Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs
Series: Mercy Thompson #3
Published by ACE
Published on: January 2, 2008
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Werewolves
Pages: 304
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
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I could smell her fear, and it satisfied something deep inside me that had been writhing under her cool, superior gaze. I curled my upper lip so she could get a good look at my sharp teeth. I might only weigh thirty or so pounds in my coyote shape, but I was a predator...
Mechanic Mercy Thompson can shift her shape - but not her loyalty. When her former boss and mentor is arrested for murder and left to rot behind bars by his own kind, it's up to Mercy to clear his name, whether he wants her to or not.
Mercy's loyalty is under pressure from other directions, too. Werewolves are not known for their patience, and if Mercy can't decide between the two she cares for, Sam and Adam may make the choice for her...
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I’ve read many raving reviews for this series but had yet to write one myself; well, all that’s about to change with Iron Kissed. Briggs kicks things into high gear in this installment by delving deeper into her Fae mythology, resolving the love triangle in a very satisfying way and filling every space in-between with endless action. This book is your one-stop shop for pure awesomeness.
I’m not a huge fan of love triangles, especially ones that drag on and on for countless installments but the one featured in this series is brief (only three books) and Mercy’s reasons for being torn between two men are genuine and legitimate. I’ve been in Adam’s corner since the get-go however; my opinion of Sam definitely did change for the better after reading this novel. The ending was my favourite part about this story; it’s one hell of a tease and will have you one-click buying Bone Crossed seconds after you finish this third installment.
After exploring werewolves in the first book and vampires in the second, Briggs shines her spotlight on the Fae in this novel. Generally speaking, faeries are one of the more complex supernaturals in paranormal fiction. Their mythology is so vast that a talented author can really use that to their advantage by incorporating some very unique elements into their world-building. Briggs not only ceases that opportunity but actually uses it to its full potential. The main plot of this story revolves around the Fae, so that combined with the usual werewolf drama pretty much guarantees that you’ll finish this book in one sitting. And yes, in case you’re wondering, the is a showdown between the wolves and the faeries, and it is spectacular!
The very sensitive topic of rape is brought up in this installment; my knee-jerk reaction was “oh, no!” because, like most female readers, it’s not a subject that I enjoy coming across in my fantasy worlds. Usually when this taboo issue does rear its ugly little head I automatically disconnect from the story. I don’t care if the heroine is a survivor or if she gets her revenge and chops the bastard’s man-bits off; I simply don’t want this harsh reality intruding on my “me time”. Ever. I have to hand it to Briggs though, she’s one of the few authors I’ve come across who not only raises this sensitive topic but actually writes a better book because of it. I was impressed by her willingness to take risks and even more so by her ability to turn a negative into a positive.
Mercy Thompson may have had to wait 3 books before earning 5-stars from this reviewer but, I suspect, she will be keeping them for many future installments to come. I highly recommend Iron Kissed.
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
This series is just awesome writing, I loooove this series! Have a great weekend 🙂
I need to get caught-up before the next one! Thanks, you too. 🙂
This is one of my favorite series if not THE favorite series. I love this world. Seriously. And this particular installment was heart-wrenching.
It was indeed heart-wrenching but also the best installment yet!
Wait. You gave book 2 5 stars….
It’s been a couple of years since I started this series. Help me out. Looking at the new cover this week for the upcoming book, Night Broken has me wondering. Does Mercy really have all those tattoos? I only remember the paw one mentioned in the books.
Haha, I did. Oops. LOL
I’m only aware of the one tattoo as well…
I looked this up a while ago – Mercy only actually has three tattoos: the coyote paw print, and the a celtic knot design on each bicep.
I had the same reaction to the rape as you did. Briggs did do an amazing job with it though. I still wasn’t comfortable with it but I didn’t put the book down like I usually would.
I never like reading about rape. Ever. I’m glad that Briggs made a sensitive topic more manageable.
Great review Carmel, I too loved this book and now you make me want to reread it.
Thanks! Just what you need, a re-read. 😉
I love this series – It was one of my first UF series – and this is by far one of my favorites. You’re so right that Briggs uses the Fae to their full potential and her handling of the rape was really excellent. Awesome review!
I cried when I read this. But she did it well and the aftermath even better