The Tattooed Heart... Fear the Messenger!

Contains spoilers for Messenger of Fear. See my book one review here.

The Tattooed Heart Messenger of Fear Book Two
Written by Michael Grant
Paranormal, Horror, Supernatural
Published October 1st 2015
400 Pages
Thank you to Hardie Grant Egmont
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★★★★
Mara has already witnessed more evil as the Messenger’s apprentice than most people do in their lifetime, but the games continue.

The Messenger leads Mara to the funeral of a Muslim boy named Aimal, who died standing up for his people, and then to an abandoned store, where they discover Graciella, a girl battling addiction. The all knowing Messenger recognizes that they are victims of heinous crimes. Mara and Messenger will find the wicked, those who act out of selfishness and greed, and others who become violent because of prejudice and hate.

But Mara and Messenger pay a price too. For every person who is offered justice, they will wear a tattoo that symbolizes the heart of the crime. And as Mara delves deeper into her harsh reality, she is surprised to realize that part of her is drawn to the sometimes compassionate Messenger. In spite of all the terror she and Messenger inflict, Mara will discover that caring in this world is the hardest part of all.
Mara is now working as the Messenger's apprentice, in which agents of Isthil punish the wicked in order to restore the balance of humanity. She invades your mind to find your greatest fear while those chosen to play the game await their fate. Mara lives in limbo, a world where nothing exists beyond her meager dwelling and spends her days punishing the wicked while contemplating her own fate.

When a young Muslim boy is killed fighting against the oppression in his homeland, Mara and The Messenger must find those who played a part in Aimal's demise while restoring the balance on behalf of a young girl on the streets. Nothing is black and white in Mara's world, but her only constant is that of The Messenger. As the two begin to form a tentative bond, Mara begins to feel more for her mentor beyond the horrors of their lives. She misses her family, her friends and it's becoming clear what a lonely existence living as a Messenger of Fear can be. The day will come when Mara will lose her name and be only known as Messenger. Never to be touched and never to be loved again.

Kelly's Thoughts

The Tattooed Heart follows the story of Mara, a girl who has been sentenced by a greater power for her hand in driving a young girl to suicide. She's now accepted her fate and works as an apprentice for the Messenger of Fear, a title which allows those who bare it to see into the minds of those who are deemed wicked and extract their greatest fear. To restore the balance, to determine guilt, the wicked are asked to play a game where the only positive outcome is to win. Refusing to play is seen as being defeated and punishable under the guidance of Isthil. The horrors Mara faces haunt her every moment, fears of justice that befalls upon those sentenced. She's being trained to become The Messenger, where she will lose her identity, her spirit and any connection to her former life.

In The Tattooed Heart, Mara is pining for her former life. With each new judgement, an inked tattoo appears on her skin, her mind holding the horrors of the darkest fears of the wicked and as a Messenger, she is never to be touched. But rather than let the isolation and loneliness take hold, Mara becomes emotionally invested in her work. Her feelings for The Messenger are clouding her judgement all while he pines away for his lost love simply known as Ariadne. Mara knows she'll never hold his heart so in an act of narcissism disguised as kindness, she's determined to find out what became of Ariadne so The Messenger may one day be free to love her. Only her.

I felt for Mara. I don't believe she was in love with The Messenger, but craved companionship and understanding. Facing a life of servitude in a state of purgatory, Mara's apprenticeship is almost complete, only then will she take the reigns alone and become the next Messenger. But throughout The Tattooed Heart, Mara is also faced with the decision whether to seek a life of pleasure with Oriax, the counterbalance to The Messenger who seeks pleasure and pain. Throughout the storyline, Mara not only matures, but develops into someone who's not only being punished but is worthy of the Messenger title.

Ending on a bittersweet note, I can't fathom what Michael Grant has in store for the finale. The Messenger of Fear series, although entertaining, also poses questions to readers such as morality, justice and paying for your crimes. How we judge others, even fictional characters, as seen through the eyes of someone else.

The Final Verdict

An emotional installment to the series, The Tattooed Heart is engaging, highly charged and sure to leave readers feeling emotionally exhausted. I enjoyed the inclusion of more diverse characters who Mara and The Messenger are seeking justice for, as I felt more invested in their plight than that of our protagonist at times. Similar to Michael Grant's Gone series, the writing is sharp, restrained and isn't bloated by lyrical prose. Looking forward to the finale and seeing the magic Michael Grant can create for our young heroine. Because bloody hell, she's going to need it.

Kelly is a part time crime fighter, a dairy connoisseur and possibly the best dancer the world has ever seen.


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16 comments

  1. that sounds sad and interesting and captivating at the same time. I haven't read this author before. I might try it

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    1. His an incredible author Ailyn. I think his Gone series really introduced readers to a new type of blended middle grade / young adult, but this series is so much darker. It was really unexpected but have loved it so far. I can't wait for the finale. I hope you can pick up a copy of The Messenger of Fear, I'd love to see what you think of it.

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  2. I just skimmed because I haven't read the first book. However, I am curious about these. I saw the first one at the library and it looked good. I haven't read anything by Grant either, so I figure I should check him out!

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    1. Lauren, you're really missing out. He's such a joy to read. Definitely grab book one, it's so immersive and really delicious.

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  3. HOW GOOD WAS IT? One of the only paranormals I've actually liked. And Mara is just awesome. GAH.

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    1. I really loved it too poppet. I used to read quite a bit of paranormal, but it needs to be really unique to lure me in now. I have no idea what to expect from the finale, but I really hope that Mara finds that happy ending. So glad you enjoyed it too.

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  4. Don't hate me but I totally ship Mara and the Messenger and I am kind of really hoping they will become a couple. I won't be heartbroken if they don't because it would make sense but there is something about them that makes my shipper feels tingle!

    I am glad that you enjoyed The Tattooed Heart though and I NEED TO PICK UP MY COPY. Yes I still haven't read it. Yes I am a despicable human being. IT'S OKAY THOUGH.

    Wonderful review, hon <3

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    1. I do too, but I don't think she's in love with him, but more so than the companionship, in the Tattooed Heart, she just seems so incredibly lonely. I adored her character growth as well. Hurry up and pick it up Rashika, you need to read this as soon as possible!

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  5. WOAH! This sounds amazing, Kelly! I love the sound of the concept of the whole story. And I'm curious about both Mara and the Messenger, but especially the Messenger. I'll try to see if I can find these books at the library so I can binge read when the last books come out.
    Lovely review, Kelly!

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    1. Thanks Nick. It really is a brilliant series, unique and a horror type paranormal that really plays with morality. I'm actually enjoying the series much more than his Gone series.

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  6. I haven't starting this series yet but it sounds really good - I should really get on it . It sounds like something that I am going to like.
    Thanks for the review.

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    1. It's really unique Angel and reminds me a bit of Derek Landy's Demon Road, but slightly more mature in nature. A great read. I'd love to see what you think of it.

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  7. Hey fab Kels!

    As usual, I can tell how passionate you are about this book and how much you really enjoyed reading it! <3 I love seeing the character growth in a character and since this one is part of a series, I know there is more to come for her character development! I think this book takes a new spin on things! The fact that you were emotionally exhausted is a good thing! <3

    xoxoxoxoxo

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    1. Hey poppet and yes, I really, really enjoyed it. I loved how it gave me a new perspective on the characters and their growth, and now I find I'm emotionally invested in book three as well. It's a great series and really underrated.

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  8. The first book really got me. I was surprised how much I loved it but book two was not for me. Glad you enjoyed it!

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    1. That's shame Jazmen, what was it about it that you didn't like? I can understand, as it's much slower than book one and is more about Mara's inner struggle with her new role and the loneliness. Hopefully you'll still grab a copy of the finale once it's released.

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