Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs

February 6th, 2015 Kimberly Review 69 Comments

6th Feb
Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs
Cry Wolf
by Patricia Briggs
Series: Alpha & Omega #1
Narrator: Holter Graham
Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Narration: 5 cups

Now Briggs begins an extraordinary new series set in Mercy Thompson's world—but with rules of its own.  INTRODUCING THE ALPHA AND OMEGA NOVELS... Anna never knew werewolves existed until the night she survived a violent attack…and became one herself. After three years at the bottom of the pack, she'd learned to keep her head down and never, ever trust dominant males. But Anna is that rarest kind of werewolf: an Omega. And one of the most powerful werewolves in the country will recognize her value as a pack member—and as his mate.

In August, I read an anthology collection by Patricia Briggs called Shifting Shadows. I am a huge fan of the Mercy Thompson series, but in the collection, there was an Alpha & Omega story. I knew I had to visit this world and bought Cry Wolf on audio. I am so glad I did. I love how the world crosses over into Mercy’s world. As for Anna and Charles –le sigh.

I should mention that I first met Anna and Charles in the novella Alpha & Omega in the Shifting Shadows anthology. While it is not necessary to read first, I do feel it gave me a connection to the couple. It is available as a standalone novella. I was going to take this audio on a date and then realized the synopsis reveals absolutely nothing so I decided to do a break it down review because – spoilers darling.

The World: If you have read the Mercy Thompson series, you will see characters you have met previously in Cry Wolf, and hear references to Mercy and Sam. I absolutely loved this crossover. Charles Cornick takes Anna back to his pack where his father- Bran, aka. the Marrok is Alpha. We learn Asil the Moor’s background and the reasons he wants the Marrok to put down. Spending time with the Moor was fascinating.

The Characters: Anna has been a wolf for three years, but her background was abusive and she does not understand who she or how a pack works. At first, you think she is weak, but Briggs’ allows us to see her grow and her strength emerges. Charles Cornick is the packs assassin. He seems standoffish, and does not necessarily have a way with words. Charles and his wolf, whom he refers to as Brother Wolf have chosen Anna as their mate. He is strong, noble and protective without being overly aggressive, which I found incredibly sexy. Asil has always been a character I found interesting and the banter between him and Charles had me giggling. Men and their posturing oh I loved it!  We see many sides of Bran, including his darker hidden aspects. Interaction with the pack showed us many different personalities and I look forward to reading more.

The Plot: Briggs knows how to deliver action and she had me listening non-stop. There is a lone wolf killing in the mountainous woods not far from the pack. Bran believes it may be another pack concerned about his threats of going public. He sends Charles to handle it and Anna accompanies him. The ground is covered in snow and they meet far more than a lone wolf. Soon Asil and Bran are involved. We see power struggles and the battles are intense. Many things are faced on the side of the mountain some good, bad and others heartbreaking.

“Of course, if Charles found out his father was out here, too, the damn fool would probably head right back into the maw of danger; he was that kind of heroic idiot.”

Romance: The romance is sweet, and not without complications but we see growth and bonding. I so enjoyed this aspect and it endeared me to the main character. The bonding or mating is different between them and Briggs made me feel their connection.

“If she know how strongly he felt, she’d have run out the door. He wasn’t used to the possessive, or the savage joy she brought to his heart. It ate at his control, so he turned his attention to the music. He understood music.”

“She understood his passion because she felt the same way: as if nothing was more important than the touch of her skin to his, as if she’d die if he left her.”

Narration: I was at first surprised by the male narration choice, but Holter Graham soon proved he was perfect for this series. I loved the voice and tone he used particularly for Anna and Charles. His accent lent to the story and I quickly feel in love with his soothing tone.

Cry Wolf was an exciting listen and I cannot wait to return to these characters. Fans of the Mercy Thompson series will undoubtedly love it.

*While Penguin has sent me paperback versions, I am going to continue on audio the first time through with the exception of book 4, since I have an advanced copy. I will then listen to it and will let you know if the audio enhanced or changed my opinion. Stay tuned.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

69 Responses to “Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs”

  1. Leeanna

    Hah! I JUST reread this series this weekend. I read DEAD HEAT, which prompted me to reread the first three, and I *just* finished the novella in ON THE PROWL, which I hadn’t read before. I love Anna and Charles. My review of DEAD HEAT is gonna be one long gush fest, lol.

    I’m not big on audio books, but after your review of the audio version, I might check it out.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I loved Dead Heat too Leeanna. The books just get stronger.

  2. Mandy

    I don’t know how I feel about a male narrating than again I don’t do audio books. However very tempting. the Alpha & Omega series is one of my favorites next to Mercy Thompson of course. I’m so jealous you have an advanced copy. I can’t wait to get my hands on the newest one. Thanks for sharing!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      He really does a fantastic job. Dead Heat was fantastic you will love it.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      They are all so good. I finished Dead Heat and you will love it 🙂

  3. Lola

    I read this one, but thought it was slightly confusing at the time. I vaguely remember there was a short story or something that took place before it, that I should’ve read before. haven’t read the Mercy series, although I do plan on reading it eventually. Great review KImba!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes, I think reading the novella first is almost essential.

  4. sharonda

    Cant wait to read this. I love Mercy’s world and have so much love for Charles. Me and Ana got a buddy review coming up soon. Loved the review Kim 😉

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ooo I look forward to that. I finished Dead Heat and the series just gets better with each installment

  5. Sarah

    You know, I never got into this series. I think I’ve only read the first book, but I can barely remember last week, so . . . lol I’ll have to try to get into Briggs after I’ve (hopefully) finished the billions of series I need to complete!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I have a few series where I read book one and life got in the way..hope you revisit them

  6. Lark

    Good review, Kimba! I’ve only read a few werewolf books, and none of Patricia Briggs’ novels in either series. Is this a good place to start, or should I try the Mercy Thompson series first?

  7. Melissa (Books and Things)

    I have decided I need to catch up on the Mercy books before I catch up on this series (I’ve read the novella and 1st book). I agree with your review and I really enjoyed this one too! I might have to see if I can get the rest on audio since it is voiced by someone different than the Mercy books (LOVE Lorelei but want her the voice of Charley for now…).

    I’m also curious to see if the audio changes your thoughts on book 4.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Audio is the way to go, I have listened to the first three now and read Dead Heat, but love Holter reading them.

  8. Carmel

    It seems like you and I both had the exactly same reaction to reading Shifting Shadows. I binge listened to this series shortly thereafter as well, and couldn’t help but kick myself for not having done it sooner. I LUUUUV Holter Graham!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Holter rocks and oddly enough when I read Dead Heat I could hear him narrating in my head.

  9. kara-karina

    I love this series,Kimba, and it will only get better. I am so happy you are going through all these glorious urban fantasy oldies and enjoying the heck out of them:)))

  10. Anna G

    I loved this book so much! After reading it, I wanted to look for more werewolf books.
    Now, I’m tempted to re-read it. lol

    Charles <3

  11. Candace

    This was the first book by her I had read and I wasn’t terribly impressed. BUT I continued the series and LOVED the rest. So I’m not sure what it was but I needed them to grown on me or something. 🙂

  12. Ramona

    I read Mercy Thompson a while back and enjoyed it a lot. I think I always intended to read this too, I’m not sure what happened… (Note to self: You’re really getting old and losing it. Be careful!) Right… So, beautiful review, as ever 🙂 Thanks for sharing your book wisdom with us!

  13. Lily B

    I don’t know why but I really struggled with this one, so I don’t know if I myself would continue to read book 2 but I think I still want to give her other series a shot.

  14. Braine Talk Supe

    Love the myth here, Omega wolves are awesome! Right now I am loving this series more than MT. I guess coz I get more facetime with Bran 😀

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thank you, I answered on your blog and appreciate you thinking of me

  15. sherry fundin

    I love Patricia Briggs and this sounds like another good one to add to my reading pile. I will be curious to see if you find a difference between reading and listening. Have a great weekend.

  16. Sophia Rose

    Now I just did the opposite of you hand had already read all the Charles & Anna and Mercy books, but just got around to Shifting Shadows recently (some stories were rereads for me including Alpha&Omega. Loved it! I look forward to the new Charles & Anna.
    I am intrigued to try a re-read some day by listening on audio to see how that alters the experience. Glad the narrator is good.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am all call up, I did the first three on audio, read Dead Heat but will get the audio too since I love them so much.

  17. Rita

    You know Patricia Briggs must be a great author if I read her on occasion, and I am definitely not a UF fan! I read this one a few years ago, and then I read all but the last 2 Mercy books too. I just like her style of writing and I picked her up on a whim years ago when I found a used paperback of hers. Enjoy them all!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      You need to catch up, I l have already listened to 2 and 3 and read 4. They just get better.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I have been the same Grace, it really is one of my favorite genres on audio

  18. Nick

    I haven’t read a book by Patricia Briggs yet although I’ve been meaning to, especially since she is cherished author among many readers. This sounds very enjoyable and I like the sound of the sweet romance.
    Beautiful review, Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I like that it mixes in cases or mysteries and other supernatural creatures. You should try to snag this from the library.

  19. Jenny

    YEAH KIM!!!!! I love this series so much:) It’s been a while since I’ve read Charles and Anna, but with Dead Heat coming out soon, I’m excited to get caught up! So glad you’re loving these two as well!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I knew there was a reason I adore you…you enjoy all the books I do 🙂

  20. Silvia

    I’ve always been curious about this series, but never tried it. Wait, that just reminded me I have the first instalment in the Mercy Thompson series, so I could give it a go at some point this year… Might want to note that down!

  21. kindlemom1

    I am a huge Anna and Charles fan! I love all their books and will be starting book four here soon. I am so glad you are trying this series. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I got book 4 before reading this and while I was waiting for publisher to send me books 1-3 to read I realized I had snagged Cry Wolf during some deal on audio. I will continue on audio and will still listen to Dead Heat.

  22. Melanie Simmons

    I think I like this series more than Mercy. I just love Charles and Anna. I just did a relisten to Fair Game. I wanted a refresher before Dead Heat comes out next month. Great review.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I have already read Dead Heat and loved it, although I will get the audio since this is the format I prefer for this series.

  23. Jessica

    Yay!! You and Carmel were both convinced to check out Anna and Charles by Shifting Shadows. I LOVE them. I might even love them more than Mercy and Adam (b/c Bran and Asil). Great review 😉

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I do love that we get to see other beloved characters Jessica.

  24. Alreem

    is this book about werewolf 🙂 I have not read many books with werewolf, sound interesting, I will add this book to my TBR, Lovely Review 😀

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes, they belong to a pack, we do see witches, FAE and other creatures as well throughout the series Alreem

  25. Melliane

    YOu know I have a problem with this series, it’s ok but I’m not hooked, you know what I mean? So I have book 2 for years and I haven’t read it. I didn’t even keep the books 0.5 and 1. But I know that one day I’ll read but well I largely prefer Mercy.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      The books get stronger and 3 and 4 were really good. Keep reading Meliiane

  26. Lupdilup

    I know a lot of peeps love this series, I love it too, but not as much as Mercy. I adore that series.
    I’m glad you enjoyed too 🙂 Holter Graham is great with this. Just like you said, he was a perfect choice.