Patricia Briggs - Winter Lost

In the supernatural realms, there are creatures who belong to winter. I am not one of them. But like the coyote I can become at will, I am adaptable.
My name is Mercy Thompson Hauptman, and my mate, Adam, is the werewolf who leads the Columbia Basin Pack, the pack charged with keeping the people who live and work in the Tri-Cities of Washington State safe. It's a hard job, and it doesn't leave much room for side quests. Which is why when I needed to travel to Montana to help my brother, I intended to go by myself.
But I'm not alone anymore.
Together, Adam and I find ourselves trapped with strangers in a lodge in the heart of the wilderness, in the teeth of a storm of legendary power, only to discover my brother's issues are a tiny part of a problem much bigger than we could have imagined. Arcane and ancient magics are at work that could, unless we are very careful, bring about the end of the world . . .

Comment: This is installment #14 in the Mercy Thompson series by author Patricia Briggs, a series I have been following for years.

In this story Mercy and Adam are going to see about a frost giant so that they can try to help her brother Gary, who has showed up without being able to talk or see those around him, as if a spell has been put on him. They learn it might have been something to do with a wedding which will take place somewhere and an artifact that was likely stolen from the frost giant. At the same time, Mercy is still dealing with the aftermath of what the soul taker did to her and there is still the worry of the vampire Bonarata, with the constant threats aimed their way... is there any solution for Mercy's problems or by traveling north she and Adam are only going to collect some more?

Although this is a well structured story, it cannot be recommended that a new reader starts with this one to enjoy the world building the author so cleverly imagined. Yes, it can work as a standalone from the plot's POV, but there are so many little things and references throughout that doing so would make this a very frustrating read. Still, this is book #14 and it can be quite the investment to start with the first one but it is so, so worth it.

If I think about authors whose stories still work out for me 100%, in terms of writing I mean - of course some books will always be better than others in big series - Patricia Briggs and Ilona Andrews come to mind. Both have a specific type of "voice" and their work always sounds solid to me. This series and the Alpha and Omega one by mrs Briggs are wonderfully complex and nuanced and I have enjoyed all the books because the world building is solid and the characters are layered and always fascinating.

That said, in regards to this installment, perhaps it is true that some repetition seems to happen and having Adam and Mercy mostly secluded at an isolated place with a completely new set of characters for the sole purpose of this plot, feels like an easy way out of dealing with many ongoing issues, but thankfully there is one major problem which is dealt with here and I'm quite glad for that. It was also a good way to see Adam and Mercy together without the physical presence of the pack and how that would affect them or not.

As for the frost giant's situation and the plot around it... I'll be very honest, some things were very confusing. Even when we had the explanation for this and that detail, some things just felt exaggerated, in the sense that why couldn't an easier solution be found? Plus, it felt as if the need for magical/mystical threads was higher than the need for an obvious plot. The link between some of the characters was kept secretive in ways I'd say were not always logical, but it all goes to the magical foundation of this world. I get it that magic is everywhere for these characters but sometimes it does feel a bit too much.

When we do learn about the characters and their roles in this big scheme, I'll have to say some were quite incredible, no doubt about it. I'd never imagine such a thing but the author has a lot of imagination, that's for sure. Other things were a little confusing, and seemed contrived, but the characters' personalities and their role in this world and in how they interact with others was made to seem special,as always. It's as if there is always some kind of detail, information about everyone that just keeps on making them all seem unique. I'm here to see their interactions and to learn more about them all. I just hope some of the main characters will remain untouchable until the end.

Adam and Mercy remain a devoted mated couple and this has to be my favorite part of the novels. Under so much stress and complications, they are still a loving couple and I hope this never changes. It has been so great to see this happen and, once more, they are an united pair. I suppose that I'd have enjoyed the book for this alone, but while some things weren't as thrilling as they were in other installments, I'm just glad nothing terrible happened to them here, so... that's it.

Grade: 7/10

Patricia Briggs - Soul Taken

The vampire Wulfe is missing. Since he’s deadly, possibly insane, and his current idea of “fun” is stalking me, some may see it as no great loss. But, warned that his disappearance might bring down the carefully constructed alliances that keep our pack safe, my mate and I must find Wulfe—and hope he’s still alive. As alive as a vampire can be, anyway.
But Wulfe isn’t the only one who has disappeared. And now there are bodies, too. Has the Harvester returned to the Tri-Cities, reaping souls with his cursed sickle? Or is he just a character from a B horror movie and our enemy is someone else?
The farther I follow Wulfe’s trail, the more twisted—and darker—the path becomes. I need to figure out what’s going on before the next body on the ground is mine.

Comment: This is the 13th installment in the Mercy Thompson series by author Patricia Briggs. I have been a fan of the series for years - well, mostly, the author's writing - and it seems as if it's one of those series that could last forever... I just wonder if that is, indeed, the author's goal... I suppose it sells well, otherwise she might have other plans... who knows....

In this novel, Mercy and Adam and the rest of the pack are having some fun when they are told Wulfe is missing and he needs to be found, or else. As Mercy and others investigate, some entity disguised as the villain of a horror movie is killing people and, it turns out, a specific type of people. While it isn't immediately obvious what is happening, since the pack is responsible for the well being of those who now live in the Tri-Cities, it's up to them to help those who need and to do that, they have to catch this new enemy, as well as find out what happened to Wulfe... will Mercy and Adam be able to defeat one more enemy?

Once again, I have to say these books should not be read as stand alone, because even if that is possible, I do not think it could be very rewarding, since so much only makes sense when one has previous knowledge of past events. I say this but I must also confess I easily forget some things and sometimes there are references I'm thinking "what is this about?" but my enjoyment of the novels does not cease.

These books follow a certain pattern: Mercy and those around her are involved in some situation, often dangerous or concerning people/beings not always that friendly, and they must fix it by apprehending or killing something/someone. In this story we have all of this, for they have to find Wulfe and bring him back to the vampire seethe and they must also kill a new enemy who is, himself, killing innocents. Of course, no full-blown reader would be surprised these two things are connected...

In terms of plot and writing, nothing to fault this author with and I believe I've repeated myself countless times in all the other comments I've done about the previous books by her, but she is truly talented. Mrs Briggs does have a perfect way to combine character development and imagination and the significant amount of detail on lore and world building she has amassed in all the years her two major series have been published. Even if I don't remember something from another book, somehow she writes it in a way that it all makes sense anyway.

This said, I was again engrossed in reading this and turning the pages, mostly to find out who the new enemy was and why was he killing people. The explanation for this is actually quite simple but as always, things only make sense after all the clues are placed together. I suppose I could say that the base of the series - these paranormal beings in the world and all the little things and the complexity of their existence working along with humans and so on - seems to get more and more intricate and I fear that there won't be an end to the problems Mercy faces... I wish things could settle down somehow... but, of course, then the series would/might lose its identity.

Two interesting novelties in this book, kind of: we learn Sherwood's identity and we learn who will likely be the next villain to defeat. How would these things play out, that is the question, although Sherwood's identity was quite intriguing. Perhaps not as much for those fans dedicated to theories and such... as for the bad guy, he is definitely annoying and I would love if these bad guys wouldn't be given so much time on the page nor importance. I'm one of those readers who would prefer the series to get into something quieter or more focused on inner issues than facing terrible enemies all the time.

All things considered, this was another good installment, perhaps not as full of twists and sudden things as other have been, but for a fan there's some kind of comfort in what to expect from this world.

Grade: 8/10

Patricia Briggs - Wild Sign

In the wilds of the Northern California mountains, all the inhabitants of a small town have gone missing. It's as if the people picked up and left everything they owned behind. Fearing something supernatural might be going on, the FBI taps a source they've consulted in the past: the werewolves Charles Cornick and Anna Latham. But Charles and Anna soon find a deserted town is the least of the mysteries they face.
Death sings in the forest, and when it calls, Charles and Anna must answer. Something has awakened in the heart of the California mountains, something old and dangerous — and it has met werewolves before.

Comment: This is the most recent release by author Patricia Briggs. Her series Alpha and Omega (of which this book is a part of) and Mercy Thompson are hugely popular and although set in different places featuring different characters, is the same world and several characters mentioned in one are recognizable in the other.

In this new book, mated couple Anna and Charles are asked to investigate the weird case of Wild Sign, a place up in the forest where a "off the grid" community had settled but no one has been seen lately nor has contacted their families. The daughter of one element went there, discovered the place abandoned but something felt off. Since the propriety happens to belong to Leah, the mate of the Marrok, Anna, Charles and their pack member Tag go look for any evidence of what might have happened and they find an apparent mystery which is only worsened when Anna plays a musical instrument and something weird happens.

What or whom could be causing these weird events? What happened to the community members? How is that connected to the identity of those missing members? What about Leah's past? With so much going on, will Charles and Anna solve this?

I believe I've said it before, likely in regards to all books by this author, but it still marvels me to no end how incredible her imagination is and how well written her books are. Patricia Briggs must be one of the best fantasy writers out there, independently of the series one is reading. This story was so well engineered, so well structured and planned, every single detail made sense. Sure, some things were kept from the reader for too long but that's a choice, to keep the mystery ongoing, because the set up was amazing.

The mystery is exciting to wonder about, to want to see solved simply because there is a lot of detail about it, so many hints and little things which aren't immediately explained, and that allows the reader to create scenarios... I think I only started to imagine a possible solution after certain elements were shared, which means the clues are there but not so obvious that the author does the easy road, I liked that even simple information on this or that proved to have a deeper meaning.

Anna and Charles were, again, amazing protagonist, leading the investigation and allowing the reader to follow alongside them, always sharing something of themselves, of what they went through even if just one little detail, making the series feel stronger and fleshier because if someone reads in order, there's a lot to be said about things having meaning, the details aren't there just because or to suit this specific plot, and while a new reader can follow the main plot well, it does feel very rewarding to have invested time with these characters and understand vibes or some comments because we know what happened before.

The author included a lot of folklore and old tales elements, making the story feel special, as if something more should be remembered about this or that detail and until something obvious happens, maybe those details didn't feel as necessary, but they are, actually. I think this is proof of her ability to plan what is going to happen, and how. Her stories always have this vibe of something deeper, something that we should be aware of but that isn't always easy to grasp... I like that we know something is about to happen but it's not easy to guess.

Anna and Charles' relationship is more than established, is strong and solid and I love seeing their interactions. However, I'm greedy and I would not dismiss more romance were it to be included. I know the focus isn't exactly that but relationships are a big part of these books, especially the werewolves and how they live in a pack... if there is one element I wish were better to my personal preference is a better and not always dire development on the relationships between other characters. I kind of wanted to see them more like a family and not just a pack for biology needs or something.

I said I like the vibe of the books but, another thing I'd like even more, is to see them happier, also having lighter moments and not being simply focused on solving problems and negative things. I think the balance of the overall world building could be better, yes.

However, overall, this was a good novel, I had a great time reading and now can't wait for more!

Grade: 8/10

TBR Challenge: Patricia Briggs - Smoke Bitten

I am Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman.
My only "superpowers" are that I turn into a thirty-five pound coyote and fix Volkswagens. But I have friends in odd places and a pack of werewolves at my back. It looks like I'm going to need them.
Centuries ago, the fae dwelt in Underhill--until she locked her doors against them. They left behind their great castles and troves of magical artifacts. They abandoned their prisoners and their pets. Without the fae to mind them, those creatures who remained behind roamed freely through Underhill wreaking havoc. Only the deadliest survived.
Now one of those prisoners has escaped. It can look like anyone, any creature it chooses. But if it bites you, it controls you. It lives for chaos and destruction. It can make you do anything--even kill the person you love the most. Now it is here, in the Tri-Cities. In my territory.
It won't, can't, remain.
Not if I have anything to say about it.

Comment: Before one even notices that, another month is gone. I can't say if it feels as if time passes by quicker when one has nothing to do or when one has too much to do but either way, it's time for another TBR Challenge post and the theme for march is Favorite Author. I wouldn't go as far as to say who has to be my favorite author, although for many years I would have chosen a name without much thought. Nowadays, I'm more picky, so I'll go with ONE OF the favorite authors I currently auto buy.

I've chosen this 12th installment in the Mercy Thompson series simply because it was the last one to come out which I haven't read yet. I've discovered that, these days, even for favorite authors, I have plenty to occupy my time and I can (usually) patiently wait for a paperback edition, which is the one I read.

In this new "episode" of the adventures of Mercy Thompson and her family/pack/friends, things seem to be a little off , both with her relationship with Adam and when she feels something weird after a jackrabbit crosses her path. It turns out her instinct was right and a jackrabbit bits one of her neighbors, which means a being from Underhill, as Mercy finds out, is now able to take the form of anyone he bites and the control of that person, as she sadly discovers when the ghost of her neighbor's wife appears to Mercy and tells her some information. It is true she now has a door to Underhill, that whimsically dangerous realm in Faerie, in her backyard but it's better to keep the enemies closer after all and Mercy also wants to protect Aiden from being called back to Underhill... but is there any connection between these things and how it affects her relationship with Adam?

I think, by now, something should be quite clear about this series: the plot of each book might make sense for the duration of the book but it's so much more gratifying and rewarding tho have read things in order. There are so many references and hints about past events that even faithful fans could wonder about (no solution for time between book's releases unless you're fae and control the author!), much less someone falling into this world at book #12.

I would say this cannot be a stand alone story, a good part of the conflicts is related to the previous book and there are other references to books even further back in the series. For me, this is like gold on paper because I do love complex, fulfilling family bonds developing with time, I love this sense Mercy and Adam and the other members of the pack and some friends have this rich and complex relationship... I think the stories could be awesome based only on pack dynamics! However, the mysteries/magical problems Mercy often has to deal with allow for more insight into her personality and of those around her, so another win.

I suppose some readers might feel it has become tiresome how the books seem to be structured the same way, but I have so much fun just getting to spend time with them, I think I can put aside some of the details I can wish were better done or done in a way I'd like more. What has become a little repetitive by now is how Mercy still isn't liked by every pack member after all she has done. In this book, one pack member says something which, to me at least, makes sense on why that might be but... again, I can't understand why they just won't take the wonderful part of this: Mercy cares and would be a friend to anyone who would want to be her friend too.

I think it's very hard to do something that would feel perfect to everyone at the same time. This to say there were some elements here and there I'd change but it's also complicated to really express conveniently how something doesn't work for you without sounding whiny and inconsiderate. This book wasn't perfect to me because on the (unfair!) other side of enjoying spending time with friends as I feel with this world, there's the notion some things just drag and just don't seem to ever get any closer to a definite resolution...the enemies will never cease to come, to case havoc and worry...

I won't write about the plot and the villain who came from Underhill, but let it be said I was not expecting things to go the direction they did. What a creepy real enemy, is what I can say. As for how the villain affects the main characters, I felt this was another transition book, meaning, it's a bridge between stronger plot twists perhaps? It just felt like the big picture in which this whole thing was set upon has yet to reach the peak and that leaves me worried for the characters and their future.

When the book starts, we are told Mercy and Adam have had some issues and this is also addressed during the book. I think it was an understandable situation actually but the paranormal features gives it a whole new sense. Still, rest assured, they are as strong as ever by the end of the novel and if there's one thing this series can be counted on is by how supportive they are of one another, how in love they remain and how much in sync they seem to be. It's good to know they still have little things to discover about one another, even among the whole fighting enemies and problems and stuff.

I liked this novel as a whole, it was wonderful, like I said, to simply spend time with the characters, immersed in their world, see a few more moments of their lives...

Grade: 8/10

Patricia Briggs - Storm Cursed

My name is Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman, and I am a car mechanic.
And a coyote shapeshifter.
And the mate of the Alpha of the Columbia Basin werewolf pack.
Even so, none of that would have gotten me into trouble if, a few months ago, I hadn't stood upon a bridge and taken responsibility for the safety of the citizens who lived in our territory. It seemed like the thing to do at the time. It should have only involved hunting down killer goblins, zombie goats, and an occasional troll. Instead, our home was viewed as neutral ground, a place where humans would feel safe to come and treat with the fae.
The reality is that nothing and no one is safe. As generals and politicians face off with the Gray Lords of the fae, a storm is coming and her name is Death.
But we are pack, and we have given our word.
We will die to keep it.

Comment: This is the 11th installment in the Mercy Thompson series by author Patricia Briggs, a series I'd say is one of the best fantasy/UF out there. This book was released last year and the 12th very recently but that I haven't got yet.

In this story, Mercy has to deal with black witches coming to the Tri-Cities now that the territory has become very interesting since Mercy and the pack have taken charge if it.

As the weird problems amount and conversations between humans and the fae are being planned, Mercy asks the help of her friend Zee and even that of vampire Wulfe to win over the battle against the witches, who have also created zombies.

Although it seems the problem might be easily solved, there are too many lives at rick but Mercy did promise she would help anyone who needed it..

As usual, I had a good time reading a story by this author. I'm a fan of the world this author created, both for this series and for the Alpha/Omega one, which concur.

I think the author has a good imagination but more than that, she is extremely talented in putting things together. It also keeps on fascinating me how every scene, every sentence seems to be important for what is happening. This means all parts of her stories have meaning and are great to read. It's the same feeling I get when I read things by Ilona Andrews, for instance, another favorite.

The problem for me, in relation to these books by Briggs in general, is precisely that: since they are so complex and well thought and where every single detail matters, it's really easy to forget stuff, to not pay enough attention to the point of remembering all those scenes. I have an overall idea about things, I keep remembering things from book to book if the characters mention them and some come to mind while reading. But I think the time between read sort of dilutes the meaning of some things and this means that while I like the story immensely, I sort of feel distanced from it anyway.

I'd say, now, that each story in this series is like a little chapter in the characters' lives. There's still an on going thread regarding the character's place in time, meaning they do evolve from book to book, but the passage of time feels minimal. It's just another day/week/adventure for them.

I liked this one enough because the physical impact of everything on Mercy was minimal (as opposed to books where she really got quite a kick for her efforts) and there were several scenes between her and Adam to make me glad they are a happy couple.

The plot is, as I expected, intricate and all the little dots connecting make for a very intriguing read. I kept thinking how was it possible some things happened like that but, of course, the author kept adding explanations that, within that world, made all sense. 

Zee and Tad, Wulfe, Sherwood and the witch Elizaveta are the characters that most help Mercy and Adam in this new adventure. Of course one could not expect happy endings for just everyone but I'm glad to say no good guys with key roles were affected. OK, perhaps one if we consider all the installments so far, but none I'd feel terribly sad about.

After some build up on the problem at hand, I sort of expected the resolution to be a little more... explosive but in reality Mercy and her team solved things rather easily. Don't be worried, there was a lot to think about following that and I'm certain some things will be addressed somewhere in the future books but in relation to this one, I'm just glad it was possible to fix the problem with minimal impact. As often happens, there are also some lighter scenes/dialogues to keep the anticipation leveled.

I don't feel like going into much detail, it's difficult to think what might be considered spoiler or not. One thing, though, is for certain. Explaining too much would be no help for new readers. This is definitely a series which has reached the point of being frustrating or even uninspiring if one starts so late in the series. There is a lot that is understandable but a whole lot which I believe would not be so if someone reading this has not read the others, the first book is the (addictive) way to begin.

All in all, for a fan, this was a good, steady novel in the series.

Grade: 8/10

Patricia Briggs - Burn Bright

They are the wild and the broken. The werewolves too damaged to live safely among their own kind. For their own good, they have been exiled to the outskirts of Aspen Creek, Montana. Close enough to the Marrok’s pack to have its support; far enough away to not cause any harm.
With their Alpha out of the country, Charles and Anna are on call when an SOS comes in from the fae mate of one such wildling. Heading into the mountainous wilderness, they interrupt the abduction of the wolf–but can’t stop blood from being shed. Now Charles and Anna must use their skills–his as enforcer, hers as peacemaker–to track down the attackers, reopening a painful chapter in the past that springs from the darkest magic of the witchborn… 

Comment: As many other fans of this author, I was extremely happy to have received this book in the mail when it was finally released. Patricia Briggs is a very talented writer and she is very attentive to detail, which means every sentence has meaning and I was looking for to immerse myself in the story of this new installment of the Alpha and Omega series.

This time Charles and Anna are trying to protect the wildlings of the Marrock's pack, those wolves who are damaged somehow and wouldn't cope living with a large close pack, which means they are mostly in the Aspen Creek mountains.

However, a member of the pack asks for help at one point but Charles and Anna can't stop death from happening. The last thing they expected was the message pointing out to a traitor. The problem is the message wasn't clear enough if the traitor was a wildling or a member of the most formal pack of the Marrock. Now the hunt is on to put the pieces together and discover the truth before it's too late.

Often one thinks that, no matter how repetitive some notions, are the stories always feel different and vibrant and exciting to follow. I feel this happens with me when I read books by Patricia Briggs. Saving some exceptions, all her books follow the same main situations in different settings, but always something extra is delivered to the reader, making each story unique.

I'm saying this because not all authors, having long series or not, can accomplish the same.

Despite this, I also felt some details weren't as successfully done, for instance the lack of development in some broader areas such as a better interaction of some elements of the pack. Nevertheless I can accept the fact not enough pages could be used while maintaining a line in the plot and a measured time spent in some scenes. It was also a little annoying to see some inconsistencies in behavior from some characters to others: some rules apply to some, but not to all, depending on how the plot needs that detail to be.

I'd also say that it is important to read the previous books as there are many threads connecting and some things make more sense having read the previous installments.

Some readers have also disliked immensely how a new information was given concerning Bran and his way of thinking of Mercy while she was with her parents in his pack. Some of this new information wasn't necessary for the story at all and given with different wording might have been more easily processed: I wasn't disgusted with it as some were because, to me, it's all a matter or seeing things the way are now and bearing in mind all the facts. Still, I'd simply have excluded that and I can't understand how this helped in anything, much less why characters are the way they are.

Charles and Anna are still a great team, not unbeatable, but I feel invested enough in the overall world to accept the intricacies of their relationship. Anna is still a fascinating heroine, especially after her past. I did wish she wasn't as cautions with her dealing with other characters but I can understand they suit her personality and past experiences.

Charles is still a bit more difficult to read but he is, at his most basic, someone who is there for those he cares about and his choices are often well argued before he acts (even if we don't always agree).

Not going into details, I must say this book was a good one for me simply because it made me spend some more time with characters I'm invested in. I wish I could plan more things (good ones of course) in their lives and if there is one thing I'd change in this author's books is the ratio between happy scenes/situations and bad/not so good ones. Fictional lives should also encourage you to feel better about that.

Grade: 7/10

Patricia Briggs - Silence Fallen

Attacked and abducted in her home territory, Mercy finds herself in the clutches of the most powerful vampire in the world, taken as a weapon to use against alpha werewolf Adam and the ruler of the Tri-Cities vampires. In coyote form, Mercy escapes only to find herself without money, without clothing, and alone in the heart of Europe...
Unable to contact Adam and the rest of the pack, Mercy has allies to find and enemies to fight, and she needs to figure out which is which. Ancient powers stir, and Mercy must be her agile best to avoid causing a war between vampires and werewolves, and between werewolves and werewolves. And in the heart of the ancient city of Prague, old ghosts rise...

Comment: This is the latest installment in the Mercy Thompson series by author Patricia Briggs, featuring coyote shifter Mercy, her alpha wolf husband Adam and many of the usual secondary characters present in the series. 

In this book Mercy has another interesting adventure, this time running away after escaping a kidnapping and holding on until Adam picks her up...in Czech Republic.

At the same time, Mercy also faces the ghosts of one of the oldest cities and gets herself in the heart of trouble. Will she be able to choose well her moves while Adam and a team chosen by him does the same when facing the vampire who kidnapped Mercy in the first place?

I think this was a good book. Maybe not as vibrant to me as others (I prefer it when the plots revolve  around the pack and the relationships between characters directly related to Adam and Mercy) but it was still interesting for two main reasons: we get to learn a lot about each character through little details and we have part of the story seen from Adam's POV, the first time this happens in the series.

I saw some readers were bothered by the fact this book has Mercy and Adam apart but it I think the author did a good job highlighting the idea they were a team and a united couple and it was amazing to have glimpses of their bond in several moments, even if only thoughts each one had about the n. I really appreciated how we are almost proved right that their relationship is real and valid and forever.

Again, what really marvels me the most is that this is a very talented writer. Somehow, mrs Briggs can create a well thought world and, book after book, the same consistency is kept and we are given plenty details about the characters, their lives, the adventures they have, their thoughts and every single paragraph feels we get more information, makes it look like all information is necessary and vital for the story's development. And, at the end, it gives us the feeling this was not only a rich story but a complete one as well.

Of course, looking closely, one can see there wasn't much happening here in global terms but it was a nice step in Mercy's life adventures.

Mercy is clever and funny and the perfect conscience in a human being. I really like her and how she thinks of helping others using some sarcasm here and there. But I prefer to see her with Adam and

in this book, because they weren't next to one another, it was great to see how their personalities complement each other even far apart. It also made me certain their romance and relationship is balanced, healthy and super sweet at times. I'm very eager to keep seeing them together.

Overall, I think this was a good story, it had many interesting elements, we got to learn more things and there's a HEA at the end. Too bad we don't have more simple domestic life scenes to let us enjoy these characters even more.

Grade: 8/10

Patricia Briggs - Fire Touched

Tensions between the fae and humans are coming to a head. And when coyote shapeshifter Mercy and her Alpha werewolf mate, Adam, are called upon to stop a rampaging troll, they find themselves with something that could be used to make the fae back down and forestall out-and-out war: a human child stolen long ago by the fae.
Defying the most powerful werewolf in the country, the humans, and the fae, Mercy, Adam, and their pack choose to protect the boy no matter what the cost. But who will protect them from a boy who is fire touched? 

Comment: This book belongs to one of my auto-buy series and it's installment #9 in a series I clearly remember feeling rather suspicious of because it hinted at a love triangle and was narrated first person. How glad I feel every time a new book comes out that I decided to go for it anyway!

In this recent addiction to the series, Mercy and Adam and the werewolves must deal with a huge "trollish" problem caused by the fae. At the same time, a new character shows up and Mercy does something to ensure his safety but that might bring consequences to the pack. The thing is, the person the pack is now protecting was stolen from the fae and is being searched for..but he is a child, no matter his experience in the fae world. Can Mercy and Adam maintain their character and position when it comes to those who need help or are their actions finally be punished?

I'm a fan of this series because I really think the author is talented, thoughtful and writes well, featuring clever and well structured plots. It's always a pleasure to read a book by her.

This story is a continuation of previous situations which seem to conduct to a certain idea but probably the next book will show that (it's an idea that seems to develop with each book). I don't think anyone has to red previous books to understand the main plot but I strongly advise readers to read in order...so many things only make sense if we do and so many others need to be read with previous knowledge so little details are explained and have context.

I especially like how every sentence seems polished, well thought, the best way to present a situation, a concept, a feeling or emotion...the author is wonderful, she truly is.

The story focuses a lot on Adam and Mercy as a team. The issues and tasks they have in this book aren't a joining of forces, they are sharing the same mind set and are true partners. I love to see them this way, acting as a united team, being a loving couple. It seems some voices wanted more of them together and this book gives us that.

I love them as a couple but in the past, despite all the love, all the proofs they love one another, there was still some doubt about how committed they were, especially Adam because of his position as alpha. In this book he makes a statement and convinces us all of how much he loves Mercy. We, faithful readers, already knew that but it was wonderful to see it happen.

As for the plot, it mostly deals with the fae and their weird politics. It seems things are progressing a certain way but the actions of some fae don't portray the ideas developed in previous books and I feel slightly confused about it. I love how the author imagined and showed us the world's working and the "rules" and how that helped us to create an idea about it. I also like how every little thing, from personalities of each being (shapeshifter, fae, human, witch) matches - or not- the behavior of characters within each species to the workings of the groups' mind set has impact in each storyline and consequences to others. This sounds complex and it is but on the page it feels easy, fluid, obviously necessary to enrich the book. I think the author thinks a lot about everything and in this case, the fae have come to a point I feel there's no turning back. Let's see how that influences things from here on, especially because of how that affected others.

I think that, despite all the good things, the focus wasn't as perfect as I'd have liked, the child they help protect matters but several of the scenes about him didn't look as powerful as I imagined.

I liked the glimpse of a secondary romance here, I liked how pack dynamics and relationships evolved for the better. 

Something happens to the pack that changes a bit of out perception of the whole main storyline but I feel it is a good change. This is usually my favorite thing in the stories, to see how things progress and why certain actions/behaviors happen.

I'm looking for to read more books about Mercy and Adam, their family and their path to immortally forever love!

I think a fan won't be disappointed and will appreciate every nuance and hint about possible things and ideas and that leaves us to imagine and wish and hopefully some of the things we want to see happen can be real in the next book. Here's to hope!

Grade: 8/10

Patricia Briggs - Dead Heat

For once, mated werewolves Charles and Anna are not traveling because of Charles’s role as his father’s enforcer. This time, their trip to Arizona is purely personal, or at least it starts out that way...
Charles and Anna soon discover that a dangerous Fae being is on the loose, replacing human children with simulacrums. The Fae’s cold war with humanity is about to heat up – and Charles and Anna are in the cross fire.

Comment: This is the latest installment in the Alpha and Omega series by Patricia Briggs. It's the story of werewolf couple Anna and Charles and how they work together to solve cases or problems that are related to werewolves that local packs can't deal with. It's imaginative and amazing, and this book isn't the exception.

In this installment, Charles and Anna are taking the time to meet one of Charles' oldest friends who happens to be dying. Always refusing to be Changed, this is Charles last opportunity to talk with Joseph and say goodbye. The couple also wants to look at some horses because Joseph's family raises them.

However, while there Charles has to save someone close to Joseph, someone attacked by a fae. Not all of them are in the reservations and the one on the loose is dangerous and is using  children as toys. Can Charles and Anna save the day again?

Once again, I really liked a story by this author. It's without a doubt one of those authors that always deliver even if the story isn't the best one. Once an author has talent, everything seems easy and words flow. There's a certain feel to the work of ms Briggs. I've read somewhere she is afraid of negative reviews but honestly I can't understand how someone can't appreciate her books. Her writing is perfection, even if the story is something we might like less than others. Therefore, I'm always certain 'll be dazzled by the writing skills, the apparent simplicity of the plot but which has so many connected situations and scenes that something I'm sure took a lot of work looks so easy and effortless.

The plot, as it has happened it all the others before, is a mix of an investigation and the development of Charles and Anna's relationship and how they are becoming a real unit.

Charles and Anna are still learning from one another how to be a couple. I like seeing them together and to notice how little things keep making them stronger too.

 

The personal aspect of their relationship is sweet as ever but this time Anna is letting Charles know her desires and something she wishes really bad. Personally I wish this "issue" of ms Briggs novels weren't as difficult to see happen but I assume is part of her own preferences, more than just the stories needs. It still allows for an emotional part of the plot though. I mean, it's not heartbreaking, only something that works out with their emotions and lives. Interesting aspect to look for in the future. 

Connected to this is the main investigation about the fae and the children. As always, the author's imagination to insert spooky and/ or creepy images and ideas is the top. The books aren't scaring, but the ideas used and how some scenes are written are quite suggestive and, obviously, a tool the author also uses cleverly. These books should be winners for the ideas alone, I think.

This story also addresses some interesting questions, such the time limit of humans vs the almost immortality of werewolves and how relationships between them can be stressful to all involved. Life has different meanings depending on how someone measures it. I think this was subtly done here, not to turn this into literary fiction territory but again, as a tool to enhance the characters' behavior and lives.

All in all, another great installment. Most things a fan would expect from ms Briggs' work are here. The conclusion is special as always  and offers a lot to wonder about. I liked seeing how things turned out for almost everyone in the story. I think books by her are to be savored by all its parts, but personally, the werewolves' society and "rules" are still my favorite parts, close by the romance. Can't wait to see more.

Grade: 8/10

Patricia Briggs - Fair Game

It is said that opposites attract. And in the case of werewolves Anna Latham and Charles Cornick, they mate. The son—and enforcer—of the leader of the North American werewolves, Charles is a dominant Alpha. While Anna, an Omega, has the rare ability to calm others of her kind.
When the FBI requests the pack’s help on a local serial-killer case, Charles and Anna are sent to Boston to join the investigation. It soon becomes clear that someone is targeting the preternatural. And now Anna and Charles have put themselves right in the killer’s sights…

Comment: This is another series I'm trying to catch up. Next month I'll read the latest installment but this time I dived into Fair Game which is said to be one of the fan's favorites and I was curious to see if I'd feel different (for better) reading it too.

In this third full length installment of the Alpha and Omega series by ms Briggs, we find a tired and guilty Charles who has a lot to deal with, both physically and mentally. He's trying to protect Anna but of course, she only feels he's not trusting her.

Nothing like a good distraction to keep one's head busy and attentive to other things, so Charles and Anna are sent to investigate a murder case where some victims were werewolves.

In there will Charles be able to help or his problems will get in the way?

Apparently this story is where we see Charles in all his glory, but honestly I don't think it was that much better than in the other books. Sure, I like him and his personality, his quiet take on things, his love for Anna, the wisdom of his link to his Wolf - which isn't easy for other werewolves to have - due to his birth circumstances, his need to peace after any job because of the nature of it. 

Yes, Charles is a great character and he has that mix of vulnerability in terms of relationship dealings, of balancing what he wants to what he thinks he should do and the identity he has as the "hit man" for his father.

But is he acting so much different, so much better in this book that he was in others? I really don't see that, unless people are focusing on the fact he admits guilt and how that is natural but unnecessary faced with the dark task he performs.

Anyway, the characters do have a very detailed personality and I think this is one of the author's best features, how she imprints truth and a perfect structure to her characters and the connections between them. I really can't fault any "world" where the author manages this so well.

As for the plot, again, it was well thought. At some point I started to have my idea about who the bad guy was but there are always elements that I can't put a finger on and that's great, if we could guess everything all the time what fun could it be? The imagination to create the villains and all the little details about murders and killings is something that keeps surprising me in thriller authors but so many paranormal/urban fantasy/ fantasy authors do it so well... how interesting to think a simple suspense story in the hands of ms Briggs.

As usual though, my favorite thing is the images we get of how this world works, how society is build and the connections between characters. This author - along a few others - is perfect in this aspect, like here's some sort of better skill or something I can't explain about them that allows them to write these parts better, that lets them put things on the page in a better style.

I like these things, like the slow developing relationship between Charles and Anna and why it is so, or the influence Bran has and why, I mean, things aren't on ms Briggs novels just because, I like she takes time to explain, to explore, to develop personal relationships so I can hope for more and be happy about it.

Of course, being a primarily romance reader I wish I could see more romance developing but who knows, sometimes the best scenes are the ones we don't seem to give much importance to, right?

All in all, this is a good book. It has a superb structure, a well shaped story from previous installments, has a good separation between the characters we love and the main story we're reading about but it all meshes together. Sure, I can see where I'd change a small detail here and there and despite my enjoyment I still think there's room to improve or things that being there would strengthen my taste based on what I prefer to see in books, but all things considered, this is a solid read and another good example of the author's talent.

Next month will be more.

Grade: 8/10

Patricia Briggs - Hunting Ground

Anna Latham didn’t know how complicated life could be until she became a werewolf. And until she was mated to Charles Cornick, the son — and enforcer — of Bran, the leader of the North American werewolves, she didn’t know how dangerous it could be either...
Anna and Charles have just been enlisted to attend a summit to present Bran’s controversial proposition: that the wolves should finally reveal themselves to humans. But the most feared Alpha in Europe is dead set against the plan — and it seems like someone else might be too. When Anna is attacked by vampires using pack magic, the kind of power only werewolves should be able to draw on, Charles and Anna must combine their talents to hunt down whoever is behind it all — or risk losing everything...

Comment: This is the second installment in the Alpha and Omega series by Patricia Briggs. Having recently read the previous stories in the series and also the Mercy Thompson series, I feel more than eager to enjoy a new book by this author, who I think is very talented.

This new adventure sees Anna and Charles meeting other packs from Europe to discuss the Marrok's wish to come public and let the world know about werewolves. Not all are in agreement and after Anna is attacked by vampires but using pack magic, all bets are off to find out who's behind everything.

Dodging fae, vampires and opponent werewolves should be complicated but Anna and Charles are a team and they certainly will do their best to catch the villains.

I'm a fan of this author's writing. Her stories flow so easily even among such imaginative descriptions and scenes that I get the feeling her work is as easy as breathing although I know that must be very far from the truth. The thing is, her effort and talent show and it's admirable that he can do it in such a way that looks deceivingly simple.

In this new book, there are lots of pack interactions to study. I think the author was clever in doing this because one of her strongest points is exactly the pack workings and hierarchy and so many details that makes the story feel more structured, stronger, with a better base. All the facts pile up and they make sense in the world created. With every new book, the reader gets to know more and is able to construct a growing puzzle about the wold itself and why things matter. I like that a lot.

The action/plot of this book centers around the conversations with European packs - that don't depend on the American Marrock as much - to come public. I think the way the plot was done seems simple but has a lot of politics involved and I feel the story only gains from serious ways to work things out in a paranormal story that could be ridiculous or too fantasy to be believable but the way things happen it is almost too easy not to believe it's just fiction.

Another key element is the developing relationship between Anna and Charles. The wolf factor could be an easy way to solve everything but those who know the writer's work are aware of how intricate a wold relationship really is and why it's powerful. I liked seeing how both the sides of this couple, the wold and human, reacted and took into consideration the other's feelings in all things. It's wonderful o see how their relationship is growing and settling but it's not instantaneous, it takes time, effort and real feelings to develop as they feel it should. I like this side of the stories, the personal development.

In fact, there isn't much I can't fault with these books but I always have the feeling there's something I'd change even when I can't exactly pinpoint what. I just know that some things could be explained better namely some characters' interactions that, despite looking well done, sometimes are too inferred for me to fully understand. And the books happen very quickly. I mean it's good that the author doesn't stretch endlessly the plot but a a few more pages to take time to show some things wouldn't be totally lost.

Overall, I liked the book, I liked seeing more about the wolves and the main couple even when the focus was on the plot, something I find very clever indeed in terms of writing techniques.

I'll await eagerly for next month to read the following story.

Grade: 8/10

Patricia Briggs - Cry Wolf

Anna never knew werewolves existed, until the night she survived a violent attack... and became one herself. After three years at the bottom of the pack, she'd learned to keep her head down and never, ever trust dominant males. Then Charles Cornick, the enforcer—and son—of the leader of the North American werewolves, came into her life.
Charles insists that not only is Anna his mate, but she is also a rare and valued Omega wolf. And it is Anna's inner strength and calming presence that will prove invaluable as she and Charles go on the hunt in search of a rogue werewolf—a creature bound in magic so dark that it could threaten all of the pack.

Comment: Since I realized I loved the Mercy Thompson series by ms Briggs I thought why not reading her other series based on the werewolf society. This different series also have the particularity of being told in the third person narrator, while Mercy Thompson is first person. I kind of enjoyed the switch...

This is Anna and Charles story. Since they met, a really short amount of time ago, they have been feeling the mate instinct but both aren't sure how to proceed. At the same time a threat comes to Montana and Charles is tasked with solving it. He takes Anna along not only for her Omega help but mainly to keep bonding with her.

Although the enemy isn't looking for them, they will step up to help someone who needs and who they come to respect.

This book was good. But it does feel better if one reads the short story Alpha and Omega that comes first. Although this book is understood well without it, the short story adds a better take on why Anna and Charles are they way they do and why their communication happens so slowly. Those people who kept saying I should read it before this book were, indeed, correct.

This book is a good example of a well structured different world. The author has an idea and to make it work has to give it structure, a base to work from and rules let's call them that, to make things work in a expected but also new way. It has to start from somewhere though and to just give a story without the reader understanding whys and hows wouldn't feel strong, so the author inserted a lot of new and detailed things for us to have a feel of how things work.

This is one of my favorite things about shape shifter worlds (and other paranormal sub genres at that), the way we get to know how things happen while still reading a fiction story about certain characters.

Ms Briggs has a clever idea of how to present things. Both in this series and Mercy Thompson's, she puts her characters doing things and slowly we get to understand why it has to be so. This allows the reader to know things mostly from character's actions and thoughts and not as much as from boring descriptions. I think this is very well done and the author keeps this tool at a well timed level that doesn't feel like the character is teaching us a lesson or telling a story. Not all authors do this that well and thankfully Patrica Briggs is very talented.

This story isn't only about wold setting up. There's a lot of character's interaction, which also helps to explain things, there's the plot issue, which also teaches things while we see them solve a problem and helping a friend.

The plot is smart and emotional. I can't help but hope everyone will be redeemed in a way and find happiness when the series end.

Of course one of the best things about the book is to see how Anna and Charles grow to care for each other, how their relationship evolves after those shaky days after they first met.

Much is dependent on Anna's thoughts and feelings, because Charles seems more confident on his personal views and feelings and sense of his wolf. All these things aren't as solid on Anna and she needs to deal with them to be happy. I think her attempts were believable and the way she finally accepted her new existence sweet and well deserved. I think we didn't see as much, but I assume that with them protagonists in following books too, that will be developed as well.

All in all, a good book, wonderful plot and character development and I really hope all those secondary characters keep having an important place in the next books too!

Next month I'll be reading the following installment.

Grade: 8/10

TBR Challenge: Patricia Briggs - Alpha and Omega

Anna Latham never knew werewolves existed, until the night she survived a violent attack... and became one herself. After three years at the bottom of the Chicago pack, she's learned to keep her head down and never, ever trust dominant males. But when she discovers wrongdoing in her pack, she has to go above her Alpha's head to ask for help.
Charles Cornick is the son — and enforcer — of the leader of the North American werewolves. Now his father has sent him to Chicago to clean up a problem there. Charles never expected to find Anna, a rare Omega wolf — and he certainly never expected to recognize her as his mate...


Comment: This month, as usual, the theme for January is short stories or novellas or something short. I don't have anything against short stories but I confess I prefer the (expected and hopeful) development in a full length book to better show me everything.
Nevertheless, I knew this short story would be a must and considering I plan to start the Alpha and Omega series soon, reading this prequel now was quite handy.

In this short story, we meet Anna and Charles, two very different people who happen to be werewolves. Each one comes from a different background and lived different experiences, but there's something common between them and it's not just an enemy to face. Could they get along to solve a mystery?

Anyone who has doubts on how a short story should be, needs to read this one.
Content aside - although it was quite good too - the best aspect of this short story is how full and well structured it is. I think it can only be a show of talent from the author to have written a short story where the reader goes through it as if it were a lengthier one instead. I tell you, this 60 page story is introduced, developed and concluded like so many bigger stories are.

The story presents a world where werewolves exist and have lives like any human. We learn quite a lot from this little story, not only how werewolves can exist and are made or born, but we have an idea of how werewolves communities should be or not. Many information is inferred through characters' reactions, but this is where we can see the author's talent. All the things we learn aren't done in a boring way, there isn't any information dumping and all the details are enough to engage the reader but not detailed enough to tell all. Very well done and this kept me riveted to the plot development until the very end.

I'm not new to the author, I've been a fan of her Mercy Thompson series for years now so I know what to expect, style and voice included. But this world has different key characters, it's told from a third person narrator, unlike the Mercy series, so the way the reader sees things obviously changes. But I liked reading this and going through all the aspects presented.

There's the start of a romance between Charles and Anna. Of course nothing important happens at least not to the point where we can fully understand, but the promise alone is enough to make me want to keep reading. One thing we can know right away is, their relationship will always be balanced, even if there are things to see and know before any further developments happen. This really made me happy, to see how, after such a short amount of time, I can just know things will be interesting and special.

All in all, the people who kept recommending this short story to me were correct, it's fascinating, entertaining and feels fuller and bigger than its mere 60 pages. Of course some things are still too dark to understand and that's normal. There are things in the story we could see done different but overall it doesn't ruin the book.
I can't wait to read more next month.
To those who haven't read it yet and are interested in the series like me, go get it.
Grade: 8/10

Patricia Briggs - Night Broken

An unexpected phone call heralds a new challenge for Mercy. Her mate Adam's ex-wife is in trouble, on the run from her new boyfriend. Adam won't turn away a person in need, but with Christy holed up in Adam's house, Mercy can't shake the feeling that something isn't right.
Soon, Mercy learns that Christy has the farthest thing from good intentions. She wants Adam back and will anything to get him, including turning Adam's pack against Mercy.
On top of this, there's an even more dangerous threat circling. Christy's ex is more than a bad man - in fact, he may not be human at all. As the bodies pile up, Mercy must put her personal troubles aside to face a creature with the power to tear her world apart.

Comment: Another installment in the wonderful Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. this is the most recent story and once again we saw a cast full of interesting characters and their adventures, all connected to Mercy, the mechanic mated to the alpha of the local pack.

In this new book, Mercy sees herself and the pack in the middle of the problems following Adam's human ex-wife, Christy. She is running from an abusive man and asks for help to the pack and Adam. Apparently only Mercy and Jesse are apprehensive because they know how Christy can play the victim and manipulate the others to her advantage. Indeed, Christy does what she can do make Mercy look weak, unwanted and unsuitable. But Mercy isn't vindicative and helps those who need, including annoying Christy. But did Christy tell the whole truth about who she's running from?

As usual, it was such a pleasure to read a book set in Mercy's world. I like worlds where see how a pack works, how their members interact and how their bonds are set. Of course, this pack in particular isn't always nice to Mercy and it's getting boring the number of books this situation has been dragging, like many other readers have said, it's more than time for the pack to accept and help Mercy.

But despite agreeing that Mercy's position in the pack should be recognized already, in this book we see Mercy suffering attacks and having to fight, over an over until she ends up being hurt with severity once more. I can understand the notion of how a UF heroine must deal with many challenges and difficulties, it's part of who they are and the story they belong to. But Mercy not only has to prove herself over and over, she ends up really hurt more than we can count and not always is her value and her help and her efforts, and her struggle and her strength appreciated! I had hopes this book would show a better liked Mercy but it didn't happened. She keeps fighting to earn her respect but it's taking too long to reach, I think.

As far as the plot goes, I was very interested in the pack dynamics now that Christy returned and although we see some pack members seeing Mercy as a strong person to be o their side, many still can't accept her fully. Christy's presence only intensified that situation but I have to say it was good when a scene here and there showed Mercy as the strongest and more adequate to Adam, even more so if one thinks about the love between them, I hoped to see more Adam and Mercy...hopefully the next one has more of them.
In this book the enemy is unexpected, a surprise which means ms Briggs' imagination never ends. It provided quite the surprises at the end and I do hope it's subjects we see develop further along in the series.

Like I said, I hoped to see more Adam and Mercy. Their bond and relationship is one of the strongest elements in the series and I love to see them interact. Now that they have established their love for each other I live for demonstrations of that and even the small scenes with them together are fantastic. Many things happen because or in reaction to their relationship, which means they aren't an island, they have to be together and act united to deal with many things, from the toughest decisions to the most simple things, but they are getting stronger the more time wee see them. I really want to see their relationship elevated, perhaps with more personal issues to discuss, meaning more problems, just new things to face..dare I hopefully say, a baby? My wish...lol
In the novel we also see other characters intervene, namely the vampires and we learn new things...I wonder where the author aims to go with this or if it's only for the sake of the page number...something tells me it's not that simple. Let's wait and see.

In the end, I was happy enough with the book even tough I expected Mercy to have a easier time in this new adventure. When will she ease up in her fights? I liked the end, I liked some of the decisions taken and I was happy to see Adam and Mercy are IT for each other...so cute and comforting.
Grade: 8/10

Patricia Briggs - Frost Burned

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, what passes for 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. With the werewolves fighting a political battle to gain acceptance from the public, Mercy fears Adam’s disappearance may be related -- and that he and the pack are in serious danger. Outclassed and on her own, Mercy may be forced to seek assistance from any ally she can get, no matter how unlikely .

Comment: This is the latest book in the Mercy Thompson series..or should I say Mercy Hauptmann now? 

How happy this detail makes you have no idea...

So, in this new adventure, the pack has been kidnapped supposedly by military men, except for Mercy, Jesse and Ben. When Mercy knows this, she goes to a safe place because after meeting Ben they realize some of the kidnappers are waiting in expected places to get them as well. Nevertheless, Mercy knows the more important thing for her to do it so protect the weaker elements of the pack, so after making sure Jesse is protected, she and Ben go to Kyle's house because Warren was kidnapped there and Kyle might be in danger. Then Asil shows up to help, a wolf from Bran's pack. Then there's Stefan helping too, but in the end it's Mercy's skills and desire to help her pack that motivate her the most to be the key player in a game no one was actually sure what the purpose was.

Once more, I loved a book in this series. Even when it's weaker than what I wanted, it's still pretty good and just the comfort of reading something about characters you care about can be a positive thing, even when the book itself it's less than perfect.

My favorite thing in these books is how the author has built a wonderful structure of how a pack works. I love all the interactions between the members, I like to know the hierarchy, what it means the small details and inner rules and how it all works in the overall idea. This means I'm quite happy with the role of the pack here and how important it was for Mercy to help a group of people that are coming to mean a lot to her since she mated Adam.

The story has the usual trademark of the author of following Mercy in the first person narrator but she wrote two chapters through Adam's POV, in the third person. I thought is was refreshing and wonderful to have Adam's thoughts there and to see what he was thinking. It was great. Plus, his relationship with Mercy is getting stronger by the day and I loved seeing them together. They're linked much more strongly than what we might think.

One of the best things in this book was how some elements of the pack see Kyle as one of their own because despite Warren being third rank, many wolves pretended he wasn0t gay but now we see how subtle it is the recognition that Warren is cared for by some of the others, and Kyle too. 

So many things happen, and we also have an inkling from the other series by the author in the Mercy Thompson Hauptmann universe, especially in the figure of Asil as he makes an appearance here. I'm getting very, extremely curious about what's going on there and I might buy those books soon.

In the end, a great book, another special adventure with Mercy. She really is lucky in her attempts to save the day...but the fact she embraced happiness is such a great part of things...a really enjoyable read through and through.