Review: The Mercy of Gods begins a bold new saga from The Expanse author James S.A. Corey

As a voracious reader with a penchant for space operas and hard sci-fi, I find myself utterly captivated by James S.A. Corey’s latest masterpiece, “The Mercy of Gods.” Having been an avid follower of their work in “The Expanse,” I can attest that this new series showcases the authors’ extraordinary imagination and deft storytelling.

Have you found yourself adrift following the conclusion of The Expanse series, struggling to find your footing since you finished reading it or watching all the seasons on Syfy and Amazon Prime Video? With the final installment, Leviathan Falls, and the short story collection Memory’s Legion from James S.A. Corey, as well as the television show coming to an end after six captivating seasons, what is a fan of The Expanse supposed to do in these barren times when it comes to finding new sci-fi adventures?

As a longtime fan of “The Expanse” series, I can confidently say that if you’re looking for a new sci-fi adventure to dive into, I highly recommend giving “The Mercy of Gods” by James S.A. Corey (Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck) a try. As someone who has followed the “Expanse” saga since its inception, I can attest that this new series, called “The Captive’s War,” is a worthy successor.

Book review: The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey

In “The Mercy of Gods,” human civilization thrives on a far-off planet named Anjiin, the origins of which are shrouded by antiquity. Humans have acclimated remarkably well and have set up a prosperous scientific community dedicated to understanding how they can harmoniously coexist with the indigenous flora and fauna of the planet. However, this peaceful existence is disrupted when an alien race called the Carryx, resembling insectoids, appear on the scene. They capture intelligent life forms and compel them to either assimilate into their empire or face extinction, provided they are deemed valuable enough for preservation initially.

As a captivated reader, I’ve found myself immersed in the gripping narrative of “The Mercy of Gods,” where the arrival of the enigmatic Carryx on Anjiin sets off a chain of events that challenge humanity’s resolve. Will we submit to these alien overlords? Resist with all our might? Or succumb to despair and surrender? These dilemmas form the core of this riveting tale, which revolves around an elite team of scientists whose groundbreaking work piques the interest of the Carryx.

In contrast to The Expanse novels that offer an engaging blend of action, politics, and science fiction elements, The Mercy of Gods leans more towards introspective exploration of the human characters’ psychological journeys. While it still includes all the previous elements, the focus is heavily shifted towards the human struggle to comprehend their role in a universe inhabited by the Carryx and their array of alien servants. Reminiscent of 1980s sci-fi like David Brin’s Uplift series or Orson Scott Card’s Speaker for the Dead, The Mercy of Gods delves deeply into understanding how humans can coexist with truly alien beings.

Readers seeking continuous action might find “The Mercy of Gods” demanding, but I personally found it quite engaging. While there are thrilling moments and unexpected turns, the narrative doesn’t primarily revolve around action. Instead, it offers an intriguing exploration of character development as individuals grapple with self-discovery and the enigmatic aliens surrounding them. The backdrop is a dire, potentially catastrophic situation for humans, where every decision could lead to extinction.

The Mercy of Gods unleashes James S.A. Corey’s imagination

In “The Mercy of Gods,” James S.A. Corey has an expanded creative scope since the story doesn’t take place within our solar system. This book is filled with numerous alien species, and it presents an otherworldly, dreamlike quality that surpasses anything found in “The Expanse.” Much like the characters, readers are constantly surprised by what awaits them on the next page – be it a new alien encounter, a complex scientific mystery, or a cultural barrier previously unknown to humans.

Although Corey’s story heavily emphasizes character imagination, it also delves deeper into scientific concepts than “The Expanse”. Characters are frequently presented with complex scientific puzzles they must solve. While “The Mercy of Gods” contains numerous aliens, giving it a space opera feel, the hard science fiction element is unmistakable. It’s evident that Corey has the expertise to write effectively in both realms of science fiction.

In this novel, “The Mercy of Gods,” the writing style itself is remarkable. The protagonist, Dafyd Alkhor, exhibits an uncanny ability to understand others deeply, which often leads him to make both shrewd and seemingly harsh decisions. This duality makes Dafyd a captivating character, portrayed as a manipulative yet intelligent individual who influences the rise and fall of empires. The skillful character development in just one chapter left me convinced. It’s a testament to James S.A. Corey’s exceptional storytelling that such a compelling figure is established from the beginning, creating an atmosphere of inevitable, destiny-laden events throughout the book.

All of this gives The Mercy of Gods the feeling of a grand, epic sci-fi that is only the beginning of a much larger tale. Which actually leads to one of my only real complaints about the book: it feels very much like a part one, which leaves way more doors open for the future than it closes. It’s almost hard to judge the overall story of The Mercy of Gods because so much of it is set up for the larger tale yet to come. That’s not a huge drawback, and this opening chapter of the saga hooked me pretty strongly, but I do generally tend to like when a book has a stronger conclusion. (Notably, the first Expanse book Leviathan Wakes did have one, so this is a Mercy of Gods issue more than a James S.A. Corey issue.)

In summary, while I had a minor preference for a slightly different ending, overall it was an exceptional journey. Without a doubt, I’ll carry on with the series as I’m eager to discover what transpires next in Dafyd Alkhor’s adventure and that of his comrades. It’s truly thrilling to be a reader of Corey’s work at this moment.

Verdict

A powerful opening for a fresh, creative series by the team behind “The Expanse” is “The Compassion of Deities.” This new offering shares enough genetic traits to captivate fans of their past creations, while it fearlessly carves out a unique territory brimming with extraterrestrial lifeforms, complex dilemmas, and an uncertain destiny for mankind amidst the cosmos. If you’re a science fiction enthusiast, this book is one of the essential reads of the genre released in 2023.

The Mercy of Gods is out now from Orbit.

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2024-08-21 19:41