Patricia Briggs is a name that resonates with many readers of urban fantasy and paranormal fiction. Known for her captivating world-building, compelling characters, and intricate plots, she has carved out a significant place for herself in the genre. Whether you’re a newcomer to her work or a long-time fan, understanding her books’ structure and how they fit together is essential to truly immersing yourself in the unique universe she has created.
This exploration will not only dive into the different series Patricia Briggs has written, but will also offer an in-depth look at her recommended reading sequence. This is particularly important for understanding how her books interconnect, how characters evolve across different installments, and how the overarching narrative builds.
In addition to offering a thorough overview, I’ll share what I personally enjoy about her books, touching on the themes, settings, and character dynamics that make her writing so memorable. Finally, we’ll discuss the significance of reading her books in order, and whether it’s necessary for a fulfilling reading experience. By the end of this piece, you’ll have a better understanding of Patricia Briggs’ literary world and why her books have garnered such dedicated fans.
| Moon Called (2006) | Details |
| Blood Bound (2007) | Details |
| Iron Kissed (2008) | Details |
| Bone Crossed (2009) | Details |
| Silver Borne (2010) | Details |
| Frost Burned (2013) | Details |
| Night Broken (2014) | Details |
| Fire Touched (2016) | Details |
| Storm Cursed (2019) | Details |
| Wolves of the Calla (2021) | Details |
Alright, let’s start with Moon Called, where we meet Mercy Thompson, a mechanic who also happens to be a shape-shifter with a deep connection to wolves. This book kicks off the Mercy Thompson series, and trust me, it doesn’t hold back. We get to dive into Mercy’s world full of werewolves, vampires, fae, and a whole lot of danger. Plus, there’s Adam Hauptman, the irresistible alpha werewolf who stirs up more than just pack politics. If you love urban fantasy with a kick-ass heroine, this is where it all begins.
Next up is Blood Bound, and let me tell you, things get even more intense. Mercy is called in to deal with a dangerous vampire who’s taken over a supernatural artifact, and of course, it’s no simple task. She teams up with some old friends, but as the plot thickens, the stakes get higher, and the danger becomes personal. Not to mention, we learn even more about Mercy’s past and the ties that bind her to this crazy supernatural world. The chemistry between Mercy and Adam starts to bubble up too!
Iron Kissed is where things get really dark and deep. Mercy’s world is already filled with powerful beings, but now she’s facing off against corruption within the very institutions that are supposed to protect the supernatural community. When she’s called in to investigate the murder of a fae, she uncovers secrets that hit too close to home. We also get more of Mercy’s emotional journey, including how she deals with the complicated feelings surrounding her love life, her own identity, and her loyalty to the wolves.
Now, Bone Crossed brings Mercy back into the thick of things after the events of Iron Kissed. Mercy’s trying to catch her breath, but of course, the supernatural world won’t let her. She’s got a vampire seeking her help, a ghost haunting her, and a series of dangerous enemies lurking in the shadows. Adam is there for her, but the emotional tension continues to simmer. This book builds up the tension and drama that defines Mercy’s journey, showing us just how much she’s willing to fight for the people she loves.
Silver Borne throws Mercy into a mess involving a fae artifact, some ancient secrets, and, of course, the ever-dramatic love triangle (if you can call it that) between her, Adam, and Samuel, the gorgeous werewolf. Things are heating up in the pack, and Mercy has to find a way to protect herself and those she cares about. This one really dives into Mercy’s internal struggles with the past, and it’s one of those books where you feel like you’re on the edge of your seat the whole time.
In Frost Burned, Mercy and Adam find themselves in the middle of a massive crisis. The local werewolf pack is thrown into chaos when some of its members are kidnapped, and it’s up to Mercy to step up and figure out who’s behind the attack. The action is fast-paced, the mystery is intense, and the relationship between Mercy and Adam just keeps getting better and more complicated. This one really pushes Mercy to her limits as she fights not only for her pack but for the safety of everyone around her.
Here comes Night Broken, and things are seriously shifting. Mercy and Adam’s relationship is under pressure when Christy, Adam’s ex-wife, shows up unexpectedly, bringing all kinds of drama and tension. Mercy’s already juggling enough supernatural chaos, but now she has to face the emotional baggage of dealing with Christy’s reappearance. Add in some dangerous enemies, and you’ve got a recipe for an intense ride. Mercy’s growth as a character really shines in this one, and you’ll find yourself rooting for her every step of the way.
By the time you get to Fire Touched, the world is more dangerous than ever. Mercy is fighting to protect her pack and the city she loves from a bunch of new threats. The arrival of a powerful fae throws everything into turmoil, and Mercy must step up in ways she never has before. What’s so great about this book is seeing how Mercy’s role has evolved, not just as a member of the pack, but as a leader. There’s plenty of action, supernatural drama, and emotional depth, making it one of the key entries in the series.
Storm Cursed is all about the growing tension between the supernatural world and the humans. There’s a new enemy in town-a group of witches who are not messing around-and Mercy has to face off against them while trying to keep things from spiraling out of control. She also has to deal with the emotional aftermath of the events in Fire Touched. This one’s a rollercoaster of action, emotional conflict, and supernatural politics, and it’s one of the more complex books in the series.
Wolves of the Calla might not be part of the Mercy Thompson series directly, but it’s a must-read for fans of Patricia Briggs. The plot focuses on a new adventure in the world of the fae, introducing new characters and expanding on the history and lore of the series. If you’ve been following Mercy’s journey, you’ll appreciate how this one ties into the bigger picture of the supernatural world that Briggs has been building throughout the series.
Patricia Briggs’ literary career is rooted in the urban fantasy genre, though she has also written historical fiction, romance, and even science fiction. Her books are known for blending elements of fantasy, supernatural creatures, and strong, relatable characters. The majority of her work exists in two primary series: the Mercy Thompson novels and the Alpha & Omega series, which are set in the same universe, but feature different protagonists and storylines.
The Mercy Thompson series, which began in 2006 with the novel Moon Called, is perhaps Briggs’ most well-known work. The protagonist, Mercedes ’Mercy’ Thompson, is a mechanic who lives in the Tri-Cities of Washington state. She’s a shape-shifter, but rather than transforming into a typical wolf or cat, she changes into a coyote-a unique twist in a genre dominated by werewolves and vampires. Over the course of the series, Mercy faces a variety of challenges, ranging from werewolf politics to ancient enemies, all while navigating her relationships with humans and supernatural beings alike.
The series spans multiple books, including Blood Bound, Iron Kissed, and Bone Crossed, to name a few, each dealing with different aspects of Mercy’s life, relationships, and the supernatural world she inhabits. One of the standout features of the series is Briggs’ ability to blend supernatural intrigue with real-world issues like personal identity, morality, and social conflict.
The Alpha & Omega series, which is set in the same world as the Mercy Thompson books, focuses on a different set of characters but still involves many of the same supernatural elements. The first novel, Cry Wolf, introduces Anna Latham, a young werewolf who is rescued by Charles Cornick, an Alpha wolf and son of the Marrok, the leader of all werewolves. Over the course of the series, Anna and Charles develop a bond as they face challenges from both human and supernatural threats.
While the Mercy Thompson series is focused on Mercy’s personal growth and adventures, Alpha & Omega has a slightly more complex, hierarchical exploration of werewolf culture and politics, as well as the relationships between the various supernatural species. The Alpha & Omega books are generally shorter than the Mercy Thompson novels, but they provide a deeper insight into the world of werewolves, their history, and their place in the broader supernatural society.
The world Patricia Briggs has created is not linear, and this is reflected in how the books in the two series interact. Though both the Mercy Thompson and Alpha & Omega novels stand on their own, the recommended reading order can enhance the experience, helping you to fully appreciate the relationships and evolving plotlines between the characters.
The recommended sequence is simple: start with the Mercy Thompson series for a deep dive into the world and its rules. After you’ve read at least Moon Called and Blood Bound, you can then dip into the Alpha & Omega series. Cry Wolf introduces characters and plot points that will make more sense once you are familiar with the broader world, and vice versa.
Briggs occasionally ties the two series together, with characters from one series making appearances in the other, and the events in one series often impacting the other. For example, the Alpha & Omega series provides additional context for certain werewolf dynamics that are explored further in the Mercy Thompson series, so reading both series in parallel can offer a more enriched experience.
As a reader, there are several aspects of Patricia Briggs’ writing that make her books stand out in the crowded world of urban fantasy.
Mercy Thompson and Anna Latham, along with their respective love interests-Adam Hauptman and Charles Cornick-are more than just their supernatural abilities. They are well-rounded characters who deal with personal dilemmas, vulnerabilities, and growth. Mercy, in particular, is a compelling protagonist because she is neither perfect nor helpless. She is strong yet flawed, independent but not invincible, and her relationships with other characters evolve in meaningful ways throughout the series.
Briggs is a master at creating a world that feels both immersive and believable. The supernatural elements-whether it’s werewolves, vampires, fae, or witches-are well thought-out and fully integrated into the real world. The nuances of werewolf hierarchy, the politics of the fae, and the interactions between humans and supernatural creatures are explored with great depth, providing a rich tapestry for the characters to navigate.
There are layers of thematic exploration in Briggs’ books that go beyond the typical supernatural tropes. The themes of loyalty, family, power, and identity are particularly prominent, with characters constantly wrestling with what it means to belong, to lead, and to protect the ones they love. The exploration of consent, trust, and emotional trauma adds an extra layer of realism and depth to the fantastical world, making the characters’ struggles feel relatable and human.
While both the Mercy Thompson and Alpha & Omega books can be enjoyed individually, reading them in order is highly recommended. Several reasons make the reading sequence important: