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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
adventurous
fast-paced
Huge thanks to NetGalley and DAW for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm sad to say, this was a 2.5 stars read. It wasn't bad, but it also wasn't a book I fell in love with.
I admit, the cover did its job well and intrigued me.
The premise sounded great, two friends fighting monsters for a shady man, trying to earn enough money to pay off their debts and escape poverty.
Unfortunately, it didn't live up to expectations.
The Bad.
The world and lore wasn't what I would call well developed. It’s a standalone novel, so I understand I can't expect the worldbuilding I'd get from a series, and I really enjoyed the glimpses we got of the religion, but I would've loved to have a bit more.
The magic system was non-existent. We get some vague references about powers existing in the past, but now the only things that's left are random monsters and the most deus ex machina power ever, but for only eight seconds! And only Lythlet can do it! As many times as she wants! But don't ask why or how!
I liked that Lythlet was a (somewhat) jaded protagonist full of flaws fighting for any scrap in an unjust world, but I expected her to be different. From the blurb, it seems like she was supposed to be a not-so-great fighter that could best every challenge with wit and cunning, but in the first fight she literally, which should've been the climax of her journey, not a random thing she can just do.
The fights felt extremely rushed. We’re told there's one fight a month, for a total of twelve fights in a year, but then we just gloss over some fights, therefore completely skipping months, and it all feels unbalanced.
But if the focus isn't on the fights, then it's on the political games, right? WRONG.
There's some politicking going on, but it feels like everything happens in the background.
Lythlet helps for about five minutes after not thinking about it for most of the book, we're introduced to a convenient subplot in chapter 26 out of 34, she manages to overthrow a government with the help of a vaguely mentioned organization, and then nothing. There's no payoff, no consequences, nothing. Or, well, things happen but we don't feel the weight of the situation, we're just told it happened.
I understand that Lythlet isn't supposed to be The Chosen One, she just contributes, sometimes unknowingly, to Things happening, but it felt like seeing a vague post online about a thing that happened to an acquaintance.
She's supposed to be the focus of the book! She's the protagonist! And if it isn't the fighting or the politicking, then what's left?
The Good.
Her relationships, you might say. Well, dear reader, you might be onto something.
I think Lythlet feeling like a burden to her parents, enough that she never got in contact with them for years after leaving her home, was amazingly written. I will be seeking compensation (/j) because by the end there wasn't a full reconciliation, but a promise to do better.
But what I loved most is that this book, at its core, was about a friendship. Desil and Lythlet are friends, no need for romance.
Their bond felt real and raw, they had disagreements that felt justified, and the final chapter literally brought me to tears.
I loved that, despite Desil being the secondary protagonist, he was fleshed out. We see him like Lythlet sees him, as someone who's devoted and kind, as someone who could do nothing wrong.
When Lythlet discovers the truth about him, we feel the same disconnect as her, like seeing someone we know without recognising them. It was crushing.
In Conclusion.
These are my thoughts. There's some good, a lot of bad, and I wish I could've liked this more than I did. I'm sure someone will love this, but it wasn't for me and so I don't think I can, in good faith, recommend it.
I'm sad to say, this was a 2.5 stars read. It wasn't bad, but it also wasn't a book I fell in love with.
I admit, the cover did its job well and intrigued me.
The premise sounded great, two friends fighting monsters for a shady man, trying to earn enough money to pay off their debts and escape poverty.
Unfortunately, it didn't live up to expectations.
The Bad.
The world and lore wasn't what I would call well developed. It’s a standalone novel, so I understand I can't expect the worldbuilding I'd get from a series, and I really enjoyed the glimpses we got of the religion, but I would've loved to have a bit more.
The magic system was non-existent. We get some vague references about powers existing in the past, but now the only things that's left are random monsters and the most deus ex machina power ever, but for only eight seconds! And only Lythlet can do it! As many times as she wants! But don't ask why or how!
I liked that Lythlet was a (somewhat) jaded protagonist full of flaws fighting for any scrap in an unjust world, but I expected her to be different. From the blurb, it seems like she was supposed to be a not-so-great fighter that could best every challenge with wit and cunning, but in the first fight she literally
Spoiler
sees the threads of the universe and manipulates them for eight seconds to kill a beastThe fights felt extremely rushed. We’re told there's one fight a month, for a total of twelve fights in a year, but then we just gloss over some fights, therefore completely skipping months, and it all feels unbalanced.
But if the focus isn't on the fights, then it's on the political games, right? WRONG.
There's some politicking going on, but it feels like everything happens in the background.
Lythlet helps for about five minutes after not thinking about it for most of the book, we're introduced to a convenient subplot in chapter 26 out of 34, she manages to overthrow a government with the help of a vaguely mentioned organization, and then nothing. There's no payoff, no consequences, nothing. Or, well, things happen but we don't feel the weight of the situation, we're just told it happened.
I understand that Lythlet isn't supposed to be The Chosen One, she just contributes, sometimes unknowingly, to Things happening, but it felt like seeing a vague post online about a thing that happened to an acquaintance.
She's supposed to be the focus of the book! She's the protagonist! And if it isn't the fighting or the politicking, then what's left?
The Good.
Her relationships, you might say. Well, dear reader, you might be onto something.
I think Lythlet feeling like a burden to her parents, enough that she never got in contact with them for years after leaving her home, was amazingly written. I will be seeking compensation (/j) because by the end there wasn't a full reconciliation, but a promise to do better.
But what I loved most is that this book, at its core, was about a friendship. Desil and Lythlet are friends, no need for romance.
Their bond felt real and raw, they had disagreements that felt justified, and the final chapter literally brought me to tears.
I loved that, despite Desil being the secondary protagonist, he was fleshed out. We see him like Lythlet sees him, as someone who's devoted and kind, as someone who could do nothing wrong.
When Lythlet discovers the truth about him, we feel the same disconnect as her, like seeing someone we know without recognising them. It was crushing.
In Conclusion.
These are my thoughts. There's some good, a lot of bad, and I wish I could've liked this more than I did. I'm sure someone will love this, but it wasn't for me and so I don't think I can, in good faith, recommend it.
adventurous
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
A deadly game that our MCs must survive in order to get the jackpot which could save them from their poverty ridden lives. I loved the descriptions of the beasts that they had to fight. They were interesting, unique and each one increased the tension of the story. The characters had a lot going for them, you want them to succeed. I also love seeing a FMC who uses her brains to get out of a situation. The friendship between Lythlet and Desil is fantastic and is the main stronghold throughout the book. They face hardships, trials and I loved seeing how they would continue. I think this a great standalone fantasy, I wish it was a duology only so I could learn more about the world and the other characters I just really enjoyed the authors writing.
Thanks to the author Roanne Lau, the publisher Solaris Books and Book Ramble PR Book Tours for my copy of the book, as always my opinions are my own.
Thanks to the author Roanne Lau, the publisher Solaris Books and Book Ramble PR Book Tours for my copy of the book, as always my opinions are my own.
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
I still cannot believe that this was a debut book. I loved everything about it - from the intriguing capitalistic fantasy city, to the monsters brought into the arena for fighting, to some of my new favorite characters in Lythlet and Desil - but also so many of the side characters, including Master Dothilos, because I love a character that has ambiguous morality and you never really know whose side he’s on.
“Anyone who buys into the concept of a meritocracy is someone naive to the workings of the world. What option have you ever had but poverty, Lythlet?”
The fights in the arena were definitely my favorite moments from the story because we get to see just how clever and smart Lythlet can be. These were the moments with so much tension because I was certain something tragic would have to happen in these battles. No spoilers as to if that happens or not, but every battle had me on the edge of my seat.
The mythology and religious world-building employed in this story was *chef’s kiss* - just so phenomenal. I would love to see more of this world explored and see more of the magical aspects introduced because what we got was fantastic, but I want more!
The way the characters deal with trauma and overcome their lot in life is too real and tragic. I think this is a book that a lot of people can connect with feel for these characters because of it. Even Lythlet’s reason for wanting to join the arena is rooted in this:
“I want to be happier!” she exploded. “I want what my parents never had, nor my ancestors – to survive and prosper.”
There is some commentary on capitalism woven into the story in such a satisfying way, leading me to root for the downfall of the governor even before you really know him.
“She was no more than a commodity stripped naked before a hungry market, a racehorse they would ruthlessly beat to the finish line if it meant they’d win.”
And because I feel like I never see this in this type of fantasy book much anymore, I was excited that Lythlet and Desil are not romantic interests, but are truly best friends and the platonic love that they share for each other is so beautiful. Even through their worst moments in the books, something brings them back together time and time again.
“Flowers fade quickly, but a well-bound book will last you decades.”
5 Sun-Cursed Beasts out of 5
Thank you to @dawbooks for the ARC and finished copies 🙏 All thoughts are my own.
“Anyone who buys into the concept of a meritocracy is someone naive to the workings of the world. What option have you ever had but poverty, Lythlet?”
The fights in the arena were definitely my favorite moments from the story because we get to see just how clever and smart Lythlet can be. These were the moments with so much tension because I was certain something tragic would have to happen in these battles. No spoilers as to if that happens or not, but every battle had me on the edge of my seat.
The mythology and religious world-building employed in this story was *chef’s kiss* - just so phenomenal. I would love to see more of this world explored and see more of the magical aspects introduced because what we got was fantastic, but I want more!
The way the characters deal with trauma and overcome their lot in life is too real and tragic. I think this is a book that a lot of people can connect with feel for these characters because of it. Even Lythlet’s reason for wanting to join the arena is rooted in this:
“I want to be happier!” she exploded. “I want what my parents never had, nor my ancestors – to survive and prosper.”
There is some commentary on capitalism woven into the story in such a satisfying way, leading me to root for the downfall of the governor even before you really know him.
“She was no more than a commodity stripped naked before a hungry market, a racehorse they would ruthlessly beat to the finish line if it meant they’d win.”
And because I feel like I never see this in this type of fantasy book much anymore, I was excited that Lythlet and Desil are not romantic interests, but are truly best friends and the platonic love that they share for each other is so beautiful. Even through their worst moments in the books, something brings them back together time and time again.
“Flowers fade quickly, but a well-bound book will last you decades.”
5 Sun-Cursed Beasts out of 5
Thank you to @dawbooks for the ARC and finished copies 🙏 All thoughts are my own.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
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
Be honest, when was the last time you read something that felt truly, actually, original? Like, a story that felt like it was in a completely new world, with characters you’ve never met before (I’m looking at you busty but tiny warrior FMC and broody but in love with her shadow daddy MMC)
When was the last time you properly got lost in a complex, rich, vibrant, story that didn’t just follow the same old tropes and structure?
For me that book was The Serpent Called Mercy by @RoanneLau 🐉✨⚔️
The story revolves around impoverished ruffians Lythlet, a traumatised former mute girl in STEM, and her bestie Desil, a traumatised former champion brawler. Both being traumatised by the violent cycle of debt and poverty but living in a (what I can’t lie sounds like a pretty cool) treehouse overlooking the sparkling city where the 1% live their smug lil 1% lives. Seeing a chance to escape their life up the tree and finally get a home on solid ground so she can give her dog a forever home (SUPER relatable) Lythlet pulls Desil out of retirement to brawl - but this time against insanely weird and wonderful beasties in front of crowds of bloodthirsty gamblers.
This book is like nothing I’ve read before. This world felt so real, the complexities of the deities, politics, social structure, systems of oppression - it just felt like a living breathing city. On top of that, there were side characters and plot points that made it seem like there was an actual bustling region existing beyond our main storyline.
Our main characters are flawed and make choices that are morally dubious. They too are complex and are shaped by the experiences of their own pasts. And the BEASTIES? Ugh I loved them, there is a wealth of nightmare fuel in here for you and the battles were just so much fun to read - despite being brutal and terrible 😂
Long story short, Lau’s writing is breathtaking and my new alter ego is called Pompatom Tumblebear.
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to Solaris and NetGalley for this ARC!
The Serpent Called Mercy is certainly a great debut! I loved the concept and the characters, and I genuinely found myself laughing at some of the interactions involving Shunvi and Ilden. The action was well written and kept me hooked, especially in the latter stages where the stakes were constant. The only letdown for me was that I personally found the first half of the book too heavy with rushed info-dumping, particularly in dialogue which felt very stilted and at times awkward to read. However, it didn’t stop me from enjoying the story, and these issues were mostly smoothed over in the latter half after the world had been established.
The Serpent Called Mercy is certainly a great debut! I loved the concept and the characters, and I genuinely found myself laughing at some of the interactions involving Shunvi and Ilden. The action was well written and kept me hooked, especially in the latter stages where the stakes were constant. The only letdown for me was that I personally found the first half of the book too heavy with rushed info-dumping, particularly in dialogue which felt very stilted and at times awkward to read. However, it didn’t stop me from enjoying the story, and these issues were mostly smoothed over in the latter half after the world had been established.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes