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Merciful
At 17 years old, Acacia Moirgetes is starting to feel like her boring, lonely existence is something of a tragedy. A Greek tragedy, that is. Acacia quickly learns that the life she thought she knew is a lie. More disturbingly, it's a lie she's been telling herself to avoid the terrible truth. Now she's on a mission to corral the Greek gods of myth back to Mount Olympus before all Hades breaks loose. With the help of her guide, a curmudgeonly former goat named Amal, and her two Pyroskia - devastatingly handsome bodyguards, Blaise and Ash, whose devotion to Acacia runs deeper than either ever imagined - Acacia must follow the truth to its darkest ends. Along the way, she'll have to recover her forgotten powers, come to terms with the woman she once was, and perhaps most importantly, discover why she left Olympus in the first place.
494 pages, Paperback
First published March 22, 2011
5 people want to read
About the author
Casey Adolfsson
1 book2 followersNot long after I began my endeavor, I had the pleasure of conversing with an actual real author, Lauren Groff. When a New York Times Best Selling Author tells you something… listen. The single most valuable piece of advice I received I got from her.
“Write every day. Do something, anything with your work every day.” I did and it kept me close and tuned into my characters, no matter where I went they stayed with me. I wrote something new, edited something old, thesaurused things I’m not smart enough to know synonyms for, but I stuck with my story and I never let my characters or myself down.
As a mother of two, and an over volunteerer (is that a word?), I should put achiever… or “can’t say no’er” , there were a lot of nights I wanted to slide under the sheets, pull them up over my head and tuck them in enough that no one would notice I was there. I didn’t fool anybody with that trick and so… instead of hiding under the covers I hid behind my notebook and… I wrote.
My husband has been extremely supportive of my writing, but I don’t think he took me seriously until after I told him I had over a 100,000 words in my document. He peeked over my shoulder several times after that, I think mostly to be sure I wasn’t writing, “I love donuts. I love wine. I love cheese. I love chocolate” over and over. Ask him to name my four main characters… I dare you.
If you’re reading this it’s because I want you as a fan or you already are one. So it’s probably just you and my four closest friends.
I hope you enjoy Acacia and crew as much as I do.
-C
P.s Amal wants to know if you have anything to eat. Specifically a taco.
“Write every day. Do something, anything with your work every day.” I did and it kept me close and tuned into my characters, no matter where I went they stayed with me. I wrote something new, edited something old, thesaurused things I’m not smart enough to know synonyms for, but I stuck with my story and I never let my characters or myself down.
As a mother of two, and an over volunteerer (is that a word?), I should put achiever… or “can’t say no’er” , there were a lot of nights I wanted to slide under the sheets, pull them up over my head and tuck them in enough that no one would notice I was there. I didn’t fool anybody with that trick and so… instead of hiding under the covers I hid behind my notebook and… I wrote.
My husband has been extremely supportive of my writing, but I don’t think he took me seriously until after I told him I had over a 100,000 words in my document. He peeked over my shoulder several times after that, I think mostly to be sure I wasn’t writing, “I love donuts. I love wine. I love cheese. I love chocolate” over and over. Ask him to name my four main characters… I dare you.
If you’re reading this it’s because I want you as a fan or you already are one. So it’s probably just you and my four closest friends.
I hope you enjoy Acacia and crew as much as I do.
-C
P.s Amal wants to know if you have anything to eat. Specifically a taco.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 18, 2012
I picked up this book, because it is based in myth, and those who know me, know I love anything that has to do with ancient mythology or legends.
However, here's the rub. If I could give this book half a star less, I would, simply because of the potential it had and failed to tap into. I know that sounds really harsh, but THIS BOOK HAS SO MUCH POTENTIAL!!!! The heroine, Acacia was fantastic on multiple levels. She didn't whine about her fate, even when it became pretty unbarable. She had a self-esteem, but was human enough. She was emphathetic and kind, she was even rather funny. She actually reminded me very much of Evie from Paranormalacy in likability and sheer laugh-out-loud funniness--especially where Amal was involved. And yet, there was one thing in this story that really just didn't work for me . . .
Ash.
I mean, was he really necessary to perpetuate the plot? Was there really not enough conflict happening between Acacia and Blaise without him there? Did he have to be such a flat character? I really liked him the first time Adolfsson introduced him, before the bond was transferred--he had a "Thor"-like quality to him--but once the bond was transferred, he became a whiney, weasily dude that really rubbed me the wrong way. Further more, since Acacia came across as such a practicle, level-headed girl, who was, yes clueless as to her past, but still felt something very deep with Blaise and could actually remember parts of her past with him, I could not, for the life of me figure out why she could even have the shallowest of feelings for Ash. There was already too much history and depth between her and Blaise for Ash's presence to phase her. And the fact that Blaise was a pyro and she a god presented enough conflict to sustain the rising action between Acacia and Blaise to the climax, not to mention all that happened between the two of them before she left Mount Olympus and lost her memory in the first place. Anyway, it just didn't make sense to me, and I feel like adding a "Love Triangle" to the mix really weakened what was promising to be a great love story. Straight to the point: I felt cheated because the author made promises in the beginning of her book, that she failed to keep.
So, there it is.
That being said, if Adolfsson went back and re-wrote her book one more time, removing Ash completely, and keeping the conflict entirely between Acacia and Blaise and their past, or at least made Ash more likable and appealing, or in some way a believeable threat--good looks alone just don't cut it when he's competing with Blaise--then I would have no problem recommending this book. As it is, though, I can't, in good faith, recommend that kind of "throw your book across the room" disapointment to my friends.
On a more positive note, Adolfsson is a great writer! Not only is her writing smooth and crisp, the mythology she weaved into her story was brilliantly used and seamless between actual myth and the liberties she took with it. As a writer who uses myth in my writing, I know how extremely difficult it can be to stay within those kinds of rules.
Her characters--besides Ash--were very strong and easily identifiable through their dialogue. The world she created around Greek myth, and the main conflict surrounding Mount Olympus and why they needed the gods to return was very cool. Even Aries was a sufficiently ominous villian, and he didn't even physically show up in the first book (I assume this is going to be a series). But I especially loved how Adolfsson brought so many Greek mythological characters, items, and places into play in her book, and it actually worked logically with her own plotline.
Alright, that's all I have to say. If it makes any difference, I did finish the nearly 500 page book, and mostly enjoyed it, it was just that ending! Had I not been reading it on my iPad, I would've thrown the book across the room. It was NOT a satisfying ending.
So, read at your own peril, my friends. Read at your own peril.
However, here's the rub. If I could give this book half a star less, I would, simply because of the potential it had and failed to tap into. I know that sounds really harsh, but THIS BOOK HAS SO MUCH POTENTIAL!!!! The heroine, Acacia was fantastic on multiple levels. She didn't whine about her fate, even when it became pretty unbarable. She had a self-esteem, but was human enough. She was emphathetic and kind, she was even rather funny. She actually reminded me very much of Evie from Paranormalacy in likability and sheer laugh-out-loud funniness--especially where Amal was involved. And yet, there was one thing in this story that really just didn't work for me . . .
Ash.
I mean, was he really necessary to perpetuate the plot? Was there really not enough conflict happening between Acacia and Blaise without him there? Did he have to be such a flat character? I really liked him the first time Adolfsson introduced him, before the bond was transferred--he had a "Thor"-like quality to him--but once the bond was transferred, he became a whiney, weasily dude that really rubbed me the wrong way. Further more, since Acacia came across as such a practicle, level-headed girl, who was, yes clueless as to her past, but still felt something very deep with Blaise and could actually remember parts of her past with him, I could not, for the life of me figure out why she could even have the shallowest of feelings for Ash. There was already too much history and depth between her and Blaise for Ash's presence to phase her. And the fact that Blaise was a pyro and she a god presented enough conflict to sustain the rising action between Acacia and Blaise to the climax, not to mention all that happened between the two of them before she left Mount Olympus and lost her memory in the first place. Anyway, it just didn't make sense to me, and I feel like adding a "Love Triangle" to the mix really weakened what was promising to be a great love story. Straight to the point: I felt cheated because the author made promises in the beginning of her book, that she failed to keep.
So, there it is.
That being said, if Adolfsson went back and re-wrote her book one more time, removing Ash completely, and keeping the conflict entirely between Acacia and Blaise and their past, or at least made Ash more likable and appealing, or in some way a believeable threat--good looks alone just don't cut it when he's competing with Blaise--then I would have no problem recommending this book. As it is, though, I can't, in good faith, recommend that kind of "throw your book across the room" disapointment to my friends.
On a more positive note, Adolfsson is a great writer! Not only is her writing smooth and crisp, the mythology she weaved into her story was brilliantly used and seamless between actual myth and the liberties she took with it. As a writer who uses myth in my writing, I know how extremely difficult it can be to stay within those kinds of rules.
Her characters--besides Ash--were very strong and easily identifiable through their dialogue. The world she created around Greek myth, and the main conflict surrounding Mount Olympus and why they needed the gods to return was very cool. Even Aries was a sufficiently ominous villian, and he didn't even physically show up in the first book (I assume this is going to be a series). But I especially loved how Adolfsson brought so many Greek mythological characters, items, and places into play in her book, and it actually worked logically with her own plotline.
Alright, that's all I have to say. If it makes any difference, I did finish the nearly 500 page book, and mostly enjoyed it, it was just that ending! Had I not been reading it on my iPad, I would've thrown the book across the room. It was NOT a satisfying ending.
So, read at your own peril, my friends. Read at your own peril.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2011
I've just finished this story and first of all I have to say... THIS STORY WAS EPIC!!!
The main character of this tale is called Acacia Moirgetes, seemly dull orphaned teenager who works as a librarian and yearns for something more in her life. Acacia then finds herself randomly teleporting to a place that seems vaguely familiar yet completely foreign and is now convinced that she is going mad. Enter hottie (and I mean that in every sense of the word...) Blaise who appears at her latest teleporting episode to advise that she is on Mount Olympus and is in fact Lady Acacia, a goddess and not just any mere goddess but the time traveling Bringer of Fate!!!
It's Acacia's duty to uphold justice as sister of the three Fates and as her word is law her powers make the current Gods quake in their leather sandles. Oh and it's her job to hunt down errant deities to drag their butts back to Mount Olympus before it all crashes down. (Pressure much?) Unfortunately 2 years ago she just up and disappeared without a word. Blaise paitently waited every day for her return and, as it turns out, is her personnel (steamy) bodyguard called a Pyroskia (fire shadow) created especially for her protection and is utterly devoted to, er, his job?
And exactly how, I hear you ask, does she not remember this? Acaica, one of the most supremely powerful deities, has lost her memory. That's right, besides her mortal life, a few visions here and there, Acacia has no memory of her life as a goddess. Determined to find out exactly why Acacia and Blaise, along with goat-like mentor Amal and another seriously hot Pyroskia (& brother of Blaise) called Ash (yaay twins!!!), they set off on quest for truth that will change their lives forever. But will learning the truth make her happy? Secrets, Lies and Betrayals lay in store before this tale is told.
Ok, so the first few pages leaves you feeling a bit up in the air as you try to understand what in in the world is going on and though it might be tempting to put the book down, DO NOT DO IT!!! I promise the story will definitely get better and will be worth the wait.
Not since The Strangers of Paragor series have I been sucked into the heart-wrenching plight of the the main characters and dilemma of their emotional turmoil. If their hearts break, mine would along with them, it was that INTENSE.
Not don't get me wrong,this isn't another Greek tragedy, there was definitely some hilarious banter and character interactions to have you chuckling or gasping in mock horror as well as some toe curling delightful scenes that would make you wish you had a Pyroskia of your very own... or two... hmmmm... but I digress, this story is not for the lighthearted, as it will definitely leave it's mark on your heart even after you have read the last page.
I only hope this is not the last we hear of Acacia and her Pyroskias...
*Edit* 8/07/11 from Mericful FB page: "Hey Boys and Girls! I've had a lot of requests for info on upcoming books... I am pleased to announce that Temperance is in the works and will be Book Two of a Three Book Series featuring all your favorite Pyros and Acacia of course! Amal is also begrudgingly being dragged along for the ride... along with some new and exciting characters.
Chapter 1 will be titled: Never Trust a Drunk Goat.
Thank you for your support!"
Yaay!!!
The main character of this tale is called Acacia Moirgetes, seemly dull orphaned teenager who works as a librarian and yearns for something more in her life. Acacia then finds herself randomly teleporting to a place that seems vaguely familiar yet completely foreign and is now convinced that she is going mad. Enter hottie (and I mean that in every sense of the word...) Blaise who appears at her latest teleporting episode to advise that she is on Mount Olympus and is in fact Lady Acacia, a goddess and not just any mere goddess but the time traveling Bringer of Fate!!!
It's Acacia's duty to uphold justice as sister of the three Fates and as her word is law her powers make the current Gods quake in their leather sandles. Oh and it's her job to hunt down errant deities to drag their butts back to Mount Olympus before it all crashes down. (Pressure much?) Unfortunately 2 years ago she just up and disappeared without a word. Blaise paitently waited every day for her return and, as it turns out, is her personnel (steamy) bodyguard called a Pyroskia (fire shadow) created especially for her protection and is utterly devoted to, er, his job?
And exactly how, I hear you ask, does she not remember this? Acaica, one of the most supremely powerful deities, has lost her memory. That's right, besides her mortal life, a few visions here and there, Acacia has no memory of her life as a goddess. Determined to find out exactly why Acacia and Blaise, along with goat-like mentor Amal and another seriously hot Pyroskia (& brother of Blaise) called Ash (yaay twins!!!), they set off on quest for truth that will change their lives forever. But will learning the truth make her happy? Secrets, Lies and Betrayals lay in store before this tale is told.
Ok, so the first few pages leaves you feeling a bit up in the air as you try to understand what in in the world is going on and though it might be tempting to put the book down, DO NOT DO IT!!! I promise the story will definitely get better and will be worth the wait.
Not since The Strangers of Paragor series have I been sucked into the heart-wrenching plight of the the main characters and dilemma of their emotional turmoil. If their hearts break, mine would along with them, it was that INTENSE.
Not don't get me wrong,this isn't another Greek tragedy, there was definitely some hilarious banter and character interactions to have you chuckling or gasping in mock horror as well as some toe curling delightful scenes that would make you wish you had a Pyroskia of your very own... or two... hmmmm... but I digress, this story is not for the lighthearted, as it will definitely leave it's mark on your heart even after you have read the last page.
I only hope this is not the last we hear of Acacia and her Pyroskias...
*Edit* 8/07/11 from Mericful FB page: "Hey Boys and Girls! I've had a lot of requests for info on upcoming books... I am pleased to announce that Temperance is in the works and will be Book Two of a Three Book Series featuring all your favorite Pyros and Acacia of course! Amal is also begrudgingly being dragged along for the ride... along with some new and exciting characters.
Chapter 1 will be titled: Never Trust a Drunk Goat.
Thank you for your support!"
Yaay!!!
August 16, 2011
As a librarian Acacia Moirgetes knew who she was, until she started disappearing into another world. Arriving to find a stranger who seems to know more about her life than she does. As her Pyroskia (protector), Blaise and her goat like mentor Amal explain her life as the daughter of gods, as the sister of fates. Acacia does slowly start to have flashes of memories o the life. The more she learns about her life on Mt. Olympus, the more she wants to understand just what happened to her and why. Having time travel abilities, empathic feelings and visions are the powers she uses as The Moirgetes (Bringer of Fate). Since there is really no one more powerful, everyone fears her and some even hate her enough to try and get rid of her for good. Learning all of the pieces of her life has just as much of a chance of destroying her as her enemies do.
Mt Olympus, Atlantis ~ Titans, Greek Gods, they are all here (ok, maybe not all of them but a lot), I should have taken a refresher in Mythology. No, the Mythology lessons aren’t really needed if you are interested in a good adventure with a romance. The questions to figure out who she is and why she can’t remember herself leads Acacia to learn of herself with the help of others, mainly Blaise. I liked Blaise a lot, I had a bit of trouble with Ash (her other Pyroskia) even after he went through the bond share. What a fun adventure and re-introduction to mythology. Had a rough start with this one, slow to get going, but after awhile, I got to a point where it just flew by and I didn’t want to put it down until I found out what the mystery memory was, what Blaise was hiding and then it was over. Didn’t like the ending, it made me sad but luckily I have found a post that claims Casey Addolfson is planning on making this into a trilogy ~ looking forward to the next installment and finding out what will happen next with Blaise.
Mt Olympus, Atlantis ~ Titans, Greek Gods, they are all here (ok, maybe not all of them but a lot), I should have taken a refresher in Mythology. No, the Mythology lessons aren’t really needed if you are interested in a good adventure with a romance. The questions to figure out who she is and why she can’t remember herself leads Acacia to learn of herself with the help of others, mainly Blaise. I liked Blaise a lot, I had a bit of trouble with Ash (her other Pyroskia) even after he went through the bond share. What a fun adventure and re-introduction to mythology. Had a rough start with this one, slow to get going, but after awhile, I got to a point where it just flew by and I didn’t want to put it down until I found out what the mystery memory was, what Blaise was hiding and then it was over. Didn’t like the ending, it made me sad but luckily I have found a post that claims Casey Addolfson is planning on making this into a trilogy ~ looking forward to the next installment and finding out what will happen next with Blaise.
August 13, 2011
Acacia Moirgetes lives a boring life. When she turned seventeen, she began to experience weird things.. like disappearing from her apartment or from her work and finding herself in a middle of nowhere. Mostly, it's just a short trip, minutes, hours, nothing else to see except she kept on appearing in front of an Acacia tree. One day, she could not go back home. She met a man named Blaise and told her that she is a goddess, a Goddess of Fate and her father Zeus, is constantly searching for her. Her memory quickly returns, that she left Olympus but she could not remember the reason why she left her world. Now, she must remember everything as someone is plotting to destroy the people of Olympus.
I loved the story. Merciful started out pretty slow but eventually picked up after the first two chapters. The story was well-written. Loved the way the author wove the story with the Greek myth characters. It was really entertaining, if you are into Greek mythology, you'll love this too, I guarantee you.
Though there's one thing here that made the story a bit annoying for me. There are two heroes in this story, Blaise and Ash. They are both in love with Acacia and yes, Acacia loves both guys. I'm nearly hating stories with conflict in love triangle, especially when the heroine is indecisive. Twilight Saga's Bella and Calla Torr of Nighshade series to name a few. As for the book/book series that I enjoyed such conflict, these are Vampire Academy's Dimitri-Rose-Adrian, Sookie Stackhouse's Bill-Sookie-Eric and JeanClaude-Anita-Richard for the Anita Blake series. I can't tell exactly how I feel about this emo conflict but I would rather the story has a different conflict than a love triangle.
Overall, aside from the love triangle I mentioned above, it's still a great read. This book will be included in my "re-read" list. If there's book number two, I would definitely read it!
I loved the story. Merciful started out pretty slow but eventually picked up after the first two chapters. The story was well-written. Loved the way the author wove the story with the Greek myth characters. It was really entertaining, if you are into Greek mythology, you'll love this too, I guarantee you.
Though there's one thing here that made the story a bit annoying for me. There are two heroes in this story, Blaise and Ash. They are both in love with Acacia and yes, Acacia loves both guys. I'm nearly hating stories with conflict in love triangle, especially when the heroine is indecisive. Twilight Saga's Bella and Calla Torr of Nighshade series to name a few. As for the book/book series that I enjoyed such conflict, these are Vampire Academy's Dimitri-Rose-Adrian, Sookie Stackhouse's Bill-Sookie-Eric and JeanClaude-Anita-Richard for the Anita Blake series. I can't tell exactly how I feel about this emo conflict but I would rather the story has a different conflict than a love triangle.
Overall, aside from the love triangle I mentioned above, it's still a great read. This book will be included in my "re-read" list. If there's book number two, I would definitely read it!
June 4, 2011
Acacia Moirgetes is a 17 year old, living on her own as a librarian. Her life is boring and she is often left feeling lonely. She knows something is missing from her miserable life, but she just can’t put her finger on what it is. All she knows is that she disappears briefly to a strange world and returns back to reality. Or is her reality real?
One day when she vanishes, she doesn’t bounce back. She meets an ex-goat named Amal and two Pyroskia - aka, bodyguards, Blasie and Ash. She learns that she is a Greek God, well a daughter of one, from Olympus. She had been visiting the ‘real’ world, but staying in the real world for such a time does a morphing of your memory, and over time Acacia started to live another life. Now as her memory slowly returns, she must stop the dark forces from destroying Olympus.
I’m not into Greek myths, but I was interested in reviewing this book, as I was getting tried of the overused vampire and werewolf genre that is used in today’s young adult literature. I was expecting a short read, but instead got an almost five-hundred page novel! The cover of the book is breathtaking and sets the mood for the journey into Olympus. Acacia is a fun, energetic characters that both male and female readers can connect to. Fantasy fans will enjoy reading about the Greek myth legends in their new incarnation. Overall, I enjoyed reading Merciful, as it was a bit of fresh air to read.
One day when she vanishes, she doesn’t bounce back. She meets an ex-goat named Amal and two Pyroskia - aka, bodyguards, Blasie and Ash. She learns that she is a Greek God, well a daughter of one, from Olympus. She had been visiting the ‘real’ world, but staying in the real world for such a time does a morphing of your memory, and over time Acacia started to live another life. Now as her memory slowly returns, she must stop the dark forces from destroying Olympus.
I’m not into Greek myths, but I was interested in reviewing this book, as I was getting tried of the overused vampire and werewolf genre that is used in today’s young adult literature. I was expecting a short read, but instead got an almost five-hundred page novel! The cover of the book is breathtaking and sets the mood for the journey into Olympus. Acacia is a fun, energetic characters that both male and female readers can connect to. Fantasy fans will enjoy reading about the Greek myth legends in their new incarnation. Overall, I enjoyed reading Merciful, as it was a bit of fresh air to read.
August 22, 2011
Merciful
By Casey Adolfsson
This is one of the best books I've ever read! It is full of greek mythology! I have learned a few things throught the book. It's adventurous, and shows how one person can change the future of the world if they only try. Acacia is a girl who is willing to take the pain for anyone she loves. It is also interesting to see how more kind she was after she lost her memory. The fight to choose between Blaise and Ash keeps you wanting to see what will happen, and to learn what Blaise and hers relationship was before she left.
The story has historical roots, based on Mythology. I can not even put the book down when I begin to read it. I recoomend this book to everyone who like greek tragedy, and maybe everyone, as I have never read a book like it in my life.
By Casey Adolfsson
This is one of the best books I've ever read! It is full of greek mythology! I have learned a few things throught the book. It's adventurous, and shows how one person can change the future of the world if they only try. Acacia is a girl who is willing to take the pain for anyone she loves. It is also interesting to see how more kind she was after she lost her memory. The fight to choose between Blaise and Ash keeps you wanting to see what will happen, and to learn what Blaise and hers relationship was before she left.
The story has historical roots, based on Mythology. I can not even put the book down when I begin to read it. I recoomend this book to everyone who like greek tragedy, and maybe everyone, as I have never read a book like it in my life.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews