Grave Mercy

It's kind of funny, I've been reading a trilogy about the Borgia poisoner- historical fiction. Then I pick up this book by Robin LaFevers and find some striking similarities. Ismae is a handmaiden of death. She has been saved from her brutal father and hideous husband by the nuns at the Convent of Saint Mortain. There she is taught how to be death's assassin to those who bear the marque of a traitor to the Duchess. Ismae is grateful for the chance to get back at men and carry out the will of death. As she is sent into court to help protect the duchess, she is forced to work with Gavriel Duval, who happens to be the bastard brother of the duchess. Ismae comes to realize that things are not always black and white and maybe she needs to follow her own heart in her service to death. When it becomes clear her orders from the convent may not always be right, she has to figure out a way to save the duchess and Duval. What happens when you find yourself falling in love and it goes against everything you thought you believed? Ismae must battle the conflict she feels when Duval wins her heart against all odds. This was a great read, filled with intrigue, romance, and lots of royal dilemmas. I love how strong Ismae is, she is no damsel in distress- she even joins a sword fight or two. Duval is noble, kind and strong and doesn't try to keep Ismae in the shadows. This will be a series and the next will be about a character from this book. I look forward to more adventures of the handmaidens of death. On the the Immortal City and some hot angels. (at least that's what the cover says. Happy reading my friends.