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The Palace of Sinners and Saints
In this action-packed thrill ride perfect for fans of Jack Reacher, a small band of mercenaries must infiltrate a 12th-century Middle Eastern castle turned black-site prison, where the life of a hero of democracy hangs in the balance.
Irfan Mirza is the ultimate killing machine. Kidnapped as a child and forced to train to become an elite gun for hire at an “orphanage,” he is now a ruthless, freelance mercenary.
In a wealthy Middle Eastern kingdom surrounded by desert, the despotic King Nimir is determined to quash all dissidents calling for free elections. Billionaires, clerics, influencers, and journalists who dared to challenge King Nimir’s regime have vanished without a trace. Unfortunately for him, the latest person he has “disappeared” happens to be Irfan’s “sister.”
Now things are personal, and Irfan Mirza doesn’t like personal. He likes justice.
Assembling a ragtag team of specialists, a.k.a. his “family,” Irfan sets off on a wild rescue mission, determined to save the imprisoned from a medieval fortress, now transformed into a heavily fortified black-site. The palace is surrounded by endless stretches of uninhabited sand, difficult to approach and impossible to escape.
The Palace of Sinners and Saints is an absolute thrill ride, perfect for fans of Lee Child and his Jack Reacher series, where courage and loyalty reign and anyone who wants freedom must pay a price.
Irfan Mirza is the ultimate killing machine. Kidnapped as a child and forced to train to become an elite gun for hire at an “orphanage,” he is now a ruthless, freelance mercenary.
In a wealthy Middle Eastern kingdom surrounded by desert, the despotic King Nimir is determined to quash all dissidents calling for free elections. Billionaires, clerics, influencers, and journalists who dared to challenge King Nimir’s regime have vanished without a trace. Unfortunately for him, the latest person he has “disappeared” happens to be Irfan’s “sister.”
Now things are personal, and Irfan Mirza doesn’t like personal. He likes justice.
Assembling a ragtag team of specialists, a.k.a. his “family,” Irfan sets off on a wild rescue mission, determined to save the imprisoned from a medieval fortress, now transformed into a heavily fortified black-site. The palace is surrounded by endless stretches of uninhabited sand, difficult to approach and impossible to escape.
The Palace of Sinners and Saints is an absolute thrill ride, perfect for fans of Lee Child and his Jack Reacher series, where courage and loyalty reign and anyone who wants freedom must pay a price.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published May 20, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 20, 2025
Excited to finally start this one! Action packed done right gives all the feels!!
This book is highly entertaining with a simple plot driven approach to the writing. Mission objective is to infiltrate, rescue and secure the package. That package just happens to be in human form.
Lots of action packed scenes with fighting sequences, a team of characters that are uniquely different and a multi-pov, to include the nasty bad guy. I did find the MMC to be likeable with his dark and broody yet quiet and strong presence. He is a highly trained Muslim mercenary that grew up in an orphanage and has a penchant for moral retribution. How can you NOT like him!?
I took off one star because the writing needs a little help. Although mostly entertaining, it can get a tad cliche at times and a touch dry here and there. It’s only slightly awkward in that moment but then seems to get you wrote back into the story, so I didn’t get out off by it that much.
All in all, this was a fun read for me, not heart stopping by any means, but it was thrilling throughout.
Thank you to the author, Ammar Merchant and the publisher Simon & Schuster for the ARC!!!
This book is highly entertaining with a simple plot driven approach to the writing. Mission objective is to infiltrate, rescue and secure the package. That package just happens to be in human form.
Lots of action packed scenes with fighting sequences, a team of characters that are uniquely different and a multi-pov, to include the nasty bad guy. I did find the MMC to be likeable with his dark and broody yet quiet and strong presence. He is a highly trained Muslim mercenary that grew up in an orphanage and has a penchant for moral retribution. How can you NOT like him!?
I took off one star because the writing needs a little help. Although mostly entertaining, it can get a tad cliche at times and a touch dry here and there. It’s only slightly awkward in that moment but then seems to get you wrote back into the story, so I didn’t get out off by it that much.
All in all, this was a fun read for me, not heart stopping by any means, but it was thrilling throughout.
Thank you to the author, Ammar Merchant and the publisher Simon & Schuster for the ARC!!!
May 21, 2025
The Palace Of Sinners And Saints, by Amar Merchant, the book starts in Thailand in a little hole in the wall restaurant that has recently lost business due to the deadly gang that has made it their own hangout,when a man over 6 feet tall resembling a mountain walks in even the gang members lower their voice and speak amongst their selves the mountain asked the owner if he seen the girl in the missing poster he has in his hand when the owner glances at the gang members the mountain asked “did they do it?” The owner says “yes.” The mountain makes an order for Food and then proceeds to kill every gang member at the table he then leaves money to pay for the broken furniture and walks out the restaurant. if this doesn’t clue you in to how awesome this book is you haven’t been paying attention. The mountains name is Irfan Marza, as a child he was kidnapped by a man the children would call the general and made into a fighting machine although he is reluctant to claim them as his family he keeps in touch with Fin and Renata. This is how he learns Renata and her fiancé Prince Mahmud are being hunted by his cousin who is the ruler of their country and acts like a lamb but secretly rules like a lion. He wants to be seen as Pius but makes certain his enemies fear him. Prince Mahmood and his father has spoken out against their king. this is why they go to Thailand to get protection from her brother Irfan. unfortunately when they get to his hotel they realize they have been followed and despite her brother stepping in she and Prince Mahmud are still taken. with a little help from a hacker named bay, Irfan’s American girlfriend omen and brother Finn who works for the Aldany government who has taken Renata and Mahmud, this Mötley Crüe a found family will start a mission to get the missing members back with lots of death and destruction not to mention great fight scenes and even better dialogue they will do the undoable. If this is the beginning of a series with Irfan and his siblings sign me up I am down to read anything with him in it he is a man of action and few words but the reason I liked him so much is he isn’t like other “heroes“ he can carry a conversation quotes poetry, the Quran and always and I do mean always keeps his word. just an FYI if you take great dislike and most villains you’ll absolutely deplore the one in this book and I am not even talking about the leopards nor the ruler the king. This was such an awesome book when it was over I just wanted more of it so good so so good! #NetGalley, #TheBlindreviewer, #MyHonestReview,#AmmarMerchant, #ThePalaceOfSinnersAndSaints,
May 26, 2025
Ammar Merchant's debut thriller, The Palace of Sinners and Saints, crashes into the literary landscape like a freight train loaded with C-4 explosives. This isn't just another action-packed romp through Middle Eastern geopolitics—it's a sophisticated meditation on family, loyalty, and the price of justice wrapped in the bloodiest of packages. Merchant, drawing from his extensive travels across the Middle East and Southeast Asia, crafts a narrative that feels authentically grounded in the region's complex political realities while delivering the kind of bone-crushing action that would make Lee Child's Jack Reacher pause to take notes.
The story follows Irfan Mirza, a freelance mercenary whose moral compass points true north despite swimming in an ocean of violence. When his "sister" Renata Bardales—quotes intentional, as their family bonds were forged in trauma rather than blood—is kidnapped alongside her fiancé Prince Mahmud in Bangkok, Mirza embarks on a rescue mission that transforms from personal vendetta into a full-scale prison break from hell itself. The titular palace, Mahmi Castle, serves as both fortress and metaphor: a 12th-century architectural marvel perverted into a black-site prison where King Nimir bin Daleel disappears his political enemies.
Character Development: Monsters with Moral Centers
Irfan Mirza: The Philosopher Warrior
Mirza emerges as one of the most compelling protagonists in recent thriller fiction. Merchant avoids the typical lone-wolf archetype by giving his mercenary a rich interior life filled with poetry and Islamic philosophy. The character's habit of reciting Ghalib's ghazals while planning tactical assaults creates a fascinating dichotomy—here's a man who can quote Hafez while systematically dismantling a heavily fortified castle. His relationship with violence isn't glorified; instead, Merchant presents it as a necessary evil that Mirza wields with surgical precision and genuine reluctance.
The author's decision to ground Mirza's worldview in his faith adds layers of complexity rarely seen in the genre. His pre-mission prayers aren't throwaway cultural details but genuine moments of spiritual preparation, making his eventual survival feel less like plot armor and more like divine intervention earned through authentic struggle.
Supporting Cast: A Family Forged in Fire
The ensemble cast—Omen Ferris, Finn Thompson, and Renata herself—functions as more than mere sidekicks. Each character brings distinct skills and perspectives that complement rather than duplicate Mirza's abilities. Omen's relationship with Mirza crackles with sexual tension and mutual respect, while Finn provides both tactical support and emotional grounding. Their dynamic feels genuinely fraternal, built on shared trauma and mutual dependence rather than convenient plot mechanics.
Narrative Structure: Pacing That Punches
Four-Part Symphony of Destruction
Merchant structures his novel like a classical symphony, with each section building toward an explosive crescendo. The opening prologue in Malaysia immediately establishes the story's brutal tone while introducing themes of justice and retribution. Part One methodically sets up the chess pieces, while Parts Two through Four unleash increasingly complex tactical sequences that showcase Merchant's understanding of military strategy and medieval architecture.
The author's decision to intersperse action sequences with quieter character moments prevents the narrative from becoming a mindless shooting gallery. Moments like Mirza's conversation with Imam Zayd or his interactions with the prisoners in Mahmi Castle add emotional weight that makes the subsequent violence feel earned rather than gratuitous.
Geographical Authenticity
Drawing from his extensive travels, Merchant creates a Middle Eastern setting that feels lived-in rather than researched. His descriptions of Gozel's stark contrasts—gleaming skyscrapers rising from ancient neighborhoods—capture the region's complex relationship with modernity. The author doesn't resort to orientalist clichés but presents a nuanced portrait of a society caught between tradition and progress.
Technical Craftsmanship: Where Merchant Excels and Struggles
Strengths: Poetry in Motion
Merchant's prose style deserves particular praise. His action sequences read like brutal ballets, with each movement precisely choreographed and viscerally described. The infiltration of Mahmi Castle stands as a masterclass in tactical writing—every decision feels logical, every consequence earned. The author's background clearly includes extensive research into military tactics, medieval architecture, and Islamic culture, creating an authenticity that elevates the material above typical genre fare.
The dialogue crackles with personality, particularly in scenes featuring the core trio. Merchant has a gift for revealing character through speech patterns and cultural references, making each voice distinct and memorable.
Areas for Improvement
However, the novel occasionally buckles under the weight of its own ambitions. The political subplot involving King Nimir's regime, while thematically relevant, sometimes feels underdeveloped compared to the personal stakes driving the main narrative. Certain secondary characters, particularly among the Aldatani prisoners, exist more as plot devices than fully realized individuals.
The pacing, while generally excellent, occasionally stumbles during exposition-heavy sequences. Merchant's desire to provide cultural and historical context sometimes interrupts the narrative flow, though these moments rarely derail the story entirely.
Thematic Depth: Beyond the Body Count
Faith and Violence: An Uneasy Alliance
Perhaps the novel's greatest achievement lies in its exploration of faith-based morality within an inherently violent profession. Mirza's Islamic beliefs don't conveniently disappear when circumstances require lethal force; instead, they create internal tension that adds psychological complexity to the character. His prayer before the final assault isn't perfunctory but genuine spiritual preparation for potential martyrdom.
Family Beyond Blood
The theme of chosen family resonates throughout the narrative. The bonds forged between the "orphanage" survivors feel authentic because they're built on shared trauma and mutual protection rather than sentiment. Merchant understands that loyalty earned through fire burns brighter than blood ties, making the rescue mission feel personally urgent for both characters and readers.
Cultural Representation: Respectful Complexity
Merchant's treatment of Middle Eastern culture deserves commendation. Rather than painting with broad strokes, he presents a society containing multitudes—progressive reformers alongside traditional conservatives, brutal dictators alongside principled clerics. The author's Muslim characters aren't monolithic; they represent the full spectrum of human experience within an Islamic context.
Final Verdict: A Promising Beginning
The Palace of Sinners and Saints announces Ammar Merchant as a significant new voice in action thrillers. While the novel occasionally stumbles under the weight of its ambitious scope, it succeeds brilliantly in creating a compelling protagonist and an authentically complex setting. The author's background clearly informs his writing, creating a level of cultural authenticity rarely seen in Western thriller fiction.
This debut suggests great potential for future installments featuring Irfan Mirza. Merchant has created a character rich enough to sustain a long-running series, provided he continues developing the supporting cast and refining his pacing. For readers seeking action thrillers with genuine cultural depth and moral complexity, The Palace of Sinners and Saints offers a visceral yet thoughtful experience that lingers long after the final page.
The story follows Irfan Mirza, a freelance mercenary whose moral compass points true north despite swimming in an ocean of violence. When his "sister" Renata Bardales—quotes intentional, as their family bonds were forged in trauma rather than blood—is kidnapped alongside her fiancé Prince Mahmud in Bangkok, Mirza embarks on a rescue mission that transforms from personal vendetta into a full-scale prison break from hell itself. The titular palace, Mahmi Castle, serves as both fortress and metaphor: a 12th-century architectural marvel perverted into a black-site prison where King Nimir bin Daleel disappears his political enemies.
Character Development: Monsters with Moral Centers
Irfan Mirza: The Philosopher Warrior
Mirza emerges as one of the most compelling protagonists in recent thriller fiction. Merchant avoids the typical lone-wolf archetype by giving his mercenary a rich interior life filled with poetry and Islamic philosophy. The character's habit of reciting Ghalib's ghazals while planning tactical assaults creates a fascinating dichotomy—here's a man who can quote Hafez while systematically dismantling a heavily fortified castle. His relationship with violence isn't glorified; instead, Merchant presents it as a necessary evil that Mirza wields with surgical precision and genuine reluctance.
The author's decision to ground Mirza's worldview in his faith adds layers of complexity rarely seen in the genre. His pre-mission prayers aren't throwaway cultural details but genuine moments of spiritual preparation, making his eventual survival feel less like plot armor and more like divine intervention earned through authentic struggle.
Supporting Cast: A Family Forged in Fire
The ensemble cast—Omen Ferris, Finn Thompson, and Renata herself—functions as more than mere sidekicks. Each character brings distinct skills and perspectives that complement rather than duplicate Mirza's abilities. Omen's relationship with Mirza crackles with sexual tension and mutual respect, while Finn provides both tactical support and emotional grounding. Their dynamic feels genuinely fraternal, built on shared trauma and mutual dependence rather than convenient plot mechanics.
Narrative Structure: Pacing That Punches
Four-Part Symphony of Destruction
Merchant structures his novel like a classical symphony, with each section building toward an explosive crescendo. The opening prologue in Malaysia immediately establishes the story's brutal tone while introducing themes of justice and retribution. Part One methodically sets up the chess pieces, while Parts Two through Four unleash increasingly complex tactical sequences that showcase Merchant's understanding of military strategy and medieval architecture.
The author's decision to intersperse action sequences with quieter character moments prevents the narrative from becoming a mindless shooting gallery. Moments like Mirza's conversation with Imam Zayd or his interactions with the prisoners in Mahmi Castle add emotional weight that makes the subsequent violence feel earned rather than gratuitous.
Geographical Authenticity
Drawing from his extensive travels, Merchant creates a Middle Eastern setting that feels lived-in rather than researched. His descriptions of Gozel's stark contrasts—gleaming skyscrapers rising from ancient neighborhoods—capture the region's complex relationship with modernity. The author doesn't resort to orientalist clichés but presents a nuanced portrait of a society caught between tradition and progress.
Technical Craftsmanship: Where Merchant Excels and Struggles
Strengths: Poetry in Motion
Merchant's prose style deserves particular praise. His action sequences read like brutal ballets, with each movement precisely choreographed and viscerally described. The infiltration of Mahmi Castle stands as a masterclass in tactical writing—every decision feels logical, every consequence earned. The author's background clearly includes extensive research into military tactics, medieval architecture, and Islamic culture, creating an authenticity that elevates the material above typical genre fare.
The dialogue crackles with personality, particularly in scenes featuring the core trio. Merchant has a gift for revealing character through speech patterns and cultural references, making each voice distinct and memorable.
Areas for Improvement
However, the novel occasionally buckles under the weight of its own ambitions. The political subplot involving King Nimir's regime, while thematically relevant, sometimes feels underdeveloped compared to the personal stakes driving the main narrative. Certain secondary characters, particularly among the Aldatani prisoners, exist more as plot devices than fully realized individuals.
The pacing, while generally excellent, occasionally stumbles during exposition-heavy sequences. Merchant's desire to provide cultural and historical context sometimes interrupts the narrative flow, though these moments rarely derail the story entirely.
Thematic Depth: Beyond the Body Count
Faith and Violence: An Uneasy Alliance
Perhaps the novel's greatest achievement lies in its exploration of faith-based morality within an inherently violent profession. Mirza's Islamic beliefs don't conveniently disappear when circumstances require lethal force; instead, they create internal tension that adds psychological complexity to the character. His prayer before the final assault isn't perfunctory but genuine spiritual preparation for potential martyrdom.
Family Beyond Blood
The theme of chosen family resonates throughout the narrative. The bonds forged between the "orphanage" survivors feel authentic because they're built on shared trauma and mutual protection rather than sentiment. Merchant understands that loyalty earned through fire burns brighter than blood ties, making the rescue mission feel personally urgent for both characters and readers.
Cultural Representation: Respectful Complexity
Merchant's treatment of Middle Eastern culture deserves commendation. Rather than painting with broad strokes, he presents a society containing multitudes—progressive reformers alongside traditional conservatives, brutal dictators alongside principled clerics. The author's Muslim characters aren't monolithic; they represent the full spectrum of human experience within an Islamic context.
Final Verdict: A Promising Beginning
The Palace of Sinners and Saints announces Ammar Merchant as a significant new voice in action thrillers. While the novel occasionally stumbles under the weight of its ambitious scope, it succeeds brilliantly in creating a compelling protagonist and an authentically complex setting. The author's background clearly informs his writing, creating a level of cultural authenticity rarely seen in Western thriller fiction.
This debut suggests great potential for future installments featuring Irfan Mirza. Merchant has created a character rich enough to sustain a long-running series, provided he continues developing the supporting cast and refining his pacing. For readers seeking action thrillers with genuine cultural depth and moral complexity, The Palace of Sinners and Saints offers a visceral yet thoughtful experience that lingers long after the final page.
May 30, 2025
Fun low stakes action story
March 4, 2025
When your family needs you, you go help them. In The Palace of Sinners and Saints by Amman Merchant the family is large and may not be genetically related, but they do not leave each other hanging. The saying “honor among thieves” comes to mind, but some of them are mercenaries.
There are blood and guts, but there are also reasons for that. When you are brought up in an “orphanage” that trains you to be a lethal weapon, you use the resources you have. One of the resources might be your siblings.
Renata is the sister who is engaged to a deposed prince. His father was the king but no more. The prince is expected to follow the king who deposed his father. When he refuses to bow down to the new king, he is kidnapped along with his fiancé, Rennata. They are taken to a medieval castle in the middle of the desert near Yemen and kept as prisoners. The castle houses many other “guests” and a very sadistic keeper. Renata’s brothers will not accept that she is being held. Interestingly, they are not so worried about the prince, but since he makes Ren happy, they will try to free them both.
It is a suspenseful adventure. If you like to bite your nails while you read, this is a book for you. It is different from other books I have read, but when I reflect on the theme of the book, honor of thieves (and mercenaries) may be it.
There are blood and guts, but there are also reasons for that. When you are brought up in an “orphanage” that trains you to be a lethal weapon, you use the resources you have. One of the resources might be your siblings.
Renata is the sister who is engaged to a deposed prince. His father was the king but no more. The prince is expected to follow the king who deposed his father. When he refuses to bow down to the new king, he is kidnapped along with his fiancé, Rennata. They are taken to a medieval castle in the middle of the desert near Yemen and kept as prisoners. The castle houses many other “guests” and a very sadistic keeper. Renata’s brothers will not accept that she is being held. Interestingly, they are not so worried about the prince, but since he makes Ren happy, they will try to free them both.
It is a suspenseful adventure. If you like to bite your nails while you read, this is a book for you. It is different from other books I have read, but when I reflect on the theme of the book, honor of thieves (and mercenaries) may be it.
May 18, 2025
He provides protection for those who need it
When he was a child Irfan Mirza was snatched from the streets of Karachi and trained to be part of what a man known only as The General envisioned as an elite private squad of assassins for hire. The General told Mirza and the other children he bought, trafficked and stole that he was their father and the children were all siblings but that story didn't hold together long as the children grew up and were sent out on missions. Some of them escaped the life altogether and created normal, everyday lives. Others stayed in the same line of work as individual contractors or by signing on with a private military company (PMC), and these are the ones most likely to have stayed in touch with their "family". Mirza is an independent contractor who, lacking the necessary security clearances to work for the top PMCs, is more often employed by less than reputable groups; he makes less money than other mercenaries, but at least he has the freedom to choose for whom he work.s He's no bleeding heart (and doesn't buy into the whole "family" thing) but he does have a moral code by which to operate. Renata, a woman who had trained alongside him as a child but who stepped away from the mercenary life in search of a normal existence, finds herself and her fiancé Mahmud (a royal Prince from the small Arab nation of Aldatani) in danger, and contacts Finn (another of the assassin "family") who in turn asks Mirza to provide the couple with protection. Before he has even met Ren and Mahmud they are grabbed by a group of commandos known as the Leopards, by order of King Nimir of Aldatani. Mahmud is Nimir's cousin, but is also both the son of one of Nimir's rivals and a dissident who has been publishing unflattering stories about Nimir's actions. Ren is in the wrong place at the wrong time, and both she and Mahmud are taken to Mahmi Castle, a medieval fortification now serving as Nimir's prison for those he considers his enemies. It is in the middle of the desert, impossible to approach unobserved (not to mention to enter)...but taking people whom Mirza was tasked to protect has made it personal for him. With the help of Omen, a beautiful thief, his unlikely best friend Finn, and Bey, a gifted hacker, Mirza is determined to find a way in to Mahmi to free them....but the group of mercenaries under the control of Atlas Boss, the psychopath who oversees the prison, are equally determined to keep him out.
Fans of non-stop action thrillers like those featuring Jack Reacher, Curt Gentry and Jonathan Grave will enjoy this first book to feature Irfan Mizra, a smart Muslim man who balances his deadly skills with his faith. As he replies to a man who wonders why he would leave a place where he had just killed a group of men to go pray, "It's when I need forgiveness the most". His attraction to Omen, upon which he refuses to act as long as he is still married (though the marriage has been over in all but the legal sense for years), offers a hint of romantic tension, while the banter and ribbing that bounce back and forth between Mirza and Finn helps to break the tension of their life-or-death quest. Author Ammar Merchant's knowledge of the Middle East helps bring a vivid sense of place to the story, and Mirza's background and path to being a mercenary sets him apart from the action heroes of other series. Mirza is no debonair James Bond; he is raw and brutal, a sledgehammer rather than a scalpel, but the story is an intriguing read even though it has a few clichéd elements. Readers of Lee Child, Gregg Hurwitz, and John Gilstrap would be well served should they pick up a copy of The Palace of Sinners and Saints...there's a new action hero in print they should get to know. My thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for allowing me access to this entertaining read in exchange for my honest review.
When he was a child Irfan Mirza was snatched from the streets of Karachi and trained to be part of what a man known only as The General envisioned as an elite private squad of assassins for hire. The General told Mirza and the other children he bought, trafficked and stole that he was their father and the children were all siblings but that story didn't hold together long as the children grew up and were sent out on missions. Some of them escaped the life altogether and created normal, everyday lives. Others stayed in the same line of work as individual contractors or by signing on with a private military company (PMC), and these are the ones most likely to have stayed in touch with their "family". Mirza is an independent contractor who, lacking the necessary security clearances to work for the top PMCs, is more often employed by less than reputable groups; he makes less money than other mercenaries, but at least he has the freedom to choose for whom he work.s He's no bleeding heart (and doesn't buy into the whole "family" thing) but he does have a moral code by which to operate. Renata, a woman who had trained alongside him as a child but who stepped away from the mercenary life in search of a normal existence, finds herself and her fiancé Mahmud (a royal Prince from the small Arab nation of Aldatani) in danger, and contacts Finn (another of the assassin "family") who in turn asks Mirza to provide the couple with protection. Before he has even met Ren and Mahmud they are grabbed by a group of commandos known as the Leopards, by order of King Nimir of Aldatani. Mahmud is Nimir's cousin, but is also both the son of one of Nimir's rivals and a dissident who has been publishing unflattering stories about Nimir's actions. Ren is in the wrong place at the wrong time, and both she and Mahmud are taken to Mahmi Castle, a medieval fortification now serving as Nimir's prison for those he considers his enemies. It is in the middle of the desert, impossible to approach unobserved (not to mention to enter)...but taking people whom Mirza was tasked to protect has made it personal for him. With the help of Omen, a beautiful thief, his unlikely best friend Finn, and Bey, a gifted hacker, Mirza is determined to find a way in to Mahmi to free them....but the group of mercenaries under the control of Atlas Boss, the psychopath who oversees the prison, are equally determined to keep him out.
Fans of non-stop action thrillers like those featuring Jack Reacher, Curt Gentry and Jonathan Grave will enjoy this first book to feature Irfan Mizra, a smart Muslim man who balances his deadly skills with his faith. As he replies to a man who wonders why he would leave a place where he had just killed a group of men to go pray, "It's when I need forgiveness the most". His attraction to Omen, upon which he refuses to act as long as he is still married (though the marriage has been over in all but the legal sense for years), offers a hint of romantic tension, while the banter and ribbing that bounce back and forth between Mirza and Finn helps to break the tension of their life-or-death quest. Author Ammar Merchant's knowledge of the Middle East helps bring a vivid sense of place to the story, and Mirza's background and path to being a mercenary sets him apart from the action heroes of other series. Mirza is no debonair James Bond; he is raw and brutal, a sledgehammer rather than a scalpel, but the story is an intriguing read even though it has a few clichéd elements. Readers of Lee Child, Gregg Hurwitz, and John Gilstrap would be well served should they pick up a copy of The Palace of Sinners and Saints...there's a new action hero in print they should get to know. My thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for allowing me access to this entertaining read in exchange for my honest review.
April 7, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advance copy of this thrill ride of a story featuring action, exotic locales, more action, a man strong in morals and in what is right, and a dash more of action.
For a while one of my favorite genres was the books in the Men's Adventure Category. My Grandfather started me on Mack Bolan, the Executioner, and from there I found more. The Death Merchant, the Destroyer, The Professional, and others whose names are better lost to time. These books were pretty much monthly from publisher like Gold Eagle, who were owned by Harlequin Publishers, as fitting because these were basically male romance stories. Instead of love porn these offered gun porn, and a way of understanding a changing world. Because of this most of the modern thrillers kind of bore me. I get the point of Jack Reacher, but honestly he is basically Mack Bolan only broader in shoulder. Also they take themselves too seriously, or are too closeted in their world view. I Am Pilgrim was the last one to really grab me, as it was broader in scope, crazy in action, and looked at the world as a person who lived in it, not just America. To this list I add this book, a book that had interesting characters, took old ideas and made them new again, and just really went for it action and storywise. The Palace of Sinners and Saints is a debut novel by Ammar Merchant, introducing a character I hope to read more of, doing what he does best for the people he cares about.
Irfan Mirza is a mercenary, who does the jobs that no one else wants, and does this quite well. Kidnapped as a boy, Mirza was raised in an orphanage as part of a program to create weapons out of human beings. To Mirza the others in that group are the family he never had, and he would do anything for them. In Thailand a woman he considers his sister is kidnapped, along with her husband a dissident in a Middle Eastern country, where being against the government gets on disappeared. Mirza vows to find her, and traces her to a black prison, an ancient citadel square in the middle of a desert guarded by elite mercenaries. Mirza knows what can happen in these places, and has gathered a team, a thief who wants to more than a business partner with Mirza, and an Irish man, who was also part of the same program Mirza was trained at. Facing them are a sadistic manchild, with a love for violence, and quite a lot of armed men. Mirza has a plan. Destroy everything.
The book starts with a bang, and moves on from there. The character of Mirza unfolds carefully, with little hints being dropped as the story goes, and makes for one of the more interesting characters who look like mountains and can laugh off bullets. Mirza is a complicated person, with a strong moral code, one that is different in these kind of books. The story is familiar, and one knows the outcome, but the journey there is a blast. Car crashes, cyberwarfare, motorcycle chases, a little bloodsport action, kitchen pans as weapons, knives, shields, and bare hands. An 80's movie with a bit of CGI and a lot of blood squibs. The story moves well, the bad guys are bad the good guys good-ish. What I liked a lot was the international feeling to the story. Countries usually not name checked, and a hero that is Islamic.
A book I enjoyed for a lot of reasons, and one that would make a good streaming series. Some stunts were a little, what the???, but that is the fun. This is a fun book, with a lot of potential, and I can't wait to read more.
For a while one of my favorite genres was the books in the Men's Adventure Category. My Grandfather started me on Mack Bolan, the Executioner, and from there I found more. The Death Merchant, the Destroyer, The Professional, and others whose names are better lost to time. These books were pretty much monthly from publisher like Gold Eagle, who were owned by Harlequin Publishers, as fitting because these were basically male romance stories. Instead of love porn these offered gun porn, and a way of understanding a changing world. Because of this most of the modern thrillers kind of bore me. I get the point of Jack Reacher, but honestly he is basically Mack Bolan only broader in shoulder. Also they take themselves too seriously, or are too closeted in their world view. I Am Pilgrim was the last one to really grab me, as it was broader in scope, crazy in action, and looked at the world as a person who lived in it, not just America. To this list I add this book, a book that had interesting characters, took old ideas and made them new again, and just really went for it action and storywise. The Palace of Sinners and Saints is a debut novel by Ammar Merchant, introducing a character I hope to read more of, doing what he does best for the people he cares about.
Irfan Mirza is a mercenary, who does the jobs that no one else wants, and does this quite well. Kidnapped as a boy, Mirza was raised in an orphanage as part of a program to create weapons out of human beings. To Mirza the others in that group are the family he never had, and he would do anything for them. In Thailand a woman he considers his sister is kidnapped, along with her husband a dissident in a Middle Eastern country, where being against the government gets on disappeared. Mirza vows to find her, and traces her to a black prison, an ancient citadel square in the middle of a desert guarded by elite mercenaries. Mirza knows what can happen in these places, and has gathered a team, a thief who wants to more than a business partner with Mirza, and an Irish man, who was also part of the same program Mirza was trained at. Facing them are a sadistic manchild, with a love for violence, and quite a lot of armed men. Mirza has a plan. Destroy everything.
The book starts with a bang, and moves on from there. The character of Mirza unfolds carefully, with little hints being dropped as the story goes, and makes for one of the more interesting characters who look like mountains and can laugh off bullets. Mirza is a complicated person, with a strong moral code, one that is different in these kind of books. The story is familiar, and one knows the outcome, but the journey there is a blast. Car crashes, cyberwarfare, motorcycle chases, a little bloodsport action, kitchen pans as weapons, knives, shields, and bare hands. An 80's movie with a bit of CGI and a lot of blood squibs. The story moves well, the bad guys are bad the good guys good-ish. What I liked a lot was the international feeling to the story. Countries usually not name checked, and a hero that is Islamic.
A book I enjoyed for a lot of reasons, and one that would make a good streaming series. Some stunts were a little, what the???, but that is the fun. This is a fun book, with a lot of potential, and I can't wait to read more.
June 28, 2025
𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑷𝑨𝑳𝑨𝑪𝑬 𝑶𝑭 𝑺𝑰𝑵𝑵𝑬𝑹𝑺 𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝑺𝑨𝑰𝑵𝑻𝑺 𝒃𝒚 𝑨𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓 𝑴𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒕 is my latest @simonbooks #SimonBooksBuddy read and it was an intense and fresh entry into the #truethriller genre!
Ifran Mirza is a man who was taken and raised in an "orphanage" and trained to be an assassin. He has broken free of his sinister upbringing and uses his select skills for better purposes. When one of his "sisters" is kidnapped by a villainous man and taken to a desert castle, Mirza won't give up looking for her and risks everything to bring her back.
This is an intense and propulsive story that introduces a complex protagonist in Mirza. It was a breath of fresh air to have a Pakistani MC who balances a bit of faith and a mercenary job. He was also quite witty and dry, which won me over.
The scenario that had to be overcome was immense, and the action that preceeded and culminated in the final sequence was movie-worthy. I enjoyed imagining the immense effects, though I may close my eyes for some details of the physical fighting, which was graphic and impressive. I might also glance away for some of the more gruesome acts of the insane Atlas. All that said, it never felt gratuitous compared to other high octane thrillers like this!
I was impressed with the level of character development in this faced paced story. The depth of the motivations and just enough backstory was given to understand what drives these people, but done without weighing down the pace. I appreciated the moral quandary Mirza was tasked with in different situations, not least of which was within his fatherhood role. This made him human, which given his background, was impressive. I didn't expect this from a debut!
I definitely recommend this book, which came out May 20th, for fans of true, fast, intense thrillers. Again, it was great to see characters outside of the typical fare!
Ifran Mirza is a man who was taken and raised in an "orphanage" and trained to be an assassin. He has broken free of his sinister upbringing and uses his select skills for better purposes. When one of his "sisters" is kidnapped by a villainous man and taken to a desert castle, Mirza won't give up looking for her and risks everything to bring her back.
This is an intense and propulsive story that introduces a complex protagonist in Mirza. It was a breath of fresh air to have a Pakistani MC who balances a bit of faith and a mercenary job. He was also quite witty and dry, which won me over.
The scenario that had to be overcome was immense, and the action that preceeded and culminated in the final sequence was movie-worthy. I enjoyed imagining the immense effects, though I may close my eyes for some details of the physical fighting, which was graphic and impressive. I might also glance away for some of the more gruesome acts of the insane Atlas. All that said, it never felt gratuitous compared to other high octane thrillers like this!
I was impressed with the level of character development in this faced paced story. The depth of the motivations and just enough backstory was given to understand what drives these people, but done without weighing down the pace. I appreciated the moral quandary Mirza was tasked with in different situations, not least of which was within his fatherhood role. This made him human, which given his background, was impressive. I didn't expect this from a debut!
I definitely recommend this book, which came out May 20th, for fans of true, fast, intense thrillers. Again, it was great to see characters outside of the typical fare!
May 21, 2025
wow, this book seems like it should be about 4th in a series, but it is actually a debut novel. Irfan Mirza is a Pakistani Jack Reacher, no question. The premise is that a nameless General collected and possibly kidnapped a group of children to train them to be a fighting force. It ultimately failed, but a group considering themselves brothers and sisters seem to be mercenaries paid to do jobs.
There is a backstory that Mirza was married to a British woman who tried to tame him, with whom he has a 25 year old daughter. However, he is now a week away from a divorce when he takes a job to be a bodyguard to one of his "sisters," Renata, whose fiancée is running from his uncle.
The uncle is a monarch ( of an invented country) who is imprisoning or, worse, killing all those who are trying to incite a rebellion.
When Renata and her fiancée are captured, It is up to Mirzra and his team to rescue her.
I loved this premise. A Muslim good guy who quotes the Quran and poetry and who is seen by all as indestructible. He has a solid moral compass (he refuses to sleep with his teammate, though they both want to because he is still married. He calls his daughter before a mission to tell her he might die, though his teammate explains this might not be the best thing for a 15 year old to hear.
Also, knowing that he has a 15 year old gives us a context for how long he was married.
I look forward to the next book, and there better be one!
Also, a warning is that this is a very violent book, including torture and lots of fighting.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. This is my honest opinion.
There is a backstory that Mirza was married to a British woman who tried to tame him, with whom he has a 25 year old daughter. However, he is now a week away from a divorce when he takes a job to be a bodyguard to one of his "sisters," Renata, whose fiancée is running from his uncle.
The uncle is a monarch ( of an invented country) who is imprisoning or, worse, killing all those who are trying to incite a rebellion.
When Renata and her fiancée are captured, It is up to Mirzra and his team to rescue her.
I loved this premise. A Muslim good guy who quotes the Quran and poetry and who is seen by all as indestructible. He has a solid moral compass (he refuses to sleep with his teammate, though they both want to because he is still married. He calls his daughter before a mission to tell her he might die, though his teammate explains this might not be the best thing for a 15 year old to hear.
Also, knowing that he has a 15 year old gives us a context for how long he was married.
I look forward to the next book, and there better be one!
Also, a warning is that this is a very violent book, including torture and lots of fighting.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. This is my honest opinion.
June 30, 2025
In an action packed thriller, Ammar Merchant takes you from the streets of Bangkok to a Middle Eastern desert fortress housing a black prison. Irfan Mirza was supposed to protect Mahmoud, the nephew of a king, and his fiancée Ren. Mahmoud was being hunted by security forces after taking a stand against the king’s authoritarian regime. When the couple comes under attack, the security forces make the mistake of kidnapping Ren along with Mahmoud. Ren was raised in an orphanage with Mirza and he considers her a sister. The orphanage was run by someone who trained the orphans to be fighters and now Mirza is a freelance mercenary who makes the world better one fistfight at a time. With the help of Omen, a professional thief who loves him, Bey, a hacker, and Finn, his best friend, he sets out to find Mahmoud and Ren. The couple had been taken back to the kingdom, where they were imprisoned in an undisclosed location, a prison with no hope to escape. It was run by Atlas Boss, a sadistic leader of the king’s mercenaries. When Finn asks too many questions the hunters become the hunted. With the police on their tail and an armed fortress that is impossible to breach, it does not look good. The problem is that they don’s know Mirza and what he is capable of.
Merchant’s story is one of constant action. His characters work well together and often break the tension with humor. Mirza is resourceful and reminiscent of Jack Reacher in stature, powerfully built. Fans of Reacher will find a new hero in Irfan Mirza and hopefully Merchant will bring him back in the future. I would like to thank NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing this book.
Merchant’s story is one of constant action. His characters work well together and often break the tension with humor. Mirza is resourceful and reminiscent of Jack Reacher in stature, powerfully built. Fans of Reacher will find a new hero in Irfan Mirza and hopefully Merchant will bring him back in the future. I would like to thank NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing this book.
April 2, 2025
What can I say about The Palace of Sinners and Saint's other than WOW! This debut novel by Ammar Merchant is everything!
This book is an action packed thrill ride with non stop excitement. Irfan Mirza is a mercenary for hire and is everything you would pay for. In the public of Aldatan, King Nimir is determined to make all who oppose him and his political views disappear. This applies to billionaires, influencers, police force, and journalists. One such journalist is his cousin Mahmud who is taken in front of a hotel one night along with his fiancé Renata as they have been sent to meet up with Mirza for his protection. Mirza tries to stop these Leopards sent by Nimir but fails. Mirza works with his brother Finn and a thief, Omen, to track down where they were taken and break them out. This ragtag team each has their own way of getting things done but ultimately need each other and their skills to balance what they don't have themselves. It is these skills coming together and the way the characters play off of each other that takes this novel up a notch. Not everyone is as serious as Merza and the humor brings a bit of relief to the story.
This novel was everything and I can't wait for more books from Ammar Merchant and hopefully more in the Merza series. Do yourself a favor and read this book if you are into thrillers along this line.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #ThePalaceofSinnersandSaints
This book is an action packed thrill ride with non stop excitement. Irfan Mirza is a mercenary for hire and is everything you would pay for. In the public of Aldatan, King Nimir is determined to make all who oppose him and his political views disappear. This applies to billionaires, influencers, police force, and journalists. One such journalist is his cousin Mahmud who is taken in front of a hotel one night along with his fiancé Renata as they have been sent to meet up with Mirza for his protection. Mirza tries to stop these Leopards sent by Nimir but fails. Mirza works with his brother Finn and a thief, Omen, to track down where they were taken and break them out. This ragtag team each has their own way of getting things done but ultimately need each other and their skills to balance what they don't have themselves. It is these skills coming together and the way the characters play off of each other that takes this novel up a notch. Not everyone is as serious as Merza and the humor brings a bit of relief to the story.
This novel was everything and I can't wait for more books from Ammar Merchant and hopefully more in the Merza series. Do yourself a favor and read this book if you are into thrillers along this line.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #ThePalaceofSinnersandSaints
March 19, 2025
"How is he still alive?"
"He'd probably say God loves him," Omen guessed. "I think it's more likely that God just likes being entertained, and Irfan is fun."
Ren chuckled.
"Not in a 'holy crap, what an awesome party' way, but in a 'Jesus Christ, did you see what ridiculous shit that guy just pulled off' kind of way. Like an Evel Knievel who kills people."
Move over, Lee Child, and make a space on the roster of action/adventure/thriller writers for Ammar Merchant. His first novel featuring Middle Eastern mercenary Irfan Mirza has been favorably compared to the Jack Reacher novels, and rightly so.
THE PALACE OF SINNERS AND SAINTS wastes no time on back-story. It gets right to the action from Chapter One and never takes the foot off the throttle until the conclusion. Merchant gives us just enough of the history of Mirza and associates to understand them and get a feel for the "honor among mercenaries" vibe. The dialogue is very revealing, and a great way to inform readers and create empathy without slowing down the pace.
If you like Jack Reacher novels, you will most likely appreciate the escapist entertainment provided here. Thanks to NetGalley for a digital advance review copy of this novel.
"He'd probably say God loves him," Omen guessed. "I think it's more likely that God just likes being entertained, and Irfan is fun."
Ren chuckled.
"Not in a 'holy crap, what an awesome party' way, but in a 'Jesus Christ, did you see what ridiculous shit that guy just pulled off' kind of way. Like an Evel Knievel who kills people."
Move over, Lee Child, and make a space on the roster of action/adventure/thriller writers for Ammar Merchant. His first novel featuring Middle Eastern mercenary Irfan Mirza has been favorably compared to the Jack Reacher novels, and rightly so.
THE PALACE OF SINNERS AND SAINTS wastes no time on back-story. It gets right to the action from Chapter One and never takes the foot off the throttle until the conclusion. Merchant gives us just enough of the history of Mirza and associates to understand them and get a feel for the "honor among mercenaries" vibe. The dialogue is very revealing, and a great way to inform readers and create empathy without slowing down the pace.
If you like Jack Reacher novels, you will most likely appreciate the escapist entertainment provided here. Thanks to NetGalley for a digital advance review copy of this novel.
February 5, 2025
Review of eGalley
When the stranger walks into his tiny restaurant, Ahmad Haikal, doesn’t know what to expect. But he’d come for the terrorists/pirates that frequented the restaurant . . . the ones that had killed Cilek Osman.
When Irfan Mirza has “spoken” to the terrorists, all seven lay dead at the hands of the ruthless freelance mercenary.
The request from Cilek’s father complete, Mirza moves on. But when the king has Renata Bardales taken, it becomes personal for Mirza.
What will he do to rescue the woman he considers a sister?
=========
Despite being brutal, gruesome, and vicious, the unfolding story of the tenacious man trained from childhood to be an elite gun for hire pulls the reader into the story from the outset. The telling of this tale keeps the pages turning as readers root for Mirza and his fellow mercenaries to succeed against the nefarious King Nimir as good once again tries to outwit evil.
Readers who enjoy action-packed, graphic tales filled with bravery and courage will find Mizra’s story to their liking.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Simon & Schuster and NetGalley
#ThePalaceofSinnersandSaints #NetGalley
When the stranger walks into his tiny restaurant, Ahmad Haikal, doesn’t know what to expect. But he’d come for the terrorists/pirates that frequented the restaurant . . . the ones that had killed Cilek Osman.
When Irfan Mirza has “spoken” to the terrorists, all seven lay dead at the hands of the ruthless freelance mercenary.
The request from Cilek’s father complete, Mirza moves on. But when the king has Renata Bardales taken, it becomes personal for Mirza.
What will he do to rescue the woman he considers a sister?
=========
Despite being brutal, gruesome, and vicious, the unfolding story of the tenacious man trained from childhood to be an elite gun for hire pulls the reader into the story from the outset. The telling of this tale keeps the pages turning as readers root for Mirza and his fellow mercenaries to succeed against the nefarious King Nimir as good once again tries to outwit evil.
Readers who enjoy action-packed, graphic tales filled with bravery and courage will find Mizra’s story to their liking.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Simon & Schuster and NetGalley
#ThePalaceofSinnersandSaints #NetGalley
February 25, 2025
In Ammar Merchant's The Palace of Sinners and Saints, (Simon and Shuster 2025), Irfan Mirza for close to forty years has been a reliably lethal weapon. When deployed, regardless of weapons or none, he never fails, never quits, always outsmarts his enemy. He’s been trained to do that since a child in an orphanage with no goal other than win whatever mission he is sent on. His marriage, other than the daughter he dotes on, is a failure, in the process of dissolution as soon as his religious beliefs allow. Waiting for him is another warrior well aware of his foibles and strengths because her background is similar. Now, they face together a mission to save the life of Irfan's sister and her fiancée as they flee those who would use the royal man's notoriety and name against the country he loves.
This may be Merchant's debut novel (at least on Amazon), but he is an extraordinary storyteller, able to weave personal details into plot without losing the drama and action. Definitely recommended for those who enjoy fast-moving international drama where the fight for justice means all solutions are on the table.
This may be Merchant's debut novel (at least on Amazon), but he is an extraordinary storyteller, able to weave personal details into plot without losing the drama and action. Definitely recommended for those who enjoy fast-moving international drama where the fight for justice means all solutions are on the table.
March 7, 2025
The Palace of Sinners and Saints
By Ammar Merchant
Get ready, thriller readers! You are about to meet the Islamic world's answer to Jack Reacher! Ifran Mirza is a Pakistani Muslim who was kidnapped as a small child by the "General", who ostensibly runs an orphanage which is really a camp to train and raise children to become soldiers and killers. Although the General did not succeed in creating a children's army loyal only to him, several of his proteges consider themselves siblings and make it a practice to be there for each other when they need help.
Ifran is a huge man, the ultimate killing machine. His "brother" and best friend is Finn, the man who keeps them all loosely tied together. When Renata, a "sister", contacts Finn to help her and her fiancé escape from the despotic ruler of Aldatan, Ifran and Finn are on the hunt.
The story contains horror, humor, brutality, loyalty and love. The good guys are characters you will love; the bad guys are characters you will love to hate. Everyone plays their roles to perfection.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to Ifran and company's next adventure.
By Ammar Merchant
Get ready, thriller readers! You are about to meet the Islamic world's answer to Jack Reacher! Ifran Mirza is a Pakistani Muslim who was kidnapped as a small child by the "General", who ostensibly runs an orphanage which is really a camp to train and raise children to become soldiers and killers. Although the General did not succeed in creating a children's army loyal only to him, several of his proteges consider themselves siblings and make it a practice to be there for each other when they need help.
Ifran is a huge man, the ultimate killing machine. His "brother" and best friend is Finn, the man who keeps them all loosely tied together. When Renata, a "sister", contacts Finn to help her and her fiancé escape from the despotic ruler of Aldatan, Ifran and Finn are on the hunt.
The story contains horror, humor, brutality, loyalty and love. The good guys are characters you will love; the bad guys are characters you will love to hate. Everyone plays their roles to perfection.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to Ifran and company's next adventure.
May 6, 2025
Irfan Mirza and a few close friends grew up in an orphanage where the children were trained to become elite fighting machines. He considers them his “family”. He’s now a freelance mercenary and his idea of fun is breaking “things”, aka, people. When he witnesses his “sister”, Renata and her fiancé being abducted and he was unsuccessful in preventing it, he vows to get her back.
Renata and her fiancé are being held in a medieval fortress in the middle of nowhere, desert all around. A place that won’t be easy to infiltrate. He and one of his associates are up against many, but he’s determined and dedicated and she’s more skilled than he ever gave her credit for. He also has a couple of “family” members on the outside helping as best they can. The only plan he has is to get Renata out. He’ll figure out how along the way.
Action packed, a lot of danger, a little humor, a lot of bad guys, wit, resourcefulness, and more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Renata and her fiancé are being held in a medieval fortress in the middle of nowhere, desert all around. A place that won’t be easy to infiltrate. He and one of his associates are up against many, but he’s determined and dedicated and she’s more skilled than he ever gave her credit for. He also has a couple of “family” members on the outside helping as best they can. The only plan he has is to get Renata out. He’ll figure out how along the way.
Action packed, a lot of danger, a little humor, a lot of bad guys, wit, resourcefulness, and more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 24, 2025
The Palace of Sinners and Saints is the debut, action-thriller from Ammar Merchant.
"Irfan Mirza was kidnapped as a child and forced to train as a killer in an orphanage. Now he is a ruthless mercenary.
Despot King Nimir has been sending dissidents to his black hole of a prison - a desert keep built centuries ago - and run by a merciless psychopath. But now he has 'disappeared' Renata Bardales, a woman raised with Mirza - one he considers his sister.
Mirza assembles a motley group and heads to the desert, determined to rescue his sister. There's a reason they call it a keep..."
This is a full-on action thriller with a Middle-Eastern flavor. Mirza is a big man and used to beating whoever he goes up against because of his size and ability to manage pain. The cast of characters is interesting and the keep location is also. Who doesn't want to see a big battle in the medieval fortress? At times the writing is a little jerky - it feels like a debut - but it's mostly entertaining.
Fans of action thrillers should enjoy this one.
"Irfan Mirza was kidnapped as a child and forced to train as a killer in an orphanage. Now he is a ruthless mercenary.
Despot King Nimir has been sending dissidents to his black hole of a prison - a desert keep built centuries ago - and run by a merciless psychopath. But now he has 'disappeared' Renata Bardales, a woman raised with Mirza - one he considers his sister.
Mirza assembles a motley group and heads to the desert, determined to rescue his sister. There's a reason they call it a keep..."
This is a full-on action thriller with a Middle-Eastern flavor. Mirza is a big man and used to beating whoever he goes up against because of his size and ability to manage pain. The cast of characters is interesting and the keep location is also. Who doesn't want to see a big battle in the medieval fortress? At times the writing is a little jerky - it feels like a debut - but it's mostly entertaining.
Fans of action thrillers should enjoy this one.
December 30, 2024
Merchant's debut is an exciting new addition to the thriller genre. Perhaps, like me, you didn't realize you needed a suspenseful, action-fueled story led by the most unconventional protagonist, but I absolutely loved seeing a South Asian character with both brawn and brains.
Irfan Mirza is a mercenary with a complicated past, and he's kind of a beast. He finds himself in the company of the snarky and talented "acquisition expert" Omen on a rescue mission. They're in a rush to rescue the good guys (Mirza's foster sister and her fiance) from the very, very bad guys (a secret prison in a fictional middle eastern country).
With the fast-paced plot, fleshed-out supporting cast, sprinkle of romance and action sequences that are begging to be turned into a feature-film, this is one of the best action thriller books I've read.
Highly recommend adding to your 2025 'Want to Read' list!
Irfan Mirza is a mercenary with a complicated past, and he's kind of a beast. He finds himself in the company of the snarky and talented "acquisition expert" Omen on a rescue mission. They're in a rush to rescue the good guys (Mirza's foster sister and her fiance) from the very, very bad guys (a secret prison in a fictional middle eastern country).
With the fast-paced plot, fleshed-out supporting cast, sprinkle of romance and action sequences that are begging to be turned into a feature-film, this is one of the best action thriller books I've read.
Highly recommend adding to your 2025 'Want to Read' list!
March 29, 2025
Many times while reading “The Palace of Sinners and Saints” I found myself picturing the book as an action movie. Irfan Mirza, the unbelievably capable hero of the story, has been hired to rescue Prince Mahmoud from an unbelievably remote castle in the middle-eastern country of Aldatan. Mirza is the man-of-all-weapons: guns, knives, explosives, fists. Mahmoud’s fiancee, Renata, knows Mirza can do the impossible: find and breach the castle and bring her prince back to her.
Omen Ferris is Mirza’s female business partner. She has skills in liberating objects from their rightful owners. Of course, Omen and Mirza secretly love each other. This is not a spoiler because it becomes immediately obvious.
“The Palace of Sinners and Saints” takes off like a house afire and never slows until the end. I recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader’s copy. This is my honest review.
Omen Ferris is Mirza’s female business partner. She has skills in liberating objects from their rightful owners. Of course, Omen and Mirza secretly love each other. This is not a spoiler because it becomes immediately obvious.
“The Palace of Sinners and Saints” takes off like a house afire and never slows until the end. I recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader’s copy. This is my honest review.
April 26, 2025
Non-stop action. From the first pages all the way to the final scenes, this book kept me on the edge of my seat. The fight scenes are excellently crafted. Irfan is embattled, he only wants to do what has to be done. He is hired by a long time friend, whom he refers to as family, to do a protection detail. He is met by a group of highly trained killers that he pretty much single handedly incapacitates, however his protectees are kidnapped. Irfan quickly assembles a group of "friends" to track down his attackers and learns thd location where tgey might be held. The location in question is an ancient highly guarded castle in the middle of the desert. The chemistry and comraderie amongst the characters makes this book very enjoyable. A high octane action thriller with heart. The story was great, characters memorable and the action was exhilarating.
5 stars
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the ARC.
5 stars
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the ARC.
May 14, 2025
I received an ARC through "NetGalley" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with Mirza agreeing to protect Ren and her fiancee, Mahmud. Mirza has gone to Bangkok to meet up with them, but before that can happen, the two are abducted. Mira now receiving assistance from Omen and Finn has learned that the two have been taken somewhere in Aldatan. Finn who is in Aldatan already working in the government makes arrangements for them when they arrive.
As it turns out, Finn indirectly created an issue which mad Omen and Mirza targets.
Read along and discover what efforts the group had to perform to discover that the two had been taken to a secret prison. Mirza then laid out a plan to break them out from the prison. Discover what actions were taken and who and how they had to overcome to accomplish the mission.
The action is amiss and the story definitely keeps your interest. This is definitely a book you want to read, don't miss out!
This story begins with Mirza agreeing to protect Ren and her fiancee, Mahmud. Mirza has gone to Bangkok to meet up with them, but before that can happen, the two are abducted. Mira now receiving assistance from Omen and Finn has learned that the two have been taken somewhere in Aldatan. Finn who is in Aldatan already working in the government makes arrangements for them when they arrive.
As it turns out, Finn indirectly created an issue which mad Omen and Mirza targets.
Read along and discover what efforts the group had to perform to discover that the two had been taken to a secret prison. Mirza then laid out a plan to break them out from the prison. Discover what actions were taken and who and how they had to overcome to accomplish the mission.
The action is amiss and the story definitely keeps your interest. This is definitely a book you want to read, don't miss out!
May 21, 2025
The Palace of Sinners and Saints by Ammar Merchant is an electrifying masterpiece that kept me riveted. Fast-paced and action-packed, the novel plunges readers into a world brimming with political intrigue.
Merchant’s storytelling is impeccable, painting vivid scenes that pulse with tension and urgency. The characters are richly developed, each layered with complexity and moral ambiguity that reflect the intricate webs of political strife they navigate. Every twist and turn feels purposeful, propelling the plot forward with relentless energy.
What sets this novel apart is its seamless blend of thrilling action sequences and thought-provoking political commentary. The stakes feel real and immediate, making it impossible to put down.
Merchant’s storytelling is impeccable, painting vivid scenes that pulse with tension and urgency. The characters are richly developed, each layered with complexity and moral ambiguity that reflect the intricate webs of political strife they navigate. Every twist and turn feels purposeful, propelling the plot forward with relentless energy.
What sets this novel apart is its seamless blend of thrilling action sequences and thought-provoking political commentary. The stakes feel real and immediate, making it impossible to put down.
June 10, 2025
This has non-stop action from beginning to end. Mirza is quite the character. He is tough and brutal. He lives by his own code. Mirza has an unconventional family that he doesn't really claim, but when his sister needs his help, he is there to help her. He has to find her first. She has been kidnapped and taken to a top-secret spot in the middle of the desert. It is guarded by elite soldiers, and it will only be Mirza and his friend Omen going in to save her. When they get there, they find there are more problems than solutions. His sister will not leave without the others that are being held captive. What will he do now? He isn't good at planning; he is an in-your-face kind of guy. Will they all make it out? The odds seem to be against them.
March 28, 2025
This is really more of a 3.5, as I really liked the ending, it seemed to escalate and come together better. The beginning is somewhat lacking in the power to draw me in, it was really only after they infiltrated their final destination that the characters came alive for me. Had a little of the usual Bourne/007 tricks of "where did the weapons come from, where did the money come from, how did they get there" kind of vibe going, but not too bad. Didn't really get to connect with Bey at all, and I didn't get the kind of strength that was hinted at from the characters who were not part of "the family". So, action good, character writing somewhat lacking
April 21, 2025
A whole lot of action in Ammar Merchant's debut novel...the pace of the story was great and had a great cast of characters. Irfan Mirza has been trained as a killer since he was a child. Now he's a freelance mercenary and he’s travelled to a Middle Eastern country of Aldatan on a personal mission – find and rescue someone close to him with the help from some friends.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC and I highly recommend buying the novel on May 20th. I hope Ammar will turn this into a series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC and I highly recommend buying the novel on May 20th. I hope Ammar will turn this into a series.
March 21, 2025
Fast-paced, heart-pounding and gory, this thriller ticks all the boxes. It is very well written and even has some humorous aspects.
Irfan Mirza is a mercenary, trained from a young age to be a gun for hire. When his sister and her husband are kidnapped, Irfan must assemble a small group of like-minded killers to go and save them.
This is agonizingly suspenseful, filled with mostly likable characters, and I am grateful to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the advanced reader copy.
Irfan Mirza is a mercenary, trained from a young age to be a gun for hire. When his sister and her husband are kidnapped, Irfan must assemble a small group of like-minded killers to go and save them.
This is agonizingly suspenseful, filled with mostly likable characters, and I am grateful to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the advanced reader copy.
April 13, 2025
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Make sure to check out the full review
Make sure to check out the full review
May 13, 2025
This was a high octane, fast paced thriller with engaging characters and enough humorous banter to help offset the brutal violence. While there are some similarities to Reacher, the author has created a unique set of characters, that will serve the series well as additional books are added. Highly Recommended for fans of Lee Child or Jack Carr.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advanced reader copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advanced reader copy.
May 20, 2025
Fast-paced, entertaining, lots of fun (if a bit graphic for me in the descriptions of violence at times). This debut novel from Ammar Merchant is going to be a great one for fans of Lee Child, Clive Cussler, Tom Clancy, and all of those guys. It's your standard action-packed thriller, but it's well-written and compelling, so I give it four stars.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy for review.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy for review.
August 15, 2025
The plot was well constructed and this definitely is a thriller. There is a lot of violence. The book's major weakness is the lame conversations--the joking in dangerous situations, the flip attitudes of some of the characters ,the gaggy flirting between 2 of the main characters--the conversations don't ring true and are distractions from the action. Also the main "bad guy" was a stereotypical bad guy.
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