Slowly their romance unfolds and when it comes to fruition, it’s sweet and heart warming. Instead, the Ismae and Duval grow independently while working together to protect the Duchess. Also, the author doesn’t hit you over the head with a lovey-dovey romance. The historal fiction part was truly interesting and is actually what made me perk up and start really paying attention to the story. It is also an historical fiction novel with a touch of romance. Additionally, Grave Mercy is more than just an assassin novel.

When Ismae reaches this revelation, she turns into a new character who is even more formidable than before. This scored points with me as I don’t like heartless killers. Ismae began to second guess killing others and started wondering if forgiveness was an option instead of death. Then the story picked up and I could see the author spinning in a moral that redeemed the earlier focus on death. I like assassin tales, but this was too much to me.

There was a lot of emphasis on death and at times felt like the characters worshiped it. Mortain or her heart? As I said earlier, the beginning of the book didn’t appeal to me so much. Who is she to follow, her trusted sisters of St. On top that, Ismae develops unexpected feelings for Duval that conflict with the convents orders. Her assignment is complicated by the etiquette and procedures of the high court not to mention the deceit and treachery that takes place within it’s walls. The convent believes Duval is deceiving the Duchess and they have arranged for Ismae to monitor him while fulfilling her other mission. After proving herself a worthy and loyal assassin, she is sent on assignment to protect the Duchess of Brittany while pretending to be the girlfriend of Duval, the Duchess’ half-brother. She is skilled in poisons, fighting, and weapons but could use some improvement in courting. Ismae is an assassin trained by the sisters of the convent of St.

When the book was over, there was a little pang in my heart and I realized that I really enjoyed Grave Mercy after all. I began to care for the characters and longed, as they did, for a good resolution. There’s a little mystery mixed in that holds your attention and keeps you guessing. However, just before I reached the half way point, I become enthralled in the story. Maybe it was because I didn’t like the main character, Ismae, in the beginning. It rubbed me the wrong way for some reason that I can’t put my finger on exactly. At first, I didn’t particularly like Grave Mercy.

Grave mercy book 3