Grave Mercy

"I only read the first one and forgot about it. Did anyone read the next book(s)?"

"I just couldn’t get into it, so I gave up lol."

"#historicalromance #fantasy #youngadult #assassin #political #action_and_adventure #medieval "

"I don’t know why this book is labeled as “juvenile” when it’s actually just young adult fiction, this book is very much a masterpiece. The author wrote that most of the characters and events and politics were all real things that happened at the time this book takes place. If anything, it’s a historical fiction action-packed romance book that helps readers to emotionally understand more of war and death and such. I found this book quite powerful, and the author a genius"

"I've been drawn to allure of assassins for a while now. They hold my interest in movies, and any time there is an option to play an assassin-type character in video games, I generally do. However, my proclivities for assassin love had not yet extended to my reading habits. <i>Grave Mercy</i> is the first novel I've read about assassins, and it was a good one at that. Ismae has been a victim all her life. Her mother tried to expel her from her womb with a poison, leaving her disfigured with death's mark. It is a source of shame for her, as she has been mocked and teased all her life. However, the superstitious association with her mark is much darker, as it brands her the daughter of Death. When she is forced into a deceptive arranged marriage, it is her husband's glimpse of the mark that causes him to beat her mercilessly. However, it is also the meaning of her mark that allows her to escape to a convent serving the patron saint of death, St. Mortain. There she is trained in the arts and gifts she will need to begin her new life as an assassin, a handmaiden to Death himself.<br/><br/><i>Grave Mercy</i> is a historical fiction novel with elements of fantasy, romance, mystery, crime, politics and betrayal. The novel is set in 15th century Brittany. Fans of European history may recognize the historical roots of the story -- following the death of late Duke Francis II, the Bretons are attempting to secure the future of the independent Duchy of Brittany from France by ensuring the installation of Anne as Duchess. Ismae's first assignment is to observe and act in the high court of Brittany, protecting the Duchess and delivering vengeance upon those marked as traitors by her patron saint, Mortain. Despite her training, Ismae is unprepared for what she finds there.<br/><br/>I enjoyed the novel quite a lot, even though it is considerably different from what I normally read. I hadn't been a great fan of historical fiction thusfar, unless it had a big dose of steampunk favor and alternate history thrown in. In this novel, I found myself appreciating the historical setting. Again, I think this takes me back to video games and movies, where I like medieval settings. LaFevers did an excellent job immersing me in the time and place. It seemed to be rather historically accurate, from what I know, and there were no distracting disconnects from the setting (i.e., dialogue or other things that disrupt the reader's immersion in the olden time). The idea of assassin nuns was definitely an intriguing one to me. I especially liked the character of Ismae. She had been abused all her life in different ways by her family and superstitious villagers. Watching her grow as she rises up from being the victim of a violent arranged marriage to a strong assassin to an independent woman that feels comfortable making her own decisions (even if she is afraid she is betraying the will of her god) is a treat, as I am a sucker for strong female characters rising up from questionable beginnings. Her slowly developing romance with Duval is also enjoyable, as are the supporting characters like Duval's companions and Anne.<br/><br/>I'd recommend this novel to those with interest in the blurb. It's definitely something different -- a historical story of political intrigue, supernatural saints, talented assassins, betrayal and love. I found it to be an enjoyable ride, and I look forward to the next installment in the <i>My Fair Assassin</i> series.<br/><br/><b><i>This book was obtained freely from the publisher, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i></b>"

"This is a must read! When I first saw the cover, I had to check it out. And then I read the book bio. After checking it out, I knew I had to get my hands on this! I don't normally go for the historical novels too much. Especially with a paranormal twist. Grave Mercy was full of awesomeness. So much, that once I started, I was reluctant to put it down. Even to eat.<br/><br/>What first grabbed my attention was the two little words. "Death's Handmadens". That right there. That did it for me. And then I discovered something else that was awesome. The Saints (or Gods) in this book aren't the ones we are used to seeing. They aren't the Greek Gods, which are popping up more and more. This was truly unique, intense and a magnificent example of how a book should be. It has everything! Action, adventure, romance, death and assassinations.<br/><br/>Ismae didn't have an easy childhood. She's been marked by Death himself. I felt for her through this novel, because she is raised by a ghastly man and then saved from certain death by being sent to a convent. A convent that serves Death himself. Ismae has to pose as Duval's cousin (aka mistress). And while working with him to keep Brittany out of the hands of the French, betrayal and mystery swarm Ismae. Things aren't as they seem and those she once trusted might not be trustworthy. <br/><br/>This truly is a book that needs to be picked up right away and given the time and dedication it deserves to let this story unfold. It was carefully crafted, not rushed, and the hard work that went into the book shines all the way through the book. This is the kind of book you drop what you are doing and immerse yourself completely into one of the best books released this year."

"Excellent book. Had a great mixture of romance, mystery, and drama. "

"Loved it! Started the next book in the series and have the third one waiting in my book bag …they will be my poolside reading the next few days. Easy read with a great plot line and characters… I do wish I had more of Ismae in this second book but I understand where the author is going. Def recommend 💯"

"I have only read the sequels to this one. I love the introduction to their abilities in the beginning and the murder scenes"

"I enjoyed the slow burn romance and the intrigue! "