This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Published by Ace
Released on March 16, 2021
Pages: 368
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
The Delight:
One of the scariest, powerful werewolves shares a deep and committed mate bond with an Omega wolf who has come into her own. They are sent into the Northern California wilderness to investigate the disappearance of an off-grid group and chase down the truth about what lurks there in the mountains. A new, tantalizing adventure with one of my favorite werewolf couples, more monster lore to explore, and a clever paranormal adventure to keep me riveted.
Review:
Wild Sign is the sixth Alpha and Omega and the eighteenth in the combined Mercy Thompson world. Not only does this book work best when read in order, it works even better when the reader treats both series as one and reads them all in release order.
Music was Anna Cornick’s career path before her change and it still runs through her deeply. Music is a lovely courtship game she plays with her husband and mate, it is startling when the Marrock’s mate Leah hums an unknown tune on a gal’s trip to town, and it seems to be a strong element in the situations she and Charles have been sent to figure out.
It all began when two FBI agents approach her and Charles with hints of a potential human US government and werewolf alliance that they sincerely doubt, but as an expression of goodwill the agents inform them that a whole bunch of humans living in an off grid settlement in Northern California land owned by the wolves have disappeared.
Bran chooses Anna, Charles, and the berserker-like Tag to go check things out and is more mysterious and abrupt than usual because that land is not unfamiliar. He brought back Leah as his mate when she was found as a lone survivor in a pioneer group on that very land. The wolf who saved her, Sherwood Post, and Leah herself claim blanks in their memories about that time. Armed with this and then encountering a unique local group of supernaturals nearby the Wild Sign camp, they slowly work out that something old and powerful is stirring in those hills once again.
Charles has seen his mate endure much without breaking and she is now healthy, happy and accepting of who she has become, but a nasty, dangerous encounter during their investigation tears all her hard earned strength and happiness from her in an instant. The haunted look of horrific memories is back in her eyes and her body flinches away. He will be ruthless to protect his mate. As they learn more about their adversary, it may not be enough.
Wild Sign is Charles and Anna’s story and I loved spending time with them in tender, fun moments at home, but also taking care of business as a team on the road. They have hit their stride understanding each other so well. They face a bit of a crisis when the thing they pursue uses them against themselves. This story dug deep into personal and relationship emotions as a result.
But, the added surprise was that this was also partly Leah and Bran’s history together. All this time, the reader was told in brief explanations why they are mated and the way they are, but finally the details are teased out so the true picture is nothing like what I had been imagining. It was not a pretty past and Leah is a true survivor just like the strong Cornick’s around her. Bran had done what he had to do and it was grim and now the past has returned and those involved have to deal with it.
And, there’s more. Sherwood Post plays a role and it was as mysterious as he is. Yes, and there is more familiar names both welcome and not showing up to complicate matters.
The climax comes on the heals of a stunning surprise twist and it was a heart-thumping tension-filled and emotional sequence full of all that readers anticipate in a book by this author. When all was said and done, I was left reeling from what happened to how things will be affected from here on out. There are at least three things that I need to know and will be fretting for the next book so I can find out.
All in all, Wild Sign was absolutely fabulous- strong and complex, full of myth and mystery, and characters that only leaving me wanting more. The world of these stories is amazing beyond description and urban fantasy lovers really need to give these a try.
I rec’d the book through Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
Challenges Met:
COYER Season #16
About Patricia Briggs
Patricia Briggs was born in Butte, Montana, to a children’s librarian who passed on to her kids a love of reading and books. Patricia grew up reading fairy tales and books about horses, and later developed an interest in folklore and history. When she decided to write a book of her own, a fantasy book seemed a natural choice. Patricia graduated from Montana State University with degrees in history and German and she worked for a while as a substitute teacher. Currently, she lives in Montana with her husband, children, and six horses and writes full time, much to the delight of her fans.
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I haven’t read her series yet but I’m keeping her in my radar for when the right moment comes ^^ Thanks for sharing !
Oh yes, this series with the Mercy Thompson series together are wonderful and will be just as good whenever you get the chance, Iza!
I haven’t read Patricia Briggs yet, but they are on my list to try at some point. Looks like I should start with the Mercy Thompson series before getting into these, though.
Oh you are in for such a treat! Yes, definitely start with the Mercy Thompson book, Moon Called. But, the best way to enjoy both series is to treat them as all one so use the GR series list for Mercy Thompson world- and definitely catch all the novella collections b/c they are just as much a must. 🙂
I loved this. It will be one of my favorite books this year, probably many years.
Yeah, pretty sure its in my top 10, too.
I was happy to get the history of Leah and Bran. It softened me to her a bit. I hope she becomes even more likeable as the series continues. I think most women would be prickly if they believed their mate was still in love with their dead wife/mate, and I think Bran let her believe that. Certainly, that explains why she’d been awful to Charles as a young child. He being the reminder of Bran and the mother’s union. I’d love to know what Bran revealed when he opened the mating bond.
I think I sat with my mouth open in desperation when there was no explanation about what he shared with that mate bond opening. Yeah, it was amazing how Leah’s actions make much more sense.
Wasn’t this wonderful?! I was worried about how things would work out for a while since it was so intense. And that ending! I need the next book just as soon as possible!
Oh yeah, this one had me tensing up so many times. Ugh, I am so curious about a few things now and need the next one. 🙂
I really enjoyed this one so much – may be my favorite A/O book to date. I love how the bigger picture is starting to take shape (and how the two series intertwine) There is so much going on and Ms. Briggs is such an amazing storyteller – how she gives us bits and pieces and lets us try to put it together.
Yes, the world of the two series becoming one is more evident than ever. I’m left satisfied and curious all at the same time when I finish each book.