Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1) by R.L. LaFever → Start Date: September 13, 2013

[Ashlyn]

Finished chapter 25.

What I am wondering is (view spoiler)[ didn't Duval go and visit the prisoner while Ismae was dancing? Shouldn't he have gotten answers then? I am thinking Duval's mother or brother might have killed the prisoner... or better yet, what if Sybella killed him? Okay, maybe Sybella sent those men to attack Duval and Ismae??? Lots of things could be going on! (hide spoiler)]

I agree about the offer. (view spoiler)[ Do you think the mother was behind it and maybe that is why she was waiting outside the door during the meeting? How could she have know he was in a meeting in the first place if it was secret? (hide spoiler)]

I really want something (view spoiler)[ romantic to happen between Duval and Ismae! I think he really cares about her! When he was laying in her lap and he got serious! And then he was happy when she told him she wasn't interested in his brother. I'm pretty sure he has feelings for her and she needs to realize he isn't just acting!! I'm hoping something will happen with their late night encounters. (hide spoiler)]

I'm really enjoying this book! There is so many possibilities to everything that is happening! I keep coming up with all these theories. I'm already excited for book 2 and placed in on hold already!

[Vicki]

Ashlyn wrote: "Finished chapter 25.

What I am wondering is [spoilers removed]

I agree about the offer. [spoilers removed]

I really want something [spoilers removed]

I'm really enjoying this book! There is so ..."

LOL I guess I see another buddy read in the making, huh? I'm with you! :o)

I forgot all about Sybella, but you're right. She certainly could have (view spoiler)[been the one to send the attackers, but would she have Ismae killed? Who would she be working for? (hide spoiler)]

Duval definitely has (view spoiler)[romantic feelings for Ismae and I think she has feelings for him too but just doesn't recognize them yet or admit them yet. (hide spoiler)]

Duval's mother possibly could have known that he (view spoiler)[ had that secret meeting, but she also could have just been snooping or seen him and followed him, but I think he is too cognizant of his surroundings for him not to have seen her. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashlyn]

I would love to do another buddy read! I like that we are all going at the same pace with this one too. That way we find everything out together.

Wouldn't Sybella have known (view spoiler)[ Ismae is immune to the poison? So she wouldn't have been killing her, just Duval.

Here is another crazy idea. What if the convent sent Sybella out on a mission to help Duval's mother and brother take the throne?? (hide spoiler)]

I agree. (view spoiler)[ I don't think she recognizes her feelings yet. I mean she did tell him that she would go along with him, but she keeps second guessing herself like she knows she shouldn't have feelings for him so she makes up some excuse on why she does something. (hide spoiler)]

I don't think she (view spoiler)[ saw him and followed him because she would have seen Ismae when she went into the room next door if she did. She might have just been snooping, but I'm not sure. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashlyn]

I just realized that is about Sybella!! And is about Annith!

[Vicki]

Yes, I agree with your first spoiler, so that's why I don't think it was Sybella. The idea of Sybella being sent to (view spoiler)[ help the mother/son take the throne is an interesting one. (hide spoiler)]

And your last spoiler you're probably right. Maybe my memory serves me wrong but I thought that (view spoiler)[Ismae came upon the mother and saw her first. (hide spoiler)] Haha, so much to consider.

I can't wait to see how Duval's (view spoiler)[and Ismae's romance unfolds because I can definitely see it coming. It's already in the making, and I love how it's being slowly developed. With their "pretending" to be paramours it makes it very easy to take that next "pretend" step, don't you think? (hide spoiler)]

It's 1:25 AM here and I have to get up at 6:00 for work, so I'm signing off. Have a good night. :o)

[Ashlyn]

Vicki wrote: "Yes, I agree with your first spoiler, so that's why I don't think it was Sybella. The idea of Sybella being sent to [spoilers removed]

And your last spoiler you're probably right. Maybe my memory ..."

Good point with your first spoiler.

Yes, (view spoiler)[Ismae did see her first, but what I'm saying is that wouldn't the mother have seen Ismae first if she followed Duval? She wouldn't have been surprised that Ismae was in the room or go up to spy on him because she could have hidden easily and she probably would have been watching. That kind of makes me think that she set it up and knew in advance that he was having a meeting. But of course she could have just been snooping like you mentioned. (hide spoiler)]

I agree, it is very easily. It kind of seems like (view spoiler)[ the game of chess that was mentioned earlier is being played by both of them with their romance. It could be that he just sees her as a pawn in the romantic affairs. Although, I hope that is not the case. But it does seem like what they have is like a game to them to see who gives in first. (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha, lives on coffee]

wow, you guys have some incredible theories!!!! I totally agree!!

what if (view spoiler)[ Sybella is just a pawn too! maybe the convent DID stage the attack, knowing that Duval would then see Ismae fight. What if they knew they would win?? Or maybe they see both Duval and Ismae as something they can easily lose but I think they may have arranged it so Duval and Ismae would have to fight together, forcing them to rely on each other respect each other. (hide spoiler)]

and the idea that Sybella (view spoiler)[ killed the prisoner. WOW! Incredible, but that really could be it, huh? (hide spoiler)] wow, I don't know who to trust anymore! LOL!

[Trisha, lives on coffee]

wow, okay stopped at chapter 29 (I'll read more soon!)

ch 27
OMG (view spoiler)[ thank you Duval thank you! I can not imagine what that horrid man would have done to her if Duval hadn't stumbled in. I think mark or no mark, she would have killed him.... (hide spoiler)]

ch 28

I held my (view spoiler)[ breath during the vote. did you guys too??

I hope we can tell who was spying by the limp alone!!! (hide spoiler)]

ch 29
(view spoiler)[ oh no!!! no no no no no....... ugh, my heart breaks :'( (hide spoiler)]

[Ashlyn]

The fight (view spoiler)[could have been a test to see Ismae's strength against other fighters. I don't know about staging the attack so they could rely on each other because the convent doesn't trust Duval. Why would they care if Ismae respects him if they want her to spy on him? Although it could be that they staged it knowing they would win an forcing them to fight together so that Duval would learn to trust Ismae...

It could have also been the guy who wants to marry the duchess. By getting Duval out of the way, the duchess would be more likely to marry him? (hide spoiler)]

I know. It's hard to know who to trust and what to think because there are so many possibilities as to what could happen.

[Vicki]

Trisha, I only read your first spoiler and I SO agree!!!! I have only finished through ch. 27 and have a faculty meeting after school, volleyball supervision, and then babysitting. UGH!

[Trisha, lives on coffee]

Ashlyn wrote: "The fight [spoilers removed] ..."

man, Ashlyn, good point!! I wonder who is behind it all!!!

wow, these last chapters were....surprising!

[Mandiann]

Glad everyone is enjoying it!!

[Ashlyn]

Trisha wrote: "wow, okay stopped at chapter 29 (I'll read more soon!)

ch 27
OMG [spoilers removed]

ch 28

I held my breath during the vote. did you guys too??

I hope we can tell who was spying by the limp alo..."

Sorry I didn't get a chance to post last night, but I agree. I'm very glad that (view spoiler)[Duval walked in. I loved how Ismae realized how glad she was that he walked in a stopped her. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 28 - 30 (view spoiler)[ Do you have any clue to who the man was? I'm not sure she even told Duval about him. Was it the same guy who pushed Nemours? Or was it someone different? I think D'Albret knows more than he is letting on. Maybe he pushed Nemours and that's why he went to where his body was?

I also don't trust Madame Dinan. I don't think Anne does either and that's why she keeps telling her to leave when Ismae or Duval want to talk to her.(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Ashlyn]

Just finished chapter 32! Finally! (view spoiler)[ They kissed! I see some more romance coming soon!

Do you think that maybe Sybella was the girl de Lornay loved? (hide spoiler)]

[Mandiann]

Ashlyn wrote: "Just finished chapter 32! Finally!


Ohh! I never thought of that!

[Vicki]

Sorry girls but I got behind last night! I think I left off at chapter 28. I'll catch up tonight or tomorrow, depending on if my grandkids are "needy" tonight cuz I'm babysitting again.

[Ashlyn]

Finished chapter 35.

I do not like (view spoiler)[D'Albret and Madame Dinan for what they did to the duchess!

I don't trust Crunard. He seems like he is up to no good. I think Sybella was trying to warn Ismae that Crunard and the convent were not to be trusted.

How did Sybella know when and where D'Alret and the duchess would be?

We still don't know anything about who set up the attack on Ismae and Duval, who killed the prisoner, who called the meeting, and who sent someone to kill Nemours. So many questions I want to find out! I wonder if each of these events were caused by a different person or by the same person. (hide spoiler)]

[Kathy]

Vicki wrote: "Kathy wrote: "I remember some of the parts you guys are talking about, but the others I don't and it's really making me want to read it again! lol! :D"

Jump on in Kathy! We'd love to have you and ..."

Thank you Vicki! I would, but I would have to get it from the library and it would take too long! I'll prob get it later and read it again and check all your spoiler tags! lol! :D

[Trisha, lives on coffee]

Ashlyn wrote: "Just finished chapter 32! Finally!"

Best. Chapter!!

and yeah (view spoiler)[ good thinking. It definitely could be! (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha, lives on coffee]

Vicki wrote: "Sorry girls but I got behind last night! I think I left off at chapter 28. I'll catch up tonight or tomorrow, depending on if my grandkids are "needy" tonight cuz I'm babysitting again."

no worries. we're all taking it slow. you can catch up any day :) we have a lot of days to go still :D

[Trisha, lives on coffee]

Ashlyn wrote: "Finished chapter 35.

I do not like [spoilers removed].."

hmmm, that's a good points (view spoiler)[ many of these attacks could have been staged by different people. so many people seem against the duchess and even Duval. and we don't even know all the reasons. (hide spoiler)]

but OMG I loved when she pulled (view spoiler)[ a crossbow out from under her skirt! I have the cover that has her in a red dress with a crossbow. that thing is HUGE! LOL! and she just pulled it out and shot! Amazing! (hide spoiler)] Ismae kicks butt!

oh and I thought these 5 chapters had some great one-liners from Duval (view spoiler)[
1. the line about her gods asking for her heart...
their kiss scene nearly melted my book *sigh*
2. Duval's line at the end about death and justice not being the same thing. It's true, that is her justice in her world

3. but BY FAR my favorite quote was the one where he told her there was no shame in scars.

For a man, there is pride in scars. But for a woman, especially in these times, there was only shame
so beautiful that he accepts her, flaws and all. I want to hug him he's so wonderful (hide spoiler)]

[Kathy]

Trisha wrote: "Ashlyn wrote: "Finished chapter 35.

I do not like [spoilers removed].."

hmmm, that's a good points [spoilers removed]

but OMG I loved when she pulled [spoilers removed] Ismae kicks butt!

oh an..."

Yes!! Duval made me swoon when I read this! He is so sweet and Beast too!

[Ashlyn]

Trisha wrote: "Ashlyn wrote: "Finished chapter 35.

I do not like [spoilers removed].."

hmmm, that's a good points [spoilers removed]

but OMG I loved when she pulled [spoilers removed] Ismae kicks butt!

oh an..."

I love how Duval acts when he is with Ismae.

(view spoiler)[How does Ismae even hid that thing in her skirt? It is huge! And she hides all her other weapons! I'm surprised no one notices. I'm pretty sure it is going to look suspicious to D'Albret now that he knows she carries weapons. (hide spoiler)]

[Vicki]

Ok I can't read the spoilers cuz I have no computer here. I just read the part where she was injured and he stitched it up and that whole scene. So tender and the things he said about her scar. *sigh*

[Vicki]

Oh and thanks Trisha! It helps me feel a little less guilty. Lol

[Trisha, lives on coffee]

Vicki wrote: "Oh and thanks Trisha! It helps me feel a little less guilty. Lol"

lol! I know, it's easy and quick to get behind!

[Trisha, lives on coffee]

Through chapter 40 -

OMG wow. (view spoiler)[ the attempt on the duchess' life and the fact that Ismae saved her!

she wasn't even thanked!!! Is the WHOLE council plotting the duchess death??? (hide spoiler)]

and that (view spoiler)[ Sybella was with D'albert group....interesting revelation! I didn't see that one coming! (hide spoiler)]

but for the convent to tell Ismae (view spoiler)[ to kill Duval's mom

when she knows the Seer is sick....
and Crunard's questionable actions....I wonder what they are REALLY up to!!
Do you think they are setting Duval up?
if she kills his mom while Duval is "hiding" but just missing...it will look like HE Is the one who killed the mom... (hide spoiler)] oh no... :O

Duval's plan (view spoiler)[ to hide is exactly as Crunard said. NOW he DOES look guilty.
and now he will be blamed for his mom's murder. ugh....and so will Ismae. Oh no, they are setting them both up, aren't they!!?? (hide spoiler)]

I just can't figure out why.....

[Vicki]

I should be able to post tonight and read spoilers tonight, but I'm just starting Ch. 34 :)

[Kathy]

Trisha wrote: "Through chapter 40 -

OMG wow. the attempt on the duchess' life and the fact that Ismae saved her

she wasn't even thanked!!! Is the WHOLE council plotting the duchess death???

and that [spoiler..."

The layers in this story are just amazing, right? I'm so glad you guys are enjoying this one!! :D

[Ashlyn]

Trisha wrote: "Through chapter 40 -

OMG wow. the attempt on the duchess' life and the fact that Ismae saved her!

she wasn't even thanked!!! Is the WHOLE council plotting the duchess death???

and that [spoile..."

I can't believe that (view spoiler)[the convent wants Ismae to kill Duval's mother. I think it is either a test because they know Duval and Ismae are too close and want them against each other, or a setup.

I don't trust Crunard what so ever! I still don't trust the convent either. It does kind of seem like the whole council is against the duchess. Especially if they wanted Duval to run away and make it look like he is guilty. (hide spoiler)]

I hope everything works out in the end.

[Vicki]

Trisha wrote: "Through chapter 40 -

OMG wow. the attempt on the duchess' life and the fact that Ismae saved her!

she wasn't even thanked!!! Is the WHOLE council plotting the duchess death???

and that [spoile..."

FINISHED through chapter 40! I also finished 41. :o)

Trisha, I totally agree with everything! I wasn't shocked that Ismae saved her life simply because she is Duval's mother, but I didn't know how she could pull it off once she gave her the poison. I think the council is definitely plotting against her but I'm not so sure why yet. There must be a mole?

What REALLY ticked me off is how (view spoiler)[ D'Albret sexually attacked Anne. OMG! What a JERK! And that she "couldn't tell" because it would make her look weak or whatever really upset me! Why on earth didn't Mortain margue HIM? (hide spoiler)]

Question: In the chapter where D'Albret attacked Anne, it said something about her age that made me think she is quite young. Do either of you know her approximate age? Did you get the same sense that she is a very young girl?

One part that really freaked me out is when they go to look at the (view spoiler)[hellequin's body and Ismae says it has no soul, only a void, and the void and darkness reaches out and pulls her into nothingness. FREAKY!!! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 41: I do find it hard to believe that Ismae (view spoiler)[disobeyed a direct order to kill! She will most likely suffer the consequences, don't you think? Also, even though she saved Hivern's life, she did say that If Mortain didn't remove the marque from her that it would be easy to set up a second kill. Then the end of the chapter Ismae says that the marque hasn't faded. I wonder if she would contemplate actually trying to kill her again. How would she ever dupe Hivern again? (hide spoiler)]

[Ashlyn]

Vicki wrote: "Trisha wrote: "Through chapter 40 -

OMG wow. the attempt on the duchess' life and the fact that Ismae saved her!

she wasn't even thanked!!! Is the WHOLE council plotting the duchess death???

a..."

I think it said she was 13 or 14. That surprised me a lot as well.

Chapter 41: I've very glad that Ismae didn't kill her. I think once she realized that she would do the exact same thing in her position, she decided she didn't want to kill her. I hope that the marque goes away because I don't want Duval to dislike Ismae because she killed his mother.

[Mandiann]

I believe Anne is 12 or 13.

[Ashlyn]

Chapter 42 (view spoiler)[What???? I dislike Crunard! I can't believe he did that! I can't believe that the convent wants her to kill Duval! I don't think he will have a marque and I'm pretty sure she is not going to kill him. I also have a feeling that Ismae will leave the convent because of this. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashlyn]

Through chapter 45:

(view spoiler)[Duval is poisoned! I hope Ismae finds an anecdote or he actually is getting better. I think the queen chess piece poisoned him.

I still dislike Crunard! It makes sense that he is behind it. Hopefully Ismae takes care of him! I'm not sure if he is working with D'Albret. I think he is working with the French, but I'm still not sure why he betrayed the duchess like that.

I hope Sybella is okay being with D'Albret. Do you think the convent is working with him and that's why Sybella was sent to be with him? It makes sense because she said not to trust anyone. (hide spoiler)]

It's getting really good!

[Ashlyn]

Wow! Finished chapter 50!

I can't believe (view spoiler)[ Duval is probably dead! And then Ismae had to leave him while he is dying with Crunard left behind with him! She is very strong and brave for being able to do that.

I hope Ismae and the duchess get out in time! I'm glad Sybella was trying to warn her to leave. (hide spoiler)]

[Becky]

I just loved this book so much and I'm glad you guys do too.

If you do a BR for #2, please let me know! I thought it was just brilliant. I've heard that ppl like the 2nd one even more than the first!

[Vicki]

Becky (Indiana) wrote: "I just loved this book so much and I'm glad you guys do too.

If you do a BR for #2, please let me know! I thought it was just brilliant. I've heard that ppl like the 2nd one even more than the f..."

I definitely will be reading book 2 unless the end of this book totally makes me hate it and not care. LOL

Ashlyn, it did say something about the age range of 13 to 14 but I thought maybe I misread it and then then I couldn't find that place again. That angers me even MORE that D'Albret did what he did! It's not like she is a grown woman with a good handle on life and how to possibly deal with the situation. I HATE D'Albret and he will NOT be able to redeem himself in my eyes!

[Vicki]

I think I got off count when I got behind. Are we supposed to finish through chapter 50 today?

[Becky]

Vicki, the end was AWESOME! It made me just love the book even more, so I hope you feel that way too!

[Vicki]

I'm sure I will if you did! I'm going to finish it either today or tomorrow so I'll let you know. :)

[Ashlyn]

@Vicki You are going to hate D'Albret even more when you find out what he is going to do next. Today we are supposed to finish through chapter 45. I just read ahead and will probably finish the book in a little bit.

@Becky I am definitely going to be reading the second book. I've already checked it out from my library.

[Becky]

Ashlyn wrote: "@Vicki You are going to hate D'Albret even more when you find out what he is going to do next. Today we are supposed to finish through chapter 45. I just read ahead and will probably finish the bo..."

D'Albret is the very essence of evil! I loathed him...

I do love Duval tho - quite a bit!

[Ashlyn]

Becky (Indiana) wrote: "Ashlyn wrote: "@Vicki You are going to hate D'Albret even more when you find out what he is going to do next. Today we are supposed to finish through chapter 45. I just read ahead and will probabl..."

I agree! I love Duval! He is so sweet and caring.

[Vicki]

Oh no because I already HATE him with a passion!!!

I am finished w/ch 45 but on my phone so can't read/post spoilers. I can't believe what happened to Duval and wonder who is responsible! Chapters 40-45 were intense and so amazing!

[Becky]

Vicki wrote: "Oh no because I already HATE him with a passion!!!

I am finished w/ch 45 but on my phone so can't read/post spoilers. I can't believe what happened to Duval and wonder who is responsible! Chapter..."

Vicki, (view spoiler)[I think that if YOU think hard enough you'll know who did it. I remember thinking I should have seen THAT coming! I'm so clueless sometimes! (hide spoiler)]

[Ashlyn]

I finished!

Ismae was (view spoiler)[ the cure for the poison. That was slightly strange, but it made sense on why Duval kept getting better when they were together and why he grew week when they weren't. I knew it was the chess piece that poisoned him! (hide spoiler)]

I love how (view spoiler)[Ismae decided that she didn't have to kill people out of vengeance and she showed this by hitting Crunard over the head instead of killing him. And she finally decided that she didn't have to work for the convent to work for the saint. I also loved how she realized that she can serve him and still love someone. (hide spoiler)]

I wish (view spoiler)[ Ismae and Duval would have gotten married! I thought it was sweet that he asked her! (hide spoiler)]

I hope in the next book we find out (view spoiler)[ what happened to Beast. Maybe we will if it is about Sybella because the Beast is in the same city as her. (hide spoiler)]

I'm excited to read the next one!

[Vicki]

Becky (Indiana) wrote: "Vicki wrote: "Oh no because I already HATE him with a passion!!!

I am finished w/ch 45 but on my phone so can't read/post spoilers. I can't believe what happened to Duval and wonder who is respon..."

Becky, the first thing you should know about me is that I don't LIKE to think on the weekends! LOL

[Trisha, lives on coffee]

Ashlyn wrote: "@Vicki You are going to hate D'Albret even more when you find out what he is going to do next. Today we are supposed to finish through chapter 45. I just read ahead and will probably finish the bo..."

Buddy read book 2??

I'm getting ready to finish the book too :)

[Vicki]

YES!!! We HAVE to buddy read the next one! LOL It's a REQUIREMENT! LOL

How was the hike?