Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts&;and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.
     Ismae&;s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany&;where she finds herself woefully under prepared&;not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death&;s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

Review

"With characters that will inspire the imagination, a plot that nods to history while defying accuracy, and a love story that promises more in the second book, this is sure to attract feminist readers and romantics alike."--"Booklist, " starred review "Fiction and history coalesce in a rich, ripping tale of assassinations, political intrigue and religion in 15th-century Brittany. ...LaFevers' ambitious tapestry includes poison and treason and murder, valor and honor and slow love, suspense and sexuality and mercy. A page-turner--with grace." --"Kirkus", starred review "LaFevers is an artful storyteller who has created a strong lead character....The tale is one of scheming nobles, political subterfuge, murder, and romance--all of the best aspects of a good read. And like any good mystery, the plot is unpredictable." --VOYA "Rich in historical detail, well-realized characters, political machinations, and enticingly prickly scenes between Ismae and Duval, LaFevers's complex tale incorporates magic both sparingly and subtly. This powerful first volume of the His Fair Assassin series should attract many readers."--"Publishers Weekly, "starred review "The book is well written and filled with fascinating, complex characters who function realistically in this invented medieval world."--"School Library Journal, "starred review "Readers will immediately warm to Ismae's determination to think for herself despite the powerfl influences of multiple others."--"Bulletin"

(star) "With characters that will inspire the imagination, a plot that nods to history while defying accuracy, and a love story that promises more in the second book, this is sure to attract feminist readers and romantics alike."--"Booklist, " starred review (star) "Fiction and history coalesce in a rich, ripping tale of assassinations, political intrigue and religion in 15th-century Brittany. ...LaFevers' ambitious tapestry includes poison and treason and murder, valor and honor and slow love, suspense and sexuality and mercy. A page-turner--with grace." --"Kirkus," starred review (star) "Rich in historical detail, well-realized characters, political machinations, and enticingly prickly scenes between Ismae and Duval, LaFevers's complex tale incorporates magic both sparingly and subtly. This powerful first volume of the His Fair Assassin series should attract many readers."--"Publishers Weekly, "starred review (star) "The book is well written and filled with fascinating, complex characters who function realistically in this invented medieval world."--"School Library Journal, "starred review "Readers will immediately warm to Ismae's determination to think for herself despite the powerfl influences of multiple others."--"Bulletin""" "LaFevers is an artful storyteller who has created a strong lead character....The tale is one of scheming nobles, political subterfuge, murder, and romance--all of the best aspects of a good read. And like any good mystery, the plot is unpredictable." --VOYA "A rollicking historical romance with a formidable female protagonist bound to win the hearts of teenagers and maybe moms too!" --"Family Circle" "Start with the medieval action and mystery of a Tamora Piere novel, throw in some "007 License to Kill" action (only the assassins are nuns!) and add two duty-driven and proud main characters involved in an achingly-denied romance (seriously, would you just kiss him already!?!). This triple threat of entertainment is unputdownable." --"Just

Cynthia Leitich Smith, New York Times best-selling author of the Tantalize series:

"A delectable simmer of intrigue and ferocity, passion and compassion. Grave Mercy sates and fascinates, even as it leaves you craving more."

Elizabeth Bunce, author of Starcrossed and A Curse Dark as Gold

"Chilling, deftly plotted, and with a thread of subtly crafted romance. Readers will be seduced by LaFevers's deadly snare of haunting magic and courtly intrigue."

Laura Whitcomb, author of A Certain Slant of Light

"Atmospheric, romantic, and gripping."

Ten Teen Reads You Can't Miss, Entertainment Weekly.com, October 2012:

"Prepare to enjoy LaFevers' tasty court intrigue and one badass heroine."

Starred review, Booklist

* "With characters that will inspire the imagination, a plot that nods to history while defying accuracy, and a love story that promises more in the second book, this is sure to attract feminist readers and romantics alike."

Starred review, Kirkus Reviews

* "LaFevers' ambitious tapestry includes poison and treason and murder, valor and honor and slow love, suspense and sexuality and mercy. A page-turner-with grace."

Starred review, Publishers Weekly

* "Rich in historical detail, well-realized characters, political machinations, and enticingly prickly scenes between Ismae and Duval, LaFevers's complex tale incorporates magic both sparingly and subtly. This powerful first volume of the His Fair Assassin series should attract many readers."

Starred review, School Library Journal

* "The book is well written and filled with fascinating, complex characters who function realistically in this invented medieval world."

Starred review, Shelf Awareness

*"Riveting."

#3 on Kids' Indie Next List, spring 2012

An Amazon Best Teen Book of 2012"

Cynthia Leitich Smith, New York Times best-selling author of the Tantalize series:

"A delectable simmer of intrigue and ferocity, passion and compassion. Grave Mercy sates and fascinates, even as it leaves you craving more."

Elizabeth Bunce, author of Starcrossed and A Curse Dark as Gold

"Chilling, deftly plotted, and with a thread of subtly crafted romance. Readers will be seduced by LaFevers's deadly snare of haunting magic and courtly intrigue."

Laura Whitcomb, author of A Certain Slant of Light

"Atmospheric, romantic, and gripping."

Ten Teen Reads You Can't Miss, Entertainment Weekly.com, October 2012:

"Prepare to enjoy LaFevers' tasty court intrigue and one badass heroine."

Starred review, Booklist

Starred review, Kirkus Reviews

* "LaFevers' ambitious tapestry includes poison and treason and murder, valor and honor and slow love, suspense and sexuality and mercy. A page-turner-with grace."

Starred review, Publishers Weekly

Starred review, School Library Journal

* "The book is well written and filled with fascinating, complex characters who function realistically in this invented medieval world."

Starred review, Shelf Awareness

*"Riveting."

#3 on Kids' Indie Next List, spring 2012

An Amazon Best Teen Book of 2012

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