Grave Mercy

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers. HMH Books for Young Readers, New York City, 2012. ISBN:  978-0547628349

Summary

In medieval France, seventeen year old Ismae has just escaped an arranged marriage. After her husband sees her birthmark, which marks her as a servant of the god of Death, Ismae is saved by a priest who takes her to St. Mortain’s convert. The sisters at this convert worship and serve Mortain, who is not just a saint, but the god of Death.  After meeting with the convert’s abbess, Ismae learns that her journey there was not a mistake--she  has been chosen by the god of Death and has been given special skills to do his work. All of the sisters have special skills, such as predicting death and healing themselves.

After passing her first test—drinking poison wine that does not kill her—Ismae is officially brought into the convert to train under the sisters. All of the women are trained in assassination, killing people that Mortain has asked them to.  While Ismae is at first unsure of her role, the sisters tell her that she was chosen especially by Mortain and must do his will for her life’s work. Now Ismae must learn the art of assassination and how to survive as a daughter of Death.  

Critical Evaluation

The world building in Grave Mercy contains a nice mix of historical fiction and fantasy. The mythology of the god of death mixed in with traditional religion was a nice touch and added something original to the story.  The historical details were easy to understand without too many confusing terminology and the plot moved along at a steady pace with plenty of action.  The author also included a “Who’s Who” guide at the beginning of the book, making it easy to remember the many characters in the book.  

There are plenty of strong female characters throughout the book.  While Ismae first comes to the convert weak and afraid, she is soon trained to become strong, both mentally and physically. The other sisters are also strong and don't allow their weaknesses define who they can be.

Some readers may be turned off by Grave Mercy’s 500 some pages and historical setting. But fans of historical fiction and fantasy will enjoy the first book in the “His Fair Assassins” trilogy.  

Reader’s Annotation

In a medieval world where Mortain, god of Death, is served, Ismae joins an unconventional

convert and learns to be an assassin.

About the Author

 “Robin LaFevers was raised on a steady diet of fairy tales, Bulfinch's Mythology, and nineteenth-century poetry. It is not surprising that she grew up to be a hopeless romantic. She was lucky enough to find her one true love, and is living happily ever after with him in the foothills of Southern California. 

In addition to writing about teen assassin nuns in medieval Brittany, she writes books for middle grade readers, including the Theodosia books and the Nathanial Fludd, Beastologist series.”

 (About the Author.  Retrieved October 2^nd, 2014 http://www.robinlafevers.com/about-the-author/)

Genres

Historical Fiction

Fantasy

Curriculum Ties

Medieval History

Booktalking Ideas

1: Discuss traditional women’s roles in medieval time versus the assassins at St. Mortain’s convert.

2:  If Ismae hadn’t joined the convert, what would have happened to her?

Reading Level/Interest Age

Ages 14+

Grades 9+

Challenge Issues

N/A

Why included?

I included this because of the strong female characters, the historical fiction and fantasy hybrid, and of course, the assassin nuns.