Review: Grave Mercy

Title: Grave Mercy
Author: Robin LaFevers

Publication: April 3, 2012

Source: Kindle Book

Goodreads Summary:
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:
This book was amazing.  I was sucked into the story from the first page and enjoyed the book immensely.  Ismae is such a believable and strong character.  The web of intrigue surrounding her is very difficult to navigate and this makes for a very interesting plot.  I found myself unsure of who could be trusted as Ismae worked to uncover the plots against the Duchess.  The love story was subtle and did not overshadow the real action but was enough to make me happy for Ismae.  What I loved most about this book was the strong female character who learned to question the authorities in her life and follow her own path.  I liked how there is a subtle message about conforming to something that doesn’t feel right to you.  I cannot wait to read the next book in the His Fair Assassin series.  I hope all the women are as strong as Ismae in this amazing world that has been built by Robin LaFevers.  
5 of 5 stars 

Author: Andrea

I am an instructional technology coach in a middle school in Milwaukee, WI. I have been teaching for over 20 years in many grade levels ranging from first through eighth grade. I am a lifelong book nerd.