Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Name of the Blade #3

Frail Human Heart

Rate this book
In the thrilling final installment of Zoë Marriott’s epic, Japanese-inspired urban fantasy trilogy, Mio has succeeded in banishing the Goddess of Death’s plague-spreading monsters – by making the most terrible sacrifice. Now Mio's love Shinobu is lost forever, the Goddess is rising from the underworld, and hell is literally breaking loose in London.

To save the city from the catastrophic war between gods, Mio must journey into the perilous dream realm to learn the final secret of the katana's origins, and its true powers. With secrets from her own family's past emerging, and more impossible choices to be made, she will need every bit of help available from her remaining friends and her allies in the Kitsune Kingdom just to escape her quest alive.

Because in the end, the only thing standing between the human world and the apocalypse... is Mio. And her sword.

Unknown Binding

First published June 18, 2015

5 people are currently reading
845 people want to read

About the author

Zoë Marriott

17 books805 followers
Zoë has known that she wanted to be a writer since she read 'The Magic Faraway Tree' by Enid Blyton at age eight. She's never changed her mind in all the years since then.

She completed her first manuscript - a truly embarrassing romance novel - at age sixteen, and kept on writing books and submitting them until she had collected rejections from nearly very publisher in the UK and two in Australia. She eventually got her first publishing contract when she was twenty-two - but had to wait until she was twenty-four to see that book published (The Swan Kingdom). Her books have been longlisted for the Branford Boase Award, shortlisted for the Leeds Book Award and the Lancashire Book of the Year, and have won a Junior Library Guild Selection, a USBBY Outstanding International Listing, the Hillingdon Book Award and the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation Prize. Over the years she's worked as an admin assistant, a dental nurse, a civil servant, and a reader for a literary scout. She has designed and run over one hundred creative writing workshops in schools and libraries, and from 2017-19 she was the Royal Literary Fund Fellow at York St. John University.

She lives in a little house in a town by the sea, with a manic spaniel called Ruskin (otherwise known as Demon Dog, Trash Puppy, Snaggletooth, or the supervillain in training) and far too many books. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Creative Writing at the Open University, and working on her first novel for adults.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
65 (35%)
4 stars
55 (30%)
3 stars
53 (29%)
2 stars
5 (2%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Sandy.
2,810 reviews71 followers
March 23, 2017
I was vested in this novel and I hadn’t even read the first two books in the series! The author pushed me headfirst into this story as she briefly summarized the first two novels in this series before taking off on Frail Human Heart. There were also bits and pieces throughout the novel where the author reflected back to the first two novels in this series so I felt connected and comfortable as I read. I felt the urgency and the intensity that this novel was intended to project in this novel. Destruction was upon them and something had to be done, the two Gods were in for a battle and the mortals were in their line of fire. It’s realistic and part magical, as this story is woven with swords that have magical powers, they’re cast into a realm of dreams and they’re lead by a noble young girl, as they try to save their friends and themselves from devastation.

I was nervous about starting this series on book three. I liked how the author got me up-to-speed in the first couple pages, I knew I wouldn’t know everything but knowing the major points was a huge plus for me. There were a lot of strange and bizarre words in this novel, words I guess only individuals in this realm would know so I quickly started to write them down so I would know them when I came upon them again in my reading. This book moved along quickly, I mean quickly! I liked the Hikaru in this novel, they were foxes and they had an important relationship with the humans in this novel. The swords or blades as they came to be known also had an interesting history. I would like to go back and read the first two books in this series this summer and actually get the full account of what happened, I think I would really enjoy it. I received a free copy of this novel, so I read it before reading the previous two novels. The cover on this novel is beautiful, the jellyfish and the contrasting colors, very cool. Yes, the jellyfish do have something to do with the novel.
I received a free copy of this novel from Candlewick Press. This review is my own opinion of this novel. Thank you Candlewick for sending me this novel, it was greatly appreciated.
Profile Image for Sarah.
3,361 reviews1,236 followers
July 20, 2015
It's no secret that I love Zoe Marriott's writing, I've been a fan of hers ever since I picked up Shadows on the Moon (which is still my favourite of her books and one I would HIGHLY recommend if you haven't already read it!) and her Name of the Blade trilogy has been outstanding. I'm always a little wary of trilogies because more often than not at least one of the books ends up being a disappointment but I knew that wouldn't be the case here and I'm happy to report that Frail Human Heart ends the series on the biggest possible high.

I think all readers were probably left reeling at the end of Darkness Hidden (well I know I was!) so it's been a long wait for this book. Mio paid the ultimate price for saving the world and I was absolutely heartbroken right alongside her. Now she's grief stricken and terrified of losing anyone else that she cares about, she knows that she has to stop Izanami but she's worried about the upcoming battle and doesn't think she'll survive it. Luckily her friends and family aren't going to let her face her enemies alone, it was great to see how everyone had Mio's back and I loved that they all have a role to play in what is happening.

I really don't want to say much about the plot but you should be prepared for epic battles, terrifying monsters, heartbreak and grief but also the strong bonds of love between friends and family. Zoe Marriott is an expert when it comes to Japanese mythology and I've loved the variety of creatures she has introduced us to from the friendly kitsune like Hikaru to the horrifying Jorogumo and many more in between. I have to also give a shout out to the side characters because they've all been fantastic and I particularly loved some certain developments in Jack's love life but I'm not going to say more about that for fear of spoilers. Frail Human Heart was an absolutely fantastic conclusion to this trilogy and I'm sure fans are going to love it just as much as I did.
Profile Image for Luna's Little Library.
1,499 reviews207 followers
October 24, 2015
Frail Human Heart is EVERYTHING!!!

Writing, world-building and the emotions! Don’t get me started on the turmoil this book put me through. I mean it was wonderful but I feel like Walker Books should provide a survival kit with the last instalment of the trilogy.

I’m not sure what else I can say about Zoë Marriott writing at this point, or the amazing stories she creates that I haven’t already said in previous reviews. The Name of The Blade Trilogy was truly perfect for me. Which is spectacular given how I avoid trilogies and loathe things like insta love but Zoë Marriott made it work – how she made it work.

So instead of repeating myself I’ll talk about Mio’s parents. Thank you Zoë Marriott for given me a father and mother in a story that aren’t just there because the protagonist is underage but because they matter. Parents who have a real relationship with the main character, parents I can believe in, basically 3D characters that don’t suck. Parents that I so rarely find in YA books and ones I wish I saw more often.

Thank you for this trilogy, I loved every moment of it.

You can read my entire Twitter read-along commentary on Storify here:
https://storify.com/lunaslibrary/luna...
Profile Image for Isabel.
80 reviews
September 9, 2015
Frail Human Heart has such a brilliant mix of Zoe's crazily vivid imagination and her characters' signature personalities and senses of humor. This book is so full of unexpected awesomeness from start to finish and was the perfect ending to the trilogy! Zoe is such a unique, talented, and dedicated author.
Profile Image for Cecilia Rodriguez.
4,475 reviews58 followers
March 12, 2018
In the final novel in the series the story is already in progress,
not even pausing for breath.
Narrated by Mio Yamato, Marriott fills her story with heart stopping action and a
final showdown between Mio and Izanagi.
Profile Image for Alexia Chen.
23 reviews7 followers
September 23, 2017
This is a very good trilogy. Because i am totally into japanese folklore :)
And yes, i do love Shinobu lol
Profile Image for Amanda.
553 reviews4 followers
February 2, 2017
This book was a satisfying end to the trilogy, even if it did fall into some of the tired YA tropes. How many times do we have to have a hero/heroine sacrifice him/herself to beat the bad guy and save the world? I was glad to have more of Hikaru, who is in my opinion the best character in the series, and everything wraps up very neatly at the end. This book (and the trilogy) was entertaining, however nothing groundbreaking and I am not likely to recommend it when there are so many similar series that are, in my opinion, much better.
Profile Image for Anne.
5,157 reviews52 followers
September 8, 2017
Book 3 (and conclusion) to the Name of the Blade series.

As is true with most series books for me, I really enjoyed the first one but found them decreasingly interesting by the final one. With that said, however, this is a satisfying conclusion to the series and picks up right where book 2 left off.

Mio has had to imprison Shinobu back into the sword, but that has not solved all of the problems in their world. London is being overrun by creatures from hell as two gods continue their destructive fight and confrontation. Mio must risk all to save the world.
Profile Image for Zarah Larsson ♡ ⋆。˚ ❀.
946 reviews41 followers
November 26, 2024
1.5 stars. yeah no. i tried liking this series but honestly, through out this book i just wanted it to be over and the last half i reallyyyyy skimmed through. i barely read, and still i understand exactly what happened. i just feel like this story had potential, but it was badly written and way too rushed. idk. im just disappointed. it wasnt too bad at first, but the further i got into this series, it just wasnt it. so this book just ended up being bad bc i had reached my limit with this series, i couldnt find any enjoyment anymore.
Profile Image for SoKawaiiBebe.
39 reviews
May 24, 2020
More like a 3.75, it was a great conclusion to the trilogy tho
Profile Image for Andrew.
939 reviews143 followers
April 23, 2016
Review Taken from The Pewter Wolf

I've had this book, the third and final book of the Name of the Blade trilogy by Zoë Marriott since last summer. Yes, since last June-ish time. And I love this trilogy. If you have read my reviews of The Night Itself and Darkness Hidden, you know how much I love this trilogy. I adore it and compare it to Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunters series.

So why, I hear you ask, did I not read it when I got the book (and got Zoe to sign it and begged her to tell me if there were any deaths so I can brace my soul - yes, I did. I also told her that I trust authors when I read books. I just don't trust the book. [I'm weird. I know this and I accept this]) back in June 2015?

Because, I didn't want to. I love this series and I didn't want it to end. I didn't want to say goodbye to these characters or this world. Plus, what happens if something awful happens to a character I love? Will it be like when I meet Cassandra Clare when City of Glass has just come out and I said to her "If Alec and Magnus don't get together, I don't know if I can forgive you"?

Enough of my panic, let's talk Frail Human Heart. After the devastating events in Darkness Hidden, Mio doesn't want to carry on. How can she is that means putting the people she loves at risk? But she must. With the final battle between gods coming to a head and London being their battlefield, Mio is the only one who can end it. But how far is she willing to go to end this war? What sacrifice is she willing to make?

I am going to say this now: I do love this series. I think this is one of the coolest urban fantasy series I have read in recent years. And because I love this series, I had to numb myself to Frail Human Heart hence my reactions might not be as OTT as you all might be expecting.

It's a strong finale. The world building and the events leading up to the final dramatic conclusion are wonderful. Zoe knows how to write action and keep the pacing strong, while writing small, private moments. There isn't a dull or boring moment in any books within this trilogy. You will keep turning those pages, needing to know what happens next. And because I loved the previous two books, I returned to this world really easily, as if returning to an old friend.

Maybe because I took a long break away from this world, but there was one or two times I think that some people might not like how Zoe wrapped everything up and left things hanging. I fear some of you guys might find this a little too clean compared to other final books in series out there.

But this is a strong satisfying end to a series I love. Fans of Cassandra Clare need to get this series in their lives and I will be reading the two Zoe Marriott's I have on my TBR shelves (The Swan Kingdom and Daughter of the Flames) before the release of Zoe's Beauty and the Beast retelling, Barefoot on the Wind and her rumoured Mulan retelling (which I am VERY excited to read!).
Profile Image for Sarah.
240 reviews4 followers
May 9, 2017
This book brought about a perfect end to the trilogy - I’m only sad that I put off reading it for so long. With a cast of loveable characters, The Name of the Blade books have been a rollercoaster of a journey and are the perfect teen adventure.

In this third book, Mio and her friends have no choice but to travel into the dream realm. Only there can they unlock the swords final name and gain the true power of the Katana, which they will need to face the dark goddess. But the dream realm is full of perils and Mio will have to overcome her biggest fears if she is to have any hope of saving her family… and the world.

Surprisingly what I loved most about this book, was the romance that developed between two of the secondary characters. The twist to their relationship and how it was introduced had me laughing in delight, and I was so so happy to see my two favourite characters get together.

However I must admit, the romance between Mio and Shinobu I enjoyed less. Simply because I hate when books pull the trick card of “reincarnated lovers” as I feel it makes the initial meeting and romantic buildup during the first two books totally redundant.

The involvement of Mio’s parents in the story though was something that I thought was really well done. Rarely do parents play a role in YA fantasy so it was nice to see them on board and fighting by Mio’s side.

As for the plot, I thought this book held less adventure and mystery than the previous two books. Mainly because most of the journey happens in the dream land and I didn't feel the stakes were all that high. Having said that, I enjoyed the books ending and felt the story as a whole came to a very satisfying, if slightly predictable conclusion.

Overall though I have adored this series. As I’ve said in my reviews of the other two books, this story reads just like a manga. Full of Japanese culture and myth, it's a book that will not be fast forgotten.

4 stars!
Profile Image for Chin-Ning Chong.
365 reviews
September 24, 2015
Okay the book had a good ending. It would've been a better plot twist if they both died though. But anyway.
The story was okay, I'm not very fond of this series because it's too modern, and the people in it are too fickle and self-centered. They do get better as the series progresses, but they are still so small-minded. I can't take it. Other than the characters, the plot was fine, as fine as you can get with characters that are relatable to this strawberry generation. I like the dreamscape and how things are so warped there. The true genderless nature of Kitsune was fun too. The sword is manipulative and quite the different plot twist. Mio finally being slightly responsible is nice. I need to shut up about how I can't stand the characters. They are relatable, yes, but gosh they are so weak and fickle. Did I mention fickle? What a small world and small problems, and not doing the right thing. I need to keep my prejudices to myself.
The story WAS good, I can't fault the author that. She is an excellent author, and frankly, I love her other books. I just can't stand this series.
I'll shut up now.
Profile Image for Denise.
7,561 reviews138 followers
April 24, 2016
Mio is devastated by the choice she had to make at the end of Darkness Hidden to defeat the Shikome and heal all those affected by the plague. But she has little time to grieve, because the conflict between two gods she now knows is behind all that has been happening is about to escalate into the complete destruction of London and quite possibly the entirety of the human world. The only one who can stop it is Mio herself, and to do it she must acquire a second sword through a dangerous quest in the realm of dreams and gather an army before facing the wrath of the gods themselves.

A fittingly spectacular conclusion of the trilogy, with lots of breathtaking action and emotion.
Profile Image for Beth Kemp.
Author 27 books23 followers
September 9, 2015
I was nervous starting this, although I'd loved the first two in the series - or perhaps because I'd loved the first two in the series and held them as precious. I should have had more faith! This is a cracking conclusion to a brilliant trilogy. I'm finding it hard to say more at this point without spoilers, but if you enjoy Urban Fantasy (fantasy elements in a contemporary setting, rather than a complete fantasy world) and Japanese folklore appeals (even if, like me, you have no prior knowledge of Japanese folklore), this series needs to go on your must-have list. I've loved spending time with these characters, and gaining insight into myths/folklore that were new to me and I can wholeheartedly recommend this trilogy.
Profile Image for Mrs. Melaugh.
489 reviews14 followers
November 26, 2016
This final volume in the Name of the Blade trilogy is the best of the three. The characters have matured; snarky dialog flows effortlessly, and favorite characters from the previous volumes reappear to help before the final showdown with the terrifying gods, Izanami and Izanagi. A side story features Mio’s lesbian best friend who may have finally found love in the form of Hiroku, a fox creature that can take on the characteristics of either gender at will. In all, this is a satisfying resolution to this series in which Mio, an Asian high school student in London was caught up in fighting gods, goddesses, and monsters from Japanese folklore with the help of a supernatural sword and her timeless soulmate, Shinobu.
Profile Image for Jessica.
4 reviews23 followers
March 5, 2016
REALLY appreciated and enjoyed Mio and Shinobu's love scene. It was really beautifully written and tasteful for a teen audience – without gratuitous euphemisms or being condescendingly vague. It felt real (uhmm DUH two beautiful, badass, hormonal, totally-in-love-for-500 years teens are going to have sex before it's too late!!!) and raw and really increased the tension in the final battle: they fully understood that their lives were at stake, and bravely went into battle anyway.

Plus, Jack's reaction afterward was hilarious and on point ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sharon.
737 reviews
October 14, 2015
I wanted more sweet and funny interactions between Mio and Shinobu. And there definitely wasn't enough Hikaru the Kitsune fox spirit in this book. I liked that this trilogy featured Japanese mythology.

I had been anticipating this book for so long but the first 2 books were better.
Profile Image for Charlie.
90 reviews162 followers
July 2, 2015
I could not have imagined a more perfect conclusion for this high octane, arse kicking, nightmarishly magical, heroine elf book. Brilliant, brilliant.
Profile Image for Cheshire.
595 reviews20 followers
August 6, 2016
I absolutely loved the start of this series. The conclusion was a little bit predictable in terms of the direction that the main character was heading.
Profile Image for Laura Jayne.
180 reviews11 followers
December 6, 2015
What a fantastic end to such a innovative and action packed series. Every scary thing makes an appearance in this book;the final showdown between Mio and the gods!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.