Book Review: The Mercy Makers (The Moon Heresies, #1) by Tessa Gratton
There are some books that call to you, almost like sirens luring you toward unknown shores. Tessa Gratton’s The Mercy Makers did just that for me. From the moment I read about the city born from a fallen moon and the intricate magic called architecture, I was hooked. It’s like stepping into a world where beauty and forbidden knowledge entwine, and let me tell you, this book has layers—much like the complex characters within it.
Set in a city shaped by a massive crater left behind by a moon, Gratton builds a striking backdrop against which her characters grapple with deep-rooted ideologies. I found myself enthralled by the contrasting energies of Iriset, our protagonist, and the ruling siblings, Amaranth and Lyric. Iriset is a breath of fresh air, an unapologetic architect whose passion for her craft clashes against a society steeped in orthodoxy thanks to the religion of Silence. The tension between her drive to rescue her father and her burgeoning relationships with Amaranth and Lyric adds a rich emotional layer to the narrative.
Gratton’s world is one of stark contrasts—between creativity and oppression, personal desire and societal expectation. The stakes come alive in Iriset’s journey as she navigates the iron grip of the law and the hypnotic allure of the ruling class. I particularly appreciated the nuanced dynamics between the siblings; Lyric embodies the rigidity of fundamentalism while Amaranth offers a more relaxed, almost compassionate interpretation of their faith. This duality kept me invested in the characters’ discussions and the moral complexities of their choices.
What stood out for me was Gratton’s lush and immersive writing style. Sure, it’s dense—sometimes I found myself momentarily lost in the myriad details—but once the narrative shifts into high gear following a shocking event, the plot tightens and takes flight. The pacing can feel like a slow drip at first, but it builds intensity and urgency that had me racing toward the conclusion.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Emily Lawrence and was captivated by her ability to embody Iriset and the other characters with distinct voices. Lawrence’s portrayal of Amaranth was chillingly cold, perfectly capturing her ruthless demeanor, while Lyric’s voice took on a more reasonable tone until the tension cracked through.
One element I loved about Iriset is her unapologetic self-assertion. She immerses herself in her desires and ambitions without self-doubt—a refreshing trait that separates her from many heroines in fantasy literature. While I was enchanted by her journey, I did grapple with the pacing. The build-up felt overly long, which kept me from giving it a full four stars. Still, I found myself chafing at the complexities of Gratton’s world long after I’d finished the book.
This is a story that will resonate with fans of rich world-building, intricate moral dilemmas, and flawed, yet relatable characters. If you love stories where creativity and passion collide with stringent societal norms, then The Mercy Makers is undoubtedly worth diving into. Personally, it opened my eyes to the beauty and turmoil of a world where every choice shapes the fate of many—and it left me eagerly anticipating the next installment in this mesmerizing series.
In the end, I give The Mercy Makers a solid 3.5 stars and commend Tessa Gratton for crafting a compelling narrative that beckons readers to explore the delicate line between creation and destruction. I can’t wait to see where Iriset’s journey takes her next!
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