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A review by dawn_marie
The Mercy of Gods by James S. A. Corey
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I was excited when I heard James S. A. Corey, the authors of one of my all time favorite series (not just sci-fi series), The Expanse, were creating a new series starting with The Mercy of Gods. Despite a few minor quibbles, I really enjoyed the initial entry into The Captive’s War. The story follows a research team, with a heavy focus on research assistant Dafyd Alkhor, as they deal with the trauma of an alien invasion and their subsequent abduction.
I thought the world-building was strong (not really a surprise with this duo) and enjoyed the premise that humanity inhabited a planet (Anjiin) with no idea/recollection/history of how they arrived on the planet thousands of years ago. The native environment was interesting, and I liked reading about it and the various research projects related to Anjiin’s natura flora and fauna. Spending time on Anjiin’s environment nicely set up the contrast with the Carryx ships and home world, including being introduced to various alien races subjugated by the Carryx.
The story starts slowly, with the authors taking their time introducing various members of the research team, the science, and some Anjiin history. Once the Carryx – a hive-minded alien race whose sole purpose appears to be to conquer, destroy, or enslave other races – launch their attack on Anjiin the pacing picks up. While the characters aren’t especially well developed, feeling a bit flat at first, there are hints of potential growth, and I was fully invested in their fate – especially once they got to the Carryx world.
While the story deals with alien races, spaceships, invasions, and battles at its heart it deals with trauma, and how people react to it. I thought the authors portrayed the various reactions to trauma in a realistic manner be it shutting down, seeking revenge, violence, subservience, and other coping mechanisms. I also appreciate the frank portrayal of mental health.
Despite one minor quibble regarding character development, The Mercy of Gods was an extremely enjoyable and thoroughly engaging read. The world is interesting, the characters and aliens fascinating, the pacing and plot are entertaining, and the writing style is pleasant.
I thought the world-building was strong (not really a surprise with this duo) and enjoyed the premise that humanity inhabited a planet (Anjiin) with no idea/recollection/history of how they arrived on the planet thousands of years ago. The native environment was interesting, and I liked reading about it and the various research projects related to Anjiin’s natura flora and fauna. Spending time on Anjiin’s environment nicely set up the contrast with the Carryx ships and home world, including being introduced to various alien races subjugated by the Carryx.
The story starts slowly, with the authors taking their time introducing various members of the research team, the science, and some Anjiin history. Once the Carryx – a hive-minded alien race whose sole purpose appears to be to conquer, destroy, or enslave other races – launch their attack on Anjiin the pacing picks up. While the characters aren’t especially well developed, feeling a bit flat at first, there are hints of potential growth, and I was fully invested in their fate – especially once they got to the Carryx world.
While the story deals with alien races, spaceships, invasions, and battles at its heart it deals with trauma, and how people react to it. I thought the authors portrayed the various reactions to trauma in a realistic manner be it shutting down, seeking revenge, violence, subservience, and other coping mechanisms. I also appreciate the frank portrayal of mental health.
Despite one minor quibble regarding character development, The Mercy of Gods was an extremely enjoyable and thoroughly engaging read. The world is interesting, the characters and aliens fascinating, the pacing and plot are entertaining, and the writing style is pleasant.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Suicidal thoughts, Violence
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Slavery