MERCY MARKOS

AND THE

BLADES OF BETRAYAL

By Sally Gratz Garcia

Synopsis

On an exotic cloaked island in the Mediterranean, reside the mystical purple-eyed Ara’Jaeons, a race created millennia ago to oversee Earth’s elements.

Mercy Markos, a young Ara’Jaeon girl, is sent to the Tray, a private school and training center for children of the Ecclesia, an elite group of Ara’Jaeons responsible for guarding the elements. Upon arrival at the Tray and unhappy with her displacement, Mercy accidentally encounters three Metalicons, the terrifying faction made up of dark and mysterious Ara’Jaeons, and she is made aware of a troubling, ancient prophecy involving her bloodline.

While grappling with this discovery, Mercy and her newfound friends, Phin Jaymes and Fire Twins, Tambora and Vesuvius St. Clair, are thrown into the decades-old, unsolved murder of High Elder Jonathan Broomfield. The group must work together to bring justice, despite the heartbreak and betrayal it causes.

With a remarkable backdrop of fantasy and mystery, readers will enjoy connecting with Mercy as she encounters new companionships, mistrust, deceit, heartbreak, and self-discovery; and as through her resolve, she learns the value of friendship, family, and self-confidence.

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Sally Gratz Garcia was born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, where she spent her early years with her nose firmly entrenched into countless books, singing in school choirs, and practicing piano for her dad’s listening pleasure. She currently resides in Warsaw, Indiana. She has two grown sons and five grandchildren. Sally enjoys listening and singing along to most genres of music, playing keyboard, cooking, crafting, and being with family.

Mercy Markos and the Blades of Betrayal is Sally’s first novel. She is presently writing a sequel.

Meet the author

REVIEWS

Z

“Kids will immediately want to tag along with Mercy in Sally Gratz Garcia’s debut novel, Mercy Markos & The Blades Of Betrayal. Mercy is gutsy, she’s just discovering her superpowers which are more than she ever expected, and while her parents have to leave her behind in a boarding school for kids like her, she still finds herself surrounded by a great new bunch of friends. Many of her experiences will resonate with today’s kids as she experiences a new school and growing pains, but then you add in some incredible adventures and stretches of the imagination, and you have a book that no one will want to put down. Parents will want to read along as well!”

– Kathie Giorgio, Author of If You Tame Me and All Told

Z

“Potter fans, rejoice! Mercy Markos and the Blades of Betrayal is the next great fantasy novel for kids and adults alike. The fascinating world of Ara’Ja, set right in the modern Mediterranean, is vivid, so real, I fully expect that I could find my way there if only I took the correct turn at the fork in the road. The characters are the kids I would’ve been friends with in school – funny, approachable, and a little bit different. And the mystery is cleverly plotted and provides more than one huge twist at the end. I’m already looking forward to rereading this and discovering more layers as I wait for Mercy’s next adventure!”

–Carrie Newberry, Author of Pick Your Teeth With My Bones and Wolf is a Four-Letter Word

Z

“Just a group of everyday teens … who happen to have magical powers and are trying to uncover the mystery hiding in the middle of their school. Garcia writes a story filled with heartwarming characters, that also keeps you on the edge of your seat.”

– Nora Murray, author of “Kingdom Come”

What are Readers saying?

“Mercy Markos is a fun read for ‘tweens and anyone young-at-heart.  Full of magical adventures and plot twists sure to entertain, the story also contains strong themes of friendship-building, independent thinking, and family ties.  Fans of Rick Riordan or Nancy Drew Mysteries will feel right at home.  Age appropriate language and family-friendly content, with the possible exception of one brief scene of violence that might be upsetting for younger readers.  I enjoyed this book immensely and can’t wait for the next installment!”

— Scott/Chemist, Indiana

“Mercy Markos and the Blades of Betrayal is the best book I have read in very long time. It is truly amazing. I love that the book is filled with a new world, new concepts, new powers, and you will be enthralled with it. The world that Ms. Garcia created is full of depth and the descriptions take you right there in the story. The characters are fantastic, and you are immediately engaged with them. I spent every minute I could reading it and couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait for the next book. In the meantime, I have read the book again and enjoyed as much as the first time. I plan to read it again soon and get my fix of the world of the Ara’Ja.”

— Christine/Customer Relations Manager, Indiana

“Great read! I enjoyed all the characters, but especially loved Mercy. She is a compassionate protagonist in the story and I loved following her life and adventures. I highly recommend Mercy Markos and the Blades of Betrayal to anyone who likes reading adventure novels. Book is filled with lots of laugh moments and very entertaining.”

— Katie/15-year-old Student, Florida

“Mercy Markos and the Blades of Betrayal was a captivating read from the beginning to an end. Very original and one of the most interesting stories I have read lately. Author did an awesome job by keeping me hooked and I can’t wait for book 2 to come!”

— Eva/15-year-old Student, Florida

“I loved that this book took me to a different place and I was able to journey with these kids on their adventure. I could hardly put it down.”

— Wendy/Membership Manager and Accounts Payable, Indiana

“Mercy Markos and the Blades of Betrayal is an exciting adventure full of twists and turns! The story is compelling, the world building is thrilling, and the characters are relatable and laugh-out-loud funny. Mercy’s story is perfect for anyone, young or old, who is looking to be swept up into another world.”

— Katie/Office Manager, Dance Instructor, Indiana

“This novel is worth the read or two, maybe even three! I can’t tell you enough how exhilarating of a fantasy ride this is. Sally Gratz Garcia does not disappoint. You will fall for Mercy Markos and her journey to discover who she is and the impact she has on her elemental world. You will be on the edge of your seat awaiting the sequel of this series!”

—Monica/Middle School Teacher, Indiana

Potter fans, rejoice! Mercy Markos and the Blades of Betrayal is the next great fantasy novel for kids and adults alike. The fascinating world of Ara’Ja, set right in the modern Mediterranean, is vivid, so real, I fully expect that I could find my way there if only I took the correct turn at the fork in the road. The characters are the kids I would’ve been friends with in school – funny, approachable, and a little bit different. And the mystery is cleverly plotted and provides more than one huge twist at the end. I’m already looking forward to rereading this and discovering more layers as I wait for Mercy’s next adventure!

–Carrie Newberry, Author of Pick Your Teeth With My Bones and Wolf is a Four-Letter Word

Kids will immediately want to tag along with Mercy in Sally Gratz Garcia’s debut novel, Mercy Markos & The Blades Of Betrayal. Mercy is gutsy, she’s just discovering her superpowers which are more than she ever expected, and while her parents have to leave her behind in a boarding school for kids like her, she still finds herself surrounded by a great new bunch of friends. Many of her experiences will resonate with today’s kids as she experiences a new school and growing pains, but then you add in some incredible adventures and stretches of the imagination, and you have a book that no one will want to put down. Parents will want to read along as well!

— Kathie Giorgio, Author of If You Tame Me and All Told

Just a group of everyday teens … who happen to have magical powers and are trying to uncover the mystery hiding in the middle of their school. Garcia writes a story filled with heartwarming characters, that also keeps you on the edge of your seat.

– Nora Murray, author of Kingdom Come