Helpful Score: 18
I preordered this book and when I started reading it a few days later I had to stay up all night to finish it. This is the second book in the series about coyote shapeshifter VW mechanic Mercedes Thompson. In the last book she helped the werewolves and this time she helps the vampires. Her vampire friend Stefan comes to her for a favor - to be an impartial witness to some vampire business. He does not expect much trouble but they get into a lot more danger than he expected. As usual I think that the plot is very tight; I didn't notice any glaring plotholes and Mercy's character is very strong and believable. She knows a lot about werewolves and learns several things throughout the book about vampires, and also about another supernatural creature that is threatening the vamp clan. It is so dangerous that everyone suffers a trace of its evil effect on the tri-cities area. This book is quite similar in structure to the first one, though Mercy advances in her knowledge and network, and there are some interesting developments in the relationship area. A fascinating series I will continue to read.
Helpful Score: 11
I will admit that I haven't read much in the urban fantasy/horror/vampire genre, so I may not be as picky as other reviewers. I will say that I have only read two of Brigg's novels -- "Moon Called" and "Blood Bound" -- and both times I really got into the book. Brigg's conversational writing style makes it easy; after all, the protagonist, Mercy Thompson, is narrating the story.
Mercy has the ability to morph into a coyote. What I appreciated about Brigg's storytelling is how Mercy doesn't overuse her shape-changing ability in this book. She relies on her wits and intuition to solve the conflicts she faces.
Something else I appreciate about Brigg's story is how Mercy finds herself in the middle of life-or-death situations, yet still has to run her own business as a mechanic. In fact, Mercy wonders at one point how the heroines in movies find time to work and make a living while they are running around saving the world.
A couple of minor criticisms about this story: as the story progresses, Briggs throws in more an more of the "rules" about how vampire society is run, as well as the "rules" about demons and sorcerers. As someone who doesn't read much in this genre, it didn't bother me, but I kind of wondered how much of it Briggs made up to fit the plot. Doesn't ruin the story at all, but I just wondered about this.
Also, Briggs' male characters always seem a little too perfect. They are all ruggedly handsome, and yes they're all werewolves and vampires, but they're such hunky werewolves and vampires who got that "bad boy" thing going to entice the ladies. Even their negative qualities make them more macho. This kind of bugged me in "Moon Called" too. Briggs does keep the reader guessing as to who Mercy will ultimately fall for: Adam? Samuel? Stefan maybe? Again, it doesn't ruin the book, but it kind of makes me chuckle.
Overall, "Blood Bound" continues the fast-paced, suspenseful, creepy, action-packed storytelling that started in "Moon Called." Go for it.
Mercy has the ability to morph into a coyote. What I appreciated about Brigg's storytelling is how Mercy doesn't overuse her shape-changing ability in this book. She relies on her wits and intuition to solve the conflicts she faces.
Something else I appreciate about Brigg's story is how Mercy finds herself in the middle of life-or-death situations, yet still has to run her own business as a mechanic. In fact, Mercy wonders at one point how the heroines in movies find time to work and make a living while they are running around saving the world.
A couple of minor criticisms about this story: as the story progresses, Briggs throws in more an more of the "rules" about how vampire society is run, as well as the "rules" about demons and sorcerers. As someone who doesn't read much in this genre, it didn't bother me, but I kind of wondered how much of it Briggs made up to fit the plot. Doesn't ruin the story at all, but I just wondered about this.
Also, Briggs' male characters always seem a little too perfect. They are all ruggedly handsome, and yes they're all werewolves and vampires, but they're such hunky werewolves and vampires who got that "bad boy" thing going to entice the ladies. Even their negative qualities make them more macho. This kind of bugged me in "Moon Called" too. Briggs does keep the reader guessing as to who Mercy will ultimately fall for: Adam? Samuel? Stefan maybe? Again, it doesn't ruin the book, but it kind of makes me chuckle.
Overall, "Blood Bound" continues the fast-paced, suspenseful, creepy, action-packed storytelling that started in "Moon Called." Go for it.
Helpful Score: 9
I've read a lot, possibly too much, of the urban fantasy trend as of late. I think this series is the best of the lot.
Mercy is a strong, funny, likable character. She's tough but still needs to adress her vulnerability which is so much more interesting than the other MarySue women in this genre. Finally, we have a heroine that isn't the biggest-baddest-sexiest variety. Mercy is still nobody's doormat.
Good plot. I thought the end was a little strange. I'm getting tired of finding love-triangles in every paranormal these days too. Those are two small quibbles for a fun book.
Mercy is a strong, funny, likable character. She's tough but still needs to adress her vulnerability which is so much more interesting than the other MarySue women in this genre. Finally, we have a heroine that isn't the biggest-baddest-sexiest variety. Mercy is still nobody's doormat.
Good plot. I thought the end was a little strange. I'm getting tired of finding love-triangles in every paranormal these days too. Those are two small quibbles for a fun book.
Helpful Score: 7
Top notch paranormal series that just gets better. Well written, great characters, solid plotting. This is the second book in the series which features shapeshifters as the primary paranormal characters but has most of the standard pantheon as well - including a vampire who drives a van painted like the Scooby Doo "Mystery Machine". A nice blend of action, humor and plot.
Helpful Score: 6
In this follow-up to 2006's Moon Called, Patricia Briggs pens an exciting and fast-paced urban fantasy story about walker Mercy Thompson and friends. In this installment, we're reintroduced to characters we met in the first novel, though Ms. Briggs fills in the blanks a bit as necessary, for those who may have picked this up without first reading Moon Called. But if you've already read Moon Called, you'll appreciate the character development as you grow to like these characters even more!!
In Blood Bound, we learn a lot more about Stefan, and I swear, every girl should have a friend like himâ"dangerous yet sexy, mysterious yet honest... I've got to say next to Mercy, he's probably my favorite character now. ;-) This time around, the vampire seethe is in trouble from a rogue demon-ridden vampire. And for some reason, Mistress Marsilia feels that only Mercy's unique talents as walker can get them out of this mess! But Mercy wonders... is it just that she's more expendable??
The 292 pages of this book are jam packed with lots of action, such that I've have read only 7 or 8 pages, yet looking back, would be surprised at the amount of action that's happened. I love that in a book, not a lot of long descriptions, yet Ms. Briggs is still quite expert at letting you get to know a character well, without having to get wordy about them. Now how's she do that? ;-)
I have Iron Kissed, the third book in this series, on it's way to me now. Even though I have so much other stuff owed, I know I won't be able to wait to dive into that one as this series just keeps getting better and better!
In Blood Bound, we learn a lot more about Stefan, and I swear, every girl should have a friend like himâ"dangerous yet sexy, mysterious yet honest... I've got to say next to Mercy, he's probably my favorite character now. ;-) This time around, the vampire seethe is in trouble from a rogue demon-ridden vampire. And for some reason, Mistress Marsilia feels that only Mercy's unique talents as walker can get them out of this mess! But Mercy wonders... is it just that she's more expendable??
The 292 pages of this book are jam packed with lots of action, such that I've have read only 7 or 8 pages, yet looking back, would be surprised at the amount of action that's happened. I love that in a book, not a lot of long descriptions, yet Ms. Briggs is still quite expert at letting you get to know a character well, without having to get wordy about them. Now how's she do that? ;-)
I have Iron Kissed, the third book in this series, on it's way to me now. Even though I have so much other stuff owed, I know I won't be able to wait to dive into that one as this series just keeps getting better and better!
