Mercury Falls

Mercury, Book 1

By: Robert Kroese

Narrated by: Kevin Stillwell

Length: 10 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Christine Temetri is at her wits’ end. For years she’s covered the increasingly bizarre activities of End Times cults for the Banner, a religious news magazine. Yet Christine, who once dreamed of being a "real" writer, has nothing to show for the gig other than a regular paycheck and serious doubt that Armageddon will occur in time for her next deadline. But after a mysterious man entrusts her with a locked briefcase and orders to "take it to Mercury", Christine finds herself face-to-face with a ping-pong-playing angel by the name of Galileo Mercury.

It seems Mercury was sent from heaven to make preparations for Armageddon, yet became sidetracked by the earthly delights he discovered: Rice Krispy treats, table tennis, and beer, to name just a few. Mercury’s concern for the fate of mankind is middling at best, but he is happy to educate Christine on the details of the elaborate, if poorly organized, calamity to come. When Christine inadvertently saves the Antichrist - an obnoxious, thirtysomething gamer who still lives with his mother - from celestial assassination, she begins an ambitious battle to stop the Apocalypse and save the world. But the heavenly host is nothing if not persistent, and Christine, aided only by an apathetic angel and a reluctant Antichrist, has her work cut out for her.

Packed with outrageous characters, Mercury Falls is a viciously funny (and occasionally absurd) morality tale for the 21st century.

©2010 Robert Kroese (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Great complex humorous story nicely wrapped up

Great complex humorous story nicely wrapped up at the end and keeps you wondering. Would recommend if you like humor and a complex well rounded story.

had it all but didnt use it.

I was really interested after the first bit. it had demons, fallen Angel, and a down to earth angel that was half mystery half comic relief. the hill was there to climb, the foundation laid al ready to burst forth in comedy and drama drama. then their got washed away and we are left with a flat story ark an angel that never seems to go beyond clever quips and obscure reference jokes. it just failed to launch and fulfill the potential

the supernatural aspect was seemingly common place, Angel's a meh in excitment and mystery. no real drama or edge, seemed like a walk through to get to the end.

it wasn't all bad the humor was fine, Mercury was quippy and laid back, but to laid back. reminded me of a race between two elderly people on raskels as a chase scene..yawn. (Actually that sound awsome old people in death race 2000 souped up mobility scooters... hmm better copyright that 1st. anyway I still liked the book. hopefully it grows like the Dresden files since that series first book was rough but kept getting progressively better.

lastly the narrator was good. I dont think I've heard him before but with a little more prep and guidance he could be great

Great story

Where does Mercury Falls rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Awesome story, almost believable. If you enjoy stories on the supernatural or spiritual books you will enjoy this one. I hope he writes more.

Unoriginal apocalyptic story

This is the first book in the Mercury series; right now there are five books in this series. I got this book for Kindle right when I first got my Kindle e-reader, then I bought the audiobook for cheap. I ended up listening to the first 70% of this on audiobook and then stopped. This reminded me of a many other apocalyptic books that aim at being snarky and humorous about the corporate-like reign of angels and demons.

I actually kind of enjoyed this book at first; it was snarky and darkly humorous. As the book continued it just sounded like so many other books I have read like this and it started to irritate me more than it entertained me.

Think of this as a knock off of things like the movie Dogma or "Good Omens" by Gaiman and Pratchett. This is another one of those books in that "oh look the world is going to end because of mismanagement by God". However, this book seemed to try a bit too hard and I found it to be silly and annoying. The characters were just over characterized and ended up being more irritating than entertaining.

Overall this just wasn’t my thing. It was a like a poor imitation of books like “Good Omens” or the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series. It’s written in that same over-the-top snarky way, but I just didn’t think it was as well done.

The major and minor miracles of Mercury

Mercury Falls is a good story, well told and one that is accessible to all readers. Devoted Christians won't be offended by what they read and agnostics won't find religion screaming a message at them. Adults will appreciate references and young readers will find enough action to keep them engaged.

Robert Kroese gives readers a few lols but this is not the simple-minded slapstick or cheeseball humor predominant among the fantasy/science fiction authors of today. Kroese's articulate and erudite characters volley banter and schemes that are colorful and creative without being pedantic (unlike this review).

It's a little Douglas Adams (in that it's a fun story), a little Jane Austen (in that its intelligent and witty), it's a little Neil Gaiman (in its treatment of religion and mythology).

Armaggedon doesn't go as planned. Full of laughs.

"Mercury Falls" is a comical and ridiculous tale featuring a frustrated writer and aloof angel trying to save earth from Armaggedon. As it turns out, everyone's doom is a strangely bureaucratic one featuring contracts, deals, schedules, and mountains of paperwork shuffling between the forces of good and evil.

With a funny and enthusiastic narration from Kevin Stillwell, this audiobook brings out the laughs with the story's level of humorous absurdity.

Recommended to those who need a good laugh, hate mountains of meaningless documentation and board meetings, and have the capacity to find a not very serious mockery of organized religion as a potential source of humor.

It is okay

The premise of the story is great. The writing is good, if overwrought. The performance is superb. It's just that it goes on and on and it could have used some clever editing to move the story more smoothly.

At first I thought, NO, then I listened 3 times!

I loved it. All kinds of cool pieces of info. Just a fun story with lots of arcs.

Better with each listen

In my opinion, this is Kroese's best work. He presents a fun story with a unique plot and plenty of twists, but the real standout is the humor. There is scarcely a sentence without a snide remark, dry witticism, or snort-inducing crack-up. I just finished my third time reading or listening to Mercury Falls, and still notice little jokes that were subtle enough that I missed them the first two times.
Kevin Stillwell does the story justice. He is clear and easy to understand throughout with perfect delivery and does a great job of performing the voices a large cast of characters. I don't give 5-star reviews easily, but Mercury Falls earns all five.
“AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY”

Amazing

I absolutely loved the story and the way the narrator was able to bring out the emotions of each of the characters!