Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs
Narrator: Holter Graham
Series: Alpha & Omega #1
Published by Penguin Audio
Published on: January 15, 2009
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Werewolves
Length: 10 hrs & 6 mins
Format: Audiobook
Source: Freebie
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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.
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Before you say anything, I KNOW. Any werewolf nut worth their salt should be up to date on all things Patricia Briggs. Well, this is me fixing it, ok? The delay actually worked out in my favour because I tackled the SHIFTING SHADOWS anthology prior to this audiobook, and it contained this series’ prequel which really helped to put this story into context, and as a result I avoided the whole lost feeling that many readers experienced. That point aside, I’m still kicking myself for having postponed CRY WOLF for so long because as much as I adore MERCY THOMPSON, she can’t hold a candle to Charles & Anna! I loved the characters, learning more about what it means to be omega, and the author’s switch to the third person POV writing style. It was howling good!
I’ve always been drawn to Bran, Charles & Asil, so no arm twisting was necessary in order to convince me to spend more time with these alpha males. I enjoyed digging deeper into Cornick’s Native American half, and getting a closer look at the aspects that make him so unique among his kind including his ability to spawn clothing, and his Brother Wolf. Up until this point I hadn’t interacted much with The Moor, but I really liked him in the ROSES IN WINTER short, and was ecstatic when I discovered that this novel’s main plot line revolved around him. The reasons behind Asil wanting Bran to kill him are now crystal clear, and I loved that Anna was able to bring him some much needed peace. And, hanging with the Marrok is always a pleasure, even when he goes Beowulf.
Mercy went through some tough times in Briggs’ other series, however she’s got nothing on Anna—the poor girl! Who would have thought that she’d find solace in the arms of a hitman among a pack of psychotic werewolves, but that’s true love for ya. Exploring what makes her character tick was a real delight, and I enjoyed learning about her omega traits. She’s also a rarity among weres, and when combined with Charles’ oddities, the two satisfied my fur craving to the nth degree. I liked how the author took her time in developing their relationship, and transformed Anna’s unfortunate past into a healing balm for the Marrok’s misfits. Her confrontation with Leah was extremely gratifying, and this book’s ending made a big puddle of goo out of my heart.
I had some concerns about the male narrator because I’ve had problems with their female voices in the past; however Holter Graham quickly proved his worth as Anna and Charles. The former was soft without being breathy, and I adored his Native / Welsh lilt, it was very well-done. The third person POV certainly helped on both accounts, and he definitely added an extra layer of enjoyment to my listening experience. I always use the first installment to gauge a narrator’s performance, and Graham’s suitability for this series is uncanny. When I reached the midway point, I was already downloading HUNTING GROUND to my iPhone because I just couldn’t get enough of Briggs’ characters or his voice.
CRY WOLF left its mark on this audiobook buff! *muah*
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
I’m with you. I like this better than Mercy. I just love Charles and Anna. We also get more time with Bran and Asil, who I also love. I love Holter Graham. I actually just requested Christine by Stephen King because he is the narrator. It is also a King novel I’ve never read.
Melanie recently posted…Question: What Is The Big Deal With The Fifty Shades of Gray Movie?
I love Mercy, but let’s face it, she’s a coyote NOT a werewolf! I actually just finished the 3rd book yesterday, so I’m all caught-up now, and completely hooked on Holter Graham’s narration.
I will admit to being a little shocked to think you hadn’t read this before, Carmel. But I’m glad you’re fixing it! 😉 And I’m so glad to see how much you enjoyed this first book in Alpha & Omega series. I adore Mercy’s series but I haven’t started this one. (hey, I’m not the fur nut you are!) But I’ve always wanted to read this series. And since you enjoyed the audio so much, I just might listen to it. (perhaps on the car ride next week when I’m traveling for the holiday) Fabulous review! You’ve got me excited! 🙂
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…**Blog Tour Review & Giveaway ~ Blood Curse ~ Kat Flannery**
I’d never hold you to the same standards where shifters are concerned (or anyone for that matter) cuz I know that I’m kinda in a league all of my own. LOL This audio would be excellent company for a long car ride!
I really like this series. I even like it more than Mercy.
Jennifer recently posted…Swoon Worthy Gargoyle! Queen of Hearts by Kristen Painter
Me too! I should have listened to these before I played catch-up with Mercy Thompson.
I know this series comes highly recommended, so I think I’ll go by your way and buy the audio books. You’ve got me convinced. 🙂
Joy (Joyousreads) recently posted…[461]: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
I’m posting my review of book 1 today when in reality I just finished listening to 3. So yeah, it’s GOOD!
I just read this last week? The week before? I can’t remember now but either way I really liked this too! I loved Charlie and Anna!
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: Behind the Stars by Leigh Talbert Moore
Nice! It seems like a lot of us are reading this series right now; I guess we all had the same idea what with book 4 hitting shelves in March.
Sounds like it was a great umm..listen. I usually listen to audiobooks so fast it wouldn’t matter about who read it. I haven’t read a good wolf story in a long time. Sounds like I would need to read the other series before this, thats quite a commitment. Probably too much for me.
Karen Blue recently posted…Top 10 books of 2014 #BookBlogWriMo
I never speed up my listens, I know lots of peeps do, but I’m afraid that I’ll end up missing something. You can read this series on its own, some things happen before / during / after Mercy.
*swoon* Holter *swoon* That is all I have to say 🙂
Felicia the Geeky Blogger recently posted…#30DaysOfThanks2014 Day 21: The Reading Date, On Starships and Dragonwings, Susan Bennett
And, that’s really all that you need to say!
I loved this series. I think they were certainly contained a lot more romance than the MT series. They both rock and had their own feel!
Annie Slasher recently posted…Book Review: Wolf Claim by Heather Long
Mercy & Adam don’t officially hook-up until what, the 4-5th book? While as Charles & Anna are a couple from the get-go.
WooHoo Carmel! I’m so happy you love Charles and Anna. They are both amazing, and I was so mad about the way some of those wolves were treating Anna before Charles showed up. I actually read this series first, and as soon as I finished, I searched for other Briggs stories, and found Mercy Thompson.
Better late than never, right? And this might make its way to my audio collection now, since you also enjoyed the narrator.
Lexxie recently posted…Review: Play Me Hard – Tracy Wolff
It really sucks for Anna that there’s some a misconception surrounding Omega wolves. She definitely has a hard road ahead, but you couldn’t ask for a better person than Charles to have her back.
I think I have the latest released book in this series on my kindle… and now I feel like reading it, Carmel 😀
Lexxie recently posted…Review: Play Me Hard – Tracy Wolff
YES! That was exactly what I was going for. LOL!
I am glad you are falling in love with this series Carmel, it is just so good. Enjoy the rest of the series! Perhaps for me time to re-read them.
I tried to savour them, but alas I burned through all three in two weeks, and am now stuck waiting for the next one. *sigh*
WOO HOO!!!! I actually just reread this one recently since reading the prequel again in Shifting Shadows reminded me how much I adore Charles and Anna. Aren’t they fantastic? I just love the two of them together and how incredibly strong Anna is. I still have some catching up to do on this series though, I’ve only read to book 2 and that was a LONG time ago, so I need to pick up 2 again and then dive into 3. Can’t wait!
The reverse happened for me, I read the prequel in the anthology, and just had to know more. Fortunately for you, Briggs writes this series at a much slower pace than Mercy, so staying on top of it is more manageable.
I’m so freaking glad you’re loved this – I’m a big fan of Holter Graham. I always argue (friendly argument..lol) with my friend about what’s the best series, Mercy Thompson or this one, she favors this one while my first love is Mercy – In the end I think they are both awesome.
Great review Carmel!
Lupdilup recently posted…Red Rising Audiobook by Pierce Brown (review)
Sounds like you might have a fight on your hands because I’m going to have to side with your friend on this one. 😀
I adore Holter Graham, actually! He narrates Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Kenyon and they are always hilarious! I read this for the first time on paper, but when I wanted to reread, I went with the audio instead, and thought it was excellent. I agree with you on pretty much everything. Briggs can do no wrong. 🙂
Maja (The Nocturnal Library) recently posted…Mini Review: Anomaly
I enjoy the Mercy Thompson books a great deal, but Alpha & Omega pushed Patricia Briggs onto my top authors list. Thanks for the FYI about another series that Holter Graham narrates; I`ll look it up on Audible.
I read this book a while back and loved it. I may give the audio a chance… one of those days when I don’t know what to listen next.
BookaholicCat recently posted…Early Review: Black Widow by Jennifer Estep
If ever you feel a reading slump coming on, this might just be the boost you need!
Hi Carmel!
I just assumed you were a die-hard fan of Patricia Briggs’s series but glad to hear I’m not the only one who always intended to read the books but just haven’t gotten around to it yet 😉 Glad to hear that the Shifting Shadows anthology helped put things into context!
“The Moor” sounds like such a cool identifier for a character! It sounds like such an interesting book that I have to get to much more quickly!
I’m unofficially known as the authority on all things werewolf, but even I can only read so many books a year. I saw a lull coming up in my reviewing schedule, and scored the first two installments for free, so it was an easy decision. 🙂
Enjoyed your post. It’s funny. I, also, feel kind of strange when I’m behind on some reads. But there are so many out there. And when my tastes cover many different genre, it is nigh impossible to cover them all. I enjoy audiobooks and I’m sure Patricia Briggs book is wonderful.
I try to add a bit of humour to my reviews because this isn’t high school, no one wants to read a boring book report. LOL
I’ve heard so many good things about this series but I’ve just never picked it up because i’m just not THAT much of a paranormal reader anymore *sigh* but you’ve got me convinced to give this series a go!
Lily recently posted…The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1: Movie Review
I read almost exclusively paranormal, so I’m probably not the best person to ask, especially whenever werewolves are involved, but I’d say go for it!
I actually didn’t like this book that much. But I continued the series and ended up LOVING the others. So I’m not sure if it was me or the book. It might have just been my mood. I haven’t read the Mercy books yet, but I know I need and want to!
Candace recently posted…Review: A Tangle of Fates by Leslie Ann Moore
Did you read the prequel before this one? If not, that might have had something to do with it. The novella really helped to fill in a lot of blanks where Anna is concerned.
Oh I had no idea you hadn’t read this yet! I know, it was just unthinkable 😉
I’m a big Mercy Thompson fan, which has caused me to pretty much ignore this series. I’d still like to get into it though, if I can ever fit it in. I really wish I hadn’t read the prequel in the Mercy Thompson anthology though, I didn’t get a very good impression of Charles and Anna – though I’ve enjoyed the brief glimpses and mentions of Charles from Mercy Thompson. I hear Anna has more of a backbone in this though, so maybe I’ll still get a chance to like her.
Mogsy recently posted…#RRSciFiMonth: Review: Clarkesworld Magazine Issue #94
Up until a few weeks ago I was in the same boat, so if anyone should feel bad it’s ME. If you like Mercy, you might can to reconsider giving these a shot, they add more to that universe.
Oh yeah. I loved this one too.(print version though). I need to pick up the rest of them at some point. I can’t believe I never got around to them.
anna (herding cats & burning soup) recently posted…Designed for Love by Kelsey Browning Excerpt Tour– Day 6!
I don’t know how you managed to read just one and then stop; once I dived in there was no turning back!
LOL I think at the time only book one was out maybe and then once the others had arrived I was neck deep in other series. I’ll get back to them though 😀
anna (herding cats & burning soup) recently posted…Designed for Love by Kelsey Browning Excerpt Tour– Day 6!
Aaah, that explains it!
I’m actually liking this series better than MT, I have yet to read the latest but the two books before that was meh at best. This one is still new hence exciting and still inspired. Plus I love Bran so so much and I get lots of Marrock facetime in this this series. Sigh…
Braine Talk Supe recently posted…Disliked It: Illusion by J.S. Cooper
I’m in no danger of quitting Mercy anytime soon, but this series is quickly uprooting the latter as my fav Briggs story. More Bran is ALWAYS a good thing!
Yay! Glad the wait was worth it in this new series for you. Both series sound amazing, I’m not sure which would be my choice to try first. Lol. I like the third person as well, hmmm…Mercy and Charles as a couple with each being unique makes me think this might be a better fit with the romance. Whatcha think Carmel?? 🙂
kim { Book Swoon } recently posted…Adult Book Review: The Kraken King by Melijean Brook
There’s definitely more romance in these than in Mercy Thompson, however both are Urban Fantasy so as a general rule the smexy times happen off the page. And, there’s no shortage of action in either!
I haven’t read anything by her, but sounds good.
You’re seriously missing out!
I’m so behind on this series (both really)! I really need to catch up. I read the prequel (I loved it) before I tackled this one so I never got why people didn’t love it. Now I do! LOL
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Black Ice by Susan Krinard
Normally I’m not one for prequels, I find that they are a huge waste of time, but in this case it shouldn’t be skipped. At least you’re not a complete Briggs noob. 😀
Hmmm, I feel like I should give this one a try, even if it won’t be in audiobook format. And looking at the series right now, with only 3 more books with some novellas here and there… seems like this is one series I need to jump into!
Is necessary to read the Mercy Thompson books to get this one or not??
Pili recently posted…Friday Reads: Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater!!!
No, this series can be read as a stand-alone, there is a bit of crossover, but not enough that you’ll feel lost. Three books is definitely do-able compared to 8+.
Same world? I mean, I know it is Earth but is it a shared universe type of thing?
Nathan ( recently posted…Comic Review: ‘Rat Queens, Vol. 1: Sass & Sorcery’
The wolves in the MT books are part of a larger pack that’s run by Bran, so yes there are one big happy family.
Oooh I have heard of Patricia Briggs but I’ve never read anything by her. By the looks of it, I need to because of all the praises you and some other bloggers are giving her!
Fantastic review, Carmel <33
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads) recently posted…Review: Corruption by Jessica Shirvington
I didn’t realize that there were any readers out there who hadn’t discovered the awesomeness that is Patricia Briggs yet. You’re in for something special once you finally get with it!
I think you enjoyed this one more than me. I love the Mercy series but this one is a little flat for me. I tried book 0.5 and 1, it’s ok but I’m really not in love with them. I have book 2 for years but still haven’t read it. One day surely.
I can understand it not being for everyone, but I’ll read anything with werewolves in it, and Briggs’ writes some of the best. The narration might have helped too. 🙂
I have literally read Cry Wolf 3 times. I love this book so much. Anna, OMG, I can’t even stand what she went through. It’s always hard for me to read about her past. I love her and Charles together. Perfect couple!
Jennifer Bielman recently posted…Excerpt & Giveaway: Chancing on You by Melinda Ellen (Book Blitz)
Three times!? Wow, you’re making me look bad. LOL! I can understand why though, I can’t get enough of Charles & Anna either.
I’m jumping on the band wagon too. I love the Mercy series and the narration is utterly sublime. But I’m so tired of Mercy having to defend herself and the Pack (and Adam to a point) not being there for her.
Anna and Charles are more balanced and I love the multiple POV stories. While I had a few issues with the narration in the prequel and this book, I felt it was strong in the 2nd and 3rd books.
Yea!!
Jen Twimom recently posted…Review: On a Rogue Planet by Anna Hackett
It seems like we unknowingly did a listen-a-long, although you were quicker to post your reviews than me. I liked the narration overall, but I agree that it improved in the later installments.
Yaaay!! I love Anna and Charles, especially Anna. My favourite scene in the book is the one where Anna talks about how her werewolf hearing has prevented her from enjoying most pop music because it sounds so bad to her sensitive ears, haha!! I’m not caught up on this series but your review makes me want to rush off and power through Fair Game!
Danya recently posted…Review: Burn For Me by Ilona Andrews
I love how Briggs puts herself in the wolves shoes in her books; she’s really good at including little details like that music thing you mentioned. That was indeed a cute scene!
if i’m right we got the prequel published in french in an anthology before the release of book 1 here so i have read it if i’m not mistaken but strangely…. i did not want to cheat on mercy on i have this book ( and teh next one if no more) in my pile but i haven’t started them yet^^
i will for sure just…. i want more merc first^^;;
miki recently posted…How to Date a Dragon ( Flirting with Fangs trilogy 2) by Ashlyn Chase
I think the prequel is super important in this series. Mercy hasn’t made a cameo yet, but she’s been mentioned a few times in passing, so it’s not really cheating.
Briggs is so freaking awesome!
blodeuedd recently posted…Book Blog Walkers: Weekly Check-in Nov 21 2014 and Pride and Prejudice re-tellings x3
No argument there!
I have this in paperback and cannot wait to read it. I was interested in Charles & Bran from reading Mercy’s books so yeah, can’t wait to crack this baby open 😉
sharonda recently posted…#VideoBookReview: A BDSM Weekend: The Sweetest Taboo by Harper Miller
If you’ve been wanting to know more about some of the other characters that make up this world, Cry Wolf is a great way to go, although Bran isn’t in it as much as I would like.
I’ve seen this series floating around for a while, but have been holding off on it, for some reason I can’t quite pinpoint. But, after reading your review, I think I’ll actually take the plunge and read this book! Fantastic review! :]
I’m thrilled that my review helped tip you over the edge. This book was excellent, you won’t regret it!
I can’t believe you dragged your feet so much with this series, Carmel! lol Excellent review, and I loved this couple straight away. it feels more intimate than Mercy and Adam’s story.
kara-karina recently posted…The Postman Knock #103
I know, eh? BAD Rabid Reader. LOL! I’m diggin’ Charles & Anna’s relationship a lot more than Mercy & Adam’s, although I still think I’d want the latter as my book BF over Bran’s son.
When I saw this post come up in my reader I got excited, thinking, “oh yay! Someone discovered Charles and Anna” and then my jaw dropped when I saw it was your post. I’m glad you’re fixing this oversight! And I’m with you, I love Mercy, but I like this series so much better. I haven’t done audio though – maybe I should (for rereads at least!).
Berls recently posted…Sunday Post | 64th Edition
Thanks for making me feel even MORE guilty than I did already at delaying reading this series for so long. Whatever, you’re slacking on Darynda Jones’ series, so I think we’re even. 😛
I’ve been wanting to read this one. It’s sitting on my Kindle right now. Sounds like I should find that short story first. Is this a continuation from her Mercy series? I love character odd balls, especially when they’re special.
Molly Mortensen recently posted…Indie Book Review: The Empyrean Key By JL Tomlinson
It’s a spin-off of her other series. I think the short is available separately, and as part of an anthology. You shouldn’t have too hard of a time tracking it down.
I am so excited you liked this one as well. I adore Anna and how strong she is. I loved seeing The Moor as well and you’re right it’s so cool seeing those reasons for why he feels he should be put down brought to light. I can’t wait til the next one in this series!!
Tabitha (notyetread) recently posted…Review: Mortal Gods by Kendare Blake
I just chalked it up to him being an old wolf, but there’s so much more to it than that. I love all of the extra deets I’m learning about Briggs’ werewolves by reading this series!