Frost Burned (Mercy Thompson #7) Review

Frost Burned (Mercy Thompson #7)

Patricia Briggs

Publisher: Orbit

Mercy Thompson's life has undergone a seismic change. Becoming the mate of Adam Hauptman - the charismatic Alpha of the local werewolf pack - has made her a stepmother to his daughter Jesse, a relationship that brings moments of blissful normalcy to Mercy's life. But on the edges of humanity, a minor mishap on an ordinary day can turn into so much more. After an accident in bumper-to-bumper traffic, Mercy and Jesse can't reach Adam - or anyone else in the pack for that matter. They've all been abducted. Through their mating bond, all Mercy knows is that Adam is angry and in pain. Outclassed and on her own, Mercy may be forced to seek assistance from the most unlikely of allies: the vampire seethe.

When I think back to the Mercy Thompson we met in Moon Called who was a very isolated and independent girl, it’s a very different woman who still manages to kick-butt in Frost Burned but has a wide selection of friends, family and pack to support her. In Frost Burned Adam and the rest of the pack are kidnapped and it’s up to Mercy to protect those left behind.

Mercy has help from some powerful friends but she also has those who could end up in trouble from their relationship with her. It was great seeing how these relationships have developed and evolved – and I have to say it was great to see all characters I loved from the previous books show up after the two-hander that was River Marked. Mercy has definitely become someone who will fight for those she loves and it was just as nice to see the softer side of her as well. For the first time a couple of chapters are told from Adam’s point of view and this insight into his head is a nice way of expanding the world and allowing us into a werewolf’s head. I also loved the visit of a wolf from the Martocks pack that we’ve met in the Alpha & Omega series!

There is plenty of action with fae, wolves, vampires and humans all getting some action. The impact of the fae action at the end of Fair Game, the Alpha and Omega novel is touched on but the full repercussions are still being discussed – which gives the feel that this world is much bigger than just Mercy, Adam and the pack. The writing just pulls you in and doesn’t let go until the end as first the actions and then the reasons behind them are teased out and played with. Who are the true monsters?

This is one of the most consistent UF series and one of my favourites with a leading lady who you root for as well as a knack of getting into more trouble than a coyote really should. But when her friends and family are this good I just want to spend more time with this world. How long until the next book...?

Recommended for fans of Kelley Armstrong and Nicole Peeler. 9 out of 10

Guest Review: Silver Borne (Mercy Thompson #5)

While we were away on holiday last week my guest reviewer Sarah went through just as many books as me so I've asked her what she thought of one of my favourites...

Silver Bourne (Mercry Thompson #5)
Patricia Briggs

Publisher: Orbit

Being a mechanic is hard work. Mercy Thompson, for instance, just spent the last couple of months trying to evade the murderous queen of the local vampire seethe. And now the leader of the werewolf pack, who's maybe-more-than-just-a-friend, has asked for her help. A book of fae secrets has come to light and they're all about to find out how implacable - and dangerous - the fae can be. 
OK, so maybe her troubles have nothing to do with the job. But she sure could use a holiday...

Ah dear, back from a lovely week away with Mel in Portugal, to her sad loss, and a crazy week trying to deal with a week’s missed work, and an imploding iphone.  Finally there though, so I can now get down to reviewing one of the books I read whilst I was away. 

Now, from my previous reviews of Patricia Briggs’ series, you’ll know how much I love the very real, very likeable, coyote-shape-shifting heroine Mercy Thompson, so I won’t bore you by rehashing just how much I LOVE her!  Instead I’ll limit myself to the story itself.  There has yet to be even a vaguely weak story in this series, and Silver Borne is no exception. 

Arc plots are furthered - including the continuing repercussions from Mercy’s rape (which are so emotionally resonant they make your stomach squirm), the so-magic-its-almost-sentient fae walking stick, and Mercy’s relationship with Adam and the pack - but do not mistake this for a filler book, there is plenty of novel to get your teeth into.  The main sequences place Mercy at odds with homicidal, power-hungry fae, but when the sub-plot concerns Samuel, you know there will be no place for skim-reading.  Samuel’s story takes a turn that is so out of left-field I was bowled over – without giving the game away, Briggs yet again tackles an emotionally sensitive issue with power, passion and precision.

Whilst book 4 has been my favourite in the series thus far, that opinion does not decry in the least from Silver Borne, which was a captivating, pacey read with real depth, showcasing once again Briggs’ ridiculous talent as a fantasy author.  One for fans of Kelley Armstrong and Carrie Vaughn, 9 out of 10.

Guest Review: Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson #3)

Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson #3)
- Patricia Briggs

Publisher: UK - Orbit

Mechanic Mercy Thompson can shift her shape - but not her loyalty. When her former boss and mentor is arrested for murder and left to rot behind bars by his own kind, it's up to Mercy to clear his name, whether he wants her to or not. Mercy's loyalty is under pressure from other directions, too. Werewolves are not known for their patience, and if Mercy can't decide between the two she cares for, Sam and Adam may make the choice for her.

Hello Mel followers, I’m back because I literally just finished this book, and had to review it instantly.  To those of you whom haven’t been introduced to this series yet, our heroine Mercy Thompson is a fiercely independent skinwalker, brought up by werewolves and now working in a garage she bought from a gremlin.  Yes, these books are as Urban Fantasy as you can get, and as good a read as your likely to find in the genre.

I fell in love with Mercy very early in book 1, but this installment has firmly cemented her, and this series, into my favourite reads.  I think this is primarily because, like Mercy, I HATE being told what to do.  In fact, I will often change my plan simply because someone told me to do something.  In reality I think this would mean that Mercy and I would be either best of friends or mortal enemies!  Aside from Mercy though, the supporting cast are anything but bit-players.  Like Kelley Armstrong, Patricia Briggs manages to create a large cast of well-rounded figures that you really care about, as well as a love triangle that is truly tangled (although, for once, it looks like going the way I want!).

Iron Kissed itself is one hell of a read – by the time the story reached it height I was literally breathless with the adrenaline rush, and had to postpone starting work just so I could finish it.  In the aftermath of Mercy’s deadly dance with fae, humans and weres her emotions were so involvingly described that it had me in tears, and the revelation about an antagonistic side character’s past was well-played.

If you haven’t started this series yet, please don’t jump in at book 3, just get here as quickly as you can…  One for fans of Kelley Armstrong, 9 out of 10.

Guest Review: Moon Called (Mercy Thompson #1)

Moon Called (Mercy Thompson #1)
- Patricia Briggs

Publisher: UK - Orbit

Mercy Thompson's life is not exactly normal. Her next-door neighbor is a werewolf. Her former boss is a gremlin. And she's fixing a VW bus for a vampire. But then, Mercy Thompson is not exactly normal herself--she's a shape-shifter.

As I type this, London is bathed in brilliant sunshine and soaring temperatures. Whilst this is lovely if you do not have to work, for us commuters it quickly becomes hell in a metal tube… In order to combat feelings of light-headedness/nausea/claustrophobia I recommend a really good book – such as Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series! I started Book 1 – Moon Called – on the way to work the other morning, and finished it on the journey in the very next day.

Mercedes (Mercy) Thompson is an American skinwalker, a stubborn, fiercely independent woman, and a car mechanic. Yep, a car mechanic called Mercedes! Not the most subtle of jokes, but Briggs doesn’t labour the point. As a skinwalker, Mercy can change into a coyote at will, and unlike her werewolf neighbours her life is not dictated by pack politics and wolfy tempers. However, that doesn’t mean that pack issues and posturing dominant males don’t regularly intrude.

Mercy is dragged into the affairs of the local wolf pack when a young were comes to her for help, a simple situation that somehow leads to bloodshed, silver bullets, witchy clear-up, furniture abuse, fae daggers, vampires and posturing alpha males.

Moon Called is a really, really enjoyable UF read. It’s fast-paced, but not at the expense of character development, with a well-developed world, but still with the capacity to expand as the series progresses. The weres may be ‘typical’ in their behavior – aggressive, possessive, hot-tempered and loyal – but they are still massively entertaining characters and have done nothing to change my preference for a werewolf over a vampire boyfriend!

One for fans of Kelley Armstrong (yes, I do rate the series that highly!) 8.5 out of 10.

River Marked Review

River Marked (Mercy Thompson 6)

–       Patricia Briggs

Publisher: UK - Orbit

Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. And she's never known any others of her kind. Until now. As Mercy comes to terms with this new information, an evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River. Something deadly is coming, facts are thin on the ground and Mercy feels ill at ease. However, her father's people may know more. To have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need all the resources the shifters can offer. Or death will be the least of their worries.

The Mercy Thompson series is one of my favourite Urban Fantasy series. I love how Patricia Briggs is able to create whole characters, layered plots and involving storylines while still keeping the page count down to about 300 pages. Picking up the latest instalment of Mercy’s life it feels a bit like getting back into bed complete with fresh covers after a week’s holiday – comfortable, fresh and relaxing. It was so easy to settle down into Mercy’s world and catch up with old friends.

However, the reunion was short-lived as apart from the first few pages most of the action takes place away from the tri-city area as Mercy and Adam head out for a camping trip. New characters are introduced and Mercy’s family background is explored in much more detail than we’ve ever had before. This adds to Mercy as a character and helps explains some of her unique abilities as well as introducing a unique monster and a new (to us) supernatural race. There is plenty of action  and emotion as Mercy struggles to come to terms with her newly discovered heritage and her relationship with Adam continues to be one of my favourites in UF - the trust there is fantastic!

Loved this book – another great instalment that both feels self contained enough for newbies but adds so much more to those following the series.

Recommended for fans of Carrie Vaughn and Richelle Mead. 9 out of 10.

Raven's Strike Review

Raven’s Strike

-      Patricia Briggs

Publisher: US - Ace Fantasy

Seraph is among the last of the Travelers, those who strive to destroy the dark magic released by their ancestors' mistakes. Seraph tried to escape her people's duty and live a quiet life, until evil found her...

A new force for darkness called the Shadowed walks the land, feeding on death, destruction and the sleeping Stalker's power. He plans to wake the Stalker, wreaking untold havoc, but he needs those who bear the Travelers' magic to release the dark god..an d he has his sights set of Seraph and her family. Now Seraph must use all her cunning and ability as a Raven mage to track down the Shadowed and strike against him before it is too late...

This is the second of Patricia Briggs Raven Duology. I read the first Raven’s Shadow a couple of months ago (you can read the review here) and quickly purchased this the second book. This books quickly carries on where Raven’s Shadow finishes with Seraph and Tier heading home after rescuing the emperor and exposing the Shadowed conspiracy. However, their problems aren’t behind them – the Shadowed escaped and Memory is still following the emperor.

The book is as easy to read as any of Briggs are and moves at a quick pace. There is a fair bit of action which starts straight away with a fairly creepy attack by a mistwight and continues right to the end. The action is well written and exciting but what I enjoyed most was the mixture of characters. They were all different and had their own worries and quirks but grew throughout the story. Seraph, Tier and their three children were people I could really relate too and I was rooting for them throughout. However, my favourites were the Raven, Hennea and the Emperor, Phoran. The mystery of who Hennea really is was subtlety done and added to the depth of story. However, it was the development of the emperor that I loved – he’s come so far from the spoilt, lost lonely boy we met in the first book and by the end of this novel he is a true hero.

I loved this book and while it isn’t perfect – perhaps the characters are a little too good with little shades of grey and perhaps the answers fall into their hands a little too easily. It was a great place to escape to and I definitely plan to check out more of Brigg’s fantasy novels. Raven's Strike was a faster paced book than Raven's Shadow - there is less setting the scene so the action just

Recommended for fans of Patricia Brigg’s other work and Maria V Snyder’s Study series. 9 out of 10.

Raven's Shadow Review

Raven’s Shadow

- Patricia Briggs

Publisher: US – Ace Fantasy

For many years the city of Colossae was a haven of magical study. As generations of wizards pushed the limits of their abilities, an evil entity was unleashed that could only be contained by the sacrifice of their city.From the ashes of Colossae, the Travelers emerged - roaming the world to ensure that the Stalker would remain imprisoned forever.

Seraph is a Raven mage and among the last of the Travelers. Unwelcome among those who fear magic, the wizard clans have been decimated by the very people they've been sworn to protect. But Seraph is spared a similar fate by the ex-soldier Tier - and together they build a life where she is no longer burdened by her people's responsibility.

But now Tier is missing - or dead - and Seraph's reprieve from her duty is over. Using her magic to discover her husband's fate, Seraph realizes the Stalker's prison is weakening - and only she can fulfill her ancestors' oath to protect humanity from destruction...

I’m a big fan of Brigg’s Mercy Thompson series which Urban Fantasy all the way (Werewolves, shape-shifting coyotes, Vampires the whole nine yards)– as well as being much fun to read. However before Mercy, Patricia wrote straight fantasy novels and this was my first trial run at her back catalogue. First off this is a much smaller page count than most fantasy books – no big 700 pages tome that can double for a door stop, but a nice light 300 pages. This makes it an ideal fantasy novel if you want to stretch your reading zone a little but you’re been afraid of some of the weightier fantasy novels out there – as an introduction to fantasy you can certainly do worse! In addition the hero and heroine weren’t young twenty-something’s’ finding their way in the world but a mature couple with a family. Add to these an easy to read style, likable characters and a slightly different magical structure based on 6 elements or birds and it is a book that can probably be described as fantasy ‘lite’ which I enjoyed thoroughly. I sped through the pages, following Seraph and Tier, learning about a threat first of all to their family and then watched as the threat widened to include the Traveller race of people and later the whole Empire. While this book has a decent ending there are still some threats hanging over our heroes and I’ve ordered the next book Raven’s Strike to find out how it ends! It may not be the best example of fantasy but it was an enjoyable journey and one I would recommend for a few fun hours

Recommended if you’re a fan of Mercy Thompson or Karen Miller’s Awakened Mage series. 8 out of 10