Merciful Carnage

by Sara Hashem

In Merciful Carnage, the start of a new dark fantasy duology from USA Today–bestselling author Sara Hashem, a deathless girl draws the scrutiny of an immortal ruler—one determined to uncover the truth of her existence...and her hold on his attention.

Tala’s life has been defined by her inability to die. Her superstitious village treated her with distrust and hostility since she was found floating in the Liyan River as a newborn. When a mysterious water-borne plague starts to ravage the oasis villages, Tala is sent across the desert to the city of Axsanda to seek refuge for her village. Determined to find a cure to the plague, Tala will stop at nothing to prove herself a worthy member of her community.
 
Upon Tala’s arrival in Axsanda, a would-be fatal encounter lands her in front of Selim, the chillingly beautiful High Judge and first of the four immortal siblings ruling the land. Intrigued by Tala, Selim agrees to shelter her village if she remains in her palace until they arrive. Despite his detachment from mortal emotions, Selim finds himself increasingly fascinated by the odd, ambitious girl, but Tala’s deathlessness threatens the sacred balance he is sworn to uphold. As Tala hunts for a cure to the plague, Selim hunts for an answer to her existence.
 
As terrifying omens spread across Axsanda and Tala shows signs of an impossible power, the two must reckon with their attraction . . . and its catastrophic consequences.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Adult, Science Fiction Fantasy

556 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 2, 2027

About the author

Sara Hashem is the USA Today and Sunday Times bestselling author of The Jasad Heir and The Jasad Crown. An American-Egyptian author from Southern California, she spent many sunny days holed up indoors with a book. Sara’s love for fantasy and magical realms emerged during the two years her family lived in Egypt. When she isn’t busy naming stray cats in her neighborhood after her favorite authors, Sara can be found buried under coffee-ringed notebooks.

You can find Sara on Instagram and TikTok under @shashemwrites!

Reviews

[Lia Carstairs]

already know tala and selim are about to be my newest obsession

[♥Milica♥]

SEATED, SEATED, I AM SO SEATED!!!

[yuvi (hiatus)]

omfg stop i need this book like yesterday. 😭😭😭😭😭
sara, put me out of my misery and place this book in my hands asap💔💔💔😭
anyway
i just know that this book is going to eatttt as always. sara NEVER disappoints omfg.
the best written yearning trope is me when sara announces a new book and i have to wait for ages for it come out and barely survive with mere snippets she posts🧍‍♀️
no fr im on my knees😩😩😩

[Nafeeza]

A new Hashem series! Well sign me up because obviously I’m glutton for punishment seeing as I've read all her books so far and here I am begging for more… T_T Masochist is me and all that.

*Now if you’ll excuse me I’m off to go cry some more after the ending of Where No Shadows Stays*

[Sarah (berriesandbooks) (sorta back)]

there aren’t enough words in the english language to explain how obnoxious i’m going to be when this book finally comes out. prepare to be sick of me everyone sara hashem is back to save fantasy

[louise ʚଓ]

| pre-read: i am sat. the bookstore employees are scared and asking me to leave because it's "not out yet" but i am sat.

[aub]

GIMME GIMME GIMME GIMME GIMME GIMME GIMMIE

[Nora Osama]

While reading the Jasad crown i noticed the word CARNAGE a several time and i kept thinking about the new book😫

[shriya]

i need a time machine right now

[Aymel]

i'm going to need this injected straight into my veins

[michelle ✧]

I AM SEATED!! the bookstore employees are scared and asking me to leave because it 'hasn't been released yet' but i'm simply too seated!!

[Christine]

I NEED

[Vitamin]

I can't believe it! I just happened to check for any new book announcements from the author, and what do I see?! Trying not to get my hopes up too soon, but I can't wait for an exciting story.