100 Book Challenge Week 18

 
 Book Review #35: Hunting Ground (Alpha & Omega, Book 2)

Author: Patricia Biggs
Genre: Fantasy

Blurb: Anne Latham didn't know how complicated life could be until she became a werewolf. And until she was mated to Charles Cornick, the son--and enforcer--of Bran, the leader of the North American werewolves, she didn't know how dangerous it could be either... Anna and Charles have just been enlisted to attend a summit to present Bran's controversial proposition: that the wolves should finally reveal themselves to humans. But the most feared Alpha in Europe is dead set against the plan--and it seems like someone else might be, too. When Anna is attacked by vampires using pack magic, the kind of power only werewolves should be able to draw on, Charles and Anna must combine their talents to hunt down whoever is behind it all--or risk losing everything..

Review:  This lady is one awesome author. Yet another hit novel!

I enjoyed the development of the characters, especially Anna, the growth and learning about themselves experienced by both Anna and Charles, and the introduction of other Omegas, making Anna less of an odd-man-out.

The book, once again, was impossible to put down and the story flew along so fast that I got to the end before I realized, and then mourned that it was finished. I definitely feel this is a better series than the Mercy Thompson set, not that I didn’t enjoy those. This feels more plausible, and allows me to feel more vested in the characters.

I’m sorry there are only three books available in this set. I’d love to read more.




Book Review #36: Private

Author: James Patterson
Genre: Private Detective/Crime Thriller

Blurb: Jack is already deep into the investigation of a multimillion-dollar NFL gambling scandal and the unsolved slayings of eighteen schoolgirls when he learns of a horrific murder close to home: his best friend's wife, Jack's former lover, has been killed. It nearly pushes him over the edge. Instead, Jack pushes back and devotes all of Private's resources to tracking down her killer.

Review:  A murdered wife, match fixing, and a serial killer focused on young girls. Most detective novels take you through one case. This one takes you through three. More than that, Patterson changes voice throughout the book, switching from first person to third person as he goes along. Confusing? Not one bit. Patterson has talent and the entire mess makes a really good-looking stew!

The novel has good flow and, despite switching voice and character, is instantly understandable. At no point did I feel lost, wondering “who is this now?” Masterfully done!

Not only that, but I got a sense of the business of an investigator’s life, with new cases coming in, phone calls to deal with, staff to handle, on top of a personal life that has to deal with late hours, odd phone calls, and secrets. I got the feeling it’s not as glamorous as the movies make out, which may have been the point.

A great book by a great author.