Introduction
Patricia Briggs is a renowned author in the urban fantasy genre, best known for her captivating series that features strong heroines, intricate plots, and richly built worlds. Navigating her work can be a bit daunting due to the number of books and interconnected series. This guide will help you understand the best reading order to fully enjoy Patricia Briggs's novels.
1. Mercy Thompson Series
The Mercy Thompson series is Patricia Briggs's flagship series. It follows Mercedes "Mercy" Thompson, a VW mechanic with the ability to shapeshift into a coyote. The books are a mix of mystery, adventure, and romance, set in a world where werewolves, vampires, and fae coexist.
Recommended Reading Order:
- Moon Called (2006)
- Blood Bound (2007)
- Iron Kissed (2008)
- Bone Crossed (2009)
- Silver Borne (2010)
- River Marked (2011)
- Frost Burned (2013)
- Night Broken (2014)
- Fire Touched (2016)
- Silence Fallen (2017)
- Storm Cursed (2019)
- Smoke Bitten (2020)
- Soul Taken (2022)
- Winter Lost (2024) *Featured in our July Monthly Box
2. Alpha and Omega Series
This series is set in the same universe as the Mercy Thompson series and often intersects with it. It follows Charles Cornick, an enforcer for the werewolves, and Anna Latham, an Omega werewolf with unique abilities.
Recommended Reading Order:
- Alpha and Omega (2008) - This is a novella and should be read first to understand the origins of Anna and Charles's relationship.
- Cry Wolf (2008)
- Hunting Ground (2009)
- Fair Game (2012)
- Dead Heat (2015)
- Burn Bright (2018)
- Wild Sign (2021)
- TBA (2025)
3. Sianim Series
One of Briggs's earlier works, the Sianim series, is more traditional fantasy with a mix of action and romance. It takes place in a different world from the Mercy Thompson and Alpha and Omega series.
Recommended Reading Order:
- Masques (1993)
- Wolfsbane (2010)
- Steal the Dragon (1995)
- When Demons Walk (1998)*
4. Hurog Duology
This is a shorter series that blends high fantasy elements with complex character development and immersive world-building.
Recommended Reading Order:
- Dragon Bones (2002)
- Dragon Blood (2003)
5. Raven Duology
Another fantasy duology that showcases Briggs's ability to craft compelling magical worlds and deep character arcs.
Recommended Reading Order:
- Raven’s Shadow (2004)
- Raven’s Strike (2005)
6. Mercy Thompson Universe: Novellas and Short Stories
These stories complement the Mercy Thompson and Alpha and Omega series, providing deeper insights into characters and events.
- "Alpha and Omega" (2007) - Found in the anthology On the Prowl. This novella is the prequel to the Alpha and Omega series.
- "Seeing Eye" (2009) - Found in the anthology Strange Brew. Set in the Mercyverse, it follows a witch and a werewolf.
- "Fairy Gifts" (2011) - Found in the anthology Naked City. Set in the Mercyverse, it focuses on a vampire and a fae.
- "Gray" (2010) - Found in the anthology Home Improvement: Undead Edition. Set in the Mercyverse, it tells the story of a vampire returning to her former home.
- "Star of David" (2008) - Found in the anthology Wolfsbane and Mistletoe. Follows the werewolf David Christiansen.
- "In Red, with Pearls" (2011) - Found in the anthology Down These Strange Streets. Features Warren, a werewolf from the Mercyverse.
- "Roses in Winter" (2014) - Found in the anthology Shifting Shadows. Focuses on Kara Beckworth, a young werewolf introduced in the Mercy Thompson series.
- "Redemption" (2014) - Found in the anthology Shifting Shadows. Features Ben, a werewolf from the Mercy Thompson series.
- "Hollow" (2014) - Found in the anthology Shifting Shadows. A Mercy Thompson story.
- "Silver" (2014) - Found in the anthology Shifting Shadows. Gives background on the fae character Ariana and Samuel Cornick, a werewolf.
- "Outtake from Silver Borne" (2014) - Found in the anthology Shifting Shadows. A deleted scene from Silver Borne.
- "Outtake from Night Broken" (2014) - Found in the anthology Shifting Shadows. A deleted scene from Night Broken.
- "Asil and the Not-Date" (2016) - Found in the anthology Shifting Shadows. Focuses on Asil, a character from the Alpha and Omega series.
- "Unappreciated Gifts" (2020) - Found in the anthology Fantastic Hope. A light-hearted Christmas story in the Mercyverse.
- “Dating Terrors” (2022) - Found in the anthology Heroic Hearts. Asil finds an online date that might just turn into something more—if she can escape the dark magic binding her.
- “A Memory of Witches” (2023) - Found in the anthology Instinct. This is a short story about Sherwood Post and his kitten Pirate.
7. Standalone Novels & Short Stories
Patricia Briggs has also written standalone novels that are not connected to her series. These can be read independently.
- The Hob’s Bargain (2001)
- When Demons Walk (1998)* - Although part of the Sianim series, it can be read as a standalone.
- "The Price” (1999) - Found in the anthology Silver Birch, Blood Moon. This short story is a retelling of Rumplestiltskin.
Tips for Reading Patricia Briggs’s Books
- Start with Mercy Thompson: If you’re new to Patricia Briggs, the Mercy Thompson series is a great starting point. It’s her most popular series and will introduce you to the world that she expands on in the Alpha and Omega series.
- Follow the Publication Order: For the interconnected series (Mercy Thompson and Alpha and Omega), it’s beneficial to follow the publication order. This way, you’ll encounter characters and events in the order the author intended, which enhances the overall experience.
- Standalone Series: The Sianim, Hurog, and Raven duologies are separate from the Mercyverse and can be read at any time. They are perfect for readers who enjoy fantasy with a mix of intrigue and action.
- Novellas and Short Stories: Patricia Briggs has also written numerous novellas and short stories that tie into her series. While not essential, these can provide additional background and enrich your understanding of the characters and the world.
Suggested Reading Order
To get the most out of Patricia Briggs’s books, here’s a suggested reading order:
- Mercy Thompson Series (Books 1-5)
- Alpha and Omega Series (Prequel novella + Books 1-2)
- Mercy Thompson Series (Books 6-8)
- Alpha and Omega Series (Book 3)
- Mercy Thompson Series (Books 9-10)
- Alpha and Omega Series (Books 4-5)
- Mercy Thompson Series (Books 11-13)
- Alpha and Omega Series (Book 6)
- Mercy Thompson Universe Novellas and Short Stories (listed above)
- Standalone Novels (Hob's Bargain and When Demons Walk)
- Sianim Series (in publication order)
- Hurog Duology (in sequence)
- Raven Duology (in sequence)
Conclusion
Patricia Briggs’s expansive and richly developed worlds offer countless hours of reading pleasure. By following this guide, you can experience her stories in a way that enhances the continuity and depth of her characters and settings. Whether you’re delving into the urban fantasy of the Mercyverse or exploring her standalone fantasy novels, you’re sure to be captivated by Briggs’s masterful storytelling. Happy reading!