Mercy, A Gargoyle StoryAuthor: Misty Provencher
Published by: Self-Pub
Publication Date: December 1, 2012
Format: eBook
Pages: 175
Source: Author
“My will to survive is the first thing to drown.
I know, because I hold it under myself.”After facing severe tragedy in life, Madeline assumes her death will be easy.
But the angels do not come to take her to Heaven.
Instead, what retrieves her is something she never expected: a gargoyle.Delivered to Truce, the King of the Gargoyles, Madeline now has choices she never wanted. She has the ability to take over the entire Gargoyle Kingdom, if she is willing to kill the king. However, looking to prevent takeover, Truce transforms Madeline, thereby granting her the ability to achieve the thing she wants most—death—if she can just find the human recipient for the Gargoyle Gift that she now has to give. It should be easy.
But lives, whether they are lived or not, are seldom simple, and Madeline’s past still stands in her way. Now, only a voyeur in the life of The Boy with the Golden Rod Voice, Madeline’s must reconcile her own life and death, if she ever hopes to have free reign of her soul.
I’ll be honest, this book is tough to write about. It’s nothing bad against the book, at all. In fact, it’s the opposite. Mercy is not a light, fluffy read. It’s dark, gritty, and I’m sure disturbing for some. Thankfully, I love all those things. But not only that, it’s also gut-wrenchingly beautiful. It’s definitely a book that makes you feel, and that’s why it’s hard for me to discuss.
I’m not usually a big fan of fantasy. So I was pretty hesitant when I read the blurb, saw it was a dark fantasy, and got the image of gargoyles in my head. Truthfully, I wasn’t so sure I was going to like it at all. But Mercy was not at all what I thought it was going to be. I was happy to discover that it was set in this world as more of an urban fantasy, yet really unique.
Madeline decides to do the unthinkable, but wasn’t expecting what happened next. She is turned into a gargoyle, and must find the human that is meant to receive her gift of mercy and forgiveness before she can be granted the one thing she wants. Death. At first, it seems Madeline’s despair is just over some break-up, but as the story moves forward, we find out there’s much more to it. I don’t want to get into specifics of this story, because it feels spoiler-ish whenever I try to. I think it’s something you just need to experience for yourself.
Listen, just try it! It’s a quick read, but it packs a big punch.
Don’t think I’ve seen this one and I don’t read a lot of books about gargoyls but this does sounds good. I need to branch out a little. 😀 Great review.
Jenea @ Books Live Forever
I had the same exact thoughts about this one. It is really hard to review because it is so different from other stories I have read out there and because it covers some tough issues. This was the first book by Misty that I read but I will definitely be reading her Cornerstone series now.
*slams forehead on desk* I need to read this author..i have several in my tbr pile. I will add one in for this month (hopefully) great review!
Absolutely what she said! I like fantasy but this was something else even – just dark and haunting. It says a lot about the book that it was hard to say anything other than the book had to be experienced! I agree – there are places where I was thinking I didn’t know if I liked things but the book as an experience – amazing.
Perfect review. 🙂 I definitely have to finish buying those Keystone books that are out and get to them!
I just read this and…Christy. Thank you so much. Mercy was an incredibly hard book to write and putting it out in the world was that much harder – it always felt like a skeleton popping out of my writing chest. I strive to create books that are uplifting and although I think Mercy is, it is delivered in such a dark little box, that I worried people might never open it up and find the light. Thank you so much for the review, it’s absolutely lovely and I’ll be reading it to my mom this afternoon. Thank you again!
Whoa that is a creepy cover. I love the idea of a character turned into a gargoyle — I’ll have to check this one out!
I ought to kick your ass for being so vague. Admit it, any book that says it is dark you want to read because it appeals to your inner self. HA HA! Let’s see I am disappointed that Misty cancelled her tour because I didn’t get this read. I am trying to get Misty to do something for my blog for this one in October when Something Wicked Returns….now for a cliffhanger comment. You know what I really liked about your review……..
Exactly. The darkness within. Just read it. October is too far away.
You refusing to say much about it has me very curious! And different and original is always good for me. Hmm… Maybe I’ll just give in a get myself a copy? 😉
I love the sound of this one, and that cover is aaaahhhhmazing! I cannot wait to read Misty’s books. I’ve heard the most wonderful things, and I have no doubt I’m going to love her! Great review!
I agree this one is hard to review. But I think you actually covered it pretty well! It really is a stunning book.
I am big on gritty and making me feel as well, so this sounds like one I should check out.
Looks like a really different read. I’ll have to check it out!
Awesome review, girlie! You said it much better than I did!!!
And I loved Misty’s comments, too! This is one of those stories that I could imagine a college class or a book club reading together and discussing at length. There is sooo much to it, so many little bits and pieces to the story!
I won a copy of this and still need to read it. I loved Hale Maree and can’t wait to try more from this author. I haven’t read anything about gargoyles before and this sounds interesting. A bit dark and depressing but I do like gritty and disturbing at times! LOL