From author Roanne Lau, The Serpent Called Mercy has high-stakes and monster-slaying thrills, following two people who must fight for survival. Think The Hunger Games with a heavy lean towards the historical trappings of Gladiator mixed with a lighter fantasy twist, akin to something like Monster Hunter. Throw in impressive battle scenes taking place in a colosseum-like theatre of death against strange and terrifying creatures, and you have an action-packed and exciting novel in your hands.
The story follows Lythlet and her lifelong friend Desil, two debt-ridden individuals who enter the bloodsport of ‘conquessing’ to fight monstrous beasts in a gladiator-style arena to earn enough coin to raise themselves out of debt and away from the slums they call home. The fights, where participants battle magical creatures for money and glory, form much of the narrative structure and it’s within these matches that The Serpent Called Mercy truly shines. Each monster battle unwraps like a complex puzzle, with Lythlet using her intelligence and resourcefulness to overcome her foes rather than relying solely on the impressive brute strength of the apparently dimwitted Desil.
Lythlet’s character is another highlight of the novel. Clever, yet plain-looking and forever in a desperate situation, she paints a picture of Jane Eyre with swords. Confident yet riddled with self-doubt, her character develops intelligently throughout the story, starting as a woman fighting for survival to one grappling with the moral costs of ambition. Lythlet’s intellectual approach to combat juxtaposes nicely with Desil’s physical strength and brawler experience, creating a dangerous duo whose deep friendship is at the core of the book. Strictly platonic, the lack of romance in their relationship is oddly refreshing, enabling Lau to better explore the nature of loyalty, the consequences of choices and navigating diverging paths.
The worldbuilding seems relatively lightweight when compared with the delightfully detailed and identifiable characters. While clearly operating in a fantasy world, its deeper identity often feels frustratingly intangible. Mythical beasts and magical systems are present but somewhat unexplored. Fortunately, there is a well-constructed political subplot that drives the corruption of Lythlet and it works well to add more clarity and colour to the way the world works.
The Serpent Called Mercy arrives as an incredibly strong debut for Roanne Lau. An action-led fantasy that smartly veers from the well-worn narrative paths of others in the genre, delivering a unique character-driven story that neatly sidesteps romantasy tropes in favour of something deeper and more impassioned.
The Serpent Called Mercy is OUT NOW from Solaris
