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The Boneless Mercies

The Boneless Mercies is a female-led loose retelling of Beowulf. The main character, Frey, is one of a group of women (and one man) who travel from village to village throughout Vorseland, hired to give mercy kills to the suffering. When Frey hears of a monster that is terrorizing a community, she sees a way out of the Mercy trade for herself and the road-weary group. Their journey takes them through a war of witches, personal choices, changes of tradition, and a quest for glory. The book is feminist, female-centric, and enthralling. It is not a romance, although there’s a hint of romance in it.

Readers should know that a lot of people of various ages and genders die in this book, as do a lot of wolves. I loved the relationships between women, and their different dreams and personalities. I loved the way the Mercies sleep snuggled up for both warmth and affection. I loved the mix of gritty and lyrical in the language and scenery, and the mix of compassion and ruthlessness on the part of the Mercies. This is a tough emotional read, but a satisfying and empowering one. It ends on a complete note but with the promise of a sequel, which I eagerly await!

– Carrie S

A dark standalone YA fantasy about a band of mercenary girls in search of female glory.

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.