Goblin Hunt and Unexpected Allies

On a cold night, Mercy Thompson, a coyote shapeshifter, teams up with werewolves Ben and Mary Jo to hunt a goblin fugitive. Larry, the goblin king, joins them, revealing that some goblins can lie, a rare and dangerous trait among the fae. This revelation hints at deeper troubles in the supernatural world. Together, they capture the goblin, who is executed for his crimes, setting the stage for the unfolding chaos.

Zombie Goats and Witchy Intrigues

Mercy is called to handle a bizarre situation involving zombie goats, a result of witchcraft. The goats belong to Santiago, a boy whose family is now endangered. Mercy and Mary Jo capture the goats, raising questions about witches in their territory. The situation worsens with the discovery of Elizaveta, the pack's witch, and her family's murder, hinting at rival witches' involvement.

Elizaveta's Dark Secrets Revealed

Investigating Elizaveta's house, Mercy uncovers evidence of black magic and torture. The simultaneous death of Elizaveta's family suggests a powerful witch's involvement. This revelation shakes the pack, forcing them to confront Elizaveta's betrayal and the threat of a new coven seeking control over their territory.

Sherwood's Hidden Power Unleashed

In a confrontation with a zombie werewolf, Sherwood, a mysterious werewolf with a missing leg, displays extraordinary magical abilities. He cleanses Mercy's house of dark magic and destroys the zombie, revealing a hidden power that raises questions about his past and true identity, suggesting he is more than just a broken wolf.

Witch Threats and Pack Decisions

A witch confronts Mercy, demanding the pack allow her coven to take over the territory. She hints at plans to disrupt an upcoming fae-government meeting. Mercy and Adam must decide how to handle the witches' threat while maintaining neutrality in the supernatural community, complicating their position as they provide security for the government.

Bombs, Betrayals, and Ghostly Farewells

During a meeting with government officials, a bomb explodes, killing Paul, a werewolf who sacrifices himself to save Mercy. The attack is linked to a conspiracy involving a government official and a radicalized student. Mercy, recovering in the hospital, is visited by Paul's ghost, who asks her to tell the pack of his heroism, underscoring the dangers from both supernatural and human threats.

Witches' Trap and Ruth's Escape

Under a witch's compulsion, Ruth arrives at Uncle Mike's pub, claiming everyone is dead and she must find Mercy. Uncle Mike and Mercy realize Ruth is cursed, and Sherwood uses his powers to break the spell. Ruth reveals the witches' plan to disrupt the fae-government meeting, prompting Mercy to act quickly to stop them.

Adam's Capture and Mercy's Plan

Mercy discovers Adam is controlled by witches at Elizaveta's house. Despite the danger, she sneaks onto the property, witnessing the witches torturing Elizaveta. Adam, compelled to attack Mercy, is freed when their mate bond breaks the spell. Mercy realizes the witches have a powerful zombie army and a dragon, and she needs help to defeat them.

Allies Gather for Final Battle

Mercy enlists Zee, Tad, and Wulfe to confront the witches. Despite the risk of fae intervention, Zee and Tad agree to fight the zombies, while Wulfe focuses on the witches. Mercy's plan involves freeing Adam and rescuing the senator, knowing the witches' power is formidable. The group prepares for a dangerous confrontation, each with a crucial role to play.

Zombie Horde and Dragon Threat

As the battle begins, Mercy uses her unique abilities to free the zombies from the witches' control, turning them to dust. Adam battles a zombie dragon, and with Mercy's help, they manage to defeat it. The witches' power wanes as their army crumbles, but the threat of their magic remains. Mercy's determination and the strength of her allies are tested to the limit.

Elizaveta's Betrayal and Redemption

Elizaveta, tortured by the witches, uses their own magic against them, killing them with a powerful spell. Her betrayal is revealed as she absorbs their dark magic, rejuvenating herself. Adam, realizing the danger she poses, kills Elizaveta to protect the pack. Mercy and Adam grapple with the loss and the moral complexities of their actions.

Aftermath and New Beginnings

In the aftermath, the pack deals with the fallout of the battle. Mercy reflects on the events, the loss of Elizaveta, and the new threats that may arise. The fae-government meeting proceeds, offering hope for peace. Mercy and Adam's bond is strengthened, and they prepare to face whatever challenges come next, knowing they have the strength of their pack and allies.

Characters

Mercy Thompson

Mercy is a strong-willed and resourceful protagonist, balancing her life as a mechanic with her role in the supernatural community. Her ability to shift into a coyote and her connections to various supernatural beings make her a pivotal figure in the unfolding events. She is fiercely protective of her pack and determined to maintain peace in her territory.

Adam Hauptman

Adam is Mercy's mate and the Alpha of the local werewolf pack. He is a strong leader, deeply committed to the safety of his pack and the broader community. Adam's military background and strategic mind are crucial in navigating the complex political landscape involving the fae, witches, and government.

Sherwood Post

Sherwood is a werewolf with a missing leg and a mysterious past. He reveals unexpected magical abilities during a confrontation with a zombie werewolf, suggesting a deeper connection to the supernatural world. His true identity and the extent of his powers remain a mystery, adding intrigue to the story.

Larry the Goblin King

Larry is the enigmatic leader of the goblins, possessing knowledge and abilities that make him a valuable ally. He reveals the dangerous secret that some goblins can lie, a rare ability among the fae. Larry's involvement in the goblin hunt hints at his deeper role in the supernatural community.

Elizaveta Arkadyevna

Elizaveta was the pack's witch, secretly practicing black magic with her family. Her murder by rival witches exposes her betrayal and leaves the pack without a magical ally. Her death raises questions about the power struggles within the witch community and their impact on the pack.

Stefan Uccello

Stefan is a vampire who has been a loyal friend to Mercy. Despite his complicated relationship with the local vampire seethe, he remains a valuable ally. His knowledge of the supernatural world and his willingness to help Mercy make him an important character in the unfolding events.

Arnoldo Salas

Arnoldo is a former Marine whose family becomes a target for the witches. His military training and protective instincts make him a formidable ally. His resistance to the witch's magic suggests a deeper connection to the supernatural world, possibly through his family's bloodline.

Tory Abbot

Tory is the assistant to a powerful senator and serves as Mercy's liaison with the government. His decisive manner and political connections make him a key player in the negotiations between the fae and the government. His involvement in the bombing plot raises questions about his true motives.

Judd Spielman

Judd is a Secret Service agent involved in the investigation of the bombing. His no-nonsense attitude and dedication to his job make him a reliable ally. His interactions with Mercy and the pack highlight the complexities of the relationship between the government and the supernatural community.

Paul

Paul is a werewolf who sacrifices himself to save Mercy during the bombing. His heroism and desire to be remembered as a good man add depth to his character. His death underscores the dangers the pack faces and the sacrifices they must make to protect their territory.

Plot Devices

Goblin Hunt

The hunt for a fugitive goblin introduces the theme of hidden dangers within the supernatural community. Larry's revelation about goblins who can lie adds complexity to the fae's abilities and foreshadows future conflicts.

Zombie Goats

The appearance of zombie goats highlights the presence of witches in the territory. This plot device introduces the theme of power struggles within the witch community and sets the stage for the conflict with Elizaveta's murderers.

Elizaveta's Dark Magic

The discovery of Elizaveta's black magic practices serves as a catalyst for the pack's internal conflict and their struggle to maintain their treaty with the fae. This plot device underscores the theme of hidden dangers and the consequences of betrayal.

Sherwood's Hidden Power

Sherwood's display of magical power during the zombie werewolf confrontation reveals his mysterious past and potential significance in the supernatural world. This plot device adds intrigue and foreshadows future revelations about his identity.

Witch Threats

The witches' demand for control of the territory introduces the theme of power struggles and the pack's need to defend their territory. This plot device sets the stage for the conflict between the pack and the witches.

Government Meeting

The upcoming meeting between the fae and the government highlights the pack's role as intermediaries and the complexities of their alliances. This plot device underscores the theme of political maneuvering and the challenges of maintaining neutrality.

Analysis

"Storm Cursed" by Patricia Briggs explores the intricate dynamics of power, loyalty, and betrayal within a supernatural community. The novel delves into the moral complexities faced by its characters, particularly Mercy Thompson, as they navigate threats from witches, fae, and human conspiracies. The story emphasizes the importance of alliances and the strength found in unity, while also highlighting the personal sacrifices required to protect one's community. Through its rich tapestry of characters and plot devices, the book offers a compelling narrative that challenges the boundaries of trust and the consequences of wielding power. Ultimately, "Storm Cursed" serves as a reminder of the resilience needed to face both external and internal adversities, and the enduring bonds that can emerge from shared struggles.

Last updated: April 11, 2025