Author: Robin LaFevers
Series: His Fair Assassin #1
Publisher: Houghton Miffin Harcourt
Publication Date: April 3, 2012
BUY GRAVE MERCY
Synopsis: 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?
MY REVIEW
Grave Mercy by Robin LeFevers is a book that leaves you wanting more. One of those cannot sleep, cannot eat until the ride is over kind of books. The story starts with a 14-year-old Ismae, who is being sold, I mean married off to a local pig farmer, by her abusive father. Actually, he is more like the father who raised her, because Ismae is actually sired by Death himself, Saint Mortain. She is terrified on her wedding day, because she knows that she will be found out, because she bares a birthmark. When her mother ingested a herbwitch’s poison to abort the pregnancy, Ismae did not die instead she was burned/marked. Thankfully, Ismae is rescue by the Covent of Saint Mortain after her husband beats and leaves pretty much for dead in the cellar.
Right now, you are think OH MY GO-, why would I want to read this horrible book about a 14 year old being married and beaten. While Ismae story starts off beyond tragic, this all takes place with in the first few pages. She is rescued by the Covent of Saint Mortain and taken far away from all this, and she is trained to be an assassin for Death. The training develops all the girls in the Covent in to strong young women, who know how to protect themselves. It gives Ismae the power the men in her life took away. They are trained in every weapon possible and every tactic to carry out the wishes of Death.
The story quickly picks up, when Ismae is installed into the care of Duval, the most trusted advisor to the Duchess of Brittany. When The Duchess’ father died, the French seek to take over Brittany and they are trying to control the arraignments of the marriage of the Duchess. With treachery, and suspicion, Ismae is on the lookout for traitors who have the mark of death on them. While she waits to her orders, it does not hurt to be working with the handsome, young Duval.
Trust me Grave Mercy is book you want to start early in the day, and have plenty of time to spare, because putting it down is near impossible. Ismae is such a strong, independent woman, which is not a welcome trait in the period this story takes place. I love her fierceness and her loyalty, even when it calls her beliefs into question. Duval is young, handsome, and loyal to the Duchess. Literally, he would die to protect her. I also LOVE the relationship between Ismae and Duval. The story has elements of mystery, tons of action, and romance. The writing of the story is fast paced, but does not leaves you feeling rushed; Robin LaFevers has a way with words. Take a trip into the world of Death and Assassins today!
Right now, you are think OH MY GO-, why would I want to read this horrible book about a 14 year old being married and beaten. While Ismae story starts off beyond tragic, this all takes place with in the first few pages. She is rescued by the Covent of Saint Mortain and taken far away from all this, and she is trained to be an assassin for Death. The training develops all the girls in the Covent in to strong young women, who know how to protect themselves. It gives Ismae the power the men in her life took away. They are trained in every weapon possible and every tactic to carry out the wishes of Death.
The story quickly picks up, when Ismae is installed into the care of Duval, the most trusted advisor to the Duchess of Brittany. When The Duchess’ father died, the French seek to take over Brittany and they are trying to control the arraignments of the marriage of the Duchess. With treachery, and suspicion, Ismae is on the lookout for traitors who have the mark of death on them. While she waits to her orders, it does not hurt to be working with the handsome, young Duval.
Trust me Grave Mercy is book you want to start early in the day, and have plenty of time to spare, because putting it down is near impossible. Ismae is such a strong, independent woman, which is not a welcome trait in the period this story takes place. I love her fierceness and her loyalty, even when it calls her beliefs into question. Duval is young, handsome, and loyal to the Duchess. Literally, he would die to protect her. I also LOVE the relationship between Ismae and Duval. The story has elements of mystery, tons of action, and romance. The writing of the story is fast paced, but does not leaves you feeling rushed; Robin LaFevers has a way with words. Take a trip into the world of Death and Assassins today!
**Unabridged Bookshelf received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review**
1 comment:
This book sounds FANTASTIC!! I'd heard really great things about this book, but you kinda just sold it :D I'm really excited about this one and I am so glad you enjoyed it!
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