GRAVE MERCY

In this medieval fantasy, Ismae is marked by a blood-red stain, which predicates that father sell her nuptials as if she were a prized pig. But her wedding night reveals that she’s been chosen by Mortain, god of death, to be his vengeful assassin. Narrator Erin Moon ably handles this twisty tale of intrigue. She smoothly delivers French pronunciations and medieval vocabulary as she describes Ismae's convent training and life at Brittany court. While Moon misses a few aural cues, she manages multiple voices superbly. Overall, she elevates the story with her warm and tender portrayal of a young woman who must understand her role as a spy, avenger, and lover. M.M.O. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2012]