Wow, this book left me with so many feelings! The last book in a wonderful series about a great and infinite library and the sides that want to see it destroyed or saved or maybe another solution besides that of Jaspeth or Irad comes to a mighty conclusion that will affect all realities and races be they at peace or war with one another. And a book that spans the time, capable of destroying reality itself. This story doesn't hold back on the punches so be prepared for a roller coaster of emotions (at least for me) as Livira, Evar, and everyone else figure out what they truly think about the library and whether it should continue as they fall through so many layers of reality, time, and maybe worlds (that got so nicely twisty and also heart stopping at some of the realities).

I did really like that after the story of Livira and Evar were fleshed out in the previous two books, you get to see other relationships form, plus more of Celcha and Mayland with their opposing views of the library and how maybe extremes are not the answer and that maybe there is another way (which is what Yute and Kerrol do in this book), if Livira's book can be tracked down before it completely destroys the library.

There are many good messages in this series, and the ending was very well done even though so many sacrifices were made which hurt my heart and left me gasping until it was over. I will be thinking about this for a good long time.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this and finish up a wonderful series!

This series has been incredible from start to finish, and the final installment absolutely lives up to that standard. We continue following two familiar characters who have been central throughout the story, but we’re also introduced to a compelling new voice—a Jewish girl in Nazi Germany who once ran a bookshop before the devastating rise of book burnings. Integrating historical elements into a fictional narrative can be a bold choice, yet Lawrence pulls it off seamlessly, weaving real-world context into the story without it ever feeling forced.

True to form, Lawrence doesn’t hold back when it comes to tackling complex and weighty subject matter. He explores a wide range of emotional and intellectual themes with sensitivity and depth, particularly the ongoing battle between enlightenment and ignorance. This exploration is handled with such skill that it feels both profound and deeply human. And even amid these heavy topics, Lawrence’s signature wit and charm shine through, offering moments of levity that balance out the intensity.

What’s even more impressive is how the story’s pacing remains sharp and engaging throughout. Despite diving into difficult themes, the narrative never loses momentum, pulling the reader along with a steady, captivating rhythm.

The conclusion? Absolutely stunning. While each book in the trilogy has ended on a strong note, this finale is on another level. I’d happily reread the entire series just to experience that final chapter again—it’s that powerful.

This whole series has held my heart and at times, hurt my head. It's complex both in world and time, and the expansion of POVs (and a touch of historical reality) in this final instalment has added to this somewhat. It would likely be beneficial to read the series in one sweep, with plenty of time to follow each event, timeline, and character closely as they develop - I will no doubt revisit in the future to do this!

That aside, it has been wonderful to follow each character's development - especially Livira's - and come to terms with the conclusion of the Library Trilogy in this final novel. Whilst I was expecing a big reveal or huge plot twist of sorts, the ending instead left a little to be desired, (or maybe imagined), whilst still providing a sense of satisfaction.

Despite me struggling a little with the complexity of this book / series, I was able to appreciate some very beautiful moments, and that really added some love to Mark Lawrence's writing and the series for me. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

A magical, tragic, unique and downright unputdownable read! I could not have asked for more from this final book! A journey full of darkness that sperates the characters, and brings them back together in different ways, that creates ripples and new stories that gather in the book that may just destroy everything. It's heartbreaking and had me in tears, which I did not expect. It tore me apart, like pages fluttering in an invisible breeze. All of the characters are significant, and integral to the story and the future of the library.
I could not put this final book down and detoured it this spectacular Sunday that I should have spent in the sun. I do not for a second regret my choice. The ending really broke me. I get it, but it does not make me wish it had been different, as most books sometimes make me feel, as they should. A good story will always linger with you, long after you close the book. Thank you to the author for creating another

This is a solid 4 star series for me. The first book was my favourite of last year. I love the setting of the library, when I read it I feel transported into another world and enjoy following the characters. The covers are also so pretty. This one felt a little slower than the previous 2, I think with everyone being split up at the end of the last book I was just waiting for them to get back together again and didn't feel as invested in some of the POVs. Saying that, I still really liked it and seeing the family dynamics of Evar's brothers and sisters and their growth was great. Would recommend the series as a whole.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC

Loved the first two!!!!

Would highly recommend, The world building and the characters *Chefs kiss*

Hopefully a hardback will be available on release so I can match it to my other two.

5 ⭐️

I loved the first two books in the series and this third did not disappoint. Mark Lawrence has a way of world building and character building that draws you in and sucks you up u til you can’t but the book down. I would highly recommend this book on your summer reading list.

How do you satisfyingly end a fantasy trilogy that marches and twists through time, place, history, race and universal war as this series does? The easy answer is like this!! I’m sure it was not easy though for Mark Lawrence. I commend the skill and breadth of his story telling. I can see why he says this is his favourite. Love lives on in the pages of a book. Thank you to Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

3.5 rounded up. I wanted to love this book, I adored the first two but I with this last one, so much so it took me over a month to finish! I missed the library, there were too many POVs and I just didn’t really care about what was happening… I thought the ending did a good job though, these books are good at bringing everything together. Overall though, my least favourite of the trilogy.

The Book That Held Her Heart is a thought provoking, heartfelt and satisfying conclusion to the Library Trilogy.

I always find it paradoxically a good sign when I’m nervous and put off picking up the next book in a series I enjoy. Between the books I know the characters are at least safe for the moment alive in some sort of limbo between read and unread.

This is also where we find Livira at the start of the book; a ghost stuck in the past separated from her love Evar unable to physically touch anything. The stakes couldn’t be higher as the book Liveria paradoxically created has started to destroy the library a nexus of time and space.
The series deals with and continues with the themes of otherness and expanses on this with how context and choice is important in deciding if we are a hero or villain.

The main idea and central conflict is should the library; which contains vast knowledge be destroyed or should it be saved. This knowledge is abused by those in power and are we doomed to continue repeating the cycle of violence; or is there another way.

We are introduced to a new character based on a real person from our own past. This can always be tricky but found it skilfully done and an exciting and engaging part of the story. This was an effective way to show the librarys expansive reach and made the reader part of the story pulling them into the conflict and helping them reflect on our own world.

The story has many twists and turns and can be very plot heavy but it manages to balance this with quieter moments between characters.
I found everyone had a moment to shine.

The conclusion of the series feels earned and satisfying. I was filled with emotion and thoughts and eager to start a reread of this great series.

Thank you to NetGallery and HarperCollins UK for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Mark Lawrence, you brilliant man, you. What an ending to a beautiful series.

The Book That Held Her Heart is the imaginative and emotionally charged conclusion to The Library Trilogy, and it came for my jugular. Lawrence's writing absorbs me in ways I can't describe. I love his uncanny ability to perfectly balance reality, fantasy, and love, whilst also expertly navigating through hard-hitting, sensitive topics. The book was nothing short of an intimate and thought-provoking testament to the power of words and their ability to bind people together. If you love a deeply rewarding read, love a book that challenges perspectives, or have ever whispered "just one more chapter" at 3 am, this whole series was made for you. I'm so sad it's over, but truly... Bravo, Mark. Bravo.

To say that The Book that Held Her Heart was one of my most anticipated reads is a massive understatement not because I was curious what will happen next, but I got addicted to the distinctive vibe this world immersed me in.
Emotional, though provoking conclusion of a unique series that raised so many serious topics and taught you so many things—humanity, love, the power of books and storytelling, and so much more. Furthermore, we witness our main characters learning more about themselves while untangling the infinite secrets of the library.
Absolute balm for the soul the way all the threads and questions were wrapped up and a bit of a “I didn't see that coming” moment in the characters' arc department, and I loved every bit of the journey. For one thing, I am 10000% sure that after a while, I will do a reread because the whole trilogy is the kind of masterpiece that there's always some detail you've missed in this mind-bending reality.

*Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperVoyager for providing me this ebook in exchange for an honest review*.

WHAT. A. RIDE!

I was not expecting this...emotional roller-coaster of a book, yet I thoroughly enjoyed it. I could read anything Mark Lawrence wrote and this book was no exception. Despite the heavy themes that were present in "The Book That Held Her Heart" it succeeded to make not want to put it down. I even got a sick leave from work (sorry, boss!). That ending was BRILLIANT and I can't wait to re-read the WHOLE series again.

This was unfortunately not for me. While I loved book one, book two was missing that magical feeling I had with the first instalment and it pains me to say that I felt the same about this one, too. I almost dnfed it several times, but I pushed through to the ending to know how it all came to a conclusion and while I liked the resolution, I probably should have had left it before.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Did i have to hold and protect my heart during this read…. Yes absolutely… !

In book 2 i sometimes got lost with the time jumps and the changes of POVs at the same time.
The concept of the Library is just so huge, mindblowing and not for the light hearted.

But to see all the pieces fall in place and the story comes together again with book 3 it made it such beautiful and heartshattering read.

Its a serie what will need to be re-read to fully grasp the enormous extend of the story.

I will come back to this trilogy some time but now I’m not ready for a re-read just jet.

Thank you netgalley for this arc
And Mark for this incredible mind buckling journey.

4.75 star

The direction the first book had in this series felt lost in the sequel, and wasn’t quite regained in the final book. This book fulfilled its premise in being an ode to stories, and the importance of embracing diversity, but veering cheaply into the Holocaust wasn’t the way to emphasise that point, and it never delivered on the star-crossed lovers in Livira and Evar - their romance felt cheap despite attempting to power so much of their motives. Overall, enjoyable but unsatisfying

This series so far has been amazing and the finale is no exception. We stick with two of the main charcaters from the rest of the series, who are already well established, but we also open with a new perspective of a jewish girl living in Nazi Germany, who owned a bookshop until the bookburning of the time took over. To inlcude real world storylines based on time periods we have a great understanding of could be considered a risky move but Lawrence does it surprisingly well and it feels very natural ,

Lawrence, as ever, doesn’t shy away from dealing with heavy themes and weighty scenarios, and he manages to hit a variety of different poignant topics while still giving them all the respect and nuance they deserve. The constant war between knowledge and ignorance and how can we solve this and deal with it is beautifully written. Yet despite it’s heavy nature, Lawrence still manages to insert his usual wit and charm throughout leaving us with some upbeat sections in amidst the heavier stuff. The pacing also doesn’t suffer even when dealing with these themes which is very impressive, to still draw the reader along with the plot and keeping it moving is so important and not an easy skill to manage.

The ending to this was phenomonal, and while all three of the books have ending well, this was spectacular in it’s own right. I would reread the series just to hit that ending again.

‘The Book That Wouldn’t Burn’ was one of my top reads of 2023, impressing me with deep themes and fascinating setting, and this trilogy continued to be enjoyable with the second book, and now it’s conclusion ‘The Book That Held Her Heart’. Set primarily in expansive libraries, this series examines the power but also potential dangers of truth and knowledge and the consequences of suppressing them, the cyclical nature of history and the importance of perspective.
This conclusion to the trilogy is brave, and I suspect will divide many readers. While there are some creative decisions I felt didn’t work for me, the execution of these were fantastic, and I appreciate what they added to the story. This book isn’t without its flaws, many of the major characters spend time split up, feeling a bit directionless, and the short length of this novel with so many threads left little time for character development. The themes continue to be a highlight, and I can’t stress enough just how clever this series is, and I suspect this will make it eminently re-readable. Most importantly though, the ending of this book is truly fantastic, and brings together the trilogy fantastically, providing a cathartic ending for our characters and story.
With ‘The Library Trilogy’ Lawrence has created a superb and cleverly written series that I suspect will be one of those rare gems that I find myself contemplating often.

I have loved this trilogy and was really looking forward to the ending... but it was just not hitting the mark and the impact of the 1st and 2nd books.
The multiple POVs were confusing at times, and all over the place, I felt like I was jumping around everywhere with no real point of conclusion to what was happening with one character before being thrown to another.

I enjoyed it overall, but felt hollow after the other 2 books of the series

I’ve loved this trilogy and was very excited for it to conclude. I think this was probably my least favourite of the trilogy. I loved the multiple POVs you get it feels like you get a well rounded story given the complexity of the plot. I love the characters this book just didn’t have the same magic of the other 2 for me and I was a little disappointed by the ending