I usually pick up novels that I’ll know what to expect, from Authors that I know I will like because I’m comfortable with them. But when I discovered M.R. Merrick, and his book Exiled I really had no expectations, had no idea what I was in for, and whether or not I would like this debut novel from an Author that’s still managing to make a name for himself. Besides a cover that had me asking questions, and a blurb that caught my attention, I really had no idea what to expect. But first, before I say more, please check out the cover and blurb for Exiled J
Chase Williams is a demon hunter in the Circle, or at least he was supposed to be. Failing to develop any elemental magic on his fifteenth birthday left him exiled in a world full of half-demons, and no hunters to protect him.
When Chase discovers the Circle's plan to unlock a portal and unleash pure-blood demons into the world, he vows to stop them. Knowing he can't do it alone however, he accepts help from Rayna, a sexy witch with an attitude and a secret.
As the pair attempt to stop the Circle, Chase realizes working with a demon is only half the battle. When they find themselves in the middle of the Circle's plan, it leaves one of them to decide what their friendship is worth, and the other's life depending on it.
–Quoted from Goodreads.
When Chase discovers the Circle's plan to unlock a portal and unleash pure-blood demons into the world, he vows to stop them. Knowing he can't do it alone however, he accepts help from Rayna, a sexy witch with an attitude and a secret.
As the pair attempt to stop the Circle, Chase realizes working with a demon is only half the battle. When they find themselves in the middle of the Circle's plan, it leaves one of them to decide what their friendship is worth, and the other's life depending on it.
–Quoted from Goodreads.
Well, let me tell you, Exiled, was nothing short of amazing. And I’m not just saying that because as it turns out M.R. Merrick is a local author.
Chase Williams is a Hunter, exiled from a family, and a group of Hunters—called the Circle—for being “different.” This, right away tugged at my heart. So much today do we see the effects of being different in the eyes of the youth around us. But M.R. Merrick has created a character that boys should look up to, because Chase Williams didn’t let being different define him, no, he let being different matter to the world he lives in. It might have taken him a bit to discover that being different isn’t bad, but he learned, and embraced the gifts he’d been given and the chances set out before him, even if he doubted it a little. His first obstacle to overcome, was befriending Rayna, who just like Chase, is different.
Rayna brings a breath of fresh air to Chase’s rather depressing demeanour, her snappy comments, interesting clothes and hair, and her own life difficulties make her and Chase a perfect match for friendship. Together they’re characters grow over the course of the novel, each of them taking on the weight of the world, and striving to be better.
But Exiled simply isn’t just about a guy and a girl, and a friendship between two very different, yet similar people, no, it’s about so much more. Exiled starts off with a bang! The action, adrenaline and well written dialogue never stop’s. M.R. Merrick created a world of mythical gods, underworld demons, and Hunters that fight for mankind. He’s rolled all fantasies favourite creatures into one well planned out rollercoaster ride giving life to--in my opinion--a slightly saturated market.
I think having strong male and female youth characters, is what set’s this novel apart from its counterparts. Toss in a unique storyline, parental figures that actually play a role in shaping the youth, an explosion of fight scenes, romantic tension—that isn’t thrown in your face, and supporting characters that will have you smiling and you’ve got Exiled. What more could any reader ask for? This novel has it all, and, I think given a bit of time, this novel will climb the ranks and make M.R. Merrick an author to watch out for.
I’m beyond happy to hear that M.R. Merrick is already hard at work on the sequel to Exiled, as well as creating a Protector Series out of his awesome characters, and great writing style.
Now, if you want to learn more about M.R. Merrick, his debut novel Exiled—and the Protector Series—as well as his favourite kind of cereal... Come back on Saturday—the 12th of November-- for an awesome Author Interview and I’ll even tell you how you can enter to win a FREE copy of Exiled J
