Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson, Book 3) by Patricia Briggs
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Book Reviews of Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson, Book 3)
Book Review: Better than the last
Summary: 5 Stars
This was a good one, better than Blood Bound, because the key supernaturals in this one live up to their hype, unlike the mostly-likable evil vampires in Blood Bound. The Fae are mostly insular and private, wanting to keep their secrets and using their magic and an inhuman ruthlessness to accomplish that. But since humans now know about Fae, there's no way the Fae can live quietly enough to keep humans from sticking their noses into Fae business, because that's what humans do: when we discover a new animal, we need to observe and record it. When we find a new star, we need to map it, name it, and figure out its composition, color, strength, age, height, weight, and hair color. When we find a new element, we have to mix it up with other things to see if it'll explode. And, because our fascination with newness and our insatiable curiosity are results of our fear of the unknown, we also tend to form hate groups opposing the very things we have discovered. Like people who think of the snowy owl as an enemy, because it represents the conservationist movement. I mean: they actually hate a fluffy little owl. Along with the bleeding-heart liberals who protect it, but still.
So this one focuses on a string of Fae murders. Mercy is brought in to help investigate, because she has both a coyote's powerful nose and a human's mind and memory, and so she is an excellent scent tracker -- which makes sense. I also liked the comment that there are not many Fae who could do the same, because that was a gift mostly given to the beast-like Fae, most of whom are gone. Mercy figures out the culprit, and Zee and Uncle Mike, the two Council members who brought Mercy in, go to take care of the problem -- only to find the problem's already been taken care of, because the murderer's been beheaded. Uncle Mike vanishes, but Zee is left to take the fall for the murder of the murderer, and the Gray Lords, who have that wonderfully pragmatic and evil policy of sacrificing any individual in order to protect the group, want Zee to die in prison just after he confesses: an open-and-shut case.
But Mercy won't let it go. She investigates, and pokes her nose in, and fights for Zee even when Zee doesn't want her fighting for him -- Zee accepts the Gray Lord's absurd policy (Absurd because the line becomes ever more blurry over time: you sacrifice one person to save the lives of many, and then sacrifice two people to save the lives of five -- and then one to save one? Or you sacrifice one to save lives, then one to save homes, then one to save Christmas presents, and then one to save -- what, lawn ornaments? At some point you lose what you're trying to save.) and is willing to die for the Fae. Though I notice he didn't kill himself as the Gray Lords would surely have preferred.
And, of course, Mercy gets to the bottom of it. One of the greatest strengths of these books is in the climactic action sequences: the fight with Littleton and the hunt for Littleton's creator in Blood Bound, and the last few chapters in this one. They are a great strength because Briggs doesn't overdo it; as well as she writes an action scene, the character is not action oriented; she's a mechanic with a kinda screwed-up love life involving her neighbor and her roommate (I was also glad to see that resolve in this one, and now I'm eager to see where it goes from here). Mercy wouldn't be in the thick of things all day every day, and so she isn't; this book starts out with her watching "Queen of the Damned" with Warren and Kyle, a hilarious but quiet and peaceful scene. But the final fight in this one was fantastic, both in terms of how Mercy wins, and also how Mercy suffers at the hands of the villain -- please note that I mean it was well-written and therefore fantastic; it was extremely hard to read because it was well-written, but that is ever a strength for me, particularly in books that can so easily fall into sensationalism or fluff. And, of course, the resolution was fantastic, as well. And we also got to meet some seriously scary Fae, and Zee with his cloak off, which was super-sweet. It was a great book, and I will be reading more of these.
Book Review: Iron Kissed and thoughts on mercy
Summary: 5 Stars
So, this review comes after reading the novel, several reviews, and sleeping on it. So, first things first. It is probably a 4 3/4 star book, but that's not an option =) I liked this book very, very much. Patricia Briggs tops my list as an author that I love to read, and more importantly, re-read. She writes at a satisfying length (though I do wish for longer books sometimes, so I can keep reading), with complex characters that are nonetheless tangible and realistic. Also, she resists going with the "happy-happy" trend I have observed recently. Her characters go through difficult, or possibly destroying, events, yet they always end with a note of hope, fragile though that may be. In this I find her writing to be reminiscent of Holly Lisle or Ann Bishop, who often use their characters with a brutal lack of care for "gentler" conventions. However she never leaves them dangling (or in some cases reveling) in their pathos, to their (or our) annoyance. She leaves us with a clean taste, and in some cases a deeper thought about "what-if's" and the unusual ways possible to triumph over tragedy.
So, on to Iron Kissed.
As referred to in other reviews, there were interesting conclusions in this book for previously established thread plots. She further developed some characters, most notably Ben (in my opinion). Ben is almost developing into an anti-hero, whom you like in spite of himself. In a broader view he reminds you that people who act awfully often have been the victims of awful events, but that the choice to move beyond the event instead of being consumed by the event is completely up to the "victim".
I do agree that in many ways Samuel was marginalized, but also understand that there are four more books coming (as well as novellas, etc). Within these four books Ms. Briggs has been "gently advised" to keep Mercy's love life "complicated". Ah, commercialism at its best. So, personally I am willing to put up with that in order to see more of Mercy's world. Additionally, I believe that Mercy and Sam discussed there being attraction (not the lack). If this was resolved a bit abruptly I applaud Ms. Briggs for not dragging the resolution on into the next 11 novels (oh wait, she's only contracted for four more, I must be thinking of someone else). As an audience I appreciate the cauterization, as it were.
This book is a more serious examination of Mercy, which allows her to continue to mature and develop as a character. In some ways it is grim, and I admit to re-reading the last 50 pages or so 3 times, to better absorb the emotional impact. To those who thought that the event was "trivialized" by Mercy's "quick recovery and playing ghost whisperer", I would suggest waiting, as well as considering another thought. When a person feels helpless, taking action where possible makes the helplessness less unbearable.
On a side note, I would suggest that her acceptance by the Adam's pack is perhaps an illustration of how much circumstances differ between his and the Marrok's Pack. Even in Moon Called Mercy was treated somewhat courteously by the local pack females, as opposed to Leah (and subsequently Leah's subs) who openly persecute Mercy. Adam has made it clear that he will not tolerate such treatment, where Bran did no such thing.
Overall, I enjoyed this book thoroughly. No book is perfect, and I have always enjoyed Ms. Briggs' writing. If this book had moments that were not all I hoped, I can honestly say no book or author has ever been everything I hoped for. But, I don't want perfection, because perfection is boring. So, sit back, get comfy, and enter Mercy's world, if you dare.
Book Review: Perfect Blend of Fantasy and Emotion
Summary: 5 Stars
I read a review here that said the ending was bittersweet. I am a romance novel reader first and foremost and almost always require a satisfying (read happy) ending to my books and I felt that Iron Kissed delivered on that regard.
I won't provide a summary because I think other reviews and the blurb does a good job. This book, more than the previous two, is packed with emotion, mystery, romance, and fantasy providing a full bodied read for the urban fantasy fan. Mercy is at a crossroads in her relationships with the two men in her life, Samuel and Adam Hauptman. Both are alpha werewolves although Samuel has no pack and Adam is the alpha of Tri Cities werewolf pack. Mercy must decide which one she loves more because Adam has declared his feelings for her and her lack of definitive response is weakening the clan.
When her mechanic mentor, Siebold Adelbertsmiter aka Zee, calls upon her to repay a favor to the Fae, she is grateful for the distraction. There have been several unsolved murders on the Fae reservation and the magic which the fae can call on without incurring the wrath of the Grey Lords has been insufficient in finding the perpetrator. Mercy is called in to use her nose to see if she can find an identifying scent of the murderer.
She does and completes her task only to receive a call that Zee has been accused of murder himself. Zee is a surrogate father figure for Mercy and it spurs her into finding out who is the real murderer. This investigation triggers a whole set of terrible consequences for Mercy.
Mercy eventually figures out who did the killing but not before something tragic (and I know this is an overused word but it is totally appropriate here) befalls her. In order for her to move on, she must come to terms emotionally and physically with this tragedy. The way in which this tragedy was worked into the story was organic to the mystery. I never felt manipulated.
As a reader of primarily romance, this hit all the right buttons for me. There is a depth of emotion in this book not often found in the urban fantasy trope. Many times urban fantasy is compelling for external motivations: world building, mystery, action. The last third of this story, though, was truly emotional. I was moved to tears at Mercy's struggle with the aftermath of her tragedy and grateful for her eventual triumph.
The love triangle was resolved beautifully and not in a way that I saw coming. I generally hate love triangles, particularly when the author is skilled in making me believe that both are good choices. Samuel and Adam are both decent, honorable men. They also both have their overbearing negatives. I was torn going into the story about which Mercy should choose and while I wanted her to choose someone, I wasn't sure which one and when. The way in which the triangle was resolved was subtle and satisfying. I felt <em>good</em> when I read how the triangle concluded.
If readers haven't picked up a Mercy Thompson book, I think they could start with Iron Kissed although I am sure reading one will spur the desire to read the previous two in the series. It's definitely a series I recommend to romance readers, particularly those that enjoy strong fantasy elements.
I hesitate to give out perfect grades, but I've read this book three times since I received it and each time was transportative. I don't know that it was a perfectly crafted book but it was perfect for me.
Just a note to clarify some speculation that this is the end of the Mercy Thompson series. It is not. Patricia Briggs is contracted for 4 more Mercy Thompson books and has started book 4.
Book Review: An Introduction into the Fae
Summary: 5 Stars
I decided that instead of back-posting all of the reviews back to when I read them, I would just slowly post the reviews in the here and now so that we can keep a review going every day even though it usually takes me a few days to finish a book.
Today's review is on Iron Kissed, the third in the Mercedes Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. Mercy is a Walker possessing the ability to change into a coyote at will. Unlike her adoptive family and occasional guardians her change happens quite quickly as opposed to the longer and more painful process of changing into a wolf. Mercy definitely has the quickness of a coyote, both in physical function and in wit. She's smart, funny, and has quite the ability to kick some serious butt!
Iron Kissed brings us through the world of Mercy Thompson to visit the Fae, a very visible set of characters, yet one that we haven't got to visit in much detail yet in the series. When Mercy's former boss and current friend is indicted for murder, life turns topsy-turvy for Mercy. She finds herself in the position where she wants to help but is being kept from doing just that. What's worse is that the force keeping her from investigating the crime and freeing her friend are the Fae themselves. They don't like outsiders meddling in their affairs and despite Mercy's ability to change into the mischievous coyote, that includes her.
When Mercy ignores the warnings surrounding her and delves farther into the mystery, she'll be confronted with much more than she is able to handle. Will she be able to conquer the Fae magic in order to protect those she cares for or will their own stubborn nature keep her from doing that? How far will she go and what exactly is she willing to lose to find the truth?
As always, Adam and Samuel are very present in this book. Really, there's nothing better than a spicy love triangle to sweeten things up. Who will Mercy choose? The man she loves but is afraid to lose herself to or the man she loves but can never forgive? It's a difficult choice, but one that has to be made soon to protect the sanity of the entire pack.
I will give warning: there are adult themes in this book. There are a few scenes that may be difficult for younger readers to handle. Although I LOVE the Mercedes Thompson series, I would suggest parents scan through the book first before giving it to their younger readers.
Warnings aside, I will say that I thought this was a truly fantastic book! I loved the story and I loved the development of Mercy, Adam and Samuel especially. We really get another look into these characters and come even closer to understanding what's truly going on in those minds! By far my favorite character is Mercy. In fact, I'd have to say that she's right up in my top five favorite female characters. She's beautiful without being overly so, strong without being invincible and she has her own set of flaws. Mostly I love Mercy because she is a survivor. She shows us that life can go on after tragedy and although it's not easy, although life may never be the same, she can go on. Okay, enough spoilerness from me! The last thing I have to say is that it was great getting to see a little bit more of the Fae part of the world. I'm super excited to see where Briggs is going to go with the tidbits she left us with.
Book Review: great series, great book
Summary: 5 Stars
In Iron Kissed, Mercy is recruited by her fae friends to help sniff out (literally) a killer on the fae reservation. When friend and former boss, self-proclaimed gremlin, Zee, is later arrested, Mercy's search for the killer becomes more frantic -- and dangerous. In other (werewolf) news, Mercy comes to a resolution about Samuel and Adam, but will she live to see it through?
This book crystallized in my mind for me some of the reasons that I love this series so much. Briggs seems to intuitively understand restraint. She doesn't pad her books and draw every scene out, milking ever last drop. As a writer, it's tempting to make the reader see exactly what you want them to by writing every little detail. Briggs understands that sometimes, things are better left to each individual's imagination, and so she uses a light hand during crucial situations. This doesn't mean the books are bland and description less; rather, there is a base to work off of in the readers' mind so that they can supply all of the extraneous details. This is effective for two reasons: 1), the reader inherently makes the story better for his/herself when applying imagination and preference -- this is why the book is always better than the movie. 2) all of the excess scenework that you have to wade through as a reader isn't there. I know that scenework can be pretty, and you may love how someone describes something in such detail, but when they constantly do that, it gets old. I can tell you how many times I've read Anne Rice or Laurell K. Hamilton and rolled my eyes or said "get to the point already!" A 300-400 page book is often padded our to 600-700 pages. Briggs doesn't do this. The result is that the books fly by and leave you engaged the whole time, and leave you hungry for the next. Everything seems so brilliantly paced, and everything is necessary.
Now, one thing that almost knocked this particular book back to a 4 for me was a couple of Scooby Doo scenes. It drives me nuts when a villain spills their guts to the good guy, thereby tying up all the loose strings that had you wondering; b) I hate it when one character in conversation to another summarizes the whole book, essentially recapping, and thereby tying up loose strings. These things seem lazy to me, generally. But the reason that this didn't end up knocking the story back to a 4 was that in both cases where Briggs does this, there was a reason that actually made it work and made sense in the context of the story, as well as expanding the readers` understanding of the characters in a way that worked, when anything else would have shown less and seemed clumsy. I ended up being sort of impressed by something that normally drives me insane. (More on this, but it gets spoilery, so it will be on the blog, here:
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