Before you splutter and tell me that is the corniest line youve ever heard, hear me out. You see, I was in this thing called a reading slump and Im pretty sure that it itself is associated with the word grave. It sends shudders down readers spines. I had given up on yet another book and decided to head for my bookshelf, where many unread books lie. Then, I kid you not, I kind of had this moment. One of the ones where the world stops spinning (not for long, dont worry) and you just get that feeling that you know if you were in a movie, a heavenly circle of light would have surrounded Grave Mercy in its modest little place on the shelf. That was the moment I just knew that the time had come for me to read it.

Then the fangirling moment came along when I remembered what Grave Mercy was about. How on Earth had I ignored it for so long? I adore historical fiction, kick-butt characters and FRANCE! So I began reading immediately.

But it took me just over a week to finish Grave Mercy. Usually it takes me two/three days to read a book but I really just had to savour this one. Plus its pretty long.

Let me tell you: Ismae doesnt just have an awesome name. That girl is epic. Shes girl power in medieval France form. And epic Ismae wouldnt be complete without the epic assassin stuff. I thought that it was so cool how Robin LaFevers had incorporated it into the setting, seriously, read it and know what Im talking about. Theres this stuff with marques and poisonPlus its clear she did a lot of amazing research which only made the book more interesting.

And I read along pretty much quite happily. But I eventually reached the point where I was like Ive had enough now. I just thought that the story dragged on a bit. Which brings me to my next issue: the ending. I mean, where was it? I thought that it was totally meh. Especially since its the last book in the series told from Ismaes point of view, I just feel like there should have been more Duval and Ismae together time. Especially after what happened between them a few pages before. Speaking of Duval, while I liked him, I didnt love him. I thought that while he was strong, brave and obviously cared deeply for Ismae, he lacked maybe even a little bit of personality?

While Im looking forward to the next book, Im just a little upset because I want it to be from Ismaes point of view again. But alas, all I can do is hope that she is still in it a lot (after that ending anyway *cough, cough*) and that Sybellas point of view is just as interesting. Come to think of it, Im very curious for her story. She is probably my least favourite character out of her, Ismae and Annith (the three friends who the books are about) but thinking about it I am very, very curious about her story.

I would definitely recommend to historical fiction fans who love action and a little romance. Soooooooo good.

4/5 comets Meteor shower. A great show.

I'm not really into sword and sorcery novels but I enjoyed this one, prolly cuz the main character of Ismae is really appealing and strong. I would recommend this one.