GRAVE MERCY

HIS FAIR ASSASSIN

BOOK ONE

BY 

ROBIN LaFEVERS

RECEIVED FROM NETGALLEY FOR REVIEW

AVAILABLE NOW

Published byHoughton Mifflin Harcourt

synopsis (Goodreads)

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 always been a fan of historical fiction, especially the medieval era.  

why be the sheep when you can be the wolf?

I love this line.  It's what initially drew me to this book.

This book is amazing!  Ismae is a strong female lead.  She is not a weak willed woman.  First she is abused by her stepfather, sold into a marriage to a man who is also abusive and is led to a place where she can learn to be strong and independent.  The independent streak was already present.  Ismae is a character you can believe and relate to, she knows how to take care of herself, and she learns how to defend and protect herself. In other words, she is one kick ass heroine!!

This is a long book.  Over 500 pages.  It becomes slow and long winded in spots.  Took me a few days to read, but once I started...wow!  

Look at the cover of this book.  This is exactly how I picture Ismae.  A fierce warrior.

The author is a master at colorful descriptions.  The lifestyles and surroundings of Ismae are so cleverly detailed, the reader can 'see' what is happening while reading.

This is a story you will not quickly forget.  I look forward to more works by R.L LaFevers.