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Mercy
FBI Special Agent Mercy Parker has never shied away from a difficult case. But finding and stopping the man who plans on single-handedly annihilating the human race—armed only with her 9mm, integrity, and sense of humor—is definitely not in her job description. Perhaps it’s time to ask for some help.
Psychic ex-profiler Piper Vasey keeps everyone at arm’s length, but Mercy’s wit and selfless dedication to the greater good slowly break down Piper’s defenses. As their attraction for one another grows, they’re joined by an unlikely team of extraordinary people. Together, they embark on a race against time to recover a journal, a dog, and a kidnapped girl with unique psychic abilities.
There’s a slim chance they’ll succeed in saving the human race, but will it be enough to restore the balance between unseen forces of light and darkness that have plagued humankind for centuries?
Psychic ex-profiler Piper Vasey keeps everyone at arm’s length, but Mercy’s wit and selfless dedication to the greater good slowly break down Piper’s defenses. As their attraction for one another grows, they’re joined by an unlikely team of extraordinary people. Together, they embark on a race against time to recover a journal, a dog, and a kidnapped girl with unique psychic abilities.
There’s a slim chance they’ll succeed in saving the human race, but will it be enough to restore the balance between unseen forces of light and darkness that have plagued humankind for centuries?
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2018
32 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Larkin
9 books141 followersMichelle’s an author of lesbian romantic thrillers, a long-distance runner with no sense of direction, and a nunchuck-wielding sidekick to a pair of superhero sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 31, 2018
This book is getting 4 stars because of its entertainment value. It has some issues that would normally bring the rating a little bit lower, but I was so entertained I’m forgiving it. I have had such poor luck of average or below average books lately that this was exactly the book I needed at the right time. It also appears to be a debut which makes it more impressive.
The best way to describe this book would be action-thriller with some paranormal elements and a little romance. The main character is an FBI agent so you have a bit of a police procedural in there, but not much. This book is on the darker and grittier side at times. There is a lot of death and destruction. The book is really about the balance between light and dark, death and healing, and that bad things have to happen so good can eventually overcome. The book had an interesting premise that I think Larkin handled really well.
Most of the writing was good. I didn’t think once that this was a debut. What I really loved about the book was all the action. This is a book I could not put down. It was almost non-stop action and it entertained the hell out of me. Most of the story had a little countdown clock in the corner (figuratively) so it enhanced the thriller part of the book. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I had to stop reading, sit back and relax, because I was getting too tensed up. This is the kind of pace I hope for when I pick up an action-thriller.
The book did have a few issues. For one I was disappointed in the romance. I loved the two mains and thought they made a great couple, but it was too insta love for my tastes. While I was rooting for them as a couple, there wasn’t the chemistry there that I hoped for. This book should be read for the action, not the romance. Think of the romance as a little bonus.
There also were a few scenes I found unbelievable. And I’m not talking about any of the paranormal parts; they were all fine with me. It was other things that didn’t really make much sense. I’ll put one that bothered me behind a . It’s the kind of book you should just suspend disbelief a bit and enjoy the ride.
Lastly I just want to mention I thought this book has a good cast of characters. There was a kid in this book who I absolutely adored. She was one of the better kid characters in a lesfic book I’ve read in a while. The way this book ended it could be the end, or it could be a series. I’m hoping it’s a series as I would love to visit these characters again.
As much as this book made my night, and thoroughly entertained me, I don’t think this will be for everyone. Because it is dark at times and deals with a lot of death, it might bother some people. But if you are an action-thriller fan, I recommend this. I will absolutely read what Larkin writes next.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
The best way to describe this book would be action-thriller with some paranormal elements and a little romance. The main character is an FBI agent so you have a bit of a police procedural in there, but not much. This book is on the darker and grittier side at times. There is a lot of death and destruction. The book is really about the balance between light and dark, death and healing, and that bad things have to happen so good can eventually overcome. The book had an interesting premise that I think Larkin handled really well.
Most of the writing was good. I didn’t think once that this was a debut. What I really loved about the book was all the action. This is a book I could not put down. It was almost non-stop action and it entertained the hell out of me. Most of the story had a little countdown clock in the corner (figuratively) so it enhanced the thriller part of the book. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I had to stop reading, sit back and relax, because I was getting too tensed up. This is the kind of pace I hope for when I pick up an action-thriller.
The book did have a few issues. For one I was disappointed in the romance. I loved the two mains and thought they made a great couple, but it was too insta love for my tastes. While I was rooting for them as a couple, there wasn’t the chemistry there that I hoped for. This book should be read for the action, not the romance. Think of the romance as a little bonus.
There also were a few scenes I found unbelievable. And I’m not talking about any of the paranormal parts; they were all fine with me. It was other things that didn’t really make much sense. I’ll put one that bothered me behind a . It’s the kind of book you should just suspend disbelief a bit and enjoy the ride.
Lastly I just want to mention I thought this book has a good cast of characters. There was a kid in this book who I absolutely adored. She was one of the better kid characters in a lesfic book I’ve read in a while. The way this book ended it could be the end, or it could be a series. I’m hoping it’s a series as I would love to visit these characters again.
As much as this book made my night, and thoroughly entertained me, I don’t think this will be for everyone. Because it is dark at times and deals with a lot of death, it might bother some people. But if you are an action-thriller fan, I recommend this. I will absolutely read what Larkin writes next.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
June 2, 2018
Some parts are exceedingly painful and disgusting to read, but they're a necessary evil (figuratively and literally), an integral part of the story. This is, after all, a classic good vs evil yarn. In this case, featuring pure unadulterated evil. Hence the revolting, stomach-churning scenes.
The story is best appreciated without knowing much about it in advance. This would probably qualify as an urban fantasy, if we're to label it. I loved the world building and the way the mystery unfolded. The suspense was top notch. Despite the fantasy aspects, the story and character actions were believable, even the 'photo psychic' stuff. The premise is unique and overall, the story is hopeful and stirring. Also loved how deeply it dealt with the characters' emotions and their struggles to accept their respective fates.
5 stars and a slot on my all time favorite reads list.
ARC from Netgalley
The story is best appreciated without knowing much about it in advance. This would probably qualify as an urban fantasy, if we're to label it. I loved the world building and the way the mystery unfolded. The suspense was top notch. Despite the fantasy aspects, the story and character actions were believable, even the 'photo psychic' stuff. The premise is unique and overall, the story is hopeful and stirring. Also loved how deeply it dealt with the characters' emotions and their struggles to accept their respective fates.
5 stars and a slot on my all time favorite reads list.
ARC from Netgalley
March 19, 2018
Ok-there's a lot to say here. Amazing Debut novel by this author. It's difficult to place in any specific genre. There is a little police procedural, a little paranormal ,a little medical mystery, a little romance....it just kinda hits it all. It completely succeeds in grazing each category enough to keep you interested, without getting bogged down in too many details. It's a fast paced action packed thriller with some extras thrown in. I couldn't stop reading it. The characters are richly developed and there are several. You could feel the connections between them as the author introduced each of them-even the peripheral characters. I just know I want more. This better be the start of a series!!
I gave this 4.5 stars rounded up because I've struggled to find books that have been as good as this since the beginning of the year. I only hope this is just the beginning for this new author!
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I gave this 4.5 stars rounded up because I've struggled to find books that have been as good as this since the beginning of the year. I only hope this is just the beginning for this new author!
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
August 24, 2020
A very thoughtful book, that is far more than the blurb lets on. After reading Sylver and Gold by the same author, I decided to check out their previous works. I believe this is their debut novel.
There's a large paranormal/metaphysical element where there are twins every 150 years, that are destined to work for the great good of humanity. (The whole, would you sacrifice one person to save the lives of dozens more idea is presented.)
One twin allows (and even instigates and perpetrates) certain 'bad' and 'evil' things to happen, while the other twin uses goodness and healing in tragedies to bring hope and reason to all that happened in it's aftermath.
It's very much one of those philosophical books that will leave you questioning, does everything really happen for a reason? is there are greater purpose to suffering and violence in the world? Can good things come from bad situations?
It's certainly not a concept I'm terribly comfortable with. So I found it confronting to think on, and it challenged a lot of my own beliefs.
There's a whole ying-yang symbolism throughout that brings up a good arguments for the idea that good couldn't exist without evil. That there's a counter to everything and a balance needed to be maintained.
Don't go thinking it's entirely doom and gloom though, the characters use humor and banter to deal with their circumstances, like a lot of us do. Which can be off-putting for some people, I get. But it helped balance the book out from the serious subject matters, so it didn't get too stuck in the rut of awfulness and despair.
I liked the connection between FBI Special Agent Mercy Parker and former profiler Dr Piper Vasey. Both had lost spouses in violent senseless ways. However their attraction went from zero to hundred far too quickly, and I'm just not a fan of the whole 'lets get down and dirty, while we're waiting to save the world' cliche. I just kept thinking, um aren't there more important things to be doing right now???
OH There's also a brave kid with special abilities, and a special chocolate lab who helps along the way! (You know I love me some doggos!)
There's a large paranormal/metaphysical element where there are twins every 150 years, that are destined to work for the great good of humanity. (The whole, would you sacrifice one person to save the lives of dozens more idea is presented.)
One twin allows (and even instigates and perpetrates) certain 'bad' and 'evil' things to happen, while the other twin uses goodness and healing in tragedies to bring hope and reason to all that happened in it's aftermath.
It's very much one of those philosophical books that will leave you questioning, does everything really happen for a reason? is there are greater purpose to suffering and violence in the world? Can good things come from bad situations?
It's certainly not a concept I'm terribly comfortable with. So I found it confronting to think on, and it challenged a lot of my own beliefs.
There's a whole ying-yang symbolism throughout that brings up a good arguments for the idea that good couldn't exist without evil. That there's a counter to everything and a balance needed to be maintained.
Don't go thinking it's entirely doom and gloom though, the characters use humor and banter to deal with their circumstances, like a lot of us do. Which can be off-putting for some people, I get. But it helped balance the book out from the serious subject matters, so it didn't get too stuck in the rut of awfulness and despair.
I liked the connection between FBI Special Agent Mercy Parker and former profiler Dr Piper Vasey. Both had lost spouses in violent senseless ways. However their attraction went from zero to hundred far too quickly, and I'm just not a fan of the whole 'lets get down and dirty, while we're waiting to save the world' cliche. I just kept thinking, um aren't there more important things to be doing right now???
OH There's also a brave kid with special abilities, and a special chocolate lab who helps along the way! (You know I love me some doggos!)
April 15, 2018
Loved it. Mercy has everything I look for in a thriller. Fast paced,oodles of tension, bodies piling up with threats of more carnage if our heroes don’t come up with solutions quick, wonderful well developed characters and enough humour and witty dialogue to offset the macabre killer.
The focus is on Mercy Parker and she is far from perfect but her heart is in the right place. Piper comes into the story later than expected but she makes a good addition to the team with her “gifts”. I’m rarely a fan of paranormal anything but in a story that descends into dystopia and chaos the good guys having a few hidden talents comes in handy. A bit of magic also helps offset some of the more far-fetched scenarios.
Impressive debut novel and an author to watch. Well done.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
The focus is on Mercy Parker and she is far from perfect but her heart is in the right place. Piper comes into the story later than expected but she makes a good addition to the team with her “gifts”. I’m rarely a fan of paranormal anything but in a story that descends into dystopia and chaos the good guys having a few hidden talents comes in handy. A bit of magic also helps offset some of the more far-fetched scenarios.
Impressive debut novel and an author to watch. Well done.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
May 13, 2018
I almost didn't finish. The power the main characters have are way too much. Too powerful, too easy to master. So easy you don't really feel the tension of the plot.
It could have been interesting despite that, but the Fate thingy screwed the story for me.
It is made pretty clear from the start what is supposed to happened. Because it's Fate.
So there is no true mystery, you already guess how the story will end.
It could have been interesting despite that, but the Fate thingy screwed the story for me.
It is made pretty clear from the start what is supposed to happened. Because it's Fate.
So there is no true mystery, you already guess how the story will end.
March 22, 2018
Mercy Parker is the lead agent in the FBI’s Unsolved Child Homicide Unit and is called early one morning to the scene of a crime where a child has been murdered. This is just the tip of the iceberg in the death and destruction caused by the mysterious Shadow. Piper Vasey is a psychic who lost her husband three years previously and has lived a reclusive existence since. Time is running out and Mercy has to find Piper to stop the annihilation that Shadow has planned.
I found this novel very difficult to read because I avoid, as much as possible, books or movies where children are endangered, harmed or killed. I also avoid books where animals are maliciously harmed. Mercy has the harming of both which is compounded by good writing and vivid descriptions so the images get burnt into my brain. By about halfway through the characters were sharing a joke to lighten the mood but I was still panicked about the 10-year-old girl kidnapped by a madman and I realised I couldn’t continue.
I stopped reading and returned to finish after several days (for no other reason than to ensure the child lived). I read the second half without immersing myself into the book, which never makes for a good read, but it did give closure.
I think that with different subject matter I would enjoy the wit, humour and banter between the characters. The premise was interesting but felt as though too much was squished into too short a book. Without the children and animals I might have enjoyed it. 2.5 stars rounded up.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
I found this novel very difficult to read because I avoid, as much as possible, books or movies where children are endangered, harmed or killed. I also avoid books where animals are maliciously harmed. Mercy has the harming of both which is compounded by good writing and vivid descriptions so the images get burnt into my brain. By about halfway through the characters were sharing a joke to lighten the mood but I was still panicked about the 10-year-old girl kidnapped by a madman and I realised I couldn’t continue.
I stopped reading and returned to finish after several days (for no other reason than to ensure the child lived). I read the second half without immersing myself into the book, which never makes for a good read, but it did give closure.
I think that with different subject matter I would enjoy the wit, humour and banter between the characters. The premise was interesting but felt as though too much was squished into too short a book. Without the children and animals I might have enjoyed it. 2.5 stars rounded up.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
November 13, 2018
The first half of it book was intense, disturbing, sad, and thrilling. I had to switch on the table lamp and triple checked the locks and kids.
The perpetrator was on a mission to kill as many as possible, my most favorite bridge destroyed in an explosion. A little girl kidnapped - a pedophile/grade 1 serial rapist wanted 1O minutes with her at the back of the van.. I was ready to delete the story, if that happened.
Then this bunch of people got together - Mercy and her twin brother, Raze, Lou, Piper, Lucent and Neshera. Most of the characters in this story were somehow interestingly connected. Lucent revealed some paranormal mumbo-jumbo stuffs then the story took a different direction. The engaging elements above disappeared, the adrenaline rush that was supposed to accompany the hs as they raced to save Emily, the kidnapped lil girl and to stop the maniac from unleashing the biochemical virus was missing + the original 5 points on the suspense scale turned to nil. Everything was wrapped up pretty neatly and I lost interest.
The author did great with Emily's characterization - she was one brave+intelligent kid and the romance although instant, the hs were never lovey dovey - plenty of banters and flirting between those two despite the world was in chaos and the reaper waiting at almost every corner waiting to pounce.
The perpetrator was on a mission to kill as many as possible, my most favorite bridge destroyed in an explosion. A little girl kidnapped - a pedophile/grade 1 serial rapist wanted 1O minutes with her at the back of the van.. I was ready to delete the story, if that happened.
Then this bunch of people got together - Mercy and her twin brother, Raze, Lou, Piper, Lucent and Neshera. Most of the characters in this story were somehow interestingly connected. Lucent revealed some paranormal mumbo-jumbo stuffs then the story took a different direction. The engaging elements above disappeared, the adrenaline rush that was supposed to accompany the hs as they raced to save Emily, the kidnapped lil girl and to stop the maniac from unleashing the biochemical virus was missing + the original 5 points on the suspense scale turned to nil. Everything was wrapped up pretty neatly and I lost interest.
The author did great with Emily's characterization - she was one brave+intelligent kid and the romance although instant, the hs were never lovey dovey - plenty of banters and flirting between those two despite the world was in chaos and the reaper waiting at almost every corner waiting to pounce.
May 6, 2018
To be honest, the only reason I finished this book is to remove it from the NetGalley shelf. It was either that or mark it inactive. I don't leave books unread, so this was it.
The biggest problem I had with this is, all throughout the book I kept waiting for something different to happen. The thing is, I had a feeling this wasn't anything new for me. Well, not every single thing was old or seen, but still. As soon as all the players were introduced, I knew what will happen to each and every one of them.
To be fair, this debut might not be bad for the right audience or mood. It just missed its mark with me. I can't exactly mark it 'didn't like it', either. I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would after that interesting beginning and the villain.
ARC received from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley
March 3, 2019
Mercy Parker is an FBI agent working in the Unsolved Child Homicide Unit in New York. She gets called in to assist in a fellow law enforcement daughter’s murder with no leads except for the one left only for her. As she finds a way to pursue this, another child goes missing. Mercy immediately recognizes her connection to both cases and the need to involve a retired FBI profiler, Piper Vasey. Piper is a psychic who has secluded herself after the death of her husband and a lifetime of being shunned by her gift. She has become another victim as Mercy tries to desperately reach her. Together with the help of a few friends, they must find a way to reach the missing child and prevent an evil form from annihilating the human species.
This book has some dark, haunting parts that some readers may find disturbing. It does lighten up somewhat as the two main characters start working together, providing some much needed levity and, at times, outright humorous dialog.
It becomes clear early on how there are metaphysical elements illustrated through several of the characters. There is also a second story line, based on the yin and yang philosophy, intertwined with the above mentioned one. This story is well defined, and very interesting as some of its support (albeit a small part) is based on true events. The power of good and evil are showcased in a different light and with a new set of grave consequences.
The author did a great job creating the characters. The leads have chemistry and, as I said, share some entertaining dialog. There are no boring or aggravating characters, and they all work well together to advance and enrich the story line. There is even a handsome chocolate Labrador that becomes integral to the tale!
I loved the cover design by Tammy Seidick. It has crisp colors with Mercy Parker’s FBI badge and a desolate building. The title in red font pops and alludes to a case file, which is fitting to the story. It is definitely eye catching, which is what a cover should accomplish.
Mercy was released last year and was Ms Larkin’s debut novel. I can't wait to read more of her work. Overall, an interesting concept that will appeal to readers who enjoy action, law enforcement and the metaphysical. 4.5 stars
www.lezreviewbooks.com
This book has some dark, haunting parts that some readers may find disturbing. It does lighten up somewhat as the two main characters start working together, providing some much needed levity and, at times, outright humorous dialog.
It becomes clear early on how there are metaphysical elements illustrated through several of the characters. There is also a second story line, based on the yin and yang philosophy, intertwined with the above mentioned one. This story is well defined, and very interesting as some of its support (albeit a small part) is based on true events. The power of good and evil are showcased in a different light and with a new set of grave consequences.
The author did a great job creating the characters. The leads have chemistry and, as I said, share some entertaining dialog. There are no boring or aggravating characters, and they all work well together to advance and enrich the story line. There is even a handsome chocolate Labrador that becomes integral to the tale!
I loved the cover design by Tammy Seidick. It has crisp colors with Mercy Parker’s FBI badge and a desolate building. The title in red font pops and alludes to a case file, which is fitting to the story. It is definitely eye catching, which is what a cover should accomplish.
Mercy was released last year and was Ms Larkin’s debut novel. I can't wait to read more of her work. Overall, an interesting concept that will appeal to readers who enjoy action, law enforcement and the metaphysical. 4.5 stars
www.lezreviewbooks.com
March 6, 2019
If it weren't for the narrative pacing I'd rate this 5 for the story and plot.
At some point where the story should be short and sharp (eg. finding Piper), too many flashback exposition made it dull. And where there's no conflict, things were short and lacking, like the ending.
But I really liked the premise of the book. The start was crude and hard to swallow, a little too graphic (not a bad thing, strung me to hate Shadow very much). The author is great at creating conflicts and making things unpredictable, it kept the story intriguing.
Would have liked to see the relationship development between Piper, Mercy and Emily (and Bobby) more. They had great chemistry during the adventure, but in the ending it all seemed too "assumed". I never really got the feeling why Shadow decided to do it all. And what of Raze?
At some point where the story should be short and sharp (eg. finding Piper), too many flashback exposition made it dull. And where there's no conflict, things were short and lacking, like the ending.
But I really liked the premise of the book. The start was crude and hard to swallow, a little too graphic (not a bad thing, strung me to hate Shadow very much). The author is great at creating conflicts and making things unpredictable, it kept the story intriguing.
Would have liked to see the relationship development between Piper, Mercy and Emily (and Bobby) more. They had great chemistry during the adventure, but in the ending it all seemed too "assumed". I never really got the feeling why Shadow decided to do it all. And what of Raze?
June 22, 2021
Full disclosure. I bought this novel. Not an arc review.
Wow. It has been a long while since I have been blown away by a novel. For Michelle Larkin’s first novel she hit this out of the stadium. Mercy has a twin brother Raze who shares a predetermined future. This is a story about good verses evil at it darkest core.
I found this novel hard to put down once I started it. The narrative flows and the dialogue has humour woven into it. The excitement level and thrill of the chase keeps the reader on the edge of their seats.
On the basis of this novel I have now purchased Ms Larkin’s other two novels.
4.5 and the entertainment level moves it firmly into a 5 ⭐️ rating.
Wow. It has been a long while since I have been blown away by a novel. For Michelle Larkin’s first novel she hit this out of the stadium. Mercy has a twin brother Raze who shares a predetermined future. This is a story about good verses evil at it darkest core.
I found this novel hard to put down once I started it. The narrative flows and the dialogue has humour woven into it. The excitement level and thrill of the chase keeps the reader on the edge of their seats.
On the basis of this novel I have now purchased Ms Larkin’s other two novels.
4.5 and the entertainment level moves it firmly into a 5 ⭐️ rating.
July 30, 2021
2,5-3 stars
Give me a normal psycho any day. Even one with paranormal powers. This book contained way too much "metaphysical", "destiny" and "higher purpose" stuff for me to enjoy it. Sorry.
It's not bad, I just didn't like the main idea.
Give me a normal psycho any day. Even one with paranormal powers. This book contained way too much "metaphysical", "destiny" and "higher purpose" stuff for me to enjoy it. Sorry.
It's not bad, I just didn't like the main idea.
March 23, 2018
What a different kind of read. The read was different because it was unusual with much detail, numerous characters, creepy bad guy, and futuristic yet present day. It took me a while to "get" engaged with the story. I hung in there because the read was so unusual and I did not want to miss anything. I enjoyed the humor and the witty dialogue. The young girl and the dog were wonderful main/supporting characters. Mercy Parker and Piper Vasey did not really click for me. There was too much distance between them and resulted in a disconnection.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via Net Galley
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via Net Galley
June 6, 2020
What an awesome debut novel!
This story definitely deserves more than five stars! I have so much love for Mercy, Piper, Emily and Bobby. This novel has an intriguing mystery, paranormal and romantic plot that kept me up until the wee hours of the morning and I must admit that I really enjoyed Mercy's quirky sense of humor. I think I've found a new favorite author and I'll be on the lookout for more new books from her!
This story definitely deserves more than five stars! I have so much love for Mercy, Piper, Emily and Bobby. This novel has an intriguing mystery, paranormal and romantic plot that kept me up until the wee hours of the morning and I must admit that I really enjoyed Mercy's quirky sense of humor. I think I've found a new favorite author and I'll be on the lookout for more new books from her!
April 29, 2018
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley
This is more of a 2.5 and I was originally going to round it up but after writing this review I think I'm changing it to 2 stars. I think part of it is that i was expecting the book to be ...lighter I guess? I'm not much for mystery-thriller most of the time but I thought hey cute bi/lesbian FBI agents that could be fun, and decided to give it a chance anyway. Unfortunately the romance was pretty underdeveloped and instalove-y for the most part so that just left the serial killer part of the story, which I was less than impressed with.
Basically the premise of the book is that every 150 years there are a set of twins born who will try to help guide the world to being a better place, but one of them has to create 'evil' events that will eventually LEAD to something good, while the other one helps the good stuff along the way. Like, to use an actual example from the book, a little girl gets murdered but then the couple adopts another little girl from Africa and also vows to get all the other kids in her orphanage adopted and they would have otherwise been dead of starvation within a year. And in this book the 'evil' twin goes off the rails so they have to stop him from destroying the world instead.
To be quite frank I think that's all a load bullcrap, but I'm sure other people will find it be more interesting or intriguing than I did. Also trigger warnings for child death, animal death, attempted rape, and probably a host of other things I forgot about. This definitely just wasn't for me, although it was pretty good for a debut author so I will give it that.
This is more of a 2.5 and I was originally going to round it up but after writing this review I think I'm changing it to 2 stars. I think part of it is that i was expecting the book to be ...lighter I guess? I'm not much for mystery-thriller most of the time but I thought hey cute bi/lesbian FBI agents that could be fun, and decided to give it a chance anyway. Unfortunately the romance was pretty underdeveloped and instalove-y for the most part so that just left the serial killer part of the story, which I was less than impressed with.
Basically the premise of the book is that every 150 years there are a set of twins born who will try to help guide the world to being a better place, but one of them has to create 'evil' events that will eventually LEAD to something good, while the other one helps the good stuff along the way. Like, to use an actual example from the book, a little girl gets murdered but then the couple adopts another little girl from Africa and also vows to get all the other kids in her orphanage adopted and they would have otherwise been dead of starvation within a year. And in this book the 'evil' twin goes off the rails so they have to stop him from destroying the world instead.
To be quite frank I think that's all a load bullcrap, but I'm sure other people will find it be more interesting or intriguing than I did. Also trigger warnings for child death, animal death, attempted rape, and probably a host of other things I forgot about. This definitely just wasn't for me, although it was pretty good for a debut author so I will give it that.
dnf
March 29, 2022Too much violence with kids. And WAY too much time spent in the bad guy's POV.
July 30, 2022
Oh dear? Not me at all. Move on.
December 12, 2019
I can't remember the scoring difference between 2 stars and 3. So for me 2 stars are "it was OK" and 3 are "I liked it".
If I could I'd give this 2 1/2 stars because hey the writing itself was good. It was a simple easy beach read that required very little effort on my part. The bonus was it was so easy to read I didn't feel like I wanted to kill myself. On the other hand, I almost think if the author had actually brought the premise further and gave it more depth. I would have enjoyed it more.
I will also admit that I just read a Stephen King book with a slightly similar feel so it may be an unfair comparison but I find myself wanting desperately for LGBTQ stories to be held to the same standards as "straight fiction"
If I could I'd give this 2 1/2 stars because hey the writing itself was good. It was a simple easy beach read that required very little effort on my part. The bonus was it was so easy to read I didn't feel like I wanted to kill myself. On the other hand, I almost think if the author had actually brought the premise further and gave it more depth. I would have enjoyed it more.
I will also admit that I just read a Stephen King book with a slightly similar feel so it may be an unfair comparison but I find myself wanting desperately for LGBTQ stories to be held to the same standards as "straight fiction"
May 4, 2018
This was a little bit different from the usual lesfic fare and I was glad of that. It mixes genres and does it very well. Mercy is an FBI agent and needs help with a complex case. It's suggested by an old mentor that she contact Piper, a woman who was previously in the FBI but left after the death of her husband. Piper is a psychic and Mercy is a sceptic but she sure changes her mind about the paranormal.
The story gathers a strange crew together and they fight an evil beyond imagining. The warehouse will sure creep you out. But this isn't gratuitous or particularly nasty, it is just well written, well paced and definitely worth a read.
I am hoping it is the start of a series as I want to read more by Ms Larkin.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.
The story gathers a strange crew together and they fight an evil beyond imagining. The warehouse will sure creep you out. But this isn't gratuitous or particularly nasty, it is just well written, well paced and definitely worth a read.
I am hoping it is the start of a series as I want to read more by Ms Larkin.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.
June 18, 2018
I wanted to like this a bit more than I did. I will say that the writing is quite good, especially for a debut novel, and the story is certainly unique. But what ultimately led me to drop my rating is the inclusion of an integral supernatural component with absolutely no world building. That made things feel very vague and hard to understand, especially in the first half of the book. Mythology like what this book relies on needs to be rolled out in tiny doses in a parallel sequence to the plot, not as an info dump partway through after a lot of confusing stuff has happened.
Looking forward to other books by this author in the future, though.
Looking forward to other books by this author in the future, though.
April 9, 2018
Mercy by Michelle Larkin takes on the battle between good and evil with a twist. This story had a great cast of characters and keeps you wanting to know more. The pacing was spot on and I enjoyed every moment. The bad guy was really bad and although the good guys had flaws they gave you hope. A terrific read.
Read
April 10, 2018Too gruesome for me
December 27, 2020
It was ok, but how the connection between the two MCs was built, wasn't fine for me.
May 9, 2018
I have a hard time rating this book.
The book was written well and the story itself wasn't bad, but not for me.
Reading the synopsis it looked like a really good crime/romance story, but it's more fantasy than crime which I am not fond of and annoyed me thru-out the book.
The romance part was also a bit quick.
The book wasn't bad and I might even read the next one if there is one to see how the characters develop now that I know what to expect.
For me the book was ok, but rating it a bit better as the book was fairly good, just not for me.
The book was written well and the story itself wasn't bad, but not for me.
Reading the synopsis it looked like a really good crime/romance story, but it's more fantasy than crime which I am not fond of and annoyed me thru-out the book.
The romance part was also a bit quick.
The book wasn't bad and I might even read the next one if there is one to see how the characters develop now that I know what to expect.
For me the book was ok, but rating it a bit better as the book was fairly good, just not for me.
Read
May 26, 2019Overall I found this book to be frustrating and disappointing. Based on the reviews I've seen, I'm in the minority - maybe I was grumpy when I read it or maybe I read a completely different book. I've struggled with writing up a review as my thoughts on it are just as jumbled as the book itself. There's just too much going on in the book; but, not a lot of cohesiveness or follow through on what would seem like major events. I got whiplash from spending most of my time snarling "wtf "and shaking my head.
I'm having a hard time classifying it. Mercy, a FBI agent who is left to her own resources to save the child, the profiler and ultimately the world, is smack dab in the middle of a narrative that is chock full of action/adventure, mystery, suspense, romance, humour and immortal entities responsible for order and chaos. Larkin jammed so much into the book and I think if there were less plot points/swerves and more focus on a few, this would have been a more solid read. For the GCLS awards, this was classified as paranormal and maybe that's why I'm having such a problem with it because it probably more of an action book with a loose paranormal driver.
The paranormal aspect comes in through gifts that certain characters possess - Piper, the former FBI Profiler and current damsel in distress, is a photo psychic which means she is able to communicate with the ghost of someone by looking at their picture. As well there is an overarching paranormal aspect that hinges on a rather complex idea (if you start thinking it through) that throughout history there have been two chosen siblings responsible for the good and bad events that happen in the world - you can't have good without bad or bad without good and the author uses the Ying Yang as a way of marking those who are or will be engaged in this ancient cycle. Shadow - the personification of chaos - has gone all in on the idea that evil knows best and is manipulating events like the bombing of the Golden Gate Bridge and releasing a deadly biological agent that will kill off pretty much all of humanity. Why, I'm not sure. I was so stuck on the ridiculous name that I couldn't take him seriously as he wandered through his warehouse of doom, fondling the helmets and boots of dead coal miners and train conductors who died in mass tragedies (tragedies he created). Lucent , his twin, is the embodiment of order/good, but his work seems to be on a smaller scale, saving one orphan at a time, and just doing his best - and he's unaware that his brother has gone batshit crazy. Shadow and Lucent's reign is coming to an end and they are preparing to transfer their responsibilities to the next set of twins - Raze and Mercy. Ugh - parents who name their children Shadow or Raze must know that they are dooming them to an eternity of chaos/evil or at least a childhood of getting the snot kicked out of them in the schoolyard.
The book starts off with a supposed terrorist bombing of the Golden Gate bridge, then its an investigation of a child murder, then a child kidnap, then a cat and mouse game between Mercy and Shadow where he gives instructions and pulls the strings and she dashes around trying to save the child, save the psychic, oops forgot about the kid so go back to save the kid and ultimately save the world. In the meantime, she and Piper meet, exchange banter and fall into bed with no actual relationship or rationale. I think the romance was supposed to demonstrated by the exchange of some seemingly inappropriate humourous banter (inappropriate in the context of what's going on not in the banter itself), ogling of body parts and a convenient stop in a motel room. Things are introduced as major plot points and then fall off the page - someone blows up the Golden Gate Bridge and there's no further discussion/seeming impact, a child is murdered in her home and the next day the parents are adopting a cute orphan that is dropped off on their doorstep, Mercy's colleague is murdered ... they happen and then they disappear off the page. I'm all for suspending my disbelief and just going along for a wild ride or crazy ass action/adventure - but I found it too jarring and disjointed as Mercy runs from one crisis to the next.
There was one thing I did enjoy - the sections of the book that were told from the POV of young Emily (the kidnapped child who teams up with the touched-by-an-angel golden retriever, Bobby). That kid should have been allowed to grow up and be the heroine of the book. She was a bright, kick-ass kid. What she did and why she did it was consistent and actually made sense. Liked the kid, liked the dog.
I'm having a hard time classifying it. Mercy, a FBI agent who is left to her own resources to save the child, the profiler and ultimately the world, is smack dab in the middle of a narrative that is chock full of action/adventure, mystery, suspense, romance, humour and immortal entities responsible for order and chaos. Larkin jammed so much into the book and I think if there were less plot points/swerves and more focus on a few, this would have been a more solid read. For the GCLS awards, this was classified as paranormal and maybe that's why I'm having such a problem with it because it probably more of an action book with a loose paranormal driver.
The paranormal aspect comes in through gifts that certain characters possess - Piper, the former FBI Profiler and current damsel in distress, is a photo psychic which means she is able to communicate with the ghost of someone by looking at their picture. As well there is an overarching paranormal aspect that hinges on a rather complex idea (if you start thinking it through) that throughout history there have been two chosen siblings responsible for the good and bad events that happen in the world - you can't have good without bad or bad without good and the author uses the Ying Yang as a way of marking those who are or will be engaged in this ancient cycle. Shadow - the personification of chaos - has gone all in on the idea that evil knows best and is manipulating events like the bombing of the Golden Gate Bridge and releasing a deadly biological agent that will kill off pretty much all of humanity. Why, I'm not sure. I was so stuck on the ridiculous name that I couldn't take him seriously as he wandered through his warehouse of doom, fondling the helmets and boots of dead coal miners and train conductors who died in mass tragedies (tragedies he created). Lucent , his twin, is the embodiment of order/good, but his work seems to be on a smaller scale, saving one orphan at a time, and just doing his best - and he's unaware that his brother has gone batshit crazy. Shadow and Lucent's reign is coming to an end and they are preparing to transfer their responsibilities to the next set of twins - Raze and Mercy. Ugh - parents who name their children Shadow or Raze must know that they are dooming them to an eternity of chaos/evil or at least a childhood of getting the snot kicked out of them in the schoolyard.
The book starts off with a supposed terrorist bombing of the Golden Gate bridge, then its an investigation of a child murder, then a child kidnap, then a cat and mouse game between Mercy and Shadow where he gives instructions and pulls the strings and she dashes around trying to save the child, save the psychic, oops forgot about the kid so go back to save the kid and ultimately save the world. In the meantime, she and Piper meet, exchange banter and fall into bed with no actual relationship or rationale. I think the romance was supposed to demonstrated by the exchange of some seemingly inappropriate humourous banter (inappropriate in the context of what's going on not in the banter itself), ogling of body parts and a convenient stop in a motel room. Things are introduced as major plot points and then fall off the page - someone blows up the Golden Gate Bridge and there's no further discussion/seeming impact, a child is murdered in her home and the next day the parents are adopting a cute orphan that is dropped off on their doorstep, Mercy's colleague is murdered ... they happen and then they disappear off the page. I'm all for suspending my disbelief and just going along for a wild ride or crazy ass action/adventure - but I found it too jarring and disjointed as Mercy runs from one crisis to the next.
There was one thing I did enjoy - the sections of the book that were told from the POV of young Emily (the kidnapped child who teams up with the touched-by-an-angel golden retriever, Bobby). That kid should have been allowed to grow up and be the heroine of the book. She was a bright, kick-ass kid. What she did and why she did it was consistent and actually made sense. Liked the kid, liked the dog.
March 27, 2018
I am actually not sure where to start with this review. I found the book to be fairly dark in particular when describing the gruesome ways in which people we killed or harmed. There was a bit more of a magical aspect to the story that I wasn't expecting. The crime/thriller aspect of the book was good and found myself hooked not knowing what would happen next.
The romance for me was pretty weak. It was superficial where little time was spent with the two growing their feelings, it was basically instant love. It just wasn't very believable for me.
The ending for me was weird and didn't really answer the questions I had at the end of the book. Maybe some things went over my head.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
The romance for me was pretty weak. It was superficial where little time was spent with the two growing their feelings, it was basically instant love. It just wasn't very believable for me.
The ending for me was weird and didn't really answer the questions I had at the end of the book. Maybe some things went over my head.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
October 6, 2021
Ok so apparently this was Larkin's first novel. I'll admit I am impressed.
It continues to amaze me how we inflict harm on each other. The human race is at times questionable.
It keeps you guessing. I found myself hooked on the crime/thriller aspect of the book.
Not much to say on the romance in the book but honestly I didn't really miss it. The book was good as a thriller in my opinion.
Overall I enjoyed it. Just one question why haven't I read more of this author? Don't worry I'm of to search for more.
Enjoy
It continues to amaze me how we inflict harm on each other. The human race is at times questionable.
It keeps you guessing. I found myself hooked on the crime/thriller aspect of the book.
Not much to say on the romance in the book but honestly I didn't really miss it. The book was good as a thriller in my opinion.
Overall I enjoyed it. Just one question why haven't I read more of this author? Don't worry I'm of to search for more.
Enjoy
April 26, 2018
A bit of a supernatural thriller with a bit of a romance thrown in. An interesting tale but the ending felt lacking to me.
May 9, 2018
Great debut
I found this book to be highly entertaining. One of the best debut novels I’ve read. My only complaint was that it was too short. When’s the next one coming?!
I found this book to be highly entertaining. One of the best debut novels I’ve read. My only complaint was that it was too short. When’s the next one coming?!
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