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.

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

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 ⭐️

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.

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 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 had my jaw dropping on more than one occasion, perfect end to the whole series! I loved it so much I finished it in just 2 days.

The Book That Held Her Heart is the third and final installment in The Library Trilogy. This is the perfect conclusion to the story. I am truly amazed by Mark Lawrence's worldbuilding; it is complex and well written. As for the story, I expected to be devastated, but nothing could have prepared me for the ending. This book definitely held my heart as well. I absolutely love this trilogy and highly recommend it to every fantasy reader. Pick it up, you won’t regret it. Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I'll post my review closer to the publication date.

The first two books of this series were like something I've never read before and I loved them. Then Mark brings out the final book in the series and honestly it's his best yet. This book is beautiful. It's a love story but also a story which show you that there are so many different possibilities that exist and also at its core is a story about values.

Mark deftly touches on the real differences between the different races and how at our core it doesn't really matter what you like or where you come from you can still be who you want to be and love who you want. This book also shows you the power of words and how in one iteration of yourself in one timeline you may be a bad person who makes bad choices but in another you may make better choices.

He also shows you that you should've define a person by their choices they make.

So not only is this a great fantasy novel it's also a history and life lesson of sorts.

And if you're read the first two books will Livira get the happy ending? Well you're going to have to read the book to find out.

Honestly this book is beautiful and everyone should read it!

F*ck me, what a book. Its incredible. What with the current political landscape around the world, this feels like such an important, necessary book. Reminding us of the power of words and books. Reminding us that those who fear books and seek to ban them, should in fact be feared themselves. This is a powerful read that showcases Mark Lawrence at his very best. Its a remarkable ending to a remarkable trilogy, one that will stick with me for a long time

The final book in the Library Trilogy is here, and its bittersweet ending pretty much broke my heart.

The Library is dying, it's blood is leaking through infinite times and spaces, and it is leaving carnage in its wake. Livira, our heroine, is trying to find a way to heal the Library, as her book caused the damage. Plus, she needs to find Evar, the Canith who holds her heart, as the last she saw of him he was shot. But the whole group, those who want to save the library and those who want to destroy it, are scattered through time and other spaces. And no one is quite sure what to do.

As much as I loved the first two instalments of the trilogy, this one is simply amazing, and I love it so much more. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it broke my heart in a few instances too. I found myself marking passages in the book, and have done so far more in this book than any other. Plus the strong anti-fascist theme in the book was wonderful, it warmed my heart and once again reinforced my love for Mark Lawrence!

This is the final book in the brilliantly unique library trilogy and it turned out to be my favourite. We go back to the world of Livira's library where she, Evar, Arpix, Yute and the Canith are battling across different worlds and possibilities. All Livira wants is to be reunited with Evar, I adored these characters so much and will miss them now the trilogy has come to an end. There's a new POV which I won't spoil, but the new characters perspective adds a new edge to the final part of this series. This is a book about books, power, kindness and the infinite possibility of who we choose to become. In the current political and social situations, this book was at times chilling and it almost seems like fate for it to come out when it is. There are so many deep themes explored within the novel and I don't think I've ever highlighted so many sections in a book as they resonated deeply. To call this series unforgettable seems like a cheap cliché but I honestly can't think of a better way to say how this series, the characters and the ending will stay with me for a lifetime.
Definitely my favourite book of the year so far. Thank you so much to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an arc in return for an honest review.

A fitting and incredibly emotional finale to a mind-bending trilogy that has utterly captured my imagination.

I absolutely love Mark Lawrence's prose and the world he has created in this series is so unique, mysterious and exciting that it's impossible not to get swept up in the adventures of many wonderful characters. This third book in the series brings things to a close in magnificent style,.

There are some fantastic set pieces throughout, and the main character arcs allow further growth and development, with this the lynchpin of the series. The inclusion of our world was a surprise but incredibly well executed piece of writing, and it struck a very strong chord with me. I don't ever recall so few words about so many years being so impactful.

This was a joy to read, albeit a very moving and thought-provoking experience, and I can't give anything other than five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an ARC of this wonderful novel.

This book held my heart, then stomped on it before holding it gently once more.

A satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.

Love the way each chapter is from a different characters perspective and timeline but that all timelines merge into one. Really enjoyed reading this series.

Mark Lawrence has never been one to pull punches, and The Book That Held Her Heart might just deliver his most merciless finale yet. Everything that made The Library Trilogy special (an ambitious blend of mystery, adventure, and philosophical musing) collides violently, and with lots of powerful twists.

This time, the stakes are cataclysmic. The fate of the infinite library hangs by a thread, and Livira and Evar, once inseparable, are scattered across time. Livira is chasing answers through the labyrinthine past, while Evar is trapped in an impossible situation, kept alive through means best left unspoiled. Meanwhile, the war over the library rages on, with no simple resolutions is sight.

The Book That Held Her Heart feels darker and weightier that its predecessors. Not just in terms of stakes - though those are plenty brutal - but in its themes. The story brings in a new perspective through Anne Hoffman, a Jewish girl in Nazi Germany, tying the library’s war to the real-world horrors of book burning and historical erasure. It’s a bold move, and Lawrence makes it land. I feel the incorporation of real-world history into already mind-bending worldbuilding was a gamble, but it payed off. Ultimately, the story that has always been about books, memory, and the battle between knowledge and ignorance.

Despite the weighty themes (censorship, history’s cyclical nature, and the cost of knowledge) the novel never drags. Lawrence balances it all with his trademark wit and clever chapter epigraphs. The ending is powerful and I needed a moment to process it.

The Book That Held Her Heart is a stunning, gut-punch of a conclusion. It demands patience, rewards rereads, and cements Lawrence as one of the genre’s most daring storytellers. Just brace yourself—you won’t leave unscathed.

I loved the way this was written and how everything just pulled together. A great way to end the series and I absolutely recommend reading it.

I’m still trying to process everything I just read. The Book That Held Her Heart isn’t just a book—it’s an emotional experience. Mark Lawrence has absolutely outdone himself with this finale to The Library Trilogy. I’m not even sure how to explain how much I loved it without sounding completely unhinged, but here goes!

First off, the stakes in this book? Astronomical. Livira and Evar’s journey has been intense since the first book, but this? This felt like the ultimate test, not just for them but for literally everyone in the library and beyond. The way Lawrence takes their bond—stretched across time, space, and every impossible obstacle—and makes you feel every bit of their yearning and hope is just…chef’s kiss. I was rooting for them so hard, and the emotional payoff? And can we talk about Anne Hoffman? Like, wow. Dropping a storyline about a teenage girl in 1930s Germany into this cosmic, time-bending epic could have gone sideways, but nope—Lawrence made it work. Her chapters were so gripping and emotional that I was completely glued to the page. I wanted more of her, honestly. The parallels between her story and the library’s war against ignorance? Just brilliant.

The worldbuilding? Still incredible. The library is this endlessly fascinating place that feels alive—full of wonder, danger, and secrets that kept me on the edge of my seat. And the way Lawrence makes even the tiniest details feel meaningful? Like, I caught myself thinking about it long after I closed the book.

I’ll admit, the pacing slowed down a little in the middle, but honestly, I didn’t care because I was so obsessed with what was happening to everyone. The cast is huge, sure, but each character feels real, and I loved seeing how their stories came together (or fell apart—thanks for that, Mark). And the ending… I’m still crying. It was heartbreaking, bittersweet, and perfect all at once. Not everything wrapped up neatly, and that’s what made it feel so raw and real.

If you’ve read the first two books, you’re not ready for this finale. And if you haven’t started this series yet, What are you waiting for? Seriously, The Library Trilogy is unlike anything else I’ve ever read, and The Book That Held Her Heart is the perfect ending. Just be prepared to have your heart broken—and love every second of it.

The Book That Held Her Heart by Mark Lawrence is a beautifully written, emotional journey through love, loss, and the healing power of books. The protagonist’s journey through grief and healing is deeply moving, with Lawrence’s lyrical prose adding an extra layer of depth to the narrative. This book gave the series a strong, beautiful end.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperVoyager for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was an absolutely fantastic final installation of this trilogy. Mark Lawrence really has amazing talent and knows how to wrap up the series.

The Book That Held Her Heart by Mark Lawrence is a breathtaking and emotionally resonant novel that beautifully blends fantasy, love, and the power of stories. At its core, this is a tale about the connection between a girl and a book—one that shapes her life in ways both magical and profound. Lawrence’s writing is as poetic as it is compelling, drawing readers into a world where words have the power to heal, transform, and endure.

The protagonist is wonderfully developed, her journey filled with longing, discovery, and heartache. Lawrence captures the intricacies of human emotion with stunning precision, making every moment feel deeply personal. The book within the book serves as both a mystery and a metaphor, unfolding alongside the protagonist’s own growth. The balance between fantasy and reality is seamless, creating a narrative that feels both timeless and unique.

Every page of The Book That Held Her Heart brims with beauty, from its lyrical prose to its poignant themes of love, loss, and destiny. The ending is as satisfying as it is bittersweet, leaving a lasting impression that lingers long after the final page. A perfect 5-star read—Lawrence has crafted something truly special, a love letter to storytelling itself.

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 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!

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.

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.