charlibirb's review against another edition
1.0
Ugh. What a terribly written book.
The book could have started us of getting to know the main character before raping her. We're jumping around so fast in the first portion of the book, that I just start to get interested in something, then it's gone. Not a spoiler because it happens on the 1st page.
Plus, it's in 1st person. You have to be a really good author to pull off a 1st person narrative, and this author isn't. In this book, the main character comes off as know-it-all, know-too-much because she has to give info to the readers that she probably wouldn't actually have. Bleh.
Couldn't even get 10% into this book, and didn't even get to the love story, which, other reviews have warned me is blunt, saccharine, and boring.
Dunskies. Don't need to waste my time with this when there are good books out there.
The book could have started us of getting to know the main character before raping her. We're jumping around so fast in the first portion of the book, that I just start to get interested in something, then it's gone. Not a spoiler because it happens on the 1st page.
Plus, it's in 1st person. You have to be a really good author to pull off a 1st person narrative, and this author isn't. In this book, the main character comes off as know-it-all, know-too-much because she has to give info to the readers that she probably wouldn't actually have. Bleh.
Couldn't even get 10% into this book, and didn't even get to the love story, which, other reviews have warned me is blunt, saccharine, and boring.
Dunskies. Don't need to waste my time with this when there are good books out there.
sharknato's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
somarostam's review against another edition
4.0
I have been hearing so much about this series for a long while now. I didn't know exactly what genre it was but when I had the chance to read it, I jumped at it! And I am SO GLAD I did.
Ismae has lived a harsh childhood and when she has the chance to become one of Death's handmaidens, she thinks that she finally has a chance to fit in. But with Brittany on the edge of war and siege and in a place where loyalties are tested and nobody is what they seem, executing Death's wishes has never been harder.
First, the setting. Brittany. In a time where there is a threat of war from France. The MOST wonderful thing is that everything in this book has been taken from true historical events. Of course, some of the characters are fictional, but most of them were real people! The book has some actual historical events and it was so thrilling getting to read about them. I loved that the author took this approach and I think she excelled at it.
The characters are definitely this book's strongest suit. I LOVED Ismae. She is the true definition of a bad ass heroine with a brave heart and a kind soul. She had a unique voice. The other secondary characters were also quite believable, whether they were likable or not.
Then, there's our love interest, Duval. This is by far one of the BEST romances I have ever read. Believe me, nothing compares to the excellence in which this romance was served. It developed slowly and it was believable. There was true chemistry and tension and passion. And I LOVED every single moment they were together.
The events in this book are extremely thrilling. It's been a long while since I have read a book that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout its length and i didn't feel bored for a second. I cannot wait to start the second book and dive more into the depth and the wonderful imagery that is in Robin Lafevers' writing. PS I realized while reading this book that I am a HUGE fan of that era. I can picture myself walking in a castle with a huge gown. PERFECT!
Ismae has lived a harsh childhood and when she has the chance to become one of Death's handmaidens, she thinks that she finally has a chance to fit in. But with Brittany on the edge of war and siege and in a place where loyalties are tested and nobody is what they seem, executing Death's wishes has never been harder.
First, the setting. Brittany. In a time where there is a threat of war from France. The MOST wonderful thing is that everything in this book has been taken from true historical events. Of course, some of the characters are fictional, but most of them were real people! The book has some actual historical events and it was so thrilling getting to read about them. I loved that the author took this approach and I think she excelled at it.
The characters are definitely this book's strongest suit. I LOVED Ismae. She is the true definition of a bad ass heroine with a brave heart and a kind soul. She had a unique voice. The other secondary characters were also quite believable, whether they were likable or not.
Then, there's our love interest, Duval. This is by far one of the BEST romances I have ever read. Believe me, nothing compares to the excellence in which this romance was served. It developed slowly and it was believable. There was true chemistry and tension and passion. And I LOVED every single moment they were together.
The events in this book are extremely thrilling. It's been a long while since I have read a book that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout its length and i didn't feel bored for a second. I cannot wait to start the second book and dive more into the depth and the wonderful imagery that is in Robin Lafevers' writing. PS I realized while reading this book that I am a HUGE fan of that era. I can picture myself walking in a castle with a huge gown. PERFECT!
readingslug's review against another edition
3.0
Overall this was a good solid book. However I'm fairly sick of female heroines that absolutely CAN NOT afford to fall in love with someone because of whatever and they are just HELPLESS and can't stop themselves. I just expected Ismae to be more of a harass and was slightly disappointed. However the romance and the plot were both well developed and the characters as well. Solid but not fantastic, 3 stars.
heidimrogers's review against another edition
4.0
I think explaining this, at first, as a story of an assassin is a disservice. It has far more political intrigue (completely fictional) than it does vengeance and death. I really liked the themes it brings up – particularly the idea of serving God but not fallible humans.
joliendelandsheer's review against another edition
5.0
This book simply blew my mind. I had heard some reviews on it before I started reading but not too many. It quickly became clear that I would love this book.
Ismae is such a strong character, given all that she endured. When the convent gives her a chance for a better life, she vows to make them, and Mortain, proud. Throughout the whole book Ismae grew in character. Sometimes in books, the main character suddenly realises "Oh no, I have been wrong all this time. This is the truth." but luckily this never happened in this book. She grows as a character in time, which makes her feel more real to me, as that is what we humans do, we grow in time.
Another thing that made me love this book is that there was never a dull moment. It reminded me a little bit of A game of thrones, with all the plotting and backstabbing and not knowing who to trust. It was so exciting and it didn't bore me for one minute.
One last thing I have to say about Grave Mercy is about the romance. I loved the fact that there was a little bit of romance in the book, but that it didn't overpower the actual story. Another great thing is that you can see their love and friendship grow, this was not a case of instalove at all!
Everyone should go out, buy this book and read it right now!
Ismae is such a strong character, given all that she endured. When the convent gives her a chance for a better life, she vows to make them, and Mortain, proud. Throughout the whole book Ismae grew in character. Sometimes in books, the main character suddenly realises "Oh no, I have been wrong all this time. This is the truth." but luckily this never happened in this book. She grows as a character in time, which makes her feel more real to me, as that is what we humans do, we grow in time.
Another thing that made me love this book is that there was never a dull moment. It reminded me a little bit of A game of thrones, with all the plotting and backstabbing and not knowing who to trust. It was so exciting and it didn't bore me for one minute.
One last thing I have to say about Grave Mercy is about the romance. I loved the fact that there was a little bit of romance in the book, but that it didn't overpower the actual story. Another great thing is that you can see their love and friendship grow, this was not a case of instalove at all!
Everyone should go out, buy this book and read it right now!
marielaiko99's review against another edition
3.0
I really loved the beginning of this book. It started out great, but it slowed down quite a bit, and I had to force myself to finish. It may also have been my mood, but I thought it wasn't very exciting at the end.
arae9352's review against another edition
4.0
4.5
Robin LaFevers came to the Barnes and Noble I work two weeks ago, I had wanted to read these anyway so I went to the signing with other work friends and took a leap of faith--bought all three hardcovers and got them signed. I was not disappointed! The history was so rich and the gentle weaving of the mythology was truly enchanting. The only thing that stopped it from being 5 stars was that the romance was never really explained, <*spoiler*>Ismae just sort of got attracted to Duval and then he got attracted to her. It wasn't ista-love by any means, just more of a "oh they both are attracted to each other lets make the fall in love."*spoiler*>, it confused me a little and didn't express what I felt their love for each other was.
Otherwise an awesome start to a series and amazing read!
Robin LaFevers came to the Barnes and Noble I work two weeks ago, I had wanted to read these anyway so I went to the signing with other work friends and took a leap of faith--bought all three hardcovers and got them signed. I was not disappointed! The history was so rich and the gentle weaving of the mythology was truly enchanting. The only thing that stopped it from being 5 stars was that the romance was never really explained, <*spoiler*>Ismae just sort of got attracted to Duval and then he got attracted to her. It wasn't ista-love by any means, just more of a "oh they both are attracted to each other lets make the fall in love."*spoiler*>, it confused me a little and didn't express what I felt their love for each other was.
Otherwise an awesome start to a series and amazing read!