Happy Halloween from the Pack Podcast! In episode 15 (yes, we wish it were 13), Greg, Hasna, and Linda tackle the question every Mercy Thompson fan has whispered at least once: is Wulfe the creepiest character Patricia Briggs has ever written?

He looks like a teenager with an angelic face, but he's a witch-born vampire who's been around since the Renaissance, and nobody can say for sure what he wants. We dig into his creepiest moments in Blood Bound, the strange mix of witch, wizard, fae, and vampire that may explain why he's so unhinged, and the theory that he's a monster built by other monsters who outgrew his creators. We also debate Bonarata's fear of him, his fixation on Mercy, whether he's really an ally, and where he's headed after Soul Taken.

Plus: news on the Graphic Audio delay, the Steel Rain cover reveal, and a look at why some hosts predict Wulfe's redemption while others are not so sure.

Do you agree, or is there a creepier character we should be talking about? Let us know, because we're already plotting a Part 2!

Join our Patreon for the after-chat on Sunday, October 11 at 10 AM Pacific. Happy Halloween!

Pack Podcast Ep. 14 is here! Patricia Briggs finally brings her legendary assistant "Sparky" (aka Anne) out from behind the curtain — the woman who's been running the show behind the scenes for years, from bookkeeping to manuscripts to keeping Patty out of (occasional) trouble.

Plus: Steel Rain is officially finished 🎉, Dan Dos Santos has already delivered a cover Patty calls his best yet (reveal coming at DragonCon 👀), and Patty's already deep into the next Mercy book. We also swap convention stories from Bubonicon — George R.R. Martin, Martha Wells, and T. Kingfisher all made appearances.

Grab your tea (or coffee, Hasna ☕), settle in, and come hang out with the Pack.

#PackPodcast #PatriciaBriggs #MercyThompson #SteelRain #DragonCon #Mercyverse #UrbanFantasy #BookTok

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and episode overview
04:10 Patricia Briggs and Anne introduce themselves and discuss their recent travels
16:17 Highlights from recent book signings and conventions
20:06 Details about the upcoming Steel Rain book and its length
30:10 Cover reveal and promotional plans for Steel Rain
32:45 The unique experience of visiting the Olympic rainforest
33:21 Closing remarks and appreciation for fans and Patreon supporters

In this episode, we chat with renowned book cover artist Dan DeSantos about his work on the Mercy series, the art of cover design, and the creative process behind iconic book covers. Discover how his art influences genre marketing and the stories behind his most famous pieces.

key topics

Dan DeSantos' background in illustration and cover art

The process of designing book covers for the Mercy series

The importance of genre markers and visual storytelling in covers

Evolution of cover art over 20 years and maintaining consistency

Behind-the-scenes of creating Marvel and Magic: The Gathering artwork

The significance of tattoos and symbolism in cover design

Fan interactions and cosplay inspired by cover art

Upcoming projects and appearances at DragonCon

LINKS:

https://www.dandossantos.com/

https://muddycolors.com/

https://patreon.com/DandosSantos/

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cloverpressart/the-marvel-art-of-dan-dos-santos-a-deluxe-art-book-and-more/

https://www.patriciabriggs.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest introduction

02:11 Dan DeSantos' background and early work

07:57 Designing covers for the Mercy series

15:06 The role of tattoos and symbolism in covers

21:59 Creating iconic and marketable genre covers

28:01 Fan interactions and cosplay

32:04 Upcoming projects and conventions

34:00 Closing remarks and thank you

This lively panel discussion explores vampire lore, character dynamics, and the intricate hierarchy within the Mercyverse, offering fans deep insights into their favorite characters and storylines.

Key Topics

• Vampire hierarchy and politics
• Character development and relationships
• Impact of past events on current storylines

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
01:49 July Updates and Patreon
02:44 Vampire History and Character Discussion
10:09 Exploring Vampire Hierarchies
15:12 Stefan's Character and Relationships
20:06 Humanity in Vampires
27:04 Future of Vampire Dynamics
30:06 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Resources

Patty Briggs' Official Website - https://www.patriciabriggs.com/
Mercyverse Book Series - https://www.patriciabriggs.com/mercyverse
Patty Briggs' Social Media - https://twitter.com/PattyBriggs
Patty Briggs' Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/patriciabriggs

Join us as we explore the art and science of audiobook narration with Lorelei King, a renowned voice of the Mercy Thompson series. Discover her insights on voice acting, technology changes, character development, and the future of AI in voice work.

Key Topics:

Lorelei King's experience with the Mercy series over 20 years
The impact of technology and AI on audiobook narration
Approaches to character voices and accents in audiobooks
The importance of preparation and stamina in voice acting
The evolving role of directors and self-direction in recording

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
04:30 The Journey of Audiobook Narration
10:45 The Art of Character Voices
14:07 Emotional Responses in Narration
15:15 Directing and Self-Direction in Audiobooks
17:37 Acting Background and Its Influence
20:02 The Impact of AI on Voice Acting
22:10 The Limitations of AI in Creativity
25:02 The Excitement of New Projects
27:00 Navigating the Audiobook Industry
30:00 The Challenges of Voice Acting
32:02 The Art of Character Pronunciation
35:00 Reflections on the Mercy Series

Resources

Lorelei King's Book: The Storyteller's Guide to Voice Acting - https://www.amazon.com/Storytellers-Guide-Voice-Acting/dp/XXXXXX
Patty Briggs' Mercy Series - https://pattybriggs.com/mercy-series
AI Voice Technology Insights - https://example.com/ai-voice-future

Guest links

Twitter - https://twitter.com/loreleiking
Website - https://loreleiking.com

Are Mothers in the Mercyverse Good or Flawed? An In-depth Discussion

Join us as we explore the complex roles of maternal figures in Patricia Briggs' Mercyverse, analyzing characters like Mercy, Margie, Evelyn, and others. Discover how their flaws, traumas, and strengths shape the narrative and the characters' development.

Key Topics:

• Is Mercy truly a mother figure or more of a protector and problem solver?
• The flawed and human nature of maternal characters like Margie and Evelyn
• The impact of trauma and abandonment on characters' roles as mothers
• Dynamic versus conventional "mother-father" roles in the pack
• The significance of found family and community in shaping maternal identities
• The absence of traditionally "happy" mother figures in the series
• How characters' maternal flaws influence their children, especially Jessie
• Reflection on Mother's Day and the importance of appreciating real maternal figures

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest speakers

00:25 - Series updates: upcoming book release and publication delays

01:11 - Patreon community news and quarterly giveaway details

02:07 - Special events: Discord chat scheduled for May 11

03:02 - Latest book "The Book That Never Ends" and release status

04:11 - Audiobook rights and production updates for Mercy Thompson books

08:02 - Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Mercyverse series

09:14 - Discussion on Mercy's role as a maternal figure in the series

10:02 - Mercy's relationships with pack members and whether she is a mom

11:02 - The difference between alpha leadership and motherhood

12:13 - Mercy's disciplinary approach vs. traditional mothering

13:23 - The concept of found family and pack dynamics

14:45 - Comparing characters like Christy, Margaret, and others as mother figures

17:14 - The influence of maternal origins on characters like Mercy and Jessie

19:44 - Sacrifices and trauma of characters like Charles' mother

22:23 - Search for positive or "happy" maternal figures in the series

23:31 - Reflection on the dark themes surrounding motherhood in Mercyverse

26:33 - How flawed maternal figures shape Mercy and other characters

28:44 - Final thoughts: sadness, trauma, and the importance of real maternal figures

29:56 - Encouragement for listener engagement and feedback about mothers in the series

30:21 - Series reading order resources and upcoming after chat details

Resources & Links:

• Patricia Briggs Official Website
• Mercyverse Reading List
• Patreon Support Page
• Book: "The Book That Never Ends" by Patricia Briggs

We invite listeners to share their thoughts on maternal figures and how they interpret motherhood within the Mercyverse. Happy Mother's Day, and remember to celebrate the maternal figures in your life!

• Pack structure and hierarchy
• Leadership dynamics between Bran and Adam
• The influence of outside magic and supernatural elements
• Character roles: Mercy, Bran, Adam, and others
• Themes of change, tradition, and societal evolution

• Pack Hierarchy Model
• Alpha-Submissive Dynamics
• Magic and Power Influence

Chapters

00:00 Spring Vibes and Weather Talk
01:18 Podcast Updates and Community Engagement
03:52 Exploring Pack Structures in Fiction
07:04 The Role of Chaos and Change in Packs
09:51 Leadership Dynamics: Bran vs. Adam
12:45 The Power of Relationships in Pack Dynamics
15:45 Future Conflicts and Changes in Pack Leadership
18:49 The Importance of Internal Pack Structure
21:53 Women's Roles and Submissives in Packs
24:46 Conclusion and Future Discussions

Explore the complex villains of the Mercyverse, their motivations, and how they evolve. Delve into characters like Marsillia, Bonerata, and Tilly, and discuss the blurred lines between heroes and villains.