The Boneless Mercies by April Genevieve Tucholke (review)

Seventeen-year-old Frey and her small group of fellow Boneless Mercies are called by desperate people throughout Vorseland to bring a quick death to beloved family or friends who suffer from fatal illnesses or injuries. Frey, however, tires of this death work and dreams of fame and fortune; if she and her friends can slay the giant that is terrorizing the northern village of Blue Vee, they'll gain the glory and the gold to live their lives out peacefully and be forever remembered in sagas and ballads. This legend-inspired tale draws on elements of Norse mythology and of the story of Beowulf, which provide an intriguing backdrop to a story arc that echoes the grandeur of those sources. Frey's aloof narration, though, is so detached that the emotion of the story is stripped away, muting both characterizations and plot points: her relationship with her lover is forced and underdeveloped, while her killing of the Cut-Queen and the deaths of several friends are only quick blips on her journey to Blue Vee. There is no denying, however, the power of the scene between Frey and the vengeful but grieving giant, and the creature's heartbreaking demise will leave readers questioning the nature of mercy and who gives and who receives it. KQG