The second novel in Patricia Briggs's dark fantasy series continues the story of Mercy Thompson, a shape-shifting garage mechanic who tries to live a normal life while dealing with werewolves, vampires and other supernatural forces surrounding her. The novel does not suffer from the dreaded second book syndrome; in fact I think it's better than the first.
The satisfaction this book delivers really surprised me. After reading Moon Called, I wanted to know more about what it's like for Mercy in her other-than-human form. I was also curious about the hierarchy and culture of the vamps in her world, and just how dangerous they could be. I flat-out fell in love with Adam and Samuel, and couldn't wait to see how their involvement with Mercy was going to progress. Patricia Briggs delivers all that plus some in Blood Bound while somehow making it an excellent standalone novel as well.
As always, you don't have to take my word for it. In comments to this post, name an author who regularly surprises you (or, if you have not yet discovered such a story magician, just throw your name in the hat) by midnight EST on Friday, February 9, 2007. I'll draw five names at random from everyone who participates and send the winners an unsigned copy of Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs. Giveaway bonus: if any winner has not yet read Moon Called, I'll throw in an unsigned copy of that one, too. Giveaway open to everyone on the planet, even if you've won something at PBW in the past.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Blood Bound
I've been nagging people for years to read Patricia Briggs, but I've been a particular pain about it ever since she published Moon Called. That's why I shrieked like a fangirl when I saw that her latest novel, Blood Bound, debuted this week at #35 on the USA Today BSL and #12 on the New York Times BSL. At last people are discovering, as I have, what a terrific writer Patricia is.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I'm about a third of the way into it and loving the book. Thank you again for mentioning Patricia Briggs on your blog. :) Don't enter me. I have the books. :D
ReplyDeleteStephen King. I know he's enormously popular and a lot of times because of that writers get the shaft for how good they actually are.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading Blood Bound right now too and loving it. I'm liking Stefan in this book.
ReplyDeleteScott Westerfeld. I like his social commentaries, plus I like the way he writes. I know he's a YA writer, but hey-
ReplyDeleteI'm a young adult!
Raymond Chandler
ReplyDeleteBefore I’d read Chandler’s books, I’d read so many copies and parodies of Philip Marlowe, I thought I knew what I was in for. But his voice is so distinct and his eye for detail is so sharp, Chandler might have come up with the idea of a wise-cracking anti-hero last week. Nobody can copy a true master like him.
Paullina Simons
ReplyDeleteAuthor of "The Girl in Times Square", one of my favourites. Her novels follow the lives of strong female characters who face tremendous difficulties in life and who live in hope inspite of it. What contantly surprises me it that though her stories may be larger than life, there is always a lesson or relationship that an individual can relate to on a personnel level; plus the fact that her stories never fail to bring a lump in my throat.
I'm sure I've mentioned her before, but I'll do so again: Lois McMaster Bujold. Because her characters are so stunningly human. It's wonderful and breathtaking to see them unfold on the paper. She makes brilliantly broken people you want to stand up and fight for, and that's why I love her writing.
ReplyDelete(Because we are all, in some way, brilliantly broken.)
(Also, I apologize if this posts a zillion times. Blogger is being a pill.)
Oh oh oh! I love Patricia Briggs too! I've yet been disappointed with any of her books, either her backlist or the recent publications.
ReplyDeleteAnother writer who frequently "wow" me is Guy Gavriel Kay. Yes, his last offering "The Last Light of the Sun" is a bit of a disappointment, but it still gives me a lot to think about. And he wrote what is probably my favourite book of all time, "The Lions of Al-Rassan". There's something very unique about each book that comes out, because he never stop moving forward and exploring new grounds. Which is the reason I still adore and respect his writing even though I didn't like his previous book. His new book "Ysabel" (publishing date in Feb 2007) coming out soon is also a complete departure from his usual medieval/historical fantasy setting. I'm truly looking forward to that book. :)
Blood Bound is currently #1 on Amazon for SF/F paperbacks published in 2007. Good going! It's #81 overall, which is excellent.
ReplyDeleteIain Banks.
ReplyDeleteHe's an absolute master at the plot twist and characterisation.
Your generosity amazes me, PBW. You're always giving away books. ^_^ You don't have to enter me since I just won, but I had to say that. Jess
ReplyDeleteI actually had to think about this for a little bit. One author who comes to mind is Michelle West -- her Sun Sword series had the cast of thousands syndrome and yet each character was unique and individual and full of surprises.
ReplyDeleteI recently picked up Ted Dekker. I liked how he kept the pace going.
ReplyDeleteCarol Berg. 'Transformation' Is my all time favorite book ;)It is amazingly written, and I just love the story. Its is one of the only books I can just reread and reread. Unfortunately, I've yet to meet someone who has heard of her that -I- wasn't the person who introduced them to her books.
ReplyDeleteOh, you don't have to throw me in the hat. I bought 'Blood Bound' the day it came out.
Libba Brey.
ReplyDeleteHer books are technically meant for a YA audience, but I absolutely couldn't put her first two down and am anxiously awaiting the third one. Her settings and characters are just brilliant. I love her!
I would normally have said that Terry Goodkind blows me away, but his latest book just went on and on and on about nothing! One conversation spanned 5 chapters. Gimme a break! But I'm still eagerly awaiting his next book! I haven't heard of Patricia Briggs, but I will keep an eye out for her books the next time I get some spare cash!
ReplyDeleteRobin D. Owens is a master (mistress?) of character creation. She's one of the few who writes mean, selfish characters that I personally don't like! I'm working toward that.
ReplyDeleteDon't enter me in the contest... I've already bought it, read it and loved it. I even made it the book of the month for a contest I've started running thru one of my blogs.
ReplyDelete:o)
Authors that surprise me regularly...
that would have to you. Mary Wine. Sometimes JD Robb.
David Farland. When I first started reading his Runelord series I was blown away. Talk about a magic system that comes at a price. Even more impressive was the fact that even though someone else paid for the Runelord's powers, they did it willingly (to some degree) because otherwise it wouldn't work. Ingenious!
ReplyDeleteI also noticed someone mentioned Carol Berg. Very much a pleasant surprise.
Dan Simmons. He writes so many different things. It's great.
ReplyDeleteJoss Whedon.
ReplyDeleteJoyce Carol Oates. Her style and substance are so discomforting that I often pick up a book of hers and think, "Will I finish this one?" By page three I am always so sucked in, no matter what the story is about, that I have to force myself to put it down and do other things, like go to work.
ReplyDeleteCatherine Coulter. She does a great job writing suspense and romance.
ReplyDeleteMarjorie M. Liu. She's always got wonderful storylines. GREAT imagination.
ReplyDeleteI've not read either book from Ms. Briggs but I'll have to rectify that soon. I've seen Blood Bound on many TBR lists around the blogosphere lately. Now I know why.
I've just finished Blood Bound and agree that it is just about better than Moon Called (so please don''t enter me in the draw). I'm now waiting for the novella (August 2007) to read about the incidents in Moon Callled from Charles' point of view.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Stephanie re: Lois McMaster Bujold, Miles Vorkosigan is one of my favorite characters ever.
Joanne
I can't think of any off the top of my head, but thank you for pointing out Patricia Briggs. Briggs sounds like she'd be right up my daughter's alley, and I'm always looking for new authors for her to read. She'll be thrilled. =oD
ReplyDeleteJasper Fforde.
ReplyDeleteI'm 1/2 way through his second book, "Lost in a Good Book," which also does not suffer from second book syndrome. His gift for subtle puns is terrific.
And I'll second the nomination for Joss Whedon.
I got my copy last week and enjoyed it very much, so save the copy for someone who hasn't found it yet. You frequently surprise me. I found the new series by Alexandra Ivy (aka Debbie Raleigh) surprising When Darkness Comes is so different from her previous books.
ReplyDeleteOrson Scott Card surprises me with every novel or short story he writes. I'm in the process of reading his collection of short stories and I'm blown away by his knowledge and talent.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read either book by Ms. Briggs. :S
I read Moon Called after you mentioned it on your blog, and I loved it.
ReplyDeleteAs for writers who continue to suprise and delight me...well, I'm a big Tess Gerritson fan.
Don't put my in the hat, I just wanted to comment and say that you are so right about Patricia Briggs. I pre-ordered Blood Bound months ago and when I got it, I waited till the weekend then spent a nice Saturday night staying up till 3 am reading it. It is wonderful. I just discovered Briggs last year with Moon Called and I'm going to *have* to read everything else she has ever written. Anyone who doesn't win this competition should go and look for Moon Called and Blood Bound anyway.
ReplyDeleteJ.R. Ward. Despite her silly character names and off-putting glossary, I think she's unmatched at putting tension on every page, something I aspire to, but don't always attain. Her books are therefore hard to put down. And I was introduced to her through your site. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMartie
Wen Spencer always suprises me...I pick up a book and within 10 pages I think "What the heck? Who can think that up?"
ReplyDeleteAlso Tad William's all his stuff is so original
Tad Williams. And Glen Cook.
ReplyDeletePlease throw my name in the hat. That must be a large hat.
I have to say Karen Rose. It doesn't seem possible, but every book she releases is better than the last.
ReplyDeleteI have Patricia Briggs on my Wish List at amazon. I'll definitely have to pick her up now.
Well, I've only read a couple, but Elizabeth Moon's Vatta series is great so far!
ReplyDeleteOh, gosh. Where to start? I'll just mention a few.
ReplyDeleteEric Flint is generally good but his Belisarius series just totally sucked me in.
Elizabeth Moon's Deed of Paksenarrion trilogy.
J.R.R. Tolkien. I know he's such a polarizing writer but what I also know is that I wouldn't have read all 4 books (Hobbit + LOTR) 4 times through from the ages of 12-15.
David Eddings - the single, sole reason why I hadn't read Tolkien's stuff seven or eight times before I graduated high school.
There's quite a few more, but I'll leave it at that.
Richard Stark has a unique and wonderful way of writing. His series books are totally unique and original.
ReplyDeleteJim Butcher's Dresden Files. When I sit down to read his books, I need about a whole day to dedicate to it, because I can't put it down. I don't really know what it is about them, but each keeps getting better. I can't recommend them enough, though since he has a tv show on them now, I guess he doesn't need too much recommending anymore ;-)
ReplyDeleteBtw, I've also read and loved Carol Berg's first series. They are great.
Cya,
CC
I haven't read either of these yet, they sound great. So I've added them to my list
ReplyDeleteJulio Cortázar. Bad part is I've already read everything he wrote, so no more surprises for me.
ReplyDeleteI second the Greg Iles nod. Tossing my name in the hat and hoping to find another "story magician."
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you that Blood Bound was even better than Moon Called. Once she set up Mercy's world for us in the first one, she was able to bring the characters completely alive for us in the second one AND give us a kick-butt story! Great series, but I've heard she's only planning about 4 books!!
ReplyDeleteTwo authors have surprised me lately (no need to enter me in the give away):
Cameron Dean with her Candace Steele Vampire Hunter trilogy. She could have drawn this series out much longer but chose instead to keep it a tight, complex 3-book story. And that ending blew me away!
Karen Marie Moning's Darkfever is amazing!! This series has the potential to be in my top 5 series of all time!
BevL
J.R. Ward. Despite silly names and an off-putting glossary, she's unmatched at putting tension on every page. Her prose appears effortless, but I've read she's very conscious of improving her craft . . . And her vampires are seriously addictive!
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing her to my attention, PBW.
Martie
Susan Lewis is the name that comes to mind. She's a British author of romantic thrillers and I love absolutely everything about her books. I love her style, characters and her plots are so clever.
ReplyDeleteI also would say Jim Butcher often has surprised me, both in plot twists, and in those fun little moments where a character is going somewhere totally different from where you expect their train of thought to be.
ReplyDeletewww.jrvogt.com
What a great post! I have now added several books/authors to my 'to be read' list!
ReplyDeleteI've been enjoying Kim Harrison and Lilith Saintcrow as well as Patricia Brigg's work.
Gene Wolfe and Neil Gaiman are my favorites.
A writer who lately surprised me with some really cool twists to history without violating the - contradictory and incomplete - sources, is David Wishart. Not to mention the first person narrative of his unlikely sleuth in Augustean Rome makes me smile a lot.
ReplyDeleteSomeone who continues to surprise me is JK Rowling but that's an easy one.
ReplyDeleteI love Maeve Binchy
Tamara Siler Jones. Her characters are great, and her plots are positively evil (in a good way).
ReplyDeleteKelly Armstrong surprises me with her books -- perhaps because she changes main characters and we get to explore her world from amny viewpoints.
ReplyDeleteJulieB
I'm a big fan of Kathy Reichs, she always gets me
ReplyDeleteThe author who keeps on surprising me would have to be JD Robbs or Lisa Gardner
ReplyDeleteJacqueline Winspear has me totally hooked on her novels which reach out and grip me.
ReplyDeleteKristine Smith and her Jani Kilian novels.
ReplyDeleteLois McMaster Bujold's Vor and Chalion series.
Christopher Moore and his contemporary satirical comedy.
Kristine Katherine Rusch and her Retrieval Artist series.
Hands down, Joss Whedon. I wish my brain worked the way his does.
ReplyDeleteJass
Lois McMaster Bujold. Blew me away to the point I rushed out and bought twelve of her books with one swipe of the card. Worth every penny spent. I now buy the books as soon as they come out.
ReplyDeleteWow! It looks really cool! The cover really makes it look interesting. I've never heard of Patricia Briggs, but it seems I've been missing out.
ReplyDeleteThree authors I absolutely love are Dean Koontz, he seems to have finally found his stride with his last 5 books; Brian Jaques, he writes fantasy novels about a place called Redwall Abbey...the main characters are animals--think The Wind in the Willows--but I absolutely love them; and Holly Lisle, everytime I pick up one of her books I get blown away, and I can't put it down until I finish it.
I was going to buy a few of your novels--Stardoc novels--the other day, but I didn't have the money. However, I'll be moving this fall to go to college and their bookstore carries tons of your books.
Jason
Marjorie M. Liu has a great voice. I have Patrica's first book! Would love the second one. :)
ReplyDeleteI've been trying lately to read as many different authors as I can, so there are a huge number of them I've only read one book by, some of whom have already been mentioned.
ReplyDeleteThe only author I've recently read a second book by surprised me pleasantly, actually -- Iain M. Banks. I'd previously read The Business, and then late last year read Consider Phlebas, which is totally different. And yet equally amazing.
Neil Gaiman always manages to keep things interesting, too. His mind just seems to work in a totally different way to mine.
J R Ward.
ReplyDeleteHer characters make me want to visit their world over and over again
Neil Gaiman. Everything he writes has a fascinating twist on it. His short stories are incredible.
ReplyDeleteI'm often surprised by Christopher Golden. I like his science fiction, but right now I'm working on "The Ferry Man," a horror novel, and it's great. (Also, as someone said closer to the top, I'm always surprised at how everything Stephen King writes is better than the last thing he wrote. Amazing.) I've never heard of Moon Called or Blood Bound, so I'm definitely looking forward to checking them out.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of Patricia Briggs before, but the books sound very interesting to read.
ReplyDeleteI have been quietly lurking in the corner, watching this blog. I plan on writing my own novel eventually, and I have been able to find some really good information here. Thanks PBW!
Consider my name now thrown into the hat as well.
Wow, I posted a comment that was witty and topic appropriate and Blogger ate it...
ReplyDeleteI haven't had the pleasure of reading Patricia Briggs yet, but your reccomendation and review are enough of a reason to run out next weekend and get both books! That is, unless I win one or the other from your magic hat!
The one writer that always surprises me with his ability to cross genres and maintain the integrity of his work and writerly voice is Neil Gaiman. Be it graphic novels, children's books, screenplays, directing, short stories, poetry, or novels I am never dissapointed in his various exploits into multiple pantheons and worlds.
Thank you for the reccomendation and your generosity!
Tossing my name in as well...
ReplyDeleteThe one writer who has never let me down is Alan Moore. From deconstructionist-superhero stories, to Victorian murder, to science-fantasy adventure, to psychogeography novels, I just haven't been let down by him yet!
The one writer that keeps surprising me is robin D. Owens in her fantasy books and JR Ward in her Dark lover series.
ReplyDeleteForgot to say i have both of Patricia briggs books on my tbb list. I have heard such good things about her that I have to read them. And will as soon as time and money allows lol. I just started your stardoc books because they came highly recommended and must say that they didn't dissappoint.
ReplyDeleteLois McMaster Bujold always surprises me. In a good way. *g* Haven't read Moon Called or Blood Bound, but they do sound terrific. Would love to win!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to say Jean Auel - she's my favorite for a series too.
ReplyDeleteI would also have to say Jacqueline Winspear, Maisie Dobbs is an unforgettable character, and post War London is a character in its own right (that's World War I). But I would also add Victoria Thompson, her books are set in late 1800s New York and yet the city and her people come alive on the pages.
ReplyDeleteAnn
I love Catherine Coulter, Christine Feehan and Laurell K. Hamilton. Having read other books by Patricia Briggs, I can honestly say that she has suprised me as well with her different worlds that she writes about.
ReplyDeleteI have both excellent books so please don't throw my name in the hat... I just wanted to add another heartfelt recommendation!
ReplyDeleteTerry Pratchett is a great one for surprises and usually the ones that make you laugh.
ReplyDeleteFrom your post about Patricia Briggs I will definately read some of her stuff.
Margaret Atwood - I'm discovering her in time travel fashion - skipping all over the place. Reading a recent work like Alias Grace, then reading an oldie, like Surfacing, then a new one - The Robber Bride, then remembering the oldie, The Handmaid's Tale. Surprise, surprise, surprise. Then you slip through a wormhole and discover her poetry.
ReplyDeleteEnjoying your blog, Patricia's work sounds right up my alley today.
Just throwing my name into the hat for Blood Bound.
ReplyDeleteMost of my story magicians have already been named or have passed away.
Sari
Holly Lisle. The way she's been reinventing herself as a writer lately is truly amazing. And I'm never neutral about her storylines, either.
ReplyDeleteMarjorie M. Liu...there's always a different perspective and spin in her books that just leave you so intrigued and satisfied.
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna hafta go with Eoin Colfer and his Artemis Fowl series; sure, it's YA, but the books are soo entertaining!
ReplyDeletePatricia Briggs is a new author for me but after reading this post I will have to check out her books. They sound awesome. As for an author that surprises me, well two names came to mind. Dean Koontz and Kim Harrison.
ReplyDeleteJ.R. Ward. Blood Bound and Moon Called sound good.
ReplyDeleteI got Moon Called for my brother-in-law for Christmas. He's this tattoo-having, Harley-riding, leather-wearing guy, but he likes him some sexy paranormal fiction. I told him to tell me if it's good when he finishes it, but I don't think he's even started it yet. He's still working on LKH's Meredith Gentry series. So I was going to get a copy for myself last weekend when I noticed there was now a sequal, but I decided to hold off for whatever reason. This must be a sign from the universe that I'm supposed to read it! If by some fluke I don't win (haha!) then I'll have to go snag it this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of Patricia Briggs but I'll definitely check her out. I really like Jasper Fforde .
ReplyDeleteCan I just say that I really like that cover?
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan of Neil Gaiman's work. Loved American Gods, loved Anansi Boys, loved Good Omens. His stories are incredible.
I haven't read either of Patricia's books, but I've seen Blood Bound prominently displayed at the book store I work for. Lately, I've been (audiobook) reading Elizabeth Peters Amelia Peabody series. I like the humor in the books and the historical tidbits she puts in.
ReplyDeleteNo need to enter me in the contest - I'll buy two copies anyhow: one for myself after reading Moon Called on your recommendation, and another for a friend who reads similar things and loves wolves.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendations!
I read Moon Called about a month ago and loved it. I can't wait to read Blood Bound.
ReplyDeleteHere are a few authors that I'm really enjoy reading at the moment:
ReplyDeleteL.A. Banks for her Vampire Huntress series.
J.R. Ward for her Black Dagger Brotherhood Series.
Kim Harrison for her Rachel Morgan series.
Sherrilyn Kenyon for her Darkhunter Series.
Robin D. Owens for her Heartmate Series.
Terri
Tad Williams and Dawn Cook.
ReplyDeleteHehe, I think I'm #100. That's never happened before.
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to get Moon Called but haven't yet. Some authors who surprise me are:
You, especially with Rebel Ice. :)
Holly Lisle. Especially very recently. Talyn in particular blew me right away.
Terry Goodkind. I'm dying to find out what happens next.
J.R. Ward. I want to be just like her when I grow up ;) ...seriously, she rocks.
Wen Spencer. Very unique and intriguing stories.
I think that's it.
Cheers,
Erin K.
Ooh - I can't choose just one! So this will be long. Sorry. Like a few others I see here, I am currently addicted to Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunters, Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series & JR Ward's Black Dagger series. I also noticed someone mentioned Michelle West's Sun Sword series - some of the best fantasy I've read in a long time. (Also love the Darkyn :) Interesting story about Moon Called, though - I bought it & got to page 196, then discovered I had a misprinted copy that repeated pages 165 - 196 & skipped to page 229. My husband told me to take it back & exchange it, but being weird, I thought it was cool & kept it. I never finished the book though...but I'd like to!
ReplyDeleteJ.R. Ward.
ReplyDeleteMaggie
All right, I'll bite. My wife has wanted me to regularly read your blog and, for Valentine's Day, I am. Honestly, I think reading your blog is more a gift for me.
ReplyDeleteIn any case, on to the question: I hope short story writers count in terms of being able to surprise, because short stories in general constantly do that for me. I know she's a novelist, but I'll chose Ann Beattie. Love her stuff all over -- and my wife just got home and I have to get off the site.
All right, I'll bite. My wife has wanted me to regularly read your blog and, for Valentine's Day, I am. Honestly, I think reading your blog is more a gift for me.
ReplyDeleteIn any case, on to the question: I hope short story writers count in terms of being able to surprise, because short stories in general constantly do that for me. I know she's a novelist, but I'll chose Ann Beattie. Love her stuff all over -- and my wife just got home and I have to get off the site.fq
I've never heard of this writer, but would like to be entered to win both books.
ReplyDeletethank you
Sianajx
I'm resending because i accidentally hit the keyboard . That should be Siana.
ReplyDeleteHere's the original message again :
I've never heard of this writer, but would like to be entered to win both books.
Siana
Michael Snell -> HAT.
ReplyDeleteScott Nicholson. His style is plainspoken and folksy, but he keeps the creep-factor up. And he's got one of the weirder author giveaways I've ever seen: http://www.hauntedcomputer.com/.
ReplyDeleteUrsula K. LeGuin - every story she writes surprises me.
ReplyDeleteI'd have to say Patricia Briggs and Kim Harrison are the two authors who have continually surprised and delighted me.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you are talking up Patricia Briggs. I tore through Blood Bound this weekend and LOVED it. Briggs deserves to have amazing success.
ReplyDeleteDon't enter me in the drawing, but I'm recommending Martha Wells. I recently finished her Fall of Ile Rien series and it's seriously amazing.
Oooh, I love Patricia Briggs! My best friend loaned me her copy of Moon Called, and I read straight through it. I was so excited to see her next book was out. I also enjoy Kim Harrison, and Charlaine Harris.
ReplyDelete