And that didn't prevent me from enjoying this story. Honestly, I couldn't tell you what happened in the first book of this series other than it was from Ismae's point of view. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for? And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live.

But those assassin’s skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. The convent views Sybella, naturally skilled in the arts of both death and seduction, as one of their most dangerous weapons. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge-but at a price. Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Love and romance, history and magic, vengeance and salvation converge in this thrilling sequel to Grave Mercy. Siobhon Redmond describes Mary's difficulties with Lord Darnley, the Chaseabout raid and the murder of David Riccio in the video below.Sybella’s duty as Death’s assassin in 15th-century France forces her return home to the personal hell that she had finally escaped. Mary never forgave him for his part in this plot. Mary looked on helplessly and in fear of her own life later escaped with her husband.ĭarnley’s dagger, the murder weapon, was found at the scene, incriminating its owner. In March 1566, in the presence of a pregnant Mary, the murderers burst into Mary’s chambers and stabbed Riccio to death. While some nobles saw him as a spy sent by the Pope, others simply wanted to create trouble between Mary and her husband.Ī plot was hatched by Darnley’s aides, Morton, Lindsay and the Ruthvens to kill Riccio. Scottish nobles persuaded Darnley that David Riccio, an Italian who became the Queen’s secretary, was too close to Mary and there were rumours of a relationship between them.ĭarnley was enraged by this and by the way in which Riccio himself was enjoying his status within the royal household. Darnley wanted influence in decision-making – ‘the crown matrimonial’ – and Mary refused to give it to him. The relationship between Darnley and Mary deteriorated quite soon after their marriage.

Death of the Body by Rick Chiantaretto