Patricia Briggs, Blood Bound

Blood Bound

Patricia Briggs

Ace, February 2006, $7.99, 304 pp.

ISBN 0441014736

Some years ago, the fae were outed by the Grey Lords, and recently the werewolves made themselves known to humans. It is due to a fantastic public relations job that the weres did not come under attack by human mobs. Mechanic Mercy Thompson is a one of a kind (as far as she knows) supernatural entity, a Walker who turns into a coyote at will, has a strong sense of smell, and is able to run very fast.

Stefan the Vampire asks Mercy to go with him in her coyote personae to witness what happens when he visits what turns out to be a demon vampire Corey Littleton. After the encounter, Stefan believes the messily killed humans, calling attention to vampires who are still in the closet. Mercy remembers that it was Corey who made the mess, and through vampire magic her words are accepted as truth. Corey goes on a rampage, killing indiscriminately; the werewolves become involved when one of their own is hurt. However, the vampire mistress believes the Walker is the one who can find and kill the demon vampire sorcerer, and when he hurts her friend she sets out to do that.

BLOOD BOUND is a compelling and fascinating supernatural tale that fans of Laurel K. Hamilton and Charlaine Harris will thoroughly enjoy. Patricia Briggs is a powerful storyteller, who convinces readers her earth inhabited by supernatural creatures actually exists. Compelling and multidimensional characters that the audience cares about will lead to readers seeking the previous tale MOON CALLED.