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jessereadsthings's review
adventurous
fast-paced
2.0
Has hints of the fun world and characters found later in the series. However, overall this first book in the series is just not good.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Racism, Sexual assault, Torture, Xenophobia, Kidnapping, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
thesigilwitch's review
adventurous
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Moon Called is the first book in the Mercedes "Mercy" Thompson series. Mercedes is a Volkswagen mechanic but we learn quickly that's far from the most interesting thing about her, she's a Walker, a coyote shapeshifter, maybe even the only one left. She isn't the only preternatural creature running around the tri-cities though and the reader is introduced to Werewolves, Vampires and the Fae, living in various states of 'outness' with the humans. In book 1 we're introduced to Mercy's neighbor, the local werewolf packs Alpha, Adam Hauptman, he's handsome if not meddlesome and when he and his daughter are kidnapped Mercy is prepared to do anything to bring them home safely.
This is not the most unique or exciting Urban Fantasy but it's good, really good. I love this series and am always excited to come back and re-read it. I've read (well listened) twice this year so far and immediately started book 2 Blood Bound. What I like about Mercy is that she feels like someone you could meet in real life, out and about during your normal routine. She's strong and independent but she also knows when she's in over her head and when to call on the great support system she has. Adam is domineering but also caring, he epitomizes the stereotype of "touch her and die". The other supporting characters; Warren, Ben, Zee, Mac, Kyle all bring their own quirks to the story and each becomes an important part of Mercys life/story. This book is a bit slower paced than what I would consider the average for the series and does fall into the trap of giving a lot of details on a lot of things because it's setting you up for the rest of the unfolding story. There's occasional on page spice but it's not graphic and not a main part of the plot, the author is definitely focused on the emotional relationships of the characters. Personally I would recommend this series as a whole to anyone that enjoys Urban Fantasy and/or Paranormal Romance, especially if you're looking for a large universe to discover with multiple series and supporting short stories.
Content Warnings
Minor: Xenophobia and Kidnapping
booksthatburn's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Mercy is half Native American, and a walker, she transforms into a coyote and was partly raised by a werewolf pack. This puts her in an odd position relative to the werewolves, as she’s somewhat entangled in their hierarchy but isn’t trying to be part of it.
As the first book in the series, MOON CALLED establishes the presence of various supernatural factions such as werewolves, vampires, witches, fey, and Native American people like Mercy. It focuses on the current precarious position in which the werewolves find themselves; many of the lesser fae came out in a controlled manner several years ago, but the werewolves are an open secret in military circles. This sets up those groups and some of the relationships between them, including between Adam’s pack and the Marrok’s pack in the mountains. It also establishes Mercy’s history with Sam and her current position relative to Adam (living nearby and taking joy in simple pleasures, like annoying him with the car in her yard).
The plot revolves around a strange werewolf who shows up in town and then is attacked in Mercy’s presence, setting off a string of conflicts which involve kidnappings and an elaborate plan. It has some twists and turns but is pretty easy to follow. The meeting with the vampires has always felt a bit out of place in this story, but it’s serving to set up some things that’ll come into play later on. It’s a solid story with a lot of ground to cover, and it does it well. MOON CALLED is a great start to the series.
As the first book in the series, MOON CALLED establishes the presence of various supernatural factions such as werewolves, vampires, witches, fey, and Native American people like Mercy. It focuses on the current precarious position in which the werewolves find themselves; many of the lesser fae came out in a controlled manner several years ago, but the werewolves are an open secret in military circles. This sets up those groups and some of the relationships between them, including between Adam’s pack and the Marrok’s pack in the mountains. It also establishes Mercy’s history with Sam and her current position relative to Adam (living nearby and taking joy in simple pleasures, like annoying him with the car in her yard).
The plot revolves around a strange werewolf who shows up in town and then is attacked in Mercy’s presence, setting off a string of conflicts which involve kidnappings and an elaborate plan. It has some twists and turns but is pretty easy to follow. The meeting with the vampires has always felt a bit out of place in this story, but it’s serving to set up some things that’ll come into play later on. It’s a solid story with a lot of ground to cover, and it does it well. MOON CALLED is a great start to the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Child abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Xenophobia, and Murder
Minor: Ableism, Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Child death, Confinement, Miscarriage, Rape, Suicide, Terminal illness, Vomit, Death of parent, and War