There is something so special about this series. Yes, I love the Mercy Thompson books, but the dynamic between Charles and Anna puts the Alpha and Omega series over the top for me. If you’re not reading them, go back to the beginning and start now. You’ll be glad you did.

You really don’t even need to be up to date with the Mercy books, though the main events of Silence Fallen are addressed inasmuch as it references Bran’s trip to help Mercy out. It’s with his absence that Charles has been put in charge of the pack, a responsibility he accepts but doesn’t enjoy. As the story begins, he gets a desperate call from one of the Wildlings—the wolves on the fringe of the pack—asking for help. It turns out that someone has kidnapped one of the old ones and her mate needs the Marrok to get her back. Charles and Anna step in to mount a rescue.

In their efforts, they learn there’s a traitor in the pack and somehow the Wildlings are a target. So the couple must warn the fragile and fierce wolves to be on alert.

I loved meeting the Wildlings. They so very broken and still powerful in their own ways. It’s always a treat to see how alphas react to Anna and this was no exception. I also enjoyed spending more time with Asail… and as always, the love story between Anna and Charles was pitch perfect. I love how she sees these secret side of him no one else does and how she inspires such raw need and devotion in him.

This is also a peek behind the curtain of Leah’s character. And while that may not sound like a good thing, it actually is. No one likes Leah and previous books have given us plenty of reason to feel that way. But as the expression goes, we’re all the heroes of our own stories. Leah is not all bad. She’s not all good either, but there are things revealed about her character that definitely make her a little more sympathetic, both when it comes to her relationships with Mercy and with Bran.

There’s a great thread about dark magic that runs through the plot. The story moves fast with just the right blend of action and characterization. I basically just loved everything about it. I can’t wait for more Alpha and Omega stories to come.

Rating: A

Once again Patricia Briggs brings her A-game when Charles and his wife Anna are forced to defend the pack from a dangerous threat determined to destroy them all. Bold, unapologetic, and brimming with action and suspense, Burn Bright blows open some long-simmering storylines as it propels the arc to new heights.

While this is the first in this series I've read, and my first time reading anything by Patricia Briggs, I really enjoyed the characters in this one! The writing style drew me in, and the fast pace held my attention throughout.

Great continuation of Anna and Charles story. I love Patricia Briggs writing and this is no exception.

Another great book from Briggs. It was nice to have a new Charles & Anna book, this one had a lot going on right from the beginning and doesn't stop. I would highly recommend reading the last Mercy book before reading this one because it does help with knowing where a certain somebody is (no spoilers).

As always a great book sad we have to wait so long for another one!

It’s no secret that Patricia Briggs’ has one of the most engaging urban fantasy series’ out there. I’m not sure that it’s as well known that she has two! Burn Bright is the fifth book in the Alpha and Omega series. These books are connected loosely to the Mercy Thompson books with characters that overlap in both series. In Burn Bright Charles and Anna are left in charge of the Marrok’s pack when tragedy strikes. Isolated wolves are being hunted, their locations betrayed by a traitor within the pack. I love that this book delves more into the unique individuals who co-exist in the Marrok’s pack, that we get meet new characters and revisit old favorites. Burn Bright sees Charles and Anna working together to save lives and identify a traitor before it’s too late. The Alpha and Omega books are character-driven novels with excellent world-building. This book was thoroughly engaging, it sucked me in and didn’t let go until the bitter end!

I have really enjoyed the world of Alpha Omega, however this story really fell flat for me. The hero wasn’t much of a hero and the storyline and flow felt very forced. This was just okay for me. It almost seemed like the ending was rushed or maybe the book feels like it doesn’t fit well or flow with the others in the series. Fingers crossed the next one gets back into rhythm.

HOO boy.

DEAD HEAT, the last book from the Anna and Charles portion of the MERCY THOMPSON universe, is probably my least favorite book in the combined series, so despite my slight preference for the ALPHA & OMEGA characters, I was a bit leery of BURN BRIGHT . . .

And by "leery" I mean that I hesitated for a whole five seconds before accepting an ARC.

I love Bran. I love everything about the concept of the Marrock. I love the tiny middle-of-nowhere town for misfit werewolves. And even if Bran isn’t a POV or the focus, his presence still saturates everything Charles and Anna do, b/c he’s the friggin’ Marrock.

BUT.

I hate Leah as intensely as I love Bran, so when my friend Steven told me that BURN BRIGHT was Leah-heavy, I really frowned and squinted.

Me: *frowns and squints HARD*

Steven: It’s not that bad.

Me: How can it not be that bad?

Steven I don’t like Leah either, but now I understand her better, and I’m even somewhat sympathetic to her situation.

Me: Hmph. I don’t want to understand her. I like hating her.

Steven: *rolls eyes* Just read it.

So I did.

I mean, Steven is way more forgiving than I am, but how could I not be curious about Leah—LEAH, whom I hate, loathe, despise, and abominate—being painted in a sympathetic light?

Would I fall prey to that nonsense? Or was my hatred incorruptible?

*smirks* Like the events of a single installment could negate years of animosity, justified animosity . . . Except based on Charles’ recollections of Mercy’s youth, Leah had all kinds of legit reasons to dislike her . . . And yeah, she is the Queen of Mean Girls, but she doesn’t actually do anything to endanger the Pack . . .

Or does she?

*laughs maniacally*

BURN BRIGHT takes you deep into the quagmire of Aspen Creek, to places you didn't even know were there. Old, powerful wolves like Asil who walk an unsteady line between functional and dangerous aren’t the biggest threat facing those who belong directly to the Marrock. Lone wolves and . . . other things have settled the outskirts of Bran’s domain.

But the outskirts still belong to the Marrock, and when one of his more solitary wolves is killed after an abduction-gone-wrong, it becomes obvious to Anna and Charles that someone in the Pack selling information to Outsiders.

But who? And why?

Read it and find out. *grins cheekily*

Highly Recommended.

This didn't capture me. I usually love Briggs and I love the Mercy books, but I didn't find this particularly interesting plot-wise and I still don't really find Anna and Charles as interesting as some of the other characters, even five books in.

Also, the whole conversation about Bran's attitude towards Mercy was weird and something I had never read into the story and didn't like. And I say this as someone who was originally team Samuel.

I loved diving back into this series. It was like coming back home after being gone. This was the 5th book in this series and was wonderful.

I didn't know who I was siding with in this read, but it was completely a wild ride from start to finish. I loved finding out the back story for some particular people and even more so getting to know new ones.

This novel threw twists we didn't see coming and truly tested my love for Bran. Sometimes I swear I scream at my iPad with frustration over reactions.

In the end though I understood where everyone was coming from and understood the characters we love SO much more.

This doesn't need to be long. You love this series as much as I do. Go grab it.

I adore Patricia Brigg's werewolf world and I love the Alpha and Omega (A&O) series. I am super appreciative that the Mercy books and the A&O books feel different. They take place in the same world and cross paths with characters and connect on events and I never feel like I am reading a Mercy book with Charles and Anna instead of Mercy. That said I adore Charles and Anna. I love watching their relationship change and deepen as they deal with new challenges. This book was awesome!

Patricia Briggs never fails. I love the Mercy Thompson series for the characters and the story. This book drew me in and kept my interest until the very last line. I love that I can never quite figure out what is going on or what Mercy/Adam are going to do until the very end!

Four stars: Another brilliant installment in a favorite shifter series. Prepare for betrayals, new alliances, witches, dark magic and more.

Bran has been missing since he went to retrieve Mercy, leaving Charles in charge of the pack. Charles is busy going through the Pack finances while Mercy is trying to get along with Leah. A strange phone call alerts them to danger. One of Bran’s wildling wolves is in trouble. Charles and Anna charge to the rescue. They find that someone is hunting the wildling wolves with sophisticated tools. A fae leaves behind a cryptic message warning Charles that someone has betrayed the wildlings and the pack. Without Bran, Charles is forced to try and find out who the traitor is. The worst thing is the closer they get to the truth, the more worrisome things become. Is the traitor someone close to Bran?
What I Liked:
*I was more than eager to dive back into the world of Charles and Anna, and this latest book does not disappoint. The book takes you back to the wild back country of Montana. Charles and Anna are once again facing a deadly foe, and flushing out a traitor. I love the action, the magic, the betrayals and new understandings of certain characters.
*One of my favorite things about this series is the strong, healthy relationship between Anna and Charles. I love watching their relationship grow and mature, and I adore the way they work together. They always have each other’s backs.
*Anna and Charles always get to battle dangerous witches and fae, and this one features another one of those deadly foes. It was exciting seeing them tangle with this new enemy.
*This book features the wildlings, Bran’s wolves who are damaged and unable to live among the rest of the pack. These wild wolves live alone in the back country. It was interesting getting to meet some of these wolves and learn their back story. Of course, an Omega wolf is helpful when dealing with the wildlings.
*I liked that this book was set back in Montana because I enjoyed seeing Anna and Charles working with the Pack. I am enjoying the relationship between Anna and Asil.
*Leah, Bran’s mate, has always gotten a bad rap. No one likes Leah. I appreciated that this book gave more insight into Leah’s character. She isn’t the villain she is made out to be. I am eager to see how she evolves from here. I liked learning why Leah behaves the way she does.
*The ending is perfect. Almost all the major story lines are completed, with one tantalizing thread left undone for the next installment.
And The Not So Much:
*I think I say this every book, why do we not get more Bran? He is always absent from this series, and this book his absence is a big glaring hole.
*I have listened to all of this series on audiobook narrated by the brilliant Graham Holter. For whatever reason, Graham changed his voices for these characters slightly, especially his characterization for Charles. It bothered me that the voices weren’t the same.

Burn Bright is another exciting installment in a favorite series. I love the characters, the action, the danger, the paranormal and the mature relationship between Anna and Charles. This one is thrilling with a stunning betrayal and new insight into a character with a bad rep. I am more than eager for the next book in this series, the only thing I could ask for is more Bran!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

**Review on https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/ **

The Marrock, aka Bran, leaves to help rescue Mercy, Charles and Anna are left in charge. While in charge of the most terrifying and powerful pack in North America, they are tasked with keeping up with the Wildlings, the old, powerful and pretty crazy wolves that nobody else will interact with. While their care, wildling Ester is murdered, most likely due to a traitor in the pack. Charles and Anna struggle to find who is behind the attack on the pack, where Bran really is and what this means for their people.

​There will never be a bad thing said by me about this series, this world, or about Patricia. When ever I pick up a book in this series I know that I will not be disappointed. Not only is this a Werewolf story (with the power of the mate bond!), but an Urban Fantasy (the best kind) and a murder mystery- all three my favorite types of genres rolled into a convenient book shaped package. ​The urban fantasy elements are spot on, dealing with the politics of the world as well as the inter-species relations, making everything so deliciously complicated. And the mystery kept me on my toes, the villain a complete surprise and pretty scary.

​This is not even a little bit a standalone book so I highly recommend you don't try- pick up all the books in the series (and the Mercy books because I heart her and Adam) before jumping in to this one. I am such a huge fan girl of the Mercedes Thompson World, be it a Mercy book or an Anna and Charles book, and this was no exception. This was a fabulous read, full of action, werewolf politics, mate-bond interaction, Brother Wolf communication and the overall witty writing style of Patricia. I think this is so far my favorite Anna and Charles book and I can't wait to get my grabby hands on more books in this world.

I love how Patricia is always able to insert humor, sarcasm and wit into the most dire of situations​ helping to break the tension, danger, death and the horror that live within the pages. I am also a super fan of anything dealing with Native American culture and there were parts of myth and magic intertwined in the plot from Charles background.

Can we just take a minute to mention the tidbit about Bran and his feelings towards Mercy that Anna brought to the surface?? I am freaking out about that and it makes me wonder if it will come to a head in a later book. I would probably give my imaginary first born child for the chance to read a book told from Bran's point of view because that man is the definition of an enigma and color me intrigued. Oh and the Leah insight was completely surprising and made me like her just a little bit more.

I loved this book, I thought it was a stronger plot than the last one which was good too don't get me wrong, but this was so fast paced there was no time to catch your breath and I was so sucked up in it. This is a must read!

Burn Bright is the fifth and latest novel in Patricia Briggs’ ALPHA AND OMEGA urban fantasy series … actually, it’s more mountainous wilderness fantasy, but it does involve werewolves and witches living amongst humans. Burn Bright, though it has different main characters, also intertwines nicely with the main MERCY THOMPSON series.

Bran, the grand-Alpha or Marrok of most of the werewolf packs in North America, is still out of town due to the events in the last MERCY THOMPSON book, Silence Fallen. He phones home and tells his wife Leah and son Charles that he’s leaving them in charge while he takes a trip to Africa to see Samuel, his other son. In Bran’s rather mysterious absence, Charles and his wife Anna try to manage his pack of werewolves and the pack’s finances, and to not get into too many arguments with the irascible Leah.

This effort gets a lot trickier when Charles gets an urgent phone call from Jonesy, one of the so-called wildings. These are a separate, outlier group of werewolves under Bran’s protection and leadership who live near but apart from the Marrok’s main pack. The wildings are broken beings, fragile and often particularly dangerous, and are rarely seen by anyone except Bran himself. Charles and Anna, an “Omega” werewolf with the helpful talent of calming dominant werewolves, head out to check on Jonesy.

Jonesy turns out to be a powerful fae who lives in isolation with his werewolf mate, Hester. Hester has been captured by a secretive armed task force that is trying to kidnap ― or kill ― some of the wildings. And the evidence indicates that someone among the wildings or Bran’s main pack is a traitor who is working with these attackers. With Bran incommunicado for some reason, it’s up to Charles, Anna and other members of the Marrok’s pack to try to neutralize the invaders, warn the wildings of the danger they’re in, and find the traitor.

The mystery in Burn Bright is distinctive, though ultimately it didn’t gel for me as well as in the best of Briggs’ books. The plot is somewhat disjointed, though the threads come together fairly well in the end. The logic is occasionally strained. For example, there’s a significant rule involving cell phones not being allowed in wilding territory, where the explanation simply didn’t make sense to me, and a key development involving eye color that seemed highly unlikely under the circumstances. The plot involves both extreme long-term planning by the villain and some improbably rushed action and coincidences. However, as Briggs has frequently done before, she pulls in plot threads from preceding books in the series, weaving in the consequences of earlier events and decisions made by the characters. Though it’s not necessary to have read all of the books in both interlocking series to understand and enjoy Burn Bright or any other particular book in these series, it’s certainly conducive to a greater appreciation.

The highlight of Burn Bright is the characters and their interrelationships. Briggs creates well-rounded characters in a fantasy setting who are realistically flawed and believable. It was fascinating to get to know some of the members of Bran’s pack of misfit werewolves better, both characters we’ve met before as well as some new ones. Some poignant moments for several characters add to the depth of this urban fantasy. There was a fascinating aside in the form of an insight into Mercy and Bran’s relationship, and even the detested, hard-hearted Leah becomes a character that the reader develops more understanding and even sympathy for.

Burn Bright is a solid entry in one of the better ongoing series in the urban fantasy genre. If you haven’t read the previous ALPHA AND OMEGA books, I would recommend starting at the beginning, with Alpha & Omega and Cry Wolf, but fans of Patricia Briggs and her werewolves will relish this new adventure.

Another great addition to the series. Charles and Anna and dealing with trouble close to home in Burn Bright. When some of the wilder members of the pack are attacked by a paramilitary group and the Marrok is out of town, Charles and Anna are on the case. They will meet some very old wolves and discover a traitor in Aspen Creek. I loved the chance to get to know some of the Marrok's pack better in this book. It was also interesting to see some of the recurring characters from other perspectives (than Mercy's).

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley for an honest review.

I love Charles and Anna!! When the wildings are in trouble, Anna and Charles must find out who is hunting them. The wildings are wolves who are too dangerous or damaged to be with the Marrock pack. There is one willing to betray the pack! This book will captivate you and keep you reading until the very end.  I could not put this book down. I always love the world building and character interactions. I recommend this book and series to everyone! I give Burn Bright (Alpha and Omega) 5/5 stars.

As always, Patricia Briggs brings it! Werewolves, witches, action, and romance; this book has it all! I love the dynamic between Charles and Anna, and the fact that they work so well together kicking butt. I'm really glad that the witchborn which were introduced back in the very first book have been expanded upon. I cannot wait for the next installment. She did not disappoint!

Patricia Briggs was one of the first authors I read when I was introduced by a friend to the PNR genre.  I am a big fan of both the Mercy Thompson and Alpha and Omega series so I was thrilled to have an opportunity to review Burn Bright.

I have loved watching the relationship between Ann and Charles develop over the series and adored that in Bur Bright we get to see how much Anna had grown.  Anna was so broken when she first came to Charles so I loved that in Burn Bright Anna was so much stronger and got to be someone who was actively protecting some of the most vulnerable members of the Morrok's pack.

The Wildlings were such an interesting group of wolves and I hope we get to see them in the future.  It's a fascinating contrast to have characters that are simultaneously broken in some fashion while still being incredibly dangerous.  Briggs did an outstanding job of making the reader feel both compassion and fear for each of the Wildlings we met.

Bram's wife Leah is a character I have mostly despised through both series, but in Burn Bright my feelings have softened a bit.  In Burn Bright we get to glimpse the  softer side of Leah.  Ultimately Leah makes decisions that are for the best of the pack and I think I finally understand that the reason that Leah is so hateful is because she truly loves Bran and doesn't get the same love back from him.  Therefore everyone else that Bran shows any affection for is just a reminder of what she doesn't get from him.  Seeing that Bran had to leave rather than deal with Leah himself when he believed that she was the traitor gives me hopes that perhaps we will get to see the two of them get closer in the future.

I won't spoil who the traitor was, but I will say I was so disappointed to find out who it was.  I would never have guessed that it was this wolf which I suppose was the point.  It's just hard to find a character that you have enjoyed wasn't at all who you thought they were.  My only consolation was that the back story that explains why this wolf was a traitor was masterfully done.

As always I look forward to the next installment into the world of Mercy, the Marrok, Charles and Anna.