The Boneless Mercies is a rare find: a fantastic read for the dead of winter. It is a tale of bitter cold, fearsome beasts, and untimely death, but burning at its heart we find the fierce mercenary Frey and her companions, on a quest for glory. Set in a thinly-veiled fantasy replica of ancient Scandinavia, the story follows a young band of Mercies (female mercenaries) who decide to leave their lives as death-traders behind to hunt down a rampaging beast and win fame and fortune. Along the way they become embroiled in plots beyond their comprehension, involving magic as ancient as the earth, sea, and wind. Nothing is as simple as it first appears, a lesson Frey and her friends must learn the hard way. In the end, Frey must confront the true meaning of heroism, and decide what price she is willing to pay for it.
Tucholke’s fourth novel reads like an ancient northern legend, in which the elements play as much a part as the characters. It is a testament to Tucholke’s powers of description that I found myself wishing for a roaring fire to sit beside, or a snow-covered pine forest to explore. Her previous books proved her gift for enchantment, and The Boneless Mercies does not disappoint. Prepare to be bewitched.
Recommended by Sophie
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