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kmkilby's review
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kathydavie's review against another edition
5.0
Third in the Alpha & Omega series; tenth of the combined Alpha & Omega and Mercy Thompson series (that's counting all the shorts as well). Essentially, Charles is in crisis and Anna is terrified. The werewolves have been outed for a year and Mercy is still in a wheelchair recovering from events in River Marked (Mercy Thompson, #6; #9 overall). And the fae are still a part of society.
My Take
Fascinating, yet somewhat hollow. I was so excited to pick up Fair Game. I put a good movie on the telly, fixed an easy all-fingers dinner, and retired to the couch with it. I'd put off reading it for a couple days because I knew I'd blow through it too fast.
And the magic was missing. Oh, there was definitely fae, wolf, and Charles' particular magics. What was missing was Briggs' special magic.
Still, it was an absorbing tale of serial killers and doubt. The doubt of a good man only trying to do the right thing. Please his father. Love his wife. Be true to himself.
It's confusing as to why Anna and Charles are doing this two-step at first as they step into the case and back out again. It's like a series of introductions where no one fully commits. Beauclaire provides some uncomfortable background on the fae and on their protective instincts. Then the witches. Yuck. They were pretty disgusting and I just loved Charles' warning. I also loved his invulnerability...bitchy witch. Oh, brother. That scene of doubt on the island was just too lame. What? Briggs got a sudden urge to include a sex scene and this was the easiest way to make it happen?
Hmmm, I'm wondering if Charles and Anna will find themselves helping out the FBI more often??
The Story
Bran was being an ass, too condescending for words when Anna came to him with her fears. But when those same fears were couched in terms of music, it broke through. Enough that Bran realized what he had allowed to wither.
Then the perfect opportunity, a change in mission focus comes up. The FBI needs werewolf help on a case in Boston and Bran decides to send Anna with her personal bodyguard. Which raises all sorts of etiquette issues, especially when you consider how extremely protective Charles will be of anyone getting near his Anna.
The serial killer case could be the opposite end of that murderous spectrum. Maybe it could be enough to right the wrongs and help his son.
The investigation is certainly enough to force Charles to start taking a different approach with what is haunting him. And Leslie Fisher finally has the occasion to use the Gift card granted her back when she was a child. But it's Isaac's perspective that clears up Charles' predicament.
Only, it seems that hate and fear continue to rule...
The Characters
Charles is the Marrok's Enforcer, the Wolfkiller. He kills bad wolves and it's been too bad ever since the werewolves came out of the closet. Brother Wolf is his other half and he has a mischievous sense of humor. Anna is married to Charles and she is the Omega wolf. Part of her purpose as such is to calm the emotions of wolves. That includes not being overpowered by Alphas. Including the Marrok. Part of her makeup is protection and it is never so strong as when she is protecting her mate.
Bran Cornick is the Marrok of all werewolves and the Alpha of this particular pack. He's also Charles' father and Anna's father-in-law. Leah is his mate. Samuel is his oldest son and Charles' brother. Tag is a berserker and Anna's friend. Asil is a retired, widowed Alpha who had been married to an Omega.
Isaac Owens is the new local Alpha for the Olde Towne Pack (of Boston). Caitlin is a witch Isaac knows who is willing to view the child's body that was found and interpret the markings found on him. And she is nutso-cuckoo. Another witch, Sally Reilly, proves to have played a part long ago. Hally Smith is the black witch Isaac warns everyone about; that she expects payment and not to trust her. Oddly enough, he trusts her enough to sleep with her...a trust Charles is careful to knock down. Malcolm is the Boston wolf who pilots the boat.
Special Agent Leslie Fisher of the FBI Violent Crimes Unit is not looking forward to working with this consultant, but too many are dead and she'll work with the devil himself to stop this rampage. It does help that her husband Jude was a linebacker and a really big guy. Nick Salvador is her boss and he points out to her the many reasons why she is the ideal choice. Reps from other agencies include two people from CNTRP, a.k.a., Trippers, which sends Special Agent Patrick Morris and Agent Les Heuter, their poster boy (his dad is a senator); Homeland Security sends Jim Pierce and Dr. Steven Singh who believes the fae and wolves are domestic terrorists; and, the local Boston Special Agent Craig Goldstein with their Violent Crimes Unit. All these agencies are interested because Hauptman, their usual go-to guy, said they were sending someone higher up than him. And they all thought you couldn't get higher up than an Alpha.
Alistair Beauclaire is a lawyer whose daughter Lizzie is abducted. Her abduction has all the hallmarks of their serial killer. Treasach was a very powerful and wonderful fae who gave the young Leslie a wish as "poor compensation" for her loss. The Gwyn ap Lugh, Prince of the Gray Lords, proclaims against the mockery of justice.
Mrs. Cullinan knows something of the fair folk. Adam Hauptman is another Alpha and Mercy Thompson is his mate.
Bright Future is a hate group against all shifters and fae. Benedict is a crazed half-fae who shifts as a deer. Uncle Travis leads this small group of killers with a most hateful intent.
The Cover
The cover is a metallic orange-y burgundy with leaves flitting through the air and the focus is on Charles as Brother Wolf and a freckled, yellow-eyed Anna in black leather and a choker with a burgundy scoop neck on underneath. She has on a very nice amber, black, and silver earring.
The title is a play on another term for the fae, the fair folk. And it seems that they have become Fair Game in this hunt.
My Take
Fascinating, yet somewhat hollow. I was so excited to pick up Fair Game. I put a good movie on the telly, fixed an easy all-fingers dinner, and retired to the couch with it. I'd put off reading it for a couple days because I knew I'd blow through it too fast.
And the magic was missing. Oh, there was definitely fae, wolf, and Charles' particular magics. What was missing was Briggs' special magic.
Still, it was an absorbing tale of serial killers and doubt. The doubt of a good man only trying to do the right thing. Please his father. Love his wife. Be true to himself.
It's confusing as to why Anna and Charles are doing this two-step at first as they step into the case and back out again. It's like a series of introductions where no one fully commits. Beauclaire provides some uncomfortable background on the fae and on their protective instincts. Then the witches. Yuck. They were pretty disgusting and I just loved Charles' warning. I also loved his invulnerability...bitchy witch. Oh, brother. That scene of doubt on the island was just too lame. What? Briggs got a sudden urge to include a sex scene and this was the easiest way to make it happen?
Hmmm, I'm wondering if Charles and Anna will find themselves helping out the FBI more often??
The Story
Bran was being an ass, too condescending for words when Anna came to him with her fears. But when those same fears were couched in terms of music, it broke through. Enough that Bran realized what he had allowed to wither.
Then the perfect opportunity, a change in mission focus comes up. The FBI needs werewolf help on a case in Boston and Bran decides to send Anna with her personal bodyguard. Which raises all sorts of etiquette issues, especially when you consider how extremely protective Charles will be of anyone getting near his Anna.
The serial killer case could be the opposite end of that murderous spectrum. Maybe it could be enough to right the wrongs and help his son.
The investigation is certainly enough to force Charles to start taking a different approach with what is haunting him. And Leslie Fisher finally has the occasion to use the Gift card granted her back when she was a child. But it's Isaac's perspective that clears up Charles' predicament.
Only, it seems that hate and fear continue to rule...
The Characters
Charles is the Marrok's Enforcer, the Wolfkiller. He kills bad wolves and it's been too bad ever since the werewolves came out of the closet. Brother Wolf is his other half and he has a mischievous sense of humor. Anna is married to Charles and she is the Omega wolf. Part of her purpose as such is to calm the emotions of wolves. That includes not being overpowered by Alphas. Including the Marrok. Part of her makeup is protection and it is never so strong as when she is protecting her mate.
Bran Cornick is the Marrok of all werewolves and the Alpha of this particular pack. He's also Charles' father and Anna's father-in-law. Leah is his mate. Samuel is his oldest son and Charles' brother. Tag is a berserker and Anna's friend. Asil is a retired, widowed Alpha who had been married to an Omega.
Isaac Owens is the new local Alpha for the Olde Towne Pack (of Boston). Caitlin is a witch Isaac knows who is willing to view the child's body that was found and interpret the markings found on him. And she is nutso-cuckoo. Another witch, Sally Reilly, proves to have played a part long ago. Hally Smith is the black witch Isaac warns everyone about; that she expects payment and not to trust her. Oddly enough, he trusts her enough to sleep with her...a trust Charles is careful to knock down. Malcolm is the Boston wolf who pilots the boat.
Special Agent Leslie Fisher of the FBI Violent Crimes Unit is not looking forward to working with this consultant, but too many are dead and she'll work with the devil himself to stop this rampage. It does help that her husband Jude was a linebacker and a really big guy. Nick Salvador is her boss and he points out to her the many reasons why she is the ideal choice. Reps from other agencies include two people from CNTRP, a.k.a., Trippers, which sends Special Agent Patrick Morris and Agent Les Heuter, their poster boy (his dad is a senator); Homeland Security sends Jim Pierce and Dr. Steven Singh who believes the fae and wolves are domestic terrorists; and, the local Boston Special Agent Craig Goldstein with their Violent Crimes Unit. All these agencies are interested because Hauptman, their usual go-to guy, said they were sending someone higher up than him. And they all thought you couldn't get higher up than an Alpha.
Alistair Beauclaire is a lawyer whose daughter Lizzie is abducted. Her abduction has all the hallmarks of their serial killer. Treasach was a very powerful and wonderful fae who gave the young Leslie a wish as "poor compensation" for her loss. The Gwyn ap Lugh, Prince of the Gray Lords, proclaims against the mockery of justice.
Mrs. Cullinan knows something of the fair folk. Adam Hauptman is another Alpha and Mercy Thompson is his mate.
Bright Future is a hate group against all shifters and fae. Benedict is a crazed half-fae who shifts as a deer. Uncle Travis leads this small group of killers with a most hateful intent.
The Cover
The cover is a metallic orange-y burgundy with leaves flitting through the air and the focus is on Charles as Brother Wolf and a freckled, yellow-eyed Anna in black leather and a choker with a burgundy scoop neck on underneath. She has on a very nice amber, black, and silver earring.
The title is a play on another term for the fae, the fair folk. And it seems that they have become Fair Game in this hunt.
mo_mood_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
yodamom's review against another edition
4.0
4.5
What I like most about the Alpha and Omega series is how soft and gentle Anna's voice is. She had been abused and beaten and left with a shaky self-estem. She has grown into a stronger more confident person with the love Charles has given her. Her past and her growth makes the stories all the more interesting. She is not the tough ready to fight to the death type.
Charles has been pulling away. The connection between them is off and on. His job has gotten more brutal, less forgiving and it is haunting him. He must keep doing what he does even when he thinks it's not right. The lives and freedoms of the wolves depend on it. The Marrock has only him to keep the peace. The Marrock does not see the damage being done.
Anna can see the changes, she gets a glimpse of pain from Charles when he is unguarded. She tries to talk to Bran,and is brushed aside. Even if there was a real problem Charles can handle it right ?
Anna and Charles go to Boston to help the FBI hunt a serial killer. This killer has been killing wolves. Bran hopes that becoming the hero might bring Charles back to a better balance. He moves farther away from Anna, his ghosts are dangerous. He cannot hurt her, ever. The hunt starts and everything is changed. This hunt is more than anyone thought. New connections and revelations are made.
I love her Fae characters. She has the most unique and well developed Fae in any series. This one was a doozy. I would love to see Beauclaire in the next book or even his own series.
The ending was amazing. The whole courthouse scene made me gasp and cheer. I can't say more. (Sorry, can't spoil it for you.) Twists and turns with every new development.
The next book will be a game changer ! Wahoo. Thank you for bringing this great series back Ms. Briggs.
What I like most about the Alpha and Omega series is how soft and gentle Anna's voice is. She had been abused and beaten and left with a shaky self-estem. She has grown into a stronger more confident person with the love Charles has given her. Her past and her growth makes the stories all the more interesting. She is not the tough ready to fight to the death type.
Charles has been pulling away. The connection between them is off and on. His job has gotten more brutal, less forgiving and it is haunting him. He must keep doing what he does even when he thinks it's not right. The lives and freedoms of the wolves depend on it. The Marrock has only him to keep the peace. The Marrock does not see the damage being done.
Anna can see the changes, she gets a glimpse of pain from Charles when he is unguarded. She tries to talk to Bran,and is brushed aside. Even if there was a real problem Charles can handle it right ?
Anna and Charles go to Boston to help the FBI hunt a serial killer. This killer has been killing wolves. Bran hopes that becoming the hero might bring Charles back to a better balance. He moves farther away from Anna, his ghosts are dangerous. He cannot hurt her, ever. The hunt starts and everything is changed. This hunt is more than anyone thought. New connections and revelations are made.
I love her Fae characters. She has the most unique and well developed Fae in any series. This one was a doozy. I would love to see Beauclaire in the next book or even his own series.
The ending was amazing. The whole courthouse scene made me gasp and cheer. I can't say more. (Sorry, can't spoil it for you.) Twists and turns with every new development.
The next book will be a game changer ! Wahoo. Thank you for bringing this great series back Ms. Briggs.
erikajay's review against another edition
5.0
This book is amazing! Charles is a little more on edge than usual, which makes for some interesting investigating. I love that we get to see a lot of Brother Wolf in this book though!
Briggs does a great job of having evil in her books, but she presents it in a way that isn’t too much for me to read.
I do hate seeing couples I love having difficulties, but I also love it when they’re able to work out the problem!
The ending of this book is SO COOL. I love Beauclaire so much. He plays nice when he has to, but he isn’t willing to settle on justice. That’s such a fey thing to do and I thought it was perfect!
Honestly my biggest complaint is that this book takes place so long after Hunting Ground. I know that Briggs needed this story to happen to make the Mercy Thompson events make sense, but I wish we would’ve had several more Anna & Charles stories in there.
Briggs does a great job of having evil in her books, but she presents it in a way that isn’t too much for me to read.
I do hate seeing couples I love having difficulties, but I also love it when they’re able to work out the problem!
The ending of this book is SO COOL. I love Beauclaire so much. He plays nice when he has to, but he isn’t willing to settle on justice. That’s such a fey thing to do and I thought it was perfect!
Honestly my biggest complaint is that this book takes place so long after Hunting Ground. I know that Briggs needed this story to happen to make the Mercy Thompson events make sense, but I wish we would’ve had several more Anna & Charles stories in there.
chelsiemarie1218's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
audiobook - interesting continuation of this couple's story and personal relationship. With each book, we get more and more world-building and political relations between the different magical races. A lot more fae building in this one. sad that Anna was taken, shot and nose broken especially given her history and that it didn't have a larger emotional effect on her. The individual whom inserted himself into the investigation at the beginning seemed super off and strange so of course he's the culprit and looking back you can see where he steered the investigation away from himself and his family.
moonny's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
agirlandherlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
(YouTube review can be found here: https://youtu.be/CqMebTpqKhI)
Not my fave Alpha / Omega book, but as always with Briggs, definitely a wonderful read. Anna and Charles, the way they push off of one another, how their relationship is still evolving even into book 3 is why I love this writer so much, it's not rushed, nothing is 'perfect' and the elements that she brings in are outstanding. Serial killer - fae, werewolves, FBI! It's like a good old detective whodoneit with lots of peril! Charles and Brother Wolf are outstanding as always. I did get a little lost in the fae stuff occasionally but for the most part I enjoyed it as always.
Not my fave Alpha / Omega book, but as always with Briggs, definitely a wonderful read. Anna and Charles, the way they push off of one another, how their relationship is still evolving even into book 3 is why I love this writer so much, it's not rushed, nothing is 'perfect' and the elements that she brings in are outstanding. Serial killer - fae, werewolves, FBI! It's like a good old detective whodoneit with lots of peril! Charles and Brother Wolf are outstanding as always. I did get a little lost in the fae stuff occasionally but for the most part I enjoyed it as always.
caitieje's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0