That's What I'm Talking About

After only three books, the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs has worked its way into my heart and is now one of my top must read UF series. It's just that good.

Iron Kissed begins only a month or so after Mercy's run in with the vampires in Blood Bound. Mercy is feeling pressure to choose between Adam, the local werewolf pack alpha who has claimed her, and Sam, once the love of her life when she was a teenager living among werewolves. Mercy finds an easy distraction from the two males by helping her friend and mentor, Zee, a powerful fae. Mercy is tasked to find a killer on the fae reservation, but in doing so, she puts Zee in the line of fire of both his own kind and the human police. Of course, Mercy cannot leave Zee wrongly accused in jail, so she investigates the murder against the wishes of both the fae and wolves. Unfortunately, that puts Mercy in danger and potentially in the middle of a war between the fae and werewolves.

Like the previous two novels, I found it near impossible to put down my Kindle while reading about Mercy in Iron Kissed. The storyline is utterly engrossing, with just enough twists to keep me from knowing exactly what's happening until the end. With the story unfolding from Mercy's first person point-of-view, the reader is treated to solving the mystery through the eyes of a strong, astute character. I love how Mercy's mind works, and it is a joy reading her put all the pieces together. 

I also enjoy how Mercy's tenacity and intelligence earns her respect, and even friends, among those who might otherwise be enemies. We saw it first with some of Adam's wolves, then the vampires, and now some powerful fae. I love that she won't back down when it comes to protecting her friends, even if it is at the cost of her own life. She knows she's not overly strong and has is not much more than a human, but she won't let it stop her.

That's why when something so awful happens to Mercy near the climax of Iron Kissed which causes complete doubt in herself, I was emotionally ripped open. The author does an amazing job detailing not the gruesomeness of the act, but rather the emotional ramifications and outfall of the act. I was brought to tears more than once when different characters had their say about what happened to Mercy. But it is Mercy's own fears and doubts that hit the hardest.

The supporting characters are amazing. I find that with each book, there are more and more characters I enjoy. And the personal growth of these "side characters" creates a well-balance cast to share the stage with Mercy. It's wonderful that each character does some growing and adjusting along with Mercy, so that no one is left behind.

All in all, Iron Kissed is an amazing story with an ideal mix of energetic action, engaging plotlines, and emotional punch. While one could probably read it as a stand alone story, I strong encourage you to begin the series with the first book, Moon Called. I promise you will not be disappointed!

My Rating: A+, personal favorite