Content levels
Trigger warnings
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
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?
Is Grave Mercy appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 14 and up.
Teen girl trained as assassin navigates deadly political intrigue at Breton court while wrestling with her mission when she falls for her target. Contains on-page violence (assassinations, combat), references to abuse and forced marriage, and mild romantic content (kissing, tension).
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, mild sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include domestic violence, murder, and death (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
A girl trained by the god of Death becomes an assassin at a royal court where she must choose between duty and her heart.