River Marked by Patricia Briggs

River Marked
Patricia Briggs
Book Six - Merceds Thompson series
Urban Fantasy

Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. She’s never known any others of her kind. Until now. An evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River—one that her father’s people may know something about. And to have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need their help

Short and Sweet Review

I was really looking forward to reading this book because I've adored the entire series. I was a little hesitant about reading about a coyote mechanic when I first heard about Mercy but almost instantly I fell in love with her characters and was swept away by the story lines. I love the supportive friends and family she surrounds herself with. I love how she's forever getting into trouble even when she tries desperately to avoid it.  Trouble finds her and usually it's pretty spectacular. Mercy has had her fair share of heartache and tragedy, I've cried along side her and cheered as she's over come it. I've eagerly watched the love triangle between her, Adam and Sam and was excited when Adam won her heart - finally she admited he was her mate! So I was anticipating this book and counting down the days until I could read it.  I couldn't wait to see what happened next and I hate to say it - but I was left feeling a just a little disappointed.

I don't know whether I built this book up in my head... made it bigger than what it was but the book just didn't feel the same as the others. I know that Mercy has grown and developed but some key elements would always be there. Maybe it was because for this book, Adam and Mercy go out alone and deal with the trouble themselves, without the aide of their pack and friends. That was kind of strange because I've grown to love everyone and I definitely missed the "feel" they brought to the story. It's the different interactions that make the story so wonderful, watching the dynamics of the pack as Mercy tries to find her place within it. I missed Sam and I missed Ben. I'll admit to feeling a little lost without them.

I can understand with Adam and Mercy finally together, they would need time together - alone. This would pose all kinds of delicious possibilities because they've had incredible build up to their relationship. You would expect to see sparks fly as their chemistry  gets turned up a notch. I would hope that they would revel in some one on one and I did want some "sizzle" time. I know it's an urban fantasy so there is some limitations but what I wasn't expecting was the total lack of any sizzle. What there was was fizzle! What it felt like was "Oh Adam has Mercy now so there doesn't need to be any sexual tension at all between them" Maybe it was there and I missed it. Maybe with the changing of their relationship, that aspect changed too and I didn't pick up on it. I think I missed the "I'm chasing you" moments that are lost once "you're caught" Don't get me wrong - there were still some great scenes  between them, some where quite touching. I just felt there was a spark missing and I wanted it back.

This was definitely a different kind of book. I loved how the author delved more into Mercy's heritage with the storyline of the different Gods and the Native American history. I always like learning new things, especially when it holds truth in it and it makes for a fun cultural and history lesson. I appreciate the research it would've taken to learn everything and to make sure she understood it so she could incorporate it into the story. It definitely added more depth to Mercy as a character  and it was nice to fill in the missing pieces.

I still enjoyed RIVER MARKED and I'm still a faithful member of Team Adam. He's one of the sexiest Alpha wolfs out there and sizzle or not, I'm glad he was finally able to get Mercy to commit. He loves her and she loves him and although life can be crazy, they proved again, that together they can face whatever is thrown at them. They're a great couple and I can't wait to see what happens next for them - who else Mercy annoys. LOL

I'd recommend this entire series for those who have a love for shifter stories and urban fantasy. Each book is a fun read but there are incredible moments where the characters show strength and heart. Mercy shows once again that she has great integrity and holds the ability to make great sacrifice in this story and you sit reading, begging that everything works out in the end because she's the character that deserves the "happy ending"  Aside from my missing the spark, I really enjoyed this story and hope those that read it have a great experience with it. Happy reading!

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