Common Sense Media Review
By Karen Wirsing
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent tale of assassin nun seeking revenge on men.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Ismae is a 17-year-old girl who survives her mother's attempt to kill her at birth. Since that day, she's known in her tiny village in Brittany as the daughter of death, a survivor. Ismae spends her life trying to escape the blows of her brutal father and the man he arranged for her to marry. Then, on her wedding night, after suffering another torturous beating, a stranger comes to take Ismae to the convent of St. Mortain, the saint of death. There a group of nuns teaches Ismae the arts of war, intrigue, and persuasion -- all of which she must put to use as an assassin for her country, even if it means killing the man she's falling in love with.
Is It Any Good?
GRAVE MERCY is a wonderfully written novel that pulls readers into medieval France, specifically Brittany, with descriptive scenes of palaces, towns, and village people. Although the plotline (revenge-seeking woman becomes man killer) will attract some feminists, others may find it a bit overdone.
But the story is entertaining and filled with accurate historical details. The characters are likable and complex, and fans will be glad to know the book ends with the possibility of introducing a love story in the second installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the history of the Middle Ages. What were some cultural differences between that time and ours? Do you think Grave Mercy accurately depicts the era?
Why are the men in the book portrayed as such bullies?
How does Grave Mercy compare with other medieval fantasies?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Historical Fiction
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Houghton Mifflin Children's Books
- Publication date : April 3, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 560
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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