Genre: YA FantasySeries: Mercy #1
Publication Date: 17th May 2011 (1st published Oct 19th 2010)
Pages: 288
Book Source: Disney-Hyperion & NetGalley
Synopsis: Mercy in an exile from heaven with shattered memories of who she used to be. She's doomed to "wake" repeatedly on earth in a new body, each time assuming a new life. During the day she survives in the human world on instinct and at night her dreams are haunted by her lost love, who pleads with her to find him.
But this time is different. When Mercy wakes up she meets Ryan, an eighteen-year-old reeling from the loss of his twin sister, Lauren, who was kidnapped two years ago. Only Mercy and Ryan believe his sister is still alive. For the first time since she can remember, Mercy has a purpose: she can help. So she doesn't understand why the man in her dreams cautions her not to interfere. But as Ryan and Mercy come closer to solving the mystery of Lauren's disappearance, danger looms just one step behind.
Will Mercy be able to harness her extraordinary power in time?
Review:
Loved it! Why have I not read this Aussie author before?? Lim's writing is gorgeous; dark, despairing and very very 'moreish'.
Mercy is a page-turning blend of mystery, suspense, paranormal, and a whisper of romance. The reader shares Mercy's journey as she searches for answers to her past life, present host life and her imminent future. While you know from the cover art and synopsis that Mercy is an exiled angel, it's not specifically mentioned in the novel but I loved that, the feeling of uncertainty, of instability.
I found myself connecting the dots as I read, much like Mercy as she tries to piece her splintered memories into some semblance of a picture. I loved that Mercy is a strong, smart-mouthed, kick-ass character inhabiting Carmen, a mousey choir exchange student with an extraordinary voice. Carmen's host family is a family in pain, struggling to deal with the kidnapping of their daughter and twin sister Lauren two years earlier.
The ending really pleased me; mystery solved but many unanswered questions regarding Mercy's fate ... not really a cliffhanger but enough to have you hanging out for the next installment, Exile. And I was lucky enough to pick up a copy today; can't wait to see where Lim takes this series.
Which is your favourite cover?
new US cover & Aussie cover
Old US & kindle cover & German cover
So glad to see another review-I loved this book. However I think the Aussie cover is way better than the US one. Can't wait to get to Exile!
ReplyDeleteOooh I am excited now. I have this one for review. I shall shift it up the pile.
ReplyDeletegorgeous review! you have made me get all excited. also, the 2nd one is out now! that is the bonus of waiting a little longer to read the first one ;)
ReplyDeletei think the Aussie cover is the best :D
have an awesome weekend !
Oh I'm sold! Something different with mystery, suspense, and romance? Thanks for the recommendation and fab review my friend :)
ReplyDeleteFor some reason I really like the Aussie cover, it really stands out.
ReplyDeleteThe kindle ones are kind of meh
I'm regretting not requesting this title on Netgalley now. Great review :)
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to chose the cover, I love them all except for the German one really.
Cover wise I like the first two.
ReplyDeleteI have this on Mt TBR and so far have only heard good reviews about it. I cant wait to pick it up now to read!
I like the top right one and this book sounds pretty great!!
ReplyDeleteWhat stunning covers! Sounds like a great read, will have to put this one on the list.
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