Death’s Handmaidens

This weekend, I read the third and final book in Robin LaFevers’ His Fair Assassin series.  It was a little slow at first, but once the action picked up, it did not fail to please.  And surprise. This was, perhaps, the most anticipated sequel for me this year and I feel rather satisfied with the ending, though I’m sad that the series is over.

I was completely immersed in the world of 15th century Brittany and even fantasized about being able to join a convent of assassin nuns.

Annith’s story in Mortal Heart  is different from the two previous books because she was convent raised. Throughout the previous two books, Annith plays a part, but here, we finally get to hear her story. When she finds out she is being groomed to be the next Seeress of the convent, she is spurred to action to discover her past and take control of her future. This is a more reflective book, with Annith frankly sharing her devotion to Mortain. She is not afraid to talk of her religious devotion. Though she does not possess the same gifts as Ismae and Sybella, her devotion is its own sort of gift and the source of her strength.

Historical fiction, which a little fantasy thrown in, this has been a wonderful series. If you haven’t had a chance to read any of these books yet, I highly recommend them.

What I Gave and What I Received

Christmas is about the books, the ones we give and the ones receive. So, I thought I’d share my giftapalooza this year.

To my twin sister for her birthday on December 23rd:

Glaciers by Alexis M Smith

To my twin sister for Christmas:

Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh. I’m a little nervous about this one. I think she’ll like it once she starts reading it.

To Tom, my brother-in-law:

Five Billion Years of Solitude: The Search for Life Among the Stars by Lee Billings.

For my 15 year old niece, Alexis:

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers. I loved this and I think she will, too.

And here’s what I got:

For my birthday:

The Luminaries  by Eleanor Catton. winner of the UK’s  2013 Man B0oker Prize & Canada’s 2013 Governor  General’s Award – 832 pages I can hardly wait to sink my teeth into!

For Christmas:

 The Nine Lives of Charlotte Taylor by Sally Armstrong – My sister loved this book and knew I would so she gave it to me. It’s about a woman living very remotely in early Canada.