Title: Fairy Gifts
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Mercedes Thompson #0.8, Mercy-verse #4
In: Shifting Shadows (Patricia Briggs) & Naked City (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Werewolves
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Griffin Publishing
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: Though there is no high court any longer.

Fairy Gifts deals with a vampire who finds some measure of redemption in the mines far below Butte, Montana.

Fairy Gifts is a really good mix between an origin story and a modern tale of caution against the fae. Although Thomas Hao doesn’t appear in the Mercedes Thompson books until much later in the series, Hao is a bit of an enigma when he eventually does – so discovering more about his past and the source of his unique condition was a thoroughly enjoyable journey to be swept away with.

Although this story is primarily about Hao and his honouring of a debt of gratitude, Briggs also beautifully highlights just why the fae can’t be trusted. Their ability to use half-truths and twist the facts to suit their means is emphasised, and even Briggs’ own words will lead you down one path, while you really walk up another.

I loved this short story, not only for the insight gained into Hao’s life, but also because it managed to surprise me at every turn. Which is something I always appreciate in a well-written story.

Image source: Patricia Briggs