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Thursday, March 28, 2013

GRAVE MERCY by Robin LaFevers

Okay, so remember how I've been in a bit of an in-between place with my writing? Well, that usually translates to a lot of reading for me. Thus, today's Bookanista recommendation of GRAVE MERCY by Robin LaFevers.

I'm a lover of fantasy, especially if it doesn't feel too High-World or Un-Re-Latable. I like the kind of fantasy that doesn't need a map, let's put it that way.

And GRAVE MERCY fits that bill nicely.


Here's a bit about it: Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage to the respite of the convent of St. Mortain. Here she learns that the god of Death has blessed her with dangerous gifts and a violent destiny. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others. But how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who has stolen her heart?

I loved the historical setting, the premise of Death's servants, and the fact that this novel was about assassains, but wasn't too gory. I am not a fan of the gore.

Ismae is a great main character, but I also found the cast of supporting characters to be three-dimensional and root-worthy as well. There was intrigue, and danger, and castles, and yes, a romance.

 I found it all believable, and well-written. Oh yes, GRAVE MERCY was my kind of read, one that kept me wondering what was going to happen while formulating what I *wanted* to have happen.

If you like fantasy that doesn't require maps, you'll like GRAVE MERCY. If you like intrigue and danger without the graphic gore, you'll like GRAVE MERCY.

And the best part? I just read this, and the sequel DARK TRIUMPH comes out next week!

 What kind of fantasy do you like? What have you read this week that you enjoyed?


Check out what the other Bookanistas are recommending this week:
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19 comments:

  1. Natalie AguirreMarch 28, 2013 at 5:26 AM

    So glad you liked this. I really loved this and am so excited for Robin's success. I have Dark Triumph on reserve at the library already. Can't wait till it comes in.

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  2. We Heart YAMarch 28, 2013 at 6:08 AM

    Actually, we would have liked a map for this one, lol. It is SO good, yes. We're lucky because Robin is doing a signing in April and we get the sequel soon. Great characters, and the worldbuilding is incredible.

    This week we read loads of Contemp...ELEANOR & PARK, 17 & GONE, and digging into THE LUCY VARIATIONS.

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  3. mshatchMarch 28, 2013 at 7:27 AM

    I recently read Divergent which I enjoyed, Wolf Hall, which was excellent, and am currently reading Snow Falling on Cedars. I'm amazed at how the simple question of, did he do it or did someone else? can make me turn those pages...

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  4. Angela BrownMarch 28, 2013 at 8:05 AM

    I loved Grave Mercy. I read this a while back and was very impressed with the intrigue.

    I've recently been out of the reading loop because I've been doing a bit more resting, vacationing and writing. I'm hoping to get back in the loop of the reading things soon so I can do some reviews :-)

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  5. Kittie HowardMarch 28, 2013 at 8:12 AM

    Like Angela above, I've been out of the reading loop, but am slowly returning to it. Robin's book really appeals. I, too, don't like gore, but do like to turn the pages.

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  6. Chantele SedgwickMarch 28, 2013 at 9:51 AM

    This book is $3.99 on Kindle today! Just so you know. ;)

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  7. Miriam ForsterMarch 28, 2013 at 9:59 AM

    I loved Grave Mercy BUT WAIT UNTIL THE SECOND ONE APDJGAW; IJAWO;IF JAWJFA!!! *flails*

    The second one is so good. Seriously.

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  8. Donna K. WeaverMarch 28, 2013 at 10:05 AM

    You make me smile. I like both kinds of fantasy. Sounds like a great story.

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  9. Julie DainesMarch 28, 2013 at 11:25 AM

    I loved this book and couldn't put it down. So intriguing and I loved the romance! What can I say? I'm a sucker for a good love story!

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  10. amberargyleMarch 28, 2013 at 1:55 PM

    Such a fun book! I really enjoyed it.

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  11. UnknownMarch 28, 2013 at 2:40 PM

    I've seen this one around, haven't had a chance to read it yet. It definitely looks like something I'll be interested in.

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  12. Barbara WatsonMarch 28, 2013 at 3:44 PM

    Sounds like a fantasy I'd like too. I always say I'm not a fantasy reader, but if it fits my style of fantasy, then I'm good.

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  13. Kristin LenzMarch 28, 2013 at 6:33 PM

    I loved Grave Mercy, and it's a finalist for the prestigious RITA award from RWA!

    The Diviners is a similar kind of fantasy and I loved that one too - historical, grounded in reality, but with paranormal/magical elements.

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  14. Kimberley Griffiths LittleMarch 29, 2013 at 11:57 AM

    I loved this book and cannot wait to read DARK TRIUMPH. And if anyone likes MG and Egyptian archeologists and London museums during the Victorian era, Robin LaFever's THEODOSIA series is absolutely brilliant and so much fun!

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  15. NicoleApril 1, 2013 at 6:31 PM

    Saw this on another post today, too. Gotta add it to my TBR!

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  16. Hyacinth MariusJune 30, 2014 at 10:11 PM

    Great read, kept me interested entire book. Love the writing style. There was no cheesy love story. Although the main character does have a love interest, it does not encompass the plot. She is heroic, kind and fearless.
    Can't wait for next book!
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  17. Marlene DetierroSeptember 12, 2015 at 6:47 PM

    I am excited to see what the next book is going to bring and to see exactly how many more installments of this book we are going to get. I have admitted on several occasions that I am not a huge fantasy fan, I am really enraptured by this book and this series.

    Marlene
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  18. myhuonglequyenFebruary 11, 2020 at 9:00 PM

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    ReplyDelete
  19. myhuonglequyenFebruary 11, 2020 at 9:07 PM

    Thanks for sharing, nice post! Post really provice useful information!

    An Thái Sơn chia sẻ trẻ sơ sinh nằm nôi điện có tốt không hay võng điện có tốt không và giải đáp cục điện đưa võng giá bao nhiêu cũng như mua máy đưa võng ở tphcm địa chỉ ở đâu uy tín.

    ReplyDelete