Blood Bound (Mercy Thompson, Book 2)
by Patricia Briggs
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Book Reviews of Blood Bound (Mercy Thompson, Book 2)
Book Review: The Vampire Book of the series
Summary: 3 Stars
If book one was werewolves, book two is vampires. It's all about how Mercy Thompson interacts with the local vampire seethe, and what life is like for vampires in the supernatural world of Patrica Briggs. It takes place about half a year after the first novel, with the big off-screen development being werewolves are finally 'public' following the lead of the fae. (Vampire still aren't public, that's a big plot point.) This felt weird being off screen given the themes and emphasis of book one.
A sub-theme of the book is the political structure of the supernatural community, especially in the face of an obvious supernatural threat. The general view is pure human lives are not worth much, and the most sympathetic perspective for humanity comes from the werewolves (not a surprise given who the heroine is). Plotwise, the werewolves must help the vampires (hunt lead by Stephan) kill off a rogue vampire possessed by an underworld being (demon/devil, not explained). This vampire has terrible powers and spends the majority of the novel walking all over the groups who oppose it.
What is means to be a skinwalker is developed slightly, but not much. It's closer to the end, so that footnote is it.
On the whole, Briggs once again delivers a decent novel and a neatly wrapped plot. However, in terms of character development no romantic progress was made, and if anything I got the feeling Mercy was leading on both Adam and Samuel. I don't mind no romance; in fact, I prefer it. However Briggs took the time to write multiple scenes that ended leaving the reader with a whole lot of nothing, which is something I don't enjoy reading.
Not impressed with the series to either the point of praise or ridicule, so on to book three.
Book Review: Great Book in an Excellent Series
Summary: 5 Stars
I truly loved this book, I read it none stop in one sitting because I couldn't bring my self to put it down. I am a lazy reader, I'll read a few pages, put it down and come back to it in a few days- but with Moon Called and Blood Bound I couldn't walk away for a second. Both of these books are the best books I've read!!
Moon Called I think was better because of the complexity of characters. Mercy was faced with struggle at every corner yet some how managed to survive. The characters were very complex. You start out with one opinion of them, and through discovery, by the end you had a completely opinion of them. I finished Moon Called because I was interested in the characters, not in the plot. Blood Bound was mostly interest in plot but there was some great character development as well. A few people had said there was too much sexual content. I disagree, the only brief moment there was anything sexual, it really symbolized how she was giving into the pack life but that she was still strong enough to walk away by resisting him. Seriously, how many guys can we ladies resist that are that good looking and have feelings for? So, Kudos to Mercy. Plus, she's an adult, we can't expect her to never chose a love interest and follow through. Grant it, I hope Briggs doesn't take it too far. Sex itself doesn't need to be in the book, although a little sexual involvement doesn't bother me ( I can do with or without), but it doesn't need to be all the book is about. I think she used the situation to show her loosing control, which Mercy did all through out the book. It also shows just how dangerous Adam is to Mercy's independence. If brief making out is too sexual for you, perhaps adult fantasy books shouldn't be your genre.
Book Review: "Blood Bound" Is An Incredible Sequel to "Moon Called" ...
Summary: 5 Stars
Wow ... what a sequel! I didn't think anything could equal the taunt, fascinating tale of "Moon Called," as many sequels just don't measure up to the initial book, but I shouldn't have worried. Patricia Briggs certainly delivers an intriguing and captivating sequel in "Blood Bound;" which is, in my opinion, a stronger book than "Moon Called." And that's saying a lot!
In "Moon Called" the reader is introduced to Mercedes Thompson, a strong female character whose father was a mysterious Native American. She is a 'walker,' which means that she can change into a coyote, is immune to most magic, and can converse with ghosts. Mercy was raised by werewolves and repairs cars in her garage free of charge for vampires in exchange for protection. She lives in a world dominated by preternaturally strong males and yet she usually saves the day.
In "Blood Bound" the characters and hierarchies in the vampire seethe and Adam's wolf pack are further defined, giving the reader a deeper understanding of the rules governing each group. New characters are introduced who may play key roles in future sequels and the reader learns more about Mercy's abilities as a walker. I particularly enjoy the complex relationships Mercy has with Adam, Alpha of the local werewolf pack, and Samuel, an older dominant werewolf from her past. I applaud Ms. Briggs on her 'less is more' attitude in expressing and exploring romantic interests. And my oh my how the dynamics are changing between Mercy and Adam's pack.
I highly recommend "Blood Bound." Aside from being a most excellent sequel, the characters are rich and 3-dimentional and the first person narrative is awesome. I'm on my second read!
Book Review: Good second installment!
Summary: 4 Stars
Blood Bound is the second book in the Mercy Thompson series¬¬ and is a wonderful follow-up for Moon Called. Moon Called introduces us to the tough as nails Mercedes Thompson, a VW mechanic, who also can change into a coyote and was raised by a pack of werewolves. In the second installment, Mercy's somewhat friend, and vampire, Stephan cashes in a favor that lands Mercy in a bit of a situation.
The favor leads Mercy, the vampires and the werewolves into a desperate cat and mouse fiasco that ultimately puts all of Mercy's beliefs in good and evil on the table. It also catapults her relationships with Samuel and Adam to the forefront, setting the table for a later choice, which will probably happen in the next book. A third romantic player also comes into the plot, which I wasn't too thrilled with because I think a "triangle" is more than enough. When third and fourth interested parties are introduced it reminds me of the Sookie Stackhouse series...and how they introduced Eric very early in the series and she had to go through Bill, Alcide, etc. to finally get to him.
The book also sheds light on other characters that were smaller parts in the first book. Inner workings of the vampire society is also divulged and her take on vamps is pretty interesting.
Overall the book was good. It didn't suck me in right away, but once it got started I finished it quickly. I also liked the fact that Brigg's didn't cheapen the book with gratuitous sex scenes that had no place within the plot. I definitely recommend this book to paranormal junkies and anyone who enjoys a good chase / detective story. The first book is not needed, but I always recommend starting at the beginning.
Book Review: Great Addition, Superb Writing!
Summary: 5 Stars
Book Two, "Blood Bound", of the Mercy Thompson story is just as good as the first book, while expanding the world Mercy inhabits. In "Moon Called", Mercy is called upon to repay her debt to Stefan, her vampire friend who helped in the first book. When dealing with vampires and other supernatural creatures, repaying debts is important. Honor matters.
Mercy repays the debt, but ends up getting more than she bargained for, as usual. What is nice about this novel is that mercy really doesn't want to be a hero. She tries to stay out of the main fights/investigations, but unfortunately, due to her specific talents and the nature of the evil they are facing, she has to throw herself into the fray once more.
Without going into the plot, as much can be ruined that way, this novel is just as good as the first, mainly due to pacing and Mercy. She is by far my favorite heroine in a long time. When reading novels I'm usually thinking "What doesn't she just do ?" Well, Mercy almost always does what a person with some common sense would do, while also going the extra mile to a bit more. I like it when the main character is intelligent enough to have contingency plans.
The romance is still there, but very much a back burner to the mystery and suspense of the story. My only complaint is that I have only one more book in this series before I have to spend 4 months waiting for book four, "Bone Crossed", to come out. Sad, that.
If you like urban fantasy or tough women, you should be reading this series! Heck, if you just like characters written as if they were real people, instead of supernatural creatures alone, you will love this entire series.