I was given a chance to beta read "Mercy" by Rhiannon Paille. It is the fourth book in her The Ferryman and The Flame series. This particular book is intended to be a possible start point even if you never read the first three. After reading Mercy I will say that even though Rhi did a wonderful job pulling enough details to give you background and the overall history of the world that I would still start from the beginning. I'm a bit picky when it comes to things like that. My plan now is to finish the series and then start over so that I can absorb all the details in their actual order. On the topic of Rhi using this as a second starting point, I love that as an author she decided to continue the series and follow the characters beyond a major conclusion. I wish so many more authors would do this. I usually find myself so disappointed after a series ends but just from what I've read of this series I don't think I will have that feeling.
I found this to be a nice jump back into YA fantasy/romance. I've been rather bored with the genre lately and this book made me realize what was missing in most YA today. There are so many unique characters and details in this series. The creatures and magic, while maybe reminding you of something similar, make it clear that this is a different take on them. Krishani for instance may remind you of the grim reaper but is in fact so much more and in ways so much more terrifying. When reading from his POV you feel his torment, despair and struggle. I like the character of Kaliel because even though she may come off as innocent, something so much more incredible is buried in her soul.
This seems to be a very enjoyable series that won't leave you bored or asking yourself why you began in the first place. Once I finish the series as a whole I plan to come back and edit my review with more detail. So go check out The Ferryman and The Flame series! You will not regret it! ( )