I'm always a little leery of paranormal fiction. If done well, it can be some of the best fiction out there because there is a lot of room for creative license. But, there's also a lot of potential for dreariness.
I'm ashamed to admit that I was reluctant to read the Mercy Thompson series by Patrica Briggs. Based solely on the cover art, I was sure that these books were going to be dreary to the extreme. But I couldn't have been more wrong. The fourth book in the series, Bone Crossed, just reinforces the adage that you can't judge a book by its cover.
The fourth installment of the series picks up where the third, Iron Kissed, left off and takes off fast. Mercy (a coyote shapeshifter/VW mechanic) can't seem to get rid of those damned vampires. If they're not using her as a pawn, they're trying to kill her. Or possibly do both at the same time. Someone has vandalized her business, and and old college frenemy wants her to go to Spokane to ghostbust a house (nevermind that Mercy isn't a ghostbuster). On top of this, she's entering a new phase of her relationship with her alpha werewolf significant other, Adam.
I highly recommend reading the first three books in the series before opening this one. The universe is somewhat complex and there are many characters and settings not fully explained to new readers. Also, Mercy has had some traumatic life experiences in the past and her way of dealing with them might seem strange to those unfamiliar with her personality.
On the whole, Bone Crossed, is a super fun read.
I'm ashamed to admit that I was reluctant to read the Mercy Thompson series by Patrica Briggs. Based solely on the cover art, I was sure that these books were going to be dreary to the extreme. But I couldn't have been more wrong. The fourth book in the series, Bone Crossed, just reinforces the adage that you can't judge a book by its cover.
The fourth installment of the series picks up where the third, Iron Kissed, left off and takes off fast. Mercy (a coyote shapeshifter/VW mechanic) can't seem to get rid of those damned vampires. If they're not using her as a pawn, they're trying to kill her. Or possibly do both at the same time. Someone has vandalized her business, and and old college frenemy wants her to go to Spokane to ghostbust a house (nevermind that Mercy isn't a ghostbuster). On top of this, she's entering a new phase of her relationship with her alpha werewolf significant other, Adam.
I highly recommend reading the first three books in the series before opening this one. The universe is somewhat complex and there are many characters and settings not fully explained to new readers. Also, Mercy has had some traumatic life experiences in the past and her way of dealing with them might seem strange to those unfamiliar with her personality.
On the whole, Bone Crossed, is a super fun read.
Helpful Score: 3
As I expected from the Mercy Thompson series, excellent read. This fourth book gives a little more background into the world and rules of the vampires, Mercy gets some experience with ghosts and much closer to Adam and the pack. I read this within a 24 hour period, almost forgot to eat!
Helpful Score: 3
I was sucked into this series ever since I picked up Moon Called on a whim. This isn't my typical genre, but Mercy is such a compelling character, and I'm a sucker for a character-driven series. Her supporting cast is written just as well a group of vampires, werewolves, fae and ghosts that are written so realistically, and definitely carry their own. I loved that Bone Crossed picked up precisely where Iron Crossed left us, giving us a peek at the relationship between Mercy and Adam that continues to develop, then jumping right into the next chapter of Mercy's adventures. And I love that Briggs doesn't dwell too much on what happened to Mercy at Iron Kissed's end. While gut-wrenching, it would have been very un-Mercy-like for her to view herself as a helpless victim. She picks herself up, dusts herself off and dives right back in, albeit with an understandable amount of caution.
While the characters, mysterious plot and light romance kept my interest throughout, it's Mercy's relentless self-discoveries that keep me reading. She's flawed, and she knows it, and it's wonderful. I only wish I hadn't rushed through the series so fast. I'm looking forward to the upcoming graphic novel, Mercy Thompson Homecoming, this summer, but February 2010 can't come soon enough for the next official Mercy installment!
While the characters, mysterious plot and light romance kept my interest throughout, it's Mercy's relentless self-discoveries that keep me reading. She's flawed, and she knows it, and it's wonderful. I only wish I hadn't rushed through the series so fast. I'm looking forward to the upcoming graphic novel, Mercy Thompson Homecoming, this summer, but February 2010 can't come soon enough for the next official Mercy installment!
Helpful Score: 2
Bone Crossed starts off soon after where Iron Kissed left off - Mercy is still recovering from the events in the last novel when the charred, tortured body of Stefan drops out of thin air into the middle of her trailer. The obvious conclusion is that Marsilia, ruling vampire of the Tri-Cities has found out about their involvement in the death of Andre, one of her own, and now Mercy and all her friends are in danger.
OK, this is one of my favorite series, and I think I'm predesposed to like this book before even reading it, despite my feeling upset over what happened in Iron Kissed. I think what draws me to these books are the characters. Mercy of course is a smart, self sufficient character, but she has a lot of support from a very strong supporting cast. I feel happy reading this series because I know I'll get to see the satellite characters again. Briggs' tends to create some very interesting people with mysterious backstories and it's rewarding to catch glimpses of what makes them tick. Mercy is learning about them at the same time, and makes some observations which I don't think I'd have really picked up on myself. It's pretty hard for me to come up with anything negative about this book. There are only two really nitty things I can think of - a minor timeline thing I caught and something else not really worth mentioning here.
OK, this is one of my favorite series, and I think I'm predesposed to like this book before even reading it, despite my feeling upset over what happened in Iron Kissed. I think what draws me to these books are the characters. Mercy of course is a smart, self sufficient character, but she has a lot of support from a very strong supporting cast. I feel happy reading this series because I know I'll get to see the satellite characters again. Briggs' tends to create some very interesting people with mysterious backstories and it's rewarding to catch glimpses of what makes them tick. Mercy is learning about them at the same time, and makes some observations which I don't think I'd have really picked up on myself. It's pretty hard for me to come up with anything negative about this book. There are only two really nitty things I can think of - a minor timeline thing I caught and something else not really worth mentioning here.
Helpful Score: 2
This is book 4 in the Mercy Thompson series. I loved it. I read it all in a single sitting that went by so fast it even surprised ME. I can't recommend this author enough.
Helpful Score: 1
This fourth installment of the Mercy Thompson series begins a week after the drama that unfolded in IRON KISSED. Mercy just gets better and better. She has endangered herself and her friends by killing two vampires. The Mistress of the seethe is out for blood. Mercy finally makes a choice between Adam and Samuel. She discovers how good of a friend Stefan truly is when she becomes an object of obsession by another vampire Master. A must read for Briggs fans! 5 stars!!
Helpful Score: 1
Love this series Adam and Mercy are so great together
Helpful Score: 1
Love this author and this series. Complex characters and FINALLY a female lead who is tough and capable and still has femininity! Far cry from the usual. " I don't need anyone" attitude in so many other series.
Helpful Score: 1
Paranormal story, Book 4 in the Mercy series, by Patricia Briggs. This one begins right where #3 left off. Mercy is trying to deal with the traumatic events that have happened to her. Meanwhile, she and Adam are trying to explore their relationship. Mercy becomes embroiled in Vampire politics. Mercy is in danger again, from several fronts. The Marroc makes a brief appearance, as does Mercy's mother. Good book. Lots of action, good plot, with lots of twists, and Mercy saves herself. This installment does not disappoint. The only bad thing, is that now we have to wait for another book.
Helpful Score: 1
Book 4....another amazing book my Patricia Briggs.
Mercy is one of my all-time favorite characters and she doesn't disappoint with this next book in her series.
Stefan's back and we get to be up close and personal with him.
Watch out for the chills up and down your spine when reading this one; it's that good.
*highly recommended*
Mercy is one of my all-time favorite characters and she doesn't disappoint with this next book in her series.
Stefan's back and we get to be up close and personal with him.
Watch out for the chills up and down your spine when reading this one; it's that good.
*highly recommended*
Helpful Score: 1
Mercy Thompson is recovering from the assault on her in the previous book, and finally consents to become the alpha werewolf Adam's mate and part of the pack. Then trouble erupts when the vampire Stephan unceremoniously arrives at her feet close to "dying" after being tortured by his Mistress - she has discovered that he concealed from her the fact that Mercy killed the rogue vampire Andre and is now out to get revenge. A request from an old schoolmate to investigate a ghost in her house gives Mercy the excuse to escape the city for awhile, but unfortunately it just puts her in the path of the vampire known as "The Monster". Briggs's fourth installment in the skinwalker Mercy Thompson series is full of new twists and turns and does not disappoint.
Fantastic!
Another great installment in the Mercy Thompson series. Although there were some points where the story seemed to lag a bit, overall it kept up with the previous books in the series as far as suspense and a great story line that keeps you guessing until the end.
Wendy H. (donkeycheese) -
I was thrilled when I found out this series was breaking out into hardcover. Not thrilled about the expense, but happy her work has spread so far as to deserve the honor.
Mercy Thompson, coyote shapeshifter and mechanic, is still recovering mentally and physically from the brutal rape she sustained in book 3, Iron Kissed. Local Were Alpha Adam has declared Mercy his mate and she wants to be his mate, but her spirit is still recovering from her brutal attack.
So when an old college friend appears on Mercy's doorstep asking for help with a ghost, Mercy feels the space may do her some good. It will give her time to think, even if she isn't a ghost buster. When Mercy meets up with the ghost though, something isn't right. And the local Vampire Master showing up the moment Mercy does seems too coincidental.
Briggs has set the bar for urban fantasy in my opinion. She has taken leaps and bounds into territory some fear. She does it with wit, humor, and sensitivity. I absolutely love this series and just wish Briggs wrote faster.
Mercy Thompson, coyote shapeshifter and mechanic, is still recovering mentally and physically from the brutal rape she sustained in book 3, Iron Kissed. Local Were Alpha Adam has declared Mercy his mate and she wants to be his mate, but her spirit is still recovering from her brutal attack.
So when an old college friend appears on Mercy's doorstep asking for help with a ghost, Mercy feels the space may do her some good. It will give her time to think, even if she isn't a ghost buster. When Mercy meets up with the ghost though, something isn't right. And the local Vampire Master showing up the moment Mercy does seems too coincidental.
Briggs has set the bar for urban fantasy in my opinion. She has taken leaps and bounds into territory some fear. She does it with wit, humor, and sensitivity. I absolutely love this series and just wish Briggs wrote faster.
Picks right up where Iron Kissed left off. I really like how Mercy saves herself. I do wish she would stop blaming herself for things that happen. Marsilia is an evil bitch who just needs to die. I really enjoyed Stefan and his larger role in this book.
Loved it! I love this series and characters, especially Mercy!
Bone Crossed is the fourth installment of the Mercy Thompson series, and it picks up just a day or so after Iron Kissed left off. It starts off with lots of action in chapter 1 and doesn't ease up much from there. I enjoy this series because it is complex with a broad variety of solid characters. In Bone Crossed, Mercy battles her personal demons and attempts to move into the future with the love of her life. It's not a romance by any means, but I'm glad to see Mercy get the strong alpha she deserves. This story is a good addition to Mercy's series.
On a side note, be careful if you are buying the first edition of the paperback. My copy had over 40 pages missing after page 87 and a big section was misplaced (fortunately the page numbers were right so I could surf the book to find the right pages). So I'm afraid I can't be swapping my copy.
Mercy Thompson Series:
1. Moon Called
2. Blood Bound
3. Iron Kissed
4. Bone Crossed
5. Silver Borne (2010)
On a side note, be careful if you are buying the first edition of the paperback. My copy had over 40 pages missing after page 87 and a big section was misplaced (fortunately the page numbers were right so I could surf the book to find the right pages). So I'm afraid I can't be swapping my copy.
Mercy Thompson Series:
1. Moon Called
2. Blood Bound
3. Iron Kissed
4. Bone Crossed
5. Silver Borne (2010)
Excellent series
My new favorite author and series!! As always it rocked, I love PB's voice for Mercy! I love Stefan, Adam and Samuel. I finished the book and immediatly started reading back through it for my favorite parts. That's a mark of a truly excellent read for me.
What can I say? I love the Mercy Thompson series. This one was particularly spell binding. I could not put it down. It held my attention all the way through. So far one of the best. The new one may top it but otherwise it rocks.
I really enjoy the Mercy Thompson series. This one brought in and tied together some favorite characters and history. It was a good read with a satisfying ending.
Coyotes, vampires, werewolves, oh my...
Mercy Thompson is one interesting gal with a wide variety of friends and enemies -- fae, ghosts, zombies, vampires, werewolves. This book really has something for everyone.
Mercy's adventures remind me of Anita Blake's, in that, there is never just one problem/enemy for her to defeat. All seem to gang up and attack at once, leaving Mercy (and Anita) fighting for her life and drawing down more power than she knew she possessed.
Another great installment in the Mercedes Thompson series.
Mercy Thompson is one interesting gal with a wide variety of friends and enemies -- fae, ghosts, zombies, vampires, werewolves. This book really has something for everyone.
Mercy's adventures remind me of Anita Blake's, in that, there is never just one problem/enemy for her to defeat. All seem to gang up and attack at once, leaving Mercy (and Anita) fighting for her life and drawing down more power than she knew she possessed.
Another great installment in the Mercedes Thompson series.
Really good book. Very hard to put down!! I just love the Mercy Thompson series!!
loved this book. It really moved the relationship between Adam and Mercy. Interesting concepts around the world of vampire workings. Very likable characters who grow on you with each book. Enjoy a very good read.
It was pretty good. Finished it in two days. VERY close to the Anita Blake story line but still worth the purchase for me. (Vampires, werewolves and turf wars)
Oh, what a great book! Mercy is such a wonderful heroine! This fourth installment was a good adventure. Really, this is such a solid series with great characters and fun plots that are not formulaic at all. I am also looking forward to reading the spin-off series, Alpha and Omega, but not as much as I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
4th installment in one of the best urban fantasy series out there. Everything that you hoped for, Mercy healing from the trauma of the last book, coming to terms with the decisions that she's made for her personal life, plus a mystery set a little outside of the neighborhood and more information on vampire culture. Mercy Thompson is as good as Anita Blake was, way back when Anita Blake was at her best. My only complaint, at just over 300 pages - too short!
I thought the book was good, but not as good as some of the earlier books.
Lots of paranormal fun - vampires, ghosts, & werewolves, oh my! Start with the beginning of the series though, because there are a lot of characters with a lot going on that will make more sense if you read it in order. Mercy is a great heroine!
Was worth the wait. Excellent
Summary: Car mechanic and sometime shape-shifter Mercy Thompson has learned - the hard way - why her race was almost exterminated. When European vampires emigrated to North America, they found Mercy's people had a hidden talent for vampire slaying. Unfortunately for Mercy, the queen of the local vampire seethe has discovered her true identity.
The undead queen is also furious when she learns Mercy has crossed her and killed one of her own. Mercy may be protected from direct reprisals by the werewolf pack (and her interesting relationship with its Alpha), but that just means Marsilia will come after Mercy some other way. So Mercy had better prepare to watch her back.
I was a bit disappointed with this book. After the amazing and awe-inspiring third book in this series, I expected this one to be a home run, or well, a grand slam - if I am using baseball analogies. It seemed like the whole climax of the story was rushed through, I would have loved to have a better description of what went on when Adam and Mercy finished bonding, and also more about the mysteries stick that keeps following Mercy around, although it finally comes in handy in this book. I did like that we learned a bit more about Mercy's powers, and met some new and different characters. I am also still completely in shock and awe of what the mistress did the poor abused Stephan, that was just messed up. This book is a good read to hopefully bridge for a better book in the 5th installment of this series.We shall see.
Also posted: http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/2009/10/book-review-bone-crossed-by-patricia.html
The undead queen is also furious when she learns Mercy has crossed her and killed one of her own. Mercy may be protected from direct reprisals by the werewolf pack (and her interesting relationship with its Alpha), but that just means Marsilia will come after Mercy some other way. So Mercy had better prepare to watch her back.
I was a bit disappointed with this book. After the amazing and awe-inspiring third book in this series, I expected this one to be a home run, or well, a grand slam - if I am using baseball analogies. It seemed like the whole climax of the story was rushed through, I would have loved to have a better description of what went on when Adam and Mercy finished bonding, and also more about the mysteries stick that keeps following Mercy around, although it finally comes in handy in this book. I did like that we learned a bit more about Mercy's powers, and met some new and different characters. I am also still completely in shock and awe of what the mistress did the poor abused Stephan, that was just messed up. This book is a good read to hopefully bridge for a better book in the 5th installment of this series.We shall see.
Also posted: http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/2009/10/book-review-bone-crossed-by-patricia.html
I love this series. I always end up reading until I can't keep my eyes open any longer and Bone Crossed was no exception. Patricia Briggs is great at getting Mercy into situations that I can't see her getting out of and surprising me with twists and turns along the way.
4th book in the Mercy series and I love it, its getting better with each book. Lots of twists and turns with each chapter.
It was hard to wait months for this newest book, Now Briggs has gone hardcover, and I didn't want to wait until it came out in paperback. Mercy is a very brave woman, a German car mechanic, and a skin walker, which allows her to turn into a coyote. I just love this series and keep all of my copies for repeat readings.
Fourth in the series. I think these do not stand alone very well, although Briggs gives some background there's a lot of character dynamics going on that might confuse a new reader. Start at the beginning.
I do like that Mercy does not develop new superpowers with every novel, seems like too many fantasy writers try that. We learn why Stefan was absent from the last book, and her relationship with Adam is moving along. I liked "meeting" her mom, although it was pretty brief.
Nice pacing, good dialogue, predictable storyline - although I think Briggs meant for the reader to know what was to happen to Mercy from the beginning, and set up the tension for how she'd get out of it.
I do like that Mercy does not develop new superpowers with every novel, seems like too many fantasy writers try that. We learn why Stefan was absent from the last book, and her relationship with Adam is moving along. I liked "meeting" her mom, although it was pretty brief.
Nice pacing, good dialogue, predictable storyline - although I think Briggs meant for the reader to know what was to happen to Mercy from the beginning, and set up the tension for how she'd get out of it.
I swear each book is better than the last.
