There’s a lot to admire about the world-building this book offers, but unfortunately, it feels like the editor needed to put in more work. The beginning was rough. It overwhelms the reader with background information. Yes, many epic fantasy stories do this, but in this case, it’s simply too much. Even as someone who normally devours dense and complex books — and I say this without trying to brag — I found it hard to stay engaged.

The dialogue is another weak point. It often feels unnatural. Not always, but often enough that it becomes distracting. I understand that Malazan was a major inspiration for the author, and that’s a bold choice. I respect that, and it’s clear the author poured their heart into this.

That said, it just didn’t work for me. However, if you're someone who values a richly imagined and immersive world, this book might still be worth your time. Just be prepared, because the story itself can feel like a chore to get through.

Mercy: Tears of the Fallen is a story of deep emotional conflict, wrestling with themes of guilt, redemption, and the murky waters of morality. The protagonist’s journey is one of introspection, and Dillon’s writing captures the rawness of human vulnerability in a way that feels both honest and compelling. It’s a book that asks tough questions about forgiveness, self-reckoning, and the emotional weight of our past decisions.

The world-building, though understated, is effective in creating a haunting atmosphere that underscores the protagonist's internal turmoil. The setting, while not overtly flashy, quietly enhances the somber mood of the story, grounding the narrative in a way that makes the emotional stakes feel even higher. Dillon’s ability to balance character development with plot progression works well, ensuring the pacing doesn’t sacrifice character depth for action.

That said, there are moments where the pacing does lag, particularly in some of the more drawn-out emotional scenes. However, these slower moments allow the story to breathe, and the reflective, often melancholic tone they bring works to the novel’s advantage. It’s a deliberate pace, one that asks the reader to sit with the characters and their struggles.

The ending provides closure but also leaves the door open, offering a sense of mystery that sets the stage for the next book in the series. While some might find the ambiguity frustrating, others will appreciate the space it leaves for contemplation, giving the story a lingering emotional resonance.

Overall, Mercy: Tears of the Fallen is a strong, emotionally-charged entry into a series that promises more to come. It’s a compelling read for those who enjoy dark, introspective stories with a touch of mystery and room for character growth.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

After reading about 20% of the book, I can see that it has a lot of potential. The world-building is rich and immersive, and the emotional depth in the writing is clear. The concept intrigued me, and there's a lot to appreciate in the author's creativity and the detailed universe they've crafted.

However, I found myself struggling to fully connect with the plot. The pacing felt slower than I expected, and while I can see the story's potential, I didn't feel deeply hooked early on. Because of that, I didn’t end up continuing beyond the first part.

While it wasn't the right fit for me personally, I believe this book will appeal to readers who enjoy slower, more intricate narratives. To be honest, I’m still curious to see where the series goes and what others think as the story unfolds.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book early.

Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot. It was difficult for me to get into at first because I didn't vibe with the prose so I had to start it more than once but once I did get into it, it was good. It's your typical fantasy where you don't know who anyone is or what's going on in the world at the beginning so it takes some time to get your bearings but world building is very interesting and unique. If you enjoy fantasy, you will probably enjoy this.

Mercy: Tears of the Fallen is a fantastic debut that delivers everything I love in fantasy—rich worldbuilding, layered characters, and a story that balances emotional depth with high-stakes action. Chance Dillon crafts a world that feels ancient and alive, with a mythos as compelling as the heroes who carry it.

Can’t wait to see what Dillon writes next

Mercy: Tears of the fallen is a very well written story by Chance Dillon. Its style falls in the vein of the gritty and epic style if the great Joe Abercrombie.

With excellent character development, and a twisting storyline, that progresses quickly in a vividly imagined world, it's a great start to a series I'd definitely read more.

The mystery behind who could he the chosen, and an artifact to change the world has been written, but not in this way. A fresh perspective & memorable characters gives this book a great start.

Recommend!

This started out really strong. The middle kinda dragged a little and the ending was great. I think the author tried to hard with his pros. If he just pulled back a little it would have been a top contender

Such vivid world building has gone into this book! I can appreciate the imagination that it must have taken to come up with all of this.

I do love a fantasy book but unfortunately for me it was a little hard to get to grips with however, a lot of the words I didn’t understand so it was hard for me to get fully invested in the story.

I can absolutely guarantee people will love this book though, it just wasn’t scratching the right parts of my brain.
DNF around 57%

Extremely promising potential, but sadly there was too much going on. I am definitely an outlier reviewer here, so read others to see if this may be for you!
Dnf at 60%.

It took me until 40% until I felt I had some grasp on the plot and the characters. The magic system, politics, and numerous characters thrown at me was overwhelming and I say this as someone who loves high, epic fantasy with politics and complex characters.

<b>The rebellion failed, and the Reckoning came. The other Orders frowned on augmenting the body with the Sacred Runestones. Yet that was what the Bloünine did in order to grow stronger; to face the monsters they were sent to kill in Epochs past. Now they were rewarded with imprisonment, the other eight hunted like dogs, the same as Harglon.</b>

I think with some refinement, the author could create a great fantasy, however I think he tried to do to much all at once at the start.

Perhaps it is because I am coming off The Crimson Court which pulled it off better, but felt similar in certain aspects.

Arc gifted by author.

Mercy: Tears of the Fallen, an interesting premise. I liked the premise of this book, but found the weird grammar to be jarring and pulled me out of the story. I do think others will enjoy it, simply wasnt for me.

Mercy: Tears of the Fallen is a unique and creative story that differs from the typical fantasy setting. There are different and complex elements the author brings in, elevating the story. I appreciated the balance between the intense action scenes and quieter, reflective moments. The pacing during action-heavy sequences felt strong and kept me engaged. Additionally, some of the emotional moments, particularly flashbacks involving loss and sacrifice, were genuinely powerful and resonated well.

Where this book fell flat for me was the awkward and confusing sentence structuring as well as the choice of certain words throughout the book. Some of these word choices sometimes seemed to try too hard and was not necessary at all. Also, the dialogue did not feel natural at all, and was extremely awkward, even in a fantasy setting.

Mercy: Tears of the Fallen

The good:

Emotionally charged store with an interesting narrative that keeps the reader turning pages. The world building is immersive and doesn't take the reader out of the story.
This book has the emotional depth Marianas Trench. Chance Dillion has a way of writing that can make you feel any way.

The bad:

There isn't more of the book!

Mercy: Tears of the Fallen by Chance Dillon is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that blends intense action, deep character development, and a richly crafted fantasy world. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars, this book delivers a compelling narrative that keeps readers invested from start to finish, with only minor flaws holding it back from perfection. Dillon excels at weaving a tale of resilience and redemption. Their journey marked by heart-wrenching decisions and fierce determination. The pacing is brisk, balancing high-stakes battles with quieter, introspective moments that flesh out the characters’ motivations. The world-building is immersive, with vivid descriptions of landscapes and cultures that feel both fantastical and grounded.What sets this book apart is its emotional depth. Dillon doesn’t shy away from exploring themes of loss, sacrifice, and the cost of vengeance, making their struggles resonate on a personal level. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, each bringing unique perspectives that enrich the narrative. The dialogue is sharp and natural, adding authenticity to the relationships and conflicts.My only critique, which keeps it from a full 5 stars, is that certain plot threads feel slightly rushed toward the end, leaving a few questions unanswered. Additionally, some secondary characters could have benefited from more page time to fully realize their arcs. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar read.Overall, Mercy: Tears of the Fallen is a must-read for fantasy fans who enjoy character-driven stories with high emotional stakes. Chance Dillon has crafted a memorable debut that leaves you eager for more. Highly recommended for its blend of action, heart, and world-building.

4.75/5 stars! Wow! What an epic fantasy story by debut author Chance Dillon. I was blown away at how well developed the world was. It reminded me of Robert Jordan's descriptions and really drew me into the story. The pacing worked well and gained traction across the story. By the end, my heart was pounding and I was fully immersed in the set up for book 2. Anxiously awaiting book 2.

I genuinely loved this book more than I can say. The worldbuilding is incredibly rich. It's complex, immersive, and clearly built with care. From the lore to the political dynamics to the character motivations, everything felt intentional and well-crafted.

Yes, some parts of the story move slowly, but I expected that, considering this book is an epic fantasy. The pacing made sense in the context of the plot. The cliffhanger at the end, though? Absolutely cruel in the best way.

The romances in the story didn’t always land for me, but they’re subtle enough that it didn't truly bother me. Another thing that really stood out was how strong and complex the female characters were. None of them felt sidelined or weak. They carried their own power, and I enjoyed reading that.

Overall, this was an impressive book. The world, the lore, the characters—I was hooked throughout it. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next installment.

I give this 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 for the impressive worldbuilding.

Was a fantastic book that i thoroughly recommend and will be buying as I need a trophy version lol. I enjoying the different dynamics at play between the main characters especially towards the end.