Y’all, I loved this book. I mean, I ALWAYS love a book in the Mercyverse. This was absolutely no exception. The twists and turns—most of which I’ve hit in my previous updates—I was surprised, but not surprised, by who done it. What about you?
Okay, let’s acknowledge that elephant in the room. Hugo was the perpetrator—partly. And he was Hrímnir’s pup, Garmr, who wanted to merely keep his human existence. Overall, even though the human version shot the goblins and would have shot Mercy to keep that existence, the pup version was pretty sweet.
And Gary with Hrímnir until the frost giant had to leave. That was a sweet moment as well, and I’m rather sad for the frost giant being so lonely. I would love to see more of him in future books. That’s all I’m saying. But I liked the tidbit we gained in that scene with them as well…about Honey. I really hope Gary and Honey belong together. That would make me happy for them both.
I’m also impressed with the silver spider—the Asibikaashi, the Spider Grandmother, the custodian of all Ojibwe infants and adults, who is a helper of the people and inspires mothers (or other close female relatives) to weave protective spider web charms. It feels like the perfect placement, and a great red herring throughout the book.
I am also happy that she was able to mend Mercy. I’m not sure if she’s completely fixed or not, but even if she’s only fixed for now, I’ll take that as a win in the Mercyverse.
I did note something that I’m not familiar with—and didn’t pull up anything specific when I Googled it—the weapons the police pack held during the weapon. They held a spear, a seax, a bow, and a sling, and Mercy notes that they were important. So, I’m left wondering what that means. If it’s a historical connection that Briggs loves to include, or it it means something more for the future.
One never can tell with a Patricia Briggs reference.
And I kind of had a feeling that Yamir ws a shit, that he did intend to steal his brother’s harp to bring on the end of the world. But as my previous posts note, it really could have been anyone.
All right, my last note here is that I love the last line of the book: “He doesn’t deserve good brownies.” The personality and hope in that last line was really nice to end on. And it speaks of Briggs’ and Mercy’s humor so well.
Excellent new edition to the Mercyverse, and it’s left me wanting the next one. I can’t wait.
What did you think about WINTER LOST? Let me know in the comments below, and I’ll be back soon with our first reading update for the Monthly box from August, THE VOYAGE OF THE DAMNED by Frances White, which ships next week.
See you then!