**THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER**

‘THE START OF SOMETHING TRULY EPIC’ Fonda Lee, author of the Green Bone Saga

‘DAZZLING . . . THIS IS SPACE OPERA AT ITS BEST’ Publishers Weekly

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Expanse series comes a stunning new space opera that sees humanity struggling for its survival in a war as ancient as the universe. The invasion is only the beginning . . .

The Carryx - part empire, part hive - have been waging wars of conquest for centuries, destroying or enslaving species across the galaxy in conflict with an ancient and immortal enemy. When they descend on the isolated world of Anjiin, the human population is slaughtered and condemned to chains. The best and brightest are abducted and transported to the palace of the Carryx to join prisoners from a thousand other races. Dafyd Alkhor, assistant to a distinguished scientist, is captured along with his team. Even he does not suspect that his unique perception and skills will be key in discerning his captors' terrifying agenda.

Swept into a conflict beyond his control and greater than his imagination, Dafyd is poised to become humanity’s hero - and its betrayer.

This is the beginning of his story.

‘The start of what could be Corey’s most epic - and fun - series yet. Simply novelistic’ Kirkus

‘No one builds a universe like James S. A. Corey. When it's over, all you will want is . . . more’ John Scalzi, New York Times bestselling author

‘Terrifying alien overlords and a vast intergalactic war with humanity on the brink of extinction . . . The Mercy of the Gods is the start of something truly epic’ Fonda Lee, author of the Green Bone Saga

‘Like the Expanse, The Mercy of Gods balances cosmic risks with a surprisingly potent human dramatic drama. Ideal storytelling’ M. R. Carey, author of The Girl With All the Gifts

‘A fast, smart book. Corey is always one of the most engaging voices in the genre’ Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of Children of Time

‘The Mercy of Gods radiates the terror and revelation of first contact, crafting new worlds and cultures that kept me hooked’ Bethany Jacobs, author of These Burning Stars

‘Everything you want in an alien invasion novel: overwhelming aliens, end-of-the-world terror, and fighting humans who never stop battling . . . An outstanding read. I want more’ Paolo Bacigalupi, New York Times bestselling author

‘A powerful, thought-provoking masterpiece that I will think about for a long time’ Ryka Aoki, author of Light from Uncommon Stars

Pages: 432, Year of Publication: 1029, Dimensions: 16.4x16.4cm