Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson, Book 3)

Top positive review

So many feelings....

Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2017

This book left me with all kinds of feelings. I have had a hard time getting it out of my head since I finished it hours ago. This was a re-read for me but it has been roughly 6 years since the first time I read this book and it really had a bigger impact on me this time around. I have so much love for this series having read all of the books set in the Mercy world and now working on re-reading them as time allows. This book felt like a really pivotal book this time around since I know how things do work out. I am in awe of the magic that is the Mercy Thompson series.

Mercy is asked by Zee to help out with an investigation investigation involving the fae. Things get a whole lot more complicated almost immediately after when Zee is arrested and charged with murder. Mercy knows that he is innocent so she is going to do everything in her power to set the record straight even when she is told to leave things alone. I will be honest and admit that I didn't remember who the bad guy was in this mystery and was trying to puzzle through everything right along with Mercy and she discovered new pieces of information.

The other major point in this book focuses on Mercy's love life. In the previous books in the series, Mercy has had both Adam and Sam showing interest in her. Sam ended up moving in with her as roommates and Adam has declared her as his mate. Sam and Adam are both very strong Alpha wolves and a choice has to be made. Mercy does finally figure out where her heart is in this book and she does it in a way that reminds me why I love her character as much as I do.

The final section of the book really got to me. It was intense to say the least. I was emotionally all over the place as I listened to the everything that happens to Mercy. I was angry for her. I wanted to cry for her. I wanted to help glue back all of the pieces or try to do something to make it be that things didn't really happen. I think that the way that Patricia Briggs decided to share how Mercy was feeling during the aftermath of the big event is genius. I am in awe of her writing ability. Mercy dealt with the pain by turning into her coyote. In doing so, the way she acted and her body language took on a very obvious meaning. It was powerful stuff to say the least.

I loved the narration of this book. Lorelei King did a spectacular job in narrating this story. There are quite a few characters in this book and she did a fantastic job in using different and consistent voices for those characters. She really showed the emotions of the characters during this story. The pacing of her reading was really nice and I found myself being able to listen for hours at a time.

I would highly recommend this series to others. I do think that this is a series that is best read in order since the relationships between the character grow and change over the course of the series and events from earlier books do come up from time to time. I can't wait to continue with my re-read of this fantastic series!

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Great book but needs a trigger warning

Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2021

SPOILER WARNING

******************
So here is the good, elatively short fun story for the first two thirds of the book. Somewhat light on details, and a bit dues ex machina in several plot points, but overall good fun standard urban fantasy.

Then the rape. And it’s aftermath. Making her listen to the video. And the WTF sex three days after? Hard no.

Here’s the deal. Rape isn’t necessarily a topic I will say “no never write about it” but it was like the entire book walked Mercy who is already relationship shy towards this event. First she finds out that the weird love triangle thingy is over and she is Really Adam’s mate. (Which TBH I don’t like because this isn’t a paranormal romance whee woman and man find their life mate bologna). The she unknowingly flirts with a twit with an aggressive over patronizing persona going “oh it’s so nice to use my history degree” hard eye roll. She is a female mechanic and coyote. There is No Way she is dumb enough to fall for or flirt with the ass. Even given his use of magical objects. Every animal instinct she had should have triggered. The marsh horse fae who chased her into Adam’s house...that she then feels upset about but oh, she’s Adam’s mate and is neglecting her duties so she better decide quickly if she wants to be his without him Ever asking if it was ok to claim her. Finally. The potion date rape rufie fae goblet, and Tim taking away her free will and destroying her arm. I was so angry I was sobbing. Then everyone watching the video...while she was in shock nearby....I get they are animals but.
And afterwards Ben watching her crawl and having to explain to Adam....Where the Hell is Any of the pack’s Drs or psychologists? These wolves never age. They live forever. And rape has to have occurred within their worldview before. The ending almost made me throw my eBook reader across the room. None of it was ok. None of it was correct. And Mercy needs therapy Now. Not to be within earshot when Ben tells Adam she crawled because she felt dirty and unclean. This should have been explained in the hospital, by a therapist, since she was In the hospital for a day? And to throw herself at Adam at the end of the book. No.

Lastly. The ending where she and Ben go reform some highschool kids...by threatening them? I really want to enjoy this series. But I am not a fan of fantasy characters being raped. Especially if it’s seems purely just to prove how week she is. Nothing in this story was her choice. She Had to help the fae to repay a debt then was manipulated into continuing to search for a killer. The choice of who she would be with was made by the Men not her. And Tim tiny narcissistic Tim, took her free will away. But that’s ok because it was the only way she could kill him?

So three stars because I enjoyed the first part... and I realize many many people liked the ending because it is highly rated. But trauma to a MC doesn’t mean it’s a good story.

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Carole Wooten

So many feelings....

Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2017

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21 people found this helpful

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dncall

Excellent story development

Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2021

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MY RATING SYSTEM
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good, won't read again
2 stars--read it, but didn't enjoy it
1 star--didn't finish, it was so awful

Do I need to read books before this one: yes
Cliffhanger: no

SUMMARY
Zee calls Mercy, needing her nose to help investigate murders on the fae reservation. First they have to get by the federal guard, O'Donnell. She sniffs 4 of the 7 scenes. At 2 of them, she closes her eyes to sniff and then the environment changes. The first gets a forest for a backyard. The other becomes the ocean and a man is upset she's there, would've killed her except Zee grabs her tail before she's pulled out to sea. At the last scene she sniffs, she finds blood other than the victim's, confirming O'Donnell is the murderer. Zee sends her home in his truck while he and Uncle Mike go confront O'Donnell.

The next day, Samuel performs at a music festival. Afterward, Uncle Mike calls to say Zee is in jail, suspected of murder. Mercy rejoins the group, hears a Tim give Samuel pointers on how to pronounce Welsh words. When Tim finally leaves, Samuel asks Mercy what's wrong.

Mercy's police friend, Tony, calls, says their fae consultant, Dr Altman, is convinced Zee did it. Mercy calls Dr Altman's credibility into question. Kyle gets a good defense attorney for Zee. Mercy tells the attorney everything at Kyle's insistence, including demonstrating why the fae asked a mechanic for forensic assistance.

That night, Mercy as a coyote investigates O'Donnell's home. She watches his ghost relive the murder, sees his last word is Mine. She finds a fae walking stick, then a blind raven the size of a golden eagle picks it up and flies away through the wall with it.

EVALUATION
This supernatural suspense had me on the edge of my seat, trying to figure out whodunit, why, how, etc. With only Mercy's point of view, my knowledge of fae magic was as limited as hers. I was glad to get the love triangle sorted out. Adam, Ben, and Darryl all rose in my estimation with their strength and sensitivity in how they handled what happened during the last 20%. That was extremely well written with unique insights. PLEASE SEE TRIGGERS.

I am left with questions that have me reaching for the next book. Underhill thoroughly intrigues me; how did Mercy get in? How will she heal? Where's Stefan?

RECOMMENDATION
To everyone who's read the first two books. SEE TRIGGERS.

FAVORITE QUOTES
I didn’t brush my teeth with gunpowder this morning so I could go shooting my mouth off.

Here I was on firmer ground. History degrees aren’t entirely useless.

“[Defense attorney] can keep secrets. If she doesn’t know everything, then she’s defending your friend with one hand tied behind her back.”

I tried to imagine working a job where your convictions were an inconvenience that you learned to ignore—and decided I’d rather turn a wrench no matter how much better her paycheck was than mine.

The antagonism that was stirring in my living room like the inky surface of Loch Ness just before the monster erupts.

Does it matter whose fault it is once you’re sitting in the middle of the frying pan?

POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (spoilers)
Sex: kisses, rape
Language: 2 F words, 1 Lord's name in vain, 3 S words
Violence: fantastical murders, beaten by bullies, rape [somewhat described], poisoning, theft, report of child rape

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josh portwood

Emotional Punch

Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2019

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I thought the series did a great job of subtly pulling at your heart strings in books 1 and 2, but man- Iron Kissed really kicked me in the gut. The book was different than the first two. In the beginning it more efficient in its story telling and more fast paced and it seemed to never dive deep into resolving any angle and than BAM- the author comes correct. I won't go into details so I won't spoil anything, but the author does an amazing job with words and can really paint a horrific and emotional picture without giving exact details. The ending of this book was just........ well, you be the judge. I look forward to finishing this series

4 people found this helpful

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Aiyana

Good, but TRIGGER WARNING!

Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2021

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Good book, well-written, and a thoughtful assessment of human behavior, but there should really be a trigger warning in the write-up! *Spoiler alert* The plot deals heavily with sexual assault, and it’s not just described briefly, either. Briggs does a great job writing about the psychological trauma and after-effects of rape, but readers should be warned and know what they’re getting into.

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K. Edgin

A Magical World

Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2021

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When you live in a world full of magic, things can be beautiful and dangerous. The Fae are on the reservation when one fae after a another the is beng found murdered. Mercy, a shape shifter, is asked by Zee, her mentor, friend and a powerful fae to hwlp him sniff out the murder. Mercy lives next door to a werewolf pack, has a vampire friend must dwcide whether to assist in an obviously dangerous mission or watch her friend die. The murderer might be the one who looks the most normal. But looks are deceiving.

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Mb4pax

Really good paranormal/fantasy series.

Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2021

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Oooh, I am liking this series! Mercy is up to her ears in fae and a murder investigation. Those fae are pretty scary. But Mercy is up to the challenge because her friend is in trouble and by now I know Mercy will not stand for the innocent being put in harms way. Then Mercy finally comes to grips with her heart and mind about her love interests. Again, great characters, nice plot twists, enough action and a nod to Ms. Briggs’ handling of sexual abuse.

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4.5 Star. Harder than the others Edgy.

Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2013

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Note to self, never use a Fae item more than you are allowed to, it gets you into nothing but trouble. Mercy owes the Fae a favor and Zee hopes that if she helps them solve a string of murders on the reservation she will be able to fulfill the favor without much dismay. Haha we all knew it wasn’t going to be that easy right.

“She sees ghosts,” said Samuel, impatient with my whining.
I see dead people,” I deadpanned back. Oddly, it was Uncle Mike who laughed. I hadn’t thought he’d be a moviegoer.”

Since Mercy has a great sense of smell and an ability to see ghosts she agrees to check out a few crime scenes to help Zee find out who is killing Fae on the reservation. It seems easy enough an open and shut case, smell the bad guy and the Fae will distribute justice. But like everything Mercy sticks her nose into it always becomes more complicated and Zee ends up in jail for murder and the Fae have noticed Mercy and have a growing interest in her.

This was an emotional book for me. The author really took some bigger chances and man our heroine goes through some huge trials. I teared up and cried in parts. The trauma that Mercy endures is difficult to read through, but very well written and goes to show that even our heroine is not safe from terrible deeds.

Break out character of the book award goes to Ben! I hated Ben in the first book, he grew on me a bit in the second and now I think he might be one of my favorites. The way that Ben stands up to help Mercy by explaining things to Adam was in a word WOW. He grew on me so much in that speech and it meant more since he really laid into our Alpha when that is a bit taboo as a low wolf. But Ben saw things clearly and I really got a great insight into the mind of a victim.

Let’s also say that the love triangle gets resolved in an interesting way that I really felt good about. I understand both Samuel and Adam more after this book and their motivations. This is one of the few love triangle resolutions that felt true to me. I liked that Mercy was strong enough not to bounce between the two men in her life and use them against the other. Instead she figured it out and resolved things like an adult.

(view spoiler)

This was my favorite in the series so far even with the harsher content. It was handled very well and believably.

6 people found this helpful

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SheWhoReads

heartbreaking but excellent

Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2022

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Another excellent book in the Mercy Thompson series, and once again, Mercy takes care of everything, even at the expense of her own safety. But the reader should beware of triggers.

Spoilers below….
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Note for the uninitiated, this book has huge trigger warnings for on page SA.

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Angela

Best one in the series yet!

Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2014

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Seriously, this series has got some of the worst copy covers I've ever read. *frowns* What's up with that?

Mercy at one point thinks, in this book, that she's suddenly not quite so anonymous in the preternatural communities anymore. That after spending nearly 15 years without any significant contact with them, she's been absolutely embroiled in mess after mess for the past couple of years.

First it was helping Adam get Jesse back, then she owed Stefan for that one. After helping Stefan, she ends up owing the fae. And this is where we pick up Iron Kissed.

Fae are getting murdered on the reservation, and they have no idea who's doing it. Zee and Uncle Mike call Mercy in to sniff around and see if she can come up with anything. And she does. But then things go bad. Zee's arrested for murder of a human, the fae look to be leaving him to hang, and Mercy won't stand for it.

Patricia Briggs seamlessly builds her world, it's ever-evolving and growing and as more is revealed to us, the more in love I fall. In this book we learn quite a lot more about the fae, but also we get a much deeper look at the tensions between humans and the preternatural communities. It's the start of something that doesn't seem to really come to a head until much later in the series, a slow build of the tensions.

I loved this book. It's a page-turner for me to this day (several re-reads later), and I can never put it down or stop reading it. The mystery was intriguing and kept me guessing. We also get a lot more insight into Mercy's relationships with Samuel and Adam, and how Adam's claiming her as his mate affected him and the pack, in this book. And I'm glad to say I was ecstatic when she chose.

I don't want to say too much about this and risk spoiling anything because it's such a wonderful book. But I will say that there's some very hard moments in it. Heart-breaking, and wrenching, and they had me in tears several times. The climax is still incredibly difficult for me to read, but it's one of the best handled instances I've ever read of this particular situation (though it may still be a trigger for some.

And it does end on one big cliff-hanger, though the main story is tied up. It was hell waiting for Bone Crossed to come out when I first read this. And I'll say that I was happy Bone Crossed took a step back from where things seemed to be heading in that final scene of Iron Kissed, as I thought it was far too soon.

P.S. I loved Ben from, nearly, the first moment we met him, but I have to say my love and care for him solidified in this book. He's so fantastic. On this re-read, I've nearly flailed all over him every time he shows up.

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Jennifer @ Bad Bird Reads

4.5 stars for a great book.

Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2011

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Summary
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 fir her...

The Good
This was an amazing book. The plot was exciting and the twists were genuinely surprising. Iron Kissed has Mercy trying to prove her fae friend Zee is innocent of murder. The fae don't seem to want to help their fellow brethren, so Mercy sticks her nose into fae business, and the fae are not happy. But Mercy soon finds herself on the real killer's trail and stolen magical pieces seem to be the link.

This book concentrates on the fae and the werewolf pack. I missed Stefan (vampire) in this book. With him being such a big part of Blood Bound, I missed the vampire element just a little. But it didn't take away from the book at all.

The character development was the best out of all the books. Adam, Mercy, and many of the werewolves have become so real to me that I find it hard to admit that they are not walking amongst us in the real world.

The Gray Lords, the rulers of the fae, freak me out. The more I learn about the fae and their past, the more I am intrigued and creeped out. They are a scary race that have no limits.

Briggs excels at dramatic writing. There is a depth of emotion the she portrays in this book that we don't often find in urban fantasy. Although we get the the mystery, action, and ever-creative world-building, this book also brings a darker side of the real world that I think will only strengthen Mercy as a character for future books.

I want to point out that this book had a more serious tone than the previous two novels. I liked the change of pace. It felt real and seemed the right time to have a huge event change the course of future novels. Like many, I want my novels to entertain me and leave me satisfied as I turn the last page. But if the whole happy-happy joy-joy endings continue, the series starts to feel unrealistic (yes, I know this is all fantasy, but you know what I mean). I like when a book shocks me with it's direction. I don't want to read a formula that will ensure everyone enjoys the book. I want to read words from an author who takes risks, makes me cry, causes me to cringe by what she does to her characters. This is why I read. So, yes, a very traumatic experience happens to Mercy and Briggs handles it in both a sensitive and considerate way that in no way offends me as it has others.

The Bad
After the previous two novels that built up who Mercy would finally choose as a mate, Adam or Sam, I felt the final decision in this book was a little anticlimactic. The quick-resolution made the Adam/Sam/Mercy triangle a little pointless as a plotline.

The Snuggly
The horrible experience Mercy goes through in this book is done tastefully and without detail as to not upset readers.

Overall
I have truly fallen in love with this series. Mercy is one of the best protagonists out there in the urban fantasy world. I truly did love the build-up of the potential romantic interests in the previous books, even if I wish the resolution in this book was a little more...well just more. I could not put this book down. And the darker side at the end had me entranced even when I wanted to cry. A big, huge recommendation to all readers out there.

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