Review: Blood Bound (Mercy Thompson #2)

Mechanic Mercy Thompson has friends in low places--and in dark ones. And now she owes one of them a favor. Since she can shapeshift at will, she agrees to as some extra muscle when her vampire friend Stefan goes to deliver a message to another of his kind.

But this new vampires is hardly ordinary--and neither is the demon inside of him...

Blood Bound, by Patricia Briggs, is the second novel in the Mercy Thompson series. Mercy Thompson, a coyote shape-shifter and auto mechanic, has her hands full these days. She was raised in the supernatural. She grew up among werewolves and has vampire and fae acquaintances. She can even see and talk to ghosts and turn into coyote anytime. She's also involved in a love triangle between two dominant werewolves: Alpha wolf Adam and her possessive roommate, Samuel, son of the Marrok (leader of all North American werewolves). Poor Mercy, who finds herself always in their presence.

A new, malevolent sorcerer-turned-vampire is causing death, destruction, and fear among the supernatural community. Mercy agrees to help her vampire friend, Stefan, with a case that is terrorizing the Tri-Cities in the state of Washington. Although her vampire and werewolf companions are much stronger, they realize her special abilities will save the town from further havoc and defeat the demon-possessed sorcerer once and for all. Before she can investigate, she must watch out for the vampires in the community who have their own schemes. This intense story plot where the supernatural lives beside ordinary people is full of suspense, drama, and terror.

I really enjoyed this novel because Mercy Thompson has a very likable personality. She has the tough, girl-next-door look who is independent and smart. She is used to dealing with domineering men throughout her life, and cares about her friends. She lives in an alternate universe where she's an auto-mechanic in the human world, and a coyote shape-shifter with special abilities in the supernatural world. She is well-respected and can be affectionate towards others. I believe Mercy will become display more exceptional qualities later in the series.

The character development and story pacing were very good. The plot was filled with surprising turns and romantic triangle moments. I almost feared for Mercy's life because her friends were captured and imprisoned. She became the strong hero who defied expectations and saved the human and supernatural world from a powerful, destructive force. Readers would like this attribute about Mercy. I definitely enjoyed this novel better than Moon Called. I can't wait to read more novels from Briggs.

Stay tuned to the next novel in the Mercy Thompson series, Iron Kissed.