Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Cry Wolf (Alpha & Omega #1)

4.08 of 5 stars 4.08 · rating details · 37,289 ratings · 1,612 reviews

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. Then Charles Cornick, the enforcer—and son—of the leader of the North American werewolves, came into her life.

Charles insists that not only is Anna...more

Mass Market Paperback, 294 pages

Published July 29th 2008 by Ace

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

The Best Urban Fantasy

17th out of 1,667 books — 6,996 voters

Best Paranormal Romance Series

21st out of 1,454 books — 6,865 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Apr 20, 2010 Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: werewolf fiction fans, urban fantasy readers

Shelves: urban-fantasy, supercouple, favorite-or-autobuy-author, favorites, owned-copy, hero-to-die-for, heroine-i-adore, abused, fated-to-be-mated, good-secondary-characters, stellar-love-story, scary-sexy-cool-dangerous-hero, werewolf, desert-island-keepers

I'm not sure how to write this review without excessive gushing. Gushing hurts my credibility as a reader. Well, I think it's clear that I'm not above a little gushing if I love a book. But I do try to be objective. However, sometimes a good book deserves gushing, and lots of it. Such is the case with Cry Wolf. My tastes are somewhat simple when it comes to a book. I want to be involved and entertained. When I read a book that takes me to that next level of pure emotional enjoyment, catching me...more I'm not sure how to write this review without excessive gushing. Gushing hurts my credibility as a reader. Well, I think it's clear that I'm not above a little gushing if I love a book. But I do try to be objective. However, sometimes a good book deserves gushing, and lots of it. Such is the case with Cry Wolf. My tastes are somewhat simple when it comes to a book. I want to be involved and entertained. When I read a book that takes me to that next level of pure emotional enjoyment, catching me where I live and feel deeply as a human, I wish I could rate it higher than five stars.

Patricia Briggs is an author that I was not expecting to come into my life and rock my perception of what I consider good urban fantasy. Now, the standard is much higher. She has found a way to make the werewolf tale that much more enjoyable to this lover of the genre. She writes characters that convince me that there must be werewolves out there, and that they aren't all ravening beasts. That there is an entire spectrum. That they are lonely, in need of love, always fighting a battle of control against their animal natures, or that some have completely given into their animal side. That they form bonds of family and love that wrap around them, and when those bonds are taken away, it has the power to destroy them. Conversely, the bonds of love and pack, can heal a long-broken heart.

The characters in this story show that spectrum of wolves very well. By the end of the story, they felt like people I knew. Oh, and there were some characters that I crossed myself in hopes that I never encountered their likes. Mariposa, oh, how she gave me the shudders. Oh, and Bran.... Could I love him more now? Even though he has some really scary aspects to his personality? Although that just increased his appeal to me. What control this man has. How tortured he truly is. Ms. Briggs, do write a separate story for Bran, I humbly ask.

Charles and Anna: More continued goodies with their nuanced, layered relationship. It's a symbiotic relationship, almost. It would seem that Anna is the weak one, and Charles is the strong one. Not so. Anna's presence brings strength and calmness to Charles. She saves his life numerous times in this story, in fact. And Charles gives Anna that reason and that purpose she had not found before. She loves him so much it scares her. He heals the broken places deep inside of her with his love and devotion. And, he brings her to a home where she had been lost before. I love that not only does this couple come together, but Anna comes to form deep, important relationships with other wolves in this story, who are in need of the peace that she can give them as an Omega wolf.

There were scenes that clutched at my emotions and wouldn't let go. When Anna sings to Asil and Bran, and they fall with their heads in her lap. These troubled wolves finding the peace that an evil adversary had denied them. It was just wonderful to watch.

There are dark and scary moments in this story, as Charles, Anna, and Walter, a wolf they encounter, face a very malevolent entity from the old wolf, Asil's past. Oh, there was plenty of horror in this story. Of the more subtle, not in your face, but very unnerving variety. And the power of this person, powerful enough to take over a character who is known for his absolute strength and control. Shuddering thinking about it.

Yes, I'm gushing. I waited a few days to write this review, trying to get my thoughts in order. For me, this is urban fantasy at its best. Cry Wolf truly is an exemplary werewolf story to me (and that's saying a lot from me). It's the kind of book that you don't want to put down for anything. Ms. Briggs with her misleadingly simple way of telling a story, will have likely a profound effect on you, if you appreciate really good storytelling. Watch out if you haven't read her yet. In the end, I can't speak for other readers. I won't even try. I can only speak for myself. This was a fantastic story. I hope that others who read this enjoy it as much as I did.(less)

like 71 likes · see review

Apr 13, 2010 Mel rated it 3 of 5 stars

I was first introduced to Briggs' writing with the story Alpha & Omega in the anthology On the Prowl. The story is a prequel to this book in which we get to meet Anna, a reluctant member of the Chicago Pack werewolves. Three years ago, she was turned against her will and since then went through emotional, physical and sexual abuse by her Pack. This was done to 'break her' as Anna didn't automatically act submissive around more dominant wolves. Anna is special: she is an Omega, which means sh...more I was first introduced to Briggs' writing with the story Alpha & Omega in the anthology On the Prowl. The story is a prequel to this book in which we get to meet Anna, a reluctant member of the Chicago Pack werewolves. Three years ago, she was turned against her will and since then went through emotional, physical and sexual abuse by her Pack. This was done to 'break her' as Anna didn't automatically act submissive around more dominant wolves. Anna is special: she is an Omega, which means she's protective and brings peace to a pack with her natural ability to soothe the wolf-part of a Were.

When Charles Cornick, the enforcer and son of the Marrok (the leader of the North American Werewolves) comes to Chicago to investigate the issue, he has an immediate attraction to Anna. Better yet, his 'Brother Wolf' has too. As it happens Anna and Charles' wolf counterparts pretty soon see each other as "mated". The human counterparts however, especially Anna's -traumatized as she is- need a while to get to know each other.
And that's where Cry Wolf starts off.
Anna goes back to the Marrok's territory in Montana with Charles and tries to find her place in the new life she's got presented. In the mean time there's a rogue on the loose which needs to be brought in.

Unlike the Mercy Thompson novels, the emphasis in Cry Wolf was less on the action and more on the romance. Which was good for two reasons.
One: the love story was very well done. There's a lot of awkwardness, tension, misinterpretation of feelings going on between Anna and Charles. Charles, being his father's assassin for over 150 years, is not good with words, doesn't like to be touched and is feared by just about everyone... but with Anna he is so incredibly patient, gentle and sweet. And Anna: she just wants to like him back but she needs time and trust to overcome her inhibitions.
I loved how it was written out and it was very endearing in general.
Two: there really wasn't that much action to begin with. Only in the last half of the book is there more excitement in that department. And still, the ending is a bit of a let down. To me, Anna and Charles just as well could have stayed home and be awkward with each other for a while longer, I'd enjoyed that more.

In general: Briggs' writing style is simple but effective. She has a nice way of portraying her characters. I especially liked reading about Charles' perspective, I find him more interesting than Anna. The bad part is that Briggs' plot in this book seemed really simple too. Not much really happens and too much is based on coincidence. I think I wouldn't have minded a break from the romance if the action parts were better thought out.

Still, Cry Wolf was an enjoyable read. The 3 star rating seems a bit harsh, but 4 would have been just too much. (less)

like 18 likes · see review

Mar 21, 2013 Kathleen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pnr-uf, reviewed, display

My second helping of this wonderful book. I still love it. Because it leans a bit more towards romance, taking the time for relationship development, it is perhaps my favorite urban fantasy series involving werewolves. (The setting is rural for this book, but the series is urban). I enjoyed Cry Wolf for the primary H/h relationship development (but it does begin with instant soul-mate recognition), the characters (including the old Vietnam vet, Walter Rice), and the suspense plot. Told in 3rd p...more

like 11 likes · see review

Aug 13, 2012 Dija rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of Mercy Thompson and Kate Daniels

Recommended to Dija by: Group read for The Dark Side

Shelves: 2008, awww, authors-i-stalk, buddy-slash-group-read, my-reviews, my-harem, read-in-2012, reread-worthy, surprisingly-good, uf-or-pnr, wow, first-in-series

"I'm not threatening to kill myself. But you need to know this about me because—if you want to be my mate—I won't be like Leo. I won't let you sleep around with anyone else. I won't be forced either. I've had enough. If that makes me a dog in the manger, so be it. But if I am yours, then you damned well are going to be mine." - Quote from Alpha & Omega: A Companion Novella to Cry Wolf

This series is urban fantasy done right. I can't remember the last time I was so engrossed in a UF, nor the l...more

like 20 likes · see review

Nov 10, 2010 Kat Kennedy rated it 3 of 5 stars

I don't know how popular completos is in America, only that nobody has heard of it here in Australia except those of us who are tight with the ever-growing Chile population.

Basically, Completos is madness in a bun.

Sweet, sweet madness...

It's a hotdog with guacamole, tomato, mayonnaise, mustard and sauerkraut.

See what I mean? Madness! But a good, delicious kind of madness.

Well, Cry Wolf is kind of like Completos only not quite as awesome.

It's a good book, enjoyable, interesting, nicely written wi...more

like 10 likes · see review

Jul 30, 2008 Julie (jjmachshev) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2008-reads

Happy dance commencing. I should start out by saying I'm a fan of Patricia Briggs' books since "Moon Called", the first Mercedes Thompson book. So I was anxious to get my hands on "Cry Wolf" which is set in Mercy's world, but isn't about Mercy per se.

I really like the fact that the heroine in this book is Anna. In the last Mercedes book, Anna was introduced as the horribly brutalized, forcibly turned Omega. In "Cry Wolf" Anna is finding her strength, both by herself and with the help of her mate...more

like 12 likes · see review

Aug 04, 2008 Rebecca rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: urban fantasy "romance" fans

Recommended to Rebecca by: Amazon

Shelves: fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. It was okay. Maybe 2 1/2 stars if I want to be nice. It wasn't Mercy Thompson, that's for sure. The suspense was never really there for me since I knew already, from the Mercy series, that Bran and Charles would be alive in the end.

Anna was rescued by Charles (a tall, handsome, half- American Indian). He saved her from a brutalizing Alpha wolf in Chicago, who had kept her captive for 3 years. Injured, but in love, he brings Anna to Montana to be his mate. After arriving in Montana, it is discov...more

like 16 likes · see review

Aug 26, 2012 Aly (Mircea) Basarab rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: action, urban-fantasy, other, favorites, buddy-read, paranormal

I can't put this down! They are more then addicting, like great black chocolate: you say only one more small piece and then you end up with all of it eaten! 24~25 July

15~26august
If it. s possible, i live the book even more the 2nd time around!

like 6 likes · see review

Aug 16, 2011 Quinn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, library-book

Having read the first novella in this series in the On the Prowl anthology, I rushed straight out and got this book. It goes to show that sometimes it's worth reading all the stories in an anthology because you just never know if there's a hidden gem. I got On the Prowl just for the Sunny story - and although that one was pretty much a disappointment, Alpha & Omega made it all worthwhile.

If you haven't started this series, you really must read the Alpha & Omega short story first, or you'...more

like 6 likes · see review

Aug 01, 2008 Amanda rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Patricia Briggs completists only

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Sadly, Patricia Brigg's new series seems to be more about the romance than about the ass kicking. The Mercedes series is fresh, fun, interesting, and if there's romance and sexual tension, it's just part of Mercy's life, not the whole point.

This thing was a bodice ripper in wolf's clothing. (HA! I made a funny!) Not ever a really good bodice ripper. The main character -- is it telling that I can't even remember her name? -- was badly abused for three years, physically, mentally, sexually, emoti...more Sadly, Patricia Brigg's new series seems to be more about the romance than about the ass kicking. The Mercedes series is fresh, fun, interesting, and if there's romance and sexual tension, it's just part of Mercy's life, not the whole point.

This thing was a bodice ripper in wolf's clothing. (HA! I made a funny!) Not ever a really good bodice ripper. The main character -- is it telling that I can't even remember her name? -- was badly abused for three years, physically, mentally, sexually, emotionally. She was repeated raped, beaten, etc. And it seems to magically evaporate because a man with big strong shoulders rescued her.

Okay, okay, there is some context for that in the book -- the wacky pack politics -- and if there had been a strong plot and characters I would have enjoyed the book.

Especially since she was going to start telling us more about The Marrock. The whole structure she's created for her wolves is fascinating and I was really looking forward to learning more about wolves outside of Mercy's world.

Alas, we get a slight story about a witch trying to kill some random other wolf. The whole thing is very heavily dependant upon back story that we've never heard of before. There's Asil ("The Moor") and his dead Omega wife and his sociopath foster daughter who has been hunting him down for 200 years in a jealous sexual rage. (Issues much?) There's the fact that The Marrock was turned by his mother (?!) and then went berserker (!!??) for however many years and his depredations were the stuff of legends (Literally: Grendel is based on this period of time!)

And of course, there's every bad book's favorite device: Unholy coincidence. It just so happens that a surpassing rare Omega shows up at exactly the moment that the witch (who has some how, against all internal logic) stolen the mating bond of one of the only other Omega wolves in history. It just so happens that an Omega shows up just as The Marrock, a berserker of epic levels, is about to lose his shit. And, of course, it just so happens that she's mated (more or less against her will) to the bad-ass assassin who gets sent against the witch who just happens to be The Marrock's son.

Never mind the convolutions she needs to do with her own magic system to make this farce of a plot go.

That's a little too many happenstances for me.

The writing itself, the prose I mean, was up to Briggs's usual competence. In the middle of a heat wave, I was chilled reading her sections on hiking in the Cabinet Mountains in winter.

But apparently she's an author with just one main character in her -- Mercy -- because the first chapter from the next Mercy book stuck in the end was just fantastic!(less)

like 8 likes · see review

Jul 29, 2008 Angie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: good-uns

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 o...more 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...(less)

like 6 likes · see review

Apr 28, 2013 Laura (Kyahgirl) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, romance-contemporary, favorite-authors, favorites, fiction-with-animals, magic, part-of-a-series, re-read, shapeshifters, witches

**original review (November 2009, updated March 2012):

4/5; 4 stars; A-

I'm re-reading the first two books in this series before reading the third one which just came out. This is the review of the paperback, separate from the audiobook.

This is a great story. Anna is a rare Omega werewolf who was first introduced in a story in the 'On the prowl' anthology. This story crosses over with the Mercy Thompson series at least in the characters. However, the story of a mad witch threatening the Marrocks p...more

like 3 likes · see review

Mar 01, 2009 Kati rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2009, ebooks, in-english, het, urban-fantasy, look-for-more

I didn't like this book as much as the Mercy Thompson series - Anna's mood swings during the first half of the story were just plain annoying and the book relied too much on romance. On the other hand, I really love Patricia Briggs' world and I loved Charles, Samuel, Bran, Tag, Asil and Sage very much. And I actually teared up in some places - Patricia Briggs has a great talent for emotional scenes: Doc Wallace's funeral, Walter's fate... So yeah, I do prefer the "Mercedes Thompson" series but I...more

like 5 likes · see review

Mar 12, 2013 Stacey rated it 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

Cry Wolf is the continuation of the relationship development between Charles and Anna all the while hunting down a rogue werewolf and putting an end to the death and destruction this rogue is leaving behind.

Still in love with Charles! I've enjoyed seeing him off kilter and how he's becoming accustomed to his new life with a mate. And Anna I love because she's very 'real' to me. Someone who wasn't particularly special, just a normal girl who was turned into what she considers a "monster...more

like 2 likes · see review

May 25, 2012 Willowfaerie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, werewolf, romance

This was a very entertaining read. I think Patricia Briggs writes extremely well, and I liked her characters. Her plot wasn’t too implausible (considering it’s a werewolf story) and the ending was fast paced.

Actually, I started off on this series reading the short story in “On the Prowl.” Now the short story, I simply could not put down. It was SO good. The problem with it though, was that it was way too short and not fleshed out enough. So of course I grabbed up “Cry Wolf” as soon as I could g...more

like 2 likes · see review

Feb 15, 2010 Zeek rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites-all-time, favorites-pnr, alpha-hero, pnr, favorite-author, favorite-hero, favorite-heroine, urban-fantasy, shifters

After a violent introduction to the world of Werewolves- on the night she became one herself- Anna Latham sees nothing redeeming about being a werewolf. Violent and frightening, the dominant males of her pack beat her down until death seemed the only option out. Yet somehow she found the courage to reach out- and found her mate in the process.

Werewolf enforcer, Charles Cornick knows Anna won't fully trust him after the abuse she suffered at the hands of those who were supposed to protect her, bu...more After a violent introduction to the world of Werewolves- on the night she became one herself- Anna Latham sees nothing redeeming about being a werewolf. Violent and frightening, the dominant males of her pack beat her down until death seemed the only option out. Yet somehow she found the courage to reach out- and found her mate in the process.

Werewolf enforcer, Charles Cornick knows Anna won't fully trust him after the abuse she suffered at the hands of those who were supposed to protect her, but "Brother Wolf" cannot let her go. Cry Wolf begins a day after the thrilling ending to the first story in the Alpha and Omega series (Alpha and Omega from the On The Prowl Antho.) with Charles and Bran- Charles's father and leader the werewolves- taking her home with them to Montana.

As Charles recovers from the wounds he suffered while dealing with her abusers, Anna must find a way to trust again- not only her mate, but those who would now become her family. Everything she ever knew of werewolves is turned upside down as Charles gently leads her toward accepting her true calling. But the fragile bond they're building becomes threatened when a dark witch makes moves to wrest control of the Montana pack from the most powerful werewolf on the continent leaving Charles and Anna smack dab in the center of the conflict. Secrets long thought hidden come to light, but not in time to head off a deadly battle that will have you on the edge of your seat till the last page is turned!

LOVED this story and LOVE these characters. You really should read the first story of the series from the Anthology to get the full emotional impact of Charles and Anna's relationship, but I suppose it's not necessary. Briggs knows how to write characters with heart, and I loved seeing Anna grow in strength and courage. Charles's deep love and desire to protect her makes him the kind of alpha hero that works for every woman.

I read Cry Wolf immediately after Alpha and Omega, because I had to have more! As far as I'm concerned Cry Wolf leads the pack in werewolf urban fantasy! Read it, you won't be disappointed!

5 out of 5 from me!(less)

like 2 likes · see review

Aug 07, 2008 Keely Hyslop rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: werewolves-and-vampires

I always read through Patricia Briggs' werewolf novels as if I were eating down to the bottom of a bag of potato chips. She's very good at writing the page turner where at the end of every chapter there's some situation of heightened action or heightened emotion that forces you to continue reading even when you have other things to do such as sleep. Her writing is solid, but nothing special. It's her talent for constructing characters and placing them in dangerous, emotionally trying situations...more

like 5 likes · see review

Sep 12, 2008 Jeffrey rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Briggs fans

Shelves: supernatural, read-in-2008

One of the problems with this book is it seems to start in the middle of a story so the first 50 pages are almost incoherent even if you, like me had read, the Mercy Thompson books. There apparently is a back story here in which one of the main characters rescues the other from an evil head wolf of a pack that answers to Bran, but its not easy to understand this story as its not set right out in the book.

Still when I kind of got the hang of it, the book turned out pretty good as it involved an e...more

like 5 likes · see review

Mar 27, 2013 Susana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: patricia-briggs-alpha-omega, wishlist, urban-fantasy, 2013

3,5 stars

It feels kind of strange not be giving one of Briggs stories, more than four stars.
But i have some issues with it. I know that Anna is a werewolf, but due to what she went through,(view spoiler) i felt like the romance went a little too fast.
This is not to say that i didn't like Charles.
I did...he's a great guy....wolf. He's considerate and caring..and i don't remember him growling: "Mine"!

It's just that i got used...more

like 2 likes · see review

Nov 16, 2012 Tanu rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

After Mercy, Anna just comes across as a wimpy teen. After reading 150 pages of self pity and listening to her wallowing about her luck, I have decided to quit this book. I would pick Adam, Samuel or Stefan any day over Charles!

like 3 likes · see review

Feb 23, 2013 Maggie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013

This book was one sidelong glance after another. Does he like me? Does she like me? Come on, Charles. You are over 200 years old. Act your age!

However, one thing I really appreciate about this and the Mercy Thompson books is how Patricia Briggs examines the effects of sexual assault. She never gives it a simple or quick solution.

Noelle keeps hinting about BIG things happening in this series that affect the Mercy world so I'll keep reading, especially with Frost Burned coming out soon.

...Uh, I m...more

like 5 likes · see review

Mar 05, 2009 Stacie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, fantasy, currently-own

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like 2 likes · see review

May 18, 2013 Keertana rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: kick-ass-heroines

For some reason, I thought I'd enjoy Cry Wolf a little more than I did. Alpha & Omega had me completely - hook, line, and sinker - for this spin-off series and even with such a short novella, I already felt invested in the lives of Anna and Charles. As such, it came as a surprise to find that, at the end, I only just liked this book. It wasn't mind-blowing and it certainly wasn't on par to Iron Kissed or Bone Crossed, but I have high hopes for the next two installments. Patricia Briggs has n...more For some reason, I thought I'd enjoy Cry Wolf a little more than I did. Alpha & Omega had me completely - hook, line, and sinker - for this spin-off series and even with such a short novella, I already felt invested in the lives of Anna and Charles. As such, it came as a surprise to find that, at the end, I only just liked this book. It wasn't mind-blowing and it certainly wasn't on par to Iron Kissed or Bone Crossed, but I have high hopes for the next two installments. Patricia Briggs has not disappointed me yet and I doubt she's planning to start now.

Cry Wolf picks up directly where we left off in Alpha & Omega with Anna adjusting to life in a new pack as Charles heals. Very quickly, however, Bran sends the two off to deal with a rogue wolf in the woods. As it turns out, however, there is more at stake than just a rogue wolf Charles and Anna may find themselves facing something - or someone - they are wholly unprepared for.

What Cry Wolf excels in, just as its predecessor did, is the characterization of Anna. I really enjoyed the balance that was reached both within her inner strengths and her outer weaknesses. At times, Anna can be a difficult character to understand, especially with the dual narration from both her perspective and that of Charles, but all-in-all, I couldn't find fault with her growth throughout this book. Charles, on the other hand, though kind and full of good intent, was ever-so-slightly irritating. For someone who has lived on this planet for nearly two centuries, he acted completely immature when it came to his relationship with Anna. At times, I wasn't sure who was more insecure - Anna or Charles - and Charles has no excuse, really.

Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the banter, mood swings, and creeping relationship between these two. Where Cry Wolf lost me, unfortunately, was in its mystery. Although it was very different from the norm and it pleasantly surprised me with its originality, I felt as if it dragged too much. I kept waiting for it to get over sooner for it didn't keep my attention or prove how high the stakes were really raised. I suspect part of this has to do with the fact that Cry Wolf takes place before Bone Crossed, the last MT novel I read, and I already know that these characters turn out to be fine, but if the ending hadn't left me feeling so relieved, I would have definitely enjoyed this one more. Nevertheless, Anna and Charles are a charming set of new leads, ones to rival my love for Mercy and Adam (Actually, who am I kidding? NO ONE rivals Adam. Except maybe Curran. Possibly.) and Cry Wolf, while not impressing me, has be thirsting for its sequel already. At the rate she's going, I have to presume that Patricia Briggs doesn't know the words "disappointment" at all. And I am so glad she doesn't.

You can read this review" and more on my blog, Ivy Book Bindings.(less)

like 4 likes · see review

Apr 13, 2012 Madame X rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-urban-fantasy, shapeshifters, romance-established-couple

It pains me to give anything Patricia Briggs has written a poor review, so I'm going to keep this short.

I did not read the short story prequel before starting CRY WOLF, and that was a huge mistake. The short story tells us how Charles and Anna met and recognized one another as mates, and describes Anna's difficult history with her first pack. Not having read the short story, CRY WOLF often felt incomplete. I don't think it fully stands on its own.

This ought to be a minor problem, in the hands...more

like 2 likes · see review

May 18, 2012 I r h rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, werewolves, 2011, urban-fantasy, young-adult, review

Tenía CRY WOLF abandonado desde hace mucho, mucho tiempo, y no sé realmente por qué me ha dado por rescatarlo del fondo de mi estantería para darle una segunda oportunidad (bueno, segunda no, realmente es la tercera...). Pero bueno, se la he dado y, por fin, lo he terminado.

¿Qué decir de CRY WOLF? Que tiene unos fallos bastante gordos. El primero es que el relato que dio origen a la saga, que vienen al final del libro, es infinitamente mejor. Menos de 70 páginas que te meten de lleno en el mundo...more Tenía CRY WOLF abandonado desde hace mucho, mucho tiempo, y no sé realmente por qué me ha dado por rescatarlo del fondo de mi estantería para darle una segunda oportunidad (bueno, segunda no, realmente es la tercera...). Pero bueno, se la he dado y, por fin, lo he terminado.

¿Qué decir de CRY WOLF? Que tiene unos fallos bastante gordos. El primero es que el relato que dio origen a la saga, que vienen al final del libro, es infinitamente mejor. Menos de 70 páginas que te meten de lleno en el mundo de Patricia Briggs y que te hacen disfrutar mucho. Pero mucho. Te crea unas expectativas enormes, te promete entretenimiento; y, cuando llegas al libro no encuentras nada de eso. Primera decepción, y algo que no llego a comprender: ¿cómo puede ser mejor el relato que el libro?

Después, están los personajes. Anna y Charles son muy repetitivos; más allá del sufrimiento de Anna por las vejaciones que ha sufrido durante tres años en su manada y el miedo que tiene Charles de lo que piensa o sienta Anna porque él sea el matón de su padre, no es hasta bien entrada la novela que los dos abandonan su monotonía y empiezan a ser interesantes. La evolución que sufren es gratificante, ya que la lectura deja de ser tan pesada. Una pena que tardasen tanto. En cambio, el Marrok y Asil me han parecido dos grandes personajes secundarios, muy interesantes.

No creáis que el libro trata sólo de la historia entre Anna y Charles, no. El misterio que envuelve la aparición de un solitario lobo en las montañas se torna como uno de los ejes centrales de la obra, el desencadenante de que la relación entre los protagonistas avance como lo hace, lo que me parece un gran acierto. Esta trama ayuda a entender más a los personajes (no sólo a Charles y a Anna), además de presentarnos el misterio.

No esperéis un libro que derroche acción y en el cual las cosas ocurran con rapidez. Es un libro más lento que eso. Hay ratos en los que se hace pausado, y otras simple y horriblemente lento. Y, aunque no llega a enganchar, el interés se mantiene tanto por el misterio arriba mencionado como por el mundo que nos presenta la autora, rico en detalles y bastante curioso en cuanto a los licántropos se refiere. Un bonito detalle es que los hombres lobo no sean controlados totalmente por su lado lobuno, y que se les trate de un modo diferente y, a veces, independiente, como si se tratase de una identidad diferente dentro de ellos; Hermano Lobo, que dice Charles.(less)

like 2 likes · see review

Jul 14, 2011 Alkyoni rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, the-howling, the-blair-witch-project, nobody-puts-baby-in-the-corner, series-on-hold, say-anything

Alpha & Omega continues the story of Charles and Anna, right after the events of the short story that can be found on the On The Prowl anthology. If you haven't read that, and you're interested in starting this series, I strongly recommend that you do.

In the first part of this book, Anna follows Charles back to his home in Montana, as his mate, and they both have alot to learn about the mating business and about each other. Charles treads carefully, considering that Anna had suffered severe...more

like 5 likes · see review

Mar 11, 2013 Angela rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, challenge-2011, favorties, challenge-2012, challenge-2013, challenge-2013-sequels

It's hard to review a book in a series that's become a favorite. Even while re-reading this book I couldn't help but think of the overall series, and world. Implications, and realities that are learned.

The first 1/3 is definitely slower than I'm used to in PB books, I think that's partly due to the fact of the beginning really starting in Alpha & Omega (the novella). I really enjoyed some of the conversations that took place there, and I like the way that Charles and Anna's relationship dev...more

like 5 likes · see review

Apr 16, 2010 Tara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2010, urban-fantasy, featured, weres-and-shifters, fae, vampires

I really do love Patricia Briggs, and I'm pretty sure I like this series much more than I do The Mercy series, and I really like the Mercy series.

This book follows the story of Charles Cornick and his omega mate Anna. You get the story of how they meet and some very important information about Anna and some interesting information about Charles in the anthology ON THE PROWL, and this book pretty much picks up about 12 hours later. It also nicely gives you some back story on Bran, the Marrok, and...more

like 3 likes · see review

Feb 10, 2012 Tynga rated it 4 of 5 stars

Charles has been alone for so many centuries, he has lost hope of finding his mate. Thus he wasn’t prepared for his reaction when he met Anna, a young wolf who has been abused by her alpha and her pack. He must protect her at all cost and his rational side is having a hard time processing all those new emotions.

Cry Wolf is the first novel in a spin-off series of the highly popular Mercy Thompson series. The Alpha and Omega series features Charles, the son and enforcer of Bran, the Marrok (a.k.a....more Charles has been alone for so many centuries, he has lost hope of finding his mate. Thus he wasn’t prepared for his reaction when he met Anna, a young wolf who has been abused by her alpha and her pack. He must protect her at all cost and his rational side is having a hard time processing all those new emotions.

Cry Wolf is the first novel in a spin-off series of the highly popular Mercy Thompson series. The Alpha and Omega series features Charles, the son and enforcer of Bran, the Marrok (a.k.a. Alpha of all Alphas). Charles has been in the background of Mercy’s world since the beginning but he has always been a mystery, so it was really nice to finally get to discover the guy. Mercy & Adams aren’t part of the novel, even though they are mentioned, but Bran & Sam will be there!

I really liked this first installment in the series, but I have to say the beginning baffled me a bit. It starts right after a big battle to save Anna from her pack, as the dust settles down. I really wondered if I picked up the second book because I was honestly confused. I know there’s a novella published in the On The Prowl anthology which I haven’t read, and it might be about this battle. Or maybe it was referred to in one of Mercy’s books? I honestly down know. It didn’t stop me from enjoying the novel though, because Patricia Briggs gives you enough back story to figure out what happened before the story picks up.

The story line was a lot different from the Mercy novels (sorry I can’t help but compare!) and I greatly appreciated it! Mercy is the kind of girl to dive head first, to hell with the consequences, and then she needs rescue most of the time. Anna is more of a level-headed and underdog, or should I say underwolf (?), girl and she tries to play it smart. She’s not super strong physically, but she’s smart and has other talents she learns to use along the way. The beginning was a little bit slow because even though this is a spin-off series, Briggs still had a lot of elements and story to introduce, but Cry Wolf is such a quick read that you barely notice. Action-packed from about the middle of the book, you will get to the last page and wonder how it ended so quickly.

It was a delight to rediscover characters under a new light and to meet some new ones. I was used to Charles coming out as cold but there is some much turmoil underneath that calm surface! Anna also made a very strong impression and I truly can’t wait to learn more about her and her special status. I also have to mention Asil, an old-as-dirt wolf, who really caught my attention. He is a grumpy old man (not in looks though) and I loved getting an insight on what hides under that shell of his.

Cry Wolf turned out to be an amazing debut to a new series and even though I compare it a lot with the Mercy Thompson series, it really stands on its own and you don’t need to read the latter before you can pick it up. I’m gonna hurry and read Hunting Ground, the second book in the series, because Fair Game, the third book, releases very soon.

Patricia Briggs has an amazing talent when it comes to urban fantasy and I would strongly recommend you give both of her series a shot!(less)

like 1 like · see review

Jul 27, 2008 Birdy Nelson rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of the Mercy Series

Recommended to Birdy by: friend

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like 1 like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Urban Fantasy ser...: March BOTM: CRY WOLF by Patricia Briggs	48	67	Mar 24, 2013 03:04pm
The Challenge Fac...: Jamie & Gabriela: Cry Wolf by Patricia Brigg	10	36	Jan 24, 2013 09:49pm
CAN'T REMEMBER THE TITLE OR AUTHOR!!	4	81	Nov 21, 2012 02:28pm
Bookworm Bitches : Alpha & Omega	5	28	Nov 01, 2012 08:18am
Read On The Prowl first!	13	124	Sep 10, 2012 06:49pm
Urban Fantasy: Alpha & Omega Series (Includes Spoilers!)	31	97	Jul 09, 2012 07:59am

combine
Other Editions (16)

More editions...

Genres

Fantasy > Urban Fantasy

1,227 users

Fantasy

714 users

Fantasy > Paranormal

679 users

Romance

429 users

Romance > Paranormal Romance

382 users

Shapeshifters > Werewolves

382 users

Paranormal > Shapeshifters

161 users

Fantasy > Supernatural

112 users

Adult

108 users

Fantasy > Magic

81 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Patricia Briggs

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Patricia Briggs was born in Butte, Montana to a children’s librarian who passed on to her kids a love of reading and books. Patricia grew up reading fairy tales and books about horses, and later developed an interest in folklore and history. When she decided to write a book of her own, a fantasy book seemed a na...more

More about Patricia Briggs...

Books by Patricia Briggs

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Cry Wolf

13 trivia questions

More quizzes & trivia...

Quotes from Cry Wolf

“Sometimes I have the urge to conquer large parts of Europe.” — 247 people liked it

“She wondered that hope was so much harder then despair.” — 205 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: Cry Wolf
avg rating	preview: Cry Wolf Goodreads rating: 4.08 (37289 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2355575.Cry_Wolf?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1310494063l/2355575.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2355575.Cry_Wolf?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs[/url]

Cry Wolf (Alpha & Omega #1)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website