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Seraph Black #3
Lead Heart
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B01I5T0M5U
“The paint dripped off me like a liquid coat and I inhaled the toxic fumes, sucking the undiluted scent into my lungs. My pupils dilated as I sank into the vision of a pain so absolute, it went beyond pain. It should have rendered me unconscious, it should have affected my ability, it felt like it should have killed me. As it was, the pain distracted me so badly that I was unable to focus on any other details. I painted turquoise wounds that wept turquoise blood onto the paper floor, and when I was finished, I painted more. I painted the walls, the floor, the back of the door and the boarded-up windows. I covered the room in wounds and fumes, and then I curled up in the middle of the mess, weeping my heart into my paint-covered hands.”
The past few months have reduced Seraph Black to a permanent state of fight, and now it is all that she knows. She is fighting her friends and family to go off on a suicide mission to rescue Silas, she is fighting the fragmented memories that clamour for recognition inside her mind, and she is fighting a guilt so magnificent… it might just force her to betray the very people that have sacrificed so much to keep her safe.
She had asked for space, and it had been given to her in the most heart-rending of ways, leaving only one of the four brothers remaining by her side.
Miro Quillan is her last hope.
Without him, she may never get her pairs back.
Warning: While this book is intended for a young adult audience, it is not recommended for persons younger than 15 years, due to some themes.
“The paint dripped off me like a liquid coat and I inhaled the toxic fumes, sucking the undiluted scent into my lungs. My pupils dilated as I sank into the vision of a pain so absolute, it went beyond pain. It should have rendered me unconscious, it should have affected my ability, it felt like it should have killed me. As it was, the pain distracted me so badly that I was unable to focus on any other details. I painted turquoise wounds that wept turquoise blood onto the paper floor, and when I was finished, I painted more. I painted the walls, the floor, the back of the door and the boarded-up windows. I covered the room in wounds and fumes, and then I curled up in the middle of the mess, weeping my heart into my paint-covered hands.”
The past few months have reduced Seraph Black to a permanent state of fight, and now it is all that she knows. She is fighting her friends and family to go off on a suicide mission to rescue Silas, she is fighting the fragmented memories that clamour for recognition inside her mind, and she is fighting a guilt so magnificent… it might just force her to betray the very people that have sacrificed so much to keep her safe.
She had asked for space, and it had been given to her in the most heart-rending of ways, leaving only one of the four brothers remaining by her side.
Miro Quillan is her last hope.
Without him, she may never get her pairs back.
Warning: While this book is intended for a young adult audience, it is not recommended for persons younger than 15 years, due to some themes.
317 pages, ebook
First published September 30, 2016
1397 people are currently reading
1502 people want to read
About the author
Jane Washington
33 books4,566 followersJane is a Wall-Street Journal bestselling author who spends all her time writing books and then telling people not to read them.
Find her here: https://linktr.ee/janewashingtonbooks
Find her here: https://linktr.ee/janewashingtonbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews
July 11, 2018
I used to fancy myself a Mr. Darcy - "My good opinion, once lost, is lost forever."
Well, I'll be damned if Jane Washington hasn't proven me wrong.
She improves with every book she publishes. There's been so much character development and my baby boys have grown so much over the past three books - I'm so proud :'D
The more of the Adairs and Quillans I see, the more I'm willing to like Seraph and accept their rather unique relationship. But I still need some major improvement among the boys. They have to learn how to lead a healthy relationship and treat their girl right.
Especially Silas! Violent psychopathy isn't a healthy thing around which to center your character.
I have one complaint; the world of the Zevgheri isn't well built. The explanations of their origins and purpose in the human world are vague and don't really line up. Hopefully this starts to make more sense in book four.
Okay, I lied, I have another complaint: the melodrama. WHY does everything in this series have to be so tragic? Every small interaction between the main characters is written as though the earth shattered and remade itself in the time it took for the scene to play out. NOT in a happy way.
This is engaging when done at climactic moments of the story; it is annoying and underwhelming when it happens every other page. I wish the book wasn't so depressingly dramatic.
Well, I'll be damned if Jane Washington hasn't proven me wrong.
She improves with every book she publishes. There's been so much character development and my baby boys have grown so much over the past three books - I'm so proud :'D
The more of the Adairs and Quillans I see, the more I'm willing to like Seraph and accept their rather unique relationship. But I still need some major improvement among the boys. They have to learn how to lead a healthy relationship and treat their girl right.
Especially Silas! Violent psychopathy isn't a healthy thing around which to center your character.
I have one complaint; the world of the Zevgheri isn't well built. The explanations of their origins and purpose in the human world are vague and don't really line up. Hopefully this starts to make more sense in book four.
Okay, I lied, I have another complaint: the melodrama. WHY does everything in this series have to be so tragic? Every small interaction between the main characters is written as though the earth shattered and remade itself in the time it took for the scene to play out. NOT in a happy way.
This is engaging when done at climactic moments of the story; it is annoying and underwhelming when it happens every other page. I wish the book wasn't so depressingly dramatic.
August 29, 2024
✅ Reverse-Harem (we're slowly getting there!)
✅ Pace and action
✅ Characters
✅ Relationships / Bonds
✅ Powers
✅(🆗) Plot / Intrigue
(🆗) Not much smut for a RH series...
❗️❗️ Trigger warning: mentions of physical abuse/torture
4.5 stars I think... Some things bothered me, but this series still has this overall addictive quality that makes me devour it without really caring about the few plot inconsistencies.
Seraph’s adventure continues as she discovers a few more pieces of information about her past, her mysterious stalker, and the Voda’s plan to use her. Let’s just say that you don’t have the time to get bored with this series. The pace is relentless, there is always action, inquiries, heated moments, and/or funny banter.
This series is full of secrets and twists, and we never know where the plot is going. We don’t even really know who is trustworthy and who has a hidden agenda, we have suspicions, and some hints are dropped, but I am still not sure who I trust. The good thing though is that we FINALLY get some answers about the Messenger and Weston’s schemes. While the first two books felt like a huge build-up, Lead Heart is the book in which we finally get answers, and things are finally getting done.
While I really enjoyed this book and I flew through it, I feel that the plot was a little all over the place at times in this third book.
Cabe, Noah, Miro, and Silas were hell-bent on keeping Seraph away from their father and the Klovoda, but now she is with them, she lives at Weston’s and after being pissed, they decide to roll with it, instead of trying to flee and hide her. There is also the fact that the Messenger threatened Seraph’s life if she didn’t leave her school, yet Weston sends her back to that very same school the day after she left to protect her family. It feels as if the author absolutely wanted Seraph to end up in a certain situation with the guys, and she twisted the plot to make this specific situation happen, without taking the time to logically and fully develop it.
Romance-wise, there is also the fact that even though Weston does not know that Seraph is bonded to his sons, he is clearly aware that she is having a weird relationship with them. At first, she says that she is not dating any of them and he told her that she is free to date them because it will keep them occupied, but then she admits in front of her guards that she considers all four of them her boyfriends. Won’t they tell Weston? Won’t he find this a little suspicious? There is a difference between her dating one of the guys, and her having a relationship with all 4 of them. Won’t he question it? Get suspicious?
Seraph is growing as a person, she is becoming more mature, and also more aware of her conflicted emotions. She is trying to figure out what she feels, what comes from the bond, and which emotions truly “belong” to her. I liked her more in this book actually. She was trying to be more empathetic about her pairs’ feelings and the strain that this whole situation is putting on everyone.
I’ve had a soft spot for Miro since the beginning of the series and I loved that his relationship with Seraph deepened and evolved in this book. We can see how conflicted he’s become because he feels responsible for Seraph, almost like a mentor, but he also feels attraction for her that is heightened because of their bond. Seeing him trying to control Cabe and Noah’s intense moments with her, and trying to get everyone’s hormones under control while also dealing with his conflicted feelings was funny.
Silas remains a great character too, my favorite alongside Miro, and I feel that my heart is breaking a little more for him with every book that I read. Hopefully, he will be able to catch a break and not be abused, beaten, or tortured in the next book. I like that he is changing because of and for Seraph, but at the same time, he kept his personality. He is trying to be less unhinged, and more understanding, but we can still see the demon lurking beneath the surface, and Seraph seems to be the only one able to keep him under control.
Cabe and Noah are also back in the game… eventually… It was nice to have them back, I missed their cute touchy-feely moments with Seraph, but at the same time, I liked the angst that was created with the whole “forgetting about the bond” subplot. I also really enjoy the fact that Seraph has distinct relationships with each man. They’re all different with different personalities, and so their interactions with Seraph and their emotional needs are different too and she knows how to read them and navigate their needs and impulses.
Clarin and Poison are so funny! I LOVE them and every interaction they had with Seraph all throughout the book! They are fiercely loyal and determined to protect and help Seraph however they can. I need more of them. I always say that I do not particularly enjoy high school/college/academy settings (except a few series), but those two make me enjoy every class Seraph spends at university with them.
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2. Watercolour Smile ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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✅ Pace and action
✅ Characters
✅ Relationships / Bonds
✅ Powers
✅(🆗) Plot / Intrigue
(🆗) Not much smut for a RH series...
❗️❗️ Trigger warning: mentions of physical abuse/torture
4.5 stars I think... Some things bothered me, but this series still has this overall addictive quality that makes me devour it without really caring about the few plot inconsistencies.
We had all hurt each other, betrayed each other, lied and manipulated each other… but we kept finding our way back. We couldn’t help it.
Seraph’s adventure continues as she discovers a few more pieces of information about her past, her mysterious stalker, and the Voda’s plan to use her. Let’s just say that you don’t have the time to get bored with this series. The pace is relentless, there is always action, inquiries, heated moments, and/or funny banter.
This series is full of secrets and twists, and we never know where the plot is going. We don’t even really know who is trustworthy and who has a hidden agenda, we have suspicions, and some hints are dropped, but I am still not sure who I trust. The good thing though is that we FINALLY get some answers about the Messenger and Weston’s schemes. While the first two books felt like a huge build-up, Lead Heart is the book in which we finally get answers, and things are finally getting done.
While I really enjoyed this book and I flew through it, I feel that the plot was a little all over the place at times in this third book.
Cabe, Noah, Miro, and Silas were hell-bent on keeping Seraph away from their father and the Klovoda, but now she is with them, she lives at Weston’s and after being pissed, they decide to roll with it, instead of trying to flee and hide her. There is also the fact that the Messenger threatened Seraph’s life if she didn’t leave her school, yet Weston sends her back to that very same school the day after she left to protect her family. It feels as if the author absolutely wanted Seraph to end up in a certain situation with the guys, and she twisted the plot to make this specific situation happen, without taking the time to logically and fully develop it.
Romance-wise, there is also the fact that even though Weston does not know that Seraph is bonded to his sons, he is clearly aware that she is having a weird relationship with them. At first, she says that she is not dating any of them and he told her that she is free to date them because it will keep them occupied, but then she admits in front of her guards that she considers all four of them her boyfriends. Won’t they tell Weston? Won’t he find this a little suspicious? There is a difference between her dating one of the guys, and her having a relationship with all 4 of them. Won’t he question it? Get suspicious?
“I’m a lot of things. I’m a daughter, but I have no real parents; I’m a sister, but I have no real siblings; I’m an Atmá, but do you see anyone claiming me?” I continued, not allowing him to answer. “The truth is… nobody owns me. My family is mine to choose.
Seraph is growing as a person, she is becoming more mature, and also more aware of her conflicted emotions. She is trying to figure out what she feels, what comes from the bond, and which emotions truly “belong” to her. I liked her more in this book actually. She was trying to be more empathetic about her pairs’ feelings and the strain that this whole situation is putting on everyone.
I’ve had a soft spot for Miro since the beginning of the series and I loved that his relationship with Seraph deepened and evolved in this book. We can see how conflicted he’s become because he feels responsible for Seraph, almost like a mentor, but he also feels attraction for her that is heightened because of their bond. Seeing him trying to control Cabe and Noah’s intense moments with her, and trying to get everyone’s hormones under control while also dealing with his conflicted feelings was funny.
“I’m the only one getting punished,” he grumbled. “I could never really hurt you. I tried. I couldn’t. I wanted to make you bleed, but you tasted too good to ruin. I wanted to make your skin sing out with pain, but it’s too soft… I just can’t. I think I might hate you.”
Silas remains a great character too, my favorite alongside Miro, and I feel that my heart is breaking a little more for him with every book that I read. Hopefully, he will be able to catch a break and not be abused, beaten, or tortured in the next book. I like that he is changing because of and for Seraph, but at the same time, he kept his personality. He is trying to be less unhinged, and more understanding, but we can still see the demon lurking beneath the surface, and Seraph seems to be the only one able to keep him under control.
Nobody said that having four sort-of boyfriends was going to be easy.
Cabe and Noah are also back in the game… eventually… It was nice to have them back, I missed their cute touchy-feely moments with Seraph, but at the same time, I liked the angst that was created with the whole “forgetting about the bond” subplot. I also really enjoy the fact that Seraph has distinct relationships with each man. They’re all different with different personalities, and so their interactions with Seraph and their emotional needs are different too and she knows how to read them and navigate their needs and impulses.
“Oh god,” Clarin groaned. “Seph is wearing her ‘Blame me for all the troubles of the world’ expression again. She’s about to die a martyr. Stop her, Poison.”
“I tried dragging her away already. Just throw her over your shoulder like a heterosexual and let’s haul-ass out of here, nothing I say will make a difference right now.”
I skipped over to him and kissed his cheek. “Thanks for making me look trashy, I appreciate it. You’re a good friend.” He laughed and Poison tapped me on the shoulder, handing me an overcoat. “What about me? I’m the one who provided the trashy clothes. Without me, you’re nothing!”
Clarin and Poison are so funny! I LOVE them and every interaction they had with Seraph all throughout the book! They are fiercely loyal and determined to protect and help Seraph however they can. I need more of them. I always say that I do not particularly enjoy high school/college/academy settings (except a few series), but those two make me enjoy every class Seraph spends at university with them.
“I’m sorry,” Clarin said, doing that muscle-curl thing to pick up all of his bags again. “I forgot.”
“Forgot what?” I asked, as Poison returned to her fallen luggage. “That it’s illegal to get it on with your cousin in most countries?”
“Forgot that labels don’t define us,” Poison filled in, taking the lead and forging a path through the sudden swell of people that surrounded us. “The best way to confuse society about which box to place you in is to jump into all the boxes at the same time. Now Clarin is gay, but a little bit straight; available, but a little bit incestuous; and totally hot, but a little bit disgusting on account of the incest thing.”
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2. Watercolour Smile ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Want to read
March 25, 2016Desperately wishing for a blue police box to appear and take me into the future.
September 25, 2016
You know what I like about reading a series? YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE IT IS GOING UNTIL YOU GET THERE IN THE NEXT BOOK. Jane Washington is piling on the angst, the heartaches, the secrets and the twists, as well as the reveals and I can honestly say, I did not see THAT coming! Lead Heart continues Seraph’s story, giving Seph another piece of the puzzle that is her past.
While there are no puppy piles, Seraph is bonded to four men, some of them missing bits and pieces of their memories, enough to forget about the bond. And about that bond, are the dynamics changing? Is romance creeping into the once platonic bond? Is it possible to feel more for one than the rest?
Hang on tight, Jane Washington is carving her way through some humorous and heart-wrenching moments, all while keeping the throttle wide open on the action, physical, emotional and mental. Seraph is growing as a person, she is coming of age and becoming more aware of her effect on those around her, as well as how she feels towards them. Great characters, secrets revealed and questions answered as the twisted web tightens and Seraph steps up to the challenge.
I received this copy from Jane Washington in exchange for my honest review.
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Series: Seraph Black - Book 3
Publication Date: September 23, 2016
Publisher: Jane Washington
Genre: YA Fantasy/Suspense
Print Length: 317 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
While there are no puppy piles, Seraph is bonded to four men, some of them missing bits and pieces of their memories, enough to forget about the bond. And about that bond, are the dynamics changing? Is romance creeping into the once platonic bond? Is it possible to feel more for one than the rest?
Hang on tight, Jane Washington is carving her way through some humorous and heart-wrenching moments, all while keeping the throttle wide open on the action, physical, emotional and mental. Seraph is growing as a person, she is coming of age and becoming more aware of her effect on those around her, as well as how she feels towards them. Great characters, secrets revealed and questions answered as the twisted web tightens and Seraph steps up to the challenge.
I received this copy from Jane Washington in exchange for my honest review.
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Series: Seraph Black - Book 3
Publication Date: September 23, 2016
Publisher: Jane Washington
Genre: YA Fantasy/Suspense
Print Length: 317 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Want to read
July 8, 2016Okay, I'm actually really nervous about this one.
Like, shaking in my boots nervous. So nervous I stupidly haven't even finished the second one yet, because I couldn't bear having to wait empty-handed for the third one.
So now I'm stuck in this awful land between denial and dreadful impatience.
Like, shaking in my boots nervous. So nervous I stupidly haven't even finished the second one yet, because I couldn't bear having to wait empty-handed for the third one.
So now I'm stuck in this awful land between denial and dreadful impatience.
May 7, 2018
4.5 stars. My favourite of the series so far, excited to start book 4!
January 2, 2018
After the ending of the previous book I couldn't wait even a second so I jumped straight in. This type of binge reading usually spells disaster for my state of mind once the series is over. You know that feeling of a fist clenched in your chest? That's how I felt throughout this book. And because once I finished this I started the final book immediately I don't really remember what happens when. What I can tell you is this: forget the ya tag and just read it. Sure there's the manufactured drama but it's still worth it.
April 3, 2017
Finally!!
NO really FINALLY!!!
This book actually answered the questions that had been revolving in my head regarding the series.
But thats not the only reason for my excitement.. as always my lusty and angst ridden brain needs some supplement and oh boy did this book deliver!
YASSS Ryan Gosling.. say it like it is..
Gahhhhh I love you Miro!!
Just take my body. I don't need it anymore
The author has a talent!!!
From being a mediocre character, he directly jumped to my favourite one very quickly.
I mean just read the damn book, there is more to the plot and characters and development but I am not gonna review it because..
NO really FINALLY!!!
This book actually answered the questions that had been revolving in my head regarding the series.
But thats not the only reason for my excitement.. as always my lusty and angst ridden brain needs some supplement and oh boy did this book deliver!
Gahhhhh I love you Miro!!
The author has a talent!!!
From being a mediocre character, he directly jumped to my favourite one very quickly.
I mean just read the damn book, there is more to the plot and characters and development but I am not gonna review it because..
August 1, 2021
Lead Heart is the third installment of this series. Not a whole lot happened other than Noah and Cabe getting their memories back. I honestly have no idea who to trust at this point and I'm also kind of annoyed that it took this long for a certain bond to form as well. I also either want more romance or action to happen because there's only one more book left.
It pains me to say this but having the ending being the best part of each book is starting to get on my nerves. Because that means nothing really happens for most of the book and the only thing that is getting me to dive into the next one is because of the freaking cliffhangers. I feel betrayed right now and I'm just going to jump into the last one with zero expectations.
No idea if I will like it or not but I just want all the answers, romance, and action that makes me heart content. If not, I will riot or something. Maybe take a nap if I'm being honest here.
It pains me to say this but having the ending being the best part of each book is starting to get on my nerves. Because that means nothing really happens for most of the book and the only thing that is getting me to dive into the next one is because of the freaking cliffhangers. I feel betrayed right now and I'm just going to jump into the last one with zero expectations.
No idea if I will like it or not but I just want all the answers, romance, and action that makes me heart content. If not, I will riot or something. Maybe take a nap if I'm being honest here.
April 27, 2018
Okay I'm feel some kinda way about this series... I haven't quite put my finger on that feeling just yet so I'm going to continue reading...
The fact that I'm still reading this series is a good thing.... hell I don't think I can stop at this point anyway because I'm just in to deep!!!!!
Hmmmmm...... ( tapping my index finger above my top lip.. in deep thought 💭)... just wondering what the hell this author has up her sleeve for these characters in the end! Well I guess there's only one way to find out! 😁😉
Overall rating:
4*~A Very Good Read
The fact that I'm still reading this series is a good thing.... hell I don't think I can stop at this point anyway because I'm just in to deep!!!!!
Hmmmmm...... ( tapping my index finger above my top lip.. in deep thought 💭)... just wondering what the hell this author has up her sleeve for these characters in the end! Well I guess there's only one way to find out! 😁😉
Overall rating:
4*~A Very Good Read
August 24, 2018
4.5*!!!! dammm Finally!!!!!!!!
March 1, 2019
The best of the series.
May 10, 2019
It’s been two books coming, but Lead Heart at last is the book I’ve been waiting for. The first two books felt like a lot of build-up; they set things up, wove things together, started the slinky down the stairs, but book #3 is where we really start to get some stuff accomplished! There’s more romance, action, thrill, emotion, and reveals. The plot really kicks into high gear in this installment and keeps going; if book #2 was too slow, this book will definitely draw you back because we’re done with the tip-toeing of the slow reveal: this is all about getting and using answers once and for all.
So far, it’s the best of the series, though I do honestly understand why books #1 and #2 needed to be there; they really allow the reader to establish a sense of wonder and become well acquainted with all the characters and the plot devices and get really absorbed in the mystery of the world and the story’s conflicts. By the time you get to Lead Heart, there’s so much established that it’s hard to not take the characters and plot seriously and hard to not be invested and eager to see what happens and how it happens. I liked how emotionally charged this addition to the series was and how quickly it moved, keeping me riveted.
Though while Miro and Silas are now more touchy-feely with Seraph who is still 17 I believe, there’s still not any super intimate touching going on, so at least in that regard the author is showing restraint, but again, the age gap does bug me a bit and I don’t think I’ll ever be 100% chill with it or not make it a point of criticism; I just feel like drawing them back like three or four years would have just helped a lot, if not dialing it back six years. Though I am happy to see that we still get as much time with Noah and Cabe! And I generally support Seraph being with them romantically/physically much more than the other two since they’re the same age.
One of the best parts of book is the relationships and characters themselves. The relationship shape is that everyone’s relationship is different and interesting; Seraph doesn’t feel quite the same towards all four, nor are their feelings towards her quite the same as everyone else’s, and their feelings towards each other differ too, so it’s engaging to read about the variety and see them fight and make up and talk and interact and figure out how to make things work. There’s always a continuing amount of side character focus, which is great! The author is juggling so many characters that it’s definitely a feat to not neglect the minor and side characters. Plus, everyone is so diverse (at least personality wise; pretty sure everyone in this book is white though, and only one is non-straight) that it’s always interesting to see how everyone will behave and how that will compliment and conflict with others. So far, I got to say that Cabe and Silas are my favorites.
As with the others, it’s pretty difficult to review specifics without giving away too much, but this is definitely the book where everything is laid out on the table and the last book will likely cover wrapping up the last few goals left hanging. I’m pretty excited to get my hands on the finale! Hopefully it’s as good as Lead Heart and gives up lots of everything and then ties up the tale on a worthwhile note.
Though as per usual, there’s a few trigger worthy themes/moments though the severity is a little less. I’m not going to go into too much detail since what we have in this installment is generally what was in the first two and if you made is past those you won’t have much issue with what’s in this book.
Overall, great read! I got through it in one setting and very much enjoyed it. Definitely recommend!
So far, it’s the best of the series, though I do honestly understand why books #1 and #2 needed to be there; they really allow the reader to establish a sense of wonder and become well acquainted with all the characters and the plot devices and get really absorbed in the mystery of the world and the story’s conflicts. By the time you get to Lead Heart, there’s so much established that it’s hard to not take the characters and plot seriously and hard to not be invested and eager to see what happens and how it happens. I liked how emotionally charged this addition to the series was and how quickly it moved, keeping me riveted.
Though while Miro and Silas are now more touchy-feely with Seraph who is still 17 I believe, there’s still not any super intimate touching going on, so at least in that regard the author is showing restraint, but again, the age gap does bug me a bit and I don’t think I’ll ever be 100% chill with it or not make it a point of criticism; I just feel like drawing them back like three or four years would have just helped a lot, if not dialing it back six years. Though I am happy to see that we still get as much time with Noah and Cabe! And I generally support Seraph being with them romantically/physically much more than the other two since they’re the same age.
One of the best parts of book is the relationships and characters themselves. The relationship shape is that everyone’s relationship is different and interesting; Seraph doesn’t feel quite the same towards all four, nor are their feelings towards her quite the same as everyone else’s, and their feelings towards each other differ too, so it’s engaging to read about the variety and see them fight and make up and talk and interact and figure out how to make things work. There’s always a continuing amount of side character focus, which is great! The author is juggling so many characters that it’s definitely a feat to not neglect the minor and side characters. Plus, everyone is so diverse (at least personality wise; pretty sure everyone in this book is white though, and only one is non-straight) that it’s always interesting to see how everyone will behave and how that will compliment and conflict with others. So far, I got to say that Cabe and Silas are my favorites.
As with the others, it’s pretty difficult to review specifics without giving away too much, but this is definitely the book where everything is laid out on the table and the last book will likely cover wrapping up the last few goals left hanging. I’m pretty excited to get my hands on the finale! Hopefully it’s as good as Lead Heart and gives up lots of everything and then ties up the tale on a worthwhile note.
Though as per usual, there’s a few trigger worthy themes/moments though the severity is a little less. I’m not going to go into too much detail since what we have in this installment is generally what was in the first two and if you made is past those you won’t have much issue with what’s in this book.
Overall, great read! I got through it in one setting and very much enjoyed it. Definitely recommend!
July 7, 2017
I have enjoyed these books. The first one was great. The second and third seraph became a little wimpy for me. For some one who has protected her self and her brother her whole life , she seems to become indecisive and and self doubting. As for the reveres harem , it never really happens. Is always we will fight it, there's rules ..... it's not as exciting as it was in the first. Things do pick toward the end of the third book. But not enough for a better rating 😔
September 25, 2016
3.5 stars
August 24, 2018
Better than the previous book.
June 15, 2022
I read this over 6 years ago and not really vibing with it this time around. Where is the romance? This is very plot driven with romance as an afterthought.
December 8, 2018
This series is like one long puzzle, a total workout for the brain. I want to read it again with some understanding & I’m sure it’ll be a whole new experience, I’ll notice things I didn’t on first reading.
I feel like the first half of the book was this unconventional family of Seraph’s getting back to where they’re meant to be; Silas, Cabe and Noah’s return. I found myself at about 60% taking a sign of relief that they had finally gotten there.
Can we also talk about Chapter 15... Silas is so fricken HOT. Also Noah. These two are totally my faves.
Most of all though, Seraph totally kicked butt in this book, she’s always had this quiet strength but I feel like it got louder in this book, she took charge & made things happen. I love this quote from her...
“I’m a lot of things. I’m a daughter, but I have no real parents; I’m a sister, but I have no real siblings; I’m an Atmá, but do you see anyone claiming me? The truth is… nobody owns me. My family is mine to choose. My heart belongs to me. Stop concerning yourself with who owns me, because nobody ever will. I will choose my partners in life, bonds be dammed.”
I can’t wait to read the final book!
I feel like the first half of the book was this unconventional family of Seraph’s getting back to where they’re meant to be; Silas, Cabe and Noah’s return. I found myself at about 60% taking a sign of relief that they had finally gotten there.
Can we also talk about Chapter 15... Silas is so fricken HOT. Also Noah. These two are totally my faves.
Most of all though, Seraph totally kicked butt in this book, she’s always had this quiet strength but I feel like it got louder in this book, she took charge & made things happen. I love this quote from her...
“I’m a lot of things. I’m a daughter, but I have no real parents; I’m a sister, but I have no real siblings; I’m an Atmá, but do you see anyone claiming me? The truth is… nobody owns me. My family is mine to choose. My heart belongs to me. Stop concerning yourself with who owns me, because nobody ever will. I will choose my partners in life, bonds be dammed.”
I can’t wait to read the final book!
September 8, 2016
OK, so I've been waiting for this book for what seems like forever and finally I got my hands on it. Boy was it worth the wait!
I adore all the characters and I'm sure if you've already read the first two you will have your favourites. I know I do!
I won't be giving away any spoilers as I don't think that's fair but suffice it to say, a lot of questions will be answered and a lot more will be posed along the way. The story continues to build and the relationship between Seraph and the boys grows and grows. She develops a more meaningful bond with all of them which will leave you wanting more. Quite a few swoon-worthy moments, some of them will leave you blushing.
Would I recommend this to anyone else? Absolutely! Can I wait for the next one? Absolutely not but I'm going to have to.
If you read nothing else this year make sure you read this one. A definite, definite must read!
I adore all the characters and I'm sure if you've already read the first two you will have your favourites. I know I do!
I won't be giving away any spoilers as I don't think that's fair but suffice it to say, a lot of questions will be answered and a lot more will be posed along the way. The story continues to build and the relationship between Seraph and the boys grows and grows. She develops a more meaningful bond with all of them which will leave you wanting more. Quite a few swoon-worthy moments, some of them will leave you blushing.
Would I recommend this to anyone else? Absolutely! Can I wait for the next one? Absolutely not but I'm going to have to.
If you read nothing else this year make sure you read this one. A definite, definite must read!
July 4, 2017
Just when I thought I knew where this series was going, Jane Washington threw a curveball!
So now there's more characters coming out of the woodwork, and a whole lot of jealousy between Seraph and the two pairs. Sometimes it's funny and other times the fighting is plain dangerous.
Behind it all, some unseemly characters get their just desserts but Seraph's stalker remains elusive.
How Washington holds my attention is astonishing especially as I was confused about who exactly are the good guys and who are the bad. It's clever, really, because Seraph can't trust anyone and I felt the same.
So now there's more characters coming out of the woodwork, and a whole lot of jealousy between Seraph and the two pairs. Sometimes it's funny and other times the fighting is plain dangerous.
Behind it all, some unseemly characters get their just desserts but Seraph's stalker remains elusive.
How Washington holds my attention is astonishing especially as I was confused about who exactly are the good guys and who are the bad. It's clever, really, because Seraph can't trust anyone and I felt the same.
September 24, 2016
Waited forever for this guy! Thanks for sending it out a week early!
It was a relief that at book number three there was still a good dose of unpredictable. You never knew what to expect from the plot or those moody characters.
Also, readers take a breath because the book ends in a good spot. I mean it builds anticipation and everything, but it doesn't end like book 2 where you're like wtf.
Character development was on point. The relationships are still gloriously confusing. And woah baby, the feels! Lot's of feels, people.
I was pleased as punch. Another cup of punch, please.
It was a relief that at book number three there was still a good dose of unpredictable. You never knew what to expect from the plot or those moody characters.
Also, readers take a breath because the book ends in a good spot. I mean it builds anticipation and everything, but it doesn't end like book 2 where you're like wtf.
Character development was on point. The relationships are still gloriously confusing. And woah baby, the feels! Lot's of feels, people.
I was pleased as punch. Another cup of punch, please.
September 5, 2016
I'm astounded by my unwavering love for this series, because I have a very bad track record with series books. Even if I love the first book, I usually lose interest by the second or third book. Yet I've remained enthralled with this series, and my excitement for more remains undiminished after reading this book.
I was surprised by how many problems were resolved in Lead Heart. This author doesn't use filler to drag out the story. Secrets were revealed and questions were answered all while progressing the plot and filling in more backstory on the characters and deepening my understanding of their world. I love discovering things along with the main character when I read a book, because I feel like I am taking this journey with her. I have become immersed in her world as it has been revealed to her, and I have experienced it from her perspective. What an exciting experience it has been!
Now that we know these characters, the author gave them equal time in this book. Boy was there a lot of sexual tension! No matter which guy is your favorite, you'll be happy. Poison and Clarin also got to play big parts in the story, and they are always so much fun. I really love all these characters.
I like that Seraph has her brother and her friends in addition to her complicated bond with the guys. It's also great that although the bond is very strong, she doesn't spend all her time obsessing over her attraction to them. Heroines in many books with only one love interest have spent more time pining after him than Seraph does over her four love interests. In fact, they spend much more time obsessing over her. It's all so well-written too, with the distinctions between the personalities of the guys and the fact that they all care about her. At this point I adore them all, but there is still no one like Silas. I loved his answer to one of Seraph's questions: "Because I'm Silas." Yeah he is, the one and only.
I enjoyed this book just as much as the previous two. Seraph got to use her powers again, and I find the descriptions of her premonitions especially fascinating. Her character is multifaceted. She is tough and brave sometimes, but she is afraid and hesitant at other times. I like that she falters and anguishes over decisions, and that she isn't just completely badass all the time. She works up the courage to do what she has to do, but her powers haven't made her fearless. She's still discovering her strengths and weaknesses.
This book did not end on a cliffhanger, but I'm still dying to know what will happen next. I already can't wait for the next book, but I'm not looking forward to the end of this series. I'll never get enough of these characters. I even bought print versions of the first two books in addition to my kindle versions, because I wanted to have tangible versions of these beloved books. I hope this one will soon be available in print too. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The last time I was this excited about a book it turned out to be a huge disappointment, so thank you, Jane Washington, for not letting me down with Lead Heart.
One more thing, I love the cover! They have all been beautiful, but this one is sexy too.
I was surprised by how many problems were resolved in Lead Heart. This author doesn't use filler to drag out the story. Secrets were revealed and questions were answered all while progressing the plot and filling in more backstory on the characters and deepening my understanding of their world. I love discovering things along with the main character when I read a book, because I feel like I am taking this journey with her. I have become immersed in her world as it has been revealed to her, and I have experienced it from her perspective. What an exciting experience it has been!
Now that we know these characters, the author gave them equal time in this book. Boy was there a lot of sexual tension! No matter which guy is your favorite, you'll be happy. Poison and Clarin also got to play big parts in the story, and they are always so much fun. I really love all these characters.
I like that Seraph has her brother and her friends in addition to her complicated bond with the guys. It's also great that although the bond is very strong, she doesn't spend all her time obsessing over her attraction to them. Heroines in many books with only one love interest have spent more time pining after him than Seraph does over her four love interests. In fact, they spend much more time obsessing over her. It's all so well-written too, with the distinctions between the personalities of the guys and the fact that they all care about her. At this point I adore them all, but there is still no one like Silas. I loved his answer to one of Seraph's questions: "Because I'm Silas." Yeah he is, the one and only.
I enjoyed this book just as much as the previous two. Seraph got to use her powers again, and I find the descriptions of her premonitions especially fascinating. Her character is multifaceted. She is tough and brave sometimes, but she is afraid and hesitant at other times. I like that she falters and anguishes over decisions, and that she isn't just completely badass all the time. She works up the courage to do what she has to do, but her powers haven't made her fearless. She's still discovering her strengths and weaknesses.
This book did not end on a cliffhanger, but I'm still dying to know what will happen next. I already can't wait for the next book, but I'm not looking forward to the end of this series. I'll never get enough of these characters. I even bought print versions of the first two books in addition to my kindle versions, because I wanted to have tangible versions of these beloved books. I hope this one will soon be available in print too. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The last time I was this excited about a book it turned out to be a huge disappointment, so thank you, Jane Washington, for not letting me down with Lead Heart.
One more thing, I love the cover! They have all been beautiful, but this one is sexy too.
September 22, 2016
I received an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Okay, I was practically chomping at the bit to get a hold of this book. I stalked Jane's group page on facebook religiously and almost died from excitement when the release date was announced. Suffice to say, I was excited.
The ending of Watercolour Smile pretty much killed me and left me with eight million questions that I was dying to get answered (I mean, c'mon Jane, that ending was just plain cruel). Rest assured, you get some answers in this book, but in typical Jane fashion, I'm still left with tons of questions so I'm already ready for #4.
Lead Heart picks up a few weeks after Watercolour Smile leaves off. The action starts in the first chapter, and then never really lets up. I have no idea how Jane is able to write such riveting events, but I'm glad that she does. Lead Heart kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. In Lead Heart, there is no such thing as a filler chapter. You get hooked page one, and hold on tight for what's about to come. There were definitely a few moments that came way out of left field and left my jaw hanging open, and there were more than a few comical moments too that had me laughing out loud. Jane mixes the perfect amount of humor, action, drama, and romance in this book- all masterfully written to keep you glued to the page.
I won't say much about the plot, besides hang on to our socks, because I don't want to spoil anything, but I love how Jane intermingles old plot lines with new plot lines. Also, how her writing shows Seraph and her relationships with the people around her changing is just beautiful. Oh man, I love her secondary characters too. In this book you get more of Poison and Clarin, and a few new ones are thrown into the mix.
All in all, it was a wonderful five star read, which is what I've come to expect from Jane Washington.
Okay, I was practically chomping at the bit to get a hold of this book. I stalked Jane's group page on facebook religiously and almost died from excitement when the release date was announced. Suffice to say, I was excited.
The ending of Watercolour Smile pretty much killed me and left me with eight million questions that I was dying to get answered (I mean, c'mon Jane, that ending was just plain cruel). Rest assured, you get some answers in this book, but in typical Jane fashion, I'm still left with tons of questions so I'm already ready for #4.
Lead Heart picks up a few weeks after Watercolour Smile leaves off. The action starts in the first chapter, and then never really lets up. I have no idea how Jane is able to write such riveting events, but I'm glad that she does. Lead Heart kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. In Lead Heart, there is no such thing as a filler chapter. You get hooked page one, and hold on tight for what's about to come. There were definitely a few moments that came way out of left field and left my jaw hanging open, and there were more than a few comical moments too that had me laughing out loud. Jane mixes the perfect amount of humor, action, drama, and romance in this book- all masterfully written to keep you glued to the page.
I won't say much about the plot, besides hang on to our socks, because I don't want to spoil anything, but I love how Jane intermingles old plot lines with new plot lines. Also, how her writing shows Seraph and her relationships with the people around her changing is just beautiful. Oh man, I love her secondary characters too. In this book you get more of Poison and Clarin, and a few new ones are thrown into the mix.
All in all, it was a wonderful five star read, which is what I've come to expect from Jane Washington.
March 6, 2017
I received an ARC in return for an honest review. I will not give away spoilers.
I have been waiting for months to get my hands on this book - every single nail-biting month people - as I just adore Jane's worlds. However, once I got my hands on it I was really nervous about starting it considering how Watercolour Smile ended and how my emotions were still tied up in knots and so I began reading with a little bit of trepidation as to how my turbulent thoughts and broken heart would handle any other surprises Jane would throw my way (because let's face it, it's Jane).
There are no adequate words to describe Jane Washington's books but I will certainly give it a go. Once again Jane has proven why she is one of my favourite authors as not only is her writing style fluent, flowing and funny but her descriptions have an elegance and beauty that leave amazing visuals inside your head.
In this book Seraph comes into her own, in my opinion, and Jane subtly weaves old plot lines with new ones while introducing new characters who will, no doubt, have an impact on events in future books. The book is rife with humour, which always helps alleviate those gut-wrenching moments that tear at your emotions and leave you a blubbering mess in the corner of the room.
I don't want to talk too much about events in the book other than you see more of Weston and Jayden and find out more about the Messenger and the Klovoda. Seraph's relationships with her men continue to evolve as you would expect and the ending to this book... Well, it's just perfect and I am now bouncing up and down in excitement in my chair just thinking about it. I think my nails will now go through another round of biting until Jane releases her next book because she is just that good.
I have been waiting for months to get my hands on this book - every single nail-biting month people - as I just adore Jane's worlds. However, once I got my hands on it I was really nervous about starting it considering how Watercolour Smile ended and how my emotions were still tied up in knots and so I began reading with a little bit of trepidation as to how my turbulent thoughts and broken heart would handle any other surprises Jane would throw my way (because let's face it, it's Jane).
There are no adequate words to describe Jane Washington's books but I will certainly give it a go. Once again Jane has proven why she is one of my favourite authors as not only is her writing style fluent, flowing and funny but her descriptions have an elegance and beauty that leave amazing visuals inside your head.
In this book Seraph comes into her own, in my opinion, and Jane subtly weaves old plot lines with new ones while introducing new characters who will, no doubt, have an impact on events in future books. The book is rife with humour, which always helps alleviate those gut-wrenching moments that tear at your emotions and leave you a blubbering mess in the corner of the room.
I don't want to talk too much about events in the book other than you see more of Weston and Jayden and find out more about the Messenger and the Klovoda. Seraph's relationships with her men continue to evolve as you would expect and the ending to this book... Well, it's just perfect and I am now bouncing up and down in excitement in my chair just thinking about it. I think my nails will now go through another round of biting until Jane releases her next book because she is just that good.
September 26, 2016
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Lead Heart in return for an honest review.
Having read the first 2 books in the Seraph Black series, I was keen to read Lead Heart and it didn't disappoint. Lead Heart picks up the story a few weeks later from where it left us at the end of Watercolour Smile. Silas is still at the mercy of Weston and Noah and Cabe still do not remember their bond with Seraph.
I don't want to give away any spoilers so I'll keep it short. The relationship between Seraph and her pairs continues to evolve. I personally find the way Jane develops the relationship between the five fascinating, having never read a book with a reverse harem before.
Lead Heart features some great characters from the previous book such as Poison and Jayden as well as some new ones.
The character of Silas (swoon) doesn't feature as prominently in Lead Heart as he did in the previous book although he still manages to intertwine with the story.
I would definitely say Lead Heart is my favourite book in the Seraph Black series so far and Jane's writing just gets better and better. I would go so much as to say that the Seraph Black series in one of my all time favourite book series.
Lead Heart does not end with a cliff hanger but definitely leaves you wanting more. Now the wait begins for the forth instalment in the series Portrait of Pain.
Having read the first 2 books in the Seraph Black series, I was keen to read Lead Heart and it didn't disappoint. Lead Heart picks up the story a few weeks later from where it left us at the end of Watercolour Smile. Silas is still at the mercy of Weston and Noah and Cabe still do not remember their bond with Seraph.
I don't want to give away any spoilers so I'll keep it short. The relationship between Seraph and her pairs continues to evolve. I personally find the way Jane develops the relationship between the five fascinating, having never read a book with a reverse harem before.
Lead Heart features some great characters from the previous book such as Poison and Jayden as well as some new ones.
The character of Silas (swoon) doesn't feature as prominently in Lead Heart as he did in the previous book although he still manages to intertwine with the story.
I would definitely say Lead Heart is my favourite book in the Seraph Black series so far and Jane's writing just gets better and better. I would go so much as to say that the Seraph Black series in one of my all time favourite book series.
Lead Heart does not end with a cliff hanger but definitely leaves you wanting more. Now the wait begins for the forth instalment in the series Portrait of Pain.
November 29, 2018
Lead Heart begins with Silas being captured and they all know he’s being tortured by Weston. But, no one really knows how to help him, and two of the men don’t remember how close she is to them, so life is getting more and more complicated for Seraph.
However, once she learns to truth about certain things, she will stop at nothing to get Silas back no matter what.
This book was really good! I loved the plot line, the suspense, the romance, and of course how brave the heroine was.
The only thing I didn’t really like was how sometimes it felt like the guys didn’t like her at all. I really hope this changes soon, and their relationships become more personal.
Other than that I thought the book was good, and I can’t wait to read more. This one didn’t end on a cliffhanger, so that made it more exciting as well.
However, once she learns to truth about certain things, she will stop at nothing to get Silas back no matter what.
This book was really good! I loved the plot line, the suspense, the romance, and of course how brave the heroine was.
The only thing I didn’t really like was how sometimes it felt like the guys didn’t like her at all. I really hope this changes soon, and their relationships become more personal.
Other than that I thought the book was good, and I can’t wait to read more. This one didn’t end on a cliffhanger, so that made it more exciting as well.
June 28, 2018
Good news - this installment didn't make me rage as much as the last one!
I went from reasonably bored at the start, to eye rolling when Seraph started being silly, to cheering when Silas returned to the scene and then things FINALLY seemed to progress and get better in the last third.
And why might that be? Because there are no more stupid, pointless secrets. Praise the old God's and the new! About fucking time.
The Messenger reveal was also the most obvious thing ever! But it was good to have that acknowledged.
Cabe, Noah and Miro are less dickish in this one, though I still don't like the way her relationship with Miro has been done, though. The helarious only-in-the-book-as-opportunities-for-touchy-feely-times moments made me laugh, and not really in a bad way. The whole strip club things was very silly! I am getting a bit bored of all the tormented sexual fraustration though. Apart from the bitiness with Silas, that was yummy!
Seraph is a bit TSTL in places in this book, too, but I do love that she tries to take ownership of things and sort them out for herself. I still continue to like her a lot and think her character growth has been good.
Silas - he's still awesome. I like his development, too.
So in summary: men = less dickish, Seraph = you go girl, Silas = I love you, end of the book = FINALLY this might be going somewhere interesting!
I went from reasonably bored at the start, to eye rolling when Seraph started being silly, to cheering when Silas returned to the scene and then things FINALLY seemed to progress and get better in the last third.
And why might that be? Because there are no more stupid, pointless secrets. Praise the old God's and the new! About fucking time.
The Messenger reveal was also the most obvious thing ever! But it was good to have that acknowledged.
Cabe, Noah and Miro are less dickish in this one, though I still don't like the way her relationship with Miro has been done, though. The helarious only-in-the-book-as-opportunities-for-touchy-feely-times moments made me laugh, and not really in a bad way. The whole strip club things was very silly! I am getting a bit bored of all the tormented sexual fraustration though. Apart from the bitiness with Silas, that was yummy!
Seraph is a bit TSTL in places in this book, too, but I do love that she tries to take ownership of things and sort them out for herself. I still continue to like her a lot and think her character growth has been good.
Silas - he's still awesome. I like his development, too.
So in summary: men = less dickish, Seraph = you go girl, Silas = I love you, end of the book = FINALLY this might be going somewhere interesting!
Want to read
October 23, 2020🎁 The complete Seraph Black Series (4 book series) is FREE on Amazon today (10/23/2020)! 🎁
September 28, 2016
I have so much to say in this review that I am going to just jump into it.
We all left Watercolour Smile with a desperation to find out what would happen to Seraph and her boys (specifically that of Silas). I was foaming at the mouth to get my hands on this ARC, and despite the havoc going on in my life, I devoured reading it as soon as I could. There was so much that was amazing in this book, but there were somethings I also found lacking.
Starting off with the short list of things I did not particularly love about this instalment, I had a terrible time getting into the beginning of this book. I had reread Watercolour Smile to get myself excited, and jumped into Lead Heart finding myself losing momentum very quickly. I lost it enough that I was able to put it down and leave it for a couple of days until I worked up my curiosity again. So let me warn you now, this third novel in the series does not continue from right where we left off, but rather several months later… with absolutely nothing being accomplished on the saving Silas front, or even their lives other than graduating and starting in on university. I feel like this was an extremely poor choice, not for only preference reasons on my own behalf, but rather because the fluidity of the series as a whole. If you read them in succession, this novel kind of takes a full brake stop, and you have to work your way back into the series again. I feel like the approach taken at the beginning would have been much more effective with some more flashbacks or something of that regard to show us what was happening in those pivotal moments after Silas sacrificed himself for Seraph. Saying all of that, the fluidity (and I suppose you can say part of the plot) was (were) the only real issues I had with the novel, because once it got going, it was amazing!
Let’s talk about character/ relationship development. As a main character, Seraph isn’t the strongest I have read about. She largely lets the men (and her friends) in her life make and/or heavily influence the choices she makes. One of the things I really loved about this novel (leading out from the previous book) is that Seraph was much stronger of a character. She held much more independence from the men in her life (it helped that two of them don’t remember loving her, and another is taken captive), and she maintains that independence and tenacity throughout the novel and I assume she will into the next. I loved watching her relationship with Miro grow. It had been lacking in the previous two novels for several reasons that are described, and to be honest I never really rooted for him until this novel. Jane Washington set up their relationship perfectly, and their development from student/ teacher to friends/ actually more than friends is something that is beautifully displayed and really fascinating to develop. Oddly enough, I didn’t love Silas in this book. In all the ways I fell in love with him in Watercolour Smile I felt lacking in Lead Heart. I am not sure if that was to make room for her relationship to grow with Miro, but I would have liked to see more of the Silas we all fell head over heels with, and less arrogant, lying asshole.
CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE STALKER! I am not going to say much her for Spoiler reasons, but we FINALLY get to know who he is and what his deal is with Seraph. A lot more makes sense here, and I frikken loved it. The only issue is that I don’t strictly recall if the stalker (who shall remain nameless in this review) is ever really named in the first two novels, even off handedly. We know he went to school with her and the boys, but not much else. I wish there had been more clues to his identity earlier in the series.
Lastly, let’s talk about the writing because at least here I have no negative comments to make. Jane Washington is an amazing writer and she continues to amaze me with her talent. While I did mention how I felt the fluidity of the novel was lacking, the plot did not suffer by it and we get to an amazing ending that invites another novel (and I think the last novel if I read things correctly). There is no MAJOR cliffhanger, but rather a ending with many ends that have yet to be tied together tightly.
Overall, I stand by my statement that the Seraph Black Series is a must read. The books build and build and build and I have a feeling that they are going to build to an amazing conclusion that only Jane Washington knows at this point. Lead Heart gave us everything we needed (even if it took a while to get there sometimes) and even gave us some things we didn’t know that we wanted. 4 stars for Jane Washington’s Lead Heart.
We all left Watercolour Smile with a desperation to find out what would happen to Seraph and her boys (specifically that of Silas). I was foaming at the mouth to get my hands on this ARC, and despite the havoc going on in my life, I devoured reading it as soon as I could. There was so much that was amazing in this book, but there were somethings I also found lacking.
Starting off with the short list of things I did not particularly love about this instalment, I had a terrible time getting into the beginning of this book. I had reread Watercolour Smile to get myself excited, and jumped into Lead Heart finding myself losing momentum very quickly. I lost it enough that I was able to put it down and leave it for a couple of days until I worked up my curiosity again. So let me warn you now, this third novel in the series does not continue from right where we left off, but rather several months later… with absolutely nothing being accomplished on the saving Silas front, or even their lives other than graduating and starting in on university. I feel like this was an extremely poor choice, not for only preference reasons on my own behalf, but rather because the fluidity of the series as a whole. If you read them in succession, this novel kind of takes a full brake stop, and you have to work your way back into the series again. I feel like the approach taken at the beginning would have been much more effective with some more flashbacks or something of that regard to show us what was happening in those pivotal moments after Silas sacrificed himself for Seraph. Saying all of that, the fluidity (and I suppose you can say part of the plot) was (were) the only real issues I had with the novel, because once it got going, it was amazing!
Let’s talk about character/ relationship development. As a main character, Seraph isn’t the strongest I have read about. She largely lets the men (and her friends) in her life make and/or heavily influence the choices she makes. One of the things I really loved about this novel (leading out from the previous book) is that Seraph was much stronger of a character. She held much more independence from the men in her life (it helped that two of them don’t remember loving her, and another is taken captive), and she maintains that independence and tenacity throughout the novel and I assume she will into the next. I loved watching her relationship with Miro grow. It had been lacking in the previous two novels for several reasons that are described, and to be honest I never really rooted for him until this novel. Jane Washington set up their relationship perfectly, and their development from student/ teacher to friends/ actually more than friends is something that is beautifully displayed and really fascinating to develop. Oddly enough, I didn’t love Silas in this book. In all the ways I fell in love with him in Watercolour Smile I felt lacking in Lead Heart. I am not sure if that was to make room for her relationship to grow with Miro, but I would have liked to see more of the Silas we all fell head over heels with, and less arrogant, lying asshole.
CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE STALKER! I am not going to say much her for Spoiler reasons, but we FINALLY get to know who he is and what his deal is with Seraph. A lot more makes sense here, and I frikken loved it. The only issue is that I don’t strictly recall if the stalker (who shall remain nameless in this review) is ever really named in the first two novels, even off handedly. We know he went to school with her and the boys, but not much else. I wish there had been more clues to his identity earlier in the series.
Lastly, let’s talk about the writing because at least here I have no negative comments to make. Jane Washington is an amazing writer and she continues to amaze me with her talent. While I did mention how I felt the fluidity of the novel was lacking, the plot did not suffer by it and we get to an amazing ending that invites another novel (and I think the last novel if I read things correctly). There is no MAJOR cliffhanger, but rather a ending with many ends that have yet to be tied together tightly.
Overall, I stand by my statement that the Seraph Black Series is a must read. The books build and build and build and I have a feeling that they are going to build to an amazing conclusion that only Jane Washington knows at this point. Lead Heart gave us everything we needed (even if it took a while to get there sometimes) and even gave us some things we didn’t know that we wanted. 4 stars for Jane Washington’s Lead Heart.
July 31, 2023
I don't think I'm ready for this story to end, but I'm anxious about what Danny has in store for them ...
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