Reviewed by: Rabid Reads. 
 FIRE TOUCHED started off with an impressive fight between some of Adam's pack members, Mercy and a troll on a bridge, and the stakes only got higher from there. There's a very real possibility that an all-out war between the fae and the werewolves might be looming on the horizon, and the outcome rests on this book's shoulders. Patricia Briggs once again worked her creative mojo by writing a brilliant plot-driven story chock-full of remarkable characters and enough action to tide you over until the next installment. 
 Hauptman's pack becomes more diverse with every new volume from a coyote, to a tibicena, to Aidan--the catalyst of this title. I've enjoyed watching the inner dynamics evolve throughout this series, and this novel added yet another layer to the Tri-Cities' furry family. When you put a volcano demon and a fire touched human in the same vicinity things are bound to get interesting, then add a trip to Underhill along with the usual suspects, and you might as well buckle down because you won't be leaving your sofa for a good long while! 
 I love how the MERCY THOMPSON and ALPHA & OMEGA universes continuously intersect however, you can still easily appreciate one without the other. Speaking of which, I was actually kind of disappointed with Bran's choices in this book, especially how they affected the heroine even though ultimately the reasoning made sense for the weres as a whole. I suspect that the consequences of the Marrok's ruling will extend well past this installment, and could potentially open up a wealth of opportunities for Adam and co. 
 A couple of the secondaries that have been MIA are back on the map which made me happy, and to my relief, the Walking Stick finally stops being an unpredictable wild card--that thing was seriously starting to annoy me. Jesse is really beginning to distinguish herself as a character, and I'm liking Joel a lot too. Hauptman reaffirmed why he's been on my book boyfriend list for four years and counting, and Mercy was her awesome self, ever changing, and yet still comfortable in her own skin. 
 FIRE TOUCHED is not to be missed!