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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
As a paranormal book lover, especially shifter books, this was just...ok. Took a little bit to get into it, got into it, then wavered off and on with this book. I don't think I will continue the series.
Moon Called is a classic in the urban fantasy genre, and I can see why.
Mercy Thompson is able to walk the line of being strong and independent, without that being her only defining character trait. She’s also deeply caring and is shown to have strong platonic bonds, not just those to her love interests.
The world building in this “kitchen sink” universe provides a nice twist too - only some fae are known to humanity, and vampires and werewolves are distinct from one another. The vampire Stephan having a love for Scooby Doo was also a major highlight for me.
But the age of this book does show. Race isn’t delicately handled - Briggs wants to provide diversity, but without careful research or sensitivity readers, there are cringeworthy moments like every non-white character having their race announced as soon as they’re introduced or Mercy’s indigenous side not being given much depth. There’s also some really awkward moments with the plot occurring specifically around Thanksgiving.
I also personally didn’t love the werewolves having an explicitly sexist culture or Mercy supposedly being hated by every female werewolf. There was some biological determinism there that doesn’t really sit right, and the lack of adult female friends for Mercy stands out.
(And the less said about the excuses made for Samuel, the better. The revelation that he basically groomed Mercy threw me out of the story.)
I can see why Moon Called is loved, but it feeling classic 90s/early 2000s UF isn’t always a good thing. The plot is fun and most characters are very interesting, though I’d say go into it knowing how badly some details have aged.
Mercy Thompson is able to walk the line of being strong and independent, without that being her only defining character trait. She’s also deeply caring and is shown to have strong platonic bonds, not just those to her love interests.
The world building in this “kitchen sink” universe provides a nice twist too - only some fae are known to humanity, and vampires and werewolves are distinct from one another. The vampire Stephan having a love for Scooby Doo was also a major highlight for me.
But the age of this book does show. Race isn’t delicately handled - Briggs wants to provide diversity, but without careful research or sensitivity readers, there are cringeworthy moments like every non-white character having their race announced as soon as they’re introduced or Mercy’s indigenous side not being given much depth. There’s also some really awkward moments with the plot occurring specifically around Thanksgiving.
I also personally didn’t love the werewolves having an explicitly sexist culture or Mercy supposedly being hated by every female werewolf. There was some biological determinism there that doesn’t really sit right, and the lack of adult female friends for Mercy stands out.
(And the less said about the excuses made for Samuel, the better. The revelation that he basically groomed Mercy threw me out of the story.)
I can see why Moon Called is loved, but it feeling classic 90s/early 2000s UF isn’t always a good thing. The plot is fun and most characters are very interesting, though I’d say go into it knowing how badly some details have aged.
adventurous
challenging
fast-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
Solid 3/3 book! Rereading the first few and gonna hopefully finish the series this time.
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I knew I would probably love Mercy’s first book, given one of my best friends loves the book and we have similar tastes.
Mercy is sassy, intelligent, and a badass. All things that I love in an fmc. The mystery in this book kept me guessing in the best possible way.
I also loved the world building and the mythology built in this world.
Mercy is sassy, intelligent, and a badass. All things that I love in an fmc. The mystery in this book kept me guessing in the best possible way.
I also loved the world building and the mythology built in this world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Kidnapping, Murder
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Very fun I’m hoping book 2 isn’t nearly as long a wait from Libby!
I had multiple problems with this book but altogether it wasn't that bad. I will at least give the second book a try to see if I continue with the series or not.
fast-paced
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No