by Patricia Briggs
Series: Mercy Thompson #8
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Rating:
An unexpected phone call heralds a new challenge for Mercy. Her mate Adam’s ex-wife is in trouble, on the run from her new boyfriend. Adam isn’t the kind of man to turn away a person in need—and Mercy knows it. But with Christy holed up in Adam’s house, Mercy can’t shake the feeling that something about the situation isn’t right. Soon, her suspicions are confirmed when she learns that Christy has the farthest thing from good intentions. She wants Adam back and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen, including turning Adam’s pack against Mercy. Mercy isn’t about to step down without a fight, but there’s a more dangerous threat circling. Christy’s ex is more than a bad man—in fact, he may not be human at all. As the bodies start piling up, Mercy must put her personal troubles aside to face a creature with the power to tear her whole world apart.
It is no secret that I am a fan of this urban fantasy series and I devoured Night Broken the eighth book in Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series. A strange threat, an ex-wife and another coyote-shifter made for an interesting read. Of course getting more snuggle time with Adam is always a plus. Mini review: monster myths, digs, banter and danger abound.
When Adam’s ex-wife, Christy calls on the run from her latest boyfriend Mercy’s world is about to get turned upside down. With Christy living in the den things are about to get ugly, and Mercy suspects we haven’t gotten the whole story. Bodies are piling up, and Mercy must set her personal troubles aside to save those she cares about. The tale that unfolds was cloaked in myth with moments of laughter, snark, nibbles and snarls.
There are some significant arc developments surrounding Coyote in Night Broken and Briggs’ hints at things to come. A lot of key players are present, and we see continued growth in Mercy along with a hint of the kick-ass coyote-shifter we have come to love. She has begun to think in terms of the pack and you cannot help but admire the girl. The threat incorporates culture myths, and I found the blending of them into the tale fascinating. There is quite a bit of relationship angst, and while I never broke out in a sweat about it we see it both solidify and damage Mercy’s relationship to the pack. Favorites make an appearance including Stephan, Sam and Tad. *happy dance*
Night Broken had several threads woven throughout and at times I felt one or another suffered as the tale progressed. Each was interesting, but the overall result was that I felt torn and pulled throughout. I wanted more details and page time dedicated to each thread. Banter, tender moments and relationship strengthening made me smile, and I was proud of Mercy’s patience. Gary was an interesting character, and I pictured him as Marty Deeks, from NCIS Los Angeles both in his personality and mannerism. Despite a few bumps, and my desperate need for more Briggs’ left me with a smile and drooling in anticipation for the next book. I am really excited to see how she develops these story arcs, and I predict some intense times ahead.
Night Broken was a welcome addition to the Mercy Thompson series and sated my needs. Book nine has yet to be titled and will release in 2015. Ugh! And now the waiting begins.
Jennifer
I read the first in this series a long time ago and really enjoyed it! But since it’s been so long, I’ve re-added it to my TBR at the library as an audio, along with the rest of the series, since I hear it is excellent on audio. Can’t wait to begin it again!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I bet the audio is a blast!
Sharon - Obsession with Books
Hmm, I knew that pesky ex would make an appearance at some stage :-\ I still need to read the last book, this is one of my fave UF series so I really need to catch up.
I’m pleased you enjoyed this! a wonderful review Kimba 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
hehehe..right! LOL
Kim
Ahhh, I have this book next on my hit list. I love this series, and I’m happy to see a positive review.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Kim 🙂
Laura
This sounds really good. I love this series too. But after River Marked I found it harder to put reading it as a priority. I think now I can get back into it. Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
Lots of peeps struggled with that one.
Melanie Simmons (
I’ve got about another hour and half left in this book. I haven’t seen Sam yet, but excited to see him coming soon. I love Mercy’s world and hope we don’t have to wait so long for the next book.
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo are you doing the audio? I wanted too but own all the books, so I stuck with that.
Candace
I stink. I’ve still not started this series! Seeing all the reviews for this book has been a reminder that I really need to pick them up!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL Candace, I feel that way about the Brotherhood books and Chicagoland books.
Ginny
This is one of my favorite audio series. I was going to use my credit this month to grab it but someone (wink) convinced me to get Written in Red…btw she was right. But I am anxious to catch up with Mercy and Adam again and what the heck is his ex wife up to! If I put off listening to it longer then I won’t have to wait as long for the next book. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, I am so glad she was right, now you need Night Broken and Murder of Crows!!!
Dani
I finished this early this morning and OMGoodness I too pictured Gary as Marty Deeks! Too funny!
kimbacaffeinate
that is awesome!
Lily B
I want to give this one a try again, just a little scared to be disappointed lol
kimbacaffeinate
I love this series Lily, there have been a few bumps and some novels I loved more then others but overall I am addicted.
Mirjam
I wish I could start waiting for book 9 like you are, but, alas, I am still waiting for Night Broken. TBD hasn’t even dispatched my pre-order yet… 🙁
The good reviews I have read so far have me jumping up and down and wanting this book so very much!!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh nooo, well I am going to wish it arrives soon Mirjam 🙂
ShootingStarsMag
I skimmed your review as I haven’t read these, but that’s great you still love the series!!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you try it one day 🙂
Christy
Damn, I wish I would’ve started this series when it first came out! Grr. At least I can read them all closer together now, though.
kimbacaffeinate
That’s my girl always looking on the bright side. They are quick reads. I usually consume them in a day!
Tanya
I can’t wait to start this! Thanks to the TBR challenge, I have to put it off, which ends well since it is such a long wait until the next one!
kimbacaffeinate
That is so true Tanya..I read it in January so my wait will seem like forever!!!
laura thomas
Helps his ex-wife run from her boyfriend. Now that sounds interesting. The cover art is beyond awesome. I wonder how I missed this series. Hoppin over to Goodreads to check it out. Thanks for the fun review and a new author!
kimbacaffeinate
I love her covers particularly the later ones where Mercy looks softer.
Cyn
Oooh, another awesome looking saga. I know (my co-blogger) Kim really likes this series! Maybe I’ll wait until the whole series is out before starting, though I do have 8 books to catch up, haha! Glad to see that even at #8 the series is going strong! Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
I love this series Cyn, hope you try it 🙂
Braine Talk Supe
No Bran?! I wasn’t blown over by the previous one but I sure want to meet Adam’s ex and I love his pack drama over Mercy. Will get to this soon!
kimbacaffeinate
I personally would have hurt her..LOL
Lindy
Excellent Review Kim! I love when cultural myths are incorporated in to a story. This sounds like a great Urban Fantasy series, and I can tell how much you enjoy it! It always nice when we get to revisit favorite characters in a series. I love that this story had moments of laughter, snark, fun banter, tenderness and relationship strengthening. I also love all the book covers in this series!!!
kimbacaffeinate
This is one of my favorite series, I always consume it and enjoy the time spent!
brandileigh2003
Great to hear that you enjoyed despite the threads that vampired the other so that neither got all they needed
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Brandi 🙂
Lauren
I’m so glad you enjoyed this! I had a good time with the story and of course I always want more Adam snuggle time. I’m SO ready for the next book, especially after that ending! Coyote is such a cool character, but he frustrates me to no end by making Mercy’s life “interesting” ie. dangerous. Loved Gary’s character too. Fab review! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Adam *sigh* I am excited but now we wait 🙁
Naomi
Ummm… I need to read this series I think!! I have wanted to read it for so long. I’d like to see how Mercy handles Adam’s Ex!! Fab review!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
kimbacaffeinate
What?!? *blinks* Yes Naomi you need to read this series!
Keertana
I’m nervous that I’m going to wind up being disappointed by this since the last novel was SO good. Christy has me terrified, but I’m glad to see that fans have enjoyed this despite the obvious wedge between Adam and Mercy’s relationship. I’ll be picking this up soon, so thanks for your thoughts! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I know what you mean, but this was solid, with developments Keertana!
Melissa (Books and Things)
SO behind on this series and I can’t wait to catch up! This one sounds fab and I can wait to meet the Marty Deeks character. I enjoy that character on NCIS so I’m very curious. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah I love Deeks too he is like a scruffy cute dog
Kimberly
Gah! This reminds me that I REALLY need to catch up on this series. Mercy is just awesome! Looks like I’ll be putting the other books I have to catch up on on hold at the library soon.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy catching up Kimberly 🙂
Lupdilup
I have already downloaded this to my phone 🙂 I had 2 pre- orders today., Night Broken and Bold Tricks. I decided to listen to Bold Tricks first, but your review is making question my decision..LOL.
Again, sounds like Mercy is awesome as usual.
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, it is hard when two books release on the same day! Look at it this way, you won’t have as long to wait for the next book 🙂
Jenea
Oooh, Deeks… Love him. This sound sounds really good and Mercy sounds freakin awesome. Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, this was a good one with all the players:)
Heidi
I am now two books behind on this series. So far this one is getting good reviews, I admit I am not crazy about the whole Christy storyline, but I am glad to see that overall you found this to be another solid addition.
kimbacaffeinate
It moves it focus from her, and was a good addition:)
Debbie Haupt
Thanks Kimba, love me some inked characters, great review.
deb
kimbacaffeinate
Urban fantasy will always be a favorite 🙂
Felicia the Geeky Blogger
I am 5 hours in with 5 hours to go. I am really enjoying it except for the relationship angst. I can’t wait to see what happens in the 2nd half.
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, enjoy and it becomes more intense 🙂
A Voracious Reader
Yes! *bounce bounce* I must read this! I lost track of when it was coming out, but it’s here now! *runs off to check library queue*
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Carol! This is one of my favorite series 🙂
Jenny
Glad you enjoyed this one overall Kim! I wanted to throttle Christy throughout, but I think we were all supposed to react that way so it didn’t bother me too much. Even though I thought it was a kind of abrupt shift about halfway through when the focus moved from Christy to her stalker, I was glad for that woman to fall into the background a little bit:) Looking forward to the next book for sure, I only wish it wasn’t so far away. *sobs* Fabulous review:)
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, Mercy handled it better than I would have. Oh the wait between these books is brutal!!
Victoria (aka Zemfirka)
It sounds really cool. I almost requested it last month, but then realized it was book 8! Gah! No time right now to start on a big series… 🙁 But fab review Kim! 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Oh no glad you didn’t this is not the series to jump into late in the game. Seriously though, you need to snag book one and give it a try:)
Victoria (aka Zemfirka)
I will definitely check it out. Thanks! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
welcome 🙂
kindlemom1
For some reason I thought I wasn’t that behind in this series and I just looked on Goodreads and…crap, I only read 3 books! 3 books! What is wrong with me? so behind.
I heard about Adam’s ex making an appearance in this one and people wanting to rip her face off (lovely thought there so early in the morning 😛 ).
I need to get caught up on this series and soon!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, no face ripping before at least 2 cups of coffee..LOL Ali you need to catch up!
Mary
Now the waiting begins is right. Yeah, lots of threads and I wanted more Mercy and Adam time but loved this overall. Excited to see more of Coyote (love his sassiness) and want more Zee!!
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed..but for now we wait 🙁
Tanja
Everyone is speaking of this series and I haven’t started it yet. I haven’t read any UF book in a while (probably because I don’t see Maja around to remind me xD) so I should. I’m so glad you enjoyed this book in series. Great review, Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, Yes Maja loves UF too. I hope you try one 🙂
Silvia
Mercy Thompson is one of those urban fantasy series that’s been on my TBR list since practically forever… I have the first instalment though, perhaps I should start making some space for it in my schedule, huh?
Great review, Kimberly and sorry you have to wait another year for a new instalment but hey, sounds like the wait is more than worth it 😉
kimbacaffeinate
I get it I have a few like Chicagoland and Brotherhood.
Silvia
Hope you’ll get into BDB at some point, Kimberly. It’s actually my favourite Paranormal Romance series! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
The are on my list for sure Silvia!
Jessica
I’m glad to hear you still really enjoyed this despite the Christy drama. I’m probably going to spending my day reading this, so I’ve been mentally preparing myself for the RAGE 😉
kimbacaffeinate
hahaha..Mercy is a better woman then I.
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
I swear, you and Maja are totally getting to me with your loves for UF novels. 😛
Lovely review! <33
kimbacaffeinate
Yes you need to try some 🙂
Amy
I still haven’t started this series yet, but I heard that it’s fantastic! If that cover is anything to go by she is most definitely a kick ass warrior!
kimbacaffeinate
Mercy is kick-ass but also has a huge heart 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
I still need to read the last two books but I have always been a fan of this series. But River Marked was meh for me so it’s taking me time to get back into it.
kimbacaffeinate
Yep, that was my least favorite.
blodeuedd
I want this one. But not on hardback :_/
kimbacaffeinate
I understand 🙂
Melliane
Aaah I’m so jealous! You know I still haven’t read book 7? I don’t even have a reason… Well maybe I just need more time but now? I’m so curious to catch up because I can’t wait for this one. It sounds like another great book so I’m glad it was good!
kimbacaffeinate
We all have that one series we are behind in..I hope you catch up soon Melliane 🙂