books like the mercy thompson series

2 min read 31-01-2025

Are you craving more thrilling adventures with shapeshifters, werewolves, and fae creatures after finishing the captivating Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs? You're not alone! The unique blend of romance, mystery, and supernatural elements in Briggs' work has captivated readers worldwide. Fortunately, the urban fantasy genre boasts a wealth of fantastic options to fill that void. This guide explores several series and standalone novels that offer similar elements, ensuring your next reading adventure is just as captivating.

Similar Themes and Elements to Look For:

Before diving into specific recommendations, let's pinpoint the key elements that make the Mercy Thompson series so compelling:

Strong Female Protagonist: Mercy is independent, resourceful, and fiercely loyal. She's not afraid to get her hands dirty and always stands her ground.
Shapeshifter Protagonist: Mercy's coyote shapeshifting abilities are central to her character and abilities. Many similar books feature protagonists with shapeshifting or other supernatural abilities.
Supernatural World with Established Rules: The world Briggs creates is rich and detailed, with its own established hierarchy and mythology governing the interactions between different supernatural creatures.
Romance and Relationships: The romantic relationships in the series are integral to the plot and character development.
Intricate Mysteries and Action-Packed Plots: Each book in the series presents a compelling mystery that requires Mercy to use all her skills and resources to solve.

Recommended Reads:

Here are some series and standalone novels that share similar elements with the Mercy Thompson series, categorized for easier browsing:

For Fans of the Strong Female Protagonist:

The Kate Daniels Series by Ilona Andrews: Kate Daniels is a powerful mercenary operating in a post-apocalyptic Atlanta overrun by magic and supernatural creatures. Like Mercy, Kate is independent, resourceful, and has a fascinating romantic relationship that develops throughout the series.
The October "Day" Series by Seanan McGuire: October "Toby" Daye is a half-human, half-fae detective navigating the complex world of fae politics and mysteries. Her strength, wit, and determination resonate strongly with Mercy Thompson fans.

For Fans of Shapeshifters and Supernatural Creatures:

The Alpha & Omega Series by Patricia Briggs: While technically a spin-off, this series delves into the lives of Charles and Anna, a werewolf couple, offering a different perspective within the same world as Mercy Thompson, with similar themes of loyalty, friendship, and supernatural conflict.
The Psy-Changeling Trinity Series by Nalini Singh: This series explores the complex relationship between the psy-race and changelings, offering compelling characters and romantic entanglements within a world rich in supernatural lore.

For Fans of Intrigue and Mystery:

Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch: This urban fantasy series features a young police constable who discovers the magical underworld of London, solving supernatural crimes. The blend of mundane police work with magical elements is a refreshing take on the genre.
The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher: This long-running series follows Harry Dresden, a wizard detective solving supernatural mysteries in Chicago. While the protagonist is male, the intricate plotlines and urban fantasy setting offer a similar level of excitement and intrigue.

Standalone Novels Worth Checking Out:

Several standalone novels also capture the essence of the Mercy Thompson series with compelling characters and intriguing plots within the urban fantasy genre. Searching for books with keywords like "urban fantasy," "shapeshifters," "coyotes," or "werewolves" can uncover many hidden gems.

Expanding Your Urban Fantasy Horizons:

The beauty of urban fantasy lies in its versatility. By exploring different authors and series, you'll discover new twists on familiar themes and find your own personal favorites. Don't be afraid to branch out and explore beyond these recommendations; the genre is constantly evolving, offering endless possibilities for captivating adventures. Happy reading!