My Moon Called Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
I picked up Moon Called by Patricia Briggs when I needed an urban fantasy with grit, mystery, and a heroine who steers clear of damsel territory. The book introduces Mercy Thompson, a car mechanic living in Washington’s Tri-Cities—and not just any mechanic. Mercy is a “walker,” a skinwalker able to shift at will into a coyote. Raised by werewolves but never quite one of them, she carves out her own space between supernatural and human society.
The peace shatters when a desperate teenage werewolf shows up at Mercy’s garage, bringing trouble straight to her door. Helping him drags her into a brutal underworld plot: attacks on her friends, a kidnapping, and old wounds reopened. Mercy is forced to call on both her past and present—her old pack in Montana, her local alpha neighbor Adam, and even the vampires that haunt the Tri-Cities. The story stays focused on Mercy’s choices and the messiness of alliances and secrets in a world where werewolves, vampires, and fae walk just out of sight.
It’s the start of the Mercy Thompson series, but the plot stands alone: full of danger, complicated loyalties, and the very real sense that everything could unravel at any moment. Briggs grounds her world with just enough real-life grit to make the supernatural feel possible.
Why I Love This Book
I love Mercy’s voice—practical, stubborn, brave when she needs to be, but never pretending to be invincible. She isn’t the strongest or most powerful person in this world, but she never backs down from things that matter, even if that means getting hurt. The story lets her screw up, own her choices, and push against the roles everyone else tries to assign her. Her relationships—whether it’s snarky friendship, real loyalty, or unresolved old feelings—feel complicated and real.
I was drawn in by the careful worldbuilding. Supernaturals are everywhere, but mostly in hiding, and each has their own rules and dangers. The pack politics, vampire mysteries, and constantly shifting alliances give the book a raw, unpredictable edge. There’s a thread of humor and resilience that weaves through the danger—I found myself laughing and rooting for Mercy, even when everything felt hopeless.
And this book nails the mix of action, heart, and atmosphere. The pacing keeps things tense, the stakes always feel personal, and I found myself invested in both the mystery at the heart of the book and in Mercy’s journey toward finding where she truly belongs.
Who Will Like This Book
If you’re looking for urban fantasy with a strong, independent heroine and a well-built supernatural world, this is a must-read. You’ll love it if you like stories where loyalty, friendship, and tough choices matter as much as romance. There’s some romantic tension, but it never takes over from the main plot or character development. The book stays mature enough for older teens and adults, but the steam level is very mild—mostly unresolved longing and a few kisses.
⚠️ Trigger warning: There’s violence, injury, references to past trauma and power imbalances, and moments where Mercy is underestimated or threatened, but no graphic sexual content or non-consent.
Tagged As
urban fantasy, paranormal romance, shifters, skinwalker, werewolves, vampires, fae, mechanic heroine, mystery, found family, strong heroine, gritty, small town, slow burn, open-ended series, dual loyalties, emotional journey, mild spice, indie romance, kindle unlimited
Steam Level
🌶️Clean
