saradavcamp's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it! I'm completely in love with the world that she's writing about! I couldn't ask for better characters or a more interesting read.
skeletonka's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
And here I am again. Peak urban fantasy. I just love this so much.
glitterbomb47's review against another edition
4.0
This is a true rarity - a series that gets better as it goes on. I enjoyed this book more than the previous two. The characters are complex and Briggs' version of the supernatural world is very complete and far more believable than most other fantasy novels I've read (yes, Charlaine Harris, I'm looking at you).
jlanewalker's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
riiiclark's review against another edition
2.0
I liked it until the SA. I don’t know that would’ve read this book if I knew what the last 20% included.
meghuff's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Iron Kissed
4 Stars
The world building focuses on the fae and provides some fascinating background and explanations on the various subtypes including the Grey Lords, the Selkie and the Carrion Crow. The amalgamation of myth and fairytale within the storyline is seamless and engaging.
The murder mystery is a weak point. Although the idea of a serial killer targeting the fae has potential, the investigation is subsumed within so many other events and details that it all but disappears as does the underlying anti-racist message. Moreover, the resolution is completely overshadowed by the killer's attack on Mercy.
Speaking of which, is completely unnecessary either to the storyline or the character development. In fact, having Mercy humiliated in this way only serves to undermine her characterization as a strong-willed, independent and kick-ass heroine. It can be argued that the emotional impact of the event strengthens Mercy's relationship with both the pack and the men in her life, but surely there is a better way of achieving these without undercutting the heroine. Thankfully, the last chapter of the book suggests that she is on the road to recovery and somewhat mitigates the harm done.
This situation, together with the lack of positively portrayed female characters in the series, is beginning to lead me to the unfortunate conclusion that Brigg's doesn't seem to like women very much. I hope that the next books will prove me wrong.
On a happier note, the love triangle subplot finally comes to an end when Mercy makes a choice between Adam and Samuel. Her ultimate decision is based both on logical reasoning and emotional investment and is, I believe, the correct choice for her.
All in all, despite my issues with the questionable plot device in this installment, the Mercy Thompson series is well written and entertaining, and I have to admit that the scene between Ben and Adam had me tearing up. Looking forward to what happens in Bone Crossed.
4 Stars
The world building focuses on the fae and provides some fascinating background and explanations on the various subtypes including the Grey Lords, the Selkie and the Carrion Crow. The amalgamation of myth and fairytale within the storyline is seamless and engaging.
The murder mystery is a weak point. Although the idea of a serial killer targeting the fae has potential, the investigation is subsumed within so many other events and details that it all but disappears as does the underlying anti-racist message. Moreover, the resolution is completely overshadowed by the killer's attack on Mercy.
Speaking of which,
Spoiler
the rapeThis situation, together with the lack of positively portrayed female characters in the series, is beginning to lead me to the unfortunate conclusion that Brigg's doesn't seem to like women very much. I hope that the next books will prove me wrong.
On a happier note, the love triangle subplot finally comes to an end when Mercy makes a choice between Adam and Samuel. Her ultimate decision is based both on logical reasoning and emotional investment and is, I believe, the correct choice for her.
All in all, despite my issues with the questionable plot device in this installment, the Mercy Thompson series is well written and entertaining, and I have to admit that the scene between Ben and Adam had me tearing up. Looking forward to what happens in Bone Crossed.
anotherhel's review against another edition
5.0
This book... I remember reading it the first time and just wanting to curl in a corner and cry for weeks. It was that good. Years later it still made me cry.
No more excuses, Mercy. You are mine, and I am keeping you.
bigbear73's review against another edition
4.0
When I read the first Mercy Thompson novel a couple of years ago, I didn’t think I’d continue reading them. It just wasn’t that special. I actually read book 2 because it was the only interesting ebook I could get my hands on when I was on vacation. After Blood Bound, I figured there would be nothing to keep me from finishing the series. Iron Kissed confirms that thought for me.
Mercy Thompson is one of my favorite main characters. She has plenty of flaws, makes plenty of stupid mistakes, isn’t the most powerful character in her world, but still does her best to do ‘good’, and good luck to anyone who gets in her way. This particular story has her getting in over her head several times while trying to help her fae boss, Z.
This book is exceptional on all levels. There is a great mystery (that genuinely surprised me, though I should have seen it coming), some truly terrifying scenes, and HOLY CRAP THE FEELS. The last quarter of the book is difficult? Painful? Basically, I was listening to the last part while mowing the lawn, and I was bawling my eyes out. Its a great book, and I loved it. I walked away loving Mercy, and Adam and his pack and all of Mercy’s friends more than I thought I could have.
But.
The very last line of the book left me scratching my head. I understand the why of it on some level, but it also made it all less ‘real’, and I just know if I agree with it. You wouldn’t think just one line would make that much difference in a book, but in this case, it did. I was ready to rate it 6/5 stars...but I need to go with 4, because reasons. Regardless, though, read it, knowing you’ll be arm wrestling some emotions when it’s over.
Mercy Thompson is one of my favorite main characters. She has plenty of flaws, makes plenty of stupid mistakes, isn’t the most powerful character in her world, but still does her best to do ‘good’, and good luck to anyone who gets in her way. This particular story has her getting in over her head several times while trying to help her fae boss, Z.
This book is exceptional on all levels. There is a great mystery (that genuinely surprised me, though I should have seen it coming), some truly terrifying scenes, and HOLY CRAP THE FEELS. The last quarter of the book is difficult? Painful? Basically, I was listening to the last part while mowing the lawn, and I was bawling my eyes out. Its a great book, and I loved it. I walked away loving Mercy, and Adam and his pack and all of Mercy’s friends more than I thought I could have.
But.
The very last line of the book left me scratching my head. I understand the why of it on some level, but it also made it all less ‘real’, and I just know if I agree with it. You wouldn’t think just one line would make that much difference in a book, but in this case, it did. I was ready to rate it 6/5 stars...but I need to go with 4, because reasons. Regardless, though, read it, knowing you’ll be arm wrestling some emotions when it’s over.