The Boneless Mercies by April Genevieve Tucholke

The Boneless Mercies

by April Genevieve Tucholke

If you liked CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE, you'll love THE BONELESS MERCIES 

They called us the Mercies, or sometimes the Boneless Mercies. They said we were shadows, ghosts, and if you touched our skin we dissolved into smoke ...


Frey, Ovie, Juniper, and Runa are Boneless Mercies – death-traders, hired to kill quickly, quietly and mercifully. It is a job for women, and women only. Men will not do this sad, dark work.
 
Frey has no family, no home, no fortune, and yet her blood sings a song of glory. So when she hears of a monster slaughtering men, women, and children in a northern jarldom, she decides this the Mercies’ one chance to change their fate.

But glory comes at a price …

An epic YA fantasy set in a breathtaking new world, this is perfect for fans of V.E.Schwab, Leigh Bardugo, Laini Taylor and Melinda Salisbury 


"Fierce and glorious, this story of outcast girls defying fate utterly bewitched me. Tucholke is a gorgeous writer." 
-- LAINI TAYLOR, New York Times-bestselling author of Strange the Dreamer
 
"​​Its every page hints at a deeper magic at work; it contains a whole world and all its myths and histories within its skin." -- MELISSA ALBERT, New York Times-bestselling author of The Hazel Wood

"Ruthless and lyrical, heart-warming and blood-chilling, and beautifully redolent of ancient tales and history. It will sing to a new generation of heroes."-- SAMANTHA SHANNON, New York Times-bestselling author of The Bone Season

"I fell in love with this stunning novel from the very first page. Fierce and unforgettable, with gorgeous prose and a fantastic premise that more than delivers. Easily one of my favorite YA novels of 2018." -- KATHERINE WEBBER, author of Wing Jones and Only Love Can Break Your Heart
 

Reviewed by shannonmiz on

3 of 5 stars

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You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
3.5*

I dare you to tell me that you don't need a book with female warriors who are also awesome friends and are planning to save the world. Especially in this hellscape we find ourselves in every day, this book's power cannot be understated. Before they plan to save everyone, the mercies spend their time mercy-killing people who ask for their help. It's dark to be sure, but it is also a power in itself. Allowing people the right to choose how they want to live and die is pretty compelling stuff. Plus, it gives each of the women her own place in the world, her own agency.

This is just a little synopsis of my thoughts, after all, so let me be super quick: The story starts out kind of slow- I won't lie that I was nervous. But it picks up a lot and explores a ton of relationship dynamics, so for me, it was absolutely worth it!  The world-building is quite interesting, and the female friendships (actually, the friendships in general) are fabulous. Plus let's be real: It's just plain badass.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 4 September, 2018: Finished reading
  • 4 September, 2018: Reviewed