Frey, Ovie, Juniper, and Runa are the Boneless Mercies—girls hired to kill quickly, quietly, and mercifully. But Frey is weary of the death trade and, having been raised on the heroic sagas of her people, dreams of a bigger life.
When she hears of an unstoppable monster ravaging a nearby town, Frey decides this is the Mercies’ one chance out. The fame and fortune of bringing down such a beast would ensure a new future for all the Mercies. In fact, her actions may change the story arc of women everywhere.
The Boneless Mercies had a timeless, classical feel to the writing that made it an absolute pleasure to read.
This is a tale of a legend in the making, with a rich tapestry of characters and settings, a mythological history and an imaginative coming of age for women that works beautifully.
Frey and her group of mercies travel around bringing a merciful, or occasionally vengeful death to those that seek it – but Frey and her companions tire of the death trade and Frey especially feels destined for greater things. So when a desperate call goes out to defeat a monster, the group head into danger and into history…
I loved this because the world building was fabulous, the group dynamic of our main protagonists highly engaging and the beautiful layered prose just sets the reader right at the heart of things.
From the Sea Witches to The Quicks, from the Cut Queen to the monster in hiding, all the elements work extraordinarily well to create a page turner of a fantasy novel with a cleverly woven history that sets the scene for a real adventure.
Lots of thought provoking themes at play here, for me it had a strong feminist narrative whilst never once declaring itself such or indeed ever becoming preachy- the strong, predominantly female cast just IS and they are all beautifully drawn and fascinatingly compelling.
Friendship, love, loyalty, loss it’s all in here plus it’s a damn fine piece of storytelling with a thrilling melancholy finale.
It’s described as a standalone and stand alone it does- but the door is open so let’s hope more will be forthcoming and further legends will be born
Recommended.
You can purchase The Boneless Mercies (Simon and Schuster ) Here
Happy Reading!
