Series: Deathless #2
Author: Namina Forna
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Released: May 31, 2022
Received: NetGalley

The Merciless Ones is the second novel in Namina Forna’s Deathless series. I’m not going to lie – I was hoping that OwlCrate would make a matching exclusive version of this book since I got the first novel through them. But that’s life, right?

Last we saw, Deka had successfully freed the goddesses, learning who she is. Yet this freedom does not mean the war is over – the opposite. Six months later, the war is still waging on, now with new determination as Deka and their allies learn the truth.

There are still more goddesses to be freed, girls and women to save, and corruption to battle. In other words, Deka’s job is far from over. Only, an additional complication makes Deka’s task all the more challenging.

Fans of The Gilded Ones will have to make time to read The Merciless Ones, as this is very much the sequel we deserve. Best of all, there’s still at least one story left to this tale, meaning there’s more to look forward to.

I’ve wondered how Deka’s journey would continue since the last novel concluded. I have to say; my imagination did not do it justice! Once again, Namina Forna has created a powerful tale that seems to resonate within our bones. Or maybe that’s my anger, as it is impossible not to feel some of that while seeing what Deka and the rest are up against.

A couple of things held me back from giving this a higher rating. Mainly the pacing, as that seemed to be a bit off. Deka’s character development is another one. While it was a highlight in the last novel, it changed for this book. Change happens and is good. I get that. But I worry about what it will mean for the next book, especially regarding power levels.

Still, if those are my biggest complaints of The Merciless Ones, I’d say it was a pretty solid read. Once again, I find myself waiting here to see what happens next and wishing that time would flow more favorably for readers.

Thanks to Delacorte Press and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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