Grave Mercy is a historical tale of Ismae. She is thought to be a daughter of death by her family and village. As such, she has been shunned, bullied, and abused because of it. On the night of her wedding day, she is taken away to become a member of St. Mortain’s convent, where she learns that as a daughter of the old god of death she has been given vast and dangerous gifts.

When she is whisked away to the Brittany courts to stand amidst royalty, Ismae is thrust into a game of thrones, where you win or die. Oh… wait.

Honestly, though, I really thought “Game of Thrones” throughout this novel, as Brittany is under France’s attack in their attempt to rid themselves of the duchy. The duchess, Anne, is being hounded by suitors as they know she is required one to stop France’s approach into their country. However, France has sent their own cavalry to these petitions and will not take no as an answer. As everyone vies for the duchess’s attention, Ismae finds herself trapped in her attempt to differentiate Brittany’s traitors from its allies.

I found this novel really well done. You really got a picture of LaFevers’ world without having to try too hard. The story flows well and the characters’ development were really well done. However, Ismae is an assassin, basically. She’s meant to kill all those who Mortain mark and yet there’s little action in this novel. I expected a lot more bloodshed and death, but there wasn’t too much in the end. I kind of understand it? But I don’t know, I really don’t see the revelation at the end as drastically as I could have.

Otherwise, I loved the characters, the varying personalities, and the betrayal in the end. In all honestly, I couldn’t really figure out who what the backstabber among all of the high class royals. This books captured me from beginning to end and I loved it~

The next novel will be from another character’s perspective: Sybella

Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 5/5
World Building: 5/5
Cover: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.5/5
GoodReads Rating: 3.97/5

-review by Between Printed Pages