Grave Mercy
Author: Robin LaFevers
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: April 3, 2012
Pages: 549
Series: His Fair Assassins, book one
Source: Purchased
About the Book: Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?
Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.
Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart? (goodreads)
My Thoughts: Immediately after finishing this book I added it to my list of all time favorites. I mean, it’s historical and fantasy and mystery and action and romance all in one book! And it’s the best kind of historical fantasy mix! The historical aspect is very much based on research and what Brittany was like at the time. The fantasy adds a subtle hint of magic… if you can call the Death and his handmaidens subtle! I love it when the fantasy/magical element is an added layer onto actual history. It’s exactly my kind of book.
Ismae is a character who had a very rough start in life. She finds a place to fit in the convent of St. Mortain. The sisters give her a home and train her so she isn’t powerless. For this she is grateful. What I loved most about this story was the ways that Ismae realizes that a debt of gratitude does not require her to forfeit everything she desires. She was physically strong and able when she left the convent on her mission. Watching her become emotionally stronger and empowered was the highlight of the book for me. Well, that and the kissing 🙂
Don’t let the size of this book deter you from picking it up! I bought the hardcover right when it came out but didn’t read it until I got the kindle edition on sale! When Dark Triumph came out I bought it right away in both hardcover and kindle editions. I knew I’d want it for my shelf but it’s so much easier to hold the kindle! Plus, I got to meet the author and have her sign my hardcover copies:
 |
| With Robin at Anderson’s Bookshop |
If you’re looking for a book that will simply “wow” you, pick up Grave Mercy. Just make sure you have a lot of time. You won’t want to put it down!
Leave a Reply