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Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

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?

Hardcover, 549 pages
Published April 3rd 2012 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
thank you to netgalley for provided me with a copy
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“Whenever you are ready, or if you never are, my heart is yours, until Death do us part. Whatever that may mean when consorting with one of Death’s handmaidens.”

Book 1 in His Fair Assassin trilogy.  The cover is what drew me to this book in the first place, for this HF lover the mystical feel with the castle, those swirling clouds and a heroine that dares you to defy her.  It didn't take long for me to connect with Ismae and feel empathy for her and her lot in life, the author developed her character giving her the depth and strength that always makes for a great story.

Though fantasy isn't one of my favorite genres, when mixed with historical fiction like this it worked.  Adding a little mystery and a touch of romance sums up what this book is about.  The plot was original, though some parts were predictable but it didn't put a damper on my enjoyment of this book.   I found the concept of killer nuns a storyline I really haven't read before, it might sound weird and rather strange but in this book it works.  Though I would have liked to learn a little more about St. Mortain and what goes one there I am hoping that more knowledge might be forthcoming in the next book.

Taking place in 15th century Brittany the author weaves real historical facts with the supernatural creating a unique story.  Though it is young adult I think all ages would enjoy this one.
 

2 comments:

  1. I've had this one on my list for awhile, but I just haven't been moved to read it. I didn't realize it was part historical fiction though. That may just motivate me.

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  2. I've had this book on my shelf since it was first published. Now that the whole trilogy has been published I think it is high time I read it!

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