Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Ace (2022), 352 pages
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. Romance. Thriller. HTML:Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, must face her greatest fears in this chilling entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series. The vampire Wulfe is missing. Since he�??s deadly, possibly insane, and his current idea of �??fun�?� is stalking me, some may see it as no great loss. But, warned that his disappearance might bring down the carefully constructed alliances that keep our pack safe, my mate and I must find Wulfe�??and hope he�??s still alive. As alive as a vampire can be, anyway. But Wulfe isn�??t the only one who has disappeared. And now there are bodies, too. Has the Harvester returned to the Tri-Cities, reaping souls with his cursed sickle? Or is he just a character from a B horror movie and our enemy is someone else? The farther I follow Wulfe�??s trail, the more twisted�??and darker�??the path becomes. I need to figure out what�??s going on before the ne… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member jjmcgaffey
It's...well, it's a Mercy story. Honestly, a week after reading it, I can't quite remember what the story was - Adam's monster was a problem again, I know. Oh, right, it was the Master vampire from Europe messing with things again, and as usual Mercy and her pack prevented him from carrying out his
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plans (which were, as usual for him, based on complete misunderstanding of the situation. He just cannot comprehend what Mercy is doing - friendship is beyond him). There were other bits too - more about Underhill, and a weapon that no one wanted Zee to have, including Zee. And something about Bran and the Cormicks and someone else in the family. And...I remember lots of bits, but it doesn't hang together in my mind. This may be because just before reading this I reread Silence Fallen, which is my favorite Mercy story; I think I'm getting bits from that confused with this. I may read this again sometime, or just accept that it's another Mercy story and go on. They're not quite formulaic - the threats and the solutions change a lot - but they do hew pretty closely to a pattern. Show Less
LibraryThing member jennybeast
Love this series -- this particular installment is a little creepier than most (because Wulfe is creepy, and also we are coming off of the witches drenched in blood). I can tell that the world so beautifully crafted by Briggs is drawing towards another big confrontation, and I'm not entirely sure
Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss.
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what that will be. It's one of the things that keeps bringing me back to this series -- the way things build and recede, the intricate politics, the gradual peeling back of memory and layers over hundreds of years. Great story, great continuation. I'm probably due for another re-read because I need more time with these characters. Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss.
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LibraryThing member kmartin802
Art becomes life when a horror movie becomes reality in the Tri-Cities. A magical weapon wielded by the Harvester has made a reappearance, Wulfe has disappeared, and shortly thereafter all the vampires disappear. Before the rest of the vampires disappear, the head of the vampire seethe Marsilia
Since the Pack has declared that it will protect the Tri-Cities area, it has become a haven for magical beings who are looking for somewhere they can be safe. But now, lesser magical people are disappearing or found dead with wounds that are caused by an unusual weapon wielded by the Harvester.
Mercy and the Pack need to find the missing vampires and destroy the magical soul stealing weapon before it gathers enough souls to provide a portal for its ancient and evil god - and before the weapon gathers Mercy's soul.
The story was filled with action and excitement. I liked that Zee has a pretty large role in this episode in the Mercy Thompson series. Fans of the series won't want to miss this excellent adventure.
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demands that Mercy find Wulfe or jeopardize their alliance.Since the Pack has declared that it will protect the Tri-Cities area, it has become a haven for magical beings who are looking for somewhere they can be safe. But now, lesser magical people are disappearing or found dead with wounds that are caused by an unusual weapon wielded by the Harvester.
Mercy and the Pack need to find the missing vampires and destroy the magical soul stealing weapon before it gathers enough souls to provide a portal for its ancient and evil god - and before the weapon gathers Mercy's soul.
The story was filled with action and excitement. I liked that Zee has a pretty large role in this episode in the Mercy Thompson series. Fans of the series won't want to miss this excellent adventure.
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LibraryThing member Carolesrandomlife
I loved this book! I have been reading the books set in this world for quite a few years and look forward to each new installment. Each new story feels like a chance to visit with old friends, although Mercy and her friends are a lot more exciting than anyone I know in reality. This book was just
Mercy and Adam have their hands full once again. The vampire Wulfe is missing and they must find him and stop the Harvester from terrorizing their territory. There is some new information regarding a pack member that could change the delicate balance with the pack. This book was really exciting and I loved the fact that thirteen books in, this series can still surprise me. This book had all of the action and supernatural presence that kept me glued to the pages.
The pacing of the book was expertly done. The action in the story was nicely balanced with quieter moments that illustrated the strength of the bond between Adam and Mercy. It is so nice to read a series with such a solid relationship at its core. I also loved seeing the bonds between the members of the pack and seeing them work together to achieve a common goal. I was very happy to see Tad play a bigger part in this story and just really loved checking in with all of the people important to Mercy.
I would highly recommend this book to others. This is the thirteenth book in the series and I would recommend reading the series in order since each book builds on the events from the previous installments. This book is one that I know I will be reading again and cannot wait to read more of this author’s work.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group.
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as good as I had hoped, and once I started reading it, I did not want to put it down.Mercy and Adam have their hands full once again. The vampire Wulfe is missing and they must find him and stop the Harvester from terrorizing their territory. There is some new information regarding a pack member that could change the delicate balance with the pack. This book was really exciting and I loved the fact that thirteen books in, this series can still surprise me. This book had all of the action and supernatural presence that kept me glued to the pages.
The pacing of the book was expertly done. The action in the story was nicely balanced with quieter moments that illustrated the strength of the bond between Adam and Mercy. It is so nice to read a series with such a solid relationship at its core. I also loved seeing the bonds between the members of the pack and seeing them work together to achieve a common goal. I was very happy to see Tad play a bigger part in this story and just really loved checking in with all of the people important to Mercy.
I would highly recommend this book to others. This is the thirteenth book in the series and I would recommend reading the series in order since each book builds on the events from the previous installments. This book is one that I know I will be reading again and cannot wait to read more of this author’s work.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group.
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LibraryThing member AmyM3317
When vampire Wulfe goes missing, Mercy isn't too worried. She actually thinks it's for the best as his stalking of her is starting to get a little too close for comfort. But when bodies start appearing, along with the souls of the dead, it threatens the tenuous alliance between the Pack and the
Soul Taken gets the prize of being the first Fall-themed book I've read this year. Taking place around Halloween it's the perfect book to put away the heat of the summer and smoothly lead readers towards cooler temps, pumpkins, and the things that go bump in the night.
I very much loved getting back into Mercy's world again after being away for two years. I think that Patricia Briggs did a great job of being able to keep everyone up to speed on what happened previously without having to do a huge info dump. Instead peppering little bits and pieces of information through the story as it moves along.
Along with that been I've super impressed with how things tend to circle around to what came before. This is definitely a series where you benefit from having read from the beginning, but also, you're not penalized for not being able to do a re-read before each new book is released. I love how these often little things will occur within a story, but the over-arching consequences may not be felt until a few books later. Patricia Briggs certainly knows how to play a long game, and play it well.
This book just honestly checked all my boxes. The story kept me interested in the page. The new things we learn about beloved characters are always interesting and I, as always, especially love Mercy and Adam. They just have a really good foundation and connection and it shines in Soul Taken. They often go through rough patches, so it's really nice to see them get a chance to be so intuned with one another.
I wish we didn't have to wait another two years before the next book, but I'm also looking forward to the next Anna and Charles book.
If you're a fan of this series, Soul Taken is another strong entry.
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rest of the supernatural within the Tri-Cities. Soon it becomes apparent that Wulfe is not the only one they need to find, a local urban legend known as the Harvester has shown up on the scene but is this truly an ancient foe looking for its next victim? Or just an outtake from a B horror movie?Soul Taken gets the prize of being the first Fall-themed book I've read this year. Taking place around Halloween it's the perfect book to put away the heat of the summer and smoothly lead readers towards cooler temps, pumpkins, and the things that go bump in the night.
I very much loved getting back into Mercy's world again after being away for two years. I think that Patricia Briggs did a great job of being able to keep everyone up to speed on what happened previously without having to do a huge info dump. Instead peppering little bits and pieces of information through the story as it moves along.
Along with that been I've super impressed with how things tend to circle around to what came before. This is definitely a series where you benefit from having read from the beginning, but also, you're not penalized for not being able to do a re-read before each new book is released. I love how these often little things will occur within a story, but the over-arching consequences may not be felt until a few books later. Patricia Briggs certainly knows how to play a long game, and play it well.
This book just honestly checked all my boxes. The story kept me interested in the page. The new things we learn about beloved characters are always interesting and I, as always, especially love Mercy and Adam. They just have a really good foundation and connection and it shines in Soul Taken. They often go through rough patches, so it's really nice to see them get a chance to be so intuned with one another.
I wish we didn't have to wait another two years before the next book, but I'm also looking forward to the next Anna and Charles book.
If you're a fan of this series, Soul Taken is another strong entry.
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LibraryThing member murderbydeath
My first read of HB bingo, done and dusted. I tore through this one in one day, which is easier to do when walking is still an iffy proposition; I have to do something while icing my leg.
The first chapter frustrated me, as Briggs put the reader in the same confusing space Mercy was in, but strung
It was hard for me to move on from Sherwood's intrigue, smallish though it was, and I was disappointed that he played little to no part in the main story, but the race to figure out why so many low-level magic users disappeared, and finding Wulfe and his connection to events was one of the better storylines, I think (probably because Briggs laid off on the black magic stuff). Wulfe's story is rather convoluted, but I suspect Briggs has no intention of bringing clarity to his character. Even though the plot is about the vampires, the story itself is about the fae, and Zee gets a little more depth.
I'm rambling a bit. It was a good read. Not blow the doors off spectacular, but good.
I read this for the Urban Decay square in 2022's Halloween Bingo. It also definitely fits Relics & Curiosities, Monsters and Splatter.
The first chapter frustrated me, as Briggs put the reader in the same confusing space Mercy was in, but strung
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the confusion out just a little bit too long. Once past that though, the reader is treated to some answers to questions left open in the last Alpha/Omega series book, Wild Sign (if you don't read this series it doesn't matter in the least). This scene slowly segues into the main plot of the book, the disappearance of Wulfe, and secondarily, Stefan and Marsilia.It was hard for me to move on from Sherwood's intrigue, smallish though it was, and I was disappointed that he played little to no part in the main story, but the race to figure out why so many low-level magic users disappeared, and finding Wulfe and his connection to events was one of the better storylines, I think (probably because Briggs laid off on the black magic stuff). Wulfe's story is rather convoluted, but I suspect Briggs has no intention of bringing clarity to his character. Even though the plot is about the vampires, the story itself is about the fae, and Zee gets a little more depth.
I'm rambling a bit. It was a good read. Not blow the doors off spectacular, but good.
I read this for the Urban Decay square in 2022's Halloween Bingo. It also definitely fits Relics & Curiosities, Monsters and Splatter.
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LibraryThing member hcnewton
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
“The thing that we thought might end up with Adam dead looks like it will work out okay,” I told her dryly as her feet hit the ground again. “We have another situation to replace it that might end up with Adam dead. Or me dead. Or maybe
“Business as usual,” said Tad.
WHAT'S SOUL TAKEN ABOUT?
Wulfe continues to act strangely—for him, that is—as he was last time. Then he goes missing. And Marsilia tasks Mercy with finding him, or she and the Pack will face the consequences (not life and death consequences, either—something worse).
But it's not just Wulfe who's missing—there are others, too. The paths seem to lead to a Fae artifact believed to have been destroyed and a local Urban Legend/subject of a new Horror movie.
Sure, this isn't as strange as the miniature zombie goats, but it's close. And slightly less cute.
SHERWOOD POST
“I'll call Samuel and bug him.”
“Why not ask Sherwood?” Adam said.
“Did he sound like someone who was going to spill the beans to you?” I queried. “He talks more, but he doesn’t say more. He hasn't changed that much.” I found that reassuring.
After a lot of speculation, we finally get to know Sherwood Post's actual identity. And, um. Wow. As she clearly intended, the answer Briggs gave us only leads to more questions.
Several more questions.
For example: was this identity her plan when she first introduced the character? (likely, but I can see a scenario where it wasn't) Given how this changes what we know about the world, when did she decide to shake things up to this extent? Lastly, when do we start seeing the ripple effects from this revelation? Okay, maybe one more: how many other things has she been lying to us about? (okay, that last one is a joke. Pretty much)
UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES
Mercy (and therefore, we) are aware of a decent segment of the supernatural/paranatural population of the Tri-Cities area (although I think I remember her being surprised by some early on in the series)—she knows all the werewolves, many of the Fae, the goblins, vampires, etc.
But we learn along the way in this book that because of Mercy's declaration a few books back that the area is under the Pack's protection many "lower powered" supernatural beings have moved into the area for that protection. Mercy and the Pack were unaware of this until they met some in the midst of their investigation. Briggs didn't spend much time on the idea, but it laid the groundwork for potentially several future storylines.
Even aside from that, I thought it was a great idea—and really seems likely to have happened given Mercy's action.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT SOUL TAKEN?
I'm never going to complain about getting to spend time with Mercy and the crowd. But I felt let down with this novel. The premise was promising, maybe even more than that; I thought the threats brought by Marsilia and how that played out were intriguing; I was glad to see who the Big Bad behind it all was; and the future ramifications for the seethe are promising. But the stuff in between the premise and the defeat of the Big Bad? Eh. Even the big fight scene wasn't that good—nor am I that invested in the means by which they were defeated (dancing around a spoiler there).
Really the things that interested me the most about the book were the ongoing arcs and development—the stuff about Sherwood, the lesser powers, some internal Pack matters, and Zee (there was a lot of great material with Zee here). When the subplots and the things the novel isn't about are what grab me, there's a problem with the book. The solution was too rushed, it was all too easy, really. If Briggs had taken another hundred pages or so to really dig into the premise and the hunt for the Big Bad, maybe that would've worked (but that'd make the book super-sized by her standards).
I just wanted more, I guess. It was fun enough to justify the time and I'll be back for more—but I expect more from Briggs. I do think long-time fans will enjoy Soul Taken—and despite what it might sound like, I did—but it will leave you wanting.
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“The thing that we thought might end up with Adam dead looks like it will work out okay,” I told her dryly as her feet hit the ground again. “We have another situation to replace it that might end up with Adam dead. Or me dead. Or maybe
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the whole pack. But at least we solved one deadly situation before we picked up another one.”“Business as usual,” said Tad.
WHAT'S SOUL TAKEN ABOUT?
Wulfe continues to act strangely—for him, that is—as he was last time. Then he goes missing. And Marsilia tasks Mercy with finding him, or she and the Pack will face the consequences (not life and death consequences, either—something worse).
But it's not just Wulfe who's missing—there are others, too. The paths seem to lead to a Fae artifact believed to have been destroyed and a local Urban Legend/subject of a new Horror movie.
Sure, this isn't as strange as the miniature zombie goats, but it's close. And slightly less cute.
SHERWOOD POST
“I'll call Samuel and bug him.”
“Why not ask Sherwood?” Adam said.
“Did he sound like someone who was going to spill the beans to you?” I queried. “He talks more, but he doesn’t say more. He hasn't changed that much.” I found that reassuring.
After a lot of speculation, we finally get to know Sherwood Post's actual identity. And, um. Wow. As she clearly intended, the answer Briggs gave us only leads to more questions.
Several more questions.
For example: was this identity her plan when she first introduced the character? (likely, but I can see a scenario where it wasn't) Given how this changes what we know about the world, when did she decide to shake things up to this extent? Lastly, when do we start seeing the ripple effects from this revelation? Okay, maybe one more: how many other things has she been lying to us about? (okay, that last one is a joke. Pretty much)
UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES
Mercy (and therefore, we) are aware of a decent segment of the supernatural/paranatural population of the Tri-Cities area (although I think I remember her being surprised by some early on in the series)—she knows all the werewolves, many of the Fae, the goblins, vampires, etc.
But we learn along the way in this book that because of Mercy's declaration a few books back that the area is under the Pack's protection many "lower powered" supernatural beings have moved into the area for that protection. Mercy and the Pack were unaware of this until they met some in the midst of their investigation. Briggs didn't spend much time on the idea, but it laid the groundwork for potentially several future storylines.
Even aside from that, I thought it was a great idea—and really seems likely to have happened given Mercy's action.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT SOUL TAKEN?
I'm never going to complain about getting to spend time with Mercy and the crowd. But I felt let down with this novel. The premise was promising, maybe even more than that; I thought the threats brought by Marsilia and how that played out were intriguing; I was glad to see who the Big Bad behind it all was; and the future ramifications for the seethe are promising. But the stuff in between the premise and the defeat of the Big Bad? Eh. Even the big fight scene wasn't that good—nor am I that invested in the means by which they were defeated (dancing around a spoiler there).
Really the things that interested me the most about the book were the ongoing arcs and development—the stuff about Sherwood, the lesser powers, some internal Pack matters, and Zee (there was a lot of great material with Zee here). When the subplots and the things the novel isn't about are what grab me, there's a problem with the book. The solution was too rushed, it was all too easy, really. If Briggs had taken another hundred pages or so to really dig into the premise and the hunt for the Big Bad, maybe that would've worked (but that'd make the book super-sized by her standards).
I just wanted more, I guess. It was fun enough to justify the time and I'll be back for more—but I expect more from Briggs. I do think long-time fans will enjoy Soul Taken—and despite what it might sound like, I did—but it will leave you wanting.
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LibraryThing member jshillingford
I absolutely loved this story! It easily jumped to my top 5 favorites of the Mercy series.
An evil artifact (sickle not scythe, please) is using a host to kill marginally magical people. There's a new movie about it. Tilly really wants it. Zee really wants it. Larry really doesn't want Zee to have
The other reason I loved it - Wulfe. I love the stories that involve the local vampire seethe because of her complicated relationship with Stefan. And the delightfully creepy, scary and somehow sympathetic Wulfe. He is central to this tale, and we get some of his history and Stefan's as well. (And find out who Sherwood is!)
This has fantastic character development, exciting action sequences and a whole lot of revelations. Five star read all the way.
An evil artifact (sickle not scythe, please) is using a host to kill marginally magical people. There's a new movie about it. Tilly really wants it. Zee really wants it. Larry really doesn't want Zee to have
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it. And the Pack has internal issues to deal with and so didn't need this mess also! The main reason I enjoyed this so much is because Mercy has more agency. She has always been an independent character, but it seems as though a lot of recent Big Bads have been so powerful that she was reduced to hostage or punching bag to be saved by Adam. She does get hurt and take some lumps in this book, but her power and ingenuity are key to saving the day (and the people she cares about).The other reason I loved it - Wulfe. I love the stories that involve the local vampire seethe because of her complicated relationship with Stefan. And the delightfully creepy, scary and somehow sympathetic Wulfe. He is central to this tale, and we get some of his history and Stefan's as well. (And find out who Sherwood is!)
This has fantastic character development, exciting action sequences and a whole lot of revelations. Five star read all the way.
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LibraryThing member quondame
An ancient evil artifact, an ancient werewolf, a nasty mix of pretty old vampires, with ancient fae not to be neglected makes a pretty heady mixture for a fast moving adventure in which Mercy takes a pretty constant beating but keeps on beating back.
LibraryThing member amberwitch
A new entry in the mercyverse, this one is taking place at halloween, and is about a magical sickle that harvest souls.
The usual drama ensues, leading to Mercy saving the day in yet another dramatic showdown with a recurring villain.
A fine entry in a long running series, I appreciate that the plot
The usual drama ensues, leading to Mercy saving the day in yet another dramatic showdown with a recurring villain.
A fine entry in a long running series, I appreciate that the plot
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of the most recent books no longer seems to center around Mercy ending up as a punching bag for all sorts of evil-doers. Show Less
LibraryThing member AngelaJMaher
It always amazes me how each book in the series brings in so much more to the story. Being the 13th book, there is by necessity quite a few references to past events. Once or twice I found this slowed the pace but I know it was necessary reminders for the sake of knowing what was going on in this
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one. Absorbing as always. Show Less
LibraryThing member Glennis.LeBlanc
review to come
Things never stay quiet for long for Mercy and Adam. Wulfe has gone missing and Marsilia has charged them with finding him or there will be no peace between them. Of could Wulfe has been a pain to Mercy so no one is thrilled to have to find him. They then meet with their local allies
Digital review copy provided by the publisher through Edelweiss
Things never stay quiet for long for Mercy and Adam. Wulfe has gone missing and Marsilia has charged them with finding him or there will be no peace between them. Of could Wulfe has been a pain to Mercy so no one is thrilled to have to find him. They then meet with their local allies
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to work on the problem. We also finally find out just who Sherwood Post is and a lot of wolves are going to lose their bets on that. There is also human drama as well but things wok out in the end and I can’t wait to see the next book. Digital review copy provided by the publisher through Edelweiss
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LibraryThing member lyrrael
Goddamnit, Patty! Every year you come out with one of these and every year you leave a little hook at the end of the story that leaves me desperate for the next one, and now I have another year to wait.
LibraryThing member reading_fox
This seems to be the current end of the Mercy series which is hard to comprehend. It's not a particularly dramatic or climactic finale, but certainly rachets the tension and danger up for a while, and is much better than a few of the mid-series books.
Set around halloween, all is more or less ok
Set around halloween, all is more or less ok
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with the pack, recovering from the drama of the previous witch-based dramas. The most pressing need seems to be the dominance struggle with the newly absorbed Sherwood, who's memory as an old and powerful wolf appears to be returning. In the midst of this discussion a damaged Marsella appears and demands that the pack find her Wolfe. Shortly afterwards news reaches them of human deaths marked by wounds caused by a sickle - the latest film having a nemesis of the Soul taker bearing such a weapon, and indeed based on a local legend of events 40 years ago. Show Less
LibraryThing member MiserableFlower
I'm really not a fan of the recent trend to write in multiple povs and with nonlinear time hops, it doesn't feel right that this wasn't a trend until books 10 and 13...
LibraryThing member Cathery
Sometimes I don't read one of these for a long time and I start thinking they're too real, too gritty, too bloody; and then I read a new one, or I re-read one, and I breathe through my level 2 catharsis (I save 1 for the rare few that leave me actually dizzy) and I think, with satisfaction: *Yes.
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Book.* Show Less
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2022-08-23
Physical description
9 inches
ISBN
0440001617 / 9780440001614
Local notes
Wulfe is missing. Mercy goes out to find her stalker—and discovers more have disappeared. Someone is taking people from locked rooms, from the aisles of stores, and even from crowded parties. And these are not just ordinary people but supernatural beings. Until Wulfe vanished, all of them were powerless loners, many of whom quietly moved to the Tri-Cities in the hope that the safety promised by Mercy and Adam’s pack would extend to them as well.