Review: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

 

Grave Mercy

Author: Robin LaFevers

Series: His Fair Assassin Bk 1

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

ISBN: 9780547628349

Pages: 560

Publication Date: April 3, 2012

Genre: Young Adult

Description

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 Thoughts

There have not been many books that I have found difficult to put aside to do the mundane trivialities of life, but this was definitely one of them! What a great book! For me, most fiction books that I have read lately, have not held my interest. The seem all the same - written in a formulaic style and they become boring. Grave Mercy wasn't like that for me.

 

Ismae is a strong character throughout the whole book. She's one you can't help but like and she struggles with many problems: her background, her training and her current position. She was a character that I enjoyed and her assignment was interesting. 

What was most fascinating was the book was based on fact with artistic liberties taken. The characters were strong and well developed. I was so taken by the characters, I am going to be picking up the next book to see what happens next! I found the whole plot so interesting that I may be taking some time to look into the real history that this book is based on.

This book was marketed as Children's fiction, however, I would say young adult. The main character is old enough to be married as are many of the main characters, so it's not the run of the mill child's book. In fact, as an adult, it was perfect reading for me. I didn't find it childish, but more of just a good read. Yes - it was so good ,that I had to recommend it to my daughter that last time I spoke with her. 

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion.