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Monster's Mercy #3

Monster's Mercy 3

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An existence spent being forced to kill others to satiate a Monster.

Where the only thing to look forward to was the blessed, if brief, period of time between paying that bribe.

Except that very same Monster is and isn’t Rene.

It just happened to live inside his own mind and force him to do what it wanted. Rather than being an actual Monster.

That was Rene’s entire life until a fateful day changed that.

A day that the career as a hitman for hire built on the Monster’s needs will end. Where Rene will be forced to atone for his actions. To be held accountable and judged.

Except the verdict is already long since passed and needs no deliberation.

His sentence was being sent hundreds of years into the past, into a different world even, where he must live a life for the betterment of others. Every action judged as it happens and weighed out against him.

But even this new idyllic life he’s been living in for eighteen years is now completely off the rails and Rene has gone back into a life lived in the underworld.

Armed with a few gifts granted to him by the one who judged him, gifts better suited to a fantasy about living in a video game, Rene has to maneuver his way through all the twists and turns in his new life while using all the things he’d learned in his old one.

Except using those skills is a double-edged sword. If he’s not careful, he’ll end up right back where he started.
Or so he would hope.
War is on the horizon and Felicie is in the crosshairs.
Or more accurately, the Mask is.

Warning and minor spoiler: This novel contains graphic violence, undefined relationships/harem, unconventional opinions/beliefs, and a hero who is as tactful as a dog at a cat show. Read at your own risk.

375 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2021

162 people are currently reading
111 people want to read

About the author

William D. Arand

47 books1,463 followers

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5 stars
766 (68%)
4 stars
251 (22%)
3 stars
83 (7%)
2 stars
14 (1%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
394 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2023
This is the 4th series by Arand that i've finished, and in 3 out of 4 of those trilogies, they started with a great first book, and then it was downhill all the way for the rest of the series. The exception for me was the Swing Shift series, I quite liked it, altho i didn't like when Vanessa died. Anyway, this book was the worst of this series. It's just personal preference but i didn't care for the evolution of the mask gang, with all of MC's harem eventually donning masks and assuming stupid names. And i said it before in book 2 but i'll say it again, WTF, how are his harem girls able to turn themselves into TOP TIER assassins and fighters with next to no training? Mira was known for nothing but giving good blow jobs going into this book, and then suddenly, behind the scenes, she's second only to MC himself in fighting ability, sense skill and stealth. And she learned all that shit in the week and some that MC was in the Elf country. C'mon really?

And not only did MC ignore little Laurie Moon for the whole of the book, but he didn't even bat an eyelash when she was shipped off to another city without his say so. I mean, did you care about that kid at all?

And the harem has like 15 or 16 girls in it now, jesus christ slow down.

1.5/5 stars.
2,527 reviews71 followers
May 10, 2021
So I have never been as disappointed with one of Arrand's books as I am with this one.

The calculating, devious main character from book one was replaced with a sex driven thug. The complex character interactions that litter Arrand's work was replaced by interchangeable dolls that are quickly forgotten. This one is a failure on so many levels that I fear for the series going forward.
658 reviews9 followers
February 13, 2022
Super enjoyable. Only regret is that its only a trilogy

Really enjoyed what l consider to be a dark fantasy with comedic overtones. The MC Rene had a fascinating catharsis from crazed sociopath struggling with the voice in his head urging him to let the blood flow, to a City Lord\statesman potentate doing everything possible to protect his harem of beautiful assassins. The twisty nature of the story was wonderous and l never knew what to expect because the MC and his women spun straw into gold while acting like batman's nemesis the Joker. Of course the MC's plans went awry as his women supported and refined his endeavors taking over the areas he wasnt as capable in so that they could focus on what they were all best at, in Rene' case.... terminating their enemies, often with extreme prejudice. I also enjoyed the way the storyline shifted the female characters from the friend zone (Allana), from adversaries (Irini and Aurora) and from damsels in distress (Olivia and Odelia) into his wives and lovers without the story turning into the usual harem porn.

I wasnt a big fan of the side missions to alternate realities, though they did allow Rene to realize that his concept that reality is fixed, was incorrect and that it was actually much more malleable. This realization saved Pinky and allowed him to communicate his displeasure to the mage General.

Two memorable scenes were Rene's meeting with Olivia's mom, when he described in consise and brutal detail his aliases and plans to murder the entire royal family, if necessary. That was epic! The other scene was when 4 additional fem fatales (previously loose ends) arrived at the 11th hour to join up. Hilarious , just hilarious.

I actually read book 1 twice before moving on to book 2 and am looking forward to a re-read, especially of the 2nd and 3rd books. There were so many twists and unexpected turns that l am looking forward to a re-read so that events are clearer in my mind. My regret is that this is only a trilogy and that there aren't more adventures for Rene to come, but l will be looking into Mr. Arand's other works with high expectations. All said, this was a surprisingly fun read despite the dark overtones (Rene was after all initially a crazed sociopath assassin with a vioce in his head urging him to perform antisocial acts).
Profile Image for Jon Svenson.
Author 8 books112 followers
May 12, 2021
Book 3 of Monster's Mercy is probably the most chaotic novel I've read yet from William Arand. Books 1 and 2 had a certain consistency to them, but that crumbles with book 3.

Rene is all over the place, from the elves showing up and claiming Felicie while also being sent on various jobs by Runner. I've not conversant on the lore of all these series, so I can't connect why Runner is giving him missions, but then again it didn't really bother me.

Back from his missions, Rene has to deal with the council sending a army out to take Felicie back. The number of women with him continues to grow, to the point that I only recognize maybe half of all the names and pseudonyms.

After that he takes a trip to the Elven capital to find out who sent an assassin after him. He does get answers, while also picking up more women.

It's just a lot to take in. Maybe if I read book 2 prior to reading book 3 it would have helped, but I didn't.

At the end we have a crossover with another series that I won't spoil, and it seems that Rene's group is ahead of the timeline for the other group.

I enjoyed the book, but I enjoyed books 1 and 2 more. The same is true of Right of Retribution 2, which I struggled to get through because of all the lore, names that I didn't recognize, etc. I get that the author is writing for his fans, but it was too much for me.

I'm giving this a 4/5* because it's a solid entry into a series I loved up until book 3.
Profile Image for Marked Twaine.
221 reviews12 followers
January 1, 2023
Spoilers Head of this dumb nivel

All I can say about this book is that it is not worth the digital words and is printing it on because I'm going to give you spoilers and this book we find out that we're in the matrix basically and everyone is on a server or some kind of computer And nothing is real and all the The gods are not real there is no god. Add nothing as real we can eat we can have sex we can marry whenever what we're all just in the server and if we die we go to some sort of server digital afterlife....... I am telling you I have no idea what this author was trying to do when he wrote this novel but this trilogy absolutely sucks. The 1st book is good just read the 1st book and leave it alone reading book 2 and book 3 is not worth it. If you read book 2 and then book 3 and everything that you thought you enjoyed about the book about Alexander brit and the inferno it's all crap because it's all on the server broad digital.
Profile Image for Steve.
1,612 reviews60 followers
May 8, 2021
4.5 stars. Lots going on in this one, and it loses a 1/2 star from me simply for being very good but not quite great.

The overall Runnerverse War is stated to be entering its endgame, but across multiple books and related series it is still fragmented enough that I'm really not sure what's happening. It's to be assumed that some resolution is coming to that, but the end of this book asks more questions than it answers in that regard.

Really, in terms of narrative movement, not much happened from about the half-way point on. Lots of stuff happening of course, but some of it ended up as "hanging chads" while Rene and the gang end up in pretty much the same position at the end of the book as at the beginning. Still, it keeps its 5-star rating for being an overall interesting read. With another trilogy in the can I'm interested to see what the next book will be.
47 reviews2 followers
March 28, 2024
Solid ending

---Small Spoilers---

The whole book I was like "What happened to Caitlin?" Considering how the author, for the other 2 books in this series, always wrapped around and tied up loose ends; I hoped at the end it would all come back together. And it did, to a certain point anyway. There's still Bianca and Beatrice who I wanted more of in the story. But very satisfied with the ending, one of those 'off into the sunset' type of things. Which for this story, worked really well imo.
As this is the ending of the series I'm pretty sure, I have to say I really enjoyed it. The characters I loved, the interactions were always entertaining, and the personal growth was intruiging. I really do wish there was more of the women but with how many there is, to make it even, would've made this story into a MASSIVE story. Really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Petey Knight.
61 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2021
WOW!

Things that just have to be said
1. Be careful what you do, even the best efforts can come back to you! Lol
2. Be aware of what you do cause it may come back to you. lmao

Ok enough, the story picks up from the last and continues the story of Rene. So much happens that you almost have to have a scorecard to keep up. They continue to grow and expand. Many questions are answered but yet that also raises more questions.
The author masterfully weaves the story to a point that you think you have all the answers only to find you have new ones.
This author tends to do his storylines in sets of threes however I have to wonder if maybe he may extend this line?
It was a whirlwind of a ride! To the author, WELL DONE! Another great book! 5***** Thank you
Profile Image for Kevin.
1,710 reviews30 followers
March 3, 2022
I was going to put this off for a few more months and read other books, but I decided to just finish the trilogy.
I don't expect any of my issues with the previous books to have been resolved.

I'm actually surprised this book is leagues better than book one. But seeing as Arand has a habit of ending his trilogies with a bang, I'm not surprised.

Seems I spoke too soon, there are still a lot of cringey pieces where the protagonist "cements his love" for one of his many faces.

I guess by the end that Although this didn't feel like it was the end of the series. Unless this is the "gearing up" scene before the fighting happens?

3/5 Stars
Profile Image for Wolgan.
263 reviews21 followers
May 8, 2021
A fitting end to a fascinating trilogy

Packed with humor, action, and plot twists aplenty this final entry into the series does not disappoint. The signature callbacks to other books and series are still present but handled with much more finesse and subtlety than in previous books, which I appreciate greatly. They'd almost started to feel forced, so this new treatment was a pleasant surprise in addition to a story that felt fresh and interesting even past my hopeful expectations. I very much look forward to future books in the other series, they never fail to entertain.
Profile Image for Skye Kahoali'i.
30 reviews1 follower
Read
May 14, 2021
You never know where any of these books is going...

...But they always end up just where they ought to be. Did anyone really expect who turned out to to be "the crazy one" to be who she was? Or for the story to wend its way into even tighter spirals with the other series and yet leave us as far from a conclusion as possible while also leaving this reader breathlessly anticipating Incubus, Inc III? Or Cultivating Chaos III? Maybe it will be The Honor of Duty II? Whatever, can't wait. Just take my money, please!
60 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2021
Well written enjpyable continuation for Rene

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. It had been a long time since I read book 2 so it took a few chapters to remember who everyone was and what the story was about but there were enough bits amd pieces to quickly remember. A lot happens in this one. A lot. Both in Rene's world as well as in the greater overall plot of Runner's story. Some long lingering questions have also been answered though more were created. Overall, an excellent entry in both Monster's Mercy as well as tye Sovereignverse.
Profile Image for C H.
125 reviews
August 1, 2021
Did not care for the direction this 3rd went

Why did Arand take this one into the Matrix? Also there are too many characters in the harem and it’s all becoming frustrating and muddled. The plot line is falling apart as everything started to become just a series of linear encounters with no depth and very little meaning.

This is a poor 3rd book and it should really be redone or at least fixed. Please take more time and consideration with this series Arand and don’t become another Michael Anderle where quality was thrown out in favor of quantity.
Profile Image for Stefen.
185 reviews10 followers
May 13, 2023
1.5+ stars.

The novel starts off with conversations that I don't understand. I thought the war was a fresh twist that add deeper layers to the story, but it turns out just another haphazard plot. When several characters reappear at the very end, and I can't recall who they are and what they did, I know that this last installment has fallen apart without a possibility of mending.

I should have known from the covers! The 1st one is the best, followed the the 2nd. This 3rd book's cover is lame. Who is she? I'm not even sure, much as I lost count of his harem.
15 reviews
May 9, 2021
Another winner

It really doesn’t seem to matter what he writes about, every book Mr. Arand puts out captures my attention completely. This is unusual, as his writing style is unusual, his plot structure is quite odd, and the way he jumps forward chronologically seemingly at random should be jarring, but instead has the amazing ability to remove all tedium and set a blazing pace that doesn’t leave the reader confused like it seemingly should. Amazing.
15 reviews
May 10, 2021
Always left in the middle...

I love how William keeps the action moving - the story telling is lighthearted and the dialogue is fun. Only one complaint - Every book ends inconveniently...it’s not really a natural stopping point, it’s more of an “oh shit I have to get to the next book in line” ending. I get how many storylines are being juggled, and that there’s a method to his madness - I just don’t like it. Will still read the next one, though. Dammit.
4 reviews
May 22, 2021
Just love to read these stories.

I would recommend any and all books from William D. Arand. The stories flow together in ways that make you want to reread the other books to find the connections. The off hand references to the other books are humorous and witty. Reading is fun and envelops my whole imagination to the point that all sense of time disappear, not that I'm complaining, leaving you wanting more after the last word is read.
Profile Image for Irizumi.
446 reviews3 followers
June 2, 2021
Absolutely love this series

And wow oh wow the ending is utterly hysterical. Loved this series so much I had to go back and read it from the beginning again. Just so it was all fresh in my head. And am so glad that I did. Was when better the second time around flowing from one book to the next. Know the author is fond of trilogies but hope that he releases more from this series.
447 reviews12 followers
August 23, 2021
A dark decadent funny continuation

The continuation of Rene and his women continues. It still has more world building it has a lot more romance and of course it does have death and destruction and mystery. For me the story was thoroughly entertaining and I loved reading it to the point where I had a hard time putting it down to sleep. That is just me though although the story is very engaging and I can't wait for the next three to come out I hope there's another one.
18 reviews
December 21, 2021
A rushed ending?

After quite a bit of build-up, the end of this series felt rather rushed. Granted, I know William likes to weave different stories and timelines together, so this probably won’t be the “true” end of this tale, it still felt like it was drawn to a close in a somewhat haphazard way.

Perhaps I’ll feel different after finishing some of the other trilogies? If so, I’ll update my review.
79 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2021
Great End

I really like this series, i loved the characters and the growth the MC experienced. I know most people would have issues with the MC needing direction from strong women but you have to remember the dude is kinda broken mentally still, so it makes sense anyways great book.
46 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2021
The puzzle piece that builds the new picture!!!!

I am a fan of these books in a way that I believe most who read them can appreciate. They build a world like a collection of pieces in a puzzle. And with some of the books you find out it has another side. This one is like the connection between a 3d puzzle and a reversable 😉
11 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2021
MM3 FTW!!!!

What a journey, Mr. Aarand has done it again he is the master of closing out the trilogy and at the same time giving you that little extra to keep you wanting more. Book 3 wraps up a lot of questions and builds on the previous 2 books in a way that makes you want another trilogy.
23 reviews2 followers
May 9, 2021
Another great read!

If you've followed William's books you know that each of the characters get a trilogy and the third book leaves you wanting more of their story, and Monster's Mercy 3 keeps that tradition strong. Rene is still growing in power, and making you want to know just what will happen next.
Profile Image for Eric Bertone.
286 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2021
A great conclusion

Loved where this when and the continued growth of the mask gang. Even though it is FtB it is still a very fun and descriptive read. I loved seeing the character growth of his women and the increase in number. Only improvemsnt I would have made would have been more of the orphanage and his training of the children.
395 reviews15 followers
May 9, 2021
That was totally wicked!!!

I absolutely loved it!! OMG and now I’m going to cry because when I pay ever writes trilogies and I’m not ready to be done with Rene or Felicie. It’s so kool to see so many other trilogies get snippets here I can’t wait for the next adventure or to see how he plans to wrap all the worlds up
155 reviews
May 10, 2021
Merrily Merrily

Seriously one of the few Authors I religiously read worthy of the 5 stars.
I really enjoyed this outing in this universe, there is genuine Fun in Rene's trilogy, with the quips and antics, you can revel in it almost as much as the main character does.
Though this is the first trilogy to heavily imply there is more to be told with Rene...
Profile Image for Donny.
279 reviews
May 10, 2021
Monster's Mercy 3 picks up where the second book left off. We get more politics and shenanigans in this world. More back story and information as Rene performs more jobs for the Watcher.

Some things that got to me were the death flags getting thrown up in the book. Also, there was a distinct lack of Lori.

The epilogue tied up some loose threads nicely.
209 reviews2 followers
May 11, 2021
Soooo much, so good

Rene and the kids, epic. Rene and his family, loved it. Rene on missions, want more. Rene and Inferno, do it. Epilogue, classic. Best tie up lose ends EVER. I wish there was more with his parents. It felt like they were awakened from another book series. Scenes with the kids made me cry.
319 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2021
Pretty good

The harem type stuff is a bit overwhelming, actually more like a lot, the fact that he somehow never learns and keeps adding to it is absolutely incredulous, as is the fact that they all are ok with it even as they get to be so many some of them hardly spend time with him. Beyond this however the story is fun and entertaining and quite gripping.
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