The Boneless Mercies

Starred review from September 10, 2018
In this evocative fantasy loosely inspired by Beowulf, four young women who have devoted their lives to ritual mercy killing as “Mercies” or “Boneless Mercies” decide to give up that sad, dark work in favor of more satisfying pursuits: honor, glory, and a chance at appearing in legend. In order to earn enough money to do as they will, 17-year-old Frey and her companions swear a blood oath to slay the fabled Blue Vee Beast, which cyclically terrorizes a local jarldom. As the Mercies journey across Vorseland, threats and temptations test them repeatedly, and they must choose between quiet safety and death-defying heroism. Frey’s fittingly lyrical voice narrates her band’s exploits (“The marsh was death, and this was life. Apple liquor on the tongue, drying herbs scenting the air”). Tucholke (Wink Poppy Midnight) injects close intimacy into her lush saga, interweaving love and murder, mercy and glory into her portrayal of life and death. It is a beautiful, haunting modern-day epic that stars a bold and resourceful sisterhood of heroines unafraid to claim agency. Ages 12–up. Agent: Tracey Adams, Adams Literary.

Saskia Maarleveld ably narrates this atmospheric fantasy adventure. The Boneless Mercies are stalwart young women who sell sensitive deaths to those who are ill or otherwise seeking release. Brought together from disparate backgrounds, Frey, Juniper, Ovie, and Runa grow increasingly restless in their profession. Maarleveld narrates through glory-seeking Frey's point of view. She also provides strong characterizations of the others, especially Juniper, whose gentle voice reflects her sea-witch roots, and Runa, who intense dissatisfaction is expressed in hard-edged tones. The women's quest for fulfillment and remuneration carries them through treacherous terrain and trials. In pursuit of a monstrous bounty, they transform secrets into strengths. Narrator and author combine for an immersive and powerful listening experience as the Mercies journey toward their self-defined destinies. J.R.T. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine