Member Reviews
A Lover's Mercy is a sequel for The Power of Mercy, and it takes the story up where the last book left, but changes the point of view. While I didn't enjoy the first book, I liked the second one better. The narrative is more fluid in this book. There are a lot of action scenes in this one and Zedde does a great job writing them. However, I wasn't able to connect with the characters. Some dialogues didn't truly convince me of what was happening in the scene, and there are a few plot holes. A Lover's Mercy was better than The Power of Mercy, but still not enough for me to want to read it again.
Great love story and story about found family. Loved they dynamic between the main characters. Would love to read more in the future by this author.
3.5/5 stars
This was a good story!
It wasn’t necessarily my cup of tea though.
But I would reccomend if your into superheroes and villians, this book is for you!
Once again, the sapphic superheroes saved the day!
I am just so in love with this series. This novella continues the story of Zedde’s Power of Mercy and I was happy to return to the world and these characters. A prominent theme is the struggle of balancing the mc’s sense of duty as a meta and the new relationship. I loved how they tackled these hurdles together.
Like every book in this series, I read this cover to cover and I don’t regret a thing.
Disclaimer: The ARC was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The ARC category in no way impacts the rating of the book.
I absolutely loved this book! Right from the start a little bit of spice between Mai and Xóchitl sets the tone- I love that for them. I love that for US.
Most importantly family is a major recurring theme in this book. A lot is revealed. I loved how things were wrapped up/addressed.
The protectiveness Xochitl feels is incredible especially during the scenes she has to interact with Mai's family.
I highly recommend this book.
I received this as a digital ARC from NetGalley. There's over 100 blank pages at the end. It doesn't affect the story or anything, it's just weird. There's also a few typos, but maybe those will be fixed in a reprint or aren't reflected in any physical copies.
On one hand, I liked this book more than the first. It had a bit more emotion behind the characters and was a little longer so was able to expand on some things. Maybe I also just like the narrative style better. However, it lacked the fun sex scenes that the first book had. This one was a lot more fighting. I'm still not a huge fan, but I have read both now and they're easy reads.
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
a sequel that starts where the other book finished off
mai and Xóchitl are a couple though their families and work colleagues dont know...for both of them its best nobody knows they are involved
mai still risks all to save humans and Xóchitl is an enforcer but mai family are about to betray her again
it was an interesting storyline that i really got into this time... superhumans and heroes to the rescue
Juicy romance and edge of your seat drama (4.5 stars)
A Lover's Mercy is the intense sequel to The Power of Mercy and part of the publisher's Superheroine collection of books. There are reminders and recaps of some events from The Power of Mercy here, but it's best to read both books in sequence (and close in succession) in order to have all the details fresh in mind but also to relish in the relationship dynamics for that much longer. Each book could be read as a standalone but reading both extends the sensual pleasure, the sass and the intense action and drama for that much longer.
Mai and Xóchitl are in the honeymoon phase of their relationship, Xóchitl is a woman in love and lust so there is plenty of hot sex and sensuality to offset the heavy drama that stems mostly from Mai's relationship with her family, who are conniving and duplicitous to say the least. The tension in the story ratchets up same as in the first book and the plot is frequently dark; it makes for juicy, edge of your seat reading. I credit Fiona Zedde's skill as a writer to be able to pen a story where the reader cannot anticipate what will happen next the majority of the time while being eager to know even if the answer is dark or unnerving. The characters are complicated, multifaceted and unapologetically themselves even when it pleases no one around them to be this way. The conflict between loyalty to family versus a lover is very well done here and pervades a large portion of the book; based on events in The Power of Mercy, Xóchitl is concerned for Mai every time Mai interacts with her family, and rightly so.
There is violence, peril and danger in the storyline so if that's not your thing or if you're more into fluffy beach reading you may want to choose another book to read. The ending surprised me and left me feeling that a third installment in the story may be possible; I hope there is more to come with these characters in the future.
"A Lover's Mercy" is a gripping and electrifying lesbian superhero novel that combines action-packed sequences with a heartfelt exploration of love and vulnerability. While it's a sequel to "The Power of Mercy," it stands strongly on its own, offering readers a thrilling and emotionally charged story.
The story follows Mai Redstone, who assumes the superhero persona of Mercy in Atlanta. She's dedicated to saving people from various threats, but behind her powerful exterior lies a vulnerability known to only a few. In contrast, Xóchitl is a tough and unyielding member of a law-enforcement team in the secret Meta community. Her love for Mai is the softest part of her, even though violence is second nature to her.
As the plot unfolds and Mai faces danger from her own family, Xóchitl's protective instincts kick in. However, for the first time, Xóchitl finds herself vulnerable and unsure, unable to distinguish allies from enemies. This role reversal challenges her identity as the strong one, forcing her to confront her own fears and uncertainties.
The novel brilliantly navigates the complexities of their relationship, portraying a powerful and passionate love story. The characters' depth and development are remarkable, making their emotions and struggles relatable and genuine.
The action sequences are thrilling and well-executed, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The balance between superhero action and emotional exploration is skillfully maintained throughout the story.
What sets "A Lover's Mercy" apart is its exploration of vulnerability and surrender within a superhero narrative. It delves into themes of love, identity, and the acceptance of one's own weaknesses. The emotional depth and complexity of the characters add layers of authenticity to the narrative.
In conclusion, "A Lover's Mercy" is a must-read for fans of LGBTQ+ superhero fiction. It offers a compelling blend of action, romance, and personal growth, leaving readers both exhilarated and deeply moved by its powerful conclusion