Angel of Mercy (Mercy Hollings, Book 2) by Toni Andrews
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Book Reviews of Angel of Mercy (Mercy Hollings, Book 2)
Book Review: Good new series
Summary: 4 Stars
Read the two books in the series back-to-back and enjoyed them. A good, broad, cast of characters, all of whom are sympathetic (except, sometimes, the lead character. I find myself wanting to shout at her occasionally). More urban fantasy books than romance fantasy, although the sex scenes probably get the series labeled romance (were I the author I'd re-think the inclusion of such scenes, as the books are stronger as mystery/urban fantasy than as romance).
Overall very enjoyable, although the second book is weak in the mystery plot area. Oddly enough, my two favorite characters are Tito and Grant, who make a good - albeit mutually respectful - odd couple, more so than Sukey and Mercy.
Kindle comments: There are a couple of minor format errors in the conversion to Kindle format (mainly in the form of forced hyphenations) which don't impact the legibility of the books.
Book Review: sleek, compelling style
Summary: 5 Stars
Angel of Mercy is a fast-paced, intelligent and dark story about a woman with the ability to convince others. Most of the time, her talent is used for good purposes, but sometimes, she needs to venture into some shady areas. Toni Andrews has created a heroine unlike any other, balancing paranormal, urban fantasy and romance in a taut thrill ride. The writing is sleek, smart and cheeky, humor and darkness mingling in a combination that makes the Mercy Hollings story absolutely unique.Book Review: the Mercy Hollings series is now officially on my must-read list
Summary: 4 Stars
ANGEL OF MERCY, book 2 of the Mercy Hollings series (after BEG FOR MERCY) really hooked me in. I liked BEG FOR MERCY but I'm never sure about a series until I've read at least a couple of installments - I need to know if the author can deliver over the long haul.
I really like Mercy Hollings as a character - I like her sharp mind, her quick reasoning, and her occasional lack of tact. She's an independent and capable, like so many paranormal heroines, but in a very normal way - she runs her own business, pays her own bills, tends to her own wounds. The everyday burden of keeping herself afloat really adds to the realism of the books (and reminds me, in a way, of Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse series).
I really like seeing the ethical dilemma inherent in Mercy's use of her unique ability, the press, kept front and center - it's the hinge around which the series turns. Once again, we see how Mercy's ability to make people do what they are told, no questions asked, can save the day or lead straight to disaster.
The cast of secondary characters has settled nicely. In BEG FOR MERCY, Mercy collects her gang of friends and the recruitment felt a little artificial. In ANGEL OF MERCY, I could just enjoy the group dynamic. I grew up in Orange County, and characters like gangster with a future Tino, rich and idle Hilda, ditzy Sukey, retired businessman Gerald, etc., really capture the feel of the place and its inhabitants. Their characters acquire some much needed depth here, and their interactions are fun. This isn't the usual band of sidekicks/peanut gallery - for one thing, two of the gang are *gasp* middle-aged - and I'm glad. Mercy's support system makes the series more unique and really adds to the authentic, local feel of the book.
I'm really excited about the Mercy Hollings series now, and I can't wait to read the next installment.
Book Review: More like 4 1/2 stars....
Summary: 4 Stars
Mercy Hollings is learning that her ability to "press" others into doing what she wants them to do can have serious side effects. Still reeling from Dominic's death and revelations (see BEG FOR MERCY for more details), Mercy is reluctantly looking into her own past with the help of her best friend, Sukey. Meanwhile, an offer to work with abused women in her role as a hypnotherapist is irresistible to Mercy. What will happen when Mercy's emotions cause her to lose control again?
ANGEL OF MERCY is the second book featuring hypnotherapist, Mercy Hollings. I was a bit ambivalent on the first book as the names distracted me and the storyline just didn't completely mesh for me. I had decided to read at least one more book, though, since Mercy's ability, the "press", was so unique. Boy, am I ever glad!
Mercy is an impetuous, feisty character. Her qualms about her abilities have left her in doubt as to whether she is fully human. It's hard to not like Mercy as she is so, well, human, despite all her own misgivings! Mercy's willingness, no call it a passion even, to defend both her friends and anyone in need is admirable. Admittedly, her impulsivity doesn't often create the situations she is aiming for but she is still learning and growing and it's admirable to see a character who recognizes her own strengths and weaknesses.
ANGEL OF MERCY touches on some very sensitive topics. The whole issue of battered women is a delicate one and Mercy's anger is very understandable. Toni Andrews does a great job at showing the dark side of this issue and its impact on everyone involved.
ANGEL OF MERCY is a solid second effort from Toni Andrews. Mercy Hollings is an interesting character and I look forward to seeing where her quest for her own identity leads her.
COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES
Book Review: 2nd book in the series
Summary: 3 Stars
I found this second book in the series to be corny and un-original. I was very impressed with book 1, tho the ending was a little corny in that one as well. This one had too simple a plot and came to a resolution too quickly. Mercy's relationship with Sam also seemed unrealistic and under-developed. I like the style of writing tho, and therefore am interested in reading book 3.