Who's Your Author? discussion

This topic is open for discussion of Fair Games. Expect SPOILERS.

Synopsis:
Patricia Briggs, the #1 "New York Times" bestselling author of the Mercy Thompson novels, "always enchants her readers." (Lynn Viehl, "New York Times" bestselling author) Now her Alpha and Omega series-set in a world of shifting shapes, loyalty, and passion- brings werewolves out of the darkness and into a society where fear and prejudice could make the hunters prey...

They say opposites attract. And in the case of werewolves Anna Latham and Charles Cornick, they mate. The son-and enforcer-of the leader of the North American werewolves, Charles is a dominant alpha. While Anna, an omega, has the rare ability to calm others of her kind.

Now that the werewolves have revealed themselves to humans, they can't afford any bad publicity. Infractions that could have been overlooked in the past must now be punished, and the strain of doing his father's dirty work is taking a toll on Charles.

Nevertheless, Charles and Anna are sent to Boston, when the FBI requests the pack's help on a local serial killer case. They quickly realize that not only the last two victims were werewolves-all of them were. Someone is targeting their kind. And now Anna and Charles have put themselves right in the killer's sights...

Reading Schedule?? How fast to you read?

OOO it is up...YIPEE so I can start whenever

I can start as early as Monday

I would like to read this one in a group setting if I could join in?? Please?

Jill wrote: "I would like to read this one in a group setting if I could join in?? Please?"

We'd love to have you Jill.

If there are no objections, then I'll put our start date as Monday, January 14th.

Here's my proposed reading schedule:

Date Chapters Pages
January 14th Prologue - 4 1 - 92
January 15th 5 - 8 93 - 186
January 16th 7 - end 187 - 293

Once you hit a stopping point, create a little Spoiler tag like the following:
***** Thoughts/observations on reading for January 14th *****
That way if anyone is behind, they don't have to worry of seeing a spoiler. Does that sound good?

Just out of curiosity, which cover do you guys like best? I'm leaning toward the first one. With the blue color and her holding the gun and knife. Hey, didn't one of the Alpha and Omega books have a female villain? I think it was the first full length story.

I love the third cover is it French or Spanish?

Actually it's German.

Lisarenee wrote: "Just out of curiosity, which cover do you guys like best? I'm leaning toward the first one. With the blue color and her holding the gun and knife. Hey, didn't one of the Alpha and Omega books have ..."

The first two books had female villains, although the villain part on the second one was "shared" :o)

This third book is so good that I'm tempted to re-read it with you guys...

Lisarenee wrote: "Reading Schedule?? How fast to you read?"

I would love to join in. I've been waiting for this book forever and now have it on my nook. I can start Monday also but I'm a really fast reader. If you're cool w/it, I'll wait for one of ya'll to post once ya hit the stopping point & then comment w/ya so I won't posting way ahead of anyone if everyone else is okay with that also??

I think I like the German cover the best schön (beautiful)!

I am cool with the reading schedule.

Sounds good to me

***** Thoughts/observations on reading Prologue - Chapter 4*****

So the proglogue was interestingly named Fairy Tale. Sounded more like a nightmare, but if you've ever read one of the older fairy tales before they were Disneyfied, you'd know many of them were much more gruesome then their now more popular Disney versions. An example would be Cinderella. In the original versions the step sisters were desperate enough to marry the Prince that they cut off toes and parts of their feet (Yeah, truly lovely, right?) to get their feet to fit into the glass slipper. When I was little my mom read the original version or as close as you can come with a translated version. I can't wait to see what and if Leslie will use the card.

I found it interesting that Leslie grew up to be a FBI agent. I wonder if that early experience had something to do with it?

I'm reading the description of Anna and looking at my cover and thinking that is not Anna on the cover. It looks more like Mercy to me. She does have freckles if you look really really close though. I've got the second of the covers listed above. It's just not how I picture Anna.

Loved how Asil used Ivanhoe to make his point about Charles. I really like him.

So I'm thinking that Charles is actually being haunted by ghosts or is it truly just his guilt? I'm waffling on this one. The fact Charles was worried the ghosts could pass through his bond to Anna makes me think he's truly being haunted.

I really like Charles and the way Briggs describes the bond between him and "brother wolf". I have to confess, however, every time I hear the phrase I think of the movie Brother Bear. He's really the only character from both series that I can recall that Briggs separates the two so thoroughly.

It's fun to see the softer side of someone like Charles in regards to his mate come through and see how everyone else responds to him. I love the contrast.

I can't recall Bran ever revealing the reason he didn't foster Mercy himself was that he feared his mate might do something to her..."Mercy might be mated to Adam, but to his wolf she would always belong to Bran. Wold always be his little coyote, who was tough and defiant, raised by a good friend because Bran couldn't trust his mate with someone he cared about who was more fragile than his grown sons." I find that very interesting.

I admit to snorting when Bran told Charles Asil had gotten bored and that got him started on noticing Charles had a problem. I found that exceedingly funny.

I have no idea who's killing everyone, but the alpha of the area didn't give off any warm and fuzzy feelings. If this was confined to his territory I might suspect him. I can't wait to get some more clues.

***** Thoughts/observations on reading Prologue - Chapter 4*****

Is anyone listening to the audio book? I own the book and got the audio from the library. I like the guy who's narrating the book and how he puts accents with the different characters. I like how Charles has a native american accent to it.

So while listening to the audio portion of the part I already read I realize I somehow missed a portion of the confrontation between Charles/Anna and the Pack leader. I wonder if a couple of pages got stuck together? The way the conversation went it sounds like we probably have another witch involved. It will be interesting to see if his suspicions are right.

******Prologue-Chapter 4******
I must say that so far I'm enjoying this book more than I did the first two. That could just be because at the time of reading the others, I had just finished with the Mercy books.

The whole time reading the prologue I was wondering what she would have to do with the story. I wonder if she'll use her card somehow in this case.

As for Anna, the girl on the cover looks nothing like a sweet 16 year old girl. Truth is, I've always pictured her as the girl on one of the earlier converse. I think maybe the second.

I hadn't really thought about the ghost thing until your comment. I was thinking of him just not wanting to let Anna in his head to see what he has seen. I just assumed it was referring to his guilt, but now that you mention it, it does sort of make sense. Every time I see brother wolf, I think of the animal shelter.

I vaguely remember something about Leah and Mercy, but I can't remember what. I'm pretty sure that they don't get along or maybe I'm thinking of someone else. I'm not sure, It's been so long since I've read these books.

I have to agree with Anna. It would make sense that witches are doing this. My only other guess would be that it is far and that the prologue has more to do with the story than giving background of the FBI agent. There has to be some significance to her mother leaving when the fae came out. I don't know I just think that prologue is important somehow.

Gin said, "There has to be some significance to her mother leaving when the fae came out. I don't know I just think that prologue is important somehow."

I hadn't even thought about that. What if she was fae or what if she was a victim or both. They said some fae disappeared when killed. They also said some left the kids to their human counterparts to raise and went on with their lives. They said some of the kids appear totally human. Gin, now you've got me wondering especially since in the section I'm reading now they say the killer targeted this area once before. Now I'll have to back track a little to see if the years would be right for Leslie's birth. Did they even mention years? That would be an interesting twist.

Gin said, "I vaguely remember something about Leah and Mercy, but I can't remember what. I'm pretty sure that they don't get along or maybe I'm thinking of someone else. I'm not sure, It's been so long since I've read these books.

I read the other books when they came out so my memory's not the best either about this.

Lisarenee I don't think they even gave any sort of time frame, but I'll have to go back and look.

Gin wrote: "I must say that so far I'm enjoying this book more than I did the first two. "

That's because the book IS better than the first two, IMO :o)

Leah is Bran's Mate, right? She hates Mercy, I think, I remember something like that back in Moon Called

And I've realized that I can't participate on the discussion without giving too much away... I have my fingers twitching to talk about the book... *sad sad Sonia*

at least you aren't being evil Sonia and putting up little spoiler tags to stare at me!!

Gin wrote: "at least you aren't being evil Sonia and putting up little spoiler tags to stare at me!!"

ohhhhh I didn't thought of that... great idea Gin

*puts some evil spoiler tags*

I'll remember that next time you're reading a book!!

Lisarenee wrote: "Mercy might be mated to Adam, but to his wolf she would always belong to Bran"

I agree. I think is while talking to Adam that Bran even says (view spoiler)[ *Evil spoiler tag to stare at Gin* Sorry I couldn't resist *giggles* now the real spoiler(view spoiler)[That he's proud of his little coyote bossing around a bunch of wolfs (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Gin wrote: "I'll remember that next time you're reading a book!!"

Go on, click on the spoiler tag... you know you want to...

Ha!!!

Gin wrote: "Ha!!!"

So, did you take a peek yet?

You two are cracking me up. lol

When's the next Mercy coming out.

Soon, let me check my list, 5th March

Lisarenee wrote: "You two are cracking me up. lol"

Did you check my spoiler tag? :P

Sonia wrote: "Lisarenee wrote: "You two are cracking me up. lol"

Did you check my spoiler tag? :P"

Yes. *grin*

Lisarenee wrote: "Yes. *grin*"

*grins back*

Sonia wrote: "Soon, let me check my list, 5th March"

We should definitely do another buddy read in March for that one.

BTW, the spoiler quote made me grin for the REAL content as well. I loved that line.

Yes, we should :o)

Lisarenee wrote: "BTW, the spoiler quote made me grin for the REAL content as well. I loved that line."

True. It has been so hard waiting for Frost Burned, specially after Fair Game - I really liked the book.

I still can't believe Briggs wouldn't continue on with the Alpha and Omega series. If that's really true it's really sad.

Tell me about it. When LK told me it was quite a shock. I really like Mercy, but Anna&Charles's storyline is my favorite from the two.

Agreed I like Mercy but I have to be honest for some reason I really wanted her with the vampire I just always thought they were better suited...is that weird?? I mean Adam is ok but I dunno I guess the book would have gone in a different direction.

I totally love Anna and Charles, I am hoping maybe she will self publish or something. This cannot be the last book :-(

Sonia wrote: "...Leah is Bran's Mate, right? She hates Mercy, I think, I remember something like that back in Moon Called

And I've realized that I can't participate on the discussion without giving too much away... I have my fingers twitching to talk about the book... *sad sad Sonia*"

You are not alone LOL I want to say stuff but it will be a spoiler :-(

Yes Leah hates everyone I think. Can you imagine being married to a man who does not even like you? I think in previous books it says the only reason why Leah is marries to Bran is because she is selfish and stupid and while Leah can satisfy the wolf you will never be a danger to Bran emotionally. At the same time Leah wants to power from being his wife so I guess she gets what she deserves.

Dawn wrote: "Agreed I like Mercy but I have to be honest for some reason I really wanted her with the vampire I just always thought they were better suited...is that weird?? I mean Adam is ok but I dunno I gues..."

I wanted Sam. What can I say? I do like the vamp too. Scooby Dooby Doo. Gotta love him. lol

***** Thoughts/observations on reading Chapters 5 - 8*****
So I found this section very interesting. We learned the ghosts are definitely real and Charles' Shaman half allows him to see them. I hope he can vanquish them before the end of the book. We learned the life expectancy of werewolves has dropped by 2 years from 10 to 8. Wow! We also learn Anna wants to have a baby. Not the first time this has come up in a Briggs book.

So a fey and a possible witch wannabe are killing fey? (Sidenote: Why does everyone spell fey differently? I've seen it fae, fey, and fay.)

The one witch was really creepy. Licking the kid's skin? Eew!

I have to admit the phrase "You've come a long way baby." came to mind in reference to the love scene between Anna and Charles on the foggy island. I remember when nothing ever happened between Mercy and her men. I was a little surprised by the scene. Didn't expect that from Briggs. lol Now that I think of it though, one of her earlier books had some love scenes that could compete with this one. Most of her books, however, are pretty tame.

Cantrip sounds like they could either deliberately or accidentally be feeding the killer information about the fey. I really don't like Heuter. I wonder if he could have a hand in things? He seemed a little too eager to learn how to fix the symbols to work correctly.

"Tigers are rare treasures--and they will eat you and not give it a second thought." Is this foreshadowing I wonder?

I wonder what type of fey Beauclaire is? Could he be a Gray Lord? If he can implement changes he'd have to be really high up the fey chain of power I would think.

I wonder if Anna will be targeted? I hope not, but it sounds like she's now in the Cantrip database. Also, I'm not happy that people know where Charles and Anna are staying.

*****Chapters 5-8*****
Yeah, so the sex scene was totally unexpected and didn't really flow with the rest of the story. It was kind of like I switched to another book for a minute. I didn't realize that Charles could get plant life to eat his clothing though.

I was thinking the same things about Heuter. Something about the way he was quizzing them for information. The fact that someone killed who is not far, but listed as fae in the CANTRIP database does lead to believe that the killer is using that database. Maybe they are not even fae. I don't know, can fae sense other fae?

You would think if Beauclaire were one of the Gray Lords, he would have heard about the serial killer.

I just don't like either of the witches and wonder if there will be a problem later on because of calling them. I don't trust either of them.

****Thoughts and Comments for Chapter 7 - end ****

Just finished reading this. Stayed up late and woke up early to finish reading. I'm gonna let it sink in...the ending. Right now my thoughts are:

Brilliant and OH MY WORD. This can't be the end. Nooooooo. I want more. lol

I said I won't chat about it, but I can't resist, let's hope I won't give nothing away...

*****Chapters 5-8*****
When I was reading this part I was like, OK, so Charles has the mating bond closed to keep Anna away from the ghosts and she's on CANTRIP database, that is going to lead to disaster sooner or later.

The whole digging for information struck me as fishy too... I felt persecuted...

Beauclaire also gave me mixed feelings... Maybe is all Mercy's warnings, but I don't trust fae.

And the witches hunger for power/magic turns my stomach... maybe is a residual from the first book or the tales they told about Bran's mother... but every time a witch gets involved with the wolves, something bad is due to happen.

The sex scene didn't struck me as strange. Maybe because I always thought alpha&omega having more sex scenes than Mercy. Maybe PB is getting over her inhibitions, or getting more confident... I remember when I was reading Three Bedrooms, One Corpse there was a scene that went from pull over the road there is a motel there, to the rain was falling in the after glow... and I was... where is the smoosch scene that Charlaine Harris had me expecting? But it was a much older book than the Sookie Stackhouse series and CH admitted she didn't wrote sex scenes before because she thought she wasn't good at it.. right...

Lisarenee wrote: "****Thoughts and Comments for Chapter 7 - end ****

Just finished reading this. Stayed up late and woke up early to finish reading. I'm gonna let it sink in...the ending. Right now my thoughts are:..."

I KNOW, RIGHT?

I read the whole book in one sitting... couldn't tore apart from it, not even for eating.

THE ENDING WAS SO FREAKKING GOOD!!!

So imagine my shock when I learned that it was the end of the series....

She's got to either incorporate the ending into Mercy and let the two merge back together OR she's going to start a fae series. She's just got to. Mercy was always ahead of this series so this is a surprising turn of events because nothing like this was ever mentioned in any of those books. The timelines seem skewed at this point. One of the best endings now I have to figure out what book gets my top spot for books that came out in 2012.