Shelf Full of Books

Meritorium is a non-stop, full-speed ahead, fast-paced action thriller that continues on from where Meritropolis left off. Charley, Sandy, Grigor, Hank, and Orson leave Meritropolis in a quest to take down the System. They end up in Meritorium, “a city where gladiatorial games of life or death combat are waged between High Scores and Low Scores, man, and beast.”

Charley continues to struggle with his violent anger and thirst for revenge for his brother Alec’s zeroing. As he watches the audience’s thirst for blood to be spilled, he begins to wonder if man is just as much an animal as the animals. But Grigor reminds him that man has the capacity to extend and receive grace, something that only comes from God. As we watch Charley throughout the book, we see him working out this concept in his mind until it begins to take root in his heart.

I really enjoyed the author’s creativity in the animal combinations in this book. There were small black and white illustrations of many of these creatures to help visualize what they might have looked like. I found that to be helpful.

I did find that there was a lot of violence in this book, but given the theme of man against beast in a fight to the death, that was pretty much expected.

I liked the theme of grace and the recognition that it is often both hard to give as well as receive.

There were a lot of twists and turns in the story, one of which leads to a surprising ending in one way, and yet also not so surprising in another. After all, man pretty much considers himself god.

Meritorium ends on a note that indicates there will be a third book to come. I am looking forward to that third installment. I thoroughly enjoyed this very engaging second book in the series. I gave it a rating of 5 stars out of 5.

Thank you to the publishers for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.

To see my complete review, visit Shelf Full of Books: http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogspot.com/2015/11/meritropolis-blog-tour-and-giveaway.html