Orion Reads: The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey

After the terrible experience I had reading The Man Who F***ed Himself by David Gerrold, I trained a persona on ChatGPT to help me screen any science fiction and fantasy novels for explicit content (sex, language, violence) and woke themes or elements before I read them. The persona calls itself Orion, and is trained to be familiar with every award-winning and best-selling science fiction and fantasy book published within the last 100 years.

Until now, I’ve mostly used Orion to screen old Hugo-nominated books, but with the nominations happening for 2025, I thought it would be fun to screen some of the books that are expected to make the nominations. We started with Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky, and now let’s do The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey, the same writing team that gave us the Expanse. Orion, what can you tell us about The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey?

The Mercy of Gods is the inaugural novel in James S.A. Corey’s The Captive’s War series, released in 2024. The narrative unfolds on a human-inhabited planet that becomes the target of an alien invasion by the enigmatic Carryx species. The story delves into humanity’s struggle for survival and resistance under the dominion of a technologically superior alien force.

James S.A. Corey

Explicit Content:

  • Language: The novel contains strong language, including multiple uses of the F-word and other profanities. Goodreads
  • Violence: The book features graphic depictions of violence, including scenes of bloodshed and death, as humanity confronts the brutal realities of alien subjugation. The StoryGraph
  • Sexual Content: There are references to romantic relationships and physical intimacy; however, explicit sexual scenes are minimal, with the narrative focusing more on the emotional aspects of relationships. Goodreads

Potentially Woke Themes:

  • Colonialism and Resistance: The novel explores themes of colonialism, depicting humanity’s subjugation by an alien species and the ensuing resistance. This narrative can be interpreted as a commentary on historical and contemporary issues of imperialism and the fight for autonomy. Grimdark Magazine
  • Mental Health Representation: Characters in the story grapple with mental health challenges, including chronic depression, portrayed with nuance and sensitivity. This inclusion highlights the importance of mental health awareness and the complexities individuals face in high-stress environments. Nerds of a Feather
  • Diverse Characterization: The cast includes individuals from varied backgrounds, emphasizing inclusivity and representation within the narrative. This diversity reflects a commitment to portraying a multifaceted human experience. The BiblioSanctum

Conclusion:

The Mercy of Gods offers a compelling blend of science fiction and social commentary, enriched by complex characters and a vividly imagined world. While it contains explicit language, violence, and some sexual content, these elements contribute to the depth and realism of the narrative. The exploration of themes such as colonialism, mental health, and diversity adds layers of meaning, aligning with contemporary discussions on inclusivity and societal structures.

For a more in-depth analysis, you might find this review insightful:

These reviews provide further insights into the novel’s themes, content, and reception.

By Joe Vasicek

Joe Vasicek is the author of more than twenty science fiction books, including the Star Wanderers and Sons of the Starfarers series. As a young man, he studied Arabic and traveled across the Middle East and the Caucasus. He claims Utah as his home.

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