Thursday 18 July 2013

Review & Audio-Book Giveaway: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

Moon Called (Mercy Thompson, #1)
Moon Called (Mercy Thompson #1) by Patricia Briggs
Narrator: Lorelei King
Publisher: Penguin Audio Books
Publication date: September 1st 2009
Source: Audible
My rating:  4 stars


 
Werewolves can be dangerous if you get in their way, but they'll leave you alone if you are careful. They are very good at hiding their natures from the human population, but I'm not human. I know them when I meet them, and they know me, too.

Mercy Thompson's sexy next-door neighbor is a werewolf.

She's tinkering with a VW bus at her mechanic shop that happens to belong to a vampire.

But then, Mercy Thompson is not exactly normal herself... and her connection to the world of things that go bump in the night is about to get her into a whole lot of trouble.

An unabridged recording (9 hours, 14 minutes).

My Thoughts:
Moon Called is the first book in the Mercy Thompson Urban Fantasy series, and it was a strong start.  It was fun, fast paced, with strong characters and an engrossing plot.  I love my female protags to have some spunk and be able to kick a little ass and Mercy Thompson ticks all those boxes and more!

Mercy Thompson is a “walker” and can shapeshift into a coyote. Mercy isn’t a werewolf but she is very close to them after being raised by a powerful pack. At sixteen, she leaves after the pack Alpha sends her away to prevent her mating with his son, Sam.  Now situated in the state of Washington as an auto mechanic, she comes under the Columbia Basin Wolves’ pack in a round-about way, under the charismatic, hot-tempered (and just plain HOT) Alpha, Adam.   Not that she admits to it, mind you. Being a coyote she’s not obligated to be under any pack. 

When Adam is attacked and his teenage daughter, Jesse, is kidnapped, Mercy takes it upon herself to help him and track down his daughter.  Mercy returns to her roots for help in unraveling this mystery and getting Jesse back safely.  Her past and present collide in the form of Sam and Adam.  

We are tossed into Mercy’s world with her as our guide, and as a narrator she’s easy to like and root for.  If you’re tired of frustrating or whiny female leads, Mercy is your girl! She’s a smart, witty, and feeds us just enough background information so we’re not lost in the story, yet doesn’t overwhelm with too many details.  This makes me extremely happy because info dumping is a sure fire way to put me to sleep! 

I steeled myself to be patient with this book because I’ve come to realize that in UF usually the first book lays the groundwork for the whole series and might not be as satisfying or riveting because of that.  This was not the case in Moon Called.  I was immediately drawn into the story and it captured and held my attention just fine throughout.  Also, because this is the first book in the series, the romance is just getting started.  It seems possible for Adam or Sam to be the love interest, there’s definite chemistry between Mercy and both of them.  But it does sway to one a little more than the other by the end. 

Moon Called wraps up nicely with the main mystery solved by the end, however, the story of the characters, and their relationships have just begun.  I can’t wait to see how everything plays out and I’ve got the next one locked and loaded, ready to listen to. 

Lorelei King narrates this story and she is spot on!  I’m familiar with this performer because she narrates the Charley Davidson series as well.  She brings just the right amount of sarcastic inflection when needed to make the character’s wit and spunk come through loud and clear.  She does a great job with the male voices as well, and most of the time it doesn’t even cross your mind that a female is narrating those parts.  Her performance made the story come alive.






I find I’m “reading” more and more audio books after discovering how it makes my commute back and forth not only bearable, but something I look forward to. So when Audible approached us about featuring their service on The Readers Den, I jumped at the chance because I’ve had a totally positive experience with them.  I signed up for one of their offers, but I really didn’t think I’d purchase too many books because the kindle or hardcover versions are still usually cheaper.  However, I’ve noticed they have quite a few sales where they have a list of books for sale. On one of those sales I bought three books for $4.50 a piece, and another I bought books that were $7.95 a piece, so it hasn’t been as expensive as I thought.  All in all, I’m a fan. I just download the file on my phone and I can listen in the car or anywhere else with my ear buds.

The offer I signed up for is very similar to this one: Audible 30 Day Free Trial

As part of this post Audible has provided a giveaway of TWO AUDIOBOOKS for one lucky reader! The giveaway is restricted to US residents only and will run for two weeks.  Just fill out the rafflecopter below for a chance to win.  Good luck and thanks for visiting The Readers Den!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

In exchange for featuring their site and offer/giveaway, Audible provided two free audiobooks. 
 

14 comments:

Tanja - Tanychy said...

I know that Maja likes this series a lot and the author too. I haven't read any of her books but I'm really planing to. I mean shapeshift into a coyote is for sure something new and she is a girl with all that. Amazing review Rachel :)

Jen (Books and Other Happy Ever Afters) said...

I've been seeing great reviews for this series, I really need to pick it up! Mercy seems like a character I'd really like: bad-ass, and with a strong backbone! I love reading different authors' takes on werewolves, so I'm particularly intrigued for this one. Adam sounds like a keeper! ;) I love audiobooks and I've been strongly considering signing up for Audible, so hopefully in the coming months! Fantastic review, Rachel! :)

Siiri said...

Narrator can really make or break an audiobook and I'm glad this was a hit not a miss for you. I love kick-ass characters, who doesn't?! I'm sure as you said that the MC is my girl!!! I'm glad the 'love triangle' isn't REALLY a love triangle and it probably won't be stretched throughout the entire series. YAY! Yesterday I discovered a shape-shifter book and today is a lucky day as well lol. I'm not big on werewolf books, but some of them truly allure me in and this one does that as well. Thanks for introducing it to us, sweetie!

Keertana said...

I'm so thrilled that you enjoyed this one! I actually never thought Adam was that hot in this installment, but he gets hotter with each novel, so you're in for a treat. ;) I can't wait to see what you think as the series progresses - it's just so, so good and you grow to love the secondary characters especially. Alpha & Omega, the companion series, is fantastic too, so I'd definitely recommend that as well. Wonderful review, dear! :)

Mary @ BookSwarm said...

I do so love this series! Mercy is one of my favorite UF heroines and I love how she interacts (and annoys) Adam. Sam's also a great character, who really adds a lot to Mercy's life. Now, you've made me want to reread this series!

Melissa (i swim for oceans) said...

I haven't read this series (or any reviews for that matter), but it definitely sounds intriguing. And I love the sound of Adam, to be honest. He seems to be a like an onion...you have to peel away the layers, and I want to do so! Fantastic review, Rachel! :)

Anonymous said...

This is one UF series that I haven't started yet. It sounds like it's a good start and it really impressed you. I'm currently reading Sealed With A Curse, and it has tons of shapeshifters that aren't werewolves and I'm loving it! Glad that you loved it, Rachel!
Lovely review! :)

nrlymrtl said...

I read this book some years ago and keep meaning to get back into the series. I'm a big user of audiobooks because I have farm chores and a commute to my paying job, so perhaps listening to this series is the way to go.

brandileigh2003 said...

Glad the mystery wrapped up well and sorry the romance was just getting going!

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...

I am happy that you enjoyed this one, Rachel. I like this series a lot. Mercy and Adam are great together and I like so many of the secondary characters. I still need to read the last book that just came out. What a great giveaway. I have been doing audiobooks while I work out makes it more bearable. I really like Lorelei King she is the narrator for Charley Davidson as well!

Livvy said...

I've seen Keertana rave about this series and I'm glad that you managed to really enjoy the first one too. I'm looking forward to picking it myself.

With your latest passion for audiobooks I must certainly try one at some point soon. Fantastic review! :)

Unknown said...

I don't read a lot of shifter stories, and I think they've primarily been wolves. I've heard so many great things about this series, though, so would probably give it a chance. I do tend to enjoy audiobooks, and since you liked this audio, I may give it a try!

Amanda said...

I have a super short commute, but at times I find myself wishing for something a little longer so that I can justify starting to listen to more audiobooks. Is that weird? haha I just never have the time to listen to audiobooks right now but I wish I did!
While I enjoyed my first foray into adult uf with Kate Daniels, I think that Magic Bites definitely falls into the category of the info-dumping slow setting up that must be common with uf series. That's nice to hear that Moon Called suffered from no such problems! Mercy sounds like a fantastic heroine. I'll have to keep this series in mind as a possibility for after I finish up with Kate Daniels.

Henrietta @ Leisure Reads said...

Mercy seems sensible and I like that we get to see a walker. Thanks for sharing!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...