One of the best urban fantasy series

Because I knew this book was coming out, I re-listened to all the Mercy books, the Alpha and Omega books, and all the short stories in either series in their proper order.

With all the entries in this double series fresh in my mind, I have to say that this book and "River Marked" are my two favorites. The overall quality of the series makes it a close call. The series started very good and has gotten better as it goes along.

I like the fact that Mercy still has lingering trauma from when she was raped. I like even better that she doesn't dwell on it. When bad things happen, instead of moaning about her problems, she takes action. And action is what this genre of book is about. I like that she feels free to take actions that she knows her husband would not approve, and I like that she is secure enough in herself and in him that she doesn't have to spend a lot of time and energy moaning about that. Again, she calmly recognizes the situation, but takes the action she feels necessary.

I like the fact that even when she doesn't think she can win, she still does what she thinks is right. I like the fact that she doesn't default to a big gun in a fight. She has the Coyote's gifts, and she uses them.

I like the fact that not only Mercy, but many of the minor characters have grown and changed over the course of the series. And I like the fact that the characters who get the most on-stage time are the likable ones. One of my problems with some authors is that unpleasant characters get so much time onstage.

Patricia Briggs knows how to build suspense, and she does it to great effect in this book.

If you have not read the previous books in this series, I think you could start with this one and still follow what is going on, but I recommend that for the richest experience, you start with the first book in this series ("Moon Called") and read both this series and the Alpha and Omega series in order of publication date.

I highly recommend both this series and this entry into the series.

47 people found this helpful

Awesome addition to the series

I have recently started reading this series, but i was deep in from the first book... the sense of humer in the past books is still here ... This book started strong and fast, I was thinking "What the hell!!!!! doesn't these kind of things wait until half way through the book!!!"
After what happens, you think you can predict whats going on and what will happen... but NOPE YOU CAN'T!!!!

so many twists in this book and so many things happen.. Let me just say this... the car comments during the book was the best thing :) you'll understand when you start ...

Narration, Characters, and plot is great as always.... and hope to start the next one soon.

Enjoy.

11 people found this helpful

Mercy Mercy Mercy. . .I LOVE MERCY!!!!

Much like “ShySusan Somewhere in Darkest Utah” (Audible.com review) I re-listened to all the Mercy books and short stories, in order, to prepare myself for the newest installment in the AMAZING Mercy Thompson series. It has always been my habit with series I love the most, allowing me to immerse myself into the series and all the characters. And, as always, Mercy (and Patricia, of course ((GRIN)) don't disappoint in this newest installment to the series.
Mercy is tough. Tougher, smarter, and classier than nearly any other Urban Fantasy heroine out there today. She has been through hell in the last couple of years, and the quality of Patricia's follow through and deep care for the development of her characters is still as amazing as always.

Mercy has been beaten, tortured, shot, burned and variously abused. And, she has been raped. Patricia's handling of that rape was brilliant. She didn't break Mercy completely, but she definitely is taking her time helping Mercy heal completely. Her handling of the situation across the last few books has been masterful, making me wonder if Patricia might possibly know someone who had this happen to her. The great thing about her responses is the way Mercy(Patricia) is so honest in her handling of the situation, and how her friends all gather around her, support her, and help her through it. She killed the person who did it to her – bully for her!!!! And it wasn't someone she trusted and had a true relationship with. Unlike other writers, Patricia didn't make it a close “friend” and she didn't make her carry the blame for what happened. Sure, she fells at fault at first, but she isn't made to wallow in guilt and shame. Her flashbacks and panic attacks are realistic, but she comes to realize that she is not truly at fault. Patricia gains my undying respect for that. But, that is another book, the storyline carried into this book, but not overwhelming it. Mercy is getting better. Good for her!!

The storyline continues soon after the events of “River Marked” where Mercy was once again drug into a situation outside of her control, and did her best to handle it as she always does – she sees what needs to be done, and does it, no matter the cost to herself.

As in her other stories, Mercy is strong, secure and focused. She knows, going in, that it is going to cost her for what she does. But she does it anyway, because it is right and good and true. She is the kind of person anyone could wish themselves to be. She doesn't whine and complain, she just does the right thing. She is given what she needs to get the job done, and she does it. Often, at great cost – especially to her body, and sometimes to her very soul.

One of the other things I like about Mercy is her relationship with Adam. He is an alpha wolf and a strong one. But he doesn't lord over Mercy. He doesn't shove her around, force her to submit to his will. He loves her the way she is, tough as nails, scarred and beaten up and all. He knows that she does what she does because it is right and good. He doesn't try to overwhelm, but he does give her the support she needs. In this edition, it is him and the rest of the Pack that Mercy is coming to the rescue of, and he knows without doubt that he can rely on her in all things. Very impressive in a writer.

Many of the other characters in the series make a stronger appearance in this edition than they have had the opportunity for in past books, and I love that. Patricia's 'extras on set' are fascinating in their own right, with back stories that deserve all the attention they can get. She could go on writing this series for as many books as she wishes, and I would invest in every one. But I would also happily invest in books lead by some of the other characters as well – especially Zee. I was, however, heartbroken by the loss of a pivotal member of the story. I know, I know, losses are to be expected, and there has been little true loss through the story line, but the loss of this particular character had me in tears.

As for Stephen, Mercy's vampire friend – well, I am prejudiced. It would be very, very hard for me to be friends with Stephen, no matter what. Hey, there has to be someone you can't bring yourself to like, right? Well, besides Marcillia . . . Stephen has been around since that witch Marcillia first showed up in what was an undiscovered country back in their day – and had everything to do with the fact that Mercy is nearly alone as a Walker these days. Stupid vampires. Hate em, hate em . . .

Even though Stephen is a “friend” of Mercy's, he is still just as guilty as Marcillia and the others of slaughtering Mercy's people. No forgiveness here, Stephen! Of course, as a “Native” myself I am allowed to be bitter about the slaughter of our peoples, right? That is my excuse, and I am sticking with it!

Overall, Patricia's series is quality all the way. As I always listen to her books, I can also assure you that Lorelei King again delivers an incredible narration. We have been blessed to have her brilliant voice as Mercy for each of the books in the series and she never disappoints. Much as Renée Raudman IS Kate Daniels, Lorelei IS Mercy. Talk about matches made in Heaven!

You can read “Frost Burned” as a stand alone. However, I don't recommend it. You would be depriving yourself of a brilliant writer's work, magnificent characters (even those you love to hate), tremendous world building and many hours of pure pleasure.

Highly, highly recommended – as in, however many stars you want to add on to the FIVE I give all of the Mercy Thompson books, you may still want to toss in a few, they are THAT good.

10 people found this helpful

Not sure what went wrong with this story.

First, let me say that I love this series and follow it closely. However, I'm not exactly sure what went wrong with this addition. I wasn't necessarily unhappy with the events as they unfolded, but I was not thrilled with the way they related to the ending. If I had to put a label on tale, I would have to say that it was poorly constructed and left me feeling unfulfilled and relieved that it was finally over.

As always, Lorelei King did an outstanding job with the narration. I have always said that in the hands of an accomplished narrator, even a mundane story will shine.

I wish every audio book producer would pay closer attention to the people they pick to narrate their stories. There are hundreds audio books that I just flat will not buy, or listen to, because of the person they picked to do the narration. Loved the books, but hate the acting ability or voice of the narrator. I end up reading the hard copy edition of many, many books that are currently available in audio format.

5 people found this helpful

AAA ~ Another Awesome Audiobook!

Wow, Frost Burned was captivating, suspenseful, and full of action and it pulled me right into the story! There was no slow start and I could not stop listening, and actually finished the book in one day.

Well done! Another win for the Mercy Thompson series!

4 people found this helpful

One of the better ones

Have to say that I almost didn't listen to this installment, thinking that I was kinda let down with the last book. I did enjoy this book however, as it brought in more of the old characters, Stephan being one of my favorites.
It's a non-stop story of kidnapping, finding bad guys, and dealing with the problem. Brings in group efforts from the werewolves and the vampires.
Was kinda disappointed with all the political views in the story, but seems that's what celebrities do these days, is to speak their peace, and Hollywood is notorious for it. I really doubt Ms. Briggs could foresee just how either political party would react to the real discovery of werewolves. But, it's her book and she can write whatever she fancies.
Love this narrator for the Mercy voice, and glad I didn't bypass the book.

4 people found this helpful

CAN'T GET TOO MUCH OF MERCY

Where does Frost Burned rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

IN THE TOP 10%

Have you listened to any of Lorelei King’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

YES SHE ALWAYS DOES A GREAT JOB

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

LITTLE COYOTE CAN GET IT DONE

4 people found this helpful

Easy Listening

With each book I listen to I am reminded that Mercy Thompson series is cheesy and too predictable. But it is very easy to follow when you are not wanting to think about things. And Lorelai king makes up for lacking of writing skill. Perhaps if I was a teenager this would be more down my alley. Regardless of all this, for some reason I still keep listening to these audiobooks. Overall this is a good series.

3 people found this helpful

Drudgery

Stale, disappointing and weak plot. Mercy spent so much time shifting back and forth from coyote/human; you forget what form she was in. Way too many characters. I had to keep going back to see who was who. Thus, I lost interest. It didn't hold my attention like the former books. I finished it but it was drudgery and this series has been a favorite of mine up to now.

3 people found this helpful

Mercy is becoming such a love struck chick!

Would you try another book from Patricia Briggs and/or Lorelei King?

I'm a die hard series reader, unless the series becomes completely unbearable. I have hope that Mercy will stop blathering on about her "mate" and feel her own strength. However, I'm becoming skeptical

Has Frost Burned turned you off from other books in this genre?

No, but I'm getting tired of potentially strong female leads succumbing to sappy romance with that romance taking over the plot

3 people found this helpful