Blood Bound (Mercy Thompson)

I am totally addicted to the Mercy Thompson series. I found this author after finishing the Twilight series trying to quench my need for fantasy/adventure type literature. All the characters are likeable, and I could not put the book down. It is a bit more mature storyline for those "moms" who fell in love with Twilight and Edward. You know who you are :) I have read the whole series up to book 4 and pre-ordered book 5. Trust me you won't be disappointed with a love interest, a tough young lady coming into her own, and many fast paced adventures with great and interesting characters.

"Moon Called," author Patricia Briggs' introduction to the shapeshifting Mercy Thompson, was good. "Blood Bound," the sequel, is better.

Mercy lives among werewolves in a society that knows they -- as well as various fae populations -- exist. But Mercy isn't a werewolf; lycanthropy is a culture based in European roots, while Mercy's coyote shape is rooted in Native American lore. She is far less powerful in her coyote form, but has certain advantages, such as a natural resistance to vampiric mind games.

That will prove to be a useful trait in "Blood Bound," which pits Mercy, the local werewolf pack and the community of vampires -- who have not been revealed to the public at large -- against a rogue vampire with a demon in thrall and powerful sorcerous abilities at his command. As the body count rises and key characters are taken out of play, Mercy finds herself fighting an enemy she can't even find, much less defeat with any certainty. To add a delicious layer of tension to the story, her allies may prove as deadly as the sorceror she's hunting -- she definitely can't trust them to watch her back.

And all she really wants to do is keep her garage open for business and tinker in her spare time on her beloved VW Rabbit.

Refreshingly, the romance aspect of the story -- Mercy has two powerful werewolves and maybe a vampire vying for her affections -- is subdued, almost inconsequential to the plot. Some folks might be disappointed, but romance is making such a heavy push into contemporary paranormal fiction, it's almost a relief to see it de-emphasized for a change. Mercy is no heart of stone, but she certainly doesn't feel the need to have a man in her life, for love or protection against the greater dark.

"Blood Bound" is a compelling story with a strong, capable heroine who defies expectations in an increasingly crowded genre. Characters, action and suspense work together smoothly to drive the plot in interesting directions, and readers will hug the pages as Briggs takes unexpected turns.

by Tom Knapp, Rambles.(n e t) editor

Intense plot with twists & turns. The writing makes the "bad guy (s) very scary & real too. Nail biter moments for sure. Solid story of shows a softer side of Mercy & also the side that will never stop doing all she can to save those around her. Love the love story plot & how she begins to embrace her role in the pack

Vampires, werewolves, sorcerers, oh my!! I really enjoyed the first Mercy Thompson novel but I think the 2nd book is even better.

The characters are just so well developed that it's very easy to get drawn in to the story. Time to go order book #3 from the store!

I'm officially addicted to this series. I found this book even better than Moon Called, but that's what should happen as I get to know Mercy more. Mercy gets more immersed into the vampire world while possibly attracting Stefan more, just to add to the Adam and Samuel love triangle. I like how the romance is just a sub-plot throughout the series and doesn't take too much away from the main story. The author really develops interesting characters and you can't help wanting to know what is going to happen to them next! This series is a must read for any urban fantasy fan.

I enjoy this book enough that I am constantly rereading this series. Though I'll admit it is one of those where I wait long enough between rereadings that the stories all blend in together for me so it is sometimes a slight surprise when something happens or doesn't happen.

Living in the tri cities and reading Patricia's books are a very special treat. I can visualize most every where the story takes me. The characters are well thought out and described in such detail, I feel I know them. I'm hooked, I can't wait to see where each book in the series takes me.

Anyone who loves vampires, werewolves, and other creatures. Ms. Briggs mixes believable characters in a real setting. The main character, Mercy, has all the flaws of a human including loyalty, fierce independence, and spunk. She problem solves in creative ways. I will never see a coyote again without thinking of her.

Mercy continues to thrive in her world of dominant wolves and vampires. She is able to stand up to them, mostly, and do what she feels is right. Mercy is a strong heroine who is fiercely loyal to her friends. This time around she chases after a sorcerer-turned-vampire who has imprisoned her friends and was responsible for the deaths of innocent humans. She fights to free her friends and handout swift justice. She's also fighting her heart.

Blood Bound is a scintillating show of TRUE paranormal writing. A great slap in the face to the sudden craze of pithy vampire drama like Twilight. Briggs leaves you with a sense that if you could only open your eyes while you walk down the street, you have no idea what you might find. If only you were brave enough to really look! Her characters are rich in detail, beautifully crafted and likable. Mercy left me smiling with her bad attitude and good heart. The wolves and their entire dynamic was complex and realistic. The plot was excellent, a real page-turner. Once I started I just couldn't stop!

Seriously. Mercy is such a badass. And the have not one, not two but three guys now in love with her ? I can't wait to see who she picks. #teamAdam I love how there was so much mystery in this one. Can't wait to read the next!!!

Patricia Briggs returns us to the wonderful world she created in MOON CALLED. This time the adventure is faster, scarier, and we learn more about the citizens of this world.

Mercy Thompson is a coyote skinwalker. She is also a mechanic and the mate (she refuses to acknowledge), of the local Alpha werewolf. Now a friend of hers, a vampire, has asked her to do him a favor and go with him when he confronts a rogue vampire who has come into his seeth's area. Mercy goes as a coyote and finds more than expected. The vamp is also a sorceror who has a demon rideing him. He hurts Mercy and Plants false memories in Stefan, the vampire. Only because Mercy remembers do they figure out he is a sorceror vampire. And he must be stopped'

Adam is the leader of the local pack and the unacknowledged mate to Mercy. He has claimed her but she refuses to accept it.

Samuel is a Dr. he is also a werewolf, he has been in love with Mercy for a while and she loved him when she was 16.

As her friends are being savaged, captured, and killed, she seems to be the only one who might be able to kill the demon/vampire. She also learns why the vampires tried to kill all the walkers like her and why they fear her still.

Wonderful satisfying read, I enjoyed it very much.

Oh, our heroine must survive, but doubts about how and the conditions on that survival abound until the end. Bystanders don't have to die, but it happens to fuel the need to make personal necessary retribution. Good read from start to finish.

The author knows how to catch and hold the readers interest all the way through. The characters and the supernatural world they live in are very realistically drawn. I don't get why the Publisher's Weekly review says the romantic triangle fizzles, I'd say it sizzles. Her first person narrative is not flabby; it is done so well that it contributes to the overall feeling of reality. This is one of the best books I've read in the genre

I already owned the paperback but a friend of mine kept it when she moved out of state. The rest of my books are in hardback so now they all match. Patricia is a good story teller with believable characters and descriptive action. It's not often a writer can make you almost taste and smell item she describes.

Mercy Thompson, mechanic and shapeshifter (coyote). I like Mercy because she's not the strongest or the badest woman in this book/series. Nor is she trying to be. She has many friends in low places (mostly male - a girl after my own heart) and of all persuasions; vampires, werewolves, a witch, a ghost, and many more. Mercy is clever not relying on shear brute strength or strength of power to get her out of jams. I'm thoroughly enjoying Patricia Briggs books and am anxiously awaiting the next book(s).

Okay, now to my only criticism of the book/series. She seems to have almost all males in the story sniffing around her. Maybe this is like the saying that men can't "just be friends". Or that they are pretending to be friends till the time is right. It could just be me, but I would like to see more story than love triangles between numerous suitors. (I get that in heaping doses from another author I read.)

The characters are just so well written and Mercy is so strong. While you know there is attraction to other characters, the author does not give us the obligatory romance.

The action, adventure, mystery and attention to detail was well written. I also love that Patricia Briggs allows us to experience Mercy learning more of her gifts; we see growth. The relationships are also complex, without every becoming trite.

Off to start Iron Kissed.

Mercy goes after a demon in this one and contends with multiple love interests, all of whom are viable and interesting, but she's focused on her task to kill the demon. A great addition to the series. The fact that she doesn't jump into bed with the first male to show interest is refreshing.

Loved the all the details that Patricia adds to her fantasy world. This was a great book, the characters are well drawn and believable. I love the Mercy Thompson character and can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

Found this second book better than the first book, less explanations of everything. Story line more exciting & unexpected. Learning more about main characters & what part they play in Mercy's world. This book interested me to want to see what more will take place in book 3.

I love Mercy and her extended family. No spoilers here. I loved every minute of this book. The plot was twisted and the evil was over the top! Thank goodness Mercy and her compatriots band together to fight.
Enjoy!

Patricia Briggs has excellent world building skills. Her characters are complex and have depth. The supernatural world she creates in a contemporary setting is creative, fantastic, and has consistent rules that can still be nudged with the right circumstances. The story flies by, and you won't want to stop reading because you'll be dying to find out what happens next. I highly recommend this series!

I love love love the characters and world that Patricia Briggs has brought to life within this series. If you enjoy the works of Shannon Mayer, Ilona Andrews, Kim Harrison, Debra Dunbar, Karen Marie Moning, and Jim Butcher, I would highly recommend you give this series a try!

Helping the dead or hunting the dead can be something that hurts the body. Watch out.

I am just captivated by Mercy and her group of friends. What is next in the line of trouble for Mercy.

I just can't put the book down. Patricia Briggs give detail without over detailing things. I realy like that.

This story starts out with a horrific murder and the suspense stays high through the whole book. Adam and Mercy get closer. So do Stephen and Mercy. I know the next book though, so that is a good thing. Warren is a real surprise in this one. Read it. You can't get any paranormal romance/mysteries better than this.

I read Patricia Briggs' first novel (Moon Called) about Mercy the shapeshifting coyte and it was awsome. The sequel was just as good because in the first novel you learn all about werewolves and how their politics work in Mercy's world and I liked how the author lets us discover something new in Blood Bound. In this novel you get to explore vampires and their politics and find out more about Stefan the vampire from the first novel. This novel is a fast paced read and full of action and is must read for anyone who liked Moon Called or likes paranormal ficton.

Well-developed characters, great plot and a little sexual tension - what more could you ask?
I really like that although the books are a series, enough information is given in each to stand alone.
Recommending to all my reader friends!

Patrica Briggs writes thoroughly engaging stories. Even her villains are good guys. Woman and men treat each other as equals and the reader is continually invited to examine their own concept of what it means to be human. There is just enough 'cliff hanger' at the end of each book to keep you going on to the next.

I really love Mercy Thompson, the heroine of the series. I love all of the Mercy Thompson books. In fact, I have read all the books two times so far. I look forward to reading them again before the next sequel comes out.