"I knew in my sad, stupid, ridiculous heart that Grim would be away on rain days too. How dare that man ask me for a charm of protection when he was taking away my own protector, my sanity, my other half..." (p.224)
★★★★☆
Series: Blackthorn & Grim, Book 3
Review:
I enjoyed this book much more than its predecessor,
Tower of Thorns. In comparison, the pacing of events is improved, as has Blackthorn's attitude. Our bitter wisewoman is allowing her hard exterior to melt for the first time, despite Mathuin of Laois closing in. As before, this novel can be read as a standalone, but to do so would be a shame!
Grim has been hired to build a Heartwood House at Wolf Glen and is charged with keeping an eye on Bardán, a crippled and tormented man who was the original builder on the house fifteen years prior but who had disappeared under questionable circumstances. Blackthorn takes it upon herself to work with young Cara of Wolf Glen, who has been sent away to Winterfalls while the Heartwood House is under construction. Cara suffers from an inability to speak when anxiety strikes her, but gradually, she comes to trust Blackthorn. The longer Blackthorn spends with Cara, the more it becomes apparent that Cara's past is not what it seems, and the longer Grim spends with Bardán, the clearer it becomes that he and the girl are connected somehow, though neither of them can remember.
Meanwhile, while Grim and Blackthorn are separated from each other, Mathuin is drawing nearer, snatching lands and wreaking havoc. Ever steadfast in his love for Blackthorn, Grim realizes that he must put the welfare of Bardán first until the building is finished. Likewise, Blackthorn is beginning to realize that she needs Grim more than ever, but she, too, must decide where her priorities lie.
Another captivating tale from my favorite fantasy author. I am really disappointed that the publisher elected to not publish any more books in the Blackthorn & Grim series! I would have really enjoyed reading more of their adventures. Thankfully, Marillier's newest book,
The Harp of Kings, does give the reader closure about what became of our beloved Blackthorn and Grim.
Audience: Adult
Recommended for fans of: fantasy, fairy-tale
Trigger warnings: violence, torture
Author's Synopsis:
Healer Blackthorn knows all too well the rules of her bond to the fey: seek no vengeance, help any who ask, do only good. But after the recent ordeal she and her companion, Grim, have suffered, she knows she cannot let go of her quest to bring to justice the man who ruined her life.
Despite her personal struggles, Blackthorn agrees to help Lady Flidais take care of a trouble young girl, Cara, while Grim is sent to Cara's home at Wolf Glen to aid her wealthy father with a strange task--rebuilding a broken-down house deep in the woods. It doesn't take Grim long to realize that everything in Wolf Glen is not as it seems--the place is full of perilous secrets and deadly lies.
Back at Winterfalls. the evil touch of Blackthorn's sworn enemy reopens old wounds and fuels her long-simmering passion for justice. With danger on two fronts, Blackthorn and Grim are faced with a heartbreaking choice--to stand once again side by side or to fight their battles alone.
Source:
Purchased copy
©Roc Fantasy: September 27, 2016
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
433 pages
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