Review: Muse by Rebecca Lim

Title: Muse

Series: Mercy #3

Author: Rebecca Lim

Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books

Publication Date: 27 Oct 2011

Source: Review Copy

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis from Goodreads

An angel searching for answers, for her destiny…

In the third MERCY paranormal romance, Mercy wakes in a new unknown host, her love for Ryan and Luc burning stronger than ever. But who will she make the ultimate sacrifice for?

There's something very wrong with me. When I wake up, I could be anyone…

Mercy is thrust into the excessive world of fashion when she awakes in the body of a troubled Russian supermodel, Irina: bitchy, hot-tempered and known to be dabbling in things she shouldn’t, Irina is on the verge of a very public breakdown.

Against the glamorous background of opulent Milan, Mercy continues her increasingly desperate search for Ryan to lead her back to her immortal lover, Luc. But this time Mercy is aware that her memories and powers are growing ever stronger – and she begins to doubt Luc as The Eight reveal more of her mysterious past. Are Luc’s desires as selfless as her own or does he want her for a more terrifying purpose?
The grand scale celestial battle for Mercy’s soul builds to an incredible stormy crescendo as archangels and demons clash in a cataclysmic showdown that not all will survive…

REVIEW

Please bear in mind that this is the third book in the series and may therefore contain spoilers for the previous books.

Following the dramatic ending of Exile (Review HERE) there isn't much time to place Mercy into a new host. When Mercy awakens in the body of Russian super-model Irina she has regained most of her memory. Her own thoughts and feelings although she enigma of Luc and why she is on earth is yet to be revealed. The background detailing into Mercy's character, angels and the interactions of angels, fallen ones and humans really filled out the plot.

 
The insight into the fashion industry especially the life of a super-model was amazing. No wonder some models act like such divas when people fawn over themselves to so anything for you no matter how degrading. How every little detail of your life is made public, true or not, all on display for media vultures to pick over. Plus the tedium they have to endure would be enough to drive me over the edge.

The theme of looks being deceiving is dramatically portrayed. The imagery within this book was outstanding, not only the glitz and glamor of the fashion industry hiding depravity.The use of the weather reflecting the actions and battle of good versus evil was a stroke of imagery genius.

Revelations come thick and fast in this book, the action speeds up as Mercy remembers more and more of her own history. The background into Mercy's confinement and the necessity of keeping her hidden from Luc comes together piece by piece. Sympathy for Mercy abounds through these revelations,  trapped in other peoples bodies to atone for something she had no control over, her only 'sin' being naivety especially where Luc was concerned. 

The introduction of two pivotal characters in this book provided a fresh appreciation of the main characters and their actions as viewed from an outside perspective. I especially adored Gia, Irina's PA, although Irina treats her like dirt she comes bouncing back, not because she adores Irina its because she is an absolute professional. Gia is tough and genuinely likeable especially for her straight forwardness. Gia is very perceptive and identifies Mercy underneath Irina pretty quickly. Her efficiency is something I covet (lol), her decency shines through as well as her optimism (although she tries to hide it under a coating of snark)  Gia really is a terrific character and addition to the book as a whole.

This is probably my favorite book in the series so far.