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5 stars! This review will contain no spoilers!
Summary:
This is the first book in the Assassin’s Heart series by Sarah Ahiers. Truly, there’s no better synopsis for this book that the one given on the back of the book, so I’m going to use that one:
In the kingdom of Lovero, nine rival Families of assassins lawfully kill people for a price. As a highly skilled member of one of these powerful clans, seventeen-year-old Lea Saldana has always trusted in the strength of her Family. Until she awakens to find them murdered and her home in flames. The Da Vias, the Saldanas’ biggest enemy, must be responsible—and Lea should have seen it coming. But her secret relationship with the Da Vias’ son, Val, has clouded her otherwise killer instinct—and given the Da Vias more reason than ever to take her Family down. Racked with guilt and shattered over Val’s probable betrayal, Lea sets out to even the score, with her heart set on retaliation and only one thought clear in her mind: make the Da Vias pay.
Thoughts:
This book could have easily been read in one sitting for me. The plot was exciting from chapter one. I'm a sucker for assassin-type main characters to begin with and being that this one is female and crazy good at her job makes it even better. Oh and the fighting scenes are so so so good! Assassin's Heart takes place in an entirely unique world from anything I've ever read. The assassin families worship a Goddess of murder and resurrection. The cities are being haunted at dark by angry ghosts that have the ability to rip your soul from your body with a touch. And each country has it’s own rich and unique culture. I just love the world in this book so much for its equal parts riveting, scary, and religious. The plot itself can be described in one word: SUSPENSEFUL. I was continuously worrying about who may peak around the corner or who may pop out on the next page. The action never stops! And the ending went down as a crazy whirlwind and wrapped up so nicely! For a second I couldn't believe this was even a series? So happy it is though because I'm ready to ready more of Sarah Ahiers books!
*Also, I read this book using Audible! The narrator for this book, Khristine Hvam, did a wonderful job in capturing the personality and sassiness of Lea as well as the carefree and kindness of Les! Highly recommend the Audible audio book of this novel!
Plot:
First of all, this book does not and will not give your heart time to rest! What I mean by that is the hunt, the suspense, the action is never ending. I mean in the synopsis, you already know what is going to happen to Lea’s family, so from page one you’re already worried about the main character! I can see why this series is compared to Sarah J Maas's Throne of Glass series (which everyone knows I am obsessed with). We have a badass female assassin with a need for revenge, incomparable fighting skills, and a sassy mouth.
My next favorite part of this book is the exquisite world building! With all the different name of characters, cities, countries, restaurants, the setting that this story takes place in gives me renaissance France/Italy vibes. Now take that and add in some twisted Gods and Goddesses, angry ghosts, and nine assassin families ready to bring each other down. That is the amazingness that is the world of Assassin’s Heart. I mean the Goddess Safraella accepts murder as a form of worship! It’s so backwards that it’s actually really cool! And the culture that comes from following Safraella is so unique. This book is heavy on the religion, history, and customs of this society and manages to do so without being boring whatsoever.
The romance in this story may not have been the best and in hind sight developed pretty quickly, but while reading, it didn’t feel that way. I like how Lea and Les’s relationship developed along with their up and downs. Les really opens Lea’s eye’s up to a way of thinking that she hadn’t had the chance to. They just helped each other grow so much in the story.
Val on the other hand clearly clouded Lea’s judgement on a lot of things. From the beginning I did not think what they had was love, but lust and I was pretty anti-Val. And for the first half of the book, Lea continually questioned whether Val was a part of the assault on her family and I kept rolling my eyes each time. Of course he was! He tried to keep you with him that night, he stole your key, just trust your instincts. This was the one and only thing that ever made me want to slap Lea.
Characters:
I live for Lea Saldana. Not only does she have a kick ass name, but a kick ass personality. She knows how to hold her head high and stand for what she believes is right. She’s devote to her goddess and family and is unwavering.
In all honesty, I hated Val from the beginning. Already could not stand his family and those feelings just got worse from the beginning.
Alessio, Les, is the best complement to Lea’s fire and seriousness. And since he’s not the most perfect clipper, his flaws make him even more endearing.
Marcello literally reminds me of Machete from Spy Kids, anyone else with me on that one? Like I already knew I’d like his character and that it would be the most satisfying feeling when/if Lea won him over.
Lefevre in one word = CREEP.
Overall:
Because this book completely blew me away, I’m crazy curious to see how the second book will fare in comparison! I already know it’s about Allegra and takes place 18 years after the aftermath of Assassin’s Heart and I’m so so so excited!
Thanks for reading! :)