Review: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

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 TAKE:

I adore this book so much!

Grave Mercy is the story of Ismae, St. Mortain's daughter. As the daughter of the god of death, Ismae has talents and skills that will come in handy as she carries out the tasks given to her by her convent and St. Mortain himself.

I like this current trend of kick-butt heroines. Following in the tradition of Lady Alanna, Lady Keladry and Katniss, Ismae puts damsels-in-distress, who spend more time flirting than helping, to shame.

The story is set in Brittany, at the time when Anne was not yet formally the Duchess of Brittany. I really like historical fiction and this book was no exception. LaFevers artfully mixes fiction with reality, and I was thoroughly entertained and couldn't get enough.

Romance-wise, this book did not disappoint. I am a sucker for guys who can fight. Gavriel is not only an excellent fighter, he also has ideals and morals, which is very attractive in a guy. The tension between Gavriel and Ismae is so intense and had me screaming so many times at the screen so they would just get on with it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin for the eARC.

THE GOOD:

1. It's historical fiction at its best.
2. Awesome world-building.
3. Hot love story.

THE BAD:

1. The next book doesn't come out until next year!

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

St. Arduinna, the patron saint of love. Is that what he thinks is between us?

READ IT IF:

1. You like historical fiction.
2. You like tough heroines.
3. You like war stories.

RATING:

SOUNDS INTERESTING?