Mercury Rises [Format Kindle]

Because this is a sequel, I don't want to reveal any backstory that might spoil the reading of the first book for those who haven't picked up MERCURY FALLS yet. Obviously, since this is the second book, the world wasn't destroyed in the first one. But there are forces out there that continue to put the world in danger of the Apocalypse. Journalist Christine Temetri and angel Mercury make their reappearance to help save the world. Also, a FBI bomb expert named Jacob comes into play as he tries to figure out the mechanics behind a mysterious explosion, which was actually an implosion, that occurred in California. His investigation leads him to being kidnapped by a kook who wants to open a doorway to other planes of existence.

When I think of apocalyptic books gloom and doom come to mind--and I'm not knocking those darker books since I read and love them--but it's refreshing to read one that has such engaging, wacky characters with a thread of humor throughout the novel. There were some scenes that go way back, and it was a treat to see Mercury at the time of Noah's Ark (although, it was kind of sad to see why unicorns no longer exist). I find Kroese's writing to be intelligent as he brings elements of religion, history, and science together. Now I'm awaiting the third installment, and I hope it won't be too long of a wait.

The apocalypse has been averted, the bad guys failed, and the good guys triumphed. Massive casualties aside, all's well that ends well, right? Well, maybe not. Reporter Christine Temetri and the angelic troublemaker Mercury may have foiled plans for the end of the world in Mercury Falls, but some people just can't be talked out of, you know, trying to destroy all of existence.

Mercury Rises, the second book in author Rob Kroese's planned trilogy, picks up right where Mercury Falls left off. Still reeling from the "Anaheim Event" that claimed so many lives; a newly jobless Christine heads to Africa with a relief organization, only to find herself in the middle of another doomsday plot. This one has its roots in ancient Babylon, which is where we find Mercury, hard at work for Tiamat, the demon who caused so much grief in Mercury Falls. Over the course of these looks back in time, we get an idea just how long Tiamat has been planning her apocalyptic power grab, not to mention a hysterical recounting of Mercury's run-ins with Noah and his menagerie. Add to the mix a hefty helping of archangels, minor demons, the Heavenly bureaucracy, the cubicle farms of Hell, the obscure Saint Culain and the not so obscure Devil himself, not to mention one very dangerous glass apple, and you have the makings of yet another offbeat tale of apocalyptic proportions.

As with Mercury Falls, Kroese combines elements of Biblical lore, science fiction and pure adventure, and does it in a way that's consistently funny. The story takes a while to really gel, and gets downright absurd at some points, but Mercury Rises has two things going for it that more than make up for any flaws - very memorable characters on all sides of the conflict and a dry, sarcastic wit that's put to very good use, recalling Christopher Moore, Kevin Smith and to some extent Chuck Klosterman. "LOL" has become shorthand for anything remotely humorous, but you will literally laugh out loud multiple times reading this book.

Since this is the middle volume in the trilogy, the ending of Mercury Rises is not very satisfying, even though getting there was a lot of fun. If you enjoyed Mercury Falls, then Mercury Rises will not disappoint, though waiting for book three will be tough.

This is the second book in a series, and I didn't read the first one. But that's okay, this book is a treat on its own. There's a convoluted plot which is of less importance than the constant humor. This is a fun read, with gods, the wise-mouth cherub named Mercury, a mad billionaire, and all sorts of oddball people, creatures and events. Mercury and his buddies are trying to save the world, and it's a tough chore. For example, he encounters an old dude, Noah, and his ark. The raven pops by but Noah shoos him back to the ark. A pigeon turns up, and Noah smacks him away. Finally, a parrot arrives and announces, ""Noah! I am the LORD your God. The flood is over! Land the boat already!You want a cracker? That's a good girl. Tell him, just like that. Don't forget the first part. I am the LORD your God!" Noah, I need hardly add, shoos the parrot away and blames his son for teaching the parrot to talk. The scenarios also remind me of Monty Python. This book is worth reading just for the laugh-out-loud parts, which are on almost every page. I hope there are more books planned for this series - it's totally enjoyable.