Cover Image: Smoke Bitten

Smoke Bitten

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Smoke Bitten is the twelfth book in the Mercy Thompson series about a coyote-shifter, mechanic. I've enjoyed this series since the beginning and this book was no different.

I'm glad to see the relationship between Mercy and Adam deal with crises and their individual insecurities and become stronger for it.

While Mercy used resources and the knowledge of her friends and allies, I'm glad that she was the one to battle the smoke weaver using her Trickster ways and not the brute force of the pack.

This series is always a comfort read for me and Smoke Bitten was no different.

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I have always, always loved this series because while there is a strong female character, the underlying theme is the power in--and importance of--relationships. Be that marriage, friends, enemies, frenemies, what have you. I love that these are Mercy's stories, but the worldbuilding is powerful enough that you get the sense that everyone else is living their own great stories, even if Mercy isn't exactly aware of them. The strong heroine who is part of a literal power couple taking on big bads together makes this series stand-out amongst other urban fantasy series I've read.

That being said. This installment turned that formula a little on its head. Briggs challenged those relationships, questioned things like faith and love, and thereby managed to deepen characters that were already (seemingly) fully fleshed out. I was hooked from the first few paragraphs, engrossed and worried about the characters in a way I hadn't been in previous novels.

This installment of this well-loved series didn't disappoint. Briggs filled out and colored in her world of fae, vampires, witches, werewolves, and magics native to America even more--but still left behind mystery and intrigue. The characters continued to grow and develop and change without losing their core beings that made me fall in love with them in the first place. I recommend this book and the entire series, and will forever look forward to more!

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There are parts of this book that are just as good as any Mercy Thompson book, but overall I felt a little let down by this title. It was too short for me, and skimmed the surface of most of the major secondary characters who usually help make a Mercy Thompson book so special. The interpersonal conflict between Mercy and Auriel was just a leftover from the last book, and no one else even makes a major appearance in this title. The conflict between Adam and Mercy in this book is wonderful, but I am getting a little tired of the 'their mate bond isn't working because of XYZ or one of them is kidnapped'. I am afraid this series is hitting a point of stagnation and character bloat that will send it the way of every Janet Evonovich title after (ominously) her #12.

Patricia Briggs is one of my favorite guilty pleasure reads so I hope this is just a down book. And for all my grumbling, this book still had some wonderful moments, it just didn't have the same spunk most of the earlier books in the series found.

I read an egalley of this title on Netgalley.

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EVERY ARC I had got dropped when this showed up and I took longer than needed, as I tend to SAVOR every word from Patricia Briggs. This series ages SO incredibly well, and I've gone back over my collection to read them all over again.

Seriously, they just keep getting better as the world-building gets deeper and more intricate. I adore that Mercy and Adam have real life problems and insecurities, makes this one of my favorite relatable series.

Go back. Read from book one and fall in love ALL over again!

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This book started of just a tad slow (I always feel like I've been dropped into the middle of a plot and am playing catch-up), but it quickly picked up the pace and did not disappoint. I've been hanging out with Mercy and company since 2006, and reading a new book is like a visit with cherished friends. Here's hoping that trouble continues to find my favorite coyote and that books keep coming.

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Wow! This was a phenomenal installment in the Mercy Thompson series. I loved how it explored Adam's personality and issues as well as his relationship with Mercy and the pack. Interesting villains and complex plot lines that keep the action moving make this binge read worthy..

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If you're new to the Mercy Thompson series, don't start here: as the twelfth book in the series, Smoke Bitten is especially reliant on the events that happened in previous books. I wish I had reread Storm Cursed before the new book, because it's a pretty direct continuation of the end/climax of that story.

Mercy faces some evil foes, as usual, but there's also a fair bit of personal and relationship angst between Mercy and Adam. Briggs writes a fast-paced read, but I felt like the external conflict was a bit weak compared to the interpersonal drama. There's a fae running around causing havoc--the smoke weaver of the title--and some outside werewolves stirring up trouble, but most of the emphasis fell on Mercy and Adam's relationship. Mercy is upset and out of the loop for a good chunk of the story, and while I liked seeing the growth in their relationship, I also think the resolution was a little abrupt. Adam's personal issues and the werewolf plotline are tied up in the last 10% of the book, and I would have been fine with an even longer section devoted to that.

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Another great addition to the Mercy series! Besides the mystery, action, and adventure that are found in this book, I love how Mercy and Adam's relationship evolves with them through the series, having it's bumps but seeming realistic and full of emotion.

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Smoke Bitten is an amazing story, taking Mercy and Adam through one helluva ride. Between trying to figure out who/what is after Mercy and killing in their territory and what is happening with Adam, a reader won't get bored.

The only issue I had was Mercy trying to justify Adam's behaviors and sometimes whining about same instead of confronting him. The Marrok was very wise on this point.

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Smoke Bitten by Patricia Briggs is the 12th book in her wonderful Mercy Thompson series. I am a big fan of this series, and its heroine, Mercy Thompson. It is always fun to spend time with Mercy and Adam, and their pack. Smoke Bitten was a great addition to this series, and in this story, there were some problems with their mating bond, which we learn later was related to the previous book.

Mercy Thompson has always been independent (aside from her love with Adam), and she continues to surprise many as she always manages to find a way to outsmart her enemies, who constantly underestimates her. Mercy is strong, savvy, smart and a coyote shifter, but it is her love for Adam that makes her very loyal to the pack also; she will do anything to protect those she loves. She also has some powerful abilities she inherited from her father Coyote.

Mercy senses their mating bond has slowly shut down, and despite her worry, she trusts her mate (Adam) and is willing to be patient, as she tries to find out what is wrong. Though this is a backdrop of the overall story, it was an excellent addition to the story, as well as surprising. Of course, when it all ends, it will be Mercy who will find a way to bring Adam fully back.

Smoke Bitten begins when Tilly (fae) opens a door from Underhill next to Mercy and Adam’s house, to be able to visit Aiden, but it also allows an unseen entity to also escape, and bring havoc to humans and werewolves. This creature can take over a body by being bitten by ‘smoke’ and at the same time kill anyone nearby, putting everyone’s lives in danger.

While this is going on, a group of rogue werewolves are trying to take over Adam’s pack, which escalates the danger; and will force Mercy to contact Bran for advice. Always nice to see Bran again. With all the different problems (rogue Werewolves, Monster entity, weakening bond between her and Adam), Mercy has her hands full, but never ever underestimate our fantastic heroine.

What follows is an exciting, non-stop, tense, action packed adventure that captivated me from start to finish. Smoke Bitten was a tense, wild pulse pounding climax, that had me holding my breath as Mercy had to handle each and every threat along the way. Patricia Briggs has not only given us a wonderful couple in Mercy and Adam, but also a great secondary cast of characters.

Smoke Bitten was written so well by Briggs, and had so much going on throughout the entire book. I loved every moment of it. I love Adam and Mercy together. This is a fabulous series. If you have not read the Mercy Thompson series, and love paranormal, shifters, wolves; it is time to start reading this series.

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I read this in a gulp. No Coyote this time around, but plenty of relationship issues, and a murdering fae. It just is really good. Sometimes I wonder if I'll like the next Mercy story, and I do. They just keep getting better.

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another great book by Patricia Briggs in the Mercy Thompson series. This book started out right after the last one, and loved having that story finish out more. I read this book in one day.
Thanks to #Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. I love this series. And can't wait to the next one.

I love that this series has all the different characters but unlike other books that fit in the same genre, you don't have all the sex. And uncalled for stuff.

Great job.

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I really enjoyed reading this title. It's not a good starting place for this series though. Just as a heads up, in case there are new people checking out this book. READ THE WHOLE SERIES.

This title had a lot going on, and the end felt a little bit rushed, but I still enjoyed it. This one focuses a little bit more on the relationship between our Main Character and her spouse, but also doesn't give you a ton of details. He's trying to figure things out on his own, and she's wondering what's going on for about half of the book - since this book is told from her point of view, we don't really see his side. If you don't know what's happened in the past books it could be really confusing.

There are two different plots basically - and they're intertwined, but there are different bad guys - and I quite liked both the villains. You could figure out who the fae is if you pay attention to all the clues, and that ending was super satisfying.

I hope everyone reads the entire series.

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I am a fan of Patricia Briggs, especially her Mercy Thompson series. Briggs books are easy reads that are immensely enjoyable. I have a hard time moving on to a new book after I have finished one of hers. I love the characters in Briggs stories, they feel like old friends that I miss hanging out with after the book has ended.
In Smoke Bitten we get to see a different angle of Mercy and Adam's relationship. We also get a couple new details about Wulfe that left me with lots of questions. Looking forward to the next book!

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A solid addition to the Mercy Thompson series and possibly my favorite of the last few books.

Although the smoke demon storyline felt a bit weak at times, I loved the growth in Mercy and Adam's relationship and how everything built off of the last book.

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I admit up front that I have loved this entire series, it's one of my guilty reading pleasures and I reread the series about once a year. This installment did not disappoint! As a matter of fact, this one is one of the best. If you haven't read the others, do NOT start with this one. The characters, and the relationships between them, in all of Briggs' novels grow and change in realistic ways. If you read them out of order, not only will you be subject to major spoilers for the previous books, but you may not follow or enjoy what's happening as much as you otherwise would because you won't understand the changes the characters experienced or how their relationships changed in the books you skipped over. For me, one of the great pleasures of this particular series (and its companion series <i>Alpha and Omega</i>) is how the characters grow and change in realistic ways and time frames.

When the book begins, it's only been a few months since the events of the previous book, <i>Storm Cursed</i> and Mercy and Adam and their pack are still suffering the after effects. Adam has closed down their mating bond and won't talk to Mercy about why or how. This stresses the entire pack. Add to that the fact that Jesse is getting ready to head off to college, Wulfe has started stalking Mercy, and Underhill has built a doorway to itself in the Hauptman's backyard through which a monster has escaped, and Mercy again faces challenges that might turn out to be overwhelming. Her life is never boring.

Mercy understands, though, that her biggest strength lies in her allies. After the last two books, <i>Silence Fallen</i> and <i>Storm Cursed</i>, having so little involvement of the pack, it was a relief and a joy to have the pack fully back and participating in <i>Smoke Bitten</i>. I didn't guess the identity or motivation of the villain (which always makes a book more fun!) before the big reveal. Also, the relationship issues between Adam and Mercy stayed true to their character arcs from all the past books.

Overall, this book was just fun to read! I love the secondary characters (Jesse, Warren, Kyle, Stephan, Tad, Zee, Ben, etc.) just as much as Mercy and Adam. If you have enjoyed the rest of this series, definitely pick this one up and you will not be disappointed! 5 stars!

Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

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Another great book of Mercy and Adams adventures. But I must admit I hope the series goes in a new direction as the plots seeem same old same old.

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Another strong entry in the Mercedes Thompson series. It was fun to see her relationship with Adam change and grow and I loved having Ben reappear in a stronger role. Maybe one day we will discover the mystery that is Wulfe. One of the best ongoing fantasy series around.

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Just like always Patricia Briggs does not disappoint, as we set off in this new and dangerously exciting tale with Mercy, her beloved, family and dear friends we find ourselves wrapped in many emotions. You'll never guess the new enemy shes about to face until its too late and then once again you’ll be left wanting more.

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Mercy Thompson is back in action again in Smoke Bitten, and there is a new mystery to solve about some enemies that have come into town. While everyone is still healing from the last battle, there isn't time to rest because the Tri-Cities are being attacked and the pack has to protect their territory. As always, when I read a book written by Patricia Briggs, I couldn't put it one down. Every page was riveting and I was certainly surprised by the identity of the villain. This book is filled with the whole range of emotions as Mercy faces new challenges in her romantic relationship and in her defense of the pack's territory. I can't recommend this author and this book series enough to people who enjoy a good fantasy book. Previous readers of Patricia Briggs' books will love this one, as well and I know I certainly can't wait to read the next adventure in Mercy Thompson's life.

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