A galactic rescue where tenacity meets destiny in a battle for freedom and survival.
Title: Promise of Mercy
Author: Kurt D. Springs
Genre(s): Military Science Fiction
Word Count: 110,000
Publisher: Black Rose Publication
Publication Date: 10/24/2024
Summary: It is twenty-five years after the events of Price of Vengeance. Deirdre and her sisters have returned to their home planet of Etrusci after completing their training with the Finnian Shock Forces. Their homecoming plans are disrupted when their mother, High Priestess Celinia, and other leaders of the clergy are taken hostage and their father, Colonel Liam O’Connor, disappears. In their desperate search for their father, they discover that the Rebellion is secretly building weapons that could end civilization as they know it.
Meanwhile, Liam has been befriended by a Rebel war criminal, a woman Deirdre has sworn to kill. Will Deirdre cast herself into the role of judge, jury, and execution, or will she discover the promise of mercy?
My Review: Satisfying ending to an exciting sci-fi story!
In Promise of Mercy by Kurt D. Springs, the stakes are higher than ever as the Founders—genetically advanced beings who once meticulously designed this utopian world—awaken after centuries in stasis. What they discover upon their return is far from their ideal creation. The world has evolved beyond their control, and the Founders quickly devise a drastic plan to restore their vision. Their solution? Exile Liam O’Connor, abduct Celina and the high priestesses, and banish the entire Finnian race. Meanwhile, the malevolent Kergen seizes the chaos as an opportunity to plot the ultimate eradication of the O’Connor line.
Unbeknownst to the Founders, Liam and Celina’s children, driven by the same indomitable spirit as their parents, are determined to fight back. Aidan, now a bold 15-year-old, takes center stage with his breathtaking growth. One unforgettable scene features Aidan deftly piloting a fighter craft, wielding his gift to pull off an impossible maneuver that left me breathless. Springs also brings levity to the story, as Aidan’s mischievous antics in battle earn him a hilarious yet scolding reunion with his mother, Celina.
Aidan’s triplet older sisters—Deidre, Bayvin, and Aisling—never shy away from a fight, whether on the battlefield or in the dreamscape. At 22 years old and fully trained, the triplets leap into action the moment their family is in trouble. No worlds or galaxies can keep them from their goals. I especially appreciated how Springs portrays each triplet with a distinct personality while highlighting their uncanny bond—“that freaky twin thing” where they communicate without words and move in perfect sync. Their individuality and cohesion shine brilliantly on the battlefield, making them formidable and memorable characters.
While this installment offers slightly less worldbuilding and fewer intense battles than book two, it compensates with seamless story development and a compelling focus on character arcs. No one is left behind in this fast-paced narrative. A standout scene involves a multi-perspective explosion as Liam, Marisa, and Gayla are pinned down—a moment that feels vividly three-dimensional and immersive.
Springs masterfully threads explosive action with moral awareness, creating an enjoyably satisfying conclusion to this series. If you’re a fan of science fiction, heart-stopping action, and a dash of unpredictability, I highly recommend this gripping series.
I received this ARC from Reedsy.com.