Helpful Score: 18
I preordered this book and when I started reading it a few days later I had to stay up all night to finish it. This is the second book in the series about coyote shapeshifter VW mechanic Mercedes Thompson. In the last book she helped the werewolves and this time she helps the vampires. Her vampire friend Stefan comes to her for a favor - to be an impartial witness to some vampire business. He does not expect much trouble but they get into a lot more danger than he expected. As usual I think that the plot is very tight; I didn't notice any glaring plotholes and Mercy's character is very strong and believable. She knows a lot about werewolves and learns several things throughout the book about vampires, and also about another supernatural creature that is threatening the vamp clan. It is so dangerous that everyone suffers a trace of its evil effect on the tri-cities area. This book is quite similar in structure to the first one, though Mercy advances in her knowledge and network, and there are some interesting developments in the relationship area. A fascinating series I will continue to read.
Helpful Score: 11
I will admit that I haven't read much in the urban fantasy/horror/vampire genre, so I may not be as picky as other reviewers. I will say that I have only read two of Brigg's novels -- "Moon Called" and "Blood Bound" -- and both times I really got into the book. Brigg's conversational writing style makes it easy; after all, the protagonist, Mercy Thompson, is narrating the story.
Mercy has the ability to morph into a coyote. What I appreciated about Brigg's storytelling is how Mercy doesn't overuse her shape-changing ability in this book. She relies on her wits and intuition to solve the conflicts she faces.
Something else I appreciate about Brigg's story is how Mercy finds herself in the middle of life-or-death situations, yet still has to run her own business as a mechanic. In fact, Mercy wonders at one point how the heroines in movies find time to work and make a living while they are running around saving the world.
A couple of minor criticisms about this story: as the story progresses, Briggs throws in more an more of the "rules" about how vampire society is run, as well as the "rules" about demons and sorcerers. As someone who doesn't read much in this genre, it didn't bother me, but I kind of wondered how much of it Briggs made up to fit the plot. Doesn't ruin the story at all, but I just wondered about this.
Also, Briggs' male characters always seem a little too perfect. They are all ruggedly handsome, and yes they're all werewolves and vampires, but they're such hunky werewolves and vampires who got that "bad boy" thing going to entice the ladies. Even their negative qualities make them more macho. This kind of bugged me in "Moon Called" too. Briggs does keep the reader guessing as to who Mercy will ultimately fall for: Adam? Samuel? Stefan maybe? Again, it doesn't ruin the book, but it kind of makes me chuckle.
Overall, "Blood Bound" continues the fast-paced, suspenseful, creepy, action-packed storytelling that started in "Moon Called." Go for it.
Mercy has the ability to morph into a coyote. What I appreciated about Brigg's storytelling is how Mercy doesn't overuse her shape-changing ability in this book. She relies on her wits and intuition to solve the conflicts she faces.
Something else I appreciate about Brigg's story is how Mercy finds herself in the middle of life-or-death situations, yet still has to run her own business as a mechanic. In fact, Mercy wonders at one point how the heroines in movies find time to work and make a living while they are running around saving the world.
A couple of minor criticisms about this story: as the story progresses, Briggs throws in more an more of the "rules" about how vampire society is run, as well as the "rules" about demons and sorcerers. As someone who doesn't read much in this genre, it didn't bother me, but I kind of wondered how much of it Briggs made up to fit the plot. Doesn't ruin the story at all, but I just wondered about this.
Also, Briggs' male characters always seem a little too perfect. They are all ruggedly handsome, and yes they're all werewolves and vampires, but they're such hunky werewolves and vampires who got that "bad boy" thing going to entice the ladies. Even their negative qualities make them more macho. This kind of bugged me in "Moon Called" too. Briggs does keep the reader guessing as to who Mercy will ultimately fall for: Adam? Samuel? Stefan maybe? Again, it doesn't ruin the book, but it kind of makes me chuckle.
Overall, "Blood Bound" continues the fast-paced, suspenseful, creepy, action-packed storytelling that started in "Moon Called." Go for it.
Helpful Score: 9
I've read a lot, possibly too much, of the urban fantasy trend as of late. I think this series is the best of the lot.
Mercy is a strong, funny, likable character. She's tough but still needs to adress her vulnerability which is so much more interesting than the other MarySue women in this genre. Finally, we have a heroine that isn't the biggest-baddest-sexiest variety. Mercy is still nobody's doormat.
Good plot. I thought the end was a little strange. I'm getting tired of finding love-triangles in every paranormal these days too. Those are two small quibbles for a fun book.
Mercy is a strong, funny, likable character. She's tough but still needs to adress her vulnerability which is so much more interesting than the other MarySue women in this genre. Finally, we have a heroine that isn't the biggest-baddest-sexiest variety. Mercy is still nobody's doormat.
Good plot. I thought the end was a little strange. I'm getting tired of finding love-triangles in every paranormal these days too. Those are two small quibbles for a fun book.
Helpful Score: 7
Top notch paranormal series that just gets better. Well written, great characters, solid plotting. This is the second book in the series which features shapeshifters as the primary paranormal characters but has most of the standard pantheon as well - including a vampire who drives a van painted like the Scooby Doo "Mystery Machine". A nice blend of action, humor and plot.
Helpful Score: 6
In this follow-up to 2006's Moon Called, Patricia Briggs pens an exciting and fast-paced urban fantasy story about walker Mercy Thompson and friends. In this installment, we're reintroduced to characters we met in the first novel, though Ms. Briggs fills in the blanks a bit as necessary, for those who may have picked this up without first reading Moon Called. But if you've already read Moon Called, you'll appreciate the character development as you grow to like these characters even more!!
In Blood Bound, we learn a lot more about Stefan, and I swear, every girl should have a friend like himâ"dangerous yet sexy, mysterious yet honest... I've got to say next to Mercy, he's probably my favorite character now. ;-) This time around, the vampire seethe is in trouble from a rogue demon-ridden vampire. And for some reason, Mistress Marsilia feels that only Mercy's unique talents as walker can get them out of this mess! But Mercy wonders... is it just that she's more expendable??
The 292 pages of this book are jam packed with lots of action, such that I've have read only 7 or 8 pages, yet looking back, would be surprised at the amount of action that's happened. I love that in a book, not a lot of long descriptions, yet Ms. Briggs is still quite expert at letting you get to know a character well, without having to get wordy about them. Now how's she do that? ;-)
I have Iron Kissed, the third book in this series, on it's way to me now. Even though I have so much other stuff owed, I know I won't be able to wait to dive into that one as this series just keeps getting better and better!
In Blood Bound, we learn a lot more about Stefan, and I swear, every girl should have a friend like himâ"dangerous yet sexy, mysterious yet honest... I've got to say next to Mercy, he's probably my favorite character now. ;-) This time around, the vampire seethe is in trouble from a rogue demon-ridden vampire. And for some reason, Mistress Marsilia feels that only Mercy's unique talents as walker can get them out of this mess! But Mercy wonders... is it just that she's more expendable??
The 292 pages of this book are jam packed with lots of action, such that I've have read only 7 or 8 pages, yet looking back, would be surprised at the amount of action that's happened. I love that in a book, not a lot of long descriptions, yet Ms. Briggs is still quite expert at letting you get to know a character well, without having to get wordy about them. Now how's she do that? ;-)
I have Iron Kissed, the third book in this series, on it's way to me now. Even though I have so much other stuff owed, I know I won't be able to wait to dive into that one as this series just keeps getting better and better!
Helpful Score: 5
The Mercy Thompson books are very well written and I must say it took me by surprise. I had a bad experience with Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series which started out great and then turned into weird erotica nonsense. This is nothing like that. It's science fiction the way it should be. I couldn't put either book down and found myself staying up late to finish. The heroine is independant yet maintains her femininity. Mercy Thompson was raised by werewolves but is a walker - a shape-shifter whose animal form is a coyote. As described on the back of one of the books, Mercy has friends in high and low places and often finds herself in somewhat dangerous situations. She always pulls through, of course, with a little help from her friends. Try it, there's a lot to like about Patricia Briggs's writing and characterizations. I can't wait for the next book! :-)
Helpful Score: 3
Another great read in Mercy's universe! She really gets beat up in this one and learns a lot about demons, vampires, ghosts and werewolves! I love this strong, female character! If you love vampires, werewolves and strong female characters, then this book is for you! Can't wait to read the others in this series!
Helpful Score: 2
The cover art threw me, it didn't look like a book i would like. But i gave it a chance. I loved it, and completely fell in love with the characters. It just goes to show that you really can't judge a book by its cover!! Give this series a chance.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a nice follow up to Moon Called. We get to experience more of the characters that were introduced in the first book and learn more about not only Mercy but also Adam, Stefan, Zee, as well as many others. Not only do we learn more about these fascinating characters but we also learn more about the complex world and infrastructure of the pack and the vampire seethe. It is a hard book to put down and I am eagerly looking forward to the third book in this installment.
Helpful Score: 2
The second in the series and as good as the first. It's a clean paranormal (vamp/werewolf/fae/etc) novel with a little romance. The story line is complex enough to keep you interest, but not so much to confuse you. I liked it. I'm mid-way the 3rd novel and like it also. We'll see how her romance life develops!
Helpful Score: 2
With diverse characters carried over from the first book and a few new ones salted into this one there were no faces I missed. I look forward to more unique and enjoyable characters as the series continues. Her efforts to make Mercy a girl-next-door-who-just-happens-to-be-a-shapeshifter character who is a girl most readers can relate to are spot on. I won't compare her to other characters of books in this same genre because she tops them all in sheer likability.
If you enjoy a good paranormal tale with vampires, shapeshifters, ghosts and the like that won't get lost in between pages of sex scenes this series is for you. While there's still a tantalizing love triangle element I appreciate that Mercy is a very real woman who doesn't sport a harem of Adonis-like fellows at her beck and call. Briggs never loses the story's plot in attempts to hook her heroine up with her heroes.
My eyes could not travel across the line of the page fast enough. You will not be wasting your money reading this book.
If you enjoy a good paranormal tale with vampires, shapeshifters, ghosts and the like that won't get lost in between pages of sex scenes this series is for you. While there's still a tantalizing love triangle element I appreciate that Mercy is a very real woman who doesn't sport a harem of Adonis-like fellows at her beck and call. Briggs never loses the story's plot in attempts to hook her heroine up with her heroes.
My eyes could not travel across the line of the page fast enough. You will not be wasting your money reading this book.
Helpful Score: 2
Book #2 in the Mercy Thompson series. Mercy is a walker(able to shift to coyote at will)who is involved with the local werewolves, vampires and fae. She owes Stefan a favor and ends up involved in the seethe's hunt for a new vampire that is killing everything in his way. Her actions soon involve the local Alpha and his pack.
A good paced read with a strong first-person narrative.
A good paced read with a strong first-person narrative.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. It is the second in a series that will go on for a while, I hope. It is a fun, "what if" world populated with werewolves, vampires, and one skinwalker coyote. Heros and villians abound!
Helpful Score: 1
Vampires, werewolves, a demon and a little romance. Nearly as good as the first.
Helpful Score: 1
This Patricia Briggs series is awesome. I've read all of them and couldn't put the books down. I love Mercy's independence as a female character, even though sometimes, the men in her life tend to get protective. I look forward to reading all of her books.
Helpful Score: 1
Awesome! This time around Mercy has to help out Stefan because he calls in his favor from the previous book. Its another action packed book with a ton of sexual tension.
I love Mercy and all she has to offer and I digg that she wants to stand on her own and not rely on the pack or Samuel. But I really want her to be happy, even if it does mean being with Adam (whos dreamy btw).
Another great read by Patricia Briggs!!
I love Mercy and all she has to offer and I digg that she wants to stand on her own and not rely on the pack or Samuel. But I really want her to be happy, even if it does mean being with Adam (whos dreamy btw).
Another great read by Patricia Briggs!!
Helpful Score: 1
Moon Called (first in this series) was such a strong book, that I was almost afraid to read this one. But no Sophomore Slump for Mercy! Another gripping novel in the series.
Helpful Score: 1
Loved it and Moon Called can't wait to read more.
Helpful Score: 1
Brigg's Mercy Thompson stories are always fun to read. Mercy is a typical, pragmatic, independent female with a twist, she's also savvy urban werecoyote. The addition of her werewolf friends and family along with a handful of modern vampires makes for a delightful romp in the twilight areas. There's enough in this book to make you smile and even the sinister bits are not very frightening. Welcome to Mercy Thompson's world.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent...I LOVED it!!!!
Helpful Score: 1
Great book, most sets that have more then two books to it kind of get redundent well this set dose not. It just gets better and better.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book. It was even better (if that is possible) than the first one. The writing was amazing and the storyline kept you engaged and on the edge of your seat. I can't wait to read more of Mercy's word!
Helpful Score: 1
Loved it, but not as much as Moon Called. I didn't like the Stephan romance aspect and Samuel is still too much in the picture for me (Go Adam!) but the story was great and the characters are intriguing with a very strong female lead.
Don't let the cover fool you, it is about the same character as the first novel.
Don't let the cover fool you, it is about the same character as the first novel.
Helpful Score: 1
Second Mercedes Thompson book, and every bit as good as the first. I can't wait for the next installment of this series.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a wonderful 2nd book in a series that has interesting, well developed characters like the werewolves, vampires and main character Mercy who is a skin walker who magically changes into a coyote. I like the fairy parts of the stories. This is a great series, start with the first book and make your way up the line, I think we're on book 5.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a really good fantasy has a mixture of everything from vampires to werewolves, to warlocks and witches. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Helpful Score: 1
Book 2 of the series....another great read by Patricia Briggs.
The interaction between the main character and the other major & minor charaters are great. Sometimes it downright funny.
The storyline is interesting and I loved that she brought Stefan into focus.
*highly recommended*
The interaction between the main character and the other major & minor charaters are great. Sometimes it downright funny.
The storyline is interesting and I loved that she brought Stefan into focus.
*highly recommended*
Helpful Score: 1
Loved this latest installment of Mercy. If you like the world of Fae with were's and vamps but you don't like all of the sex that is in many of the paranormal romances this is the series for you. There is only hint at romance etc.
This is turning into a great series. Character development is detailed and the characters are interesting. Good plots and I like the slow progression of Mercy's "relationships". I read this one in slightly over a day and I'm starting Book 3 immediately. Can't wait to read them all!
I admit it. I bought this book at a bookstore. I just couldn't wait until someone posted it on PBS. I really liked Moon Called and I was not disappointed at all with Blood Bound. It was a great follow up book.
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.
Mercy becomes a force to be reckoned with in this novel. She is the only one who can save the Tri-Cities Areas and all the men she cares about. This is a really fast read and extremely well done. I really loved this book. So much so, I won't swap it. :)
I was surprised by the progressive issues presented in this book. They aren't dwelt on or proselytizing. Mercedes is half Native American, and there's a sympathetically presented homosexual werewolf. I also really like Mercedes as a character. She's strong, educated and not obnoxious.
The only negative I have to say is that I felt that a lot of the book was spent on catching up the reader who had not read the first in the series. Maybe it was the fact that I just read the first book, but it seemed a little like overkill to me. I liked the first book quite a bit and this was just more of the same, but not exactly the same. New story kept things interesting, but the characters that I really liked from the first book were still there.
Great book. Patricia Briggs is my new favorite author. This second book in the Mercy series deals more with vampires than werewolves, and is just as great a read. I highly recommend this entire series!
Mercedes Thompson is back in the second book of her series. This book was about a serial killer vampire/sorcerer running around Mercy's town and she is the only one who can do anything to stop it. Once all the men in Mercy's life are captured, she knows she needs to do something...and she does, a few things.
I felt the taste of Laurell K. Hamilton in this book as well, except better than her Anita series since there have still be no sex scenes, so much to the point that its about dang time that she gets to it, but, the first two Anita Blake books were sexless as well, we will see what the next one holds. I still really like the characters of this series, I can feel the personalities of each on the pages, and I love how Mercy remains to be a strong independent women, who knows how to kick ass and use her guns, even if she is just a coyote.
Also posted: http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/2009/10/book-review-blood-bound-by-patricia.html
I felt the taste of Laurell K. Hamilton in this book as well, except better than her Anita series since there have still be no sex scenes, so much to the point that its about dang time that she gets to it, but, the first two Anita Blake books were sexless as well, we will see what the next one holds. I still really like the characters of this series, I can feel the personalities of each on the pages, and I love how Mercy remains to be a strong independent women, who knows how to kick ass and use her guns, even if she is just a coyote.
Also posted: http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/2009/10/book-review-blood-bound-by-patricia.html
I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of this series!! I just started reading Mercy Thompson after debating for a while and Patricia Briggs is excellent! They remind of a cross between the best parts of Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan and Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse. I love Patricia Briggs voice for Mercy. I love that Mercy knows who she is and that she is unashamed. I have read some series where the main female character is so plagued with inner dialog and confilct about herself that you feel like she's on the couch and you're the therapist. Not Mercy, she tough and somewhat bad ass without being stupid and that a chick I can relate to, she's a breath of fresh air. I also love the sexual tension between Adam and Mercy and the triangle forming with Samuel. (not a threesome triangle you would find some books but, a "I'm deciding between the two", triangle.
I love this author. The Mercy Thompson series is one of the best. She always manages to find some sort of trouble - great to read.
Love the intricicies of the characters and overlapping paranormal fields. Does not allow for all things that go bump in the night to be bad, but enough to make you turn on your lights at night.
Awesome!
A new star on on the urban fantasy horizon.... This is the sequal to Moon Called....and even better!
Great continuing of Mercy's story.
Excellent series
Great sequel to the first book. Kept me entertained and was a quick read
This is such a great series! The sequel was even more exciting than the first book! And now it seems that the love triangle has the potential to expand a bit more... perhaps a love pyramid? Haha... It is just such fun to read! I am excited to read the third book, as this series has become quite addicting! I really like the characters, as they are surprisingly complex and well-drawn (though everyone is in love with Mercy, huh?). It is really a great modern fantasy.
I loved this one. Great action. I really enjoy the world P. Briggs has created and I like that Mercy is a strong character. I thought she asked for help at appropriate times and proceeded on her own at others.
Fast paced from the first chapter. Keeps you on pins and needles until the end. Great characters that a believable even though they are supernatural.
Book wraps up nicely in the end.
Reading these books in order isnt critical, but it helps when understanding the dynamics between the main character's relationships.
Book wraps up nicely in the end.
Reading these books in order isnt critical, but it helps when understanding the dynamics between the main character's relationships.
I'm in the process of reading the entire series over again. All of the books are top-notch.
Great. The next book about Mercy Thompson and her werewolf and vampire friends. Who Mercy is a shape-shifter. A great read.
Great book! You don't want to put it down!!
Another great Mercy book. A couple parts made me roll my eyes but I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next one.
Blood Bound picks up the story of Mercedes Thompson six months after the conclusion of book one, Moon Called. Mercy is a walker -- a human that can turn into a coyote at will -- and immune to many of the magics of the preternatural community. That makes her a valuable ally against the new Big Bad in town -- a demon-possessed sorceror that's been turned into a vampire. Mercy's vampire best friend Stefan and both of her could-be werewolf loves are missing, tempers and crimes are on the rise because of the heat wave and the evil in town, and Mercy's trying to figure out how her ability to talk to ghosts can help her find the monster that threatens everything that's important to her.
I read a lot of books in this genre, and Briggs writes some of the most believable characters out there. Even though they're werewolves, and walkers, vampires and fae, they're all people first. You won't find flat stereotypes here -- Briggs characters are the kind you find yourself thinking about long after the final page has been turned.
Another thing to note -- for paranormal romance/adventure books, Briggs' Mercy Thompson books are all very "clean." In a genre kind of known for steamy bedroom scenes and colorful language, Blood Bound includes no foul language that I can think of, and no hot-and-heavy romantic exchanges. Those elements don't detract from my reading experience, but I know they bother some people, so it's worth noting. Mercy is a surprisingly good moral model, and a Christian -- even if she does have to kill a rogue werewolf or crazy vampire every once in awhile to keep the peace. She's one of the most interesting characters I've "met" in a long time. [close]
I read a lot of books in this genre, and Briggs writes some of the most believable characters out there. Even though they're werewolves, and walkers, vampires and fae, they're all people first. You won't find flat stereotypes here -- Briggs characters are the kind you find yourself thinking about long after the final page has been turned.
Another thing to note -- for paranormal romance/adventure books, Briggs' Mercy Thompson books are all very "clean." In a genre kind of known for steamy bedroom scenes and colorful language, Blood Bound includes no foul language that I can think of, and no hot-and-heavy romantic exchanges. Those elements don't detract from my reading experience, but I know they bother some people, so it's worth noting. Mercy is a surprisingly good moral model, and a Christian -- even if she does have to kill a rogue werewolf or crazy vampire every once in awhile to keep the peace. She's one of the most interesting characters I've "met" in a long time. [close]
Another gread addition to the Mercy series.Glad I have book 3 and 4 here!
Great book! 2nd in series - almost better than the first one! Will keep you turning the pages!
Great, fun sequel to Moon Called
Thoroughly enjoyabel, quick read.
Good addition to the series.
good book will read the next
lots of action! am enjoying this series as much as Cat & Bones books!!
I loved this book,was a quick read. I sat down and did not move until I was finished.
Another great series.
A good second novel in the series, Mercy continues to be independent as well as smart. She's willing to take advice and help, doesn't think she herself is always the best solution to the problem, but she doesn't hide behind anyone else when danger calls. I liked the ghost aspect and I liked how Mercy figured out that Marsilia wants her to succeed but only up to a point.
This kept me entertained while I wait for Harris and Armstrong's books to come out.
Latest in the Mercy Thompson series-paranormal "walker" in a world of werewolves, shape-shifters and witches.
love this girl!
Book 2. Follow up to Moon Called.
