Exiled (The Protector, #1)

Mar 31, 2012 Giselle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, arc, fantasy

M.R. Merrick takes YA paranormal to a whole new level with his debut novel, Exiled, where we're taken on an enthralling action adventure filled with creatures from demons to trolls, alongside our strong, determined protagonist - Chase.

A heartbreaking and powerful start; we're immediately introduced to our dear Chase, when we're taken to his childhood, seeing him exiled from the Circle for having no elemental magic. Fast forward a few years, we meet a teenager who has matured beyond his years by...more M.R. Merrick takes YA paranormal to a whole new level with his debut novel, Exiled, where we're taken on an enthralling action adventure filled with creatures from demons to trolls, alongside our strong, determined protagonist - Chase.

A heartbreaking and powerful start; we're immediately introduced to our dear Chase, when we're taken to his childhood, seeing him exiled from the Circle for having no elemental magic. Fast forward a few years, we meet a teenager who has matured beyond his years by having to keep himself and his mother alive, while constantly on the lookout for demons - killing them when necessary. We do see that he still has some boyish innocence however, when he meets the sexy, smart, and witty Rayna. Both of them are enticing, easily likeable characters, but together, they're infinitely entertaining. The amusing banter between them enlivens the story, giving us a great balance of lightheartedness inside this dark tale.

These are not the only people we get to know and love in this novel. It holds a fantastic cast of secondary characters that are just as enchanting, along with villains that are ruthless. From the unfortunate trolls we meet along the way, to Willy - the always delightful demon - we've got vivid personalities that clearly sets them apart, giving them important supporting roles that adds quite a bit more charm to the story.

It's hard to pinpoint which genre I would consider this; Urban Fantasy would be my pick: It's a fast paced adventure with plenty of fantasy and paranormal elements, a touch of romance, and non stop action. Surprisingly, it all fits incredibly well. I'm not a big fan of fantasy especially - they mostly overwhelm me with the endless hierarchies and politic, so I was relieved this was not the case with Exiled. I was kept intrigued by the inner workings of the demons and hunters. Their conspiracies and prophecies had me engrossed; impressing me with twists I never expected. Its plot is overall immensely creative, giving us a story that is unique, with an ending that will leave you dying for more.

Even though I'm hesitant to get into fantasy, I'm glad that I finally caved to all the ~~threats~~ rave reviews and gave Exiled a try. Intense and high in action, you should find yourself easily immersed in M.R. Merrick's imaginative world. It has a whole hell of a lot to offer for any and all reading preferences.

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Jun 20, 2011 M.R. Merrick rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author)

Ummm...Of course it's a 5-star, I wrote it!

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Sep 26, 2012 Krista (CubicleBlindness Reviews) rated it 5 of 5 stars

In all honesty here, I have read a lot of books this year with Demons and recently have found them all kind of mixing together in my head and not remembering much about them only weeks after reading the book.
This book however completely stood out on it's own and incredibly entertaining and memorable.
I had been hearing some good things about the book in some blogs, so I had it on my radar, it's a great price right now and jumped at the opportunity to review it. Needless to say when I started re...more

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Jan 24, 2013 Marie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 5-stars, best-series-ever, favorites, demons, favourite-series, male-author-challenge

Ive re-read this book about a million times- it would be faire to say I am obsessed. I read this book ages ago and noticed i hadnt even wrote a review! I know right?
Well anyways back to the book, it is action-packed, thrilling and intense. I loved every word, sentance and page. I just fell in love with Chase and Rayna! Read this book and then youll know why!
It draw you in on the first page and then leaves you begging for more on the last. (Lucky for you guys, the second book is now available)
I...more

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Mar 31, 2012 Haley ~ YA-Aholic rated it 4 of 5 stars

Rayne was quick to comment. “My, can it be true? One day you’re calling me a filthy demon, and next you’re having sleepover with an Underworlder?” “What can I say, he was prettier than you.”~ Rayne and Chase

What a read! Exiled by Mathew Merrick was a fantasy-action novel at its best! If you’re looking for an awesome, action, paranormal novel with a male main character then look no further! Exiled will have you up late at night needing to know what Chase was going to get himself in and out of nex...more Rayne was quick to comment. “My, can it be true? One day you’re calling me a filthy demon, and next you’re having sleepover with an Underworlder?” “What can I say, he was prettier than you.”~ Rayne and Chase

What a read! Exiled by Mathew Merrick was a fantasy-action novel at its best! If you’re looking for an awesome, action, paranormal novel with a male main character then look no further! Exiled will have you up late at night needing to know what Chase was going to get himself in and out of next!

Chase is a part of the Circle, a group of hunters who have elemental powers to help them save the innocent from demons. Today is Chase’s 15th birthday, today he is supposed to finally receive his elemental power, but when at the ceremony..no elemental power comes. In return his powerful father , a fire elemental has his own son Chase, and Tessa, Chases mother exiled from the circle.

Almost three years later, and Chase still relives that day, every day. As if that wasn’t bad enough, even though he has been exiled, and has no elemental power, he is still regularly attacked by demons. But one day everything changes, he meets Rayne, a beautifully fierce girl that is part demon and hunter… according to what the circle taught him, Rayne shouldn’t even exist...after meeting Rayne, Chase is learning that there is much more going on in the Circle then he could ever imagine..

What a ride! Exiled was one of the best fantasy novels I have ever read, it had everything you want when looking for a great paranormal read, there were hunters, demons, vampires, werecats, goblins, trolls, giants, I think you get my point! This novel completely satisfied my paranormal needs, the part I especially loved about the fantasy beings was how the hunters worked, most books that have hunters, means they are just really strong and good fighters. But in Exiled hunters had magical powers; each hunter had an element they could use; air, fire, water, or earth! Scenes that involved hunters using such awesome powers were my favorite parts throughout the book!

Besides the fantasy aspect of Exiled, I also enjoyed the action throughout it. I don’t normally get to into action scenes in books, but with Exiled I was completely spellbound! The action scenes were so intense with lots of blood and so well written, I normally can’t picture battle/fights in my head very good, but with every one of Matthew Merrick’s action scenes, I pictured it picture perfect clear in my mind, it was incredible! More or so I guess that just means I completely loved the author Matthew Merrick’s writing, even outside of battle scenes each page flowed perfectly, and I was able to easily imagine what was going on!

Last, but not least the characters! The variety of characters was wonderful! There were so many different characters that Chase runs into throughout Exiled, and each and every one of them was easy to remember! No one was really all that similar; each character had a distinctive personality. My favorite hands down though were Chase, Rayne, and Willy. And each one of them is different, Chase is insanely strong headed, Rayne is flat out fierce, and Willy is the guy always scared and stuttering! Their each so different, yet I loved every one of them!

Overall Exiled is not a book any YA fantasy/paranormal readers want to miss. This book had me going crazy over what Chase was going to get him and his friends into next, and I cannot wait to see where book 2 Shift will take him next, I can only hope all the characters I have come to love will make it out of book 2 alive!
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Jun 25, 2012 Marisa rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: witchie

I've had a difficult time trying to write a review for this book.

1) I find it really weird that the author has given himself a 5 star review.

It makes me uncomfortable and makes me feel like the author is stalking his review page. Perhaps this is why there hasn't been much descent toward the book? People are afraid to get reamed out for a negative review, which has been happening a lot lately on goodreads.

2) I have no idea how this book has 4.5 stars out of 5. When I see a book with this high of...more

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Oct 17, 2011 Rusty Fischer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

I love when a book launches right out of the chute and never quite slows down. That’s how Exiled by M. R. Merrick, started – and stayed – for me.

I didn’t know much about this book going in. Some books are like that. Sometimes you know about a book and think you should buy it and maybe you will and then finally you do. Other times it kind of happens fast and you’re a little blind going in and, bam, pleasant surprise x 200!

I ran across the author in a Twitter exchange, clicked on a link to get to...more

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Jul 01, 2011 Ashley rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, legendary

WOW. Just plain WOW. This book was an incredible action packed, fast paced, thrill ride, that kept me hanging on until the end.
I absolutely loved this book, and am definitely looking forward to a sequel!

~*~*~*~

M.R. Merrick's writing style is fantastic. I'm not a big fan of 1st person stories, but this was written so well, I forgot it was in 1st person. He is so detailed in is his descriptions, you feel like you are right there in the rooms and situations with the characters. The plot and storyli...more

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Jul 23, 2011 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: EVERYONE!

Excellence in it's purest form. Fantastic pace, from beginning to end the book never let's break. The writing style and plot was stunning, it will keep you guessing. The characters were marvelously created. The author has an amazing talent for character building and development. Over all this book was a complete WOW factor I still can't believe. I definitely will move this to the top of my recommend list. Buy the book, you'll love it.

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Mar 13, 2012 Autumn Review rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: review

Summary:
Chase Williams has been raised to be a demon hunter in the Circle. On the 15th birthday of each hunter, they are required to go through a challenge in which their elemental powers are revealed. Unfortunately for Chase, his power doesn’t surface and he becomes exiled from the Circle.

Two years later, after living outside the Circle, battling demons and trying to stay alive, he meets Marcus and Rayna. The secrets that are revealed turn Chase’s world upside down. Everything he thought he kne...more Summary:
Chase Williams has been raised to be a demon hunter in the Circle. On the 15th birthday of each hunter, they are required to go through a challenge in which their elemental powers are revealed. Unfortunately for Chase, his power doesn’t surface and he becomes exiled from the Circle.

Two years later, after living outside the Circle, battling demons and trying to stay alive, he meets Marcus and Rayna. The secrets that are revealed turn Chase’s world upside down. Everything he thought he knew, isn’t necessarily the truth. He begins to learn that the Circle’s goal’s have changed. They want to open a portal into the Underworld, which would allow demons to surface. With Rayna’s help, Chase sets out to stop the Circle.

As they set out to save the world from evil, Chase and Rayna both learn that their role’s in this big picture are larger than what they could’ve ever imagined. Their friendship is tested and new allies are made in their attempt to stop the Circle.

My Take:
It’s been a while since I’ve read a true Urban Fantasy and thought I’d check this out. I certainly wasn’t disappointed. I was completely blown away at the fact that this book was a debut novel by this author. The writing is impeccable and the story is very detailed. I mean, I could completely picture Chase’s tattoo! *swoon* There was never a dull moment. This story is action packed for sure. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next.

On to the characters. I absolutely ADORE Rayna! I can not wait to see how her character develops. She’s strong, sassy, and can tear you to shreds in a matter of minutes. However, there is a vulnerability to her that is endearing. Willy is so sweet. I just wanted to take him under my wing and protect him. Another character I really liked was Tiki. I’m curious to see how he will fit in the next story. Now on to Chase, I liked Chase more as the story developed. I’ll admit, he drove me a little crazy at the beginning. Once he began to take charge of the situation, I appreciated him more, especially when he got his powers. I really like a strong alpha male type. My ONLY complaint would be that I would have liked to see Chase and Rayna’s relationship develop into a romantic one. I’m a sucker for romance and these two definitely have chemistry!

The ending left me gasping (yes gasping) for more! I’ve already purchased the next book Shift. I’m anxious to read the next book to see how the story develops and I look forward to seeing what else MRM creates for us down the road!
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Aug 17, 2012 Amanda The Book Slayer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: elemental-powers, demons, 1st-books-in-must-read-series, kick-butt-heroine, vampire, must-read, shifters, witches-warlocks, ya

4.5 Stars

Recommendation : If you enjoy books like the Percy Jackson series, about a boy coming of age with challenges and danger all around than give this book a try. It really does stand out among the Young Adult Paranormal Genre.

Look at that cover! I love it! Love. It.

I absolutely love books that are not the typical girl or guy on the cover. I love trying to figure out what part of the book resembles the cover, it’s like a game of pictionary but more like covionary. lol Okay I am done with tha...more

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Nov 20, 2011 Jessica Johnson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-book

I've been wanting to read this book for a little while. Partly because I heard all the great reviews about it. I also wanted to read it because I kind of know the author (trough Twitter). All I have to say it:
Whew! What a ride! This book was a nonstop action read. I felt bad for Chase because he got into some sort of fight every day it seemed. I loved Chase's heart and his passion for doing the right thing in this book. No matter what was happening around him, he strived for the justice that was...more

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Oct 24, 2011 Sharon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, paranormal-uf

More of my reviews @ www.obsessionwithbooks.blogspot.com

Exiled is all sorts of amazing! It is the first book in The Protector series and pulled me in from the very first page.

Mr Merrick has written a real page turner, the main hero is Chase Williams – an exiled Demon Hunter forced out of the Circle (a group of Guardians protecting the human world) with his mother for not obtaining his power over an element on his 15th birthday – he has disgraced his father who saw him only as his legacy and has...more More of my reviews @ www.obsessionwithbooks.blogspot.com

Exiled is all sorts of amazing! It is the first book in The Protector series and pulled me in from the very first page.

Mr Merrick has written a real page turner, the main hero is Chase Williams – an exiled Demon Hunter forced out of the Circle (a group of Guardians protecting the human world) with his mother for not obtaining his power over an element on his 15th birthday – he has disgraced his father who saw him only as his legacy and has lost the Circle’s protection. He spends his days fighting off demons from the Underworld and trying to earn a living to keep the bills paid and a roof over his and his mothers head.

Chase spent the first 15 years of his life living and training in the Circle but everything he has been taught and was led to believe changes when he has a run-in with a half-demon named Rayna and a Hunter named Marcus who happens to be Chase’s dads ex-partner and believed dead.

Chase has always thought demons (which include Vamps, trolls, witches, shifters etc) are bad so is shocked to learn about Rayna who is part witch with shifters eyes/part hunter. When they discover the Circle’s plan to unleash pure-blood demons into the world, they take it upon themselves to work out a way to put a stop to it before all hell breaks loose. There was non-stop action, mystery and suspense throughout which I absolutely loved; there was never a dull moment and quite a few unexpected twists and turns.

This is only the second book I have read with a male as the main character and I certainly have an appreciation for it, Chase was amazing in every way possible and I loved the relationship he had with his mother, the bond they shared was beautiful. Exiled is written from Chase’s POV which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Each of the secondary characters were well-developed and compelling, Rayna I absolutely adored, she was sassy, snarky, kick-butt yet compassionate and she worked alongside Chase perfectly, their interactions were intense and entertaining from the moment they first met; they were a pair you wouldn’t want to mess with. Willy, Vincent, Ishmar, Tiki and Marcus were also fabulous in there own ways and played an important role in this story.

I was literally a blubbering mess at the end, a heart-wrenching moment which I won’t reveal but certainly tugged at the heart-strings.

Exiled was fast paced and engaging, I loved Mr Merrick’s writing style, the banter and the dialogue between Rayna and Chase had me laughing out loud, I loved every word.The plot was solid, the world-building amazing and the characterizations spot on – I enjoyed every single moment of this book and cannot recommend it highly enough.

All in all, Exiled is fantastic paranormal/fantasy debut novel, I couldn’t put it down at all and I’m really looking forward to reading more books written by this amazing author.(less)

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Jul 12, 2012 Ashley (Nose Graze) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of Cassandra Clare / Urban Fantasy

4.5 stars

As posted on booknook - YA book reviews

First, I'd like to Brenna from Esther's Ever After for gifting me a copy of this book! She is such a sweetheart! I had my eye on this series for a while now but just wasn't able to buy my own copy. So thank you Brenna, you're amazing!

Fans of Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments series will love this book! I've actually only read City of Bones so far, but there are a lot of similarities in style between that book and Exiled. I actually liked Exi...more 4.5 stars

As posted on booknook - YA book reviews

First, I'd like to Brenna from Esther's Ever After for gifting me a copy of this book! She is such a sweetheart! I had my eye on this series for a while now but just wasn't able to buy my own copy. So thank you Brenna, you're amazing!

Fans of Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments series will love this book! I've actually only read City of Bones so far, but there are a lot of similarities in style between that book and Exiled. I actually liked Exiles more than City of Bones. :D So if you like Cassandra Clare, definitely check out Exiled!

Exiled is a super awesome story about demons, demon hunters, vampires, warlocks, trolls, and more! This is exactly the kind of story I like: magical powers, secret world/society that humans don't know about, corrupt organization, and war! Chase Williams—a demon hunter—is the main character in this story. He's part of an organization called The Circle, the purpose of which is to protect the world from demons. On his fifteenth birthday, he steps up to claim his elemental power, which is passed down through demon hunter bloodlines, but it doesn't come. Since he's now labeled 'powerless,' The Circle decides to exile him and his mother. And awesome, unexpected adventures ensue!

I loved Chase's character because he actually reminded me a lot of myself, and as a girl, I don't usually relate that well to male characters. But I definitely saw a lot of myself in Chase and that was a pleasant surprise for me. He's loyal, determined, a little too stubborn, doesn't like to admit when he's wrong, and often gets a little overpowered by guilt. He's fiercely loyal to his friends so he hates it when his friends are put in danger because of his actions.

Rayna was also a terrific character! She's sexy, badass, super smart, and talented. Rayna is half half-demon and half hunter, and possibly one of a kind. She has so many interesting and unique powers, that even she is still discovering. Plus she has cat eyes — that's awesome.

There was a really interesting almost-romance brewing between Chase and Rayna. They start off kind of hating each other, but soon their jibes start straying away from dislike and towards the kind of playful banter that happens when flirting. Nothing ever officially develops between them, but the tension and chemistry are there, so I really hope this is something we see more of in book 2!

What's great about Exiled is that it's so full of action and there is never a dull moment. Chase is constantly being attacked by demons, striking deals with vampires, or going on some adventure to discover the truth or rescue his friends. There are plenty of battle scenes, some of which are a little gory, but they're all described in wonderful detail and clarity. M.R. Merrick introduces us to a wide variety of characters and creatures, from goblins to trolls to shifters. At one point, Chase acquires an animal companion he names Rai. This is the most awesome bird ever and I totally want one! But she doesn't get introduced until near the end of the story, so I won't reveal too much about her awesomeness. :P

Speaking of the end, it's really quite sad and totally had me tearing up, which was a little embarrassing since I was at an airport. :D But this is definitely an intriguing story that any magic lover or urban fantasy addict will enjoy! There are so many awesome characters, intriguing lore, and new worlds to learn about. Merrick really excelled at creating interesting characters with interesting and unique personalities. Each one had a very distinctive voice and I fell in love with all of them for different reasons.

Exiled is a self published book, but you'd never know it. Many people are turned off by self published books — and I often am too — but I really hope that doesn't dissuade you from picking up Exiled. During my reading, there was never a time where I was thinking, "This is a great story but it could really use some editing." The story flows well, the characters are interesting and develop, and I didn't encounter the spelling/grammatical errors that are often present in self published works. Exiled is a great book and I can't wait to read the second one in the series!(less)

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Feb 25, 2013 Danielle Young rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: absolute-favs

I first discovered this book while cruising through hundreds of books on my Kindle when I was immediately drawn in by this cover, of a desolate tree with fire and water battling for control of the barren wasteland. And I immediately knew that I had to know this story.

From the minute I picked up Exiled, I was captivated and I instantly fell in love with Chase the stubborn and sarcastic demon hunter who was exiled from the only world he had ever known and robbed of the only thing that he had ever...more

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Sep 07, 2012 Kristy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal

4.5 stars. I found this book to be well written and engaging. I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book after reading the reviews on Amazon, but I was very pleasantly surprised.

I loved the descriptions of the characters and places and I found that I was pulled into Chase's world and shared his frustrations and challenges. Chase did frustrate me at times as well though. He tended to be a bit too overconfident and defiant (some have said "stupid")especially given his upbringing and relat...more

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May 23, 2013 Isalys rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, ya, for-review, indie

I should first admit that this was the first Indie book I've ever read. Sad, I know! The thing was that I figured Indie books would be very hit or miss, but I guess the same could really be said for any book. My biggest fear was that I'm Twitter-pals with M.R. Merrick and he's an AWESOME human being, but what if I didn't like his book? Really glad to say that wasn't the case ;)

Merrick offers us a fresh, new take on an old concept. Chase, our male lead was trained to be a Hunter (the good guys) b...more I should first admit that this was the first Indie book I've ever read. Sad, I know! The thing was that I figured Indie books would be very hit or miss, but I guess the same could really be said for any book. My biggest fear was that I'm Twitter-pals with M.R. Merrick and he's an AWESOME human being, but what if I didn't like his book? Really glad to say that wasn't the case ;)

Merrick offers us a fresh, new take on an old concept. Chase, our male lead was trained to be a Hunter (the good guys) but when he is exiled by his father for not having an elemental power, he and his mother are forced to live on their own, away from the refuge of The Circle. However, just because he's not officially a part of that world anymore does not mean he's not still a target for Demons (the bad guys). One day, during a battle with a demon, he's rescued...er...helped by another Hunter, Marcus who was working alongside a demon, Rayna. Wait, aren't demons supposed to be bad? This was a huge turning point for Chase because he's forced to rethink everything he's ever learned about Hunters versus Demons.

Chase was a great character because there was so much to him. He was impulsive, protective, vulnerable, strong and a fighter through and through! He did frustrate me at times because he was a bit too impulsive. He meant well, but going off half-cocked usually gets you into more trouble (not less). Rayna was a total badass! I love strong female leads and this chick is as tough as they come, but she too has her share of vulnerabilities. One of my favorite aspects of reading any book is character growth and I loved watching these two characters mature and learn to trust in each other. Of course, we can't forget the secondary characters. Merrick gives us a motley crew of Hunters and Demons who have to work together, even when they're at odds with each other and most of it is quite humorous. (Side note: You'll learn a bit more about them over the course of this week's feature posts *wink*)

As for world building, Merrick gets two thumbs up from this gal. There are actually three worlds in this book and he connected them together almost seamlessly. Each world is vastly different and completely fascinating and all relevant to the plot of the book. They were all beautifully described and it's just as easy to get lost in them as Chase and Rayna did. There's also no lack of action! The fight scenes practically leaped off the page and I was tempted to duck a few times. Ok...not really...but you get my point!

With layered and likable characters, an interesting plot, solid world-building, and good writing, this was a wonderful debut to what promises to be a great series by M. R. Merrick.

Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Read review on Book Soulmates: http://booksoulmates.blogspot.com/201...(less)

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Jan 08, 2012 Marni Mann rated it 5 of 5 stars

Chase Williams was exiled. He was dismissed from the Circle, a group of warriors with elemental magic, because he was born powerless. Disregarded by his father, Chase and his mother had to live among the ordinary. A bond between mother and son based on protection, genuine love, and a desire to uphold Chase’s youth despite eyes that were ever so aged.

“You and me, always.”

But was he as defenseless as the Circle had suspected?

Confronted by those in the Underworld, who also hide amid the ordinary, C...more Chase Williams was exiled. He was dismissed from the Circle, a group of warriors with elemental magic, because he was born powerless. Disregarded by his father, Chase and his mother had to live among the ordinary. A bond between mother and son based on protection, genuine love, and a desire to uphold Chase’s youth despite eyes that were ever so aged.

“You and me, always.”

But was he as defenseless as the Circle had suspected?

Confronted by those in the Underworld, who also hide amid the ordinary, Chase had an agenda. Survival. Without strength in numbers, he fought his way through expected, or unexpected, encounters and proved he didn’t need protection from those who shunned him.

“There were a lot of problems with living in the slums. I could deal with the noisy neighbors. I could handle the random gunshots during the night, but the lack of water pressure was at the top of my list of complaints. This was clearly a sign my life wasn’t normal.”

But even a trained demon hunter couldn’t win every battle. That was when the mysterious and eccentric Rayna entered the scene. Not only did she save his life and become an ally, but also she had information on the Circle. Information that would prove to be vital. With her help, Chase discovered the many schemes and plots the Circle was conniving. Truth was unveiled and lessons were learned. The biggest: not everyone was what they seemed.

“I was chosen to carry the mark of the gods. I will stand up and be what the spirit named me: their protector.”

Merrick’s style of writing is clean, fresh, flawless, and detailed. His descriptions seemed effortless, yet they weren’t over the top. The story itself is action. Nonstop. And it’s riveting. The characters are intertwined so perfectly, they’re realistic and messy. I could relate to each one, their stories and struggles, in a different way and feel their pain and emotions. While reading Exiled, I never felt like I was turning a page. The experience was more like watching a movie on the big screen, observing the plot unfold before my eyes.(less)

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Sep 21, 2011 Lindsay (The Violet Hour) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-review, loved

EXILED is a masterpiece of a debut from author M.R. Merrick. Fully engrossed by the end of the first chapter, I didn't want to do anything else but keep reading. It is very rare for me to become so attached to a story. During the times I couldn't read, it stayed in my thoughts and I couldn't wait to pick it back up. This book is easily one of my top favorite reads of the year.

With non-stop action from beginning to end, each scene in EXILED transitioned seamlessly into the next. Merrick's skill f...more EXILED is a masterpiece of a debut from author M.R. Merrick. Fully engrossed by the end of the first chapter, I didn't want to do anything else but keep reading. It is very rare for me to become so attached to a story. During the times I couldn't read, it stayed in my thoughts and I couldn't wait to pick it back up. This book is easily one of my top favorite reads of the year.

With non-stop action from beginning to end, each scene in EXILED transitioned seamlessly into the next. Merrick's skill for description shines as he revealed dimensions, events and imagery so crisp that I could visualize each event like a movie in my head. As a reader, being able to connect with the characters and circumstances is imperative. I was able to do just that with Chase as he experienced a myriad of emotions and trials while fighting for good. It felt as if he and I were friends, and I was right there in the thick of Chase's journey with him.

The plot itself was absolutely phenomenal. Merrick's creativity kept me wondering where the story would go, and was amazed at where it did. There is adventure and danger, rejection and redemption, love and romance. One of my bookish pet peeves is when an intense plot takes the back burner to the romance aspect. Thankfully in EXILED there is truly the perfect balance in this story. Just the right amount of attraction and tension without it being overwhelming, plot staying firmly in the forefront. I am curious to see where it leads. And the ending.. Oh, the ending! So much happened... I was so sad for Chase, but also very proud of the strong person he became. I normally don't use book quotes in my reviews, but this one gave me chills!

“I was chosen to carry the mark of the gods. I will stand up and be what the spirit named me: their protector.”

I am recommending this book to everyone. Man or woman, no matter what age, if you like fantasy and action, you will love EXILED. It is amazing! I am just totally on board for this series, and cannot wait for the second book, which I am incessantly pestering the author to give me. EXILED is available on multiple platforms, so there is zero excuse for you not to check this out and love it as much as I do.(less)

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Aug 08, 2011 Jessica (Taking It One Book at a Time) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Plot: Chase has been exiled from The Circle, and now he's trying to survive and provide for his mom & him. While fighting his nightly demon, he suddenly runs into a long lost Hunter from The Circle. As secrets are reveled to Chase, the world he thought he lived in turns upside down. He's now making bargains with vampires, facing full blood demons, and traveling to mystical lands he thought were unreachable. Facing a journey he once would have called impossible, Chase opens his eyes to see th...more Plot: Chase has been exiled from The Circle, and now he's trying to survive and provide for his mom & him. While fighting his nightly demon, he suddenly runs into a long lost Hunter from The Circle. As secrets are reveled to Chase, the world he thought he lived in turns upside down. He's now making bargains with vampires, facing full blood demons, and traveling to mystical lands he thought were unreachable. Facing a journey he once would have called impossible, Chase opens his eyes to see the corruption that was right in front of him for so many years.

Characters: All of the characters extremely well rounded and thought out! Their quirks, imperfections and defining characteristics fit each one of them to a T.
I was able to instantly feel for Chase and all the heart ache he's been through. Though he's fighting and killing demons to survive, the second Rayna barges into his life those instincts are challenged to the fullest. Rayna is a bad ass, "I don't take shit from ANYONE", kind of girl. I love her! She can hold her own, plus the fact that she is so mixed when it comes to her paranormal background, I found myself surprised at every turn with her. One of my favorite characters in the whole book was Willy. He's a stuttering demon with a knack for attracting trouble, and is always there for Chase, even when he doesn't want to be. Their friendship starts out with a bang, and only gets better throughout the book.

Overall: LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book! M.R. seriously has a way of describing Chase's surroundings with out being vague or overdone. Here's a quote for example:

"The torrent's wings pumped until the ground beneath us looked like a patchwork of terrain: green, red and blue fields of grass, grey mountains, and the odd splash of purple lakes and streams."

The journeys that are taken in Exiled are amazing, because in such a short amount of time you are introduced to multiple worlds, characters and see Chase face an ungodly amount of challenges. But it never seems like it's too much, or comes off overwhelming. The pace of the book reminds me a lot of Julie Kagawa's, The Iron Fey Series. Simply because it instantly sucks you in, drags you everywhere under the sun, then leaves you begging for more!

5/5(less)

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Aug 09, 2011 Kayleigh {K-Books} rated it 5 of 5 stars

Posted on K-Books
http://k-booksxo.blogspot.com/2011/08...

When I got this book sent to me for review I was really excited to start it. I was really looking forward to reading it and seeing what would happen. I really loved it.
I think this is a book that anyone can enjoy no matter what age they are. It has something for everyone in it, Vampires, Witches, Demons, Warlocks, you name it this book has it.

Chase is a demon hunter, people who are brought up to protect humans from the demons in the world....more Posted on K-Books
http://k-booksxo.blogspot.com/2011/08...

When I got this book sent to me for review I was really excited to start it. I was really looking forward to reading it and seeing what would happen. I really loved it.
I think this is a book that anyone can enjoy no matter what age they are. It has something for everyone in it, Vampires, Witches, Demons, Warlocks, you name it this book has it.

Chase is a demon hunter, people who are brought up to protect humans from the demons in the world. At fifteen, they go through a ritual to find their elemental power. When Chase doesn't show any elemental magic he and his mother are exiled to live among humans and try to survive among demons. Little does he know that his exile is the best blessing he could get as the Circle are corrupted and he was saved from the biggest evil of them all: his father.

I really loved this book, it was action packed and there were times when I could hardly breathe and no way that I could stop reading. Many times in the book I got the feeling that sometimes you get when watching a movie, you can't look at the screen but you can't stop watching at the same time. Close to the end of the book this was what I was like, so many things were going wrong I couldn't bare to read on because I didn't want anything else to go wrong but at the same time I couldn't possibly stop reading as I just needed to find out what was going to happen.

I really loved the characters in this book, Chase was just such an amazing lead character. In most books I read the lead character is female so I wasn't sure how I would relate to the character but I did. I loved Chase, he's just amazing and so strong. I loved how loyal he is to his mother and would do anything to protect her and how he soon becomes the same to Rayna.
I really loved Rayna, I just wanted to hug her and tell her everything would be okay. She has been through so much and I really admire how strong she is.

The ending of the book was just amazing, I loved how you got closure for things that happened in this first book but also left you needing the next one as well. I was so sad and cried a little at the ending and I love when books make me cry. That to me is a sign of a great author if their words can wield so much emotion in you then they are amazing. M. R. Merrick is definitely an amazing author and I can't wait to see what happens next in this series.
A great start to a series and I will definitely be following it right the way through until the end.(less)

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Oct 24, 2011 Ashley - The Bookish Brunette rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-release, indie, favorite

Chase is a demon hunter- without an elemental power. For this disgrace to his father's legacy, he was cast out of the 'protection' of the Circle with his mother to live among the humans.

However, the demons that roam our world seek Chase out without fail... OVER and OVER again... night after night... Let me explain quickly, a demon can be any creature of the Underworld: vamp, shifter, witch... etc. And there are only a few ways to kill said demons,

"Cut off his head or pierce his black heart- tho...more

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Nov 27, 2011 Evie rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: EVERYONE!

Shelves: wish-list, review-copy, miya-event, pure-awesomeness, favorites, e-books, debut-author

**** Originally posted to Bookish Blog as a part of MEN in YA Event

Supernatural (the TV Show) meets The Mortal Instruments in Matt Merrick's insanely addictive, action-packed novel, Exiled. This excellent debut sparks and crackles with so much detail and emotion that it's virtually impossible not to fell in love with it. A superb cast of characters, clever dialogues, exciting plot twists and rich visual tapestry - all that makes it a book that readers simply can't afford to pass up! An absolut...more

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Jul 05, 2011 Andrea rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am always excited, and a little nervous, to read a debut from a new author. Especially when that brand new author is a friend. What do you say if you don’t love the book? And if you love their work, how do you dish out the praise without others thinking your just blowing smoke on behalf of your friend? Well, luckily for me, my problem is the latter. MR Merrick has written an excellent opening book in what I believe will be a fantastic series.

With Exiled, MR Merrick has managed to build an exc...more

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Jul 03, 2012 Jay Donovan rated it 5 of 5 stars

I couldn't put it down.

The pacing was rock solid, the characters seemed real, and the plot kept me engaged. Even the lesser characters had developed personalities and weren't total caricatures. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

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Jan 20, 2013 Eric Townsend rated it 3 of 5 stars

I have mixed feelings about Exiled. Initially it frustrated me because the storyline was painfully obvious, I don’t know how the characters didn’t pick up on what was going on but seriously, quite annoyingly staring them in the face. So there was that. Then there is just the cliches such as water vs fire and vampires and their weaknesses (at least their skin wasn’t shiny) which get dull quickly. However, the characters, despite their seemingly overwhelming blindness to the obvious, are quite com...more

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Jan 09, 2013 Ellen rated it 5 of 5 stars

After spending his whole life trying to please his father, training to be a demon hunter, what he was born to do, Chase Williams finds himself an outcast along with his mother, abandoned by his father, the Circle, and all that he knew, forced into a life on the outside, just trying to survive. Each day holds its own challenge. After all, when you are the famous Riley Williams' son, every demon in the world is after you. It is during one of these "attacks" that Chase meets Rayna and Marcus, an en...more After spending his whole life trying to please his father, training to be a demon hunter, what he was born to do, Chase Williams finds himself an outcast along with his mother, abandoned by his father, the Circle, and all that he knew, forced into a life on the outside, just trying to survive. Each day holds its own challenge. After all, when you are the famous Riley Williams' son, every demon in the world is after you. It is during one of these "attacks" that Chase meets Rayna and Marcus, an encounter that changes everything. Marcus is also a Hunter, and a very powerful one, who doesn't hold the same beliefs as the Circle, and helps to open Chase's eyes to a whole new way of thinking. Rayna is half demon and half hunter, beautiful, tough, and challenges everything that Chase has ever known. These unlikely allies soon find that their coming together was much more than happenstance, and that it will take them working together to stop the evil that has already begun to be unleashed.

The story is told from Chase's point of view, and let me just say that I love Chase. He turns out to be quite the hero, but not a perfect one by any means. He screws up, gets knocked down, but gets back up and kicks more evil butt again. I especially love Rayna. I think her character is just awesome. She is a total badass and one awesome heroine. Willy is another one of my favorite characters. He also plays a big role in helping Chase to realize that things aren't always black and white. As for the story. M.R. Merrick's has created a fantasy filled world with all kinds of supernatural creatures that is imaginative, adventurous, and entertaining. I was extremely impressed with the quality of Merrick's writing. It is very professional, and it was hard to believe that this was his debut novel. The book had the feel of a little bit of Mortal Instruments and Lord of the Rings mixed together with a little bit of underlying romance, which was icing on the cake. I thoroughly enjoyed Exiled, and if you are an urban fantasy fan (and even if you're not), you should definitely check Exiled out. (less)

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Oct 31, 2012 Dani Morales rated it 5 of 5 stars

So I have to say this book really surprised me. I’m not use to reading books written by a male and I have to admit I was a little skeptical at first. It took me a little while to get through the book and it’s not because I didn’t like it because I totally loved it! It’s amazingly written, M.R. Merrick is a complete genius I swear. So you’re probably wondering why it took me some time to get through it right? Well if you noticed the books I usually read are well, love stories. Exiled is packed w...more So I have to say this book really surprised me. I’m not use to reading books written by a male and I have to admit I was a little skeptical at first. It took me a little while to get through the book and it’s not because I didn’t like it because I totally loved it! It’s amazingly written, M.R. Merrick is a complete genius I swear. So you’re probably wondering why it took me some time to get through it right? Well if you noticed the books I usually read are well, love stories. Exiled is packed with magic, vampires, demons, half-demons, and hunters, not to mention some awesome action scenes. So you can see why it took me some time to get through it, it’s definitely a deep book and once I set time aside to actually dive in it captivated me until I finished it!

So Chase, he’s a hunter who is living in the shadow of his father Riley Williams. Riley is famous amongst the Circle and the Underworlders as the fiercest fighter. On the day that Chase goes to the ceremony to see what elemental power he will have, something happens that leads to Chase and his mom Tessa being Exiled from the circle. Now they are living on their own and every time Chase is trying to get home, demons or vampires attack him, though he doesn’t have a power he can definitely kick some ace. Totally hot I might add!Well one night he runs into Rayna, and the life he thought he knew is forever changed.

Rayna is this half-demon half-hunter that’s also a witch, totally unheard of. She is also exiled, not in the sense as Chase but close to it. You see she kills her kind, well the bad ones anyways, so she doesn’t fit in with the Underworlders, and she looks too much like a demon to fit in with the hunters. Marcus is a hunter whose taken Rayna under his wing and helps her develop her powers and her element. When they stumble upon Chase in an alley, things begin to shift.

Though there is no defined love story you can’t help but see the attraction between Chase and Rayna, it leaves me hope for the books to come. Will Chase and Rayna be more important than they realize? Will Chase be able to set aside all of the things he was taught to be wrong? Where will this path he takes leave him and just how does Rayna’s uniqueness fight into this equation? You’ll have to find out for yourself!(less)

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Mar 01, 2012 BookHookup rated it 4 of 5 stars

Whoa…I feel like I’ve just read the script for an action adventure movie. This book grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go. I was immediately transported into this world of protectors, vampires, witches, trolls (and so many others) and delighted to find that this is not the same old paranormal story we’ve seen before. Chase is a hunter who has no elemental powers, is exiled from the circle and made to live life apart from all he’s known. Immediately I felt drawn to his plight.

What you’...more Whoa…I feel like I’ve just read the script for an action adventure movie. This book grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go. I was immediately transported into this world of protectors, vampires, witches, trolls (and so many others) and delighted to find that this is not the same old paranormal story we’ve seen before. Chase is a hunter who has no elemental powers, is exiled from the circle and made to live life apart from all he’s known. Immediately I felt drawn to his plight.

What you’ll notice first is that the hero of this adventure is Chase Williams….a boy! It’s rare to come across a book in the YA genre written from a male point of view. As a matter of fact, this is my first. What does that mean, you ask? Well, it means that Chase helps you see things from a different perspective…just bit more straightforward, a little less emotional and a tad gorier…but not in a bad way. This first person view of the world is uncluttered and fast paced. Seeing the world through Chase’s eyes is refreshing and, quite often, witty.

There are, of course, other characters that I love in this book. Characters with powers and powerful personalities. The secondary characters in this book are compelling. My favorite is Rayna. She has everything you want in a character…she’s strong, independent and gives just as good as she gets. Her sparring with Chase is fun. Oh, and did I tell you that she’s part demon? It’s a complication that Chase is not ready for but must learn to deal with. I also love the relationship that Chase has with his mother. Being on their own, they depend on each other and Mr. Merrick wrote this intimate relationship in a very tender way. Willy is the character you can’t help but love. His simplicity and no-nonsense way of looking at the world is refreshing. Finally, we meet Tiki well into the book and, although I feel like I don’t know him well enough yet, I like his calm demeanor and I think he’ll play a big role in the second book.

Now, I’ll be honest, I guessed who the bad guy was right from the beginning. But that didn’t distract me from the story or diminish my enjoyment of it. There are so many twists in this book that even knowing who the bad guy is doesn’t take away from the action.

I enjoyed the crisp, solid writing style, the fast pace and the wonderful world that exists in this book. I look forward to catching up with Chase and Rayna in the second installment!
(less)

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Nov 10, 2012 Helena Ferrell rated it 5 of 5 stars

I want to jump to the rooftops and scream about how much I loved this book. I want to make my husband read it, I want to make my friends read it, I want to make my 3 year old son read it, I loved it that much.

The characters were so well developed and fun. Rayna was so easy to relate with as a character, and so easy to like, even with her "badass" attitude. Chase is just so sweet, and the budding "romance" that was not really well defined in this book was totally adorable. It reminds me of a Rome...more

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