like how well-rounded she comes across as in this book.

I wasn’t originally sure about the venture into the ‘real’ world, especially given the period Yute and Kerrol step into. It’s a sensitive topic that didn’t need to be in this fantasy world. However, Lawrence wrote it with tact and the theme of book-burning did fit well. It helped that Anne was a strong character. I love you got to see how her story played out in the end as well-and the impact it has on the least likely people.

The plot is literally all over the place in both location and time. Seeing the plotlines collide was satisfying, as was seeing the ripples through time as characters are forced back and forth from their own present day. The complexities of time and multiple realities is a lot to deal with, though. There were moments towards the end where I had to really concentrate to figure out what was happening.

Talking of endings... I don’t know how I feel about it. The overall ending was good, true enough. But I still can’t figure out what happened to one of the main characters (no spoilers), and it left me wanting more of a conclusion other than the hint at the very end. So many threads were tied up but then we were left with a big ‘huh?’ right at the end.

I enjoyed this trilogy. It got stronger as we became more immersed in the world and the characters were solid and likeable enough that you rooted for them. Plus, in this final book, the ‘bad’ guys became so abhorrent that our heroes winning was the only acceptable outcome, even with a cost.

Another enjoyable trilogy from Mark Lawrence.

Sure! Here’s a 4.5-star style review for “The Book That Held Her Heart” by Mark Lawrence — written in a tone suitable for Goodreads, Amazon, or a personal blog:

⸻

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ — A Lyrical, Haunting Tale That Lingers Long After the Last Page

“The Book That Held Her Heart” is a quiet, elegant triumph. Mark Lawrence departs from the grimdark brutality he’s often known for and instead delivers something far more delicate - a love story woven with memory, grief, and the alchemy of books.

This book reads like a dream or perhaps a half-remembered one. It’s introspective and steeped in emotion, centring on a woman who finds her past, and perhaps her future, inside a mysterious bookshop that exists on the edges of reality. Lawrence’s prose is stripped-back yet poetic, and there’s a kind of soft melancholy that coats every page. You can feel the weight of memory pressing down - and the warmth of something like hope rising up.

It’s not a book for readers looking for fast-paced action or complex worldbuilding. Instead, it’s one to feel your way through - the kind of story you read in one sitting, close the cover gently, and then stare at the wall for a while

The only reason it’s not a full five stars for me? I wanted just a little more. A few more pages to fully unpack the emotional climax, or perhaps a deeper dive into the magic that pulses just under the surface. But maybe that mystery is the point: some stories aren’t meant to be explained, only felt.

Highly recommended for anyone who loves stories about stories, and hearts that remember even when they try to forget.

The Book That Held Her Heart is the conclusion to the Library Trilogy by Mark Lawrence, which started with The Book That Wouldn't Burn. And oh boy, did I love the first book for its complexity and uniqueness! Sadly, the second book didn't impress me quite as much, and the third one was where things really went downhill for me. Of course. this is only when compared to the previous instalments, particularly the first book. Objectively, this is a well written book with a (mostly) satisfying conclusion to the story. However, in my opinion, where the story initially was creative and unique, it slowly grew to be more erratic and incomprehensible.
Without giving away any spoilers, Lawrence made certain choices story-wise in this book that just felt off to me, although I do find it hard to put my finger on why exactly it is. I think that perhaps I found that the amount of care that went into the depiction was not adequate? Honestly, things just kind of went off the rails for me, and I think that the central conflict of the series wasn't handled as thoughtfully and with enough complexity to leave the reader with a feeling of satisfaction.

I am aware that this review is somewhat incomprehensible, but frankly, I think that fits the vibe of the book just fine. I really loved the first book and had great expectations for this series, and ultimately, it just felt... lukewarm. Not bad by any means, but certainly not great, either.

I’ve just finished The Book That Held Her Heart by Mark Lawrence, the concluding part of "The Library Trilogy." As a fan of Lawrence’s storytelling, I was eager for this finale, and it did not disappoint.

This third instalment delves deeper into a secret, infinite library, with characters scattered through time and space facing a crucial conflict over its survival. A standout storyline features Anne Hoffman, a young Jewish girl in Nazi Germany, which grounds the narrative in a harrowing reality and highlights the dangers of censorship and destruction of knowledge.

Lawrence excels in creating complex, morally ambiguous characters, revisiting familiar faces whose arcs culminate here. His lyrical prose enhances the narrative, and the deliberate pacing allows for deep character exploration. The book addresses profound themes of knowledge, memory, and resilience against dehumanisation.

Overall, I found The Book That Held Her Heart to be a profound and satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, earning a strong 5 out of 5 stars.

3.5

I know, I am as shocked as your are by my rating. Book 1 'The Book that Wouldn't Burn' was my favourite read of the year when I read it back in 2023, however sadly my love and enthralment has slowly been diminishing with each sequel that has followed :(

I still LOVE this series and will with my whole heart recommend it, but maybe just tell people to lower their expectations of it - like I wish I did!!!

Book 3 continues on right for where we are left in Book 2 and all that follows is multiple POVS (with an extra thrown in) with A LOT happening, everyone is scrambling to reunite once again, and you, the reader are struggling to understand timelines (this took me nearly 2 months on and off reading)

Mark Lawrence's writing continues to be utterly superb and the overall ending I REALLY enjoyed, just maybe not the journey to get there.

Overall - The Book that wouldn't burn will forever be a favourite and I am happy with how everything concluded, just a little let down with the overall story.

Thanks as always to the publisher for the ARC!

Man, this trilogy is a disappointment. After loving book 1, the sequels could never recapture that magic for me. This book was too short for its ambition. There is WAY too much going on, way too many characters in way too many timelines doing way too much jumping around to satisfy this story in 350 pages. It was also so convoluted that I struggled to care about half the things happening. A new POV was introduced and while that POV was ultimately unnecessary, I actually enjoyed that POV more than most of the others in this book.

There's a book I love somewhere with the rough outline and shape of this book. But it was never to be.

6/10

The Book That Held Her Heart by Mark Lawrence is a stunning and emotionally charged conclusion to The Library Trilogy, delivering a powerful story that left me with a multitude of emotions. This final installment brings to a mighty and thought-provoking close a tale centered around a great and infinite library, its fate hanging in the balance as forces for destruction, preservation, and unexpected alternatives clash across multiple realities, races, and timelines.

Lawrence masterfully weaves a complex narrative that spans time and place, including a compelling new perspective of a young girl who once ran a bookshop before devastating events disrupted her life. This blending of real-world history with a fantastical universe feels natural. It enriches the narrative’s core themes: the ongoing battle between knowledge and ignorance, the power of stories, and the importance of choice.

The characters, many of whom we’ve come to know and love in previous books, face heartbreak and sacrifice, and the emotional rollercoaster they take us on is both wrenching and rewarding. Livira and Evar’s journeys are deeply explored. Still, we also see new relationships and perspectives emerge, especially with characters like Celcha, Mayland, Yute, and Kerrol, whose differing views on the library’s future add layers of moral complexity and hope for solutions beyond destruction or blind preservation.

The writing is rich in emotional nuance, offering insightful reflections on humanity, and possesses an almost lyrical quality that draws you into the story’s many twists and turns. Lawrence balances weighty, often heartbreaking themes with moments of wit and charm, creating a pacing that never loses momentum despite the depth of its subject matter.

The ending is nothing short of phenomenal, a gut-punching, heart-breaking finale that also feels earned and satisfying. It will linger with readers long after the last page, prompting reflection on the power of words, the cyclical nature of history, and the choices that shape us. This is a series that challenges perspectives and rewards readers with profound storytelling.

For anyone who loves fantasy that explores complex ideas, rich worldbuilding, and deeply human stories, The Book That Held Her Heart is an absolute must-read. It’s a beautiful, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful journey that I am eager to reread in its entirety.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read this incredible book.

Arc supplied by NetGalley

4.25 stars

This book was such a genuine heartbreaker and I sobbed after I finished this because wdym this series is over like?????

A heartbreakingly beautiful end to the series. I loved the direction this book took, including a moment that invites a reader to reflect on both our own past and present when our world is brought to the library. There are some truly poignant moments in this book, moments that will make you cry and others that will bring a smile to your face.

I love this series so much, I feel like this book was written as beautifully as the first 2 and I absolutely loved how this one started and finished. This series for me is unique and it gripped me from the start, I love the characters, the twists and turns, I really loved the journey I went on whilst reading this novel.

The Book That Held Her Heart was a pleasing end to an enjoyable trilogy. Book one remains my favourite in the series, however, I felt book three did a pretty good job of wrapping up a lot of different threads.
I really enjoyed a lot of the POVs this time round, I felt the storyline featuring Anne was a clever addition to the plot and tied in with the broader themes really well.
My only complaint about this final book was that I felt it could have been a little longer and that, if it had been, it may have allowed for some lingering questions to be more fully clarified.
Mark Lawrence's writing remains some of my favourite and I look forward to whatever he writes next!

I kind of enjoyed this book. I haven't read the preceding books though and I felt that it inhibited my comprehension of the storyline somewhat.
I think I would have enjoyed it a whole lot more if I had a better handle on the characters and their history.
I did really like the way the characters moved around the world possibilities once I grasped things a bit better.
A really great concept for world building too.
I wouldn't read it again though, not without reading the whole set.