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Mercy, Me
I am Mercy.
After The Consummation left the world ravaged by nuclear waste, the entire race of humans have gathered in an area known as Fiddler's Green. At least, that's what we've always been told.
I am hideous to look at; society has branded me a freak. I am shunned and hated, but there is a boy who thinks I'm beautiful. Like me, he is considered hideous, too.
The world is not always as it seems; that's what my mother tells me. What I've learned to expect, however, is so shocking that it undermines everything I've ever been told.
We are outcasts, but what we do will change the world as we know it.
After The Consummation left the world ravaged by nuclear waste, the entire race of humans have gathered in an area known as Fiddler's Green. At least, that's what we've always been told.
I am hideous to look at; society has branded me a freak. I am shunned and hated, but there is a boy who thinks I'm beautiful. Like me, he is considered hideous, too.
The world is not always as it seems; that's what my mother tells me. What I've learned to expect, however, is so shocking that it undermines everything I've ever been told.
We are outcasts, but what we do will change the world as we know it.
386 pages, Paperback
Published December 4, 2016
2 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Donna Hawk
19 books58 followersfind me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Donna.Hawk.A...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
June 17, 2024
I loved this adventure. It was interesting reading about the history of Fiddlers Green and how Mercy ended up there. So good!
Read
March 4, 2026Dark, moving, and surprisingly hopeful.
Read
March 4, 2026A haunting dystopian tale about identity and truth. Mercy’s voice is raw and unforgettable. The story challenges what beauty and humanity really mean.
Read
March 4, 2026There’s a quiet lyricism to this story. Beneath the nuclear wasteland lies a tender exploration of love and self-worth.
Read
March 4, 2026The twists genuinely shocked me. Just when I thought I understood the world, everything shifted. A clever dystopian setup.
March 4, 2026
The bond between Mercy and the boy who sees her beauty adds warmth to an otherwise harsh world. Their connection feels authentic.
March 4, 2026
This book questions society’s standards and the stories we’re taught to believe. It’s unsettling in the best way.
March 4, 2026
Even in a broken world, this story finds light. Mercy’s resilience makes the ending deeply satisfying.
March 4, 2026
A compelling look at otherness, control, and hidden truths. The social commentary is subtle but sharp.
March 16, 2017
Loved the whole book
I could not stop reading. Well told, it was interesting all the way. What a fun and touching story, loved it!
I could not stop reading. Well told, it was interesting all the way. What a fun and touching story, loved it!
January 27, 2026
Mercy by Donna Hawk is a touching post-apocalyptic story about being different in a world that fears what it doesn’t understand. Mercy is labeled hideous and shunned by society, yet the story beautifully explores love, identity, and truth through her eyes. The slow reveal of the world’s secrets keeps you hooked, and the emotional core really shines. A thoughtful, heartfelt read that stays with you.
December 19, 2025
Mercy, Me is a haunting and emotionally charged dystopian story that stays with you long after you finish reading.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world shaped by nuclear devastation, the novel explores what it means to be labeled “hideous” by society and how easily truth can be manipulated by those in power. Mercy is a compelling and deeply human protagonist—vulnerable, strong, and painfully aware of her place as an outcast. Her relationship with the boy who sees beauty where others see a “freak” is tender and meaningful, offering moments of hope in an otherwise bleak world.
Donna Hawk does an excellent job weaving themes of identity, belonging, and deception into a story that slowly reveals how little Mercy truly knows about the world she lives in. The twists are unsettling in the best way, forcing both Mercy and the reader to question everything they’ve been told.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy dystopian fiction with emotional depth, strong characters, and social commentary. It’s a thoughtful, sometimes unsettling read that proves the world is not always as it seems.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world shaped by nuclear devastation, the novel explores what it means to be labeled “hideous” by society and how easily truth can be manipulated by those in power. Mercy is a compelling and deeply human protagonist—vulnerable, strong, and painfully aware of her place as an outcast. Her relationship with the boy who sees beauty where others see a “freak” is tender and meaningful, offering moments of hope in an otherwise bleak world.
Donna Hawk does an excellent job weaving themes of identity, belonging, and deception into a story that slowly reveals how little Mercy truly knows about the world she lives in. The twists are unsettling in the best way, forcing both Mercy and the reader to question everything they’ve been told.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy dystopian fiction with emotional depth, strong characters, and social commentary. It’s a thoughtful, sometimes unsettling read that proves the world is not always as it seems.
December 8, 2016
When I began reading this book, it made me think of 'Logan's Run', one of my all-time favorite movies. Mercy, the book's heroine is headstrong and intelligent, and her coloring is unusual. None of that is appreciated by the people she lives with. She is kicked out of school and denied the comfortable occupation that comes with education. So Mercy has to make her own way while still a teenager. She is given a job that enables her to find out a little more about the world she lives in, and the rest is (will become) history.
I enjoyed this book a lot, also because I like the dystopian setting, even if I would not like to be part of such a life myself.
I enjoyed this book a lot, also because I like the dystopian setting, even if I would not like to be part of such a life myself.
June 5, 2017
I enjoyed following Mercy as she discovers the stark world of Fiddler's Green is anything but normal. A wonderful tale that I hope continues as Mercy ventures forth.
November 27, 2018
‘Mercy, Me’ by Donna Hawk
“I guess calamities have a way of putting personal differences in perspective.”
I requested this dystopian story from the author, upon hearing that she had been actively writing a number of fiction and Sci-Fi/ CyberPunk types of tales of late. I had a special interest in her writing, as she was a favorite and one of my most influential teachers. It is particularly noteworthy that this was while in the Reading and English Dept. of Iola, Kansas Middle School where my formative years occurred and her positive effect on our class played a great deal in heightening my wonder and curiosity for the world of books. Her legitimate enthusiasm and creative process flowed through our classroom and spills over into the pages of ‘Mercy, Me.’
“Read this one,” she told me. “It’s among my best.”
I’m glad I took her up on it with my Kindle and am here to wholeheartedly recommend it to others. I expected a 200 page series-opener or novella/short story, and ended up with a 378 heart-pounder, where I’m crawling, climbing, jumping, running, following Mercy, Caston, and Felix, each unique or outcasts in their varying ways, evading and exploring all over the crumbling city of Fiddler’s Green, that doesn’t want them.
The secrets contained within its (walls), are vast and each big reveal is a major payoff, worth the patience in acquiring them. The imagery is vivid and surreal. I’m in the Registry of Citizens, with the Board of Antiquities, in a cobwebby library, in the dank dark subway tunnels, dodging the ‘Evil Three,’ wanting to lash out at her Father, and have a few remaining questions for Augustus Fiddler myself, namely the one that sits at the end of it all. Although I may have a couple of ideas about that…
~Some quotes of note:
“You are dismissed.”
“My eyes glance over the dirty spines, looking for a title that catches my interest. There are a lot of history books here; mostly they are about the war. This intrigues me but I’m after something that will tell me what the world was like leading up to the war. I’m looking for something to explain why I look like me. Something is missing …”
“In a wild frenzy, my arms and legs kick and hit indiscriminately and with every action, I purge every insult and prejudice I’ve ever had to endure.”
“But Father,” I say, “I thought they were following me because of you.”
“I’m about to find out. When I turn to my father, he looks up and sees Caston standing in the doorway. There is no doubt about the surprise on Father’s face. He’s fearful of Caston’s unusual appearance, just as the others are fearful of mine.”
“The catwalk becomes a web of strange angles and stairs and travels in and out of the dark recesses far out and away from the city below us. I am amazed that I’ve never seen anyone traveling above me, nor even the complex web of walkways. The clouds cover everything.”
“Please, I say to myself, let tomorrow be worth it. When I fall asleep, I immediately begin to wrestle monsters that want to breathe poisonous air into my body.”
“Not only is the child wearing the exact same dress as the photograph I’ve always had, but also beside me on the woman’s lap, I can see Molly’s bright face smiling at me.”
“Not one person stops and stares at us as we three weave our way to my apartment. It seems odd to me that in my lifetime of being hideous, there is actually something even more hideous than I am. I guess calamities have a way of putting personal differences in perspective.”
“A dusty puff of air wafts out of the door as if the building has exhaled. The three of us stand in front to the door, staring but not moving toward it. Here we are as far from the city center as we can get and still remain within the borders of Fiddler’s Green. It seems like this building is in exile.”
“The crowd falls silent. The confused looks on their faces show me the thoughts have crossed all their minds. They are good and trusting citizens but the questions secretly remain.”
“Dear girl, you’ll never know exactly what you have done. Just your mere presence causes unrest. You are a frightening product of a poisoned land.”
“I see the white envelope labeled OUTCOME.”
"In the city, though there is debris flying everywhere, a hush settles. Minute by minute, more of the sky comes into view."
“The slanted rays of the sun catch the glass windows of the buildings, and they twinkle back at us. I am sad, yet I know staying is not the answer.”
“I guess calamities have a way of putting personal differences in perspective.”
I requested this dystopian story from the author, upon hearing that she had been actively writing a number of fiction and Sci-Fi/ CyberPunk types of tales of late. I had a special interest in her writing, as she was a favorite and one of my most influential teachers. It is particularly noteworthy that this was while in the Reading and English Dept. of Iola, Kansas Middle School where my formative years occurred and her positive effect on our class played a great deal in heightening my wonder and curiosity for the world of books. Her legitimate enthusiasm and creative process flowed through our classroom and spills over into the pages of ‘Mercy, Me.’
“Read this one,” she told me. “It’s among my best.”
I’m glad I took her up on it with my Kindle and am here to wholeheartedly recommend it to others. I expected a 200 page series-opener or novella/short story, and ended up with a 378 heart-pounder, where I’m crawling, climbing, jumping, running, following Mercy, Caston, and Felix, each unique or outcasts in their varying ways, evading and exploring all over the crumbling city of Fiddler’s Green, that doesn’t want them.
The secrets contained within its (walls), are vast and each big reveal is a major payoff, worth the patience in acquiring them. The imagery is vivid and surreal. I’m in the Registry of Citizens, with the Board of Antiquities, in a cobwebby library, in the dank dark subway tunnels, dodging the ‘Evil Three,’ wanting to lash out at her Father, and have a few remaining questions for Augustus Fiddler myself, namely the one that sits at the end of it all. Although I may have a couple of ideas about that…
~Some quotes of note:
“You are dismissed.”
“My eyes glance over the dirty spines, looking for a title that catches my interest. There are a lot of history books here; mostly they are about the war. This intrigues me but I’m after something that will tell me what the world was like leading up to the war. I’m looking for something to explain why I look like me. Something is missing …”
“In a wild frenzy, my arms and legs kick and hit indiscriminately and with every action, I purge every insult and prejudice I’ve ever had to endure.”
“But Father,” I say, “I thought they were following me because of you.”
“I’m about to find out. When I turn to my father, he looks up and sees Caston standing in the doorway. There is no doubt about the surprise on Father’s face. He’s fearful of Caston’s unusual appearance, just as the others are fearful of mine.”
“The catwalk becomes a web of strange angles and stairs and travels in and out of the dark recesses far out and away from the city below us. I am amazed that I’ve never seen anyone traveling above me, nor even the complex web of walkways. The clouds cover everything.”
“Please, I say to myself, let tomorrow be worth it. When I fall asleep, I immediately begin to wrestle monsters that want to breathe poisonous air into my body.”
“Not only is the child wearing the exact same dress as the photograph I’ve always had, but also beside me on the woman’s lap, I can see Molly’s bright face smiling at me.”
“Not one person stops and stares at us as we three weave our way to my apartment. It seems odd to me that in my lifetime of being hideous, there is actually something even more hideous than I am. I guess calamities have a way of putting personal differences in perspective.”
“A dusty puff of air wafts out of the door as if the building has exhaled. The three of us stand in front to the door, staring but not moving toward it. Here we are as far from the city center as we can get and still remain within the borders of Fiddler’s Green. It seems like this building is in exile.”
“The crowd falls silent. The confused looks on their faces show me the thoughts have crossed all their minds. They are good and trusting citizens but the questions secretly remain.”
“Dear girl, you’ll never know exactly what you have done. Just your mere presence causes unrest. You are a frightening product of a poisoned land.”
“I see the white envelope labeled OUTCOME.”
"In the city, though there is debris flying everywhere, a hush settles. Minute by minute, more of the sky comes into view."
“The slanted rays of the sun catch the glass windows of the buildings, and they twinkle back at us. I am sad, yet I know staying is not the answer.”
December 26, 2025
In Mercy, Me, Donna Hawk presents a powerful and emotionally charged dystopian novel that delves into themes of beauty, societal rejection, and the quest for self-discovery. Set in a world ravaged by nuclear fallout, the surviving human race now lives in a secluded community known as Fiddler's Green—an existence that’s far from the idealized version they've been told to believe.
The protagonist, Mercy, is an outcast, rejected by society for her appearance, deemed hideous by the standards of her world. While the rest of society shuns her, she finds solace in a boy who, like her, is considered "ugly." Yet, he sees her as beautiful. Their bond forms the emotional heart of the novel, offering a rare glimpse of connection and acceptance in a society that condemns them.
Mercy’s story is one of both personal and societal discovery. When her mother warns her that the world isn’t as it seems, Mercy begins to uncover unsettling truths that shake the foundation of everything she’s been taught. As she uncovers the mysteries of her world, Mercy’s understanding of herself and the society she lives in is forever altered. What follows is not just a personal journey of self-acceptance, but a revolt against the world that has cast her aside.
Hawk excels at creating a vivid, oppressive atmosphere, making the setting of Fiddler's Green feel both oppressive and hauntingly real. The characters, particularly Mercy, are rich with depth and complexity, and their growth throughout the novel is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The plot twists are expertly crafted, keeping readers engaged while unveiling unexpected truths about the world and Mercy's role in changing it.
Mercy, Me is more than just a dystopian tale—it’s a poignant exploration of beauty, identity, and what it means to be an outcast. It challenges societal norms and offers a compelling message about the power of inner strength and defiance in the face of societal rejection. Mercy’s evolution, from being seen as "hideous" to becoming a symbol of rebellion, is both uplifting and empowering.
This novel will resonate with readers who enjoy dystopian fiction that tackles deeper societal issues and explores the complexities of human nature. Mercy, Me is an unforgettable story about survival, identity, and the courage to change the world around you.
The protagonist, Mercy, is an outcast, rejected by society for her appearance, deemed hideous by the standards of her world. While the rest of society shuns her, she finds solace in a boy who, like her, is considered "ugly." Yet, he sees her as beautiful. Their bond forms the emotional heart of the novel, offering a rare glimpse of connection and acceptance in a society that condemns them.
Mercy’s story is one of both personal and societal discovery. When her mother warns her that the world isn’t as it seems, Mercy begins to uncover unsettling truths that shake the foundation of everything she’s been taught. As she uncovers the mysteries of her world, Mercy’s understanding of herself and the society she lives in is forever altered. What follows is not just a personal journey of self-acceptance, but a revolt against the world that has cast her aside.
Hawk excels at creating a vivid, oppressive atmosphere, making the setting of Fiddler's Green feel both oppressive and hauntingly real. The characters, particularly Mercy, are rich with depth and complexity, and their growth throughout the novel is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The plot twists are expertly crafted, keeping readers engaged while unveiling unexpected truths about the world and Mercy's role in changing it.
Mercy, Me is more than just a dystopian tale—it’s a poignant exploration of beauty, identity, and what it means to be an outcast. It challenges societal norms and offers a compelling message about the power of inner strength and defiance in the face of societal rejection. Mercy’s evolution, from being seen as "hideous" to becoming a symbol of rebellion, is both uplifting and empowering.
This novel will resonate with readers who enjoy dystopian fiction that tackles deeper societal issues and explores the complexities of human nature. Mercy, Me is an unforgettable story about survival, identity, and the courage to change the world around you.
December 26, 2025
Mercy, Me by Donna Hawk is an engaging and thought-provoking dystopian novel that explores themes of identity, societal rejection, and the power of self-acceptance. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by nuclear disaster, the story follows Mercy, a young woman marked as "hideous" by society's standards. Living in a world where humanity has gathered in a secluded area known as Fiddler's Green, Mercy and her fellow outcasts struggle to navigate a harsh existence defined by fear and prejudice.
Mercy’s journey is one of self-discovery and defiance. Despite being labeled a freak, she finds solace in the affection of a boy who, like her, is considered "ugly" by society’s shallow norms. Their bond is a source of comfort and strength as they grapple with the painful realities of their existence. But Mercy soon learns that everything she has been told about the world is a lie, and her understanding of herself and the world around her is thrown into turmoil.
What makes Mercy, Me stand out is the emotional depth of its characters and the harsh but captivating world-building. The narrative delves into the human desire for acceptance and the lengths people will go to challenge the systems that oppress them. Hawk does an excellent job of creating a world that feels both dystopian and eerily familiar, where beauty and normalcy are subjective and flawed.
The novel’s pacing is steady, with each page building toward a revelation that ultimately challenges the very foundations of the society in which Mercy lives. The twist toward the end is both unexpected and impactful, forcing both Mercy and the reader to confront difficult truths about the nature of humanity and survival.
Mercy, Me is not just a tale of surviving a post-apocalyptic world; it is a poignant reflection on how we define beauty, what it means to be an outcast, and the strength of those who choose to defy the expectations imposed on them. If you’re a fan of dystopian fiction with strong character development and a compelling, thought-provoking plot, this is a must-read.
Mercy’s journey is one of self-discovery and defiance. Despite being labeled a freak, she finds solace in the affection of a boy who, like her, is considered "ugly" by society’s shallow norms. Their bond is a source of comfort and strength as they grapple with the painful realities of their existence. But Mercy soon learns that everything she has been told about the world is a lie, and her understanding of herself and the world around her is thrown into turmoil.
What makes Mercy, Me stand out is the emotional depth of its characters and the harsh but captivating world-building. The narrative delves into the human desire for acceptance and the lengths people will go to challenge the systems that oppress them. Hawk does an excellent job of creating a world that feels both dystopian and eerily familiar, where beauty and normalcy are subjective and flawed.
The novel’s pacing is steady, with each page building toward a revelation that ultimately challenges the very foundations of the society in which Mercy lives. The twist toward the end is both unexpected and impactful, forcing both Mercy and the reader to confront difficult truths about the nature of humanity and survival.
Mercy, Me is not just a tale of surviving a post-apocalyptic world; it is a poignant reflection on how we define beauty, what it means to be an outcast, and the strength of those who choose to defy the expectations imposed on them. If you’re a fan of dystopian fiction with strong character development and a compelling, thought-provoking plot, this is a must-read.
January 13, 2026
This is one of those book descriptions that quietly pulls you in and then refuses to let go.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world after The Consummation, humanity is said to be confined to Fiddler’s Green, the last safe haven after nuclear devastation. Mercy, our narrator, has grown up believing this version of reality, while living as an outcast, branded hideous and treated as less than human. From the start, her voice is raw, honest, and deeply personal. You feel her loneliness, her anger, and her longing to be seen.
What struck me most was how much this story leans into **identity and perception**. Mercy has been told all her life that she is a freak, yet there is someone who sees beauty where the world sees none. That contrast between how society labels people and who they truly are, gives the story real emotional weight.
The hints that everything is not as it seems, were my favorite part. There’s an underlying tension throughout the description, a promise that the truth about the world, Fiddler’s Green, and humanity itself will be far more unsettling than expected. It feels like the kind of dystopian story that isn’t just about survival, but about unlearning lies, questioning authority, and redefining what it means to be human.
I picked this up through Kindle Unlimited, and it immediately stood out for its strong premise and compelling main character. If you enjoy dystopian fiction with heart, mystery, and themes of outsiders challenging a broken world, this one is absolutely worth your time.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world after The Consummation, humanity is said to be confined to Fiddler’s Green, the last safe haven after nuclear devastation. Mercy, our narrator, has grown up believing this version of reality, while living as an outcast, branded hideous and treated as less than human. From the start, her voice is raw, honest, and deeply personal. You feel her loneliness, her anger, and her longing to be seen.
What struck me most was how much this story leans into **identity and perception**. Mercy has been told all her life that she is a freak, yet there is someone who sees beauty where the world sees none. That contrast between how society labels people and who they truly are, gives the story real emotional weight.
The hints that everything is not as it seems, were my favorite part. There’s an underlying tension throughout the description, a promise that the truth about the world, Fiddler’s Green, and humanity itself will be far more unsettling than expected. It feels like the kind of dystopian story that isn’t just about survival, but about unlearning lies, questioning authority, and redefining what it means to be human.
I picked this up through Kindle Unlimited, and it immediately stood out for its strong premise and compelling main character. If you enjoy dystopian fiction with heart, mystery, and themes of outsiders challenging a broken world, this one is absolutely worth your time.
February 10, 2026
This story is a beautifully unsettling dystopian that blends tenderness with revelation. Mercy’s voice is raw and deeply human, made even more powerful by a world that has taught her she is anything but. The contrast between how society labels “hideousness” and how love quietly redefines beauty is handled with care and emotional weight, especially in the relationship between Mercy and the boy who truly sees her.
The setting post Consummation, amid nuclear ruin and the supposed sanctuary of Fiddler’s Green is rich with unease and mystery. As truths begin to unravel, the narrative steadily undermines everything both Mercy and the reader believe about survival, safety, and control. The twists feel earned rather than shocking for shock’s sake, reinforcing the theme that the world is never as simple as we’re told.
At its heart, this is a story about outsiders reclaiming their worth and daring to reshape a broken world. Thought-provoking, emotionally resonant, and quietly revolutionary, it’s a powerful reminder that change often begins with those society tries hardest to silence. An unforgettable read.
The setting post Consummation, amid nuclear ruin and the supposed sanctuary of Fiddler’s Green is rich with unease and mystery. As truths begin to unravel, the narrative steadily undermines everything both Mercy and the reader believe about survival, safety, and control. The twists feel earned rather than shocking for shock’s sake, reinforcing the theme that the world is never as simple as we’re told.
At its heart, this is a story about outsiders reclaiming their worth and daring to reshape a broken world. Thought-provoking, emotionally resonant, and quietly revolutionary, it’s a powerful reminder that change often begins with those society tries hardest to silence. An unforgettable read.
February 12, 2026
Mercy, Me is a haunting and emotionally layered post-apocalyptic story that explores identity, beauty, and truth in a fractured world. Donna Hawk paints a bleak but compelling setting in Fiddler’s Green, where humanity survives in the shadow of nuclear devastation and fear of what is different.
Mercy’s voice is raw and vulnerable. Branded as “hideous” by society, her journey is both heartbreaking and empowering. The relationship between Mercy and the boy who sees her as beautiful adds warmth and hope to an otherwise harsh world. Their bond feels genuine and becomes the emotional anchor of the story.
What makes this novel stand out is its message: the world is not always as it seems. As Mercy uncovers shocking truths, the story shifts from survival to revelation, challenging everything she and the reader believed.
Mercy’s voice is raw and vulnerable. Branded as “hideous” by society, her journey is both heartbreaking and empowering. The relationship between Mercy and the boy who sees her as beautiful adds warmth and hope to an otherwise harsh world. Their bond feels genuine and becomes the emotional anchor of the story.
What makes this novel stand out is its message: the world is not always as it seems. As Mercy uncovers shocking truths, the story shifts from survival to revelation, challenging everything she and the reader believed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2026
Mercy, Me is a thought-provoking dystopian novel set in the aftermath of a nuclear catastrophe that has confined humanity to a controlled society known as Fiddler’s Green. Through the voice of Mercy an outcast labeled “hideous” by her community the story explores themes of identity, prejudice, and the manipulation of truth.
Hawk delivers an emotionally grounded narrative with steady pacing and meaningful character development. The unfolding revelations challenge both the protagonist and the reader, adding depth and tension to the story. Overall, Mercy, Me is a reflective and engaging addition to contemporary dystopian fiction.
Hawk delivers an emotionally grounded narrative with steady pacing and meaningful character development. The unfolding revelations challenge both the protagonist and the reader, adding depth and tension to the story. Overall, Mercy, Me is a reflective and engaging addition to contemporary dystopian fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2026
Mercy, Me is a compelling post-apocalyptic story that explores identity, acceptance, and the meaning of beauty in a fractured world. Through the voice of Mercy, a young girl labeled an outcast in a society shaped by the aftermath of nuclear devastation, Donna Hawk creates a narrative that is both emotional and thought provoking.
The story highlights themes of prejudice, resilience, and hope, reminding readers that the truth about the world and ourselves is often more complex than it first appears. It’s an engaging read for fans of dystopian fiction who appreciate character-driven stories with deeper social messages.
The story highlights themes of prejudice, resilience, and hope, reminding readers that the truth about the world and ourselves is often more complex than it first appears. It’s an engaging read for fans of dystopian fiction who appreciate character-driven stories with deeper social messages.
March 10, 2026
Mercy, Me stands out as a unique dystopian story that blends emotional storytelling with suspense and social commentary. Donna Hawk carefully builds a mysterious world shaped by the aftermath of a catastrophic war, where society is tightly controlled and those who appear different are quickly rejected. Mercy’s voice is honest, vulnerable, and courageous, allowing readers to deeply connect with her journey. As she begins to question the narrative she has always believed, the story gradually reveals shocking truths that redefine her understanding of the world. Hawk’s ability to combine personal struggle with larger societal themes makes this novel both engaging and meaningful.
March 10, 2026
In Mercy, Me, Donna Hawk creates a haunting yet fascinating future shaped by fear, survival, and hidden truths. Mercy’s experience as an outcast provides a powerful lens through which readers can examine how societies often treat those who do not fit established norms. The emotional tension throughout the story is balanced by moments of tenderness, particularly in Mercy’s relationship with someone who sees beyond her physical appearance. As the narrative unfolds, the reader is drawn deeper into a mystery that questions everything about the world Mercy lives in. The novel ultimately delivers a strong message about acceptance, courage, and the importance of seeking truth.
March 10, 2026
Donna Hawk’s Mercy, Me offers readers a compelling dystopian story that goes beyond survival to explore deeper emotional and philosophical themes. Mercy’s journey is not only about living in a harsh world but also about discovering her own worth despite the labels placed on her by society. Hawk skillfully portrays the pain of exclusion while also highlighting the strength that can grow from adversity. As Mercy uncovers hidden realities about her world, the story becomes increasingly suspenseful and reflective. The novel leaves readers thinking about how truth, perception, and courage can reshape an entire society.
December 16, 2025
I Am Mercy is a haunting and powerful dystopian story that lingers long after the final page. Mercy’s voice is raw, vulnerable, and unforgettable, capturing the pain of being labeled an outcast in a broken world. The relationship at the heart of the story is tender and deeply human, offering hope amid devastation. With its twists, emotional depth, and questioning of truth versus perception, this book is both unsettling and inspiring. A compelling read for fans of character-driven dystopian fiction.
February 15, 2026
Mercy, Me by Donna Hawk is a gripping dystopian novel with a strong emotional core. Mercy’s perspective is heartfelt and authentic, making it easy to connect with her struggles as an outcast in a post-nuclear world.
The story slowly unravels deeper truths about society and identity, keeping the tension steady and engaging. The relationship between Mercy and the boy who sees her beauty adds warmth and hope to an otherwise harsh setting.
A quick yet thought-provoking read that explores prejudice, resilience, and the courage to question everything you’ve been told.
The story slowly unravels deeper truths about society and identity, keeping the tension steady and engaging. The relationship between Mercy and the boy who sees her beauty adds warmth and hope to an otherwise harsh setting.
A quick yet thought-provoking read that explores prejudice, resilience, and the courage to question everything you’ve been told.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2026
Mercy, Me is an engaging and emotionally rich dystopian novel that captures the struggles of being different in a rigid society. Donna Hawk’s storytelling is immersive, drawing readers into a world where fear and misunderstanding dictate social order. Mercy’s journey from isolation to discovery is deeply compelling, as she begins to question the beliefs that have defined her life. The novel skillfully blends personal growth with broader questions about truth and societal control. It is a thoughtful and meaningful story that highlights the resilience of the human spirit.
March 10, 2026
Through Mercy, Me, Donna Hawk explores the human need for acceptance and understanding in a world shaped by fear. Mercy’s character is both vulnerable and strong, making her journey relatable and emotionally powerful. As she navigates a society that has rejected her, she begins to uncover truths that threaten to unravel everything she thought she knew. Hawk’s world-building and character development create a story that is both suspenseful and reflective. The novel ultimately challenges readers to consider how easily societies can be shaped by misinformation and prejudice.
March 10, 2026
Mercy, Me presents a haunting dystopian landscape where survival and conformity seem to dictate every aspect of life. Yet within this harsh environment, Donna Hawk introduces a deeply human story about love, identity, and courage. Mercy’s relationship with someone who sees beauty in her despite society’s judgment provides a powerful emotional core for the narrative. As secrets about the world of Fiddler’s Green begin to emerge, the story grows increasingly intense and thought-provoking. Hawk’s ability to combine emotional depth with mystery makes this novel a compelling read
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