Title: Grave Mercy
Author: Robin LaFevers
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Pages: 565 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult
Source: Amazon Book Page; Good Reads
Rating: 5 Stars
Summary:
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?
Review:
Killer Nuns. Assassin Nuns. Killer Assassin Nuns. Bad ass Nuns. That is all. Alright but seriously this was awesome mostly because this starts out with man hating death bringing Nuns. The Convent of Mortain grooms young girls into becoming the Handmaidens of death. The convent sends these girls out on missions to save the country by any and all means. Some of the girls have a special sight that allows them to see the will of the God Mortain. Anywho! This is mostly about Ismae. She was rescued and tossed into the convent and trained. She was then sent out on a mission to save Brittany with Duval. Read this book. I loved it! It was a good steady read. There was some emotions wrapped up in the beginning, then confusion, then there was good old fashion melty romance. after about 75% (on my kindle) it became a bit predictable BUT i loved the story either way. Two stubborn people united in saving the country and in the end brought together because of said Gods and country. This isn’t a religious novel. I promise! I keep mentioning Gods and country because, well, its old school pagan gods. I loved that as individuals they are strong characters. Together they are a force to reckon with. I loved that Ismae made a hard choice and she was granted mercy to follow both her heart and Duty. I love that at the end of the day love and loyalty prevailed. I love that the convent in the end fell from grace for human reasons. This book just made me happy. I’m glad I stopped and read it.
Apparently this is a series which makes me super happy. I cannot wait to read Sybella’s story.
Recommendation:
I loved it! Snatch it up on amazon and give it a read. It’s $1.99 on amazon right now. The 2nd installment is Dark Triumph and it tells Sybella’s Story; this is also $1.99
-Kayla
Baby Got Stacks 