Grave Mercy was a surprise book. I probably wouldn’t have read this book if not for Netgalley. But I’m so glad I did read it! It was quite an intriguing story with memorable characters. And honestly, I was a little surprised at how much I liked it. I wasn’t expecting a lot from it, (except for the nun assassins part, which I thought was pretty awesome before I read the book), but then I started reading it, and whoosh! I was sucked into the story, living in the intrigue, feeling the magic.

LaFevers did a good job at concocting up an interesting plot with originality and excitement. I liked the mystery, and how it was executed, slowly built, with little twists to keep you guessing. It kept the level of intrigue high, and kept my interest, and I couldn’t wait to see how it ended. There was a lot of court intrigue, and at first was a little too overwhelming. Too many names and little things going on. But as the story went on, it all made more sense, and looking back, I can see it was actually nicely well done.

Part of the plot deals with poison. The protagonist, Ismea, is learned in this art, and even has a special little ability involving poison that becomes a vital part of the story. Fans of Poison Study I think will love this book. While reading it, I was actually reminded a little of Pride and Prejudice. Ismae has an Elizabeth aura, she’s strong and dependent and won’t let men take control of her. Duval is Mr. Darcy, with his good looks and prejudice against Ismae. Ann, Duval’s sister whom he loves and valiantly protects, and who absolutely adores Duval, is Georgiana. Ann’s mother is the Lady Catherine De Bourgh with her less than desirable qualities. Perhaps that’s part of why the novel captured me so, the connection I felt to P&P. Ismae and Duval’s romance starts out similar to Darcy and Lizzie, with dislike and strain at the beginning, but then the individuals slowly coming to realize the good qualities in the other person.

The ending was superb, with its twists and danger and excitement. Kept me turning- er..tapping- the pages in a rush to see the outcome. Upon finishing Grave Mercy, I was deep in love with it, with the characters, and not wanting to part with them. And oh, am I excited for the companion novel!

Grave Mercy is a fantastic murder mystery, historical, magical, romantic story that kicks butt! LaFevers created a wonderful story that many people will love. Thank you for sharing your story! And now, just one more thing to say, MORE PLEASE!!

Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Netgalley for the arc.