River Marked

Written by Patricia Briggs

Narrated by Lorelei King

The sixth novel in the international No. 1 bestselling Mercy Thompson series - the major urban fantasy hit of the decade

MERCY THOMPSON: MECHANIC, SHAPESHIFTER, FIGHTER

Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. And she's never known any others of her kind. Until now.

As Mercy comes to terms with this new information, an evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River. Something deadly is coming, facts are thin on the ground and Mercy feels ill at ease. However, her father's people may know more. To have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need all the resources the shifters can offer. Or death will be the least of their worries.

The Mercy Thompson books:
Moon Called
Blood Bound
Iron Kissed
Bone Crossed
Silver Borne
River Marked
Frost Burned
Night Broken
Fire Touched
Silence Fallen
Storm Cursed

Shifting Shadows (Stories from the world of Mercy Thompson)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Little, Brown (Hachette UK) Audio
• Release date: Apr 12, 2018
• ISBN: 9781405541220

Patricia Briggs

#1 New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs lives in Washington State with her husband, children, and a small herd of horses.

Reviews for River Marked

[starknits_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So I love all the Adam and Mercy time in this book. You really get to see them together and apart from the pack. I also really love how Mercy finds out about her heritage. Though it is heartbreaking a bit. I would love to hear the conversation btwn Coyote and Charles.
Some things to ponder:
Stephen says "you would've come if I called" Mercy thinks he means on the phone and answers accordingly
Coyote and Stephen knew each other in the past....or at least fought

[library_breeder · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is my favorite in the series!

[reading_fox · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Not a favourite . Mercy and Adam depart on their honeymoon, but spend all the time fighting a river monster. Feels very contrived.

[jennybeast · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of my favorites in the series -- partly in that it introduced me to the fascinating area around Maryhill, which I then got to visit with my dad. I love that the history/places in this series are based on real things.

read 3 times so far. The audio book versions are good, too!

[angelajmaher · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In places this feels a little slower than some of the previous books, but it's still an entertaining and absorbing read.

[lara9it · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If in Silver Borne we found more about the pack's dynamics and Adam role in them, here in River Marked we start to unravel some of the mysteries in Mercy's past...

It started more slowly than the one before -still I didn't mind how the author spent a little more pages on the relationship between Mercy and Adam- but when it did I couldn't put it down!

Can't way for the next one!!!

[payday1999-430350 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was different than the other books in the series. The only main characters in this book is Adam and Mercy as they are on there honeymoon. I missed the other characters but this one was still good in that we learned quite a bit about Mercy's heritage and where she comes from. I think Patricia Briggs did a good job in expanding her story and was able to provide us more info about Mercy. Usually at the 6th book mark the characters start to get old, but Patricia is still able to expand her world with new elements and players, to keep things fresh.

[noeshia · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This has one of the best interactions in it. What does a coyote shifter say to a coyote god about her pawprint tattoo? She tells him it's a wolf pawprint, even though she's already told her werewolf husband that it's a coyote. This doesn't qualify as a great review, but it should be obvious by now that I love this series because Mercy is pretty great.

[chaoticbooklover · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love the Mercy Thompson books, however this one lacked the action and drama of the rest. I was left wanting more from Coyote. I'm glad however that the wedding went off without a hitch, Adam and Mercy deserve to be together.
I can say that this one wasn't what I was expecting and I wasn't too thrilled with it.

[bell7_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Mercy and Adam are finally getting married! That is, if they can survive her mother's grandiose plans and a honeymoon that soon takes a dangerous turn when they find an ancient and dangerous beast in the river near their camp. It's marked Mercy, and hungers for more humans to feed on.The sixth book in the Mercy Thompson series finally explores some of the hints that we received early in series about Mercy's abilities as a shapeshifter into a coyote and her Indian heritage. Local folk from the Yakima tribe aid her and Adam as they seek to defeat the beast. Though some of the other side characters only bookend this one, I enjoyed the exploration of Mercy's parentage. The author delves quite a bit into Native American lore, which was interesting to me but as ignorant as I am of it, I can't comment on her accuracy. Several threads have been introduced with Fae, vampires, werewolves, and now shapeshifters, all having their own sort of interplay and it will be intriguing to see how it all continues to come together in further installments.

[lauren2013_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

River Marked
4 Stars

To begin with, River Marked is a departure from the other books in the series and ardent fans may be disappointed as the familiar cast of secondary characters is set aside in favor of a completely different group. While Stefan, Warren, Ben and the rest of the gang are missed, the introduction of new characters and concepts related to Mercy's Native American heritage and her role as a Walker is particularly interesting and adds another layer to her characterization, which has been missing up till now.

The book starts off slowly with Mercy and Adam's rather abrupt wedding, which is cute but also kind of cheesy and saccharine. Nevertheless, the story becomes more exciting once the action starts and the plot revolving around an ancient river monster feeding off humans is intense and compelling.

Mercy and Adam are growing closer as couple and their interactions are a highlight of the book, especially their arguments and Mercy's letter at the end. Unfortunately, Ms. Briggs is still halting their relationship at the bedroom door and aside for one or two hints at intimacy, everything happens off page. If Briggs is uncomfortable with these scenes then why include a romance in the story at all - it does nothing but build up readers' expectations only to leave them unfulfilled.

The focus on Native American folklore is fascinating and the revelations regarding the identity of Mercy's father and the origins of her abilities is very intriguing although Coyote's character is a little too mysterious and enigmatic at times.

Overall, a solid addition to the series but not everyone will be pleased with the new direction.

[carolesrandomlife · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This wasn't my favorite book in the series but it was still a really good story. If you have been following my reviews you probably already know that I adore this series. I remember reading this book back when it was first released and enjoying it and I liked it just as much on this audio re-read. This is a series that I have made a point to keep up with and look forward to every installment. I had a lot of fun listening to the audio of this story.This story takes place away from most of the group and I have to say that I missed some of the characters that I have grown to love just a bit. Mercy and Adam are there for the whole book so I didn't have too much time to spend missing everyone else. Mercy and Adam are off on their honeymoon but they end up getting involved in a situation that needs their help. There are some interesting characters that are a part of this installment including some that knew Mercy's father.This book had a lot of really good elements. I like how Mercy and Adam's relationship just keeps getting stronger. I really cannot get enough of these two and think that they are just perfect for each other. The chemistry between them is amazing. It was interesting to learn a little bit more about Mercy's background. Her father is really quite a mystery so getting the chance to learn a little bit more is really quite exciting. There was plenty of excitement in this installment. I mean there is a river monster to be battled so of course there is some excitement. This was the kind of book that you just don't want to put down.Lorelei King does an amazing job with this audiobook. I really didn't expect anything else. She has done such a fantastic job with all of book in this series that I have listened to so far. She has become the voice of Mercy form me. She does a great job with a large cast of characters and brings a lot of emotion into the story. Her voice is very pleasant to listen to and she read the story at a very natural pace. I was able to completely lose myself in this book for hours at a time. I can't wait to listen to more of this series.I would highly recommend this series to others. I do think that this is a series that really does need to be read in order since the relationships between the characters develop throughout the series. I can't wait to continue with my re-read of this series very soon.

[tysonadams · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

There are times when you really need a bigger boat.

Mercy and Adam have decided to get married and go on a honeymoon. Of course, everyone else has plans on their time, including a few odd jobs they could do. Such as figure out why so many people are disappearing near the river... At least Mercy isn't repairing cars on her honeymoon.

In River Marked we have some reveals about Mercy's real father. This hints at things to come as well as explaining why she seems to have been attracting trouble. As always, Patricia Briggs has progressed the series and characters, filling in the gaps in a natural and satisfying way. We never get all the answers, but Briggs is revealing them without it feeling like she has been obstinately hiding details or making them up on the fly.

[itentertainsme · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed learning more of Mercy's background and her heritage. That said, River Marked seemed to be a bit of a slower read than the rest of the series. I'm not sure if it was due to the rest of the pack not being around [or maybe even Jesse, really like that girl], but it didn't make my favorites list. Still, it's Patricia Briggs, so it was a good book - just wasn't as fast-paced it seemed to me.

[sarah_buckley-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I think these books might just be my favorite "Urban Fantasy" Type books. Oh sure one my come around later that I like better, but for now These are on the top of the pile. I like them because they are fast reads, the characters are interesting and do interesting things, and the romance is light but still sweet.

This book is most heavily about Mercy, which sounds weird to say (type?) since these books are always about her adventures. This book in particular however is all about her heritage and what it means to be her. Mercy has always felt a bit like an outsider, a girl without a true family or home. Raised by werewolves yet not totally fitting in, Mercy has always wanted to know about the father that died before she was born.

Although there is a monster to beat in this book I felt it was truly about a journey, Mercy's journey, to find a place to call home. In the end she finds out a lot about her father and about herself, and I think comes away feeling more secure in her place in the world.

I think these books just keep getting better, and I can't wait until the next book!

[janinepelfrey · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Not as good as the rest of the series.

[theyodamom · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4.5 I loved the Native American tales told here but they went a bit to far into the myths for an easy flowing read. I needed to slow down and contemplate the various characters and their talents, which disrupted the story for me. I loved it, Adam and Mercy are the dream couple, with sometimes a nightmare life. Stephen though brief was perfect in is role. I hope to see more of Coyote, and Thunderbird.

[phyllis2779 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really like this series, which is surprising to me since generally speaking I don't care for were wolves novels, But the heroine in this one is really cool; she's a human coyote shifter. there's a good mix of adventure, magic, romance, suspense, and various paranormal creatures.

[chrystina.williams · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book! Especially liked all of the Coyote stories and finding out more about Mercy's heritage. Can't wait to read the next one!

[rosetyper9 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I got this book for review and I also got a signed copy from my friends who went to her signing in VA. I was really excited for a new Mercy Thompson book and this one certainly didn't disappoint. Ms. Briggs sort of went in a different direction and I think this book had a new flavor. I enjoyed it.

Ms. Briggs introduces some Native American lore into this story which I absolutely loved because I felt like we hadn't seen that complete side of Mercy yet. I loved how expertly she wove the story together to go with the faerie lore she usually has here and there and the Native American.

I feel like in this book we get to see a complete picture of Mercy. We get to peek behind her strong veneer to the actual person in the character and I love getting to know more about my favorite characters. I also love Coyote in this book. He is perfectly tricky, makes me think of Loki with a tiny bit more softness, which is to be expected given their relationship but he certainly isn't easy on Mercy.

I can't wait to see what the future has in store for Mercy and Adam. Hopefully no more camping trips.

[anyaejo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved it years ago!

[jessica_reads · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This story picks up where the last one left off. Adam and Mercy are engaged and their wedding is imminent. I liked this story because it brought a bit of Mercy's past into the mix. There were a couple of parts that didn't seem to go too smoothly. The first is at the beginning. Mercy goes to check on Stefan, but the whole scenes feel out of place and ultimately don't do anything to add to this books story. Maybe it was added for the next book, I don't know. There other part had to do with her seeing a ghost. Although that isn't anything new, the ghost should've been a little bit more of a dramatic event for Mercy, but she was rather "meh" about it. I just don't know that her reaction fit in well. Otherwise, I liked it and will continue with the series as a whole.

[murderbydeath · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great read. As usual, the humour and wit shown in these books offsets the sometimes dark themes the plot lines incorporate. I loved the American Native Indian focus to this story; learning about Mercy's heritage, and the introduction of Coyote. I hope he'll be a recurring character in the remaining books. The River Devil was a little over the top, but the whole story was enjoyable, nevertheless.

[jesssika-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This story picks up where the last one left off. Adam and Mercy are engaged and their wedding is imminent. I liked this story because it brought a bit of Mercy's past into the mix. There were a couple of parts that didn't seem to go too smoothly. The first is at the beginning. Mercy goes to check on Stefan, but the whole scenes feel out of place and ultimately don't do anything to add to this books story. Maybe it was added for the next book, I don't know. There other part had to do with her seeing a ghost. Although that isn't anything new, the ghost should've been a little bit more of a dramatic event for Mercy, but she was rather "meh" about it. I just don't know that her reaction fit in well. Otherwise, I liked it and will continue with the series as a whole.

[dpappas_25 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Someday, I'm going to meet some supernatural creature who tells me everything I should know up front and in a forthright manner—but I'm not going to hold my breath.Since most of this book involved Mercy and Adam on their honeymoon I could not get enough of it. Not in a pervy way (get your mind out of the gutter!), I just love seeing them interact with each other. I am so happy that they are finally married.Instead of focusing on the fae, vampires, or werewolves this book really focuses on Mercy's background and ancestors. I loved getting to read the Native American folklore and finally getting more of an understanding of where Mercy truly came from. I liked that not only did Mercy learn about her heritage but it also helped her when she and the humans of the area were in danger. I especially loved Coyote and hope to see more of him later on in the series. I am really looking forward to continuing on with my Mercy marathon and reading the next book in the series.

[jimmaclachlan · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

3.5 with a bit extra because even after succumbing to writing an offshoot series & being on book 6, Briggs managed to keep me glued to this book. That's pretty incredible as I'm usually bored by this time in a series. This is one of the few PNR series that actually has details that stick in my mind. Most just sort of swirl together into a vague, cotton candy haze. Not Briggs. Her prose isn't exactly memorable, but her characters are. I'll definitely buy the next one new.

[cinderh_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The story was good and we got a little background on Mercy's Mom and Dad, which was nice to know. Mercy and Adam still have a great dynamic in relation to the shifters that they are. What I didn't like about this book was that it was all new characters except for Mercy and Adam. Where's Zee? And Stefan had a teeny tiny role in the book as did some of the pack members, but it was all in the background. Maybe this book is a build up to something more in the next couple of books? I hope so!

[drhapgood · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thoroughly enjoyable trip to Mercy's past. For a character that gets her special power-ness from her native american ancestry, this series did very little to explore that prior to this book. So, we now know more about Mercy, and that makes me happy. As my favorite hero of this genre, I have very high expectations of her.

[tom_wright-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This book fell flat for me. Maybe because I read it while listening to her book Cry Wolf in the breaks?

I hope the 7th book comes back to the awesome that this series usually is.

[nicolefromcarmel · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I didn't find the story as interesting as some of the others. we learn a lot of backstory on Mercy and her father in this one. It had action but it was hard to follow and I had trouble picturing it in my mind. I liked that we got to see Mercy in a new setting but is felt like a filler book.