Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Ace Books (2009), Edition: First Printing, Hardcover, 309 pages
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. Romance. Thriller. HTML:In a world where "witches, vampires, werewolves, and shape-shifters live beside ordinary people" (Booklist), it takes a very unusual woman to call it home. By day, Mercy Thompson is a car mechanic in Eastern Washington. By night, she explores her preternatural side. As a shape-shifter with some unusual talents, Mercy's found herself maintaining a tenuous harmony between the human and the not-so-human on more than one occasion. This time she may get more than she bargained for.
User reviews
LibraryThing member jshillingford
I have enjoyed every entry in the Mercy Thompson series because they keep getting better and better. This was no exception. In the last book, Mercy tackled a mystery involving the fey - and was seriously hurt because of it. Now, as she recovers from the trauma, she learns that the vampire Marsilia
"Iron Kissed" was excellent because it gave us a deeper look into the fey, and at Mercy's friend Zee. This time, we get a better look at vampires and Stefan in particular, as well as the werewolves. Just when Mercy has pushed back her reservations to choose Adam as her mate, Stefan drops in, literally. Marsilia has tortured him because he helped Mercy. As they decide how to proceed, a woman from Mercy's college days shows up on her door step asking for help with a haunted house. Coincidence? Not hardly, but Mercy needs to get out of town while Adam negotiates with the vamps. When she arrives, she finds a frightened but brave little boy, a master vampire who's feeding on her friend and some new skills she didn't know she had.
The book was very fast paced, and had a lot of twists. It wasn't so much a mystery as the last three books, more like political intrigue with major character developments. It was nice to see Mercy still self-reliant but finally willing to ask for help from friends. I'm glad she's finally chosen between Adam and Samuel, as it will certainly add a new dimension to her character and her relationship with the werewolves. The best part of the book, however, was the awesome twists in the vampire situation. All Marsilia's motives are not apparent, and even Stefan has some surprises in store. Mercy gets caught up in the mess again, but steadfastly stands by her friends - even Stefan who thinks she should stay away from him because he's "evil." What can I say, I like him too and can't blame Mercy for sticking by him. These characters really get under your skin and make you care about them. I can hardly wait for more Mercy, and anything else Briggs tosses my way.
My one gripe about this book was it was short. I am happy the author has reached a new level of popularity through her transition to hardcover, but the publisher really overpriced this. For less than 300 pages, it should have had a retail price of $19.95, with Amazon discounting to around $12. Still, I really enjoyed it and will likely by the next novel in hardcover as well. She's just that good an author. Highly recommended!
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is after her for killing one of her top vamps. Trouble does indeed follow Mercy wherever she goes. "Iron Kissed" was excellent because it gave us a deeper look into the fey, and at Mercy's friend Zee. This time, we get a better look at vampires and Stefan in particular, as well as the werewolves. Just when Mercy has pushed back her reservations to choose Adam as her mate, Stefan drops in, literally. Marsilia has tortured him because he helped Mercy. As they decide how to proceed, a woman from Mercy's college days shows up on her door step asking for help with a haunted house. Coincidence? Not hardly, but Mercy needs to get out of town while Adam negotiates with the vamps. When she arrives, she finds a frightened but brave little boy, a master vampire who's feeding on her friend and some new skills she didn't know she had.
The book was very fast paced, and had a lot of twists. It wasn't so much a mystery as the last three books, more like political intrigue with major character developments. It was nice to see Mercy still self-reliant but finally willing to ask for help from friends. I'm glad she's finally chosen between Adam and Samuel, as it will certainly add a new dimension to her character and her relationship with the werewolves. The best part of the book, however, was the awesome twists in the vampire situation. All Marsilia's motives are not apparent, and even Stefan has some surprises in store. Mercy gets caught up in the mess again, but steadfastly stands by her friends - even Stefan who thinks she should stay away from him because he's "evil." What can I say, I like him too and can't blame Mercy for sticking by him. These characters really get under your skin and make you care about them. I can hardly wait for more Mercy, and anything else Briggs tosses my way.
My one gripe about this book was it was short. I am happy the author has reached a new level of popularity through her transition to hardcover, but the publisher really overpriced this. For less than 300 pages, it should have had a retail price of $19.95, with Amazon discounting to around $12. Still, I really enjoyed it and will likely by the next novel in hardcover as well. She's just that good an author. Highly recommended!
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LibraryThing member Jenson_AKA_DL
We start off with Mercy dealing with the repercussions of her trauma and quickly move into the repercussions of her past vampire interlude. Soon it is clear that despite how things are heating up with her chosen werewolf Mercy may be better off taking a little field trip to help out a friend with a
For all that this certainly sported the "middle book" feel, I still really enjoyed the story. A lot of loose ends were tied up and I thought the way Mercy continued to deal with what happened to her was relatively realistic, at least it wasn't made out that she just forgot about it. I really enjoyed a couple of the new characters brought in, especially Chad, he was a pretty cool kid. Overall a enticing installment in the Mercy series and I look forward to reading more.
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ghost problem. Of course, Mercy being Mercy things never go smoothly and soon she has a whole new set of problems brewing.For all that this certainly sported the "middle book" feel, I still really enjoyed the story. A lot of loose ends were tied up and I thought the way Mercy continued to deal with what happened to her was relatively realistic, at least it wasn't made out that she just forgot about it. I really enjoyed a couple of the new characters brought in, especially Chad, he was a pretty cool kid. Overall a enticing installment in the Mercy series and I look forward to reading more.
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LibraryThing member randirousseau
I really loved this book (although it never ceases to amaze me the troubles some of these characters get into.... but, then, they wouldn't be very interesting if they didn't, eh?)
In this installation, Mercy realizes her danger for having killed two of the local seethe's vampires when Stefan appears
Well-paced and lightly written, this book is a fabulous and fast read. Mercy's tough and vulnerable in a complicated and utterly real way.
In this installation, Mercy realizes her danger for having killed two of the local seethe's vampires when Stefan appears
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in her home burned and emaciated - obviously tortured by the seethe's leader, Marsilia. This kicks off a string of vampire-related dangers, from ominous graffiti on her garage, to the investigation of an acquaintance's haunted house (a la local vampire lord and legend). Add to THAT the formation of a mate-bond between Mercy and Adam - intrigue-and-action-packed, to say the least!Well-paced and lightly written, this book is a fabulous and fast read. Mercy's tough and vulnerable in a complicated and utterly real way.
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LibraryThing member paltner-new
Bone Crossed (Mercy Thompson, Book 4) by Patricia Briggs. Ace (February 3, 2009)
In Mercy Thompson's world her mate Adam is an Alpha werewolf, her roommate Samuel, also a werewolf, is a dear friend she keeps close hoping to heal his wounded spirit, one of her closest friends, Stefan, is a vampire,
Mercy makes her living as a auto mechanic, and in fact owns her own business. As we first meet her in Bone Crossed (Mercy Thompson, Book 4) she still hurts psychically from the rape by a man she subsequently killed. Adding to her problems is the burning enmity of Marsilia, vampire mistress of the Tri-Cities in Washington state. Mercy caused the death of Andre, a close ally of Marsilia. Stephan hid this fact from Marsilia and will suffer for it. In the midst of a conversation with Adam a charred, bloody body appears in the room. Only after a few startled moments does Mercy recognize that it is the tortured body of Stefan. It is difficult to kill a vampire, but not impossible. In order to survive Stefan needs blood immediately. He reaches for Mercy but Adam quickly steps in. Although werewolves and vampires don't normally care for one another Stefan has helped Adam's pack in the past. Adam offers his blood and others in the pack do the same. Marsilia has sent a brutal message but there is more. On the door of Mercy shop crossed bones have been painted another warning sign from the vampire mistress that she knows of Mercy's part in Andre's death and Stephan's role in the cover up.
Later that day a college acquaintance shows up at Mercy's door begging for help to rid her house of a ghost. A perplexing request but one that gives Mercy a reason to leave the area. The tension between the vampire and werewolf community has become extremely tense. Mercy feels that she is to blame and that Marsilia's wrath will bring harm to all those she cares about. Of course this solves nothing and the series of troubles only becomes more complex.
Bone Crossed captivated me from the beginning. It's become a cliche to say I couldn't put this book down so I'll simply say I didn't want to stop reading, and when I absolutely had to couldn't wait to get back to it. And it's not only for the story but also for the interesting variety of characters and the believable way in which they interact. I like the fact that Mercy loves working on car engines and getting her hands dirty. As far as clothing there is nothing of the fashionista about her. She's loyal, likable and tough.
In Mercy Thompson's world her mate Adam is an Alpha werewolf, her roommate Samuel, also a werewolf, is a dear friend she keeps close hoping to heal his wounded spirit, one of her closest friends, Stefan, is a vampire,
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and she is a welcomed by many of the fae. Mercy, herself is a shifter who can change immediately from human to coyote form. Beginning with Moon Called (Mercy Thompson, Book 1) author Briggs has created adventure and mystery in an urban fantasy setting.Mercy makes her living as a auto mechanic, and in fact owns her own business. As we first meet her in Bone Crossed (Mercy Thompson, Book 4) she still hurts psychically from the rape by a man she subsequently killed. Adding to her problems is the burning enmity of Marsilia, vampire mistress of the Tri-Cities in Washington state. Mercy caused the death of Andre, a close ally of Marsilia. Stephan hid this fact from Marsilia and will suffer for it. In the midst of a conversation with Adam a charred, bloody body appears in the room. Only after a few startled moments does Mercy recognize that it is the tortured body of Stefan. It is difficult to kill a vampire, but not impossible. In order to survive Stefan needs blood immediately. He reaches for Mercy but Adam quickly steps in. Although werewolves and vampires don't normally care for one another Stefan has helped Adam's pack in the past. Adam offers his blood and others in the pack do the same. Marsilia has sent a brutal message but there is more. On the door of Mercy shop crossed bones have been painted another warning sign from the vampire mistress that she knows of Mercy's part in Andre's death and Stephan's role in the cover up.
Later that day a college acquaintance shows up at Mercy's door begging for help to rid her house of a ghost. A perplexing request but one that gives Mercy a reason to leave the area. The tension between the vampire and werewolf community has become extremely tense. Mercy feels that she is to blame and that Marsilia's wrath will bring harm to all those she cares about. Of course this solves nothing and the series of troubles only becomes more complex.
Bone Crossed captivated me from the beginning. It's become a cliche to say I couldn't put this book down so I'll simply say I didn't want to stop reading, and when I absolutely had to couldn't wait to get back to it. And it's not only for the story but also for the interesting variety of characters and the believable way in which they interact. I like the fact that Mercy loves working on car engines and getting her hands dirty. As far as clothing there is nothing of the fashionista about her. She's loyal, likable and tough.
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LibraryThing member rexrobotreviews
Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs was a quick, intense read. It is THE perfect combination for me- romance, suspense, paranormal, urban fantasy... I knew I was going to love this book before I opened it. (Oh, Mercy...Mercy...Mercy... One of my favorite series.) I do have to say that I liked the third
Alright- so Bone Crossed starts off just a week after Iron Kissed is finished. Mercy is still recovering from the events of the previous novel (completely understandable!) She is in the midst of a "therapy" session with her mother when Stefan drops by- charred and almost dead... well, more dead. He's burnt to a crisp, who could have done such a repulsive, torturous, gruesome thing?
They come to only one obvious conclusion. Marsilia. She has undoubtedly unraveled the mystery surrounding Andre's death. Now Mercy is deemed a traitor and will be treated rightly so- all of her family & friends are endangered for her involvement. Does this mean the start of a war between the werewolf pack & vampires?
This book packs in the action - especially in the first few chapters. Stefan is dying, she is trying to overcome her personal issues, her mother shows up unannounced, an old college roommate shows up bugged out looking for Mercy to rid her house of an angry ghost... and on top of all that, she's got to deal with the possibility of becoming part of Adam's pack as his mate. That's a whole lot of drama to start off a book. It all comes together and the book flows smoothly through all of poor Mercy's hectic life.
Poor Mercy? Who am I kidding- She's got Stefan, Adam and Samuel all wanting a piece! Lucky lady!
There are tons of awesome supporting characters in this book. This is why I love this series! The secondary characters are awesome- and you really get to look at them more in this novel. Shit, I think Mercy even points out some things about the characters I would never have picked up on. (Thanks, Mercy! ...or Briggs? Haha)
Only complaint I have is that SO much happened in the first few pages- all at once. It really worked for the book, but it just rubbed me the wrong way. I felt like it was too much... even for our heroine. Give her a second to breath!
I was enamored with this book- didn't put it down until I was finished. I love how Briggs expanded on Mercy's ability to speak to ghosts in this book- I think you'll love it too. So read this! 4 out of 5 Stars!
(I feel like I didn't do a perfect job on this review- sorry! I'm light headed and rushing! I hate when I rush!)
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installment better- this being the fourth. It still exceeded my expectations. I just wish Ms. Thompson & Mr. Hauptman would get a little more into it. Haha, that didn't take away from the novel- just a footnote for hogs like myself. ;]Alright- so Bone Crossed starts off just a week after Iron Kissed is finished. Mercy is still recovering from the events of the previous novel (completely understandable!) She is in the midst of a "therapy" session with her mother when Stefan drops by- charred and almost dead... well, more dead. He's burnt to a crisp, who could have done such a repulsive, torturous, gruesome thing?
They come to only one obvious conclusion. Marsilia. She has undoubtedly unraveled the mystery surrounding Andre's death. Now Mercy is deemed a traitor and will be treated rightly so- all of her family & friends are endangered for her involvement. Does this mean the start of a war between the werewolf pack & vampires?
This book packs in the action - especially in the first few chapters. Stefan is dying, she is trying to overcome her personal issues, her mother shows up unannounced, an old college roommate shows up bugged out looking for Mercy to rid her house of an angry ghost... and on top of all that, she's got to deal with the possibility of becoming part of Adam's pack as his mate. That's a whole lot of drama to start off a book. It all comes together and the book flows smoothly through all of poor Mercy's hectic life.
Poor Mercy? Who am I kidding- She's got Stefan, Adam and Samuel all wanting a piece! Lucky lady!
There are tons of awesome supporting characters in this book. This is why I love this series! The secondary characters are awesome- and you really get to look at them more in this novel. Shit, I think Mercy even points out some things about the characters I would never have picked up on. (Thanks, Mercy! ...or Briggs? Haha)
Only complaint I have is that SO much happened in the first few pages- all at once. It really worked for the book, but it just rubbed me the wrong way. I felt like it was too much... even for our heroine. Give her a second to breath!
I was enamored with this book- didn't put it down until I was finished. I love how Briggs expanded on Mercy's ability to speak to ghosts in this book- I think you'll love it too. So read this! 4 out of 5 Stars!
(I feel like I didn't do a perfect job on this review- sorry! I'm light headed and rushing! I hate when I rush!)
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LibraryThing member jjmachshev
Mercy, mercy, Mercy! Patricia Briggs latest Mercy Thompson novel "Bone Crossed" kept me on the edge of my seat, furiously reading to find out what happened next! There's good news and bad news in Mercy's latest adventure and just when you think things will settle down, BAM, there's someone new
Mercy is still recovering from her brutal rape at the hands of a fae 'possessed' wacko. Mercy managed to kill the b^%tard, but it will be a while before the psychological scars heal, if ever. The good news is that she's finally decided to mate with Adam. The bad news is she's not sure how long it will take before she can get close to him without a panic attack. The good news is he's willing to wait and help her recover. The bad news is her friend Stefan the vampire appears suddenly and close to real death, just having time to say "She knows". That means the vampire Queen is aware that Mercy managed to kill not one, but two of her creatures...and now she wants Mercy's blood, and not just for a snack.
I think my heart rate is still elevated after this one. I have to rate this series as one of my absolute fave fantasies, right up there with Hamilton and Ward. The difference with Briggs is that I let my sons read these stories (PG fating)! A strong heroine, shapeshifters, fae (they're NOT the fae from your childhood stories either), vampires, creatures of lore, and a pagan god or two make their way into Briggs' stories and Mercy's world...and it all flows together smooth as silk. Now I have to wait another year for my next fix!
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looking to mess with Mercy's peace.Mercy is still recovering from her brutal rape at the hands of a fae 'possessed' wacko. Mercy managed to kill the b^%tard, but it will be a while before the psychological scars heal, if ever. The good news is that she's finally decided to mate with Adam. The bad news is she's not sure how long it will take before she can get close to him without a panic attack. The good news is he's willing to wait and help her recover. The bad news is her friend Stefan the vampire appears suddenly and close to real death, just having time to say "She knows". That means the vampire Queen is aware that Mercy managed to kill not one, but two of her creatures...and now she wants Mercy's blood, and not just for a snack.
I think my heart rate is still elevated after this one. I have to rate this series as one of my absolute fave fantasies, right up there with Hamilton and Ward. The difference with Briggs is that I let my sons read these stories (PG fating)! A strong heroine, shapeshifters, fae (they're NOT the fae from your childhood stories either), vampires, creatures of lore, and a pagan god or two make their way into Briggs' stories and Mercy's world...and it all flows together smooth as silk. Now I have to wait another year for my next fix!
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LibraryThing member amf0001
I was a bit disappointed /annoyed with the first half of this book. I guess I wanted a proper culmination with Adam and felt like the entire plot was just keeping them a part for no really good reason. But the last third was excellent. Good adventure, good mystery, liked 'I am what I eat' vampire,
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and I liked the conclusion. So I didn't devour this like I did iron kissed, I still enjoyed and am glad I read. Show Less
LibraryThing member GirlMisanthrope
One of my favorites in the series. Ms. Briggs really has a handle on Mercy and is bringing her character along in a satisfying way. I am a particular fan in the author's construction of werewolves and their world. The fae, the vampires, the shifters, and the wolves are blended together to make
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Central WA far more fascinating than it could be otherwise. This volume introduces a new monster in Blackwood the vampire who proves to have a terrifying way of keeping himself occupied. This proves to be a great mystery and great action. Mercy and Adam's relationship continues to progress, even with the little complications of Samuel and Stefan vying for her heart. I actually wish there had been a bit more progress in their relationship, but Briggs is going for a slow burn here. Overall a great addition to the Mercy series. Show Less
LibraryThing member Carolesrandomlife
I enjoyed this book even more during this re-read. This is definitely one of my all time favorite series and I honestly believe that everyone who hasn't read these books yet should run to the bookstore right away and buy them up. This is the fourth book in the Mercy Thompson series and it picks up
On major focus of this Adam and Mercy's relationship. They both really do care for each other and want to make things work. I like how carefully they are with each other. Mercy is a mess after the horrible events of the previous book and Adam is there for her. He really wants to help with her pain and if he could I am sure he would take it away.
The mystery in the story is centered around vampires. I like the vampires in this world so that works out well for me. The local vampires have painted crossed bones on the door at her garage and she decides it would be a good idea to get out of town for a bit. Her friend from college has a little problem with a ghost so Mercy goes to help...and runs into more than she bargained for. Stefan plays a large role in this book and really proved how much he cares for Mercy as well.
I love Lorelei King's narration of this series. I am amazed by how well she voices all of these characters and keeps things consistent from book to book. The emotional aspects of the story really come through during her narration. I was able to listen to this book for hours at a time largely due to her wonderful delivery of this story. Lorelei King is quickly becoming one of my favorite narrators.
I would highly recommend this series to other. This was my second time experiencing this book and I hope to read it again in the future. It is really that good.
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right after the events of the previous book. It is really important that this series be read in order since some of the events are carried over from the previous book. I really had a lot of fun with this audiobook.On major focus of this Adam and Mercy's relationship. They both really do care for each other and want to make things work. I like how carefully they are with each other. Mercy is a mess after the horrible events of the previous book and Adam is there for her. He really wants to help with her pain and if he could I am sure he would take it away.
The mystery in the story is centered around vampires. I like the vampires in this world so that works out well for me. The local vampires have painted crossed bones on the door at her garage and she decides it would be a good idea to get out of town for a bit. Her friend from college has a little problem with a ghost so Mercy goes to help...and runs into more than she bargained for. Stefan plays a large role in this book and really proved how much he cares for Mercy as well.
I love Lorelei King's narration of this series. I am amazed by how well she voices all of these characters and keeps things consistent from book to book. The emotional aspects of the story really come through during her narration. I was able to listen to this book for hours at a time largely due to her wonderful delivery of this story. Lorelei King is quickly becoming one of my favorite narrators.
I would highly recommend this series to other. This was my second time experiencing this book and I hope to read it again in the future. It is really that good.
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LibraryThing member ReadingWithMartinis
At this point, I am starting to think my enjoyment of Blood Bound was a complete fluke and that this series is just bad. My problem with this book is the same problem I had with Iron Kissed, only it got worse in this novel. The characters and writing style were fine but the plot of Bone Crossed was
The vampire queen finds out that Mercy killed one of her vampires, so Mercy takes off from the city to go visit a friend who just happens to call her with a little problem. The friend's house is haunted. So Mercy heads off to the friend's house, with Stefan the vampire in tow, and proceeds to become a midnight snack for a totally different vampire. Oh, and the vampire that is snacking on Mercy is somehow related to the ghosts.
What??? It was so confusing and not even interesting! Ugh! I was so frustrated with this book! It was so disappointing. I am going to try one more Mercy Thompson book and if things do not improve then I am done with this series. I don't enjoy feeling like I am wasting my reading time.
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a mess.The vampire queen finds out that Mercy killed one of her vampires, so Mercy takes off from the city to go visit a friend who just happens to call her with a little problem. The friend's house is haunted. So Mercy heads off to the friend's house, with Stefan the vampire in tow, and proceeds to become a midnight snack for a totally different vampire. Oh, and the vampire that is snacking on Mercy is somehow related to the ghosts.
What??? It was so confusing and not even interesting! Ugh! I was so frustrated with this book! It was so disappointing. I am going to try one more Mercy Thompson book and if things do not improve then I am done with this series. I don't enjoy feeling like I am wasting my reading time.
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LibraryThing member xXlovelyxladyXx
I absolutely LOVE this series. I've had books the first six books sitting on my bookshelves for about two months before I started this series and boy do I love these books. I absolutely love books about werewolves to death. They are my favorite supernatural creatures of all time - but the fae come
The first three books were fabulous. Each was better than the last. And I really did like this book. It was exciting, it was great, but it wasn't as good as the others for me. A lot of times when I read series I like, I end up reading one of the books that isn't as good as the others, and I have a hard time giving it a lower rating. It feels wrong to me when I know the writing is good. But this book just lacked a certain...something. I don't know what to call it.
Bone Crossed resumes almost a week after Mercedes is raped and god I am just so happy she and Adam have worked past their issues in this. They really are a cute couple. And even though they both have their flaws, they really want to be together. Mercedes definitely matured some in this book and I loved Adam's sensitivity, which I was so desperate for in this book.
The plot in this wasn't as frightening as I thought it would be. To be honest, I had a million different possible scenarios going through my mind. If Marsilia and the Seethe were going to attack Mercy's friends, they should have done so much MORE. They are powerful, they are strong...they proved it in the previous books. They could have done something to more of her friends, manipulated them somehow. But they didn't. And that was disappointing. But I was happy to see Stefan in this one :)
I'm also sad that there wasn't more of Warren and Kyle. They need some more time in the book. I love these two. I'm also really crazy about Ben, my favorite British werewolf :) I really respect him since the second and third book. He's a really great guy.
Overall, I liked this book but I'm not crazy about it. I think I've been reading through these books a little too quickly so I'm going to be taking a minor break from these books before I continue with the fifth book, sixth book, and Briggs's side series Cry Wolf.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
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in a very close second - and this series has a very good twist on them.The first three books were fabulous. Each was better than the last. And I really did like this book. It was exciting, it was great, but it wasn't as good as the others for me. A lot of times when I read series I like, I end up reading one of the books that isn't as good as the others, and I have a hard time giving it a lower rating. It feels wrong to me when I know the writing is good. But this book just lacked a certain...something. I don't know what to call it.
Bone Crossed resumes almost a week after Mercedes is raped and god I am just so happy she and Adam have worked past their issues in this. They really are a cute couple. And even though they both have their flaws, they really want to be together. Mercedes definitely matured some in this book and I loved Adam's sensitivity, which I was so desperate for in this book.
The plot in this wasn't as frightening as I thought it would be. To be honest, I had a million different possible scenarios going through my mind. If Marsilia and the Seethe were going to attack Mercy's friends, they should have done so much MORE. They are powerful, they are strong...they proved it in the previous books. They could have done something to more of her friends, manipulated them somehow. But they didn't. And that was disappointing. But I was happy to see Stefan in this one :)
I'm also sad that there wasn't more of Warren and Kyle. They need some more time in the book. I love these two. I'm also really crazy about Ben, my favorite British werewolf :) I really respect him since the second and third book. He's a really great guy.
Overall, I liked this book but I'm not crazy about it. I think I've been reading through these books a little too quickly so I'm going to be taking a minor break from these books before I continue with the fifth book, sixth book, and Briggs's side series Cry Wolf.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
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LibraryThing member Rhinoa
Vampires, werewolves and ghosts oh my! Mercy is back after the events of Iron Kissed and is slowly coming to terms with what happened to her. She is trying to build a relationship with Adam, the local werewolf Alpha whilst still loving her ex who is also a werewolf, Samuel. Complicating matters is
What happened to her made the newspapers and an old college friend shows up out of the blue asking Mercy to come to her house to get rid of a ghost. She has a son who is being haunted and her husband does not believe either of them. Mercy leaves taking Stefan as a protector to see if she can do anything despite not being able to exorcise it. There is only one vampire where they are headed (the Monster) who allows no others on his territory. Mercy realises she really doesn't want to attract his attention as is he a vampire that scares even other vampires!
Another great addition to the series. This is still my favourite urban fantasy series around at the moment. Mercy is a truely likable character with many human failings despite being a supernatural being herself. I also really like the fey who pop up in this novel again too. I am really looking forward to the enxt installment.
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the vampire Queen Marsilia who uses Stefan to get her attention. Someone has told her that Mercy killed one of her favourite vampires and Marsilia marks Mercy to all supernaturals as one to destroy.What happened to her made the newspapers and an old college friend shows up out of the blue asking Mercy to come to her house to get rid of a ghost. She has a son who is being haunted and her husband does not believe either of them. Mercy leaves taking Stefan as a protector to see if she can do anything despite not being able to exorcise it. There is only one vampire where they are headed (the Monster) who allows no others on his territory. Mercy realises she really doesn't want to attract his attention as is he a vampire that scares even other vampires!
Another great addition to the series. This is still my favourite urban fantasy series around at the moment. Mercy is a truely likable character with many human failings despite being a supernatural being herself. I also really like the fey who pop up in this novel again too. I am really looking forward to the enxt installment.
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LibraryThing member BookWhisperer
BEST OF THE SERIES. This was my absolute favorite. I was a victim from the fist page to the last, and now that I have finished I am lost. This whole book brought together all of the characters of the other books, and all the love and support Mercedes has had and never acknowledge. I ended this
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story feeling that I knew nothing about the characters of all the books. Adam and Mercy are finally together, Sam is the overprotective big brother, and Stefan seems to be the one that loves from the sidelines. In all of the other books Mercy has made her bed, but in this story I like how she was trying to look out for the best interest of everyone else and stay safe but trouble followed. Patricia Briggs has herself a best seller right here. I am so anxious for the next book and this one has only been out for a week. Show Less
LibraryThing member enzu-chan
fourth in Mercy Thompson series. Despite the fact that some sub themes look suspiciously as if they were extracts from cry wolf in which only the name of the main characters were changed,and the sudden weakness and tendency to dependance in Mercy's nature; Bone crossed makes an easy and fun
There is also an editoryal mistake at page 100, referring to Charls as Bran's oldest son.
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reading.There is also an editoryal mistake at page 100, referring to Charls as Bran's oldest son.
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LibraryThing member IceQueenTN
Excellent - the "best" in the series so far!!
LibraryThing member taviles06
I completely devoured this book, I love this series! I read this book in three days and wish I did't have to wait a year for the next book. The only critique I have is that after finishing it left me wanting more lol which isn't a bad thing.
LibraryThing member lewispike
Rip-along yarn in which a number of Mercy's sins find her out (so to speak). Mercy is recovering from the rape in the previous book, and Adam proves to be an absolute brick about it. Rather surprising herself Mercy appreciates that he's made a hard decision for her best interests even though he
Then Marsilia finds out that Mercy killed Andre and declares her anathema, tortures Stephan and tries to kill Mercy. That story unspools on and off over the remainder of the book.
To add to the confusion, someone that Mercy knew at college turns up, worried because her house appears to be haunted. There is lots of suspicion about what's going on with that at various points, particularly when Mercy gets bitten by the vampire who manages to control the whole city and is called by the other vampires "The Monster"
Although there's quite a lot going on in one rather slim book, the plot lines ebb and flow between each other quite organically and smoothly - helped no doubt by the fact Mercy changes focus on different parts of her life but remains there for us to follow through the twists and turns.
Truly enjoyable.
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knows she probably won't like it and rewards him for it rather than punishing him. This story line gradually plays through, and "will they, won't they?" is finally answered decisively.Then Marsilia finds out that Mercy killed Andre and declares her anathema, tortures Stephan and tries to kill Mercy. That story unspools on and off over the remainder of the book.
To add to the confusion, someone that Mercy knew at college turns up, worried because her house appears to be haunted. There is lots of suspicion about what's going on with that at various points, particularly when Mercy gets bitten by the vampire who manages to control the whole city and is called by the other vampires "The Monster"
Although there's quite a lot going on in one rather slim book, the plot lines ebb and flow between each other quite organically and smoothly - helped no doubt by the fact Mercy changes focus on different parts of her life but remains there for us to follow through the twists and turns.
Truly enjoyable.
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LibraryThing member asterravos
Oh Mercy, how do you do it? Who wouldn't love a protagonist that can shift into a coyote, chat up ghosts, and irritate the local alpha werewolf? Needless to say, Mercy Thompson is back for round four in kickin' butt (and taking names), and she's better than ever. And, of course, it always helps to
I could go into detail about what makes this book and series one of my favorites, but honestly if you need to read a review of book four after reading the first three, it's time for you to get lost. Or perhaps you haven't read the first few and you want to know if this series continues to grow in quality and personality or if it takes a flying leap off a cliff. Just know this, you could read the books and find out, or Mercy could could just spray paint your phone number on her Rabbit offering you up for a good time.
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have a few studly males at her beck and call if things get messy.I could go into detail about what makes this book and series one of my favorites, but honestly if you need to read a review of book four after reading the first three, it's time for you to get lost. Or perhaps you haven't read the first few and you want to know if this series continues to grow in quality and personality or if it takes a flying leap off a cliff. Just know this, you could read the books and find out, or Mercy could could just spray paint your phone number on her Rabbit offering you up for a good time.
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LibraryThing member Alera
The fast paced storytelling and the character development is a reason this series continues to be one of my favorites. The developments in the life of Mercy and her relationship with both Stefan and Marsilia and the growing undercurrent of a bigger unknown evil makes this a lovely continuance. Adam
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and all things 'pack' are just a lovely added bonus. Show Less
LibraryThing member seekingflight
In parts (notably characterisation and world building) this Mercy Thompson series has seemed a cut above today’s plethora of paranormal fantasy/ romance. The actual plots of each of the books, however, don’t grab me as much as I’d like, and I found this a pleasant read, but nothing more.
LibraryThing member thesmellofbooks
Briggs really doesn't break stride. This, the 4th book in the Mercy Thompson series, is every bit as good as the first, and the whole world grows on me more and more. And this from a reader who normally doesn't go for paranormal fiction. I have had my eyes opened--another assumption bites (if
Oh, and I'm already on the library reserve list for her next book, when at last it comes!
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you'll pardon the expression) the dust.Oh, and I'm already on the library reserve list for her next book, when at last it comes!
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LibraryThing member justchris
The main werewolf series by Patricia Briggs features Mercedes Thompson, a Native American VW mechanic who can turn into a coyote and who was fostered with werewolves when she was a child. As far as she knows, she's the only (skin)walker around, since the colonization of the New World led to the
The fourth book, Bone Crossed, picks up immediately after the third, with overlapping closing and opening scenes. It's basically a revenge of the vampires story, no, it's a ghost story, no, it's even more bad things happen to Mercy story. We learn a little more about walkers, and vampires, and fae, and ghosts. Mercy has not one but MANY males of various supernatural persuasions trying to control her. She ends up imprisoned, but no major physical damage for a change. Just the heebie-jeebies of having someone control her memories and also controlling some of the others around her on a visit to Spokane to help an old college friend. And the political and magical fallout of being joined to the werewolf pack. And still dealing with the after-effects of her earlier traumas. I liked this story okay, but I think it has more holes in it and doesn't hang together perhaps quite as neatly as earlier stories.
So why do I like this series? Multiple strong minority characters including African American, Native American, multiracial African-Asian, Latino, gay, and probably others that I'm not bringing to mind right now. Most of the characters are still white and straight and male, but not all of them, and the minorities are liberally scattered through the series in important roles, not just a token here and there.
There aren't as many women characters; certainly, Mercy doesn't appear to have any female friends (besides Adam's daughter). She apparently had problems in her youth with the female werewolves in the pack, and the female werewolves in the present-day storyline are mentioned only in passing with the exception of Honey, who appears to be developing into a friend after initial antagonism. The only other female characters who get any time are Jesse, the teenage human daughter of Adam, the local Alpha, and Marsala, the mistress of the local vampire seethe.
It is nice to see a plucky female protagonist succeeding in a patriarchal society (and the werewolves are that), and that this character is realistically portrayed, including the physical and emotional and mental costs of coping with crises. However, it is a little disturbing that these costs are escalating throughout the series, which the characters themselves point out. I recently came across a discussion of the
Women in Refrigerators pattern in comic books, which was later expanded to other fictional media . Other characters are taking real beatings too, but they're men with supernatural healing powers that Mercy lacks. I'm not saying that Patricia Briggs is being sexist here, but this escalation of horrors for Mercy is troubling.
Other reasons I like the series--engaging characters, generally good dialogue, interesting ideas like the fae reservations, certainly fast-paced action stories with a good dollop of romance and emotional depth. It's not set in one of the obligatory major urban areas--New York and California really don't need any more attention. The Pacific Northwest needs to be better represented in fiction, in my opinion. The character is blue collar and worries about paying her bills. She also has a sense of humor. These are all things I can connect with, though my collar's been bleached in the last couple years.
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extermination of its native magical creatures by the European magical types, just like the real history of American Indian cultures. The stories are set in the Tri-Cities of Washington State.The fourth book, Bone Crossed, picks up immediately after the third, with overlapping closing and opening scenes. It's basically a revenge of the vampires story, no, it's a ghost story, no, it's even more bad things happen to Mercy story. We learn a little more about walkers, and vampires, and fae, and ghosts. Mercy has not one but MANY males of various supernatural persuasions trying to control her. She ends up imprisoned, but no major physical damage for a change. Just the heebie-jeebies of having someone control her memories and also controlling some of the others around her on a visit to Spokane to help an old college friend. And the political and magical fallout of being joined to the werewolf pack. And still dealing with the after-effects of her earlier traumas. I liked this story okay, but I think it has more holes in it and doesn't hang together perhaps quite as neatly as earlier stories.
So why do I like this series? Multiple strong minority characters including African American, Native American, multiracial African-Asian, Latino, gay, and probably others that I'm not bringing to mind right now. Most of the characters are still white and straight and male, but not all of them, and the minorities are liberally scattered through the series in important roles, not just a token here and there.
There aren't as many women characters; certainly, Mercy doesn't appear to have any female friends (besides Adam's daughter). She apparently had problems in her youth with the female werewolves in the pack, and the female werewolves in the present-day storyline are mentioned only in passing with the exception of Honey, who appears to be developing into a friend after initial antagonism. The only other female characters who get any time are Jesse, the teenage human daughter of Adam, the local Alpha, and Marsala, the mistress of the local vampire seethe.
It is nice to see a plucky female protagonist succeeding in a patriarchal society (and the werewolves are that), and that this character is realistically portrayed, including the physical and emotional and mental costs of coping with crises. However, it is a little disturbing that these costs are escalating throughout the series, which the characters themselves point out. I recently came across a discussion of the
Women in Refrigerators pattern in comic books, which was later expanded to other fictional media . Other characters are taking real beatings too, but they're men with supernatural healing powers that Mercy lacks. I'm not saying that Patricia Briggs is being sexist here, but this escalation of horrors for Mercy is troubling.
Other reasons I like the series--engaging characters, generally good dialogue, interesting ideas like the fae reservations, certainly fast-paced action stories with a good dollop of romance and emotional depth. It's not set in one of the obligatory major urban areas--New York and California really don't need any more attention. The Pacific Northwest needs to be better represented in fiction, in my opinion. The character is blue collar and worries about paying her bills. She also has a sense of humor. These are all things I can connect with, though my collar's been bleached in the last couple years.
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LibraryThing member sriddell
The Mercy Thompson series just gets better and better. I love the growing relationship with Adam, the character development of Stefan, the continued development of "old" characters while continuing to introduce new ones.
I think the new vampire introduced in this book will come back to haunt us in
I think the new vampire introduced in this book will come back to haunt us in
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later books. I can't wait! Show Less
LibraryThing member rivkat
Still wish Briggs hadn’t left her classic fantasy novels for Laurell Hamilton territory, but I’m growing fond of Mercy Thompson, the shapeshifter hanging around a werewolf pack and, in this book, variously: recovering from a brutal attack; taking her relationship with the Alpha of the pack to
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the next level; helping a little boy who sees ghosts; and dealing with various powerful vampires who want to kill, fuck, or otherwise use her, sometimes nicely but mostly not. Plenty of room left to explore Mercy’s shapeshifter powers, and their relationship to other supernatural creatures, in subsequent books. Show Less
LibraryThing member susiesharp
In the fourth book of the Mercy Thompson Series Mercy is once again up against bad vampires including an old enemy Marsilia.This is a great series I love Mercy she is such a strong independent woman.She takes care of herself even though she has all these Alpha Males/Werewolves on her side ,She
I also appreciate the fact that the writer of this book Patricia Briggs doesn't need to go into the long drawn out sex/love scene her writing reminds me of the old movies where you got to see the build-up and then the couple closing the bedroom door.
I will definitely keep reading about Mercy ,and recommending this book.5*****
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fights for who she cares about and she fights for herself and tries her best not to become a "victim".What I really like about this book was that after the awful trauma she went through in the last book it wasn't just oh that story is over she's all better,no she deals with post traumatic stress and panic attacks.I like that she is relatable even in a fantasy world.I also appreciate the fact that the writer of this book Patricia Briggs doesn't need to go into the long drawn out sex/love scene her writing reminds me of the old movies where you got to see the build-up and then the couple closing the bedroom door.
I will definitely keep reading about Mercy ,and recommending this book.5*****
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Awards
Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award (Winner — 2009)
Ursa Major Awards (Runner-Up — 2009)
Language
Original publication date
2009-02-03
Physical description
309 p.; 9.08 inches
ISBN
0441016766 / 9780441016761
Local notes
Mercy is preparing to marry alpha werewolf Adam Hauptman when an old friend asks her to help fend off a nasty ghost. It's a good time for Mercy to leave Portland: vampire queen Marsilia is after her and her vampire friend Stefan for successfully hunting down a monster that should have killed them. Mercy leaves Adam to negotiate peace with Marsilia and heads to Spokane to investigate the ghost, an unexpectedly complicated task.