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Blood Bound (Mercy Thompson, Bk 2)
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Blood Bound (Mercy Thompson, Bk 2)
Author: Patricia Briggs

Book Information
Publisher: Ace
Book Type: Paperback
Members Wishing: 16
Rating:

ISBN-13: 9780441014736 - ISBN-10: 0441014739
Publication Date: 1/30/2007
Pages: 304

Book Description:
Under the rule of science, there are no witch burnings allowed, no water trials or public lynchings. In return, the average law-abiding, solid citizen has little to worry about from the things that go bump in the night. Sometimes I wish I was an average citizen...

Mechanic Mercy Thompson has friends in low places - and in dark ones. And now she owes one of them a favor. Since she can shapeshift at will, she agrees to act as some extra muscle when her vampire friend Stefan goes to deliver a message to another of his kind.

But this new vampire is hardly ordinary - and neither is the demon inside of him.

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Top Member Book Reviews

Janice Y. (jai) wrote on 1/28/2007...

13 member(s) found this review helpful.

I preordered this book and when I started reading it a few days later I had to stay up all night to finish it. This is the second book in the series about coyote shapeshifter VW mechanic Mercedes Thompson. In the last book she helped the werewolves and this time she helps the vampires. Her vampire friend Stefan comes to her for a favor - to be an impartial witness to some vampire business. He does not expect much trouble but they get into a lot more danger than he expected. As usual I think that the plot is very tight; I didn't notice any glaring plotholes and Mercy's character is very strong and believable. She knows a lot about werewolves and learns several things throughout the book about vampires, and also about another supernatural creature that is threatening the vamp clan. It is so dangerous that everyone suffers a trace of its evil effect on the tri-cities area. This book is quite similar in structure to the first one, though Mercy advances in her knowledge and network, and there are some interesting developments in the relationship area. A fascinating series I will continue to read.

Andy R. (mazeface) wrote on 11/26/2007...

8 member(s) found this review helpful.

I will admit that I haven't read much in the urban fantasy/horror/vampire genre, so I may not be as picky as other reviewers. I will say that I have only read two of Brigg's novels -- "Moon Called" and "Blood Bound" -- and both times I really got into the book. Brigg's conversational writing style makes it easy; after all, the protagonist, Mercy Thompson, is narrating the story.

Mercy has the ability to morph into a coyote. What I appreciated about Brigg's storytelling is how Mercy doesn't overuse her shape-changing ability in this book. She relies on her wits and intuition to solve the conflicts she faces.

Something else I appreciate about Brigg's story is how Mercy finds herself in the middle of life-or-death situations, yet still has to run her own business as a mechanic. In fact, Mercy wonders at one point how the heroines in movies find time to work and make a living while they are running around saving the world.

A couple of minor criticisms about this story: as the story progresses, Briggs throws in more an more of the "rules" about how vampire society is run, as well as the "rules" about demons and sorcerers. As someone who doesn't read much in this genre, it didn't bother me, but I kind of wondered how much of it Briggs made up to fit the plot. Doesn't ruin the story at all, but I just wondered about this.

Also, Briggs' male characters always seem a little too perfect. They are all ruggedly handsome, and yes they're all werewolves and vampires, but they're such hunky werewolves and vampires who got that "bad boy" thing going to entice the ladies. Even their negative qualities make them more macho. This kind of bugged me in "Moon Called" too. Briggs does keep the reader guessing as to who Mercy will ultimately fall for: Adam? Samuel? Stefan maybe? Again, it doesn't ruin the book, but it kind of makes me chuckle.

Overall, "Blood Bound" continues the fast-paced, suspenseful, creepy, action-packed storytelling that started in "Moon Called." Go for it.

Dinah R. (WhiteRose) wrote on 4/8/2008...

7 member(s) found this review helpful.

I've read a lot, possibly too much, of the urban fantasy trend as of late. I think this series is the best of the lot.

Mercy is a strong, funny, likable character. She's tough but still needs to adress her vulnerability which is so much more interesting than the other MarySue women in this genre. Finally, we have a heroine that isn't the biggest-baddest-sexiest variety. Mercy is still nobody's doormat.

Good plot. I thought the end was a little strange. I'm getting tired of finding love-triangles in every paranormal these days too. Those are two small quibbles for a fun book.

Cherie (CheriePie) wrote on 2/17/2008...

6 member(s) found this review helpful.

In this follow-up to 2006's Moon Called, Patricia Briggs pens an exciting and fast-paced urban fantasy story about walker Mercy Thompson and friends. In this installment, we're reintroduced to characters we met in the first novel, though Ms. Briggs fills in the blanks a bit as necessary, for those who may have picked this up without first reading Moon Called. But if you've already read Moon Called, you'll appreciate the character development as you grow to like these characters even more!!

In Blood Bound, we learn a lot more about Stefan, and I swear, every girl should have a friend like himâ€"dangerous yet sexy, mysterious yet honest... I've got to say next to Mercy, he's probably my favorite character now. ;-) This time around, the vampire seethe is in trouble from a rogue demon-ridden vampire. And for some reason, Mistress Marsilia feels that only Mercy's unique talents as walker can get them out of this mess! But Mercy wonders... is it just that she's more expendable??

The 292 pages of this book are jam packed with lots of action, such that I've have read only 7 or 8 pages, yet looking back, would be surprised at the amount of action that's happened. I love that in a book, not a lot of long descriptions, yet Ms. Briggs is still quite expert at letting you get to know a character well, without having to get wordy about them. Now how's she do that? ;-)

I have Iron Kissed, the third book in this series, on it's way to me now. Even though I have so much other stuff owed, I know I won't be able to wait to dive into that one as this series just keeps getting better and better!

Karen F. (cosmichomicide) wrote on 7/1/2007...

6 member(s) found this review helpful.

Top notch paranormal series that just gets better. Well written, great characters, solid plotting. This is the second book in the series which features shapeshifters as the primary paranormal characters but has most of the standard pantheon as well - including a vampire who drives a van painted like the Scooby Doo "Mystery Machine". A nice blend of action, humor and plot.

Osa O. wrote on 4/4/2007...

5 member(s) found this review helpful.

The Mercy Thompson books are very well written and I must say it took me by surprise. I had a bad experience with Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series which started out great and then turned into weird erotica nonsense. This is nothing like that. It's science fiction the way it should be. I couldn't put either book down and found myself staying up late to finish. The heroine is independant yet maintains her femininity. Mercy Thompson was raised by werewolves but is a walker - a shape-shifter whose animal form is a coyote. As described on the back of one of the books, Mercy has friends in high and low places and often finds herself in somewhat dangerous situations. She always pulls through, of course, with a little help from her friends. Try it, there's a lot to like about Patricia Briggs's writing and characterizations. I can't wait for the next book! :-)

MONICA V. (mvtrekkie) wrote on 4/21/2008...

3 member(s) found this review helpful.

Another great read in Mercy's universe! She really gets beat up in this one and learns a lot about demons, vampires, ghosts and werewolves! I love this strong, female character! If you love vampires, werewolves and strong female characters, then this book is for you! Can't wait to read the others in this series!

Wendy B. (nativewolf) wrote on 6/4/2009...

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

This is a nice follow up to Moon Called. We get to experience more of the characters that were introduced in the first book and learn more about not only Mercy but also Adam, Stefan, Zee, as well as many others. Not only do we learn more about these fascinating characters but we also learn more about the complex world and infrastructure of the pack and the vampire seethe. It is a hard book to put down and I am eagerly looking forward to the third book in this installment.

Karina F. (FineLQQKn) - Boynton Beach, FL wrote on 5/22/2009...

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

The second in the series and as good as the first. It's a clean paranormal (vamp/werewolf/fae/etc) novel with a little romance. The story line is complex enough to keep you interest, but not so much to confuse you. I liked it. I'm mid-way the 3rd novel and like it also. We'll see how her romance life develops!

Stacy W. (whatstacy) wrote on 5/26/2009...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

The cover art threw me, it didn't look like a book i would like. But i gave it a chance. I loved it, and completely fell in love with the characters. It just goes to show that you really can't judge a book by its cover!! Give this series a chance.


Please Rate these Book Reviews

Monica S. (mojo09226) wrote on 10/20/2009...


Mercedes Thompson is back in the second book of her series. This book was about a serial killer vampire/sorcerer running around Mercy's town and she is the only one who can do anything to stop it. Once all the men in Mercy's life are captured, she knows she needs to do something...and she does, a few things.


I felt the taste of Laurell K. Hamilton in this book as well, except better than her Anita series since there have still be no sex scenes, so much to the point that its about dang time that she gets to it, but, the first two Anita Blake books were sexless as well, we will see what the next one holds. I still really like the characters of this series, I can feel the personalities of each on the pages, and I love how Mercy remains to be a strong independent women, who knows how to kick ass and use her guns, even if she is just a coyote.

Also posted: http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/2009/10/book-review-blood-bound-by-patricia.html

Karyn B. wrote on 9/6/2009...


Mercy becomes a force to be reckoned with in this novel. She is the only one who can save the Tri-Cities Areas and all the men she cares about. This is a really fast read and extremely well done. I really loved this book. So much so, I won't swap it. :)

Kelly J. (KellitaJ) wrote on 8/31/2009...


Mercy is a very brave woman, a German car mechanic, and a skin walker, which allows her to turn into a coyote. I just love this series and keep all of my copies for repeat readings.

Erin S. wrote on 8/24/2009...


Blood Bound picks up the story of Mercedes Thompson six months after the conclusion of book one, Moon Called. Mercy is a walker -- a human that can turn into a coyote at will -- and immune to many of the magics of the preternatural community. That makes her a valuable ally against the new Big Bad in town -- a demon-possessed sorceror that's been turned into a vampire. Mercy's vampire best friend Stefan and both of her could-be werewolf loves are missing, tempers and crimes are on the rise because of the heat wave and the evil in town, and Mercy's trying to figure out how her ability to talk to ghosts can help her find the monster that threatens everything that's important to her.

I read a lot of books in this genre, and Briggs writes some of the most believable characters out there. Even though they're werewolves, and walkers, vampires and fae, they're all people first. You won't find flat stereotypes here -- Briggs characters are the kind you find yourself thinking about long after the final page has been turned.

Another thing to note -- for paranormal romance/adventure books, Briggs' Mercy Thompson books are all very "clean." In a genre kind of known for steamy bedroom scenes and colorful language, Blood Bound includes no foul language that I can think of, and no hot-and-heavy romantic exchanges. Those elements don't detract from my reading experience, but I know they bother some people, so it's worth noting. Mercy is a surprisingly good moral model, and a Christian -- even if she does have to kill a rogue werewolf or crazy vampire every once in awhile to keep the peace. She's one of the most interesting characters I've "met" in a long time. [close]

Jean silksmonkey wrote on 12/29/2008...


Great, fun sequel to Moon Called

Christine H. (solarawynn) wrote on 12/5/2008...


I loved this book,was a quick read. I sat down and did not move until I was finished.

Liane M. (gypsysoul) wrote on 9/15/2008...


Another great Mercy book. A couple parts made me roll my eyes but I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next one.

April S. (hocky) wrote on 9/4/2008...


good book will read the next

Jennifer H. (ltjmommy) wrote on 8/31/2008...


Great book. Patricia Briggs is my new favorite author. This second book in the Mercy series deals more with vampires than werewolves, and is just as great a read. I highly recommend this entire series!

Carla K. wrote on 4/1/2007...


Latest in the Mercy Thompson series-paranormal "walker" in a world of werewolves, shape-shifters and witches.


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Series
Mercy Thompson  2 of 4
Original Publication Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
People/Characters
Mercedes Thompson (Primary Character)
Samuel Cornick (Major Character)
Adam Hauptman (Major Character)
Werewolf (Major Character)
Bran Cornick (Average Character)
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