I’ve been following Chance Dillon on social media for a while and I was intrigued from the first time I heard about this book. His recent interview with iSamwise eventually persuaded me to request an ARC, which was kindly gifted to me. In that conversation, he pitched the book with two questions that will spark interest in many fantasy readers:

What if Aragorn lost everything after the war for the One Ring? And what if Sam had to kill Frodo to save Middle-earth?

I jumped straight in after hearing that, and that’s exactly what Chance has planned for you as a reader. Mercy: Tears of the Fallen is an ambitious novel, in the likes of books like Malazan, but also reminiscent of The Failures by Benjamin Liar (another great debut). (Apparently, it also draws on games like Elden Ring, but my lack of button-smashing skills makes it hard for me to say.)
It’s a bold move to publish such a complex and dense book, but he nails it in my opinion.

The story takes place in Maetlynd, a world carefully crafted and layered with history and culture. We follow different characters, but the main focus is on Alevist and Erevayn, a fallen hero and a drunken exile who form a surprising alliance as the hard-won Unity of the world comes under threat. Not every character's motivation is entirely clear, but I was still invested in several of them (especially my boy Hayde).

The many plotlines and POVs alternate at a steady pace, though the middle section slows down quite a bit. I wasn’t the biggest fan of some of the choices Dillon made here, but they did serve the story and moved things forward. The prose is smooth, and Dillon truly shines in the thrilling and emotionally charged action scenes. I hope he grows as a writer to also evoke these kind of emotions in the dialogues between characters. The romantic subplots in particular didn’t work for me, since they never felt believable or well developed.

Dillon doesn’t hold your hand and he wants you to trust him and the process. That’s a bold ask from a debut author, but for readers in doubt it’s nice to know that he took on D.J. Butler (who also works with Christopher Ruocchio) as a developmental editor to help shape the final story.

The last act is a wild ride, with a payoff for the build up earlier in the book. Dillon has definitely earned my trust, and I’m already looking forward to book 2 (and 3 and 4)!

To say that this is a debut novel is unbelievable. This book was fantastic! This dark epic fantasy certainly lives up to the title.

We are thrown headfirst straight into the world building of Maetlynd our fantasy world that has been overwhelmed by war and then the Crimson storms making the water undrinkable and causes people to go infectiously mad.

We then move forward to years later, where we see such characters such as Alevist, a warrior who was looking forward to his retirement but instead found nothing but bloodshed. And Erevayn who spends his days drinking to forget and wanting to prove himself to reverse his exile mark.

There are a lot of other characters in this book, each with their own background and story (the character building is u real) but I feel me trying to describe them would do Dillon’s writing an injustice and would take the pleasure away from you when reading this. Now I will hold my hands up and say that I should have made full use of the character sheet that Dillon painstakingly gave us, however I was on nights when I started this book and didn’t think much of it, and as such it took me a while to get my head wrapped around the characters.

The only better way I can think of describing this book is if you are a fan of The Witcher, or authors such as George RR Martin or Brandon Sanderson, then this is a most certainly a book for you. This is a beast of a book and it doesn’t just drag you into the story, it grips you by the hair and throws you headfirst into this new world!

Tears of the Fallen is a compelling story, but I found that some of the sentences lacked the fluidity I was hoping for.

There's so much human-ity in this book - human failings, human touch, human overreach and human politics. All the unhuman characters, with their unhuman looks and their unhuman powers, are ultimately human in nature: greed, ambition, love, pain, manipulation, abuse, power, generosity, disregard, faith, calculation, care, ability, talent, genius, motivation are all driving the plot in a very complex world, scarred by war and everything bad and tragic its destruction can bring.
I had a difficult start, it felt as if I was trying to read in a foreign language, but as things started to happen and I got a grasp on the main characters it became very interesting and I got invested. The writing is evocative, the characters come alive on the page with all their weaknesses and strengths, and the understanding of their actions is subtly guided by the Archivist's history references. You know a book is good when, besides hooking you on the story, you also become painfully aware of your real-life circumstances, all the things that we take for granted and which could be lost - most of all freedom and free will. The modern world has made us soft, the technology making our lives so much easier, and here I don't only think of the washing machine and plumbing, but also the internet, which has opened such wonderful ease into knowledge. With it, comes the manipulation, it is so easy to read about and judge people and actions we don't really know, which makes it easy to one day wake up to a different reality - the sleep of reason gives birth to monsters, and this superficiality might make us enable such monsters. Question is, do heroes still exist to save us? I know they do, and the most precious thing driving us and the narrative in this book is Hope.
Mercy - interesting choice for a book about a world torn by war - I will definitely read the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is a very elaborate high/epic fantasy.
It was not always easy to follow what was going on, as the story was very busy with lots of characters involved. Lots of different points of view to explore.
There are also multiple political and religious factions and multiple races to try and distinguish making it a highly complex story.
That being said there are some very well written characters and scenes that I quite enjoyed.

I think this is a decent book but it must be for the right reader. I must admit when I first started this book I was completely lost in what is basically the prologue (under the section “The Before”) but when it got to book one (Our Wars Within) it got easier and was able to follow it better.

There are many comparisons out there for this book to Malazan and that's true to an extent: large cast, shifting character viewpoints, and a vast world you will have to figure out as you go along. I will say I don't think it had the humor of that series and the overall tone reminded me of the Kharkanus books. It can feel a bit like work sometimes reading the book and trying to figure out everything but for the right audience it will be rewarding.

Complex and very dark fantasy that challenges the reader through its massive but compelling world building. The world feels real and the magic system is something special, even experienced readers of the genre have not encountered before. The characters are extremely diverse and morally grey which is a welcome bonus for Grimedark fans.

I enjoyed this book! The world building was pretty good, sometimes I found myself a little confused and having to reread to better understand but after I figured that out I felt like it was easy to engage with the reading. The middle section kind of dragged; I almost wished it was a little shorter? The end was fantastic and I can see how this book is going to do well during it's release. I would def recommend this.

this is definitely the most challenged I have ever been reading a book and I HIGHLY recommend that once things start clicking you go back to the beginning and immediately start over.

I was lost for at least 150-200 pages. and it is pretty dense in that time. But suddenly i read one paragraph and the lightbulb above my head lit up so bright. i had a complete AHA moment but still was like wait am i insane? is this delirium or did i just understand? so i went back to the beginning and reread to confirm which helped IMMENSELY.

I genuinely was attracted to the book based on the plot and the books people said it was reminiscent of. I have never read brandon sanderson or joe abercrombie or john gwynne or anything like that BUT i have wanted to so I thought heck might as well!

There are quite a bit of POVs but its definitely needed the further you get into the book. its kind of like the last few books of TOG where ppl wanna skip tower of dawn bc they still hate chaol (rightfully so) but skipping it would be a disservice to the book and you need those perspectives.

Theres so many people on so many different you cant skip anything. You really need to grab a drink, some snacks, and hunker down. prepare to be frustrated and confused.... its NORMAL and WORTH IT.

Avelist and Erevayn are deeply complex characters and i genuinely feel like we have only scratched the surface.

The author purposefully withholds information until you are ready to have it. that being said, i have a million questions about where the story is going and how the characters are going to reach the end of their journey. I want so many things for these characters. I feel like I cant rest until they do.

Mercy: Tears of the Fallen by Chance Dillon is a dark, emotionally intense thriller that delivers a powerful punch. The story is raw and gritty, with themes of justice, vengeance, and the human capacity for both cruelty and compassion. The author does a great job of building tension and keeping the reader on edge throughout.

The characters are deeply flawed but compelling, and the plot unfolds with just the right mix of suspense and heart. While some moments were heavy and hard to read, they were handled with purpose and added depth to the overall narrative.

I’m giving this one 4 stars because, while it was gripping and well-written, certain plot points felt slightly predictable. Still, it's a strong, thought-provoking read that lingers long after the last page.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Mercy: Tears of the Fallen by Chance Dillon is a debut fantasy novel. The beginning of the book is quite complex and confusing with a lot of worldbuilding. The book starts off in Maetlynd where the people are still dealing with wars, and poisoned waters. This book may be hard to understand for newer fantasy readers. Throughout this book there is great character development.

This book has so much going for it. It has multiple plot lines to follow. Politics, world building, magic. Its a bit brutal and a mix of old and new. Lots of characters and personalities to love and hate. If you are a type of person that loves heavy complicated in depth dark epic high fantasy books that make you have to slow down and really enjoy reading, this is going to be the book/series for you.

There’s a lot to admire about the world-building this book offers, but unfortunately, it feels like the editor needed to put in more work. The beginning was rough. It overwhelms the reader with background information. Yes, many epic fantasy stories do this, but in this case, it’s simply too much. Even as someone who normally devours dense and complex books — and I say this without trying to brag — I found it hard to stay engaged.

The dialogue is another weak point. It often feels unnatural. Not always, but often enough that it becomes distracting. I understand that Malazan was a major inspiration for the author, and that’s a bold choice. I respect that, and it’s clear the author poured their heart into this.

That said, it just didn’t work for me. However, if you're someone who values a richly imagined and immersive world, this book might still be worth your time. Just be prepared, because the story itself can feel like a chore to get through.

Mercy: Tears of the Fallen is a story of deep emotional conflict, wrestling with themes of guilt, redemption, and the murky waters of morality. The protagonist’s journey is one of introspection, and Dillon’s writing captures the rawness of human vulnerability in a way that feels both honest and compelling. It’s a book that asks tough questions about forgiveness, self-reckoning, and the emotional weight of our past decisions.

The world-building, though understated, is effective in creating a haunting atmosphere that underscores the protagonist's internal turmoil. The setting, while not overtly flashy, quietly enhances the somber mood of the story, grounding the narrative in a way that makes the emotional stakes feel even higher. Dillon’s ability to balance character development with plot progression works well, ensuring the pacing doesn’t sacrifice character depth for action.

That said, there are moments where the pacing does lag, particularly in some of the more drawn-out emotional scenes. However, these slower moments allow the story to breathe, and the reflective, often melancholic tone they bring works to the novel’s advantage. It’s a deliberate pace, one that asks the reader to sit with the characters and their struggles.

The ending provides closure but also leaves the door open, offering a sense of mystery that sets the stage for the next book in the series. While some might find the ambiguity frustrating, others will appreciate the space it leaves for contemplation, giving the story a lingering emotional resonance.

Overall, Mercy: Tears of the Fallen is a strong, emotionally-charged entry into a series that promises more to come. It’s a compelling read for those who enjoy dark, introspective stories with a touch of mystery and room for character growth.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

After reading about 20% of the book, I can see that it has a lot of potential. The world-building is rich and immersive, and the emotional depth in the writing is clear. The concept intrigued me, and there's a lot to appreciate in the author's creativity and the detailed universe they've crafted.

However, I found myself struggling to fully connect with the plot. The pacing felt slower than I expected, and while I can see the story's potential, I didn't feel deeply hooked early on. Because of that, I didn’t end up continuing beyond the first part.

While it wasn't the right fit for me personally, I believe this book will appeal to readers who enjoy slower, more intricate narratives. To be honest, I’m still curious to see where the series goes and what others think as the story unfolds.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book early.

Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot. It was difficult for me to get into at first because I didn't vibe with the prose so I had to start it more than once but once I did get into it, it was good. It's your typical fantasy where you don't know who anyone is or what's going on in the world at the beginning so it takes some time to get your bearings but world building is very interesting and unique. If you enjoy fantasy, you will probably enjoy this.

Mercy: Tears of the Fallen is a fantastic debut that delivers everything I love in fantasy—rich worldbuilding, layered characters, and a story that balances emotional depth with high-stakes action. Chance Dillon crafts a world that feels ancient and alive, with a mythos as compelling as the heroes who carry it.

Can’t wait to see what Dillon writes next

Mercy: Tears of the fallen is a very well written story by Chance Dillon. Its style falls in the vein of the gritty and epic style if the great Joe Abercrombie.

With excellent character development, and a twisting storyline, that progresses quickly in a vividly imagined world, it's a great start to a series I'd definitely read more.

The mystery behind who could he the chosen, and an artifact to change the world has been written, but not in this way. A fresh perspective & memorable characters gives this book a great start.

Recommend!

This started out really strong. The middle kinda dragged a little and the ending was great. I think the author tried to hard with his pros. If he just pulled back a little it would have been a top contender

Such vivid world building has gone into this book! I can appreciate the imagination that it must have taken to come up with all of this.

I do love a fantasy book but unfortunately for me it was a little hard to get to grips with however, a lot of the words I didn’t understand so it was hard for me to get fully invested in the story.

I can absolutely guarantee people will love this book though, it just wasn’t scratching the right parts of my brain.
DNF around 57%