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Mercy: Tears of the Fallen
For fans of Elden Ring, The Malazan Book of the Fallen, and Joe Abercrombie comes a debut, post-apocalyptic epic sure to reel you in with its scope and mystery.
"A gritty and fast-moving fantasy from a promising new voice." - Kirkus Reviews (✔️’GET IT’ Recommended)
“Pulse-pounding action, bloody trauma, and intricate worldbuilding — Mercy smacks you in the face out of the gate.” - Philip Chase, Author of the Edan Trilogy
Relics of the past scattered. A hero broken. A world on the brink.
A paragon left for dead, Alevist Lightseeker sought peace—but peace had other plans.
Thirty four years past, the blade he buried must rise again. As he hunts the ones who shattered his world, another exile awakens—Erevayn. A man drunk on grief and bound by blood. A minstrel must bring the two together in a war against a rising ill fate.
Viyala, a lost love, unexpectedly returns and sparks a fire in Erevayn—but will it be enough to quell his thirst for vengeance? And will the world unfolding around her offer the chance for the future she has long desired?
Salasmir, Blade of the Reckoning, must answer the call of duty once again.
Hayde and Neera, twins of the Stained, hunt for sacred artifacts for their false king. Steyvin and Ilatu must travel across the Sundered Sea in order to do the same, but for their once wise father—who holds damning secrets of his own.
The Tears awaken—and call to the broken.
Two men, one path, and no Gods left to help them.
Some martyrs stay dead. Others—become legend.
"This is one of the most dangerously ambitious and boldly imaginative debuts I have ever read." - GRIMDARK MAGAZINE (Esmay Rosalyne)
"This is going to be something enormously special. This is a debut that demands people's attention." - John Minton, Talking Story and one of the Authors of Discovery
"This will undoubtedly go down as one of the best fantasy debuts this year; if not the best." - Zachary Shaye of Shaye's Library
"Dillon throws you into the deep end... His writing is good. Really good... He's doing something special here, bringing his fiery passion to the story in spades." - iSamwise, Book Reviewer
“A meticulously crafted world bounded only by the limits of the human spirit which Mercy tests and explores, offering precious little of its namesake.” - Jake Remmert, from Nerd Level Rising
"There will be emotional damage." - Zammar Ahmer, Author of The Book of Astea
"A gritty and fast-moving fantasy from a promising new voice." - Kirkus Reviews (✔️’GET IT’ Recommended)
“Pulse-pounding action, bloody trauma, and intricate worldbuilding — Mercy smacks you in the face out of the gate.” - Philip Chase, Author of the Edan Trilogy
Relics of the past scattered. A hero broken. A world on the brink.
A paragon left for dead, Alevist Lightseeker sought peace—but peace had other plans.
Thirty four years past, the blade he buried must rise again. As he hunts the ones who shattered his world, another exile awakens—Erevayn. A man drunk on grief and bound by blood. A minstrel must bring the two together in a war against a rising ill fate.
Viyala, a lost love, unexpectedly returns and sparks a fire in Erevayn—but will it be enough to quell his thirst for vengeance? And will the world unfolding around her offer the chance for the future she has long desired?
Salasmir, Blade of the Reckoning, must answer the call of duty once again.
Hayde and Neera, twins of the Stained, hunt for sacred artifacts for their false king. Steyvin and Ilatu must travel across the Sundered Sea in order to do the same, but for their once wise father—who holds damning secrets of his own.
The Tears awaken—and call to the broken.
Two men, one path, and no Gods left to help them.
Some martyrs stay dead. Others—become legend.
"This is one of the most dangerously ambitious and boldly imaginative debuts I have ever read." - GRIMDARK MAGAZINE (Esmay Rosalyne)
"This is going to be something enormously special. This is a debut that demands people's attention." - John Minton, Talking Story and one of the Authors of Discovery
"This will undoubtedly go down as one of the best fantasy debuts this year; if not the best." - Zachary Shaye of Shaye's Library
"Dillon throws you into the deep end... His writing is good. Really good... He's doing something special here, bringing his fiery passion to the story in spades." - iSamwise, Book Reviewer
“A meticulously crafted world bounded only by the limits of the human spirit which Mercy tests and explores, offering precious little of its namesake.” - Jake Remmert, from Nerd Level Rising
"There will be emotional damage." - Zammar Ahmer, Author of The Book of Astea
629 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2025
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July 20, 2025
This review was originally published on Grimdark Magazine
Chance Dillon kicks off his brand-new dark epic fantasy series with Mercy: Tears of the Fallen, and it would honestly be the understatement of the century to say that this is one of the most dangerously ambitious and boldly imaginative debuts I have ever read. Come for the rich world building, wicked rune magic and exhilarating action, stay for the deliciously complicated characters, powerful emotional journeys and merciless gut punches that just hurt oh so good. This book is not, as Dillon is so fond of saying, a puppy; it’s an absolute beast of a book with sharp teeth and claws, and it isn’t afraid to show them.
We are thrown headfirst into the vast world of Maetlynd, which has been ravaged by war and is still recovering from the cataclysmic crimson storms that blighted the land, poisoned the waters and turned people mad 34 years ago. Now, the tenuous peace of the newly established Epoch of Unity is becoming ever more fragile, and the fate of the world might just lie in the hands of a fallen hero and a bitter exile, whether they realise it or not. Deadly webs are being spun, ancient conspiracies are unravelling, and threats both old and new, both human and supernatural, are revealed to be lurking around every dark corner.
From the very first page, the Malazan: Book of the Fallen and Elden Ring influences on Mercy: Tears of the Fallen are evidently clear, especially in its ‘sink or swim’ storytelling and its wildly expansive world building. Usually, I tend to get extremely frustrated by these types of dense and intentionally confusing stories, but somehow I was just completely along for the ride here. Yes, I felt like a lost traveller stumbling through a foreign land for the majority of this book, and yes, some aspects remained frustratingly vague the entire way through (especially regarding the Artisans/Martyrs and the ins and outs of the Rune magic), but I have to admit that my curiosity, awe, and excitement way overpowered my sense of overwhelm and intimidation.
What can I say, Dillon just captured my imagination and tickled my curiosity like very few authors can, and I honestly love Mercy: Tears of the Fallen in all its perfectly imperfect uniqueness and unconventionality. So much of this story is just shrouded in the most addictive air of mystery and secrecy, and especially the mystifying blending of history, myth and legend, as well as the suspenseful build-up of the looming threat from the uncharted northern lands of Mersianei had me in an absolute chokehold from start to finish.
But to me, the true beauty of Mercy: Tears of the Fallen is the epic vastness of it all, contained in the intimate perspective of its deeply layered and flawed characters. Even if the character voices could have been a bit stronger and more distinct at times, I absolutely loved that we got to explore this rich world through the eyes of so many different morally gray people with such diverse racial/cultural backgrounds and clashing motivations. No, I didn’t love all of these characters, and no, I am still not entirely sure what some of them are up to exactly (if they even knew it themselves), but that is exactly what made them so morbidly fascinating to follow.
I think a lot of readers will latch onto Alevist and Erevayn the most as they are arguably the true main characters of this tale, and there’s no denying that my broken boys steal the show. Their respective inner conflicts are frighteningly well written, and I loved seeing them (trauma) bond and help each other grow in the most unexpected ways throughout all the wild trials and tribulations that they had to endure. Dillon is not afraid to go down some very dark paths, and the brutally raw exploration of trauma, grief, depression, addiction, morality, the lingering horrors of war, and the insidious influence and devastating cost of vengeance added so much impact and emotional weight to this wickedly epic tale.
But if I am being honest, it was Merin and Dullo who just captured my heart the most with their surprisingly warm personalities and incredibly intriguing backstories, and I would honestly kill for them to get their own spin-off. Now, the rest of the primary and secondary cast maybe paled a bit in comparison to these four powerhouses for me, and I have to admit I didn’t totally believe the development of some interpersonal relationships (especially in the romance department). However, I was somehow still hooked by each storyline, and I really appreciated how Dillon was able to build up the tension and stakes as everyone’s hidden intentions became clearer and their paths started to converge on a collision course of doom and destruction.
If it wasn’t already clear, Mercy: Tears of the Fallen is not exactly a fun, easy breezy read, even if I personally ended up absolutely tearing through the pages. This is a story that challenges the reader, be that because of its unconventional structure, its ‘sink or swim’ storytelling or its heavy content, but I personally think it is a very rewarding read for those who show patience, trust the process and give it the attention it deserves. Sure, the direction of the plot could have been a bit clearer from the start, and sure, the introduction to this epic world with its deep history, rich lore, intricate magic, and many different factions, races and cultures could probably have been a bit smoother to make for a more comfortable reading experience, but as The Archivist so wisely says at the end of the book: “Cheers to danger. Cheers to pain. For without resistance, how do we grow?”.
In a way, Mercy: Tears of the Fallen almost feels like a long, extended prologue to the rest of the Mercy series, but don’t mistake that for me saying that it’s unsatisfying. Especially in the second half of the novel, Dillon just struck the perfect balance between the action, world building and character development for me, and I was deeply impressed with the satisfying convergence of all the different threads being spun in both this book and the prequel short story The Blood Rebellion (which I highly recommend checking out for free on Dillon’s Patreon, both because it might provide some helpful context for the history and magic system, but also because it’s just a banger of a story). Each new shocking revelation and diabolical twist and turn instantly prompted dozens of new burning questions that I desperately need answers to, and the tragically gut wrenching and ominously enticing ending has me desperate for the next instalment already.
There’s no denying that Chance Dillon has taken a huge chance (yes, pun very much intended) by writing such an insanely ambitious debut, but he has already more than proven to me that his ambition was not misplaced. This is one of those richly layered stories that I can see myself coming back to time and time again because of its high re-read value, and I am honestly beyond excited for anything and everything that is yet to come in the Mercy series as I have full faith that Dillon will continue to deliver on all the promising potential here. So, if you like the sound of a truly epic fantasy tale with a strong emotional core that just throws you into the deep end and forces you to either learn to breathe underwater or die trying, then you simply have to give Mercy: Tears of the Fallen a chance.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Chance Dillon kicks off his brand-new dark epic fantasy series with Mercy: Tears of the Fallen, and it would honestly be the understatement of the century to say that this is one of the most dangerously ambitious and boldly imaginative debuts I have ever read. Come for the rich world building, wicked rune magic and exhilarating action, stay for the deliciously complicated characters, powerful emotional journeys and merciless gut punches that just hurt oh so good. This book is not, as Dillon is so fond of saying, a puppy; it’s an absolute beast of a book with sharp teeth and claws, and it isn’t afraid to show them.
We are thrown headfirst into the vast world of Maetlynd, which has been ravaged by war and is still recovering from the cataclysmic crimson storms that blighted the land, poisoned the waters and turned people mad 34 years ago. Now, the tenuous peace of the newly established Epoch of Unity is becoming ever more fragile, and the fate of the world might just lie in the hands of a fallen hero and a bitter exile, whether they realise it or not. Deadly webs are being spun, ancient conspiracies are unravelling, and threats both old and new, both human and supernatural, are revealed to be lurking around every dark corner.
From the very first page, the Malazan: Book of the Fallen and Elden Ring influences on Mercy: Tears of the Fallen are evidently clear, especially in its ‘sink or swim’ storytelling and its wildly expansive world building. Usually, I tend to get extremely frustrated by these types of dense and intentionally confusing stories, but somehow I was just completely along for the ride here. Yes, I felt like a lost traveller stumbling through a foreign land for the majority of this book, and yes, some aspects remained frustratingly vague the entire way through (especially regarding the Artisans/Martyrs and the ins and outs of the Rune magic), but I have to admit that my curiosity, awe, and excitement way overpowered my sense of overwhelm and intimidation.
What can I say, Dillon just captured my imagination and tickled my curiosity like very few authors can, and I honestly love Mercy: Tears of the Fallen in all its perfectly imperfect uniqueness and unconventionality. So much of this story is just shrouded in the most addictive air of mystery and secrecy, and especially the mystifying blending of history, myth and legend, as well as the suspenseful build-up of the looming threat from the uncharted northern lands of Mersianei had me in an absolute chokehold from start to finish.
But to me, the true beauty of Mercy: Tears of the Fallen is the epic vastness of it all, contained in the intimate perspective of its deeply layered and flawed characters. Even if the character voices could have been a bit stronger and more distinct at times, I absolutely loved that we got to explore this rich world through the eyes of so many different morally gray people with such diverse racial/cultural backgrounds and clashing motivations. No, I didn’t love all of these characters, and no, I am still not entirely sure what some of them are up to exactly (if they even knew it themselves), but that is exactly what made them so morbidly fascinating to follow.
I think a lot of readers will latch onto Alevist and Erevayn the most as they are arguably the true main characters of this tale, and there’s no denying that my broken boys steal the show. Their respective inner conflicts are frighteningly well written, and I loved seeing them (trauma) bond and help each other grow in the most unexpected ways throughout all the wild trials and tribulations that they had to endure. Dillon is not afraid to go down some very dark paths, and the brutally raw exploration of trauma, grief, depression, addiction, morality, the lingering horrors of war, and the insidious influence and devastating cost of vengeance added so much impact and emotional weight to this wickedly epic tale.
But if I am being honest, it was Merin and Dullo who just captured my heart the most with their surprisingly warm personalities and incredibly intriguing backstories, and I would honestly kill for them to get their own spin-off. Now, the rest of the primary and secondary cast maybe paled a bit in comparison to these four powerhouses for me, and I have to admit I didn’t totally believe the development of some interpersonal relationships (especially in the romance department). However, I was somehow still hooked by each storyline, and I really appreciated how Dillon was able to build up the tension and stakes as everyone’s hidden intentions became clearer and their paths started to converge on a collision course of doom and destruction.
If it wasn’t already clear, Mercy: Tears of the Fallen is not exactly a fun, easy breezy read, even if I personally ended up absolutely tearing through the pages. This is a story that challenges the reader, be that because of its unconventional structure, its ‘sink or swim’ storytelling or its heavy content, but I personally think it is a very rewarding read for those who show patience, trust the process and give it the attention it deserves. Sure, the direction of the plot could have been a bit clearer from the start, and sure, the introduction to this epic world with its deep history, rich lore, intricate magic, and many different factions, races and cultures could probably have been a bit smoother to make for a more comfortable reading experience, but as The Archivist so wisely says at the end of the book: “Cheers to danger. Cheers to pain. For without resistance, how do we grow?”.
In a way, Mercy: Tears of the Fallen almost feels like a long, extended prologue to the rest of the Mercy series, but don’t mistake that for me saying that it’s unsatisfying. Especially in the second half of the novel, Dillon just struck the perfect balance between the action, world building and character development for me, and I was deeply impressed with the satisfying convergence of all the different threads being spun in both this book and the prequel short story The Blood Rebellion (which I highly recommend checking out for free on Dillon’s Patreon, both because it might provide some helpful context for the history and magic system, but also because it’s just a banger of a story). Each new shocking revelation and diabolical twist and turn instantly prompted dozens of new burning questions that I desperately need answers to, and the tragically gut wrenching and ominously enticing ending has me desperate for the next instalment already.
There’s no denying that Chance Dillon has taken a huge chance (yes, pun very much intended) by writing such an insanely ambitious debut, but he has already more than proven to me that his ambition was not misplaced. This is one of those richly layered stories that I can see myself coming back to time and time again because of its high re-read value, and I am honestly beyond excited for anything and everything that is yet to come in the Mercy series as I have full faith that Dillon will continue to deliver on all the promising potential here. So, if you like the sound of a truly epic fantasy tale with a strong emotional core that just throws you into the deep end and forces you to either learn to breathe underwater or die trying, then you simply have to give Mercy: Tears of the Fallen a chance.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Read
July 13, 2025Guy who wrote this one (that’s me) could use a makeover… he has bad style. Wrote one hell of a book tho I tell ya what.
When I started writing the Mercy Series, I asked myself:
“What if Aragorn lost it all after the war for the one ring?”
“What if Sam had to kill Frodo to save middle earth?”
Elden ring’s world and narrative design really played a massive role in how I decided to go for it with this story. As well as Malazan and the same “no handholding” design of the story. I love unfurling mysteries myself in story. Even more so, I always love being lost in a new world and needing to find my way.
It’s a big, epic fantasy with sprinkles of hope and perseverance intentionally flaked throughout the story in a very dark, gritty world. Tad Williams Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn also played a pretty big role in my approach to the characters and POV structure !
When I started writing the Mercy Series, I asked myself:
“What if Aragorn lost it all after the war for the one ring?”
“What if Sam had to kill Frodo to save middle earth?”
Elden ring’s world and narrative design really played a massive role in how I decided to go for it with this story. As well as Malazan and the same “no handholding” design of the story. I love unfurling mysteries myself in story. Even more so, I always love being lost in a new world and needing to find my way.
It’s a big, epic fantasy with sprinkles of hope and perseverance intentionally flaked throughout the story in a very dark, gritty world. Tad Williams Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn also played a pretty big role in my approach to the characters and POV structure !
Read
April 29, 2025Extremely 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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
May 12, 2025
It is my goal to give the most accurate review of my experience rating this book as I can. Warning, there will be a lot of digressions.
TLDR: Chance is a friend, I didn't read this under the best circumstances. My emotional impact what effected at times by this but I can also speak to and acknowledge the excellent work done throughout this book. I'm a 3 star reader giving the book 5 stars.
Let's start off the bat with this. Chance Dillon is a friend of mine. He's a great guy, but also a pretty epic writer. Let's get this out of the way too, Chance Dillon is way smarter than I is, and this book proved that several times over.
Second digression, Chance was gracious enough to send me an ARC of this book, and I read it on my analogue ereader that doesn't let you skip around, say like a normal Kindle. (This will be very important as we go along.) The book begins with a Dramatis Personae from the in world Archivist. (This will be very important). The Archivist writes, "I have included a list of notable figures whom you shall encounter...in the back, a glossary of terms." That is important. I forgot about this glossary (and my ereader wouldn't let me skip around) and the wave of terms and places would have been much easier for me to grasp if I had used the tools that Dillon had provided.
Final digression, I had personal stuff that came up this month that really pulled me away from the story more than I would like. It took me over a month to read this and that's not the book's fault. It's mine.
Alright enough of this, what did I think of this book?
In a lot of review so far I've heard one nonsense thing said again and again. "This is very ambitious for a debut fantasy novel." Bull. This ambitious for a debut fantasy novel, period. The best comparison I can make is that this is the perfect book for fans of Gene Wolfe and R. Scott Bakker. If you love Book of the New Sun and The Second Apocalypse Series, you have got to try Mercy: Tears of the Fallen. This series is not a dark as Bakker or as esoteric as Wolfe, but it taps into very similar wavelengths. Honestly the more I think about it the more I see that this is very similar in style to The Darkness that Comes Before. But Dillon pulls it off. He manages to keep a shocking number of balls in the air throughout this novel.
MTotF presents a world that is in decay. There is fracturing and wars between various countries and nations, but the literal world is decaying as well. A blight, a scourge has spread death across much of the land and it seems as though little can be done to stop it. A legendary hero named Alevist Lightseeker has everything stripped away from him and is left with nothing. He disappears from the world for many years and when he returns on a mission of vengeance, it may just involve a larger political plot and a plan to stop the blight and save the land itself.
The thing you will hear people talk about again and again (and one of the things people will remember this debut novel from Dillon for) is his excellent worldbuilding. Nations, cultures, peoples, magics, all very well thought out. All with enough backstory to get lost in. (In fact, I did. Use the damn glossary people!) Dillon presents mysteries that are layered upon each other and the further we get into this world the more we learn of what really happened in the past, and what really is going on here. It also feels unique. This is not a generic medieval fantasy. In many ways here's where the New Sun comparison comes in. You might assume that it is when you begin, but the deeper you go the more you realize that not is all as it seems. There are lives and generations within this world that our characters are unaware of but that still effect them in the present. And as for the Prince of Nothing comparison, just like Bakker, Dillon throws you into the deep end. In both The Darkness that Comes Before and MTotF, it took me about halfway through the book before I really got a good grasp on what was going on. This will not work for everyone. Some people will not like this. You should know what you're getting into, but also Dillon absolutely knows this. He made an artistic choice about what this book would be and he sticks with it. I respect that, even if it won't work for everyone, and at times was frustrating to me. (Glossary will help with this.)
The plot is also excellent. There are some familiar tropes that help ease you into those parts of the story, but there are plenty of times where Dillon lulls you into a false sense of security, only to pull the rug out from under you. Personally, I got a bit lost in it from time to time. This is partially due to how many threads are juggled in this one novel, but also comes down to preference from me as a reader. (I enjoy many epic fantasy novels, but it is not a default win for me. I have to work for it.)
Characters is maybe the one point where it may work better for some than it does for others. Certainly there are many main characters that are both memorable and engaging (Alevist Lightseeker is one that will stick in my brain for quite a while) but some of the side characters weren't distinct enough for me to remember who they are. (Using the character list will help with this too.) The characters aren't as bombastic as say Abercrombie's, (which as much as I enjoy those books, the characters can border on cartoonish at times) and even if some side characters don't stand out, Dillon also deals with some VERY personal and subtle issues in a mature way. These are no Mary Sue's. They don't waltz through the story. They struggle against enemies both external and internal.
Dillon's writing is good. Really good. I'm not saying he's the next Rothfuss or Ruocchio but he knows how to craft a great turn of phrase. His writing is VERY readable and doesn't come off clunky or unpolished. So if we had to rank this I would put it solidly above Sanderson's writing but a bit below George Martin's. You can tell he's put a lot of work into this. Brent Weeks tells the story of when he was first writing Night Angel as a young author, he thought "What can I bring to this as a young author? Not years of skill or polish, but I can bring a fiery passion to this story." Dillon does that in spades.
Overall I had personal ups and downs with this book, but that says much more about me as a reader than it does on this book. The novel ends in a good place, but not in a final place. I want to see where this story goes. Dillon is doing something special here, he's doing something different and I'm in for this ride.
At times the book felt like a four star and at times like a three star. Some parts didn't work as well for me, and some worked better. It might not be perfect but it's damn good. If you like epic fantasy, if you like Gene Wolfe, R. Scott Bakker, or even George R.R. Martin for that matter, this is well worth the read.
Now the question is how to end this review......I never know how to end these things. I better not leave any uncomfortable space or comments at the end of this. If I did that, can you imagine how embarrassing that would be if I made things awkward here?
Could you even imagine?
After this whole review...
If I kept running this on, that would be crazy.........
*sigh*
*stares*
Ok I need to end this here.
We're over 1300 words in this review. I could've been writing all this into my own book...
Ok that's all. Wasabi gangsters.
TLDR: Chance is a friend, I didn't read this under the best circumstances. My emotional impact what effected at times by this but I can also speak to and acknowledge the excellent work done throughout this book. I'm a 3 star reader giving the book 5 stars.
Let's start off the bat with this. Chance Dillon is a friend of mine. He's a great guy, but also a pretty epic writer. Let's get this out of the way too, Chance Dillon is way smarter than I is, and this book proved that several times over.
Second digression, Chance was gracious enough to send me an ARC of this book, and I read it on my analogue ereader that doesn't let you skip around, say like a normal Kindle. (This will be very important as we go along.) The book begins with a Dramatis Personae from the in world Archivist. (This will be very important). The Archivist writes, "I have included a list of notable figures whom you shall encounter...in the back, a glossary of terms." That is important. I forgot about this glossary (and my ereader wouldn't let me skip around) and the wave of terms and places would have been much easier for me to grasp if I had used the tools that Dillon had provided.
Final digression, I had personal stuff that came up this month that really pulled me away from the story more than I would like. It took me over a month to read this and that's not the book's fault. It's mine.
Alright enough of this, what did I think of this book?
In a lot of review so far I've heard one nonsense thing said again and again. "This is very ambitious for a debut fantasy novel." Bull. This ambitious for a debut fantasy novel, period. The best comparison I can make is that this is the perfect book for fans of Gene Wolfe and R. Scott Bakker. If you love Book of the New Sun and The Second Apocalypse Series, you have got to try Mercy: Tears of the Fallen. This series is not a dark as Bakker or as esoteric as Wolfe, but it taps into very similar wavelengths. Honestly the more I think about it the more I see that this is very similar in style to The Darkness that Comes Before. But Dillon pulls it off. He manages to keep a shocking number of balls in the air throughout this novel.
MTotF presents a world that is in decay. There is fracturing and wars between various countries and nations, but the literal world is decaying as well. A blight, a scourge has spread death across much of the land and it seems as though little can be done to stop it. A legendary hero named Alevist Lightseeker has everything stripped away from him and is left with nothing. He disappears from the world for many years and when he returns on a mission of vengeance, it may just involve a larger political plot and a plan to stop the blight and save the land itself.
The thing you will hear people talk about again and again (and one of the things people will remember this debut novel from Dillon for) is his excellent worldbuilding. Nations, cultures, peoples, magics, all very well thought out. All with enough backstory to get lost in. (In fact, I did. Use the damn glossary people!) Dillon presents mysteries that are layered upon each other and the further we get into this world the more we learn of what really happened in the past, and what really is going on here. It also feels unique. This is not a generic medieval fantasy. In many ways here's where the New Sun comparison comes in. You might assume that it is when you begin, but the deeper you go the more you realize that not is all as it seems. There are lives and generations within this world that our characters are unaware of but that still effect them in the present. And as for the Prince of Nothing comparison, just like Bakker, Dillon throws you into the deep end. In both The Darkness that Comes Before and MTotF, it took me about halfway through the book before I really got a good grasp on what was going on. This will not work for everyone. Some people will not like this. You should know what you're getting into, but also Dillon absolutely knows this. He made an artistic choice about what this book would be and he sticks with it. I respect that, even if it won't work for everyone, and at times was frustrating to me. (Glossary will help with this.)
The plot is also excellent. There are some familiar tropes that help ease you into those parts of the story, but there are plenty of times where Dillon lulls you into a false sense of security, only to pull the rug out from under you. Personally, I got a bit lost in it from time to time. This is partially due to how many threads are juggled in this one novel, but also comes down to preference from me as a reader. (I enjoy many epic fantasy novels, but it is not a default win for me. I have to work for it.)
Characters is maybe the one point where it may work better for some than it does for others. Certainly there are many main characters that are both memorable and engaging (Alevist Lightseeker is one that will stick in my brain for quite a while) but some of the side characters weren't distinct enough for me to remember who they are. (Using the character list will help with this too.) The characters aren't as bombastic as say Abercrombie's, (which as much as I enjoy those books, the characters can border on cartoonish at times) and even if some side characters don't stand out, Dillon also deals with some VERY personal and subtle issues in a mature way. These are no Mary Sue's. They don't waltz through the story. They struggle against enemies both external and internal.
Dillon's writing is good. Really good. I'm not saying he's the next Rothfuss or Ruocchio but he knows how to craft a great turn of phrase. His writing is VERY readable and doesn't come off clunky or unpolished. So if we had to rank this I would put it solidly above Sanderson's writing but a bit below George Martin's. You can tell he's put a lot of work into this. Brent Weeks tells the story of when he was first writing Night Angel as a young author, he thought "What can I bring to this as a young author? Not years of skill or polish, but I can bring a fiery passion to this story." Dillon does that in spades.
Overall I had personal ups and downs with this book, but that says much more about me as a reader than it does on this book. The novel ends in a good place, but not in a final place. I want to see where this story goes. Dillon is doing something special here, he's doing something different and I'm in for this ride.
At times the book felt like a four star and at times like a three star. Some parts didn't work as well for me, and some worked better. It might not be perfect but it's damn good. If you like epic fantasy, if you like Gene Wolfe, R. Scott Bakker, or even George R.R. Martin for that matter, this is well worth the read.
Now the question is how to end this review......I never know how to end these things. I better not leave any uncomfortable space or comments at the end of this. If I did that, can you imagine how embarrassing that would be if I made things awkward here?
Could you even imagine?
After this whole review...
If I kept running this on, that would be crazy.........
*sigh*
*stares*
Ok I need to end this here.
We're over 1300 words in this review. I could've been writing all this into my own book...
Ok that's all. Wasabi gangsters.
July 11, 2025
As far as fantasy debuts go, this is top drawer!
Chance Dillon has delivered so much in this first book, and though not overly long, it is absolutely packed with quality. The world-building, magic system and characters are incredibly well done and while it took a bit of time for me to find my feet (I suspect down to me not concentrating), I flew through this and loved the story.
My only critique is just how much happens - this does take some effort to follow but it's worth it.
Highly recommended and a series had I will be continuing with eagerness!
A very solid 4.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Light Seeker Publishing for the ARC!
Chance Dillon has delivered so much in this first book, and though not overly long, it is absolutely packed with quality. The world-building, magic system and characters are incredibly well done and while it took a bit of time for me to find my feet (I suspect down to me not concentrating), I flew through this and loved the story.
My only critique is just how much happens - this does take some effort to follow but it's worth it.
Highly recommended and a series had I will be continuing with eagerness!
A very solid 4.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Light Seeker Publishing for the ARC!
July 21, 2025
Mercy: Tears of the Fallen by Chance Dillon
4⭐⭐⭐⭐
I almost DNF’d this novel written by Chance Dillon. Then how, Orb, can you give it four stars then? With ample difficulty, I will provide an example that has been on my mind since I finished the book.
For those of you who have purchased a new home cinema amplifier to make those sounds of your Blu-rays pop with immersion, you may understand my plight. I had finished connecting the appropriate wires and started scrolling through the menus. I began pushing buttons on the remote, only to find confusion rearing its ugly head. What are zones, true HD, and an unfathomable number of various available tweaks to make my home theater system resemble the local Odeon Cinaplex?
Now, you may ask Orb, aren't we reviewing Mercy: Tears of the Fallen? Like my shiny new audiophile toy, this novel has an abundance of options to enhance the user experience. Although, one must use patience to attain the knowledge required to unlock its potential. The depth of the world-building is on par with the likes of George R.R. Martin and Steven Erikson, who, by the way, are credited by the author as being somewhat of an influence. This, for me, caused a deeply rooted issue. My old brain had difficulty toggling on the correct switches to remember the enormous cast assembled. Perhaps I am as dense as a neighboring oak tree, but this novel fought me tooth and nail the entire way.
Buried in its complexities, a magic system involving tears and stones exists. These enhancements are what everyone on the map wants to use to their advantage over those in opposition. Did I mention there was an outbreak of the blight? A reckoning began turning people into unruly creatures hellbent on destroying others not yet taken by the plague.
So let’s go over the tale in a more simplistic way. Warring factions. Those in control are vying for these special items to gain control. Those trying to promote peace among the land and others…well, others with their nefarious plans. The backstabbing exists. A slew of swords, bows, and hammers await your reading eyes, for the novel does a tremendous job of including action around every corner, à la Joe Abercrombie. You will fall in love with a vast number of characters and yet ultimately not ascertain who is on the “morally right” side.
In giving this four stars, I acknowledge that in my ineptness I have been bested. Chance Dillon has won this battle. As a debut novel, Mercy: Tears of the Fallen has no business being as good as it is. Dillon pulls no punches; he goes for the jugular, and the commitment should be commended. For those professed gamers, I can liken it to a Souls-like experience. Will there be confusion? For most readers, yes. In my experience, those moments of uncertainty only add to the enjoyment as we gain more footing within the world. High risk, high reward.
So, as the blades have been sheathed, I wipe the grime off my face and look to the future. I am too invested in this war to bow out now. Bravo, Mr. Dillon!
Many thanks to Light Seeker Publishing for the ARC through NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion.
4⭐⭐⭐⭐
I almost DNF’d this novel written by Chance Dillon. Then how, Orb, can you give it four stars then? With ample difficulty, I will provide an example that has been on my mind since I finished the book.
For those of you who have purchased a new home cinema amplifier to make those sounds of your Blu-rays pop with immersion, you may understand my plight. I had finished connecting the appropriate wires and started scrolling through the menus. I began pushing buttons on the remote, only to find confusion rearing its ugly head. What are zones, true HD, and an unfathomable number of various available tweaks to make my home theater system resemble the local Odeon Cinaplex?
Now, you may ask Orb, aren't we reviewing Mercy: Tears of the Fallen? Like my shiny new audiophile toy, this novel has an abundance of options to enhance the user experience. Although, one must use patience to attain the knowledge required to unlock its potential. The depth of the world-building is on par with the likes of George R.R. Martin and Steven Erikson, who, by the way, are credited by the author as being somewhat of an influence. This, for me, caused a deeply rooted issue. My old brain had difficulty toggling on the correct switches to remember the enormous cast assembled. Perhaps I am as dense as a neighboring oak tree, but this novel fought me tooth and nail the entire way.
Buried in its complexities, a magic system involving tears and stones exists. These enhancements are what everyone on the map wants to use to their advantage over those in opposition. Did I mention there was an outbreak of the blight? A reckoning began turning people into unruly creatures hellbent on destroying others not yet taken by the plague.
So let’s go over the tale in a more simplistic way. Warring factions. Those in control are vying for these special items to gain control. Those trying to promote peace among the land and others…well, others with their nefarious plans. The backstabbing exists. A slew of swords, bows, and hammers await your reading eyes, for the novel does a tremendous job of including action around every corner, à la Joe Abercrombie. You will fall in love with a vast number of characters and yet ultimately not ascertain who is on the “morally right” side.
In giving this four stars, I acknowledge that in my ineptness I have been bested. Chance Dillon has won this battle. As a debut novel, Mercy: Tears of the Fallen has no business being as good as it is. Dillon pulls no punches; he goes for the jugular, and the commitment should be commended. For those professed gamers, I can liken it to a Souls-like experience. Will there be confusion? For most readers, yes. In my experience, those moments of uncertainty only add to the enjoyment as we gain more footing within the world. High risk, high reward.
So, as the blades have been sheathed, I wipe the grime off my face and look to the future. I am too invested in this war to bow out now. Bravo, Mr. Dillon!
Many thanks to Light Seeker Publishing for the ARC through NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion.
July 28, 2025
Well, well, well!
Every once in a while, when I read a series that is so sprawling, epic, and full of absolute mayhem I'm jealous I wasn't there from day 1 to experience the ride. That stops TODAY.
Chance Dillon's debut is an absolute monster. AND full of them; whether they're the main characters, side characters, or special guests like gigantic queen crocodiles. But more on that later.
This story, without getting too spoiler-filled, was an absolute journey. It brought me back to when I read the first Malazan book, which Dillon has credited as an inspiration, but also other works like The Darkness That Comes Before, amongst other books that don't take you by the hand and gently ease you into the world; you're thrown in, and expected to take heed of what's going on and piece things together on your own, which is a reward on its own when it works out and I'm glad to say it does here.
I'm giving it a 4, because it does take a bit to get a grip on things; I think it was around the 25-30% mark where the characters and plotlines finally clicked in my brain; it wasn't necessarily confusing before that, but there was just so much going on that it took a while for me to grasp it all. But I don't consider that a bad thing on my own necessarily and with the ways Dillon interwove the stories, it made it all the more fun once those threads did sync it.
Overall I tend to shy away from plot in my reviews but I do want to point out how incredibly strong the character work and world building were especially in this book. Especially for a debut, holy crap. Taking this as a sign of things to come, I can say I can't wait to keep reading more of his work in the future.
Another highlight for me was the emotional damage I encountered along the way. Yes, that sentence is a wild one to write. But it's true! The characters go through so much, that it really grabbed me in right off the bat and never let up. I think there were even a few times where I had to shoot off a message, and it always ended up being a "man....wtf was that?!" To me, there's no higher honor that hitting a reader so hard they need to reach out to the author and demand justice for the characters we're reading about.
Like I said, I'm really glad I jumped on the opportunity to read this book, and I'll anxiously be awaiting the second. Truly great job sir!
Every once in a while, when I read a series that is so sprawling, epic, and full of absolute mayhem I'm jealous I wasn't there from day 1 to experience the ride. That stops TODAY.
Chance Dillon's debut is an absolute monster. AND full of them; whether they're the main characters, side characters, or special guests like gigantic queen crocodiles. But more on that later.
This story, without getting too spoiler-filled, was an absolute journey. It brought me back to when I read the first Malazan book, which Dillon has credited as an inspiration, but also other works like The Darkness That Comes Before, amongst other books that don't take you by the hand and gently ease you into the world; you're thrown in, and expected to take heed of what's going on and piece things together on your own, which is a reward on its own when it works out and I'm glad to say it does here.
I'm giving it a 4, because it does take a bit to get a grip on things; I think it was around the 25-30% mark where the characters and plotlines finally clicked in my brain; it wasn't necessarily confusing before that, but there was just so much going on that it took a while for me to grasp it all. But I don't consider that a bad thing on my own necessarily and with the ways Dillon interwove the stories, it made it all the more fun once those threads did sync it.
Overall I tend to shy away from plot in my reviews but I do want to point out how incredibly strong the character work and world building were especially in this book. Especially for a debut, holy crap. Taking this as a sign of things to come, I can say I can't wait to keep reading more of his work in the future.
Another highlight for me was the emotional damage I encountered along the way. Yes, that sentence is a wild one to write. But it's true! The characters go through so much, that it really grabbed me in right off the bat and never let up. I think there were even a few times where I had to shoot off a message, and it always ended up being a "man....wtf was that?!" To me, there's no higher honor that hitting a reader so hard they need to reach out to the author and demand justice for the characters we're reading about.
Like I said, I'm really glad I jumped on the opportunity to read this book, and I'll anxiously be awaiting the second. Truly great job sir!
July 22, 2025
This book chewed my mind and spit it out. It's a hard book, a delightful book. It demands your whole attention, but it will reward it. The characters are top tier, the worldbuilding is top tier. I could say a lot of things about it, but if grimdark magazine AND kirkus reviews both gave that guy the thumbs-up, you ought to pick it up. We fall into a harsh land of vengeance, deceit and violence. A post- apocalyptic fantasy nightmare on the cusp on the resurgence of what almost destroyed their world forever. Its up to our heroes to prevent it.
It's a combination of flawed heroes, villains with high ideals and all the complications in between. Its not a perfect book, it's a first book, it requires, no...DEMANDS your full commitment. Details will be confusing, you will be lost, questions will abound. But those who persist will be rewarding with a damn good story and a promising future. For fans of Abercrombie, Lynch, Erikson, Wurts and other fantastic authors.
It's a combination of flawed heroes, villains with high ideals and all the complications in between. Its not a perfect book, it's a first book, it requires, no...DEMANDS your full commitment. Details will be confusing, you will be lost, questions will abound. But those who persist will be rewarding with a damn good story and a promising future. For fans of Abercrombie, Lynch, Erikson, Wurts and other fantastic authors.
Read
May 22, 2025A sweeping tale of loss, loyalty and resilience.
Mercy unfolds in a world ripe with history, so vivid it feels lived in. From the first page, it is immediately clear how much time and care Chance has put into Maetlynd. He's filled this place with cultures and tribes and magic that all fit together seamlessly, and hint at so much more than what we see. This iceberg is deep, and readers keen to lose themselves in a new world have a lot to bite into.
We follow a big cast of characters who are complex and well-realized, but Chance really does not hold our hands, and much of their motivations are in the subtext. Therein lies a repeating theme of this book - the complete lack of handholding.
Bold is an understatement when describing Chance's approach to writing this story. Talk about sink or swim. I'll admit myself that I was close to sinking at several points reading this book. There is a lot to take in. You will be confused. I'd be lying if I said that doesn't affect enjoyment or immersion.
However, if you are looking for layers upon layers, if you are prepared to take some notes and flip over to the glossary, I really think you'll find something special here.
A few more thoughts:
At a sentence level, Chance's writing is very readable. There are some genuinely pretty passages in this book, and generally, his prose contributes to the very strong sense of atmosphere.
I feel like there are a lot of homages. I caught a couple to LOTR, but I also sensed some towards stories I'm less familiar with like Dark Souls or Elden Ring.
There will be emotional damage.
Some of these action sequences are wild! And quite brutal. The pacing in this story is excellent. It does not let off the pedal, but it's also given plenty of space to breathe where required.
We get some really well written romance and internal conflict for some of our main characters.
Dullo is so cool :)
In all, I think Chance has a lot to be proud of with Mercy. This book is an absolute beast.
Mercy unfolds in a world ripe with history, so vivid it feels lived in. From the first page, it is immediately clear how much time and care Chance has put into Maetlynd. He's filled this place with cultures and tribes and magic that all fit together seamlessly, and hint at so much more than what we see. This iceberg is deep, and readers keen to lose themselves in a new world have a lot to bite into.
We follow a big cast of characters who are complex and well-realized, but Chance really does not hold our hands, and much of their motivations are in the subtext. Therein lies a repeating theme of this book - the complete lack of handholding.
Bold is an understatement when describing Chance's approach to writing this story. Talk about sink or swim. I'll admit myself that I was close to sinking at several points reading this book. There is a lot to take in. You will be confused. I'd be lying if I said that doesn't affect enjoyment or immersion.
However, if you are looking for layers upon layers, if you are prepared to take some notes and flip over to the glossary, I really think you'll find something special here.
A few more thoughts:
At a sentence level, Chance's writing is very readable. There are some genuinely pretty passages in this book, and generally, his prose contributes to the very strong sense of atmosphere.
I feel like there are a lot of homages. I caught a couple to LOTR, but I also sensed some towards stories I'm less familiar with like Dark Souls or Elden Ring.
There will be emotional damage.
Some of these action sequences are wild! And quite brutal. The pacing in this story is excellent. It does not let off the pedal, but it's also given plenty of space to breathe where required.
We get some really well written romance and internal conflict for some of our main characters.
Dullo is so cool :)
In all, I think Chance has a lot to be proud of with Mercy. This book is an absolute beast.
August 17, 2025
4.5 rounded up for gr.
This was an incredibly challenging, yet deeply rewarding experience. This book begs to be reread with how rich the world and characters are.
There’s such a heavy feeling of grief and loss throughout this story and we get to see how each character deals with it in their own way.
There are such beautifully imaginative scenes that will stick with (haunt) me for a long time.
Excellent read.
This was an incredibly challenging, yet deeply rewarding experience. This book begs to be reread with how rich the world and characters are.
There’s such a heavy feeling of grief and loss throughout this story and we get to see how each character deals with it in their own way.
There are such beautifully imaginative scenes that will stick with (haunt) me for a long time.
Excellent read.
July 29, 2025
Be a light when the darkness overcomes you.
This is a really hard review to write, mostly because I think Mercy: Tears of the Fallen will be very polarizing for most readers. You'll probably either hate the fact that Chance Dillon throws you into to the world with almost no author support, or you'll absolutely love it. I definitely lean towards the latter, but I do feel like if there had been more standard in-book building of the world it would've made this a more fun read. But I love and support Dillon in telling his story the way he wants to tell it.
If jumping in doesn't sound too daunting for you, you'll definitely be rewarded - there's SO MUCH cool shit packed into the lore of the world. This is a hell of a set-up and I'm so hyped for book two and figuring out more of the insane, intricate story. From the explosive start to the bombshell ending, it's a ride... and one worth taking.
-
7.73/10 - Great, move up your TBR
4/5 ⭐️
This is a really hard review to write, mostly because I think Mercy: Tears of the Fallen will be very polarizing for most readers. You'll probably either hate the fact that Chance Dillon throws you into to the world with almost no author support, or you'll absolutely love it. I definitely lean towards the latter, but I do feel like if there had been more standard in-book building of the world it would've made this a more fun read. But I love and support Dillon in telling his story the way he wants to tell it.
If jumping in doesn't sound too daunting for you, you'll definitely be rewarded - there's SO MUCH cool shit packed into the lore of the world. This is a hell of a set-up and I'm so hyped for book two and figuring out more of the insane, intricate story. From the explosive start to the bombshell ending, it's a ride... and one worth taking.
-
7.73/10 - Great, move up your TBR
4/5 ⭐️
May 3, 2025
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.
July 15, 2025
thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review! <3
Dnfed at 30%
Chance Dillon’s Mercy: Tears of the Fallen is an incredibly detailed and ambitious debut, that unfortunately just didn’t work for me at all.
While I wholly appreciate and commend Dillon for the grand-scope of his world-building, I found the copious amounts of unexplained history, politics, religion, magic, races, and geography thrown at the reader within the first quarter that I read to be utterly mind-numbing and confusing. I would like to add that none of these elements were even remotely explained, and while I assume they may have been later on, I am not willing to wait past the 30% mark for such an explanation.
The writing was serviceable, and pacing appeared to be fine, but I didn’t connect with or like any of the characters presented to me, who seemed to not have much going on personality-wise. It seemed to be that this books focus on dumping endless amounts of terminology on the reader was done to the detriment of early-on characterisation, and as a character-driven fantasy reader, I could not look past this.
Overall, Mercy: Tears of the Fallen gets 2/5 stars. I wanted to enjoy this, but it was not the book for me.
Dnfed at 30%
Chance Dillon’s Mercy: Tears of the Fallen is an incredibly detailed and ambitious debut, that unfortunately just didn’t work for me at all.
While I wholly appreciate and commend Dillon for the grand-scope of his world-building, I found the copious amounts of unexplained history, politics, religion, magic, races, and geography thrown at the reader within the first quarter that I read to be utterly mind-numbing and confusing. I would like to add that none of these elements were even remotely explained, and while I assume they may have been later on, I am not willing to wait past the 30% mark for such an explanation.
The writing was serviceable, and pacing appeared to be fine, but I didn’t connect with or like any of the characters presented to me, who seemed to not have much going on personality-wise. It seemed to be that this books focus on dumping endless amounts of terminology on the reader was done to the detriment of early-on characterisation, and as a character-driven fantasy reader, I could not look past this.
Overall, Mercy: Tears of the Fallen gets 2/5 stars. I wanted to enjoy this, but it was not the book for me.
May 5, 2025
In my hands you are danger. In my heart, you are the protector.
July 23, 2025
It’s not often I finish a book and instantly want to pick it back up and start it again, but Tears of the Fallen is definitely one of those books. This is everything it is hyped up to be, a gritty, epic fantasy with vibes of Malazan, Abercrombie and video game and table top world building.
The world this book takes place in feels large and well thought out, there’s rich history and lore to the lands. The characters feel real and you can tell they have lived through some sh*t, the cast slowly grows through the book so you don’t get overwhelmed at the start.
The writing delivers this story in a easy manner to read but doesn’t spoon feed you anything, this world has history, I said it earlier and I’m saying it again, things have happened that have torn this world apart and we have to piece it together through the tales we get throughout the book.
I need the next book in my hands now and can’t wait to reread this!!
The world this book takes place in feels large and well thought out, there’s rich history and lore to the lands. The characters feel real and you can tell they have lived through some sh*t, the cast slowly grows through the book so you don’t get overwhelmed at the start.
The writing delivers this story in a easy manner to read but doesn’t spoon feed you anything, this world has history, I said it earlier and I’m saying it again, things have happened that have torn this world apart and we have to piece it together through the tales we get throughout the book.
I need the next book in my hands now and can’t wait to reread this!!
April 21, 2025
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars for the worldbuilding.
Okay. Mercy: Tears of the Fallen absolutely surprised me—in the best way. I went in expecting a solid epic fantasy, but what I got was a layered and detailed world that pulled me in and refused to let go.
The worldbuilding is easily my favourite thing here (if you can't tell already). The lore, the politics, every part of this universe is so well described. You can tell this world has history. It lives and breathes on the page. I also really appreciated how distinct the characters are.
Now… let’s talk about the Alevist. I wasn’t expecting to care about his storyline as much as I did, but by the end? His arc became my favorite. The moral weight, the emotional pull: I was so invested. Total standout. I couldn't help but wait for the story to come back to his POV.
Yes, some parts of the book are slower, especially early on, but honestly? It's not something that I minded. Epic fantasy needs space to unfold, and once things pick up, they pick up. The way this book ended leaves me excited for the next one. The last few chapters were definitely crazy compared to the rest of this book, so it makes the length of the previous chapters worth it.
The romantic subplots weren’t quite my thing, but they’re subtle enough that they didn’t take away from my overall experience. The focus stays firmly where it should: on the characters, the stakes, and this beautifully crafted world on the edge of something huge.
Highly recommend for fans of epic, slow-burning fantasy with a ton of lore, emotional weight, and characters that actually makes you feel something. I'm absolutely on board for book two.
Thank you to NetGalley, Light Seeker Publishing, and Chance Dillon for the ARC copy.
Okay. Mercy: Tears of the Fallen absolutely surprised me—in the best way. I went in expecting a solid epic fantasy, but what I got was a layered and detailed world that pulled me in and refused to let go.
The worldbuilding is easily my favourite thing here (if you can't tell already). The lore, the politics, every part of this universe is so well described. You can tell this world has history. It lives and breathes on the page. I also really appreciated how distinct the characters are.
Now… let’s talk about the Alevist. I wasn’t expecting to care about his storyline as much as I did, but by the end? His arc became my favorite. The moral weight, the emotional pull: I was so invested. Total standout. I couldn't help but wait for the story to come back to his POV.
Yes, some parts of the book are slower, especially early on, but honestly? It's not something that I minded. Epic fantasy needs space to unfold, and once things pick up, they pick up. The way this book ended leaves me excited for the next one. The last few chapters were definitely crazy compared to the rest of this book, so it makes the length of the previous chapters worth it.
The romantic subplots weren’t quite my thing, but they’re subtle enough that they didn’t take away from my overall experience. The focus stays firmly where it should: on the characters, the stakes, and this beautifully crafted world on the edge of something huge.
Highly recommend for fans of epic, slow-burning fantasy with a ton of lore, emotional weight, and characters that actually makes you feel something. I'm absolutely on board for book two.
Thank you to NetGalley, Light Seeker Publishing, and Chance Dillon for the ARC copy.
June 10, 2025
I’ve been following Chance Dillon on social media for a while and I was intrigued from the first time I heard about this book. His recent interview with iSamwise eventually persuaded me to request an ARC, which was kindly gifted to me. In that conversation, he pitched the book with two questions that will spark interest in many fantasy readers:
What if Aragorn lost everything after the war for the One Ring? And what if Sam had to kill Frodo to save Middle-earth?
I jumped straight in after hearing that, and that’s exactly what Chance has planned for you as a reader. Mercy: Tears of the Fallen is an ambitious novel, in the likes of books like Malazan, but also reminiscent of The Failures by Benjamin Liar (another great debut). (Apparently, it also draws on games like Elden Ring, but my lack of button-smashing skills makes it hard for me to say.)
It’s a bold move to publish such a complex and dense book, but he nails it in my opinion.
The story takes place in Maetlynd, a world carefully crafted and layered with history and culture. We follow different characters, but the main focus is on Alevist and Erevayn, a fallen hero and a drunken exile who form a surprising alliance as the hard-won Unity of the world comes under threat. Not every character's motivation is entirely clear, but I was still invested in several of them (especially my boy Hayde).
The many plotlines and POVs alternate at a steady pace, though the middle section slows down quite a bit. I wasn’t the biggest fan of some of the choices Dillon made here, but they did serve the story and moved things forward. The prose is smooth, and Dillon truly shines in the thrilling and emotionally charged action scenes. I hope he grows as a writer to also evoke these kind of emotions in the dialogues between characters. The romantic subplots in particular didn’t work for me, since they never felt believable or well developed.
Dillon doesn’t hold your hand and he wants you to trust him and the process. That’s a bold ask from a debut author, but for readers in doubt it’s nice to know that he took on D.J. Butler (who also works with Christopher Ruocchio) as a developmental editor to help shape the final story.
The last act is a wild ride, with a payoff for the build up earlier in the book. Dillon has definitely earned my trust, and I’m already looking forward to book 2 (and 3 and 4)!
3,75 / 5
I jumped straight in after hearing that, and that’s exactly what Chance has planned for you as a reader. Mercy: Tears of the Fallen is an ambitious novel, in the likes of books like Malazan, but also reminiscent of The Failures by Benjamin Liar (another great debut). (Apparently, it also draws on games like Elden Ring, but my lack of button-smashing skills makes it hard for me to say.)
It’s a bold move to publish such a complex and dense book, but he nails it in my opinion.
The story takes place in Maetlynd, a world carefully crafted and layered with history and culture. We follow different characters, but the main focus is on Alevist and Erevayn, a fallen hero and a drunken exile who form a surprising alliance as the hard-won Unity of the world comes under threat. Not every character's motivation is entirely clear, but I was still invested in several of them (especially my boy Hayde).
The many plotlines and POVs alternate at a steady pace, though the middle section slows down quite a bit. I wasn’t the biggest fan of some of the choices Dillon made here, but they did serve the story and moved things forward. The prose is smooth, and Dillon truly shines in the thrilling and emotionally charged action scenes. I hope he grows as a writer to also evoke these kind of emotions in the dialogues between characters. The romantic subplots in particular didn’t work for me, since they never felt believable or well developed.
Dillon doesn’t hold your hand and he wants you to trust him and the process. That’s a bold ask from a debut author, but for readers in doubt it’s nice to know that he took on D.J. Butler (who also works with Christopher Ruocchio) as a developmental editor to help shape the final story.
The last act is a wild ride, with a payoff for the build up earlier in the book. Dillon has definitely earned my trust, and I’m already looking forward to book 2 (and 3 and 4)!
3,75 / 5
April 21, 2025
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.
July 21, 2025
I received an advanced reader copy via NetGalley and this review is my own opinion.
I like to think that my reading comprehension skills are pretty good, even though I don’t think it’s a particularly cool thing to boast about. For the most part I think I can understand stories pretty well, but Mercy: Tears of the Fallen by Chance Dillon really tested me. First, a disclaimer, I didn’t finish it. I got to about 40% before I threw in the towel. I was already late with it, and I found it to be such a slog.
The first issue I had with the novel was the strange way it built its lore. It’s as though Dillon has been told at some point in his life that infodumping is a bad thing so instead he’s decided to sprinkle lore into his prose as asides. It feels disjointed and random, as though someone just thought of a fun fact in the middle of a conversation.
In this, Mercy: Tears of the Fallen tries hard to be subtle, but this subtlety is where it falls apart. For all its lore dropping asides, it fails to give the reader any semblance of understanding of what is going on. It uses in-universe jargon in ways that suggest we should already know what it is, and fails to include context clues that might help us figure it out. What’s left is just a jumbled mess of confusion.
The novel also has a tendency to use violence against women and girls as an emotional crutch. It allows the male main characters to brood over their loved ones’ pain while keeping them free of any actual harm. It’s a cheap way at building emotional stakes and it’s entirely unnecessary.
I like the ambition, I just don’t think the execution is there.
I like to think that my reading comprehension skills are pretty good, even though I don’t think it’s a particularly cool thing to boast about. For the most part I think I can understand stories pretty well, but Mercy: Tears of the Fallen by Chance Dillon really tested me. First, a disclaimer, I didn’t finish it. I got to about 40% before I threw in the towel. I was already late with it, and I found it to be such a slog.
The first issue I had with the novel was the strange way it built its lore. It’s as though Dillon has been told at some point in his life that infodumping is a bad thing so instead he’s decided to sprinkle lore into his prose as asides. It feels disjointed and random, as though someone just thought of a fun fact in the middle of a conversation.
In this, Mercy: Tears of the Fallen tries hard to be subtle, but this subtlety is where it falls apart. For all its lore dropping asides, it fails to give the reader any semblance of understanding of what is going on. It uses in-universe jargon in ways that suggest we should already know what it is, and fails to include context clues that might help us figure it out. What’s left is just a jumbled mess of confusion.
The novel also has a tendency to use violence against women and girls as an emotional crutch. It allows the male main characters to brood over their loved ones’ pain while keeping them free of any actual harm. It’s a cheap way at building emotional stakes and it’s entirely unnecessary.
I like the ambition, I just don’t think the execution is there.
June 13, 2025
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 seemed to try too hard and was not necessary at all. Also, the dialogue did not feel natural, and was extremely awkward, even for a fantasy setting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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 seemed to try too hard and was not necessary at all. Also, the dialogue did not feel natural, and was extremely awkward, even for a fantasy setting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 29, 2025
I find myself at odds with this book.
There are aspects of it that I absolutely loved, like its wildly, expansive and complex worldbuilding and the deeper depths of it that are hinted throughout.
The characters are also complex and deep and I found myself really enjoying Alevist and Erevayn, while also tolerating quite well others on that party. While other characters in other parties I found myself quite indifferent to them, and that made reading those chapters a little harder.
From the writing aspect, I have some issues with being thrown on the deep end of a word stew of new terms, powers, factions and characters and have the pedal of the story not easing for you to digest it.
I think the story is really impressive, the plot lines being drawn, hinted and realized as the book progresses coalesce really well into the last stretch of the book, but at the same time I think it could have been worked in a more concentrated manner. I feel the pace and flow of the story suffered from its expansive undertaking through so many POVs.
And yes, I understand that having that many POVs was important to show and highlight the really damn impressive world Chance crafted, but a tighter focus might have worked better for me.
I am definitively reading book 2.
4.1⭐️
There are aspects of it that I absolutely loved, like its wildly, expansive and complex worldbuilding and the deeper depths of it that are hinted throughout.
The characters are also complex and deep and I found myself really enjoying Alevist and Erevayn, while also tolerating quite well others on that party. While other characters in other parties I found myself quite indifferent to them, and that made reading those chapters a little harder.
From the writing aspect, I have some issues with being thrown on the deep end of a word stew of new terms, powers, factions and characters and have the pedal of the story not easing for you to digest it.
I think the story is really impressive, the plot lines being drawn, hinted and realized as the book progresses coalesce really well into the last stretch of the book, but at the same time I think it could have been worked in a more concentrated manner. I feel the pace and flow of the story suffered from its expansive undertaking through so many POVs.
And yes, I understand that having that many POVs was important to show and highlight the really damn impressive world Chance crafted, but a tighter focus might have worked better for me.
I am definitively reading book 2.
4.1⭐️
August 4, 2025
Chance Dillon is a name you should get familiar with, because I’m blown away that Mercy: Tears of the Fallen is a debut for him, this book reads like Dillon has been at this a while and is very comfortable in the Grimdark space, which earns this book a 4.25(rounded to 4 here) overall.
Mercy: Tears of the Fallen is the strongest debut fantasy I’ve ever read and I don’t say that lightly, Dillon manages to weave so many moving plots together seamlessly in ways that make sense and don’t feel forced, while creating a world shrouded in dread with just the smallest glimmers of hope, and a magic system that feels fresh with clear rules and costs that kept me engaged even during it’s slower moments. The characters are well fleshed out and the main characters are immensely complicated in the best way possible.
The book can be a bit of a slow start and will require some patience because Dillon boldly does no hand holding and thrust you into the story clearly expecting you to trust the process, which is rare in a debut book. Outside of some super minor times where I felt the dialogue was a little clunky and very few editing hiccups, if I didn’t already know it, I would have never thought this book was a debut from a new author that independently published. This book feels like it came from someone who has a few books under their belt and has started to hit their stride as an author vs someone just coming onto the scene.
Full in-depth review can be found at Bromantasy.com .
Mercy: Tears of the Fallen is the strongest debut fantasy I’ve ever read and I don’t say that lightly, Dillon manages to weave so many moving plots together seamlessly in ways that make sense and don’t feel forced, while creating a world shrouded in dread with just the smallest glimmers of hope, and a magic system that feels fresh with clear rules and costs that kept me engaged even during it’s slower moments. The characters are well fleshed out and the main characters are immensely complicated in the best way possible.
The book can be a bit of a slow start and will require some patience because Dillon boldly does no hand holding and thrust you into the story clearly expecting you to trust the process, which is rare in a debut book. Outside of some super minor times where I felt the dialogue was a little clunky and very few editing hiccups, if I didn’t already know it, I would have never thought this book was a debut from a new author that independently published. This book feels like it came from someone who has a few books under their belt and has started to hit their stride as an author vs someone just coming onto the scene.
Full in-depth review can be found at Bromantasy.com .
July 24, 2025
To start off, this was a well written book. I know it’s almost cliche to say this didn’t seem like a debut novel but it really didn’t. I was impressed with what the author accomplished in this story as it was an ambitious book to say the least.
I rate books on my personal experience with a book and I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Part of the reason that I enjoyed it so much was it reminded me of Malazan Book of The Fallen as the author throws you into a world that you don’t really understand and expects you to figure it out as you go. That may be a positive or negative for some readers but was welcomed by me.
That being said I think fans of Steven Erickson’s sprawling epic will find something to love here. The author’s love for storytelling and the Fantasy genre in general really comes out. This is a book that needs to be read by many!
I rate books on my personal experience with a book and I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Part of the reason that I enjoyed it so much was it reminded me of Malazan Book of The Fallen as the author throws you into a world that you don’t really understand and expects you to figure it out as you go. That may be a positive or negative for some readers but was welcomed by me.
That being said I think fans of Steven Erickson’s sprawling epic will find something to love here. The author’s love for storytelling and the Fantasy genre in general really comes out. This is a book that needs to be read by many!
July 27, 2025
DNF around the 40% mark
This book cites Malazan and Elden Ring as its primary influences, and from what I have read/heard/seen of those it makes sense. The author drops you right in and throws lore/magic/history/races at you with the scarcest hints of explanation. It's on us to sink or swim with it.
I am not the target audience here. The reviews I saw, and there are many for a book so freshly released, all mentioned the level of difficulty. And quite a few of them were also from people tapping out, like myself. Lots of them, though, were people who liked the struggle and challenge.
It's a shame because I was pumped for this. The plot summary online intrigued me. This world intrigues me. The characters intrigue me. An extra 20 pages of info sprinkled throughout would have benefitted me.
This book cites Malazan and Elden Ring as its primary influences, and from what I have read/heard/seen of those it makes sense. The author drops you right in and throws lore/magic/history/races at you with the scarcest hints of explanation. It's on us to sink or swim with it.
I am not the target audience here. The reviews I saw, and there are many for a book so freshly released, all mentioned the level of difficulty. And quite a few of them were also from people tapping out, like myself. Lots of them, though, were people who liked the struggle and challenge.
It's a shame because I was pumped for this. The plot summary online intrigued me. This world intrigues me. The characters intrigue me. An extra 20 pages of info sprinkled throughout would have benefitted me.
July 19, 2025
★★★★¾- 4.75 stars
This ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
OMG!! I was about confused in the beginning but once I understood who was who I was obsessed!
This is such a great first book! There is a lot of information for you to assimilate and a lot of characters but the plot is so interesting!
There is a vast world and immersive world building, the author did a fantastic job writing it. The magic system is complex but fascinating.
There was so much going on and I loved it! It was a little bit difficult to grasp everything sometimes but it didn’t bother me at all.
The characters were amazing too, they’re flawed which makes them easy to connect with.
As a fantasy debut, this is incredible! The author has delivered an amazing epic story and I can’t wait to keep reading this series.
This ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
OMG!! I was about confused in the beginning but once I understood who was who I was obsessed!
This is such a great first book! There is a lot of information for you to assimilate and a lot of characters but the plot is so interesting!
There is a vast world and immersive world building, the author did a fantastic job writing it. The magic system is complex but fascinating.
There was so much going on and I loved it! It was a little bit difficult to grasp everything sometimes but it didn’t bother me at all.
The characters were amazing too, they’re flawed which makes them easy to connect with.
As a fantasy debut, this is incredible! The author has delivered an amazing epic story and I can’t wait to keep reading this series.
August 23, 2025
60%. Might come back to this later just not feeling it.
June 3, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a very elaborate high/epic fantasy.
It was not always easy to follow what was going on, as the story was very busy with lots of characters involved. Lots of different points of view to explore.
There are also multiple political and religious factions and multiple races to try and distinguish making it a highly complex story.
That being said there are some very well written characters and scenes that I quite enjoyed.
This is a very elaborate high/epic fantasy.
It was not always easy to follow what was going on, as the story was very busy with lots of characters involved. Lots of different points of view to explore.
There are also multiple political and religious factions and multiple races to try and distinguish making it a highly complex story.
That being said there are some very well written characters and scenes that I quite enjoyed.
May 25, 2025
Mercy: Tears of the Fallen by Chance Dillon is an ambitious and emotionally intense entry into the dark fantasy genre. Set in the richly imagined world of Maetlynd, the story follows Alevist Lightseeker, a disgraced hero, and Erevayn, a bitter exile, as their fates intertwine in a land teetering on the edge of ruin.
Dillon clearly has a gift for world building. Maetlynd feels vast, ancient, and alive with history. The themes of guilt, redemption, and the personal cost of power are enmeshed in the story, giving it a strong emotional core. Fans of grimdark or morally complex fantasy will likely appreciate the depth and seriousness of the narrative.
The overall pacing of the story has strong start but then lags in the middle. The prose, is confusing at some points and made it hard for me to fully get lost in the atmosphere. What would have make this a 5 star read - less telling and more showing, and possibly a more focused approach to the vast characters.
Overall, Mercy: Tears of the Fallen is a solid debut with clear potential. For readers who enjoy complex, emotionally charged fantasy, it’s worth checking out and comes next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Dillon clearly has a gift for world building. Maetlynd feels vast, ancient, and alive with history. The themes of guilt, redemption, and the personal cost of power are enmeshed in the story, giving it a strong emotional core. Fans of grimdark or morally complex fantasy will likely appreciate the depth and seriousness of the narrative.
The overall pacing of the story has strong start but then lags in the middle. The prose, is confusing at some points and made it hard for me to fully get lost in the atmosphere. What would have make this a 5 star read - less telling and more showing, and possibly a more focused approach to the vast characters.
Overall, Mercy: Tears of the Fallen is a solid debut with clear potential. For readers who enjoy complex, emotionally charged fantasy, it’s worth checking out and comes next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 18, 2025
This is not for the faint of heart (looking at you Tolkien, Wheel of Time and Johnathan Strange). It is not a fun and easy read, it is dense and requires concentration. The story is explosively imaginative and boldly ambitious, SO much is going on in this complex world.
It is a dark epic fantasy sink-or-swim read. Admittedly, I felt like I was sinking a few times. There is A LOT to take in: massively detailed and expansive world building, layered and complex characters, plot, mysteries, political intrigue, religious factions and various races.
If you can keep up, the story is amazing! Yes, I stumbled through the WHOLE book and thought that THIS would be the one I ended up DNF-ing. But I persisted because the story is THERE! The magic system with runes, politics, likeable characters, gruesome fight scenes, romance, affairs, betrayals, gods.. pure epic fantasy!
Be warned: there is no hand holding as you are thrust into the very thick of it from the get go! And I mean, world-specific terminology with no explanations (I ended up reading this on my Kindle and having the glossary up on my computer). There is so much history that you are fed bread crumbs from various characters throughout the entirety of the book that I was always missing pieces, just like the characters. The ending sets up beautifully for book 2 and answers a huge question that carries throughout the book, a closure that I didn’t know I needed.
Thank you to NetGalley, Light Seeker Publishing, and Chance Dillon for the ARC copy.
It is a dark epic fantasy sink-or-swim read. Admittedly, I felt like I was sinking a few times. There is A LOT to take in: massively detailed and expansive world building, layered and complex characters, plot, mysteries, political intrigue, religious factions and various races.
If you can keep up, the story is amazing! Yes, I stumbled through the WHOLE book and thought that THIS would be the one I ended up DNF-ing. But I persisted because the story is THERE! The magic system with runes, politics, likeable characters, gruesome fight scenes, romance, affairs, betrayals, gods.. pure epic fantasy!
Be warned: there is no hand holding as you are thrust into the very thick of it from the get go! And I mean, world-specific terminology with no explanations (I ended up reading this on my Kindle and having the glossary up on my computer). There is so much history that you are fed bread crumbs from various characters throughout the entirety of the book that I was always missing pieces, just like the characters. The ending sets up beautifully for book 2 and answers a huge question that carries throughout the book, a closure that I didn’t know I needed.
Thank you to NetGalley, Light Seeker Publishing, and Chance Dillon for the ARC copy.
May 18, 2025
It’s a 3.75 star rating for me. The author was nice enough to give me an ARC for an honest review. I will start with the positives. The world building is great. I don know how long this world has been in Chance’s head before he wrote it down, but it feels lived in. The world has an history. The characters has an history. I can see the influence. The magic is unique. This doesn’t feel a generic fantasy world. If you like Malazan, you will like this book. It took awhile for the story to get going in my opinion. I didn’t really care for the characters that much. It might be different after book two or a reread when I do buy the physical copy. My experience on the Kindle might had affected my reading experience of the book too. The author doesn’t hold your hand. He drops you in the middle of the world. Chance doesn’t hold your hand in which it could be a good or bad thing for the reader. I would recommend reading this book still.
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