REVIEW Wild Sign (Alpha and Omega #6) by Patricia Briggs

Wild Sign (Alpha and Omega #6) 

by Patricia Briggs
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: March 16, 2021
Format: Audiobook (Personal Library)
Publisher: Ace

Check out my review of the second book in the series, Hunting Ground

Check out my review of the fifth book in the series, Burn Bright

If you’re familiar with the previous books in the Alpha and Omega series as well as the Mercy Thompson series, you’ll know that one of the most dysfunctional and unconventional relationships in the books is that of Bran Cornick and his mate Leah. Patricia Briggs’ Wild Sign, the latest book in the Alpha and Omega series, takes readers through an exploration of their relationship, as well as into Leah’s past before changing and becoming the mate of the Marrok. 

One of my favorite parts of the series has always been Charles and Anna’s relationship, and their chemistry holds strong in this book. They are a great team, and their strengths help to balance each other out. This sits in contrast to Leah and Bran’s relationship, which only works because of their wolves. Charles and Anna also have some cute moments interspersed between the action, like when Charles (the bogeyman of the North American werewolves) starts pouting because Anna is covering her freckles with make-up. Their relationship plays a big part in how others interact with them - for example, Tag is only more playful with Charles when Anna is around to mellow him out. Anna’s presence also allows regular humans to be more comfortable with Charles and how much dominance he naturally exudes in any given situation. Simply put, Charles is the muscle and the powerhouse in their relationship while Anna is the people person and the calming presence. 

Similar to many of the other books in the series, Charles and Anna have a mystery to solve in determining what happened to those who were living on the land Leah formerly called home. This turns into somewhat of a redemption arc for Leah, as readers get to see why she’s been such a bitch in the past and what exactly makes their relationship so dysfunctional. However, it also borders on a horror story because of how the villain operates in the world (please see the trigger warnings below for more clarity). While Leah was redeemed a bit in my eyes, Bran’s character went down in my estimation as he is responsible for a large part of Leah’s emotional turmoil over the last two centuries. Both Anna and Charles called him on it though, so I hope that will be addressed in future installments of the series (or possibly a short story). 

Holter Graham once again did an excellent job bringing Anna, Charles, and Leah’s perspectives to life in the audiobook narration. It’s uncommon for male voice actors to voice both genders as well, and he seemingly did it with ease. His performance set the tone of the story well, and added another layer of depth to each of the characters. It’s gotten to the point where I hear his voice narrating the book even if I’m reading the print version. If you are an audiobook fan, you’ll be in for a treat with this book. 

Urban fantasy and paranormal readers who are looking for a book with great world building, a well-developed set of main characters and ensemble cast, and a mystery bordering on a tale from a horror movie at the center of the story should definitely pick up the latest book in the Alpha and Omega series as soon as possible. As much as I love the Mercy Thompson series, it’s a bummer that the next Alpha and Omega book won’t be out till 2024. This book ends on a cliffhanger, and reveals some major changes that will have ripple effects in the larger Mercy Thompson universe. I’m counting down the days until I can see what happens next!

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Miscarriage, Sexual Assault, Violence, References to Child Trafficking, Incest, Mind Control, Animal Death

About the Book

Mated werewolves Charles Cornick and Anna Latham must discover what could make an entire community disappear — before it's too late — in this thrilling entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling Alpha and Omega series.

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

About the Author

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.