Honestly this duology is so much fun, I already can't wait to reread it!

I really hope this gets picked up for the screen, as the action levels and core cast could really lend themselves to it, and I would be watching the heck out of that.

I love all our characters in this series. I was a little sad when they split up for plot reasons as seeing them all together is pure fun. I felt that each of them was someone I could relate to and was cheering on, which is frankly all you can ask.

I definitely recommend this series, go check it out right now! 4.5 stars.

Seven Mercies is an absolute gem that shines brightly in the sci-fi genre, offering a thrilling adventure filled with depth, diversity, and heart. This novel is the second installment in the Seven Devils duology, and it not only meets the high expectations set by its predecessor but surpasses them with a richly woven narrative that left me both exhilarated and emotionally moved.

What makes Seven Mercies truly remarkable is its cast of characters, who are as diverse as they are deeply relatable. The representation in this book is extraordinary, with characters embodying a wide range of identities. From LGBTQ characters, including bisexual, pansexual, lesbian, and asexual individuals, to a trans woman (Kyla) and characters dealing with anxiety, trauma, and physical disabilities like amputation, this book offers a spectrum of representation that feels authentic and meaningful. These aren’t just token characters – they evolve significantly throughout the story, with some of the most profound growth seen in characters like Cato and Kyla. Their journeys are full of relatable struggles and triumphs, and I found myself deeply connected to them.

The relationships among the found family of rebels are another highlight. The bonds between these characters are genuine and moving, showcasing a level of emotional depth that is often hard to find in action-packed sci-fi. Nyx and Cato, in particular, show incredible development, moving beyond their initial roles to confront deeper emotional and existential challenges. The story’s shifting perspectives give each character room to breathe and grow, making the narrative feel rich and layered.

The plot of Seven Mercies is a rollercoaster of high-stakes action and deep emotional moments. Continuing the saga of rebellion against a tyrannical empire, the Novantae resistance is now scattered and hunted across the galaxy. The tension builds as the rebels face escalating dangers, culminating in a climactic showdown that is as intense as it is satisfying. The action sequences are pulse-pounding, yet the book never sacrifices character development for the sake of thrills. Instead, it balances these elements beautifully, creating a narrative that is both fast-paced and emotionally resonant.

What I loved most was how the world-building expanded in this book. We get to explore new locales and civilizations, from the Evoli home world to the very heart of the empire. Each new setting is richly detailed and adds to the story’s depth, making the universe feel vast and lived-in. The themes of agency, identity, and redemption are woven throughout the characters’ quests, adding layers of complexity to their struggle against the empire. The lines between ally and enemy are often blurred, resulting in unexpected alliances and ethical dilemmas that kept me fully engaged.

The writing in Seven Mercies is a masterclass in collaboration. Laura Lam and Elizabeth May bring their combined talents to the table, creating a narrative that is cohesive and seamless, despite its multiple perspectives. The prose is descriptive without being overwrought, and the emotional depth they bring to the characters is simply outstanding. They manage to convey the grandeur of the galactic conflict while still keeping the story deeply personal and character-driven.

One of the standout aspects of the writing is how accessible and engaging it is. Even as the narrative delves into complex themes, the writing remains clear and easy to follow, making it a pleasure to read. There’s also a good dose of humor and wit sprinkled throughout, providing much-needed levity amidst the intense drama. The use of multiple perspectives and temporal shifts adds depth to the story, allowing readers to fully understand the motivations and past traumas of the characters while keeping the plot moving at a brisk pace.

The themes in Seven Mercies are as powerful as they are poignant. The concept of found family is central to the story, highlighting the bonds formed through shared adversity and mutual support. The rebels’ unity and loyalty are portrayed as their greatest strengths, underscoring the idea that chosen relationships can be more meaningful than biological ties.

Identity and agency are also crucial themes, as characters challenge the societal norms and expectations imposed by the empire. Their journeys towards self-discovery and empowerment are beautifully portrayed, making their victories feel earned and their struggles deeply resonant. The narrative also explores the theme of resistance against tyranny, with characters seeking redemption not only for themselves but for their entire society. The moral ambiguity and ethical choices they face add a layer of complexity to the story, illustrating the difficult realities of rebellion.

Seven Mercies is a shining example of sci-fi excellence, blending classic space opera tropes with modern themes of diversity and inclusivity. It appeals not only to fans of action-packed adventures but also to those who appreciate character-driven narratives set in expansive, futuristic settings. The balance between high-stakes drama and intimate character moments makes this book a standout in the genre.

I give Seven Mercies a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars. It’s a riveting conclusion to the Seven Devils duology, delivering on every front—action, character development, thematic depth, and emotional resonance. If you’re looking for a sci-fi epic that offers not just thrills but also a thoughtful exploration of identity, agency, and the power of found family, then Seven Mercies is an absolute must-read. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a compelling, inclusive, and beautifully written adventure in the stars.

Positives of Seven Mercies
Diverse Representation: Strong representation of LGBTQ+ characters (bi, pan, lesbians, asexual, trans mtf) and characters with disabilities (amputee), contributing to inclusivity and authenticity.
Character Development: Significant growth and depth in characters like Cato and Kyla, with nuanced portrayals of their struggles and journeys.
Found Family Dynamics: Compelling relationships and dynamics within the rebel group, emphasizing loyalty and camaraderie amidst adversity.
High-Stakes Plot: Action-packed narrative with escalating tension and well-paced plot development, culminating in a gripping finale.
World-Building: Expanded universe with diverse settings and cultures, enriching the story’s backdrop and thematic exploration
Negatives of Seven Mercies
Pacing Issues: Some readers may find parts of the plot slow-paced, particularly in moments of exposition or character introspection.
Emotional Intensity: The emotional depth and heavy themes explored may be intense for some readers, requiring emotional investment.
Conclusion: While the finale resolves major plot points, some readers may find aspects of the conclusion predictable or insufficiently satisfying in closure for all characters.

I have loved the 1st volume and that is why I have requested the ending. I loved being back in this world with these great characters. It definitely is a satisfying ending for me. This duology reminded me why I love sci-fi with big Empires and awesome battles.

I found the first book in this series really entertaining but slightly chaotic and really looked forward to following up with this. This was a whole lot of fast-paced space opera- a wild ride and very funny. I loved the whole gang of misfits-working-together trope!

I was delighted to be accepted for an arc for this book. I was anticipating this so much and the authors didn’t disappoint. I found myself becoming more connected to the characters. Like the first one I found it a little slow at first but it picked up quickly. The plot left me guessing and I was delighted to get to the end.

All in all I’ve oiled recommend this to all fans of Sci-fi fantasy books

I really wanted to enjoy this series but it just wasn’t it for me. I don’t enjoy the characters and it jumps around too much to be enjoyable

This was a fast paced conclusion to this high stakes scifi with prominent LGBTQ themes. The quippy group of women in this band of resistance remained close to one another in pockets of couplings and friendships and yet they kept vital secrets from one another.

The dialogue was banter central which I didn't always vibe with but in some ways it tampered down the high drama that the storyline followed.

There was plenty of bad 'guys' to hate on in this installment, no more than Damocles. I liked Eris the most, closely followed by Kyla. Some of the other characters never grabbed me.

Thank you for the eARC.

Seven Mercies is a great sequel to Seven Devils, it wasn't quite as good as the first one but it has a lot of what I loved about it. It really takes things up a notch yet also seems a bit more toned down, things have gotten worse for the rebellion, but they are still fighting. It is not quite what I thought it was going to be but I liked the direction it took. The characters were amazing and I loved seeing more of their regrets and lives, particularly with Cato and Rhea. You really feel for all the characters, which is such a surprise when there are so many of them!

The story and the rebellion didn't really play out as I expected it to, it didn't hugely feel like a continuation of the plot of the first book. It took a bit of a turn in a different direction, although there were hints to some of the things that happened in the first book. There wasn't as much fighting and cool fight scenes in this book, it was clear the Devils were trying their hardest to not hurt people, and I respect that. I did really enjoy the ending and how everything played out, loose ends were all nicely tied up.

What I love most about this duology is the characters, they are all just so fantastic and unique. Each one stands out as an individual and we get to learn so much about the gang. I felt a connection to all of them, and that is something usually very hard to accomplish with so many point of views. The representation in this story is also the best I have seen. There is everything without it being the focus of the story, it's all so natural and well done. We have characters with disabilities, anxiety, a trans character as well as nonbinary and questioning, we also have a mix of sexualities. Its just great to see and there is no reason to not have all of this! The character I relate to the most is Ariadne, she is a smart young girl with some mad tech skills but she also struggles a lot with anxiety and its easy to see why. She has always had to be the best and pushes herself so hard for fear of not being useful. She very much worries what everyone else thinks and just wants people to like her. However, through it all she manages to be so upbeat and always tries to make the best of things. I loved seeing further development of the characters in this book. I particularly loved learning more about Rheas powers and how to use them. Finding out more about Cato's background was also very interesting, if a little heartbreaking!

I just really adored this story and its characters so much, I'm sad that I won't be getting any more of them!

Elizabeth May and Laura Lam have done it again - intricate world building, a diverse and loveable cast, and a plot so full of twists and turns that I could never predict what was going to happen. This is one of my absolute favourite sci-fi series, and I can't wait to see more from both of these authors.

An engaging and action packed conclusion to a great duology! We really got to dive into the POVs of all the devils in this book, and saw them band together to save the galaxy

„Seven Mercies” is the second and last book in the “Seven Devils” series by Laura Lam and Elizabeth May. I instantly liked the title and the connotation behind it.
When the book starts, the characters are in a pickle. After an explosive end of the first book, most of the Novantae resistance is in shambles, and Seven Devils must scramble for their lives and avoid Tholosians soldiers and bounty hunters. But even overwhelming odds could not thwart the rebels’ desire to fight against the tyranny and help people that the empire enslaved.
All seven characters have their point of view here and loads of past and traumas to deal with. I liked the themes used in the series: rebels against the evil empire, mind-controlling chips, ever-present, powerful AI gone rogue and impossible missions to save the galaxy. Also, immense respect for how diverse the book is with LGBT characters and non-binary folks, emphasising that finding your own identity against external pressure is the right thing to do.
Now, my problem with the story mainly was connected to many characters. They are all interesting with diverse pasts and experiences, but in my opinion, the duology is not enough to give all their stories justice. I struggled through the first half of the book, and I shouldn’t because I like all those tropes. But having seven different points of view was very distracting, considering each character was doing their own thing. As soon as I got into one story, I was pulled out, and before I returned to this character, I forgot what I was excited about. I think such a diverse cast of characters works well in a huge series, with six-plus books like The Song of Ice and Fire, because then we have time to get to know characters well. Here, all the stories felt as if we barely touched the surface.
On a lighter note, I appreciate that Cato got his own point of view and complex storyline. I felt that in “Seven Devils”, he was a kind of background paper-thin character who didn’t fit into the feminist crew of badass girls. What’s more, I think his back story was the most exciting and surprising of all, and it was the highlight of the whole book.
In general, “Seven Mercies” is a solid, diverse sci-fi adventure, so you should give this series a shot if you like space operas and look for something with good LGBT representation.

Almost 2 years ago, I wrote a raving review about Seven Devils by Laura Lam and Elizabeth May (I now also learned to spell the name correctly. Apologies to the author).

Seven Mercies concludes the action packed sci-fi duology. I was kindly provided with an ARC via Netgalley, but kept pushing the book back on my TBR. Now I also have a signed copy on my hands.

The story starts several months after the end of the first book. I heard it should originally have been about a pandemic, but due to the current world state, most of the book was changed. But I don’t think the quality suffered at all. Filled with a lot of action and the fantastic cast of characters, the book ties every lose end together nicely, finishing the story in a clashing, but satisfactory crescendo. Not entirely unexpected maybe, but I did not expect this book to surprise me. Found family space action seems to be my comfort reading genre of choice.

5/5 Duckies

Seven Mercies is the 2nd book in the Seven Devils series that follows the rebel Devils, a group of (mostly) women in their bid to defeat the Archon Damocles and the A.I ‘The Oracle’ and it picks up pretty close after the first instalment. Eris is recovering from her enslavement at the end of the last book (with a new silver tongue, thank God!), Nyx is still hiding her fatal illness and the rest of the group are reeling over the Damocles spreading a plague that killed thousands, blaming the Devils in his bid for domination.

I loved the first book but it’s been a while since I read it and I couldn’t find a decent recap, I am always so grateful for books that start off with their own recap! It took me a while to get into this one, but possibly that is because it took me a little while to find my footing and become familiar with it all, which is more a criticism of me than the book! I do think the pacing is a little slow at the start, maybe even for the 1st ½, but then you know it’s leading to something big so you just have to be patient. The book gives each devil their own voice and the chapters are relatively short which makes the reading experience enjoyable and addictive. Certain voices I enjoyed more than others, I liked getting to know Cato better and his past and current struggles, the vulnerability of Nyx and Clo, the strength of Rhea, the loneliness of Ariadne, Kyla’s hope and, always my favourite, Eris, raised to rule who now fights for justice. I liked all the characters a lot more in this instalment and felt they had a lot more room to develop and show who they really were. The characters of course are all very likeable, Kyla I clicked with less, but I enjoyed getting to understand them all and they all compliment and fit together so well. I adore Rhea and Ariadne, 2 characters not necessarily physically strong, but 2 characters who rebel in their own way, who are both underestimated but who fight for what is right, and Eris, I just love her, she’s the Aelin of the series and I so badly wanted her to forgive herself, she is such a hero, she’s ballsy and kind and made for the screen :’)
There’s also refreshing diversity in these books, with not just 1 character having a prosthetic leg but another a crutch, and we follow both characters as they adapt, find their power and are seen far beyond their disability, the positivity is beautiful to read. Likewise this book is LGBQT and explores different themes of identity in a way that makes it something special than a lot of books.

I will say I hated the ending, but I understood the decision, it’s beautiful but also made me cry and feel angry at the same time – but that’s what happens when you care.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy in exchange for my honest review. Seven Mercies was a fun, at times devastating, adventure with a whole ensemble of loveable, diverse characters, action and importance. This book is feminist, celebrating women and sisterhood in every form, without ever preaching.

Seven Mercies concludes a fun, feminst scifi duology following a ragtag team of misfits taking on a corrupt empire. It’s packed full of queer characters and has a lovely found family feel which I simply adored.

I read Seven Devils before its release in 2020 so I had a bit of a wait between books, and found when I picked up Seven Mercies that I needed to reread the first book as I really didn’t remember much and the first chapter wasn’t enough to jog my memory. I enjoyed Seven Devils equally as much as my first time reading it and found myself excited to continue the story. I thought Seven Mercies was a decent sequel and I liked how it wrapped up the story overall, as well as taking the story to new levels. However, I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as its predecessor.

The way the authors managed the seven perspectives in this book was really impressive. It felt like each chapter and each perspective had its purpose and despite there being so many narrators, I never found myself wishing for another character, as often happens in multi POV stories. I also felt like each of the characters were given a good amount of depth and development which is another thing I often find lacking in multi POV stories. I said in my review of the first book that the book’s strength lay in its characters and that remains true for Seven Mercies. I really enjoyed them as individuals and their own development, as well as the friendship between them all. Found family is one of my favourite tropes and this duology does it well. I also loved the two romances in this book, especially the sapphic one between Clo and Rhea.

I enjoyed the writing in Seven Mercies and how it differed character to character to give them all a unique voice. I also found the action scenes particularly well written; the authors were able to raise the stakes and build tension really effectively. I also enjoyed getting to explore more of the world, especially the Evoli. I usually struggle with scifi worldbuilding for some reason and find it difficult to understand but this duology makes it so easy to follow.

I’m not too sure what about this book didn’t work for me as well as Seven Devils. It was enjoyable to read but just didn’t really hook me. I felt like it lacked some of the action and tension of the first book until the grand finale. The middle chunk was a bit of a slog and took me ages to read. Although I enjoyed all the perspectives, I’m not sure they were all necessary and wonder if cutting back to the original five would have made this book more efficient.

Exploring themes of corruption, free choice and identity, Seven Mercies concludes a great scifi duology. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves the misfit found family scifi elements of The Guardians of the Galaxy, but would love to see a queer feminist take on it.

Action packed fantasy adventure set in space, with a diverse cast of characters and hugely detailed world building. It's full of the moral dilemmas you'd expect from seven rebels trying to free the galaxy from a ruthless empire, and has some brilliantly engaging scenes. Overall, I found it a bit too long, but It's great escapism with plenty of depth.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read and review Seven Merices by Laura Lam and Elizabeth May.

I reread Seven Devils before picking this one up to refresh myself on the story. There are plenty of characters and their point of views to catch up with so I wanted to make sure I was back on track with the Devils.

I enjoyed Seven Mercies more than I enjoyed Seven Devils. I think the plot is more solid in the second part of the duology and the characters are more developed.

I liked the twists of this book. It wasn't predictable or boring, it kept you engaged and always guessing.

I stupidly requested this one before reading the first one and honestly I'm not sure when I'm going to get around to reading this series! Also for some reason my kindle won't load this book up and the file is now archived 🙈

I'm so sorry. I do plan on reading this series though because it sounds amazing!!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in return for a fair review.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first novel in this series, Seven Devils, so I was excited to read Seven Mercies. This novel did not disappoint! The pacing was different, but worked well overall, allowing us to get to know more of the ensemble cast.

It’s been so long since I read Seven Devils my longing for the sequel, Seven Mercies, never faded. It was so good, and my expectations for the final book in this duology were high. But Laura Lam and Elizabeth May went even further than that. A lot of internal screaming happened.

My friend, Aurelie, also received an ARC so we decided to do a buddy read. I already knew I’d need someone to shout at because so much happened in Seven Devils, it was going to happen in Seven Mercies too. And it did. Reading it together, a few chapters every time, it was good. Even though She’s in Ireland and I’m in the Netherlands, we’d put the book and look at each other, both wide-eyed, jaws dropped.

The main cast of Seven Mercies is much the same as in the previous book although the points of view change more frequently among the Devils. While Eris felt like the main character in the first, the others, Kyla especially, gets more screen time. It felt more balanced this way and we get a good view of all the events happening across space. And a lot is happening. Every character has a clear arc with their own struggles and personal victories. It’s in these arcs that the internal screaming mostly happened as a character made another dumb decision. But a book wouldn’t be fun if they only made the right ones.

I never would’ve guessed this would be the ending but it was satisfying in every way possible. Characters got their closure, a new future, and no tyrant on the throne. The world has taken a hit because of the war and it’s changing. It doesn’t feel forced or far-fetched to me, although I have no clue how

Seven Mercies gets five stars for me. I loved it just as much as the first and I’ll definitely re-read it again once I’ve got my matching set of hardcovers. If you like space opera, women kicking ass, rebels fighting the patriarchy, you’ll enjoy this duology.

My advice is not to read the blurb, as it’s far too chatty. I was very glad that I hadn’t, because when the hammer fell I was both surprised and horrified at the enormity of the game-changing twist that forces the devils back into the fray.

What sucked me into the first book is the energetic writing and gung-ho heedlessness that most of women displayed in the face of danger. At the start of Seven Mercies, however, the rebel group are reeling. They have suffered a terrible betrayal that has struck at the very heart of their resistance movement, and they are all counting the cost. The fallout from this catastrophic reverse makes for grim reading, given that it put the eek! in bleak. Now my inability to cope with well written devastation that spans a galaxy is far more down to me and my ongoing battle with Long Covid, rather than any failure of the writing. But do be aware – the dynamic energy that was the hallmark of Seven Devils doesn’t really get going until about 40% of the way through Seven Mercies.

Inevitably, in an ensemble narrative, there are favourites. There was no one I disliked, other than the truly odious villain, Damocles – and even he is also pitiable at times, having also been on the receiving end of his father’s ruthless cruelty. But the highlights for me were the toxic and layered relationship between Eris and her psychotic brother, Damocles, which was powerfully portrayed with surprising depth, given how much is going on throughout this book. And Ariadne’s poignant story – the young girl’s desperate loneliness as she tends to the powerful A.I., Oracle, is also beautifully conveyed, especially at a key moment in the narrative that nicely heightens the tension.

In the meantime we go on learning more about each woman and her backstory, which I enjoyed. I’ve seen this book promoted as a Feminist space opera adventure – and it’s a label I find a bit misleading. It actually features a group of desperate rebels who decide to use their skills and influence to oppose a shockingly brutal regime – who just happen to all be women. They aren’t proposing Feminist principles, or trying to change the society to be more mindful of women’s needs because the Tholosian rulers treat everyone – men, women and children – as if none of them matter.

Overall, this is a powerful and effective conclusion to the story and certainly a must-read if you enjoyed Seven Devils and your jaw dropped in disbelief at that shocking ending. The ebook arc copy of Seven Mercies was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest opinion of the book.
8/10