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The Inferno Universe #1
Mercury Rising
Welcome to Inferno, the city where monsters rule and only the strong survive. Each district is ruled by a different species and if you choose to come and dance with these devils, you're never going to be the same again.
Mercury Rising, is a standalone novella that is a sizzling vampire tale drenched in bloodlust and revenge, perfect for readers seeking their spice in the shadows.
For centuries, Asteria and her lineage have sworn to protect an ancient vampire clan. When tragedy strikes and her family falls to a rival clan's ruthlessness, Asteria seeks vengeance. There is only one vampire strong enough to aid her the legendary Mercury. But waking him from his centuries-long slumber won't be easy, especially with betrayal brewing in his own bloodline.
Mercury awakens to a world that has passed him by, and that was never part of the plan. Driven by a desire for retribution against those responsible, he sees in Asteria a key to unlocking his family's treachery. Despite the chaos and violence surrounding them, Mercury is drawn to Asteria, eager to offer her a deadly gift; the heads of her enemies in return for her becoming his forever.
Please This novella contains violence, explicit language, and steamy sex scenes. If you're craving a vampire story where revenge reigns supreme and the allure is darker than sweet and sparkly vampires, step into the world of Inferno; here there be monsters.
Mercury Rising, is a standalone novella that is a sizzling vampire tale drenched in bloodlust and revenge, perfect for readers seeking their spice in the shadows.
For centuries, Asteria and her lineage have sworn to protect an ancient vampire clan. When tragedy strikes and her family falls to a rival clan's ruthlessness, Asteria seeks vengeance. There is only one vampire strong enough to aid her the legendary Mercury. But waking him from his centuries-long slumber won't be easy, especially with betrayal brewing in his own bloodline.
Mercury awakens to a world that has passed him by, and that was never part of the plan. Driven by a desire for retribution against those responsible, he sees in Asteria a key to unlocking his family's treachery. Despite the chaos and violence surrounding them, Mercury is drawn to Asteria, eager to offer her a deadly gift; the heads of her enemies in return for her becoming his forever.
Please This novella contains violence, explicit language, and steamy sex scenes. If you're craving a vampire story where revenge reigns supreme and the allure is darker than sweet and sparkly vampires, step into the world of Inferno; here there be monsters.
107 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2023
424 people are currently reading
682 people want to read
About the author
Alessa Thorn
60 books972 followersAlessa Thorn believes that all monsters and villains deserve their happy endings. She prefers her clothes black, eyeliner winged and books full of hot romance. She thinks heroes are boring, so her first series 'The Court of the Underworld' centers around dark gods, monsters and villains from her favorite Greek Myths.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
March 22, 2025
4.5 stars ⭐️
Spicy, fun, paranormal romance novella
Tropes:
He’s a vampire + been asleep for 150 years
She’s a sworn protector of his family
She wakes him after her family is murdered
He’s super hot
He takes revenge on everyone who attacked her <3
Spicy, fun, paranormal romance novella
Tropes:
He’s a vampire + been asleep for 150 years
She’s a sworn protector of his family
She wakes him after her family is murdered
He’s super hot
He takes revenge on everyone who attacked her <3
January 1, 2024
3.5 stars
Well, this started off with a BANG. 👀 Such a fun, sexy, and exciting little novella! I loved these characters and this new world, and can’t wait for more. Maybe more dragons? 😉
Well, this started off with a BANG. 👀 Such a fun, sexy, and exciting little novella! I loved these characters and this new world, and can’t wait for more. Maybe more dragons? 😉
December 19, 2023
3.5-4*
I really enjoy Alessa's books! This was only a 100 page novella, so it was very fast paced and action packed, but I had a lot of fun and I loved Mercury.
I really enjoy Alessa's books! This was only a 100 page novella, so it was very fast paced and action packed, but I had a lot of fun and I loved Mercury.
December 17, 2025
Ebook. Purchased. Really fun and am excited to see where this series goes. I wish this one was a little longer as it felt rushed in spots but parts of the beginning reminded me so much of the Mercenaries and Magic series in the best way.
Read
February 8, 2024DROPPED.
I just don't do insta-love.
And the heroine going out for a fuck while her family's being slaughtered just screams what a dutiful daughter/bodyguard she is.
I just don't do insta-love.
And the heroine going out for a fuck while her family's being slaughtered just screams what a dutiful daughter/bodyguard she is.
did-not-finish
February 27, 2025DNF at 4%.
I don't want to hear about all the crazy events that led her here. I'm not invested yet.
I don't want to hear about all the crazy events that led her here. I'm not invested yet.
January 8, 2025
Pet name giving me the ick
One star removed due to the overuse by the MMC of his pet name for the FMC aaaaand that the nickname was “dove” 🤢
One star removed due to the overuse by the MMC of his pet name for the FMC aaaaand that the nickname was “dove” 🤢
June 21, 2024
2.5 stars. Dual POV and plenty of 🌶🌶🌶
This was an OK novella, but overall, it lacked something for me. Maybe I needed more suspense or more peril. Maybe I needed a slower burn... I can't put my finger on why something lacked, only that it did.
Mercury was unmatchable in power, and he had the whole "Shadow Daddy" vibe going. Asteria seemed pretty bad-ass, but also kind of a flat at the same time. The story moved quickly, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't swoon a handful of times, but I didn't feel like I ever got to know the characters.
Would I recommend you read this? Sure, it's not a bad book, and it was entertaining overall. Happy reading.
This was an OK novella, but overall, it lacked something for me. Maybe I needed more suspense or more peril. Maybe I needed a slower burn... I can't put my finger on why something lacked, only that it did.
Mercury was unmatchable in power, and he had the whole "Shadow Daddy" vibe going. Asteria seemed pretty bad-ass, but also kind of a flat at the same time. The story moved quickly, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't swoon a handful of times, but I didn't feel like I ever got to know the characters.
Would I recommend you read this? Sure, it's not a bad book, and it was entertaining overall. Happy reading.
December 17, 2023
I'm only rating this high because it was short. Definitely minus points for cringe dialogue. "He cursed in Latin."
January 15, 2024
I discovered Alessa two years ago.
Her books were my go to last year.
I knew what was I getting and got it everytime and more.
This one felt like some kind of draft for a book. The FMC was weird but the MMC was a classic vampire, I liked him.
Her books were my go to last year.
I knew what was I getting and got it everytime and more.
This one felt like some kind of draft for a book. The FMC was weird but the MMC was a classic vampire, I liked him.
September 9, 2025
I enjoy all of Alessa's Inferno Universe, though this first book a teeny bit less because I just want more than the novella format can provide. All of the books build the world bit by bit, and I could keep reading as many pages as Alessa wants to write about Inferno.
Sept.2025 reread, the audiobook version is just as good!
Sept.2025 reread, the audiobook version is just as good!
March 2, 2024
This book gets three-and-a-half stars from me.
I generally love Alessa Thorn's books, but this one wasn't my favorite. It wasn't bad, in fact, it was well written. I think it was because our main characters had sex almost right away. I'm all for a good sex scene (or five) but I think I like to get to know the characters and story a little bit more before they jump each other's bones.
But that's just me. It might totally be your cup of tea & that's okay.
Mercury Amulius is an ancient vampire whose been asleep in his tomb for centuries. He was the prince (head) of his family but decided to take a snooze for a while- no clue why. Anyway, the new prince/head of his family, Valens, is a pompous, partying, POS who is bound to destroy the family and vampire way of life. His behavior gets all of the members of the Evandrus family, the Amulius family's servants of many generations, massacred. All except for Asteria, she survived the massacre and wants vengeance on Valens, even if it kills her.
Vengeance means waking up Mercury and while he's thousands of years old (he allowed himself to be turned during the time of the Roman Empire-think BCE) and he wakes up sexy, hot, and horny. Asteria is just the human female for him. And she's not too upset about that.
Being the "hero" that he is, Mercury is never letting Asteria go. He'll be the tool for Asteria's vengeance and make her his queen to rule by his side. And he does, with bloody, gruesome gusto, that gets both him and Asteria turned on.
I am looking forward to more books in this series and will probably get them as soon as they come out.
I generally love Alessa Thorn's books, but this one wasn't my favorite. It wasn't bad, in fact, it was well written. I think it was because our main characters had sex almost right away. I'm all for a good sex scene (or five) but I think I like to get to know the characters and story a little bit more before they jump each other's bones.
But that's just me. It might totally be your cup of tea & that's okay.
Mercury Amulius is an ancient vampire whose been asleep in his tomb for centuries. He was the prince (head) of his family but decided to take a snooze for a while- no clue why. Anyway, the new prince/head of his family, Valens, is a pompous, partying, POS who is bound to destroy the family and vampire way of life. His behavior gets all of the members of the Evandrus family, the Amulius family's servants of many generations, massacred. All except for Asteria, she survived the massacre and wants vengeance on Valens, even if it kills her.
Vengeance means waking up Mercury and while he's thousands of years old (he allowed himself to be turned during the time of the Roman Empire-think BCE) and he wakes up sexy, hot, and horny. Asteria is just the human female for him. And she's not too upset about that.
Being the "hero" that he is, Mercury is never letting Asteria go. He'll be the tool for Asteria's vengeance and make her his queen to rule by his side. And he does, with bloody, gruesome gusto, that gets both him and Asteria turned on.
I am looking forward to more books in this series and will probably get them as soon as they come out.
July 28, 2024
Mercury Rising
The Inferno Universe #1
Fantasy
Alessa Thorn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
• ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀ • ʀᴇᴠᴇɴɢᴇ • ꜱᴘɪᴄᴇ •
This book gave me "The Underworld" movie vibes because of the rival clans, vampires with an Elder that needs to be awakened and betrayal.
I've read other books by Alessa Thorn and I really like her writing style.
The pacing was just right and I finished reading this in one sitting.
I did like the world building but I wanted to know even more about Mercury and his past, how he became a vampire and why he decided to sleep for over 100 years.
I loved the characters. They were the perfect match for each other and their chemistry was intense.
I would've liked the mystery of who killed Asteria's family to be drawn out a bit more with a plot twist or two but it was still good.
The ending was very good and I'm glad Asteria got her HEA. I would like to know what life was like for her and Mercury afterwards, though.
I'll definitely be reading the next book
The Inferno Universe #1
Fantasy
Alessa Thorn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
• ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀ • ʀᴇᴠᴇɴɢᴇ • ꜱᴘɪᴄᴇ •
This book gave me "The Underworld" movie vibes because of the rival clans, vampires with an Elder that needs to be awakened and betrayal.
I've read other books by Alessa Thorn and I really like her writing style.
The pacing was just right and I finished reading this in one sitting.
I did like the world building but I wanted to know even more about Mercury and his past, how he became a vampire and why he decided to sleep for over 100 years.
I loved the characters. They were the perfect match for each other and their chemistry was intense.
I would've liked the mystery of who killed Asteria's family to be drawn out a bit more with a plot twist or two but it was still good.
The ending was very good and I'm glad Asteria got her HEA. I would like to know what life was like for her and Mercury afterwards, though.
I'll definitely be reading the next book
February 19, 2025
This one had all the makings of a great read—action, romance, and that signature comedy Alessa Thorn brings to her stories—but it never quite hit the mark. The pacing was breakneck, almost to a fault, leaving little room for the world to take shape.
The romance had potential, but it unfolded way too quickly. There was no real tension, no slow burn—just instant attraction that skipped past any meaningful development. It left the relationship feeling shallow, and without that growth, the characters themselves felt a bit one-dimensional. The female lead, in particular, didn’t quite match the personality she was supposed to have, which made her feel inconsistent.
Despite these issues, there’s still enjoyment to be found. It’s fast, fun, and delivers on the Romantasy appeal, but it could have been so much more. Instead, it felt like a story that needed more time to breathe, more depth to its world, and more growth in its characters.
The romance had potential, but it unfolded way too quickly. There was no real tension, no slow burn—just instant attraction that skipped past any meaningful development. It left the relationship feeling shallow, and without that growth, the characters themselves felt a bit one-dimensional. The female lead, in particular, didn’t quite match the personality she was supposed to have, which made her feel inconsistent.
Despite these issues, there’s still enjoyment to be found. It’s fast, fun, and delivers on the Romantasy appeal, but it could have been so much more. Instead, it felt like a story that needed more time to breathe, more depth to its world, and more growth in its characters.
December 30, 2023
This has a lot of promise for an engaging series. I like the set up of this world in turmoil, and the potential for gritty conflict and intrigue is high. As a prequel it is, by design and necessity, brief and to the point. The issue I might have is that its almost too superficial; or rather, maybe it doesn't quite commit.
The vampire Master has great power and instils fear and respect by description, and yet I might have liked to see him affirm that persona a bit more graphically; a firmer hook, both to clinch the short story that this is, and set up for the kind of world the series will embody. Our heroine started out a gutsy gal bent on revenge even at personal peril, and somewhat drifted into the quintessential damsel. And yet the glimpses of raw potential, plus having pretty much read this author's full catalogue, assures me it will mature into a compelling tale.
The vampire Master has great power and instils fear and respect by description, and yet I might have liked to see him affirm that persona a bit more graphically; a firmer hook, both to clinch the short story that this is, and set up for the kind of world the series will embody. Our heroine started out a gutsy gal bent on revenge even at personal peril, and somewhat drifted into the quintessential damsel. And yet the glimpses of raw potential, plus having pretty much read this author's full catalogue, assures me it will mature into a compelling tale.
February 17, 2024
This is a fun, short novella with some epic spice.
I really enjoyed the world building - it was super easy to follow but also rich with different magical creatures - vampires, wolves, fae and even a mention of dragons! I’d love to have more of this world in the future!
I adore all Alessa’s fmcs - they’re all so fiesty and bada33 but not in a samey way. In this one the FMC is a warrior and part of a lineage blood-sworn to protect the MMC’s family. Asteria is completely able to destroy her enemies herself even if Mercury wants to do it for her! When a devastating loss drives Asteria to wake the vampire legend from his 100+ year sleep, she gets a lot more than she bargained for. These two have the monopoly on insta lust, a sizzling duet who are determined to burn the world down together…
A unique take on shifters, thoroughly enjoyable read that I totally recommend!
I really enjoyed the world building - it was super easy to follow but also rich with different magical creatures - vampires, wolves, fae and even a mention of dragons! I’d love to have more of this world in the future!
I adore all Alessa’s fmcs - they’re all so fiesty and bada33 but not in a samey way. In this one the FMC is a warrior and part of a lineage blood-sworn to protect the MMC’s family. Asteria is completely able to destroy her enemies herself even if Mercury wants to do it for her! When a devastating loss drives Asteria to wake the vampire legend from his 100+ year sleep, she gets a lot more than she bargained for. These two have the monopoly on insta lust, a sizzling duet who are determined to burn the world down together…
A unique take on shifters, thoroughly enjoyable read that I totally recommend!
May 19, 2024
Este libro es la muestra de que puedes mezclar vampiros, spicy y conflictos políticos y todo saldrá bien.
Se lee súper rápido, y aunque no está en español, el ingles es muy simplista y no presenta problemas para comprenderlo (yo estoy en nivel B1-3 y lo entendí muy bien).
Me gustó mucho Mercury, creo que es un personaje además de sensual, muy emocional y pasional, algo que me encanta, además de ser un vampiro con miles de años (lo que es un plus🔥)
Por otro lado Asteria también me gustó mucho, la venganza era su meta principal y a lo largo del libro encontró más que eso.
Si quieren leer algo ligero, ESTE ES EL LIBRO.
Se lee súper rápido, y aunque no está en español, el ingles es muy simplista y no presenta problemas para comprenderlo (yo estoy en nivel B1-3 y lo entendí muy bien).
Me gustó mucho Mercury, creo que es un personaje además de sensual, muy emocional y pasional, algo que me encanta, además de ser un vampiro con miles de años (lo que es un plus🔥)
Por otro lado Asteria también me gustó mucho, la venganza era su meta principal y a lo largo del libro encontró más que eso.
Si quieren leer algo ligero, ESTE ES EL LIBRO.
December 27, 2023
3.5 ✨️
I really enjoy reading Alessas Books - this one in particular, because it was a short novella.
In true Alessa fashion, this was so much fun to read. A fierce heronie, a sexy vampire, and an "intriguing" plot!
Beware, because it is a short novella and it is way too fast. Yes, it has maybe not enough substance or storyline, but it's a novella. There is nothing to overthink about, just a fierce heroine and a sexy old vampire. There is blood. There is 🌶 and it's completed in roundabout 100 pages.
I really enjoy reading Alessas Books - this one in particular, because it was a short novella.
In true Alessa fashion, this was so much fun to read. A fierce heronie, a sexy vampire, and an "intriguing" plot!
Beware, because it is a short novella and it is way too fast. Yes, it has maybe not enough substance or storyline, but it's a novella. There is nothing to overthink about, just a fierce heroine and a sexy old vampire. There is blood. There is 🌶 and it's completed in roundabout 100 pages.
January 20, 2025
So Good!
I wholeheartedly recommend this amazing book! The writing is fierce and the story is awesome, not filled with crazy situations where you say ‘why are they so stupid?’ And the love scenes? So hot! Thank you for writing an amazing book without any abuse, or massive domination. I hate hitting (spanking) as though if it’s on one part of the body it’s okay. Slap her face instead of her butt and it’s abuse but not the other way around! Sorry, pet peeve as someone who’s been abused. Great book and fun to read.
I wholeheartedly recommend this amazing book! The writing is fierce and the story is awesome, not filled with crazy situations where you say ‘why are they so stupid?’ And the love scenes? So hot! Thank you for writing an amazing book without any abuse, or massive domination. I hate hitting (spanking) as though if it’s on one part of the body it’s okay. Slap her face instead of her butt and it’s abuse but not the other way around! Sorry, pet peeve as someone who’s been abused. Great book and fun to read.
December 25, 2023
Mercury and Asteria 🔥
I loved the interaction between them 💙 it was insta love & lust but felt like they knew each other for centuries. The chemistry, the passion and the respect above all he had for her is 📈.
I’ve always been a fan of Alessa and her knowledge about mythology. Mercury and Asteria flirting in greek felt so sensuous in a knowledgeable way 😂 if that makes sense.
Waiting for more of A BRIDE FOR BLOOD LORDS universe 🙌🏼💙💙💙
I loved the interaction between them 💙 it was insta love & lust but felt like they knew each other for centuries. The chemistry, the passion and the respect above all he had for her is 📈.
I’ve always been a fan of Alessa and her knowledge about mythology. Mercury and Asteria flirting in greek felt so sensuous in a knowledgeable way 😂 if that makes sense.
Waiting for more of A BRIDE FOR BLOOD LORDS universe 🙌🏼💙💙💙
December 29, 2024
7 Wows ~ What a tale. A God like no other falls in love. ❤️🔥❤️🔥
An entire family wiped out except for one. She is strong and determined together revenge the only way she knows how to do. In the events to take place have characters you will love and ones you will love to hate. Does she get what she wants or more? Kudos to Alesha Thorm. It’s an entertaining story with creative characters and all types of twists in the plots. ❤️🔥❤️🔥
An entire family wiped out except for one. She is strong and determined together revenge the only way she knows how to do. In the events to take place have characters you will love and ones you will love to hate. Does she get what she wants or more? Kudos to Alesha Thorm. It’s an entertaining story with creative characters and all types of twists in the plots. ❤️🔥❤️🔥
November 9, 2025
4.25⭐️
This is the most fun I’ve had in a while reading a novella. I liked that this one had plot, spice and there was still quite a bit of world building packed into under 200 pages. I really liked both our MC’s, Asteria and Mercury, they were really interesting and multi layered. The plot was also so good, I couldn’t put the book down; it was so addictive. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series!
This is the most fun I’ve had in a while reading a novella. I liked that this one had plot, spice and there was still quite a bit of world building packed into under 200 pages. I really liked both our MC’s, Asteria and Mercury, they were really interesting and multi layered. The plot was also so good, I couldn’t put the book down; it was so addictive. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series!
December 24, 2023
Giddy
The best way to describe how I feel about Thorn's books? Giddy. Everything she writes makes me feel giddy like a school boy. I feel like classic movies with old men throwing open windows to shout down into the streets.
Mercury is a 40-something going on ancient male who knows what he wants, flirts in Greek Lit, and has fangs. Life is always sweeter with fangs. Every FMC Thorn has ever written has been fiesty and full of fire and I will never be over it.
Thank you for writing more perfection, 5🌟
The best way to describe how I feel about Thorn's books? Giddy. Everything she writes makes me feel giddy like a school boy. I feel like classic movies with old men throwing open windows to shout down into the streets.
Mercury is a 40-something going on ancient male who knows what he wants, flirts in Greek Lit, and has fangs. Life is always sweeter with fangs. Every FMC Thorn has ever written has been fiesty and full of fire and I will never be over it.
Thank you for writing more perfection, 5🌟
August 4, 2024
A new world from Alessa and I'm hooked. I liked that this was a short but fully developed story. I love a good vampire story and this one did not disappoint. I both liked how short this story was (one-sitting read) but I also wish it was longer so I could have spent more time in it. I can't wait to see what else comes in the Inferno world.
January 15, 2025
Really enjoyed this short story!!!
Alessa Thorn delivers great characters and her writing style is so fresh like a breath of air!!! First book by this author and I will be reading more. Mercury and Aisterias story was strong from beginning to in and I loved it, excited to read more about Inferno.
Alessa Thorn delivers great characters and her writing style is so fresh like a breath of air!!! First book by this author and I will be reading more. Mercury and Aisterias story was strong from beginning to in and I loved it, excited to read more about Inferno.
January 18, 2025
Who Wrote This!?
Thorn is an awesome writer, so there is no way they wrote this book. It was such a cool idea, but the characters were so awkward (and not in a good way), the dialogue was stilted and repetitive, which for a novella is not good, and it was just boring. Very disappointed.
Thorn is an awesome writer, so there is no way they wrote this book. It was such a cool idea, but the characters were so awkward (and not in a good way), the dialogue was stilted and repetitive, which for a novella is not good, and it was just boring. Very disappointed.
December 21, 2023
Mercury Rising
Thank you and yes, please. I need more. I loved loved loved this novella! Delightfully spicy with revenge served hot. I cannot wait to dive into more of this universe.
Thank you and yes, please. I need more. I loved loved loved this novella! Delightfully spicy with revenge served hot. I cannot wait to dive into more of this universe.
December 28, 2023
Fast and furious
Fast burn, good spice, short and sweet. I’m in! Will absolutely be checking out the further books in this series. I’m a sucker (no pun intended) for a good vampire book.
Fast burn, good spice, short and sweet. I’m in! Will absolutely be checking out the further books in this series. I’m a sucker (no pun intended) for a good vampire book.
December 29, 2023
Alessa never misses!
Wow, this was incredible. Not only was this story steamy as hell, the world was properly fleshed out and the characters were fully formed. All in under 200 pages!
Wow, this was incredible. Not only was this story steamy as hell, the world was properly fleshed out and the characters were fully formed. All in under 200 pages!
January 8, 2024
WOW
All I can say is 🥵🥵🥵if you want assassinations, ancient vampires, blood pacts, and amazing smut, this is the story for you!
Alessa, please never stop giving us amazing stories with the best smut!
All I can say is 🥵🥵🥵if you want assassinations, ancient vampires, blood pacts, and amazing smut, this is the story for you!
Alessa, please never stop giving us amazing stories with the best smut!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews