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Mercury Rises

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A girl looking for a way out.
Being the daughter of New America’s leader, Mercury Masters has everything a girl could want. A glamorous life full of beautiful people, and the power to have anything she wants, except for one thing—to escape. Because Mercury’s perfect life comes with secrets to keep. Dangerous secrets that if made public would destroy her, her family, and her father’s reign. Then she meets Hawk.

A boy looking to be a hero.
Hawk, a handsome prep school dropout turned vigilante, has his own family secrets. Deadly secrets that have haunted him since he was fifteen. But instead of fighting the ghosts of his past, Hawk has assembled a group of misfit hackers and thieves to save the future from the corrupt government of New America and the mysterious virus that is killing off its citizens. But trying to do the right thing is tough when the person you really want to save is your enemy’s daughter.

A love that could kill them both.
Powerful forces keep them apart, but coming together could be the key to saving New America from destruction—even though it may cost both their lives, in this retelling of the legend of Robin Hood.

310 pages, Unknown Binding

Published February 13, 2018

23 people are currently reading
410 people want to read

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Scarlett Kol

29 books77 followers

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5 stars
36 (43%)
4 stars
26 (31%)
3 stars
15 (18%)
2 stars
3 (3%)
1 star
3 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Danielle's.
Author 1 book169 followers
February 21, 2018
Mercury Rises was perfect. I'm in love with this book and totally hooked on the story. It was that good I couldn't even pick a favourite character. You need this book in your life, and I need more, more, more!

Mercury wants to escape her life (for reasons that become known later in the book). She is willing to work hard to find a world that is for her, but her family are important and want her home. At the start of the book, we get a glimpse of her tasting freedom, but her father is the leader of the country, and his daughter running away is unacceptable. She is eventually found and brought back home. As this story unfolds Mercury realises the world she knows is tainted.

Hawk is the leader of a misfit rebel group. He is trying to help the poor and take from the rich; a modern day Robin Hood. Mercury may just be his downfall. She catches him in her house and turns his plans upside down. She's the daughter of the leader he is rebelling against. She's a threat but not in the way he expects.

Christophe has been in love with his best friend forever. He is closely entangled with her family and is losing himself in the world of politics. He is an intern to The Five, the leaders of the country. He works closely with Mercury's dad. He knows Mercury better than most but she is slowly slipping away. Can he juggle his career and remind Mercury why they were good together?

Hawks misfit crew have mad skills and all have great personalities. From Hackers to thieves they are all loveable in their own way. Even the tough ones.

Mercury is naive to a dystopian world. Hawk opens her eyes and now she can't close them. She is a great character. She's young (17) and trying to find her own place in the world. What she discovers is so much more.

The love triangle in this book was amazing. I am totally in love with all the corners.

My review and the synopsis do not do this book justice. The reason for this is because there are so many secrets in this story I don't want to give anything away.

5+ stars out of 5. This book couldn't have been any more perfect for me. I'm lucky enough to have an interview scheduled with Scarlett kol. My blog post will be 23rd February as part of the chapter by Chapter Blog tour. The interview contains a bonus scene from Hawk's POV! I'm so excited for this tour!!

http://chaptersthroughlife.blogspot.c...
Profile Image for KarenJo Custodio.
343 reviews16 followers
February 27, 2018
Loved it! Full review to come.

4.5 Thrilling Stars!

Mercury Rises by Scarlett Kol is a fantastic retelling of Robin Hood that had me undeniably enthralled the entire time. It’s been a while since I’ve been this excited about a YA Dystopian book, so I’m really hoping there’s a sequel because I want more! (Pretty Please Please Please!!!)

I love fairytales and enjoy reading about different retellings. I think they’re creative, entertaining, and so much fun. Mercury Rises was no exception and I’m utterly in love with this story. The world building was great, well-developed and absolutely intriguing. The plot was filled with action, mystery, romance, and so much thrill that I had a difficult time putting it down. This story totally made my emotions go haywire and I LOVED IT! Not to mention, there were some nice twist and turns that kept me on my toes.

The characters were fantastic. I thought Mercury was frustrating at times, but totally lovable. She was determined, independent, sassy, and strong-willed. Hawk was the kind of hero you root for — smart, resourceful, courageous, passionate and genuinely just a really good guy. Totally doesn’t hurt that he’s handsome and such a hottie too! I definitely fell hard for him and admired everything he was trying to do to save the world from a corrupt government. The side characters were really awesome, interesting and delightful in their own ways… yes even the one that get under your skin and make you furious.

The romance gave me the swooniest feels. I’m not usually a fan of love triangles, but this one was pleasantly done. I thought Christophe and Hawk were great love interests. I felt how much they cared about Mercury and my heart definitely got messed up a few times. I wish I could share every scene that made me aww, but I don’t want to take out all the fun and ruin it for you. Just know that there were plenty of satisfyingly sweet, deliciously steamy and wonderfully heartwarming moments that had me swooning over and over again. That being said, I have to admit that I was Team Hawk and rooted for him and Mercury the entire time. Their chemistry was just so amazing that I couldn’t get enough of them.

Mercury Rises is an amazing debut novel. With gorgeous writing, an action-packed and thrilling storyline, beautifully flawed characters you can’t help but root for, and an adorable romance, this book has become an instant favorite of mine. If you want something fun to read that will keep you up late at night, then I think you should definitely add this book on your TBR.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author through Chapter by Chapter Blog Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinion are my own.

To read more of my reviews, visit Sincerely Karen Jo
Profile Image for Rachel's Book Reviews.
687 reviews73 followers
March 1, 2018
DNF at page 70.

I started the book with high hope and I actually liked the first 20 pages or so. After that though, it started going downhill into cliche-ville.

Still, I'm willing to read pretty much anything if there's a promise of good things later. So I kept reading..... and ugh. It was dragging. It felt so preachy that by page 70, I was done.

Pretentious. and I'm not JUST talking about the rich girl.

It's the you, rich = evil and me, poor = good. *rolls eyes*

Black and white beyond belief. You are good or evil, no in between. And I'm talking about that Mercury's father figuratively cut off financial support to the inner city and cackled like godzilla about it....I couldn't take it seriously.
If someone (or a some character) does something villainous.....they have their own "justification". They are heroes of their own story, if just inside their minds. To have the author so blatantly preach to everyone about who was "good" and who was "evil" ......was too ridiculous/funny to take seriously.

but what made me pull the plug and DNF for sure?

Our main character (and I'm assuming, later, love interest)
Meets Mercury and within minutes he says "You don't know suffering."

........um. EWwww. NO.

He said it with confidence and conviction and HATE.

That's quite a judgement call about someone you barely know.
There are all kinds of suffering in this world. I have yet to meet one person that hasn't been through one thing or another.

And someone who is trying to be some sort of Robin Hood, but only for one specific kind of suffering? Not interested.

Someone who is constantly saying "I have it worse" or "I know better than everyone in this room" is a kind of personality I don't want to know.

But Mercury's reaction is basically "Oh? That's interesting. Tell me more! How can I help?"
It was just so.... unrealistic.

Basically, I can't bring myself to care about the characters, and the messages throughout thus so far, are insultingly one dimensional. Even if the author didn't intend it as such, it reads like a poorly disguised political "lesson". DNF.


*
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, it has in no way effected my review.
Profile Image for (Love, Stars and Books).
248 reviews28 followers
March 2, 2018
(I received a free review copy in exchange for an honest review from Chapter by Chapter blog tour)



Book review: Mercury Rises by Scarlett Kol (4 stars)



“Sometimes who we’re becoming is more important than who we are now.”


Title: Mercury Rises
Authors: Scarlett Kol
Format: PDF (eARC)
Genre: YA, Romance, Science fiction
Rating: 4/5 stars
[Synopsis] (Taken from goodreads) 

A girl looking for a way out.
Being the daughter of New America’s leader, Mercury Masters has everything a girl could want. A glamorous life full of beautiful people, and the power to have anything she wants, except for one thing—to escape. Because Mercury’s perfect life comes with secrets to keep. Dangerous secrets that if made public would destroy her, her family, and her father’s reign. Then she meets Hawk.

A boy looking to be a hero.
Hawk, a handsome prep school dropout turned vigilante, has his own family secrets. Deadly secrets that have haunted him since he was fifteen. But instead of fighting the ghosts of his past, Hawk has assembled a group of misfit hackers and thieves to save the future from the corrupt government of New America and the mysterious virus that is killing off its citizens. But trying to do the right thing is tough when the person you really want to save is your enemy’s daughter.

A love that could kill them both. 
Powerful forces keep them apart, but coming together could be the key to saving New America from destruction—even though it may cost both their lives, in this retelling of the legend of Robin Hood.

(Review)
(DISCLAIMER: This review is based on my opinion only and may contain coarse language)

As the daughter of New America’s new leader, Mercury’s perfect life is all laid out for her. But she doesn’t want it, she wants to escape. As their lives clash, it may potentially be the key to saving New America from destruction. Mercury rises is a exciting retelling of Robin Hood.

I like Mercury’s headstrong character. I hated that her parents are so strict and stoic towards their children.

Imagine the Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo with a sci-fi setting.

I LOVED the whole ‘don’t self destruct’ scene, it was so sweet somehow!

I really liked the story development and was strongly rooting for Mercury and Hawk. I liked and emotionally connected with the characters, I definitely wanted to see another book but the book didn’t move me enough.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.7k reviews545 followers
July 8, 2019
I've had this one checked out from the library for 2 1/2 weeks, have tried to read it for many days. Today I was determined to read for more than 30 minutes before putting it down. Sadly 30 minutes is about all I made before getting up to do some chores around the house. Not a good thing. Each time I read this one I was bored, hoped it would get better, but sadly it didn't happen. In the end this one wasn't for me.
Profile Image for TJ.
3,339 reviews309 followers
June 4, 2018
4.5/5.0

Great start to what looks to be a fabulous YA series! The few glitches were very minor and the overall story so engaging one will definitely want more!
Profile Image for Celia Mulder.
Author 13 books16 followers
February 20, 2018
Loved it!

Robin Hood is one of my favorite stories and this hacker Robin Hood is excellent. The characters are well crafted and the plot will have you on the edge of your seat. This had better be book one of a series because I want to read more!
Profile Image for Frances Shellings.
169 reviews
August 8, 2019
It got me hooked and invested in the characters right from the start. It leaves me wanting to know what happens!!!
Profile Image for Ketty.
206 reviews11 followers
January 3, 2020
I have been meaning to pick up a book by this author for a while now as another author I love raves about her work constantly. I finally did and this was the first one I picked up. I don't regret it one single bit!

This book was nothing short of amazing! I sort of went into it blind, I didn't read the synopsis or any reviews, I just picked a book and opened it up and I don't regret that either! There's something special about going into a story completely blind, not knowing what lies in wait for you between the cover, within the pages that holds a world.

Mercury Rises felt like a retelling of Robin Hood, which I feel like a lot of the reviews state, but with an interesting Dystopian twist. Mercury is the daughter of the "king" of New America, the leader of The Five, a group of corporations that basically bought out the government and took control. She grew up with everything she could ever want, but the problem was, she didn't really want it all.

After meeting Hawk Mercury is thrust into the truth of what life really is outside home, not that she didn't know a little as she tried to stay away from home as much as possible.

I wish there was more books in this world, I want to know so much more about it, but will have to let it live on in my own heart and mind.
Profile Image for Brittany Smith.
936 reviews15 followers
August 29, 2018
What an incredible story!! I’ve read some really great ones recently and this one is definitely on my top 10 list!

I love the storyline-a girl that’s at the top of society who actually doesn’t have it all like everyone thinks.her family has some deep dark secrets which explain the reasons of her reactions and actions. Mercury finds out that there are ways to stop the system in its tracks and live her life the way she wants. She discovers a whole underground system that is trying to bring an end to her fathers reign, and then the amazing fun begins.

The story is mixed with dystopian elements a strong and stubborn heroine and of course the hottie that makes you drool and a wicked love triangle. The characters are all wonderfully relatable (to a point-unless your family has somehow been murdered and under threat of a deadly virus) and they evoke genuine emotion as you read through the book.

I really loved this book and couldn’t put it down! I hope there is another book in the story as I can’t get enough of this amazing tale.
Profile Image for Missy Brown.
1,792 reviews29 followers
September 26, 2018
So much happened in Mercury Rises. Mercury is young at 17 and wanting to figure out her world. Yes she is alittle naïve but she will soon have her eyes opened. She wants to leave her life, which we will find out later why, but its hard when your father is the leader. When she runs into Hawk, which was very entertaining to me, sparks fly in my opiion. Hawk is the leader of the rebel group, their growing relationship kept me riveted. I really liked these two together. But there is Christope, her best friend, who has been in love with her forever. I am usually not big on love triangles but this also kept my attention. Overall, if you are looking for a great read, definitely pick up Mercury Rises.
Profile Image for Jocelyn LeDonne.
437 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2018
Great story about right/wrong ,good/evil. Mercury is the new world leader's princess on the outside but on the inside she is rebel trying to right the wrongs her father and his group are committing. A little action, a little mafia new world order type government and rebels also some romance. 2 ways for Mercury to go which will she choose will she follow her head or her heart. This book has it all in the emotions department also love, betrayal, insecurities, fear, joy and some happiness in there too. Good book for YA readers. very enjoyable read. Now I want to know what is going to happen after that ending!
Profile Image for Esther Haddie's Haven.
904 reviews60 followers
February 28, 2018
I received an ARC of this book, through Chapter by Chapter Book Tours, in participation of a blog tour. This is my honest review. And my review is like me: short and sweet.

This was a great twist on the Robin Hood tale. Its one of my favorites. This is my first time reading a Scarlett Kol book. It was great. It was a fairly fast-paced, fun read. Mercury and Hawk are amazing characters. Developed and written really well. There was a chemistry between them. I could relate to them. My head was in the story. Did it hold me from start to finish? To an extent.

4.5 stars.
Profile Image for Meghan.
199 reviews7 followers
August 21, 2018
I absolutely adored this book! Mercury definitely lives the visage of perfect lifestyles. But her strength, courage and survival instincts keep a very secret hidden life. Can Hawk and his crew of rebels ever trust her? Can she ever trust them? With so many lies, fights and sabotage will any of them ever find peace for themselves? Mercury has the biggest challenges to face when she realizes the true extent of everything. Will Hawk be there for her? This book kept me riveted and I cant wait to see if theres any more to this story.
Profile Image for Beth Skye.
278 reviews41 followers
August 20, 2018
A dystopian twist on the classic tale of Robin Hood that sucks you in within the first few pages!

Mercury and Hawk, the main protagonists are well developed and interesting. With great character chemistry and well crafted plot, my first Scarlett Kol read has me excited for more. There’s amazing action, mysterious pasts, steamy kisses, and a definite need for more books, so I hope this is the beginning of a series.

I was happy to read for my honest review.
Profile Image for Jeanette George.
669 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2019
Mercury Rises is a Robin Hood retelling.

Mercury has a tendency to run away, but doesn't she have it all? Hawk is not who he seems to be at first glance.

I loved the futuristic dystopian theme. It was full of action with some surprises along the way. I especially like how the plot built up to the ending.

I don't know if this book is intended as a series but I wouldn't mind finding out more about this world and its players.
194 reviews
March 22, 2025
Intriguing dystopian sci-fi thriller!

I really enjoyed this book! It's YA in writing style but all the same the author created an interesting dystopian world using a Robin Hood retelling as the plot! The plot had action, mystery and romance and once the world and story was developed I couldn't out the book down!! There were also some nice twists I didn't expect! This could easily be a series someday! 4* read for me!
Profile Image for Lana.
260 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2018
Really interesting story!
Loved The chemistry between the characters, with just the right amount of suspense and angst
A new take on the old take of Robin Hood, definitely will hold your interest from the very first page til the vey last.
I highly recommend this book from the talented author Scarlett Kol
Profile Image for Bunny.
133 reviews2 followers
August 21, 2018
I didnt realize just how refreshing it would be to read a book where the only power to be had was being rich. It may have taken her awhile to find out who she wanted to be, but I am glad Mercury got smart. She is a strong MC and shows that while it is hard, it is okay to do the right thing. Look forward to reading more of her story.
Profile Image for SJ.
2,451 reviews15 followers
August 29, 2018
I really enjoyed this story. It is a gripping Gritty read, it has romance but also a lot more. I loved the twists and turns along Mercury’s transition from rich girl to finding that there are other more dangerous things happening within her world. It is definitely intriguing and I hope that there is a book two
Profile Image for Roxana Markhyvka.
5 reviews
April 20, 2019
This book is nothing but an amateur try to tell yet another rebellious teen story. Weak dialogues, weak story, uninteresting characters with no development whatsoever! And clićhes... Oh my g, the clićhes! Pretty much all interaction between main characters is based on misunderstandings and childish maximalism: “you’ve betrayed me, cause you ran to your dada, begone now!” etc
Pity.
Profile Image for Emily.
190 reviews15 followers
March 2, 2018
Such a good book! Mercury is a badass heroine who takes charge of her life, Hawk is an emotionally literate, vulnerable hero, and their romance was steamy and soooo fun to read. Plot was full of twists and turns.
Profile Image for Donamarie Fournier.
189 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2018
Wonderful plot and characters. This is definitely like a remake of Robin Hood. The evil rich and the disillusioned rich fighting for what they each believe in. I am in love with Mercury and Hawk. A love for the ages. Such evil to defeat and it all looks like an uphill battle.
61 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2018
This was a very enjoyable read. There were some aspects where the characters are a bit one dimensional, and am hoping that these characters will be more fleshed out in future books.
Looking forward to see how the story progresses :)
Profile Image for Lejla.
78 reviews
September 22, 2018
This was amazing when I first read it. And then again I reread it and now I am bigger fan than ever.

I just love everything about this book and can´t wait to read more from this author.

I trully recommend this book because it is perfect!
Profile Image for Crystal Bookreader Amason.
193 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2019
What a fantastic book. This book has the best characters. Some you will even love to hate. Even though life has tried to break Mercury it can not keep her down. One of the best slow burn romances I have had the pleasure to read. The action almost never stops. It was such a pleasure to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews