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Pioneers #1
Taking Mercy
Mercy Ladd is a woman with a mission.
To help the pioneers women from earth as they acclimate to Athion after their home has been invaded by a dangerous enemy.
Mercy knew her life would change with this adventure, but she never expected how much. As she acclimates to her new life on Athion; three hardened, handsome soldiers do everything they can to protect her; body, mind and soul.
Can they also protect her heart?
Planet Athion is a shared world contributed to by multiple authors.
To help the pioneers women from earth as they acclimate to Athion after their home has been invaded by a dangerous enemy.
Mercy knew her life would change with this adventure, but she never expected how much. As she acclimates to her new life on Athion; three hardened, handsome soldiers do everything they can to protect her; body, mind and soul.
Can they also protect her heart?
Planet Athion is a shared world contributed to by multiple authors.
92 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2019
125 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 11, 2021
3.6 stars, just going to round up especially since the end was so good. I didn't see that coming tbh. (The book ends on a major cliffhanger.) I think I need to get #2 soon.
Mercy, a midwife, leaves Earth to go to the planet Athion to serve as a midwife for the human females and their Athion mates. She's in her late 20s, almost 30, so is not wanted, as that is the age past prime childhood bearing. The Athions have provided Earth with protection after the attack of the Tradrychs--an alien race where the men disguise themselves as human men to seduce and then impregnate human women. The Custos are an elite guard of Athion men who protect the women at the base. Mercy and a few of the Custos find themselves attracted to each other. Yes: It is a REVERSE HAREM SCI-FI.
I don't read a lot of reverse harems as there's usually only one guy I want the girl to be with, but I found it harder to choose between the men here. Maybe Alex or Kai were my favorites?
I really thought Dr. Kane was going to be one of her love interests LOL (you'll see ;)
So glad I read this cute novella. Thanks Paulette for sending me the New Year's link!
Mercy, a midwife, leaves Earth to go to the planet Athion to serve as a midwife for the human females and their Athion mates. She's in her late 20s, almost 30, so is not wanted, as that is the age past prime childhood bearing. The Athions have provided Earth with protection after the attack of the Tradrychs--an alien race where the men disguise themselves as human men to seduce and then impregnate human women. The Custos are an elite guard of Athion men who protect the women at the base. Mercy and a few of the Custos find themselves attracted to each other. Yes: It is a REVERSE HAREM SCI-FI.
I don't read a lot of reverse harems as there's usually only one guy I want the girl to be with, but I found it harder to choose between the men here. Maybe Alex or Kai were my favorites?
I really thought Dr. Kane was going to be one of her love interests LOL (you'll see ;)
So glad I read this cute novella. Thanks Paulette for sending me the New Year's link!
May 12, 2025
basic, straightforward writing and a good quick read pretty classic for this genre.
January 7, 2021
2,5 stars. It was too short and the end scene was abrubt and some things were only talk and not action but good story with potential. I think I will read the next book and hope to be better.
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January 10, 2021
4 stars ⭐️
This was an okay read, but took awhile to get into. It ends with a cliff hanger, which I didn’t realise, and that’s when my interest in the story peaked 🧐
This was an okay read, but took awhile to get into. It ends with a cliff hanger, which I didn’t realise, and that’s when my interest in the story peaked 🧐
January 11, 2019
Love it
Mercy Ladd is a midwife from North Carolina. After the Trad invasion and the loss of her sister she decides to leave Earth for the safety of Athion. She will be midwife to the human women who choose sanctuary and found mates.
The Athlon take the safety and security of the females seriously. The Custos, the Athlon special forces are in charge of the women's security. Mercy has become close one team. Kai their commander, Dimka, a survivor of kidnapping and slavery, and Alex, the human they met when on Earth fighting the Trads. Their fourth Damon, is away working under cover.
When Mercy is trapped out in a storm her team comes to her rescue. They they spend 24 hours in a bunker where they confess their feelings for one another. Mercy's time at the training facility is coming to an end, soon she will be on her own. Her men seem to have some sort of plan.
Before they can act she is kidnapped.
Fast paced and steamy. The story is told from Mercy and her men's pov's. All for are likeable. The story ends on a cliffhanger. Can't wait for the next book and to meet Damon.
Mercy Ladd is a midwife from North Carolina. After the Trad invasion and the loss of her sister she decides to leave Earth for the safety of Athion. She will be midwife to the human women who choose sanctuary and found mates.
The Athlon take the safety and security of the females seriously. The Custos, the Athlon special forces are in charge of the women's security. Mercy has become close one team. Kai their commander, Dimka, a survivor of kidnapping and slavery, and Alex, the human they met when on Earth fighting the Trads. Their fourth Damon, is away working under cover.
When Mercy is trapped out in a storm her team comes to her rescue. They they spend 24 hours in a bunker where they confess their feelings for one another. Mercy's time at the training facility is coming to an end, soon she will be on her own. Her men seem to have some sort of plan.
Before they can act she is kidnapped.
Fast paced and steamy. The story is told from Mercy and her men's pov's. All for are likeable. The story ends on a cliffhanger. Can't wait for the next book and to meet Damon.
December 28, 2018
Planet Athion is a unique, multi-author Reverse Harem, Sci-Fi Romance series. An alien race has infiltrated, taken on the appearance of gorgeous males with one purpose in mind, to seduce Earth's women. Once they impregnate them, the women are taken to the alien's home planet where they are nothing more than breeders in captivity. Having experienced personal tragedy and no longer feeling safe on Earth Mercy has decided to move to Athion where women are held in the highest regard and their safety is a priority. As a midwife, her skills are valued as the planet tries to rebuild its population. When a woman goes missing everyone is put on high alert. Mercy has three handsome elite soldiers watching over her closely determined to protect her. But can they keep her from falling for them? Would they even want to?
Planet Athion. Blue men with hard, fit bodies, beautiful faces, and extra parts. Honestly, I wasn't sure if this would be my kind of read. I was immediately sucked into this world. I want my own Custos! Kai and Dimka are innocent, kind, smart. Alex brings a connection to home. I can't wait to meet Damon! The friendship these men share, their professionalism, and their adoration of Mercy won me over completely. Mercy is fantastic. Beautiful, intelligent, compassionate, adventurous, brave. Great characters. Believable, natural relationships. The story itself is entertaining. And that ending, UGH! I need the next book now.
*After finishing this book, I read Lily Harlem and Marissa Farrar's Planet Athion books. I love this collaboration. This series has a fantastic premise so each character, human or Athion has the same shared history, common enemy, and same grand-scale goal. Then the authors personalize the story. Fun, fun, fun!
Planet Athion. Blue men with hard, fit bodies, beautiful faces, and extra parts. Honestly, I wasn't sure if this would be my kind of read. I was immediately sucked into this world. I want my own Custos! Kai and Dimka are innocent, kind, smart. Alex brings a connection to home. I can't wait to meet Damon! The friendship these men share, their professionalism, and their adoration of Mercy won me over completely. Mercy is fantastic. Beautiful, intelligent, compassionate, adventurous, brave. Great characters. Believable, natural relationships. The story itself is entertaining. And that ending, UGH! I need the next book now.
*After finishing this book, I read Lily Harlem and Marissa Farrar's Planet Athion books. I love this collaboration. This series has a fantastic premise so each character, human or Athion has the same shared history, common enemy, and same grand-scale goal. Then the authors personalize the story. Fun, fun, fun!
May 16, 2019
Taking Mercy : Planet Athion Series: Pioneers Book 1 Kindle Edition
by Angel Lawson (Author)
I borrowed this book via the Kindle Unlimited program and am leaving a honest review
Planet Athion is a shared world for a number of authors. In this series, Ms. Lawson creates an exciting Sci-Fi RH romance between Mercy, a midwife and three Custos, strong warriors.
Mercy is a well created character. It is nice to see an actual adult woman engage with her possible lovers. It is fantastic to see a woman not just swoon but seriously think through the results of a reverse harem. On Athion, it is established that multiple men will be attracted to one women, in fact that is the reason that many Earth women flee the devastated planet and flee the Trad to the relative safety of Athion. But that isn't the reason Mercy comes to Athion. She makes the six months in stasis journey to help those women as a nurse and a mid-wife. She, at first, keeps top herself and has a minor crush on the doctor with whom she works.
The two alien Custos and the only human Custo are attracted to her and have every intention of having Mercy complete their family.
There is plenty of space and planet side action. There is also plenty of sexy time!
But at the core, Ms. Larson keeps her characters in mind.
The villain is a tad telegraphed, but I can live with that and with the heartrending cliffhanger!
Definitely ready for book 2!
I love Planet Athion!
Five stars out of five
https://www.amazon.com/Taking-Mercy-P...
by Angel Lawson (Author)
I borrowed this book via the Kindle Unlimited program and am leaving a honest review
Planet Athion is a shared world for a number of authors. In this series, Ms. Lawson creates an exciting Sci-Fi RH romance between Mercy, a midwife and three Custos, strong warriors.
Mercy is a well created character. It is nice to see an actual adult woman engage with her possible lovers. It is fantastic to see a woman not just swoon but seriously think through the results of a reverse harem. On Athion, it is established that multiple men will be attracted to one women, in fact that is the reason that many Earth women flee the devastated planet and flee the Trad to the relative safety of Athion. But that isn't the reason Mercy comes to Athion. She makes the six months in stasis journey to help those women as a nurse and a mid-wife. She, at first, keeps top herself and has a minor crush on the doctor with whom she works.
The two alien Custos and the only human Custo are attracted to her and have every intention of having Mercy complete their family.
There is plenty of space and planet side action. There is also plenty of sexy time!
But at the core, Ms. Larson keeps her characters in mind.
The villain is a tad telegraphed, but I can live with that and with the heartrending cliffhanger!
Definitely ready for book 2!
I love Planet Athion!
Five stars out of five
https://www.amazon.com/Taking-Mercy-P...
February 6, 2021
** one thing I have to say, and I do not speak for Native Americans, but it just seemed odd: one of the side characters is Native American and it is mentioned that she couldn’t wait to colonize a new planet.....isn’t the colonials coming to the americas and taking over, pushing Natives out of their lands, a big bone of contention? Why would someone who is part of a group who has suffered at the hands of strangers that came to their lands and pushed them out be happy to turn around and do it to someone else? That’s all....just a question....Maybe it was worded wrong but it stuck out like a sore thumb as I was reading**
Okay, there’s nothing really wrong with this book but I still just don’t like it very much. The writing sounds like reading excerpts from a series of interviews....it’s ALL telling and no showing at all, which tends to make me fall asleep. There were a few grammatical errors here and there and some slips in verb tense occasionally but otherwise it was fine...it’s just not for me.
Okay, there’s nothing really wrong with this book but I still just don’t like it very much. The writing sounds like reading excerpts from a series of interviews....it’s ALL telling and no showing at all, which tends to make me fall asleep. There were a few grammatical errors here and there and some slips in verb tense occasionally but otherwise it was fine...it’s just not for me.
January 2, 2019
Taking Mercy is the first book in this series that actually takes place on Planet Athion. After the death of her sister, midwife Mercy Ladd volunteers to go to Planet Athion to help take care of the women who have gone there seeking refuge. Working in the clinic in the transition center, she begins her work under the direction of Dr. Kane, who is a bit odd. When circumstances call for women to be escorted, she becomes close to three guards Kai and Dinka, who are Athions, and Alex, who is human. These men are willing to do whatever it takes to keep Mercy safe, and I love to see how their relationships develop throughout the book. Angel Lawson has a talent for creating characters that are realistic and who draw you into their stories in a way that makes you keep reading. This book is no different, and I am truly loving the Planet Athion series. I cannot wait for the second installment!
January 3, 2019
This novella is a quick and entertaining read. I like that Mercy is a midwife who chose to go to Planet Athion as a pioneer to help human woman who had also chosen to settle there. I like that a couple of the heroes are sexually inexperienced aliens as well as the painful background story of one of them. Due to the shorter length there is not the kind of detailed development or world building I generally prefer in my stories, especially since being a reverse harem, relationship development is split over multiple heroes, but there are good scenes between Mercy and each hero and it has consistent pacing and flow throughout, ending in a kind of cliffhanger. I like space and aliens and I think this kind of story fits the bill when you are looking for a light and easy read that won’t weigh you down with details or heavy emotions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2021
Good Short Story
Mercy is a human midwife who has gone to the planet Athion as a midwife for the human women who went to the planet as mates for the Athion men after the lost of most of their females years before. She has almost finished her 6 month training and adapting to the planet so she can go out to the women on the outside. She is protected everywhere she goes. Mercy has feelings for some of the men she works with but doesn't know for sure if any of them have feelings for her. She starts feeling uncomfortable with one person but not to much before it's to late. Can her protectors find her before it's to late? Cliffhanger
Mercy is a human midwife who has gone to the planet Athion as a midwife for the human women who went to the planet as mates for the Athion men after the lost of most of their females years before. She has almost finished her 6 month training and adapting to the planet so she can go out to the women on the outside. She is protected everywhere she goes. Mercy has feelings for some of the men she works with but doesn't know for sure if any of them have feelings for her. She starts feeling uncomfortable with one person but not to much before it's to late. Can her protectors find her before it's to late? Cliffhanger
April 12, 2019
More
This is different and very much interesting. We have Mercy who is struggling with which has been an invasion to steal and impregnate women of Earth. Her sister does and she feels the need to leave and help women everywhere. She is a strong character and stands on her own throughout most of the book. We see her developing relationships with these 3 guys and the 4th is on a undercover mission.
I liked the drama and the way she handled it because she doesn't let it defeat her. This was a good way to start the series and I can't wait to see more....
This is different and very much interesting. We have Mercy who is struggling with which has been an invasion to steal and impregnate women of Earth. Her sister does and she feels the need to leave and help women everywhere. She is a strong character and stands on her own throughout most of the book. We see her developing relationships with these 3 guys and the 4th is on a undercover mission.
I liked the drama and the way she handled it because she doesn't let it defeat her. This was a good way to start the series and I can't wait to see more....
January 1, 2021
Cliffhanger warning
I was prepared to blast thus book when I encountered the copy editing errors in the blurb. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the book's content is clean and without glaring copy errors. The story rolls at an even pace with the slow burn of a building romance. It doesn't take much to figure out the villain's identity, confirmed in the last pages of this installment. That's right: installment. This book ends on a cliffhanger not disclosed in the description. Disappointing.
I was prepared to blast thus book when I encountered the copy editing errors in the blurb. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the book's content is clean and without glaring copy errors. The story rolls at an even pace with the slow burn of a building romance. It doesn't take much to figure out the villain's identity, confirmed in the last pages of this installment. That's right: installment. This book ends on a cliffhanger not disclosed in the description. Disappointing.
January 13, 2021
A woman's experience in intimate relationship with Athion men
The alien planet Athion and its people are similar enough to Earth and humans for Mercy (a human immigrant) to feel the comfort of familiarity and different enough to intrigue her with its exotic natural world, exotic people, their culture and language.
The Athion men cherish women's characters and femininity because they have been mostly without female family members, intimate partners, friends and colleagues for decades. Kai, Dakim and Alex's interactions with Mercy are beautifully personal and authentic.
The alien planet Athion and its people are similar enough to Earth and humans for Mercy (a human immigrant) to feel the comfort of familiarity and different enough to intrigue her with its exotic natural world, exotic people, their culture and language.
The Athion men cherish women's characters and femininity because they have been mostly without female family members, intimate partners, friends and colleagues for decades. Kai, Dakim and Alex's interactions with Mercy are beautifully personal and authentic.
January 26, 2021
Short but not bad for 1/3 of a story
This book is not a bad book. But I’m also not planning on reading the second book in this series. It’s good enough that if it had been a complete story in one book, I probably would have finished reading the book. Series books, that each book doesn’t have their own full story with their own HEA, have to be outstanding. This just isn’t. It’s not horrible, but that’s about it. If you like very short series books, this one isn’t horrible. But if you want something that really pulls you in and is a full story, you won’t get it here.
This book is not a bad book. But I’m also not planning on reading the second book in this series. It’s good enough that if it had been a complete story in one book, I probably would have finished reading the book. Series books, that each book doesn’t have their own full story with their own HEA, have to be outstanding. This just isn’t. It’s not horrible, but that’s about it. If you like very short series books, this one isn’t horrible. But if you want something that really pulls you in and is a full story, you won’t get it here.
January 2, 2019
Earth isn’t a safe place for women, since the Tradrych invaded. Mercy decides it’s time to leave the dangers of Earth for the planet Athion where she can put her midwifery skills to good use. It’s normal on Athion for men to share a woman and she finds herself attracted to her three super sexy bodyguards Kai, Dimka, and Alex. But are they attracted to her?
Taking Mercy is an exciting and thrilling addition to the Planet Athion RH series. It’s an absolute must read!
Taking Mercy is an exciting and thrilling addition to the Planet Athion RH series. It’s an absolute must read!
August 10, 2021
Cliffhanger
This book is filled with excitement. The only negative I have is that it ends in a cliffhanger.
We are introduced to Mercy and her reasoning for traveling to another planet. We are kind of introduced to the enemy species. I say kind of because we really don't know what they actually look like. We learn about their deeds and the fact that they can mimic what a human male looks like. I am rushing to read the next book now.
This book is filled with excitement. The only negative I have is that it ends in a cliffhanger.
We are introduced to Mercy and her reasoning for traveling to another planet. We are kind of introduced to the enemy species. I say kind of because we really don't know what they actually look like. We learn about their deeds and the fact that they can mimic what a human male looks like. I am rushing to read the next book now.
December 6, 2022
Taking Mercy
Mercy travelled to Athion to serve as a midwife. It also relieved her mind to be away from Earth n the threat of being tricked by the Trad n impregnated like her sister, who took her life. Life is different on this planet but it's also dangerous as one female goes missing. Mercy is transported by guard to n from the clinic.
I really didn't pay attention when I got this book that it was a serial. I hate serials especially when they end with a cliffhanger.
Mercy travelled to Athion to serve as a midwife. It also relieved her mind to be away from Earth n the threat of being tricked by the Trad n impregnated like her sister, who took her life. Life is different on this planet but it's also dangerous as one female goes missing. Mercy is transported by guard to n from the clinic.
I really didn't pay attention when I got this book that it was a serial. I hate serials especially when they end with a cliffhanger.
April 12, 2023
Appearances can be deceiving.
I have read several of this author’s series at this point. If it starts out all idyllic, I’ve learned to watch out. She is great at taking a simple seeming HEA and making the characters work for it. The men are usually complex characters and the scenario is too. This book starts easy and rosy, watch out for a twist that will bring you back for more.
I have read several of this author’s series at this point. If it starts out all idyllic, I’ve learned to watch out. She is great at taking a simple seeming HEA and making the characters work for it. The men are usually complex characters and the scenario is too. This book starts easy and rosy, watch out for a twist that will bring you back for more.
January 9, 2021
Good story 😊
This one is kinda slow compared to others that I've read of this universe 🤔. Although I know that with a first book it takes time to set it up 😀. Hopefully it'll pick up and more written, because this universe is really awesome 😄. Thanks Angel, I look forward to reading more 🤓.
This one is kinda slow compared to others that I've read of this universe 🤔. Although I know that with a first book it takes time to set it up 😀. Hopefully it'll pick up and more written, because this universe is really awesome 😄. Thanks Angel, I look forward to reading more 🤓.
April 14, 2021
Awesome
The more I read this book, the more I fell in love with all of it. I am completely captivated by this universe the author has created and can't wait to read more! I love a well-written reverse harem with complex characters and fated romances are one of my favorite tropes. Absolutely swoon-worthy!
The more I read this book, the more I fell in love with all of it. I am completely captivated by this universe the author has created and can't wait to read more! I love a well-written reverse harem with complex characters and fated romances are one of my favorite tropes. Absolutely swoon-worthy!
January 3, 2019
Loved it!
I’m really loving the whole Planet Athion series and Angels book is no different. So. Freaking. Good! We get a look at what life is like on Athion. And oh my goodness the twist at the end. Can’t wait for the next book to see how this plays out.
I’m really loving the whole Planet Athion series and Angels book is no different. So. Freaking. Good! We get a look at what life is like on Athion. And oh my goodness the twist at the end. Can’t wait for the next book to see how this plays out.
July 26, 2020
So creative!!
I love the world building, with the alien and human interactions and learning the different cultures. And, of course, the romance!! Can’t wait to read the rest of this unique and intriguing series!
I love the world building, with the alien and human interactions and learning the different cultures. And, of course, the romance!! Can’t wait to read the rest of this unique and intriguing series!
January 2, 2021
Okay start
Didn’t realize that it ended in a major fluffy beforehand. I went in blind. This must be what a slow burn is. No sex, some messing around but the book ended abruptly. She could have sex at least once with one of the guys. Not sure if I’ll keep going with the next book.
Didn’t realize that it ended in a major fluffy beforehand. I went in blind. This must be what a slow burn is. No sex, some messing around but the book ended abruptly. She could have sex at least once with one of the guys. Not sure if I’ll keep going with the next book.
January 7, 2021
Very disappointing
It only took a couple of hours to read but not a complete book
The first one could have finished faith mercy and book two could have been about another of the women in the dorm. I hate books that force you to buy another to finish the story
It only took a couple of hours to read but not a complete book
The first one could have finished faith mercy and book two could have been about another of the women in the dorm. I hate books that force you to buy another to finish the story
January 8, 2021
Taking mercy
This was going so well, but ends on a huge cliff hanger and that's really not my thing. I would have moved on to book two if not for the cliff hanger now, not a chance!
This was going so well, but ends on a huge cliff hanger and that's really not my thing. I would have moved on to book two if not for the cliff hanger now, not a chance!
January 14, 2021
Betrayal
Trust no one! But she did, her first mistake! Her second one was believing she had a choice! Will her men find her in time? It doesn’t look good? Read and see if there will be any Mercy left! Full of hope, terror, betrayal, and anguish, too little too late!
Trust no one! But she did, her first mistake! Her second one was believing she had a choice! Will her men find her in time? It doesn’t look good? Read and see if there will be any Mercy left! Full of hope, terror, betrayal, and anguish, too little too late!
February 3, 2021
Good Story, But Hated the Cliffhanger Ending
The overall story was nicely told and the characters of Mercy, Kai, Dimkah, and Alex were well developed. The world view was vividly described. My main problem that kept me from giving it a rating of 4 is the cliffhanger ending.
The overall story was nicely told and the characters of Mercy, Kai, Dimkah, and Alex were well developed. The world view was vividly described. My main problem that kept me from giving it a rating of 4 is the cliffhanger ending.
April 19, 2021
Loved It
It's an original storyline. I read it straight through.I can't wait to read the next book. Hunky, sexy blue alien protectors, one human mid-wife and a sexy human soldier. A must read.
It's an original storyline. I read it straight through.I can't wait to read the next book. Hunky, sexy blue alien protectors, one human mid-wife and a sexy human soldier. A must read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews