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Mercury Hale #1
Mercury on Guard
Mercury Hale is not a hero. Not in his mind.He's happy spending his late nights slicing his way through monstrous astral fiends, using a weapon imbued with a mysterious power, at the behest of the secretive Procyon Foundation. It's a strange way to earn a paycheck, but hey, he's good at it.The problem is, things are getting worse. More attacks. More public exposure. None of which Procyon wants. When he tries to get to the bottom of the mess, Mercury is confronted by a tightly-guarded secret about Procyon - its true purpose, and what that means for the fate of the world.Worse, Mercury is not who he thinks he is.And he's not alone.
366 pages, Paperback
Published June 21, 2019
About the author
Steve Rzasa
102 books105 followersSteve Rzasa was born and raised in South Jersey, and fell in love with books—especially science fiction novels and historical volumes—at an early age. He earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Boston University’s College of Communications in 2000, and then spent seven years as a reporter and assistant editor at weekly newspapers in Maine. Steve moved to Wyoming in 2007 to become the editor of a weekly newspaper there, and now works at the local library. He and his wife Carrie have two boys and live in Buffalo, Wyoming.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 26, 2019
From the first slice of Mercury's staff to the last slice of pizza, this book kept me engaged and wildly entertained. This urban fantasy book kicks off the series with a bang and doesn't let up. Mercury has the kind of snarky responses I wish I could come up with, and the skill to kill astral fiends to go with it.
With a colorful cast of characters and plenty of twists along the way, this is a great adventure. Don't miss it!
(Best read with a slice of pizza, preferably pepperoni).
With a colorful cast of characters and plenty of twists along the way, this is a great adventure. Don't miss it!
(Best read with a slice of pizza, preferably pepperoni).
July 30, 2023
Mercury Hale is the unsung hero of Earth, Procyon pays him to keep people safe from the astral fiends they don't even realize slip through reams from another dimension and threaten the planet. Not to worry. He and his trusty pulsar stave will dispatch those slimy, tentacled aliens while you sleep, no problem. Or at least, it didn't used to be a problem. But lately, the fiends have been not been following the rules. They've been appearing unannounced or more than one at the same time. What is going on? As Mercury starts to probe the current issues, someone gets him asking questions about the past. When did the astral fiends first start arriving on Earth? Why do they keep coming? And where did Mercury's pulsar stave come from? And perhaps more worrying, why is Procyon so reluctant to share any answers to his questions?
Mercury's macho attitude at first started to get on my nerves, but after he gets humbled and has to rely on help from others (and learns some important lessons) he starts to become a more likable guy. Once the mystery of what kinds of secrets Procyon is hiding is introduced the book really picked up speed for me and I found it much harder to put down. I liked how Rzasa wove in elements of Christian faith with side characters Mercury meets and events that get him questioning deeper meaning of life type things. It felt natural and non-preachy (especially as they are facing situations that look like they might end in their own deaths), and looks like it will get built on in future books. I have book 2 and I look forward to diving in when I need a good scifi adventure with touches of humor and lots of action.
Notes on content: 1 minor swear. No sexual content beyond a little kiss. There are several battles in which alien monsters and humans get injured or are fatally wounded. Some casual drinking of alcohol.
Mercury's macho attitude at first started to get on my nerves, but after he gets humbled and has to rely on help from others (and learns some important lessons) he starts to become a more likable guy. Once the mystery of what kinds of secrets Procyon is hiding is introduced the book really picked up speed for me and I found it much harder to put down. I liked how Rzasa wove in elements of Christian faith with side characters Mercury meets and events that get him questioning deeper meaning of life type things. It felt natural and non-preachy (especially as they are facing situations that look like they might end in their own deaths), and looks like it will get built on in future books. I have book 2 and I look forward to diving in when I need a good scifi adventure with touches of humor and lots of action.
Notes on content: 1 minor swear. No sexual content beyond a little kiss. There are several battles in which alien monsters and humans get injured or are fatally wounded. Some casual drinking of alcohol.
January 23, 2020
4.5 Stars
This was just flat-out, crazy good fun! I knew from the first line that it was gonna be a good one.
Mercury is a snarky and sarcastic leading man. Sometimes that kind of hero can get on my nerves, but it worked for Mercury. I ended up really liking him. He definitely kept things lively while protecting the city from astral fiends.
The action starts right off the bat. We're thrown straight into all the craziness, so it took me just a minute to get my bearings. But once I did, I was all in and completely invested. It kept me on my toes, that's for sure. I never knew what to expect next and was constantly being surprised. I love when that happens.
Mercury on Guard was a refreshingly unique read. I had so much fun with it and can't wait to find out what happens in the next book.
This was just flat-out, crazy good fun! I knew from the first line that it was gonna be a good one.
Mercury is a snarky and sarcastic leading man. Sometimes that kind of hero can get on my nerves, but it worked for Mercury. I ended up really liking him. He definitely kept things lively while protecting the city from astral fiends.
The action starts right off the bat. We're thrown straight into all the craziness, so it took me just a minute to get my bearings. But once I did, I was all in and completely invested. It kept me on my toes, that's for sure. I never knew what to expect next and was constantly being surprised. I love when that happens.
Mercury on Guard was a refreshingly unique read. I had so much fun with it and can't wait to find out what happens in the next book.
August 17, 2020
Monster fighting, pizza loving, Mercury Hale’s world revolves around his job and his fellow employees at Procyon Foundation. With snark and attitude, this orphan wields a stave powered by otherworldly energy. But his world is rocked when secrets are revealed, secrets that involve him and the truth of who he really is.
The pacing here is quick and appropriate for this type novel. And, though I don’t always appreciate first person POV, I enjoyed Mercury. With a few other characters that round out the cast well, this is an entertaining read. There were a few spots where words were missing or extra words added, but not enough to destroy the fun. Clean with a smattering of faith, this superhero tale is sure to please. I highly recommend Mercury On Guard and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
The pacing here is quick and appropriate for this type novel. And, though I don’t always appreciate first person POV, I enjoyed Mercury. With a few other characters that round out the cast well, this is an entertaining read. There were a few spots where words were missing or extra words added, but not enough to destroy the fun. Clean with a smattering of faith, this superhero tale is sure to please. I highly recommend Mercury On Guard and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 25, 2021
This is a really well written book! I loved reading it.
October 20, 2023
If you enjoy urban fantasy stories with snarky heroes slaying otherworldly beasts, then I give you my strongest recommendation to check out Mercury On Guard.
This story has a lighter feel than The Dresden Files with less death and destruction, but similar stark and a bunch of monster fighting.
I’m normally a slow reader, but the pages simply melted away. The description pulls you into the action and the setting. Sometimes it feels like Mercury’s narration even breaks the fourth wall.
The characters are each distinct and feel like real people. They have their issues, but you are rooting for them the whole way. The twists catch you off guard in all the best ways, always cranking up the stakes. The story has a satisfying ending, but also leaves room for further adventures.
If this were a movie, it would probably be PG-13. There’s no adult language that I remember. No adult “situations.” There is plenty of violence, but it was never gratuitous, gory or stomach turning. A minor character consumes alcohol.
This has been my favorite read of 2023. I look forward to delving into the rest of the Mercury series and Mr. Rzasa’s other works.
This story has a lighter feel than The Dresden Files with less death and destruction, but similar stark and a bunch of monster fighting.
I’m normally a slow reader, but the pages simply melted away. The description pulls you into the action and the setting. Sometimes it feels like Mercury’s narration even breaks the fourth wall.
The characters are each distinct and feel like real people. They have their issues, but you are rooting for them the whole way. The twists catch you off guard in all the best ways, always cranking up the stakes. The story has a satisfying ending, but also leaves room for further adventures.
If this were a movie, it would probably be PG-13. There’s no adult language that I remember. No adult “situations.” There is plenty of violence, but it was never gratuitous, gory or stomach turning. A minor character consumes alcohol.
This has been my favorite read of 2023. I look forward to delving into the rest of the Mercury series and Mr. Rzasa’s other works.
July 27, 2020
I loved this book. Everything about it just worked. The Snarky and flippant voice of the main Character, Mercury, was entertaining and enjoyable. I swear I read this, as an ebook, but the voice of the character was so well written that I honestly started thinking that I heard this on audio, it's not even on audio yet.
And the plot, just one twist after another. And this snarky guy deals with all of it, like he didn't curl up and melt into a sobbing mess of emotional wreckage once. Okay maybe there was that one moment. But what matters is that he persevered.
This is a great read for anyone who likes superheroes, supernatural eldritch horrors, or just sarcastic characters.
And the plot, just one twist after another. And this snarky guy deals with all of it, like he didn't curl up and melt into a sobbing mess of emotional wreckage once. Okay maybe there was that one moment. But what matters is that he persevered.
This is a great read for anyone who likes superheroes, supernatural eldritch horrors, or just sarcastic characters.
March 23, 2021
Smarmy protagonist? Fiendish jelly-octopi monsters? Dimensional rifts? Sign me up. There were a lot of things about this story that were pretty cool, and the battle scenes are intense. Mercury is a guy I both enjoyed reading and wanted to slap once or twice; a hero who is more in touch with the antihero than the Boy Scout. Refreshing. The characters were diverse, with motives that took me by surprise. I didn't see the twists coming. The only real bummer for me was the prevalence of typos and inconsistency with tense. Otherwise it was an exciting read, a great story about sacrifice and hope, believing in and fighting for something greater than yourself. About family, belonging, and pizza.
August 25, 2020
Wildly entertaining, no Jesus
It is a fun ride. The horrors attacking through the dimensional rift are nearing absurdly disgusting. The spiritual suggestions are barely hinted at, which I didn’t like. A supporting character is a non-specified believer and the actual hero of the book. That’s a good thing.
It is a fun ride. The horrors attacking through the dimensional rift are nearing absurdly disgusting. The spiritual suggestions are barely hinted at, which I didn’t like. A supporting character is a non-specified believer and the actual hero of the book. That’s a good thing.
December 26, 2019
Fun and Intriguing
I would give this 4.5 stars. Intriguing plot and good characters. There is some good humor too. I had a little trouble connecting with the story but the writing is strong. If you like Urban Fantasy, check this one out.
I would give this 4.5 stars. Intriguing plot and good characters. There is some good humor too. I had a little trouble connecting with the story but the writing is strong. If you like Urban Fantasy, check this one out.
July 6, 2023
Attack of the astral fiends
I'm always impressed when an author can produce a book that is goofy and serious at the same time. Excellent for fans of inter dimensional monsters, buddy-cop stories, wacky humor and lots of battles. Recommend for older teens and adults.
I'm always impressed when an author can produce a book that is goofy and serious at the same time. Excellent for fans of inter dimensional monsters, buddy-cop stories, wacky humor and lots of battles. Recommend for older teens and adults.
June 10, 2024
Great fun! Looking forward to the rest of the series.
~
Also, I'm definitely going to have to check out Airfoil: Origins.
~
Also, I'm definitely going to have to check out Airfoil: Origins.
August 20, 2024
I’m glad there are more
Mercury Hale is a fun character. I love his snark and the story is fast-paced. Antagonists you love to hate and a well-rounded supporting cast. I’ll be reading more Mercury adventures.
Mercury Hale is a fun character. I love his snark and the story is fast-paced. Antagonists you love to hate and a well-rounded supporting cast. I’ll be reading more Mercury adventures.
August 10, 2023
A really fun read. It bogged down a touch in the middle, but only briefly. Other than that, it was action packed and exciting. Kudos to the author.
July 31, 2024
I love the Mercury Hale books. They’re a great mix of everything I love about Marvel (but better). The characters are so fun, humor is great, and there’s a lot of heart.
December 24, 2024
This was super fun. A tad reminiscent of Dresden Files, but clean. Loved Mercury and Loredana and Ramos and Teget. Heart-pumping thrilling action and edge-of-my-seat "what's gonna happen?!?!"
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews