I enjoyed this! The cover really drew me in, and I don't regret the read at all! I think it was fun and kept me entertained!

What a ride. It's hard to say what I loved about this book without going into to much detail because I want to let everyone experience it on their own without any hints as to what is going on, other than - You are going to love this book!! At least, if you're a fan of well written fantasy with a side of smut. The world building here was phenomenal, the system this author created was unique, and I absolutely loved the characters she created.

This wasn't bad, and there were some things about it that were interesting, but holistically as a story it could've been so much stronger. The pacing is quite slow, which I don't mind as a rule, but it takes so long for things of substance to happen in this book. It's also hard to really get a handle on the magic system/worldbuilding. As a concept it's very ethereal/feels not very tactile or tangible, and this paired with the already very descriptive writing made it hard to feel like I was engaged.

I want to start off by saying I think it is beyond clear that Gratton has a profound penchant for building fleshed out, complex worlds with unique identity to them. This book is filled to the brim with it's own magic system, religions, and cultures. The characters are lovable, tangible and messy, which I think is what kept me grounded and wanting to pursue the rest of this story. I think the way Gratton implements queerness and more particularly transness in this work is very well constructed-- it asks very real questions that circle back into the character's motivations and ethics in a way I have yet to see another fantasy novel tackle.
Unfortunately, I did struggle with this book. I think it ultimately wasn't for me for the sheer volume of information to keep track of straight from the jump. I'm no stranger to epic or high fantasy, but for me this crossed a threshold at multiple points and had me asking okay, but is this really the question we need to answer right now? It led to me having a hard time actually visualizing scenes or investing in the current moment, and I found myself re-reading quite a lot to attempt to stay on track. I think it overall just affected the pacing a bit too much, but that will change from reader to reader.
I don't think this book is poorly constructed by ANY means, and I do think it is extraordinarily capable of success. I do think it would benefit readers to have some added materials(the maps, a glossary for terms/places/people/titles) or just revisiting some of the early-on info dumps that bogged down the plot just a wee bit.

Tessa Gratton’s The Mercy Makers is a spellbinding start to what promises to be an epic fantasy series. From the very first page, I was utterly captivated by this tale of forbidden magic, forbidden love, and the courage it takes to challenge an empire. Gratton’s lush, evocative prose and richly imagined world drew me in, and I couldn’t put it down.

What I loved most about this book is its characters. Iriset is a heroine unlike any other—brilliant, determined, and deeply human in her flaws and desires. The emperor and his sister are equally compelling, their complexities and vulnerabilities making them far more than mere antagonists. Every character feels real, their motivations and emotions layered and nuanced. The relationships between them are electric, filled with tension, tenderness, and unexpected twists that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Gratton’s world-building is nothing short of masterful. The empire feels alive, its opulence and corruption vividly rendered. The magic system is both imaginative and deeply tied to the story’s themes of identity, transformation, and the cost of power. And the romance—oh, the romance! It’s slow-burn, achingly beautiful, and fraught with the kind of emotional stakes that make your heart ache.

some books are good, and some books HIT. this book is the kind that pulls you in and refuses to let go. the world is rich, the magic is clever, and the plot never stops surprising you.

but more than that, this book feels different—like stepping into something bigger than a story.

the author tackles big ideas without telling you what to think and allows the characters (and their choices both good and bad) speak for themselves. the pacing is perfect, the dialogue snaps, and every moment matters.

it’s smart, emotional, and completely addicting. literally go read it.

The world building is vast in this one, a little confusing at times but feels like worlds within worlds with all the added stories/mythologies. There's also an identity reveal which I always go feral for. This author always has good queer rep in their books!

I find that the more I like a book, the harder it is to talk about, because what makes it so good is really intangible. When it comes to the technical aspects, it’s firing on all cylinders. The worldbuilding is phenomenal; the magic system is complex without being confusing; the plot is intricate and compelling. What makes it so special, though, is between the lines. The author allows the story to breathe and invites the reader into it. The themes—imperialism, dogmatism, morality—are presented to us, and questions are asked, but we’re encouraged to think for ourselves and find those answers on our own. And more than being an interesting and challenging read, it’s just so damn fun! TLDR: 10/10 no notes.

A good lyrical read that felt slow-paced. The plot could have been more but fell a little flat. However, the prose is very beautiful and well-written.

The writing style in this book was not for me. I do think it’s a me issue and not an author issue, but the words felt clunky to my brain. I do not believe in bad reviews based on preferences, therefore I’m providing 3.5 star rating.

I was introduced to Tessa Gratton with The Queens of Innis Lear and she has never failed me since. I will return to add on to this review more, but overall, I definitely recommend and will be purchasing upon release.

☆ Fun Factor 4/5
☆ Writing Style 5/5
☆ Characters 5/5
☆ Plot 4/5
☆ Setting 4/5
☆ Feels 4/5 (Some really sweet moments)
☆ Spiciness 4/5
☆ Gore 2/5

If this were a movie it'd be rated:PG-13 for sexual situations, terror, some disturbing imagery

☆FOR FANS OF: Well written prose, lush details

Ultimate verdict: ☆☆☆☆/5

☆☆☆Best Character Award goes to:☆☆☆I'm rather fond of Lyric

Review: Beautifully told

Full of some really exciting twists and turns and a romance that I actually enjoyed for a change, Mercy Makers is quick paced and complex all at once. The architecture and the magic were very interesting, almost characters in their own right. Religious themes are prevalent from the very first page and run throughout. It's a promising start to a new series I'll be keeping my eye on.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher Orbit for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review!