Review ~ Hunting Ground ~ Patricia Briggs

Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs
Alpha & Omega #2
Release Date: August 25, 2009
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchased ebook on nook
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: Traveling to the Terminus 2015
Goodreads

Synopsis
Anna Latham didn't know how complicated life could be until she became a werewolf. And until she was mated to Charles Cornick, the son - and enforcer - of Bran, the leader of the North American werewolved, she didn't know how dangerous it could be either.

Anna and Charles have just been enlisted to attend a summit to present Bran's controversial proposition: that the wolves should finally reveal themselves to humans. But the most feared Alpha in Europe is dead set against the plan - and it seems like someone else might be too. When Anna is attacked by vampires using pack magic, the kind of power only werewolves should be able to draw on, Charles and Anna must combine their talents to hunt down whoever is behind it all - or risk losing everything...

Hunting Ground is an outstanding follow-up to Cry Wolf. There is so much to love. I enjoyed the interactions between Charles and Anna as they each learn about their bond and an Omega's role. I delighted in delving deeper into the wolf psyche and pack dynamics. And getting more familiar with all the creatures of this world - the vampires, the fae, and the witches, was fascinating. I think the only drawback was the lack of Bran. *winks*

Hunting Ground is mostly set in Seattle, as that's where the summit is being held, and it's a setting I adore. Knowing the places talked about captivated me all the more. This summit is being held so Charles and listen to any issues the European packs may have with Bran taking werewolves public. Meeting some of these alphas made my skin crawl. They're prime examples of why humans would fear werewolves. And all these dominant wolves together in one room? Exciting to say the least. Especially with Anna's presence and her effect on them.

There is some trouble stirred up, on top of the outing issues, that Charles and Anna must try to resolve - especially once Anna is targeted. I enjoyed how Briggs wove in myth, magic, legend, and history into all the action. She didn't shy away from grit or violence which served the story well. In the end, Anna might have figured things out a little too easily but I don't want to take anything away from her intuition and skill. I am captivated watching her come into her own, stretch her mental and physical prowess, and gain confidence. And I adore that Charles is man/wolf enough to stand back as she does and validate her for it. 

Again, I feel like I'm being disloyal to Mercy and Adam but Charles and Anna have a special something that appeals to me. A lot. I'm looking forward to continuing this journey of discovery with them.