Review: Exiled by M.R. Merrick

Chase Williams is a demon hunter in the Circle, or at least he was supposed to be. Failing to develop any elemental magic on his fifteenth birthday left him exiled in a world full of half-demons, and no hunters to protect him. When Chase discovers the Circle's plan to unlock a portal and unleash pure-blood demons into the world, he vows to stop them. Knowing he can't do it alone however, he accepts help from Rayna, a sexy witch with an attitude and a secret. As the pair attempt to stop the Circle, Chase realizes working with a demon is only half the battle. When they find themselves in the middle of the Circle's plan, it leaves one of them to decide what their friendship is worth, and the other's life depending on it. (From )  

My Review: Exiled is a very well written debut novel from M.R. Merrick. I found the story to be captivating and will leave readers wondering what will come next. Chase and Rayna's relationship is very interesting. Chase has grown up believing that all Underworlders are evil. Then Rayna enters his life and he is forced to re-evaluate all that he has ever known. Another hunter, who was presumed dead, tries to help Chase understand that the Circle has been corrupted and that they are not protecting the innocent as they claim.

I really enjoyed the relationships that M.R. Merrick creates in Exiled, the first in a series. He builds Chase's character from the introduction, as he is the narrator. Chase's mother Tessa is also a strong character and is Chase's rock. They rely on each other to get through. Rayna is a fascinating character. She has the eyes of a feline, but there is much more to her than meets the eye. Her feisty spirit is really fun to read as the story unfolds. The plot is definitely different because although it deals with demons and the mortal world, M.R. Merrick adds his own creative elements to the story to keep it unique and enjoyable to read. I definitely recommend putting this on your e-reader. You won't be disappointed.

--Raychelle