Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Grave Mercy

by R.L. LaFevers 

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?

(summary from goodreads.com)

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I loved this book. I really liked its premise - I found it original, which is infrequent sometimes in young adult fiction. Ismae has a terrible life and watching her grow from battered to triumph is empowering. I liked how the mysteries and even Ismae's own powers were slowly unraveled and revealed. I thought Ismae herself was fascinating - trained to be an expert assassin, she was still almost completely an innocent - it was a fascinating oxymoron. I liked her and I liked her strength as she learned to trust herself more than those in authority over her. 

As happens all to frequently in books that contain an actual plot, the romance is sometimes secondary. I would have liked to see more interaction between Ismae and Duval - more of a build up to their love - but it was still a satisfying romance.

I also love books that retain some historical truths - the people Ismae interacted with and the events surrounding her actually happened. Thank you, wikipedia, for enlightening me. This book could stand on it's own, but apparently the first in a series. Which means there will be more! Knowing now what actually happened to Brittany at this time in history, I wonder what will happen to the characters I have come to care about. I will definitely read the next installment, and will probably reread this one again beforehand. 

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. Violence: yes - poisoning, knife fights, sword fights, real fights - but not gratuitous. Profanity: none that I can recall. Sex: yes, but again, not gratuitous, and within YA strictures