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Unforgettable characters
“While I do think that the plot and world created by the authors are both fascinating, it's the characters that really drive this book. I thought about them for a long time after I finished the book, so much so that I had to read it again, and I'm not usually one to re-read anything. Instead of words on a page, these characters, even many of the minor ones, seem like real people. They all have their quirks, like Thom correcting other people's grammar, Hal blushing, Balfour fussing with his gloves, and Rook dropping almost constant (though terribly endearing) f-bombs. I feel like these characters are old friends, and I look forward to following their adventures in future books.”
An amazon user wrote this on 2009-09-26. -
1 of 1 members found this review helpful.
I could come up with some awful puns for this title...
“I wasn't thrilled with this book right from the very start. Which is not to say that it's a bad book, per say, only that I had certain expectations from a writer as well-known as Jaida, and these expectations were not met. Jaida is internet-famous for her part in The Shoebox Project, and so I expected something similar from her in Havemercy; ie, something witty, humorous, well-written. This book screams with pretentious; the too-flower language, shifting first-person perspectives, and completely predictable plot all combine to make what should be a completely unsatisfying read.
An amazon user wrote this on 2009-09-18.
But, that's the thing. The read isn't unsatisfying. For one thing, the authors weren't afraid to include a prominant homosexual relationship in the novel, and to discuss homophobia within the context of their fantasty world. Then there's the dragons themselves; instead of going with the oft-used cliche of dragon-riders, Jones and Bennett created mechanical dragons, the invention of technology and magic instead of living creatures. And the plot is fun, even as it's predictable.
I wish the plot hadn't moved so fast. There are four main characters (all male; in fact, the only female characters in this entire novel are either completely two-dimensional stereotypes or characters with potential who vanish as soon as they appear) and each take an equal role in telling their own stories, which means there's too much plot being forced into too short of a book. Within thirty pages, the climatic antagonistic plot point is revealed and eliminated!
Anyway. Long story short? I give this book a B-. I'm tempted to give it a solid C just for the fact that Jaida let me down so badly, but many of Havemercy's readers will have no idea who Jaida is.” -
1 of 2 members found this review helpful.
Don't be taken in by the cover
“Although I admit the authors are talented for their age, HAVEMERCY is dribble. They should have done more research on their source material...men. It reads like a bad teenage sitcom produced by MTV. Don't buy it. I did and was so thoroughly non-amused I ended up throwing it away because I was embarrased of acknowleging to myself that it was in my book collection. I'm a 36 yr old male and I'll take Stephanie Meyer over these two anyday.
An amazon user wrote this on 2009-09-10.
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2 of 2 members found this review helpful.
A fun, fast page-turner
“A fast read with fun, endearing characters. Although there is a sequel out, you can read this as a standalone, which is something I needed. Most of the book is character development (following 4 men connected in different ways), with the action focused towards the end (and it had a great climax - 14 steel dragons tearing **** up....pretty cool!).
An amazon user wrote this on 2009-09-07.
This book was NOT as involved or complicated as much of the lauded fantasy has become (i.e., Martin, Jordan, Errikson, etc - I love these authors but sometimes you need something a little lighter, you know?). It was fun, it had great characters, and it moved along quickly.
Highly recommended.” -
a book you can't put down
“I loved this book all the different characters were very interesting I really liked roy and hal together they were so sweet. I realy hope that there will be more to this series in the future.I just read shadow magic and that was excellent too.”
An amazon user wrote this on 2009-08-23.
