Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.6
EAN num: 9781932100921
ISBN number: 193210092X
Label: Benbella Books
Manufacturer: Benbella Books
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 352
Printing Date: September 01, 2006
Publishing house: Benbella Books
Sale Popularity Level: 601364
Studio: Benbella Books
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Product Description:
The harrowing tale of Erin of Elliath, warrior and healer, continues in this episode of the battle between good and evil. When Erin rejects her position as Lady Sara, wife to the First Servant of the Dark Heart, she escapes from her husband’s realm with the help of Darin, the Patriarch of Culverne and the last of his line. After combining forces with the deposed prince of Marantine and a mysterious old man—who has magic skills that neither Erin or Darin can identify—the foursome hatch a plan to wrestle control of the usurped kingdom of Marantine away from the priests of the Dark Heart. Meanwhile, Erin continues to struggle with her part in the betrayal of her people, the deaths of her most beloved friends, as well as her feelings for the man who doomed them for her sake.
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Rated by buyers -
Lady of Mercy picks up virtually straight from the end of Book 2. Erin has remembered who she was and wants to free the people that Stefanos has enslaved. She and Darin join forces with a mage - Trethar, and a thief - Robert. They journey to Marantine where they will fight the very first battle in the new war between Light and Dark.
Plotwise you could argue not a lot happens here - Erin and Darin join forces with the deposed crown Prince of Marantine, and journey to his kingdom with the intention of ridding the Dark Church from the city, and restoring the rightful monarch to the throne.
However, within this story so much else happens. It's a book of what happens between, between finding out the truth and ending the war. Erin remembers who she is, she remembers the fate of Belfas, Kandor and the warriors who came to kill Stefanos so many centuries ago. Erin blood vows to destroy all that Stefanos built up for the Dark. She says she hates him now, but a part of her misses him.
This is really a story where things start coming together. And unlike the previous two books, it has many light moments. Most of which come from the character of Robert/Renar. Though this optimism and hope, is countered by Erin and Darin's more sombre attitudes. Don't become too complacent though, there are still moments in the story that cut like a knife.
Two more major characters are introduced as Erin and Darin flee Mordantari. Trethar an old mage who takes Darin on as his student and teaches him how to call the fire that comes from neither the dark, nor the light. And Robert a foppish thief, who is hiding a secret. Indeed, that's a big thing in this book - characters hiding the truth of themselves, keeping secrets, wearing 'masks', and secrets being found out.
Just to mention there is a whacking big twist at the end of this story. I almost suspected it, but not quite, so it still had my mouth dropping open. :) It's the sort of twist that makes you want to read the whole book again because you know it's going to alter your perception of events.
At the end. Sargoth (the Second) manipulates the First of the Darkness. And soon Erin and Stefanos will meet on the field of battle once more. I almost dread reading Book 4, this hasn't been the sort of series where happy endings are guaranteed. But I so want to know what happens next.
Rated by buyers 
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This is book 3 of 4 of the Sundered Series. The very first book I read of this authors was Cast in Shadow, which was also wonderful. I then went and found this series, which is absolutely spectacular! This is the most touching, romantic and gripping book I have ever read. The hero Stefanos is brooding, dark and evil(literally), the heroine is brave and fearless. The concept of how love transforms evil and redeems it is compelling. Buy all 4 books- you will devour them over a weekend.
Rated by buyers 
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Really, I would rate this book to be 3.5 stars. Lady of Mercy is the 3rd book in Michelle Sagara West's Sundered Series. The very first was excellent; the second was still very good. The third is ok. Why the not so enthusiastic review? Well, Ms. West did a terrific job making me care about Erin and Stefanos, the two protagonists in the very first book. The second, although less focused on their relationship, contained the necessary plot developments meant to further the story; furthermore, the ending of the 2nd book made it all worth while. That said, the 3rd book, based upon just the literary merits, is still a good read but caused apprehension because of what is happening with Erin. WARNING: SPOILER to follow if you haven't read the 1st and 2nd books!
Now that Erin is on the run while discovering remaining allies of the Light in unexpected places, she must come to terms with the betrayal of her kin at the hands of her husband and love, Stefanos. The third book really grapples with the difficulties in reconciling the love she feels for Stefanos, or Lord Darclan :), yet the hatred/pain from knowing that she indirectly betrayed her kin. It's a tough question (Can love survive something like this?) and most of the book describes her wavering feelings. But one thing is for sure...mercy is missing in her calculations...which is understandable considering the events.
I felt ambivalent about this 3rd book because of Erin's state of mind since, despite the incompatibility between the Light and the Darkness, I had hoped that Erin and Stefanos could overcome those difference with their love (too sentimental, I guess!). Other than my slight unhappiness with what is going on with Erin, the actual book itself is still very well-written, developing the events that will lead to the imminent insurrection against the Dark. I think the fact that I was so affected by what was occuring shows that Ms. West is truly a talented writer. I am very much looking forward to the 4th book, Chains of Darkness, Chains of Light.
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