Saturday, June 7, 2008

Fantastic Beginning to a Unique Paranormal Series


I read a review on Kailana's blog for this series over a year ago that prompted me to run right out and buy this book. Since then, I've read numerous reviews that just cemented the fact that I must read this series!! So for this year's TBR Challenge and the Spring Reading Thing I decided to read Book 1 of the Mercy Thompson Series, Moon Called by Patricia Briggs (304 pgs., Ace Books).

I didn't realize he was a werewolf at first. My nose isn't it's best surrounded by axle grease and burnt oil -- and it's not like there are a lot of stray werewolves running around. So when someone made a polite near my feet to get my attention, I thought it was a customer.

Mercedes "Mercy" Thompson knows a thing or two about werewolves. You see, she was raised by them. Mercy isn't a werewolf, though she does have the ability to change. She is a Walker, or "skinwalker", like the old Southwestern Indian witches. She can shapeshift into a coyote. Faster than a werewolf, but not nearly as strong, Mercy lived with the Marrok pack until she was 16 and went to live with her real mother. Now, she owns a garage (bought from a Gremlin named Zee) and works on German cars (like the VW Van outside owned by a Vampire).

So when Mac walked through her door looking for a job, she knew what he was. Mac couldn't have been more than 17 and looked like a runaway. He was hungry (not a good quality for a werewolf) and was looking for some work. And Mercy felt sorry for him. She knew she had to notify Adam, the local Alpha Werewolf and Mercy's next door neighbor, but she wanted to ease Mac into telling her his story first. But he was really skittish (another bad quality for a werewolf). So she gave him a job and a place to stay....he could sleep in the van. He seemed to be a scared kid, and all Mercy wanted to do was help him.

But when she showed up one night to see if he was ok, she heard voices outside the shop. Mac was there, along with a couple of humans and another new werewolf. They were trying to get him to come back with them, and he refused. When Mercy tried to help Mac out, a fight broke out, and the new werewolf ended up dead. It was time to call Adam.

Apparently someone had turned Mac, and was keeping him prisoner in a cage. They were experimenting new drugs on him when he escaped. Adam was none too happy about it, but he offered to help Mac understand his change and help him. But just when Mercy thought everything was going to be ok, Mac's body was dumped on her doorstep. Adam's house had been broken into and he was left close to dead. And his teenage human daughter Jessica had been kidnapped. Mercy was the only one that could help now.

Smart, sassy and full of bravado, Mercy Thompson is my kind of heroine!! In a world where werewolves run in packs, fae are alive and living among us, and vampires haunt the night, Mercy can handle herself. She is gutsy and sarcastic, a true spirit. Adam Hauptman is dangerous and cool. Tough as nails, but with a soft spot for Mercy, he is plunged into a war that he never saw coming. With help from Mercy's old Marrok pack, they try to uncover what is really going on in world of werewolves. The wind is bringing change....and it isn't good.

Not only was there a fabulous "new" storyline, but enough back story so a person feels they can truly understand where Mercy came from and how the packs run. This is definitely a series I'm going to continue....in fact, Blood Bound, which is book 2 is staring at me right now!! If you are a fan of the OLD Laurell K. Hamilton books, you will definitely enjoy this series. Patricia Briggs has brought us a series that is a true page-turner....filled with fun, excitement and lots of things that go bump in the night. 4.5/5

12 comments:

Marg said...

I have had this book on my shelf for ages and ages now and haven't even picked it up yet. I really should try to fit it into the reading schedule.

Kailana said...

Glad you enjoyed this series, Stephanie! It is one of my favourites. :)

Ladytink_534 said...

Darla D convinced me to pick up this series. I can’t wait for the next one!

Anonymous said...

I am really glad you enjoyed the first in the series and I am assure you that the rest are just as good. I hope book four comes out soon and I am also looking forward to the spin off series with the first Cry Wolf being released I think in August.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE this series! I have read all three and cannot wait for the next installment. Great review! :)

Melody said...

Oh yes! I had read this book some time ago... and that reminds me I haven't read the second book, yet!!! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed this though. :)

Literary Feline said...

Like you, I picked up this book quite awhile ago. I still haven't gotten to it. :-( I keep hearing how good it is and so I know I must! Great review, Stephanie!

Sarah said...

Loved this book!

CJ said...

So Moon Called is the first in the series? It sounds like something I would definitely like, especially given your comment about LKH!

cjh

Stephanie said...

Marg - It was really good! I think you would like it!

Kail - I'm giving you the credit. I saw it first on your blog!! Fantastic book!

Tink - I just started Blood Bound! Darla's was also one of the reviews that pushed me over the edge!

Rhinoa - I didn't know there was going to be a spin-off series. I'll definitely be looking for that one too!

Rachel - Thanks! It was such a good book, I've already started book 2!

Melody - Go read Blood Bound!! I am!

Wendy - Thanks! Yeah, it sat on my shelf for over a year. Glad I finally picked it up.

Sarah - Me too!

CJ - This is totally reminescent of LKH's older, much better stuff. I think this is where LKH could have been if she hadn't got lost in all the sex!

Anonymous said...

Is it what is paranormal fiction?

Jill said...

I'm so glad you enjoyed this one, Stephanie - it is one of my favorite newly discovered series, and I'm hooked, impatiently waiting for the next book to come out. I know you'll enjoy the others!