Alpha & Omega #2
“You need to check your nose, Kemo Sabe.”
Anna Cornick
Charles and Anna are definitely hitting their stride in Hunting Ground. Of course, there are some bumps along the way, but they are a formidable team. Even when faced with some of the grumpiest Alphas in Europe.
Seeing more closed-off characters like Bran let loose and have some fun is entertaining. Anna is also learning to spread her wings and trust her instincts around other werewolves. That is not to say that the emotional scars from years of trauma miraculously disappeared. Still, she and Charles are working through those issues together.
There is a lot of tension as different werewolf factions face off in Seattle. Patricia Briggs’ take on the Alpha/Submissive/Omega dynamics is highlighted again as it’s primarily Alphas and Omegas at the center of the action. The differences are not meant to subjugate the others because each type has a different role in the pack. In fact, Jean Chastel is considered a monster among the werewolves because he has the violent instincts of an Alpha but none of the protectiveness inherent to the role.
This action-packed ride never goes over the line into the overpowered tropes prevalent in Urban Fantasy. Characters underestimate each other and make mistakes, sometimes with devasting consequences. There were enough viable options that I wasn’t sure of who the ultimate villain was until the big reveal.
I have been a fan of Patricia Briggs for years, and Hunting Ground continues the style of excellent Urban Fantasy. I plan to return to this series sooner rather than later.
Affiliate Links
