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He Who Finds Mercy #2
Mercy's Gift
While Prince Valerian adjusts to marriage as well as his new title, conspiracy brews in the south among disgruntled lords who wish to separate from the north. The situation is made even more volatile by a charismatic rebel leader whose guerilla tactics are swift and brutal.
The clandestine efforts of a witch hired by one of the lords render Valerian's gift of Sight ineffective, and Merry's Healing gift is sorely tested.
It has become dangerous for a northerner living in the south, and if the gifted young royals fail to stop the growing rebellion, evil will reign in Levathia.
The clandestine efforts of a witch hired by one of the lords render Valerian's gift of Sight ineffective, and Merry's Healing gift is sorely tested.
It has become dangerous for a northerner living in the south, and if the gifted young royals fail to stop the growing rebellion, evil will reign in Levathia.
- GenresFantasy
424 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2015
14 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Katy Huth Jones
31 books141 followersKaty Huth Jones grew up in a family where creative juices overflowed and made puddles to splash in. She has been a published author since 1992, and her writing journey has taken her in many unexpected directions.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 28, 2015
Once again immersed in the land of Levathia where Mercy and her prince battle the evils of others, this fantasy tale continues to entertain; not least with its inhabitants of dragons!
Book two brings new enemies, sorrow, pain and betrayal alongside friendships, loyalty and love. There are familiar characters and new ones and yet all are portrayed as real, believable people to like, hate or love.
This is a brilliant story, very well written and developed and though there are unexpected events, I think they successfully compel realism into fantasy, thereby adding depth and bringing thought provoking issues to light.
You don't have to be a 'believer' to appreciate the message of faith, which could be overdone, but this author seems to understand that it is the story that matters and that readers can make up their own minds. They should certainly enjoy this both charming and yet sometimes violent tale.
Overall, a great story, well told.
I look forward to more.
Recommended.
Book two brings new enemies, sorrow, pain and betrayal alongside friendships, loyalty and love. There are familiar characters and new ones and yet all are portrayed as real, believable people to like, hate or love.
This is a brilliant story, very well written and developed and though there are unexpected events, I think they successfully compel realism into fantasy, thereby adding depth and bringing thought provoking issues to light.
You don't have to be a 'believer' to appreciate the message of faith, which could be overdone, but this author seems to understand that it is the story that matters and that readers can make up their own minds. They should certainly enjoy this both charming and yet sometimes violent tale.
Overall, a great story, well told.
I look forward to more.
Recommended.
January 6, 2020
Adventure, relationships (couples and friends) and dragons!
I enjoyed reading about a relationship between a newly married man and woman in an adventure story. There were some awesome friendships as well. Basically the relationships and characters all through this book were great. Loved the part the dragons played as well.
Sex - married sex was mentioned/alluded to that it was going to happen as a normal part of the marriage but it was never described in an erotic way
Language - no swearing/profanity
Violence - murders, battles, executions - all are non-graphic in detail but they do happen
Religion - Valerian refers to the Most High throughout the book
I enjoyed reading about a relationship between a newly married man and woman in an adventure story. There were some awesome friendships as well. Basically the relationships and characters all through this book were great. Loved the part the dragons played as well.
Sex - married sex was mentioned/alluded to that it was going to happen as a normal part of the marriage but it was never described in an erotic way
Language - no swearing/profanity
Violence - murders, battles, executions - all are non-graphic in detail but they do happen
Religion - Valerian refers to the Most High throughout the book
April 27, 2017
This was an excellent continuation of the series. I can't wait to read the third and final book.
November 20, 2017
"Mercy's Gift" by Katy Huth Jones is the second in a series of fictional novels set in the kingdom of Lavanthia and centered around the adventures of its young Crown Prince Valarian and his bride Princess Mercy (who is now know as Merry).
We first met Valarian and Mercy in the beautifully written and richly plotted first book by Ms. Huth, entitled "Mercy's Prince" and this second novel continues their tale. The exciting conclusion of "Mercy's Prince" left us all wanting much much more and this second tale does not disappoint. We are in the hands of a master and this exciting sequel develops more depth and dimension to all of our favorite characters, with the stouthearted squire Kieran nearly becoming as important a character as our hero and heroine.
The tale opens with Valarian assuming more of his duties and responsibilities as Crown Prince and with Mercy (now known as Merry) adapting to her unaccustomed role as both one noble-born and also as a royal consort. Her amazing gift is still strong however and her open and wonderful heart are the core and soul of this well crafted tale. The couple have secured a strong and unusual bond, but their new-found happiness and the peace of the kingdom are under many threats, some obvious and some hidden and nefarious. Treachery and treason run throughout this new chapter in their shared lives and we are drawn irresistibly onward and ever deeper into its tangled web.
There are dragons of course and new villains and old to be challenged. No spoilers but I will say that the conclusion of this tale is in many ways very surprising and somewhat bitter-sweet. You will enjoy it and, if you are like me, only find it wanting to be longer!
Bravo and Five Stars - richly deserved.
We first met Valarian and Mercy in the beautifully written and richly plotted first book by Ms. Huth, entitled "Mercy's Prince" and this second novel continues their tale. The exciting conclusion of "Mercy's Prince" left us all wanting much much more and this second tale does not disappoint. We are in the hands of a master and this exciting sequel develops more depth and dimension to all of our favorite characters, with the stouthearted squire Kieran nearly becoming as important a character as our hero and heroine.
The tale opens with Valarian assuming more of his duties and responsibilities as Crown Prince and with Mercy (now known as Merry) adapting to her unaccustomed role as both one noble-born and also as a royal consort. Her amazing gift is still strong however and her open and wonderful heart are the core and soul of this well crafted tale. The couple have secured a strong and unusual bond, but their new-found happiness and the peace of the kingdom are under many threats, some obvious and some hidden and nefarious. Treachery and treason run throughout this new chapter in their shared lives and we are drawn irresistibly onward and ever deeper into its tangled web.
There are dragons of course and new villains and old to be challenged. No spoilers but I will say that the conclusion of this tale is in many ways very surprising and somewhat bitter-sweet. You will enjoy it and, if you are like me, only find it wanting to be longer!
Bravo and Five Stars - richly deserved.
August 11, 2016
Finely-crafted characters abound in this thoughtful story about the burdens of ruling a kingdom and the place of love and peace in a world which knows neither. Wounds and flaws are dealt with in realistic ways and emotion is present throughout in all its glory and rawness - friendship, loss, death, triumph and tragedy abound.
What I loved: Dragons! Strong characterisation! The slowly-simmering plot as we're drawn into the machinations of those who seek the crown for themselves. For me I felt a little too much time was spent exploring less consequential side-plots, but the tide of the main story runs strongly throughout and the denouement is strong and appropriate - especially (I don't want to spoil) the demise of one of the evil protagonists.
Bravo to Jones for creating a detailed fantasy world full of realistic peril and characters you will not easily forget. Highly recommended for fans of medieval fantasy with dragons, lords and ladies, swordplay and ... did I mention dragons? C'mon, give us more! I'm off to buy the next one ...
What I loved: Dragons! Strong characterisation! The slowly-simmering plot as we're drawn into the machinations of those who seek the crown for themselves. For me I felt a little too much time was spent exploring less consequential side-plots, but the tide of the main story runs strongly throughout and the denouement is strong and appropriate - especially (I don't want to spoil) the demise of one of the evil protagonists.
Bravo to Jones for creating a detailed fantasy world full of realistic peril and characters you will not easily forget. Highly recommended for fans of medieval fantasy with dragons, lords and ladies, swordplay and ... did I mention dragons? C'mon, give us more! I'm off to buy the next one ...
October 22, 2015
The writing had much more finesse in this book. The characters have much more depth and the world is explained in much more detail. All in all, it’s a pretty good book for a second book in a series. The characters are likable and easy to get attached to. The dragon’s are still awesome and of course Valerian still gets to ride one. People die but, in noble ways. Levathia had become more real with this book. I will be reading the next book for sure.
February 23, 2017
I won Mercy's Gift from GoodReads for a honest review. I enjoyed this book. I do recommend it.
August 2, 2019
This is a very sweet romance between two people with supernatural abilities. There is a plot to steal the kingdom. One of the villains wants to steal Mercy away from her prince.
December 14, 2016
Mercy and Valerian's tale continues. Mercy(now called Merry, but who I stubbornly refer to as Mercy in my head) starts off the book by experiencing some culture shock.
While Mercy's Prince(book 1) told the tale of Mercy and Valerian meeting and their travels, Mercy's Gift takes a different track.
Now married, Mercy and Valerian don't really have time for some R&R. Mercy's in a completely foreign environment with new people and experiences and expectations. She feels a bit aimless without duties such as she had in her village and she starts to doubt her choice to marry Valerian so soon.
In fact, I started to think the same thing. It's easy at times to forget that she is 14/15 during these two books and with her still a child and trying to adjust, part of me wished she could've had some solo time to see what castle life was like and have some time to be romanced without being on the run.
So many times I forget that this is a fantasy series because it has that gritty, down-to-earth, realness to it. That's not to say fantasy isn't that way(love fantasy), but that at times I feel like I'm reading historical fiction with how much I feel like if I just had a time machine I could go back to this world.
In that sense, I have to wrap my mind around the age of the characters and what they're doing in terms of what my modern perspective thinks.
Mercy:
She doesn't have to think about her aimless feeling for long. There really is this very "honeymoon" feeling to the story where she and Valerian are in that new love stage. And then shortly after the story begins, they go on a progress of the Southern half of the kingdom. This is when I'm sharply reminded of Mercy's age. She's a child and there's some decisions she made that left me frustrated with her, while trying to accept that I can't expect a 15 year old to make the best choices.
Mercy's healing gift is sorely tested as she realizes that it is fallible and that she can't save everyone. People will resent her for it, she can't heal herself, and there's only so much she can do. I think it was a good lesson in not leaning too heavily on our gifts that we forget how to function without them.
Valerian:
Though Valerian's gift of sight is also tested, I think his trials are still yet to come. He has the unique ability to read minds and see guilt or innocence. While this is great for clearing names and knowing who has evil intentions, it put him in the position of executing several people this book. A rebellion is brewing and though as the reader, we know Valerian is honest and only executing those who've attacked and killed others, I also see that the people of this world aren't in the same boat.
Not everyone trusts the royal family, so they're not always going to trust that Valerian is telling the truth about what he sees. I felt like there's a lot of leading up to Valerian having to face the day when people don't trust him and his declaring "I saw it, so it's true" won't cut it. I'm interested to read book 3 and see if I'm right.
Kieran:
Trying desperately to bury his jealousy, Kieran is separated from Valerian and Mercy most of the book. This gave me a chance to see him in new depth, as well as the characters he came into contact with.
This is a book where people are struggling with injuries, both physical and emotional. A book where people are trying to fit in and find their place. There's no time to rest, because trouble is brewing and rebellion in the south is coming to a boil.
There's some deaths in the book and though some are sadder than others, I felt like most were fitting in the way that they were realistic and somehow fit the story.
There were two point however, that I struggled with. The first is Raphael(Mercy's brother). The poor kid is 5 years old, lost his parents, his world, etc. just the same as Mercy. Only he doesn't have a spouse or the maturity to help cope. I really wish he'd been in the story in more detail and that we could see what he is going through.
Mercy is struggling with her separation from her brother and though it is pointed out that it's normal for squires to be taken at a young age, I'm so in Mercy's camp. You're only a child once and Raphael needs his sister, his only family, right now. Yes, he thinks it's fun to be a squire, but I felt like what was best for him would've been staying with Mercy and reconnecting.
And my last thing is the final death. I wish I could explain this, but I can't, not well. I didn't take it well . . . at all. I can't remember the last time I bawled so bad over a book. It was absurd. I know it's crazy, but there I was in the middle of the night, sobbing into my pillow so as not to wake up my husband and explain why I'm crying.
Despite it being something realistic to the setting and even to today, I didn't see it coming and took it harder than I should've. Because it is a fictional death. There it is though. Some deaths I can be sad about, but feel like they were fitting and enhanced the story. They can make me sad, or cry, and it can be a "good" kind of sadness.
This wasn't. This was misery for poor little me.
Overall, another good story with a solid plot and very realistic characters. The pacing is steady and the actions of the characters and their dialogue really add to their layers. There were times where I felt like the story slowed too much, and then the final death which really did mess with my head. So I docked a star for those two things.
A great continuation of the series and I've already grabbed book 3.
While Mercy's Prince(book 1) told the tale of Mercy and Valerian meeting and their travels, Mercy's Gift takes a different track.
Now married, Mercy and Valerian don't really have time for some R&R. Mercy's in a completely foreign environment with new people and experiences and expectations. She feels a bit aimless without duties such as she had in her village and she starts to doubt her choice to marry Valerian so soon.
In fact, I started to think the same thing. It's easy at times to forget that she is 14/15 during these two books and with her still a child and trying to adjust, part of me wished she could've had some solo time to see what castle life was like and have some time to be romanced without being on the run.
So many times I forget that this is a fantasy series because it has that gritty, down-to-earth, realness to it. That's not to say fantasy isn't that way(love fantasy), but that at times I feel like I'm reading historical fiction with how much I feel like if I just had a time machine I could go back to this world.
In that sense, I have to wrap my mind around the age of the characters and what they're doing in terms of what my modern perspective thinks.
Mercy:
She doesn't have to think about her aimless feeling for long. There really is this very "honeymoon" feeling to the story where she and Valerian are in that new love stage. And then shortly after the story begins, they go on a progress of the Southern half of the kingdom. This is when I'm sharply reminded of Mercy's age. She's a child and there's some decisions she made that left me frustrated with her, while trying to accept that I can't expect a 15 year old to make the best choices.
Mercy's healing gift is sorely tested as she realizes that it is fallible and that she can't save everyone. People will resent her for it, she can't heal herself, and there's only so much she can do. I think it was a good lesson in not leaning too heavily on our gifts that we forget how to function without them.
Valerian:
Though Valerian's gift of sight is also tested, I think his trials are still yet to come. He has the unique ability to read minds and see guilt or innocence. While this is great for clearing names and knowing who has evil intentions, it put him in the position of executing several people this book. A rebellion is brewing and though as the reader, we know Valerian is honest and only executing those who've attacked and killed others, I also see that the people of this world aren't in the same boat.
Not everyone trusts the royal family, so they're not always going to trust that Valerian is telling the truth about what he sees. I felt like there's a lot of leading up to Valerian having to face the day when people don't trust him and his declaring "I saw it, so it's true" won't cut it. I'm interested to read book 3 and see if I'm right.
Kieran:
Trying desperately to bury his jealousy, Kieran is separated from Valerian and Mercy most of the book. This gave me a chance to see him in new depth, as well as the characters he came into contact with.
This is a book where people are struggling with injuries, both physical and emotional. A book where people are trying to fit in and find their place. There's no time to rest, because trouble is brewing and rebellion in the south is coming to a boil.
There's some deaths in the book and though some are sadder than others, I felt like most were fitting in the way that they were realistic and somehow fit the story.
There were two point however, that I struggled with. The first is Raphael(Mercy's brother). The poor kid is 5 years old, lost his parents, his world, etc. just the same as Mercy. Only he doesn't have a spouse or the maturity to help cope. I really wish he'd been in the story in more detail and that we could see what he is going through.
Mercy is struggling with her separation from her brother and though it is pointed out that it's normal for squires to be taken at a young age, I'm so in Mercy's camp. You're only a child once and Raphael needs his sister, his only family, right now. Yes, he thinks it's fun to be a squire, but I felt like what was best for him would've been staying with Mercy and reconnecting.
And my last thing is the final death. I wish I could explain this, but I can't, not well. I didn't take it well . . . at all. I can't remember the last time I bawled so bad over a book. It was absurd. I know it's crazy, but there I was in the middle of the night, sobbing into my pillow so as not to wake up my husband and explain why I'm crying.
Despite it being something realistic to the setting and even to today, I didn't see it coming and took it harder than I should've. Because it is a fictional death. There it is though. Some deaths I can be sad about, but feel like they were fitting and enhanced the story. They can make me sad, or cry, and it can be a "good" kind of sadness.
This wasn't. This was misery for poor little me.
Overall, another good story with a solid plot and very realistic characters. The pacing is steady and the actions of the characters and their dialogue really add to their layers. There were times where I felt like the story slowed too much, and then the final death which really did mess with my head. So I docked a star for those two things.
A great continuation of the series and I've already grabbed book 3.
December 4, 2024
I wanted to like this book more, but the first one was definitely better.
I was eager to continue Merry and Valerian's story and was glad to see Kirrian again. All the beloved characters had a whole new set of challenges to go through which I enjoyed seeing them overcome. I also enjoyed seeing the dragons again and the role they now played in the kingdom.
Despite the political intrigue throughout the plot, the story dragged in several places for long periods of time. While the first book was slow to get going, this one felt slow to keep going. And, trying to avoid spoilers, the married couple showed a little more than I liked. While not super descriptive, still fade to black/obvious. Mixed feelings led to my rating.
I was eager to continue Merry and Valerian's story and was glad to see Kirrian again. All the beloved characters had a whole new set of challenges to go through which I enjoyed seeing them overcome. I also enjoyed seeing the dragons again and the role they now played in the kingdom.
Despite the political intrigue throughout the plot, the story dragged in several places for long periods of time. While the first book was slow to get going, this one felt slow to keep going. And, trying to avoid spoilers, the married couple showed a little more than I liked. While not super descriptive, still fade to black/obvious. Mixed feelings led to my rating.
September 17, 2019
I enjoyed the second title of this fantasy series. There was a lot of action going on and a lot of coming and going, which made it hard to follow at times.
There were some scenes that didn't ring entirely true in the historical setting with characters talking about things like 'changing diapers', and Americanisms, but some parts worked well.
My favourite characters are undoubtedly the talking dragons. Albionix, Tetraonix and the others. For mythical creatures, they're such great characters.
I look forward to reading the next in the series, and recommend this to fantasy fans.
There were some scenes that didn't ring entirely true in the historical setting with characters talking about things like 'changing diapers', and Americanisms, but some parts worked well.
My favourite characters are undoubtedly the talking dragons. Albionix, Tetraonix and the others. For mythical creatures, they're such great characters.
I look forward to reading the next in the series, and recommend this to fantasy fans.
March 29, 2018
A very good book that i enjoyed reading very much. The main characters in this book are Merry and Valerian they are the crown prince and princess of Levathia. The plot is good, the book is very detailed about the characters and situations, and abilities. The pair have gifts that aid them against forces that want to turn Levathia into a land of evil. They show much promise and wisdom in dealing with their foes. A must read for any and all book lovers everywhere.
October 26, 2017
Great sequel
Had trouble putting the book down. The main characters are matured in spite of their young ages and relationships are tried and deepened through adventures and tragedy.
Had trouble putting the book down. The main characters are matured in spite of their young ages and relationships are tried and deepened through adventures and tragedy.
February 10, 2017
Book 2 was just as great as book 1! Prince Valerian is back, and he's got his bride by his side.
As with book 1, we learn that Mercy's power is still with her but through this whole book we deal with more pain, struggle, heartbreak and loyalty. Kieran comes into a bigger role in this novel, and it definitely ups the struggles we face during this story. Coming into the new roles in the court, treachery and treason lie just around the corner.
The world building is strong as before, and the character just grow deeper and really connect with you. Plus, there's dragons! There is always an excitement when dragons get involved.
Throughout the whole story, the underlying message of faith is present, but you do not need to have a specific belief in order to enjoy this. It is not overly in your face, and doesn't take away from the excellent writing in this second installment.
*This review was done in conjunction with NerdGirl Official. For more information, visit us on Facebook or email us at NerdGirlGeneral@gmail.com
As with book 1, we learn that Mercy's power is still with her but through this whole book we deal with more pain, struggle, heartbreak and loyalty. Kieran comes into a bigger role in this novel, and it definitely ups the struggles we face during this story. Coming into the new roles in the court, treachery and treason lie just around the corner.
The world building is strong as before, and the character just grow deeper and really connect with you. Plus, there's dragons! There is always an excitement when dragons get involved.
Throughout the whole story, the underlying message of faith is present, but you do not need to have a specific belief in order to enjoy this. It is not overly in your face, and doesn't take away from the excellent writing in this second installment.
*This review was done in conjunction with NerdGirl Official. For more information, visit us on Facebook or email us at NerdGirlGeneral@gmail.com
August 8, 2016
Book 2 in the He Who Finds Mercy series. Mercy and Valerian are given stewardship of a region by the king after its duke is murdered. Trouble is that there’s a traitor among the nobleman’s contingent, even as rebellion stirs to the south. With Mercy pregnant, Prince Valerian does his best to protect his people while ferreting out the threat from within his ranks. Battle draws closer as rebel leaders emerge to rally their followers and assault the castle. Will Valerian’s forces be enough to protect his pregnant bride and their garrison? This story flows smoothly and sweeps you into a fantasy that will capture your attention. It’s a pleasant diversion into an imaginary world where love rules and noble actions save the day.
May 2, 2019
Good heaven's, my heart! The second book attains to the glory of the first. ;) My judgment of a book usually comes down to how it made me feel. Beautiful prose, humor, and an interesting plot are all important, but if I felt nothing, the book isn't worth it to me. Fortunately, after reading Mercy's Gift, I decided it contained all of the good things that books require, plus the emotional roller coaster of my bookish life!
The book was excellent and played about every note on my heartstrings. Great book. Thank you to the author for sharing this story with all of us!
The book was excellent and played about every note on my heartstrings. Great book. Thank you to the author for sharing this story with all of us!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews