Heartless

"I'd begin praying to your gods now, because your clan won't be enough to protect you if I find out you're lying."

How's it going readers?! I have had the most amazing week! Read three stupendous books, which I will be reviewing later on this week. Moved to the coast of Albania with a lovely view of Greece. Mornings are amazing here! The sound of waves crashing against the stone structure is soothing. But back the the topic, Heartless, the sequel to Merciless by Jacqueline Prawl! I was so excited to read this one, especially after the last cliffhanger. For a quick recap, Mercy, Tam, and Calum, plus some guards are on their way to find the cure of the healthy curse shrouding the lives of humans. The relationships are shaky but intense, as tension rises. Heartless was a cute read to enjoy, while watching the sea. The aura of the novel matched my joyful atmosphere on the coast!

Thank you Jackie for your generosity and I can't wait to read book three!!

Goodreads' Blurb

Mercy--the assassin who betrayed the Guild. Calum--the blacksmith hiding a deadly secret. Tamriel--the rebel prince desperate to save his people.

Still reeling from the Assassins’ deadly attack, Mercy, Tamriel, and Calum have no choice but to venture to the wild and war-torn Cirisor Islands for the one ingredient which may cure the deadly plague sweeping the country. They have no idea what they will face in the land of the fabled elves, except that the brutal Cirisians do not hesitate to kill any humans who trespass into their territory.

When secrets, betrayals, and misplaced trust threaten to tear their group apart, Mercy finds herself caught between her desires to protect Tamriel and to expose Calum’s crimes—secrets the sharp-tongued blacksmith will kill to keep hidden. After a Cirisian clan leader takes them hostage, the three of them must work together to ensure that Cassius Baccha’s vision of the cure comes to fruition. They’ll do anything to save Tamriel’s people and right the wrongs the mad king has committed, but first, they have to survive the Islands—and each other.

Book Review

Well, it looks like we got our Tam and Mercy love story back on track! I cannot explain how cute these two were. It was saturated in cute moments and delicious scenes that just captured my attention. Heartless was a brilliant sequel to the Merciless series, I loved how Jackie incorporated some of Mercy’s heritage into the novel, as well as more fantasy within the writing.

I’m going to cut this review into three pieces: Tam and Mercy, Calum, the Crown!

Detour: Have you guys watched The Crown?!?!?

I watched it last night and am already on season two! The dirt, the drama, the bluntness. No wonder they didn't want anyone to see it! Everything is in the light. LOL! I am thoroughly enjoying the show. Does anyone know if they are making more seasons beyond season five?

At the conclusion of Merciless we left Mercy and Tam in a ruff patch. She was supposed to kill, he found out, it was a whole thing. But the important part is that she didn’t do it. An His Majesty is already in love. So, no take backs! I adored that Tam didn’t just give in to the connection between him and Mercy. I do love a good HEA but it’s no fun when they don’t play hard to get ;). I saw some true acceptance in their relationship and boundary settings between the two of them. It really solidifies that their love isn’t just fluff.

Calum, Calum, Calum. What can I not say about this problem child? He was a villain that you wished was an ally. The brotherhood between Tam and him was inspirational. It gives an accurate example of sibling-hood, the love and the hate. It was funny to witness their moments of ‘ride or die’ and ‘just drop dead’. The intricacy of Calum’s personality, mindset, loyalty, and relations will leave reader playing Sherlock Holmes in their attempts to see Calum’s true colors.

I won’t spoil the story but after reading the novel, I am on pins and needle in trying to figure out what the crown will do! Will they keep Mercy safe? Accept her? Will the King finally become a king worthy of his nation?! Will Tam become King?! All to be figured out in the next book of the Merciless series! I recommend this book to anyone looking for a cute, fantasy adventure. There is a lot of scenes starring Tam and Mercy and their love story, but the mystery surrounding the Elves, the curse, Calum’s father, Calum, and the future will lure you into the world of Heartless!