The Cruelest Mercy

By: Natalie Mae

Narrated by: Jesse Vilinsky

Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

In this sequel to The Kinder Poison - which People magazine proclaimed a "delicious high-stakes adventure" - the magical kingdom of Orkena is on the brink of war, and the only person who can save it is Zahru, the girl they once doomed to death.

After surviving the Crossing, Zahru has sworn off adventures. While Crown Prince Jet navigates the looming threat of war, she's content to simply figure out what the future holds for them. But they're dealt a devastating blow when prince Kasta returns with a shocking claim: He's the true winner of the Crossing and the rightful heir, and he bears the gods' mark as proof. Even more surprising - he's not the only one.

Somehow, Zahru possesses the very same mark, giving her equal right to the throne. The last thing she wants is to rule beside her would-be executioner, but she can't let Orkena fall into his merciless hands. So Zahru, Jet, and their allies must race against the clock to find a way to stop Kasta, because once he's crowned, there's no telling what horrors he'll unleash to win the war.

Zahru will do whatever it takes to keep Kasta from taking the throne...but to stop a villain, is she willing to become one herself?

©2021 Natalie Mae (P)2021 Listening Library

Critic reviews

"In this charming, well-rounded follow-up to The Kinder Poison, Zahru’s entertaining, funny narrative voice continues to engage and balance out the otherwise heavier tone of a story that deals with power dynamics, dark magic, horrific betrayals, and social injustice and that offers a thoughtful examination of just what a ruler should be willing to sacrifice for the greater good. A fantastically rewarding sequel." (Kirkus, starred review)

Unpredictable, and so Well Done

This book is so masterfully done. In this book we are privy to the stress Zahru’s is under, as she goes back and forth between distrusting Kasta and distrusting herself. Each time, Mae had me wholly convinced of the truth. But whether you go through the book thinking that Zahru is paranoid or that she is naive, I promise you will be caught by surprise in the end.

Great story

I enjoyed this dystopian story. It showcases the battle we fight between doing what is right, and giving into our fears and making decisions based on those emotions.

Great Dialect

The person reading does a great job capturing the different voices, along with the dialects of the characters. I had no problem understanding who was talking or when we were in the Main Characters mind versus her actual dialogue.

In regards to the storyline, you have to read the first book to understand what is happening. I loved Zahru’s character arc in this book. I am a sucker for redemption stories and I can’t wait to read the 3rd book when it comes out. I don’t know how to feel about the ending. I don’t believe you can strip a whole part of a person that makes them who they are and then expect for everything to turn out fine. I’m excited to see where the author goes with that. Definitely recommend this book and this audible version of it.

Love it!

Great book! Great speaker! I am very excited for the next book to see what it brings!

Instant Favorite

This book is amazing!

If you've ever wanted a book where the heroine turns darker than this one is for you!

Great Story I need Book 3!!!

I really flew through both the first, and now this book. I was really on the edge of my seat while reading this, especially at the end!!!! I'm so glad the third book is out.

Unexpectedly Great

I did not anticipate the ending. The author did a great job of luring you in to possible scenarios but ultimately keeping you guessing only to pull the rug out. It went this way all the until the very last scene. You might think you know but....you don't or atleast I didnt. I love how strong but still caring the lead was. She grew, she was naive but alert and learned from her mistakes. I was fooled too so I get why she is almost fooled.

Next book please

Wish that there was a little more romance between the main characters but still really enjoyed the 2nd book as much as the first. Ready for another.

Missing plot points

Just felt like I was hoping for a twist or spin but it never came. It was kinda predictable and repetitive. Also hoping for jet to be bad.

So close to skimming toward the end

The story started off really great and as time went on homegirl continued to get more and more and MORE annoying to the point where I could’ve just stopped listening to the book all together. And I could go on about this for probably hours but I won’t. The ending was OK-ish but I have no huge desire to read and or listen to the rest of the series. Jesse Vilinsky did a great Job narrating!