Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs
Narrator: Holter Graham
Series: Alpha & Omega #2
Published by Penguin Audio
Published on: August 25, 2009
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Werewolves
Length: 8 hrs & 25 mins
Format: Audiobook
Source: Freebie
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Mated to werewolf Charles Cornick, the son—and enforcer—of the leader of the North American werewolves, Anna Latham now knows how dangerous being a werewolf is, especially when a werewolf who opposes Charles and his father is struck down. Charles’s reputation makes him the prime suspect, and the penalty for the crime is execution. Now Anna and Charles must combine their talents to hunt down the real killer—or Charles will take the fall.
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HUNTING GROUND had a lot of interesting morsels in it from both a mythology and a story standpoint; readers get to learn about fae, vampires and dragons (!!!), witness firsthand how Bran’s decision to bring the werewolves out to the public came to be, and observe the continuing evolution of Anna & Charles’ relationship. No author does light/dark quite like Patricia Briggs, and this audiobook really emblazoned that fact by putting these preternaturals’ best and worst qualities on display. Holter Graham’s narration continues to leave me in thrall, and the murder mystery plot line made hours of listening time feel like mere minutes. Now I understand why this series trumps MERCY THOMPSON for many.
I enjoyed being a fly on the wall at the werewolf conference; pack dynamics have always fascinated me, and the political aspects that Briggs brought to the fore were so well executed that it was impossible not to get caught-up in the discussions. This novel really showcased the best and worst of shifter society from The Beast who likes to feast on human flesh, to Arthur who obviously wasn’t playing with a full deck of cards, to Anna who’s slowly coming back from the dead. I hadn’t expected to meet another Omega already what with them being extremely rare and all, but it seems like Ric was as clueless about his nature as Latham, so it was amusing watching them attempt to fill-in the blanks together.
In spite of all of the mad goings-on in this tale, Anna & Charles still remain the driving force behind this series. I love how flawed their characters are, and how they continually adapt to each other in an effort to strengthen their mate bond. The open communication that exists between them is a breath of fresh air when compared to other couples in this genre where relationship drama has become the norm. I liked how the author added a historical element to HUNTING GROUND by putting her own werewolf spin on King Arthur, although I do wish that Latham hadn’t been coveted by yet another certifiable shifter so soon after leaving her first pack. Her kill count is staggeringly high after only two installments.
Holter Graham’s narration made an impression on me in CRY WOLF, and in this audio he went above and beyond his original performance. He demonstrated great flexibility and flair by bringing the foreign wolves to life with various accents while still staying true to the original voices of Anna & Charles, although the latter was admittedly somewhat modified. His delivery was both emotionally poignant and intense which were contributing factors to this story’s believably and further increased the purity of the characters. Graham’s inflections made the changes in POVs obvious, and I can’t wait to see what he does with FAIR GAME.
HUNTING GROUND should be on every audiobook listener’s playlist.
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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!
Nothing like a fantastic narrator to make an audiobook enjoyable!
And a relationship with open communication is such a breath of fresh air!
I had not heard about werewolves Omegas, so that sounds intriguing!
Great review, Carmel!
Pili recently posted…Mark This Book Monday: Hover by Melissa West!
Anna & Charles’ relationship is definitely one of the high points of this series. It’s so rare to find a couple that actually TALKS to each other in UF. The Omega mythology is a close second. 🙂
I love this series and Holter Graham’s narration of it. I think he does a great job even with Anna’s voice,w which surprised me. I just relistened to Fair Game in January to prepare for Dead Heat. Can’t wait for more Charles and Anna. Great review.
Melanie recently posted…Review: Double or Nothing by Kristen Painter
I jumped the gun on Dead Heat, as much as I love Holter Graham, I just couldn’t say no to an ARC. Maybe I’ll squeeze in a second pass via listen before the next installment.
I’m glad this was a great listen for you, Carmel. Cry Wolf is on my schedule to read this year and I’m looking forward to it. I love how Briggs weaves in so much in her stories…particularly pack dynamics and mythology.
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…#2015HW Review ~ Bully ~ Penelope Douglas
I wasn’t sure I’d have time to play catch-up before book 4 was out, so I’m really happy that I not only managed to squeeze these in, but that they were darned good too. Not that I had any doubts, it IS Patricia Briggs after all!
This is one of my favorite new-to-me why-did-I-wait-so-long-to-read-this series. I haven’t listened to the audiobook version, but may have to make the time. Great review!
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Paranormal Road Trip: Destination Louisville with Shiloh Walker
That makes two of us! I’m slowly getting caught up on my favourite authors’ werewolf series. Better late than never!
This series sounds like a great one for audio! 🙂
Stormi recently posted…Murder at the Reinhart|Part 1: Lynn Cahoon
Read it or listen to it, either way it’s wonderful!
It’s always fun to see a bit more of world you’ve been fascinated with. I’m glad this one opens that door for you. 🙂
Joy // Joyousreads recently posted…[493]: On the Edge by Alison Van Diepen
A lot of the time spin-offs set off on a completely different story path, but feature secondary characters. This is the best of both worlds.
As you know, I’ve been on a UF kick lately because of Kate Daniels. I feel like I’m really missing out by not reading much of this genre so I plan to change that! I have a few series on my list to listen too and will add this one as well since you enjoyed it so much. For some reason, I would rather listen than read paranormal:urban fantasy lol. Lovely review Carmel!
Amir recently posted…The Not-So-Literary Heiresses is now #NotSoLiterary! (New Name and Giveaway)
I’m on a permanent UF kick, so welcome to the club! I wouldn’t necessarily say that the audios are always better, but a great narrator can really add something extra to the action.
I am just getting caught up on this series and well and I really do love it. There is just something about Anna and Charles I can’t help but love.
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: The Third Twin by C.J. Omololu
Seems like a lot of bloggers had the same idea. You, Kimba, me…
“The open communication that exists between them is a breath of fresh air when compared to other couples in this genre where relationship drama has become the norm.”
YES! That’s what I love so much about Charles and Anna too Carmel. I know the drama for them is going to come from outside rather than within, and that the two of them will only get stronger with each book. This series is comforting that way:) Can’t wait to read Fair Game and Dead Heat!
I’ve come to accept that relationship drama is just a fact of life in fiction, so whenever an author manages to avoid it entirely I can’t help but take notice. Props to Briggs!
I can’t wait for book 4 😀
blodeuedd recently posted…Book Giveaway: Rebel Queen by Michelle Moran
Start doing your March dance!
It’s a toss up for me between this series and the Mercy Thompson series maybe because they share the same world and some of the same characters.
I look forward to the added layer of enjoyment brought by having it on audio.
Nice review!
Sophia Rose recently posted…Forbidden to Love the Duke by Jillian Hunter #review
The Mercy series has lost some of its charm for me, maybe because there are so many books. This one’s still new & shiny.
I need to tackle this series after I catch up on Mercy, I am two book behind on that series. I love Mercy Thompson, so I am sure I will enjoy this series. The audiobooks sound great, I think that is the way I will go.
Heidi recently posted…Review: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
That’s how I tackled these as well. Mercy, then Alpha & Omega. You’re on the right path!
I don’t think I’m familiar with this narrator, but I’d like to give these audiobooks a shot. I’ve wanted to get into this series forever, and if I ever do, audio format is the likeliest way I’ll do it so it works out 😀
Going to check my library’s overdrive to see if they have all the books!
Mogsy recently posted…Graphic Novel Review: Harley Quinn Vol. 1: Hot in the City by Amanda Connor & Jimmy Palmiotti
I always turn to audiobooks whenever I need to get caught-up on a series. They make it so easy.
Thanks for the review. I Read this a while back and I need a quick refresher on what happened in the books before Dead Heat.
Refreshers are good, but re-reads are better. 😉
YES! I can’t wait to continue with this series. This is the book I need next. I might have to see if my library has these since you enjoyed the audio so much. So much easier to get caught up with my fave series that way.
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
You have two books to go, and only two weeks to listen to ’em. I hope you put your request in at your library already! No pressure. Hehe!
I need to pick this series back up again. I really love Anna and Charles. I’t so nice to read about a healthy relationship.
If ever Briggs decides to go the drama route with these two I’ll be pissed.
I really liked this one as well and this series just gets better and better! I didn’t listen on audio though and I bet that brought it to life even more.
Candace recently posted…Book Event Recap: Killers & Cozies w/ Carolyn J. Rose and Ellie Alexander
I was already hooked on this author’s other series, so it really didn’t take much to get me addicted to this one.
Holter rocks this, I loved this and Fair Games as well. Dead Heat I read but missed Holter’s voice and will buy the audio! I really like Anna and Charles.
kimbacaffeinate recently posted…Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Aah, you were impatient as well. Poor Holter, we will come back for you!
I think I have the first one in this series to read. From the sounds of this I need to read it 🙂 Glad you liked it!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Marked by Rebecca Zanetti
Indeed you do. Highly recommended!
It is great to see you are still enjoying this series. Anna and Charles sound like good strong characters to read about.
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
Naomi recently posted…Review ~ Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead
You can’t go wrong with Charles & Anna. Such a great combo!
Oh my lord, I cannot wait to read this series 😀
Simply love this world that P. Briggs built
Sharonda recently posted…Cover Reveal: Loved by You by Victoria H. Smith (Part 1)
Then give all of your other books the finger, and DO IT!
Very well-written review! You made me want to try this one (can’t wait to be that fly on the wall too! XD) By the way, I’m really curious: What made you start your successful blog? Have you written on post on this, because I would read it. 😛
Lola recently posted…Book Tour (Review + Giveaway): Henge (Le Fay #1) by Realm Lovejoy
Thanks! Reviewing werewolf books is always tricky for me because I <3 them so much. No, I never wrote a post about why I started blogging; would make a good question post though. Thanks for the idea!
I’m so glad you’re enjoying Anna and Charles! I agree with many that this is a bit better than the Mercy Thompson series (shhh don’t tell, Mercy was one of my first UFs and I don’t want to hurt her feelings!) I’m so excited for the newest one to come out, and you’ll understand why even better after book 3 🙂
Berls recently posted…Murder at the Reinhart | Part 1 by Lea Wait
I won’t tell Mercy if you don’t spill the beans about me betraying her for Charles & Anna too. I’ve since listened to the 3rd novel, so I know exactly what you mean!
I’v only tried book 0.5 and book 1 in the series but I confess that I’m not that attracted. I have book 2 for years but I don’t speacially want to go into it. I really prefer Mercy… Anna and Charles it’s something else. But well as I have it one day.
This series has a different feel to it than MT, so I get that, but for werewolf addicts like myself Alpha & Omega is perfect!
Oh yes! I love Holter Graham! This is a great series, but Mercy owns my heart 🙂
Excellent review Carmel!
Lupdilup recently posted…Enter to win a $25.00 Giftcard – Share the Love Blog Hop
Fair enough. I’m in no danger of quitting Mercy, but Charles & Anna have converted me.
Oh grrs at me for not reading this one sooner. I started the series before the blog then got distracted. On my list for catching up this year though 😀 Gah you make me want to be a total bad blogger girl and read it now instead of my review list. lol
anna (herding cats & burning soup) recently posted…Forbidden to Love the Duke (The Fenwick Sisters Affairs #1) by Jillian Hunter
If you’re looking for someone to stop you from forsaking your TBR pile you’ve come to the wrong place. Hehe!
Fantastic review, Carmel! I am one of those who thinks that this series is stronger than Mercy Thompson, and I am glad that it with each book it only gets better 😉
kara-karina recently posted…Steampunk Fantasy Early Review: The Diabolical Miss Hyde by Viola Carr
When I first started this series I thought that there was no way it would outdo MT. I can’t say I’m overly upset about being proven wrong.
I read a bit of her other book, with shifters too, and wasn’t too enamored with it so I haven’t picked book 2 of that other series yet. But this other series of hers seem really, really, good and different and I feel like her writing would have matured here already. Just bought Book 1 if you were wondering! ^^
Faye M. recently posted…Random Things in Motion #12: If you had the power to save the world, would you take that responsibility?
I gave-up on Mercy after book 1 when I first tried it years ago, but I eventually made my way back to her, and now I’m glad that I did. I should have started with these!
You caught my attention with the mention of Dragons and lore from King arthur, besides shifters and vampires. I’m glag you’re enjoying this series, and the narration sound really good. I’m thinking out of the two series, this one would be a good start for me? I like the sound of Anna and Charles as a couple-
Wonderful review, Carmel! 🙂
kim { Book Swoon } recently posted…Young Adult Book Review: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
You might miss out on some of the links between the story arcs, but other than that, I see no reason why you couldn’t start with Alpha & Omega.
I love this series and adore Charles and Anna. The dynamics of their relationship is fascinating to me and I’m really enjoying it!
Mary recently posted…Top Off Tuesday: Bare It All
Charles & Anna are a force to be reckoned with. I’m still kicking myself for delaying reading these for as long as I did.
THIS. You wrapped up my feelings exactly!
Jen Twimom recently posted…Listen Up! Alpha & Omega Series, part 1
Excellent! I’ll see you in March for Dead Heat! 😀