Cry Wolf

This book picks up from right where the prequel, Alpha and Omega: A Companion Novella to Cry Wolf, leaves off. If you haven't read that one, stop now and go and read it. If you don't you are missing an integral part of the story! As the story begins, Anna has chosen to go with Charles and Bran (the "Marrok") to Montana and join the Aspen Creek pack. The relationship between Charles and Anna develops further, and we are introduced to more members of the pack, in particular: Samuel (Charles' brother), Asil (aka the Moor, one of the oldest werewolves aside from the Marrok, born around 8th century A.D.), Sage Carhardt, Colin Taggart, and Leah (Bran's wife). We also learn of Bran's plan to "out" the werewolves to the public.

In Aspen Creek, werewolves are not a secret: Either someone is one or married to one or knows one, and their existence is common knowledge amongst the residents. There are some government agencies that are also aware of their existence, and wolves are being blackmailed and/or used. Bran feels that the only way to put a stop to this is to stop living in secrecy.

When word gets around that people are being attacked by supposed grizzlies in the Cabinet Wilderness in Northwest Montana, Bran assumes that either a rogue werewolf is out of control or some wolf wants to make trouble for Bran and foil his plans to bring werewolves out to the public. He sends Charles and Anna into the mountains wearing human-scented clothing as a ruse to try to draw out the wolves.

Asil, also known as the Moor, has quite a reputation for being one of the baddest wolves around. He was married to an Omega, who was tortured and killed by a Black Witch named Mariposa. Asil has been hunted by Mariposa for centuries and, when she turns up in Aspen Creek, no one is safe.

Complex characters seem to be Briggs' forte! The more I learn about Anna and Charles, the more I love them. Thank you, Ms. Briggs, for creating a wonderful protagonist like Anna: Despite being beaten down (literally), she rose beyond even her own expectations. I really enjoyed learning more about Bran and his history, although I am still a little confused about his "berserker." However, I am very intrigued by his special relationship with Anna. I didn't see it coming, but I even fell for Asil! He is really suave (loved Graham's Spanish accent), and I loved Anna's effect on him. He seems to be the most knowledgeable about Omegas because he was married to one, and he takes on the role of teaching Anna more about herself.

Samuel, who is also a doctor, is a little bit of an enigma to me. I really don't know much about him, except that he is Charles' brother and that he has spent time with Mercy Thompson who is the star of Briggs' sister series. It seems that Samuel figures more prominently in that one, and I really must read that series after this one so that all the pieces fall into place for me.

One of my favourite characters from this book is Walter, a soldier who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and fled to the mountains to live because he felt that no one was safe around him. He survives a wolf attack and is Changed, and Anna and Charles come across him in the mountains. I thought he brought a really interesting dynamic to the relationship between Charles and Anna, and I was really moved (to tears, actually) by his actions.

Bran also mentions that the wolves came from Europe and that their presence is most heavily located in North America with smaller packs in Europe, South America, and elsewhere. He further states that there are other beasts that live in other parts of the world, and I wonder whether Briggs will develop other series based on these other creatures!

I was correct in my prediction that this series is only going to get better! I am totally sucked into Briggs' world and can't get enough!

Holter Graham is a new-to-me narrator, and I quite liked his interpretation of the characters. His voice is very animated and, at times, his voice became very intense and he spoke rather quickly. What I loved most about his voice is that he really brought Anna's spunk to life. She is rather cheeky, and I often smiled while listening to those moments as Anna put Charles (or sometimes Bran) in his place! I often thought, "You go, girl!" Graham was spot-on in his portrayal of Anna.

MY RATING: 5 stars!! I loved it, and I will likely re-read it again in the future! You should definitely read it!

I started reading the Mercy Thompson and heard about Briggs' other series called Alpha & Omega but I didn't really think anything about it until it was mentioned that Charles' mate was an omega so I thought I would take a look in to the series

Good:
I loved finally being able to know more about Charles. He seemed like a character that had no personality in the Mercy Thompson series but finally we see that he is something more! And now there is a fierceness to Charles that I never knew and he is quite the character.
Another good thing: Anna. Fragile, yet strong. Anne is an Omega which is something new to me and watching her use her powers is very very awesome. There is definitely something powerful going on between him and Anne
Another awesome: We finally get the background on Bran! Not only does Briggs allow different characters to narrator the story but one of them is Bran and we learn all about how he was turned and how he was labelled the most powerful wolf and why.
And: Although Bran's mate Lead is a b**** I kind of felt bad for her in the novel.
Bad:
Sometimes it was confusing. I guess because Anne was abused that she couldn't figure out her own feelings and it came across confusing to me as a reader.
I also found that in some places the novel was very slow and I realized that that was the only time I found myself putting it down.
Overall (Writing style, story line, and general):
Over the story was great! The writing as always when it comes to Briggs is sometimes confusing and causes me to re-read it.

Oh wow, I was a bit confused at first about everything that was happening all of the sudden with Charles and Anna and their relationship. An "Omega" was not explained very well, but I guess it was probably done that because Anna didn't really know what she was either.

After being a bit confused, story was good. The relationship between Charles and Anna was interesting, and was definitely different. Meet a guy and all of a sudden you're declared his mate...quite mind boggling.

They worked together quite well, even in touch situations that are life or death, even with dealing with a very very old witch who was able to control other werewolves.

I was told AFTER the fact I read this that I should've read "Alpha and Omega" to fill in the beginning gaps, so I will suggest to you now to get that book before you read "Cry Wolf."

It's a little jarring that the story starts partway through (it actually begins in On the Prowl) but I still loved it based on the strength of the characters and the relationship development between Charles and Anna. If you're looking for a new author or series, this one does not disappoint.

This story is set in the same world as the Mercy series but it is based around Charles, the Marrok's son, and his mating with Anna an abused Omega from another pack. The storyline is related with the storyline in Moon Called. I loved the way she developed the relationship between Anna and Charles. The secondary characters were great and this world is just so well merged with ours that I want to believe.

Summary- After three years of torture and abuse, Anna has been saved by the Marrok's son, Charles, and she is moving to his home in Montana. Shortly after arriving there they learn there may be a rogue werewolf on the lose and are sent out in to the wilderness to investigate.

What I liked- I really like Briggs's style of writing and though this is not part of the Mercy Thompson series it is set in the same world and connected through the Marrok and his family.

What I didn't like - I didn't like that on the back of this book it says that it is the beginning of a new series, but it isn't, the story starts in an anthology novel On The Prowl, and I believe there was important information in it. Like how Anna and Charles met, why they were connected or almost married by the start of this novel, and most importantly what an Omega Wolf is. 46/1000

I first got introduced to this author in on the prowl. from the first chapter was hooked. I love the characters and how she writes. could not put the book down. loved it.

This book was so cute. I love Anna and Charles, there so adorable together. I couldve done without the whole witch and them going into the woods, those parts were alittle slow and boring but the rest was beautiful. Hopeing the sequel is just as good!

Anna is an Omega, but that does not mean she is the lowest wolf in the pack. No matter what her previous Alpha and pack tried to beat into her. Charles is an uber alpha, and also the Marrok's muscle. In this storey Anna and Charles wolves have mated but their human counterparts have not. Together they are fighting against and evil enemy of one of the oldest wolves still alive. The storey is fast paced and has some great humor in it. It a wonderful new series by Briggs, in the same world as her Mercy Thompson series. If you loved Mercy, you will love this.

There is a question reading "On the Prowl" first. An anotholgy with a short storey that started this series. I read it first and then this and would recommend reading it first, even though you don't have too. Thanks for AlbertaJenn for that recommendation!!

(In case the Chapters-Indigo website deletes my rating, I gave this 4 out of 5 stars/leaves.)

I certainly enjoyed this one -very engaging story. I'm certainly going to purchase and read the sequel! The characterizations are in general well done, the plot is engaging, the resolution satisfying.

In the interest of writing balanced reviews, I will say however that there is one aspect which I liked a bit less... I must admit my only beef with this story (as well as its prequel, in 'On the Prowl') is the lack of "dominant" female characters in what I've seen of this world. Having known many very strong women, this strikes me as an important omission.

(I will however defer further judgment and admit I may well be wrong about this, especially since I have yet to read the Mercy novels.)

Again, JMHO.

Similar recommended titles (given here because of the weird problems I've been having with the Chapters/Indigo website and which they STILL haven't fixed):

-On the Prowl, by Patricia Briggs and others (contains the prequel to 'Cry Wolf')
-Hunting Ground, by Patricia Briggs (sequel to 'Cry Wolf')
-Stormwalker, by Allyson James
-Santa Olivia, by Jacqueline Carey
-Dragon Bound, by Thea Harrison

I really enjoyed Mercy Thompson, so I guess it wasn't a surprise that I loved Cry Wolf. Although Anna is a different type of character than Mercy (not so confused or unsure of what or whom she wants) there is that spunky, independant streak that is consistant in both of them. And Charles is a great romantic lead! Hunting Ground cannot come out soon enough for me.

I love the mooncalled series with Mercy and this new series set up in the same world is every bit as good. I'm still waiting for the next ones in both series to come out in paperback (can't afford hardcover unfortunately)

I enjoyed this book immensely! it is about a werewolf woman who finds herself in a new pack with a new mate after suffering many years of abuse from the members of her old pack. As she is adjusting to this new life, her and her mate are sent to deal with a rogue wolf. Now typically I enjoy a book with a stronger female character, but I like the main character, Anna, and felt that she developed appropriately for someone coming out of years of abuse. This book does kind of take place as a continuation of Moon Called, so it would be a good idea to read that first for some more explanations of the packs and their history. However, I still think it is readable without it, as that history isn't necessary for the main story of Anna and her mate. Overall, definitely worth the read!

Patricia is a very good storyteller, she pulls you in and hold your attention until the very moment you finish the last page. Now, I didn't like this book as much as her Mercy series, but it is only the first book of this series and I am looking forward to the next one. This is still a very good read.

Anna is almost as entertaining as Mercy (if you've read the Mercy Thompson novels) but then this is only her first appearance, can't wait for her next.

Although this series seems intriguing...I ordered this one book based on a write up in a flyer (not realizing it was part of a pre-existing series. I read the first couple chapters and was completely disappointed to find I did not really know what was going on...the first chapter seems to be a continuation of another book ...so you can't really get into it because you are confused about what has happened before. I think I will read the other books first and come back to this one later....???

I've always felt that a backstory is absolutely necessary only if it will help us to understand the characters or allow readers to identify with them. This is one of those cases as I think readers would appreciate it more if you have read the Mercy Thompson books by Briggs. There's just not enough development initially for us to see why that connection between Charles and Anna is strange (to both of them), and while we know the glimpses of her past tragedy, maybe it would have served us better if that's where we had started.

Characters we have grown to love there are seen here, so if you're diving into this universe cold, you might not have those same feelings. Whereas, if we had started the story off, if even with more prologue about how Charles and Anna met, or what Anna's life was like before (first-hand), we would have had more compassion for their connection and I think I would have found myself supporting it more. As it was, I just felt like I was sort of reading some sidebar from a Mercy novel.

Lest anyone get the wrong impression, I did like the story and do adore this universe. I always really enjoy Briggs' writing style, and her plots are entirely too easy to become immersed in. The crossover also works well because we learn a lot more about the Montana wolves than we get from Mercy's perspective. We also get some great backstory for the Marrok and members of his pack.

I would recommend reading the other stories in this series first, though it is not for the sake of the plot so much as the characters.

Charles Cornick has been a werewolf for a very long time and he has never needed anyone or anything other than his family and his pack. His life, until this point, has been about being the enforcer for the Marrok, leader of the North American werewolves. As a powerful alpha he has never had a problem completing any of the jobs the Marrok, who also happens to be his father, has assigned him. At least until Anna.

Anna Latham is one of the rarest of werewolves, an Omega. She is neither dominant nor submissive but rides the line between both, able to soothe both man and beast. She was turned against her will at the order of the Chicago pack Alpha and for three years she endured a version of her own personal hell. When the Marrok began to suspect something was wrong in Chicago he sent Charles to investigate. Charles cleaned up the mess and brought Anna home as his mate, but not without a price.

Back home in Montana, humans are dying by apparent werewolf attacks and the Marrok needs his top enforcer on the case. But Charles is still recovering from injuries received in Chicago and he isn't ready to let his new mate out of his sight. And Anna is still adapting to life in a healthy pack and learning what it means to have a mate and be an Omega. Yet, they are the only ones who can stop the threat to the pack. They must rely on each other, trust each other and discover their new path in life together.

Patricia Briggs's new Alpha and Omega series, set in the same world as her Mercy Thompson series, promises to be an enjoyable and entertaining addition. Cry Wolf is another example of the strong characters and enticing story lines we have come to expect from Ms. Briggs. The story is an original and fast-paced adventure while simultaneously exploring an exciting romance. The insight into the Cornick family will be a big hit with fans and newcomers alike. Don't miss out on the first book in this new and extraordinary series

Okay, loved this. Another great Patricia Briggs story. A little more romance than the Mercy series, but it was great how she merged the characters. Don't miss this one.

I absolutely enjoyed this new book! It provides a different perspective on the pack, elaborating on what was already provided in the Mercy Thompson series. Here, the characters gain more depth, especially the Marrok and Charles! This is exactly why Patricia Briggs excels as a novelist, plunging us into the world she created and holding us captive as we gett 'to know' characters and their relationships and histories. I cannot wait until the next book!