Sword of the Rightful King

Title: Sword of the Rightful King
By: Jane Yolen

"THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING

Newly crowned King Arthur rules the kingdom... but not the people's hearts. Unless he proves his worth, his power will always be in question. Too many want him dead, and treachery is everywhere.
So the wizard Merlinnus secretly creates a test for Arthur...
A sword in a stone is discovered --- a stone that bears a legend promising that whosoever draws out the sword will rule England. If all goes as planned, King Arthur will draw the blade from the stone (with the help of magic from Merlinnus, of course), and the people will at last rally around the young king.
Except someone else pulls out the sword out first..."



I have always been drawn to King Arthur stories, and this was no different in the pull. Jane spins a wonderful tale of King Arthur surrounded by danger and mystery. A fantastic twist of the story of a young king, his knights, and a love so new and different, it will leave you yearning for more even as it comes to an end.

Grave Mercy

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1) 

By: Robin LaFevers

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

 A wonderful story of love and loyalty, to oneself and to others. The first few pages were a little dull, but once the plot gets to rolling, I couldn't put it down. I immediately liked Ismae and the man she travels to Brittany with, Duval. She poses as his mistress so that she can have access to his half-sister, the duchess, while at court so that she can protect her. 

I loved the adventures and action of the story, along with the romance and dangers. I can't wait for the next one to come out!!!