Blood Bound (Mercy Thompson, #2) in Crazy Challenge Connection

Apr 09, 2012 Kelly (Maybedog) rated it it was ok

Shelves: what-shifters, what-modern-fantasy, what-vampires, what-danger-danger-wilma-robinson

Ugh. I am so unhappy with Ms. Briggs. She created an intelligent, strong, interesting protagonist; a mostly believable world; and engaging supporting characters. Her writing is smooth and keeps you turning the page, wanting to see where the plot is headed. But the sexist drivel just makes me want to puke. On the surface it doesn't seem to be sexist: Mercy abhors the way women are treated in the werewolf pack; she is strong and resourceful and of course has to save the day. But when I delved deep Ugh. I am so unhappy with Ms. Briggs. She created an intelligent, strong, interesting protagonist; a mostly believable world; and engaging supporting characters. Her writing is smooth and keeps you turning the page, wanting to see where the plot is headed. But the sexist drivel just makes me want to puke. On the surface it doesn't seem to be sexist: Mercy abhors the way women are treated in the werewolf pack; she is strong and resourceful and of course has to save the day. But when I delved deeper, I realized that this is the annoying Heinlein-esque sexism: you know the guy is a jerk and you know better but let's just humor him. The reality is that in humoring, he gets all the power and control. Just because you're going along voluntarily doesn't make it okay.

The women in this society are virtually slaves, she freely admits it. The men have magic that can control women and force them to submit, particularly sexually. Mercy knows this and tries to distance herself somewhat but she keeps getting sucked in. She even lives with one of them who wants her. She is constantly in the middle of a tug-of-war with several studs wanting her at once and she doesn't do anything about it. Instead, she continually ends up trying to calm them down by being meek and submissive around them.

Don't get me wrong: I believe the society she's created is realistic. It makes perfect sense that people who struggle with a primal beast would succumb to the feral hierarchy directed by testosterone. What I have a problem with is that the character not only tolerates it, she keeps getting herself sucked in. It's the stereotypical bodice-busting romance story of a woman who wants a dangerous man who doesn't treat her well but she knows she can save him. It's disgusting. Why can't these strong women like strong guys who are comfortable in their masculinity and their status in society who treat them well and who respect the woman's own strength and power?

I almost stopped reading when I got to a line that went something like, "You know you submitted because you wanted to." The line was referring to a situation where this strong woman was mentally and emotionally controlled through magic and almost forced to have sex against her will (they were interupted which broke the spell) but it was okay because he didn't really have control of his magic because he wanted her so much and secretly she really wanted it? Are you kidding me?!

The worst part is this: (This spoiler is about character relationships and not about plot or conflict resolution.)
(view spoiler)

I'd give it a one for this sexism alone but I did finish it because it was compelling. And I love that vampire. ...more

34 likes · Like · see review

Oct 17, 2015 Nancy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, urban-fantasy, on-kindle, shifters

This, the second book in the series, was even better than the first. Mercy is faced this time with a villain who is frankly terrifying - the scene where Littleton tries to attack Mercy in her trailer had me sitting up and turning on the lights. I am also really enjoying the love triangle between Mercy, Samuel and Adam (which has tantalisingly turned into a love square at the end of this book with Stefan's perhaps not surprising admissions). I like how we feel almost as confused as Mercy herself ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Aug 17, 2010 April rated it it was amazing

Shelves: amazon-review-posted, 2010, reviewed, paranormal, shifters, chicks-who-kick-a, wolf-shifter

The second book in the series does not disapoint!! I love Mercy and her whole kick butt attitude!! Well written, fun paced, entertaining read!!

Third time reading thins book and finally giving a proper review. This book brings us more into the world of the Vampires. Honestly they are my least favorite in this series. The Vampires are just so messy and dramatics and well they are the angsty teens of the supernatural world. Seriously, I cannot even with them!! That being said we get a lot more worl ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Oct 20, 2010 Charlotte (Buried in Books) rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

Like · see review

Jun 25, 2009 Jamie ~ Bad Boy Inspector rated it it was amazing

Shelves: genre-urban-fantasy, subject-pn-shifters

I love these books they are so full of everything and they keep me on the edge on my seat. I just wish Mercy would get over herself and jump Adam's sexy bones already..lol!! ...more

Like · see review