The Tattooed Heart

The games continue in New York Times bestselling author Michael Grant's sequel to Messenger of Fear—a haunting tale for fans of Stephen King that combines fantasy with real-world horror stories. Mara has learned to punish the wicked as the Messenger's apprentice. Those who act out of selfishness and greed, and others who become violent because of prejudice and hate, pay the ultimate price. But Mara is constantly reminded that Messengers are serving their own kind of punishment—for every person who is offered justice, they wear a tattoo that symbolizes the heart of the crime. As Mara delves deeper into her harsh reality she will discover that in spite of all the terror she and Messenger inflict, caring in this world is the hardest part of all. But what happens when the lines between good and evil blur, and justice feels like a curse? Master and Apprentice: Mara is bound to the mysterious and tragic Messenger, learning his terrible trade. But as she gets closer, she uncovers the secrets of his past and the lost love that haunts him. Justice and Redemption: The wicked are forced to play a game where the stakes are their own soul. From hateful bullies to corrupt executives, each must face a reckoning tailored to their deepest fears. Psychological Horror: The true terror comes from the surreal punishments and the chilling question of whether Mara and the Messenger are heroes or monsters. Angels and Demons: In a world of ancient gods and seductive demons like the cruel Oriax, Mara must navigate a war fought in the shadows, where every choice has a cost written in ink on her own skin.