Rating: 4/5
I’ve been waiting for this one. A year and a half to be specific.
To give some context, Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series (2006-) has been one of my favourite reads since I was a teenager. To this day I still remember choosing Moon Called (2006) as my reward for helping the local bookshop in my area, a choice I don’t regret at all. Seriously, if you have never heard of this series I highly recommend reading it. It puts urban fantasies like The Twilight Saga (2005-2008) to shame.
But you don’t have to take my word for it. Readers only have to look up Briggs' latest release, Winter Lost (2024) to see how big her readership has grown.
The fourteenth book in the series, Winter Lost follows mechanic and coyote shifter, Mercy as she attempts to rectify the mishaps caused by her half brother, Gary Laughingdog, mishaps that could prove instrumental in Ragnarök. With the help of her mate, they travel to a snowed-in resort, meeting creatures of myth while battling traumas left behind by their adversary, the vampire Bonarata from the previous book, Soul Taken (2022).
A pretty high-stake story this time around.
Now with all that said how did Winter Lost fare?
For the most, very well. Like its predecessor, Winter Lost has an anxiety-inducing story delving into themes of healing and growth with adoring characters and an expanding universe that continually intrigues the reader. However, and it pains me to say this, it is a book whose overuse of narration has held back Briggs’ creativity, almost leading Winter Lost to fall into the trap of ‘filler’ books. I say almost because part of my criticism may be stemming out of pettiness for the number of times it has been delayed.
So, with that in mind, how did Winter Lost still hold my attention despite its little flaws?
Well the characters obviously. I know. That boring subject again. But it’s true. Whether reading this series or her spin off, Alpha and Omega (2008-), Briggs has this talent of creating compelling characters. They are never one-sided, both the heroes and the villains. Also if you are looking for quality romantasy the chemistry between Mercy and Adam is a prime example. Fourteen books in and I’m still head over heels for these two, their development as a couple only growing stronger thanks to Briggs’ ability to not hold back on the challenges they face. Sure, it will leave readers a in a pile of juddering nerves at every turn of a page but the extent Briggs pushes these two just strengthens their bond.
Asides from great characters, Briggs also has a strong dedication to her world building. Whether it’s about racist humans, hungry vampires, powerful artefacts trickster fae etc. Briggs always has something new to show, using her knowledge of mythology and fairy tales as building blocks to her plots and settings.
In Winter Lost Norse mythology plays a prominent part in the story, and
while it is an overused source of inspiration, using the threat of Ragnarök was a symbolically clever choice.
Considering the events that transpired at the end of Soul Taken, how Mercy, Adam and their pack were left reminded how alone and exposed they are, the near-apocalyptic countdown was just what they needed to set them back on track, to help take the step towards healing themselves, a heavy theme in this story’s plot. Briggs also keeps things interesting by focussing on mythological figures less credited, specifically the Jötunn. Ymir has been a long-time side character within Briggs series and had yet to play a part in the Mercyverse. His and his brother Hrìmnir’s involvement in Mercy and Adam’s task expanded on the series’ universe, reminding readers how large and vast their world has become. And it doesn’t stop there. For a while I wondered when Briggs would delve back into Native American lore and in the end was satisfied by the results. So far readers have only met Mercy’s sort of father, Coyote and the introduction of Asibikaashi had been a welcoming addition to the Mercyverse. I do hope to see more of her and other deities in the future. It’s rare to read stories that delve into Native American mythology. At least ones that put time and effort into presenting a respectable portrayal.
I feel I could go on for my appreciation for Briggs' works but I think its time to go into depth on why I feel Winter Lost is my least favourite in the series.
Just to clarify, me saying it’s my ‘least favourite’ doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it. If a book still manages to send my anxiety levels to the roof I would say Briggs has done her job perfectly. However, there were just certain factors my inner fan girl could not protect me from this time. And those issues come down to its writing structure.
Now and then Briggs likes to experiment with her writing and one of those experiments tends to be adding additional voices to the story. While I appreciate seeing different perspectives from other characters I felt Winter Lost was too liberal this time with it. Obviously Briggs wanted to use this to resolve all subplots mentioned but it just felt too much and hindered the story’s main plot, resulting in her having to tell rather than show certain moments. It also wasted some good opportunities in regard to the development of certain sub-characters.
For example in Winter Lost Briggs re-introduces long-time readers to a character created in one of her short stories from her anthology, Shifting Shadows (2014), a big surprise to us all.
However, the character in question provided nothing more than information to its heroes and from there on lurks in the background, overshadowed by the introduction of a new character, who I felt replaced her role within the story.
After that we don’t see her interact again until the story’s conclusion, which is a shame because I would have liked to have seen a little bit more of her involvement.
It is these moments and approaches that almost lead to my assessment of Winter Lost as being a ‘filler’ book, making me wonder if Briggs was holding back the best ideas for a later date. But like I said because of the delays a part of me likely felt so because I had been expecting more. And if I’ve learnt anything from the books I’ve read, delays are for the best. Because really who wants to read a book rushed towards publication? Certainly not me.
So putting that aside, Winter Lost, though hindered by it multiple voices, does provide a story that will keep fans entertained and agonising for more, thanks to Briggs' devotion to her main leads and universe.
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