Book Review and Giveaway: No Mercy--A Dark Hunter Novel by Sherrilyn Kenyon

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED: 1/10/11

Title: No Mercy (Dark Hunter series)
Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Format: Completed hardcover
ISBN: 978-0312546564
Price: $24.99 Pages:343
Release Date: Sept 07, 2010

No Mercy is the second book I've read from the prolific author, Sherrilyn Kenyon. My first book ever was Infinity-Chronicles of Nick, Kenyon's first young adult book. When I was contacted by the publicist and offered the opportunity to read this book, I agreed immediately because I so enjoyed Infinity. Let's take a look at the blurb on the book:

Live fast, fight hard and if you have to die then take as many of your enemies with you as you can. That is the Amazon credo and it was one Samia lived and died by. Now in contemporary New Orleans, the immortal Amazon warrior is about to learn that there’s a worse evil coming to slaughter mankind than she’s ever faced before.

Shapeshifter Dev Peltier has stood guard at the front of Sanctuary for almost two hundred years and in that time, he’s seen it all. Or so he thought. Now their enemies have discovered a new source of power- one that makes a mockery of anything faced to date.

The war is on and Dev and Sam are guarding ground zero. But in order to win, they will have to break the most cardinal of all rules and pray it doesn’t unravel the universe as we know it.

No Mercy is the 19th book in the Dark Hunter series. Having never read any of the other books, I admit, I was somewhat skeptical about being able to understand and get into the story. I'm pleased to report, I couldn't have been more wrong! As an aspiring author, I often hear that a writer should use a prologue very sparingly if at all. Kenyon is obviously a pro. She utilized a prologue and it was perfect. It set the foundation of the story and brought a new reader such as myself into the world of the Dark Hunters.


Dev, one of the main characters is a shapeshifer. I usually associate this with a werewolf or more common paranormal creatures, but Dev changes into a bear! This was totally different for me. I learned that the series is rooted in Greek mythology as various gods and goddesses made an appearance. Again, a absolute surprise. Though mythical characters are infused throughout the story, and many of the characters have lives that span centuries, Kenyon writes in a thoroughly modern style, with modern sensibilities. The characters are totally of the moment with the dialogue, interactions and wise cracks. I laughed more than a few times, as the protagonists grappled with each other, and themselves in language that we are all sure to understand...lol...Kenyon isn't shy about her characters sexual desires either, so there a number of sexual situations, though I didn't find them salacious or heavy handed.

I met some of my favorites from Infinity and that just whet my appetite to read the second book in The Chronicles of Nick: Invincible. I'm amazed at Kenyon's ability to weave so many characters seamlessly through so many books. Awesome. It definitely makes me want to dig into some of the older books in the Dark Hunter series and learn about the origins of the characters that No Mercy brought to my attention.

If you're a follower of this blog, you're eligible for the opportunity to win this copy of No Mercy. I'm going to give away my hardcover and I wish I had more. If you're interested, leave a comment telling me what Kenyon books you've read, if you have, and what shapeshifters beyond werewolves you've read about, again, if you have. Leave your email, so you can be contacted if you're the winner. That is all!

Giveaway ends Friday, January 07, 2011. Winner will be selected randomly using Random.org.

Toodles!