One can argue that the story is not REALLY about Ninja Nuns (what a shame) and more about the political intrigue and Ismae’s internal conflict. Similarly all the nuns at the convent are described simply by what they do rather than by who they are. The thing is, we are just told that she has become one – the book lists her achievements rather than showing them and then we must accept it as fact. The most glaring of them are during Ismae stay at the convent where she is supposed to have become this kick-ass assassin. We are told more than we actually see a lot of what happens in the story not only in terms of plot but also of character development. With regards to the writing: I thought there was a lot more telling than showing and an extreme reliance on writing shortcuts. My problems with Grave Mercy were twofold: first of all there was the writing and then there the small little things that annoyed me. It is a sad day when a book featuring Ninja Nuns doesn’t work for me, but alas. Unfortunately, this book and I didn’t see eye to eye and I ended up putting it aside at around page 350 (of 549). Grave Mercy is a book with not only a kick-ass premise (NINJA NUNS!) but also a fascinating setting: the pivotal moment in Brittany’s history when Anne of Brittany has become its ruler and must defend it against France oppression. Blessed with gifts by the God, she trains to become one of his assassins and her newest assignment is at the centre of a palatial intrigue to which she is woefully underprepared. Ismae is a young girl who is able to escape the brutality and abuse of her childhood home and of her new husband by joining a convent where the God of Death is still worshipped and becoming a handmaiden to Death. Why did we read this book: Well, this is a paranormal historical novel featuring NINJA NUNS. Stand alone or series: His Fair Assassin #1 For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?
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. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death.
Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts-and a violent destiny. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St.
Genre: Historical, Paranormal, Young Adult
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