Published:
April 3rd, 2012 by Houghton Mifflin Hartcourt
Source: ARC
from Netgalley
Format: eBook
Challenge(s):
eBook
Grade rate: B+
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 Review
I have been dying to read this book for a while, but had to
carve some time to do so as it is a long book (549 pages). I really enjoy Grave Mercy, although I have to warn that it might not be for
everyone.
Grave Mercy is a
historical ‘romance’ with a bit of the paranormal thrown in for good measure,
targeted to young adults. The setting of
the story is the duchy of Brittany (now part of France) in the 1400s and it’s a
period in history that I haven’t read much about. I found the backdrop of the story
fascinating, even if complicated to follow.
The story starts by introducing us to Ismae which had a very
cruel upbringing and also the power that religion and superstition had on that
time. I can see how the promise of a
safe haven to live in, without fear and of a way to defend themselves from the
brutality of the world can be very alluring, and even appear to be a
blessing. The elements of the old
religion made a lot of sense and were easy to understand and were the very important
to the story along with all the political machinations.
Ismae is very brave, loyal, is a great judge of character,
and is a no-nonsense type of person. She
is only 17, but has learned a lot about how bad things could be, which makes
her appreciate and recognize a good thing when she sees it. Another redeeming quality is that she uses
her brain, instead of following instructions blindly. Gavriel Duval and Ismae’s are unwilling
partners in the political game, and quickly learn to trust each other. Their romance grows very slowly, which I can
appreciate and makes it more enjoyable and believable. I am also glad that there wasn’t a love
triangle, and that Ismae didn’t stray from her beliefs and her feelings. I really love Duval!
The overall characterization was really well done. We get to see Anne of Brittany, a sweet girl
that is put in a very difficult position that I’m not sure that I could have
ever understood at that age. She is
constantly betrayed by the people that are supposed to be her allies. Other characters were really well crafted and
made the story believable. I’m sure we
will see more of all of them in the following books. All the ins and outs of
the life at court can be confusing and seemed like a big theater performance at
times.
The plot, as I’ve mentioned before, was a bit complicated,
but not impossible to follow, keep in mind that this is based on past
history! The writing was one of the best
parts of the story. LaFevers has a way
to making you feel like you know these characters, and I learned to care for
them. The use of old words and sayings
was also essential to the story.
Overall Grave Mercy
is a great story, full of history, superstitions, religion, politics and
romance. I will definitely read Dark Triumph,
book # 2 due for publication sometime next year.
A very true fact that is repeated throughout the story: “People hear and see what they expect to
hear and see”
Another favorite: “Ah”
Duval says. “So this is what you didn’t want me to see. Poor Ismae”…”There is
no shame is scar, Ismae”
About the cover:
It’s a beautiful cover! We see Ismae
in a beautiful red gown with a crossbow and in the background a castle.
Have you read Grave Mercy? Do you like historical books? Which is your favorite?
I never realised this book was so long! I'm looking forward to reading it, I've heard some mixed opinions about it but they haven't put me off the book at all. The plot is far too interesting for me to not give it a go. I'm happy to see you enjoyed it though! Great review. :)
ReplyDeleteAlthough this book was slow in parts (and loooong) it was so kick ass and unique that I couldn't help but love it!
ReplyDelete