Review: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Title: Grave Mercy
Author: Robin LaFevers
Series: His Fair Assassin, #1
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: April 3, 2012

Synopsis: 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?

Verdict: **le sigh** Grave Mercy is ahhh-mazing! Robin LaFevers had given me a new book to add to my favorites shelf! This book tells the story of Ismae, a handmaiden of death. She serves St. Mortain at a convent by training to be an assassin. The nuns teach the handmaidens over a hundred different ways to kill a man so that when Mortain gives someone the marque, they will be able to kill them. Ismae is given a very important assignment and is sent to the city of Brittany under the disguise of a mistress to Duval. While there she must balance the task of serving Mortain and her duchess, Anne, while staying true to her heart. I adored all the characters in this book! Ismae is a wounded soul who only wants to do what is right. Duval is handsome and extremely loyal. Anne is very young and already had the weight of the world on her shoulders. I loved the plot, the writing, and the sweet budding romance!  The sequel, Dark Triumph, will tell the story of Sybella, a fellow handmaiden of death and dear friend to Ismae. I am interested in reading Sybella's story, but am really hoping to read more about what has become of Ismae and Duval! Overall, I definitely recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction, assassins, and those who just want to read a really good book.  <3

A copy was provided by publisher via Netgalley.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

-Kristen ♥