Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs

Genre:  Adult Urban Fantasy

Mercy Thompson Series, Book 9

Patricia Briggs' website

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Note:  This is a well-established paranormal series.  Read anything below at your own risk if you've never read these books.

Description (taken from Goodreads):

Tensions between the fae and humans are coming to a head. And when coyote shapeshifter Mercy and her Alpha werewolf mate, Adam, are called upon to stop a rampaging troll, they find themselves with something that could be used to make the fae back down and forestall out-and-out war: a human child stolen long ago by the fae.

Defying the most powerful werewolf in the country, the humans, and the fae, Mercy, Adam, and their pack choose to protect the boy no matter what the cost. But who will protect them from a boy who is fire touched?

This book starts out like any mature, normal paranormal romance series starts: with the main character poking fun of her love interest.  That is until the supernatural gets in the way and demands attention.  As the werewolves go to fight a troll on a bridge in order to protect their city, they find Mercy demanding more than she bargained for.

Mercy meets what appears to be a human child, but he was once stolen by the fae.  In the process of offering him protection, she finds herself at a crossroads.  The werewolves disagree with her decision and do not want to put themselves in danger for some human.  But the fae have a lot of reasons to want this child back.  And they also seem to be hiding a lot more up their sleeves.  Will Mercy's cunning and Adam's strength be enough to protect the ones they love?

This book was easy to read and did not let me down.  I had fun going back to Mercy's world and following the new paranormal disaster.  I also felt like a lot was left unsaid in this story that might continue on in the next.  And while there are new characters entering the spotlight, it all ties together nicely in the end.

A series I fell in love with years ago.  I must continue it...

Otherworld Nights by Kelley Armstrong

Genre:  Adult Paranormal Short Stories

Otherworld Stories, Book 3

Kelley Armstrong's website

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Description (taken from Kelley Armstrong's website):

The first of three Otherworld collections pulling together previously published stories along with new material.

Collection Contents

1) Demonology – Adam’s mother discovers what he is
2) Stalked – Clay/Elena honeymoon story from “My Big Fat Supernatural Honeymoon” & The Hunter & the Hunted
3) Hidden – SubPress 2012 Elena/Clay novella
4) Twilight – my unfortunately-titled Cass story from “Many Bloody Returns”
5) Chivalrous – Reese’s backstory from SubPress’s long sold-out “Tales of Dark Fantasy 2”
6) Lucifer’s Daughter – Hope/Karl story from “Blood Lite 2”
7) From Russia with Love – Elena bonus story included with hardcover of Thirteen
8) Vanishing Act – brand-new Savannah/Adam novella set after Thirteen

I'm going to keep my review very short because obviously, you're not going to read this collection of short stories unless you've read the series...  One of my favorite series to read, and it's one of those where I definitely did not feel like the last few books were lacking.  I was so sad to see it end.  But these short stories give us a small moment to go back to this world and see how the characters are doing.

While I would like to say I had never read these short stories until picking up the book, I have no idea if that's the case.  Either I had read some years ago and it still felt fresh this time around.  Or they were new.  But I loved spending an hour in Elena's world.  And then jumping into Savannah's world.  While some of the stories regarded other werewolves that I wasn't as familiar with, I still wanted more.

Definitely worth your time if you're already a major fan of the Otherworld series.  I'm going to have to grab the next short story book.

Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs

Genre:  Adult Paranormal Romance

Alpha and Omega Series, Book 4

Patricia Briggs' website

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Note:  This is the fourth book in a series, not to mention the twelfth in two series from the same universe.  If you haven't started it, beware that anything said below kind of let's you know what happens in earlier books.

Description (taken from Goodreads):

For once, mated werewolves Charles and Anna are not traveling because of Charles’s role as his father’s enforcer. This time, their trip to Arizona is purely personal, as Charles plans to buy Anna a horse for her birthday. Or at least it starts out that way...

Charles and Anna soon discover that a dangerous Fae being is on the loose, replacing human children with simulacrums. The Fae’s cold war with humanity is about to heat up—and Charles and Anna are in the cross fire.

Anna, an omega werewolf, is living the dream with her mate, Charles.  Only thing is they haven't really taken a real vacation.  So when Charles gets a call from an old friend, they decide to make their way to Arizona with the sole purpose of buying a horse.

But all things supernatural tend to follow Anna and Charles anywhere they go.  While the Fae have all but left the human world and holed up on their faerie reservations, Anna and Charles soon find out not all of them have left for good.  In fact, one has been released, and he is hell bent on doing what he's always done: feeding off of children.  As the two race to figure out what's going on and protect their own, they find a war is brewing.  Only question is which side will the werewolves be on?

I really don't have anything negative to say when it comes to Patricia Briggs' novels.  I love diving into her stories.  And I find I enjoy the Alpha and Omega series more because it changes points of view in order to get the whole story.  It actually makes it flow better and has no confusion when switching narrators.  And there's nothing bad to be said of the relationship between Anna and Charles.  This book definitely appeases the paranormal romance lover in me.

If you're a paranormal romance lover and you haven't read Patricia Briggs, shame on you.  Consider this as me throwing my copies of her books at you and telling you to read them.  Now.

Shifting Shadows by Patricia Briggs

Genre:  Adult Urban Fantasy

Stories from the World of Mercy Thompson

Patricia Briggs' website

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Description (taken from Goodreads):

Mercy Thompson’s world just got a whole lot bigger…

A collection of all-new and previously published short stories featuring Mercy Thompson, “one of the best heroines in the urban fantasy genre today” (Fiction Vixen Book Reviews), and the characters she calls friends…

Includes the new stories…“Silver”“Roses in Winter”“Redemption”“Hollow”

…and reader favorites“Fairy Gifts”“Gray”“Alpha and Omega”“Seeing Eye”“The Star of David”“In Red, with Pearls”

Are you anxiously awaiting the next Patricia Briggs book?  Are you a fan of the Mercedes Thompson series?  Then this collection of short stories is for you, even if you've read some of them.

In addition to seeing a story from Mercy's point of view, we get to see other supporting characters shine.  There are stories involving Warren, Ben, Ariana, Sam, and an outtake from Adam's point of view.  And even if you've read a few of these, it's still good to check this book out if your a fan.  Because the new stories don't disappoint.  I actually read it from start to finish including the stories I have read before.  And it was super refreshing and brought my love for reading back.

Honestly, this book is for those who can't get enough of Patricia Briggs' urban fantasy.  And I don't think fans will be disappointed.  It'll just keep them wanting more.  Now I've got to wait until the next Alpha and Omega book...

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

Genre:  YA Paranormal Romance

The Mortal Instruments Series, Book 6

Cassandra Clare's website

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Note:  This is the last book in a series.  If you haven't jumped onto the Shadowhunter train yet, get your butt on it.  I'd recommend not reading the stuff below if you're unfamiliar with the series...

Description (taken from Goodreads):

In this dazzling and long-awaited conclusion to the acclaimed Mortal Instruments series, Clary and her friends fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary's own brother.

Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell.

The embattled Shadowhunters withdraw to Idris - but not even the famed demon towers of Alicante can keep Sebastian at bay. And with the Nephilim trapped in Idris, who will guard the world against demons?

When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee - even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned...

Love will be sacrificed and lives lost in the terrible battle for the fate of the word in the thrilling final installment of the classic urban fantasy series The Mortal Instruments!

Sebastian is going to destroy the Shadowhunter society by turning them against each other.  Using the Infernal Cup, he takes away their will and souls turning them into a fighting army that reports to him.  But when Sebastian's plans come to fruition, he decides it's not enough.  He has a different goal in mind.

Clary has just survived a battle between her brother and the Endarkened.  When the Clave deems Sebastian and his army a small threat, Clary finds herself battling against the Clave to get them to understand the seriousness.  But with the small steps taken forward in regards to Downworlder relations, we find everyone running backwards to their old prejudices.  But Clary's going to do her hardest to bring peace to the Shadowhunters and Downworlders.

The last book in a series, and it was huge (~725 pages).  We've got some fighting, some love stories, some paranormal species, and learning moments.  I was so excited to read this last book, and I plowed right through it.  And while I loved the story, I hated to see it end.  And I felt like the ending wasn't enough of a bang for me (I might be a little too hard on last -books-in-a-series).  But that shouldn't stop anyone from reading these books.  They're good.

For anyone unfamiliar to Cassandra Clare, I highly recommend you read her books in the order they were published.  And keep going even if you're not quite sold on City of Bones.  My favorite books were from The Infernal Devices series.  But you need both series to get the whole story.  (By the way, having stories from the other series tie into this one was sweet!!)

Night Broken by Patricia Briggs

Genre:  Adult Urban Fantasy

Mercy Thompson series, Book 8

Patricia Briggs' website

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Note:  This is a series.  Reading the info below will spoil plots from earlier books.  I recommend you read the series first.

Description (taken from Goodreads):

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.

Mercy Thompson is the type of girl who can do things on her own.  She's not afraid of getting into trouble nor is she afraid of getting dirty.  She's a car mechanic for crying out loud.  But with all of this said, she's also married to the Alpha in the Columbia Basin pack which doesn't always mesh well.

After finally settling into her new life as the alpha's mate, Mercy finds out the ex-wife is coming into town for protection.  While she's still trying to prove herself to the pack and get their acceptance, she finds she has to fight the jealous urge to kill Christy (or just make her look bad).  But when Christy's problems work their way into town, Mercy begins to suspect things are not as they seem.

I enjoyed this book; it was a quick whirlwind read.  I love the Mercy Thompson series, and I feel like this book stays true and interesting to the story.  I would recommend anyone who enjoys urban fantasy check this series out, especially if you're a vampire/werewolf type of book lover.

Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris

Genre:  Adult Urban Fantasy

Sookie Stackhouse Series, Book 13

Charlaine Harris' website

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Description (taken from Goodreads):

There are secrets in the town of Bon Temps, ones that threaten those closest to Sookie—and could destroy her heart...

Sookie Stackhouse finds it easy to turn down the request of former barmaid Arlene when she wants her job back at Merlotte’s. After all, Arlene tried to have Sookie killed. But her relationship with Eric Northman is not so clearcut. He and his vampires are keeping their distance…and a cold silence. And when Sookie learns the reason why, she is devastated.

Then a shocking murder rocks Bon Temps, and Sookie is arrested for the crime.

But the evidence against Sookie is weak, and she makes bail. Investigating the killing, she’ll learn that what passes for truth in Bon Temps is only a convenient lie. What passes for justice is more spilled blood. And what passes for love is never enough...

And a much-loved series comes to an end.  As much as I loved the first few books in this series (maybe the first half of the series), I will not be shedding any tears to see this series conclude.  It was long overdue, and I'm happy Sookie gets her "happily ever after".

The description does the book justice.  Anything I try to add will just ruin plots from earlier stories.  We do get to see appearances of all the characters (ahem, men) Sookie has seen throughout the series.  But that's all they are: appearances.  There isn't much meaning to them actually being in the story other than the hotness factor.

It seems like the author tries to make Sookie's life seem normal.  But her life is anything but, and that's why we want to read about her.  In the attempt to add too many normal-ness to her life, we don't really get enough action and surprises.  I mean, I knew exactly how this ride was going to end quite a few books ago, the least they could do was make it an action-packed ride through it all.

I love the Sookie Stackhouse series.  Even though the last few books weren't as attention-getting and fun as I had hoped, I still enjoyed them.  But my mind might have had a difficult time differentiating between the characters in the books and the characters on tv (True Blood).  In fact, I think I'm going to go watch that now...

Challenges:  Paranormal Reading Challenge

Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs

Genre:  Adult Urban Fantasy

Mercy Thompson Series, Book 7

Patricia Briggs' website

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Note:  This is the seventh book in the series.  Obviously there are some spoiler alerts if you're not caught up yet.  (But if you're like me, you'll keep reading because a description plus review usually pushes you to read the series faster --or you just don't like surprises.)

Description (taken from Goodreads):

Mercy Thompson’s life has undergone a seismic change. Becoming the mate of Adam Hauptman—the charismatic Alpha of the local werewolf pack—has made her a stepmother to his daughter Jesse, a relationship that brings moments of blissful normalcy to Mercy’s life. But on the edges of humanity, what passes for a minor mishap on an ordinary day can turn into so much more…

After an accident in bumper-to-bumper traffic, Mercy and Jesse can’t reach Adam—or anyone else in the pack for that matter. They’ve all been abducted.

Through their mating bond, all Mercy knows is that Adam is angry and in pain. With the werewolves fighting a political battle to gain acceptance from the public, Mercy fears Adam’s disappearance may be related—and that he and the pack are in serious danger. Outclassed and on her own, Mercy may be forced to seek assistance from any ally she can get, no matter how unlikely.

Patricia Briggs has made a comeback with this novel for me.  With the last book, I was kind of left unimpressed and felt the series might begin to lag for me.  But this book has turned me around.  Because of this series, I can truly say I like werewolves (best viewed from afar).

As the description states, Mercy can't get ahold of Adam and his pack.  This book lets us see what happens when the werewolves become the prey.  And it's a mystery that Mercy must work to solve quickly if she hopes to save those she holds dear.  In fact, it's the kind of mystery that I didn't figure out all the way on my own.  I was too busy enjoying the story of course.

Fans of adult paranormal stories need to give this series a try.  I've officially thrown my shoes at urban fantasy lovers who haven't read this series yet...

Challenges:  Paranormal Reading Challenge

Dark Currents by Jacqueline Carey

Genre:  Adult Urban Fantasy

Agent of Hel Series, Book 1

Jacqueline Carey's website

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Description (taken from Goodreads):

The Midwestern resort town of Pemkowet boasts a diverse population: eccentric locals, wealthy summer people, and tourists by the busload; not to mention fairies, sprites, vampires, naiads, ogres and a whole host of eldritch folk, presided over by Hel, a reclusive Norse goddess.

To Daisy Johanssen, fathered by an incubus and raised by a single mother, it’s home. And as Hel’s enforcer and the designated liaison to the Pemkowet Police Department, it’s up to her to ensure relations between the mundane and eldritch communities run smoothly.

But when a young man from a nearby college drowns—and signs point to eldritch involvement—the town’s booming paranormal tourism trade is at stake. Teamed up with her childhood crush, Officer Cody Fairfax, a sexy werewolf on the down-low, Daisy must solve the crime—and keep a tight rein on the darker side of her nature. For if she’s ever tempted to invoke her demonic birthright, it could accidentally unleash nothing less than Armageddon.

This book is the beginnings of a new paranormal series.  And since I liked Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel series, I thought I'd give it a try.  But I don't think I connected with the book as well as I could have.  It could definitely be that I read it at the wrong time in my life, or I just really couldn't connect with the characters.

Pemkowet: the paranormal tourist city.  And Daisy is right in the middle acting as a liaison for the human community and the human community.  Life kind of gets complicated when you're a half-breed.  And did you know that Daisy has a tail?  Personally, I found the tail moments a little annoying.

Anyways, this city has your fairies, vampires, werewolves, ghouls, and paranormal underworld.  This book does a really good job of giving you a glimpse of all the different paranormal creatures, but it doesn't seem to go into enough depth.  One of the ghouls, Stefan, was totally eye-catching.  I wanted to know more about his story, but we don't really get into it.  And the steamy werewolf: Cody?  Same issue here.

This book is very much an introduction into a new paranormal world.  It's an easy read, a nice paranormal who-dun-it plot, but it doesn't really go into much depth.  I think I'd be more attached to the second book if I decide to pick it up...

Challenges:  Paranormal Reading Challenge