A review by xkrow
The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey

4.0

 Not unlike my experience with Leviathan Falls, the Expanse’s final entry, it has taken some time for me to sort through and understand my feelings on the experience that was presented to me here. Expectation is the killer of joy; I have learned that truth continuously throughout my life. It almost got me here too. But taking the time to step back and reflect on what is being attempted in this relatively short book, I was pleasantly surprised that I really, really liked it. 

Once again, I want to reiterate that if you’re coming in expecting the Expanse all over again, you’ll be sorely disappointed. What’s being crafted and set-up here is, yes, grand, but it’s a lot slower. We spend most of the time in the heads of these characters as they reflect on the world around them – the events that have come to change their lives, how they feel about one another, the uncertain future that is to come. We get insight into the prisoner’s mind, the fucked-up appreciation of captors, the struggle for choice. “What is, is,” declare the Carryx, and that goes so fundamentally against humanity’s nature that it promotes an entire shift in our character’s mindset. Only those quick enough to adapt will survive, and Dafyd seems prepared to be one of them. 

Leviathan Wakes was crafted as a “standalone with series potential”, so its interesting to see how they tackle this opener knowing they’ve got a trilogy locked and loaded. It’s a lot more intentional in its discussion. We have future insight into the events that will transpire and that helps set the tone. In places, it does slow down a lot, but the duo’s efficient and effective writing style carried me through those small hiccups. The characters are numerous, as we hop between the main cast, and I do wish they were introduced a bit better because it took me a while to remember them all, but afterwards they do tend to stand out and I didn’t have trouble keeping track of them. But, it did a conscious effort. 

On the worldbuilding angle, its again really good. The Carryx are really solid as a species. We get exposed to their way of thinking in increments, and are invited to view the world from their perspective. Just like Dafyd, we are allowed to put together pieces of the puzzle. And that’s another part – there is a big mystery as to what exactly is going on in the world outside of this planet and we only get a glimpse at that here. Abraham (who I’m assuming wrote them because of the Expanse commentary) gets to flex his abstract side in writing more elaborate prose and poetic phrasing. 

Overall, after an initial necessary mind-set shift, I really, really enjoyed what was presented here. It’s a world rich in detail begging to be explored in the sequels. Many dislike the small scope of this tale, but I found it a necessary tone setter and grounder for what may come next. We are only seeing the beginning of humanity’s story with the Carryx and I can’t wait for the sequels.