A Merry Life by Sarah Branson

Book Description

Kat Wallace is on a mission. After escaping tortuous enslavement, she sets her sights on ending the human trafficking that has flourished in 24th century Earth.

Adopted by the leader of the pirate nation of Bosch, Kat Wallace is determined to prove herself as a member of the Bosch Pirate Force and use her skills to avenge her enslavement and free other thralls.

But unexpected love and a test of loyalty threaten to rob her of what she wants most: a home.

Review

To celebrate #IndieApril, all the book reviews I’ve posted this month have been for indie published books. But not only is A Merry Life by Sarah Branson indie published, Branson is a fellow Indie Author Project Winner! Branson’s novel is a masterful blend of action, intrigue, and family drama, all set against the backdrop of an interesting world.

A Merry Life is gripping and immersive and takes readers on a thrilling journey into the heart of a post-apocalyptic world. Set in 2349, New Earth is Earth, but it’s not. The novel doesn’t delve deeply into why our “modern” society collapsed, but the new world is more similar to our world than you might expect. As you know, I love hopeful post-apocalyptic fiction, and this story definitely hit the right tone for me.

The characters are complex and fully realized, with their strengths and flaws, loyalties and betrayals, making them feel like real people.

The plot is intricate and engaging, with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. Branson vividly describes her fight scenes, with a focus on strategy and tactics that make them exciting. But it’s the emotional stakes that truly drive the story forward. And when the stakes are highest, we’re left with one question; will Kat choose love or revenge?

Overall, A Merry Life is an outstanding character-driven novel that combines elements of science fiction and family saga into a unique reading experience. It absolutely stands on its own, but if you love it, there are three more books in the series. It’s a great read for fans of complex characters, intricate world-building, and thrilling action, but be sure you have your tissues handy.

Content Warning

Enslavement, Euthanasia, Kidnapping, Rape, Suicide, Torture

The header photo is a composite image. Base image by Matt Hardy on Unsplash