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Grave Mercy summary
Brief summary
Grave Mercy is a captivating historical fantasy novel by Robin LaFevers. Set in medieval Brittany, it follows Ismae, a young woman trained as an assassin by a secret convent who uncovers treacherous political plots and finds herself torn between loyalty and love.
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Grave Mercy
Summary of key ideas
Assassins, Intrigue, and Romance
In Grave Mercy by R. L. LaFevers, we are introduced to Ismae, a young girl who escapes an abusive arranged marriage and finds refuge in a convent dedicated to the god of Death. Here, she is trained as an assassin and is sent on a mission to the high court of Brittany, where she is to pose as the mistress of a nobleman and uncover any treachery against the young duchess, Anne.
Ismae's new life at court is filled with political intrigue, and she must navigate the dangerous waters of courtly life while keeping her true identity and mission a secret. She is soon embroiled in a web of conspiracy and betrayal, and she must use all her skills to protect the duchess and herself.
Unraveling Plots and Unlikely Alliances
As Ismae delves deeper into the court's politics, she discovers that the duchess's life is in grave danger. She also learns that her mentor at the convent, Duval, is not only a trusted advisor to the duchess but also her half-brother. Despite her initial distrust, Ismae forms an unlikely alliance with Duval, and together they work to uncover the plots against Anne.
Ismae's growing feelings for Duval further complicate her mission, and she struggles to balance her heart's desires with her duty to the convent. She also faces challenges from other factions at court, including a powerful nobleman who sees Anne as a threat to his own ambitions.
Deadly Confrontations and Personal Revelations
As the threats against Anne escalate, Ismae and Duval race against time to protect her. They uncover a dangerous conspiracy that involves poisoning the duchess and implicating Duval in the plot. Ismae must use all her skills and cunning to save Anne and clear Duval's name, even if it means defying the convent's orders.
Amidst the deadly confrontations and political machinations, Ismae also learns shocking truths about her own past. She discovers that she is the daughter of the god of Death himself, and her unique abilities are a result of this divine heritage. This revelation further complicates her loyalties and her sense of self.
The Price of Loyalty and Love
In the thrilling climax of Grave Mercy, Ismae and Duval manage to thwart the assassination attempt on Anne and expose the traitors. However, their victory comes at a great cost. Ismae's actions have put her at odds with the convent, and she must now face their judgment for her defiance.
Furthermore, Ismae's growing love for Duval, a man she was initially sent to spy on, adds another layer of complexity to her life. She must now decide where her true loyalties lie – with the convent that raised her or with the man who has captured her heart.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Grave Mercy is a gripping tale of assassins, intrigue, and romance set in a vividly depicted historical world. Ismae's journey from a victim of abuse to a powerful and independent young woman is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. The novel ends with Ismae making a bold choice that sets the stage for the next installment in this thrilling series.
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What is Grave Mercy about?
Grave Mercy by R. L. LaFevers is a captivating historical fiction novel set in 15th century Brittany. It follows the story of Ismae, a young woman who is trained as an assassin and serves as a handmaiden to Death himself. Filled with political intrigue, romance, and strong female characters, the book takes you on a thrilling journey as Ismae navigates the dangerous world of court politics and deadly secrets.
Grave Mercy Review
Grave Mercy (2012) follows Ismae, a young woman taken in by a convent of trained assassins serving the god of death. This book is definitely not your average historical fiction novel and here's why:
- Packed with intrigue, betrayal, and medieval politics, it keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate a world of deadly secrets.
- The strong female protagonist challenges gender norms and fights for justice in a male-dominated society, offering a refreshing perspective on power dynamics.
- With its blend of historical accuracy and supernatural elements, the book creates a unique atmosphere that is both captivating and original.
Who should read Grave Mercy?
- Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of fantasy and romance
- People interested in strong and independent female protagonists
- Those who appreciate well-researched and vividly depicted settings
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Grave Mercy FAQs
What is the main message of Grave Mercy?
The main message of Grave Mercy revolves around loyalty, betrayal, and the strength of women in a historical setting.
How long does it take to read Grave Mercy?
The estimated reading time for Grave Mercy is a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.
Is Grave Mercy a good book? Is it worth reading?
Grave Mercy is worth reading for its compelling plot, strong female protagonist, and intriguing historical backdrop.
Who is the author of Grave Mercy?
The author of Grave Mercy is Robin LaFevers.
What to read after Grave Mercy?
If you're wondering what to read next after Grave Mercy, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
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- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher