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The Bone Angel Trilogy
Nameless: The Darkness Comes
Luna Masterson sees demons. She has been dealing with the demonic all her life, so when her brother gets tangled up with a demon named Sparkles, ‘Luna the Lunatic’ rolls in on her motorcycle to save the day.
Armed with the ability to harm demons, her scathing sarcasm, and a hefty chip on her shoulder, Luna gathers the most unusual of allies, teaming up with a green-eyed heroin addict and a snarky demon ‘of some import.’
After all, outcasts of a feather should stick together...even until the end.
Armed with the ability to harm demons, her scathing sarcasm, and a hefty chip on her shoulder, Luna gathers the most unusual of allies, teaming up with a green-eyed heroin addict and a snarky demon ‘of some import.’
After all, outcasts of a feather should stick together...even until the end.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 16, 2014
31 people are currently reading
1297 people want to read
About the author
Mercedes M. Yardley
98 books323 followersMercedes M. Yardley is a whimsical dark fantasist who wears red lipstick and poisonous flowers in her hair. She is the author of numerous works including Love is a Crematorium and Other Stories, Darling, the Stabby Award-winning Apocalyptic Montessa and Nuclear Lulu: A Tale of Atomic Love, Pretty Little Dead Girls, and Nameless. She won the Bram Stoker Award for Little Dead Red and “Fracture.” Mercedes lives and works in Las Vegas. You can find her at mercedesmyardley.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
March 6, 2016
Mercedes M. Yardley is a breath of fresh air in the dark urban fantasy genre. Her first book in The Bone Angel trilogy may appear at first glance to follow a familiar path, but her tale breaks away from the pack, filled to the brim with humor, heart, an invigorating young heroine who raises casual sarcasm to an art form, and enough darkness to satisfy both dark fantasy and horror fans alike, while spinning a new mythology for both demons and angels that engages the imagination.
This was my first Yardley book, and it won't be my last.
Highest possible recommendation.
This was my first Yardley book, and it won't be my last.
Highest possible recommendation.
December 28, 2024
3.75 stars
own-tbr
June 14, 2018Freebie today for the Kindle, Amazon US
January 31, 2014
Update: An interview with the author http://bibliosanctum.blogspot.com/201...
3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum http://bibliosanctum.blogspot.com/201...
Luna Masterson is an odd girl who sees demons. Reed Taylor is an odd guy who hangs around with an angel. And when girl meets guy, things get pretty crazy. This is probably THE thing I love best when it comes Mercedes M. Yardley's stories, the fact that when she gets two people together, you know you're not going to get just any old boring relationship!
I must say I learned that lesson well with Apocalyptic Montessa and Nuclear Lulu, Yardley's not-quite-horror-not-quite-romance love story novella that I read last year. What amazed me most about that book was her treatment of her two outcast characters, the way she gave them each a purpose and emotional depth even though as serial killers they are far from deserving of any admiration or sympathy. The characters in Nameless are perhaps not quite so extreme, but I likewise experienced some of those same vibes from Luna and Reed Taylor -- two very unique individuals who find in each other a kindred spirit...so to speak. I had a feeling I was going to be in for something special, and I was right.
So how does a girl deal with being able to see things that nobody else can? Luna's never had many friends, and the only people close to her are her brother Seth and 1-year-old niece Lydia. Perhaps this is why she comes across to me as socially awkward, sometimes doing and saying strange things or acting like she can't make up her mind. At the same time, I had to admire the brave and positive face she puts on. The way she takes the "Luna the Lunatic" comments in stride or shrugs off the weird looks she gets when she's talking with the demons only she can see, all that just makes me want to cheer her on. So as to whether or not you'll form a connection to her character, I think it can go either way.
But if there was one thing that really touched me, it was Luna's devotion and love for her niece. When Lydia is kidnapped by the worst sort of demon, Luna's anger and desperation felt so raw and close to the surface that it was practically palpable. As the mother of a Sweet Baby Girl myself, at times it was almost gut-wrenchingly difficult to read about Luna's distressing search for Lydia, simply because every one of her fears was like a piercing knife to my heart. In my opinion, this part of the book was done very well. Not only did it make Luna feel more real for me, it also made me care about this story and want to see it through.
The overarching plot is quite good too, even if at times it felt a bit rushed. If books had remote controls, imagine that someone has pressed the fast forward button through some of the scenes in this novel. Perhaps the book could have been a little longer, giving me more information and letting some of the major happenings sink in. The way Luna's narration sometimes zipped from one event to the next didn't give me enough time to digest some of the things that went on, especially when it came to her meeting and subsequent relationship with Reed Taylor. Regardless, their love story was an interesting one to say the least! I think the impact of the story would have been even stronger if there had been more time to let those feelings deepen.
But in the end I was very happy with the way things turned out. Well, okay, maybe a little gutted by the ending, but still happy! Yardley's brand of storytelling and writing style is tremendously addictive and her characters are a treat, I'd looked forward to reading more of her work ever since I got my first taste. Nameless left me very impressed, especially as a full-length novel debut for the author and the first installment of a planned trilogy. I can't wait to see what's coming next.
3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum http://bibliosanctum.blogspot.com/201...
Luna Masterson is an odd girl who sees demons. Reed Taylor is an odd guy who hangs around with an angel. And when girl meets guy, things get pretty crazy. This is probably THE thing I love best when it comes Mercedes M. Yardley's stories, the fact that when she gets two people together, you know you're not going to get just any old boring relationship!
I must say I learned that lesson well with Apocalyptic Montessa and Nuclear Lulu, Yardley's not-quite-horror-not-quite-romance love story novella that I read last year. What amazed me most about that book was her treatment of her two outcast characters, the way she gave them each a purpose and emotional depth even though as serial killers they are far from deserving of any admiration or sympathy. The characters in Nameless are perhaps not quite so extreme, but I likewise experienced some of those same vibes from Luna and Reed Taylor -- two very unique individuals who find in each other a kindred spirit...so to speak. I had a feeling I was going to be in for something special, and I was right.
So how does a girl deal with being able to see things that nobody else can? Luna's never had many friends, and the only people close to her are her brother Seth and 1-year-old niece Lydia. Perhaps this is why she comes across to me as socially awkward, sometimes doing and saying strange things or acting like she can't make up her mind. At the same time, I had to admire the brave and positive face she puts on. The way she takes the "Luna the Lunatic" comments in stride or shrugs off the weird looks she gets when she's talking with the demons only she can see, all that just makes me want to cheer her on. So as to whether or not you'll form a connection to her character, I think it can go either way.
But if there was one thing that really touched me, it was Luna's devotion and love for her niece. When Lydia is kidnapped by the worst sort of demon, Luna's anger and desperation felt so raw and close to the surface that it was practically palpable. As the mother of a Sweet Baby Girl myself, at times it was almost gut-wrenchingly difficult to read about Luna's distressing search for Lydia, simply because every one of her fears was like a piercing knife to my heart. In my opinion, this part of the book was done very well. Not only did it make Luna feel more real for me, it also made me care about this story and want to see it through.
The overarching plot is quite good too, even if at times it felt a bit rushed. If books had remote controls, imagine that someone has pressed the fast forward button through some of the scenes in this novel. Perhaps the book could have been a little longer, giving me more information and letting some of the major happenings sink in. The way Luna's narration sometimes zipped from one event to the next didn't give me enough time to digest some of the things that went on, especially when it came to her meeting and subsequent relationship with Reed Taylor. Regardless, their love story was an interesting one to say the least! I think the impact of the story would have been even stronger if there had been more time to let those feelings deepen.
But in the end I was very happy with the way things turned out. Well, okay, maybe a little gutted by the ending, but still happy! Yardley's brand of storytelling and writing style is tremendously addictive and her characters are a treat, I'd looked forward to reading more of her work ever since I got my first taste. Nameless left me very impressed, especially as a full-length novel debut for the author and the first installment of a planned trilogy. I can't wait to see what's coming next.
February 20, 2014
Mercedes is such a wonderful and talented person and a close friend. Starting this I didn't enjoy it all that much. Luna seemed snarky for snarky's sake. And I don't find urban fantasy all that interesting. But then as the story unfolded and the characters started gaining a bunch of depth and complexity, I started loving the story and caring about all of them. MOUTH is probably my favorite though, and the Tip Toe Shadow is quite creepy. Very cool to see its part of a series too since the ending of this novel was fantastic. My favorite novel of hers (PRETTY LITTLE DEAD GIRLS) comes out later this year. Super excited about that. Check out her work!
June 27, 2014
While this may be Mercedes Yardley's debut novel, she has built quite a reputation with her short story collection, Beautiful Sorrows, and novella, Apocalyptic Montessa and Nuclear Lulu: A Tale of Atomic Love. Mercedes blends the fantastic with the weird, often with the budding of a romance or journey through a mother's love and loss. Simply put, she writes some of the best fiction out there because of how she can wow and peel open the emotions of the heart.
Nameless: The Darkness Comes seems like a perfect type of story to craft for her debut novel. Luna is a young woman who has seen demons since her childhood. She's got a bit of an attitude about this burden, but there is kindness under her shell. Nameless is the story of her encountering forces strong enough to break open her shell and how she'll respond, either to become more hardened or to find a way to let the loving person out without becoming weak, as she fears.
Mercedes wields her gift for strange and fantastic imagery to show us her version of the demon world and combines that with her sensitivity to multiple forms of human relationships, each striking open strong emotional reactions. Luna lives with her brother and his very young daughter. His wife left him years back and Luna has helped him take care of her. They have a troubled past because their parents are dead and father killed himself. Luna meets a troubled guy with attractive green eyes and begins to fall for him. Around this time, the demon world interferes, pushing them apart and threatening the lives of everyone she loves.
The story starts out with everything I wanted from Mercedes, touching moments of loving people facing the darkest our world has to offer mixed with her unique narrative voice that blends humor and attitude seamlessly. I knew right away that I loved the world she was revealing, with its demons that slither around like snakes only she can see. I enjoyed how her and her brother have some animosity over him not taking seriously her claim of seeing demons, as well as how she loves on his child as her own. When she meets Green Eyes, I was already reading with a constant grin at the snarky humor, and often laughed out loud.
As the story unfolded, however, the meat of what I enjoyed so much in the beginning thinned out into minimal interest. Part of this may be because of how Luna became separated from the characters, taking away the exchanges that made the first part so enjoyable and stealing opportunity to strengthen my empathy for whom she cares for. Her snarkiness also lost its humor. There were action scenes with demons and a haunted house, but they just weren't as powerful as her best and seamed to hold back at times for a grand finale. This could also be because she was chasing after people I hadn't developed enough sympathy for.
Around the 75% mark, the story turned around and ended very well. The pieces laid by scenes I marginally enjoyed ended up having significant impact on her journey and struggle. An event around the 60% mark really made her relationship with her brother take hold. Another made me feel her connection with the girl. Really, from 75% on there is wave after wave of strong emotion and fantastic imagery in the action.
Nameless is the first book in a trilogy that promises to uncover the rest of the iceberg of this war with demons. The heroine, Luna, is strong, funny, and rooted in empathy through all the emotions we experienced with her in this first installment. I'm hoping for the second and third books to more consistently display the kind of unrelenting story elements and narrative voice that made the beginning and end of this book so memorable and enjoyable. Mercedes is so gifted, I have total faith that she can.
Nameless: The Darkness Comes seems like a perfect type of story to craft for her debut novel. Luna is a young woman who has seen demons since her childhood. She's got a bit of an attitude about this burden, but there is kindness under her shell. Nameless is the story of her encountering forces strong enough to break open her shell and how she'll respond, either to become more hardened or to find a way to let the loving person out without becoming weak, as she fears.
Mercedes wields her gift for strange and fantastic imagery to show us her version of the demon world and combines that with her sensitivity to multiple forms of human relationships, each striking open strong emotional reactions. Luna lives with her brother and his very young daughter. His wife left him years back and Luna has helped him take care of her. They have a troubled past because their parents are dead and father killed himself. Luna meets a troubled guy with attractive green eyes and begins to fall for him. Around this time, the demon world interferes, pushing them apart and threatening the lives of everyone she loves.
The story starts out with everything I wanted from Mercedes, touching moments of loving people facing the darkest our world has to offer mixed with her unique narrative voice that blends humor and attitude seamlessly. I knew right away that I loved the world she was revealing, with its demons that slither around like snakes only she can see. I enjoyed how her and her brother have some animosity over him not taking seriously her claim of seeing demons, as well as how she loves on his child as her own. When she meets Green Eyes, I was already reading with a constant grin at the snarky humor, and often laughed out loud.
As the story unfolded, however, the meat of what I enjoyed so much in the beginning thinned out into minimal interest. Part of this may be because of how Luna became separated from the characters, taking away the exchanges that made the first part so enjoyable and stealing opportunity to strengthen my empathy for whom she cares for. Her snarkiness also lost its humor. There were action scenes with demons and a haunted house, but they just weren't as powerful as her best and seamed to hold back at times for a grand finale. This could also be because she was chasing after people I hadn't developed enough sympathy for.
Around the 75% mark, the story turned around and ended very well. The pieces laid by scenes I marginally enjoyed ended up having significant impact on her journey and struggle. An event around the 60% mark really made her relationship with her brother take hold. Another made me feel her connection with the girl. Really, from 75% on there is wave after wave of strong emotion and fantastic imagery in the action.
Nameless is the first book in a trilogy that promises to uncover the rest of the iceberg of this war with demons. The heroine, Luna, is strong, funny, and rooted in empathy through all the emotions we experienced with her in this first installment. I'm hoping for the second and third books to more consistently display the kind of unrelenting story elements and narrative voice that made the beginning and end of this book so memorable and enjoyable. Mercedes is so gifted, I have total faith that she can.
January 13, 2014
Reader beware: Do not start this book unless you have several hours free.
I know the phrase "I couldn't put it down" is beyond overused but it's quite true in this case. I made the mistake of picking this book up for the first time early one morning and ended up late for work before I could finally tear myself away. Thankfully the story is wrapped up neatly at the close of the novel and we are not left with a cliffhanger waiting for the next book in the trilogy.
Yardley's characters are believable even in a world filled with demons. It is easy to connect with them, especially the main character, and you will wince as each suckerpunch revelation hits her. Watching her sarcastic, arrogant exterior wear away from blow after blow to expose the brittle core of equally mixed fear and anger was a beautiful journey.
While some scenes are certainly dark and sometimes macabre, the overall tone of the novel is one of a fighter reeling from the punches but somehow staggering to her feet again and again. The book does deal with topics like insanity, suicide, drug use and of course the demonic but it would probably fall on the higher end of a PG-13 in a movie.
I would highly recommend this book to any teen or adult interested in the darker side of the paranormal or who like to see sarcastic females stand up to the demons and shrinks of the world.
Yardley balances gritty reality with the paranormal world of demons through the viewpoint of a smart-mouthed punk, Luna, who not only sees demons but interacts with them on a regular basis. This isn't a story where the heroine blithely waltzes around avoiding the pitfalls of real life, though. Luna's interactions with the demons don't go unnoticed and she and her entire family struggle with the effects of what the outside world perceives as her insanity.
I know the phrase "I couldn't put it down" is beyond overused but it's quite true in this case. I made the mistake of picking this book up for the first time early one morning and ended up late for work before I could finally tear myself away. Thankfully the story is wrapped up neatly at the close of the novel and we are not left with a cliffhanger waiting for the next book in the trilogy.
Yardley's characters are believable even in a world filled with demons. It is easy to connect with them, especially the main character, and you will wince as each suckerpunch revelation hits her. Watching her sarcastic, arrogant exterior wear away from blow after blow to expose the brittle core of equally mixed fear and anger was a beautiful journey.
While some scenes are certainly dark and sometimes macabre, the overall tone of the novel is one of a fighter reeling from the punches but somehow staggering to her feet again and again. The book does deal with topics like insanity, suicide, drug use and of course the demonic but it would probably fall on the higher end of a PG-13 in a movie.
I would highly recommend this book to any teen or adult interested in the darker side of the paranormal or who like to see sarcastic females stand up to the demons and shrinks of the world.
Yardley balances gritty reality with the paranormal world of demons through the viewpoint of a smart-mouthed punk, Luna, who not only sees demons but interacts with them on a regular basis. This isn't a story where the heroine blithely waltzes around avoiding the pitfalls of real life, though. Luna's interactions with the demons don't go unnoticed and she and her entire family struggle with the effects of what the outside world perceives as her insanity.
July 24, 2018
2.5 stars. It was a cool concept but I found the story to be repetitive and a bit exhaustive. The main character is constantly screaming, shrieking, yelling, cursing, punching, and stalking away or riding away on her bike. She was always cranked up to a 10 and that got annoying fast. There are many moments where characters have certain important, crucial information but fail to disclose for no reason and that was frustrating to read. I also didn't understand why certain times she freaked on a demon going to someone and then other times it was no biggie to see a demon approach or touch someone. I must have missed something. I did like the character of the Mouthy demon (even if he was one of those "I know something you don't know! Don't say I didn't warn you even though I haven't told you anything!" characters); he wasn't a stereotypical demon so he provided some complexity and I enjoyed his interaction with the MC (even though she was yelling so much!).
January 13, 2014
For horror lovers this is an incredible read. For non-horror lovers like me, it's still an incredible read. Mercedes has a way of taking the gritty side of life and showing it in a lyrical (and snarky) way. Luna is one of my all-time favorite characters, and she takes a backseat to Mouth. The plot is full of twist and turns that will spin you straight into the hearts of all of the people filling these pages. Ir's an endearing, sometimes heart-wrenching, tale of love and good versus evil that will keep you feasting on words and longing for more with the final sentence.
March 22, 2016
This is my first real venture into Mercedes M. Yardley's work, though I have looked through her previous novella "Apocalyptic Montessa and Nuclear Lulu: A Tale of Atomic Love" purely because a book with a title like that simply HAS to be amazing.
That said, I was taken by complete surprise at how amazing Ms. Yardley's debut novel "Nameless" truly was! I did not doubt her writing ability, or my ability to fall in love with the characters, her writing and storytelling was just so much more than I could have ever hoped, by the end of the novel, I was in tears (both tears of joy at times, as well as the tears of loss).
The characters were amazing, especially some of the demons, Mouth in particular deserves a character of the year award, and the various settings(both normal and demonic) felt as if I was standing right in the middle of them.
What made this novel by and far one of the greatest I have ever had the privilege to read was the dialogue. It was perfect. It was funny, it was scary, it was creepy, it was down right bad-ass.
Let me tell you, this is one series that has jumped to the top of my list, and I have nothing but utmost confidence that Mercedes will outdo herself with the next installment of "The Darkness Comes"
That said, I was taken by complete surprise at how amazing Ms. Yardley's debut novel "Nameless" truly was! I did not doubt her writing ability, or my ability to fall in love with the characters, her writing and storytelling was just so much more than I could have ever hoped, by the end of the novel, I was in tears (both tears of joy at times, as well as the tears of loss).
The characters were amazing, especially some of the demons, Mouth in particular deserves a character of the year award, and the various settings(both normal and demonic) felt as if I was standing right in the middle of them.
What made this novel by and far one of the greatest I have ever had the privilege to read was the dialogue. It was perfect. It was funny, it was scary, it was creepy, it was down right bad-ass.
Let me tell you, this is one series that has jumped to the top of my list, and I have nothing but utmost confidence that Mercedes will outdo herself with the next installment of "The Darkness Comes"
January 17, 2014
Originally published at Risingshadow.
Mercedes M. Yardley's Nameless: The Darkness Comes was a nice surprise for me. I'm not a big fan of modern urban fantasy books (I admit that I tend to avoid reading them), because most of them are more or less boring and their authors recycle the same plots over and over again. This book, however, caught my attention, and I found it enjoyable, because it was something a bit different.
One of the reasons why I like this book is that it manages to be both whimsical/funny and dramatic (and also macabre) at the same time. There's a nice balance between the dramatic scenes, funny moments and macabre happenings. This is something that is rarely found in urban fantasy books.
Mercedes M. Yardley shows her readers the gritty and darker side of urban fantasy in this book. She combines dark happenings and grittiness in an intriguing way.
Here's a bit of information about the story:
The story is told from the protagonist's (Luna Masterson) point of view. She's a great narrator, because she describes things and happenings in a sarcastic way. She fights against demons and can talk to them. When her brother, Seth, gets into trouble, Luna decides to help him...
Mercedes M. Yardley has created good and interesting characters. Her characters feel realistic and they have their own personalities. Luna is an especially intriguing characters, because she's a strong and courageous woman, but she also has a vulnerable side to her. This is good, because I've often felt more than a bit frustrated when I've tried to read urban fantasy books, because the protagonists in them have been as shallow as possible and I wasn't able to find anything interesting in them.
Here's information about the characters:
- Luna Masterson has been able to see the demonic ever since she was a child. She tries to hide the fact she can talk to demons and see them, but sometimes she slips up and that causes her problems. She often talks and interacts with the demons.
- Seth is Luna's brother. He takes care of his daughter (Lydia) with Luna, because his wife, Sparkles, left him.
- Reed Taylor is Luna's friend and doesn't judge her. He used to be a drug addict.
- Sparkles is Seth's wife. She isn't a very nice person. (Readers will find out interesting things about her.)
I have to admit that I was amazed at the author's ability to add sarcastic humour to the story and dialogues. Luna's thoughts and opinions about several happenings are delightfully sarcastic and sharp and I couldn't help but laugh out loud at certain points.
The author writes amazingly well about such difficult things as insanity and suicide. I think it's good that she writes about how people feel about when Luna talks and interacts with demons, because what's normal to Luna is crazy to others. For example, the dialogues between Luna and Seth reveal a lot about how a member of her own family feels about her ability, because Seth can't see demons and has difficulties understanding his sister and her behaviour.
There's a well written and realistic scene about a suicide attempt. In my opinion the author writes about the suicide attempt in a surprisingly realistic way and manages to awaken the reader's sympathy for the characters. Considering that this book is fast-paced entertainment, it's amazing that the story contains a difficult scene like this.
I liked the ending, because the author has written it well. I won't reveal what happens at the end of the story, but I think that readers will like it very much. I'll also mention that I think that fans of H. P. Lovecraft will be delighted to see a certain cosmic entity mentioned briefly in the story.
Mercedes M. Yardley is a relatively unknown author, but I think that she will become a popular author, because she has a talent for writing interesting urban fantasy and she can create fascinating characters. Because I liked this book and found it interesting, I intend to take a look at the author's novella (Apocalyptic Montessa and Nuclear Lulu: A Tale of Atomic Love) and short story collection (Beautiful Sorrows) in the near future.
Nameless: The Darkness Comes is an exciting, fresh, fast-paced and entertaining urban fantasy book for readers who are interested in modern urban fantasy books. It's one of the best modern urban fantasy books available for readers, because the author has written a good story and knows how to move it fast forward. If you want your urban fantasy with style, attitude, grittiness and good characters, Nameless: The Darkness Comes is the book to read.
Good entertainment!
Mercedes M. Yardley's Nameless: The Darkness Comes was a nice surprise for me. I'm not a big fan of modern urban fantasy books (I admit that I tend to avoid reading them), because most of them are more or less boring and their authors recycle the same plots over and over again. This book, however, caught my attention, and I found it enjoyable, because it was something a bit different.
One of the reasons why I like this book is that it manages to be both whimsical/funny and dramatic (and also macabre) at the same time. There's a nice balance between the dramatic scenes, funny moments and macabre happenings. This is something that is rarely found in urban fantasy books.
Mercedes M. Yardley shows her readers the gritty and darker side of urban fantasy in this book. She combines dark happenings and grittiness in an intriguing way.
Here's a bit of information about the story:
The story is told from the protagonist's (Luna Masterson) point of view. She's a great narrator, because she describes things and happenings in a sarcastic way. She fights against demons and can talk to them. When her brother, Seth, gets into trouble, Luna decides to help him...
Mercedes M. Yardley has created good and interesting characters. Her characters feel realistic and they have their own personalities. Luna is an especially intriguing characters, because she's a strong and courageous woman, but she also has a vulnerable side to her. This is good, because I've often felt more than a bit frustrated when I've tried to read urban fantasy books, because the protagonists in them have been as shallow as possible and I wasn't able to find anything interesting in them.
Here's information about the characters:
- Luna Masterson has been able to see the demonic ever since she was a child. She tries to hide the fact she can talk to demons and see them, but sometimes she slips up and that causes her problems. She often talks and interacts with the demons.
- Seth is Luna's brother. He takes care of his daughter (Lydia) with Luna, because his wife, Sparkles, left him.
- Reed Taylor is Luna's friend and doesn't judge her. He used to be a drug addict.
- Sparkles is Seth's wife. She isn't a very nice person. (Readers will find out interesting things about her.)
I have to admit that I was amazed at the author's ability to add sarcastic humour to the story and dialogues. Luna's thoughts and opinions about several happenings are delightfully sarcastic and sharp and I couldn't help but laugh out loud at certain points.
The author writes amazingly well about such difficult things as insanity and suicide. I think it's good that she writes about how people feel about when Luna talks and interacts with demons, because what's normal to Luna is crazy to others. For example, the dialogues between Luna and Seth reveal a lot about how a member of her own family feels about her ability, because Seth can't see demons and has difficulties understanding his sister and her behaviour.
There's a well written and realistic scene about a suicide attempt. In my opinion the author writes about the suicide attempt in a surprisingly realistic way and manages to awaken the reader's sympathy for the characters. Considering that this book is fast-paced entertainment, it's amazing that the story contains a difficult scene like this.
I liked the ending, because the author has written it well. I won't reveal what happens at the end of the story, but I think that readers will like it very much. I'll also mention that I think that fans of H. P. Lovecraft will be delighted to see a certain cosmic entity mentioned briefly in the story.
Mercedes M. Yardley is a relatively unknown author, but I think that she will become a popular author, because she has a talent for writing interesting urban fantasy and she can create fascinating characters. Because I liked this book and found it interesting, I intend to take a look at the author's novella (Apocalyptic Montessa and Nuclear Lulu: A Tale of Atomic Love) and short story collection (Beautiful Sorrows) in the near future.
Nameless: The Darkness Comes is an exciting, fresh, fast-paced and entertaining urban fantasy book for readers who are interested in modern urban fantasy books. It's one of the best modern urban fantasy books available for readers, because the author has written a good story and knows how to move it fast forward. If you want your urban fantasy with style, attitude, grittiness and good characters, Nameless: The Darkness Comes is the book to read.
Good entertainment!
September 6, 2016
Thanks to a lucky streak, I've discovered a few fantastic indie reads lately, and Nameless by Mercedes Yardley is a shiny star among them. It is a dark and edgy mix of genres, a novelty both in urban fantasy and in horror. As an author, Yardley makes her own way, leaving behind all well-worn paths and familiar tropes. If you think we've seen it all, think again. With Nameless, surprises are around every corner.
Nameless came to my hands entirely by accident. I so rarely accept random review requests these days, but I've heard a great many wonderful things about Ragnarok Publications and I was determined to give them a chance. After reading Nameless, I'll never hesitate to buy one of their titles again.
Luna Masterson has been seeing demons since she was a little girl. She inherited the horrible ability from her father, a wonderful, yet tortured man who killed himself years ago. Luna and her brother are all alone, and they live together in Seth's house and raise Seth's baby daughter all on their own. Luna is far from your average heroine. She is headstrong, prickly and extremely difficult, but the amount of sympathy she provokes makes all her faults instantly forgivable. Despite being a bit hard to like at times, Luna is a character I had no trouble understanding. Her awful temper and solitary ways are a direct consequence of her ability, and she's always quick to hurt those she cares about before they get a chance to hurt her.
The secondary characters are every bit as strong and well-developed as Luna herself. The moment Luna meets Reed Taylor, it's clear how important he'll become in the overall storyline and his character is developed accordingly from the start. Their relationship did feel a bit like instalove, but it was so multi-layered and messed up that the term simply didn't apply. My favorite character by far, though, was Mouth, a demon determined to help Luna in any way he can, even if said help was less than welcome. In order to accept and even befriend Mouth, Luna had to overcome years of ingrained prejudices, but she did it in her usual prickly and obnoxious manner.
It should be said that the elements of horror become stronger as the story progresses and that the final part is especially gruesome and disgusting. But even if you're not a fan, trust me when I say it's worth it. The emotional impact this book had on me is a rare and beautiful thing and I doubt it would fail to touch any of you.
There were a few minor problems I cannot talk about for fear of spoiling the delightfully unpredictable plot. Some very important moments felt rushed and not properly explained, and the choices some characters made (one character in particular) seemed far too extreme. There was also the small matter of Luna referring to Reed Taylor as 'Reed Taylor', name and last name, every single time*, which certainly took away from my reading enjoyment and threatened to drive me bonkers. That said, Nameless is a read not to be missed at any cost and Mercedes Yardley an author who will surely give us many more exciting reads.
*I call this an estepism after Jennifer Estep, who used to do the exact same thing with her character Donovan Caine.
Nameless came to my hands entirely by accident. I so rarely accept random review requests these days, but I've heard a great many wonderful things about Ragnarok Publications and I was determined to give them a chance. After reading Nameless, I'll never hesitate to buy one of their titles again.
Luna Masterson has been seeing demons since she was a little girl. She inherited the horrible ability from her father, a wonderful, yet tortured man who killed himself years ago. Luna and her brother are all alone, and they live together in Seth's house and raise Seth's baby daughter all on their own. Luna is far from your average heroine. She is headstrong, prickly and extremely difficult, but the amount of sympathy she provokes makes all her faults instantly forgivable. Despite being a bit hard to like at times, Luna is a character I had no trouble understanding. Her awful temper and solitary ways are a direct consequence of her ability, and she's always quick to hurt those she cares about before they get a chance to hurt her.
The secondary characters are every bit as strong and well-developed as Luna herself. The moment Luna meets Reed Taylor, it's clear how important he'll become in the overall storyline and his character is developed accordingly from the start. Their relationship did feel a bit like instalove, but it was so multi-layered and messed up that the term simply didn't apply. My favorite character by far, though, was Mouth, a demon determined to help Luna in any way he can, even if said help was less than welcome. In order to accept and even befriend Mouth, Luna had to overcome years of ingrained prejudices, but she did it in her usual prickly and obnoxious manner.
It should be said that the elements of horror become stronger as the story progresses and that the final part is especially gruesome and disgusting. But even if you're not a fan, trust me when I say it's worth it. The emotional impact this book had on me is a rare and beautiful thing and I doubt it would fail to touch any of you.
There were a few minor problems I cannot talk about for fear of spoiling the delightfully unpredictable plot. Some very important moments felt rushed and not properly explained, and the choices some characters made (one character in particular) seemed far too extreme. There was also the small matter of Luna referring to Reed Taylor as 'Reed Taylor', name and last name, every single time*, which certainly took away from my reading enjoyment and threatened to drive me bonkers. That said, Nameless is a read not to be missed at any cost and Mercedes Yardley an author who will surely give us many more exciting reads.
*I call this an estepism after Jennifer Estep, who used to do the exact same thing with her character Donovan Caine.
September 7, 2014
Fantasy Review Barn
A young girl sees a shadow that no one else does. Luna isn’t crazy; her father knows what she is seeing is real. But being seen as crazy makes for a lonely life, and when the ‘crazy’ father commits suicide her ostracized spot in society is cemented for good. Armed with quick wits and a smart mouth Luna has put up with seeing demons her whole life. But when these spectral beings start messing with family? It is time for Luna to put the hammer down.
Yardley is showing me that she has the ability to show us something new in what should be a tired old story. My first taste of her wonderfully messed up style was Apocalyptic Montessa and Nuclear Lulu, a fun little road trip love story…involving two serial killers. Now I read Nameless and see a trite tale of rescuing a kidnap victim. But it feels fresh, and not just because of the whole talking to demons aspect. No it is stronger than its foundation because I actually believe in Luna’s love for her young niece throughout the story. Plus I may still be singing Let it Go on a regular basis; woman taking her own initiative to save another woman character still rings awesome.
Oh hell that last paragraph may be a bit spoilerific but I really can’t pretend to care. Because if there is a weakness to this story it is how telegraphed the first half was. Look, all I am saying is if you didn’t realize that the niece was going to be kidnapped by something tied to demons and Luna was going to have to save the day then you have never watched a cop drama. But that is OK, there is nothing wrong with following a familiar path when you keep it fun.
How this book remains fun is something of a mystery. It deals with big nasties in the dark, hell houses complete with creepy kids and hanging ghosts, accusations of mental issues and a decent amount of drug use. But a wonderfully snarky main character combined with an almost as good lackey of the devil (well, I assume they are hell’s demons) who gives as good as he gets; and provides something of an odd couple relationship with our favorite person who yells at the sky.
Nameless is fun and funny despite dealing with some serious stuff. I enjoyed it quite a bit. But I can’t go to crazy in my praise. It was strong, and much more up my alley than the serial killer love story I had read earlier, but this isn’t a book that will stay with me. As mentioned before it was fairly predictable. With its tight focus on Luna I found almost every other character faded completely into the background; fine if that is the intent but I feel I was supposed to care about or feel hatred for some of them. And the final confrontation seemed to me to rely on a criminally stupid set of choices made by the big evil.
3 Stars
Copy for review provided by publicist.
A young girl sees a shadow that no one else does. Luna isn’t crazy; her father knows what she is seeing is real. But being seen as crazy makes for a lonely life, and when the ‘crazy’ father commits suicide her ostracized spot in society is cemented for good. Armed with quick wits and a smart mouth Luna has put up with seeing demons her whole life. But when these spectral beings start messing with family? It is time for Luna to put the hammer down.
Yardley is showing me that she has the ability to show us something new in what should be a tired old story. My first taste of her wonderfully messed up style was Apocalyptic Montessa and Nuclear Lulu, a fun little road trip love story…involving two serial killers. Now I read Nameless and see a trite tale of rescuing a kidnap victim. But it feels fresh, and not just because of the whole talking to demons aspect. No it is stronger than its foundation because I actually believe in Luna’s love for her young niece throughout the story. Plus I may still be singing Let it Go on a regular basis; woman taking her own initiative to save another woman character still rings awesome.
Oh hell that last paragraph may be a bit spoilerific but I really can’t pretend to care. Because if there is a weakness to this story it is how telegraphed the first half was. Look, all I am saying is if you didn’t realize that the niece was going to be kidnapped by something tied to demons and Luna was going to have to save the day then you have never watched a cop drama. But that is OK, there is nothing wrong with following a familiar path when you keep it fun.
How this book remains fun is something of a mystery. It deals with big nasties in the dark, hell houses complete with creepy kids and hanging ghosts, accusations of mental issues and a decent amount of drug use. But a wonderfully snarky main character combined with an almost as good lackey of the devil (well, I assume they are hell’s demons) who gives as good as he gets; and provides something of an odd couple relationship with our favorite person who yells at the sky.
Nameless is fun and funny despite dealing with some serious stuff. I enjoyed it quite a bit. But I can’t go to crazy in my praise. It was strong, and much more up my alley than the serial killer love story I had read earlier, but this isn’t a book that will stay with me. As mentioned before it was fairly predictable. With its tight focus on Luna I found almost every other character faded completely into the background; fine if that is the intent but I feel I was supposed to care about or feel hatred for some of them. And the final confrontation seemed to me to rely on a criminally stupid set of choices made by the big evil.
3 Stars
Copy for review provided by publicist.
January 15, 2014
With her debut novel, Mercedes Yardley proves she can sustain a longer narrative. Her "Beautiful Sorrows" is a favorite, but short stories and novels are so different that just because someone can do one, doesn't mean that they can do the other. Well, Mercedes can do both. The story of humans vs. demons is as old as religion and while enjoyable, for me the enjoyment comes more from how the narrator Luna describes the events of the story. She's sarcastic and I love her and in the depths of horrific events, she comes up with a turn of phrase or a way of describing events that you want to crack up. Then the next paragraph you're getting ready to cry, because unlike a lot of horror writer's Yardley's characters are more than meat puppets waiting to be snuffed for entertainment purposes. The ending is an example of how Mrs. Yardley can make you dread what's coming, break your heart, and make you love it!
June 25, 2014
I have to hold my hands up and admit to being one of those people who needs a book to grab them in the first few pages. Luckily, what you've got here is a story that does exactly that.
Mercedes writes with a fluidity and accessibility that instantly draws you in. The characters are by no stretch heroes, and this makes them all the more compelling to the reader. The story plays out like a gleefully twisted dear diary, and moves along at a pace which makes turning the pages almost effortless.
There's an intimacy to this book that makes you feel like you're being spoken to individually, and a turn of phrase which is simultaneously dramatic, witty and poetic in equal measure.
As the first part of a trilogy, Nameless bodes so well for the rest of the series. It is in essence a dark, modern fairy tale, told beautifully, and with portents of much, much more to come.
Mercedes writes with a fluidity and accessibility that instantly draws you in. The characters are by no stretch heroes, and this makes them all the more compelling to the reader. The story plays out like a gleefully twisted dear diary, and moves along at a pace which makes turning the pages almost effortless.
There's an intimacy to this book that makes you feel like you're being spoken to individually, and a turn of phrase which is simultaneously dramatic, witty and poetic in equal measure.
As the first part of a trilogy, Nameless bodes so well for the rest of the series. It is in essence a dark, modern fairy tale, told beautifully, and with portents of much, much more to come.
July 17, 2016
3.5 Stars!!!!
A paranormal story about a girl who sees demons.
Luna sees demons ever since she was a child. She wasn't scared of them plus it helps that her father understands and sees them too, which makes her NOT "crazy." Now all grown up, she found a way to deal with the demons and how to hurt them if they bothered her. Then she met Reed Taylor, her love interest in the book. Then her niece went missing and demons are involved... and the crazies begin...
It was a fun read! I liked it. Except for the lengthy conversations with the demons.... and plus she's the only who can see them, so I'm picturing that one out, she would definitely look like a lunatic.
Luna's character is strong, brave, loving, funny and quite a bit of a mouth. She doesn't listen and when she don't wanna listen, she takes off and run... that is a bit annoying.
There's a demon she named Mouthy who warns her and wants to help her, but she was told by her dad that "demons lie and they are never good" so she doesn't trust him. I like Mouthy, I know he loves Luna, he has been watching over her since she was a child. I love the banter between Mouthy and Luna up to when Luna spoils it but acting like a spoiled child.
I also find it funny that she calls Reed his full name, Reed Taylor.... I love Reed... Reed really love Luna... and he will do anything to help her. I was really rooting for Luna and Reed... And I still have lots of question regarding his angel? Where did it go?
Then there's her older brother Seth.... he is not as strong and brave as Luna though. He doesn't see demons... but he believes Luna does... though he has a secret and that was a surprise.
Let's not forget the angels which Luna calls the demon police. Though I don't see them doing much policing in the story.
This book will introduce you to Luna, her story and her abilities. It was funny, action packed, suspenseful and touching.
To say I'm looking forward to the next book, definitely.
Review also posted here :
FB Page/ Blog : https://www.facebook.com/SLiTsReaD
A paranormal story about a girl who sees demons.
Luna sees demons ever since she was a child. She wasn't scared of them plus it helps that her father understands and sees them too, which makes her NOT "crazy." Now all grown up, she found a way to deal with the demons and how to hurt them if they bothered her. Then she met Reed Taylor, her love interest in the book. Then her niece went missing and demons are involved... and the crazies begin...
It was a fun read! I liked it. Except for the lengthy conversations with the demons.... and plus she's the only who can see them, so I'm picturing that one out, she would definitely look like a lunatic.
Luna's character is strong, brave, loving, funny and quite a bit of a mouth. She doesn't listen and when she don't wanna listen, she takes off and run... that is a bit annoying.
There's a demon she named Mouthy who warns her and wants to help her, but she was told by her dad that "demons lie and they are never good" so she doesn't trust him. I like Mouthy, I know he loves Luna, he has been watching over her since she was a child. I love the banter between Mouthy and Luna up to when Luna spoils it but acting like a spoiled child.
I also find it funny that she calls Reed his full name, Reed Taylor.... I love Reed... Reed really love Luna... and he will do anything to help her. I was really rooting for Luna and Reed... And I still have lots of question regarding his angel? Where did it go?
Then there's her older brother Seth.... he is not as strong and brave as Luna though. He doesn't see demons... but he believes Luna does... though he has a secret and that was a surprise.
Let's not forget the angels which Luna calls the demon police. Though I don't see them doing much policing in the story.
This book will introduce you to Luna, her story and her abilities. It was funny, action packed, suspenseful and touching.
To say I'm looking forward to the next book, definitely.
Review also posted here :
FB Page/ Blog : https://www.facebook.com/SLiTsReaD
February 16, 2019
What a cranky bitch Luna is! Thank Christ this is the debut novel for Mercedes, if it was the first of her work I read I don't think I would have continued with anything else.
I do hate to nitpick but this book was so repetitive, a constant demon drama and Luna throwing tantrums. I don't mind a bit of supernatural but an explanation as to how the demonic fits into the story would be a great help. You can't go ape shit at some demons and not others without giving the reader a reason.
I will continue to read Mercedes M. Yardley just this book wasn't my cup of tea.
I do hate to nitpick but this book was so repetitive, a constant demon drama and Luna throwing tantrums. I don't mind a bit of supernatural but an explanation as to how the demonic fits into the story would be a great help. You can't go ape shit at some demons and not others without giving the reader a reason.
I will continue to read Mercedes M. Yardley just this book wasn't my cup of tea.
January 17, 2014
Mercedes Yardley is better known to me as a short story author, of some remarkable talent as evidenced in her wonderful collection ‘Beautiful Sorrows’. In 2013 she upped the ante when ‘Apocalyptic Montessa and Nuclear Lulu: A Tale of Atomic Love’ was published and she proved that she could weave a wonderful tale in novella form. With ‘Nameless: The Darkness Comes’, her debut novel, she has firmly cemented herself as not just a talented writer but an accomplished novelist to boot.
Praise for her earlier work compared to favourably to Joe Hill and, with Nameless, she proves again why this is. Mercedes has a strong, unique voice that brings her brand of dark fiction straight into the reader’s mind. She has an effortless, dynamic turn of phrase which feels natural at all times. The story, in which a pair of orphan siblings (Luna and Seth Masterson) band together to face – and survive – the demonic forces that have been haunting them and their family for as long as they can remember is a great one. While there is no denying that this is dark fiction that delves into pure horror at times Mercedes has a way of keeping a sharp edge of humour throughout the tale ensuring that the story never becomes too harrowing …though in a novel where suicide, drug abuse, a missing child, mental health issues, and violence are core it is a miracle that the writing never becomes moribund. Well if you can call great writing a miracle, of course.
So, yes, the story / plot is great but that isn’t actually what makes this novel so good. No, it is the characters themselves that do that. Mercedes has a knack for writing believable characters in unbelievable settings. From the leading lady of the tale, Luna, herself who is brash, bold, sarcastic, stupid, clever, wonderful and – at the same time – fragile through to her brother who has lived with a secret that has haunted him, to ‘green-eyed heroin addict’ that Luna has an irresistible connection to because of his own ‘hauntings’ all of the characters live and breathe on the page. However there is one that Mercedes manages to – whether it was deliberate or not – make stand out even though, for maybe half of the tale, he isn’t even seen or heard. That is Mouth who, for want of a better term, is a demon with a conscience. It was through him that Mercedes channelled some of the most fun and vitriolic dialogue.
With characters that good, and a plotline that is literally life and death in the midst of a battle for souls, love, and redemption, there is one more VERY good thing about Nameless: The Darkness Comes … it is book one in The Bone Angel Trilogy.
And I for one cannot wait to see what happens next!
Praise for her earlier work compared to favourably to Joe Hill and, with Nameless, she proves again why this is. Mercedes has a strong, unique voice that brings her brand of dark fiction straight into the reader’s mind. She has an effortless, dynamic turn of phrase which feels natural at all times. The story, in which a pair of orphan siblings (Luna and Seth Masterson) band together to face – and survive – the demonic forces that have been haunting them and their family for as long as they can remember is a great one. While there is no denying that this is dark fiction that delves into pure horror at times Mercedes has a way of keeping a sharp edge of humour throughout the tale ensuring that the story never becomes too harrowing …though in a novel where suicide, drug abuse, a missing child, mental health issues, and violence are core it is a miracle that the writing never becomes moribund. Well if you can call great writing a miracle, of course.
So, yes, the story / plot is great but that isn’t actually what makes this novel so good. No, it is the characters themselves that do that. Mercedes has a knack for writing believable characters in unbelievable settings. From the leading lady of the tale, Luna, herself who is brash, bold, sarcastic, stupid, clever, wonderful and – at the same time – fragile through to her brother who has lived with a secret that has haunted him, to ‘green-eyed heroin addict’ that Luna has an irresistible connection to because of his own ‘hauntings’ all of the characters live and breathe on the page. However there is one that Mercedes manages to – whether it was deliberate or not – make stand out even though, for maybe half of the tale, he isn’t even seen or heard. That is Mouth who, for want of a better term, is a demon with a conscience. It was through him that Mercedes channelled some of the most fun and vitriolic dialogue.
With characters that good, and a plotline that is literally life and death in the midst of a battle for souls, love, and redemption, there is one more VERY good thing about Nameless: The Darkness Comes … it is book one in The Bone Angel Trilogy.
And I for one cannot wait to see what happens next!
January 26, 2014
My review here.
Mercedes Yardley is a name that has been touted over the internet for several months now. Her Apocalyptic Montessa and Nuclear Lulu is a book that many are praising. While I have that book, I wanted to read her first full novel and see if she stands up to the hype.
The first thing that I noticed is that she definitely has a very unique voice. While it is hard to describe, I would would call it bold with a twist of the emotional. She definitely doesn't hold back and makes a strong female protagonist but she also attempts, successfully, to put raw emotion into the character and story.
Luna, the main character drove me a bit batty. She has the ability to see demons that wonder the world. She has seen them since she was very little and it has caused all sorts of problems for her, emotionally as well as socially. She is a phlebotomists, which after you look that up in the dictionary is a person who takes your blood. It is the perfect job as she only has to see people briefly and then they are out of her life.
There isn't much world building as it is a present day story and Yardley doesn't really go into details about how Luna can see demons. It is very much plot driven. My biggest complaint is that Luna takes a very long time to learn and grow as a character. She has her goal and then refuses to accept any help from anyone, even though they have proven to be an asset to her. It happened a few times and every time she is too stubborn to accept the assistance. At times I wanted to slap some sense into her as I don't think I would fall down that many times before looking for a more successful way to handle things.
The reason I enjoyed the book was that there were many prospectives of the events taking place from Luna's ability to see demons to her brother who was in the room and would watch the interaction even though he couldn't see anyone else in the room. There were many scenes where I kept wondering if Luna is actually seeing anything and was her "hallucination" just a disorder or the results of a drug addiction. It made from some very compelling reading as I could see the scenes from some many different angles. It was quite brilliant.
Nameless has its faults, specifically the pig-headed Luna but when we reach the final act it all comes together and it is worth it. I can see why Yardley is constantly being talked about in my social circle. To a degree, Nameless feels like Elliott's Pilo Family Circus. Nameless is a quick and thought provoking read. Recommended.
Mercedes Yardley is a name that has been touted over the internet for several months now. Her Apocalyptic Montessa and Nuclear Lulu is a book that many are praising. While I have that book, I wanted to read her first full novel and see if she stands up to the hype.
The first thing that I noticed is that she definitely has a very unique voice. While it is hard to describe, I would would call it bold with a twist of the emotional. She definitely doesn't hold back and makes a strong female protagonist but she also attempts, successfully, to put raw emotion into the character and story.
Luna, the main character drove me a bit batty. She has the ability to see demons that wonder the world. She has seen them since she was very little and it has caused all sorts of problems for her, emotionally as well as socially. She is a phlebotomists, which after you look that up in the dictionary is a person who takes your blood. It is the perfect job as she only has to see people briefly and then they are out of her life.
There isn't much world building as it is a present day story and Yardley doesn't really go into details about how Luna can see demons. It is very much plot driven. My biggest complaint is that Luna takes a very long time to learn and grow as a character. She has her goal and then refuses to accept any help from anyone, even though they have proven to be an asset to her. It happened a few times and every time she is too stubborn to accept the assistance. At times I wanted to slap some sense into her as I don't think I would fall down that many times before looking for a more successful way to handle things.
The reason I enjoyed the book was that there were many prospectives of the events taking place from Luna's ability to see demons to her brother who was in the room and would watch the interaction even though he couldn't see anyone else in the room. There were many scenes where I kept wondering if Luna is actually seeing anything and was her "hallucination" just a disorder or the results of a drug addiction. It made from some very compelling reading as I could see the scenes from some many different angles. It was quite brilliant.
Nameless has its faults, specifically the pig-headed Luna but when we reach the final act it all comes together and it is worth it. I can see why Yardley is constantly being talked about in my social circle. To a degree, Nameless feels like Elliott's Pilo Family Circus. Nameless is a quick and thought provoking read. Recommended.
June 9, 2014
This is a winner, friends.
Okay - full disclosure: won a copy of this book as part of a blog contest (I have a toddler so my book budget is not what it once was).
Secondary full disclosure: I've read Mercedes' short fiction in places like John Skipp's anthologies, etc.
Got all that?
Great.
Back to my point: This is a winner.
A slow-start that, once you hit the 50 page mark, reveals that it, in fact, WASN'T slow start, but that Mercedes was taking her time easing you into the absolute bonkers world of Luna Masterson. I won't bother rehashing the plot summary for you--you're big boys and girls; you can do that yourself--but I will point out that Mercedes handles the trick balancing the abstract--demons only Luna can see--with the concrete world, and that concrete world's reaction to Luna's abstract life. This is a point that needs mentioning. Aside from a novella and short fiction, this is Mercedes' first novel and many--if not most--first time novelists get muddled with this goal, losing the reader or dropping details necessary to create that sense of verisimilitude readers need to fully immerse yourself.
A second point worth mentioning? You're going to want to hit/throttle/stomp Luna and her brother (depending on the scene) more than once. This is a GOOD thing, folks. Luna's actions smack of realism, of true personality traits and not things tacked-on to make the plot move. Mercedes created authentic, rounded characters and, by the end, you desperately care what happens to them.
My only-only-ONLY quibble would be the epilogue, which read--to me on first pass--a little end-of-the-pilot-episode-y; a kinda "What adventures will these characters have next?!?!" vibe. Mercedes' writing talent saves that, and I might be the only one who might mention such a thing, but the tone, in comparison to the rest of the story, felt a bit too light for me, even if it was a happy ending.
However, this IS the first book of the trilogy, so some of that might be expect.
In any case...I'll be picking the second book up.
And I suggest you pick up the first.
Okay - full disclosure: won a copy of this book as part of a blog contest (I have a toddler so my book budget is not what it once was).
Secondary full disclosure: I've read Mercedes' short fiction in places like John Skipp's anthologies, etc.
Got all that?
Great.
Back to my point: This is a winner.
A slow-start that, once you hit the 50 page mark, reveals that it, in fact, WASN'T slow start, but that Mercedes was taking her time easing you into the absolute bonkers world of Luna Masterson. I won't bother rehashing the plot summary for you--you're big boys and girls; you can do that yourself--but I will point out that Mercedes handles the trick balancing the abstract--demons only Luna can see--with the concrete world, and that concrete world's reaction to Luna's abstract life. This is a point that needs mentioning. Aside from a novella and short fiction, this is Mercedes' first novel and many--if not most--first time novelists get muddled with this goal, losing the reader or dropping details necessary to create that sense of verisimilitude readers need to fully immerse yourself.
A second point worth mentioning? You're going to want to hit/throttle/stomp Luna and her brother (depending on the scene) more than once. This is a GOOD thing, folks. Luna's actions smack of realism, of true personality traits and not things tacked-on to make the plot move. Mercedes created authentic, rounded characters and, by the end, you desperately care what happens to them.
My only-only-ONLY quibble would be the epilogue, which read--to me on first pass--a little end-of-the-pilot-episode-y; a kinda "What adventures will these characters have next?!?!" vibe. Mercedes' writing talent saves that, and I might be the only one who might mention such a thing, but the tone, in comparison to the rest of the story, felt a bit too light for me, even if it was a happy ending.
However, this IS the first book of the trilogy, so some of that might be expect.
In any case...I'll be picking the second book up.
And I suggest you pick up the first.
June 6, 2014
Nameless: The Darkness Comes (The Bone Angel Trilogy) (Kindle Edition)
I admit, for the first third of of this first novel from Mercedes Yardley, I was a bit lost, a little more than confused and found myself thinking, "maybe she should have stuck with the short stuff." I am happy to report that I was so very wrong. Ms Yardley's delightfully, demented, demonic, grotesque, beautiful, bountiful, creative imagination slowly, seductively (she's a Pisces, she can't help being mysterious and seductive), draws the reader into her story and into caring about her characters and what happens to them.
Yardley can play in the dark as well,if not better than anyone writing in this genre today. She's a Trickster as well. Nameless begins as if it is a YA story but soon the reader is seduced (there's that word again)into one very dark demonic grotesque and gruesome story that is no lightweight YA twaddle; Nameless is for the lovers of the dark, for lovers of Mr.Lovecraft and things that go squish and gooey in the dark. Ms Yardley's delicious description of the tentacles entwining "Sparkles", a nasty creature if ever there was one, must have had Howard Phillips Lovecraft squirming in glee from wherever he sits in whatever world where it now sits. Perhaps Mercedes has absorbed HPL's essence in some dark ritual? Only the Shadow knows....
As to Yardley's writing style, I find that she strings words together in a way that I just can't stop reading. Her words flow across the page with the force and speed of a river in high flood stage. She is a brilliant, delightfully dark,grotesquely funny, sneakily sensitive and sentimental writer, who is growing into her stunning talent. Find everything you can that she has published and relish it, bathe in it and absorb it. Do NOT miss out on this gorgeous book or this beautiful talent. She's already on my "must read" list and she should be on yours.
I admit, for the first third of of this first novel from Mercedes Yardley, I was a bit lost, a little more than confused and found myself thinking, "maybe she should have stuck with the short stuff." I am happy to report that I was so very wrong. Ms Yardley's delightfully, demented, demonic, grotesque, beautiful, bountiful, creative imagination slowly, seductively (she's a Pisces, she can't help being mysterious and seductive), draws the reader into her story and into caring about her characters and what happens to them.
Yardley can play in the dark as well,if not better than anyone writing in this genre today. She's a Trickster as well. Nameless begins as if it is a YA story but soon the reader is seduced (there's that word again)into one very dark demonic grotesque and gruesome story that is no lightweight YA twaddle; Nameless is for the lovers of the dark, for lovers of Mr.Lovecraft and things that go squish and gooey in the dark. Ms Yardley's delicious description of the tentacles entwining "Sparkles", a nasty creature if ever there was one, must have had Howard Phillips Lovecraft squirming in glee from wherever he sits in whatever world where it now sits. Perhaps Mercedes has absorbed HPL's essence in some dark ritual? Only the Shadow knows....
As to Yardley's writing style, I find that she strings words together in a way that I just can't stop reading. Her words flow across the page with the force and speed of a river in high flood stage. She is a brilliant, delightfully dark,grotesquely funny, sneakily sensitive and sentimental writer, who is growing into her stunning talent. Find everything you can that she has published and relish it, bathe in it and absorb it. Do NOT miss out on this gorgeous book or this beautiful talent. She's already on my "must read" list and she should be on yours.
November 26, 2014
Be prepared to buckle yourself in and hang on for one wild ride.
Yardley takes us through a labyrinth of strange characters, ultimately revealing the demon in each of us. Luna, the main character, has more than a little attitude and can become quite the bad ass when someone she loves is threatened. Reed Taylor, her love interest, is a charming, recovering drug addict – but is he really the hero Luna believes he is? Mouth, my favorite character of the bunch, is a mouthy demon who might be leading Luna into a trap, or he might just truly have her best interests at heart. Then, there are the pawns in the big, bad demon's game: Seth, Luna's damaged older brother, Sparkles, Seth's willingly demonic ex-wife, and lovely little Lydia, Seth's baby daughter.
Yardley is at her best when writing darkly. My favorite scenes are where she takes us into a literal house of horrors, twisting the common and mundane in the most horrifying of ways. The highest compliment I can pay her is that this story literally gave me nightmares. I dreamed that demons were trying to steal my soul, and bits of my soul were flying into their faces like pieces of brain matter. Thanks, Ms. Yardley.
Nameless is not a tightly structured story. Yardley never does fully explain the rules of the demon world, and some questions remain unanswered. Yet, I don't think that the YA audience this book is intended for would mind. After all, teenagers do not lead tightly structured lives, and they're still trying to figure out the rules of their own world.
Yardley takes us through a labyrinth of strange characters, ultimately revealing the demon in each of us. Luna, the main character, has more than a little attitude and can become quite the bad ass when someone she loves is threatened. Reed Taylor, her love interest, is a charming, recovering drug addict – but is he really the hero Luna believes he is? Mouth, my favorite character of the bunch, is a mouthy demon who might be leading Luna into a trap, or he might just truly have her best interests at heart. Then, there are the pawns in the big, bad demon's game: Seth, Luna's damaged older brother, Sparkles, Seth's willingly demonic ex-wife, and lovely little Lydia, Seth's baby daughter.
Yardley is at her best when writing darkly. My favorite scenes are where she takes us into a literal house of horrors, twisting the common and mundane in the most horrifying of ways. The highest compliment I can pay her is that this story literally gave me nightmares. I dreamed that demons were trying to steal my soul, and bits of my soul were flying into their faces like pieces of brain matter. Thanks, Ms. Yardley.
Nameless is not a tightly structured story. Yardley never does fully explain the rules of the demon world, and some questions remain unanswered. Yet, I don't think that the YA audience this book is intended for would mind. After all, teenagers do not lead tightly structured lives, and they're still trying to figure out the rules of their own world.
December 14, 2014
This was an extremely emotional read for me. I'm actually surprised by how much this story got to me. The story itself was actually different than I originally anticipated it to be, which made it so much better. I also have to say it was a really original story. I haven't read any other books quite like this, between the subject an the plot it kept me reading till the end. I literally couldn't stop reading, I didn't put the book down at all, just read straight through.
I loved the dynamic between all of the characters, because they were all damaged in some way, but still capable of loving. I especially liked Mouth, I'm so glad things turned out well for him. I thought Luna was like any stressed out woman desperately trying to get her baby back. I wasn't that fond of Reed though, I thought he was fake.
I'd recommend this book to paranormal an horror lovers.
I loved the dynamic between all of the characters, because they were all damaged in some way, but still capable of loving. I especially liked Mouth, I'm so glad things turned out well for him. I thought Luna was like any stressed out woman desperately trying to get her baby back. I wasn't that fond of Reed though, I thought he was fake.
I'd recommend this book to paranormal an horror lovers.
April 6, 2014
Every once in awhile, I'll read a book from an indie author that surprises me in a very good way. This was absolutely the case with Nameless. In fact, this book was such a page-turner that I had a hard time putting it down!
Luna inherits her dad's ability to see and hear demons. Usually, she can shoo them away and protect her home from their intrusion. That is, until she gets marked by a demon, starting a series of events that force her to view demons in a different--and much scarier--light.
I enjoyed getting to know Luna and the supporting characters, especially Mouth, a demon aptly named by Luna because he won't shut up, her brother, Seth, and Reed Taylor. Nameless ended with an exciting opening for the next book, and I'll be one of the first readers in line to buy it!
Luna inherits her dad's ability to see and hear demons. Usually, she can shoo them away and protect her home from their intrusion. That is, until she gets marked by a demon, starting a series of events that force her to view demons in a different--and much scarier--light.
I enjoyed getting to know Luna and the supporting characters, especially Mouth, a demon aptly named by Luna because he won't shut up, her brother, Seth, and Reed Taylor. Nameless ended with an exciting opening for the next book, and I'll be one of the first readers in line to buy it!
January 18, 2014
This book was very dark. Very frightening. No light at the end of a tunnel book.
The "romance" that I like in my books was very weird and not my cup of tea, and the dealings of Luna were very confusing.
I do believe I will read the next book, if just to find out what happens with the duo.
The "romance" that I like in my books was very weird and not my cup of tea, and the dealings of Luna were very confusing.
I do believe I will read the next book, if just to find out what happens with the duo.
February 1, 2014
Easy to read, unique style. Some moments of levity, more moments of darkness. The ending was especially dark. Probably not a book for everyone, but a great book for me
August 15, 2016
Soo:
The characters
I liked Luna a lot. For once, the mc wasn't sulking in the corner and go on and on about how miserable she feels, how her ability is a curse and how she wishes she had a normal life. And neither does she go Buffy-style, taking on the Underworld (or whatever it is) herself. She's a tough girl, but not without weaknesses or flaws. Real flaws. Being in her head made me want to bang it on the wall quite a few times, but I understand where she's coming from and I can sympathize.
Everyone else in the book was an odd, unique fellow, from Lydia to Reed to Sparkles. And speaking of the latter two, I could have done with a bit more character development/insight
The Story
One of the things I adore about Mercedes' books is that she's not afraid to take risks. The story goes on and for the most part you have no idea where she's going with it, because anything is possible to happen. And all while she spares us of unnecessary drama. I can't not love it.
A great thing was the book focused on family love (Luna for her niece) above anything else, which is a fresh breath and very sweet. And it also succeeded at keeping the balance between realism and fantasy.
I'm a huge supporter of showing-not-telling, and this is the case here, though at times you have a hard time fully grasping the situation. There are some questions that should be asked and answers that should be given, which will probably be on the next book, but it felt like there were many missed opportunities for extra insight as to what's going on or about the setting.
The Horror
First thing to say, I enjoy a thriller when it's done right. Second, I find plain horror stories with no other elements completely dull and pointless. And third, I don't remember to be time when I freaked out or couldn't take it with a scary movie/novel.
So I guess I'm not the best judge to say whether this book's real freaky or not. I've read comments from readers who thought Anna Dressed In Blood was really scary, when in my opinion the novel is light on horror. Nameless sure has its creepy moments and dark moments and gory moments, but it also has a plot and a setting and some really interesting characters and it piles on many more emotions than horror.
Bottom line, I'd suggest it to those who normally don't enjoy horror. Unless of course you really can't take the genre in which case better not touch it.
The characters
I liked Luna a lot. For once, the mc wasn't sulking in the corner and go on and on about how miserable she feels, how her ability is a curse and how she wishes she had a normal life. And neither does she go Buffy-style, taking on the Underworld (or whatever it is) herself. She's a tough girl, but not without weaknesses or flaws. Real flaws. Being in her head made me want to bang it on the wall quite a few times, but I understand where she's coming from and I can sympathize.
Everyone else in the book was an odd, unique fellow, from Lydia to Reed to Sparkles. And speaking of the latter two, I could have done with a bit more character development/insight
The Story
One of the things I adore about Mercedes' books is that she's not afraid to take risks. The story goes on and for the most part you have no idea where she's going with it, because anything is possible to happen. And all while she spares us of unnecessary drama. I can't not love it.
A great thing was the book focused on family love (Luna for her niece) above anything else, which is a fresh breath and very sweet. And it also succeeded at keeping the balance between realism and fantasy.
I'm a huge supporter of showing-not-telling, and this is the case here, though at times you have a hard time fully grasping the situation. There are some questions that should be asked and answers that should be given, which will probably be on the next book, but it felt like there were many missed opportunities for extra insight as to what's going on or about the setting.
The Horror
First thing to say, I enjoy a thriller when it's done right. Second, I find plain horror stories with no other elements completely dull and pointless. And third, I don't remember to be time when I freaked out or couldn't take it with a scary movie/novel.
So I guess I'm not the best judge to say whether this book's real freaky or not. I've read comments from readers who thought Anna Dressed In Blood was really scary, when in my opinion the novel is light on horror. Nameless sure has its creepy moments and dark moments and gory moments, but it also has a plot and a setting and some really interesting characters and it piles on many more emotions than horror.
Bottom line, I'd suggest it to those who normally don't enjoy horror. Unless of course you really can't take the genre in which case better not touch it.
January 29, 2014
Writing 4/5
Imagination 4/5
Plot 4/5
Setting 4/5
Characters 3.5/5
My Overall Enjoyment 4/4
Shape-shifting wolf demons, references to Children of the Corn and Cthulhu, a character named Sparkles and an angel named Demon Patrol, along with clever and snarky dialogue and a super fast-paced action filled plot. I enjoyed this urban fantasy/paranormal book a lot, a genre I don't read much of due to the YA feeling I often get. While this is definitely a book for adults, I believe that mature YA readers would also enjoy this. I read it in just a few sittings and the pages kept turning quickly. Nameles is dialogue driven book, something that can annoy me or even cause me to put a book down as I strongly prefer narration but when done right and cleverly, as is the case here, it can be a pleasure to read. There were multiple twists and turns in the plot which came largely unexpected to me and it kept me anticipating what the author would throw in next. I enjoyed the dark and creepy overall tone and how it was mixed in with lighter, funnier parts and I actually laughed out loud on the first page of the epilogue. Decent character development and although I didn't have a major connection with any of the characters I felt like I was reading about real people. This is an excellent debut and I am excited to see whatMercedes Yardley does in the future. The ending, brutal and macabre as it was ,was handled well and has me excited for the next Bone Angel novel.
Highly recommended for urban fantasy and horror readers who enjoy a fast paced book with lots of action and great writing.
Imagination 4/5
Plot 4/5
Setting 4/5
Characters 3.5/5
My Overall Enjoyment 4/4
Shape-shifting wolf demons, references to Children of the Corn and Cthulhu, a character named Sparkles and an angel named Demon Patrol, along with clever and snarky dialogue and a super fast-paced action filled plot. I enjoyed this urban fantasy/paranormal book a lot, a genre I don't read much of due to the YA feeling I often get. While this is definitely a book for adults, I believe that mature YA readers would also enjoy this. I read it in just a few sittings and the pages kept turning quickly. Nameles is dialogue driven book, something that can annoy me or even cause me to put a book down as I strongly prefer narration but when done right and cleverly, as is the case here, it can be a pleasure to read. There were multiple twists and turns in the plot which came largely unexpected to me and it kept me anticipating what the author would throw in next. I enjoyed the dark and creepy overall tone and how it was mixed in with lighter, funnier parts and I actually laughed out loud on the first page of the epilogue. Decent character development and although I didn't have a major connection with any of the characters I felt like I was reading about real people. This is an excellent debut and I am excited to see whatMercedes Yardley does in the future. The ending, brutal and macabre as it was ,was handled well and has me excited for the next Bone Angel novel.
Highly recommended for urban fantasy and horror readers who enjoy a fast paced book with lots of action and great writing.
March 15, 2014
First of all - though this might not sound like a endorsement, because I know some folks haven't dug Koontz's recent work as much - if you enjoy humor and wit in your dark fantasy/horror/supernatural thrillers, especially the easy wit in some of Koontz's sharper works, and if you enjoy Odd Thomas, this is the book for you. Luna is witty, tough, proudly dysfunctional in a gleeful sort of way, yet honestly broken, too. And though she's got a lot of Buffy Somers in her - she's not the "Chosen One" with super powers or super strength or resiliency. She knows the demonic because it's haunted her since childhood. She can see demons, she can fight them, but the only thing she's got up on regular human beings is her knowledge and association with demons, and that's it.
The story's pacing is smooth, with easily-consumed, concise chapters, and the story moves right along. Yardley is very confident in telling this story, and making this world seem real. Also, we get the sense that the supernatural world we're exposed to here is merely a fraction of what's to come, so if you like supernatural mythos/mash-ups like The Dresden Files or Supernatural, this might be a good fit for you, also.
Finally, I do want to address the issue of some tense slippage, which I saw someone mention in another review (that ironically misused grammar in its title). There is a little tense slippage, between first person present and first person past. But experienced readers will realize these are merely blips that got overlooked in the editing process, and they in no way detract from the story at all. Even big NY publishers miss small things like. A proofing issue is not indicative of poor writing.
Pick this up today, and join Luna on The Demon Patrol. You won't regret it.
The story's pacing is smooth, with easily-consumed, concise chapters, and the story moves right along. Yardley is very confident in telling this story, and making this world seem real. Also, we get the sense that the supernatural world we're exposed to here is merely a fraction of what's to come, so if you like supernatural mythos/mash-ups like The Dresden Files or Supernatural, this might be a good fit for you, also.
Finally, I do want to address the issue of some tense slippage, which I saw someone mention in another review (that ironically misused grammar in its title). There is a little tense slippage, between first person present and first person past. But experienced readers will realize these are merely blips that got overlooked in the editing process, and they in no way detract from the story at all. Even big NY publishers miss small things like. A proofing issue is not indicative of poor writing.
Pick this up today, and join Luna on The Demon Patrol. You won't regret it.
January 31, 2014
I won’t recap the plot because you owe it to yourself to discover it on your own. All you need to know going into this is that the story walks a fine line between light and shadow, heartache and triumph. Are there demons? Oh yes. Some of them are amusing; others are terrifying—and caught in the middle is Luna Masterson, the smartass, hard-edged, and entirely likeable protagonist.
What I enjoyed most about novel is its pacing and the author’s style. The book is plotted well enough that you’ll find difficulty in putting it down. Seriously. I finished the latter 50% of this book in a single sitting.
Although Yardley’s style has been described as “whimsical,” I personally think “disarming” is a better way to describe it. The prose is light, quick, snappy—and catches you off guard when the darkness seeps up from the cracks, bringing with it all sorts of nasty, vile things filled with hate and malice. Yardley utilizes this to great effect, structuring the plot around a series of escalating events that put Luna through the motions until you’re left wondering if she can hold it together.
Can she?
I’m not telling—but what I will tell you is that Mercedes Yardley’s debut novel does not disappoint. Why not step into the shadows and find out for yourself?
What I enjoyed most about novel is its pacing and the author’s style. The book is plotted well enough that you’ll find difficulty in putting it down. Seriously. I finished the latter 50% of this book in a single sitting.
Although Yardley’s style has been described as “whimsical,” I personally think “disarming” is a better way to describe it. The prose is light, quick, snappy—and catches you off guard when the darkness seeps up from the cracks, bringing with it all sorts of nasty, vile things filled with hate and malice. Yardley utilizes this to great effect, structuring the plot around a series of escalating events that put Luna through the motions until you’re left wondering if she can hold it together.
Can she?
I’m not telling—but what I will tell you is that Mercedes Yardley’s debut novel does not disappoint. Why not step into the shadows and find out for yourself?
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