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There was nothing wrong with this book - the writing was OK and I liked mfc Lythlet well enough. However, I wasn't really feeling it either as it was very Hunger Games-y but with the killing of creatures which I didn't enjoy. As a result I paused it to read something else rather than become slumpy. Whilst I fully intended on picking it back up again, the reality is I haven't found myself wanting to, so have made the decision to DNF. It would have likely been a 3 - 3.5 star read for me had I continued, and I can see how others, especially HG fans, might really enjoy it.
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Solaris for the arc.
I really enjoyed reading this book; it really had everything I could ask for! A great debut.
I loooooove books that center around friendship like this. The way two or more friends go through adventures and adversities and how they deal with them individually and collectively, is a really amazing topic to delve into.
I have to admit I found it hard to get into in the beginning, it was a little bit slow-paced and at times too much info-dumping was happening, but once I got into the rhythm of things, I couldn’t get enough of the book!
I loved the plot. The moral and ethical considerations were really interesting and well-handled. i.e. how Lythlet had tried to do something good in the past and to try to end some horrible crimes she stumbled on, but nothing came of it. Dothilos reminded her of that to “teach her that being a hero serves no-one especially not herself”. And countless other dilemmas she had, that I wouldn’t spoil here.
The characters were even more complex than what met the eye. And that’s all I’m going to say on this for fear of spoiling things.
All in all, it was a great read and a perfect first novel. You would enjoy it if you love fantasy (especially with lots of world building) and adventures.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
I do love the adventures and challenges in the story. The heart, family and friends, love it! I do love found family and any family troupe! Irs not only about the fight scene its also the cause. Just be aware of the trigger warning.
Of course I can't resist a book that is pitched as The Witcher meets Squid Game in a Malaysian Chinese-inspired setting. Sounds almost too good to be true and maybe it really is, because after reading I couldn't agree less with these comparisons. I guess Squid Game refers to participating in a deadly game to clear of life-destroying debt, and The Witcher is about the monster fighting, but otherwise The Serpent Called Mercy is so unlike these stories that the pitch is basically misleading. I did enjoy this book nonetheless, so I'm not too bitter about it, but keep that in mind if that's what got your attention. It's actually an action-focused novel about monster-fighting as a sport, gladiator style. A pair of so called Conquessors is thrown into an arena with some weapons, and a wild, magical beast is unleashed upon them. Spectators bet on their success or demise, and a lot of money can be earned in the process, but some participants only earn death. After losing her job (again), protagonist Lythlet and her lifelong friend Desil enter the sport out of desperation, to finally clear of their debt and take a chance at a better life.
My favorite part of this book were definitely the matches themselves. To win the big jackpot, Lythlet and Desil have to compete in twelve matches over the course of one year, always battling a different creature. Some matches were only mentioned briefly, but the ones that happened on page were thrilling to read (and not gonna lie, the last match made my jaw drop). All the beasts had different abilities, and it was important to figure out how to fight one at all. The matches felt like little riddles that needed solving and were not about pure strength. I really liked Lythlet's analytical approach to fighting, and the way Desil complimented her with fighting experience and strength. Lythlet grows more ambitious and violent with every match they win and is soon spiraling into the criminal activities of the city's underworld. The way she was getting greedier herself while also being manipulated into continuing fighting was very well done in my opinion. Her character was truly interesting, because she always tries to justify her actions with the possibility of a better future for her loved ones while she might actually be harming them. The portrayal of different relationships was great as well, especially since there is no romance to be found in this book. I love to see it.
On the negative side of things I do have to say that the worldbuilding was truly underdeveloped, with the story only taking place in one city and sparsely mentioning anything that goes beyond it's borders. The beasts were from the wilds for instance, but no further information is given about that, and there were Gods who can grant blessings through prayers, but magic was rarely ever discussed. Instead, the book spent some time on explaining the city's politics, but all of that basically went over my head without ever catching my attention. I think more worldbuilding could have elevated the story from good to great, but as an action-focused book it was still very enjoyable for me.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and DAW for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
My favorite part of this book were definitely the matches themselves. To win the big jackpot, Lythlet and Desil have to compete in twelve matches over the course of one year, always battling a different creature. Some matches were only mentioned briefly, but the ones that happened on page were thrilling to read (and not gonna lie, the last match made my jaw drop). All the beasts had different abilities, and it was important to figure out how to fight one at all. The matches felt like little riddles that needed solving and were not about pure strength. I really liked Lythlet's analytical approach to fighting, and the way Desil complimented her with fighting experience and strength. Lythlet grows more ambitious and violent with every match they win and is soon spiraling into the criminal activities of the city's underworld. The way she was getting greedier herself while also being manipulated into continuing fighting was very well done in my opinion. Her character was truly interesting, because she always tries to justify her actions with the possibility of a better future for her loved ones while she might actually be harming them. The portrayal of different relationships was great as well, especially since there is no romance to be found in this book. I love to see it.
On the negative side of things I do have to say that the worldbuilding was truly underdeveloped, with the story only taking place in one city and sparsely mentioning anything that goes beyond it's borders. The beasts were from the wilds for instance, but no further information is given about that, and there were Gods who can grant blessings through prayers, but magic was rarely ever discussed. Instead, the book spent some time on explaining the city's politics, but all of that basically went over my head without ever catching my attention. I think more worldbuilding could have elevated the story from good to great, but as an action-focused book it was still very enjoyable for me.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and DAW for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Serpent Called Mercy is truly a breath of fresh air in the fantasy world. When I saw this being pitched as The Witcher meets Squid Games, I was immediately sold. Illegal monster fighting?! Ok, you’ve got me there.
The world-building in this was beautifully crafted, allowing me to fully envelope myself in the story as I could perfectly envision everything that was happening in my head.
Our fmc Lythlet is stubborn, fierce and determined. Out of all the things I loved about this book, characters were the highlight for me, and Lythlet is the stand-out. If there’s one thing about her, it’s that she will never stop fighting for what is right, even if it means sacrificing everything.
A stunning debut novel peppered with themes of socioeconomics, corruption and political intrigue. A refreshing step away from the romantasy genre, perfect for those who prefer friendship over romance.
I would love to see this continue into a duet or a trilogy because I feel there is so much to be done with this world and Lythlet’s story. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy.
The world-building in this was beautifully crafted, allowing me to fully envelope myself in the story as I could perfectly envision everything that was happening in my head.
Our fmc Lythlet is stubborn, fierce and determined. Out of all the things I loved about this book, characters were the highlight for me, and Lythlet is the stand-out. If there’s one thing about her, it’s that she will never stop fighting for what is right, even if it means sacrificing everything.
A stunning debut novel peppered with themes of socioeconomics, corruption and political intrigue. A refreshing step away from the romantasy genre, perfect for those who prefer friendship over romance.
I would love to see this continue into a duet or a trilogy because I feel there is so much to be done with this world and Lythlet’s story. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy.
adventurous
dark
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Graphic: Bullying, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Suicide attempt, Classism
Moderate: Ableism, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Trafficking, Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Animal cruelty, Chronic illness, Death, Murder, Fire/Fire injury
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think this is my favorite read of 2025 so far! I absolutely loved everything about this novel! The rag tag duo trying to improve their lot in life, a morally ambiguous antagonist, and genuine character growth. I loved the creatures and mythology brought forth in this novel and while this can be seen as a standalone, I hope Lau is not done with this universe because I'd love to see more!