When her former boss and mentor is arrested for murder and left to rot behind bars by his own kind, it's up to shapeshifting car mechanic Mercy Thompson to clear his name, whether he wants her to or not. And she'll have to choose between the two werewolves in her life-whether she wants to or not.
Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson, Book 3) (Mercedes Thompson)
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Shape-shifter Mercy Thompson has a complex life, juggling two werewolf lovers and a job working for a fae mechanic; things get even more hectic when her boss and mentor is arrested for killing a citizen of the fae reservation. As the fae seem content to let him rot, Thompson takes it on herself to clear her friend's name, beginning a lone-wolf investigation that may cost her life. Briggs's third novel featuring Thompson (after Blood Bound) is another top-notch paranormal mystery; her well-balanced contemporary world, where humans live uneasily among werewolves and fae, is still a believably lived-in world; the ever-present threat of government legislation against nonhumans (though familiar to X-Men fans) adds weight to her paranormal elements, and thoughtfully researched mythology adds rich detail. Thompson is a sharp, strong heroine and her lycanthropic love triangle is honest and steamy. Briggs never shies from difficult material, and she moves effortlessly from werewolf pack psychology to human legal proceedings, making this a tense, nimble, crowd-pleasing page-turner. (Jan.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
"In the increasingly crowded field of kick-ass supernatural heroines, Mercy stands out as one of the best." -- Locus
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More About the Author
Patricia Briggs is the author of the New York Times bestselling Mercy Thompson urban fantasy series. She lives in Washington state with her husband, children, and a small herd of horses.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
111 of 116 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
In this latest installment Mercy is thrust directly into fae affairs as she struggles to clear Zee of murder. Someone has been stealing fae relics and killing those who owned them-a transgression that not even the Gray Lords will stand for. Someone will have to pay the price and that means Mercy and Zee might end up being the fall guys.
It is not necessarily the plot line that attracts readers to this series but the tenuous relationships between the characters. It strongly conjures up similarities to Moning's "Fever" series and Hamilton's "Meredith Gentry" series with one striking difference; while Moning might take us to the front lines of the fae/mortal battle, Brigg's provides only an intoxicating glimpse, concentrating her creative talents on character development.
But that shouldn't discourage readers-this is where Brigg's strength lies. But there is a tone of seriousness to this story not present in earlier novels and fans might be taken aback. For those who have read Kim Harrison's series-remember Rachel and Kisten? Well the tone is just as serious because this 3rd book is the catalyst, and important decisions and events occur.
Mercy finally chooses between Samuel and Adam. Mercy, Adam, Samuel, Ben, Zee and pack politics are fleshed out enough to both satisfy and leave readers clamoring for more. Briggs also touches on a seriously traumatic event that Mercy experiences, and handles it both in a sensitive and cautious way. This event, and the subsequent actions of her characters lend a permanence that will stay long in readers minds.
Brigg's has proven she can stand with the best writers of supe fiction. Mercedes Thompson is just as enigmatic and strong has Armintrout's Carrie Ames, Armstrong's Elena Michaels, and Moning's Mackayla Lane. After waiting a while for this third novel to come out, I was deeply satisfied with the outcome-read it twice in one day though the ending seemed somewhat incomplete-perhaps a ploy to keep us wanting more-at least it worked for me. It delivers on many levels and I can't wait for the next one. Kudos!Copyright(c)Nicola Mattos
It is not necessarily the plot line that attracts readers to this series but the tenuous relationships between the characters. It strongly conjures up similarities to Moning's "Fever" series and Hamilton's "Meredith Gentry" series with one striking difference; while Moning might take us to the front lines of the fae/mortal battle, Brigg's provides only an intoxicating glimpse, concentrating her creative talents on character development.
But that shouldn't discourage readers-this is where Brigg's strength lies. But there is a tone of seriousness to this story not present in earlier novels and fans might be taken aback. For those who have read Kim Harrison's series-remember Rachel and Kisten? Well the tone is just as serious because this 3rd book is the catalyst, and important decisions and events occur.
Mercy finally chooses between Samuel and Adam. Mercy, Adam, Samuel, Ben, Zee and pack politics are fleshed out enough to both satisfy and leave readers clamoring for more. Briggs also touches on a seriously traumatic event that Mercy experiences, and handles it both in a sensitive and cautious way. This event, and the subsequent actions of her characters lend a permanence that will stay long in readers minds.
Brigg's has proven she can stand with the best writers of supe fiction. Mercedes Thompson is just as enigmatic and strong has Armintrout's Carrie Ames, Armstrong's Elena Michaels, and Moning's Mackayla Lane. After waiting a while for this third novel to come out, I was deeply satisfied with the outcome-read it twice in one day though the ending seemed somewhat incomplete-perhaps a ploy to keep us wanting more-at least it worked for me. It delivers on many levels and I can't wait for the next one. Kudos!Copyright(c)Nicola Mattos
73 of 76 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Someone's killing fae on the Umatilla Reservation. Mercy (Mercedes) Thompson gets called in by her mentor, Zee, to help see if she can scent out the killer. She's a skinwalker, possibly the only one in existence, and her sense of smell could provide the fae with information to solve the case.
While she's investigating, she also discovers a secret and now she understands far better why the fae were so willing to have permitted themselves to be locked up on reservations. Unfortunately, the rulers of the fae, the Gray Lords, know she knows and that could pose a problem since they keep their secrets close.
Very shortly after, a reservation guard is savagely murdered. Zee is the prime suspect, literally caught red handed while the guard's blood is cooling. Zee goes to jail and refuses to speak a word in his defense despite Mercy hiring the best criminal defense lawyer she can for him.
Despite warnings from the fae, Mercy takes the case. In order to find the killer, she's going to have to use more than just her nose.
Mercy Thompson novels are some of the best serial fiction in urban fantasy. Patricia Briggs excels at character development and not rushing relationships or even growth on her people. Her characters are also good at staying in character.
The mystery in this plot is almost as good as the fantasy. Ms. Briggs has a talent for dramatic writing and she can sink a barb deeper than a mad porcupine. She also did keep me guessing until very near the end of the novel, which is not that common even for hardcore mystery writers.
What is most interesting about Briggs' writing is her worldbuilding. What happens to the world when the supernaturals come out? Many authors have posited an alternative world with this type of scenario. In many ways, I think Patricia Briggs' guess is one of the most interesting and accurate. And as the old saw goes, "those who do not study history are destined to repeat it." Well, those who do study history will strongly recognize the common patterns from Ms. Briggs' books to our history, particularly reservations and the level of hate group activity.
Mercy Thompson Books in Order:
Moon Called (Book 1)
Blood Bound (Book 2)
Iron Kissed (Book 3)
While she's investigating, she also discovers a secret and now she understands far better why the fae were so willing to have permitted themselves to be locked up on reservations. Unfortunately, the rulers of the fae, the Gray Lords, know she knows and that could pose a problem since they keep their secrets close.
Very shortly after, a reservation guard is savagely murdered. Zee is the prime suspect, literally caught red handed while the guard's blood is cooling. Zee goes to jail and refuses to speak a word in his defense despite Mercy hiring the best criminal defense lawyer she can for him.
Despite warnings from the fae, Mercy takes the case. In order to find the killer, she's going to have to use more than just her nose.
Mercy Thompson novels are some of the best serial fiction in urban fantasy. Patricia Briggs excels at character development and not rushing relationships or even growth on her people. Her characters are also good at staying in character.
The mystery in this plot is almost as good as the fantasy. Ms. Briggs has a talent for dramatic writing and she can sink a barb deeper than a mad porcupine. She also did keep me guessing until very near the end of the novel, which is not that common even for hardcore mystery writers.
What is most interesting about Briggs' writing is her worldbuilding. What happens to the world when the supernaturals come out? Many authors have posited an alternative world with this type of scenario. In many ways, I think Patricia Briggs' guess is one of the most interesting and accurate. And as the old saw goes, "those who do not study history are destined to repeat it." Well, those who do study history will strongly recognize the common patterns from Ms. Briggs' books to our history, particularly reservations and the level of hate group activity.
Mercy Thompson Books in Order:
Moon Called (Book 1)
Blood Bound (Book 2)
Iron Kissed (Book 3)
87 of 92 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I read a review here that said the ending was bittersweet. I am a romance novel reader first and foremost and almost always require a satisfying (read happy) ending to my books and I felt that Iron Kissed delivered on that regard.
I won't provide a summary because I think other reviews and the blurb does a good job. This book, more than the previous two, is packed with emotion, mystery, romance, and fantasy providing a full bodied read for the urban fantasy fan. Mercy is at a crossroads in her relationships with the two men in her life, Samuel and Adam Hauptman. Both are alpha werewolves although Samuel has no pack and Adam is the alpha of Tri Cities werewolf pack. Mercy must decide which one she loves more because Adam has declared his feelings for her and her lack of definitive response is weakening the clan.
When her mechanic mentor, Siebold Adelbertsmiter aka Zee, calls upon her to repay a favor to the Fae, she is grateful for the distraction. There have been several unsolved murders on the Fae reservation and the magic which the fae can call on without incurring the wrath of the Grey Lords has been insufficient in finding the perpetrator. Mercy is called in to use her nose to see if she can find an identifying scent of the murderer.
She does and completes her task only to receive a call that Zee has been accused of murder himself. Zee is a surrogate father figure for Mercy and it spurs her into finding out who is the real murderer. This investigation triggers a whole set of terrible consequences for Mercy.
Mercy eventually figures out who did the killing but not before something tragic (and I know this is an overused word but it is totally appropriate here) befalls her. In order for her to move on, she must come to terms emotionally and physically with this tragedy. The way in which this tragedy was worked into the story was organic to the mystery. I never felt manipulated.
As a reader of primarily romance, this hit all the right buttons for me. There is a depth of emotion in this book not often found in the urban fantasy trope. Many times urban fantasy is compelling for external motivations: world building, mystery, action. The last third of this story, though, was truly emotional. I was moved to tears at Mercy's struggle with the aftermath of her tragedy and grateful for her eventual triumph.
The love triangle was resolved beautifully and not in a way that I saw coming. I generally hate love triangles, particularly when the author is skilled in making me believe that both are good choices. Samuel and Adam are both decent, honorable men. They also both have their overbearing negatives. I was torn going into the story about which Mercy should choose and while I wanted her to choose someone, I wasn't sure which one and when. The way in which the triangle was resolved was subtle and satisfying. I felt <em>good</em> when I read how the triangle concluded.
If readers haven't picked up a Mercy Thompson book, I think they could start with Iron Kissed although I am sure reading one will spur the desire to read the previous two in the series. It's definitely a series I recommend to romance readers, particularly those that enjoy strong fantasy elements.
I hesitate to give out perfect grades, but I've read this book three times since I received it and each time was transportative. I don't know that it was a perfectly crafted book but it was perfect for me.
Just a note to clarify some speculation that this is the end of the Mercy Thompson series. It is not. Patricia Briggs is contracted for 4 more Mercy Thompson books and has started book 4.
I won't provide a summary because I think other reviews and the blurb does a good job. This book, more than the previous two, is packed with emotion, mystery, romance, and fantasy providing a full bodied read for the urban fantasy fan. Mercy is at a crossroads in her relationships with the two men in her life, Samuel and Adam Hauptman. Both are alpha werewolves although Samuel has no pack and Adam is the alpha of Tri Cities werewolf pack. Mercy must decide which one she loves more because Adam has declared his feelings for her and her lack of definitive response is weakening the clan.
When her mechanic mentor, Siebold Adelbertsmiter aka Zee, calls upon her to repay a favor to the Fae, she is grateful for the distraction. There have been several unsolved murders on the Fae reservation and the magic which the fae can call on without incurring the wrath of the Grey Lords has been insufficient in finding the perpetrator. Mercy is called in to use her nose to see if she can find an identifying scent of the murderer.
She does and completes her task only to receive a call that Zee has been accused of murder himself. Zee is a surrogate father figure for Mercy and it spurs her into finding out who is the real murderer. This investigation triggers a whole set of terrible consequences for Mercy.
Mercy eventually figures out who did the killing but not before something tragic (and I know this is an overused word but it is totally appropriate here) befalls her. In order for her to move on, she must come to terms emotionally and physically with this tragedy. The way in which this tragedy was worked into the story was organic to the mystery. I never felt manipulated.
As a reader of primarily romance, this hit all the right buttons for me. There is a depth of emotion in this book not often found in the urban fantasy trope. Many times urban fantasy is compelling for external motivations: world building, mystery, action. The last third of this story, though, was truly emotional. I was moved to tears at Mercy's struggle with the aftermath of her tragedy and grateful for her eventual triumph.
The love triangle was resolved beautifully and not in a way that I saw coming. I generally hate love triangles, particularly when the author is skilled in making me believe that both are good choices. Samuel and Adam are both decent, honorable men. They also both have their overbearing negatives. I was torn going into the story about which Mercy should choose and while I wanted her to choose someone, I wasn't sure which one and when. The way in which the triangle was resolved was subtle and satisfying. I felt <em>good</em> when I read how the triangle concluded.
If readers haven't picked up a Mercy Thompson book, I think they could start with Iron Kissed although I am sure reading one will spur the desire to read the previous two in the series. It's definitely a series I recommend to romance readers, particularly those that enjoy strong fantasy elements.
I hesitate to give out perfect grades, but I've read this book three times since I received it and each time was transportative. I don't know that it was a perfectly crafted book but it was perfect for me.
Just a note to clarify some speculation that this is the end of the Mercy Thompson series. It is not. Patricia Briggs is contracted for 4 more Mercy Thompson books and has started book 4.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Friends are important
Mercys old boss asked for help and Mercy does what she can. How ever he also ends up on trouble and Mercy need to try and help even if he doesn't want it. Read more
Published 6 days ago by Little wolf imp
5.0 out of 5 stars
SHOCKING AND WONDERFUL
IRON KISSES WILL KEEP YOU ON YOUR SEAT, KEEP YOU GUESSING AND SHOCK AND THRILL YOU, ANOTHER GREAT BOOK, BY A VERY TALENTED AUTHOR.
Published 8 days ago by Brien Cranford
5.0 out of 5 stars
Seriously intense!
I love all these characters. Mercy is a strong and brave woman. I am glad she has both men in her life that love her and that she loves! Read more
Published 14 days ago by Gina Webb
5.0 out of 5 stars
LOVE IT
I am a huge fan of this series. I love reading almost anything to do with vampires. The author is amazing!
These books are very entrancing. Read more
These books are very entrancing. Read more
Published 25 days ago by Lorraine Pezzella
4.0 out of 5 stars
Strong plot, but...
I'll start by saying that I enjoyed the plot, I liked the mystery, learning more about the fae and definitely seeing more Adam and Samuel. Read more
Published 26 days ago by Nic
4.0 out of 5 stars
Continuing saga, good reading.
I enjoy these books and really like the main characters. The author has a vivid imagination and makes her characters dimensional and interesting. Read more
Published 27 days ago by Rusty111
5.0 out of 5 stars
great series
Have read the entire series almost by now. I'm on the last one. Better than the sookie stackhouse series. Hopefully they make a show out of this.
Published 27 days ago by James F. Vanderwall
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love it!
Always thrilled with Patricia Brigg's Mercy Thompson series..... <3 I actually cried for her and Adam at the end... I can't remember the last time a romance novel made me cry!
Published 29 days ago by Restless
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great read.
This book was as well written and entertaining as the other books in the series. I have thoroughly enjoyed each one and can't wait to start the next in the series.
Published 1 month ago by J. Yarborough
5.0 out of 5 stars
Always a good read
I love Patricia Brigg's Mercedes Thompson so much I bought it all on Kindle, even though I own it all in paperback or hardcover already. Read more
Published 1 month ago by PepsiJedi
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