As might be expected from the closing pages and events of Isle of Bones, the Howard family's thoughts are plagued with possibilities of their father still being alive, and the impending full moon. Circumstances are definitely set to significantly alter Charlie's life especially when taking into account the circumstances of Eva and her father, mentioned in the closing pages of Isle of Bones. Whilst Michael and Melinda have found temporary rhythm and some acceptance toward their lot in life, it remains to be seen whether this is a hiatus only or a trend to carry them forward for a significant amount of time. Of course, its not just the siblings of the Howard mansion facing some difficulties, William will need to purge the human blood in his system before he feels its safe once again to be around his wards. For the moment, with one night before the troublesome full moon to go, Charlie plans on slaking his need with the summer visitor to their Isle, the three seasons of desire foregone preparing to be met as Nina once again returns to his life.
The push and pull of Melinda's conscience along with her dreams of what she cannot have, what she cannot find, and what she cannot control begins to weigh heavily on the progress made throughout the last book. With the mounting emotions of his brother and sister, Michael's empathic abilities also begin exacting a greater toll. That Charlie's research highlighted that if he were to give into his transformation fully, the wolf that bit him would gain alpha status over him and he would lose control over his sense of self; creating fear he's not use to dealing with. The blood lust heightened in William by his consumption of human blood to help save Emily, is drastically increased by the call of Melinda's blood to levels he no longer knows if he can control. To say that the Howard mansion is in disarray would be understating the obvious.
Melinda has managed to continue to draw the attention of Riley, her motorcycle man, to help her forget that which threatens to plummet her emotions again. Charlie has the yearly sexual liaison with Nina's six-week retreat to The Demon Isle to take the edge off of panic rising in him as well. Michael has the love he shares with Emily to help ground his loss of control. Whilst the siblings have releases to the current stressors in the house, without them it would definitely be a poorer prediction for life on the Isle. Even still, new murder victims, manipulative wolves, missing and possibly possessed fathers, and risks to siblings' safety have become the thoughts of everyone from the time awaken until they finally fall to sleep at night, only to have these same things plague their dreams. William, only, is missing the necessary release to help him maintain control, so is perhaps one of the most at risk in their household. The pinnacle lessons they each face at present seem inherently linked to control, and the lack they each have.
A new tale but equally a continuation of the plot, the different books are appearing to be serial in that the main storylines are extended with each new addition. The steamy interludes are quite tasteful and qction and murder still drive the plots forward. You can definitely read piecemeal but you need to do so in order. Both new characters have a significant impact on the lives of those carrying over from the previous book. The supernatural elements of one are expanded whilst the other remains in hints. Alpha Knows Best was easily enjoyed and the characters continue to grow. I fun and somewhat quick read, I'm becoming more involved as the series progresses. Four stars for my rating, and definitely a recommendation to read!