From the Bookshelf of Fangirls Read It First…

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1)

Robin LaFevers

Start date: October 19, 2014

Finish date: November 22, 2014

Discussion: Book of the Month

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Mar 05, 2012 Bella rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, cover-love, ya-romance, ya-historical, ya-paranormal

Grave Mercy may be the most stunning Young Adult debut I have ever had the pleasure of reading...well, honestly, devouring. I consumed every morsel Robin offered of this unique and fascinating historical gothic romance with an ever growing appetite to discover more of Ismae's world and the roles she must play to fulfill a sacred commitment. If that is what she so chooses.

The way in which Robin introduces us to Ismae and her more than humble beginnings, is itself a work of art. Her descriptives p Grave Mercy may be the most stunning Young Adult debut I have ever had the pleasure of reading...well, honestly, devouring. I consumed every morsel Robin offered of this unique and fascinating historical gothic romance with an ever growing appetite to discover more of Ismae's world and the roles she must play to fulfill a sacred commitment. If that is what she so chooses.

The way in which Robin introduces us to Ismae and her more than humble beginnings, is itself a work of art. Her descriptives paint a disturbingly dark and yet beautiful picture of 1480's Brittany and the very real threat of it's possession by France. We see the world through Ismae's eyes, and though her life has been difficult from the beginning, she finds some solace and embraces the old ways, believing she is answering a higher calling. The ways of the convent, where she receives a reprieve from her past tortures and discovers her gifts, are explained in exquisite detail from the tellings of the first saints; teachings in the arts of weaponry, poisons, seduction and the like. All adding to the mystery and intrigue of her journey.

It is not long before our heroine finds herself in the middle of a dangerous and thrilling battle for control, full of deceit and betrayal. Treachery abounds and Ismae struggles with whom she can place her trust and where her own loyalties lie.

I can't talk enough about the beauty in the words themselves. Robin is a true raconteur. She weaves a complex web of politics, life, death and love. The language, though not difficult is fluid and romantic in it's delivery. Intoxicating and enthralling. I immediately fell in love with Ismae. Her naive and yet wise soul. Her desire to seek out the truth, regardless the cost. And her snarky and infectious wit.

There are so many twists and turns in court and in the plot itself there is no time to rest and consider the events as they happen for something, new is just around the corner...and you never really see what's coming next.

The romance is slow building and believable and only adds to the difficulties Ismae finds herself faced with.

The entire story was a thrilling and creative history lesson and then some. Filled many colorful quips and interesting characters. A must read for anyone who loves historical fiction, old world romance, a touch of the supernatural and rich descriptives rolled up in a bundle of mystery and suspense.

Below a couple of examples of Robin's clever prose;

As I stare into her haunted, broken face, I grow desperate to convince her, to take this small flame of promise from my chest and light it in hers. ~Ismae

"You think appearing in stark black like a crow among peacocks will aid your stealth?" ~Sister Beatriz

"I am not known to favor mistresses. Not to mention that if I did, it would certainly not be one who was greener than a winter apple." ~Gavriel Duval ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Apr 08, 2012 Mimi.Reads.Smut rated it it was amazing

Shelves: five-stars

Absolutely fantastic read. I loved everything about this book and I am extremely excited for the next one!

1 like · Like · see review

Oct 16, 2014 FangirlsRIF Review Blog rated it it was amazing

Shelves: book-club-pick-of-the-month, review-book

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1) by Robin LaFevers

Read the rest of the review here!
https://fangirlsreaditfirst.wordpress...

Every month, our club votes on which book we will read for that month. November’s winning book was Robin LaFevers’ Grave Mercy. The following review is based on an online discussion after November’s meeting.

Spoiler-free Synopsis:

Living in Brittany in 1485, Ismae has escaped a cruel future with her abusive father and an arranged marriage. She finds refuge with a convent – one dedicated to St. Mortain, the god of Death ...more

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Jan 17, 2016 Kristal Fleming marked it as to-read

Oct 16, 2014 Domoni rated it liked it

Feb 10, 2015 Greta rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

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