The Serpent Called Mercy

Praise

“A propulsive story of monsters—the beasts they fight in the arena, but also humans and the at times monstrous society they’ve created. The atmosphere is vivid and leaps off the page, the characters are empathetic and scrappy, and the friendship at the heart of it all makes this book sing. An accomplished debut—I absolutely loved it.” —L. R. Lam, Sunday Times best-selling author of Dragonfall

“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, The Serpent Called Mercy is a thrilling spectacle from beginning to end. I loved this book.” —Chelsea Abdullah, author of The Stardust Thief

“As sharp as a speartip against your jugular, The Serpent Called Mercy is a heart-stopping battlecry of a debut. Lau’s world of underground monster fights, gritty ambition, and all-too-real inequality sucks you in and won’t let go. Epic and deeply satisfying.” —Julie Leong, author of The Teller of Small Fortunes

“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

“The Serpent Called Mercy is a dazzling fantasy debut that is equal parts thrilling and moving. Roanne Lau has crafted a wonderfully complex world filled with political intrigue and gladiator-style adventure that will leave you at the edge of your seat.” —Amber Chen, author of Of Jade and Dragons

“The Serpent Called Mercy delivers a world so vibrant and rich with Southeast Asian culture, it leaps off the page. With its complex political rivalries, underworld factions, and vicious death games, Setgad is a city that will swallow you whole without blinking. Yet Roanne perfectly balances her setting’s epic proportions against characters scrabbling for agency amidst debts and class realities that are heavier than fate. Until I met Lythlet and Desil, I didn’t know how much I longed for a story sewn together with an unshakable bond of friendship rather than romance.” —Gabriella Buba, author of Saints of Storm and Sorrow

“Lau nimbly weaves complex themes of oppression, loyalty, and friendship into the action-packed and suspenseful plot…. This leaves a mark.” —Publishers Weekly

“Lau’s debut is a charming tale of corruption, ambition, friendship, and hope.” —Booklist

“Readers looking for a clever and determined fantasy heroine motivated by platonic devotion will find much to enjoy in Lau’s debut.” —Library Journal

A FanFiAddicts Most Anticipated Book of 2025