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Merderous
Experience Merderous in a compact, easy 5"x8" novella size with small black and white illustrations!
Tess Pendleton is tired of shallow journalism. But fishing for a deeper story isn't easy, especially when a string of mysterious beheadings brings danger right to her doorstep. The pen isn't mightier than the sword - or the kitchen knife, in the case of Illyria's new serial killer - and maybe she's out of her depth...
Merderous is also available in 7"x10" executive size with coloured illustrations and on Kindle.
Tess Pendleton is tired of shallow journalism. But fishing for a deeper story isn't easy, especially when a string of mysterious beheadings brings danger right to her doorstep. The pen isn't mightier than the sword - or the kitchen knife, in the case of Illyria's new serial killer - and maybe she's out of her depth...
Merderous is also available in 7"x10" executive size with coloured illustrations and on Kindle.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2024
1 person is currently reading
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 15, 2024
I must admit I’m always apprehensive to read the second in a book series… especially when I’ve devoured the first; so often they disappoint. But in this case I couldn’t be more pleased that I did. In fact, I actually PREFERRED the dynamic characters and eery intricacies of this book (although it’s a very close call).
Without giving any ‘spoilers’…
First, the setting: like the first, this book is predominantly set in the alluring (albeit dismal) seaside town of Illyria. The author once again describes captivating landscapes both above and below water. She is a talented storyteller, and I found myself dreaming vividly of this sea-swept community after falling asleep reading on more than a few occasions.
Like the first, the story follows a variety of unique characters (and fear not: although no longer the central characters, evolution of first-book protagonists Astrid and Piper is weaved in throughout). Each character is spirited and complex, their narratives tied together cleverly and arcs spurred by their connections. I developed a particular affinity for new character Emmett; he was such a delight to meet and a refreshing backdrop to the darker themes of the book. I’ve now ordered a physical copy of both books in this series as they’re up there with my absolute favourites.
I cannot recommend this series highly enough – and I can’t wait for the next book!
Without giving any ‘spoilers’…
First, the setting: like the first, this book is predominantly set in the alluring (albeit dismal) seaside town of Illyria. The author once again describes captivating landscapes both above and below water. She is a talented storyteller, and I found myself dreaming vividly of this sea-swept community after falling asleep reading on more than a few occasions.
Like the first, the story follows a variety of unique characters (and fear not: although no longer the central characters, evolution of first-book protagonists Astrid and Piper is weaved in throughout). Each character is spirited and complex, their narratives tied together cleverly and arcs spurred by their connections. I developed a particular affinity for new character Emmett; he was such a delight to meet and a refreshing backdrop to the darker themes of the book. I’ve now ordered a physical copy of both books in this series as they’re up there with my absolute favourites.
I cannot recommend this series highly enough – and I can’t wait for the next book!
February 29, 2024
I don't use Goodreads often but I wanted to write a review just because of how much I loved this book. I was a fan of Mermicide, the first book in the Illyria series, when it was released, and I was nervous that Merderous wouldn't live up to expectations because sequels rarely do. I was so wrong! I enjoyed every second of this novel, I really couldn't put it down. I got the colour illustrated edition to match my copy of Mermicide and the illustrations are great. Daria's watercolour themed artwork adds to the reading experience, and I recommend getting the big version if you can afford it because it looks beautiful on a bookshelf.
The toxic relationship between Piper and Astrid comes to a crescendo in this book as Astrid realises her manipulations are becoming less effective. It feels like while everybody else is growing and developing as a person (especially Carmen, who wants to redeem herself like Falke, as if to finish what he began) Astrid is only going backwards, becoming more possessive and addicting. Piper starts to recognise her behaviour isn't good and begins questioning their relationship and the foundations it's built on. It feels realistic, like the kind of relationship you would tell a close friend to run away from and not look back. The kind of relationship that is far too often romanticised in fiction or avoided so as to not seem problematic. The author handles these difficult relationships and other heavy topics well, making sure it is never portrayed as good.
There are some especially moving scenes in Merderous, such as when Esther returns to the house of Falke to sit and remember him before returning to her new family. I found it really touching, and the way it's written is so beautiful. Mina Rose's prose as always is excellent and you can really visualise everything, especially the descriptive scenes of the water and Illyria's surroundings.
If you like Mermicide, you will LOVE Merderous. I can't wait for the next book.
The toxic relationship between Piper and Astrid comes to a crescendo in this book as Astrid realises her manipulations are becoming less effective. It feels like while everybody else is growing and developing as a person (especially Carmen, who wants to redeem herself like Falke, as if to finish what he began) Astrid is only going backwards, becoming more possessive and addicting. Piper starts to recognise her behaviour isn't good and begins questioning their relationship and the foundations it's built on. It feels realistic, like the kind of relationship you would tell a close friend to run away from and not look back. The kind of relationship that is far too often romanticised in fiction or avoided so as to not seem problematic. The author handles these difficult relationships and other heavy topics well, making sure it is never portrayed as good.
There are some especially moving scenes in Merderous, such as when Esther returns to the house of Falke to sit and remember him before returning to her new family. I found it really touching, and the way it's written is so beautiful. Mina Rose's prose as always is excellent and you can really visualise everything, especially the descriptive scenes of the water and Illyria's surroundings.
If you like Mermicide, you will LOVE Merderous. I can't wait for the next book.
March 2, 2024
Mina Rose's second Illyria novel takes the jump-start of the first and runs with it, presenting an even more gripping story and engaging characters than last time around.
The fast pace ensures that Merderous never drags, while still feeling full of careful detail and atmosphere.
Must-read for anyone who's looking for something different within the indie fantasy sphere. I'm looking forward to future chapters!
The fast pace ensures that Merderous never drags, while still feeling full of careful detail and atmosphere.
Must-read for anyone who's looking for something different within the indie fantasy sphere. I'm looking forward to future chapters!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews