Early Review – Boneless Mercies by April Genevieve Tucholke (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Length: 352 pages
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Release Date: October 2, 2018
ISBN-13: 978-0374307066
Stand Alone or Series: Stand Alone
Source: eGalley from NetGalley.com
Rating: 5/5 stars

“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.”

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 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.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– New Release Reading Challenge
– Goodreads Reading Challenge