Grave Mercy

In this medieval fantasy, Ismae is marked by a blood-red stain, which predicates that father sell her nuptials as if she were a prized pig. But her wedding night reveals that she's been chosen by Mortain, god of death, to be his vengeful assassin. Narrator Erin Moon ably handles this twisty tale of intrigue. She smoothly delivers French pronunciations and medieval vocabulary as she describes Ismae's convent training and life at Brittany court. While Moon misses a few aural cues, she manages multiple voices superbly. Overall, she elevates the story with her warm and tender portrayal of a young woman who must understand her role as a spy, avenger, and lover. M.M.O. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine

September 1, 2012

Gr 9 Up-Ismae's mother tried to kill her while she was still in the womb and her village believes that she is the child of Death. After escaping an arranged marriage, she finds sanctuary in the convent of St. Mortain where she will be protected. The sisters serve the old gods and believe Ismae is blessed by the God of Death to be his handmaiden. Over the next several years, Ismae is trained to be a fighter, a killer, and a seductress. During Ismae's most important assignment, she is sent to the high court of Brittany to do her god's bidding-but she's not prepared. Although she has the ability to kill a person in many ways, when she discovers that those she is told to kill do not display the mark of death and those she thought she could trust are telling lies, she questions everything around her, even her heart. Will Ismae know who to trust? Is she really the daughter of Death? Robin LaFevers' fantasy (Houghton Harcourt, 2012), the first in a planned series, is set in a world where gods interact with people and use them as their tools. Erin Moon is a brilliant narrator, giving the characters distinct voices and drawing listeners into the intrigue. A good addition to high school and public library collections.-Elizabeth L. Kenyon, Merrillville High School, IN

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.