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marieintheraw's review against another edition
3.0
A really good historical assassin book with a side of romance and fantasy.
caitybell's review against another edition
4.0
I started this book back when it was originally published in 2012, but never finished it. I don't remember the exact reasons why, but after giving it a go some eight years later, I have a feeling it was because of the slow start. True, the beginning of this historical fiction is slow, I am glad I gave it another shot. Especially with LaFevers revisiting her dark and brutal world once again with a new duology.
The first book in the His Fair Assassins trilogy follows seventeen year old Ismae, who, after escaping an abusive arranged marriage, finds safety at a convent that worships the old gods, particularly the god of death himself. It is there that Ismae learns that this very god is her true father and he has bestowed upon her gifts to help her do his earthly bidding. Ismae learns the truth behind the convent, it is a home of assassins and she is to be trained as well. Soon, Ismae is pulled into a deadly plot that not only threatens her kingdom but also everything she's been taught to know of her true father's desires for her.
Grave Mercy is superbly written with sharp and sensual prose full of court intrigue, deadly and unapologetic women, brutal twists and turns, and a subtly bittersweet romance. Grave Mercy might be Historical Fiction, but it bordered on Fantasy with its rich world building and creative pantheon of gods reminiscent of old Europe. If Jay Kristoff and Phillipa Gregory decided to write a book together, this would be it. Robin LaFevers is in a class of her own and I can not wait to continue on with the series to see what ultimately comes of this world and the convent's maidens of death.
The first book in the His Fair Assassins trilogy follows seventeen year old Ismae, who, after escaping an abusive arranged marriage, finds safety at a convent that worships the old gods, particularly the god of death himself. It is there that Ismae learns that this very god is her true father and he has bestowed upon her gifts to help her do his earthly bidding. Ismae learns the truth behind the convent, it is a home of assassins and she is to be trained as well. Soon, Ismae is pulled into a deadly plot that not only threatens her kingdom but also everything she's been taught to know of her true father's desires for her.
Grave Mercy is superbly written with sharp and sensual prose full of court intrigue, deadly and unapologetic women, brutal twists and turns, and a subtly bittersweet romance. Grave Mercy might be Historical Fiction, but it bordered on Fantasy with its rich world building and creative pantheon of gods reminiscent of old Europe. If Jay Kristoff and Phillipa Gregory decided to write a book together, this would be it. Robin LaFevers is in a class of her own and I can not wait to continue on with the series to see what ultimately comes of this world and the convent's maidens of death.
saschabookishowl's review against another edition
5.0
I need some time to collect my feelings... but oh man, I loved this book <3
mars_aria's review against another edition
1.0
I tried reading this, but I couldn't hold out. I only managed to get three chapters into this book. The beginning definitely captured my attention, but..... I just can't do it. I was gonna try to at least get up to the part where she meets the guy, but I'm bored. Maybe I'll try to pick up this book again and finish from where I've started, but for right now I feel like I can be reading something far more interesting than assassin nuns who hate men.
bea_g_i's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
foraging_pages's review against another edition
4.0
I’m very glad I read this novel after having my eye on it for years. It always sounded so intriguing - handmaidens of death. I enjoy when novels based on historical events are well researched and truthful as is the case of Grave Mercy. The conflict between France and Brittany, the duchy, the wars and heroes, and the court politics alike. All of those elements paired with the old gods and those who serve them made for a solid plot line.
At the beginning, I wasn’t sure I really understood Ismae. We learned of her past, but I wasn’t connected to her. I hadn’t seen enough of her personality before we were in the middle of the conflict. That problem fixed itself when her gifts became more apparent. I love Duval, though. He was easy to love as a character.
At the beginning, I wasn’t sure I really understood Ismae. We learned of her past, but I wasn’t connected to her. I hadn’t seen enough of her personality before we were in the middle of the conflict. That problem fixed itself when her gifts became more apparent. I love Duval, though. He was easy to love as a character.
godfrina's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.75
Honesty first - I skim read the last 30% or so.
This book took for.ev.er. to finish.
I can't put my finger on why, but it felt like dragging dead weight between other reads. Should've probably dnf'd but I just find that hard to do (stupid really).
The premise is so promising, girl from desperate backgrounds gets trained as a godly assassin in a secret convent and sent out to missions, meeting political players (eyebrow wiggle), traitors and rulers along the way.
It sounds badass but it felt like a tame afternoon tea party with a bit of scheming in between. I guess, I just wanted more. More strong Ismae, that doesn't need leading on from one clue to the next plot point. For me, the romance didn't really gel that much either. I do wonder if I will ever read the follow ups in the series.
This book took for.ev.er. to finish.
I can't put my finger on why, but it felt like dragging dead weight between other reads. Should've probably dnf'd but I just find that hard to do (stupid really).
The premise is so promising, girl from desperate backgrounds gets trained as a godly assassin in a secret convent and sent out to missions, meeting political players (eyebrow wiggle), traitors and rulers along the way.
It sounds badass but it felt like a tame afternoon tea party with a bit of scheming in between. I guess, I just wanted more. More strong Ismae, that doesn't need leading on from one clue to the next plot point. For me, the romance didn't really gel that much either. I do wonder if I will ever read the follow ups in the series.
alyssaindira's review against another edition
3.0
*no spoilers were harmed in the making of this review*
"I am a handmaiden of death. I walk in his dark shadow and do his bidding. Serving him is my only purpose in this life"
Hey guys, so I finished Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1) by Robin LaFevers. It was a twisty and winding read that's for sure. In my opinion it was kind of a quick read due to how easy the writing was to skim. It wasnt too jammed packed with details, nor was it to sparse. it was just right. Enough to let you know whats happening in the story, but not too much to overwhelm you. The storyline did that job all on its own. Ha. What I mean by that, is that this storyline had so many little subplots occurring within it, that it was hard to keep track, in my opinion. Lots of different things were happening during the course of this novel and sometimes it was hard to discern how it impacted and influenced all the other events in the story. it was very much like a game of chess. So many pieces to put in motion. So many pawns. So many traitors. Enemies. So many of the opposition, not much og the defense. Oy. All the deception, deceit, and betrayal was woven intricately into the very heart of this novel. That in itself, was all the action that this novel needed. Forget the little physical attacks here and there, the political intrigue of this novel took the cake. That, was overwhelming. I nearly got lost in trying to figure out everyone's schemes and strings and yada yada yada. I honestly dunno how Ismae tolerated it all. I probably would have just cut the heads off all the snakes before I had a chance to get bitten. At least, I would hope I would. But the atmosphere of the court,man that was more toxic than any of her flipping poisons. Despite all that, I feel like she really discovered who she was and who she wanted to be among all the pariahs. She found out that indeed, her saint was mor ecomplex than anyone could have anticipation. And that indeed, there is not only vengeance in death, but also mercy. Grave, mercy. And the person who spurred her to truly question what was in her heart, her soul, her very blood, is the man with the purest and lightest soul of them all. Duval. It was in him, that Ismae discovered that even in the gravest darkness, there can be light. Now, I admit, first i was extremely wary of the man and looked for signs of treachery along with Ismae. And like Ismae realized, not everything is how it seems, and that people only see what they desire. Duval was slowly shed his armor throughout the novel and reveals that he is loyal, passionate, tender, caring, protective, and just the best man to have on one's team. He truly was something else. As was there romance. While I liked it, I didnt really feel it, ya know? But perhaps that is just on my end, cause I didnt get as immeshed in the story as I would have liked, I just skimmed along the surface like lurker, not really diving into the story wholeheartedly. So maybe thats why the flames of passion didnt rise as high as they could of, to me anyway. My opinion, as always, feel free to read the book and form your own. Alright, so yeah, the story was alright. I liked it and the characters. Although it wasnt the action wasnt the type of head on action I am used to, it was more slow building and subtle, it was still entertaining enough. As always, if you guys have any questions or comments, feel free to drop em below. Till next time. Bye.
"I am a handmaiden of death. I walk in his dark shadow and do his bidding. Serving him is my only purpose in this life"
Hey guys, so I finished Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1) by Robin LaFevers. It was a twisty and winding read that's for sure. In my opinion it was kind of a quick read due to how easy the writing was to skim. It wasnt too jammed packed with details, nor was it to sparse. it was just right. Enough to let you know whats happening in the story, but not too much to overwhelm you. The storyline did that job all on its own. Ha. What I mean by that, is that this storyline had so many little subplots occurring within it, that it was hard to keep track, in my opinion. Lots of different things were happening during the course of this novel and sometimes it was hard to discern how it impacted and influenced all the other events in the story. it was very much like a game of chess. So many pieces to put in motion. So many pawns. So many traitors. Enemies. So many of the opposition, not much og the defense. Oy. All the deception, deceit, and betrayal was woven intricately into the very heart of this novel. That in itself, was all the action that this novel needed. Forget the little physical attacks here and there, the political intrigue of this novel took the cake. That, was overwhelming. I nearly got lost in trying to figure out everyone's schemes and strings and yada yada yada. I honestly dunno how Ismae tolerated it all. I probably would have just cut the heads off all the snakes before I had a chance to get bitten. At least, I would hope I would. But the atmosphere of the court,man that was more toxic than any of her flipping poisons. Despite all that, I feel like she really discovered who she was and who she wanted to be among all the pariahs. She found out that indeed, her saint was mor ecomplex than anyone could have anticipation. And that indeed, there is not only vengeance in death, but also mercy. Grave, mercy. And the person who spurred her to truly question what was in her heart, her soul, her very blood, is the man with the purest and lightest soul of them all. Duval. It was in him, that Ismae discovered that even in the gravest darkness, there can be light. Now, I admit, first i was extremely wary of the man and looked for signs of treachery along with Ismae. And like Ismae realized, not everything is how it seems, and that people only see what they desire. Duval was slowly shed his armor throughout the novel and reveals that he is loyal, passionate, tender, caring, protective, and just the best man to have on one's team. He truly was something else. As was there romance. While I liked it, I didnt really feel it, ya know? But perhaps that is just on my end, cause I didnt get as immeshed in the story as I would have liked, I just skimmed along the surface like lurker, not really diving into the story wholeheartedly. So maybe thats why the flames of passion didnt rise as high as they could of, to me anyway. My opinion, as always, feel free to read the book and form your own. Alright, so yeah, the story was alright. I liked it and the characters. Although it wasnt the action wasnt the type of head on action I am used to, it was more slow building and subtle, it was still entertaining enough. As always, if you guys have any questions or comments, feel free to drop em below. Till next time. Bye.
shhchar's review against another edition
5.0
Well thought out, multi-layered mythology; compelling characters (sometimes too many, but there's a perfect guide in the front of the book); mysterious plot -- all in all a great start to a trilogy!
mollywetta's review against another edition
4.0
I was poised to love Grace Mercy by Robin LaFevers. One of the blurbs on the back said feminists will love it. It’s about a daughter born to Death trained to be an assassin by a convent of 15th century nuns. Cool concept. Plus, I’d heard Ismae was as kick ass as Katsa from [b:Graceling|3236307|Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1)|Kristin Cashore|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1331548394s/3236307.jpg|3270810].
My first thought was that this book was entirely too long. This was not a story that you needed 549 pages to tell. The political intrigue of the plot meandered unnecessarily (And I like political intrigue. I have a poli sci degree, after all.) I’d have cut down on that and had more battles. Or at least assassinations. I’m not usually one to shy away from long books—usually I don’t want them to end—but I could have cut 100 pages out of this and still been satisfied.
The story starts off with a bang. For the first two chapters, I was pausing to read sentences aloud to Mister BS. The writing is strong in places. But the story also drags in the middle.
The romance felt a bit forced. In my opinion, Ismae was too aware too early of her feelings for Gavriel. And Gavriel was too good. I wanted him to have a dark side (or at least a hint of one), but he was unfailing to the end. Not believable. While the intimate scenes were well-rendered and had tension initially, my heart wasn’t fluttering. I wasn’t wondering if they were going to end up together. I knew it, so there was no suspense.
Anne, the twelve-year-old Duchess, doesn’t seem twelve at all. Sure, age was different in the 1400s…but not that different. She speaks and acts like an adult.
My favorite part was when Ismae tells a story to Anne’s younger sister. This is where LaFevers fairy tale style shines. Mortain, the god/saint of death Ismae serves, was walking and came upon two twin sisters (also gods). One he falls immediately in love with and the other is skeptical and jealous and shoots Mortain through the heart with her arrow to protect her sister. Mortain thanks her for reminding him that there is always a cost to love. What Ismae does not relate is the true ending—the fallout, the tragedy. Because happy endings really are all about when you choose to pull the curtain and proclaim it “the end”. This scene is what bumped it from 3 to 3.5 stars for me.
I enjoyed this book, but it isn’t making the “favorites” list. I loved the blend of historical and fantasy, and am going to be checking out other similar titles, so if you have any suggestions, let me know!
My first thought was that this book was entirely too long. This was not a story that you needed 549 pages to tell. The political intrigue of the plot meandered unnecessarily (And I like political intrigue. I have a poli sci degree, after all.) I’d have cut down on that and had more battles. Or at least assassinations. I’m not usually one to shy away from long books—usually I don’t want them to end—but I could have cut 100 pages out of this and still been satisfied.
The story starts off with a bang. For the first two chapters, I was pausing to read sentences aloud to Mister BS. The writing is strong in places. But the story also drags in the middle.
The romance felt a bit forced. In my opinion, Ismae was too aware too early of her feelings for Gavriel. And Gavriel was too good. I wanted him to have a dark side (or at least a hint of one), but he was unfailing to the end. Not believable. While the intimate scenes were well-rendered and had tension initially, my heart wasn’t fluttering. I wasn’t wondering if they were going to end up together. I knew it, so there was no suspense.
Anne, the twelve-year-old Duchess, doesn’t seem twelve at all. Sure, age was different in the 1400s…but not that different. She speaks and acts like an adult.
My favorite part was when Ismae tells a story to Anne’s younger sister. This is where LaFevers fairy tale style shines. Mortain, the god/saint of death Ismae serves, was walking and came upon two twin sisters (also gods). One he falls immediately in love with and the other is skeptical and jealous and shoots Mortain through the heart with her arrow to protect her sister. Mortain thanks her for reminding him that there is always a cost to love. What Ismae does not relate is the true ending—the fallout, the tragedy. Because happy endings really are all about when you choose to pull the curtain and proclaim it “the end”. This scene is what bumped it from 3 to 3.5 stars for me.
I enjoyed this book, but it isn’t making the “favorites” list. I loved the blend of historical and fantasy, and am going to be checking out other similar titles, so if you have any suggestions, let me know!