Wednesday, April 10, 2013

ARC Review: Exile


Exile by Rebecca Lim
4/5 stars
Hyperion, 2013
Originally published in Australia, 2011
275 pages
YA Paranormal
Scheduled to release April 23

Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

In 2011, I picked up a random book from Netgalley and was blown away by its enthralling story that kept me on the edge of my seat. That book of course was Mercy in its American release (originally from Australia). Naturally I eagerly awaited the release of the rest of the books in the series and we finally reach book 2 with the pending release of Exile.

Although it has been two years, I still anticipated this sequel and loving it as much. Did I think it would matter that I didn't remember that much from book one? No, because it was fairly self-contained and not much was revealed about the overarching story mythology. That is what I figured book two would divulge.

And Exile does follow through on that promise, revealing more about Mercy's past as some kind of angel although the specifics are still murky. In fact, I feel like I learned about as much from the goodreads summary as I did from the whole book. But whereas book one has Mercy caught up in a kidnapping situation, this book has her occupying the body of a young woman whose mother is battling cancer. Very sad, yes, but not as suspenseful or gripping.

I think some very interesting questions around faith, responsibility, and free will are raised in this book but I found them choppily interwoven with some chapters following Mercy's body while some chapters dove in to those questions through her dreams. They were not tied together very strongly. Add to that, the lackluster plot and I was less impressed with this second book, somewhat breaking my streak of strong second books so far this year. But I am still intrigued by the promise of this series and I do want to check out book three Muse as well as what looks like the fourth book Fury. If you are interested, I would definitely say read Mercy first before reading Exile. I can't imagine getting a hang on Exile without having had the background of Mercy.

14 comments:

  1. I'm sorry this was a disappointing read for you. I didn't really enjoy Mercy so I don't know if I'll bother with this sequel or the rest of the series (even though I own them all).

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    1. It's a very different read from Mercy, which I think is the main reason I didn't like it.

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  2. I am happy that you enjoyed this some. I haven't read Mercy, I know my library has it. I might have to check it out. :D

    Jenea @ Books Live Forever

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    1. I really do recommend Mercy-it was such a unique, standout read for me.

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  3. I really enjoyed Mercy. It reminded me a little of Juliet Immortal and I loved the mystery elements. If I recall correctly, there was a missing girl?
    But hmmm… sounds like this one doesn't have anything to do with Mercy, which is odd and makes me think I will skip it...

    You can find me here: Jen @ YA Romantics

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    1. I thought Mercy was just fabulous! But this one felt very different to me without giving me more information to end my confusion :(

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  4. Hmmmm, I don't know that I'd want to read this series simply because it seems like a been-there-done-that kind of premise and yet there's also the fact that the first one was so amazing for you. ahhh, I'm torn!

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    1. I thought the first one was just so fantastic and was disappointed that this second one wasn't quite as good.

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  5. I'd forgotten about Mercy, and now I remember why...it wasn't all that impressive to me. It was fine, but nothing that really stood out. I think I'll skip the sequel. So many other great books to go with!

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    1. Yeah, if Mercy wasn't that great for you, Exile probably won't either.

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  6. I'll have to find a copy of Mercy!

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  7. I was blown away by Mercy too, Exile doesn't seem to have that same quality but I'm hopeful for the rest of the series.

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    1. Maybe my expectations were too high? I was just so disappointed although I will probably still check out the third book.

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