I am so happy to be hosting the blog tour today for The Boneless Mercies. I’ll be posting my review soon, but I can tell you that this book is fantastic. There is so much more than meets the eye. As a huge classic literature nerd, I appreciated this re-telling and the ways it expands upon the original story. That’s why I had to ask April a question for today’s guest post about the aspect of Beowulf that remained, and those that had to go.
Summary
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.
Guest Post
What elements of the original Beowulf story did you want to keep, which ones did you almost keep, and which elements did you know you wanted to remove?
I kept the monster, the mead hall, the blood, and the quest for glory.
I almost kept the dragon (I adore dragon books).
I removed Grendel’s mother, and the all-male cast of characters.
Anything more would be giving away spoilers!
Reasons Why You Should Buy!
I couldn’t help giving you a sneak peak of the 5 reasons I think you should go pick yourself up a copy of The Boneless Mercies today!
- Love the relationships between these women within the story. They are supportive and loving and kind.
- Frey has this ambition that I love. It’s one of the things I think that reminds me of the original, and it’s something that really sets her apart. She wants to have an epic story, to be a hero, she knows that this isn’t all in the world for her.
- I love the world building, specifically of other magical groups of women, the Sea Witches, and even just the townspeople they meet.
- The whole concept of a good death and what is honor was deeply explored.
- There was almost this self-reflexive epic story narrative that makes reading it as a re-imagination fiercely moving.
You can check out The Boneless Mercies on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, and The Book Depository.
About the Author
April Genevieve Tucholke is the author of Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, Between the Spark and the Burn, and Wink Poppy Midnight. She also curated the horror anthology Slasher Girls & Monster Boys. She has received five starred reviews and her novels have been chosen for the Junior Library Guild, Kids’ Indie Next picks, and YALSA Teens Top Ten. When she’s not writing, April likes walking in the woods with her two cheerful dogs, exploring abandoned houses, and drinking expensive coffee. She has lived in many places around the world, and currently resides in Oregon with her husband.