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?
Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review.
When I saw this book listed on Netgalley I knew I needed to read it. I had been meaning to start this trilogy for years now I am so glad that I finally did, because I had heard nothing but amazing reviews. I was not disappointed at all!
I can start by saying that this was one of the most badass books I have read in a while. I mean, a convent that trains girls to be assassins? Right up my alley.
At first, I was a bit unsure, afraid that maybe this book has been overhyped, but it soon became evident that that wasn't the case at all. From chapter one the story was fast paced, compelling and, most of all, extremely well written.
Robin LaFevers writing was, simultaneously, the main reason for how much I enjoyed Grave Mercy and why it took me so long to read. On one side, it was beautiful, intricate and strong, and I wanted to soak it all in, linger in those pages so amazingly accomplished, but, on the other, it was so complex and elaborate I had to go through each sentence slowly to really comprehend its meaning.
The characters were another amazing part of this book. Each and every one of them had a story behind them, ready to be told, and the author was able to portray such great character development throughout the story. From Ismae to Duval to the nuns to Sybella and everyone else, they felt so real to me, so present. Although some were fictional and some were real people who walked the streets and cities of Brittany, I couldn't tell the difference, as they were all so well developed and formed in the pages of Grave Mercy.
I'm not the biggest fan of romance, but the one that was created here was somewhat believable and I was able to enjoy it more than I was expecting. I was rooting for them the whole time and, also, I was extremely pleased that it didn't take over the story. The book was still about assassins, religion, moral duties, political intrigue... Historical fiction showing what it's capable of.
Overall, I completely recommend it and I can't wait to read the next books, even though they follow a different character, and I know I will absolutely love them, as I did this one.
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