Crueler Mercies
by Maren Chase
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Pub Date Jun 03 2025 | Archive Date Not set
Bindery Books | Fantasy & Frens
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Description
“Vita’s rage overflowed until she was prepared to drown in it, and she knew that she would never again dam this anger to please another.”
After nine years as the people’s beloved princess in the sun-soaked Kingdom of Carca, Vita witnesses the execution of her mother by her father’s hand. Forced into exile, Vita fades into obscurity with her only friends―the crows that visit her window.
Eleven years later, Vita is given a choice: marry an enemy general, granting him legitimacy to take the throne, or die as the forgotten princess. With time running out, Vita meets Soline, an intriguing lady-in-waiting who introduces her to the powerful-but-unstable magic of alchemy.
If Vita and Soline can learn to control it―and the undeniable spark between them―they could burn the world of men to the ground.
Advance Praise
“A lush tribute to female rage, both visceral and epic, with a tender, poignant sapphic romance at its core. This book smolders—in every sense of the word.” —Ava Reid, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Study in Drowning
"Crueler Mercies immerses readers in the depths of female strength, love and rage. I loved going on Vita's journey, and I know countless other readers will feel the same." –Ryan Graudin, author of The Enchanted Lies of Céleste Artois
"A fiery tale of vengeance, magic, and love that will keep readers spellbound. Vita’s journey from forgotten princess to a force of reckoning is absolutely thrilling. There's nothing I love more than a cunning and vengeful sapphic main character stepping into her power, and Maren Chase delivers. This novel weaves a mesmerizing tale of alchemy, slow-burn sapphic romance, and a heroine’s fight for justice. I can’t wait to see all of the Vita and Soline fan art that is sure to come from this story. –A. K. Mulford, bestselling author of The Five Crowns of Okrith Series
“A slow-burning alchemy of forbidden sapphic romance and heart-rending vengeance that pits charm, cleverness, and compassion against man’s brutality. Haunting and sharp-edged.” –Susan J. Morris, author of Strange Beasts
Marketing Plan
Social campaign with over 5M direct reach plus paid promotions
National print, broadcast, and online media campaign including radio and podcast interviews
Extensive review copy mailings to booksellers, media, and influencers
Netgalley and Goodreads promotions
NYC launch event with broad influencer and media attendance
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781964721033 |
| PRICE | $18.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 424 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Catarina S, Reviewer
Crueler Mercies by Maren Chase is such a good story. I loved the book and it's characters. I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic and the story is immaculate.
Leanne C, Reviewer
3.5 stars
This was super fun and I loooove how (rightfully) vengeful Vita was, she was a fantastic protagonist. The politics in this was fascinating and I enjoyed seeing the different dynamics play out. However, I think the pacing in the last quarter was off; it felt like all the build up let to a climax that didn't quite deliver. But overall, this was a good story that I would recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC.
Kelly S, Educator
A splendid little story I had an amazing time reading. The characters were fleshed out and had a tenderness to them, the writing had a sort of melancholia, and the pace was just right. 4 stars.
Taylor T, Bookseller
Nothing would have stopped me from reading this when the inspiration for it was said to be female rage, revenge, Judith Slaying Holofernes. It did deliver on the rage and revenge. It delivered on a very touching, realistic sapphic bond that felt sincere, natural, and soft. This is a strong point in the writing for sure.
The book is technically fantasy, but it is very very light. It doesn’t really make a big appearance in general, and really not even until the end. The build of this book is fast then slow then fast. The first 50 pages and the last 50 pages were the best. I loved the closure of the book and I wish we’d been able to see more of what Vita is capable of throughout the whole book.
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