Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs
Series: Mercy Thompson #5
Published by ACE
Published on: February 25, 2010
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Werewolves
Pages: 351
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
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When Mercy Thompson, mechanic and shape-shifter, attempts to return a powerful fae book she previously borrowed in an act of desperation, she finds the bookstore locked up and closed down.
It seems the book contains secrets -- and the fae will do just about anything to keep it out of the wrong hands. And if that doesn't take enough of Mercy's attention, her friend Samuel is struggling with his wolf side -- leaving Mercy to cover for him lest his own father declare Samuel's life forfeit.
All in all, Mercy has had better days. And if she isn't careful, she may not have many more...
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For the past few installments, Mercy’s been having a rough go at it and things don’t look like they are going to improve anytime soon. I’m relieved that Thompson is still reeling from the after effects of what happened in IRON KISSED because, in my opinion, that’s something that takes time to recover from. However, I think her damaged state is beginning to take away some of the enjoyment that I’d otherwise be getting out of this series. It’s kind of a damned if you do, damned if you don’t type of situation. The sad tone of these books is getting to me and I’m starting to become frustrated with the lack of a resolution on any front. I don’t expect Mercy to get her HEA anytime soon but I would like her and Adam to be ok, or for her life in the pack to stabilize, or just… something to help balance out all of the bad.
Samuel was by far my favourite character in SILVER BORNE; for reasons that I won’t list because of spoilers, he spends most of this novel as a wolf which helped ensure that there were plenty of furry moments in this story’s fae driven plot line. In Briggs’ universe, werewolves’ dual natures actually have two separate identities and the author further differentiates them by having Mercy call his wolf “Sam”. I loved watching Thompson’s upbringing kick-in; she always watches her behaviour around alphas but doubly so in this case because of Samuel’s temporary lack of humanity. His refusal to shift also causes some rather entertaining moments like when a little girl mistakes him for a dog and tries to ride him like a pony. The look on Mercy’s face must have been priceless!
As I mentioned previously, Thompson is still struggling to keep her head above water―between dealing with her personal issues, adjusting to her new mate bond and overcoming the hostility directed at her from the pack―she just can’t seem to get a break. I adore Adam, he made my list of top fictional book boyfriends of 2013, and I think they are well-suited for each other, if only outside forces would quit adding to their problems long enough for them to catch their breath. This is Urban Fantasy, so I don’t expect flowers and chocolate, but how long must we wait for a conflict-free installment? I don’t expect happily-ever-after just happy-for-right-now.
This book’s plot line is as action-packed as ever and I like how the author is constantly switching her focus from one paranormal group to another. It helps keep the story fresh and means that there’s always something new to learn in each novel. The mystery surrounding the book that Mercy loaned transformed this installment into a real page turner but admittedly, I was a little saddened when Gabriel got dragged into the supernatural world. I was really hoping that Thompson would get to retain some normalcy in her life. But, now that both her trailer and her only human friendship have gone up in smoke; I fear that there’s to be no light at the end of the tunnel for Mercy anytime soon.
Patricia Briggs delivers another solid installment with SILVER BORNE; albeit, a little darker than usual. I’m excited to read RIVER MARKED as I suspect that a few new walker secrets are about to be revealed!
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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!
I get completely what you said, but keep reading, things are going to improve. 😉
Great review.
I’ve since read the next 3 books in this series, and you’re right. Things definitely get better from here!
Ouch! I know 3 paws is not bad, but ouch…LOL
Great review, I understand your sentiments, it’s been such long time since I’d read it that I can’t remember my exact feelings, but I know I’ve loved just about every entry, I just love Mercy. I hope you have a way better experience with the next book.
This one was just kinda depressing to be honest; River Marked was much better.
They tend to get a bit meh, I mean still good, but not awesome
Silver Borne was my least favourite.
I looked back to see what I rated this one (I read it a few years ago before blogging) and I only gave it 3 stars as well. And most likely for similar reasons you did. Still an enjoyable read just not my fave.
I love Samuel. For a long time I was torn between him and Adam.
I felt bad giving this one 3 stars so I’m relieved to hear that I’m not the only one.
I’m actually liking Alpha & Omega more. They are a little faster paced.
This is my next book in the series. I really enjoy the series but sometimes they are a little slower than other UF books I read. I like it enough to stick by it and hope Mercy gets a break soon, she’s been through a tough time lately !
Things don’t get much easier for Mercy in the next few books, but the story gets more exciting so it’s a fair trade-off imo.
I thought there was a resolution relationship wise in this book? I recently re-read it. Hmm. River Marked is Adam and Mercy together, sort of .. honeymoon … and yes, more Coyote things 😉
Yes, the ending sets things up for the next book. My review is spoiler-free but I’m less worried about peeps’ comments. Hehe
O do delete my comment if this is too much spoiler.
I’ve been a long time fan of this series. I think I started reading it back when there were only three books out. I loved this book, but then I loved spending time with Sam. Not that I don’t love Samuel, it was just great to see this other side to him. I do see why you could give it three stars (or in this case, paws).
I’ve really enjoyed reliving the series through you as we get close to Night Broken.
I’ve been scrambling to get caught-up in this series in time for Night Broken. 🙂
I can understand some of your problems about the series. I read this one a while ago so I don’t really remember the story but I should re read it maybe. I have book 7 on my TBR pile but I still need to get into it. LOL I just need more time. I hope it will be better with the next one for you.
The next three installments really impressed me compared to this one.
I think Sam saved this book for me (probably because he is one of my 3 favorite characters ) but overall it wasn’t my favorite in the series.
Yes! Thank goodness for Sam!
You won’t like their honeymoon book. It frustrated the eck out of me too!
I’m team Marrok btw… Meaning I call dibs on Bran! LOL