Dead Heat
Author: Patricia Briggs
Reviewer: Gikany & Una
Rating: A+
What We’re Talking About:
Dead Heat is the fourth book in the phenomenal Alpha and Omega series. We were stunned by the tightness of this story and how seemly different elements were used to weave a gripping and pathos-rich story together.
Three years have passed since Charles and Anna mated. They have grown together as a couple and we have loved their journey, though it is far from over. After the revelations made at the end of the last novel, Fair Game, we wondered what was next. Ms. Briggs did not disappoint. Charles and Anna are still growing as a couple and as a team. We enjoyed how well they work together now. Charles trusts his mate to be careful and call him when she needs him, and Charles is working at being more open and honest with Anna. However, a new conflict is brewing between the couple. Anna wants to have a child, but Charles is unwilling to even discuss the idea.
While on a trip to purchase Anna a new horse for her birthday, Charles and Anna interrupt a fae plot to kill the local alpha’s daughter-in-law and grandchildren. The fae is preying on children and Charles and Anna must figure out who he is and how they can stop him. As the novel unfolds the three main parts of the novel (horses, Anna’s desire for children, and the evil fae) seem completely unrelated. These three elements are woven together so seamlessly it is difficult to think of how the story could have progressed without them. The investigation of the fae’s plot helps Anna learn more about Charles and his reluctance to have children.
Although there are several horse interludes, they are not overwhelming. This element provided an interesting backdrop to the story and some really funny stories of Charles and Joseph’s past, helping to give much needed background between them. It was really well done as a common thread holding other portions of the novel together.
Overall, we think that Dead Heat is the best Alpha and Omega novel so far! The writing is tight, the story is gripping, and the themes poignant. If you haven’t read this series and you enjoy urban fantasy, you seriously need to get to it. This series is a must read from the beginning.
Our Rating: A+ Personal Favorite
About the Book:
For once, mated werewolves Charles and Anna are not traveling because of Charles’s role as his father’s enforcer. This time, their trip to Arizona is purely personal, as Charles plans to buy Anna a horse for her birthday. Or at least it starts out that way…
Charles and Anna soon discover that a dangerous Fae being is on the loose, replacing human children with simulacrums. The Fae’s cold war with humanity is about to heat up—and Charles and Anna are in the cross fire.
Release Date: March 3, 2015
Publisher: Ace
Series: Alpha and Omega #4
ISBN: #978-0425256756
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Hardcover (336 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Publisher/NetGalley
Purchase Info:
Dead Heat (Alpha & Omega #4)
Reviews in the Series:
Alpha & Omega by Patricia Briggs (Alpha & Omega #0.5)
Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs (Alpha & Omega #1)
Fair Game by Patricia Briggs (Alpha & Omega #3)
The horse bits bored me a bit, good thing it wasn’t overly long. I agree with you on this being the best novel in the series. I cried when Joseph died! The way it happened and his last words just tore my heart!
The depth of emotion on this one was staggering. Gikany and I inhaled it. I can’t wait to reread this one again. Glad you enjoyed it as well.
I’ve come to like A&O series better than Mercy Thompson. I just love Charles and Anna. Each story is better than the previous. I really enjoyed seeing Charles help people instead of killing them. Glad to see him continuing to go down that path.
Then you are going to really love this one….enjoy!
I just skimmed this review, because I’m going to pick it up this weekend. It’s my treat for a long, busy week. Glad this one was a personal favorite and I look forward to catching up with Anna and Charles.
It was really good, hope you enjoy it!
Ahhh love her books. I need to get caught up with this one some day. That’s awesome they’re getting better and better. So few authors can really pull that off.
I find that is true with Ms. Briggs, at least for me and her series. Hope you can get caught up, this series is truly just awesome!
Eeek want want want…but, I have to wait for the PB :/
Although we didn’t mention it in the review, this is my favorite cover so far…we have both Charles and Anna in human form. The bonus, we have their wolfs in their eyes…just so cool!