Here’s an interview with Mercedes Yardley we did for Women in Horror Month in 2014

Nameless: The Darkness Comes by Mercedes M. Yardley

Crystal Lake Publishing, 2015

ISBN: 9780994662682

Available as: Kindle ebook, paperback

Nameless: The Darkness Comes is Mercedes M. Yardley’s debut novel, and the first book in the Bone Angel trilogy. It follows Luna Masterson, who has the ability to see and communicate with demons, something she has been able to do since she was very young. Luna lives with her older brother, Seth, and his young daughter, Lydia: after Seth’s ex-wife,  a demon named Sparkles, abandoned them, Luna moved in to help take care of them both. At her day job as a phlebotomist, she meets the awkward but handsome Reed Taylor, who reveals to her that he has the ability to see angels. When Lydia is kidnapped by Sparkles, Luna sets off to hunt her down. Luna also meets the mysterious demon, Mouth, who is alternately caring and sardonic toward Luna. Along the way, she finds not all is as it seems among the demonic and the living.

Yardley had me hooked from the first page. She presents a very strong female character in Luna; one with drive and the desire to push herself. Even when asking for help, or dealing with her greatest fears, she doesn’t fall victim to the “damsel-in-distress”  trope. Despite asking for help, she doesn’t fall victim to the damsel-in-distress trope. She is fiercely independent, and very much wants to handle situations on her own, but through her growth as a person, she eventually realizes she can’t do it all, especially when she’s dealing with the denizens of Hell.

Yardley’s demons are pretty incredible. Mouth, so named by Luna for his tendency to constantly deliver unwanted advice, is multifaceted: despite his nature, he appears to actually care about Luna’s welfare, and while he can still be terrifying, he is also protective of her. The Tip Toe Shadow, who we meet in the first two pages, feeds on negative emotions, and can induce fear. There is also a dog headed demon Luna meets on the street that is much stronger than other demons she meets as he tries to possess her.

If you’re looking for a great read, especially for Women in Horror Month, you can’t go wrong with Nameless.

Recommended

Contains: some blood and gore (not extensive)

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker