Patricia Briggs

Patricia Briggs is an American author of fantasy novels, best known for her New York Times bestselling Mercy Thompson urban fantasy series and its companion series Alpha and Omega. She began her career writing traditional fantasy novels in 1993 but gained widespread recognition after shifting to urban fantasy in 2006. The Mercy Thompson series follows a Native American shapeshifter and mechanic who navigates a world of werewolves, vampires, and fae while solving supernatural mysteries. This series established Briggs as a prominent voice in urban fantasy literature, with each book consistently reaching bestseller status. Before her urban fantasy success, Briggs wrote several traditional fantasy novels including the Sianim series, the Hurog duology, and the Raven duology. These earlier works demonstrated her ability to craft detailed fantasy worlds and complex character relationships. Briggs continues to write from her home in Washington state, regularly producing new entries in both the Mercy Thompson and Alpha and Omega series. Her work has been translated into multiple languages and has earned her a dedicated international readership.

Readers consistently rate Briggs's books between 4.2-4.6 out of 5 stars across platforms, with the Mercy Thompson series receiving her highest ratings. Readers praise: - Character development and relationships that evolve naturally across series - Research into Native American mythology and folklore - Balance of action, romance, and supernatural elements - Clear, straightforward writing style - Strong female protagonists who solve problems through intelligence rather than special powers Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in early chapters of most books - Repetitive plot structures, especially in later series entries - Limited character perspectives in Mercy Thompson series - Romance elements sometimes overshadow main plots Aggregate ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (850,000+ ratings across all books) Amazon: 4.7/5 (200,000+ reviews) BookBub: 4.4/5 (65,000+ ratings) One reader noted: "Briggs excels at building supernatural worlds that feel grounded in reality." Another criticized: "Later books follow predictable patterns - protagonist faces threat, overcomes it through cleverness, rinse and repeat."

MERCY THOMPSON SERIES Moon Called - A shapeshifting mechanic becomes involved in werewolf pack politics when a teenage runaway seeks her help. Blood Bound - Mercy hunts a demon-possessed vampire who is leaving a trail of bodies across the Tri-Cities. Iron Kissed - The fae community requests Mercy's help to investigate murders on their reservation. Bone Crossed - Mercy faces deadly vampire politics while dealing with her new relationship with the local werewolf Alpha. Silver Borne - A powerful fae artifact and a missing werewolf lead Mercy into dangerous territory. River Marked - Mercy encounters ancient river spirits while on her honeymoon along the Columbia River. Frost Burned - The entire werewolf pack is kidnapped, leaving Mercy to mount a rescue operation. Night Broken - Mercy deals with Adam's ex-wife and a dangerous volcano god. Fire Touched - The fae declare war on humans, placing Mercy's territory at the center of the conflict. Silence Fallen - Mercy is kidnapped and taken to Europe, where she must navigate vampire politics to survive. Storm Cursed - Dark witches threaten the Tri-Cities while Mercy protects a diplomatic summit. Smoke Bitten - A dangerous creature escapes from the underworld, bringing death to the Tri-Cities. Soul Taken - Mercy investigates the disappearance of the vampire Wulfe while facing a new supernatural threat.

ALPHA AND OMEGA SERIES Cry Wolf - A newly changed werewolf and a rare Omega wolf work together to stop a rogue werewolf in Montana. Hunting Ground - Anna and Charles attend a summit of European werewolves in Seattle. Fair Game - The pair investigate a series of murders targeting supernatural beings in Boston. Dead Heat - A horse-buying trip turns dangerous when fae target children in Arizona. Burn Bright - Charles and Anna protect the Aspen Creek pack's most vulnerable members during a crisis. Wild Sign - An investigation into missing people in the wilderness reveals an ancient evil.

SIANIM SERIES Masques - A shapeshifter and a mage join forces against an evil sorcerer. Wolfsbane - A mercenary and a wolf shapeshifter investigate magical attacks on their homeland. Steal the Dragon - A former slave becomes entangled in political intrigue and magic. When Demons Walk - A thief works with a magic teacher to solve a series of mysterious murders.

STANDALONE NOVELS The Hob's Bargain - A witch forms an alliance with a magical creature to protect her village. Dragon Bones - The heir to a magical ward must protect his lands while pretending to be simple-minded. Dragon Blood - Ward faces betrayal and invasion while trying to maintain peace in his kingdom. Raven's Shadow - A woman with magical abilities faces dark forces threatening her homeland. Raven's Strike - The conclusion to Raven's story as she confronts an ancient evil.

Ilona Andrews writes urban fantasy with strong female protagonists and complex supernatural politics. Their Kate Daniels series features shapeshifters and magic users in a post-apocalyptic Atlanta.

Kim Harrison created The Hollows series about a witch working as a bounty hunter in a world where supernatural beings live openly among humans. Her work includes investigation plots and romantic subplots similar to Briggs' Mercy Thompson series.

Faith Hunter writes the Jane Yellowrock series about a Cherokee skinwalker who hunts vampires. Her world-building focuses on supernatural politics and features shifters, vampires, and witches.

Anne Bishop created The Others series about humans living in a world controlled by supernatural beings. Her work centers on pack dynamics and interspecies relationships with predatory shapeshifters.

Karen Chance writes the Cassandra Palmer series about a clairvoyant navigating vampire politics and magical warfare. Her books feature fast-paced plots and supernatural hierarchies with multiple species of beings.