This is the final book in the series that includes the Black Cloak and the Twisted Staff. What a fantastic series. The previous two books were page turners and this book was the same. I could not believe the twists and turns, it was brilliantly written. I look forward to reading more about Serafina and Braeden's adventures in future books. Stay Bold! ( )

Serafina and the Splintered Heart by Robert Beatty is the third installment of the Serafina trilogy. There are more dangers for Serafina and her family and friends at Biltmore Estate.

Serafina has become one of my all time favorite characters, and these books have become some of my favorite stories that I can share with my grandchildren.

You can read my review of the first book, Serafina and the Black Cloak, here: https://feeroberts64.blogspot.com/2018/10/review-serafina-and-black-cloak.html ( )

Serafina, the Protector of Biltmore, wakes at the beginning of the third book to discovered that she has been buried in a coffin but can't remember why. When she escapes, she realizes that some months have elapsed and that she is incorporeal unable to interact with her friends and family. Soon she discovers an enemy that she fought before is still alive and intent on destroying the Vanderbilts and Biltmore Estate. However, she seems powerless to do anything about the storm that is coming. Or is she?

Having visited the Biltmore Estate several times, it is easy to become one with story as Serafina, walks through the house or sits on the roof. During my last visit, I was able to stand on its roof. Cassandra Campbell performed the various voices, males and female or friend or foe well. I especially loved the portrayal of Serafina's voice. Although the reading level for these books are 3rd to 7th grades, I believe that the earlier grades would need to be a mature child requiring a conversation with a parent. I thought the third novel was potentially the most frightening dealing with the subject of death. ( )

The first two were great, this one, not so great. I had to drag myself through. Very rarely am I happy to get to the ending of a book. The plot was very redundant. Why bring back a villian that's already been defeated and also the black cloak, which the first one was already named for? Calling it Splintered Heart made no sense, as I don't think that term was even mentioned as much as the "black cloak" or the "twisted staff" like the previous books were named for. If there are more books, Mr. Beatty, at least give us a fresh plot with new villians and new situations. ( )

Whew! Finished my second book for this month/year. I’m on a roll! Hopefully I’ll surpass my reading goal this year. And yes, I love this 3rd installment of this series. The story started different this time. Serafina woke up trying to figure what happened and discovering all the changes in the world she knew. I love all the twist and turn of the story. And I love the fact that it kept me guessing what will happen next to Serafina and her friends. Highly recommended! ( )