Age: High School
Takes place in 1400s Brittany (West of France)
First line: "I have a deep red stain that runs from my left shoulder down to my right hip, a trail left by the herb witch's poison that my mother used to try to expel me from her womb."
Recommend for fans of paranormal romance

What a delightful plunge into 15th century feminism where a woman is either sold into marriage, physically abused, exiled from her community, or all the above! The blend of genres was well done and did not rest to hard on any, providing a fast moving plot with just the right amount of detail. For me, the physical training/molding of a character is always very interesting to me and Ismae's interest in poisons and chemistry was a great, unique choice. Sure there was no mystery that Ismae and Duval would end up together (cause there wasn't a love triangle, thank god) but it was fun to see their loathe of the opposite sex remedied by getting to know each other. I have an affection towards Duval because his character felt truly authentic and he felt right for Ismae, giving her space and expressing glimpses of genuine kindness that did not clash with his personality.


"I can dodge a blue or black knife. I am impervious to poison and know a dozen ways to escape a chokehold or garotte wire. But kindness? I do not know how to defend against that" (220).

"I comfort myself with the knowledge that if Duval ever feels smothered by me, it will be because I am holding a pillow over his face and commending his soul to Mortain" (230).