Ultimate Guide: Mercy Thompson Books In Order

In 2006, Montana native, Patricia Briggs released the first installment of the urban fantasy series, The Mercy Thompson series.

And has since continued to publish thrilling fantasy books that we can all indulge in.

Ultimate Guide Mercy Thompson Books In Order

Moon Called, the first in the series, was instantly listed on the New York Times bestseller list with the following 2 sequels performing to a similar standard.

It is sufficient to say, we simply cannot get enough of Mercy Thompson!

There have been various claims for the supernatural fantasy series to be adapted into a movie series. However, they have never come to fruition.

Recently, Amazon has optioned the rights to turn the Mercy Thompson series into a television show.

Fans may not have to wait long to see their favorite walker on the big screen!

About The Mercy Thompson Series

Mercy Thompson is a “walker”, a gift left to her by her late father.

However, Mercy soon realizes just how important this gift is when she is thrust into a world of werewolves, vampires, and much, much more.

Now, Mercy uses her love for cars to run an auto mechanic’s garage in Kennewick, Washington, living a peaceful life until other creatures come running to her for help. And she must help them whether she wants to or not…

If you are new to the chaotic world of vampires, love affairs, and impending doom then you may be wondering what is the best way to read the series.

Below is a guide on how to read the Mercy Thompson series in order!

Mercy Thompson Books In Order

Moon Called

Moon Called (Mercy Thompson, Book 1)

When a teenage werewolf shows up to her garage seeking her help, Mercy is forced to ask the Alpha of the werewolf pack for assistance.

With no idea of what her actions can bring to her in the future.

Mercy must seek help from those she never wanted to contact again…the wolves who raised her.

Pros

  • Introduces the world, plot, and characters.
  • Writing is smooth yet detailed.

Cons

  • The action takes place at the end of the book.

Blood Bound

Blood Bound (Mercy Thompson, Book 2)

Mercy’s so-called friends are ready for their payment.

She agrees to provide some extra muscle when her vampire companion Stefan goes to deliver a message to another member of his species because she can shapeshift at will.

And when it becomes clear that this vampire is not what they were expecting, Mercy must decide whether she wants to live or find her friends.

Pros

  • Horror is more of a theme.
  • The pack’s dynamic is interesting.

Cons

  • The overall arc is similar to the first novel.

Iron Kissed

Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson, Book 3)

Mercy Thompson can transform into a coyote, yet her allegiance never wavers.

So when Zee, her old employer, and mentor, request assistance, she is willing to provide it.

Zee needs to use her special abilities, particularly her coyote sense of scent, to find the murderer after a spate of killings shook a fae reservation.

Pros

  • New characters are introduced.
  • Characters are gripping and relatable.

Cons

  • Some scenes are confusing.

Bone Crossed

Bone Crossed (Mercy Thompson, Book 4)

The Vampire Queen, Marsilia was once an acquaintance of Mercy’s but once she learns of Mercy’s mission to slay her subjects, Marilia is out for blood.

The werewolf pack comes together to protect Mercy and her relationship with the dominating Alpha grows closer, Marsilia changes tactics. Mercy’s friends must pay.

Pros

  • Romance is introduced to the plot.
  • The plot is thrilling and exciting.

Cons

  • Male characters dominate the plot.

Silver Borne

Silver Borne (Mercy Thompson, Book 5)

Mercy is wise enough to understand that the less you know about the supernatural Fae, the better. Yet, you can’t always get your way.

She borrows a powerful Fae book out of desperation, but when she goes to return it, she discovers that the bookstore is closed and locked.

Pros

  • The fae world is explored more.
  • Easy to read.

Cons

  • The ending is unsatisfying.

River Marked

River Marked (Mercy Thompson, Book 6) (A Mercy Thompson Novel)

Mercy Thompson, a walker, a different type of shapeshifter, is able to see ghosts, but her father’s ghost has never come to see her.

Before now. In the depths of the Columbia River, evil is brewing, and innocent people are perishing as a result.

Mercy must reconnect with her roots in order to rid the world of the river devil mythology as other walkers begin to make their presence known.

Pros

  • The new plot is seamless.
  • The subplots progress along with the main plot.

Cons

  • Mercy took no risks.

Frost Burned

Frost Burned (Mercy Thompson)

While Mercy still has the fae world clawing at her heels, she is faced with a new challenge. Family. Mating with Alpha Adam has come with its own risks.

Mercy is now a stepmother to Jesse.

Mercy now has more than herself to worry about when things take a turn for the worst.

Pros

  • Mercy’s character is given a new development.
  • Fun to read.

Cons

  • The action dies off at the end of the novel.

Night Broken

Night Broken (A Mercy Thompson Novel)

Jealousy is an intense theme in this installment of the series. When the Alpha’s ex-wife hears of Mercy and Adams mating, she is not happy.

Christy is back and she is ready to do whatever it takes to get her Alpha back.

Pros

  • The villain is intriguing.
  • More characters are introduced.

Cons

  • The plot can be frustrating and confusing.

Fire Touched

Fire Touched (Mercy Thompson)

The fae and humans are currently at odds with one another.

And when Mercy Thompson, a coyote shapeshifter, and Adam, her Alpha werewolf mate, are asked to halt a rampaging troll, they discover that they have something that could be used to convince the fae to back down and avert all-out war: a human child that the fae long ago kidnapped.

Pros

  • The plot develops.
  • Mercy’s character is strengthened.

Cons

  • The ending is anticlimactic.

Silence Fallen

Silence Fallen (Mercy Thompson)

In a battle between the strongest vampire and the most powerful werewolf, Mercy finds herself kidnapped with no one around to save her.

Escaping in her coyote form Mercy is left with no clothes, money, or friends to help her get home.

Pros

  • The change of location keeps the story exciting.
  • Vampires are present in the plot.

Cons

  • The plot can be repetitive.

Storm Cursed

Storm Cursed (Mercy Thompson)

Being the Alpha’s mate, Mercy is responsible for the safety of her pack. Her home is a place of safety and neutrality.

Now, as Gray Lords of the fae continue to have a power struggle with generals and politicians, Mercy’s home is under attack. But this is only the calm before the storm.

Pros

  • The Black Magic plot is enticing.
  • Other characters are given the spotlight.

Cons

  • The pace of the book makes it difficult to read.

Smoke Bitten

Smoke Bitten (Mercy Thompson)

Long ago, the fae were happy in Underhill. When they were forced to evacuate, those left behind were given freedom.

Which has only led to chaos and destruction.

Only the worst survived. And one of them has escaped. Mercy must discover who they are, and destroy them.

Pros

  • The plot is creative and exciting.
  • Easy to read.

Cons

  • Dialogue is juvenile.

Soul Taken

Soul Taken (Mercy Thompson)

When the incessant vampire Wulfe goes missing and the Tri-Cities pack are the prime suspects, it is up to Mercy to keep the peace.

Find and return Wulfe to the vampires or risk an all-out war between the creatures.

Mercy begins to notice that Wulfe isn’t the only missing person…

Pros

  • The mystery is a strong theme.
  • Characters are given more depth.

Cons

  • Wulfe is not a main character.

The Alpha And Omega Series

The Alpha and Omega series is a standalone series within the Mercyverse.

However, the second installment, Cry Wolf. takes place after Moon Called and aligns the two series together.

On The Prowl (Novella)

On the Prowl

When the son of the werewolf king arrives in town to put an end to instability in the Chicago pack, Anna discovers a new sense of self.

This causes Anna to feel a power she’s never known before and now she must learn to control it.

Pros

  • A new series begins.
  • Romance is a strong theme.

Cons

  • The writing style is different.

Cry Wolf

Cry Wolf (Alpha and Omega, Book 1)

She had learned to keep her head down and to never, ever trust dominating males after spending three years at the bottom of the pack.

But Anna is an Omega, the most uncommon breed of werewolf.

And one of the most dominant werewolves in the nation is going to value her as a member of his pack and as his mate.

Pros

  • New characters are introduced.
  • Writing is well-rounded.

Cons

  • Only one character joins this novel to Moon Called.

Hunting Ground

Hunting Ground (Alpha & Omega, Book 2)

With Charles, the main suspect in the murder of his own father, Charles, and Anna are working against the clock.

They must find the real killer, or Charles will find himself on the executioner’s block.

Pros

  • The plot is engaging and risky.
  • Action takes place throughout the book.

Cons

  • Romance feels overdrawn.

Fair Game

Fair Game (Alpha and Omega)

Charles and Anna are sent to Boston to participate in the investigation after the FBI contacts the pack for assistance with a local serial-killer case.

It quickly becomes apparent that the supernatural is being targeted by someone.

And now that Anna and Charles are directly in the killer’s path…

Pros

  • Anna and Charles are seen in different ways.
  • Easy to read.

Cons

  • Fantasy is not the main theme.

Dead Heat

Dead Heat (Alpha and Omega)

A terrifying fae creature is at large, replacing human children with replicas, Charles and Anna learn.

Charles and Anna are caught in the middle of the fae’s ongoing, chilly conflict with humans.

Pros

  • Fantasy and action become more prominent.
  • The plot is exciting.

Cons

  • Characters can feel flat.

Burn Bright

Burn Bright

With the Alpha out of the country, Anna and Charles are on the lookout for danger. And they don’t have to wait long until it comes calling.

They stop the wolf’s kidnapping as they make their way into the rocky terrain, but they are powerless to stop the bloodshed.

Charles and Anna must now employ their abilities to find the assailants.

Pros

  • Romance is mature and comforting.
  • The plot is exciting.

Cons

  • Bran’s character is ruined.

Wild Sign

Wild Sign: Alpha and Omega, Book 6

When an entire town goes missing, the FBI believes there is something supernatural afoot.

Calling in their trusted consultants, Anna and Charles, it is up to them to figure out what is going on.

They might discover something worse than an abandoned town…

Pros

  • The plot is full of action.
  • The plot is interesting.

Cons

  • Horror is a strong theme.

Shifting Shadows (Short Story Collection)

Shifting Shadows: Stories from the World of Mercy Thompson

If you simply couldn’t get enough of Mercy Thompson and her chaotic yet extremely interesting life then you have to read this short story collection.

Shifting Shadows includes 10 new stories all about the wild adventures of Mercy Thompson and her gang of misfits.

Pros

  • Mercy Thompson’s story continues.
  • New original works.

Cons

  • These are not novels.

Final Thoughts

Since 2006, Briggs has had us on the edge of our seats, itching to turn the page to discover what the coyote raiser, Mercy Thompson, was up to next.

With 13 novels in the collection, Briggs is showing no sign of stopping and will continue to share her fantasy adventures with us.

Above is how to read The Mercy Thompson series in order of publication.

While you can also read them in chronological order, we highly recommend the order above to make sure you never miss a single detail.

Filled with action, adventure, and passion, The Mercy Thompson series is a must-read for fantasy lovers.

And who knows, you may even see your favorite characters on the big screen sometime soon…

Frequently Asked Questions

What Age Is Mercy In Moon Called?

Mercy is approximately 31 years old in the first book of the series. It is stated that her adoptive parents died 17 years ago when she was only fourteen. Making her 30-31 years of age.

Do You Need To Read The Mercy Thompson Books In Order?

No. You can read each story within the Mercyverse as a standalone or enjoy it in order of publication. 

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Noah Burton