What do you think?
Rate this book
Little Death Bringer Series #1
Mercenary
Marin doesn’t want to be a lady. She wants to kick ass and take names. But that’ll be hard to do if she gets captured by an unknown enemy…
Being raised by the King and Queen of the Elves has given Marin quite a diverse background. Burdened by her humanity and femininity, she must push herself and train every day to hold her own against the elves around her.
But while Marin wants to be the first girl to graduate Macon Academy as a mercenary, her mother wants her to be a lady. And an attempt by an unknown enemy to kidnap Marin is not helping her case.
Between the kidnapping attempt, growing feelings for her best male friend, and now a fiery magic growing within her, Marin’s life is changing in ways she can’t understand. If she doesn’t get a grasp on things quickly, she may lose everything she’s fought so hard to gain.
If she survives at all.
Fans of Kristin Cashore and Sarah J Maas will love this fantastical adventure of passion, love, and loyalty.
Being raised by the King and Queen of the Elves has given Marin quite a diverse background. Burdened by her humanity and femininity, she must push herself and train every day to hold her own against the elves around her.
But while Marin wants to be the first girl to graduate Macon Academy as a mercenary, her mother wants her to be a lady. And an attempt by an unknown enemy to kidnap Marin is not helping her case.
Between the kidnapping attempt, growing feelings for her best male friend, and now a fiery magic growing within her, Marin’s life is changing in ways she can’t understand. If she doesn’t get a grasp on things quickly, she may lose everything she’s fought so hard to gain.
If she survives at all.
Fans of Kristin Cashore and Sarah J Maas will love this fantastical adventure of passion, love, and loyalty.
180 pages, ebook
First published January 14, 2012
39 people are currently reading
628 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Banks
93 books839 followersCatherine Banks is an award-winning, USA Today Bestselling fantasy author who writes in several romance subgenres under multiple pseudonyms. She began writing fiction at only four years old and finished her first full-length novel at the age of fifteen. She is married to her soulmate and best friend, Avery, who she has two amazing children with. After her full time job, she reads books, plays video games, and watches anime shows and movies with her family to relax. Although she has lived in Northern California her entire life, she dreams of traveling around the world. Catherine is also C.E.O. of Turbo Kitten Industries™, a company with many hats including being a book publisher and store full of nerdy fun.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 24, 2012
Mercenary is a non-stop action fantasy. There are laugh out loud moments, and a tiny bit of romance. I really loved this new elves series. This book kept me up late reading into the night, I just didn't want to put it down.
Marin is a human who has been living with the elves in the royal castle since she was four years old when the king found her by the side of the road. Her "mother" the queen has been trying to teach her to be a proper lady, while her "father" the king just wants her to be happy. Then there's Favian, the prince, who has been her "brother", best friend, partner and protector. Marin has always wanted to be a mercenary along with Favian. She kicks butt every chance she gets and loves every minute of it.
Marin and Favian are heading back to the academy, after a break, where they both attend mercenary school. Before they make it there, they are attacked by some men who are trying to kidnap Marin. Once they do make it back to the academy things change for Marin. Her classes/training schedule has been changed and gets a lot harder. She learns that she will perform her final test to graduate sooner. Then there's the students who don't think a girl should be a mercenary or be attending academy. She has so many things to deal with already and now someone wants her kidnapped. Marin finds things out about her past, there are ogre attacks and a budding romance with Favian.
I really enjoyed reading this. Marin is such a strong character but at the same time she lets her emotions get the best of her. Then there's Favian who is always trying to protect Marin while secretly, I think wanting to court her. Catherine did such a good job creating this world. It was easy to invision the surroundings and it felt like I was there in this fantasy world. I loved the ending. It's like the end of one chapter and the begining of something new and exciting for Marin and Favin. I'm excited to read the next one. I am definiely recommending this book. I loved it ~ 4.5 stars!
This e-book was given to me by the author for review. This did not affect my review in any way.
Marin is a human who has been living with the elves in the royal castle since she was four years old when the king found her by the side of the road. Her "mother" the queen has been trying to teach her to be a proper lady, while her "father" the king just wants her to be happy. Then there's Favian, the prince, who has been her "brother", best friend, partner and protector. Marin has always wanted to be a mercenary along with Favian. She kicks butt every chance she gets and loves every minute of it.
Marin and Favian are heading back to the academy, after a break, where they both attend mercenary school. Before they make it there, they are attacked by some men who are trying to kidnap Marin. Once they do make it back to the academy things change for Marin. Her classes/training schedule has been changed and gets a lot harder. She learns that she will perform her final test to graduate sooner. Then there's the students who don't think a girl should be a mercenary or be attending academy. She has so many things to deal with already and now someone wants her kidnapped. Marin finds things out about her past, there are ogre attacks and a budding romance with Favian.
I really enjoyed reading this. Marin is such a strong character but at the same time she lets her emotions get the best of her. Then there's Favian who is always trying to protect Marin while secretly, I think wanting to court her. Catherine did such a good job creating this world. It was easy to invision the surroundings and it felt like I was there in this fantasy world. I loved the ending. It's like the end of one chapter and the begining of something new and exciting for Marin and Favin. I'm excited to read the next one. I am definiely recommending this book. I loved it ~ 4.5 stars!
This e-book was given to me by the author for review. This did not affect my review in any way.
September 13, 2013
This and my other reviews can be found at http://amethystbookwyrm.blogspot.co.uk/
Marin is the adopted daughter of the King and Queen of the Elves and while her mother wants her to be a Lady, all she wants to do is be the first girls to graduate from the Macon Academy to become a mercenary. When Marin and her best friend Favian are ambushed on their way back to school, they realise that someone wants to kidnap Marin. With the threat of being kidnaped she has to also deal with her growing feeling for Favian.
Mercenary is a good fantasy book which has action, romance and humour. The pace of this book has nonstop action and no dull moments.
Marin is an interesting and strong person as she always knows what she wants to be, which while I don’t think ever want to be a mercenary, it is nice to see a character who is not afraid to do a job which people don’t think she can do. I also like the hints of romance in this book as it is subtle and will hopefully grow in the following books.
Mercenary is an enjoyable YA fantasy novel and I can’t wait to see what happens next in Marin’s world I would recommend this to people who like Tamora Pierce’s books.
Marin is the adopted daughter of the King and Queen of the Elves and while her mother wants her to be a Lady, all she wants to do is be the first girls to graduate from the Macon Academy to become a mercenary. When Marin and her best friend Favian are ambushed on their way back to school, they realise that someone wants to kidnap Marin. With the threat of being kidnaped she has to also deal with her growing feeling for Favian.
Mercenary is a good fantasy book which has action, romance and humour. The pace of this book has nonstop action and no dull moments.
Marin is an interesting and strong person as she always knows what she wants to be, which while I don’t think ever want to be a mercenary, it is nice to see a character who is not afraid to do a job which people don’t think she can do. I also like the hints of romance in this book as it is subtle and will hopefully grow in the following books.
Mercenary is an enjoyable YA fantasy novel and I can’t wait to see what happens next in Marin’s world I would recommend this to people who like Tamora Pierce’s books.
January 18, 2018
I literally hated to put my kindle down today while reading this!! I love Marin as she's such a perfect lead female character ♡ She's spunky and driven while still retaining such a sweet innocence! Favian is an absolute dream! He's a fabulously princely male with a fiercely wild protective personality. I loved the dialogue between the two and just adored how Ms. Banks took her time in letting feelings naturally happen and play out. There was no rushing of declarations or silliness. When Ms. Banks writes a story she crafts a solid plot and details the scenes so that her words and worlds truly are uniquely captivating and utterly mesmerising ♡♡♡♡
January 14, 2018
Wow
Another new author whose book I loved. I loved how Marin was a strong female character who know what she wanted and was not afraid to go out and get it. She succeeded and graduated as a Mercenary. Now her next adventure will start.
Highly recommend.
Another new author whose book I loved. I loved how Marin was a strong female character who know what she wanted and was not afraid to go out and get it. She succeeded and graduated as a Mercenary. Now her next adventure will start.
Highly recommend.
March 1, 2018
I'm borderline OCD, therefore not finishing books is rare for me. My mind boggles at the fact that I have been driven to dnf two books IN A ROW. IN TWO DAYS.
The diolgue was awkward and a series of events so ridiculous had me screaming "is this a joke?" The last straw that caused the dnf was
I HAVE BEEN LIED TO BY ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL COVER PROMISING A STRONG FEMALE MC. I AM SO SICK OF BEING DISAPPOINTED!
The diolgue was awkward and a series of events so ridiculous had me screaming "is this a joke?" The last straw that caused the dnf was
I HAVE BEEN LIED TO BY ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL COVER PROMISING A STRONG FEMALE MC. I AM SO SICK OF BEING DISAPPOINTED!
June 7, 2019
The main character was just whiny. She whines about everything and it got old real fast. It was listed as young adult but if it wasn't for a handful of mentions of rape - I would peg it as an older middle grade. The writing and the characters feel very young, ridiculously so - which also annoyed me - it wasn't what I was looking for in a book titled Little Death Bringer. It was easy enough to read but it was just too sweet for me to care. I'd be better rereading Magic Bites.
August 29, 2018
Marin is the adopted daughter of the elf king and queen. She is also in love with their son...her step brother?...they go to the mercenary academy together. Apparently she is not exactly human, and there are a lot of people who don't want a female to graduate the academy.
This was just kinda all over the place. Lots of stuff happening and not a lot of explanation. I didn't hate it but I thought it could have been a lot better.
This was just kinda all over the place. Lots of stuff happening and not a lot of explanation. I didn't hate it but I thought it could have been a lot better.
September 18, 2018
This was an impressive start to a series. This YA story has elves, ogres, mystery, action, a little touch of romance, and a really strong plot to keep your interest.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. I found myself smiling and just so wrapped up in it as I listened. I worried when they were in danger, and cheered for their successes.
The narrator Vanessa Moyen was brand new to me, but she did an excellent job. She had an exciting, high energy style to reading this story that I thought was perfectly suited. It fit the main character Marin exactly right.
I liked the way things ended with this story and look forward to listening to the next one.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. I found myself smiling and just so wrapped up in it as I listened. I worried when they were in danger, and cheered for their successes.
The narrator Vanessa Moyen was brand new to me, but she did an excellent job. She had an exciting, high energy style to reading this story that I thought was perfectly suited. It fit the main character Marin exactly right.
I liked the way things ended with this story and look forward to listening to the next one.
October 6, 2018
A bit of innocent fun and a quick read that kept me going.
Heroine annoying in her ‘feelings’ around boys - then I realised she was supposed to be 16 but able to wield two swords, throw knives and be all manly and good at fighting so she wouldn’t know about ‘girly’ things like feelings. The re-inforcement of old stereotypes of ‘girly’ feelings, dressing up as opposed to being all manly and stoic were very annoying. The contradiction between the innocent 16 year-old and someone old enough to graduate a military academy and be employed as a mercenary guard was a little hard to swallow at times. There again, I’m not a teenager.
A good story overall though and I enjoyed it.
Heroine annoying in her ‘feelings’ around boys - then I realised she was supposed to be 16 but able to wield two swords, throw knives and be all manly and good at fighting so she wouldn’t know about ‘girly’ things like feelings. The re-inforcement of old stereotypes of ‘girly’ feelings, dressing up as opposed to being all manly and stoic were very annoying. The contradiction between the innocent 16 year-old and someone old enough to graduate a military academy and be employed as a mercenary guard was a little hard to swallow at times. There again, I’m not a teenager.
A good story overall though and I enjoyed it.
January 13, 2018
I love a story where a girl is trying to be something that only men have been allowed to do. Marin is a very confused mc trying to figure out how t9 be a mercenary and deal with being a girl. I liked that Marin could kick butt and then still cry when her best friend was mean to her because she is a sixteen year old girl and they tend to be extremely emotional. The book had some romantic aspects but it wasn't the entire plot which can happen in ya. I can't wait to read the next book to figure out the mystery.
August 23, 2018
This was such a good book and good concept, but it is definitely geared towards the younger readers. Which is fine, but is so sad when you find a story line that you fall in love with, only to be constantly kicked out of it by the immaturity.
But, dont like this deter you from reading it. I read the whole book through and I plan on reading the series, as I really did love the concept, even if it was too simple for how big the story line was.
I rate this read a 3.5. If it was written for adults I would have rated this a 10! But alas, I have to give a true rating.
But, dont like this deter you from reading it. I read the whole book through and I plan on reading the series, as I really did love the concept, even if it was too simple for how big the story line was.
I rate this read a 3.5. If it was written for adults I would have rated this a 10! But alas, I have to give a true rating.
January 18, 2018
This is a great start to a new series. Marin a human girl bought up by the King and Queen of elves, is determined to be a mercenary. She is the first girl to attend the Academy with her best friend Prince Favian. She has anger issues and fighting helps her resolve that. There is a mystery surrounding her and this story has great character and story development which keeps you interested and intrigued. Highly recommend first book in sreview dies and look forward to see what happens in book 2
September 30, 2018
A simple plot, but the characters were outstanding and I enjoyed the pacing: fast, and action-filled. While the story line was easy to guess, the author is really good and holds the reader's attention. A perfect book for a weekend read, and the next book of the series will be on my reading list, too.
March 4, 2019
Mercenary
This book is totally awesome. Marin was found when she was 4 by the Elf King and him and his wife raised her with their son, Favian. The queen tried to raise her to be a lady but she was more interested in learning how to fight. She is the first female that went to the mercenary academy. These are the things that happen in her last year at the academy.
This book is totally awesome. Marin was found when she was 4 by the Elf King and him and his wife raised her with their son, Favian. The queen tried to raise her to be a lady but she was more interested in learning how to fight. She is the first female that went to the mercenary academy. These are the things that happen in her last year at the academy.
September 8, 2018
Great book
Full of adventure, ogres, magic, love interests and everything a girl could ever want. I couldn't put the book down. Book moved fast done in a few hours. I will read book two tomorrow. Fun read.
Full of adventure, ogres, magic, love interests and everything a girl could ever want. I couldn't put the book down. Book moved fast done in a few hours. I will read book two tomorrow. Fun read.
lost-interest-stopped-reading
April 27, 2020DNF after listening to 3/4 of the book. I really think I may have enjoyed this if I actually read the book vs listening to it as the reader just completely annoyed the hell out of me. This constant breathy, monotone, fast reading just... meh.
October 24, 2021
This reminded me of that time in middle school I tried to write a time travel epic for a one-page story assignment—rushed, underdeveloped, and littered with grammatical mistakes.
God, I'm such a bitch sometimes. Sorry.
God, I'm such a bitch sometimes. Sorry.
February 9, 2018
Enjoyable read with a unique twist.
February 19, 2018
😻
Was a pretty good story. I am looking forward to the next book. Hopefully it come out very very soon.
Was a pretty good story. I am looking forward to the next book. Hopefully it come out very very soon.
March 6, 2018
Overall story was okay. Minus one star for repeated complaints by the heroine about her “female emotions” and the belief that she was the only girl suited for the mercenary life.
September 20, 2018
audio book is what i listened and i love it
October 3, 2018
Eh... I guess it was OK, but it wasn't anything amazing.
December 21, 2020
This was a pleasant surprise. Great writing pulls you in and the strong main characters have you rooting for them. Great Reading Everyone!
February 16, 2017
Liked it well enough, like fantasy in general, and this wasn't the usual but at the same time some of it seemed 'cutesy' and that is not a compliment when it comes from me.Basically liked it okay but not luved it. Since couldn't quite pinpoint reasons why even in general hesitated to give it a lower rating since didn't couldn't state out just why. Got it as a freebie book I guess, just thought it being pdf it was something had asked to review.
July 19, 2013
I have to say that I can make it official that I'm a fan of Banks' writing. It turns out it wasn't just her Artemis Lupine series that captivated me, but this one as well. Banks puts a ton of action and suspense into her story lines, while also making room for just the right amount of character development and squeezing in the perfect details exactly where you'd want them.
She brings fun friendships to the table with her characters and sweet amounts of romance or at least the hints or beginnings of what could be a later romance between certain characters in this tale as well. I've always enjoyed a good fantasy novel, and this one was no exception. While readers will find some of the stereotypical fantastical creatures within these pages, they're not all portrayed as we usually find them...differences here and there that I found refreshing and unique.
What I love about Banks' stories most of all is that she keeps things moving. I've yet to feel a slow point in her titles and I was relieved that this series opener wasn't any different. Readers won't find any frustrating lulls, but action and anxiety inducing situations that will leave you wanting to read straight through to the very end. It's a light and fun read that if you haven't had the chance to read, this summer might just be the perfect time to do just that!
March 14, 2019
Little Death Bringer Book One
Marin has been raised by the king and queen of the Elves since her parents were killed by ogres. Now she and her best friend/foster brother Favian are in their last term at the Macon Academy for mercenaries, and Marin is determined to be the first girl to graduate. Her goal is to be a protector of the realm. However, she is human and a girl. On the way to school, Marin and Favian are attacked by humans bearing an ominous warning that Marin is to be kidnapped and brought to a mysterious enemy alive. Now the leaders of the academy are determined to protect Marin and will use her upcoming trials of the school to stage an ambush for her kidnappers.
If you're looking for a Fantasy YA story with heart and the will to overcome everything, this is the book for you.
🎧AudiobookObsessionReviewer
Marin has been raised by the king and queen of the Elves since her parents were killed by ogres. Now she and her best friend/foster brother Favian are in their last term at the Macon Academy for mercenaries, and Marin is determined to be the first girl to graduate. Her goal is to be a protector of the realm. However, she is human and a girl. On the way to school, Marin and Favian are attacked by humans bearing an ominous warning that Marin is to be kidnapped and brought to a mysterious enemy alive. Now the leaders of the academy are determined to protect Marin and will use her upcoming trials of the school to stage an ambush for her kidnappers.
If you're looking for a Fantasy YA story with heart and the will to overcome everything, this is the book for you.
🎧AudiobookObsessionReviewer
July 10, 2012
In progress...
June 5, 2013
*Author Gifted*
Dahling...that was simply wonderful! (but had quite a few grammar mistakes)
Dahling...that was simply wonderful! (but had quite a few grammar mistakes)
July 20, 2021
If you want a book with zero time wasted on character development as well as an overpowered and all around unbelievable heroine, this is for you.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews