“Grave Mercy: His Fair Assassin, Book I (His Fair Assassin Trilogy),” by R. L. LaFevers, Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, April 3, 2012, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 14 and up)
“Grave Mercy” is another book that got lost in the shuffle following my eye surgery/recovery. I’m just now going through my Netgalley “graveyard” and getting caught up. Now that I’ve read it, I’m certainly glad I didn’t delete this very different book.
Ismae has always been resigned to a life of misery. The large section of discolored skin on her back has marked her from birth, and all her father wants to do is get rid of her. Ismae soon finds herself in an arranged marriage to a man more brutal than her father.
Luckily there is someone watching out for Ismae, and she is quickly and quietly spirited away to the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods pre-dating Christ. Upon her arrival, Ismae learns she has been blessed with gifts that will allow her to more fully serve the god of Death. If she stays at the convent, she will learn to hone her skills and serve as a handmaiden to Death — taking lives as Mortain ordains.
It’s a life unlike anything Ismae could have imagined, but it’s a life she can’t pass up. Ismae joins the convent as a novice and prepares for the day when she will fully serve Mortain. But as Ismae begins her work as a handmaiden, she finds herself unprepared. Can a dirt scratcher really integrate herself into the high court of Brittany and can she really deliver Death’s vengeance when called upon?
Much like it’s main character, “Grave Mercy” is dark and brooding at first glance but features moments of lightness throughout. Set in the Middle Ages, the mysticism and spirituality on which St. Mortain is based feels believable. As do the weapons, clothing, speech and other elements that create the world in which Ismae lives.
In Ismae, author Robin LaFevers has created a somewhat complex character that has a balanced sense of immaturity and maturity. Other key players are not as well fleshed out, but they provide warmth and atmosphere when most needed. Though not all elements of the plot meshed well for me, those issues were not enough for me to put “Grave Mercy” down. The book moves fast and is an entertaining escape to another time and place.
