![\"The](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/diaryofdifference.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Book-Review-Banner31.jpg?ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nAbout The Book:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/diaryofdifference.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/209457756.jpg?resize=331%2C500&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nPages:<\/strong>\u00a0432<\/p>\nGenre:<\/strong>\u00a0Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Asian Literature<\/p>\nPublisher:<\/strong>\u00a0Rebellion \/ Solaris<\/a><\/p>\nFormat I read it in:<\/strong>\u00a0Uncorrected Proof \/ Netgalley<\/p>\nRating:<\/strong>\u00a0\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLythlet and her only friend Desil are shackled to a life of debt and poverty that she fears they will never escape. Desperate for money, they sign up as arena combatants who fight sun-cursed beasts in the seedy underworld of the city.<\/p>\n
Match-master Dothilos is initially enamored of Desil\u2019s brawling reputation, but after seeing Lythlet lead the pair to triumph with her quick cunning, he takes her under his wing, scorning Desil. Ambition takes root in Lythlet\u2019s heart as a life of fame and wealth unfolds in her imagination.<\/p>\n
But Lythlet isn\u2019t the only one out for coin and glory, and she soon finds herself playing an entirely different game\u2014a game of politics and deception. As the cost of her ambition grows, she will have to decide if sacrificing her honor, and only friendship, is worth the chance to shape her own fortune.<\/p>\n
A whirlwind of blood-pounding battles as characters grapple with their choices in the face of wealth and financial security, The Serpent Called Mercy\u2019s heart is the underlying, steadfast friendship between its protagonists.<\/p>\n
My Thoughts:<\/h4>\n
\u201cThe Serpent Called Mercy\u201d was a mesmerising read, particularly because it introduced me to a culture I wasn\u2019t familiar with before. But equally, it failed to entertain and intrigue me, leaving me a bit disappointed and stuck in the in-between. There were a lot of aspects I really enjoyed, but it saddens me that I know I will not remember the contents of this book in years to come.<\/p>\n
Lythlet is a very interesting character. Strong and brave, but unable to prosper and move forward due to a huge debt she owes. When an opportunity arises for her and her best friend, Desil, who\u2019s a brawler, to fight for money, they go for it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I envisioned the arena fights as something from \u201cThe Gladiator\u201d and \u201cHunger Games\u201d, even \u201cHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fire\u201d, unlike the comparison the publisher did with \u201cThe Witcher\u201d and \u201cSquid Games\u201d. \u201cThe Witcher\u201d comparison, I can kind of understand, because they are fighting mythical monsters . But it has nothing to do with \u201cSquid Games\u201d, apart the fact that if you lose in the arena, you die. But as we are talking about fighting in arenas with mythical montsters from Malaysian-Chinese mythology, that should be considered as common sense. Each battle is a new challenge that Lythlet and Desil have to tackle and I quite enjoyed the first few battles. After a while, they start to become a bit repetitive.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Aside from the arena action, there was a lot going on outside of the arena as well.<\/h4>\n
Lythlet\u2019s parents are struggling with their own debts, her father has a new promising job, and the complicated relationship Lythlet starts to develop with Master Dothilos \u2013 the arena matchmaker. The action was there, but something about the story just didn\u2019t grip me. It felt almost seen before, and the ending was quite predictable, and for me, without any big reveals or wow moments. The only wow moment that I can recall was Desil\u2019s secret. And after this reveal, Lythlet\u2019s reaction was even more disappointing. Maybe it was needed for her character development, but it was very rushed and didn\u2019t make sense to me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Serpent Called Mercy\u201d is a wonderful story about facing adversity and refusing to become what society expects of you. There are amazing messages of bravery, strength, standing up for yourself and others and being kind and merciful. It was simply not a story that clicked with me, and although I found it forgettable, I would still recommend it to the fantasy fans out there.<\/p>\n
Favourite Quotes:<\/h4>\n
\u201cHope in times of happiness isn\u2019t hope \u2013 it\u2019s expectation. It\u2019s only when things are at their bleakest that you find hope unadulterated.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe best stories are those rooted in truth, embellished only for entertainment\u2019s sake.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat a blessing it is that there remain children more scared of ghosts than of the world around them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMaster Dothilos. You know me better than to think I\u2019ll believe that. Men frequently make threats they wildly intend, only claiming they never meant a word of it when it rebounds on them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI refuse to live and die on your terms as your cur. I will not choose apathy over justice, wealth over duty, wrath over mercy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I want to run fast, I ought to run alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
About the Author:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/diaryofdifference.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image04.jpg?resize=663%2C995&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nRoanne Lau is a speculative fiction author whose works are informed by her Chinese heritage and her experiences living in Malaysia, Australia, Taiwan, and Japan. She was selected for the Pitch Wars mentorship program in 2021. Her debut novel The Serpent Called Mercy<\/em> sold at auction in North America, the United Kingdom, and the Commonwealth\u2014but the accomplishment she remains proudest of is being a finalist in a Lord of the Rings<\/em> trivia competition when she was nine.<\/p>\nAuthor Website<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nSocial Media:
| Wishlist<\/a> |\u00a0Ko-fi<\/a> | Facebook<\/a> |\u00a0Twitter<\/a> |\u00a0Goodreads<\/a> |\u00a0Instagram<\/a> |\u00a0Pinterest<\/a>\u00a0|<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t<\/p>\n
\nLike this:<\/h3>\n
Like<\/span><\/span> Loading…<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nPages:<\/strong>\u00a0432<\/p>\n Genre:<\/strong>\u00a0Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Asian Literature<\/p>\n Publisher:<\/strong>\u00a0Rebellion \/ Solaris<\/a><\/p>\n Format I read it in:<\/strong>\u00a0Uncorrected Proof \/ Netgalley<\/p>\n Rating:<\/strong>\u00a0\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Lythlet and her only friend Desil are shackled to a life of debt and poverty that she fears they will never escape. Desperate for money, they sign up as arena combatants who fight sun-cursed beasts in the seedy underworld of the city.<\/p>\n Match-master Dothilos is initially enamored of Desil\u2019s brawling reputation, but after seeing Lythlet lead the pair to triumph with her quick cunning, he takes her under his wing, scorning Desil. Ambition takes root in Lythlet\u2019s heart as a life of fame and wealth unfolds in her imagination.<\/p>\n But Lythlet isn\u2019t the only one out for coin and glory, and she soon finds herself playing an entirely different game\u2014a game of politics and deception. As the cost of her ambition grows, she will have to decide if sacrificing her honor, and only friendship, is worth the chance to shape her own fortune.<\/p>\n A whirlwind of blood-pounding battles as characters grapple with their choices in the face of wealth and financial security, The Serpent Called Mercy\u2019s heart is the underlying, steadfast friendship between its protagonists.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Serpent Called Mercy\u201d was a mesmerising read, particularly because it introduced me to a culture I wasn\u2019t familiar with before. But equally, it failed to entertain and intrigue me, leaving me a bit disappointed and stuck in the in-between. There were a lot of aspects I really enjoyed, but it saddens me that I know I will not remember the contents of this book in years to come.<\/p>\n Lythlet is a very interesting character. Strong and brave, but unable to prosper and move forward due to a huge debt she owes. When an opportunity arises for her and her best friend, Desil, who\u2019s a brawler, to fight for money, they go for it.\u00a0<\/p>\n I envisioned the arena fights as something from \u201cThe Gladiator\u201d and \u201cHunger Games\u201d, even \u201cHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fire\u201d, unlike the comparison the publisher did with \u201cThe Witcher\u201d and \u201cSquid Games\u201d. \u201cThe Witcher\u201d comparison, I can kind of understand, because they are fighting mythical monsters . But it has nothing to do with \u201cSquid Games\u201d, apart the fact that if you lose in the arena, you die. But as we are talking about fighting in arenas with mythical montsters from Malaysian-Chinese mythology, that should be considered as common sense. Each battle is a new challenge that Lythlet and Desil have to tackle and I quite enjoyed the first few battles. After a while, they start to become a bit repetitive.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Lythlet\u2019s parents are struggling with their own debts, her father has a new promising job, and the complicated relationship Lythlet starts to develop with Master Dothilos \u2013 the arena matchmaker. The action was there, but something about the story just didn\u2019t grip me. It felt almost seen before, and the ending was quite predictable, and for me, without any big reveals or wow moments. The only wow moment that I can recall was Desil\u2019s secret. And after this reveal, Lythlet\u2019s reaction was even more disappointing. Maybe it was needed for her character development, but it was very rushed and didn\u2019t make sense to me.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe Serpent Called Mercy\u201d is a wonderful story about facing adversity and refusing to become what society expects of you. There are amazing messages of bravery, strength, standing up for yourself and others and being kind and merciful. It was simply not a story that clicked with me, and although I found it forgettable, I would still recommend it to the fantasy fans out there.<\/p>\n \u201cHope in times of happiness isn\u2019t hope \u2013 it\u2019s expectation. It\u2019s only when things are at their bleakest that you find hope unadulterated.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe best stories are those rooted in truth, embellished only for entertainment\u2019s sake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat a blessing it is that there remain children more scared of ghosts than of the world around them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaster Dothilos. You know me better than to think I\u2019ll believe that. Men frequently make threats they wildly intend, only claiming they never meant a word of it when it rebounds on them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI refuse to live and die on your terms as your cur. I will not choose apathy over justice, wealth over duty, wrath over mercy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf I want to run fast, I ought to run alone.\u201d<\/p>\n Roanne Lau is a speculative fiction author whose works are informed by her Chinese heritage and her experiences living in Malaysia, Australia, Taiwan, and Japan. She was selected for the Pitch Wars mentorship program in 2021. Her debut novel The Serpent Called Mercy<\/em> sold at auction in North America, the United Kingdom, and the Commonwealth\u2014but the accomplishment she remains proudest of is being a finalist in a Lord of the Rings<\/em> trivia competition when she was nine.<\/p>\n Author Website<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Social Media: \t\t<\/p>\n Like<\/span><\/span> Loading…<\/span><\/p>\nMy Thoughts:<\/h4>\n
Aside from the arena action, there was a lot going on outside of the arena as well.<\/h4>\n
Favourite Quotes:<\/h4>\n
About the Author:<\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
| Wishlist<\/a> |\u00a0Ko-fi<\/a> | Facebook<\/a> |\u00a0Twitter<\/a> |\u00a0Goodreads<\/a> |\u00a0Instagram<\/a> |\u00a0Pinterest<\/a>\u00a0|<\/strong><\/p>\nLike this:<\/h3>\n