The Boneless Mercies

by April Tucholke

Paperback, 2018

Status

Available

Call number

813.6

Publication

Simon & Schuster Children's UK (2018), 352 pages

Description

Four female mercenaries known as Boneless Mercies, weary of roaming Vorseland, ignored and forgotten until they are needed for mercy killings, decide to seek glory by going after a legendary monster in this reimagining of Beowulf.

User reviews

LibraryThing member krau0098
I got this book through NetGalley to review (thank you to NetGalley and the publisher). This is a stand alone novel and was an amazing read. It reminds of a classic Viking hero story but has so much more heart and soul to it. I absolutely loved it and it was one of the best books I have read this
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year. I could not put this book down and was sad when it ended.

It’s so strange when you read two of your favorite books of the year back to back like this. I just finished Caraval which I adored and then go right into this book which was amazing. I think my family thinks they have lost me into books permanently!

This book follows four girls who journey as Boneless Mercies; they are basically hired by villagers to kill loved ones who are suffering in a way that is quick and quiet. However, this style of life weighs on them all...they are shunned and never have a true home. When Frey and crew hear about an epic monster that needs slaying they decide to take their chances with the monster and try to make new lives for themselves with the prize offered to whomever slays it.

This book was an absolutely amazing blend of classic Viking-style epic and adventure fantasy. I loved the adventure these girls fight through. In addition to all of this it’s a heart-warming tale of friendship, survival, and coming of age. The writing style is beautiful and just perfect. This is one of those rare books you come across that just does everything right.

Overall this was the best book I have read so far this year. I always struggle to explain why I love the books I love so fiercely like this one. This book was a perfect blend of adventure, beautiful writing, amazing characters, coming of age, action, and world-building. Highly recommended to everyone; I think this is a journey everyone should go on.
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Language

Original language

English

Original publication date

2018

Physical description

368 p.; 5.12 inches

ISBN

1471170004 / 9781471170003

Barcode

4304
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