Want a NOOK? Explore Now
View our feature on Patricia Briggs’s Bone Crossed.
Shapeshifter Mercy Thompson hit the #1 spot on the bestseller list with Iron Kissed...
And she's planning a return trip.
Marsilia, the local vampire queen, has learned that Mercy crossed her by slaying a member of her clan. Now, she's out for blood. But since Mercy is protected from direct reprisal by the werewolf pack-and her relationship with its sexy Alpha-it's not Mercy's blood Marsilia is after...
Briggs makes a well-deserved move into hardcover with the rousing fourth adventure for kick-ass were-coyote auto mechanic Mercedes Thompson. Healing in body and spirit after the events of 2008's Iron Kissed, Mercy is preparing to marry alpha werewolf Adam Hauptman when an old friend asks her to help fend off a nasty ghost. It's a good time for Mercy to leave Portland, Ore.: vampire queen Marsilia is after her and her vampire friend Stefan for successfully hunting down a monster that should have killed them. Mercy leaves Adam to negotiate peace with Marsilia and heads to Spokane, Wash., to investigate the ghost, an unexpectedly complicated task. Though action supersedes characterization, the preternatural culture of vampire seethes and wolf pack politics is deeply intriguing. Briggs provides plenty of detail about Mercy's complex world without boring info-dumps, satisfying both new and longtime readers. (Feb.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Patricia Briggs lives in Montana with her husband, children, and six horses.
Anonymous
Posted Tue Mar 31 00:00:00 EDT 2009
The 4th book in the Mercy Thompson series picks up exactly where 3 left off. Mercy has alot of healing to do mentally & emotionally after the rape and as much as she wants to just "snap out of it", it does take time. She also has to deal w/ Adam,the werewolf alpha making her an offical member of the pack and the rest of the pack that may not want her there. She also discovers that the mistress of the local vampire seeth knows Mercy killed one of her vamps awhile back and wants her dead. Her vampire friend Stefan, who helped cover up the other vamps death is kicked out of the seeth and goes to Mercy to warn and help protect her. Unfortunately, another vampire also has his sights set on the coyote walker and is determined to use her friends against her in order to capture her for himself. We learn more about the pack and pack magic in this book and Mercy does heal well enough to get through the book and come out on top as the strong heroine we all know and love.
17 out of 18 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Debbie-J-1970
Posted Sat Sep 12 00:00:00 EDT 2009
I Also Recommend:
The Mercy Thompson series was my first real foray into "urban fantasy." I was a little worried, as the urban fantasy genre can be utterly terrible, but as Patricia Briggs's proves here, it can be absolutely wonderful if done right.
One of my pet peeves in the urban fantasy genre is the standard "overly sexy, sort of gooey female heroine," if that makes any sense. Whatever the bad version of heroine is, it isn't Mercy. She's normal (aside from being a walker), with just the right amount of humor, strength, and capability. She's not your vapid, stupidly self-sacrificing, "oh please come save me, powerful immortal boyfriend!" (*cough BELLA cough*), but she has an awareness of her limits as a coyote in a world of vampires, werewolves, and fae and accepts the occasional rescue if necessary. If Twilight had characters like Mercy and Adam and Sam, it would have been a good book.
The romance is perfect, too. I know people expect this series to be paranormal romance books, and they are but it's very subtle. It takes until books three and four before things really start to develop. A little tame for those looking specifically for romance, but I appreciated the natural course of Mercy's romance... romances. It was the hinting that made the reading worthwhile. Incremental revelation is what literature and life are all about.
In addition, Briggs deals with some very serious topics in a very real way. Mercy reacts and heals like a normal person after the events in book three (again, kudos to Briggs for having a heroine in a tough spot who deals with her tormentor herself without waiting for aid from the bf and pack).
I read all four of these books at once. Thank goodness for the Kindle for iPhone. I couldn't download them fast enough. Briggs has done a great job with this series. I was delighted to hear that there are more coming, and very sad that I'll have to wait a year to read the next one.
In the meantime, I am lovin' the K S Michaels series.
12 out of 12 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I get so excited when my favorite authors break into hardcover. In fact, I'm pleased as punch to shell out the bigger bucks because it means that the awesome I've been basking in for awhile now has finally caught on and is being recognized on a wider scale. So it was, in a word, thrilling to open up the package from Penguin and see the words "#1 New York Times Bestselling Author" atop Patricia Briggs' shiny new hardcover BONE CROSSED. <BR/><BR/>Mercy Thompson starts her fourth adventure staring herself down in the mirror trying to decide where to go from here. The closing events of IRON KISSED left our favorite VW mechanic feeling, at best, very conflicted. She managed to make several key decisions, but can't quite seem to outrun her demons. Of course occupying the place of honor as lone walker, Alpha's declared mate, and vampire public enemy #1 doesn't help. She doesn't have long to fret, though, when an old acquaintance shows up on her doorstep convinced Mercy can banish a ghost for her. Meanwhile, a pair of crossed bones show up on the door of her shop branding her traitor, her place in the pack is still perilously unclear, and her mother drops in unannounced. On the positive side, Stefan plays a much larger role in this one. It was good to have him back after his rather conspicuous, though necessary, absence in IRON KISSED. His friendship with Mercy remains a highlight of the series for me. <BR/><BR/>If you haven't guessed by now, these books are hands down my favorite urban fantasy series out there. I am ridiculously fond of them. And a big reason why is the nimble way Ms. Briggs walks that infinitesimally fine line between keeping things interesting and staying true to her characters. Beset on all sides by the supernatural, the macabre, and the horrific, her characters continue to feel so real to me. Like I could step into their world and accept it lock, stock, and barrel because Mercy's there in her garage. And what could be more normal than that? BONE CROSSED had the same gritty feel that MOON CALLED had, as well as the dry humor and breathtaking timing of BLOOD BOUND. Being the fourth installment, these characters know each other pretty well by now and so the interpersonal issues swirl around the arc of the mystery, lending it a richness you'll want to sink your teeth into. This series has it all. Good guys worth fighting for. Bad guys worth having nightmares over. And a heroine who can handle them all. More. Please.
7 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.In the fourth book of the Mercy Thompson Series Mercy is once again up against bad vampires including an old enemy Marsilia.This is a great series I love Mercy she is such a strong independent woman.She takes care of herself even though she has all these Alpha Males/Werewolves on her side ,She fights for who she cares about and she fights for herself and tries her best not to become a "victim".What I really like about this book was that after the awful trauma she went through in the last book it wasn't just oh that story is over she's all better,no she deals with post traumatic stress and panic attacks.I like that she is relatable even in a fantasy world.
I also appreciate the fact that the writer of this book Patricia Briggs doesn't need to go into the long drawn out sex/love scene her writing reminds me of the old movies where you got to see the build-up and then the couple closing the bedroom door.
I will definitely keep reading about Mercy ,and recommending this book.5*****
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Two weeks ago I bought the 1st book in the Mercy Thompson series and was hooked. Since, I've gone through each and every one with much relish! The characters are dynamic and each one has a progressively developed personality. Patricia Briggs never lets you down and each time I open a new book of hers I feel like I've stepped into a wonderful world. I highly recommend the series and the author.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.That I have to wait two more months for the next book in this series to come out. It took me two nights to read Bone Crossed, and I was so inspired by Patricia Briggs and her Mercy Thompson that I cried my eyes out when I was done. Such beauty is portrayed in these books, a beauty you will not realize unless you step into this Walker's shoes, and see it through her eyes. An excellent write, Patricia Briggs will always have a way of amazing me, be it through the Mercy Thompson series, or the Alpha and Omega books. I cannot wait for Silver Bourne, I have it's release marked on my calendar.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.readkat
Posted Wed Sep 02 00:00:00 EDT 2009
I thought the book was terrific. Briggs always carries over seamlessly from one book to the other. I am thrilled that Mercy and Adam resolved their relationship impasse. I like the way that the author ties in different groups of paranormal beings into her stories. Which brings me to the vampires. You knew that eventually the situation that was pending with Mercy and the vamps led by Marsilia needed resolution. I like the possibilities that the book leaves there for Stefan and Mercy's friendship.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I have to say when I stumbled on the Mercy Thompson novels I was totally stoked, a new paranormal novel to devour. I'm weird like that. But then I got lost in the characters -- so, so true to life -- and the plot. There is a romantic thread through all the novels, but the Mercy Thompson novels are not romance novels. But like in life, relationships play out.
There are a few things I can say about the characters -- they could teach us a thing or two about loyalty, friendship and acceptance. I love the way the pack doesn't just embrace Mercy just because Adam tells them she's pack. The whole Stefan loyalty/betrayal thing really got me thinking and made me VERY glad I'm not a Briggs style vampire.
Briggs really captures humanity in both her characters and her writing style. It flows like a converstation and is very easy to read. This is not an old literature novel to be read, then re-read and then dissected for meaning. At the same time, it's not a third grade read either. If I were to pick an author most like Patricia Briggs (writing style-wise) is J.R. Ward of the Black Dagger Series.
It's contemporary and the setting is very real. You don't get suddenly a make believe place just because it's convenient -- the Tri-cities are thoroughly human. Also, I think the fae reservations (mentioned more in book #3) are genius. Every time I think of what we don't know about the fae I laugh, the fae are ever clever. :) The Oakman is so tragic but I hope that he shows up in any further Mercy novels, because that little guy was so brave. I think Mercy penned it right when she said he had been looking for the 2nd method of escape... which makes me want to know how he get along when he got the 1st.
I tried not to ruin the story for you but I wanted you to know my opinion. Patricia Briggs is a master story-teller and makes these books paint vivid cinemas in the mind. The first time I read it, because I've read it maybe 6 times now, I couldn't put it down. I was almost late to work because I couldn't put it down and so I didn't get to sleep until very late (or very early...?).
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.sweetd0904
Posted Sun May 17 00:00:00 EDT 2009
I Also Recommend:
Bone Cossing was a thrilling book from the begining to the end. It wasn't hard to get caught up in the suspense surrounding Mercy and wondering if she would make it through or become a victim . The character interaction was equaling as thrilling. All of the characters were given a place in the plot leaving an opening for a follow up book. The book was thrilling, suspenseful and romantic all in one.
The only thing that left the book lacking is there was not a prelude to the next book in the series.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Sat Jan 05 00:00:00 EST 2013
I love this series, mercy is one tough woman, she keep.pushing even if she cant see the light just yet. This seires is the kind where youll laugh and cry. The author taes u along for the ride of mercy's world and it keeps u coming bac wanting more. If u liked the anita blake series, you'll love this one. Just dont expect to get much done when u start reading this book, :) because you wont want to put it down.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.SirBunch
Posted Tue Aug 25 00:00:00 EDT 2009
I Also Recommend:
This finally in the Mercy Thompson Saga is at least as strong as the three books that lead us to this point. It's not often a writer sets the bar this high and keeps it there all the way through. If you've read the beginning of the series you shouldn't wait to finish it.
I'll say this though. I wouldn't recommend starting here, you should read "Blood Bound" first, if not the entire series.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I have enjoyed all of the Mercy Thompson books but this one is by far the best. The development of her relationship with Adam was great. I can't wait to read the next one!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.So I recently have joined the relm of ficition and as a second book of fiction to start reading I think this an excellent book. I would find my self lost in it. laughing at funny parts. I would catch myself totally enthralled in it and thinking i was there for a moment. The style and the story keep you wanting more. Must read.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.JAB10
Posted Sat May 16 00:00:00 EDT 2009
I Also Recommend:
It was a great read! I could hardly put it down. I was totally enmeshed with the storyline. I hope there is another book following this one!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Mercy Thompson novels all have one thing in common...they leave you wanting more after each book! They are so entertaining you want to drift off in the world described.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Wed Apr 29 00:00:00 EDT 2009
I Also Recommend:
I am sooooooooooo addicted to the Mercy series. Patricia Briggs is an awesome writer. I can't wait for the next box to come out!!! I have re-read these books several times already and will do so again many times. I can't wait for the next one!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I love Mercy. She is constantly finding new ways to making trouble and getting out of it eventually. This time there are more ghosts, more vampires, and fae to assist in her trouble.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.lykosong
Posted Mon Apr 27 00:00:00 EDT 2009
I Also Recommend:
I have read the first three books a couple of times now and I really liked the series to date. I even really enjoyed the spinoff series on the Omega wolf. So when this one came out of course I went out and bought it. However, there was something about this book that just didn't fit for me.
Though in other books Mercy has been a bit over her head, she never felt helpless to me. In this book, Briggs departs a bit from that perspective of the characters that she established in the previous three books. Don't get me wrong it is still an entertaining read, but I probably won't reread it unless I feel I forgot something when the next one comes out.
Bottom line, it is an decent book, but I would wait for it to be in paperback or check it out from a library if you can.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This is a good installment in Brigg's Mercy Thompson series. It doesn't disappoint. I look forward to the next book.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Briggs knows just how to make a story exciting and witty. She creates a believable atmosphere for her characters and the reader. Her work is vivid and full of non-stop adventure, laughter, drama, and romance...with just the right amount of fantasy. Her work is original and intriguing, something not to be missed!
In Briggs' fourth installment of the Mercy Thompson series, Bone Crossed, Briggs keeps her lovable and exciting story going. We are only happy to share, once agian, our favorite shapeshifter's world with her, reveling in the character's complexities and originallity. This fourth Mercy novel should not be ignored!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Overview
View our feature on Patricia Briggs’s Bone Crossed.
Shapeshifter Mercy Thompson hit the #1 spot on the bestseller list with Iron Kissed...
And she's planning a return trip.
Marsilia, the local vampire queen, has learned that Mercy crossed her by slaying a member of her clan. Now, she's out for blood. But since Mercy is protected from direct reprisal by the werewolf pack-and ...