The cover and title for GRAVE MERCY were an ‘Oh Shiny!’ for me. Enough so, that I downloaded the sample. I’ll admit that Robin LaFevers had me with the very first line. “I bear a deep red stain that runs from my left shoulder down to my right hip, a trail left by the herbwitch’s poison that my mother used to try to expel me from her womb.” Wow! Right away I could tell this book was for me. Five minutes later I had purchased my copy and started my journey with Ismae and Duval. And I wasn’t disappointed. It held all of my favourite elements, strong heroine, female assassins, historical setting, (1400’s Brittany), court intrigue, romance, and a hint of magic. A killer combination. No pun intended.
GRAVE MERCY is told from the point of view of Ismae, young, beautiful and trained as an assassin by the nuns of the convent of Mortain, the god of death. As a mistress of death, Ismae is sent on her first assignment to the court of Brittany. Her task is to protect the duchess and eliminate those with Mortain’s mark. But life at court is nothing like life in the convent. She finds herself unprepared for the games of intrigue and treason and even less prepared for falling in love with the man she’s been ordered to kill.
GRAVE MERCY is a beautifully written story. LeFevers sucks you into Ismae’s world with just the right balance of historical and paranormal elements. Ismae’s romance with the fierce and loyal Duval isn’t rushed like so many YA books these days. And her choice between following her training in blind faith and following her own heart is a true struggle. I give GRAVE MERCY 5 out of 5 chocolate bars and am claiming Duval as my current fictional boyfriend. Shhh-don’t tell my hubby 😉
Have you read GRAVE MERCY? What did you think?
Well, you know I’m a sucker for kickass heroines who can handle themselves with a weapon. And for pagan religious elements. I loved the opening, too! This is not only a well-told story, but as you point out, a beautifully written one. Heck, even I had a crush on Duvall. Can’t wait to find out more about Ismae’s secretive friend in book two (can’t think of her name).
Blog looks great (now that you have a comment box). Keep up the good work, Heather!
Thanks, Vaughn. And thank you for pointing out the comment box issue. I wouldn’t have known otherwise. That’s what happens when you let a writer try to design her own website. I’m ok with technology, but not great. I’m glad you enjoyed GRAVE MERCY as much as I did. I can’t wait to read about Sybella’s story in the next installment.
Nice review. Heather. Would you like me to reblog to the Kiss My Kindle page?
Hi Niamh,
Thank you! I would love you to reblog if you don’t mind. 🙂