Words on Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers (His Fair Assassin #1)

Assassin nuns in medival Europe
Jan 10, 2015
2 min read

Ismae had a rather unpleasant childhood. The poison that was supposed to remove her from her mother's womb didn't do it's work, and nobody in her family would ever let her forget it. Deemed a unkillable daugher of the god of death, she was shunned and cruley treated. Escaping her husband, Ismae is now being taught at the Covent, where she is traine to be a lethal assassin, doing Death's bidding.

But if only things were that simple! Ismae's country faces invasion by France, and spies watch the Duchess's ever move. The Duchess is trapped, suitors pushing at her from all sides. War could break out at any moment, and there are very few people she can trust.

Ismae is sent to work with Gavriel Duval, who the Covent's leader believes may wish the Duchess harm. But working with Duval leaves Ismae unsure that he is guilty, and the true snake must be caught. Ismae must realize Death is more complex than she know and thatbhis way isn't always what her Covent wants. But above all, Ismae must learn to follow her heart.

I love how that even when you thought you knew the characters, you could never really be sure what they were up too and you were always learning new thinks about them. Ismae's development is good and I loved that there wasn't any insta-love. Nothing is really black and white, and even the characters that come off as good have a dark side to them. I liked the way that Death was protrayed: not good or evil, just is.

The historical fiction/fantasy genre was great and the idea of assassin nuns was totally badass! Ismae's story is so real and the hunt for the spie is enthralling and will keep you guessing. There's just the right balance of romance and action, and Ismae is a great heroine. The conflicts are rich and the world of the Royal Court is rich and a well-woven setting. The feminist, girl power aspects add to the story, and Ismae's world is a facinating place in history. I'll be reading the sequel as soon as I can get my hands on it! 5/5 stars!