The final volume in the The Library Trilogy, following THE BOOK THAT WOULDN'T BURN and THE BOOK THAT BROKE THE WORLD.Don’t you just want to grab this, switch off the phone and curl up on the sofa
By far one of my favourite books I've read this month… I

The Book That Held Her Heart is a fittingly ambitious conclusion to Mark Lawrence’s Library Trilogy, one that dares to tackle profound themes and intricate plots but doesn’t always succeed in balancing them. Even so, it’s a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

At its best, this book showcases Lawrence’s unparalleled ability to weave deep philosophical musings into the fabric of speculative fiction. The library—a repository of all human knowledge—remains as compelling as ever, a symbol of humanity’s brilliance and its flaws. The war between factions, each representing different ideals about the use and preservation of knowledge, provides a fascinating backdrop to Livira’s and Evar’s personal struggles.

Livira’s journey takes center stage, and while her grit and determination make her an admirable heroine, there are moments when her emotional arc feels overshadowed by the sprawling cast and complex narrative. Evar, too, suffers from this, as his journey—though poignant—sometimes feels like a subplot rather than a co-leading arc.

One of the most striking elements is the inclusion of Anne Hoffman’s perspective. Her story, set in pre-WWII Germany, is both haunting and illuminating, tying the library’s timeless conflict to real-world history. However, her brief appearances leave the reader yearning for more, as her chapters burn with a clarity and immediacy that outshine some of the other threads.

The pacing is a mixed bag, with stretches of the book feeling slow or overly detailed, especially as Lawrence juggles multiple timelines and perspectives. Yet, as always, he delivers an emotionally devastating and deeply satisfying conclusion. The final chapters are a masterclass in bittersweet storytelling, with no easy answers or neatly tied bows.

While not without its flaws, The Book That Held Her Heart cements The Library Trilogy as an ambitious and thought-provoking achievement. It’s a series that challenges the reader to think deeply about knowledge, love, and sacrifice, rewarding those willing to wade through its complexities with a tale that is as unforgettable as it is heartbreaking.

The Book That Held Her Heart by Mark Lawrence is a masterpiece! I couldn't put it down for a second. I rated this book 5 stars because it's that good!

An extraordinarily monumental conclusion to the trilogy. In it, we see our protagonists continue to unravel the secrets of the library, and discover the humaneness in themselves. Friendship, love, and compassion eventually prevail, in a journey where enough becomes clear to the reader, though far from all. More than anything else, this book, and the trilogy overall, are an ode to the awesome power of books and knowledge, and the need to persevere in protecting them, despite the ill-use some people may put them to. It is also a timely reminder of these things, in an age of burgeoning populism (and even fascism), and a call to remember that books, even if sometimes are abused, hold the key to progress and betterment.

I absolutely loved the book. Though I can't claim I understood all of it, and it will definitely benefit from a re-read in the years to come, it was emotive, thrilling, energising, and thoughtprovoking. There is an immense pleasure in reading a storyteller at the height of his power - and this book brings this to life more than most. The author is a true intellectual powerhouse, preaching tolerance, learning, and love. I've rarely read books that brought together such complex philosophical arguments together with a speculative fiction plot, whose intricacies would not put to shame Vandermeer, Barker, or Di Filippo.

I recommend to anyone looking for more than the average read, and those who have the patience to consider a book and contemplate it beyond its surface. Such an effort will be well rewarded.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book in return for an honest review.