Member Reviews
Send Me Their Souls by Sara Wolf is the third and final instalment of the Bring Me Their Hearts series and it was the end of an era. When I received this book on my Kindle, I was both absolutely ready and utterly unprepared to dive into it.
The first book had us sinking straight into the worlds of Zera, Lucien, Malachite, and Fione and they become beloved to us in a moment, dragging us into their lives and emotions until we yearn to experience the connection they share. The second book takes everything we know and love and sets it aside and we start to scramble to understand this new world where everything we know has changed. By the end of the second book, the shock we receive is unexpected as everything comes together and the pain of the change recedes in the face of the truth.
The final instalment picks up from the absolute second that the previous one stopped at and the moment was a stark memory in my mind that needed no reminder. The tension, fear, and foreboding are right there with the reader as the book spirals because of one single choice that everyone grapples to control the consequences of.
Zera is everything we remember her to be and her relationship with her friends grow and blossom from the seeds she’d sowed and nurtured in the beginning. But Zera now carries a blame that weighs the weight of a world of lives and she’s determined to do whatever she needs to do to save the world and this time she has all the help and support of her friends.
Lucien, whose pain was almost a lash against our senses in the previous book, is once again the man we recognise. What makes him one of my most favourite characters that Sara Wolf has ever written is that he is worthy of being King. A man who would truly get down to his knees and get his hands dirty to help his people. He’s strong, kind, honourable to a fault and very very smart. Scenes with him and Zera are the most heartwarming parts of the book and seeing them together after all this time—without secrets, lies, and pain dragging them down—is the biggest dream come true.
Malachite and Fione are very worthy of being two of the best supporting characters that have been written, not just because of how they hold up their friends but because their own personalities and stories are relevant and strongly woven into the plot.
However, there is something that is bigger than just the four of them and it might just take all of them to solve the oldest puzzle that has been a song in the pain of so many. But this time, Zera wants to do it right. The plot comes together beautifully and the author reminds us again that only a right can undo a wrong, no matter how big the cost of the right may seem.
It took me three books to see something that Sara Wolf has been saying all along and she has messages within messages that were wrapped so beautifully within a fantasy plotline that you almost don’t see it until it all comes together in a single moment and you can’t overlook it anymore. Sara Wolf took mental health and wove it into the biggest part of the story line. The most prominent struggle that Zera faces throughout the book is fighting against that inner voice that asks her every single what-if question out there and we see her grow to answer all those doubts, fears and anxiety about being hurt and never being enough with strength and faith and never letting the fear stop her from doing what’s right. The author also subtly speaks about hurting the largest givers of our lives and the effect it has on us in return.
Sara Wolf has done beautifully with representation and I truly feel this series is underrated and deserves so much more love and attention. It’s a big ten for me, with all my heart.
I enjoy the books written by Ms. Wolf, the characters were great and I really enjoyed this plot. It was a strong third book and I hope there is more from the author and this series.
I was really looking forward to the outcome of the story and I must tell you that I am not disappointed at all.
We find Zera, Fione, Lucien and Malachite who will have to come up with an idea to stop Varia before she destroys the world.
I really liked this tome, we find a Zera who is desperately trying to do good, she wants to save everyone at all costs. Her romance with Lucien is still going strong, they are both so cute, they trust each other and they want to save each other.
I still love Malachite so much, his repartees are always funny and quite right. He doesn't want to hurt Zera, but he's realistic in telling her what he thinks.
Fione also has some decisions to make on her own, and even though they're not simple, she'll make the right decisions.
I liked having Yorl back, he brings a little something extra to the team.
Let's talk about Varia, she wanted to save the world, her way is certainly not the best but in the end she loses her freedom, she is controlled and I enjoyed seeing her passages in the book.
Sara Wolf managed to make us travel with this book, the heroine is not perfect, far from it. The characters are all original and the ending is perfect.
Quick word : A trilogy to read absolutely.
What an ending.
“Send me Their Souls” races to stop what looks to be the end of the world as Zera and her allies work to uncover the truth behind the Bone Tree and learn what it means to be human.
This is a series that I hope to one day have time to read in one weekend because the long time between each book definitely left some gaps in my memory but overall I was pretty satisfied with the ending.
Like most books this one has us moving from one point to the next until the final battle which usually drags the overall narrative down but thankfully by keeping the core group intact we had moments that lightened the mood when I knew we were heading towards an end where it’s not certain that all if any would survive.
There were some interesting and creative beats in this that I really enjoyed especially the concept of the Bone Tree and how it worked to maintain itself with those little reveals that were absolutely horrifying and really took the threat to another level.
My only real issue is the ending on one hand (inside joke if you know you know) I was satisfied with how things were but then with the last three pages I was a little confused I think to go that route some sort of explanation would have been nice because without it it takes away from the overall message the story had. It’s hard not to spoil but I think to do that is fine but the execution was poor it left me with more questions than I think was intended but maybe I’m just being picky.
A pretty solid series from start to finish and definitely one that deserves way more hype.
**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**
*Review will be posted on my blog on 10/29/20*
**3.5 STARS**
My Attention: read in 2 days
World Building: the same epic setting as the beginning of the series in Bring Me Their Hearts, but our characters travel to various places in this book
Writing Style: snarky characters, fun dialogue as usual
Crazy in Love: so in love
Creativity: A wonderful fantasy series about a Heartless – who’s life is controlled by her witch (whichever witch holds her heart)
Triggers: violence, mild horror scenes, gore
I Liked:
*Zera’s snarkiness is back but this time she’s a little more subdued because she and Lucien are finally together. And I think love makes her a tiny bit softer, in a good way. It’s not only the love from Lucien she has, but also with her new friends, Mal and Fione. We also get Yorl, the feline polymath back in this last book, which is great. I adore the characters in this book!
*There is a choice to be made in this final installment – does Zera and her crew let Varia live? Or do they destroy her, the Valkerax and the Bone Tree? Varia is Lucien’s sister and Fione’s lover, so Zera needs to weigh her options, except all the options are so bleak. The final decision made me tear up a little.
*We get to travel with Zera and her crew in this book. They visit Nightsinger in the witch-city of Windowhigh and then they board a ship, taking a journey to The Black Archives where the warrior polymaths live. Lastly, we get a little bit of Malachite’s background when the final battle takes place underground in Pala Amna.
*I love Ev (Evlorasin), the valkerax who has a blood bond with Zera. He reminds me of Falcor from The Neverending Story! He makes a quick appearance in the book, but I always love it when he shows up.
*The one thing I love about this series is that it isn’t afraid to get dark and gory yet it has a sense of humor also. I mean I guess I’d laugh to if I couldn’t really die from life threatening wounds most people would perish from. But this story is intense and yes I shed a tear at the end, before the epilogue haha…but ugh…my heart.
Random Notes:
*There are some pacing issues with this book and I think it’s because they have to figure out what to do about Varia. They are mostly trying to find out information about the Bone Tree, the Glass Tree and then the Tree of Souls…so there was a lot of info dumping. The first two books were so intense that I thought this one dragged a bit in the beginning. The action comes at the end in the final battle.
*As for Varia…I did not care about her, at all. I know she’s Lucien’s sister and Fione’s mate but let me just say she gets it easy in the end after all the sacrifices Zera, Lucien, Fione and Malachite had to go through!
Final Thoughts:
What a series! I think this was a solid ending to the series, but it’s not my favorite book in the trilogy. I shed a few tears after that final battle though so it made me feel all kinds of things. There was no good choice to make, but Zera did what she had to do. I loved Zera and her crew, they bring the fun and jokes – in many morbid situations. I’m so happy she got her heart back.
Unfortunately, I couldn't finish this book. I wouldn't necessarily say there's anything wrong with it; I just think I enjoy the plot and and characters. This is very much my own opinion, and if you liked the other books, I think you should still give this one a try!
This was an amazing final chapter to this trilogy. I found I couldn’t put it down devouring every page like I was starved for this story. An epic conclusion which had my heart pounding and mind reeling towards the end with all of the twists and turns. I laughed and cried through tThis entire series, but could not have asked for a more perfect ending.
I highly highly recommend this entire series.
This series is highly underrated!
Saying that though this isn't my favorite of the series. But I always have a hate relationship with final books of a series.
I just felt this this book could have been shorter. Nothing really happened until the last chapter and then you didn't even get to see the battle.
|| SEND ME THEIR SOULS ||
This is the finale to a series that I recently read and exponentially loved. It will be a trilogy that I will recommend to everybody, reader or not. It’s so masterfully and beautifully written, the plot gripping and the magic so wicked. In a world where witches have Heartless as slaves, monsters once human, now in eternal servitude to their owners, their endless hunger an evil entity within.
Zera, our Heartless, so fierce, beautiful and expressive, even without a heart, she seems to shine amongst all. With her wit and sly humour, she grabs everyone’s attention, including my teddy bear, my shining in armour, Prince Lucien. She is what made this trilogy so entrapping. She with her sarcasm always wielded, fighting against the terrifying hunger calling out. Throughout the series, you watch as she learns to finally live happily, to love whole-(un)heartedly, to have true friends, and to be cared for, when all she thought was that she would forever be alone, the hunger her only companion.
The magic and the world-building are truly extraordinary and so refreshing and original. You can really tell just how hard this wonderful author worked her butt off to create such a masterpiece. A masterpiece that is drastically underrated. Why are people sleeping on this series? Its literal ecstasy.
In this last book (such tragedy, give me a moment *sniffs*) we start off right where it ended in the second book, after Varia takes power from The Bone Tree and calls upon the terrifying Valkerax (seriously these things will give you nightmares) to the Above. It started so fast and painfully unpredictable; my heart was squeezing itself so hard it hurt. It was a torment.
What I love the absolute most is the pure and utter feeling of trust and friendship between Zera, Lucien, Malachite and Fione. The fierce protectiveness and love they have for each other is what helped each of them up stand and fight during their worst. A promise that they will always be together, in life and undead. I love these characters with all of my heart, almost as if they were real and beside me.
The romance will rip your heart out, trample it, shred it and put it all back together again. Lucien and Zera are perfect, Witch and Heartless. How they fought for each other, stood beside each other and loved one other so ferociously gave me literal miniscule heart attacks. Plural. They burned for each other, hurt for each other towards the very end. They deserve all the happiness and peace in the world.
I adore Malachite with all my heart, I want to laugh with him, joke with him, to be his best friend like he is with Lucien. He’s hilarious, protective, so trusting and sincere. The fact that he was so begrudgingly happy to see Zera and Lucien together and having her back on their side made me want to happy cry. I really wish we could’ve gotten a bit more about him and his personal life (that is who he ended up with, I NEED TO KNOW)
The emotion, the FEELS, the humour, the originality, its literally perfect. I’m going to say it, I love them more than I do SJM’s books, and that’s saying something. That should convince anyone to pick this up. It will make your heart spasm. It will definitely make you cry; I can assure you, considering how hard I did towards the end.
This series will always be close to my heart, something about it just sings loud and golden. I know it will make me tear up every time I read it, as if I’m reading it for the first time, and will always forevermore be close to my heart.
||THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND PUBLISHER FOR PROVIDING ME WITH THIS WONDROUS BOOK IN EXCHANGE OF AN HONEST REVIEW||
I’m very impressed with the way the author managed to salvage this series. I had hated the last book, and was only going to read this one because I got and arc of it. I’m super happy I did though! Most of the problems I had complained about were either resolved, or toned down.
My main problem with the last book was the writing style, and I liked it so much better in this book. In the last book, I felt like there were way too many uses of the word “unheart” and other words with the prefix “un” This book definitely decreased the amount of usages, which made it so much easier for me to read and enjoy.
Wolf also cut down on the amount of flowerly metaphors she used, which helped this flow a lot better. A big complaint of mine was that the writing got a bit bogged down due to the descriptiveness, but thankfully that was remedied in this book.
I was still a bit irrritated by Zera, but she was much more likeable in this book. She made less “jokes” at inappropriate moments, and was slightly less self deprecating, which were both things that made me hate the second book. She also spent time thinking about the consequences of her actions, and not just Lucien.
On the topic of the other characters, most of them got a bit more development in this book. Lady Y’shennria was still my favorite by far, but Lucien became a bit more than the prince. I think there were still a lot more opportunities for development, but I did find the characters bearable.
I can guess that a lot of readers will end up complaining about the plot, which I can totally understand. Like the last two books, it moved slowly, and major events were foreshadowed super obviously. Thankfully, the plot in this book actually had a destination, and it moved smoothly to it.
I was a bit disappointed by the ending of this book, it just felt a bit too perfect. I was excited to see a YA fantasy that wasn’t afraid to leave things with a bit of sadness, a bit of loss. Sara Wolf seemed to be going there, but turned away at the last minute. Although I liked the ending, it didn’t feel completely satisfactory.
If you’re reading this, please keep in mind that this series has been a total miss for me. It’s been mediocre at best, and I never completely loved it. That being said, it’s definitely the thing that some people will love. The concept was amazing, the execution just wasn’t right for me. It was still an awesome conclusion to a great series though!
Thanks to Sara Wolf and Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review
This gets a 4.5/5 stars for me, but I’ll round up because the tears are still flowing on my face. I’ll do this without spoilers because you truly need to experience the epic conclusion for yourself.
Wow. I fell in love with the first two books, but this one fully has my heart. From the beginning to the end, the characters stay true to who they are, while growing into who they want to become. The witty banter between Lucien, Malachite and Zera continues, as does their ability to be there for each other, no matter what. While I would’ve liked more questions (albeit menial) answered, it’s wrapped up so beautifully. Sara truly does it again with Send Me Their Souls and I don’t think my heart could’ve burst more times than it did, but she managed to do it. I am truly blown away. This is one of my favorite series I’ve ever read and this book only elevates it. It’s a conclusion for the ages and you won’t want to miss it!
Thank you to Entangled Teen and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
A great last book to the series! I loved the action, the romance, the emotion! All the Heartless stuff is still so awesome!
I love this series. Zera is wonderful heroine. I love her wit, sass and courage. Lucien is unexpectedly thoughtful, kind, respectful and caring. Totally #relationshipgoals ! :) Mal also shines with his wit and sarcasm. :) I don't care as much for Varia or Fiore but they are okay characters, I guess. I love the sweet ending especially. Totally swoon-worthy. What a great trilogy. :)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
I loved this series so much!
The ending was beautiful -if I have one complaint it would be that I wanted more answers in the epilogue. Zera was an amazing heroine throughout all the books and now I'm sad the story is over.
Which, I guess, is how I know I loved it.
I have a feeling this one's going to be a v͟e͟r͟y͟ unpopular opinion (and not in a good way probably)
In this final book, Zera and her friends try to stop Varia from destroying the world. They went to seek aid from the high witches. Unfortunately Varia can track Zera through her dreams, ensuring there is nowhere to run.
If only this was the plot I'd be more than happy to give it a five star. But..𝐍𝐎!
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐭:
Zera continuously blaming herself for everything, Lucien thinking about how to k̶i̶l̶l̶ save his sister. Fione being a nerd and Mal..well keeping us entertained. Repeat.
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠. Yeah, that's it.
I tried so much to love it but I'm sorry, it felt dragged. The first few chapter’s were fun, but after that? It was super predictable and well..boring.
Atleast that epilogue is cute.
𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑁𝑒𝑡𝑔𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑚𝑒 𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑟𝑐.
OMG OMG OMG I've been waiting for this book for ages it feels like and it did not disappoint! This series has definitely become a top 5 favorite of mine, I just love Zera so much! I had an enjoyable time reading this and it held my attention the entire way through that I finished it within the day! I enjoyed every page and thought that the plot/story was very unique. Would recommend to anyone!
Here we are at the finale, and oh boy was it a great way to end the trilogy! The story picks up after the second one with Zera and co trying to save Varia and the entire world from magic she has unleashed. They are on a quest to find how to stop the Bone Tree all the while Zera is starting to realize there is only one way to end it and she is the ultimate price. I really enjoyed the quests on this journey and the various relationships and bantor. I loved getting to see Yorl and Ev again and the beautiful relationship between Zera and Lucien bloom. I have always liked Zera throughout the story and honestly, she has to face some extremely tough and painful choices, but she knows that she’ll do anything and thats what makes her so wonderful. The story wraps up beautifully and I couldn’t be happier with the ending. Its just a great way to end the trilogy and I was so happy to have read all of them. The stakes were high, the romance was wonderful, but above all else, Zera’s strength and love was what made these books so great. So please do give it a read, as I fully recommend this trilogy, and remember even if someone leaves, they are never gone. This is never-goodbye.
*Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*