Thursday, January 13, 2011

Review: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

I didn't realize he was a werewolf at first. My nose isn't at its best when surrounded by axle grease and burnt oil--and it's not like there are a lot of stray werewolves running around. She when someone made a polite noise near my feet to get my attention I thought he was a customer. [1st paragraph]


Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
ACE Fantasy, 2006
Fantasy (Urban) ; 288 pgs


I do love a good urban fantasy novel and Patricia Briggs' novel Moon Called, the first in the Mercy Thompson series, lived up to its reputation. Why did I let this book languish in my TBR collection for nearly five years?

Mercy Thompson is a mechanic who specializes in German cars. She also is a walker with the ability to shift into a coyote at will. When a young man appears on the doorstep of her garage to ask for a job, Mercy can tell right away he is a werewolf. Going against her better judgment she hires him and soon trouble follows. Not only is Mac a new werewolf not yet in control of his new found form and strength, he is also being hunted by some very bad supernatural beings. Mercy turns to her next door neighbor, Adam, the Alpha of the local werewolf pack, for help. Forced on the run when Adam himself becomes a target and his teenage daughter kidnapped, Mercy goes to the only place she can think of for help: the reservation where she was raised. Not everyone there is happy to see her, but they do what they can to help.

I took to Mercy right away. She has her edgy side, but she also knows when to play by the rules. She's still got that undeniable independent streak that urban fantasy heroines often have and will do as she pleases regardless of what others may say. She's smart and knows her weaknesses. The other characters in the novel compliment her well.

As technology and science become more prolific and advanced in modern society, the risk of exposure is far greater. Traditions and the old ways are being compromised. Patricia Briggs begins to set the stage for the day when the supernatural must come out of the closet. One group already has, that of the lesser fey, and the results were mixed. The reception and fitting in of the supernatural among regular ol' folk is nothing new in urban fantasy, but it is always interesting to see how an author tackles the subject, especially in a world of her own creation. The author does a good job of setting the foundation for Mercy's world and making it believable. I especially like the history she provided of the various supernatural beings in her world. She gives the reader just enough to whet your palate and leave you eager for more--at least she did this reader.

The suspense and intensity only increases as the story unfolds. There's a hint of romance with plenty of mystery and action. Moon Called won me over from the first page and if the other books in the series are as good as this first one, it will definitely become a favorite series. You can bet I'll be pulling that second book in the series off my TBR shelf much sooner than it took me to get to this one.

You can learn more about Patricia Briggs and her books on the author's website.

Source: I purchased the book for my own use in February of 2006.

© 2011, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

17 comments:

  1. Yay! You finally read Patricia Briggs!! I am so happy that there is another Mercedes Thompson fan out there. :) Her other series, Alpha & Omega, is a spin-off series and is worth reading too. :)

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  2. Fantasy isn't exactly a genre I go to very often but I just finished and loved The Hunger Games so maybe I'm changing. Your enticing review has me curious about this one.

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  3. Oh dear. My copy is languishing in my TBR pile. Sounds like I need to dig it out and READ IT!

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  4. Great review! This book looks like so much fun! It sounds perfect for a break from the serious stuff.

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  5. I have never read urban fantasy, but there are so many books out there that I want to try! This sounds like an excellent escapist read, and one that I would probably like a lot. I will have to check it out. Great review!

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  6. I have been meaning to start this series for years because all I've ever heard is good things about it. And now you loved it too! I really need to get to this first book.

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  7. Yay! I'm so glad you really enjoyed this one. This quickly became a favorite series for me after reading this one. I don't think you'll be disappointed with the rest of the books.

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  8. Yep, this is one that I've been meaning to read for quite some time too!!

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  9. A friend of mine just let me borrow this book. I skipped your review and headed straight to the last paragraph. So glad that you want to read the next book. I'm hoping to get hooked.

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  10. What a lovely surprise to find that a book you waited so long to read pleased you so much!

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  11. Kelly - Finally! It only took me five years to get to it. :-) I think I have the first book in the Alpha * Omega series, now that you mention it.

    Linda - The Hunger Games is such a good book. I am glad you enjoyed it. :-)

    Terri - Hopefully you haven't waited quite as long as I have to start it. LOL

    Jaimie - Thanks! It was a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to picking up the 2nd book in the series soon.

    Heather (Zibilee) - Thank you! I love urban fantasy. I am always reminded of that when I read a book like this one.

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  12. Darlene - I'm not sure why I waited so long to dig into this one. I'm glad I finally did. Hopefully you'll feel the same when you get to it.

    Kris - I can see why it's a favorite of yours, Kris. I'm anxious to start on the second book.

    Staci - It seems like a lot of us have put this one off. :-)

    Beth - I hope you get hooked too! I look forward to reading your thoughts on this one.

    Kathleen - It is a nice surprise. And now I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to get to it.

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  13. I love this series so much, probably my favorite right now. They get better as you go in too!

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  14. Lisa - I'm thinking of picking up the second book in the series soon.

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  15. I love the Mercy Thompson books. very good reads!

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  16. I finished Moon Called and Blood Bound since I last left you a comment. Loved them both and will definitely be continuing the series! Why did I wait so long??? Oh yeah, too many books :o)

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  17. Strmywther3 - I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

    Terri - I'm so glad to hear it, Terri. I hope to pick up Blood Bound after my current book.

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