Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers

Title: Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1)
Author: R.L. LaFevers
Release Date: April 3rd 2012 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Edition: Hardcover, 564 pages
Source: Netgalley, E-ARC

Synopsis:

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

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?

My Thoughts:
Let me start off saying that this was my first historical romance book. I read Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare but I don't know if that's considered a historical romance. I rate this book 3.5 stars. I liked this book, I really did, but at times it did drag out a little bit for me. It was so long! And I must say, I do not think this book falls under the YA category. They talk about sexual things too much and somethings are a little too graffic for the "YA" category. I guess you can say this book is more for mature teens. Thank you to Netgalley for giving me a chance to read my first historical romance. I kind of liked it.

I liked the storyline of this book. It was interesting and different than a lot of the books I have read. I really liked the whole Mortain idea and the fact that you see a "Mark" on the skin. Cool! And fighting Nuns?! I love it :)

The only characters I really cared for was Duval and Ismae. The rest of the characters were a blur and I really didn't care to remember.
I really liked Duval! I think he was my favorite character. He's snarky with a whole lot of attitude, but really smart and strong. A guy who can take care of himself! He just sounds great! I think I would swoon over him :D Sometimes I liked Ismae, but at other times she kind of got on my nerves. But I did, like her attitude also. She was tough which I like and also had attitude. I wish I could do some the thing Ismae could do. Like the fighting....I wish!!! Only in my imagination. Lol. And then at she was innocent when it came to certain things, which reminded you that she was still young. I must admit that she did have some great character development throughout the book and I really liked that. The chemistry between Duval and Ismae was a plus :)

There was great action in this book when it happened and I really enjoyed it! Me, being an action girl and all. It was entertaining and just wonderful! The traitor had me fool let me tell you! I had a guess in mind, but......WRONG! Lol I was like what? But then again, I could see it.

Some dislikes: Tons of characters and the book was slow in places and I found myself skimming through paragraphs a lot. And sometimes the way they spoke annoyed me. But that's to be expected since it's a different time period.

Overall, it was an entertaining book and I thought it was okay. If you like historical romances, I really think you should give it a try!