Audiobook review: Wild Sign
Set in the autumn, sometime after the previous Mercy Thomson book (Smoke Bitten), Wild Sign takes place primarily in a remote region in the mountains of Northern California. A settlement of peaceful squatters has gone missing, and the FBI reaches out to Bran’s pack for help. When Charles, Anna, and Tag arrive, they realize something ancient has awoken and it’s got dangerous allies. Time is of the essence as the trio works to discover what happened to the residents of Wild Sign while trying to prevent the evil from escaping the woods.
Ms. Briggs’ books suck me in and hold me tight right from the moment the story starts until the very end. Rich in detail and backstory, Wild Sign may be my favorite Alpha and Omega book to date. There is SO MUCH that happens within the context of the story; it’s thrilling to watch all the parts come together and connect with the larger picture. I’m not here to chronicle each event or discuss its significance, and needless to say, this is a not-to-be-missed book for fans of Ms. Briggs’ world.
One of my absolute favorite things about this series is the bond between Charles, Brother Wolf, and Anna. Their relationship continues to deepen and expand as they encounter new situations. I love how Ms. Briggs uses music to describe and define aspects of their love and deep connection. With their bond being disrupted by the mysterious Singer in the Woods, Charles and Brother Wolf must find new ways to reach Anna and keep her safe.
Wild Sign is also very much Leah’s story. While I’ve had my issues with Bran’s mate, I adore that Leah gets her chance to shine on this adventure. We learn much about her tragic backstory, allowing readers to better understand the reasons for her actions over the years. And I love that Anna can and does put Bran in his place. I may still be annoyed with Bran, but his actions in this one give me hope for his future. Leah is truly the backbone of the pack, and now readers will see how much she takes on for her wolves.
The mystery of what happened to the residents of Wild Sign is an engrossing puzzle for Anna, Charles, and Tag. The expanding mythology is interesting, and I like that we are getting to see aspects of the supernatural world outside of fae, vampires, and werewolves. There are thrilling close calls that left me on edge, and the entire story is intense and extremely well-written.
Narration: The story is narrated by series veteran, Holter Graham. The story is primary shared between the alternating third person POVs of Charles and Anna, although from time-to-time listeners get glimpses told from supporting characters. Mr. Graham uses a neutral narrator voice for all POVs, changing it up for dialogue. Overall, his voices are solid and character appropriate, adding in a touch of emotion when needed. I enjoy his slow and purposeful prose, especially his voice of Charles. It’s hypnotic and soothing.
In the end, I throughly enjoyed Wild Sign! The story is exciting and gripping, keeping me engrossed from beginning to end. And the epilogue is everything… As much as I love Mercy, I wish Ms. Briggs would give us another Alpha and Omega next year, because I don’t think I can wait another three years for the next one!
My Ratings
Story: A
Narration: A-
Jen
About the Book:
In the wilds of the Northern California mountains, all the inhabitants of a small town have gone missing. It’s as if the people picked up and left everything they owned behind. Fearing something supernatural might be going on, the FBI taps a source they’ve consulted in the past: the werewolves Charles Cornick and Anna Latham. But Charles and Anna soon find a deserted town is the least of the mysteries they face.
Death sings in the forest, and when it calls, Charles and Anna must answer. Something has awakened in the heart of the California mountains, something old and dangerous — and it has met werewolves before.
Author: Patricia Briggs
Narrator: Holter Graham
Series: Alpha and Omega #6; Mercy Universe #18
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Audiobook Release Date: March 16, 2021
Length: 11 hrs and 24 mins
Source: Penguin Random House Audio
Audio Speed: 1.25x
Purchase info:
Amazon (affilate link)
Reviews in the Series:
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #1)
River Marked by Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #6)
Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #7)
Night Broken by Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #8) – Audiobook Review
Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #9) – Audiobook Review
Silence Fallen by Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #10) – Audiobook Review
Storm Cursed by Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #11) – Audiobook Review
Smoke Bitten by Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #12) – Audiobook Review
Shifting Shadows: A World of Mercy Thompson Anthology – Audiobook Review
Alpha & Omega by Patricia Briggs (Alpha & Omega #0.5) – Audiobook Review
Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs (Alpha & Omega #1) – Audiobook Review
Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs (Alpha & Omega #2) – Audiobook Review
Fair Game by Patricia Briggs (Alpha & Omega #3) – Audiobook Review
Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs (Alpha & Omega #4) – Audiobook Review
Burn Bright by Patricia Briggs (Alpha & Omega #5) – Audiobook Review