Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson, Book 3) by Patricia Briggs
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Book Reviews of Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson, Book 3)
Book Review: Favorite Heroine
Summary: 5 Stars
The third book of the Mercy Thompson series is probably the best so far, although I would be hard put to pick out a favorite book in the series. I'm just happy that the "love triangle" aspect of the book, which was always a background thing, has been resolved in such a way that no one is alienated or left out in the cold. Very nicely done.
This novel is so good, that I read it twice - after finishing it, I just reread it because I enjoyed it so much.
The premise of this novel involves Mercy repaying her debt to the fae, and Zee, her friend and onetime boss, getting caught a the scene of a crime and accused of murder. Mercy, of course, feels the need to protect him by finding out the real murderer.
The pace of this novel was somewhat slower than those of the other two books, as the buildup to the action waxes and wanes throughout. This isn't to say that the book is slow, more that it is less nonstop action, and more action then real life. I've seen other reviewers complaining about the pacing of the book, but I didn't see it as too much of a problem.
Mercy is one of the most likable heroines I've read in a long time. She comes across as being real and sincere, while still being heroic and magical. That is a pretty hard balance for many authors, but Briggs really pulls it off well. Mercy's likability makes the tragic consequences of her investigation all the more harrowing, because you feel her pain as read the novel - the end has more than one place where I teared up feeling for her.
Briggs doesn't pull any punches in this book, but manages not to be too graphic, and unlike many other novels in this genre, there are dire consequences for Mercy and those she cares about that many are not brave enough to write about. Briggs treatment of this is spot-on accurate, which makes her writing even better. What is even more interesting, is that Mercy is able to use the tragedy in her life to help her make something good come out of it, just as Briggs uses the tragedy to show us a bit more about the werewolves in Adam's pack.
The only complaint I have is that I have to wait until February to see what happens next. I'm finding myself anxious for Mercy and the werewolves as the danger of the world she inhabits is real. My hope is that Briggs won't do worse to Mercy and the werewolves in the next novel - it would be nice if they were able to have a happily ever after of sorts.
Book Review: Very strong mystery (4.5 stars)
Summary: 5 Stars
Someone's killing fae on the Umatilla Reservation. Mercy (Mercedes) Thompson gets called in by her mentor, Zee, to help see if she can scent out the killer. She's a skinwalker, possibly the only one in existence, and her sense of smell could provide the fae with information to solve the case.
While she's investigating, she also discovers a secret and now she understands far better why the fae were so willing to have permitted themselves to be locked up on reservations. Unfortunately, the rulers of the fae, the Gray Lords, know she knows and that could pose a problem since they keep their secrets close.
Very shortly after, a reservation guard is savagely murdered. Zee is the prime suspect, literally caught red handed while the guard's blood is cooling. Zee goes to jail and refuses to speak a word in his defense despite Mercy hiring the best criminal defense lawyer she can for him.
Despite warnings from the fae, Mercy takes the case. In order to find the killer, she's going to have to use more than just her nose.
Mercy Thompson novels are some of the best serial fiction in urban fantasy. Patricia Briggs excels at character development and not rushing relationships or even growth on her people. Her characters are also good at staying in character.
The mystery in this plot is almost as good as the fantasy. Ms. Briggs has a talent for dramatic writing and she can sink a barb deeper than a mad porcupine. She also did keep me guessing until very near the end of the novel, which is not that common even for hardcore mystery writers.
What is most interesting about Briggs' writing is her worldbuilding. What happens to the world when the supernaturals come out? Many authors have posited an alternative world with this type of scenario. In many ways, I think Patricia Briggs' guess is one of the most interesting and accurate. And as the old saw goes, "those who do not study history are destined to repeat it." Well, those who do study history will strongly recognize the common patterns from Ms. Briggs' books to our history, particularly reservations and the level of hate group activity.
Mercy Thompson Books in Order:
Moon Called (Book 1)
Blood Bound (Book 2)
Iron Kissed (Book 3)
Book Review: Obsessed with Mercy!
Summary: 5 Stars
Book 3 is only a week in the life of Mercy Thomspon, Walker and Mechanic extraordinaire. Mercy owes a favor to Zee after using his vampire slaying kit a 2nd time. So, she helps Zee investigate a slew of murders at the Fae Reservation. Using her coyote nose, she discovers the murderer and a few Fae secrets. Zee goes to confront the murderer only to find him already dead where the police show up and pin him for the murder. The Gray Lords want Zee to take the fall so humans will leave them alone, but Mercy isn't so keen on her friend and mentor rotting in jail. So, Mercy does what she does best: Whatever the hell she wants. As Sam put it, "Contrary is her middle name." She follows the trail and her instincts to the true murderer and makes several other discoveries along the way: She discovers her true feelings for Sam and Adam; She discovers her strengths and weaknesses; She discovers her friends.
I could not put this book down! I love Mercy! She isn't whiny (Didn't Bella just get on your nerves? Ugh!) She has powers of her own. And even if they aren't as powerful as all those around her, she sure knows how to use them to her advantage and to undermine others. She has her own life to live. She isn't afraid to do what she wants. She can think through the mystery without worrying about too much. She still has her weaknesses, though, which make her real. And, she still manages to piss people off, including a Gray Lord. =) But Mercy wouldn't be Mercy if she didn't ruffle any feathers. I love how the Gray Lord tells her, "I like you. You play an underhanded and subtle game--and like Coyote, you shake up the order of the world." That sums up what Mercy does in this supernatural world--she shakes things up.
The book has lots of action, lots of intrigue, lots of passion between Mercy and her chosen, and lots of heartache with a disaster at the end. I applaud Briggs for allowing her heroine to win some and lose some, and she lost some in the end. It was handled very well. I was a little concerned with the end of the book, until I got a sneak peek at Chapter 1 of Book 4.
All in all, if you love the Mercy Books, you'll love this one as well. I can't figure out which one I like the best, they are all very well done.
Book Review: Just as good as the first two and leaves you wanting more...
Summary: 5 Stars
In this latest installment Mercy is thrust directly into fae affairs as she struggles to clear Zee of murder. Someone has been stealing fae relics and killing those who owned them-a transgression that not even the Gray Lords will stand for. Someone will have to pay the price and that means Mercy and Zee might end up being the fall guys.
It is not necessarily the plot line that attracts readers to this series but the tenuous relationships between the characters. It strongly conjures up similarities to Moning's "Fever" series and Hamilton's "Meredith Gentry" series with one striking difference; while Moning might take us to the front lines of the fae/mortal battle, Brigg's provides only an intoxicating glimpse, concentrating her creative talents on character development.
But that shouldn't discourage readers-this is where Brigg's strength lies. But there is a tone of seriousness to this story not present in earlier novels and fans might be taken aback. For those who have read Kim Harrison's series-remember Rachel and Kisten? Well the tone is just as serious because this 3rd book is the catalyst, and important decisions and events occur.
Mercy finally chooses between Samuel and Adam. Mercy, Adam, Samuel, Ben, Zee and pack politics are fleshed out enough to both satisfy and leave readers clamoring for more. Briggs also touches on a seriously traumatic event that Mercy experiences, and handles it both in a sensitive and cautious way. This event, and the subsequent actions of her characters lend a permanence that will stay long in readers minds.
Brigg's has proven she can stand with the best writers of supe fiction. Mercedes Thompson is just as enigmatic and strong has Armintrout's Carrie Ames, Armstrong's Elena Michaels, and Moning's Mackayla Lane. After waiting a while for this third novel to come out, I was deeply satisfied with the outcome-read it twice in one day though the ending seemed somewhat incomplete-perhaps a ploy to keep us wanting more-at least it worked for me. It delivers on many levels and I can't wait for the next one. Kudos!Copyright(c)Nicola Mattos
Book Review: Mercy Thompson 3: Iron Kissed
Summary: 5 Stars
Mercy Thompson #3: Iron Kissed, by Patricia Briggs
When Mercy's former boss, Zee, is accused of murder and arrested by the police, it's up to her to figure out just what's going on and clear his name. Mercy has enough obstacles to overcome while trying to do that, including Zee - he doesn't want her help. Mercy fears that the Gray Lords, the rulers of the fae, are setting Zee up to take the fall for a crime he didn't commit, and they don't care that he's innocent - they just want it to be over, and quickly.
But Mercy has her own trouble with the Gray Lords; while sniffing for evidence at a crime scene, she drifts into the Underhill, the magic land of the fae. That, and her fight for Zee's innocence lead to a death sentence on her head...luckily she has the werewolves to help when things get a little swampy with a dangerous fae. And if that isn't enough, Mercy also has to make a choice between Adam and Samuel, two dominant werewolves who both want her as a mate.
This third installment of Briggs' excellent paranormal series focuses on the fae, as book 1 focused on werewolves and book 2 focused on vampires. In her world, the fae have been out to the public for over 30 years, but that hasn't made them any less dangerous, as Mercy quickly comes to find out. We finally also learn Zee's background, something that has been tantalizingly hinted at throughout the other books.
"Iron Kissed" kept me captivated; I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to find out just what was going to happen. The last 60 or so pages blew me away, I read them with a sick, but eager feeling in my stomach - I knew Mercy would triumph, but what she had to overcome was gut-wrenching. I absolutely love how Briggs writes her characters; rarely do I feel such affection and emotion in this short of a book. I also like how the author handles romance - Mercy has two men interested in her, but it isn't the focus of the book, it's just a nice side plot that isn't overpowering.
I wish that "Iron Kissed" was longer, but it doesn't need to be; I'm just greedy for more!
5/5.