Review: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

                                      Book: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
                                      Pages: 549
                                      Genre: Young Adult, Thriller
                                      Source: Library

Short Synopsis: Ismae is a young girl desperate to get away from an arranged marriage and escapes to a convent, where young girls live to serve an old god, named St. Mortain.

My Thoughts: This novel is definitely out of my reading genre, and I loved reading and devouring every page! 

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?
--From Amazon

All I can say about this book is Wow! Most of you who follow my blog, know that I'm not a big fan of novels that are set in the past. I've seen this book around in the blogosphere a lot and it was on the shelf at my library, so I decided to take a chance, and I am glad I did. 

First, I loved the writing style in this novel. Most novels set in the past have the weird language thing going on, that I can't stand. This novel, though some of the language is a bit different, was easy and simple to understand. I enjoyed reading about the trials and triumphs of the main character, Ismae, as she goes on a whirl wind adventure of becoming an assassin for the saint she serves.

It was interesting to read about the different poisons, as well as the different ways someone could use to kill another. I wasn't too fond of the Reverend Mother, though she was the boss of the girls doing St. Mortain's, I kept questioning how she was getting her orders to kill from. And though it was explained that they had a seer who had visions, and the fact that a mark was placed on the individual, it still seemed a little shady to me. 

I loved reading about the relationship between Ismae and Duval. I enjoyed reading how even though they had different view points on certain issues, they also came to terms through a common cause, to keep someone safe. It was agonizing to read how much chemistry they had, but don't do much about it until much later. 

The novel itself, though very lengthy, was a fast read, very entertaining, and I loved reading how the least person you expect, turns out to be the culprit. Overall, I loved the characters, and how unique the whole situation was placed in, and the world that LaFevers has created.

Would I recommend this book: Yes!

Rating: I give this book a 4.5/5.