Customer Reviews

Alpha & Omega: A Companion Novella to Cry Wolf

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

A lot of urban fantasy makes a big deal about alpha werewolves, often on the assumption that "alpha" means big, strong and sexy among wolves.

But Patricia Briggs explores the opposite end of the spectrum in the novella "Alpha and Omega," which also serves as a springboard for her new series (a sort of spinoff in the same universe as the Mercy Thompson series). It's a tightly written, open-ended little story about an abused Omega werewolf and the unexpected love between her and a very powerful alpha.

When a boy is kidnapped by her abusive pack, a terrified Anna finally dares to call the Marrok, the leader of all werewolves. He ends up sending his son Charles Cornick to deal with the troublemakers, and Charles is shocked when he realizes that Anna isn't a super-submissive wolf -- she's a rare Omega wolf, and the disgusting Leo and savage Justin have been abusing and molesting her all over the place.

And now Charles is determined to change all that, especially by showing Anna the way a werewolf's life is REALLY supposed to be, about her status as an Omega, and the connection between them. But there are some truly nasty secrets at the heart of the Chicago pack and the strange absence of female werewolves -- and now that Anna knows who she is, she isn't going to take it lying down.

"Alpha and Omega" is set in the same world as several of Patricia Briggs' other urban fantasy stories (most notably the ongoing Mercy Thompson series) -- for example, the ancient werewolf lord known as the Marrok seems to hang over this novella like a thundercloud. But the opening novella of the Alpha and Omega series works quite nicely as a story on its own, with new characters and problems.

Briggs brings a lush, atmospheric feel to this particular story ("Though he smelled of anger, he also smelled like spring rain, wolf, and man"), as well as some unexpected plot twists and an ending that paves the way for future stories about Anna and Charles. And she does a good job dealing with the concept of "omega wolves" -- sort of a lupine "class clown" of very low rank -- and their importance to werewolves.

Personally I'm sick and tired of "forced" relationships wherein magical forces MAKE the characters have a relationship. It's usually a sign of a writer's laziness in writing about love, or worse. But Briggs actually pulls it off -- despite the mystical wolf-mating between Charles and Anna's lupine sides, their budding relationship is a genuinely touching one, full of protectiveness, respect and growing trust.

"Alpha and Omega" was a solid start to a new urban fantasy series, and it leaves you wanting to know what will happen next for Charles and Anna. A pleasant little read, but have "Cry Wolf" close at hand.

"Alpha & Omega" is a short story by Patricia Briggs set in the world of her Mercy Thompson series. While it is certainly not necessary to read Briggs' Mercy series, "Alpha & Omega" will be richer if you do. The two main characters are Charles Cornick (Samuel's brother & Bran's son) & a new werewolf, Anna Latham. Charles instantly recognizes Anna as his mate & an Omega wolf. The Omega wolf was a new concept to me & is a wolf who is outside of the pack structure & provides a calming influence to, among other things, wolves who have trouble with the change.

"Alpha & Omega" mainly serves to set up Briggs' new series involving Anna & Charles, but it is a great little story in its own right. I have read "Cry Wolf," the first book in the Anna & Charles series, & I definitely think that you should read "Alpha & Omega" first.

While I understand why some reviewers think the book is too expensive, they miss the point of ordering books from a publisher like Subterranean Press. They print books on acid free paper, full cloth boards, and add illustrations. They are a small press that prints limited quantities of quality editions of your favorite authors. Their books won't fall apart in ten to twenty years from glue and paper that has turned brittle with age. Their books are for collectors and readers who enjoy holding a well made book. If you want Wal Mart prices, stop shopping at Neiman Marcus.
As for the book, it is wonderful! The story is a great short story, and essential to read first before the other books in the series. Patricia Briggs just doesn't write a bad book. The book itself is beautifully made. I loved holding it and looking at it as I read it. Another great job from Subterranean Press.

This novella was previously included in the anthology, On the Prowl.

It is the beginning of a spin-off series from Ms. Briggs' popular Mercy Thompson series.

If you liked Blood Bound, Iron Kissed, or Moon Called, you will really enjoy this new series.

Don't let the grumpus complaining about the sample deterr you, this is a good story. Sometimes, short stories seem to miss out on something or other that made the books great, but not this one. It's every bit as good as the books. Nor is it overly short, it is well worth the price.

This novella first appeared in the anthology 'On The Prowl' and expanded on the world of werewolves and other supernaturals introduced in Patricia Briggs Mercy Thompson novels. It is a wonderful introduction to the lives of Anna and Charles whose story is continued in Cry Wolf and Hunting Ground, both excellent novels.

Be aware that this is a collectors edition. The pricetag seems a bit hefty for a novella, but it is a hard-cover, AUTOGRAPHED, limited edition. If you only want to read the wonderful story, pick up On The Prowl, which contains this and other good stories. If you are a book collector, add this one to your shelf. You will pick it up to re-read many times.

First I have to state I am very disappointed with the people who have given this one star. When you read their comments 2 are angry about "price" and the other is mad about the lack of preview text -- Neither of these issues have to do with reviewing the story and its content. If you don't like the price of this edition (a signed limited issue collectors hardback) get the paper back anthology that has the story in it (on the prowl). And as for not having a preview of the story, vent to amazon - do not disrespect this wonderful story and fantastic author for it. Now on to my review!

I will not give a summary as that has been done earlier and the book caption is very well done. That being said this is one of my ALL TIME favorite stories. I for one was so very glad this hardback edition became available because I ruined 2 paperback editions reading and RE-reading this magical tale!

Anna and Charles are one of the most wonderful couples ever written. Their tale is told in such an honest and REAL way that I felt not only like they were real but like I had met them and traveled the books journey with them. For a short story it has more emotional punch than most novels I have read and sets the stage for a fantastic continuation in subsequent books. I have since read the two follow up books ( cry wolf and hunting ground) and have not been at all disappointed.

Anna proves that a woman can be strong and still feminine; can be beaten but not broken. With an internal strength that rivals Joan of Arc she traverses internal and external trials like a champion warrior.

Charles shows that physical strength (and the alpha male) can also be gentle, caring and emotionally stable. He also shows how strong it can be to have faith in someone else and to trust in the one you love.

I can not recommend this story enough...read it for yourself! If I could give 6 out of 5 stars I would!

Enjoyable, but would almost have been better attached to the actual novel, Cry wolf. Some of the things hinted at in Cry Wolf make more sense after this mini book.

Set in the world of Mercy Thompson, Alpha & Omega is a novella that was released in On The Prowl anthology. Amazon.com offered the one story only for download on Kindle and I couldn't pass it up. I had read a few reviews in regards to Cry Wolf and a lot of them had recommended reading this short before starting on the A&O series.

The protagonist of this series is Anna Latham, recently changed werewolf. Anna is terrorized within her pack, she was changed against her will and has been subsequently brutalized and lorded over by the other dominants. When she realizes that her pack is breaking the rules set-up by the Marrock (the reigning leader of the North American werewolves) she makes a phone call to the leader and her world is changed forever.

The Marrock sends his son and enforcer, Charles to Chicago and Charles must protect Anna and discover what exactly is wrong with the Chicago pack. Charles is surprised to find that there is something seriously wrong with the pack and Anna is a rare and treasured wolf, an Omega.

I am very glad that I purchased this short story. From the Mercy Thompson series I had been a little put off by Charles Cornick, but his character is expanded here and he becomes more of a likable, if not, more understood character. I also really like Anna and believe that the pack dynamic will be more understood and appreciated in the A&O series than it is in the Mercy Thompson series.

I recommend this short story if you are a fan of Briggs and even if you have never read one of her books. It definitely made me want to read on to Cry Wolf, which starts off right where Alpha & Omega ends.

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Excerpted from a review of the On the Prowl Anthology

... At the same time though, even the strongest of women can use a little help from her man...

In Alpha and Omega by Patricia Briggs, we meet Anna, a recently turned werewolf, whom everyone believes to be a true submissive wolf. But when Charles Cornick arrives, son of the Marrok werewolf (or king as we humans understand better), arrives to investigate some problems in the Chicago pack, he knows immediately that Anna is more than anyone thinks, and is one very special female he could easily fall for.

This was my first foray into Patricia Briggs's werewolf society and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fortunately, though I assume this takes place in the same society as in her two most recent werewolf books, I did not need to read them first. I had no problem following along with the rules of the werewolves and unfolding events. There are also some very interesting twists thrown into the story that explain just what did happen to the missing werewolves in the pack and why there are no females besides Anna and the pack leader's mate.