The Witcher meets Squid Game in this Malaysian Chinese-inspired epic fantasy novel where a debt-ridden slumdog joins an illegal monster-fighting arena for some fast coin, but quickly learns the most dangerous beasts are outside the ring, by debut author Roanne Lau 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 conquessors: arena combatants who fight sun-cursed beasts in the seedy underworld of the city. Match-master Dothilos is initially enamored of Desil’s 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’s heart as a life of fame and wealth unfolds in her imagination. But Lythlet isn’t the only one out for coin and glory, and she soon finds herself playing an entirely different game—a 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. A whirlwind of blood-pounding battles as characters grapple with their choices in the face of wealth and financial security, The Serpent Called Mercy's heart is the underlying, steadfast friendship between its protagonists.
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The Serpent Called Mercy is a debut novel by Roanne Lau, and what a stunning debut it is! While it's not without its imperfections, I found it to be an engrossing and memorable read, which is why I'm giving it a strong 4-star rating.
The world-building, while evocative, occasionally felt sparse, leaving me yearning for a bit more detail to fully visualize the setting. That said, the descriptions provided were just enough for me to picture the harsh, atmospheric world in which our protagonists, Lythlet and Desil, struggle to survive.
This is the second Advanced Reader Copy I've had the privilege of reading via NetGalley, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity. The Serpent Called Mercy gripped me from the very first chapter, and I could barely put it down. I was also fortunate enough to connect with the author, Roanne Lau, on BlueSky while working my way through this captivating story—a wonderful way to enhance the reading experience.
I started the book on January 2nd and found myself halfway through by the next day. By January 7th, I had turned the final page, left both satisfied and eager to see what Lau writes next. The striking cover immediately caught my attention—it's beautifully designed and perfectly captures the essence of the story. I'd be curious to know who the artist is, as their work deserves recognition*.
Although I occasionally struggled to picture the intricacies of the world our protagonists navigate, I was thoroughly impressed by how well the characters were developed. They leapt off the page with vividness and heart. Among the many memorable figures, I was particularly charmed by the bees and a puppy named Runt, whose speech impediment gave him an endearing uniqueness.
Interestingly, the book evoked a Dickensian vibe for me. While I'm not sure if Roanne Lau intended to evoke the mid-to-late 19th century (though it's clearly not set in London), there's a palpable sense of societal struggle and disparity that resonates deeply. The themes felt strikingly relevant to today's world, especially the glaring gap between the top 1% and the rest of us. It's a sentiment I've often reflected on—being cash-poor truly is expensive, and Lau weaves this truth into her story with poignant effect.
The plot follows Lythlet and Desil as they are thrust into an underground world of illegal combat, where they face terrifying mythical beasts. Their ultimate goal? To pay off crushing debts and escape the relentless grip of poverty. The writing is so immersive that I found myself vividly imagining the gritty action, much like the visceral energy of Gladiator, one of my favorite films.
But this book offers more than just adrenaline-fueled action. Beneath the surface lies a rich tapestry of political corruption, family reconnections, and secrets that shake the foundations of trust. Lythlet's journey is as much about survival as it is about uncovering the layers of betrayal and hope that define her relationships, particularly with Desil, the one person she thought she could rely on unconditionally.
I was thoroughly captivated by The Serpent Called Mercy. For a debut novel, it's an exceptional piece of work—bold, heartfelt, and thought-provoking. Roanne Lau has crafted a story that lingers long after the final page, and I congratulate her on this remarkable achievement. I'll be eagerly awaiting her next book and can't wait to see how she builds on this promising start.
