The day I don’t enjoy a Mercy Thompson book is going to be a very sad day indeed, and once again I thoroughly enjoyed this latest novel by Patricia Briggs. Winter Lost comes after the very dark Soul Taken, and all the characters are reeling from the events of that book. While Mercy, Adam, the Pack and their allies triumphed, and the Soul Taker was destroyed, Mercy was left with gaping wounds in her magic and soul. While she’s trying to deal with them in her own way, aka stubbornly hoping it will fix itself, she’s terrified that the situation is permanent and what that now means for her.

Meanwhile, Bonarata, the most powerful vampire in the world who kidnapped Mercy in Silence Fallen, is continuing his obsession. Already on edge, Mercy is forced to endure harassing phone calls and hanging up on Bonarata has deadly consequences. With the threat of him lurking and Mercy not at her best, the last thing Mercy and Adam need is her brother Gary turning up at their door, unable to communicate.

All paths lead to Montana, where Gary was last working on a ranch. Mercy and Adam head to the ranch to see what they can find, a massive storm hits, cutting them off from everyone and everything. They find themselves at a lodge with a group of strangers, and soon realise there’s more going on than they realised.

While Winter Lost connects to everything that has happened in previous books, what I liked about this one was it took a step back and gave Mercy and Adam some breathing space instead of piling on another huge Tri-Cities crisis. That’s not to say the stakes in Winter Lost aren’t big – they are! – but they’re focused on something specific rather than it being a continuation of the ongoing scenarios.

In this book, Briggs also introduces ‘interludes’ between Mercy and Adam’s chapters, and these are short scenes that include other characters and tell the reader about events that take place outside the current events and timeline. Some happen before the book’s events start or before a particular scene, while others show what is happening to The Pack while Mercy and Adam are in Montana.

In the last few books, the dynamics of the Pack have been changing, especially since Sherwood’s identity and memory were restored. In Winter Lost, Adam leaves some of the dominant wolves in charge, letting them work things out for themselves while also ensuring there’s a third wolf to act as a tie-break vote if needed. One of the interludes shows us how some of the characters got on without Adam, and it was a brilliant scene.

A lot is happening in this book, and Briggs’ fantastic world-building shines through as she weaves myth and urban fantasy together. There’s a great mixture of humour, quirky characters and witty dialogue as always, that balances the difficult hard-hitting topics. I’ve seen some readers complain about the way Briggs has been depicting Mercy in the most recent books, particularly her vulnerability, and how Mercy is trying to be more open with Adam. I’m all for it.

Relationships are hard work, especially long-term relationships, and you don’t just hit a certain milestone and go aha that’s X amount of years, we can communicate perfectly now! People change constantly, and in a world like Mercy and Adam’s with magic and Pack bonds, it’s even more complicated. It makes a lot of sense that at this stage in the series, and in their relationship, this is where Briggs is heading.

I mentioned that the stakes were big in Winter Lost, albeit differently, and I liked the way that Briggs played around with myth and belief. It was very much a case of ‘well this could happen and no one wants to find out if it’s true or not!’, rather than complicating things and saying for certain that it would happen. That was my read on it anyway, I’m sure each reader will have their own.

Briggs has never been one to shy away from representation, with one of her main characters being gay, and the issues other male werewolves have with that character discussed in previous books. In this one, it was great to see her feature a transgender character working for Adam, and there was also an inner dialogue about a character possibly being neurodivergent. While the character isn’t neurodivergent, I very rarely see authors have their characters acknowledge the possibility. Instead, it’s comments about being “slow” or “weird” which is what another character says, and this inner dialogue was used to correct that, which was extremely appreciated!

I enjoyed Winter Lost a lot, and there were many new characters that I hope we see again. I also hope that Briggs includes interludes in each book from now on, as they were very interesting and often hilarious.

This is the 14th book in the series, so if you don’t know about this series I will just spend a couple of words on it: it is a great urban fantasy series, I really love the characters and the different creatures that inhabit this world. Mercy is an amazing MC and she has the ability to find the most extraordinary companions along the way. Adam is a great partner, Jessie is so sweet, Zee is… Zee and you need to meet him! Wulf is creepy and intriguing as hell, and I have just mentioned a small number of them. If you start this series you will meet a lot of interesting characters, and some of them will stay with you for a long time. And again, Mercy is a great MC!
And what’s even better is that we have a lot of different supernatural creatures in there and they all blend so well together! (I am not saying that they all are friends and go along, nope, but it is so beautiful to see so much difference in the same place!). We have werewolves, we have vampires, fay, and stranger beings. And Coyote.
It is a nice series, and it is well worth your time!

That said, let’s get a little bit more into this specific volume.
I think we are nearing the point where things start to become too much. In the years I noticed (and maybe this is just a me-thing, mind me) that a lot of series when they go on for a long time start to lose their shine. I know that it is not an easy thing keeping a series going, but sometimes I think it will be good to just finish them and give the reader a good ending, instead of adding volumes and, at the same time, decreasing the quality of the series.
Usually, this happens in two ways: watering down the story, making really little happen, and just putting out filler scenes or filler books to make the series go on, or the opposite: making everything happen at once. A lot of things, a lot of disasters, one more improbable than the other, making the reading experience exhausting.
And I think that this series is starting to move in this second direction but… but mind me, it was just an inkling of it, so maybe I am wrong and this is not a new direction for the series! (And I really, really hope so, because I love this series!)

Rambling aside, I had an amazing time with this book. I was quite happy to get to see Mercy and Adam spend a bit more time alone, or well, not really alone, but they were not with the pack, and this was a nice surprise. And the story is compelling and interesting, I was fascinated by it and I also quite enjoyed the winter setting! I know that this book is coming out in June, so (at least for me) it is drastically different from the weather I am experiencing (even if, to be honest, the weather here has not yet decided what it wants to be… but that’s another story), but I loved it! (And yes, it may be because I love snow and I don’t really love Summer weather, but… who cares! I loved to read a book where the characters are in a snowstorm!).

I loved the idea at the core of the story, the mythology involved in it! It was nice, it was well developed and it was almost like a fairytale! Also, we get to meet some really interesting characters, because we always meet interesting characters if we keep company with Mercy!
(But please, pretty pretty please, Bonarata needs killing, and he needs it now!!)

I had a great time with this book, I enjoyed the plot, I enjoyed the setting, and I enjoyed even more the characters (also, Mercy and Adam’s relationship is one of the best out there!), so if you are a fan of this series… what are you waiting for?? And if you have yet to start this series… what are you waiting for?? Trust me! You need this one!

In this latest thrilling installment of the No. 1 New York Times bestselling series, Mercy Thompson once again proves why she’s one of the most captivating heroines in urban fantasy. As a car mechanic and shapeshifter, Mercy is no stranger to challenges, but the stakes have never been higher than in this heart-pounding narrative.

The story plunges us readers into the supernatural realms where Mercy must navigate ancient and powerful forces to prevent a disaster of epic proportions. Mercy and her mate, Adam, the formidable leader of the local werewolf pack, face their toughest trial yet. The journey takes them from their home in the Tri-Cities to the wilds of Montana, where a simple trip to aid Mercy's brother spirals into a fight for survival.

One of the standout elements of this book for me is its rich, immersive world-building. The vivid descriptions of the wilderness lodge, the fierce storm, and the arcane magics create a palpable sense of tension and urgency. I like how the author seamlessly blends the ordinary with the extraordinary, making the supernatural elements feel both magical and grounded.

I like how the author portrays Mercy’s strength, not just in physical combat but in her unwavering determination and loyalty to those she loves. Her relationship with Adam is another highlight, showcasing a partnership built on mutual respect and love, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

The plot is a masterful blend of action, suspense, and emotional depth. Each character, from the enigmatic strangers (and old friends) trapped in the lodge to the formidable adversaries wielding ancient magic, adds layers of complexity to the story. I like the way the author develops these characters, giving them distinct personalities and motivations that enrich the narrative.

The pacing is expertly handled, perfectly balancing high-stakes action and quieter, introspective moments. I was expecting a story more along the lines of continuation of the foreshadowing in the previous books though the unfolding mystery in this story keeps readers on the edge of their seats, with twists and turns that are both surprising and satisfying. I like how the plot keeps you guessing, making it impossible to put the book down.

Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of the series but not so for newcomers. It’s a testament to the author’s skill in creating a world that is as dangerous as it is enchanting, and characters who are as relatable as they are extraordinary. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a gripping, immersive, and emotionally resonant read.

I like the way this book not only expands the lore of Mercy Thompson’s world but also deepens our understanding of its beloved characters. It’s a journey that is as thrilling as it is touching, making it a standout entry in an already exceptional series.

As always I absolutely loved this next installment in the mercy Thompson series!
I can’t wait for the next one <3

I didn't really enjoy this. Part of the problem is that I find Mercy herself insipid and I don't like the highly sexist world this series is set in. I keep trying it again because it's one of THE urban fantasy series but frankly this was just okay.

Patricia Briggs has done it again. Even though it’s the 14th book of the series, the story of Mercy here is still fresh, intriguing and full of surprises.
After her recent encounter with Soul Taker, Mercy is not okay. It doesn’t seem to be fixable, not by any known fae or other supernatural kind of magic, and it only seems to cause a lots of worries to all close to her. And then her brother arrives, all cursed very troubled. She can’t just leave him like that, just like she can’t fixed him by herself, which means she has to retrace his last moves and leads her to being trapped in a remote lodge with a bunch of strangers and being tasked with finding a stolen artefact.
I really loved the premise of this book: Mercy and Adam in something that is essentially a bottle episode, fighting their best to survive, to save their loved ones and one another. They are not perfect, not extremely talented and special. They have flaws and shortcomings, they don’t know what to do, they need help of supernatural and/or divine beings. They have communication issues, using fights to mask their fears. I find it really relatable, especially considering how few fictional characters are actually multi dimensional. Dialogues are also impeccable, witty and interesting, we get exposed to incredible back and forth banter, as well as to emotional internal monologues. We also get other POV than Mercy’s, it’s an omnipresent narrator describing Adam’s side of the story. That gives us an extraordinary perspective and a fresh look. Briggs still captures the essence of the characters but she doesn’t tire us out with them or bore with repetitive stories.
4,5/5 rounded up.

Mercy hasn't recovered from what the artefact known as the Soul Taker did to her, although she is trying to conceal it from her friends and mate. In addition, the vampire Bonafrata is stalking her and torturing innocents while he forces Mercy to listen on the phone.

To top it all, Mercy's half-brother Gary arrives on the pack's doorstep, incoherent and malnourished. Mercy calls Zee and Zee calls local frost giant Ymir who concludes it is a curse, but only his brother Hrimnir can release Gary because it is his magic.

In a quest to find Hrimnir, Adam and Mercy travel to Montana in Winter, to the ranch where Gary was working where they learn that Gary stole a precious artefact from Hrimnir and left it in a local resort which is guarded by a water spirit and Hrimnir cannot enter. In retaliation, Hrimnir has brought a snow storm on the mountain and vowed no-one can leave the resort until his stolen artefact is returned.

So now Mercy and Adam have to battle a blizzard, find an artefact AND persuade an angry frost giant to release his spell on Gary. Throw in a whole host of fae and other creatures and a ritual that must be performed on a certain day and its just business-as-usual for the pair of them LOL. Oh, and some of Adam's men have been attacked in South America and the three other dominant males in Adam's pack are struggling to find a way of working together.

As always, I looooooved this. But (also as always) I have questions, why was he(view spoiler) him(view spoiler)? Why did he(view spoiler) do it in the first place? And why did the other he (view spoiler)do that (view spoiler)?

To read spoilers see my review on Goodreads here.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

Headlines:
Sibling trouble
Frost giants
Healing

This was such a great installment in the Mercy Thompson series which picked up on the damage the Soul Taker had rended on Mercy. That damage was a crucial element of what happened in this story and the enhanced senses Mercy had were interesting and exposing.

Frost giants, Norsk Ragnorok, hell hounds and white stags were the order of the week. The whole story had a cold, snowy and dangerous vibe. What I especially loved about this book was that this was an Mercy-Adam duo, not seperated but working together. I feel like we don't get that enough or that getting that experience now makes me appreciate it more.

There were a whole host of supernatural beings in this one, more than normal it felt. I just about coped with the ghosty bits!

Bonarata is lurking ominously in the background and I have a feeling that that battle is ahead next. I cannot wait. I will read this series as long as Briggs keeps writing it (please keep writing it).

Thank you to Orbit books for the eARC.

Winter Lost is Book 14 in the Mercy Thompson series. This one just like the rest of the books was fantastic. When I saw it was available to request early I literally jumped in there. Then When I got approved for Winter Lost I literally started reading it straight away and It was such a great feeling to be back in this world again.
This book follows just a few weeks after Soul Taken and the fall out and repercussions of destroying the Fae artefact. Mercy is struggling with Panic Attacks and Anxiety from the damage the artefact caused her soul and magic. This book definitely shows Mercy’s vulnerabilities and I feel that Patricia did really well on conveying Mercy’s struggles with her mental
Health. I feel that it came across really well in this book which is great.
Adam is struggling with not having been able to beat Bonarata as well as his relationship with Mercy whilst she struggles with her Mental health. I like that we get his perspective and how he copes with trying to help her whilst not smothering her which goes against everything he stands for. The fact that he can smell her fear every time something happens must be really hard for him but he copes and adjusts to Mercy. I felt this really showed how great their relationship is and how they’ve grown.
The book is so well written and has a really good flow. I loved seeing characters we hadn’t seen in a while such as Gary and I enjoyed meeting the new ones too especially Grandmother Spider who I fell in love with a little when I realised she was good and was trying to help Mercy. I would like to see a little more from the rest of the pack in the next book as I love knowing what’s going on with them!! I’m a little nosy like that!!
I feel this book was a good breather after the heavy and emotional book of the previous. It was definitely needed and it gave Mercy and Adam time to heal. As well as getting back on the same page.
That being said you can tell it’s slowly building again especially with Bonarata slowly torturing Mercy with the Phone calls and threats.
I enjoyed reading the little interludes in this book as it gave us that extra bit of information that was needed and it showed us what happening with the rest of the pack at the same time. I loved reading Coyotes interlude as it really shows how much he cares for his daughter and that he would do anything to help her even if it means manipulating the people around him.
Overall an amazing read and I already can’t wait for more!!

Massive Thank you to the Publisher, Patrica Briggs and Netgalley for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Winter Lost is already book 14 in the Mercy Thompson series. And I am sure that I am not the only one who was heavily anticipating this book.

In this installment Mercy is still struggling with the effects of what happened to her with the Soul Taker. It has left some marks on her magic and her soul. She's not quite herself. And that one vampire really won't leave her alone. It is creating a lot of anxiety. So when her brother crashes back into her life, needing her help, it is not exactly making life a whole lot easier for her.

What I loved most about this whole book was the way that Mercy's panic attacks and anxiety were depicted. I really resonate with that because I have anxiety. But I also appreciated how we got Adam's perspective. That he wants to help her, in her way, but how difficult that is for him as well. His own fear and stress for his mate. I think its important that there isn't one side without making it a negative. It really creates a lot of depth in their relationship. And that doesn't mean they never argue. The still had some of that as well. It shows a functioning relationship where they are working on things. Not a perfect one.

I struggled a little with the interludes at the start because I couldn't place the characters. Once we got interludes about Sherwood and Warren and so on, that shifted. I found seeing what happened while Mercy and Adam were away from the pack to be really interesting. I also thought it was interesting to meet grandmother spider. A true fae who just makes things harder for Mercy because she thinks she needs help, but in the end does end up actually helping Mercy.

The story was okay. But it was a backdrop to what Mercy had to deal with and that felt deep. Having Mercy being away from all those others she feels she has to take care of was a good thing for her.

Overal I think this might be one of my favorite installments of the series because of the above mentioned. It is more about Mercy's mental health and her relationship with Adam, and I think that was needed. A bit of a break from the very big stuff that I am sure we will go back to in the next few books.

Patricia Briggs could write anything and I'd salivate to read it.
Mercy, still her badass self, Adam, as amazing as ever and we get to see his POV again too.
Saying that I of course had to reread the whole series and I'm glad I did before reading Winter Lost. It has elements that carry on from the last book. It is so good I want to scream!
We see Coyote again and Gary! More characters that really make the book so fun. More POVs than usual but it works and really makes the book work and cohesive. I cannot complement it enough. I call this an absolute MUST READ!

I am so thankful to Netgalley and the publisher, Orbit Books UK, for this arc. I love, love this series and its characters so much! I actually only started on this journey this year, so this is the 20th book I've read by this author this year (including the alpha & omega series).

Winter Lost starts just a few weeks after the previous installment, Soul Taken, and Mercy and the pack are still reeling from their encounter with powerful foes, when all of a sudden, Mercy's brother Gary shows up at their doorstep in trouble.

One thing I liked about this book, which is more unusual in this series, was the non-linear chronology. It was only for a small part of the narrative, but it's a little bit of innovation instead of more of the same. This book also features some interesting myths and elements that we haven't seen before in this world, and that was such a fun treat!

Overall, just loved it! I sat down with it one afternoon and couldn't put it down until I finished it!