Alpha and Omega Series

[Jess]

Another series that Briggs has been working on is the Alpha and Omega series. There are currently 2 full length novels (with another set to be released in 2010), and one story in an anthology. Here are the books and their reading order.

On the Prowl - Anthology - Novella is called "Alpha and Omega". Should be read before Cry Wolf.
Cry Wolf
Hunting Ground

her website also states:

OK, I'm REALLY reaching, but just so everyone knows, there will be a third Alpha and Omega coming. Since the second one isn't finished as I write this, I have no idea what the plot line will be. I guess that dispells the myth that the whole series is carefully plotted far in advance . - Coming in August 2010

Please hold comments until August

If you've read any of these books, did you like it or no? If you haven't read them yet, is it on your TBR list?

[Liz]

I enjoyed the Charles and Anna books so far, but I prefer the Mercy series. I typically prefer UF to PNR, and these books read a little too much like PNR. They really focused on the relationship between Charles and Anna. The short story focuses on their meeting, and Cry Wolf focuses on the development of their relationship.

I didn't think that these books particularly added anything to the Mercy "world", but if you enjoy the Mercy series, you should read these. They do give a better idea about the workings of the pack and the alpha.

[Melodie]

I wasn't nuts about CRY WOLF. If HUNTING GROUND isn't WAY better I won't read anymore of the Alpha & Omega books. I agree they read more like PNR which I don't read a lot of, and when I do I look for vampires. I'm not big on shapeshifters.

[Kelley Anne]

I'm wondering if Hunting Ground will move back more to the UF side of things, now that Anna and Charles's relationship is pretty well cemented. I agree that the Mercy series is better, but I still really enjoy this series as well. I would like to see Anna and Mercy meet. I wonder how they'd get along?

[Jess]

I think that now that the relationship is set, the story will turn more towards UF. Unless Briggs decides to get feisty and add a love interest in that's not Charles lol. But I don't think that will happen.

I think before Hunting Ground comes out I'm going to re-read Cry Wolf. I've already forgotten what happened I read it so long ago.

[Kelley Anne]

Has anyone read the first chapter to Hunting Ground? What did people think? I really liked how it seems like Anna's coming into her own more. I mean, at the start of Cry Wolf she never would have hung up on Bran or jumped on Charles!

[Mel]

I can offially add Anna & Charles to my favorite couples list. They are so cute together! I love love love Charles. Really, he's the only reason I'd want to be a werewolf..because the way Briggs portrays it (with all the rules and impuls controleproblems and the constant pain while Changing and all) it seems like no fun at all!
I'm almost considering naming Charles my favorite werewolf of all time, which means he surpasses Clay Danvers. Dare I do it...?

[Mel]

In all seriousness: I like the Alpha & Omega series. About 90% of the reviews I read it seems that people think they're ok, 'but not as good as Mercy'. I don't agree really.

I must admit though that I only read the first Mercy Thompson book but frankly: I don't get the fuss. It's an ok book, don't get me wrong. Mercy is very likeable, the world building was fine, the plot was ok (though: a bit too many coincidences) nothing wrong with the book. But it wasn't all that great. I gave it a very solid 3 stars and will order the 2nd and 3rd book to see if it picks up.
The thing about the first Mercy book that I REALLY didn't like was the romance part in it. I know, I know: it's urban fantasy, not paranormal romance. And really: I do mostly read UF novels and very little PNR. The thing is: IF there's romance involved, I'd like it a bit more fleshed out and not a mere few hints and… boom: a date… boom: a kiss, in the epilogue, arrgh.
Alpha and Omega (why is it called Alpha and Omega anyway? Charles isn’t an alpha) is more PNR than UF. Especially the first book, second is a bit more UF.

I liked Cry Wolf. I loved the romance part! There's a lot of awkwardness, tension, misinterpretation of feelings going on between Anna and Charles. It was so endearing! Especially Charles, the big bad wolf assassin who’s just so patient and gentle with Anna.
I didn’t like the action part though: the plot seemed quite simple and too much of it seemed to be based on coincidences.

Hunting Ground, which I finished today, was a lot better plotwise. I must admit I picked out the villain from the very beginning (I only read three books of Briggs, but I’m seeing a pattern in her writing and damnit, it’s too damn simple to pick out who’s who!) but still it was much more entertaining this time.
I was afraid that the romance would be lacking cause of Charles and Anna’s relationship evolving, but nope: still fears and doubts and I was loving it! This time their angst evolves more about the mating bond and with that their ability to open up to each other.
Again, I think it was beautifully written. I found myself wishing I had an alpha (or better: Charles) to communicate with on such a deep level (*sigh).


Seriously girls, I'd say: pick it up.

[Kelley Anne]

You've already gotten Hunting Ground???!!! I am JEALOUS!!! I can't wait to read it! I loved both the Mercy series and Cry Wolf, but for different reasons.

[Mel]

Yeah you know: I really don't understand how I got it so soon! I saw on Goodreads that it was to be published the end of this month. So I thought I'd go ahead and pre-order it at the American Book Centre in my city.
And I got an email the same day saying they had the book in normal stock and I could come and pick it up.

I really don't get it: me, Dutch girl, gets it so early. It's a normal US edition too.
I am baffled but very happy. I'm curious as to what you think of it. I liked the action much better this time. And... I want me a Charles to play with.