A review by story_goblin
The Merciless Ones by Namina Forna

adventurous challenging dark 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? It's complicated

5.0

 I was slightly concerned at the beginning because
something seemed off and uncomfortable about the Mothers
but once it became apparent that that was on purpose, I got even more into the book than I expected to. There are very few (no?) other books that so deftly address the nuance and complications of true conflict like this one- maybe Hunger Games, but it's been too long since I've read them. All the characters have differing and complex reasons for participating in the conflict they ways that they do, and precious few (only 1, which is honestly arguable) of those reasons are "I'm just evil". As much as I want and need stories that give me hope that humanity can find a way to stop destroying everything, many of those stories oversimplify into villain vs hero. This book does not. I am slightly worried about where the next book is going-
Deka being a goddess instead of humanity's rescue being human despite the very strong religion corrupts messages
- but Forna surprised me with the first two books, so I'll absolutely give her the chance to surprise me again.  
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