Exiled (The Protector Book 1)

By M.R. Merrick

Chase Williams is a demon hunter in the Circle, or at least he was supposed to be. On his fifteenth birthday, Chase stepped up to the altar to claim his elemental power, but it never came. Elemental magic is passed down to a hunter through the bloodline, but on Chase's birthday, the bloodline stopped.
Exiled without the Circle's protection, Chase has spent two years trying to survive a world riddled with half-demons and magic. When he has a run in with a frightened and seemingly innocent demon, he learns the Circle's agenda has changed: the Circle plans to unlock a portal and unleash pure-blood demons into the world. Vowing to stop them, and knowing he can't do it alone, Chase forms a reluctant alliance with Rayna - a sexy witch with an attitude and a secret. In their attempt to stop them, Chase and Rayna find themselves in the middle of the Circle's plan, leaving one of them to decide what their friendship is worth, and the other's life depending on it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.R. Merrick
• Release date: Jun 28, 2011
• ISBN: 9780987726209

M.R. Merrick

M.R. Merrick is a Canadian writer, author of The Protector Series and The Rise of Genesis. Having never traveled, he adventures to far off lands through his imagination and in between cups of coffee. As a music lover and proud breakfast enthusiast, he’s usually found at the computer between a pair of headphones and in front of a bowl of cereal.

Book preview

I dodged the razor sharp claws coming towards me and turned to face the demon. I’d hurt him enough to force him to shift, but now I had to fight a bear, literally.

He stood on his hind legs with his back to me and I took the opportunity presented, unsure if I’d get another. I leapt onto his back and stuck one silver dagger into each shoulder. He roared in pain and anger as the blades pierced his furry flesh, and reacted with a flurry of quick movements that threw me from his back. I fought to keep hold of one dagger as I hit the pavement, while the other remained stuck in his shoulder.

The pitted asphalt burned and tore at my skin as I slid across it. The ground rumbled as the black bear stormed towards me. I jumped to my feet, but not in time to get out of the way. Its head collided with my stomach at full speed and smashed me into the crumbling brick building behind me.

Black dots filled my vision as the wall broke at my impact, showering me with loose bricks and pieces of mortar. I shook my head to clear my vision and wrapped my scarred fingers around the blade jutting from his shoulder. As I twisted my wrist, there came a bone-chilling screech from his toothy snout. Roaring in agony, the demon stood and hauled my body from the ground, leaving me flailing over his head as I struggled to hold on to the dagger.

I wrapped my legs around its neck while it shook from side to side with an unnatural speed, trying to dislodge me. The world blurred around me, but from behind his head, I forced the blade to his throat and pulled. The demon grunted as the blade split skin. Hot blood pumped over my hand but I didn’t hesitate. The violent movements slowed and a deep gurgling sound escaped from the bear’s throat. The smell of burning meat started to fill the air, and I pulled until I hit the spine. I’d sliced through the flesh; next came the hard part.

I planted both feet against the bear’s back and pushed hard to help pull the blade through its spine. The bone gave under the pressure and I tumbled to the pavement as the dagger went all the way through. The creature stumbled forward, the grotesque head rolling off the shoulders. Its body started falling, and soon both it and the head were engulfed in flames and burned to ash.

I stayed on the ground as the air my lungs craved rushed into them in waves. This had been the third attempt on my life in two weeks, and I couldn’t count how many there had been in the last three years. No matter how many times I survived, there was always another danger around the corner, and I still wasn’t used to being the victim. I was Chase Williams, a demon hunter. I wasn’t supposed to be the one looking over my shoulder; I was supposed to be stalking the prey.

I winced in pain as I lifted myself from the pavement, and brushed ash off my clothes and skin. I had to find a new way home; the demons had gotten all too familiar with this one.

The usual disappointment filled me as I approached my apartment. Broken windows and trash-littered patios were a sad sight to come home to. The broken hand rail shook and the stairs squeaked with each step. Fresh graffiti decorated the landing and I had to use my finger to open the door, which lacked a knob. All that aside, I was relieved to have made it home in one piece. Even if it required standing in the discolored, low pressure water from my shower for an hour, this blood would wash off, and I’d live to see another day.

I stood in the shower until the water turned cold before I gave in to my body’s demand for rest and went to my bedroom. I took in the mattress on the floor, the scratched and faded dresser, and the wobbly lamp with a sigh. It wasn’t much, but it was mine.

I fell onto the bed and relief washed over me. My body was consumed by pain that for anyone else would be even worse the next day, but not for me. I knew the scratches would fade, the scabs would heal, and the throbbing ache of having been thrown into a brick wall would be gone. By tomorrow I’d be good as new: one of the few perks to being a hunter.

I stared up at the cracked ceiling as muffled angry voices leaked through the wall. The sound of breaking glass and swearing followed as the neighbors started their nightly routine, which had become my lullaby. Their screaming pushed my body towards sleep, and as sleep approached the screaming faded. Darkness tugged at my eyes and I couldn’t fight it. I gave into my body’s urge for rest and fell into the dreamscape.

~~~~~~

Chapter 2

"Happy birthday Chase! Ready for your big day?" my mom said.

"Of course I’m ready," I replied, the excited smile fixed on my face. This was the day I’d been awaiting for so many years. All the training, books and lectures were done. Today I was going to become one of them: a hunter.

"I’m so proud of you. No matter what happens today, I want you to know that." My mom’s eyes were welling up with tears; she was always emotional with me.

"I know."

"Chase, the ceremony starts in a few hours. Why aren’t you training? my dad said. I hadn’t heard him walk into the room. Dammit, Tessa stop babying him! He needs to concentrate. It’s an important day."

My mom held back the tears that wanted to fall. Of course, Riley. You’re right, she said and slipped out of the room.

My stomach clenched as my father came closer. You should be training Chase. Just because it’s your birthday doesn’t mean you can be slacking off. I don’t want you embarrassing me out there.

"Yeah, Dad, I know."

"Excuse me?" He glared at me with the severe expression that dominated his face so often.

I cleared my throat and stood up straight. I mean, yes sir, I said. His pale blue eyes regarded me and he nodded. He left the room and I released the breath I was holding.

Everything around me faded, and I was standing at the entryway of the ceremony hall. The room looked bigger than I remembered. I entered slowly and my steps echoed around me. Six whitewashed stone pillars held up the ceiling and matched the walls, making them seem to fade in and out of view.

I moved past the faces I’d trained with for years, getting closer to the altar. The muscles in my abdomen tightened with nervousness and the sweat on my palms threatened to drip. At first I feared I’d trip on the first step and embarrass myself, but as I conquered it, the fear changed its focus to the ceremony. What if I don’t get a good power? If I don’t get the fire element like my father, will he be disappointed? I swallowed these thoughts and ascended the last steps.

The elder members were dressed in long white robes with golden sashes. Each of their faces displayed only a neutral expression. I stepped into the center of the altar and dipped my hands into the large stone bowl. The still-warm viscous liquid coated my fingers and palms. The blood looked black sitting in the bowl, but became bright red as I pulled my hands from it.

The elders chanted in the ancient language nobody else was permitted to understand. I moved around the altar and placed a bloody handprint on each of the six pillars. Drops of blood slid down the white stone; the blood came from the demon I had killed earlier, and it was the blood I needed to spark the birth of my elemental power.

After leaving my mark on the pillars, I returned to the center. The chief elder moved towards me and dipped his fingers into the bowl. He used the blood to draw a symbol on my forehead. I couldn’t see it, but I knew what it meant. Chase Williams, you have completed the prerequisites for the ceremony. You have been anointed with the blood of your enemy. Now is the time you discover your place among us, he intoned.

Each elder brought a stone into the center and set them in a circle around me. Each stone was engraved with a glyph to represent one of the elements. I moved to the first stone and reached my bloodstained hand over it. I called to my magic and recited the phrase I’d been taught. The blood of my enemy shall be the birth of my power. The birth of my power cements my soul to the Circle. I spoke with intensity and confidence. I waited, eyes closed, reaching deep inside myself to pull magic from within.

I repeated the phrase as I moved over each stone, letting a drop of blood stain it. One should react and reveal my element, but nothing happened each time I repeated the words.

Muffled voices reached me from the pews where other Circle members watched, but I wasn’t worried. I moved my hand over the final stone, the one I’d saved for last: the stone representing the fire element. I recited the words a final time, expecting the stone to burst into flames. But there wasn’t even a spark.

The voices got louder and I opened my eyes. The elders’ neutral expressions had changed, some to surprise, others to disgust. I recited the phrase again but the chief elder interrupted me.

"Enough. Take him to the containment room," he commanded.

"Wait, what? I sputtered as two hunters grabbed my arms and dragged me from the altar. Dad, what’s going on? I shouted. My pulse jumped into my throat and panic filled my voice. Dad?" I shrieked, before everything disappeared around me.

The containment room was bright with fluorescent lights, but the sight I wanted to avoid was my father’s eyes. I can’t believe you. You’re disgusting, he said. He slammed his hand on the table between us.

"Riley, that’s enough," Mom said.

"You stay out of this, he replied, not turning to look at her. His gaze was locked on me, but he seemed to see me like an object. This is impossible. My own son has no powers!" He kicked the table onto its side so there was nothing between us.

"Dad, I did everything you told me," I said. He took the final step and closed the distance. He pushed his nose against mine and his magic pulsed against my skin in a burning wave.

"Don’t blame me for your failure." He poked his finger into my chest.

"Get your hands off of him," Mom said, pulling at his arm.

My father let my mother pull him back and smoke rose from the hole he’d created in my shirt, but the anger in his eyes was what burned a permanent scar. He turned in an instant and a stream of flame exploded from his hand. The flame coursed and crackled over the table, which ignited as my father stormed from the room. I winced as the door slammed and glowing embers showered from the table.

My mother stepped towards it, shaking her head. I felt her magic come to life around me as a small ball of light grew in her hands. The light disappeared and a burst of water appeared, dousing the flames. The room grew hazy as it filled with smoke and steam, and I struggled not to cough.

Her water smothered the flames and I watched as her magic faded. She approached me, not speaking, with smoke billowing around her. She wrapped her arms around me and her magic swelled again, not as a wave of water, but as a rush of calming energy that coursed through me. Maybe she could do this because she was a water elemental, but I think it was mostly because she was a mother.

"What’s going to happen?" I asked.

She pulled back and cupped my face, forcing me to meet her bright hazel eyes.

"I don’t know, but whatever it is, we will get through it together. You and me, always," she said.

I tried to smile but failed. Darkness engulfed me and the room also faded, but the taste of smoke was still thick and burned in my throat.

I stood before the council and the elders stared down at me from their high oak benches. Their faces were again composed with blank but somewhat disapproving expressions.

"We’ve taken into consideration today’s events, and given your father’s exceptional history within the Circle, we can only agree with his proposal," the chief elder said.

The fear and the weight I felt on my shoulders vanished. As angry as he was, he still fought for me.

"The council has discussed the situation and we are unanimous in our decision. You will be given a small amount of funds, as well as fifteen minutes at the completion of this hearing to pack your belongings. Any books or weapons in your possession will be confiscated and you will be escorted off the property. You are not to return, nor are you to have contact with anyone within this association. From this point forward, you are not to be counted among the Circle. Instead, you will continue your life outside the Circle as a mortal. Should you fail to comply with this decision, you will be dealt with accordingly." The elder’s voice swirled around me and my shoulders bent as all the fear crashed back over me.

"Dad?" I said. My knees gave out and I collapsed to the floor.

He wore his proud, arrogant smirk now. You are no son of mine, he said.

"Riley Williams, Mom demanded, firmly but with a hint of desperation. You can’t do this."

Riley shook his head. It has been done Tessa. It’s for the good of the Circle.

"Tessa Williams..." the elder continued.

"I will not stand for this!" Mom said, ignoring him.

"This is not your decision, it is the decision of the Circle and our word is final." The elder finally gave way to anger.

"Well, the Circle is making a terrible decision. How can you send him away like this? He’s just a boy."

"We are not sending him alone. You, Tessa Williams, are also found guilty," the elder pronounced.

"Guilty? Guilty of what?"

"There is only one way a hunter births a child who has no powers. That is if the child has only one gifted parent, and…"

"How dare you!" Mom interrupted, but the elder raised his hand.

"You have committed the ultimate crime. You have risked exposing the Circle to the mortals and disrespected your husband in an unbecoming manner. This ruling is the will of the council, and so shall it be. This meeting is adjourned."

A film came over my vision and I couldn’t see the expression on my mother’s face. The tap of shoes on the marble floor moved towards me and her small hands wrapped around my waist and pulled me to my feet.

I shot up in my bed, beads of sweat falling from my face and covering my chest. I couldn’t see anything until my eyes adjusted to the darkness.

The room was silent, except for my own heavy breathing. My pulse pounded in my throat as if trying to escape while I tried to shake the remnants of the dream from my mind.

The scenes were the same every time, just flashes of that day. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t escape it. Going back to sleep wasn’t an option; I knew I would fall back into the nightmare. I peeled the sweat-covered sheets off my body and headed for the shower to try to wash the dream away.

~~~~~~

Chapter 3

I wiped a streak through the grime on the mirror. Wet blond hair stuck to my forehead and the dark blue eyes that stared back at me were different than those I remembered from my youth. It’d been almost three years since we’d been exiled from the Circle, and I wasn’t sure I recognized the person in the mirror now.

I shook that thought away and pushed away from the sink. It was five in the morning; going back to bed was pointless, and I was hungry. My mom was already awake. She was a vision of beauty sitting at the kitchen table with a book in her hand. She didn’t have to try to draw people to her, with those warm hazel eyes that could engulf you and somehow assure you that everything would be alright. She was petite with a slender build, but I knew the strength she carried. Her dark brown hair was shoulder length and always falling in her eyes, but there were no hints of gray yet, which was impressive given the stress of the past three years.

You couldn’t sleep either?

No, I admitted.

She moved towards me, reached up on her tiptoes and kissed my forehead. Well, I guess if we’re both awake we might as well have breakfast together. It’s been too long. She started to gather eggs, a frying pan, and other essentials. How about French toast? she said. She knew it was my favorite.

French toast sounds great, Mom.

She puttered about the kitchen. So your birthday’s coming up, the big eighteen. Do you have any idea what you want?

I shook my head. "You shouldn’t get me anything and you know that. We don’t have the money anyway. I’d rather just not think about it.

She stopped and turned to me. I’ll be damned if you’re going to have a birthday and not celebrate it. We’ll make it work.

You always do, but no matter how many good birthdays I have, they’ll never make up for the bad one.

My mom sighed. Chase. Riley. Williams.

Yes? I replied innocently.

This is our life now. I don’t regret what happened and neither should you.

Mom, things could be better for you if I… I loved my mother, but sometimes I hated that she couldn’t admit our life was better in the Circle.

Chase, my life in the Circle was a lifetime ago, and I don’t miss it.

Not even a little?

No, and you’re old enough now to know that your father and I hadn’t seen things the same way for a long time.

That caught me off guard and my first instinct was to defend my dad somehow, but he didn’t deserve that. Mom was trying to share something with me and I didn’t want to stop her from treating me like an adult.

What do you mean?

You’ve always known your father is a fire elemental and I’m water. They’re opposing forces of nature. My magic is for healing, and his element holds nothing but destructive power. Being polar opposites may be why we fell in love, but we couldn’t sustain it. Your father was always a proud and arrogant man, and so hard on you. Nothing you did was ever good enough, and granted, that’s part of the reason you are so good. You never stopped trying to impress him. It might be hard to believe, but once upon a time he was gentle, sweet, and kind. He wanted us to be one happy family. Then one day, something changed.

What?

She shrugged. I don’t know for sure. His power controlled him, and he became obsessed with you being his legacy, instead of his child. As much as you miss your old life, you need to understand exile is for the best for both of us.

It’s just hard to see that sometimes.

I know you have to bear the burden of being Riley Williams’ son, and that’s not fair. You’ve never been able to relax since the Underworld wants to kill you just for being his son. None of this is something a normal seventeen-year-old has to deal with, but hunters are never normal, she said with a smirk.

Yeah, try telling the Circle that, I said.

Mom shook her head. We don’t need the Circle, Chase. We don’t need their help. We don’t need their money and we don’t need their problems.

Maybe Mom was right, but I wanted to be fighting the good fight, not fighting to survive. We could make ends meet without its help, but sometimes I missed the support the Circle could provide, and without their funding, Mom and I worked full-time just to pay the bills. Mom worked in a rehabilitation center, a worthy employer that didn’t exactly make or pay a fortune. She enjoyed the work, but she couldn’t use her element in the open. Mom’s powers were useful, but people fear what they don’t understand.

So this was our life trying to be normal. I wasn’t sure why, but attacks on my mom were rare, while for me they were the most dependable thing I had in my life besides her.

Any plans for the day? Mom said, as the smell of French toast filled the room.

No, I work tonight.

I know you feel it’s your responsibility, Chase, but you don’t have to take so many shifts. You have enough on your plate dealing with the Underworld without worrying about paying the bills.

I grinned and gave her the reassuring words she always left with me. Mom, we’re in this together. You and me, always.

Her eyes welled up with tears and I wrapped my arms around her. She hugged me back and the calm feeling from my dream washed over me again.

Mom? I eyed the smoking frying pan. She didn’t answer. Mom, I think you’re burning it.

She jumped up, not wiping the single tear that trailed down her face, and attacked the frying pan with the spatula. Neither of us could help but laugh.

~~~~~~

Chapter 4

I’d had several jobs in the past year. This one I’d managed to keep for a few months. Most of my employers frowned on me coming to work with cuts and bruises all the time. It made for poor presentation, they’d say. I was thankful it hadn’t interfered with this job, yet.

I finished up my shift and had started my walk home from the burger joint when I felt it. A hunter doesn’t mistake the feeling that demons are around. It moves down your spine and chills your bones. Feeling it proved I was indeed a hunter, even without an element.

The August air was warm for the late hour, and a thick layer of sweat made my white shirt cling to me. I stopped and unzipped my duffle bag, locating the silver dagger inside. Silver was great no matter what you were fighting; it could do serious damage to anything of the Underworld.

The tingle shot down my spine again. If I focused, I could feel each hair on my neck rise. I saw a blur of movement across the street and watched it disappear into a shadowy alley. I moved across the street in a low crouch, resting my weight on the balls of my feet. I slowed my breathing and pulled the dagger from my bag before I slipped around the corner.

My senses were alive and strained to see movement, or hear the sound of feet shuffling against loose rocks. As a hunter, I could see well in the dark, though the only light came from a single flickering street lamp.

I was almost to the end of the alley when it hit. I couldn’t tell what it was, but it struck my back and launched me forward. My feet tumbled over my head and my back smashed hard into the concrete wall at the end of the alley. Hands grabbed me and lifted me to my feet, dragging me a few steps before throwing me back the other way. I flew through the air, hit the ground and rolled out into the street.

I used my momentum and came up on one knee to recover. My back burned where pavement had grated the skin off, but I pushed the pain aside as the figure stalked towards me.

Your death will bring me great glory, hunter. Killing the son of Riley Williams will make me a legend among the Underworld, the low voice gloated.

That’s really great, good luck with that, I said.

He smiled and the fangs that slid down from his gums were long and sharp. His pale skin started to thin as the vampire changed into his demon form.

Milky skin faded into transparent flesh, revealing the moving muscles beneath. Veins ran black through the vampire’s face and limbs, pushing against the thinning clear skin. Strange muscles in his hands pushed bony talons out over his finger nails, and the whites of his eyes disappeared, filling with an inky blackness. The dark orbs stared at me as his fanged mouth curled into a smile, and in a blur he sprang forward, talons swinging.

I ducked as they sliced through the air over my head. I brought the knife up into his stomach and twisted the blade

Reviews for Exiled (The Protector Book 1)

[alwaysyaatheart · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

After spending his whole life trying to please his father, training to be a demon hunter, what he was born to do, Chase Williams finds himself an outcast along with his mother, abandoned by his father, the Circle, and all that he knew, forced into a life on the outside, just trying to survive. Each day holds its own challenge. After all, when you are the famous Riley Williams' son, every demon in the world is after you. It is during one of these "attacks" that Chase meets Rayna and Marcus, an encounter that changes everything. Marcus is also a Hunter, and a very powerful one, who doesn't hold the same beliefs as the Circle, and helps to open Chase's eyes to a whole new way of thinking. Rayna is half demon and half hunter, beautiful, tough, and challenges everything that Chase has ever known. These unlikely allies soon find that their coming together was much more than happenstance, and that it will take them working together to stop the evil that has already begun to be unleashed.The story is told from Chase's point of view, and let me just say that I love Chase. He turns out to be quite the hero, but not a perfect one by any means. He screws up, gets knocked down, but gets back up and kicks more evil butt again. I especially love Rayna. I think her character is just awesome. She is a total badass and one awesome heroine. Willy is another one of my favorite characters. He also plays a big role in helping Chase to realize that things aren't always black and white. As for the story. M.R. Merrick's has created a fantasy filled world with all kinds of supernatural creatures that is imaginative, adventurous, and entertaining. I was extremely impressed with the quality of Merrick's writing. It is very professional, and it was hard to believe that this was his debut novel. The book had the feel of a little bit of Mortal Instruments and Lord of the Rings mixed together with a little bit of underlying romance, which was icing on the cake. I thoroughly enjoyed Exiled, and if you are an urban fantasy fan (and even if you're not), you should definitely check Exiled out.

[missaligirl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a refreshing YA read. No love triangles, no insta-love, no uber annoying, self obsessed heroine. Exiled delivers nothing but action packed, demon slaying goodness.When Chase turns fifteen he expects to finally develop his magical power and become a hunter of evil demons. Instead he comes up empty handed. Exiled by his enclave and father, he learns to adapt with no one but his mother. Teaching himself to hunt demons would be a difficult enough task, learning to do it while they seem to all be hunting him is whole other problem.Chase is the type of guy anyone would like, except the demons of course. He is a hard working, responsible, caring young man with a sense for right and wrong and just the right undercurrent of snarky humor. Though he is head strong and it finds him in several situations he could have avoided, you understand that it is all part of his desire and need to solve the greater problem and help others.When he finds himself being helped by the very like he has sworn to kill, he finds out that the life he always thought was right and true isn't exactly what he believed it to be. He finds himself on the other side and allying with creatures he once would have killed but now will kill to protect.Rayna, the half blood demon, was my favorite character. I love a tough heroine, especially one who is always good for pitching you back some shit. She's a tough chick but there were a few sweet vulnerable moments that were so endearing.Chase and Rayna make a great team, both working to solve what is threatening the Underworld. They drive head first into battle after battle, learning to trust and rely on each other. And perhaps care about each other, though romance does not bloom in Exile. Perhaps we'll get a taste of that in Shift, I sure hope so because these two make quite a pair!Merrick has created a fun new fantasy world in Exiled full of fun and unique characters and I look forward to continuing with the series.

[hermyoni · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Simply put I loved this book! Demons, high action and a great plot combined to make the Unholy trinity that is Exiled. I honestly cannot believe I waited so long to read this. Engrossing doesn't begin to describe the events that took place within the pages. While I didn't read Exiled in one sitting I easily could of. M.R. Merrick seems to have a limitless imagination and that certainly made for a great read. Not only was the plot solidly developed but the twists really kept me on my toes. I love when a book genuinely surprises me and believe me Exiled did.Chase was my favorite character the relationship he has with his mother had me laughing and you could see the strong bond between the two. I can't wait to see more of Rayna in the second book. If I had to list my favorite characters in order she would be a very close second. It's great finally seeing a heroine who can keep up with the boys in terms of badassness. Rayna was strong, brave, smart and sassy. I really enjoyed all the scenes involving her. Don't worry though all the secondary characters are given the same attention to character building as the main cast and provide some of the best scenes in the whole book.Overall Exiled by M.R. Merrick was a great read. If you enjoy Urban Fantasy with Paranormal Elements than I highly suggest picking this up and giving it a go. I will be rating Exiled by M.R. Merrick ★★★★★. Worth a read, worth the price and definitely worth your time!

[rmboland · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Let me first say, that I was barely HALFWAY through this book and I was already itching to come on here and write a review. But no, I was a good girl, I practiced resistance, and I saved you all from a HUGE fangirl explosion of 1000 exclamation marks placed after every sentence, and the complete overuse of the words AMAZING, ASTOUNDING, and SPECTACULAR. Really, I could go on for a few hours here.......!!!!!! (There they are, I had to).I'm sure I've mentioned it a few times already, but if not, let me mention it once more: Neil Gaiman is pretty much my literary GOD in the world of fantasy/sci-fi. NO one else has been able to match his writing abilities in my eyes, and I was convinced that no one ever would. Then Mr. Merrick happened, and Exhiled happened, and I am highly convinced that I have just found my 2nd favourite Fantasy writer of all time. I believe that he has the great potential to get to where Gaiman is, and I am officially a HUGE fan.Okay okay, I've rambled. Time to review: I.LOVED.THIS.BOOK. I can't remember the last time I've given a book 5 stars, I truly can't. This book was reminiscent of SO many great things for me: Buffy, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, a whole SLEW of fairy tales from my youth. But instead of it reading like copycat content, I felt like it mostly encompassed the very best elements, essences, and feelings of all of those sources-I was enthralled, I was interested, I was completely and utterly absorbed in the storyline. Which made my very soul SO happy-I've been reading some pretty horrible paranormal/fantasy lately. There is such a potential to come off as completely corny and over the top in this genre, and I think Merrick handled it like a PRO. There is definitely a need for more MALE YA writers of his talent.Merrick's writing style flowed effortlessly-the dialogue was well placed, witty, and just long enough. The use of descriptive imagery in scenes is SO important to me. I 'm a visual learner at heart, and when it comes to books, I love nothing more than being able to picture in my head exactly what's unfolding. This book made that extremely easy-I was never confused, nor did I have to re-read passages more than once to figure out what the crap just happened. The worlds created in Exhiled had to be one of my ultimate favourite things, aside from the characters. I LOVED that the author switched it up near the end, and we were introduced to the world of Drakar-oh my goodness, DON'T even get my started on the genius, fantastical imagery and characters that made up this world. I was COMPLETELY enamored.The characters. OH the characters. I don't think it could get much better than the set of amazing personalities that Merrick created in this book. Chase wasn't your typical, brooding, "I'm so hot, SWOON for me" male lead. Rayna was cocky, yes, but you instantly knew there was more to her than that (she kind of reminded me of the vampire Jody from Christopher Moore's Bloodsucking Fiends-whom I ADORED). It is SO refreshing to read a fantasy/paranormal book that doesn't involve "insta-love"-a theme which seems to occupy EVERY YA book these days. The relationship between Chase and Rayna was comfortable and entertaining-I loved their banter, and thought they developed separately, and as a team, at just the perfect pace.The secondary characters were brilliant. I adored Willy and Tikki, and I can't WAIT to read more from them in the 2nd and 3rd installments. Their characteristics really helped make this book stand out for me-I could picture them perfectly in my mind, and I find myself missing reading about them already. I also thought the villans were VERY well developed, and weren't over the top in ways that just annoyed me, instead of propelling the story forward.The conclusion of this book was perfect. It wrapped up the entire storyline beautifully, but with just the right amount of cliffhanger. It was like an episode of your favourite TV show-you already KNOW you're going to tune in the next week. As I am DEFINITELY going to be picking up books 2 and 3 in this series. A COMPLETE winner in my books, and an outstanding debut for M.R.Merrick. Bravo!!

[alaiel4kreuz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I've heard so many wonderful things about this book that at first I was a bit worried that it wouldn't live up to my expectations and actually held myself back a little bit putting other books before Exiled.Major mistake ever. After 50 or so pages into the story all I could think was "Remember not to listen to yourself ever again, Alaiel..."Because yes, Exiled was everything I was hoping to be and much more. Cliche, I know, but what can I say that hasn't been said before? I mean, let's make a quick check list here:Action? Check.Humor? Check.Sarcasm? Double check.Character development? Check.Drama? Check. (And boy, did I cry here so much...)Promising sequel? You bet!If that is not enough (and I know it's not and that you actually want a proper review that makes sense, but bear with me a little more) we have a wicked plot. No kidding.I love RPG games as much as any guy out there, and you are probably wondering what does that have anything to do with the book, right? Elemental powers. That's it. Elemental powers are a big part of this book, in fact, almost everything spins around it. Who doesn't want to control fire, water, air or earth?! It just sounds so much like a game that I love it.You see, when Chase Williams -our cocky main character- discovers that he doesn't have an Elemental power his whole life just crumbles down. His father, a legend within his species -a cold bastard if you ask me- turns his back on him and Chase's mom alleging that he can't be his son. Therefore they are cast out.A few years later Chase and his mom are living among us. Life is hard since they have to work a lot in order to survive and everyday brings out a new fight with Underwolders that want to claim they killed Riley Williams' son.Between being cast out and the fighting Chase is now a boy that loves his mom but doesn't trust in anyone else and boils in anger. And to be honest, you can't blame him.But then he meets a member of the Circle, one that was supposed to be dead, actually. And he is fighting alongside a young girl, a witch.Turns out that Marcus has a lot of information to share with Chase. Not only the Circle is hiding a lot of dark secrets but some of the Underwolders they hunt down and kill without hesitation could be innocent. Or as innocent as a they can be.Fighting to keep it cool Chase doesn't want to hear Marcus out, after all, his whole life could haven been based upon a lie but despise his hesitation he listens to his mother (the only person capable of putting some sense into him) and decides to cooperate with Marcus and Rayna, the witch girl that is actually half hunter too.Together they will investigate the disappearance of a lot of Underworlders, specially when the traces seem to go back to the Circle.Personal opinion:By now you all know that I enjoyed Exiled a whole lot. How couldn't I? So I'm just going to add some info.One of the things I liked best was the fact that the characters developed throughout the whole book, specially Chase. At the beginning he was this cocky guy that thought he could handle anything and that didn't really think things through, he just reacted. Granted, he is strong and brave but to be a worthy fighter you need more than that. And although stubborn (to the point you will want to hit him hard) he is still open enough to listen and learn from his mistakes.Besides, as it turns out, I enjoyed seeing the story from his POV.Then of course we have Rayna. Boy, oh boy... was she kick-a**. I like this girl a lot, she doesn't take sh*t from Chase or anybody. She is strong, sassy, reliable and very smart. Maybe at the beginning her relationship with Chase was a mess because neither of them trusted in the other but by half the book they both knew very well that the other was willing to give his/her life for the other.As for the romance part, there's really not much about it but you won't miss it at all because there are so many things going on that friendship seems like the best option right now. Plus, I'm sure something is going to happen between them soon. And the waiting helps to create more expectation, haha.And don't get me started with the vast variety of races and creatures going on here! Humans, witches, demons, vampires, hunters, goblins, werecats... I'm not sure how but Mr. Merrick managed to make them all work nicely for the plot, every little piece engaged with the other creating a whole cast that hold the story perfectly together.Although bittersweet the ending was so good that the sequel, Shift, is next in my TBR pile.

[ktu35114 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a fantastic fantasy covering demons, warlocks, witches and their hunters. It was a fantastic first book in the series, a great introduction into the lives of Chase and Rayna.Chase is a seventeen year old boy that has only known the life of a hunter. Hunters have special abilities and allow them to heal faster, be quicker and stronger than an ordinary human. Chase is the son of parents that both have hunters blood. Three years ago, Chase was to go through the hunter’s ritual to bring on his elemental powers. The only problem is that Chase didn’t get his and his father was so disgusted that he exiled Chase with his mother. Three years go by and Chase does his bit by killing demons, which is all he knows. But now something has changed and demons are following him everywhere and attacking him. Living with his Mother they are working constantly to make ends meet and to look out for each other. Then one night on his way home from work, Chase is attacked. While trying to get the upper hand somebody comes by and kills the demon before Chase can finish the job. Rayna is part witch, part hunter and has become a hunter like Chase. Marcus has taken her under his wing and together they go hunting. They have asked Chase to join their cause.Chase doesn’t know what to think, Marcus was meant to be dead and why is he working with a half-breed? Demons start to get kidnapped and Marcus, Chase and Rayna are not sure what is going on. They begin investigating the disappearances and find themselves in more trouble.Who are kidnapping the demons? Why are they kidnapping demons? How much trouble can Chase and Rayna find? Will Chase ever receive his elemental power?This book is full to the brim of awesomeness. Chase’s character has so much potential to evolve into the man that every reader wants him to become. He realises life isn’t just about killing demons and that maybe some of them aren’t that bad after all. And maybe, just maybe there may be some loving for him and Rayna (I hope so, I will have to read Shift to find out). This book has inter-dimensional travel, magic beyond your imaginations and demons of all descriptions. The world that Mr Merrick has written is unique with red and green grass, purple water; just amazing. One of my favourite parts is the fight that Chase has to take against the troll and the old children’s story about crossing the bridge and having to pay a toll, hilarious. I certainly can’t wait to read Shift and I recommend you all read Exiled to begin the journey.

[tripsis_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fans of Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments series will love this book! I’ve actually only read City of Bones so far, but there are a lot of similarities in style between that book and Exiled. I actually liked Exiles more than city of bones. So if you like Cassandra Clare, definitely check out Exiled!Exiled is a super awesome story about demons, demon hunters, vampires, warlocks, trolls, and more! This is exactly the kind of story I like: magical powers, secret world/society that humans don’t know about, corrupt organization, and war! Chase Williams—a demon hunter—is the main character in this story. He’s part of an organization called The Circle, the purpose of which is to protect the world from demons. On his fifteenth birthday, he steps up to claim his elemental power, which is passed down through demon hunter bloodlines, but it doesn’t come. Since he’s now labeled ‘powerless,’ The Circle decides to exile him and his mother. And awesome, unexpected adventures ensue!I loved Chase’s character because he actually reminded me a lot of myself, and as a girl, I don’t usually relate that well to male characters. But I definitely saw a lot of myself in Chase and that was a pleasant surprise for me. He’s loyal, determined, a little too stubborn, doesn’t like to admit when he’s wrong, and often gets a little overpowered by guilt. He’s fiercely loyal to his friends so he hates it when his friends are put in danger because of his actions.Rayna was also a terrific character! She’s sexy, badass, super smart, and talented. Rayna is half half-demon and half hunter, and possibly one of a kind. She has so many interesting and unique powers, that even she is still discovering. Plus she has cat eyes — that’s awesome.There was a really interesting almost-romance brewing between Chase and Rayna. They start off kind of hating each other, but soon their jibes start straying away from dislike and towards the kind of playful banter that happens when flirting. Nothing ever officially develops between them, but the tension and chemistry are there, so I really hope this is something we see more of in book 2!What’s great about Exiled is that it’s so full of action and there is never a dull moment. Chase is constantly being attacked by demons, striking deals with vampires, or going on some adventure to discover the truth or rescue his friends. There are plenty of battle scenes, some of which are a little gory, but they’re all described in wonderful detail and clarity. M.R. Merrick introduces us to a wide variety of characters and creatures, from goblins to trolls to shifters. At one point, Chase acquires an animal companion he names Rai. This is the most awesome bird ever and I totally want one! But she doesn’t get introduced until near the end of the story, so I won’t reveal too much about her awesomeness. Speaking of the end, it’s really quite sad and totally had me tearing up, which was a little embarrassing since I was at an airport. But this is definitely an intriguing story that any magic lover or urban fantasy addict will enjoy! There are so many awesome characters, intriguing lore, and new worlds to learn about. Merrick really excelled at creating interesting characters with interesting and unique personalities. Each one had a very distinctive voice and I fell in love with all of them for different reasons.Exiled is a self published book, but you’d never know it. Many people are turned off by self published books — and I often am too — but I really hope that doesn’t dissuade you from picking up Exiled. During my reading, there was never a time where I was thinking, “This is a great story but it could really use some editing.” The story flows well, the characters are interesting and develop, and I didn’t encounter the spelling/grammatical errors that are often present in self published works. Exiled is a great book and I can’t wait to read the second one in the series!As for my rating, I was constantly going back and forth between 4 stars and 5 stars — I couldn’t really decide. So let’s go with 4.5!

[krista23 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In all honesty here, I have read a lot of books this year with Demons and recently have found them all kind of mixing together in my head and not remembering much about them only weeks after reading the book.This book however completely stood out on it's own and incredibly entertaining and memorable.I had been hearing some good things about the book in some blogs, so I had it on my radar, it's a great price right now and jumped at the opportunity to review it. Needless to say when I started reading it I was unsure how it was going to turn out for me, but about halfway through is when I really knew it was going to get the 5 star rating and worth every penny in my opinion.What I did like immediately from page one was that it's told from a male perspective. I am starting to appreciate this more and more as it is not so common in Young Adult books out there (I read mostly young adult books for review) I find a the male's perspective on things refreshing and different especially when it is written so well.This book had great characters, they interacted well with each other, I also like a story with a great evil villain that really adds content that keeps me entertained and guessing at what will happen next. Also the mixture of characters and the world building and traveling was a unique mixture and really fit the story.I don't know why I find it important to emphasize that the 2nd half of the book rocked! Once the characters were established and we get a feel for everything, it takes off into a crazy adventure and incredible fighting scenes. Rounded off nicely with a epilogue that is very fitting and not a cliffhanger! :)

[supagurlbooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Review: 5x5WOW! Let me just say that I totally loved this story!! You have demon hunters, demons, witches, warlocks, halfies, and The Circle. This is an action packed thrill ride that will blow your socks off.Chase, well he is just an intense character! He is fiercely loyal to his mother and slowly comes to trust some others. He has a great personality and you will like him instantly! Chase' mother has the same great personality as her son or should I say he gets that from her? They are on their own and it's her and him always.Step in Rayna, she throws a wrench in his life, but in a good way. She is an amazing character and I can't wait to see more of her!The story line is a great original spin on things and takes you at a fast pace. The world building is spot on and the world created will leave you in awe. Get this book NOW and enjoy the ride!!

[bookishbrunette · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Chase is a demon hunter- without an elemental power. For this disgrace to his father's legacy, he was cast out of the 'protection' of the Circle with his mother to live among the humans.However, the demons that roam our world seek Chase out without fail... OVER and OVER again... night after night... Let me explain quickly, a demon can be any creature of the Underworld: vamp, shifter, witch... etc. And there are only a few ways to kill said demons, "Cut off his head or pierce his black heart- those were my options. I could light him on fire, but I was fresh out of matches." *grin* I loooove my Chase...Chase is thoroughly (rather slowly... as he is slightly LOSING) figuring out HOW he wants to rid the world of this particular demon when out of nowhere, RAYNA comes up from behind and takes the kill shot before Chase has the chance!Rayna... OMG! I TOTALLY freaking LOVE her! Seriously- from her green, shifter eyes to her wickedly hot witchy ways... She was EPIC! Ahem! Moving on...After Rayna takes out the demon, she starts to lay the smack down on Chase! (Okay, my guy TOTALLY held his own... but Rayna let him HAVE IT!) It becomes clear to Chase as they're fighting, that she- HERSELF- is a demon.Then someone calls Rayna off! Not just anyone either... A HUNTER! A powerful, air-elemental with the ability to manipulate the shadows. Beyond that, Marcus was also Chase's DAD'S old partner... who has been thought dead by the Hunters for years, when in reality he has been training demons!This is unfathomable to Chase! Demons and Hunters can't be FRIENDS, and they certainly don't work together! But there is a lot that Chase doesn't know, not all Underworlder's are evil- and not all members of the Circle are good.RIGHT? I know... and that's just the freaking BEGINNING! I totally looooved Chase and his thought process... and I had a WICKED crush on him! *giggles* "There were a lot of problems with living in the slums. I could deal with the noisy neighbors. I could handle the random gunshots during the night, but the lack of water pressure was at the top of my list of complaints. This was clearly a sign my life wasn't normal."Then Chase finds himself doing something that he thought he'd NEVER do... SAVING the life of a demon- from the very Hunter's he used to train with. He takes quite a beating from his former 'brothers', and Willy (the demon) takes him home and has his Gram (freaking AWESOMESAUCE old lady) heal him.Upon returning home, his mother is FREAKING out because he's been gone for DAYS- healing... at the DEMON'S house. Marcus is there, and Chase finally agrees to help him and Rayna fight against the Hunter's, so they won't be able to procure this half-breed blood they're looking for. "My can it be true? One day you're putting knives to my throat and calling me a filthy demon, and the next you're having sleepovers with an Underworlder?" ~Rayna "What can I say, he was prettier than you." ~ChaseI absolutely REFUSE to give ANYTHING more away about the story... but i can assure you it just gets BIGGER & BETTER from there on... I know, it's hard to imagine right?Now I must mention how much I completely adored the secondary characters in Exiled. They were just as detailed and descriptively written as any of the main characters!Willy was freaking FABULOUS, Tiki completely ROCKED my face off and even the villainous characters were beautifully fantastic! The vividness in which I experienced the worlds that M.R. Merrick created within Exiled is too hard to put into words. Everything was perfectly executed, so that when I picked up this book- I was instantly transported from my couch, into Chase William's world so completely that I could have been standing next to him.THIS is why I love indie books... Exiled is the PERFECT example of the EPICNESS that can exist in independent work and therefore so easily go unnoticed!Part fantasy, part action/adventure, part YA and part romantic comedy without all the dramatics of a love triangle... there's not even kissing! (I'm hoping for some in SHIFT though) I'm kicking myself for having waited so long to read this book. Exiled was completely KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF AWESOME!I LOVED Exiled. It was in all it's glory- A grand adventure, filled with guts, glory, mythical creatures, AMAZING story-telling and we mustn't forget... a golden torrent. And for all this and more, it is joining the ranks with only FOUR other books to ever have received a CROWNED REVIEW.SERIOUSLY- READ this book, NOW!

[greatimaginations · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Okay. I am really nervous about writing this review, because I want to do this book justice. It was sooo good. And the author. Because he is seriously one of the nicest guys around. Exiled is a very special book, and because it was written by someone I know and am familiar with, I was completely worried. I mean, wouldn't that suck if I didn't like it? Especially since I asked to review it. I believe this may be the first book I actually asked to review, although I am not entirely sure. Either way, it didn't matter. This book was just...I am speechless. I could talk to you about the plot (epic!), or the characters (so well-developed it was insane), or the world-building (which was fantastic, vivid, and full of outstanding imagery), but I'm not going to do that, because although I could make this a technical review, I really don't want to. Just trust me when I say it is all there. I would much rather talk about how the book made me feel. Exiled is one of those books with a story you can just lose yourself in. Forget the world around you, forget your problems, and just focus on the words. It's not always easy to do, but in this case it was. This was easily one of the best books I read this year and I can't wait for my blog readers, and other lovers of books to get their hands on it and experience it for themselves. It takes a lot for me personally to rave about a book, and this book did it all for me. There is literally nothing for me to complain about or critique, because if I had edited it, I wouldn't have changed a thing. It was truly an adventure in every sense of the word. I took the ride with the characters. And believe me, I didn't want to. Chase was a miserable jerk in the beginning. But he went on a personal journey throughout this book and by the end he had been through so much that it changed him as a person. And my opinion of him changed as I continued to read. This is something that should be a part of every book I read, but is rarely ever there. The author nailed it. There was conflict, there was tension. Even the side characters were thoroughly plotted out. But whatever. I said it wasn't going to be a technical review and there I go again. It is in my blood I guess. Anyway, it had all the elements that make a story truly great. I think this is only the beginning of good things to come for M.R. Merrick. If his writing is any indication, he will have one heck of a ride ahead of him. Read it, Read it, Read it! It has my seal of approval and then some.