Bone Crossed

Bone Crossed (2009) Patricia Briggs

The fourth Mercy Thompson book takes place immediately following the events of the third book, continuing the final scene in that book, and–more importantly–fixing one of the biggest problems of that book: Mercy acting as if everything was okay.

Although it makes for difficult reading, I really do love that Patricia Briggs showed just how hard Mercy’s recovery is from the attack in the previous book.

I also do love that Mercy recognizes her frailty and mortality–even if she doesn’t act like it most of the time.

Sensei looked at me and frowned. “You were stupid, Mercy. What is the first rule of combat?”

By this time I could talk. “The best defense is fast tennis shoes,” I said.

He nodded. “Right. When you noticed he was out of control— which I’m sure was about two full minutes at least before I did, because I was helping Gibbs with his axe kick— you should have called for help, then gotten away from him. There was no point in letting this continue until someone got hurt.”

From the sidelines, Gibbs, the other brown belt, said, “She’s sorry, Sensei. She just got her directions confused. She kept running the wrong way.”

Plus: Baba Yaga!

“I did it because of you, coyote. Do you know how much chaos you have caused? The Morrigan says that is your gift. Rash, quick, and lucky, just like Coyote himself. But that old Trickster dies in his adventures— but you won’t be able to put yourself back together with the dawn.”

However, I don’t much like the main Big Bad of the story or that arc of the story, despite many other things there are to like about the characters.

Chad taught me and the oakman how to swear in ASL and worked with us until we were pretty good at finger spelling. It left my hands aching, but kept him occupied.

It’s worth reading for Mercy’s healing, but I’m not enamoured with other parts of the story.
Rating: 8/10

Published by Ace

• Browse the archives:
  
• Silver Borne » »
• « « Iron Kissed