Book Reviews: Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson Moon Called Volumes 1 & 2

Patricia Briggs Mercy Thompson: Moon Called Volume 1

Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson: Moon Called, Vol. 2

Authors: Patricia Briggs, David Lawrence, and artist Amelia Woo
Publication: Dynamite Entertainment (March 8, 2011 & Jan. 31, 2012)


Description: (Volume One) Five Mercy Thompson novels have topped the New York Times best-seller list, and her premiere graphic novel did the same. Now Patricia Briggs' heroic shape-shifter returns to comics! Mercy Thompson inhabits two worlds without truly belonging to either. To the human inhabitants of the Tri-Cities she's an oddity, a female mechanic operating her own garage. To the town's darker residents, werewolves, vampires, and fae, she's a walker, a last-of-her-kind magical being with the power to become a coyote. Mercy warily straddles the fine line dividing our everyday world from that darker dimension... 'till a boy, mauled by vicious werewolves and forever changed by the attack and on the run from those who committed the crime, appears at her door. Now her two worlds are about to collide! Outnumbered and out-muscled, can Mercy possibly save the boy... or even herself?


(Volume Two) In the past week, coyote shapeshifter Mercy Thompson has seen her friends kidnapped, killed, and assaulted - and things are about to get worse! A war between werewolves is erupting, and Mercy is caught smack in the middle! Can she unravel the secrets of the dark conspiracy that threatens them all in time to save her friends... and herself? Scores are settled and secrets revealed in the thrilling climax of Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson: Moon Called. Collecting issues #5-8 of the series, along with an all-new, never-before-published 8-page bonus story, and a complete cover gallery.


My Thoughts: These short graphic novels that hit the high points of Moon Called would make a good introduction to the world Patricia Briggs has created. David Lawrence has written an interesting story that remains true to the novel. The art is well done and I particularly like how Mercy is drawn. Though she does look younger than I had pictured her in my imagination. 


In the first volume, Mercy takes in a new young werewolf named Mac who tells a horrifying story about how he came to be a werewolf. But it isn't long before the werewolves he was running from catch up to him. He is killed, Adam is wounded and Jesse is kidnapped. Mercy is forced to take Adam home with her to Bran to get him the help he needs even though it also forces her to confront Samuel about their past.


In the second volume, Mercy, Adam and Samuel come back to the Tri-Cities to try to locate and rescue Jesse and to figure out what is going on with the invading werewolves. There is a lot of story to condense in the second volume and occasionally the pacing seemed rushed. However, it might encourage readers to pick up the novel to get some of the detail that just can't fit into the graphic novel format. I know looking at and reading this one has made me eager to re-read Moon Called myself.

I recommend these to graphic novel fans. The story and the art were both done well.


Favorite Quote:

"Oooh, Stefan! They said you were bringing entertainment but I didn't know he'd be so yummy..""Lilly, you know it's not polite to lick our guests."

I bought these. You can buy your copies here and here too.