The Serpent Called Mercy

"A show-stopping debut that dazzles even as it pulls at your heartstrings. Featuring breathtaking battles, intricate lore, and a remarkable friendship as its beating heart...a thrilling spectacle from beginning to end. I loved this book." --Chelsea Abdullah, author of The Stardust Thief

"Roanne Lau immerses you into a remarkably vivid world with a gritty underworld that raises the stakes--and your blood pressure. Full of monsters and mayhem, but most importantly, a cast of characters that you can't help but love. An astounding debut." --Saara El-Arifi, internationally bestselling author of Faebound

In this inventive and character-driven epic fantasy novel, a debt-ridden slumdog joins an illegal monster-fighting arena for some fast coin, but quickly learns the most dangerous beasts are outside the ring

Lythlet and her only friend Desil are shackled to a life of debt and poverty that she fears they will never escape. Desperate for money, they sign up as conquessors: arena combatants who fight sun-cursed beasts in the seedy underworld of the city.

Match-master Dothilos is initially enamored of Desil's brawling reputation, but after seeing Lythlet lead the pair to triumph with her quick cunning, he takes her under his wing, scorning Desil. Ambition takes root in Lythlet's heart as a life of fame and wealth unfolds in her imagination.

But Lythlet isn't the only one out for coin and glory, and she soon finds herself playing an entirely different game--a game of politics and deception. As the cost of her ambition grows, she will have to decide if sacrificing her honor, and only friendship, is worth the chance to shape her own fortune.

A whirlwind of blood-pounding battles as characters grapple with their morals in the face of systemic inequality and political intrigue, The Serpent Called Mercy's heart is the underlying, steadfast friendship between its protagonists.

Author: Roanne Lau
Publisher: Daw Books
Published: 03/25/2025
Pages: 432
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.25lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.10w x 1.60d
ISBN: 9780756419448


Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 02/01/2025 pg. 7
Publishers Weekly 12/16/2024
Booklist 01/01/2025 pg. 40

About the Author
Roanne Lau is a speculative fiction author whose works are informed by her Chinese heritage and her experiences living in Malaysia, Australia, Taiwan, and Japan. She was selected for the Pitch Wars mentorship program in 2021--but the accomplishment she remains proudest of is being a finalist in a Lord of the Rings trivia competition when she was nine. Find her on social media (@roannelau) and subscribe to her newsletter at www.roannelau.com.