With the release of Cry Wolf (the first in a new series), Patricia Briggs fans can now look forward to two Briggs books coming out per year. A Mercy Thompson in the winter and an Alpha and Omega in the summer. So. Very. Awesome. After inhaling the original "Alpha and Omega" short story in On the Prowl last year, I could hardly wait to follow Anna and Charles's story in full-length book form and now, having finished it, I can honestly say it was a treat.Picking up immediately after the events of "Alpha and Omega," Anna finds herself and her few belongings bundled up and on her way to Montana with a wounded Charles and his father, the enigmatic Bran, otherwise known as the Marrok, aka leader of the entire werewolf population of North America. Nervous and unsure of just what she's gotten herself into, Anna suddenly finds herself living at Charles's house, attending werewolf funerals, and embroiled in the same kind of wolf politics she was assiduously kept out of during her time with the Chicago pack. Unsurprisingly, it's one step forward, two steps back for Anna as she attempts to settle into her new life and decide whether or not she even wants to carve out a place for herself with Charles--a still waters run deep sort of man who is reserved, doesn't like crowds, but is also the Marrok's chief assassin.
Anna is a very different breed of heroine from Mercy. After being changed, she was never given the chance to get her bearings and accept her new life. The cool thing about being an Omega (something she is only just beginning to figure out about herself) is she has all of the protective instincts of an Alpha, without any of the violence. This makes her strong and able to influence the mood of every wolf around her. The lame thing is that without those violent instincts, she can be taken advantage of and manipulated to a rather spectacular degree. I liked that this first book didn't rush things. There is plenty of ground left to cover as far as Anna's untapped abilities go and whether or not she and Charles will be able to bridge the still vast gulf between them. I loved the extra time we got to spend with Bran--one of the most interesting characters in this world. I'm looking forward to more on his background and his mate. Because, even though she's heinous, I feel particularly sorry for Leah. It's no kind of life she's got right now and I find myself harboring a little hope for her and her Marrok.
Lastly, Cry Wolf just happens to include a sneak peak of the first chapter of Bone Crossed--the fourth Mercy Thompson book. Did I skip to the back and read it first before delving into Cry Wolf? Maybe...
Links
AvidBookReader Review & Interview
Ciaralira Review
Darque Review
Dear Author Review
Kicks and Giggles Review
The Book Smugglers Review
Great review, I know you were anxiously awaiting this release. :)
ReplyDeleteI was utterly chuffed to find my local B&N had put their display out a week early.
ReplyDeleteI agree about Leah and Bran. There has to be a story there, and an HEA eventually. I feel bad for Leah - it's obvious she's miserable, though she handles it poorly by being a biyatch. If she was a complete loser I doubt Bran would have mated her. I want PB to write them a love story. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree 100%, Ciara. I know Bran went looking for someone he wouldn't fall in love with to be his mate. But I think he's come to care about her and he deserves to be happy as well! I hope we get more good stuff on them in future A&O books.
ReplyDeleteGreat review Angie! As usual.
ReplyDeleteI also liked seeing more of Bran and his sad, nasty mate Leah. I dunno if I want a love story/romance between them though...I'd like to see more of their relationship, but keeping the sort of bitter edge to it.
Oh, I agree, Thea. I like the bitterness. I'm just intrigued by the fact that they've stayed together so long and I wonder how their wolves chose each other in the first place.
ReplyDeleteI need to go to the bookstore and get a copy of this - don't know why I haven't yet, I've been waiting eagerly.
ReplyDeleteRun right out and get it, Liv. I'm anxious to hear what you think. I admire Patricia Briggs for taking on such a different heroine from Mercy and making it work.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Angie. I'm a little over halfway through with Cry Wolf and I'm really really enjoying it. I was blown away by "Alpha and Omega" and I'm loving the progress of the relationship between Charles and Anna. I also agree with everyone's observations of the dynamics between Bran and Leah... but I think I need to finish the novel before I comment more on them.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're loving it, Christine. I enjoyed the progression of their relationship so much, I wanted more and more. Guess that's what the sequel's for...
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