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Friday, February 1, 2013

Grave Mercy


Author:  Robin LaFevers
Title:Gravy Mercy
Publication: April 3, 2012
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Genre: Young Adult, Historical Romance 
Pages: 560
Audience: 15 and up
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Source: Public Library

 Goodreads Synopsis:Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart

My thoughts:
I'm not really into  historical romance novels, but this young adult novel takes it up a notch. There is death, poison, lies, and betrayal behind every page.
 Ismae is a really strong willed character and I loved her for it because historically, women we to be looked at- not heard. Even though she is strong willed and intelligent, she was a bit too full of herself on occasion and there were times I wished that she would just get over herself. Having said that, I understand she was a guarding herself, being an assassin and all.
 Duval is another character I loved. He pushed all of Ismae's buttons. When she would push him, he would push her back (not literally). He was also intelligent and very observant, not to mention- sexy!

I wish there had been more about the covenant and I wish it had more darkness too it. I feel like it rushed the beginning, the middle lagged a bit, and the last 200 pages had me  on edge to find out who did it.

I've been talking with Cricket and the next book is due out this spring. We think the next book may be darker as it is to follow Sybella's story, which I am dying to know more about! She was a mysterious character who was not fully explained in the first book.  I enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next one in the series!




36 comments:

  1. I have been wanting to read this one for a while. I'm excited to read this and to see where the series goes with these characters.

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  2. Somehow, I missed hearing about this book last year. I don't normally go for historicals, but the idea of assassins trained in a convent sounds great!

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  3. Nice review, You had me wanting to read it at "death, poison, lies, and betrayal"

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  4. I've been looking to get into more historical fiction and I've seen a few really positive reviews of this one, I think it needs to be on my wishlist! Thanks for the review ^^

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  5. Sounds very intense (especially for YA), but intriguing!

    vitajex(at)aol(dot)com

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  6. Sounds very intense (especially for YA), but intriguing!

    vitajex(at)aol(Dot)com

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  7. This is an amazing read, is it not? I don't usually read historical, well, anything really, but this one I took a chance on and I am so glad that I did. It is easily one of my favorites of 2012, and I have a suspicion that Dark Triumph will easily be a favorite of 2013. Thanks for the great review!

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  8. I can't wait for the next one! Great Review

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  9. Thanks for the review! I've seen the title and cover being tossed here and there every so often, but this is the first time I read a review for it. It sounds pretty intriguing and I might just have to pick up a copy if I get the chance!

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  10. I'm reading this one right now! Sooo good, and I completely agree with you (and I'm not a big fan of historical fiction, either).

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  11. I will eventually get my chance to read this book...Im not usually into historical romances either myself, but this story does have me interested. Thanks for your review!

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  12. I'm not really into historical fiction either but this one did catch my eye. Maybe I'll finally give it a go since you enjoyed it and you aren't big on historical fiction either. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

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  13. I'm like you and not a big reader of historical romances either, but something about nun assassins has had this one on my wishlist for awhile now. I can't wait to read it!

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  14. I'm not a big historical romance reader, so I've been struggling to find a good one for myself and a friend to read. I'm glad to find your review. A strong lead is important and I love the poison bit hehe I've seen the title around but wasn't sure. Now I think I'll take a look at it.

    Thanks for the review :)

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  15. I've recently gotten in to historical romance & I can't get enough. This book looks really good, I can't wait to read it!

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  16. This has been on my TBR pile for a while. While I've seen the cover many times, and knew the basic premise, I had yet to see someone review it. Thanks!

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  17. Thanks for the review. It's helped me decide that this may just be a good book for me :)

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  18. A "handmaiden to Death?" That definitely sounds interesting and unique.

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  19. I've been going back and forth on this novel. Do I really want to read it? My list is already so long, why should I add another one? Well, your review has tipped the scales a bit for me. I think I'll add it to my tbr. Thanks!

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  20. I've been wanting to read this book for awhile. :) It looks so good!

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  21. Fantastic Review.
    I've heard mixed reviews on this one for a while so I've been torn. Thanks so much for sharing I think it's time I give it a shot.

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  22. I've really been wanting to read this one. I've heard great things about this book and I love stories about assassins! Thanks for the review!

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  23. I loved this book too, I mean I have never been a fan of Historical YA genre too much but this book really sucked me. Glad you enjoyed it! :) I'm eagerly awaited the sequel Dark Triumph due this Spring.

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  24. I love historical fiction. I remember hearing about this book, but somehow missed it.
    The story seems far fetched, but that is/ can be what I enjoy in my reading. For all that women didn't have control or power in history, there still seems to be many key players that we overlook...not that I'm saying all of the story idea is possible as true. I'm still very interested in this.
    Thanks for the honest review. I like knowing what to expect (I''m not as big a fan of dark stories, so glad to know it's not that).

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  25. I have been waiting to read this since the beginning of last year and still haven't gotten my hands on it! Thanks for your review, it made me really want to buy it soon. I really enjoyed the historical fiction of the Gemma Doyle trilogy and I'm kind of hoping this has a little bit more action and romance so I have something to look forward to in the next book. I also love the covers!

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  26. I've heard all good things about this book, it's certainly on my TBR list!

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  27. I have seen so many reviews for this book and everyone just loves it. I'm glad to see you enjoyed it too. Maybe I'll add it to my TBR pile once I've caught up a little bit. Thanks for the review!

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  28. I loved this book so much! It was such a great start to a fantastic series. Historical fiction is definitely my thing. I am so glad that you enjoyed this book so much! Hope you enjoy Dark Triumph :D

    Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!

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  29. I've so been meaning to read this book. It sounds great to me and I'm glad to hear you liked it. =)

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  30. I just picked up this book recently and I completely agree with your review. I loved Duval and ended up staying up late just to see how it would end. I am very excited for Dark Triumph and I hope that it will be just as good if not better. Sybellas character intrigued me from the beginning and I can see a lot of great things coming in her story.

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  31. This book sounds interesting. I've heard good things about it.

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  32. Thanks for the review! I just bought this today and can't wait to get started.

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  33. OMGOSH!!!! I remember how I've been wanting to read this book, but couldn't afford it (before rediscovering my library and the concept of placing a book in hold). Then it went into the recesses of my mind and got lost (as per usage). Can't believe I've found it again!! Thanks! It sounds SO good, can't wait to get my hands on it.

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  34. I'm not much of a historical fan and I have yet to read any in the YA genre, but this sounds fascinating and I can't wait to read this. Great review, bumping it up to my asap list

    Jolene A

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  35. I've seen this book around and I read a little about this book. But after reading your review, this story is not as I thought. Even though its a historical book, which I don't read as much of, I'm pretty sure that I will really enjoy reading this book.
    I actually won a giveaway a week ago and had my sister pick out a book that she wanted. She picked this one. When she is done reading it, I'll be next in line for this one.
    You said, "I wish it had more darkness too it", I thought it was going to! I'm kinda of glad that its not to dark for my taste. Don't get me wrong I don't mind a little but not overdone. I guess I judged the book by the cover! It just looks dark and spooky! The cover is very beautiful though!
    Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this book. It really does help with deciding if I would like it or even want to read it. Great review!!

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  36. This one is on my TBR list! I have it but haven't had a chance to read it. Ismae sounds like a great character!

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