What do you think?
Rate this book
The Superheroine Collection #2
The Power of Mercy
To her family, Mai Redstone is weak. Her shape-shifting power is nowhere near as impressive as their abilities to literally alter the world around them. But when she puts on the costume to become Mercy, a rooftop-climbing chameleon with a thousand disguises and at least nine lives, she feels almost invincible. When a local politician is murdered and the police call Mercy in to help, the stability Mai has built out of past pain threatens to crumble. The dead politician turns out to be her uncle, a man who made her childhood a living hell. Caught between giving a medal to the killer and being forced to find the murderer for her family, Mai must make the difficult choice between family loyalty and self-preservation.
Mercy is a blade that can cut both ways.
Mercy is a blade that can cut both ways.
112 pages, ebook
First published August 1, 2017
11 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Zedde
59 books416 followersJamaican-born Fiona Zedde is the author of several novellas and novels of lesBiQueer love and desire, including the Lambda Literary Award finalists, Bliss and Every Dark Desire. She loves French pastries, English cars, Jamaican food, and currently lives in Spain.
Her novel, Dangerous Pleasures, received a Publishers Weekly starred review and won an About.com Readers' Choice Award for Best Lesbian Novel/Memoir. Her latest book, Just Like Her, is out now. Find out more about her catalog of 30+ books at www.FionaZedde.com.
Her novel, Dangerous Pleasures, received a Publishers Weekly starred review and won an About.com Readers' Choice Award for Best Lesbian Novel/Memoir. Her latest book, Just Like Her, is out now. Find out more about her catalog of 30+ books at www.FionaZedde.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
August 4, 2017
This was pretty darn good! This is the second book in the Superheroine Collection, the first being Lee Winter's Shattered. When I say book, I guess technically this is actually a novella, but I could not tell the true length on my Kindle and I don't know the electronic page number rules for a novella. Anyway, the length for me was perfect for this story. It was not rushed and flowed well. All and all I really liked this read.
I do want to make clear, this is gritty, dark, with violence. Do not read this looking for a light, happy superhero story, you will not get that here. It is absolutely darker than Shattered was. There is not many similarities between these two books, only that they both have a hero in them. This story is about meta-humans, "people with superpowers" who put themselves in positions of power around the world. Like politics, corporations, that sort of thing. There are powerful families, that almost reminded me of vampire clans. This story is about Mai a meta who has less powers than most. She sticks out like a sore thumb in her powerful family, and wants nothing to do with them. Instead of craving power, she dresses as Mercy, a superhero, and saves normal people. When a meta is murdered, Mai is asked to help with the case. It is a case that will change her life forever. Will Mai survive to see the killer brought to justice?
I liked the world building Zedde did. I think she did a good job, especially for a novella. The only complaint, or thing I didn't understand...are all humans aware of meta's? I know humans know Mercy as a superhero. And that humans can mix with metas to have family. But are they the only ones in the know? Did people know they were electing a meta to the government? That part needed to be a little clearer.
As I said above, parts of this book was gritty. Violence, descriptive murder scenes, abuse, torture, these are not easy subjects. But a lot of it is off screen or memories, so it is not so in your face. My stomach squirmed at one point, but I didn't have any issues with this. I just want to warn readers who don't like tough subjects.
I would not really call this a romance, but there is a possible love interest for Mia. The sex scenes were well written and they had chemistry. As a character, Mia is very likeable and I instantly rooted for her. This book also had a big twist I enjoyed. Honestly, I did see it coming, but that didn't matter to me and I was happy with the outcome of the book.
If you are looking for a darker superhero story, absolutely give this a shot. It was well written and made me feel, while reading it. There are other authors writing books in the Superheorine Collection, and I will absolutely read them. Although I do wish Zedde would write a sequel to this. Mia really grew in this book and I wish I knew what she was going to do next.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review.
I do want to make clear, this is gritty, dark, with violence. Do not read this looking for a light, happy superhero story, you will not get that here. It is absolutely darker than Shattered was. There is not many similarities between these two books, only that they both have a hero in them. This story is about meta-humans, "people with superpowers" who put themselves in positions of power around the world. Like politics, corporations, that sort of thing. There are powerful families, that almost reminded me of vampire clans. This story is about Mai a meta who has less powers than most. She sticks out like a sore thumb in her powerful family, and wants nothing to do with them. Instead of craving power, she dresses as Mercy, a superhero, and saves normal people. When a meta is murdered, Mai is asked to help with the case. It is a case that will change her life forever. Will Mai survive to see the killer brought to justice?
I liked the world building Zedde did. I think she did a good job, especially for a novella. The only complaint, or thing I didn't understand...are all humans aware of meta's? I know humans know Mercy as a superhero. And that humans can mix with metas to have family. But are they the only ones in the know? Did people know they were electing a meta to the government? That part needed to be a little clearer.
As I said above, parts of this book was gritty. Violence, descriptive murder scenes, abuse, torture, these are not easy subjects. But a lot of it is off screen or memories, so it is not so in your face. My stomach squirmed at one point, but I didn't have any issues with this. I just want to warn readers who don't like tough subjects.
I would not really call this a romance, but there is a possible love interest for Mia. The sex scenes were well written and they had chemistry. As a character, Mia is very likeable and I instantly rooted for her. This book also had a big twist I enjoyed. Honestly, I did see it coming, but that didn't matter to me and I was happy with the outcome of the book.
If you are looking for a darker superhero story, absolutely give this a shot. It was well written and made me feel, while reading it. There are other authors writing books in the Superheorine Collection, and I will absolutely read them. Although I do wish Zedde would write a sequel to this. Mia really grew in this book and I wish I knew what she was going to do next.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review.
July 12, 2018
Of the three Superheroine books, ‘Mercy’ was my least favorite, but I still really enjoyed it. I think had it been full length like the other two, I may have enjoyed it just as much. I really wanted a little bit more; more detail and an extended romance would have made it even better. For what we are given, however, in 130 pages, I was happy enough and would recommend this. The writing is solid and character development was good; the storyline is thought out and carried out well.
If I recall the other two stories correctly, ‘Mercy’ is the darkest of the three, as it touches on subject matters such as rape, murder, and torture. There is absolutely nothing graphic here, but the villains in this story are definitely twisted characters. We merely hear of their crimes, we are not left to read graphic descriptions of them.
Mercy (Mai) is a professor by day, but rescuer of humans in need by night. Of all the Meta, she is fairly unimpressive because her powers are limited, which makes her a disappointment to her high ranking family who all have much greater power. Because of this, Mai is an outcast and spends as little time as possible with her family. When she’s not teaching, she’s doing superhero-ey things like saving people from burning buildings and working with the enforcers (Meta police). When her uncle is killed, she is called upon to investigate and find his murderer so that the higher Metas can bring the killer to justice.
This isn’t a love story by any means. Much like the first in the Superheroine collection, there is a romantic interest/sexual aspect to the book, but the main storyline focuses on Mai and her demons. One of the greatest conundrums for her at this time is whether or not, once she finds the killer, to hand them over to her family as requested. The killer, known as The Absolution Killer, has been killing only humans up until this point. The murder of her uncle, a Meta, has now brought the Metas to care about finding and carrying out justice when they gave little care while 30-something humans were tortured and killed. Mai is unsure about whether the killer actually deserves the kind of justice the Metas would hand out because, as the killer’s name implies, they only kill those with dark secrets. Their signature is leaving a note in the victim’s mouths that starts out with ‘I confess…’ written in the victim’s handwriting.
I really liked this overall. I like any women who kick ass despite the odds and I really liked the fact that Mai was the underdog in her Meta-world. I can’t help but root for an underdog. She was a likable character and it was hard not to want her to prove everyone around her wrong. I think the one difference between the ‘romantic’ aspect of this and Shattergirl in Superheroine book 1 is that Mai’s love interest was supposed to actually be a love interest. They spend a lot more time between the sheets, though, than they do actually developing an emotional attachment. I think that is the one thing that really would have made this a better book for me; developing that bond a bit more. Other than that, I definitely think it’s worth a read and a great story. I’ve only read one previous book by this author and thought it was just ok, but based on this book, I’ll be reading more by Fiona Zedde without question.
If I recall the other two stories correctly, ‘Mercy’ is the darkest of the three, as it touches on subject matters such as rape, murder, and torture. There is absolutely nothing graphic here, but the villains in this story are definitely twisted characters. We merely hear of their crimes, we are not left to read graphic descriptions of them.
Mercy (Mai) is a professor by day, but rescuer of humans in need by night. Of all the Meta, she is fairly unimpressive because her powers are limited, which makes her a disappointment to her high ranking family who all have much greater power. Because of this, Mai is an outcast and spends as little time as possible with her family. When she’s not teaching, she’s doing superhero-ey things like saving people from burning buildings and working with the enforcers (Meta police). When her uncle is killed, she is called upon to investigate and find his murderer so that the higher Metas can bring the killer to justice.
This isn’t a love story by any means. Much like the first in the Superheroine collection, there is a romantic interest/sexual aspect to the book, but the main storyline focuses on Mai and her demons. One of the greatest conundrums for her at this time is whether or not, once she finds the killer, to hand them over to her family as requested. The killer, known as The Absolution Killer, has been killing only humans up until this point. The murder of her uncle, a Meta, has now brought the Metas to care about finding and carrying out justice when they gave little care while 30-something humans were tortured and killed. Mai is unsure about whether the killer actually deserves the kind of justice the Metas would hand out because, as the killer’s name implies, they only kill those with dark secrets. Their signature is leaving a note in the victim’s mouths that starts out with ‘I confess…’ written in the victim’s handwriting.
I really liked this overall. I like any women who kick ass despite the odds and I really liked the fact that Mai was the underdog in her Meta-world. I can’t help but root for an underdog. She was a likable character and it was hard not to want her to prove everyone around her wrong. I think the one difference between the ‘romantic’ aspect of this and Shattergirl in Superheroine book 1 is that Mai’s love interest was supposed to actually be a love interest. They spend a lot more time between the sheets, though, than they do actually developing an emotional attachment. I think that is the one thing that really would have made this a better book for me; developing that bond a bit more. Other than that, I definitely think it’s worth a read and a great story. I’ve only read one previous book by this author and thought it was just ok, but based on this book, I’ll be reading more by Fiona Zedde without question.
August 7, 2017
The only down side to this book was that it was short. Way too short. I have never read this author before but if she writes more of this I am so there. This book is part of the super heroine series with Shattered being the first.
The main character Mai Redstone. She is the daughter of the most powerful meta in the world. Her mother is kind of mean. A nasty women who feels humans are beneath her. Her mother's brother Stephen and nephew Ethan are real nasty pieces of work. Although Mai is a meta she hasn't got any real power. Her mother despises her for this.
Mai is a chameleon, and uses her speed that is part of all meta's to help save humans. The name the humans have given her is Mercy. So, yeah, she's a superhero. Mai is also a member of the Meta Enforcers. Kind of like a scary police force. The humans have called a serial killer Absolution because all his victims are found with a note in their mouths saying I CONFESS!. Anyway I'm starting to tell you too much.
They find the killer and Mai finds her power. The rest you'll have to read for yourself. Yes it is kind of dark. You actively start cheering Mai on. Mai was abused by the people who should love her. Makes her very nervous.
I gave it 5 stars because the author caught my attention from the first sentence. She kept me interested right to the end. I am kind of hoping that the author has plans to continue Mai's journey. After all she is next in line as the leader of the Meta's. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via Ylva Publishing*
The main character Mai Redstone. She is the daughter of the most powerful meta in the world. Her mother is kind of mean. A nasty women who feels humans are beneath her. Her mother's brother Stephen and nephew Ethan are real nasty pieces of work. Although Mai is a meta she hasn't got any real power. Her mother despises her for this.
Mai is a chameleon, and uses her speed that is part of all meta's to help save humans. The name the humans have given her is Mercy. So, yeah, she's a superhero. Mai is also a member of the Meta Enforcers. Kind of like a scary police force. The humans have called a serial killer Absolution because all his victims are found with a note in their mouths saying I CONFESS!. Anyway I'm starting to tell you too much.
They find the killer and Mai finds her power. The rest you'll have to read for yourself. Yes it is kind of dark. You actively start cheering Mai on. Mai was abused by the people who should love her. Makes her very nervous.
I gave it 5 stars because the author caught my attention from the first sentence. She kept me interested right to the end. I am kind of hoping that the author has plans to continue Mai's journey. After all she is next in line as the leader of the Meta's. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via Ylva Publishing*
January 13, 2021
First of all I want to say:
Support fiction that provides the kind of representation both Power of Mercy and Shattered (Superheroine Collection Book 1) do.
But besides the desperate need to bring attention to queer woc superheroes, it's also an amazing book.
You know when you start a book and you think you have it all figured out from the beginning? Who will be important later on, who is the big bad villain, who will fall for who and who is behind the mask?
That's what I thought in the beginning and through the book. And in a few points I was right - but in more ways than I expected, Fiona Zedde managed to surprise me. There were a few plot twists to the end that honestly made me gasp.
The Novella might not be very long, but it it has a great balance of content and pace within its length. It doesn't get boring, but you get a few breaks to breath inbetween. There are action filled scenes, there are emotionally tense scenes, there are sexually intense scenes and there are scenes where Mai isn't the haunted masked hero Mercy, but the professor being adored by her students and crushing on her colleague.
Be warned, there is violence and a bit of brutality, the dealing with child abuse and corruption. But there is also this incredibly inspiring woman who fights for her independence and the life she chose for herself.
One very important point:
This is not a superhero book where the Hero saves the day and the media is putting the masked face on the front page and kids wear 'Mercy' merchandise and there are 20 more heroes who just graduated superhero high school to go around fighting villains.
Instead this is a world where Mercy is probably the only 'hero', because the other people with power only care about gaining power and wealth for themselves and their kind. A world where the metas don't value a human life at all and would crush it without a second thought.
And from the lines of this narcassistic, cruel society comes this girl who goes out and sets her own life in danger (seeing as she is one of the weaker metas), because she actually cares about the humans and wants to help people in a way she wished someone would have helped her as a child.
This is a read that ended up being a bit darker than I expected, but rather than making me feel down, it made me think - and that is a great quality.
And all in all:
It is beautifully written, Fiona Zedde really has an incredible way with words. Mai is a great protagonist and her powers are fascinating. And the sex scenes are steamy as hell.
Support fiction that provides the kind of representation both Power of Mercy and Shattered (Superheroine Collection Book 1) do.
But besides the desperate need to bring attention to queer woc superheroes, it's also an amazing book.
You know when you start a book and you think you have it all figured out from the beginning? Who will be important later on, who is the big bad villain, who will fall for who and who is behind the mask?
That's what I thought in the beginning and through the book. And in a few points I was right - but in more ways than I expected, Fiona Zedde managed to surprise me. There were a few plot twists to the end that honestly made me gasp.
The Novella might not be very long, but it it has a great balance of content and pace within its length. It doesn't get boring, but you get a few breaks to breath inbetween. There are action filled scenes, there are emotionally tense scenes, there are sexually intense scenes and there are scenes where Mai isn't the haunted masked hero Mercy, but the professor being adored by her students and crushing on her colleague.
Be warned, there is violence and a bit of brutality, the dealing with child abuse and corruption. But there is also this incredibly inspiring woman who fights for her independence and the life she chose for herself.
One very important point:
This is not a superhero book where the Hero saves the day and the media is putting the masked face on the front page and kids wear 'Mercy' merchandise and there are 20 more heroes who just graduated superhero high school to go around fighting villains.
Instead this is a world where Mercy is probably the only 'hero', because the other people with power only care about gaining power and wealth for themselves and their kind. A world where the metas don't value a human life at all and would crush it without a second thought.
And from the lines of this narcassistic, cruel society comes this girl who goes out and sets her own life in danger (seeing as she is one of the weaker metas), because she actually cares about the humans and wants to help people in a way she wished someone would have helped her as a child.
This is a read that ended up being a bit darker than I expected, but rather than making me feel down, it made me think - and that is a great quality.
And all in all:
It is beautifully written, Fiona Zedde really has an incredible way with words. Mai is a great protagonist and her powers are fascinating. And the sex scenes are steamy as hell.
July 28, 2019
I thought it was pretty good. I like that you quickly get to see the Mercy side of her right out of the gate. Make no mistake though, this is a heavily violent novella. But I think it was balanced out overall. Not sure what the tie in's are for the series other than Meta/Supers. At least I don't remember any ties to Shattered. I'm pretty sure this was my first go at a Zedde novel. Wonder why as she's got a nice flow.
June 16, 2018
I received an ARC of this book from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
One note before I continue: I note above that this is an ‘ARC’. That’s because I read the ARC version of this book – having requested it as an ‘additional’ book to review when I requested June 2018 books to review.
I hate being in this position and I feel blindsided by it for two reasons. 1) I’ve only ever read one other story by this author, and I liked it – giving me a faint idea I might also like this one, though not the confidence I would; 2) the people I follow, and friends who have read this work seemed to have loved this book. I didn’t going in assuming that I’d like it because of 1, nor that I’d love it because of 2, but those were certainly issues of feeling blindsided.
I do no really understand this book. The mystery: Someone has been killing, Mai, for reasons that completely elude me, looks into investigating the case (why her? She’s a bloody teacher for fuck sake, sure, in her spare time she jumps around saving humans who get themselves into trouble, but that involves running into burning buildings, saving people from flipped cars, and the like, not doing investigations or fighting complex villain plans; so again, why the fuck Mai? Because there is no one else? Fuck no – there are the ‘Enforcers’ who are quite powerful and quite capable of tackling the investigation. So why didn’t they handle the case? For the fucking reason that fucking cops get taken off cases because it’s personal. Because it’s Mai’s uncle who is the latest victim – police/investigators/whatever GET TAKEN OFF CASES LIKE THIS, not given the case to investigate, for fuck sake (also she’s one of the ‘weaker’ super powered people around, you know, just to toss that in there as well as a reason for her NOT to be the investigator)). The mystery was crap.
The romance: just what the fuck did I read romance wise? Or: what romance? Mai fucks random women whenever she feels like it – the book opens with her standing on the roof nearish another random unknown woman; the big ‘romance’ in the story involves her fucking some woman she doesn’t really know, but at least knows her name, but they don’t have a relationship. They have lust. They both act like cats on catnip – MUST FUCK YOU!!!! There’s no mental process involved here. No ‘she’s nice’, no ‘I wish to date her’, there’s just ‘FUCK HER NOW!!!!!’. Fuck sake. The romance is crap.
What else is there? The main character hates her life, hates her family, hates everything, including herself. She’s literally been abused and tortured by her family her entire life. She’s angsting 24/7. She’s like an overly emotional teenager ‘having feelings’. Does she have a reason to act that way? Well, yes, but still, painful to read.
This was a painful book to read beginning to end. There are no redeemable characters here. Every fucking member of Mai’s family is an asshole, at least to Mai (for the most part). Her students, eh, the only one that actually gets a name just won’t take no from the teacher, Mai, she’s lusting after. Fuck her. The victims? We only really learn about one of the victims, the one I already mentioned, the uncle – who is the biggest asshole of all time. The killer should get a medal for killing this asshole - kind of asshole.
I wonder if I read some side draft instead of the book everyone else read. Because, seriously, I do not understand this book. Mai’s lust interest, a fellow teacher, acts super bitchy to Mai when they finally have a conversation, that teacher basically and loudly condemns Mai as ‘yet another teacher who fucks her students’ without actually knowing anything about Mai. Even so . . . they decide to fuck for some reason? I mean, they are in a kind of hate mode when Mai is at her car door to leave and . . . suddenly they are kissing? And fucking? Right there in the street (seriously, I need to stop using seriously, that’s one of the reasons that I think I might have read a draft because that’s the way that particular scene went – they were at a car door, and suddenly they were fucking. When it was over they were at an apartment without actually going to it. WTF?)
I hate asking for a book, getting it, and loathing it from beginning to end. I only completed this book because it was I requested.
If I hadn’t read and enjoyed a work by this author before trying this one here, I’d break my longstanding rule of giving authors multiple chances, and, after reading this book here, strike the author from the list of authors I’m willing to read. Because of this book. But I had read that other work so . . . I can’t do that.
Rating: 1.1
June 16 2018
One note before I continue: I note above that this is an ‘ARC’. That’s because I read the ARC version of this book – having requested it as an ‘additional’ book to review when I requested June 2018 books to review.
I hate being in this position and I feel blindsided by it for two reasons. 1) I’ve only ever read one other story by this author, and I liked it – giving me a faint idea I might also like this one, though not the confidence I would; 2) the people I follow, and friends who have read this work seemed to have loved this book. I didn’t going in assuming that I’d like it because of 1, nor that I’d love it because of 2, but those were certainly issues of feeling blindsided.
I do no really understand this book. The mystery: Someone has been killing, Mai, for reasons that completely elude me, looks into investigating the case (why her? She’s a bloody teacher for fuck sake, sure, in her spare time she jumps around saving humans who get themselves into trouble, but that involves running into burning buildings, saving people from flipped cars, and the like, not doing investigations or fighting complex villain plans; so again, why the fuck Mai? Because there is no one else? Fuck no – there are the ‘Enforcers’ who are quite powerful and quite capable of tackling the investigation. So why didn’t they handle the case? For the fucking reason that fucking cops get taken off cases because it’s personal. Because it’s Mai’s uncle who is the latest victim – police/investigators/whatever GET TAKEN OFF CASES LIKE THIS, not given the case to investigate, for fuck sake (also she’s one of the ‘weaker’ super powered people around, you know, just to toss that in there as well as a reason for her NOT to be the investigator)). The mystery was crap.
The romance: just what the fuck did I read romance wise? Or: what romance? Mai fucks random women whenever she feels like it – the book opens with her standing on the roof nearish another random unknown woman; the big ‘romance’ in the story involves her fucking some woman she doesn’t really know, but at least knows her name, but they don’t have a relationship. They have lust. They both act like cats on catnip – MUST FUCK YOU!!!! There’s no mental process involved here. No ‘she’s nice’, no ‘I wish to date her’, there’s just ‘FUCK HER NOW!!!!!’. Fuck sake. The romance is crap.
What else is there? The main character hates her life, hates her family, hates everything, including herself. She’s literally been abused and tortured by her family her entire life. She’s angsting 24/7. She’s like an overly emotional teenager ‘having feelings’. Does she have a reason to act that way? Well, yes, but still, painful to read.
This was a painful book to read beginning to end. There are no redeemable characters here. Every fucking member of Mai’s family is an asshole, at least to Mai (for the most part). Her students, eh, the only one that actually gets a name just won’t take no from the teacher, Mai, she’s lusting after. Fuck her. The victims? We only really learn about one of the victims, the one I already mentioned, the uncle – who is the biggest asshole of all time. The killer should get a medal for killing this asshole - kind of asshole.
I wonder if I read some side draft instead of the book everyone else read. Because, seriously, I do not understand this book. Mai’s lust interest, a fellow teacher, acts super bitchy to Mai when they finally have a conversation, that teacher basically and loudly condemns Mai as ‘yet another teacher who fucks her students’ without actually knowing anything about Mai. Even so . . . they decide to fuck for some reason? I mean, they are in a kind of hate mode when Mai is at her car door to leave and . . . suddenly they are kissing? And fucking? Right there in the street (seriously, I need to stop using seriously, that’s one of the reasons that I think I might have read a draft because that’s the way that particular scene went – they were at a car door, and suddenly they were fucking. When it was over they were at an apartment without actually going to it. WTF?)
I hate asking for a book, getting it, and loathing it from beginning to end. I only completed this book because it was I requested.
If I hadn’t read and enjoyed a work by this author before trying this one here, I’d break my longstanding rule of giving authors multiple chances, and, after reading this book here, strike the author from the list of authors I’m willing to read. Because of this book. But I had read that other work so . . . I can’t do that.
Rating: 1.1
June 16 2018
October 9, 2017
With action, intrigue, romance, family drama, and super powers, The Power of Mercy has a little bit of everything. The pacing is deliberate and methodical without ever being slow, allowing us to understand who Mai is and get invested in her while the tension around the hunt for her uncle’s killer is slowly ratcheted up. The action scenes were so gripping that I almost missed my stop while commuting to work one morning, and everything to do with Xóchitl, from her first appearance to her last, was masterfully handled and allowed us to see different sides of Mai that we would not have been able to otherwise.
Full review: http://www.curvemag.com/Reviews/Revie...
Full review: http://www.curvemag.com/Reviews/Revie...
August 13, 2017
There are a few ways to create a fictional superhero: extra-terrestrial (Superman), parallel evolution (X-Men), accident (Spiderman) or technology (Batman, Iron Man). I deliberately chose these examples to emphasise how male-dominated the superhero genre is. Like many people, though, I enjoy superhero stories so I am pleased that Ylva is creating a lesbian superhero series for me to relate to.
I’m really enjoying this series so far, not only is it refreshing to read about lesbian superheroes but both books have been well-written with credible world-building and great storytelling. The first, Shattered by Lee Winter was an example of the extra-terrestrial superhero. This latest offering, The Power of Mercy by Fiona Zedde is an example of parallel evolution.
The superhero genre is a difficult area in which to write. Their world has to be crafted carefully to be believable, and – for me, anyway – the superhero has to be relatable as well as powerful. This means a superhero with flaws and vulnerabilities. The tension and interest arises when a superhero battles against enemies that have the power to defeat her.
In Zedde’s world, metas live amongst us disguised as ordinary humans. Metas have varying degrees of power and (obviously) the most powerful are the leaders. Meta powers are apparently weakening, probably due to interbreeding with humans. This is an aspect of the story that could be explored further in subsequent books, if Zedde were disposed to continue to write about this world. It raises issues of power, privilege, supremacy, discrimination and oppression that would be interesting to examine.
Our superhero is Mia, a weak meta trying to make her way in the world on her own terms as a professor at a university. This is made more difficult by the fact that her mother is one of the most powerful of metas. Unlike most metas who have the power to help humans but choose not to, Mai’s empathy for humans leads her to adopt the secret identity of Mercy and assist humans in need. This is not a purely altruistic impulse, though. Superheroism is rewarded with gratitude and praise, which serves to raise Mai’s self-esteem. As we learn about Mai’s childhood, we come to understand why her self-esteem needs raising.
As well as an interesting story about Mia's background, there's a solid, gritty mystery for Mia to solve. Throw in a side serving of sexy romance and The Power of Mercy makes a very satisfying read. I enjoyed it so much, I wished for a longer book so that I could dwell in Zedde’s world for an extended stay and see more of the sights. Here’s hoping that I can go for a return visit in a future sequel.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I’m really enjoying this series so far, not only is it refreshing to read about lesbian superheroes but both books have been well-written with credible world-building and great storytelling. The first, Shattered by Lee Winter was an example of the extra-terrestrial superhero. This latest offering, The Power of Mercy by Fiona Zedde is an example of parallel evolution.
The superhero genre is a difficult area in which to write. Their world has to be crafted carefully to be believable, and – for me, anyway – the superhero has to be relatable as well as powerful. This means a superhero with flaws and vulnerabilities. The tension and interest arises when a superhero battles against enemies that have the power to defeat her.
In Zedde’s world, metas live amongst us disguised as ordinary humans. Metas have varying degrees of power and (obviously) the most powerful are the leaders. Meta powers are apparently weakening, probably due to interbreeding with humans. This is an aspect of the story that could be explored further in subsequent books, if Zedde were disposed to continue to write about this world. It raises issues of power, privilege, supremacy, discrimination and oppression that would be interesting to examine.
Our superhero is Mia, a weak meta trying to make her way in the world on her own terms as a professor at a university. This is made more difficult by the fact that her mother is one of the most powerful of metas. Unlike most metas who have the power to help humans but choose not to, Mai’s empathy for humans leads her to adopt the secret identity of Mercy and assist humans in need. This is not a purely altruistic impulse, though. Superheroism is rewarded with gratitude and praise, which serves to raise Mai’s self-esteem. As we learn about Mai’s childhood, we come to understand why her self-esteem needs raising.
As well as an interesting story about Mia's background, there's a solid, gritty mystery for Mia to solve. Throw in a side serving of sexy romance and The Power of Mercy makes a very satisfying read. I enjoyed it so much, I wished for a longer book so that I could dwell in Zedde’s world for an extended stay and see more of the sights. Here’s hoping that I can go for a return visit in a future sequel.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2019
I read this over a year ago but for some reason didn't review then but with a follow-up to this story imminent I thought I'd read it again to refresh my memory. Mai Redstone is a Meta, a race of people who live among humans but have superior power, strength, speed and accelerated healing. They also have the ability to shape-shift but for some reason Mai doesn't. It's a source of embarrassment to her mother, powerful matriarch of the Metas, and it makes her an object of ridicule to the rest of her family members. In spite of their disdain for her she uses her supernatural powers to assist and rescue humans whenever she can as her alter ego, Mercy. There is a killer on the loose and the enforcers enlist her help to catch him.
Given her treatment by her family, Mai is an unlikely superheroine. She should be bitter and angry but still puts herself at risk to help others. As with most of Zedde's novels, it's gritty and raw with no euphemistic phrasing. (There is violence and the recollection of childhood abuse.)
I'm looking forward to A Lover’s Mercy which is the fifth book in the Superheroine Collection.
Given her treatment by her family, Mai is an unlikely superheroine. She should be bitter and angry but still puts herself at risk to help others. As with most of Zedde's novels, it's gritty and raw with no euphemistic phrasing. (There is violence and the recollection of childhood abuse.)
I'm looking forward to A Lover’s Mercy which is the fifth book in the Superheroine Collection.
August 10, 2017
Fantastic, gripping read. My only gripe is there was not enough of it. The world building and story was so good it should be been expanded into a novel. However, still a great story and one I could not put down.
I loved that it was a darker, gritty story. The meta's have super powers, but with any society they too have a social pecking order. This is based upon the how much super power and ability they have. For some of them this is at the expense of any compassion or kindness to their own members. Even when one of their own is killed by a vigilante their main focus is on revenge and not on why it happened.
Mai is seen as an outcast due to her lack of abilities, which are still supreme to the average human. She sets the example of trying to protect those in need and takes on the persona of hero Mercy.
Its a story of family putting power above what is right, and the under dog winning the day. There is a romance too, but this does not dominate. There is good chemistry, and I personally preferred the sex scenes, that cut out the slush.
Overall it was a joy to read, Can I have some more please.
Arc received from Ylva for an honest review.
I loved that it was a darker, gritty story. The meta's have super powers, but with any society they too have a social pecking order. This is based upon the how much super power and ability they have. For some of them this is at the expense of any compassion or kindness to their own members. Even when one of their own is killed by a vigilante their main focus is on revenge and not on why it happened.
Mai is seen as an outcast due to her lack of abilities, which are still supreme to the average human. She sets the example of trying to protect those in need and takes on the persona of hero Mercy.
Its a story of family putting power above what is right, and the under dog winning the day. There is a romance too, but this does not dominate. There is good chemistry, and I personally preferred the sex scenes, that cut out the slush.
Overall it was a joy to read, Can I have some more please.
Arc received from Ylva for an honest review.
August 24, 2017
This is book number 2 in Ylva's excellent series The superheroine collection, which fills a gap in lesfic and fiction in general. Technically a novella, this book could have done better with a few more pages developing the plot further, specially in the murder investigation in which there is some superficial description but not much showing.
A word of caution: this is a dark, sometimes gruesome story with a great deal of violence but, at the same time, quite realistic within the realm that the author created. Not much of a romance but the chemistry between the main characters is sizzling.
Overall, an entertaining read if you don't mind violence and gruesome content. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
A word of caution: this is a dark, sometimes gruesome story with a great deal of violence but, at the same time, quite realistic within the realm that the author created. Not much of a romance but the chemistry between the main characters is sizzling.
Overall, an entertaining read if you don't mind violence and gruesome content. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
January 22, 2020
I had a bit of a hard time getting into it, then I was hooked.
Definitely hot and steamy between the main character and another one. Fiuu!
And though there isn't much mystery, the main character dealing with her being abuse as a child is convincing and sometimes raw and her family gives me shiver of the wrong kind.
Definitely hot and steamy between the main character and another one. Fiuu!
And though there isn't much mystery, the main character dealing with her being abuse as a child is convincing and sometimes raw and her family gives me shiver of the wrong kind.
March 25, 2023
Meta families live among humans, and they're mostly horrible. Mai Redstone's family are worse than most and she lives by immersing herself in her job, an endless series of hookups with women, and her superhero alter-ego Mercy. Then something happens to a prominent member of her family and suddenly her worlds begin to collide.
I thought this novella was good (certainly good enough to read its sequel), but I thought the first half was tighter than the second in terms of writing. It felt a bit rushed towards the end.
I thought this novella was good (certainly good enough to read its sequel), but I thought the first half was tighter than the second in terms of writing. It felt a bit rushed towards the end.
Read
March 31, 2019I missed reading The Power of Mercy (The Superheroine Collection #2) by Fiona Zedde when it was published in 2017, but when I heard that a sequel to this novella was coming out in April of this year, I decided to read it first. I am very glad I did because I really enjoyed this story.
The tale revolves around Mai Redstone, who is a meta-human (human with super powers) from a powerful meta family. Mai’s problem is she has minor powers in a family of very powerful people. Her family views her as weak, and this causes Mai to have a fear of her family. Regular humans see Mai in a different way. To humans, Mai is Mercy, a super-heroine who helps them when disaster strikes. When her uncle, a very powerful meta who made Mai’s childhood a horrible nightmare ends up murdered, the police ask Mercy for help. Now Mercy/Mai must decide between family and her own life.
This is not one of your bright and cheerful superhero stories. It is rather dark and deals with some disturbing subjects. There is violence and mention of abuse. There is also a hint of a love interest, though I think that may be covered more in the sequel.
This is a well-developed story, especially for it being a novella. The plot is complex and intriguing. The characters are well-developed and even with super powers, they are believable. There is definitely chemistry with the possible love interest, and the sex (yes there is sex) is quite hot.
I’m very glad I read The Power of Mercy, and I look forward to the sequel.
I received this book as an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
The tale revolves around Mai Redstone, who is a meta-human (human with super powers) from a powerful meta family. Mai’s problem is she has minor powers in a family of very powerful people. Her family views her as weak, and this causes Mai to have a fear of her family. Regular humans see Mai in a different way. To humans, Mai is Mercy, a super-heroine who helps them when disaster strikes. When her uncle, a very powerful meta who made Mai’s childhood a horrible nightmare ends up murdered, the police ask Mercy for help. Now Mercy/Mai must decide between family and her own life.
This is not one of your bright and cheerful superhero stories. It is rather dark and deals with some disturbing subjects. There is violence and mention of abuse. There is also a hint of a love interest, though I think that may be covered more in the sequel.
This is a well-developed story, especially for it being a novella. The plot is complex and intriguing. The characters are well-developed and even with super powers, they are believable. There is definitely chemistry with the possible love interest, and the sex (yes there is sex) is quite hot.
I’m very glad I read The Power of Mercy, and I look forward to the sequel.
I received this book as an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
March 31, 2019
I am utterly shocked at myself for only discovering this book and author now *slaps wrist*. Apart from anything else this book is number two in Ylva's very cool 'Superheroines Collection' and I've read/devoured and adored numbers one Shattered and three Chasing Stars! Anyway, I have rectified my mistake and it was worth the wait.
As soon as I finished The Power of Mercy (fabulous multilayered title) I straight away bought another book by the wonderful Ms. Zedde, the only reason I didn't start it there and then was that I'd stayed awake until one in the morning to finish Mercy - that's how much I loved this book and desperately needed to know what happened! So, you don't really need to read any further, just buy this book. It's awesome.
Mai, our oh so superheroine is a 'meta' a group who live among humans but who have incredible and varied abilities. Unfortunately for her, her shape-shifting is looked down upon as weak and insignificant by her powerful and prominent family. While the majority of metas shun human society and really interact only with each other (especially when it comes to marriage - a must to keep the bloodlines clean, heaven forbid a family have a child without powers), Mai shuns her family and teaches at a university in Atlanta.
One of the elements that I really liked about this book was that so much of the world was quite 'normal' and that the transition into Mai's meta-world was then seamless. She feels pain, hunger, exhaustion and the desire to get blind drunk at times. She has childhood fears that come back to haunt her and a complex relationship with her mother, in short Mai is the most human superheroine I've come across. Her human side is tested, however, when conflicting loyalties are brought to bear and old wounds are reopened. As the back of the book says: "Mercy is a blade that can cut both ways."
It's awesome, I loved this book and I will be reading it again.
As soon as I finished The Power of Mercy (fabulous multilayered title) I straight away bought another book by the wonderful Ms. Zedde, the only reason I didn't start it there and then was that I'd stayed awake until one in the morning to finish Mercy - that's how much I loved this book and desperately needed to know what happened! So, you don't really need to read any further, just buy this book. It's awesome.
Mai, our oh so superheroine is a 'meta' a group who live among humans but who have incredible and varied abilities. Unfortunately for her, her shape-shifting is looked down upon as weak and insignificant by her powerful and prominent family. While the majority of metas shun human society and really interact only with each other (especially when it comes to marriage - a must to keep the bloodlines clean, heaven forbid a family have a child without powers), Mai shuns her family and teaches at a university in Atlanta.
One of the elements that I really liked about this book was that so much of the world was quite 'normal' and that the transition into Mai's meta-world was then seamless. She feels pain, hunger, exhaustion and the desire to get blind drunk at times. She has childhood fears that come back to haunt her and a complex relationship with her mother, in short Mai is the most human superheroine I've come across. Her human side is tested, however, when conflicting loyalties are brought to bear and old wounds are reopened. As the back of the book says: "Mercy is a blade that can cut both ways."
It's awesome, I loved this book and I will be reading it again.
August 20, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley
I had previously accidentally read the sequel to this book - A Lover's Mercy - before reading this one and let me tell you, it makes SO much more sense this way! I think I would have easily given the other book four stars as well if only I had been smart enough to read them in the right order! Even though I technically knew the outcome of this story I didn't feel like it diminished the plot in any way. The story is more about Mai's journey as a character than doing much actual 'detective' work to figure out who the murderer is anyway. Definitely a really interesting world with great characters, and who doesn't love lesbian superheroes!
I had previously accidentally read the sequel to this book - A Lover's Mercy - before reading this one and let me tell you, it makes SO much more sense this way! I think I would have easily given the other book four stars as well if only I had been smart enough to read them in the right order! Even though I technically knew the outcome of this story I didn't feel like it diminished the plot in any way. The story is more about Mai's journey as a character than doing much actual 'detective' work to figure out who the murderer is anyway. Definitely a really interesting world with great characters, and who doesn't love lesbian superheroes!
February 10, 2019
Loved it! I need more of this! <3
Want to read
May 6, 2023another book in this series that has 😒👎 but I'm gonna read it anyway 🤭
August 8, 2020
The story is about:
Mai Redstone belongs to a family of powerful metas, but her ability to only change the surface of her appearance makes her feel as if she's a disappointment to her mother who is the head of all meta families.
In private, Mai takes on the role as Mercy, the superhero who saves humans. When the Absolution killer, who is only known for attacking low level metas and humans, go after a member of Mai's family, it becomes her duty to solve the case and find them.
What I liked about the book:
First, to write something so different from what's usually seen in the niche of lesfic, bringing in an action novel that focuses on character instead of romance, was incredibly brave.
We see diversity with each character introduced—and not only in skin colour, but in names, places, culture. It's shown in small details like jewellery and accents, the scent of different people. This for me, was captured so well.
Mai, the lead character, was also likable. Her struggle with abuse and the cynical outlook she had on life was believable. Her romances were steamy, but she was blocked off by her pain and it shone through even when she didn't want it to. The author also wrote her as intelligent, and we actively see this when she begins investigating.
The supporting characters were well developed for a novella. They were distinct, and each had their specific roles to play, even if I wished to see a little more of them.
Things that could have been improved:
For a genre like this, the writing style must be different from a romance. Sometimes the long sentences and descriptive langauge didn't work within some scenes. Especially the parts where mystery and action were involved.
The mystery as a whole was captivating, but not paced very well. You see it move at a slow pace, making room for a romance, and then suddenly you're in the mystery and action again but skipped so far ahead, that as a reader you don't really know what's happening. The intensity of the mystery that the author wanted to achieve felt a bit overkill at times. Too many things were saved until the very end, and left little room for processing the reveal.
I wished this was a little longer. There were a lot of unanswered questions. I wanted to know the extent of Mai's trauma (and it was implied, but you're still left grappling with whether to make assumptions or not), who her mother really was and how she had gained so much power, and ultimately, how the romance between the two female leads blossomed under different settings and circumstances after everything.
Above all however, what I wanted was a book about a superhero, but instead I only got two scenes of it. I felt a bit cheated.
Overall:
A book with good bones, but one that will make you crave more than what you've been given. Ultimately, it was an enjoyable read, but I felt like I was still hungry for something sweet after eating a meal. This book deserved an epilogue.
Mai Redstone belongs to a family of powerful metas, but her ability to only change the surface of her appearance makes her feel as if she's a disappointment to her mother who is the head of all meta families.
In private, Mai takes on the role as Mercy, the superhero who saves humans. When the Absolution killer, who is only known for attacking low level metas and humans, go after a member of Mai's family, it becomes her duty to solve the case and find them.
What I liked about the book:
First, to write something so different from what's usually seen in the niche of lesfic, bringing in an action novel that focuses on character instead of romance, was incredibly brave.
We see diversity with each character introduced—and not only in skin colour, but in names, places, culture. It's shown in small details like jewellery and accents, the scent of different people. This for me, was captured so well.
Mai, the lead character, was also likable. Her struggle with abuse and the cynical outlook she had on life was believable. Her romances were steamy, but she was blocked off by her pain and it shone through even when she didn't want it to. The author also wrote her as intelligent, and we actively see this when she begins investigating.
The supporting characters were well developed for a novella. They were distinct, and each had their specific roles to play, even if I wished to see a little more of them.
Things that could have been improved:
For a genre like this, the writing style must be different from a romance. Sometimes the long sentences and descriptive langauge didn't work within some scenes. Especially the parts where mystery and action were involved.
The mystery as a whole was captivating, but not paced very well. You see it move at a slow pace, making room for a romance, and then suddenly you're in the mystery and action again but skipped so far ahead, that as a reader you don't really know what's happening. The intensity of the mystery that the author wanted to achieve felt a bit overkill at times. Too many things were saved until the very end, and left little room for processing the reveal.
I wished this was a little longer. There were a lot of unanswered questions. I wanted to know the extent of Mai's trauma (and it was implied, but you're still left grappling with whether to make assumptions or not), who her mother really was and how she had gained so much power, and ultimately, how the romance between the two female leads blossomed under different settings and circumstances after everything.
Above all however, what I wanted was a book about a superhero, but instead I only got two scenes of it. I felt a bit cheated.
Overall:
A book with good bones, but one that will make you crave more than what you've been given. Ultimately, it was an enjoyable read, but I felt like I was still hungry for something sweet after eating a meal. This book deserved an epilogue.
July 26, 2022
The framework of the story of MERCY, with her own dark demons, alleviating the demons of others is a superhero cliche. I believe this is my first by this author, and while I found entertainment from the few hours I spent with the characters the downside for me was the often at times lack of clarity of how the protagonist solved her investigated puzzle. It seems the book implied she got evidences here and there and then wham, she solved it. No correlation or deduction was shared.
August 9, 2017
This book's premise was really interesting. Then it started out with so much action I was really looking forward to Mercy and what she was doing. I kept reading and by the time I got to chapter 10, I had thought my cats had jumped me ahead in the book by walking on my kindle. Nope I really had read it all. I was amazed to find that I was almost done with the book when I thought I had just started it. There were too many disconnects for me, one thing happened and then something else would happen and I would say what has that got to do with what has been happening and then the jumping around without warning that left me thinking I had missed total parts of the book when I hadn't. I think this could have been so much better. We get to see Mercy in action in the beginning of the book and then nothing after that. If you are bored and have time for a really quick read...like really, pick this up. Other wise, pass on it.
August 23, 2017
Mercy what a great character with all the hurt and betrayal I just wish we cold have seen Ethan get is due instead of being carried off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2017
ARC provided from Ylva.
I must confess, that after reading the first three chapters, I have to force me to read an other chapter, but what a twist. The book gets only better during reading. I really like it.
It is a dark story without clear definition about good/bad and the only thing I regret is, that the book was so short and I hope for more.
Mai (Mercy) is a Meta with troubled past and stregth to be human after all things happen to her. She has the task, that she didn´t want, but she knows, to save the person (killer of her uncel) before her family, she must make some difficult decision.
Xòchitl (I wonder about pronounciation) is the second character in the book, we know little to nothig about her backround until the end of the book. She is the relief and mystery for Mai for the same time.
I must confess, that after reading the first three chapters, I have to force me to read an other chapter, but what a twist. The book gets only better during reading. I really like it.
It is a dark story without clear definition about good/bad and the only thing I regret is, that the book was so short and I hope for more.
Mai (Mercy) is a Meta with troubled past and stregth to be human after all things happen to her. She has the task, that she didn´t want, but she knows, to save the person (killer of her uncel) before her family, she must make some difficult decision.
Xòchitl (I wonder about pronounciation) is the second character in the book, we know little to nothig about her backround until the end of the book. She is the relief and mystery for Mai for the same time.
September 6, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book a lot and loved the setting and the concept of Meta's - reminded me a little of Lost Girl. The characters were interesting - but we only got Mai's view on them, which worked well in this story. I liked the concept, characters, writing, the overall concept but the story felt a little rushed and short. It seemed that a lot of things happened at once and when I felt I knew all the characters and the setting I was at 70% of the story even though it felt like I just started. I think the story would have benefited from a bigger word count to explain certain things better or make it less rushed and more speed out.
andreazupanc.wordpress.com
I enjoyed this book a lot and loved the setting and the concept of Meta's - reminded me a little of Lost Girl. The characters were interesting - but we only got Mai's view on them, which worked well in this story. I liked the concept, characters, writing, the overall concept but the story felt a little rushed and short. It seemed that a lot of things happened at once and when I felt I knew all the characters and the setting I was at 70% of the story even though it felt like I just started. I think the story would have benefited from a bigger word count to explain certain things better or make it less rushed and more speed out.
andreazupanc.wordpress.com
April 4, 2021
As the title of this review suggests, The power of Mercy is gritty, dark, and intense. It’s superheroine, mystery, and a little horror all thrown in together.
Zedde weaves words with magic as the story flows and you are brought into Mai’s world and nightmares. She holds no punches and doesn’t save the reader with closed doors or fade to blacks and it is done so brilliantly and powerfully.
Power is such an intense theme of this book and it shows.
An intense look into family, secrets, and betrayal. Incredible read.
Zedde weaves words with magic as the story flows and you are brought into Mai’s world and nightmares. She holds no punches and doesn’t save the reader with closed doors or fade to blacks and it is done so brilliantly and powerfully.
Power is such an intense theme of this book and it shows.
An intense look into family, secrets, and betrayal. Incredible read.
April 6, 2018
I wanted to like this so much more than I did. Actually, scratch that. I liked this a whole lot. But it definitely left me feeling unsatisfied because of how it was written. It alluded to so much, but didn’t really confirm certain plot points for the reader, and it was frustrating. There were too many gaps that needed to be filled in.
February 25, 2022
3 stars. I enjoyed this but it wasn’t quite a four star for me. The world building was a bit messy and confusing at times but I did really like Mai. She’s a very interesting and relatable character and I loved seeing her be vulnerable and open with Xóchitl. This isn’t really a romance but the possibility of one developing between those two is there. They have great chemistry.
The action and violence in here was intense and well done. I do love Zedde’s writing a lot. It’s gritty. I definitely am looking forward to seeing where Mai’s story goes from here and seeing if she and Xóchitl can get their HEA. This was a really cool read.
The action and violence in here was intense and well done. I do love Zedde’s writing a lot. It’s gritty. I definitely am looking forward to seeing where Mai’s story goes from here and seeing if she and Xóchitl can get their HEA. This was a really cool read.
August 16, 2017
The second in the Superheroines series, The Power of Mercy took me a while to get involved in. I had to read it twice before I could attempt a review. The first couple of chapters were difficult for me to read. Even on my second read-through, I had to reread sections. I persevered and I’m glad I did. The world-building paid off and I liked the book. Despite her flaws, Mai was a sympathetic character.
Mai is a weak Meta human, meaning she is stronger than humans but weaker than most Metas. Because she’s weak, she isn’t treated well by her family. Her power as a shapeshifter isn’t as great as her family wants. Zedde gives us a glimpse of her more than human powers as she introduces Mai to us as her alter ego, Mercy, rescuing humans.
A series of gruesome murders culminating in the death of Mai’s uncle leads her to seek out the killer along with the Meta enforcers, a kind of police force. These murders serve to enlighten the readers about Mai’s past and her family. Secrets are gradually revealed as the novella progresses, about the victims, the killer, and Mai’s family members.
This is a well written book, and a good mystery, albeit somewhat dark in places. Many of the characters are not pleasant and even the protagonists are capable of cruelty - with reason. I think the confusion I had in the beginning is because Ms. Zedde wanted to gradually, slowly reveal the secrets, which built a tension in the story.
I recommend this book. The world created by Zedde is interesting and I would love to see another book in this universe. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher for an honest review
Mai is a weak Meta human, meaning she is stronger than humans but weaker than most Metas. Because she’s weak, she isn’t treated well by her family. Her power as a shapeshifter isn’t as great as her family wants. Zedde gives us a glimpse of her more than human powers as she introduces Mai to us as her alter ego, Mercy, rescuing humans.
A series of gruesome murders culminating in the death of Mai’s uncle leads her to seek out the killer along with the Meta enforcers, a kind of police force. These murders serve to enlighten the readers about Mai’s past and her family. Secrets are gradually revealed as the novella progresses, about the victims, the killer, and Mai’s family members.
This is a well written book, and a good mystery, albeit somewhat dark in places. Many of the characters are not pleasant and even the protagonists are capable of cruelty - with reason. I think the confusion I had in the beginning is because Ms. Zedde wanted to gradually, slowly reveal the secrets, which built a tension in the story.
I recommend this book. The world created by Zedde is interesting and I would love to see another book in this universe. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher for an honest review
August 15, 2017
I received an advanced reading copy of this title in exchange for my honest review from the publisher.
Ylva Publishing often does some fun things with genres, and the Super Heroine line is, so far really fun. Starting with Shattered by Lee Winter, the Super Heroine line explored many superhero/ tropes and subverted them with great results.
The Power of Mercy tries to do the same thing, but given it's length and the topics the author tries to cover, it just felt too rushed. The characters were great, and I really wished that Mai was given more time to explore her character. Even her eventual lover and their romance felt too forced. I understand that the novel was supposed to be on the steamier side, especially with the intro, but these two characters didn't feel quite right together until the very end.
The world building is amazing and it promises some great content if the author chooses to explore it fuller in a full length novel.
Ylva Publishing often does some fun things with genres, and the Super Heroine line is, so far really fun. Starting with Shattered by Lee Winter, the Super Heroine line explored many superhero/ tropes and subverted them with great results.
The Power of Mercy tries to do the same thing, but given it's length and the topics the author tries to cover, it just felt too rushed. The characters were great, and I really wished that Mai was given more time to explore her character. Even her eventual lover and their romance felt too forced. I understand that the novel was supposed to be on the steamier side, especially with the intro, but these two characters didn't feel quite right together until the very end.
The world building is amazing and it promises some great content if the author chooses to explore it fuller in a full length novel.
October 16, 2024
A fun little novella. Most of it (maybe not the sex scene) would work well as an action movie. I would have liked more character development...it's just 2 dimensional good and bad people with insta-love. Perhaps the short word-count made anything else impossible but I felt Ethan should be developed more, and definitely the love between Mai and Xochitl should be developed. Xochitl needs more back story.
There was a good point made at the end...one I can't discuss because it would be a spoiler but again it would have been even better to show not tell us. Mia was a bit too vulnerable at times, a bit more strength would be ideal in a super-heroine
But for someone who wants the print version of an action movie...there's a fair bit to satisfy. I read it in a day so I guess I wasn't bored.
There was a good point made at the end...one I can't discuss because it would be a spoiler but again it would have been even better to show not tell us. Mia was a bit too vulnerable at times, a bit more strength would be ideal in a super-heroine
But for someone who wants the print version of an action movie...there's a fair bit to satisfy. I read it in a day so I guess I wasn't bored.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews