REVIEW Smoke Bitten (Mercy Thompson #12) by Patricia Briggs

Smoke Bitten (Mercy Thompson #12) by Patricia Briggs
Rating: 3 Stars
Release Date: March 17, 2020
Format: Audiobook (Personal Library)
Publisher: Ace 

If there’s one thing that’s certain after so many books in Patrcia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series, it’s that coyote shifter Mercedes ‘Mercy’ Athena Thompson Hauptman cannot catch a break. That trend holds true in Smoke Bitten, as a mysterious creature that’s escaped from the fairy realm wreaks havoc on Mercy, Adam and the rest of the pack’s life. 

Things are understandably tense for the Columbia Basin Wolf Pack. They’re on their own after being abandoned by the Marrok for declaring themselves protectors of all the supernaturals in their territory. If that wasn’t enough, Adam’s ex-wife is creating tension in the pack, and Adam’s under a lot of scrutiny to keep the image of the werewolves positive in the public eye. Despite wanting to deal with all the pressure on their relationship, Mercy and Adam’s attention is forced elsewhere as Underhill (or ’Tilly’) has opened a doorway in their backyard and the troubled vampire wizard Wulfe has developed an obsession with Mercy. 

As opposed to some of the other books in the series, Smoke Bitten seems to be more of a transition book as it’s taking some of the plotlines from previous installments of the series and moving them forward. A filler book, if you will. The massive number of storylines and plot threads that the author is working with make it hard to keep track of everything in this book, and rely heavily on the reader being able to recall what happened in previous series installments (which can be hard, with a series so long). 

While the book is mainly a series filler/transition story, the characters and worldbuilding are still a highlight. The extensive ensemble cast is a strength of the series and readers get to learn a bit more about Aiden, Underhill/Tilly, and even Wulfe. Ms. Briggs also pulls a lot of inspiration out of mythology and folklore, so it was fun to put the pieces together and figure out what things were.  

Overall, Smoke Bitten was another solid entry to the Mercy Thompson series and the larger Mercy Thompson universe. I was disappointed with how much of a filler book it seemed to be, but I think that it was bound to happen eventually with such a long series. With the set ups being put into place in this book, I’m eager to see how the action resolves in the future. Lorelei King once again did an excellent job bringing the action to life with her performance in the audiobook narration. Urban fantasy and paranormal readers who are looking for great worldbuilding, a well developed set of main characters and ensemble cast, and a witty headstrong heroine should definitely pick up the Mercy Thompson series ASAP. 

About the Book

Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, faces a threat unlike any other in this thrilling entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

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.

About the Author

Patricia Briggs was born in Butte, Montana, to a children’s librarian who passed on to her kids a love of reading and books. Patricia grew up reading fairy tales and books about horses, and later developed an interest in folklore and history. When she decided to write a book of her own, a fantasy book seemed a natural choice. Patricia graduated from Montana State University with degrees in history and German and she worked for a while as a substitute teacher. Currently, she lives in Montana with her husband, children, and six horses and writes full time, much to the delight of her fans.

REVIEW Wild Sign (Alpha and Omega #6) by Patricia Briggs

Wild Sign (Alpha and Omega #6) 

by Patricia Briggs
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: March 16, 2021
Format: Audiobook (Personal Library)
Publisher: Ace

Check out my review of the second book in the series, Hunting Ground

Check out my review of the fifth book in the series, Burn Bright

If you’re familiar with the previous books in the Alpha and Omega series as well as the Mercy Thompson series, you’ll know that one of the most dysfunctional and unconventional relationships in the books is that of Bran Cornick and his mate Leah. Patricia Briggs’ Wild Sign, the latest book in the Alpha and Omega series, takes readers through an exploration of their relationship, as well as into Leah’s past before changing and becoming the mate of the Marrok. 

One of my favorite parts of the series has always been Charles and Anna’s relationship, and their chemistry holds strong in this book. They are a great team, and their strengths help to balance each other out. This sits in contrast to Leah and Bran’s relationship, which only works because of their wolves. Charles and Anna also have some cute moments interspersed between the action, like when Charles (the bogeyman of the North American werewolves) starts pouting because Anna is covering her freckles with make-up. Their relationship plays a big part in how others interact with them - for example, Tag is only more playful with Charles when Anna is around to mellow him out. Anna’s presence also allows regular humans to be more comfortable with Charles and how much dominance he naturally exudes in any given situation. Simply put, Charles is the muscle and the powerhouse in their relationship while Anna is the people person and the calming presence. 

Similar to many of the other books in the series, Charles and Anna have a mystery to solve in determining what happened to those who were living on the land Leah formerly called home. This turns into somewhat of a redemption arc for Leah, as readers get to see why she’s been such a bitch in the past and what exactly makes their relationship so dysfunctional. However, it also borders on a horror story because of how the villain operates in the world (please see the trigger warnings below for more clarity). While Leah was redeemed a bit in my eyes, Bran’s character went down in my estimation as he is responsible for a large part of Leah’s emotional turmoil over the last two centuries. Both Anna and Charles called him on it though, so I hope that will be addressed in future installments of the series (or possibly a short story). 

Holter Graham once again did an excellent job bringing Anna, Charles, and Leah’s perspectives to life in the audiobook narration. It’s uncommon for male voice actors to voice both genders as well, and he seemingly did it with ease. His performance set the tone of the story well, and added another layer of depth to each of the characters. It’s gotten to the point where I hear his voice narrating the book even if I’m reading the print version. If you are an audiobook fan, you’ll be in for a treat with this book. 

Urban fantasy and paranormal readers who are looking for a book with great world building, a well-developed set of main characters and ensemble cast, and a mystery bordering on a tale from a horror movie at the center of the story should definitely pick up the latest book in the Alpha and Omega series as soon as possible. As much as I love the Mercy Thompson series, it’s a bummer that the next Alpha and Omega book won’t be out till 2024. This book ends on a cliffhanger, and reveals some major changes that will have ripple effects in the larger Mercy Thompson universe. I’m counting down the days until I can see what happens next!

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Miscarriage, Sexual Assault, Violence, References to Child Trafficking, Incest, Mind Control, Animal Death

About the Book

Mated werewolves Charles Cornick and Anna Latham must discover what could make an entire community disappear — before it's too late — in this thrilling entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling Alpha and Omega series.

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

About the Author

Patricia Briggs was born in Butte, Montana, to a children’s librarian who passed on to her kids a love of reading and books. Patricia grew up reading fairy tales and books about horses, and later developed an interest in folklore and history. When she decided to write a book of her own, a fantasy book seemed a natural choice. Patricia graduated from Montana State University with degrees in history and German and she worked for a while as a substitute teacher. Currently, she lives in Montana with her husband, children, and six horses and writes full time, much to the delight of her fans.

REVIEW Burn Bright (Alpha and Omega #5) by Patricia Briggs

Burn Bright (Alpha and Omega #5) 

by Patricia Briggs
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: March 6, 2018
Format: Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)
Publisher: Ace 

Check out my review of the sequel and sixth book in the series, Wild Sign

With the two most dominant werewolves on the continent at the helm, the Marrok’s pack in Aspen Creek is home to werewolves that would not be able to function anywhere else. This includes a group of old and unstable werewolves known collectively as the Wildlings - wolves who live in the Marrok’s territory but are unable to safely be around the rest of the pack. In Burn Bright, the fifth book in the Alpha and Omega series, Charles has been put in charge of the pack in Bran’s absence. When one of the Wildlings reaches out for help, Charles and Anna head out to investigate. Once there, they realize that things are (like usual) much more complicated than anticipated and that everyone in Aspen Creek might be in danger. 

“You cannot look at a person, and say, 'If I could change this or that, if I could pick what I want and discard other things, I could love this one.’ Such a love is pale and weak - and doomed to failure.”

Anna and Charles’ relationship is one of the healthiest I’ve ever seen in an urban fantasy series. Charles celebrates her strength and intelligence, and despite the fact that he is literally one of the most dominant werewolves in the world he’s never attempted to dominate her. He is also cognizant of her past and how that has shaped her. The relationship isn’t one sided though. Anna has always accepted Charles for who he is, and never questioned the role he plays for the wolves (though she occasionally questions the toll it has on him). She’s also brought light back into his life, and reminded him what it’s like to experience joy. It was particularly heart-warming to see how devoted Charles and Brother Wolf are to Anna, and vice versa.   

2022 is not the first time I’ve read Burn Bright (nor is it likely the last), so I’m coming into the book with the benefit of having read its sequel. The villain of the story was not obvious the first time I’d read the book, but on a re-read I noticed all the hints that the author had thrown in. I also want to note that, unlike some of the other books in the series, the events of Burn Bright connect very strongly to that of the main Mercy Thompson series (specifically Silence Fallen). While you can get through this book without having read that one, I do recommend reading Silence Fallen first for the best reading experience. 

Holter Graham once again did an excellent job bringing both Anna and Charles’ perspectives to life. There is a major theme of the villains in the most recent releases, so I’m excited to see where Ms. Briggs will take that story thread. Urban fantasy and paranormal romance readers who are looking for a book with great worldbuilding, a well-developed cast of main characters and ensemble characters, and another heart pounding mystery at the center of the story pick up the Alpha and Omega series as soon as possible. 

About the Book

Now mated werewolves Charles Cornick and Anna Latham face a threat like no other–one that lurks too close to home…

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…

About the Author

Patricia Briggs was born in Butte, Montana, to a children’s librarian who passed on to her kids a love of reading and books. Patricia grew up reading fairy tales and books about horses, and later developed an interest in folklore and history. When she decided to write a book of her own, a fantasy book seemed a natural choice. Patricia graduated from Montana State University with degrees in history and German and she worked for a while as a substitute teacher. Currently, she lives in Montana with her husband, children, and six horses and writes full time, much to the delight of her fans.

REVIEW Hunting Ground (Alpha and Omega #2) by Patricia Briggs

Hunting Ground (Alpha and Omega #2) by Patricia Briggs
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: July 17, 2009
Format: Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)
Publisher: Ace 

Check out my review of the sixth book in the series, Wild Sign

Hunting Ground is the second book in Patricia Briggs’ Alpha and Omega series, following werewolves Anna and Charles Cornick rather than coyote shapeshifter Mercy Thompson. It’s set a couple weeks after the events of the first book, Cry Wolf, and Charles and Anna have only been mated for a month or so at this point. Life is never dull for these two though, as they are called to attend an international werewolf conference to address their upcoming reveal to the world. 

Readers who are familiar with the Mercy Thompson universe and the earlier books in the Alpha and Omega series know that Charles is the killing arm of his father, the Marrok. He’s also the second in the Aspen Creek pack. As opposed to being sent out to enact physical violence, Hunting Ground sees Charles and Anna pit in a battle of wills and wits against other Alphas from around the world. My favorite of their sparring partners was Jean Chastel, who is also known in history as the Beast of Gevaudan. There's also a British Alpha who thinks he is King Arthur reincarnated. Patricia Briggs did an excellent job weaving these two characters into the story, and making the legends work with the character development she has already established. Readers who enjoy stories inspired by myths and legends will be pleased by this particular aspect of the book. 

With Anna’s past trauma, she’s still very uncomfortable in their new relationship. There’s the age difference (Anna is very young compared to Charles’ near two hundred years old) as well as the difference in experience and knowledge levels. Charles, as he says, is a patient hunter though and willing to put in the time to help her work through the events of her past and conquer the memories of the monsters who brutalized her. The development of Charles and Anna’s relationship is a major point in this book, and adds an aspect of romance to the story. I also really appreciate how the author finds a way to highlight their mutual love of music in every book, as music can express emotions in a way words often can’t. 

The book, in addition to being solidly in the urban fantasy genre with hints of romance, also features a mystery aspect. There are attempted kidnappings and murders happening in the midst of the conference in Seattle. This throws other paranormal creatures like fae, vampires, trolls and witches into the complicated mess of events going on. Sadly, the mystery was very confusing and hard to follow as a reader. Various interjected chapters popping up throughout the book had me completely lost. I wish there had been a bit more context to allow me to make sense of what was going on at the moment, instead of putting it all together at the very last minute. 

Holter Graham once again delivered an excellent performance with the audiobook narration of the book. He’s an excellent narrator who can voice both female and male characters with ease. As a side note, the events of this book are connected to what happens in the main Mercy Thompson series. However, both series are fairly independent and you don’t have to read one to understand the other. If a well-paced book with urban fantasy, paranormal and mystery elements sounds like something you’d enjoy, then check out Patricia Briggs’ Hunting Ground today. 

About the Book

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...

About the Author

Patricia Briggs was born in Butte, Montana, to a children’s librarian who passed on to her kids a love of reading and books. Patricia grew up reading fairy tales and books about horses, and later developed an interest in folklore and history. When she decided to write a book of her own, a fantasy book seemed a natural choice. Patricia graduated from Montana State University with degrees in history and German and she worked for a while as a substitute teacher. Currently, she lives in Montana with her husband, children, and six horses and writes full time, much to the delight of her fans.

REVIEW Fair Game (Alpha and Omega #3) by Patricia Briggs

Fair Game (Alpha and Omega #3) by Patricia Briggs
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: March 6, 2012
Format: eBook (Personal Library) + Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)
Publisher: Ace Books 

Check out my review of the sixth book in the series, Wild Sign

For as long as he can remember (and since he was first introduced by author Patricia Briggs in the original Mercy Thompson series), Charles Cornick has been his father’s right hand and the bogeyman of all werewolves. When a problem needed fixing, it was always Charles that was sent out. However, the job he’s done for decades has started weighing on him after werewolves came out to the public. Thankfully, Omega wolf Anna (his loyal and steadfast mate) is not willing to give up her husband to his demons without a fight, so when an opportunity comes up where Charles can mete out justice (instead of a seemingly endless stream of death), Bran sends out Charles and Anna to assist the FBI in hunting down a serial killer that has started targeting supernatural victims. Once there, things get much more complicated than expected (with fae lords coming into the mix) and Charles and Anna have to be careful not to find themselves next on the killer’s hit list. 

Charles and Anna have a very different relationship than Mercy and Adam, and that’s a big part of what sets the two series apart. Theirs is more a relationship of opposites, balancing each other out. Adam and Mercy’s relationship, on the other hand, is more one of equals and their differences stem largely from their species (and the fact that Mercy is such a trouble magnet). Anna, in Charles’ words, is “...a miracle that had saved him from a lifetime of aloneness.” Anna’s Omega gift balances out Charles’ Alpha tendencies, and his love for her is what keeps him afloat when things get dark in his job as his father’s hatchet man. Charles’ Alpha tendencies and reputation protect Anna from those who would try to use her for her powers and give her a place of shelter after so long being afraid. Both are quite willing to let the other take the lead when the situation demands, and it was quite nice to see as a reader. 

Unlike some of the other books in this series, this reads a bit more like a paranormal suspense book than a true fantasy. If you’re a fan of detective shows or true crime documentaries, this would be a great book for you to read! It’s also different in that bad guys are not all supernatural - some of them are human. A large amount of the story revolves around the fear of those that are “different”, and that plays heavily into the case and the overall book. 

Fair Game is an enjoyable read and a fantastic addition to the larger Mercy Thompson + Alpha and Omega universe. I’m amazed at how the series continues to improve over time, and how Ms. Briggs continues to develop Charles and Anna’s characters. Audiobook narrator Holter Graham did a great job bringing both Anna and Charles’ perspectives to life -it’s uncommon for male voice actors to voice both genders so well, and he was excellent. If you are an audiobook fan, I think you’re in for a treat with this book.  

Urban fantasy and paranormal readers who are looking for a book with great worldbuilding, a well-developed set of main characters and ensemble cast, and a heart-pounding case at the center of the story should definitely pick up the Alpha and Omega series ASAP. 

About the Book

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. . . .

About the Author

Patricia Briggs was born in Butte, Montana, to a children’s librarian who passed on to her kids a love of reading and books. Patricia grew up reading fairy tales and books about horses, and later developed an interest in folklore and history. When she decided to write a book of her own, a fantasy book seemed a natural choice. Patricia graduated from Montana State University with degrees in history and German and she worked for a while as a substitute teacher. Currently, she lives in Montana with her husband, children, and six horses and writes full time, much to the delight of her fans.

REVIEW Soul Taken (Mercy Thompson #13) by Patricia Briggs

Soul Taken (Mercy Thompson #13) by Patricia Briggs
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: August 23, 2022
Format: Audiobook (Personal Library)
Publisher: Ace

Get your copy of the book on Book Depository

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Patricia Briggs’ latest book in the Mercy Thompson series, Soul Taken, is another dynamic tale of our fearless heroine, coyote shapeshifter Mercy and the rest of the Columbia Basin pack. The semi-stable powerhouse vampire Wulfe has gone missing, bodies are dropping all over the Tri-Cities area, and the pack must once again figure out what’s going on before it’s too late.

Mercy, is, of course, once again smack dab in the middle of everything happening in the Tri-Cities. Thankfully, she has Adam and the rest of the pack to back her up whenever necessary - and it’s very frequent she needs the backup since she’s such a magnet for trouble. Personally, I’ve loved seeing Adam and Mercy’s relationship develop over the course of the series. They balance each other well, and they are a great team. The pack bonds were also a highlight for me - the scene at the beginning of the book was fun, and I love any scene where they get to tease Mercy and Adam about their sex life. Happy Alpha wolves translate to strong healthy packs!

One of the strengths of this series has always been how well-developed the ensemble cast is, and that trend doesn’t stop with Soul Taken. Readers get to discover more about some of the major players in Mercy’s life - specifically, Zee, Wulfe, and Sherwood Post. Some stories get dropped about Zee and Sherwood Post’s past (there is a major development in discovering who Sherwood was before the witches took his memory). The major reveals, though, are all about Wulfe. Those who have read previous installments to the series will know that Wulfe has never exactly been stable in the time Mercy has known him. Soul Taken dives into his past, gives perspective on how he came to be as we know him today, and also gives a hint about how he earned his title of ‘The Wizard’. 

Wulfe’s background plays a big part in the story, but readers are also treated to more world-building with more info on how pack bonds work and clashes between different paranormal groups in the Tri-Cities area. First of all, there’s some more shifting in the ranks of Adam’s pack, specifically the order of dominance. Warren and Daryl clash a bit, and Sherwood’s dominance level comes into question. I was also intrigued by the power plays between the pack, the goblins, the fae (specifically Underhill), and the vampires. I can’t wait to see what happens as a result of the choices Mercy and Adam made in this book - it seems like the ramifications of their decisions may cross over to the Alpha and Omega series as well. 

Soul Taken is a fantastic book and an awesome addition to the series and larger Mercy Thompson + Alpha and Omega universe. I’m amazed at how this series continues to get better with every new release. Lorelei King once again did a great job with the audiobook narration. Urban fantasy and paranormal readers who are looking for great worldbuilding, a well-developed set of main characters and ensemble cast, and a witty, headstrong heroine should definitely pick up the Mercy Thompson series ASAP. 

About the Book

Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, must face her greatest fears in this chilling entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

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.

About the Author

Patricia Briggs was born in Butte, Montana, to a children’s librarian who passed on to her kids a love of reading and books. Patricia grew up reading fairy tales and books about horses, and later developed an interest in folklore and history. When she decided to write a book of her own, a fantasy book seemed a natural choice. Patricia graduated from Montana State University with degrees in history and German and she worked for a while as a substitute teacher. Currently, she lives in Montana with her husband, children, and six horses and writes full time, much to the delight of her fans.