slrdalv's review
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
thechaoshour's review against another edition
5.0
This book really freaked me out. It was kind of scary. Not in a Steven King kind of way but a creepy kind of way. The plot was really cool though and I really enjoyed it. I'm now terrified of going swimming in a river though. No big lose. It was worth reading. This is probably my favorite in the series so far. I just loved everything about it. I was really interested in the plot and how it was going to turn out. Especially because Mercy learns about her shapeshifting and father. This book is different from the others but it still fits in the series. I think a lot of people might not like it because of how different it is but give it a try and keep an open mind!
I liked the new characters in this one too. They were really cool. I still love Adam the most and there was A LOT of him in this book. I was sad that the pack isn't in this one though. It's just Mercy, Adam and some new people they meet while on their honeymoon. It's still a good read though and I really enjoyed it.
I'm nervous to see how long this series is going to be though. Long series aren't always the best. Sometimes you just need to stop writing and leave a little to the imagination. Hopefully it all turns out well!
I liked the new characters in this one too. They were really cool. I still love Adam the most and there was A LOT of him in this book. I was sad that the pack isn't in this one though. It's just Mercy, Adam and some new people they meet while on their honeymoon. It's still a good read though and I really enjoyed it.
I'm nervous to see how long this series is going to be though. Long series aren't always the best. Sometimes you just need to stop writing and leave a little to the imagination. Hopefully it all turns out well!
mariexlupin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
beeboisourgod's review against another edition
2.0
River Marked, it's not you, it's me. Okay, maybe it's a *little* you because this book just... didn't work for me, at all. And maybe two stars seems harsh, it *is* harsh, but the thing is, I rated Bone Crossed 3 stars, and I enjoyed that instalment infinitely more than this one, so it seems only fair in comparison.
I'm disappointed though, really I am. I wanted to like this book, but from the very start it had everything going against it. The surprise wedding, the removal from its regular setting, and in turn the absence of some of our more interesting beloved side characters, not to mention the tiring, overzealous, tensionless and repetitive possessiveness of the Mercy/Adam relationship, which... well don't even get me started. Actually, I already am started so here you go: This instalment features heavily on the romance front, which is something I appreciated the other instalments for NOT doing, but the romance in itself is not necessarily the problem. The problem is how a lot of Mercy's character and Adam's, too, has seemingly become defined by this "romance", throwing out the things that made both it and each other interesting in the first place. No more rebellion on each side, no witty banter, no glimpse into who they are except for who they're with, you know? It feels out of place. I mean, no more back and forth will they won't they at such an early point in the series, well six books isn't really early, but I mean considering the type of setup we had beforehand, especially with say, Stefan in Blood Bound and Bone Crossed (I'm not bitter, do I seem bitter), it feels almost rushed to smush them together once and for all just like that, snap of the fingers, done and done. Even with their in-universe history, it feels somehow off, it feels out of character, it feels... forced, sapping all sexual tension out of the equation despite adding more sex to it. Like, their dynamics are askew from this point on. The second this book starts, Mercy feels like an entirely different person, and not in a good way, defined by her "mate," becoming meek and just as possessive as Adam to the point it becomes less romantic and more worrying, not to mention annoying as all Hell, with the constant "Mines" peppered throughout every other line. Adam, meanwhile, I *used* to like Adam. In the first book, I thought their relationship and the setup for future romance was done well, but ever since, his character has been rapidly deteriorating before my eyes, becoming less "well meaning but overprotective" and more outright controlling out-dated alpha male with no regard for Mercy's own agency or nature... and Mercy is just okay with that, okay with the fact he doesn't trust her to take care of herself in any situation, and it's just such un-Mercy like behaviour to sit down and accept that and not call him out on it or come to compromises on it that I openly cringe at certain parts of this. I can't believe I'm saying this, hypocrite that I am, but I think in this series' case, a love triangle would have actually worked better-not just because I like Stefan better-because it kind of felt like they were setting one up and then just scrapped it, just like that, feels like we're missing a book in between, you know? And I hate love triangles, hate em with a fiery passion, so you know me saying that means something.
So, much like the tension seeped out of their relationship, my motivation to continue this book seeped out of me. While I excitedly tore through the rest of the series up to this point, I lost ALL momentum for River Marked really early on and had to set it down for a long while before forcing myself to finish. I'm still probably going to continue because I'm this far already but... I don't know how I'll feel about it going forward, I was already in neutral territory and it's been slowly falling further down the scale.
Of course, Patricia Briggs *thought* she could win me over by opening (and closing) with my beloved Stefan, but then she immediately sent him away for the entire rest of the book and that just wasn't going to fly with me, you hear me, Miss Briggs? Give me more Stefan, then we'll talk. On that note, I once again find the vampires in this series more interesting than any other aspect, despite not usually caring that much for vampires, so do with that info what you will when looking at my reviews.
I'm disappointed though, really I am. I wanted to like this book, but from the very start it had everything going against it. The surprise wedding, the removal from its regular setting, and in turn the absence of some of our more interesting beloved side characters, not to mention the tiring, overzealous, tensionless and repetitive possessiveness of the Mercy/Adam relationship, which... well don't even get me started. Actually, I already am started so here you go: This instalment features heavily on the romance front, which is something I appreciated the other instalments for NOT doing, but the romance in itself is not necessarily the problem. The problem is how a lot of Mercy's character and Adam's, too, has seemingly become defined by this "romance", throwing out the things that made both it and each other interesting in the first place. No more rebellion on each side, no witty banter, no glimpse into who they are except for who they're with, you know? It feels out of place. I mean, no more back and forth will they won't they at such an early point in the series, well six books isn't really early, but I mean considering the type of setup we had beforehand, especially with say, Stefan in Blood Bound and Bone Crossed (I'm not bitter, do I seem bitter), it feels almost rushed to smush them together once and for all just like that, snap of the fingers, done and done. Even with their in-universe history, it feels somehow off, it feels out of character, it feels... forced, sapping all sexual tension out of the equation despite adding more sex to it. Like, their dynamics are askew from this point on. The second this book starts, Mercy feels like an entirely different person, and not in a good way, defined by her "mate," becoming meek and just as possessive as Adam to the point it becomes less romantic and more worrying, not to mention annoying as all Hell, with the constant "Mines" peppered throughout every other line. Adam, meanwhile, I *used* to like Adam. In the first book, I thought their relationship and the setup for future romance was done well, but ever since, his character has been rapidly deteriorating before my eyes, becoming less "well meaning but overprotective" and more outright controlling out-dated alpha male with no regard for Mercy's own agency or nature... and Mercy is just okay with that, okay with the fact he doesn't trust her to take care of herself in any situation, and it's just such un-Mercy like behaviour to sit down and accept that and not call him out on it or come to compromises on it that I openly cringe at certain parts of this. I can't believe I'm saying this, hypocrite that I am, but I think in this series' case, a love triangle would have actually worked better-
So, much like the tension seeped out of their relationship, my motivation to continue this book seeped out of me. While I excitedly tore through the rest of the series up to this point, I lost ALL momentum for River Marked really early on and had to set it down for a long while before forcing myself to finish. I'm still probably going to continue because I'm this far already but... I don't know how I'll feel about it going forward, I was already in neutral territory and it's been slowly falling further down the scale.
Of course, Patricia Briggs *thought* she could win me over by opening (and closing) with my beloved Stefan, but then she immediately sent him away for the entire rest of the book and that just wasn't going to fly with me, you hear me, Miss Briggs? Give me more Stefan, then we'll talk. On that note, I once again find the vampires in this series more interesting than any other aspect, despite not usually caring that much for vampires, so do with that info what you will when looking at my reviews.
misdawnty's review against another edition
4.0
Still loving this series. Still annoyed by the cover art that doesn't match the books at all.
I'd actually give this 4 1/2 stars if I could. I loved getting to know Mercy's native american background better. And enjoyed the new setting (the whole book took place on their honeymoon along the columbia river by Maryhill.) But I was kinda sad that the pack and many main characters from the other books took a back seat in this book. I missed them!
Looking forward to more books about Mercy for sure! Too bad the next one is at least 2 years away. I might have to check out her Alpha and Omega series while I wait.
I'd actually give this 4 1/2 stars if I could. I loved getting to know Mercy's native american background better. And enjoyed the new setting (the whole book took place on their honeymoon along the columbia river by Maryhill.) But I was kinda sad that the pack and many main characters from the other books took a back seat in this book. I missed them!
Looking forward to more books about Mercy for sure! Too bad the next one is at least 2 years away. I might have to check out her Alpha and Omega series while I wait.
vivi9's review against another edition
1.0
Wow I have read a lot of worse books this year, but this gets one star just based on the severity of a reading slump it has put me in.
lalabristow's review against another edition
5.0
Quickie Review!
*SPOILER FREE
The Good: Finally the Adam & Mercy book we have all been waiting for! It was awesome to find out so much more about Mercy’s heritage and we finally get to see more walkers.
The Bad: The whole book takes place away from the Tri-Cities area, so i totally missed Warren, Kyle, Jess, Stefan and all the gang.
The Romance: AMAZING! So much Adam & Mercy goodness!
*SPOILER FREE
The Good: Finally the Adam & Mercy book we have all been waiting for! It was awesome to find out so much more about Mercy’s heritage and we finally get to see more walkers.
The Bad: The whole book takes place away from the Tri-Cities area, so i totally missed Warren, Kyle, Jess, Stefan and all the gang.
The Romance: AMAZING! So much Adam & Mercy goodness!
elliasjh's review against another edition
4.0
Least favorite of them all. Still slaps though.
3.5 STARS
3.5 STARS