Mercy Watson Series Novels & Stories

Honestly, I got into this series because of the audiobooks. Lorelei King narrates them, and she is Mercy Thompson to me. The order's easy to find on Audible, but for the books: 'Moon Called' kicks it off, followed by 'Blood Bound', 'Iron Kissed', 'Bone Crossed', 'Silver Borne', 'River Marked', 'Frost Burned', 'Night Broken', 'Fire Touched', 'Silence Fallen', 'Storm Cursed', and finally 'Smoke Bitten'.

Listening to them in order is a treat because you hear the character development in King's performance. The later books have bigger stakes, but the early urban mystery vibe is so good.

The 'Mercy Thompson' series has gathered a pretty enthusiastic following over the years, and for good reason! Currently, there are 13 main books in the series, with 'Moon Called' kicking things off back in 2006. The latest addition, 'Soul Taken,' came out in 2020, and it’s been amazing to see how Patricia Briggs has developed not only the characters but the entire world, which keeps expanding with each new installment. What’s really fascinating here is the combination of urban fantasy with a strong folklore influence.

I adore how Mercy, as a mechanic and a shapeshifter, feels so relatable yet fantastical at the same time. The characters she encounters, like Adam, the alpha werewolf, and the diverse cast of supernatural beings, just enrich the narrative. Plus, there’s an almost cozy yet thrilling feel to her adventures, like getting wrapped up in a warm blanket while binging a series. The character growth across the arc is just stellar, too!

Of course, we also have spin-offs and novellas that sprinkle extra delight on top, which are really worth a read too! There’s this interconnected universe with the 'Alpha & Omega' series, which focuses even more on the werewolf lore, so fans are never short of content to devour. Overall, every book carries a unique twist on familiar tropes, and I personally can't recommend them enough if you’re looking for a fun escapism filled with adventure and heart!

Gosh, I really love how the books have this blend of emotion and action. It’s not often you see characters that evolve so meaningfully; sometimes, it’s great just to dive into a world where things are unpredictable, yet somehow, you feel at home. I can’t wait for the next installment - Patricia Briggs has hooks in every part of that universe that just keep me biting for more! It’s exciting to think about where Mercy and her friends will go next!

Can we appreciate the cover art evolution? The early US covers with the tattooed back are iconic, but the later ones get more dynamic. Watching the cover style change as you progress through the reading order is a subtle, fun meta-experience. It mirrors the series' own evolution from more straightforward urban fantasy mystery to epic-scale supernatural politics. Even the bookshelf aesthetic tells a story of growth.