saradavcamp's review against another edition
5.0
I just love this series--what more can I say? The world her characters live in is fantastic. I like her version of werewolves better than anyone else's!
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
5.0
Fair game is a fast-paced mystery in which Charles has to fight on several fronts at the same time, and Anna needs all of her diplomacy in order to make sure there is good PR for the wolves...
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Fair Game
4.5 Stars
Series note: It is a good idea (but not crucial) to read River Marked, book #6 in the Mercy Thompson series before this one, as it provides background on the decision to send Charles and Anna rather than Adam to Boston.
In terms of the romance, Anna and Charles's mating is put to the test as Charles distances himself from their bond in order to protect her. Things ultimately work out and it is great to see Anna become more confident in her role as the Omega and in her relationship with Charles. The development of Charles' character is another highlight, particularly due to the conflict between his strengths as the Marrok's enforcer and his vulnerability resulting from the same role.
The serial killer plot is gripping, particularly the investigative techniques and the interaction between the government agencies. Nevertheless, the villain's identity is somewhat predictable if one follows the abundance of clues.
The patriarchal structure of werewolf society that annoys me so much in Mercy's series is mitigated to a certain extent in Alpha & Omega, especially with the inclusion of positively drawn women, such as Agent Leslie Fisher and Mrs. Cullinan (why can't we see this type of female character in Mercy Thompson?)
Briggs's writing has improved with better sentence structure and punctuation although there are one or two problematic vocabulary choices.
Finally, the events and revelations at the conclusion of the book are simply incredible and earn the book an additional 1/2 star. Looking forward to what happens next.
4.5 Stars
Series note: It is a good idea (but not crucial) to read River Marked, book #6 in the Mercy Thompson series before this one, as it provides background on the decision to send Charles and Anna rather than Adam to Boston.
In terms of the romance, Anna and Charles's mating is put to the test as Charles distances himself from their bond in order to protect her. Things ultimately work out and it is great to see Anna become more confident in her role as the Omega and in her relationship with Charles. The development of Charles' character is another highlight, particularly due to the conflict between his strengths as the Marrok's enforcer and his vulnerability resulting from the same role.
The serial killer plot is gripping, particularly the investigative techniques and the interaction between the government agencies. Nevertheless, the villain's identity is somewhat predictable if one follows the abundance of clues.
The patriarchal structure of werewolf society that annoys me so much in Mercy's series is mitigated to a certain extent in Alpha & Omega, especially with the inclusion of positively drawn women, such as Agent Leslie Fisher and Mrs. Cullinan (why can't we see this type of female character in Mercy Thompson?)
Briggs's writing has improved with better sentence structure and punctuation although there are one or two problematic vocabulary choices.
Finally, the events and revelations at the conclusion of the book are simply incredible and earn the book an additional 1/2 star. Looking forward to what happens next.
lynseyisreading's review against another edition
4.0
FAIR GAME, which is book three in the Alpha and Omega series, a spin-off of the Mercedes Thompson series, takes place a little over a year after the last book. When we were last with Charles and Anna, Anna was just beginning to overcome the abuse she'd suffered at the hands of her first pack. A pack that had turned her brutally and deliberately knowing she would become an Omega wolf, in an attempt to cure their Alpha's crazy mate. Her treatment at their hands had left her a frightened rabbit. But with Charles' gentle but fierce support, she'd managed to make major progress on the road to recovery.
Cut to a year later and it's now Charles that's needing support. His job as the Marrocks enforcer has taken on new meaning after the werewolves announced themselves to the public. Harsher punishments are being issued and it's affecting Charles. Something Anna is only too happy to point out to the Marrock, aka, her father-in-law, Bran. Bran decides a change of scenery is in order and so sends them both off to Boston to deal with a problematic case working alongside the FBI, hoping this will give Charles and Anna the time they need to sort themselves out, and also as a good PR spinner.
Sounds like a plan to me.
I admit I was kind of saddened to see that Charles and Anna's mate bond was in jeopardy once again after the progress they made in the last book. They are so well suited to each other and such a sweet couple that I don't like to see them going backwards and regressing. But the mix of these relationship issues and the developing mystery/police procedural plot, made for good reading nonetheless. Even if some of the subject matter of the case was disturbing.
The pacing for the first three quarters of the book wasn't the fastest I've seen from Briggs, but the last quarter? Whoo hoo! That was some ending, I absolutely loved it!
I can't help noticing a few changes to the Mercy Thompson world that may effect the next Mercy book. I can't wait to see where Briggs is going with that idea.
4 Stars! ★★★★
Cut to a year later and it's now Charles that's needing support. His job as the Marrocks enforcer has taken on new meaning after the werewolves announced themselves to the public. Harsher punishments are being issued and it's affecting Charles. Something Anna is only too happy to point out to the Marrock, aka, her father-in-law, Bran. Bran decides a change of scenery is in order and so sends them both off to Boston to deal with a problematic case working alongside the FBI, hoping this will give Charles and Anna the time they need to sort themselves out, and also as a good PR spinner.
Sounds like a plan to me.
I admit I was kind of saddened to see that Charles and Anna's mate bond was in jeopardy once again after the progress they made in the last book. They are so well suited to each other and such a sweet couple that I don't like to see them going backwards and regressing. But the mix of these relationship issues and the developing mystery/police procedural plot, made for good reading nonetheless. Even if some of the subject matter of the case was disturbing.
The pacing for the first three quarters of the book wasn't the fastest I've seen from Briggs, but the last quarter? Whoo hoo! That was some ending, I absolutely loved it!
I can't help noticing a few changes to the Mercy Thompson world that may effect the next Mercy book. I can't wait to see where Briggs is going with that idea.
4 Stars! ★★★★
obsessed_with_books's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
5.0
This is one of my favourite rereads. I get tired of reading books with immature couples and over the top drama so I appreciate Patricia Briggs way of portraying healthy relationships in her books. It makes her writing even more enjoyable because its not always about somebody's hurt ego. I love Charles and Anna's relationship.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Rape, and Violence
much_ado_about_mothman's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
harveyjoy53's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
5.0
diaryofthebookdragon's review against another edition
4.0
This might be my favorite book in this series. My only complaint can be that this series is more focused on inner working of werewolf packs and politics then on adventure and mystery and action. Although there are both elements in the books.