Deus Lo Volt... Sort of

To start off with, the saying 'deus lo volt' is translated into 'God wills it' in Latin.  But, not the kind of god you're thinking about.  Just before the Crusades, the term was bandied about to help more people join the Christian cause.  And for Ismae, the main heroine in Grave Mercy, her god wills her to kill.

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?

I heard a lot of rave about this book online and I couldn't wait to get my grabby hands on this book.  I mean, just look at the cover!  She's got a crossbow in her hand, for crying out loud!  The beautiful cover just about had me sold before I even read the synopsis.  But when I did, I knew I had to have this.  And it is one book that everybody should read.
It is the first in the His Fair Assassin trilogy.  Robin LaFevers brings to life the old and poor fifteenth century.  Most of the history in the book was, to my surprise, spot on.  I loved that fact that I could actually compare it to the history of the time and call this book historical fiction rather than fantasy.  But since this is a book review rather than an overview of the fifteenth century, I won't tell you all the particulars.
Ismae was a great character, possibly one of my favorites.  She's very tough and strong.  She doesn't ask a bazillion questions and instead looks for them instead of moping around, blindfolded.  And, she doesn't instantly fall in love with the first guy she meets outside of the convent.  So, let's just say she was an overall awesome character that kicked some bad guy butt.  Also, I loved her name.
I give Grave Mercy five stars because it was amazing.  There was a lot of action and travel.  Everything had me clinging to the very edge of my seat, the pages flying by as I read.  It was beautifully written and definitely an author to watch for in the future.  I look forward to what happens next in the His Fair Assassin Trilogy.
Happy reading, everyone!

In My Mailbox (2) And a Survey!

What, you might ask?  Well, I recently just did a IMM not even a week ago.  Why would I be doing another?  Don't you have all those other books to read?  Is she crazy?  Well, that possibly might be true, especially when it comes to books.  And yes, I do have all those other books to read.  But let me explain myself.
Yesterday, while having an awesome time with the fam in Indiana, I went to the mall.  Specifically, I wanted to go to Barnes and Noble because I've had a $25 gift card just sitting there in my wallet and I really wanted to go.  I practically force my mom to stop by the local BAM store we have in New Jersey, even if I'm not going to buy any books.
So, with gift card in hand, I just about ran though those B&N doors and looked for the YA section.  That had to be the hardest thing to find in my life.  I'm not used to a B&N layout and since that was the second time I've ever been in B&N, you can imagine my situation.  I felt as if I was drowning with all those books on the shelves, lost and craving to buy books.  But it was a good feeling.
What did I get??  I got:

The cover of Croak is so, so, sooooo shiny!  I've heard it's quite reflective, but I didn't think it was THAT reflective.  All of these covers are so awesome in their own ways.  Illuminate and A Temptation of Angles are so pretty and Croak just looks totally awesome and while Grave Mercy looks totally amazing.  It's breathtaking and just seems as if it's all kick ass and no joke. 

Which cover do you think is the prettiest?  And it doesn't have to be from this post; it's all the covers of 2012.  Tell me what you think in the comments box below and the book that gets the most Pretty Votes, I will read and do a wonderful review for, unless I've already done it!

Follow me via GFC to stay updated with all the things that go on at Millie D's Words!