Burn Bright (Alpha and Omega, #5)

by Patricia Briggs

In the #1 New York Times bestselling Alpha and Omega series, mated werewolves Charles Cornick and Anna Latham face a threat like no other--one that lurks too close to home...

They are the wild and the broken. The werewolves too damaged to live safely among their own kind. For their own good, they have been exiled to the outskirts of Aspen Creek, Montana. Close enough to the Marrok's pack to have its support; far enough away to not cause any harm.

With their Alpha out of the country, Charles and Anna are on call when an SOS comes in from the fae mate of one such wildling. Heading into the mountainous wilderness, they interrupt the abduction of the wolf--but can't stop blood from being shed. Now Charles and Anna must use their skills--his as enforcer, hers as peacemaker--to track down the attackers, reopening a painful chapter in the past that springs from the darkest magic of the witchborn...

• ISBN10: 0425281329
• ISBN13: 9780425281321
• Publish Date: 29 January 2019 (first published 6 March 2018)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc
• Imprint: Ace Books
• Format: Paperback (US Mass Market)
• Pages: 304
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780425281321

Reviews

[booksandcats]

Oh dear, this was an intense one!

Let's see. I like Anna and Charles, I love how they work and fight with each other, drawing on each other's strength, growing together without trying to change each other. It's one of my favorite couples in the book worlds.

I loved seeing more of Anna's powers, her strenght and also her limitations (like it's difficult to work with too crazed wolfs, because when she withdraws her power again, it almost makes it worse, it's an interesting aspect!)

I hated to see more focus on Leah at first, because god I hated her guts! The way she has treated Mercy when she was a child is simply descpicable and for me one of the reasons Mercy has so much trouble trusting other people. But I kind of get her in this book and she is a very interesting, complex character that enriches this book massively! The way she gives everything to the pack is fascinating and I also like finding out more about Bran and getting more background on him. I think, like many times shown in this series, he always trys to do his best, but he is ruthless enough to deliberately hurt people, not only physically but mentally and it's really interesting to see.

I loved the hunt for the traitor and honestly, I would have never ever EVER expected what happened in the end and I love seeing how it will turn out because I suspect this will have consequences for quite a few books to come.

[Quirky Cat]

One of my goals in 2021 is to finally get caught up/read many of the series I've been meaning to for years. What better place to start, than getting caught up in Patricia Briggs' Alpha & Omega series? (I'm up to date with Mercy Thompson).

Burn Bright is the fifth novel in the series, making it the twelfth novel in the Mercy Thompson world (not counting all the short stories and everything else that fits in between). This series follows two of my favorite characters, Anna and Charles.

For perhaps the first time ever, Charles and Anna's story doesn't require them to leave Aspen Creek, Montana. The Marrok, Charles' father, is away on the first vacation in a very long time. That leaves Charles in charge of the pack, a challenge in and of itself.

Naturally, that means that shit is about to hit the fan. One of the wildlings (older members of the pack who do better away from society) has raised an alarm. One of their own was nearly abducted, and the end result is a bloody series of events. Now it's up to Charles, and the rest of the pack, to try and stop the enemies before the situation escalates any further.

“Fire is a powerful thing. It cleanses as it destroys- and it brings light to darkness.”

Burn Bright is, as with the rest of this amazing series, the perfect balance between dark and fascinating. Once again we see a dual portrayal: the best that humanity/others have to offer, alongside the worst.

I do want to mention, before I get much farther in this review, that there are a few points that make this novel a bit more difficult to read. Anna's past trauma is forced to the forefront on multiple occasions, and the pain it brings is so raw. So very real.

There are a few other points that I've seen fans upset about, but the ones revolving around Anna are the biggest in my mind, so that is what I wanted to focus on. That, and the constant sense of loss throughout. The pressure of trying to get things right, and save those elders who have only ever been trying to buy some time for themselves.

“You cannot look at a person, and say, ‘If I could change this or that, if I could pick what I want and discard other things, I could love this one.’ Such a love is pale and weak—and doomed to failure.”

Honestly, I really enjoyed seeing more of Aspen Creek, and of the pack itself. I knew that wildlings existed (Asil's presence was enough to suggest that), but I certainly didn't know that there were so many.

The dynamics in Burn Bright were intense and so well done. I honestly can't wait to see what Briggs is going to do to the characters in Wild Sign. Only a couple more months!

Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

[MurderByDeath]

I love this series; I love it even more than the Mercy Thompson series.  I think it’s because I find Charles far more interesting than Adam.

Burn Bright ticked all the right boxes for me too; its entire setting was in Aspen Creek, which was a nice change from the previous books, where they were always somewhere new, with a new cast of supporting characters each time.  In Burn Bright,we get more information about the Marrok’s pack, and a smidgen more insight into Bran (some of it I’m not sure I like knowing – tiny bit of ick).  I also enjoyed the small mysteries to solve along the way that aded up to the big plot point – I felt like it kept the pace fast without feeling ridiculous.

Each of the books in this series and the Mercy Thompson series all work together, each one contributing to one of many over-arching plots she’s got developing in this universe.  It makes it impossible to be able to recommend reading this series out of order, or honestly, without reading the Mercy Thompson series as well.  The latter isn’t strictly necessary, but it’ll definitely enhance the reading experience.

[Danielle Ackley-McPhail]

Patricia Briggs never disappoints

This universe is so rich and layered, so well developed. There are no cookie cutter characters leaving you slightly dissatisfied. I love this glimpse into deeper secret crevices of the Marrok's pack. There is beauty in the brokenness. And to grasp the intricacies of this world...how tightly woven, detailed, and interconnected. I am in awe of Ms. Briggs mastery of storytelling.

[Berls]

3.5

It took me a bit to get into this one and I don't know if that's my mental state right now (thanks to COVID-19 and social distancing) or if it's the book. However, I did get into it and there were quite some surprises! I also learned to like Leah a bit more, which was unexpected and nice. I even feel a bit sorry for her. Enjoying this series, but taking a break for a little bit.

[Chelsea]

For some reason I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the others. Maybe because I'm used to Mercy huge, dramatic monsters and this one seemed so subtle. It was still a great addition to the series and I have a feeling it might be leading to something bigger. I liked learing about all the wildlings, it's always exciting to learn more about the Marrok's pack. I was disappointed we didn't get to see much of Bran since he's one of my favourite characters but we did get to see a lot of the other members of his pack which is always exciting. I'm looking forward to seeing what coupld possibly happen next!

[littleread1]

See this and more reviews at Little Read Riding Hood.

I love these books. I love everything about them - the characters, the stories, the world building - everything. They make me happy. 

Charles and Anna are one of my favorite fictional couples. I think part of the reason is because Briggs doesn't write drama for drama's sake in their relationship. They have an understanding and love that just fits them. That doesn't mean they never have misunderstandings or fights, but they don't have what I consider stupid fights. You know the ones I mean. The "I have to make him/her hate me to save their life" fights that always blow up in the character's faces anyway. 

Briggs also makes the side characters complex, with their own stories and backgrounds and motivations, and they are fleshed out in such a way that even though they are not the main characters in the stories, you empathize right along with them - good and bad. 

Burn Bright takes you up into the mountains, where some of the Marrok's more dangerous and fragile pack-mates live. We learn some history and get a bit more depth on some of the characters we've met more or less in passing. We learn a bit more about someone we don't really like, and I feel like a lot of things that happen in this book set up a lot of other things to happen in both the Alpha & Omega series, as well as the interconnected Mercy Thompson series. 

In many series, a book like this would be considered "filler" or would feel like a set-up for a future book, but Burn Bright stands up and reminds us why Charles and Anna is one of the best fictional "ships" currently out there. 3

[Melanie]

My review and an extended sample of the audiobook are posted at Hotlistens.com.

So, this story takes place just after the events in Silence Fallen. Patricia Briggs continues to intertwine these two series even more. Bran is still gone from Aspen Creek with Charles acting as alpha to all the werewolves currently living there. He is also the one to look out for the wildlings. These are the wolves that are too broken to be part of the pack, but not bad enough that they have to be put down. Many of them are close to that point though.

I continue to love Charles and Anna (yes, I like them better than Mercy and Adam, but not by much, but if i had to choose between the two, I would pick Charles and Anna). I was excited that this story takes place in Aspen Creek, as Charles and Anna tend to travel a lot. It is sad that Bran is gone for most of the story, but he has his reasons. I will say that with Anna around, Charles doesn’t make a bad alpha. He would not make a good one without her. He is just too scary without her.

There is a bunch of action and suspense in this story. Charles and Anna go to investigate a strange call that Charles received from one of the Wildling’s mate. After what happens here (left intentionally vague), they decide that they need to talk to all the wildlings. Leah, Sage, Asil and Juste pair up and try to find all the wildlings to update them.. Tag, the berserker red headed werewolf also plays a large part in the story. It was nice spending times with all of these guys. I also enjoyed meeting the wildlings. They may be broken in werewolf terms, but they were all very interesting characters.

There is one scene where Charles and Anna are talking about Mercy and her time in Aspen Creek as a child. Let me just say, I’m glad that I didn’t have to raise Mercy. The pranks she played were… Well, they were just Mercy. This should not come to a surprise before, because her antics have been mentioned in previous books in both series. But, they always make me laugh out loud.

This book is a real rollercoaster of feels. Patty Briggs had me laughing, crying and on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. She also left me surprised. The time that I get to spend with Leah has me looking at her in a new light. I don’t know of anyone who likes Leah, but I expect to see that change after this book.

Narration
This is tough for me. I love Holter Graham. He has always been the voice of Charles for me. However, in this book, his voices sound different. Now, I didn’t go back to listen to previous books to confirm that, but I know that it sounds different. I noticed mostly with Charles and Bran. I also know that I’m not the only one who thought so. I talked with a few people about while we were all listening together. The narration isn’t bad, just not the same as previous books, which is disappointing. I would still pick the audio over reading.

**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[kimbacaffeinate]

Brilliant, suspenseful and filled with characters that make made me laugh, pull my hair out in frustration and admire the heck out of them. I adore Charles Cornick and Anna Latham. The two have great chemistry and work together perfectly. She is the yin to his yang. Bran has left Charles in charge of his pack and has specifically requested he and Anna stay in his home. Of course, Charles and Anna would prefer to be in their quiet cabin far away from Leah...LOL

When Charles answers Brans' phone he receives a panicked message from one of the Wildlings. The Wildlings are broken or damaged werewolves who live in the mountains of Aspen Creek, Montana. They are close enough for Bran for him to keep an eye on them and provide aid when needed, but a safe distance from the pack and humanity. The tale that unfolds was action-packed and filled with magic as Charles soon discovers the reason for Bran's absence.

Burn Bright delivered tidbits and history as it gave us a closer look at some key characters. Leah had a strong presence and dare I say I warmed up to her? How is that even possible? The Wildlings are an interesting bunch and the murder-mystery that developed was captivating and suspenseful. While the immediate case wrapped up it presented us with a new threat and I am anxious for the next installment. The last few lines of the story left me humming with curiosity. The book also sparked an interest in rereading the Mercy Thompson series as I am curious to see if I pick up on things I hadn't noticed before.

Witchy things, lies, betrayals, ties to main characters' pasts and so much more await you in this addictive tale. Briggs is brilliant and sets the bar high when it comes to urban fantasy. She wears her crown well. Now hurry up and read it, so we can chat. There is so much I want to discuss, but ya know spoilers, darling!

After reading the ARC of Burn Bright, I listened to the audio version, because I love the narrations of Holter Graham. Graham is perfect for this series and brings another level of enjoyment to the story. If you haven't begun the series, I recommend listening.

[EBookObsessed]

I love Patricia Brigg's Alpha & Omega series even more than her Mercy Thompson series. I just love the dynamic of Charles and Anna. That's why I was a bit disappointed in Burn Bright since I felt I didn't get enough of Charles-and-Anna-time  as a chunk of the story splits up their time together.  I had to do an immediate re-read to that I could appreciate the rest of the story.

In Burn Bright, Bran is away after helping to free Mercy (see Silence Fallen). While he is away from the pack, he decides he is going to visit his son Samuel in Africa, leaving Charles in charge of the Aspen Creek pack. Charles gets an emergency call from help from Jonesy, a dangerous fae and mate to one of Bran's werewolf wildings. Bran's pack are mostly the oldest and more unstable werewolves, and the wildings are the worst of them, not able to be in a pack environment. The wildings live in the more uninhabitable areas of the Montana mountains and Bran, Charles, Leah and Asil keep an eye on them since they are so antisocial.

Jonesy indicates that his mate has been captured and to let Bran know there is a traitor in their midst giving out information about the wildings. Charles and Anna go to investigate and help rescue Hester, and come across more than they wanted in the trained merceneries (both human and werewolves) attacking the wildings.

They need to warn all Bran's wildings that there is danger prowling the mountain. Breaking into teams to try and reach all these wolves in their remote locations is their only choice but it also leaves them more vulnerable to attack, and not just from the merceneries. These individuals are secluded because they are dangerous and any stranger can set them off. These damaged wolves also seem to have a very odd reaction to Anna's Omega nature.

The plot twists and turns and we learn there might be more to Bran's disappearance than just an ill-timed vacation, such that could bring an end to the peace at Aspen Creek.

I was very happy to find this series in the Mercy Thompson world. Anna was an abused woman, forced to become a werewolf. Charles helped rescue her and although he is more then able and willing to protect Anna, he forces himself to step back and allow Anna to find her own way, ready to catch her if she falls, but knowing that she needs to develop her own sense of worth after the physical and sexual abuse she suffered.

It is this dynamic and the great differences in their personalities which I enjoy so much and seeing how their relationhip changes both of them. Anna is a survivor and learning to trust and open up to people again and Charles, who as the enforcer of the werewolf laws keeps to himself most of the time, now he has Anna and he needs to learn to share himself with her and how much he has changed to have someone besides his father and brother who he is close to.

Saying all that, my first read of the story left me disappointed with Burn Bright after waiting almost three years for a new Alpha & Omega story. Mostly because a chunk of the story requires Charles and Anna to split up and overall, I didn't get enough Charles and Anna time. Leah who likes to cause trouble with Bran's sons out of jealousy, made sure to send Anna with Asil to do some investigating and sent Charles with Sage. She did this knowing it would bother Charles, but it mostly just bothered me. It was a necessary plot point to change up the dynimics.

Upon my second read of the story, I could focus on all the great story points and those twist and turns that I mentioned before that would have made the story so engrossing the first time if I could have punched Leah out and kept Charles and Anna together.

Happenings in this story also cause Anna some flashbacks to her time of abuse and I don't think that was addressed enough.

There was a lot of plot points to cover in the story and because of that it was a little too convenient that they tripped over all the necessary information they needed without spending days searching.  I would have simply been happy with a "of course, it was the last place they looked..." or "after spending half a day knocking on doors, they finally..."  We didn't have to waste too much page time, but we also didn't need to find what we were looking for in the first place we stopped.

Where Mercy Thompson is told mostly in the first person perspective. Alpha & Omega bounces between Charles and Anna.  I really like the dynamic of these two characters and how they are so different but make a perfect compliment to one another.   I also love Bran, who is noticably absent from this story.