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Ember Glen #3
Embers of Mercy
In Ember Glen, men purge under the full moon. It's the duty of women to serve them. When Mercy refuses to serve, Arlo will force her to find absolution through three brutal trials. But will their forbidden romance destroy their world?
Embers of Mercy is the last book in the Ember Glen dark dystopian romance trilogy!
Embers of Mercy is the last book in the Ember Glen dark dystopian romance trilogy!
ebook
Published March 31, 2023
61 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Brynn Ford
19 books663 followers🖤💀 Dark Romance for Daring Readers 💀🖤
Trigger Warnings: www.brynnford.com/triggers
Website: www.brynnford.com
Newsletter: brynnford.myflodesk.com/newsletter
Facebook Page: bit.ly/FBbrynnford
Facebook Group: bit.ly/brynnsdarlings
Instagram: bit.ly/instabrynnford
TikTok: tiktok.com/@brynnfordauthor
Amazon: bit.ly/AZbrynnford
BookBub: bit.ly/BBbrynnford
Brynn Ford is a USA Today Bestselling Author of dark romance for daring readers. She writes emotionally heavy love stories that will twist your soul and shatter your heart before pulling you back together with a hopeful happily-ever-after.
Brynn's books are dark, sometimes disturbing, and often overwhelming. But they're always brightened by an insistent, spicy romance that will live rent-free in your head long after you've turned the final page.
When Brynn isn't obsessively writing, you may find her binge-watching favorite shows while eating far too much junk food or fanatically reading, always seeking to lose herself in the emotional roller coaster of a damn good story. She's a firm believer that her characters continue to live outside the pages in the minds of her readers. Stories don't end just because there aren't any more pages to turn.
Trigger Warnings: www.brynnford.com/triggers
Website: www.brynnford.com
Newsletter: brynnford.myflodesk.com/newsletter
Facebook Page: bit.ly/FBbrynnford
Facebook Group: bit.ly/brynnsdarlings
Instagram: bit.ly/instabrynnford
TikTok: tiktok.com/@brynnfordauthor
Amazon: bit.ly/AZbrynnford
BookBub: bit.ly/BBbrynnford
Brynn Ford is a USA Today Bestselling Author of dark romance for daring readers. She writes emotionally heavy love stories that will twist your soul and shatter your heart before pulling you back together with a hopeful happily-ever-after.
Brynn's books are dark, sometimes disturbing, and often overwhelming. But they're always brightened by an insistent, spicy romance that will live rent-free in your head long after you've turned the final page.
When Brynn isn't obsessively writing, you may find her binge-watching favorite shows while eating far too much junk food or fanatically reading, always seeking to lose herself in the emotional roller coaster of a damn good story. She's a firm believer that her characters continue to live outside the pages in the minds of her readers. Stories don't end just because there aren't any more pages to turn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
June 17, 2023
It's the last book of the trilogy and it gave me almost everything I could have wanted in an ending.
❥ bring on the rebellion
❥ let all castes unite
❥ Kill all those who NEED to die
❥ a happy ending for those who definitely deserve it
I'm being intentionally vague, but my only issue with this final book was that I wanted more. I wanted to spend time with Mercy and Arlo as they enjoyed their freedom. I wanted to really know what life was like for them away from Ember Glen and I wanted more justice to be found.
You know me... I'm a greedy goose.
If you love dark romance with horrific elements, situations that really push your boundaries, and love that shines a bright light through the darkness, then you NEED this series on your to-read list.
Find more here - Ember Glen Trilogy
❥ bring on the rebellion
❥ let all castes unite
❥ Kill all those who NEED to die
❥ a happy ending for those who definitely deserve it
I'm being intentionally vague, but my only issue with this final book was that I wanted more. I wanted to spend time with Mercy and Arlo as they enjoyed their freedom. I wanted to really know what life was like for them away from Ember Glen and I wanted more justice to be found.
You know me... I'm a greedy goose.
If you love dark romance with horrific elements, situations that really push your boundaries, and love that shines a bright light through the darkness, then you NEED this series on your to-read list.
Find more here - Ember Glen Trilogy
April 14, 2023
Every once in a while you come across a book or series that speaks to you on a level you thought impossible. How can words on paper seep into your heart and soul and make you feel that heaviness of despair in the pit of your stomach? How can words on paper spark such intense fury, almost forcing you to forget it’s a work of fiction? I knew heading into Embers of Mercy, I would emerge…different, but even saying that would be a complete understatement.
Since this novel is the final installment in Brynn Ford’s Ember Glen series, I won’t be speaking about the specifics of the plot whatsoever. As a whole, this is a story of forbidden, tragic love that transcends any and all earthly laws. It’s a tale of wildflowers and starlight, revolution, sisterhood, pain and triumph. And in this book, all threads come together and create a tapestry of devastating beauty.
Mercy Madness is by far one of the greatest heroines I’ve had the honor of reading. Her tenacity in the face of sorrow and suffering is something to not only respect, but to strive for. She continues her fight for the women of Ember Glen with no regard to the ruin she brings upon herself. And along the way she lifts the veil, opening eyes and gifting women the voices they’ve lost and didn’t know they possessed.
By her side is Arlo Rainn, once a man of “God”, now a beautifully broken man that prostrates himself at the feet of the woman who delivered him truth and salvation. He battles his own demons, seeking forgiveness for the wrongs he’s committed, and his savior grants him that peace along their journey hand-in-hand.
The dark history of the community comes to light, and it’s utterly heartbreaking. Only something horrific could’ve shaped this forsaken place, and it’s so much worse than I was expecting. Brace yourself, it’s appalling. Once the truth is revealed, change is finally triggered through divine unity.
I’m in awe of what Ford has crafted with this series, everything so vividly depicted, and Ember Glen is simply a work of art. Unfortunately, all good things need to come to an end, and Embers of Mercy is the perfect conclusion to this gripping saga. If you haven’t read this series, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do yourself a favor and give it a try. I wish I could read it for the first time all over again.
circulus vitiosus in aeternum
Since this novel is the final installment in Brynn Ford’s Ember Glen series, I won’t be speaking about the specifics of the plot whatsoever. As a whole, this is a story of forbidden, tragic love that transcends any and all earthly laws. It’s a tale of wildflowers and starlight, revolution, sisterhood, pain and triumph. And in this book, all threads come together and create a tapestry of devastating beauty.
Mercy Madness is by far one of the greatest heroines I’ve had the honor of reading. Her tenacity in the face of sorrow and suffering is something to not only respect, but to strive for. She continues her fight for the women of Ember Glen with no regard to the ruin she brings upon herself. And along the way she lifts the veil, opening eyes and gifting women the voices they’ve lost and didn’t know they possessed.
By her side is Arlo Rainn, once a man of “God”, now a beautifully broken man that prostrates himself at the feet of the woman who delivered him truth and salvation. He battles his own demons, seeking forgiveness for the wrongs he’s committed, and his savior grants him that peace along their journey hand-in-hand.
The dark history of the community comes to light, and it’s utterly heartbreaking. Only something horrific could’ve shaped this forsaken place, and it’s so much worse than I was expecting. Brace yourself, it’s appalling. Once the truth is revealed, change is finally triggered through divine unity.
I’m in awe of what Ford has crafted with this series, everything so vividly depicted, and Ember Glen is simply a work of art. Unfortunately, all good things need to come to an end, and Embers of Mercy is the perfect conclusion to this gripping saga. If you haven’t read this series, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do yourself a favor and give it a try. I wish I could read it for the first time all over again.
circulus vitiosus in aeternum
April 17, 2023
***5 "Vicious Circle!!!" stars***
"You're the sinner we all needed, starlight.
And you're the only one who can lead us out of hell."
Honestly, I have no words about this out of this world story!!! I am in awe with Brynn Ford and with what she had accomplished in here!!! Her words were raw and flawless, her broken characters were rising from their ashes and Ember Glenn deserved to be burnt to the ground!!!!
Mercy and Arlo's story was one of the most difficult ones that I have encountered in the fictional world!!! It was dark and twisted, it was brutal and from time to time, it was so disturbing!!!
But it was one of the most brutally beautiful stories that I have ever read!!!
This forbidden love that had started as a sin of the flesh turned out to be lifechanging, not only for Mercy and Arlo, but for everone around them, and I am calling out to all of you to enter this world and take this journey by yourselves!!!
"Mercy Madness is a symbol for change, a martyr for her cause, a catalyst for rebellion..."
The story picked up exactly were it left us in the second book and things couldn't be more difficult and messy...
Mercy and Delle have to endure their second brutal trial that can lead them sooner to their deaths...
But Mercy is not a weak woman... She has strength and determination and she is not giving up so easily...
From the other side, Arlo is fighting with his guilts and he is slipping...
Everything are starting to change into this book and things are getting many twisted turns in here... For better or for worse, you just have to find out on your own!!!
"I'm a sinner, and I hold the name proudly in honor of Mercy Madness. She and I are unholy, and I'll gladly burn in hell with her."
I won't tell you more about the plot, other than that in here, we received all the trivial answers about everything... We finally understood how Ember Glen had risen and it wasn't an easy thing to witness...
I just hate Ember Glenn, the men with power in there and what they were doing to these poor women, how they were poisoning them with lies...
It was fucked up!!! It was brutal!! It was ugly!!!
But I loved that a young woman decided to listen to her own heart and mind and stop being poisoned by the 'Gods' of Ember Glenn...
This girl was so admirable for everything that she went through and everything that she did!!!
"We're broken. We're all broken from this madness."
I love Mercy Madness... She was so admirable, so thoughtful, so selfless.... She was such a fighter!!!
And I love Arlo Rainn.... Yes, he used to be one of them, but Mercy made him more human and it was admirable how he was standing by her side...
Yes, he wasn't always the good guy, but he is carrying his guilts about all of that and they are pulling him under many times, but Mercy changed him and I loved witnessing how he grew into a man so worthy to be with a girl like her!!
Their story was unique, raw, intense and one of the kind!!! They were giving strength to each other and I loved how determined they were to earn their freedom.... and to free Ember Glenn!!!
"I could never regret falling in love with Mercy Madness.
My only regret is that I didn't love her sooner."
Yes, this was a very difficult journey to take, but I am so happy that I took a chance on Mercy and Arlo from the beginning!!!
I can not recommend this story enough and I can not really explain to you the reasons why, because I would need many pages to do it!!!
Just go for it, if you are not afraid the darkness, cause Ember Glenn has tons of it!!!
I just wish I could see more of Delle and Theo... Maybe, one day???
"If you go through hell, then I go with you."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
"You're the sinner we all needed, starlight.
And you're the only one who can lead us out of hell."
Honestly, I have no words about this out of this world story!!! I am in awe with Brynn Ford and with what she had accomplished in here!!! Her words were raw and flawless, her broken characters were rising from their ashes and Ember Glenn deserved to be burnt to the ground!!!!
Mercy and Arlo's story was one of the most difficult ones that I have encountered in the fictional world!!! It was dark and twisted, it was brutal and from time to time, it was so disturbing!!!
But it was one of the most brutally beautiful stories that I have ever read!!!
This forbidden love that had started as a sin of the flesh turned out to be lifechanging, not only for Mercy and Arlo, but for everone around them, and I am calling out to all of you to enter this world and take this journey by yourselves!!!
"Mercy Madness is a symbol for change, a martyr for her cause, a catalyst for rebellion..."
The story picked up exactly were it left us in the second book and things couldn't be more difficult and messy...
Mercy and Delle have to endure their second brutal trial that can lead them sooner to their deaths...
But Mercy is not a weak woman... She has strength and determination and she is not giving up so easily...
From the other side, Arlo is fighting with his guilts and he is slipping...
Everything are starting to change into this book and things are getting many twisted turns in here... For better or for worse, you just have to find out on your own!!!
"I'm a sinner, and I hold the name proudly in honor of Mercy Madness. She and I are unholy, and I'll gladly burn in hell with her."
I won't tell you more about the plot, other than that in here, we received all the trivial answers about everything... We finally understood how Ember Glen had risen and it wasn't an easy thing to witness...
I just hate Ember Glenn, the men with power in there and what they were doing to these poor women, how they were poisoning them with lies...
It was fucked up!!! It was brutal!! It was ugly!!!
But I loved that a young woman decided to listen to her own heart and mind and stop being poisoned by the 'Gods' of Ember Glenn...
This girl was so admirable for everything that she went through and everything that she did!!!
"We're broken. We're all broken from this madness."
I love Mercy Madness... She was so admirable, so thoughtful, so selfless.... She was such a fighter!!!
And I love Arlo Rainn.... Yes, he used to be one of them, but Mercy made him more human and it was admirable how he was standing by her side...
Yes, he wasn't always the good guy, but he is carrying his guilts about all of that and they are pulling him under many times, but Mercy changed him and I loved witnessing how he grew into a man so worthy to be with a girl like her!!
Their story was unique, raw, intense and one of the kind!!! They were giving strength to each other and I loved how determined they were to earn their freedom.... and to free Ember Glenn!!!
"I could never regret falling in love with Mercy Madness.
My only regret is that I didn't love her sooner."
Yes, this was a very difficult journey to take, but I am so happy that I took a chance on Mercy and Arlo from the beginning!!!
I can not recommend this story enough and I can not really explain to you the reasons why, because I would need many pages to do it!!!
Just go for it, if you are not afraid the darkness, cause Ember Glenn has tons of it!!!
I just wish I could see more of Delle and Theo... Maybe, one day???
"If you go through hell, then I go with you."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
December 23, 2023
“I know I'll find myself in hell the next time I awaken, but I won't have to wait long for him to chase after me. I know I'll awaken to find him right there with me, prepared to suffer our damnation in tandem, and we'll burn together eternally.”
This book almost killed me.
In a good way.
I couldn’t put it down, my heart was racing, and my brain was misfiring.
“It’s like a rising tide washing away my strength in this moment, in this terror, in this living, waking nightmare.”
Embers of Mercy sees the conclusion in the Ember Glen series and, in my opinion, is the best of the trilogy. I’ll start off by saying read the trigger warnings, this book has them all. It’s dark, unforgiving, gritty, and sinful. It’s everything I want in a dark romance. As Arlo says in book 2:
"But what if I don't want to be saved? What if I want to be a sinner?"
Mild spoilers for book 1 and 2 below, they’re hard to avoid since this is book 3.
“Not a single man in this forest—in the entirety of Ember Glen—could withstand the impossible trial I just passed.”
There is no break for our main character, Mercy Madness, and we start the book off with her being buried alive and the death of another character, all within the first few chapters. But that’s the hook; after that, I couldn’t put it down and read it in less than 24 hours.
“We are all broken from this madness.”
This book had some twists and turns I didn’t see coming and when they arrived? I felt a little sick. The explanation we’ve all been waiting for was heartbreaking, sadistic, and cruel. And it was real.
It was so real that I 100% believe that men in power have this inside them. I 100% believe that the people who run this world are capable of atrocities that would give us nightmares. I 100% believe that some people have evil in them, and this book portrays that beautifully.
I had many thoughts about how this would end. How it began. I thought Ember Glen was created for a mostly harmless reason and their views got skewed (understatement) along the way. GOOD LORD was I wrong. It was fucked from the start and these poor women never stood a chance.
"This won't be the last time, Warden Rainn. They could end us both right this moment, and I'd only find you again in hell."
Mercy was strength. She was courage in the face of horror. She was their ruination. And boy did she burn beautifully.
“Sweet Mercy…what have we done to you?”
Arlo. I don’t even know what to say about him. His character growth was epic. I hated him in the first book, if you read this series (and you should) you’ll probably hate him too. But he grew on me, like a fungus. And now I love him.
"You're the sinner we all needed, starlight." Another step. "And you're the only one who can lead us out of hell."
And of course, there was the spice! It was spicy. Like a hot pepper. On fire. On the sun.
"I haven't spent nearly enough time with my face between your legs, and I won't be able to rectify that if you get yourself killed."
But their love for each other, their devotion, was the real winner of this story. This story of about girl who wouldn’t give in and a boy who learned from his mistakes.
"The simple answer is that I fell in love with a woman who refused to be silenced. She demanded to be heard, and somewhere along the line, I chose to listen. I should have listened long ago, and I've failed her in that way, but I won't fail her now. Hear me when I say she has my heart; I am in love with her."
And a random note, because fuck this man. death was poetic fucking justice.
“"Malo mori quam foedari." Death before dishonor.”
Thank you to the queen herself, Brynn, for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Let’s pretend I didn’t read this back in April and it didn't take me months to write this review.
________________
4.5 stars
I about died reading this 😭😭 I couldn’t put it down!
Rtc
This book almost killed me.
In a good way.
I couldn’t put it down, my heart was racing, and my brain was misfiring.
“It’s like a rising tide washing away my strength in this moment, in this terror, in this living, waking nightmare.”
Embers of Mercy sees the conclusion in the Ember Glen series and, in my opinion, is the best of the trilogy. I’ll start off by saying read the trigger warnings, this book has them all. It’s dark, unforgiving, gritty, and sinful. It’s everything I want in a dark romance. As Arlo says in book 2:
"But what if I don't want to be saved? What if I want to be a sinner?"
Mild spoilers for book 1 and 2 below, they’re hard to avoid since this is book 3.
“Not a single man in this forest—in the entirety of Ember Glen—could withstand the impossible trial I just passed.”
There is no break for our main character, Mercy Madness, and we start the book off with her being buried alive and the death of another character, all within the first few chapters. But that’s the hook; after that, I couldn’t put it down and read it in less than 24 hours.
“We are all broken from this madness.”
This book had some twists and turns I didn’t see coming and when they arrived? I felt a little sick. The explanation we’ve all been waiting for was heartbreaking, sadistic, and cruel. And it was real.
It was so real that I 100% believe that men in power have this inside them. I 100% believe that the people who run this world are capable of atrocities that would give us nightmares. I 100% believe that some people have evil in them, and this book portrays that beautifully.
I had many thoughts about how this would end. How it began. I thought Ember Glen was created for a mostly harmless reason and their views got skewed (understatement) along the way. GOOD LORD was I wrong. It was fucked from the start and these poor women never stood a chance.
"This won't be the last time, Warden Rainn. They could end us both right this moment, and I'd only find you again in hell."
Mercy was strength. She was courage in the face of horror. She was their ruination. And boy did she burn beautifully.
“Sweet Mercy…what have we done to you?”
Arlo. I don’t even know what to say about him. His character growth was epic. I hated him in the first book, if you read this series (and you should) you’ll probably hate him too. But he grew on me, like a fungus. And now I love him.
"You're the sinner we all needed, starlight." Another step. "And you're the only one who can lead us out of hell."
And of course, there was the spice! It was spicy. Like a hot pepper. On fire. On the sun.
"I haven't spent nearly enough time with my face between your legs, and I won't be able to rectify that if you get yourself killed."
But their love for each other, their devotion, was the real winner of this story. This story of about girl who wouldn’t give in and a boy who learned from his mistakes.
"The simple answer is that I fell in love with a woman who refused to be silenced. She demanded to be heard, and somewhere along the line, I chose to listen. I should have listened long ago, and I've failed her in that way, but I won't fail her now. Hear me when I say she has my heart; I am in love with her."
And a random note, because fuck this man. death was poetic fucking justice.
“"Malo mori quam foedari." Death before dishonor.”
Thank you to the queen herself, Brynn, for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Let’s pretend I didn’t read this back in April and it didn't take me months to write this review.
________________
4.5 stars
I about died reading this 😭😭 I couldn’t put it down!
Rtc
March 31, 2023
EMBERS OF MERCY (EMBER GLEN BOOK THREE)
Release Date: 03/31/23
Kindle Unlimited: [X]YES [ ]NO
Stand-alone: [ ]YES [X]NO
Author: Brynn Ford
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
Spiciness rating: 🌶🌶🌶/5
POV: Dual, first person
Main Characters: Mercy & Arlo
Genre: Dystopian dark Romance
Tropes: enemies to lovers; forbidden relationship; misogynistic society; heroine in danger; warden/ward
Review:
In a dystopian world in the future, where women are controlled and have only the right to obey and nod, a woman starts to wonder why… and then, in a moment of despair she rebels. She is brutally repressed, but never gives up. She will be the inspiration for others. And the same man who, in the beginning, was her warden, is now her lover and will fight alongside her.
Finally we get to know all the lies and conspiracy that led to the creation of Ember Glen. It was a lesson of sorority and redemption. The biggest redemption being of Arlo. Mercy was more of a symbol to me. She inspired others, but I didn’t see her as a leader, well, maybe in the very end, but her role was pivotal for the changes to start.
If I have to criticize something it was the amount of time spent from the time Mercy and Arlo were told there was a revelation to be made and the revelation itself. All the things that happened in between were nice and all, but I didn’t pay it much attention because I wanted to know the secret.
I loved this trilogy and although it was brutal most of the times, we can also see love, friendship and beauty in all of it. I highly recommend it.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ***
Release Date: 03/31/23
Kindle Unlimited: [X]YES [ ]NO
Stand-alone: [ ]YES [X]NO
Author: Brynn Ford
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
Spiciness rating: 🌶🌶🌶/5
POV: Dual, first person
Main Characters: Mercy & Arlo
Genre: Dystopian dark Romance
Tropes: enemies to lovers; forbidden relationship; misogynistic society; heroine in danger; warden/ward
Review:
In a dystopian world in the future, where women are controlled and have only the right to obey and nod, a woman starts to wonder why… and then, in a moment of despair she rebels. She is brutally repressed, but never gives up. She will be the inspiration for others. And the same man who, in the beginning, was her warden, is now her lover and will fight alongside her.
Finally we get to know all the lies and conspiracy that led to the creation of Ember Glen. It was a lesson of sorority and redemption. The biggest redemption being of Arlo. Mercy was more of a symbol to me. She inspired others, but I didn’t see her as a leader, well, maybe in the very end, but her role was pivotal for the changes to start.
If I have to criticize something it was the amount of time spent from the time Mercy and Arlo were told there was a revelation to be made and the revelation itself. All the things that happened in between were nice and all, but I didn’t pay it much attention because I wanted to know the secret.
I loved this trilogy and although it was brutal most of the times, we can also see love, friendship and beauty in all of it. I highly recommend it.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ***
March 31, 2023
Embers of Mercy is the final book in the Ember Glen Trilogy and I couldn't have imagined a better ending for it. The books were dark and unsettling to say the least but they're a must-read nontheless. The parallel between the books and our world today in relation to women's rights was harrowing but important to notice.
Mercy and Arlo went through the worst of the worst throughout the trilogy and especially this book was hard for the both of them. I can't believe how much growth Arlo went from book one until this finale, it was so huge. Arlo's love for Mercy and vice versa made him an entirely different and better person. I loved to see it. Mercy equally went through quite a change and I can only admire her strength and courage to stand up to the men of Ember Glen.
I don't want to give too much away about the conclusion but we finally got answers about how Ember Glen originally came to be. It was quite disturbing to read about since once again I could see the correlation between this story and how some of it is playing out right now in our real world. But that's what makes this trilogy so amazing and important to read.
My only wish was for a little more Delle in the book. I get why she wasn't in it so much but I still missed her because Delle is one of my favorite characters. Other than that Embers of Mercy was a fantastic page-turner that I read in only two days, I was hooked that much!
Mercy and Arlo went through the worst of the worst throughout the trilogy and especially this book was hard for the both of them. I can't believe how much growth Arlo went from book one until this finale, it was so huge. Arlo's love for Mercy and vice versa made him an entirely different and better person. I loved to see it. Mercy equally went through quite a change and I can only admire her strength and courage to stand up to the men of Ember Glen.
I don't want to give too much away about the conclusion but we finally got answers about how Ember Glen originally came to be. It was quite disturbing to read about since once again I could see the correlation between this story and how some of it is playing out right now in our real world. But that's what makes this trilogy so amazing and important to read.
My only wish was for a little more Delle in the book. I get why she wasn't in it so much but I still missed her because Delle is one of my favorite characters. Other than that Embers of Mercy was a fantastic page-turner that I read in only two days, I was hooked that much!
May 21, 2023
This book series was an amazing journey and If you read only one book series this year I recommend this.
Mercy Madness is the strongest book heroine I have every read. Arlo’s growth is a testament to how love can empower change.
I am astounded by Brynn Fords talent. Astounded 😊
Mercy Madness is the strongest book heroine I have every read. Arlo’s growth is a testament to how love can empower change.
I am astounded by Brynn Fords talent. Astounded 😊
April 3, 2023
Wow this was a really good conclusion to the series. This was my favorite of the 3 books and really gave me Don’t Worry Darling Vibes. I’m hopeful that we’ll see more of their life now in a continuation on the outside!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up. I found this book to be the strongest in the series because it brings everything together and has some interesting commentary on our society. The things that I didn’t care for from the first two books were still present (mostly the overly flowery language used at times), but this is still one of the better dark romance series that I’ve read because it recognizes that consent is key and anything short of that is wrong.
One of my favorite parts of this book was how it acknowledges the internalized “-isms” that we are conditioned to believe and carry with us and that are so difficult to divest ourselves of. The conversation between Arlo and Mercy about this was the strongest part of the series, in my opinion, and so I’ve included the most compelling parts of it here.
Mercy: "I know the voice…I still hear it sometimes, too […] I think we all do, and I think we all will. I think it's always going to be there. Our minds don't always tell us the truth, not at first. Sometimes they tell us what we need to hear to protect ourselves. Even when that old, small voice has to tell us a lie for self-preservation's sake […] It's there sometimes, telling me that I'm wrong, that I'm a sinner, that I should feel ashamed for what I've done and who I've become. And sometimes I feel the shame for becoming the woman I am."
And then later in the conversation: "That voice, the one that sounds like your own, the one they try to make you believe is your conscience, or the voice of God trying to lead you down the right path, the voice that brings you shame…That voice wasn't born with you; it was created. They put these so-called morals in our minds, told us what was right and wrong to believe before ever giving us a chance to figure it out on our own. And it's why we feel such shame with that voice, because it isn't ours. It doesn't match the truth that we know in our souls. We feel shame for not being true to ourselves, and fear for our disobedience against the voice all at once. It's troubling. I've felt troubled all my life. And I'm willing to bet there is no person in all of Ember Glen who can say they haven't felt the same."
One of my favorite parts of this book was how it acknowledges the internalized “-isms” that we are conditioned to believe and carry with us and that are so difficult to divest ourselves of. The conversation between Arlo and Mercy about this was the strongest part of the series, in my opinion, and so I’ve included the most compelling parts of it here.
Mercy: "I know the voice…I still hear it sometimes, too […] I think we all do, and I think we all will. I think it's always going to be there. Our minds don't always tell us the truth, not at first. Sometimes they tell us what we need to hear to protect ourselves. Even when that old, small voice has to tell us a lie for self-preservation's sake […] It's there sometimes, telling me that I'm wrong, that I'm a sinner, that I should feel ashamed for what I've done and who I've become. And sometimes I feel the shame for becoming the woman I am."
And then later in the conversation: "That voice, the one that sounds like your own, the one they try to make you believe is your conscience, or the voice of God trying to lead you down the right path, the voice that brings you shame…That voice wasn't born with you; it was created. They put these so-called morals in our minds, told us what was right and wrong to believe before ever giving us a chance to figure it out on our own. And it's why we feel such shame with that voice, because it isn't ours. It doesn't match the truth that we know in our souls. We feel shame for not being true to ourselves, and fear for our disobedience against the voice all at once. It's troubling. I've felt troubled all my life. And I'm willing to bet there is no person in all of Ember Glen who can say they haven't felt the same."
April 6, 2023
It took me a little longer to read this book because I was so worried what would happen. Worried about who would make it out of the h e double hockey sticks they’ve been living in.
I made one note while I was reading this. I stated that at times this book felt like poetry. It’s deep and thought provoking and makes you think about so many things that could happen within the world we live in.
I’m tearing up just thinking about it - this series is going to stick with me for a long time.
The growth these characters experienced, absolutely inspiring.
Mercy & Arlo deserve to spend there lives together. I love their intimacy with one another.
The people of Ember Glen deserve peace.
The men who started this.. well they deserve to live under the full moon and be subjected to the impulse forever.
I was shocked out how Ember Glen became to be LIKE WHAT. The entitlement. The craziness.
I couldn’t recommend this book more.
I made one note while I was reading this. I stated that at times this book felt like poetry. It’s deep and thought provoking and makes you think about so many things that could happen within the world we live in.
I’m tearing up just thinking about it - this series is going to stick with me for a long time.
The growth these characters experienced, absolutely inspiring.
Mercy & Arlo deserve to spend there lives together. I love their intimacy with one another.
The people of Ember Glen deserve peace.
The men who started this.. well they deserve to live under the full moon and be subjected to the impulse forever.
I was shocked out how Ember Glen became to be LIKE WHAT. The entitlement. The craziness.
I couldn’t recommend this book more.
March 31, 2023
Arlo and Mercy's story comes to a dramatic conclusion in this book, the third of the Ember Glen trilogy.
I was pleased with the satisfying ending, but I still feel that there is enough material for another book detailing their journey and an opportunity for less complacency and more conflict from the elders. Having said that, it's always difficult achieving a gratifying closure to such a harrowing story and Brynn managed that beautifully.
The characters - especially Arlo - grew so much during this book. It was really pleasing to witness. Especially the strength of nearly all of the female characters was delightful to read.
I was lucky enough to receive an advance reader copy for an honest review.
In any case, the author has created a complex world with this series and I would certainly love to revisit most of these characters.
I was pleased with the satisfying ending, but I still feel that there is enough material for another book detailing their journey and an opportunity for less complacency and more conflict from the elders. Having said that, it's always difficult achieving a gratifying closure to such a harrowing story and Brynn managed that beautifully.
The characters - especially Arlo - grew so much during this book. It was really pleasing to witness. Especially the strength of nearly all of the female characters was delightful to read.
I was lucky enough to receive an advance reader copy for an honest review.
In any case, the author has created a complex world with this series and I would certainly love to revisit most of these characters.
March 30, 2023
Just wow.
This series is so incredibly underrated that it HURTS!
From the very first book I was pulled into the world of Ember Glen. It’s dark and disturbing but also absolutely captivating and thought provoking. Not only is the plot throughout this series a 10/10 but the writing gives me chills at times.
Example - “Though her flames roar with pain too unbearable to fathom in this moment, I know that soon, she'll burn to ashes only so she can rise renewed.”
😱😱😱😱
How could anyone not give this series raving reviews. It’s a scary take on some very real issues that women face and a extreme example an apocalyptical life for a women if savage men are left to their own devices.
I have been a Brynn Ford stan since the first book, and I will continue to sing her praises after this one not only for completing this story but for doing it so beautifully. ♥️
This series is so incredibly underrated that it HURTS!
From the very first book I was pulled into the world of Ember Glen. It’s dark and disturbing but also absolutely captivating and thought provoking. Not only is the plot throughout this series a 10/10 but the writing gives me chills at times.
Example - “Though her flames roar with pain too unbearable to fathom in this moment, I know that soon, she'll burn to ashes only so she can rise renewed.”
😱😱😱😱
How could anyone not give this series raving reviews. It’s a scary take on some very real issues that women face and a extreme example an apocalyptical life for a women if savage men are left to their own devices.
I have been a Brynn Ford stan since the first book, and I will continue to sing her praises after this one not only for completing this story but for doing it so beautifully. ♥️
April 1, 2023
Oh, my sweet Mercy! She is a bada$$ heroine and deserves nothing but respect, love, and freedom! I will protect her until the end.
Arlo Rainn, I’ve been waiting for this man’s moment, and he’s spectacular and worth the wait! He’s officially in the Book Boyfriend Hall of Fame! His unconditional love and support of Mercy are inspiring. Although I’m sure, he’d argue with me that Mercy inspires love and support.
For the first 25% of the book, I was in a state of teariness and shock. Brynn Ford keeps you in suspense, begging for release. All your burning questions built up over the past two books will be answered. I won’t give any spoilers, but this is a must-read trilogy!
I have to mention the side characters. I love the compassion and friendship Mercy and Delle have. I’m also begging for a Delle + Theo book because this just has to be a THING! Please, Brynn, I beg of you!🙏🏼
[ARC generously provided by the author. This is my honest review.]
Arlo Rainn, I’ve been waiting for this man’s moment, and he’s spectacular and worth the wait! He’s officially in the Book Boyfriend Hall of Fame! His unconditional love and support of Mercy are inspiring. Although I’m sure, he’d argue with me that Mercy inspires love and support.
For the first 25% of the book, I was in a state of teariness and shock. Brynn Ford keeps you in suspense, begging for release. All your burning questions built up over the past two books will be answered. I won’t give any spoilers, but this is a must-read trilogy!
I have to mention the side characters. I love the compassion and friendship Mercy and Delle have. I’m also begging for a Delle + Theo book because this just has to be a THING! Please, Brynn, I beg of you!🙏🏼
[ARC generously provided by the author. This is my honest review.]
March 31, 2023
Malo mori quam foedari
Death before dishonor
This series was a ride of epic proportions. It is always amazing to be able to read something that moves you in real life and simultaneously allows you to escape.
We pick up on the literal cliff of Madness and Misery. I was a ball of chaotic anxious energy while we awaited first Delle’s and then Mercy’s fate. And the hits kept coming.
The developments and secrets revealed will leave your jaw on the floor and yet.. it will come full circle.
Remember. Dissent. Sisterhood. Honor. End the vicious circle. VC girls for ever.
Death before dishonor
This series was a ride of epic proportions. It is always amazing to be able to read something that moves you in real life and simultaneously allows you to escape.
We pick up on the literal cliff of Madness and Misery. I was a ball of chaotic anxious energy while we awaited first Delle’s and then Mercy’s fate. And the hits kept coming.
The developments and secrets revealed will leave your jaw on the floor and yet.. it will come full circle.
Remember. Dissent. Sisterhood. Honor. End the vicious circle. VC girls for ever.
April 7, 2023
4 stars
I really loved this whole series and I’m really glad that we got some answers to a lot of questions in this dark dystopian world. Mercy was a force that I love and Arlo really evolved to which I loved. Brynn Ford is a really amazing story teller and I can’t wait to read more of her books.
I really loved this whole series and I’m really glad that we got some answers to a lot of questions in this dark dystopian world. Mercy was a force that I love and Arlo really evolved to which I loved. Brynn Ford is a really amazing story teller and I can’t wait to read more of her books.
January 21, 2024
This series was dark and crazy. It took me on a roller coaster of emotions but it was so very good! It was different from anything I’ve ever read and it definitely going in my favorites of all time list!
May 1, 2023
4.5 stars
This story... The backstory of how it came to be... Beyond disturbing and moreover, heartbreaking. I'm actually a little afraid of this author and her mind. I need to mull over this for a bit. I'm glad loved prevailed but holy cow. It sure took a lot of violence and hell before that happened.
This story... The backstory of how it came to be... Beyond disturbing and moreover, heartbreaking. I'm actually a little afraid of this author and her mind. I need to mull over this for a bit. I'm glad loved prevailed but holy cow. It sure took a lot of violence and hell before that happened.
January 28, 2024
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS HUGE PLOT SPOILERS
I’m stunned, sitting here in silence with so many thoughts ricocheting through my mind. This series was, like I wrote in my first review, something I’ve always been looking for but never knew how to ask for it. It had all the elements that I love— dystopian, romance, spice, morally gray characters, DARK. And don’t get me started on the writing. The pace? Absolutely divine. Never felt confusing or out of place. The themes? The depravity? To both, think journey to the center of the earth, and then keep digging. I’m unsure how all of the elements were so seamlessly blended together.
“That voice," I continue, "the one that sounds like your own, the one they try to make you believe is your conscience, or the voice of God trying to lead you down the right path, the voice that brings you shame… That voice wasn't born with you; it was created.
"They put these so-called morals in our minds, told us what was right and wrong to believe before ever giving us a chance to figure it out on our own. And it's why we feel such shame with that voice, because it isn't ours. It doesn't match the truth that we know in our souls.”
In this book, I was truly ready for our main couple to die. And I was thinking to myself “this is the only book that it would ever be okay in”. The depth of their love for each other was the most beautiful thing I’d ever read. I think I resonated with it so much because I truly feel this deeply, and having characters who both felt this deeply— well, it made me feel hopeful. I’ve read PLENTY of romance novels, but I’ve never read of a love as epic as this one.
“I hated it," she says, "and then you made me love it. With no warning, Arlo Rainn, you took every moment of hatred and twisted it into something I could never have. I could never have had you”
“I'm not trying to hurt you," he says as though he can read my mind. "I don't want to hurt you. Just let me hold you."
He huffs as our eyes meet, and it settles me to see his own heartache ripple through the blue. I go still, blinking up at him with wide eyes.
"You can't run from the pain," Arlo whispers, his grip on my wrist gradually loosening. "Don't run from me”
I don’t think I’d ever be the same if someone said those things to me.
And what I liked is that once they realized they were fated, they didn’t fight it. They gave in, and because of that, they found the truth.
“”I'm sorry, Mercy. I am so sorry for all we've done to you, to Delle. I'm sorry for saying all of this now because I know this seals my fate, but if you have taught me anything, it's that my future is worth nothing if it's not a future found in truth, in passion, in love.
"As you would die for your cause, I would die for you. I choose death over a future where you're not with me. I choose hell over serving a God who insists upon your pain. I choose you." He briefly glances at my lips. "I feel no regret for telling them now that I love you, Mercy””
They didn’t hide from each other in this one, and it warmed me to no end. Where most of the introspection was through thought (in the other books), now they spoke to each other. Of everything. I can’t think of a single person in my life that I can speak to like this.
“Do you think I could ever forget? Arlo, I've forgiven you for every pain you've caused me, but none of them will ever leave my memory. They've left scars on me—the same as every other pain I've endured—but the scars you left are the only ones I want."
"Why would you want them?"
"Because they remind me of yours.”
“"I love you," I whisper, and with a sigh, he drops his forehead to rest against mine. "I love every version of you…dark and light, angel and demon, saint and sinner."
"Sweet sin…you're mine”“
Where the first two books were Mercy’s time to break out of her shell, Arlo really found himself in this one. He challenged himself, even when it broke him into a million pieces, and it was the most wonderful thing to be a part of.
I had so many favorite moments, but when Arlo and Mercy finally ran away, after I thought FOR SURE they were both goners, I think my adrenaline spiked to infinity.
“Put me down…Let me go back for her!" I shout. "What are you doing?"
"What I should've done the first time you ran from me in the forest," Arlo grunts through his pain, through the strain of carrying me as he runs. "I'm taking you away from this godforsaken place.”
Now let’s talk about the storyline, where everything got resolved. I wondered to myself the whole series “what possibly could have happened to create this awful society??” And I never really thought of this. I felt goosebumps reading of Violet’s story, of how Ian literally created a woman’s worst nightmare. I think there’s a difference between non-con for pleasure and non-con for actual abuse. This was SO dark and heartbreaking, and I’m just glad that she was never forgotten, that Violet really did get peace in the end through the reciting of her story.
“This," he begins, turning his palm toward the ceiling and floating his hand over the open pages, "will be my gift for Violet Clare. A gift she'll receive when she's finally brought before me on her knees, where she fucking belongs. Call it my playbook, my manifesto, my Bible, my edict… my written documentation of the feral impulse I have to destroy her”
“It's just rather poetic, isn't it? I've plucked you from your meadow, my little wildflower, just so I can watch you wither and wilt and slowly decay… Violet”
I think my heart stopped while reading these videos.
“They have so much wealth between them that they'll be able to keep this secret for years… decades. Fuck, even generations of Coles if it's what we want. We'll finally be free to exist how we were born to be—as brutal, savage men who take their power and maintain it with violence. We won't be held to the laws and standards of the world around us. No. It's time for us to return to the days where men held all the power and the women existed to serve our needs”
Though I know this society was raised differently, I was confused why no one was damaged beyond repair. I just can’t imagine a human going through such horrors and coming out walking on the other side, even though we learn that Mercy is stronger than most.
But we do learn this, which I think was a beautiful way to describe it: “Despite thinking it may be best to head back, he leads me forward anyway, on a slow walk through the dark, and it's peaceful. I might even venture to say it's serene, despite the horrors that haunt us. Yet any serenity we find is soiled by the invisible fragments of each trauma we've faced, like speckles of stardust which constantly trail behind us, pulled along by the gravity of our dark souls.”
The ending was so perfect, and I think it’s what needed to happen, though I was confused how the elders didn’t do anything to destroy the leftovers from Ember Glenn before they found them. All in all, it’s safe to say this is my favorite series of all time.
Plot: ∞/5
Spice: 5/5 occurrence (though it didn’t feel this way because there was so much plot)
I’m stunned, sitting here in silence with so many thoughts ricocheting through my mind. This series was, like I wrote in my first review, something I’ve always been looking for but never knew how to ask for it. It had all the elements that I love— dystopian, romance, spice, morally gray characters, DARK. And don’t get me started on the writing. The pace? Absolutely divine. Never felt confusing or out of place. The themes? The depravity? To both, think journey to the center of the earth, and then keep digging. I’m unsure how all of the elements were so seamlessly blended together.
“That voice," I continue, "the one that sounds like your own, the one they try to make you believe is your conscience, or the voice of God trying to lead you down the right path, the voice that brings you shame… That voice wasn't born with you; it was created.
"They put these so-called morals in our minds, told us what was right and wrong to believe before ever giving us a chance to figure it out on our own. And it's why we feel such shame with that voice, because it isn't ours. It doesn't match the truth that we know in our souls.”
In this book, I was truly ready for our main couple to die. And I was thinking to myself “this is the only book that it would ever be okay in”. The depth of their love for each other was the most beautiful thing I’d ever read. I think I resonated with it so much because I truly feel this deeply, and having characters who both felt this deeply— well, it made me feel hopeful. I’ve read PLENTY of romance novels, but I’ve never read of a love as epic as this one.
“I hated it," she says, "and then you made me love it. With no warning, Arlo Rainn, you took every moment of hatred and twisted it into something I could never have. I could never have had you”
“I'm not trying to hurt you," he says as though he can read my mind. "I don't want to hurt you. Just let me hold you."
He huffs as our eyes meet, and it settles me to see his own heartache ripple through the blue. I go still, blinking up at him with wide eyes.
"You can't run from the pain," Arlo whispers, his grip on my wrist gradually loosening. "Don't run from me”
I don’t think I’d ever be the same if someone said those things to me.
And what I liked is that once they realized they were fated, they didn’t fight it. They gave in, and because of that, they found the truth.
“”I'm sorry, Mercy. I am so sorry for all we've done to you, to Delle. I'm sorry for saying all of this now because I know this seals my fate, but if you have taught me anything, it's that my future is worth nothing if it's not a future found in truth, in passion, in love.
"As you would die for your cause, I would die for you. I choose death over a future where you're not with me. I choose hell over serving a God who insists upon your pain. I choose you." He briefly glances at my lips. "I feel no regret for telling them now that I love you, Mercy””
They didn’t hide from each other in this one, and it warmed me to no end. Where most of the introspection was through thought (in the other books), now they spoke to each other. Of everything. I can’t think of a single person in my life that I can speak to like this.
“Do you think I could ever forget? Arlo, I've forgiven you for every pain you've caused me, but none of them will ever leave my memory. They've left scars on me—the same as every other pain I've endured—but the scars you left are the only ones I want."
"Why would you want them?"
"Because they remind me of yours.”
“"I love you," I whisper, and with a sigh, he drops his forehead to rest against mine. "I love every version of you…dark and light, angel and demon, saint and sinner."
"Sweet sin…you're mine”“
Where the first two books were Mercy’s time to break out of her shell, Arlo really found himself in this one. He challenged himself, even when it broke him into a million pieces, and it was the most wonderful thing to be a part of.
I had so many favorite moments, but when Arlo and Mercy finally ran away, after I thought FOR SURE they were both goners, I think my adrenaline spiked to infinity.
“Put me down…Let me go back for her!" I shout. "What are you doing?"
"What I should've done the first time you ran from me in the forest," Arlo grunts through his pain, through the strain of carrying me as he runs. "I'm taking you away from this godforsaken place.”
Now let’s talk about the storyline, where everything got resolved. I wondered to myself the whole series “what possibly could have happened to create this awful society??” And I never really thought of this. I felt goosebumps reading of Violet’s story, of how Ian literally created a woman’s worst nightmare. I think there’s a difference between non-con for pleasure and non-con for actual abuse. This was SO dark and heartbreaking, and I’m just glad that she was never forgotten, that Violet really did get peace in the end through the reciting of her story.
“This," he begins, turning his palm toward the ceiling and floating his hand over the open pages, "will be my gift for Violet Clare. A gift she'll receive when she's finally brought before me on her knees, where she fucking belongs. Call it my playbook, my manifesto, my Bible, my edict… my written documentation of the feral impulse I have to destroy her”
“It's just rather poetic, isn't it? I've plucked you from your meadow, my little wildflower, just so I can watch you wither and wilt and slowly decay… Violet”
I think my heart stopped while reading these videos.
“They have so much wealth between them that they'll be able to keep this secret for years… decades. Fuck, even generations of Coles if it's what we want. We'll finally be free to exist how we were born to be—as brutal, savage men who take their power and maintain it with violence. We won't be held to the laws and standards of the world around us. No. It's time for us to return to the days where men held all the power and the women existed to serve our needs”
Though I know this society was raised differently, I was confused why no one was damaged beyond repair. I just can’t imagine a human going through such horrors and coming out walking on the other side, even though we learn that Mercy is stronger than most.
But we do learn this, which I think was a beautiful way to describe it: “Despite thinking it may be best to head back, he leads me forward anyway, on a slow walk through the dark, and it's peaceful. I might even venture to say it's serene, despite the horrors that haunt us. Yet any serenity we find is soiled by the invisible fragments of each trauma we've faced, like speckles of stardust which constantly trail behind us, pulled along by the gravity of our dark souls.”
The ending was so perfect, and I think it’s what needed to happen, though I was confused how the elders didn’t do anything to destroy the leftovers from Ember Glenn before they found them. All in all, it’s safe to say this is my favorite series of all time.
Plot: ∞/5
Spice: 5/5 occurrence (though it didn’t feel this way because there was so much plot)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2023
Mother of Mercy!!! This glorious conclusion is gonna wreck you so good! If I could give this more than Five Dark Stars I would! Brynn has given us a series that will stay with you forever. Arlo and Mercy have whisked their way into my heart, and won’t let go.
This conclusion is going to give you so many emotions. You are going to want to cry, scream, and shout from the rooftops for the members of Ember Glen. EMOTIONAL DAMAGE MY FRIENDS!!
I honestly think that this book gave me everything I needed, we finally find out how The Glen came about, and I’m telling you now… buckle up cause it’s gonna be a wild ride! This story was so well written that I could literally picture every little detail! WILDFLOWERS AND STARLIGHT FOREVER BABY!!!
This conclusion is going to give you so many emotions. You are going to want to cry, scream, and shout from the rooftops for the members of Ember Glen. EMOTIONAL DAMAGE MY FRIENDS!!
I honestly think that this book gave me everything I needed, we finally find out how The Glen came about, and I’m telling you now… buckle up cause it’s gonna be a wild ride! This story was so well written that I could literally picture every little detail! WILDFLOWERS AND STARLIGHT FOREVER BABY!!!
Read
April 12, 2023Soft DNF... I'm just not feeling this one, but maybe it's just my mood. I am not going to rate the book.
May 7, 2025
4.5 stars.
This was an emotional and satisfying conclusion to the Ember Glen trilogy. I had some feelings going into this (see my review of books 2) and I finished feeling pretty good about it.
Sadly, this is such a timely topic when it comes to women's rights in the United States today and the rise of misogynistic beliefs in far-right men, so I connected with this story deeply. I was glad we got the answers to the creation of Ember Glen, even if they were horrifying. I cried when Mercy That was heartbreaking. And I loved that he finally couldn't stand by and let the trials happen to her anymore and tried to save her. He realized that he should have protected her from the beginning and shouldn't have let her go through the trials in the first place. Mercy even felt relieved to learn that Arlo was so devastated by her burial during the second trial.
She thinks:
"Somehow I feel lighter in knowing that. I hadn't realized it before, but I can feel it now--there was a part of me that had held some resentment for him, some anger for the fact that he didn't risk everything for me sooner. There was a lingering hurt that he hadn't fallen for me faster, that he didn't understand how much he loved me before the first trial so he could have saved me then."
I love that sentiment because it's an acknowledgement that as brave and as strong as Mercy was, she never should have had to go through what she went through. Just because she could handle the worst of depravity of men, doesn't mean she should have had to. It's also an acknowledgement that Arlo wasn't without his failures and that he had to earn Mercy despite them, which he is full aware of as well.
The actions of Arlo during the first trial wasn't ever specifically addressed, but I was reasonably satisfied with how everything played out. He regretted letting the first trial happen in the first place, so it's reasonable to assume that he regretted siccing the control on her during the process. He regretted everything he did to Mercy and felt awful, even knowing that his actions were a result of his conditioning. But he knew that still wasn't an excuse and he would spend the rest of his life making up for it. He even tells her that he doesn't want her to minimize what she went through just because she has compassion for him. He doesn't want her to ever forget how he hurt her, and she doesn't. She knows that he hurt her, just like the other men in the village and that he played a role in breaking her. But despite all of that they're meant for each other and he says he'll fight to give her the life she deserves.
Mercy was always incredibly self-sacrificing because of her capacity for compassion, but I'm so glad that she got the recognition she deserved here. She was the spark of what would become a revolution. And she got to get her revenge in the process. In the epilogue, In my review of the second book, I also had said that I felt like Mercy had been the one to do all of the sacrificing, so I was glad that in the epilogue someone could do something for her.
Another moment I loved was when Arlo forced Mercy to come with him
One thing I thought was particularly brutal was toward the end
Overall, I loved this trilogy and feel like these two got the ending that they deserved. I think this trilogy gives you a lot to think about and ponder and I thought it did a masterful job of showing Arlo's journey as he unpacked his misogynistic religious beliefs and was slowly deprogrammed over time.
I do wonder about Violet though. I agree that what happened in the end didn't matter, but
This was an emotional and satisfying conclusion to the Ember Glen trilogy. I had some feelings going into this (see my review of books 2) and I finished feeling pretty good about it.
Sadly, this is such a timely topic when it comes to women's rights in the United States today and the rise of misogynistic beliefs in far-right men, so I connected with this story deeply. I was glad we got the answers to the creation of Ember Glen, even if they were horrifying. I cried when Mercy That was heartbreaking. And I loved that he finally couldn't stand by and let the trials happen to her anymore and tried to save her. He realized that he should have protected her from the beginning and shouldn't have let her go through the trials in the first place. Mercy even felt relieved to learn that Arlo was so devastated by her burial during the second trial.
She thinks:
"Somehow I feel lighter in knowing that. I hadn't realized it before, but I can feel it now--there was a part of me that had held some resentment for him, some anger for the fact that he didn't risk everything for me sooner. There was a lingering hurt that he hadn't fallen for me faster, that he didn't understand how much he loved me before the first trial so he could have saved me then."
I love that sentiment because it's an acknowledgement that as brave and as strong as Mercy was, she never should have had to go through what she went through. Just because she could handle the worst of depravity of men, doesn't mean she should have had to. It's also an acknowledgement that Arlo wasn't without his failures and that he had to earn Mercy despite them, which he is full aware of as well.
The actions of Arlo during the first trial wasn't ever specifically addressed, but I was reasonably satisfied with how everything played out. He regretted letting the first trial happen in the first place, so it's reasonable to assume that he regretted siccing the control on her during the process. He regretted everything he did to Mercy and felt awful, even knowing that his actions were a result of his conditioning. But he knew that still wasn't an excuse and he would spend the rest of his life making up for it. He even tells her that he doesn't want her to minimize what she went through just because she has compassion for him. He doesn't want her to ever forget how he hurt her, and she doesn't. She knows that he hurt her, just like the other men in the village and that he played a role in breaking her. But despite all of that they're meant for each other and he says he'll fight to give her the life she deserves.
Mercy was always incredibly self-sacrificing because of her capacity for compassion, but I'm so glad that she got the recognition she deserved here. She was the spark of what would become a revolution. And she got to get her revenge in the process. In the epilogue, In my review of the second book, I also had said that I felt like Mercy had been the one to do all of the sacrificing, so I was glad that in the epilogue someone could do something for her.
Another moment I loved was when Arlo forced Mercy to come with him
One thing I thought was particularly brutal was toward the end
Overall, I loved this trilogy and feel like these two got the ending that they deserved. I think this trilogy gives you a lot to think about and ponder and I thought it did a masterful job of showing Arlo's journey as he unpacked his misogynistic religious beliefs and was slowly deprogrammed over time.
I do wonder about Violet though. I agree that what happened in the end didn't matter, but
November 25, 2023
I can not begin to express how much this entire series touched me. The first Ember Glen book tore my heart out. On the darkness scale, for me, at least, it was black as night. I had a hard time stomaching what Mercy went through. I kept thinking back to Joan of Arc and The Handmaid's Tale. It also made me very thankful for how far women's rights have come... and how much further we still need to go!
The beginning of the second book made me want to throw up, and by the third book, I was able to breathe a lot easier. Whew! I went through so many emotions while reading this series. I honestly felt like, as a whole, it was darker than Haunting and Hunting Adeline and that says a lot.
The growth of Arlo from the first book to the last was astounding. When he experienced his aha moments, it was profound and heartbreaking at the same time. I can understand that, having been raised that way, it would be hard to question things. I loved how Mercy challenged him until, eventually, he saw things for what they were: horrific and vile.
Mercy is seriously the strongest heroine I have read to date. She seriously kicked ass despite how horrifically she was treated by these sadistic men during service and then later during the trials. I love how even though she had her weak points (who wouldn't?!), she still didn't give up. She was selfless in her pursuit of freeing the people from Ember Glen, and I loved how they got their revenge on the evil men. Ugh, they were the worst!!!
At the heart of this series was a beautiful love story between Arlo and Mercy. Wildflowers and Starlight. It was really organic how their relationship evolved. I didn't like Arlo at all in the first book, but by the end, he was such a wonderful man who more than made up for the atrocities that were done to Mercy and the other servants.
There are some dark romances that I've read where the sex scenes were too raunchy for me and not as sweet, and I loved Brynn Ford's love scenes. She did an incredible job at balancing the darkness of the subject matter with a beautiful love story with tender love scenes.
The world-building in this dystopian tale was also incredible, and I felt like I was there at the grave, in the caves, and seeing the rope on Mercy Madness. And, of course, I loved the theme of Wildflowers and Starlight throughout the series. It was a beautiful theme, and the nickname that Arlo gave Mercy (Starlight) was so appropriate, considering she gave hope and light to the people of Ember Glen. It gave such a strong message of hope that was shown through the darkness.
I can't wait for Theo and Delle's book... their love story is going to be so AMAZING.
For all the women who are struggling to rise… Dig deep, have faith in yourself, and begin with a single step.
The beginning of the second book made me want to throw up, and by the third book, I was able to breathe a lot easier. Whew! I went through so many emotions while reading this series. I honestly felt like, as a whole, it was darker than Haunting and Hunting Adeline and that says a lot.
The growth of Arlo from the first book to the last was astounding. When he experienced his aha moments, it was profound and heartbreaking at the same time. I can understand that, having been raised that way, it would be hard to question things. I loved how Mercy challenged him until, eventually, he saw things for what they were: horrific and vile.
Mercy's strength, her power, her hard-won love broke me. She broke the part of me that believed the dark lies, and with her brightness, she brought light on the truth.
The simple answer is that I fell in love with a woman who refused to be silenced. She demanded to be heard, and somewhere along the line, I chose to listen. I should have listened long ago, and I've failed her in that way, but I won't fail her now. Hear me when I say she has my heart; I am in love with her. Her love is greater to me than God's has ever been. My faith is in her, and though loving her leads me to death, I'll choose to take that walk every time."
Mercy is seriously the strongest heroine I have read to date. She seriously kicked ass despite how horrifically she was treated by these sadistic men during service and then later during the trials. I love how even though she had her weak points (who wouldn't?!), she still didn't give up. She was selfless in her pursuit of freeing the people from Ember Glen, and I loved how they got their revenge on the evil men. Ugh, they were the worst!!!
At the heart of this series was a beautiful love story between Arlo and Mercy. Wildflowers and Starlight. It was really organic how their relationship evolved. I didn't like Arlo at all in the first book, but by the end, he was such a wonderful man who more than made up for the atrocities that were done to Mercy and the other servants.
He pours love into my soul, feeds me affection with each swipe of his tongue. He strips me of my armor and lowers my defenses. He draws each of my emotions to the surface—even the ones I'm trying so hard to fight.
Arlo Rainn has always been, and will always be, my warden. Not the warden assigned to ensure my punishment in the trials; he's the warden of my heart, the jailor of my soul, the captor of my desire, and only because I choose him to be the keeper of every part of me.
"I regret nothing, starlight. I need you to know that. I would choose to sin with you all over again, even if it meant dying a million painful deaths. I hurt you. I failed you, time and again. And yet, you loved me. I'm grateful for you. I'm grateful for every stolen moment, every breath, every whisper, every heartbeat.
There are some dark romances that I've read where the sex scenes were too raunchy for me and not as sweet, and I loved Brynn Ford's love scenes. She did an incredible job at balancing the darkness of the subject matter with a beautiful love story with tender love scenes.
The world-building in this dystopian tale was also incredible, and I felt like I was there at the grave, in the caves, and seeing the rope on Mercy Madness. And, of course, I loved the theme of Wildflowers and Starlight throughout the series. It was a beautiful theme, and the nickname that Arlo gave Mercy (Starlight) was so appropriate, considering she gave hope and light to the people of Ember Glen. It gave such a strong message of hope that was shown through the darkness.
Our lives ended the night she ran from service, but a new one begins tonight, born from the ashes of Ember Glen. We all rise from the sparking embers of Mercy.
I can't wait for Theo and Delle's book... their love story is going to be so AMAZING.
April 18, 2023
Embers of Mercy is a satisfying conclusion to a fantastic, dark, dystopian trilogy I won't soon forget! From the first chapter of the first book, Brynn Ford had me hooked! This twisted tale kept me equal parts intrigued and horrified through the entirety of the previous installments, and I couldn't wait to dive back into this Handmaid's Tale-esque world to find out how it all would end!
This book picked up right where it's predecessor left off with me wanting Mercy to burn the whole motherfucker to the ground, and without spoiling anything, let's just say, I wasn't disappointed! Mercy Madness is a phenomenal, inspiring character whose bravery and selflessness never falters even in the face of death. I challenge anyone to find something bad to say about this woman.
Mercy was already impressive af in Sparks of Madness, but she just kept getting better from there. She isn't one that just talks the talk. Mercy's always ready to put it all on the line, not just for those that she loves, but all the women and children in her community.
Arlo was on shaky ground with me in the beginning, but by the end, he more than made up for anything he did that made me want to murder him slowly. In fact, he had the most growth of any character in the entire series. My heart broke for him in a different way than it did for Mercy, but it broke nonetheless.
Embers of Mercy is a gut-wrenching, disturbing, bloody, infuriating, glorious dark romance that sadly, will make you think of our own society in regards to women's rights, and Mercy and Arlo are characters that you'll remember forever. Before I picked up the Ember Glen trilogy, I had never read anything from this author, and now, I'll never pass anything up from her again.
Dark and dystopian romance fans, this one's for you!
P.S. I would love for Delle & Theo to get their own book.
This book picked up right where it's predecessor left off with me wanting Mercy to burn the whole motherfucker to the ground, and without spoiling anything, let's just say, I wasn't disappointed! Mercy Madness is a phenomenal, inspiring character whose bravery and selflessness never falters even in the face of death. I challenge anyone to find something bad to say about this woman.
Mercy was already impressive af in Sparks of Madness, but she just kept getting better from there. She isn't one that just talks the talk. Mercy's always ready to put it all on the line, not just for those that she loves, but all the women and children in her community.
Arlo was on shaky ground with me in the beginning, but by the end, he more than made up for anything he did that made me want to murder him slowly. In fact, he had the most growth of any character in the entire series. My heart broke for him in a different way than it did for Mercy, but it broke nonetheless.
Embers of Mercy is a gut-wrenching, disturbing, bloody, infuriating, glorious dark romance that sadly, will make you think of our own society in regards to women's rights, and Mercy and Arlo are characters that you'll remember forever. Before I picked up the Ember Glen trilogy, I had never read anything from this author, and now, I'll never pass anything up from her again.
Dark and dystopian romance fans, this one's for you!
P.S. I would love for Delle & Theo to get their own book.
May 5, 2023
Brynn Ford has been an author that doesn't stop writing the dark and dangerous throughout her literature. Ember Glen is the same. But I have one word to add. Divine.
Imagine the world only exists in a small community ruled by men and worshipping a God in ways that defy humanity. But being completely ignorant that everything is just not quite right. Except for Mercy Madness. She's a servant. Once a month the men must give in to the "Impulse". The violence and debauchery that plague them. They deny this from full moon to full moon believing that it betters the community to reap these feelings through horrid actions to the women chosen as children to be the vessel. Servants. Allowed absolute freedom to treat these women in was that outside would be deemed unthinkable. But according to their leaders that outside world exists as a war torn wasteland. It's dangers far outweigh the inner peace they are told. But Mercy has questions. And those questions are not allowed. She is a sinner. Undeserving of life as someone who has begun thinking for herself.
Arlo Rainn is Control. The one of seven men who enforce the rules under God's will. They have been chosen to live with the responsibilities of judgement and sentencing those who have sinned. Arlo has a an obsession with Mercy. She is a sinner put in his path to test his faith. But as time together goes by he begins to question what Mercy has inside that is so intriguing. Why does she think and feel the way she does. Together they begin to uncover just what human nature is really about. His starlet and wildflower is Mercy Madness.
Is Impulse actually harmful to these women? Are they serving God or just men who are justified to inflict pain and suffering. This is a question that Arlo must look at through himself as well. Because if it is true what has he done every Impulse?
This series does not conflict with modern beliefs in religion. As it's known in general does not get mentioned in this context. It's a tale of men and women who have been told something for years that they simply believe because. Just..because. It takes place in a future that Ember Glen will soon uncover the truth about. If cults and isolation are your interests in dark romance this series has your interests. I consumed these books by spending sleepless nights in awe. And the scary thing is that it's entirely possible that this could happen under the wrong circumstances. That is what drew me in so much. It's passionate and intense. Never a pause in the truly beautiful and dark words by Ms Ford. Violence. Triggers galore. Just my cup of tea.
Imagine the world only exists in a small community ruled by men and worshipping a God in ways that defy humanity. But being completely ignorant that everything is just not quite right. Except for Mercy Madness. She's a servant. Once a month the men must give in to the "Impulse". The violence and debauchery that plague them. They deny this from full moon to full moon believing that it betters the community to reap these feelings through horrid actions to the women chosen as children to be the vessel. Servants. Allowed absolute freedom to treat these women in was that outside would be deemed unthinkable. But according to their leaders that outside world exists as a war torn wasteland. It's dangers far outweigh the inner peace they are told. But Mercy has questions. And those questions are not allowed. She is a sinner. Undeserving of life as someone who has begun thinking for herself.
Arlo Rainn is Control. The one of seven men who enforce the rules under God's will. They have been chosen to live with the responsibilities of judgement and sentencing those who have sinned. Arlo has a an obsession with Mercy. She is a sinner put in his path to test his faith. But as time together goes by he begins to question what Mercy has inside that is so intriguing. Why does she think and feel the way she does. Together they begin to uncover just what human nature is really about. His starlet and wildflower is Mercy Madness.
Is Impulse actually harmful to these women? Are they serving God or just men who are justified to inflict pain and suffering. This is a question that Arlo must look at through himself as well. Because if it is true what has he done every Impulse?
This series does not conflict with modern beliefs in religion. As it's known in general does not get mentioned in this context. It's a tale of men and women who have been told something for years that they simply believe because. Just..because. It takes place in a future that Ember Glen will soon uncover the truth about. If cults and isolation are your interests in dark romance this series has your interests. I consumed these books by spending sleepless nights in awe. And the scary thing is that it's entirely possible that this could happen under the wrong circumstances. That is what drew me in so much. It's passionate and intense. Never a pause in the truly beautiful and dark words by Ms Ford. Violence. Triggers galore. Just my cup of tea.
April 7, 2023
”I know I’ll find myself in hell the next time I awaken, but I won’t have to wait long for him to chase after me. I know I’ll awaken to find him right there with me, prepared to suffer our damnation in tandem, and we’ll burn together eternally.”
OMFG! That was one hell of a way to end the story! I am pretty sure that I screamed and shouted throughout the entirety of this part of the story. My anger was at an all time high. I was just reeling with it ready to just punch anybody who dared to interrupt my reading. I needed to devour this story from start to finish without taking my eyes are the pages.
”Though her flames roar with pain too unbearable to fathom in this moment, I know that soon, she'll burn to ashes only so she can rise renewed.”
We start off this story right where the last book left us. Throwing us back into the gut-wrenching situation that Mercy was in. To be buried alive for four hours and survive was a devastating blow to all of us readers. But then to read, how Arlo was gutted over the fact that he had to watch her be buried, broke my heart into pieces. Everything about the situation that they were both in was tragic and devastating and I had no idea how she was going to be able to survive. My heart is breaking, my stomach was in knots, and I think I’ve bitten off every one of my fingernails with anxiety over what was going to happen. And that’s only the beginning of this amazing story.
The heart wrenching journey that mercy and Arlo take us on as they navigate surviving the depravity that surrounds them, was filled with some very intense emotional moments, some beautiful and loving moments, and then some dark and disturbing revelations that just blew me away.
”As you would die for your cause, I would die for you. I choose death over a future where you’re not with me. I choose hell over serving a God who insists upon your pain. I choose you.”
Brilliantly written, ending to this phenomenal trilogy. It’s dark, twisted, depraved, and devastating, but filled with a lot of strength, fierceness, passion and love. Brace yourself, because once things are slowly revealed to you, the anger that you will feel might just push you over the edge. The truth of Ember Glen is definitely an appalling and utterly shocking one.
circulus vitiosus in aeternum
OMFG! That was one hell of a way to end the story! I am pretty sure that I screamed and shouted throughout the entirety of this part of the story. My anger was at an all time high. I was just reeling with it ready to just punch anybody who dared to interrupt my reading. I needed to devour this story from start to finish without taking my eyes are the pages.
”Though her flames roar with pain too unbearable to fathom in this moment, I know that soon, she'll burn to ashes only so she can rise renewed.”
We start off this story right where the last book left us. Throwing us back into the gut-wrenching situation that Mercy was in. To be buried alive for four hours and survive was a devastating blow to all of us readers. But then to read, how Arlo was gutted over the fact that he had to watch her be buried, broke my heart into pieces. Everything about the situation that they were both in was tragic and devastating and I had no idea how she was going to be able to survive. My heart is breaking, my stomach was in knots, and I think I’ve bitten off every one of my fingernails with anxiety over what was going to happen. And that’s only the beginning of this amazing story.
The heart wrenching journey that mercy and Arlo take us on as they navigate surviving the depravity that surrounds them, was filled with some very intense emotional moments, some beautiful and loving moments, and then some dark and disturbing revelations that just blew me away.
”As you would die for your cause, I would die for you. I choose death over a future where you’re not with me. I choose hell over serving a God who insists upon your pain. I choose you.”
Brilliantly written, ending to this phenomenal trilogy. It’s dark, twisted, depraved, and devastating, but filled with a lot of strength, fierceness, passion and love. Brace yourself, because once things are slowly revealed to you, the anger that you will feel might just push you over the edge. The truth of Ember Glen is definitely an appalling and utterly shocking one.
circulus vitiosus in aeternum
April 17, 2023
"circulus vitiosus in aeternum-"
As always, Brynn Ford does not disappoint! This series ended EXACTLY how I wanted it to end. Not to mention, one of my favorite scenes out of the whole trilogy was in this book. It highlighted just how deep Mercy's love for Arlo went.
"If you burn, I burn with you."
My heartrate never slowed during this entire book. It was like one massive 300+ page showdown and I didn't know who would survive and come out victorious and who would end up suffering. I have never read a series like this before. It was so unique, so well thought out and if anyone could bring a place like Ember Glen to life it is definitely Brynn Ford. I love how the darkness and brutality of the story never changed throughout each book. The absolute love that led to destruction between Arlo and Mercy is something that I could only wish to read in a dark romance.
"I need Mercy more than I've ever needed anyone in my life; and though I know she needs me, too, she needs them more."
That quote above reminds me of WHY I love Mercy so much. She knew from the very beginning something was wrong with Ember Glen and she stopped at NOTHING to change the rules, outcome and lives of every female, child and family in the community. She put her own life at risk just to make sure that others were unharmed. She was the total opposite of the "sinner" they claimed her to be.
"You're the sinner we all needed, Starlight. And you're the only one who can lead us out of hell."
The epilogues. OH MAN THE EPILOGUES WERE EVERYTHING AND MOREEEEEEEE. I was reading them with a smile on my face and I felt like a huge weight that I had on my shoulders since book 1 was finally lifted. Seeing Arlo and Mercy in a normal situation, a normal house, with dishes and sex...SIGH, IT WAS SO GOOD. THE SEX IN THIS BOOK WAS REALLY HOT. Even the little FF snippet we got of Stephanie and Luna...Speaking of, reading about Luna and Stephanie? OMG SWOON. And in the epilogue? ugh love. Also...I mean, I DO want a Theo/Delle book. BADLY. I know it will take time since she is young and he was reserved but the love he had for her, although hidden, was pouring out the pages for me. Even if it is a novella. PLEASE BRYNN PUT ME OUT OF MY MISERY (hehe get it?) All in all, a 5 star series without a doubt.
"Take my hand Warden Rainn. Take us all away from here, and lead me home."
As always, Brynn Ford does not disappoint! This series ended EXACTLY how I wanted it to end. Not to mention, one of my favorite scenes out of the whole trilogy was in this book. It highlighted just how deep Mercy's love for Arlo went.
"If you burn, I burn with you."
My heartrate never slowed during this entire book. It was like one massive 300+ page showdown and I didn't know who would survive and come out victorious and who would end up suffering. I have never read a series like this before. It was so unique, so well thought out and if anyone could bring a place like Ember Glen to life it is definitely Brynn Ford. I love how the darkness and brutality of the story never changed throughout each book. The absolute love that led to destruction between Arlo and Mercy is something that I could only wish to read in a dark romance.
"I need Mercy more than I've ever needed anyone in my life; and though I know she needs me, too, she needs them more."
That quote above reminds me of WHY I love Mercy so much. She knew from the very beginning something was wrong with Ember Glen and she stopped at NOTHING to change the rules, outcome and lives of every female, child and family in the community. She put her own life at risk just to make sure that others were unharmed. She was the total opposite of the "sinner" they claimed her to be.
"You're the sinner we all needed, Starlight. And you're the only one who can lead us out of hell."
The epilogues. OH MAN THE EPILOGUES WERE EVERYTHING AND MOREEEEEEEE. I was reading them with a smile on my face and I felt like a huge weight that I had on my shoulders since book 1 was finally lifted. Seeing Arlo and Mercy in a normal situation, a normal house, with dishes and sex...SIGH, IT WAS SO GOOD. THE SEX IN THIS BOOK WAS REALLY HOT. Even the little FF snippet we got of Stephanie and Luna...Speaking of, reading about Luna and Stephanie? OMG SWOON. And in the epilogue? ugh love. Also...I mean, I DO want a Theo/Delle book. BADLY. I know it will take time since she is young and he was reserved but the love he had for her, although hidden, was pouring out the pages for me. Even if it is a novella. PLEASE BRYNN PUT ME OUT OF MY MISERY (hehe get it?) All in all, a 5 star series without a doubt.
"Take my hand Warden Rainn. Take us all away from here, and lead me home."
March 28, 2023
It's finally here!!! The conclusion to Mercy and Arlo! (hopeful for some spin-offs!!!)
The ride that Brynn Ford takes us on....is incredible. I think this trilogy can make you think. It's actually quite scary how something of this nature, and the WHY, could actually happen.
The answers we've been waiting on are revealed!! Will all be satisfied with the answers of WHY and HOW....I'm venturing to assume not, BUT...when it boils down to it, it really can be quite that "simple," quite that "are you f*cking kidding me?!?" And again....that leads to the scary-ness of how this could actually occur, how it even probably does occur, really. And I hope that every one "gets it."
This trilogy is a poignant tale of dissension. Of standing up for what is right even though you have been taught the complete opposite all your life. It's dark and sexy and uplifting even (after it drags you to nearly the depths of hell, haha). I fricking loved it!
Arlo -- I mean, you're really going to hate him at first in the trilogy, but by the end... *swoon.* Wildflowers and starlight =). He can tie me up any day of the week. His journey of realizing the wrong-ness of Ember Glen felt.....real. The struggle he still had at the end, at times, was endearing...but knowing that he is learning and accepting and working to making things right made while struggling made him all the more amazing.
Mercy -- I only wish I could be like Mercy. Everything she grew up with, everything she endured, everything she had been taught....but to have that niggling in the back of her mind that this is not right, and then essentially do something about it. There may have been a catalyst behind it, but sometimes, that's what it takes to step out of going through the motions and "following." And once she stepped up....she never stepped back down.
All in all....this trilogy was/is an amazing tale of simply fighting for what you believe in. It has heartbreak and hope. It has lots of sexy fun. It is dark and delicious. It's dissension and madness.
The ride that Brynn Ford takes us on....is incredible. I think this trilogy can make you think. It's actually quite scary how something of this nature, and the WHY, could actually happen.
The answers we've been waiting on are revealed!! Will all be satisfied with the answers of WHY and HOW....I'm venturing to assume not, BUT...when it boils down to it, it really can be quite that "simple," quite that "are you f*cking kidding me?!?" And again....that leads to the scary-ness of how this could actually occur, how it even probably does occur, really. And I hope that every one "gets it."
This trilogy is a poignant tale of dissension. Of standing up for what is right even though you have been taught the complete opposite all your life. It's dark and sexy and uplifting even (after it drags you to nearly the depths of hell, haha). I fricking loved it!
Arlo -- I mean, you're really going to hate him at first in the trilogy, but by the end... *swoon.* Wildflowers and starlight =). He can tie me up any day of the week. His journey of realizing the wrong-ness of Ember Glen felt.....real. The struggle he still had at the end, at times, was endearing...but knowing that he is learning and accepting and working to making things right made while struggling made him all the more amazing.
Mercy -- I only wish I could be like Mercy. Everything she grew up with, everything she endured, everything she had been taught....but to have that niggling in the back of her mind that this is not right, and then essentially do something about it. There may have been a catalyst behind it, but sometimes, that's what it takes to step out of going through the motions and "following." And once she stepped up....she never stepped back down.
All in all....this trilogy was/is an amazing tale of simply fighting for what you believe in. It has heartbreak and hope. It has lots of sexy fun. It is dark and delicious. It's dissension and madness.
April 3, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review .
This is the final book in the Ember Glen Series. You have to read Spark of Madness and Blaze of Misery before this book or you will be so lost.
Embers of Mercy picks up right where we left off. The second trial has come and the choice is yourself of the people you love most. Mercy of course makes the right choice and I just have to say hey I love her so much. Arlo is beside himself and is finally accepting that maybe life isn’t what they have all been led to believe for so long. however things go a little crazy during this trial and so many things happen that will leave you reeling. I don’t really even know that I can tell you a lot about this story There are things happening all the time. Big important things. So I can’t really say and not have some of it be a spoiler and I refuse to do that. The time has come though for some big important decisions for Arlo and I have to say I loved this man The way he loves Mercy Madness is just one of the most amazing parts of this story. Mercy of course is strong and strong willed and is willing to stand and fight for what she believes wether anyone else believes it or not. She’s one of the most amazing female characters I have ever read about and I read a lot. She’s dying and unyielding in the truth that she believes she has figured out She can not let anyone suffer an injustice and will do anything to save her few friends. After all she is labeled a sinner and people in Ember Glen can’t have sinners among them. I could go on and on about her forever. Arlo gosh he loves Mercy something fierce and I loved how he trusted her but the man has been taught to believe certain things and he struggles like any of us would. But Libyan faithful and willing to lay down his life for Mercy is Arlo. Like I said there is so much going on and yes the truth will come in to the light You will close this book knowing jsut hoe Ember Glen came to be and why. It’s shocking and will make you mad. But all the makers to it all are in this book I devoured it Loved it and will reread this series again and again I loved it so much So not miss this series I love dystopian stories and this is one of the best I have ever read
This is the final book in the Ember Glen Series. You have to read Spark of Madness and Blaze of Misery before this book or you will be so lost.
Embers of Mercy picks up right where we left off. The second trial has come and the choice is yourself of the people you love most. Mercy of course makes the right choice and I just have to say hey I love her so much. Arlo is beside himself and is finally accepting that maybe life isn’t what they have all been led to believe for so long. however things go a little crazy during this trial and so many things happen that will leave you reeling. I don’t really even know that I can tell you a lot about this story There are things happening all the time. Big important things. So I can’t really say and not have some of it be a spoiler and I refuse to do that. The time has come though for some big important decisions for Arlo and I have to say I loved this man The way he loves Mercy Madness is just one of the most amazing parts of this story. Mercy of course is strong and strong willed and is willing to stand and fight for what she believes wether anyone else believes it or not. She’s one of the most amazing female characters I have ever read about and I read a lot. She’s dying and unyielding in the truth that she believes she has figured out She can not let anyone suffer an injustice and will do anything to save her few friends. After all she is labeled a sinner and people in Ember Glen can’t have sinners among them. I could go on and on about her forever. Arlo gosh he loves Mercy something fierce and I loved how he trusted her but the man has been taught to believe certain things and he struggles like any of us would. But Libyan faithful and willing to lay down his life for Mercy is Arlo. Like I said there is so much going on and yes the truth will come in to the light You will close this book knowing jsut hoe Ember Glen came to be and why. It’s shocking and will make you mad. But all the makers to it all are in this book I devoured it Loved it and will reread this series again and again I loved it so much So not miss this series I love dystopian stories and this is one of the best I have ever read
April 4, 2023
Some series makes us more desperate for their happy ending than others, and this one might have been on the top of that list for me.
Ember Glen is a dystopic village ruled by men, in which sex and pleasure are absolutely forbidden and women are split between domestics and servants, forced to fulfill all men's needs. Mercy Madness is one of these servants, so every full moon, she and her sisters join in the woods to allow every man in the village to spend their sexual and violent "impulses" on them as they see fit, all in name of a god.
Until the day she almost dies at the hands of a psychopath and comits the ultimate sin: fleeing service. During her trial, she's guarded by the Warden Arlo Rainn, and they slowly fall in love with each other. This feeling grows at each book and each trial.
Here, Arlo finally let everyone knows he loves Mercy, and together they sparkle the revolution amongst women and get to know the truth behind Ember Glen.
Mercy Magness is a total goddess. That's it, there's no other word for her. And Arlo... well, I finished book 1 wishing his death, seriously doubting he would make change my mind about him. But he f* did, because he actively redeemed himself.
This trilogy is an ode to the strenght of women and female union.
But more than that, Brynn Ford was BRILLIANT. She jumped with her both feet on the chest of the burgeois who is behind every right denied to women in real life. Yes, this is fiction, but as you read it, you see there's nothing stoping everything from happenning.
This book is brutal, so so sad (even if the main characters have their hea) and it made me furious - but it is f* brilliant.
Brynn Ford, my house serve you, lol.
Ember Glen is a dystopic village ruled by men, in which sex and pleasure are absolutely forbidden and women are split between domestics and servants, forced to fulfill all men's needs. Mercy Madness is one of these servants, so every full moon, she and her sisters join in the woods to allow every man in the village to spend their sexual and violent "impulses" on them as they see fit, all in name of a god.
Until the day she almost dies at the hands of a psychopath and comits the ultimate sin: fleeing service. During her trial, she's guarded by the Warden Arlo Rainn, and they slowly fall in love with each other. This feeling grows at each book and each trial.
Here, Arlo finally let everyone knows he loves Mercy, and together they sparkle the revolution amongst women and get to know the truth behind Ember Glen.
Mercy Magness is a total goddess. That's it, there's no other word for her. And Arlo... well, I finished book 1 wishing his death, seriously doubting he would make change my mind about him. But he f* did, because he actively redeemed himself.
This trilogy is an ode to the strenght of women and female union.
But more than that, Brynn Ford was BRILLIANT. She jumped with her both feet on the chest of the burgeois who is behind every right denied to women in real life. Yes, this is fiction, but as you read it, you see there's nothing stoping everything from happenning.
This book is brutal, so so sad (even if the main characters have their hea) and it made me furious - but it is f* brilliant.
Brynn Ford, my house serve you, lol.
April 2, 2023
I can't describe how harrowing the opening chapters are in Embers of Mercy, the conclusion of this epic dystopian romance series. Arlo's despair radiates off the page, and I am in tears.
“As you would die for your cause, I would die for you. I choose death over a future where you’re not with me. I choose hell over serving a God who insists upon your pain. I choose you.” He briefly glances at my lips. “I feel no regret for telling them now that I love you, Mercy.”
Mercy has taken me on a journey to a futuristic reality where women are treated as property, threatened by men and often assaulted. The brutality inflicted upon the characters is difficult to witness. Her determination, strength and resilience throughout this series are awe-inspiring
Arlo’s character development is one of the main reasons I loved this series. His dramatic transformation from a cruel, controlling Warden to a desperate repentant man willing to die for the woman he loves
Overall, this book was a hard yet fantastic read. Even though the story is about a dystopian future, there are elements of injustice, oppression and abuse reflected in the story that is eerily similar to current events that are confronting and infuriating.
The writing style flowed smoothly, the plot was well-developed and the characters all had distinct captivating personalities. Would recommend this book to anyone who likes their reads a bit on the darker side.
Be mindful of the TW for this book as it discusses and engages in topics that are not suitable for all readers.
“As you would die for your cause, I would die for you. I choose death over a future where you’re not with me. I choose hell over serving a God who insists upon your pain. I choose you.” He briefly glances at my lips. “I feel no regret for telling them now that I love you, Mercy.”
Mercy has taken me on a journey to a futuristic reality where women are treated as property, threatened by men and often assaulted. The brutality inflicted upon the characters is difficult to witness. Her determination, strength and resilience throughout this series are awe-inspiring
Arlo’s character development is one of the main reasons I loved this series. His dramatic transformation from a cruel, controlling Warden to a desperate repentant man willing to die for the woman he loves
Overall, this book was a hard yet fantastic read. Even though the story is about a dystopian future, there are elements of injustice, oppression and abuse reflected in the story that is eerily similar to current events that are confronting and infuriating.
The writing style flowed smoothly, the plot was well-developed and the characters all had distinct captivating personalities. Would recommend this book to anyone who likes their reads a bit on the darker side.
Be mindful of the TW for this book as it discusses and engages in topics that are not suitable for all readers.
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