Burn Bright

I make a habit of crashing into series out of order as anyone who has spent any time reading my reviews knows. Mostly, I manage to work out what is happening without too much difficulty, but I can’t deny that it sometimes causes a bit of confusion at the beginning of the book. Not this time, though. Immediately Briggs pulled me into the action so at no stage was I floundering, which demonstrates a great deal of skill, given this is the fifth book in the series. Of course, I was aware there was a hefty backstory and some of the previous events were mentioned, which has certainly whetted my appetite to read more about these engaging characters. And it is all about the characters. I loved both Charles and Anna, so very different and yet so suited. I also enjoyed reading about the jockeying for position and the pinsharp awareness of their ranking within the pack and how that balances with the human side of their character. I’ve read one or three werewolf stories in my time, each with its on take on how the blend of wolf and human works, and this was a dynamic I particularly enjoyed. I also liked the fact that despite it is a world where lives are invariably lost – they matter. Near the beginning one of the deaths really winded me – I had expected that it was going to be alright and this particular character, whom I’d really liked, would prevail. It was a shock when it didn’t. Another of Briggs’ skills is her ability to write broken, desperate characters with compassion and empathy. Some of the oldest fae and werewolves are overwhelmed by the weight of years and bloody experiences they have endured and are too dangerous to live in the socially supercharged atmosphere of the Pack. Briggs doesn’t just tell us how dangerous and unpredictable they are – her demonstrations of their lethal oddness had me reading waaay later into the night than I should have done. As for the climax and solution – the risk is when I’m so thoroughly invested in a story so early on, I’ll find that the ending doesn’t quite live up to my expectations. This wasn’t an issue here – there was another surprising twist near the end that certainly changed everything once again. And then again, when another twist superseded that one… The conclusion tied up most of the plot points, leaving a major one dangling in the breeze, ready for the seventh book in the series. I’ll definitely be reading that one – and before that – I’ll also be backtracking and reading more about these charismatic, engaging characters in the meantime. Highly recommended for fans of quality urban fantasy. 10/10

Brilliant

The Alpha and Omega series goes back to its roots in this latest installment. Not just because Anna and Charles are home, sorting out problems in Aspen Creek, but because the wider plot cleverly loops back around to not just Anna’s beginnings in Chicago, but to where this whole world began with Moon Called from the Mercy Thompson series. I loved getting to see more of the Aspen Creek pack – Asil especially, but also Tag and Sage, even Leah – as they tried to work out what was wrong with the Wildlings while Bran was AWOL. I especially enjoyed seeing how far Anna and Charles have grown, as a couple as well as individually. Charles is so much more than the bogeyman of werewolves, while Anna is really learning to explore her omega powers and stretch her instincts. The pair of them make a great team, but the fact that Anna is capable of working just as well away from Charles is one of my favourite things. He (and Brother Wolf) might want to protect her at all times, but he also understands what she needs in order to be strong enough to protect herself. The plot is gripping, giving some fascinating hints and insights into different parts of this world. The Wildlings are a very interesting bunch, from sad Devon, through the unhinged Viking twins, right up to Hester and Jonesy. There’s clearly a lot more going on in Bran’s backyard than has ever been shown before, and now they’ve drawn the wrong kind of attention. It also sets things up very nicely for future books in the Mercyverse because all those hints about Sherwood Post are clearly not accidental. Plus there’s all those loose ends that need to be tied up. However, this book also had another agenda, which seemed to be to improve everyone’s opinion of Leah, while also making us hate Bran. I don’t think I’ll ever like Leah, but her relationship with Bran is messed up. My opinion of Bran has been all over the place for a while – usually fairly positive in the Mercy books, less so in the A&O ones – but this time it’s taken a complete nosedive that it’ll be a struggle to recover from. But this book isn’t about Bran, and I refuse to let him, his behaviour and one suspect conversation spoil everything else. Because Asil is in this book. So much Asil! And Charles, and Anna, and we see a little bit of Kara too, and meet some really interesting old wolves that I’d love to know more about. There is so much more to this book than Bran, and that’s what I really enjoyed. I can’t wait to see where the whole Mercyverse heads next.

I love this series about Mercy and the Marroks pack. If you have read one of the previous books then you must already be a fan if not I suggest you start at the beginning and work your way through them. Although the Omega novels are a spin off they are all very related. This author rights solid easy to read and to believe in whilst you read them. Any of her books are a must buy for me and if you like this genre I cannot recommend them enough.

I've just done a full re-read after having completed book six. In my opinion this is the best book. Anna and Charles are at home, not working with outside agencies and it is more pack centred. I think I prefer these books to Mercy although Mercy is the best character. Regardless, fab writing and stories and you are always guaranteed a great read.

Best to start at book 1 to build the connection with the characters but once you have, these books will not disappoint. The Mercy series is more popular but I find that following Anna is more thrilling and the Montanan Pack find a way into your heart that sets deep and has you enthralled with every page. I love this super natural thriller and find it difficult now to forget this world when reading other authors as the background and work that has gone into it is magnificent and makes the unbelievable palatable to the reader, to really get involved with the story.

I love Patricia Briggs books. Great shifter stories, some love and romance, but surprisingly for this genre not just an excuse for pornography. Like all her other books exceedingly well written, no typos and poor continuity; an absolute pleasure to read. It holds your attention from word one to the very last word. I couldn't put it down. The story has a really unexpected twist, no spoilers. Just read it.

Whilst Bran is away in Mercy Thompson world Charles and his mate Anna are in charge of the Aspen Creek pack. When a strange call comes in from one of the Wildlings, wolves so broken they can no longer function even in a strong pack like Bran's, Anna and Charles uncover a sinister plot to kill or capture the Wildlings. It then becomes a race against time to save the Wildlings and uncover the traitor who has been selling the pack's secrets to persons unknown. This has all the characters we know and love/ hate. Charles and Anna, Leah, Asil, Tag, even Bran. We also meet a small group of badly damaged wolves, men who are in constant battle with their wolves, where one of the pair is insane, or worse. Many of the Wildlings are very old and hold deep dark secrets which 'someone' will stop at nothing to uncover. I liked this, it had all the brilliant characters and great writing that I have come to expect from Patricia Briggs, and yet I didn't love it. It didn't blow me away with joy the same way as Anne Bishop's Lake Silence did, maybe it was because I had trouble understanding why the baddies used such a hammer to crack a nut? Nevertheless, Patricia Briggs is an awesome writer, her plots and storytelling are outstanding and she has created two wonderful characters in Charles and Anna.