Grave Mercy

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to reclaim their voice after a period of powerlessness or is questioning the moral authority of the institutions in their life. It is an ideal choice for a young person who feels trapped by social expectations and needs to see a model of radical self-reliance and agency. Set in a reimagined 15th-century Brittany, the story follows Ismae, a young woman who escapes an abusive marriage to join a convent of assassins serving the god of Death. While the premise is dark, the heart of the book is about Ismae learning to distinguish between what she has been told to do and what her own conscience dictates. The book explores themes of autonomy, faith, and the complexity of justice. It is best suited for older teens due to its mature themes of political intrigue and violence, offering a sophisticated look at how one defines their own identity in a world that tries to define it for them.