After a violent introduction to the world of Werewolves- on the night she became one herself- Anna Latham sees nothing redeeming about being a werewolf. Violent and frightening, the dominant males of her pack beat her down until death seemed the only option out. Yet somehow she found the courage to reach out- and found her mate in the process.

Werewolf enforcer, Charles Cornick knows Anna won't fully trust him after the abuse she suffered at the hands of those who were supposed to protect her, but "Brother Wolf" cannot let her go. Cry Wolf begins a day after the thrilling ending to the first story in the Alpha and Omega series with Charles and Bran- Charles's father and leader the werewolves- taking her home with them to Montana.

As Charles recovers from the wounds he suffered while rescuing her, Anna must find a way to trust again- not only her mate, but those who would now become her family. Everything she ever knew of werewolves is turned upside down as Charles gently leads her toward accepting her true calling. But the fragile bond they're building becomes threatened when a dark witch makes moves to wrest control of the Montana pack from the most powerful werewolf on the continent leaving Charles and Anna smack dab in the center of the conflict. Secrets long thought hidden come to light, but not in time to head off a deadly battle that will have you on the edge of your seat till the last page is turned!

LOVED this story and LOVE these characters. You really should read the first story of the series (Titled Alpha and Omega in the On The Prowl antho.) to get the full emotional impact of Charles and Anna, but I suppose it's not necessary. Briggs knows how to write characters with heart, and I loved seeing Anna grow in strength and courage. Charles's deep love and desire to protect her makes him the kind of alpha hero that works for every woman.

I read Cry Wolf immediately after the first in the series because I had to have more! As far as I'm concerned Cry Wolf leads the pack in werewolf urban fantasy! Read it, you won't be disappointed! ( )

Anna Latham, an Omega werewolf still adjusting to her status and history of abuse, has arrived in Montana with her would-be mate, Charles. Charles’ pack is controlled by his father, Bran, the Marrok, or basically the alpha of all the werewolves. As Anna is adjusting to life in a new pack, with new trust issues, and a new mate that she has to get to know, trouble crops up in a nearby forest. Somehow, it’s related to an extremely old werewolf in Bran’s pack who believes he is going a little insane and needs to be put out of his misery. Charles and Anna must do their part to sort out the trouble before the public catches on to the werewolves’ presence while adjusting to new life together.

I can’t really imagine reading this book without having read the short story “Alpha and Omega” in the On the Prowl anthology (my review). It picks up directly afterwards and I can imagine the reader feeling lost without having already been acquainted with Anna and Charles and all that had happened. Similarly, someone who hadn’t read the Mercy Thompson series would have missed out on the connections between books. I don’t know how well this stands alone, but as someone who is a fan, this is a great start to a spin-off series.

It’s not quite as engrossing; Anna is not nearly as compelling as Mercy, for one thing, and Charles still feels a bit stiff. But it’s easy to warm to these characters as they warm to one another, and Anna’s ongoing struggle with her past is handled in what I considered a believable way. Anna has to learn to trust Charles and he has to learn not to do anything to betray that trust. I really felt that they both grew in this novel, so even though they’re not my favorites, they are still likeable and convincing.

The plot itself is a bit of a race to the finish; there is hardly a dull moment and a lot is packed in here with the mystery, resolution, and the relationship drama. The story itself is not really much of a mystery, but more as a way for Anna to develop while providing a bit of suspense outside of love. A lot of the book also fills in pack dynamics which are missing more from the Mercy Thompson series; for example, the concept that the inner wolves mate choose mates without the human side’s consent. This is what happened with Bran and his mate Leah, something I had wondered about, and happens with Anna and Charles almost instantly. Luckily for the latter, their human sides fall in love too, but it’s interesting that this isn’t always the case.

Anyway, I really enjoyed Cry Wolf . Perhaps not great literature and I wasn’t immediately racing to read the next one, but I’m looking forward to it. ( )

It's a solid start to another series by a brilliant urban fantasy writer. She neatly acknowledged the other series while not drawing attention away from the exciting story playing out in Cry Wolf. It felt a little as though it ought to be the second book as Anna's backstory is referred to in a way that suggests there is more to it, however followers of Briggs' stories will already be familiar with the world and will slip right in. Saying that, newcomers should find this easy enough to follow too. ( )

I love Charles and Anna and I'm so happy that Charles got his own series! ( )

Excellent read to fill out the Mercy Thompson series. Looking forward to more of Charles and Anna. ( )

It's a spin-off of her Mercy Thompson series & pretty good. More about just the werewolves. Same style & got into the characters more. Worth reading. ( )

I LOVE Briggs' Mercy Thompson series, and as this new series is based in the same world - in fact, right in the middle of the pack in which Mercy was raised. Anna Latham is an Omega wolf - a wolf outside the rules of dominant and submissive wolves - but despite having been a werewolf for three years, she's only just now discovered it. Her previous Pack's Alpha spent those years abusing her, and Anna spent that time as the lowest wolf of the Pack, enduring physical and sexual abuse until Bran, the North American Marrok (Alpha of all Alphas) hears of the abuse. And when he visits, bringing with him his half-Native American shaman werewolf son, Charles, things get incredibly complicated when Charles declares Anna his mate.

All of the above happens in the first chapter (and much "off-screen"). The reader is quickly dropped into Bran's Pack, much like Anna, and looking to other characters for clues as to what will happen next. Anna is given little time to adjust to her new Pack, new mate and new status before she and Charles must go into the wilderness to track a possible rogue werewolf.

While I love this world and totally dig the werewolves, this felt too rushed to me. Clearly this will be a continuing series, so we'll learn more about Anna and Charles, but there was too much in this one, I think. Added to the Anna-as-Omega, Charles-as-new-mate, Anna-adjusting-to-life-after-abuse, and the rogue werewolf storyline is a very old wolf in Bran's Pack who fears him long-ago murdered mate might still be alive - along with the witch who murdered her.

Whew. This is fast-paced, with plenty of werewolf action and a bit of sexy time, but I hope for less confusion and more depth in the next one. ( )

The first of these, [Cry Wolf], is a spin-off from the main series and provides a little more background on characters who are fairly secondary in the main series, and also more exploration of werewolf packs and their magic. It also introduces the concept of the Omega werewolf to complement the Alphas and the dominance games we hear so much about in the main series (the other four books I listed). My querido isn't sure he likes the Omega concept. I think it is an interesting idea and a necessary plot device here. I'm not sure I'm completely sold on it, though. Anyway, the hero is Charles, the Native American second son of Bran Cornick, the Marrok (or the alpha of all alphas who ultimately rules all of the werewolves). The heroine is Anna, an Omega werewolf who was systematically brutalized in so many ways by the Chicago pack before Charles arrived to clean up that mess (alluded to in [Moon Called]). Apparently there's a short story somewhere that actually covers the events in Chicago. This story starts with Anna accompanying Charles and Bran back to Montana and the series of events there. I am not sure how much someone unfamiliar with the main series would be able to follow in this story.

This story is basically a combination of romance and adventure. Anna and Charles are clearly made for each other and their wolves know it. Getting their human halves accustomed to the idea is the challenge, since they were strangers a week before the story started. And Anna, the victim of beatings and sexual assaults over a number of years, is dealing with some major post-traumatic stress disorder with flashbacks and so on. So she is quite often a cowering wreck kicking herself for being such a mess but not quite able to assert herself or instantly overcome her fears and flinches. The adventure part involves Anna and Charles backpacking into the remote wilderness of the Cabinet Mountains in the middle of winter in search of what appears to be a rogue werewolf attacking lone hikers.

On the one hand, it's a plus that the author isn't afraid to tackle a serious issue and to show someone coping with the aftermath of abuse. On the other hand, it gets rather annoying when Charles and Anna repeatedly misunderstand and miscommunicate and emotionally writhe silently and separately. The author is also very careful to sidestep the jealousy trap--Charles wants her to know he's hers, not that she's his. Nice verbal dodge when he just wants to tear every male who approaches her apart. Sounds pretty damn possessive to me. Having survived a long-term relationship with someone who had insane jealousy issues, I find it interesting that she tries to turn this into a positive, since the way that she has characterized the werewolves and their territoriality makes this little problem a given. It's a mushy, sentimental book that helps explain the werewolves better, particularly Bran and his somewhat disfunctional marriage to Leah and his sons Charles and Samuel. The descriptions of the scenery are nice (I miss backpacking), the plot hangs together, the dialogue is generally okay, there's more internal exposition than I might like but it doesn't drag the story down too much, and I like the new characters introduced in this book. Hence, a new comfort read for me. ( )

http://fantasycafe.blogspot.com/2009/... ( )

The Alpha and Omega series takes place in the same universe as Moon Called and begins with the same titled novella in the On the Prowl anthology (note: I have not read any of the other stories in the anthology so cannot say anything of their quality) and continues with the novel Cry Wolf. While the two could be read as stand alones, I wouldn't recommend it. A significant amount of background character development occurs in Alpha and Omega which helps inform the reader of character motivation in Cry Wolf. I read the novella and novel back-to-back in one sitting--and I think that made my impression of the stories all the more stronger.

After surviving a werewolf attack, and becoming one herself, Anna lives at the bottom of the local pack--abused, cowed, and left ignorant of the usual werewolf customs. It is only after reading the news about a missing kid that she thinks her pack is responsible for kidnapping that she decides to contact the leader of the North American werewolves--who sends his son and enforcer Charles to investigate. The confrontation with Anna's alpha and his mate, along with revelations about Anna's identity gouges the local pack of a festering cancer within--resulting in some major restructuring. As a result, Anna returns with Charles to his pack as her former pack struggles to rebuild.

Anna is an Omega wolf, particularly rare and prized because such a wolf is ordinarily outside of pack structure and possesses unique abilities such as calming down other werewolves by merely being present. However, even as Anna tries to come to terms with her elevated status and her issues with becoming Charles' mate--a bigger problem looms, threatening the well-being of the pack and possibly even the rest of the werewolves on the continent. A rogue werewolf has been spotted at the edge of their territory making kills, but as Anna and Charles track it, it becomes apparent that the rogue is just part of a larger and more insidious danger...(more)

Anna Latham was turned into a werewolf a few years ago, and was badly abused by her pack. She was recently rescued by Charles Cornick, the son of the leader of all werewolves, who discovered that she is not only his mate, but also an Omega wolf, a rare form of werewolf that can have a soothing influence on her pack mates. Anna follows Charles to his home, but they have only begun to get to know each other when they have to face a horrible creature that might endanger their lives and society as they know it...
This isn't the best Patricia Briggs book I've ever read, but it's quite entertaining nevertheless. The reader gets to know Anna and Charles very slowly, just as they get to know each other, and it is a very atmospheric story, which means it will make you want to roll yourself into a warm blanket - it is cold all of the time. I'm definitely going to read the next book of this series. ( )

Anna is an Omega, a nondominant wolf who is also not a submissive. Unfortunately, she was also turned into a werewolf against her will and brutally abused by her dysfunctional pack. Charles, the enforcer for the ruler of the North American werewolves, is sent to sort out what’s going on with the pack, and quickly falls for Anna. But murderous machinations and Anna’s past trauma stand in their way. It’s reasonably well done, and wolfy healing sex is at least better explained than standard healing sex (also, the fact that the characters’ wolves decide that they should mate does not in fact fix everything for Anna, not even after she decides to sleep with Charles). But this extension of the Mercy Thompson universe really confirmed for me that, though I like Briggs, I’m not that interested in werewolves and pack dynamics. ( )

The book is about Anna who is a werewolf. She is abused by her pack leader and really has no self respect left in her by the time he is done abusing her. Along comes Charles who discovers her and also discovers that she is a rare Omega wolf. He takes her away from her current pack leader and takes her back with him. He feels she is his mate and he is bound and determined to get her to trust him and love him. While they are getting to know each other, a rogue werewolf goes on the hunt killing people and Charles who is the enforcer of his pack goes out to find and kill the rogue. The story overall was a good one, I did find the character of Anna a bit way to weak for my liking. Yes she is abused but she seemed to not have much of a personality for being one of the main characters in the book. Charles was ok, but I felt that we should have seen more about him then we did. ( )

I don't think Patricia Briggs can write a bad book. I've read and
loved all 4 Mercy Thompson books, and an early straight fantasy called
The Hob's Bargain, and now Cry Wolf. Not a bad one in the bunch.

I wasn't sure I'd like this book despite it being set in the much
loved Mercy Thompson world. The character of Anna sounded like she
might be too weak and timid to be likable. But Anna possesses a quiet
strength that allows her to survive with the other werewolves and
benefit those around her. I'm looking forward to reading more about
Anna.

Sexual Content:
Nothing graphic. A brief sex scene is vaguely, and briefly, described. ( )

I absolutely loved this book. It is a great read with fantastic action and gorgeous scenery. I also love Anna's character (she's so easy to relate to) as well as the in-depth look we get into Charles, Bran and a few new characters. Can't wait for the next one!! ( )

Although Anna and Charles' inner wolves have mated, their human selves seem to be having some awkwardness with their courtship. Not to mention the fact that Anna is still trying to understand why she is an Omega and why it is such a powerful identity. As Charles and Anna struggle to learn about each other, a series of attacks threaten the safety of the pack and Charles is sent to deal with a suspected rouge werewolf that could be deadlier than they ever imagined.

Although I've really enjoyed the Mercy Thompson series set in this same universe, for some reason this first book of the branch off series didn't really grab my attention. I can't say that it was Anna and Charles because I did like their characters and the pace of their relationship, it just seemed that the story in general seemed to drag a bit. It may also have to do with the fact that I'm sick of winter and the majority of the story is told while the characters are wading around in waist deep snow. I think if I read the next in this series I'll have to make sure it is in the middle of summer when the snowy setting can be off-set by full sun and warm air! ( )

http://allbookedup-elena.blogspot.com... ( )

Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs. Recommended. We first meet our heroine, Anna, three years after she was turned into a werewolf. She has been rescued from an abusive pack by her hero and soon to be mate, Charles. The book starts right after the rescue, so her history is filled in elliptically, with occasional references. But the real story is her new life, if she wants it, with a more respectful pack based in the wilds of Montana. Her rescuer's father Bran is Alpha among Alphas, creating a haven for some werewolves who need a stronger hand to stay safe. One of them, Asil, makes a pass at her. And from there, the story winds through her story getting to know Charles, Charles healing from the injuries incurred rescuing her, Asil's history, Bran's history, a trek through the wilderness, and an old woodsman with demons of his own. I started reading at lunch, and could barely set it down when I got home. A good read. ( )

Following on from the short story in the collection On The Prowl, Charles and Anna are getting to know each other. They are both werewolves but Anna has a complicated past of abuse and not being taught properly what it is to be a werewolf and a rare Omega (a wolf that can calm others and does not have to do the bidding of her Alpha like others in the pack). Charles is the son of the Marrock (leader of all the werewolves in North America) and he has spent a lot of time alone. He had given up hope of ever meeting his mate and very surprised to be so strongly drawn to Anna so quickly.

When Charles takes Anna to live with him Anna must meet a whole new group of werewolves and learn to adapt to sharing her space. She must also learn what it is to be intimate with another without it being forced. Complicating matters Charles is the enforcer for his father and is sent to locate one or more werewolves that are killing people in their territory. It could be a rogue werewolf or it could be a bigger plot against the Marrock who wants to bring werewolves out of the closet. They must learn to trust each other quickly or it could mean the end of one or both of their lives.

I loved this book, it was even better than I expected. Anna and Charles are both great characters who you empathise with and it was good to see some other familiar names and faces from her Mercy Thompson series. There were some great twists and turns and a few heart wrenching moments especially near the end when the story plays out. I can't wait for book two in the series to come out. ( )

While I liked this book, I didn't like it as much as the Mercy Thompson series, of which this is an off-shoot ( )

Great book!

I picked this up for my Paranormal 999 challenge and loved it! Please check out my blog for my full review.
http://ceridwensbooklounge.blogspot.c... ( )

This was yet another excellent edition to Patricia Briggs body of work. The world building was tight and I have not enjoyed a female paranormal character in an age, not to mention Charles who is incredibly readable. He was just so strong and yet he had a certain warmth I found terribly appealing. I have not enjoyed a paranormal romance so much for a long time. Brilliant reading.
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/ ( )

Charming but light on content.

Read the short story - its very cute and a good introduction to these characters. ( )