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Mercury #4
Mercury Revolts
After a lowly software tester named Suzy Cilbrith uncovers evidence of a vast government conspiracy, she turns to a fringe reporter named Eddie Pratt for help. Far from dismissing her wild claims, Eddie reveals that things are even worse than they appear: the U.S. government has been infiltrated by angels, who are attempting to bring about Heaven on Earth - no matter the cost.
Only one angel knows the secret to exposing the cabal: the rogue cherub known as Mercury. But when Mercury learns who is behind the cabal, he realizes he's going to need a lot of help. Old enemies become allies, old friends become bitter enemies, and as competing plots for world domination unfold, it isn't always clear which is which.
MERCURY REVOLTS is the fourth book by Robert Kroese featuring the wise-cracking, anti-authority angel Mercury. MERCURY REVOLTS takes place after the events of MERCURY RESTS, but is a standalone story that can be enjoyed whether or not you've read the other books.
Only one angel knows the secret to exposing the cabal: the rogue cherub known as Mercury. But when Mercury learns who is behind the cabal, he realizes he's going to need a lot of help. Old enemies become allies, old friends become bitter enemies, and as competing plots for world domination unfold, it isn't always clear which is which.
MERCURY REVOLTS is the fourth book by Robert Kroese featuring the wise-cracking, anti-authority angel Mercury. MERCURY REVOLTS takes place after the events of MERCURY RESTS, but is a standalone story that can be enjoyed whether or not you've read the other books.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
51 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Robert Kroese
71 books632 followersRobert Kroese's sense of irony was honed growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan - home of the Amway Corporation and the Gerald R. Ford Museum, and the first city in the United States to fluoridate its water supply. In second grade, he wrote his first novel, the saga of Captain Bill and his spaceship Thee Eagle. This turned out to be the high point of his academic career. After barely graduating from Calvin College in 1992 with a philosophy degree, he was fired from a variety of jobs before moving to California, where he stumbled into software development. As this job required neither punctuality nor a sense of direction, he excelled at it. In 2009, he called upon his extensive knowledge of useless information and love of explosions to write his first novel, Mercury Falls. Since then, he has written 18 more books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 22, 2015
4 Stars
Mercury Revolts was a pleasant surprise to me. I had always hoped that Robert Kroese would take the original trilogy further as Mercury is too good of a character to not do more. After the Foreword, I was worried that this one would be a too serious take on the series. Thankfully that is not the case.
Mercury Revolts takes place four years after the conclusion of the trilogy and Kroess presents this book in such a way that it works as a standalone. Of course, you really shouldn't deprive yourself of the fun and of the details of the first three books if you have not read them. My only real gripe about this book is that Mercury has a smaller role and does way less wise cracking and complaining.
This is a good satire told by an amazing author. His book Schrodinger's Gat is one of my favorite books which I read last year. The Mercury series as a whole is a witty fun look at angels, demons, the end of the world, and today's society.
Highly recommended!
Mercury Revolts was a pleasant surprise to me. I had always hoped that Robert Kroese would take the original trilogy further as Mercury is too good of a character to not do more. After the Foreword, I was worried that this one would be a too serious take on the series. Thankfully that is not the case.
Mercury Revolts takes place four years after the conclusion of the trilogy and Kroess presents this book in such a way that it works as a standalone. Of course, you really shouldn't deprive yourself of the fun and of the details of the first three books if you have not read them. My only real gripe about this book is that Mercury has a smaller role and does way less wise cracking and complaining.
This is a good satire told by an amazing author. His book Schrodinger's Gat is one of my favorite books which I read last year. The Mercury series as a whole is a witty fun look at angels, demons, the end of the world, and today's society.
Highly recommended!
March 24, 2016
Love Mercury ... another truly satisfying adventure! :) I love being entertained and educated at the same time and Kroese does a wonderful job of that.
It was the perfect time to read this ... with all the election news in front of us all the time. I wish everyone in the country could read this book. Don't trade freedom for security. It is a dangerous path to walk and the results will not be as humorous as they are in this story.
It was the perfect time to read this ... with all the election news in front of us all the time. I wish everyone in the country could read this book. Don't trade freedom for security. It is a dangerous path to walk and the results will not be as humorous as they are in this story.
May 9, 2014
Another fun adventure in the world with Mercury! I really loved the Mercury trilogy, and I did feel it ended pretty nicely.... but I couldn't resist reading more about Mercury. :) Although this book does feel a little heavy-handed at times with the anti-surveillance theme that we're all experiencing to a degree in real life, Kroese worked it very well into his world of angels and demons and threw in a few nice twists along the way. This book also didn't feel as freely humorous and silly as the previous Mercury books, but we still get a nice dose of Mercury's ridiculousness.
September 28, 2016
Great but scary
This is a great 4th book in the series. It rewards those who read the previous books without punishing those who didn't. Mercury is as fantastic a character as always and the other new and returning people are great as well. About 3/4 of the way in, it gets a little dark. Mostly due to the likelihood of what is described happening here. But the humor keeps up and it ends really, really well. Going to start the 5th book right now.
This is a great 4th book in the series. It rewards those who read the previous books without punishing those who didn't. Mercury is as fantastic a character as always and the other new and returning people are great as well. About 3/4 of the way in, it gets a little dark. Mostly due to the likelihood of what is described happening here. But the humor keeps up and it ends really, really well. Going to start the 5th book right now.
August 10, 2014
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Mr. Kroese continues to find that well placed balance between seriousness and humor. I thought this a great addition to the Mercury stories and continue to grow more and more fond of that silver haired character.
Here's to hoping there are more to come.
Mr. Kroese continues to find that well placed balance between seriousness and humor. I thought this a great addition to the Mercury stories and continue to grow more and more fond of that silver haired character.
Here's to hoping there are more to come.
June 5, 2017
Not quite as good as the first three books. Everything was a little too convenient and transparent. It was also too politically heavy-handed for me, even though I agree with the politics in principle. Nevertheless, still a generally enjoyable read.
September 20, 2018
Book four of the Mercury series does not disappoint. Sure, it is not a 5-star but it is a sold 3 (3.5) and that is an achievement four books in. I have read many series that start out on top and progressively head down hill. Kroese is nothing if not consistent; as are the characters he has created. I burned through this book in three days --in part because it is an easy read -- because it is entertaining and it made me LAUGH.
I will say, the character of the President hits a little too close to home. In 2014 how did Kroese see it coming?
Read the series. It is fun and it supports an independent publisher. Chase those dreams!
I will say, the character of the President hits a little too close to home. In 2014 how did Kroese see it coming?
Read the series. It is fun and it supports an independent publisher. Chase those dreams!
October 19, 2023
These are consistent books, funny and satirical, and this one didn't disappoint. The sights were put upon a certain American Revolution this time and our interesting cherubim really got in the mix. Of course, there was also the generous help of Satan and Tiamat and a bunch of hapless modern and revolutionary chaps thrown in, but that's how the revolt goes!
Solid. Funny.
Solid. Funny.
February 5, 2019
This is a wonderfully entertaining series. I can always count on a laugh.
August 21, 2023
Strongest entry in this series by far
March 22, 2024
Probably the weakest of the series so far.
November 3, 2015
Having read the previous three Mercury books as well as the short stories, I was pretty well satisfied. I loved the series but was okay with it being over. Then lo and behold I run into a new one and read it quite enthusiastically.
I really did enjoy the book. I love the cast of misfit characters Kroese puts together to solve the crises that arise on the Mundane Plane. This is the Mercury series, but I like that he doesn't overly dominate these books. Although Mercury might disagree, not everything is about him and I am glad that Kroese goes back and forth between all the characters we remember and introduces us to new ones along the way. So I get enough Mercury to make me happy to see him, but I get my dose of Eddie and Perp and Nisroc, etc. who I also enjoy following through these adventures.
The only critical comment I have is that I thought the book got a bit unnecessarily preachy at the end. I think that if you are reading the Mercury books, you most likely fall into this world view anyway and don't need to be hit over the head with the lesson. Perhaps there are some Michelle types out there who avidly read the Mercury series. Maybe that was who the moral of this story recap was for? It's just that the people with the intelligence level of Nisroc or the pre-enlightenment Zion Johnson types are probably not picking up this series to read in the first place. So the ending triggered a negative reflex reaction for me. I felt the reader wasn't being given enough credit to have learned what the point of the book was or some acknowledgment that they might have been there already. It is the only time in the entire Mercury series where I felt the book got a bit condescending to its readers.
Other than that small bit about the ending, I do recommend this book and the Mercury series in general. I'm not good at reviews so I will just say that these books make me laugh out loud. I love the ironic humor, the silliness, the references to the historical and the religious. I can't ask for much more.
I really did enjoy the book. I love the cast of misfit characters Kroese puts together to solve the crises that arise on the Mundane Plane. This is the Mercury series, but I like that he doesn't overly dominate these books. Although Mercury might disagree, not everything is about him and I am glad that Kroese goes back and forth between all the characters we remember and introduces us to new ones along the way. So I get enough Mercury to make me happy to see him, but I get my dose of Eddie and Perp and Nisroc, etc. who I also enjoy following through these adventures.
The only critical comment I have is that I thought the book got a bit unnecessarily preachy at the end. I think that if you are reading the Mercury books, you most likely fall into this world view anyway and don't need to be hit over the head with the lesson. Perhaps there are some Michelle types out there who avidly read the Mercury series. Maybe that was who the moral of this story recap was for? It's just that the people with the intelligence level of Nisroc or the pre-enlightenment Zion Johnson types are probably not picking up this series to read in the first place. So the ending triggered a negative reflex reaction for me. I felt the reader wasn't being given enough credit to have learned what the point of the book was or some acknowledgment that they might have been there already. It is the only time in the entire Mercury series where I felt the book got a bit condescending to its readers.
Other than that small bit about the ending, I do recommend this book and the Mercury series in general. I'm not good at reviews so I will just say that these books make me laugh out loud. I love the ironic humor, the silliness, the references to the historical and the religious. I can't ask for much more.
May 4, 2014
This is the fourth book to feature the angel Mercury, although the author sees this as a standalone sequel to the original trilogy. It does kind of work independently but I suspect new readers would be a little baffled without having the foreknowledge of the previous books. This one takes a very political stance, with the US government having been infiltrated by demons on 9/11.
I think this is the most accomplished Mercury book so far in terms of plot. Kroese himself admits in the introduction that he kind of made the others up as he went along but this was a more coherent overall plot running through it. Mercury is resurrected back onto the mortal plane and with some help from a woman called Suzy and a host of angel friends (and enemies) must stop the angelic influence in the government. Meanwhile we get some flashbacks to the very earliest days of the USA and how Mercury's influence was important back then too.
As with the previous books this is a light-hearted story and contains some very witty lines. There was a part right at the climax about updating Java which I found hilarious. This one isn't quite as funny as the others because the plot is stronger. Kroese hasn't quite worked out how to have both lots of comedy and a strong plot and that's the main reason I didn't give this five stars.
All in all this was a good political thriller with a strong supernatural (and at times sci-fi) angle. It's got some good humour and makes you think about politics and the role of the government in the 21st century. I'm really pleased Kroese has given us more Mercury and really hope there is more to come from the character in the future.
I think this is the most accomplished Mercury book so far in terms of plot. Kroese himself admits in the introduction that he kind of made the others up as he went along but this was a more coherent overall plot running through it. Mercury is resurrected back onto the mortal plane and with some help from a woman called Suzy and a host of angel friends (and enemies) must stop the angelic influence in the government. Meanwhile we get some flashbacks to the very earliest days of the USA and how Mercury's influence was important back then too.
As with the previous books this is a light-hearted story and contains some very witty lines. There was a part right at the climax about updating Java which I found hilarious. This one isn't quite as funny as the others because the plot is stronger. Kroese hasn't quite worked out how to have both lots of comedy and a strong plot and that's the main reason I didn't give this five stars.
All in all this was a good political thriller with a strong supernatural (and at times sci-fi) angle. It's got some good humour and makes you think about politics and the role of the government in the 21st century. I'm really pleased Kroese has given us more Mercury and really hope there is more to come from the character in the future.
April 18, 2016
Mercury Revolts, the fourth book in the Mercury series, stays very much in that same space as the first three books in the series established. Funny, satirical, thought-provoking, with some action, a few twists and a healthy look at our country, our government and where things are headed.
Unlike the first three books which build on one another, according to the author, this book is intended to be consumable by those who have yet to experience Mercury's world. After reading it, I think he's right though obviously it'll be a little bit more satisfying of a read to have followed his journey's up to this point.
The book jumps back and forth between the American revolution and what are forefathers were fighting for and what we were trying to leave future generations and what we've actually ended up creating by the year 2016 and it's a pretty effective means of view modern day trends in our government.
While not quite on par with "Mercury Falls", his very first book in the series, this is still a very enjoyable, worthwhile addition to the series and I would very much recommend it to just about anyone.
Unlike the first three books which build on one another, according to the author, this book is intended to be consumable by those who have yet to experience Mercury's world. After reading it, I think he's right though obviously it'll be a little bit more satisfying of a read to have followed his journey's up to this point.
The book jumps back and forth between the American revolution and what are forefathers were fighting for and what we were trying to leave future generations and what we've actually ended up creating by the year 2016 and it's a pretty effective means of view modern day trends in our government.
While not quite on par with "Mercury Falls", his very first book in the series, this is still a very enjoyable, worthwhile addition to the series and I would very much recommend it to just about anyone.
August 24, 2015
This is a standalone Mercury novel and can be read either before or after the Appocalypse trilogy but should be read after the Mercury Begins novella.
In this book Mercury takes on the Redcoats as he helps the founding father's get the Revolution off to a good start. Anyone who has read some of my other reviews of other books knows I'm a sucker for alternate reality historical fiction and I would really like to see Mr. Kroese do some more of these Mercury hysterical historical interventions. Some of my favorite parts of Mercury Rises and Mercury Rests were the alternating chapter sub-stories of Mercury's involvement with mankind throughout history.
In this one Merc gets involved with such luminaries as Samuel Adams, Benedict Arnold and no less than George Washington himself. Some of our old favorite demons from the trilogy such as Tiamat and LUcifer are around as well just to spice things up.
I hope you all enjoy these books as much as I do and if so be sure to give the author a good review here and at Kobo, B&N or Amazon as well.
In this book Mercury takes on the Redcoats as he helps the founding father's get the Revolution off to a good start. Anyone who has read some of my other reviews of other books knows I'm a sucker for alternate reality historical fiction and I would really like to see Mr. Kroese do some more of these Mercury hysterical historical interventions. Some of my favorite parts of Mercury Rises and Mercury Rests were the alternating chapter sub-stories of Mercury's involvement with mankind throughout history.
In this one Merc gets involved with such luminaries as Samuel Adams, Benedict Arnold and no less than George Washington himself. Some of our old favorite demons from the trilogy such as Tiamat and LUcifer are around as well just to spice things up.
I hope you all enjoy these books as much as I do and if so be sure to give the author a good review here and at Kobo, B&N or Amazon as well.
April 17, 2014
Another great novel by Robert Kroese. I really grew fond of the Mercury series, and while I do not particularity enjoy the Angels vs Demons stories, Mercury has managed to win me over with the humour. Oh the humour, how great it is.
I read this as my fourth Mercury book, so I don't know how well it would read for someone new to the series, despite authors claim that it is a standalone book. My opinion is that not knowing the background of characters would leave the reader lost more often than not. There are a lot of references to the previous books (and even some to the two short stories) so I strongly suggest reading the series in order it was written.
If you enjoy a lightweight novel packed with jokes that will make you chuckle like a madman, this is definitely a book for you!
I read this as my fourth Mercury book, so I don't know how well it would read for someone new to the series, despite authors claim that it is a standalone book. My opinion is that not knowing the background of characters would leave the reader lost more often than not. There are a lot of references to the previous books (and even some to the two short stories) so I strongly suggest reading the series in order it was written.
If you enjoy a lightweight novel packed with jokes that will make you chuckle like a madman, this is definitely a book for you!
April 24, 2015
Both I and Robert Kroese should have stopped with the third book in this series. This book, "Mercury Revolts" is highly disappointing. Where the early books in the series were clever, intellectual, and irreverent, this book is just crude, obvious, and linear. Considering that "Mercury Rests" ties everything up that needs to be tied up, and that the writing in this book is nowhere near the quality of the earlier books, I'd recommend not even bothering to read it. I rate it at a Not Very Good 2 stars out of 5.
The novels in Robert Kroese's "Mercury" series are:
1. Mercury Falls (Mercury Series Book 1)
2. Mercury Rises (Mercury Series Book 2)
3. Mercury Rests (Mercury Series Book 3)
4. Mercury Revolts: (Book Four of the Mercury Series)
The novels in Robert Kroese's "Mercury" series are:
1. Mercury Falls (Mercury Series Book 1)
2. Mercury Rises (Mercury Series Book 2)
3. Mercury Rests (Mercury Series Book 3)
4. Mercury Revolts: (Book Four of the Mercury Series)
March 2, 2016
After thoroughly enjoying the Mercury series, which is a complete 3 book series, I was very disappointed by this book. In the introduction the author says he wanted to write a "Serious Novel" but was bored by it so decided to frame his ideas in the context of a Mercury book. Sadly, it didn't work. There seemed no real purpose in the book--the plot was basically a rehash of previous plots but not nearly as clever or funny. Also, the book is split into two separate plot lines and the one occurring during the Revolutionary War had nothing to do with the current day plot and was simply boring. All around fail.
August 9, 2016
I had left it too long to read the 3rd novel in the trilogy (Mercury Rests), which is excellent, but I made 'up for it' by reading this fourth volume right afterwards.
Though it's a standalone novel according to the author, it is - in the tradition of Adams' Hitchhiker-"trilogy" - really an additional part of the series, with most characters having been introduced before.
At times this one is a bit heavy-handed and preachy, but Kroese is very knowledgeable (history, religion, politics) and that makes up for it - and more.
Though it's a standalone novel according to the author, it is - in the tradition of Adams' Hitchhiker-"trilogy" - really an additional part of the series, with most characters having been introduced before.
At times this one is a bit heavy-handed and preachy, but Kroese is very knowledgeable (history, religion, politics) and that makes up for it - and more.
May 27, 2014
I liked this a tad less than its predecessors. As others have said, more political, more serious and (unfortunately) less funny. I don't know if it's just the Kindle version, but there were also some serious editing glitches - misidentification of who is involved in a conversation at one point and then misidentification of a perpetrator in another. These and a basic misunderstanding of orbital mechanics bugged me a little, but still worth the read.
June 28, 2016
I liked Kroese's original Mercury trilogy, so I was happy he decided to throw in one more. Only sort of goes with the others. He says in the forward that he had finished the series, then decided to write one more in order to address concerns he had about political issues. And as you'd expect, it seems a little half-baked compared to his other books, and the story and characters are bent to his "message" in the book.
June 20, 2014
Intriguing storyline, both historically and for anyone who wonders what angels and demons might do if trapped on Earth. This one did have quite a bit less than what made the first three books so entertaining and engaging (what made Mercury, Mercury), quite a bit more to-the-point and serious. Still a worthy romp
August 22, 2014
This one was the best yet, it had the most developed plot and didn't just use snarky attitude as a plot device. Yes it was a bit more political, and the prologue sort of gave me chills.
Not to be all libertarian about it, but the more the government tries to centralize processes... trading freedom for security? hmmmmm.....
Not to be all libertarian about it, but the more the government tries to centralize processes... trading freedom for security? hmmmmm.....
August 27, 2014
Imagine having angels and demons interfering with the U.S. government and world affairs. Chips would be implanted in people’s heads, minds would be controlled, and the citizens would be used as pawns for these otherworldly creatures. Mercury is back to save the day. Angels and mortals battle the forces of evil in this hilarious novel. I enjoyed this fourth Mercury book and hope there’s more.
November 4, 2014
Definitely not as good as the original trilogy (or the two side short stories), which were some of the most funny, and absurdly delightful books I have read in recent memory. But, still lots of great humor, just not the same level as the other Mercury books. The politics push the line of being too heavy handed, but doesn't really cross it.
August 9, 2015
I did not enjoy the Mercury series as much as the other books by this author. I'm not sure why; I guess they just didn't click with me. The humor is good and the author is very talented, but it just wasn't my thing.
December 16, 2014
Let's face it: Mercury may be a lousy angel who can't follow orders, but he's a terrific character who's fun to watch. Once again, Kroese delivers a funny adventure with Mercury facing off against the forces of Hell and Heaven. If you enjoyed the other books, you'll love this one too!
January 7, 2015
again this was totally mad, totally fantastic and it reminded me of what we miss in Douglas Adams (Mr Kroese if you see this, that is absolutely a compliment)
I really can't say what it's about - satire, obvs; angels; revolution...
And some laugh out loud funny lines. Plus: Chris Martin.
I really can't say what it's about - satire, obvs; angels; revolution...
And some laugh out loud funny lines. Plus: Chris Martin.
February 19, 2016
It was pretty decent, but like the first one it took me a while to get back into enjoying the humor of the book. Easy read with pretty good characters and writing, but the humor was a bit hit or miss for me.
January 29, 2017
While Mercury is a great character, this book just wasn't as strong as the first three. I found myself bored, and struggled to get through an increasingly predictable plot. Should have left this as a trilogy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews