I actually really enjoyed this book. I didn't expect to, and was pleasantly surprised. The first couple of chapters put me off, and I was afraid it was going to be one of "those" kinds of books, but it started to pick up after that and ended up being a very enjoyable read. 
 The characters were all good and were unique. Ismae was a heroine that was both strong and vulnerable. The minor characters were all refreshingly different, and written in a way that their motives weren't all predictable and apparent. 
 One thing that impressed me the most was how well the story held up even without the romance aspect. Usually in books like this, the plot takes a back seat to the romance. Not so in Grave Mercy. The romance between the two main characters was so slow that it left most of the focus on the plotline. I was actually a little disappointed that there wasn't just a little more of a romance aspect later on, but oh well. I absolutely loved that the story left me guessing. I was doubting every character's motives, and couldn't predict where the story was headed or who was behind what. It was so refreshing to read a story with a little more depth to it! 
 This book was serious, and it was funny. I actually found myself laughing a couple of times, which is very rare. I found myself crying, too. (Not quite as rare...lulz.) This book has ass-kicking nuns. It has a strong heroine. It has a compelling storyline and just enough romance. There is no insti-love, and character relationships are built up slowly. Overall, I was genuinely very impressed with the book. I stayed up late on a work night to finish it, and have no regrets :P