Janice Y. (jai) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 310 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 28
I got this book because of Patricia Briggs who is on my buy list for her Mercy Thompson series. Her story here "Alpha and Omega" is an introduction to a new series she will be releasing which is set in the same world as Mercy Thompson. This anthology contains 4 stories including the Briggs one. I liked the first 3 stories.
"Alpha and Omega" - Briggs' contribution was more romance heavy than I expected - in the Mercy books the romance is much less of a focus. Still, well written and engaging and I will look for the continuing series with these characters.
"Buying Trouble" - I liked Chance's short story better than her Cassandra Palmer novels because it felt like there was a little less rushing around than in those books - more pausing time between the action. Also set in the same world as Cassandra Palmer's but with other characters. Some mild humor I enjoyed.
"Inhuman" - I was impressed by Wilks. I'd never read anything by her before and I could not tell it had anything to do with a series (it's set in the same Lupi world as her series), unlike the rest of the stories in this anthology. I thought the world building was subtle and the story had a relaxed pace.
Sunny's "Mona Lisa Betwining" - I did not like it. I skimmed, and actually stopped short at a âCrammingly soâ line and spent a few moments wondering about what the author was thinking writing that. This felt like just a continuation of the Monere series, not just a story set in the same world, and had spoilers for book 2! Also I thought that any time that Mona Lisa has a problem (mental, physical, whatever), the solution always seems to be - have sex. I think the point was to introduce Lucinda, a character that will have her own series, but that encounter felt forced and oddly out of context.
"Alpha and Omega" - Briggs' contribution was more romance heavy than I expected - in the Mercy books the romance is much less of a focus. Still, well written and engaging and I will look for the continuing series with these characters.
"Buying Trouble" - I liked Chance's short story better than her Cassandra Palmer novels because it felt like there was a little less rushing around than in those books - more pausing time between the action. Also set in the same world as Cassandra Palmer's but with other characters. Some mild humor I enjoyed.
"Inhuman" - I was impressed by Wilks. I'd never read anything by her before and I could not tell it had anything to do with a series (it's set in the same Lupi world as her series), unlike the rest of the stories in this anthology. I thought the world building was subtle and the story had a relaxed pace.
Sunny's "Mona Lisa Betwining" - I did not like it. I skimmed, and actually stopped short at a âCrammingly soâ line and spent a few moments wondering about what the author was thinking writing that. This felt like just a continuation of the Monere series, not just a story set in the same world, and had spoilers for book 2! Also I thought that any time that Mona Lisa has a problem (mental, physical, whatever), the solution always seems to be - have sex. I think the point was to introduce Lucinda, a character that will have her own series, but that encounter felt forced and oddly out of context.
Laurie O. (LolasBDIs) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on
Helpful Score: 11
I read anthologies expecting to get four or five completely self-contained, stand alone stories. The only one that really fit my expectations in this book was Karen Chance's story.
Two of them, by Briggs and Wilks, are teasers for novels due out later this year, even concluding with a statement something like "read more of their story in......" I felt a little lost reading Sunny's story as well - I've never read anything by her before.
The stories were all ok, but I've got a subscription service that sends me book excerpts five times a week. I don't need them in a book I pick up for an easy read.
Two of them, by Briggs and Wilks, are teasers for novels due out later this year, even concluding with a statement something like "read more of their story in......" I felt a little lost reading Sunny's story as well - I've never read anything by her before.
The stories were all ok, but I've got a subscription service that sends me book excerpts five times a week. I don't need them in a book I pick up for an easy read.
Elizabeth B. (libra2o5) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 10
I've only read the Patricia Briggs story from this collection, but it was fantastic. After encountering the "see more!" tag at the end of the story, I thought the story must be the first few chapters of the Anna & Charles book, "Cry Wolf." Not so, I discovered. In fact, "Cry Wolf" picks up right where the short story leaves off, and I found the novel much easier to understand after having read the short story. I recommend that anyone planning to read "Cry Wolf" check out this story first.
Amanda F. (Cissa) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 40 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
I enjoyed all but Sunny's contribution. It was rather annoying that 2 of the other 3 were effectively teasers for upcoming books... but they were enjoyable enough that I didn't mind too much, and I may even check out those series; the worlds are interesting.
I really disliked Sunny's contribution, though. Way too much sex; too cliched sex; a convoluted and, I suspect, ill-thought-out world; these equal not-a winner for me. The comparison to L.K. Hamilton, in that sense, was completely fair... and if you like LKH, you may like Sunny. I don't, either of them.
I really disliked Sunny's contribution, though. Way too much sex; too cliched sex; a convoluted and, I suspect, ill-thought-out world; these equal not-a winner for me. The comparison to L.K. Hamilton, in that sense, was completely fair... and if you like LKH, you may like Sunny. I don't, either of them.
Robin W. (Dalmador95) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
I didn't mind that the Briggs and Wilks stories were teasers for upcoming novels (I'd read the reviews and knew this was the case). In fact, I've put the novels they are teasers for on my reminder list. And I would read something by Karen Chance if it dealt with the Fey and dragon character introduced here. I didn't like the Sunny story, too stiff (if that's not too much a pun) for me.
Sue L. (VampireRat) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 83 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Eileen WIlks and Patricia Briggs offer stories that are lead-ins to new novel series (Wilkes: Lupi - Anna & Charles; Briggs: Alpha & Omega). I did not mind this and, since I had not previously read anything by Wilks, it was a great intro to her work. I've already ordered some of her other novels. Briggs upcoming book, CRY wolf, begins the new Alpha & Omega novel series.
Karen Chance's piece has more of a lighter fantasy feel to it. That's OK, but would not make for a novel that would keep me "I don't want to put it down" involved. It also has some great humor in it.
Sunny's piece feels like I started in the middle and never got to the end. I didn't like the unfinished feeling and it was all sex with abrupt transitions to little bits of narrative. Disappointing.
Karen Chance's piece has more of a lighter fantasy feel to it. That's OK, but would not make for a novel that would keep me "I don't want to put it down" involved. It also has some great humor in it.
Sunny's piece feels like I started in the middle and never got to the end. I didn't like the unfinished feeling and it was all sex with abrupt transitions to little bits of narrative. Disappointing.
Anne (booklover6) -
Helpful Score: 1
The Patricia Briggs story is a must read. It was extremely good. the Karen Chance story was good and I look forward to reading more of her work. The Wilks story was ok. I could not finish the Sunny story.
Elizabeth R. (reidwifemommy) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 67 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
While I enjoyed the series I was upset that the first 2 were stories to be continued in books that will be released in 2008. I felt cheated by the publisher as after engaging me in the stories I am now required to purchase four additional books if I want to continue with the storylines.
This book is a ad. The full stories are told in Night Season by Eileen Wilks. Charles and Anna's story by Patricia Briggs has no title by is put out by Ace books in 08. I suppose the swapping of this book lessens the blow as I had not paid the full publishers price of $7.99.
This book is a ad. The full stories are told in Night Season by Eileen Wilks. Charles and Anna's story by Patricia Briggs has no title by is put out by Ace books in 08. I suppose the swapping of this book lessens the blow as I had not paid the full publishers price of $7.99.
Cristyane L. (sissy00) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Alpha and Omega by Patrica Briggs was absolutally fantastic shy of the fact that you get so incredibly involved in the story and i fell victim to exactly what the publisher wanted you to do, which is to run out and buy her continuation "cry wolf".
Inhuman by Eileen Wilks was also incredibly enjoyable. I have never read anything by any of the authors except for Karenn Chance so i had no idea what to expect and was pleasently surprised to be enjoying the book thus far, I was a little confused at this one seeming to be another sneak peak, especially when i looked it up online and found out its a sneak peak for what apears to be the 4th book in her Lupi series???.... but either way it is a fantastic little tail that is refreshing and doesnt sound like a copy cat world like some authers have a tendancy to do.
Buying Trouble by Karen Chance was impressive as always keeping my nose steadily in the book. It was very similar to her Casandra Palmer charecter but different enough that it was still refreshing, loved the ending!
Mona Lisa wining by Sunny.....well sigh....like so many others i really just couldnt get into it....I have never read anything by her and i was rather confused and disapointed, since i literally had to go to the book store and buy Cry Wolf and requested other books by Eileen Wilks just from their wonderful samplings in this book i was Very surprised that i have no desire to read one of the other books that i have by Sunny.
All in all On the Prowl is a must read! Just expect that you will be craving more from most if not all of these authors :-)
Inhuman by Eileen Wilks was also incredibly enjoyable. I have never read anything by any of the authors except for Karenn Chance so i had no idea what to expect and was pleasently surprised to be enjoying the book thus far, I was a little confused at this one seeming to be another sneak peak, especially when i looked it up online and found out its a sneak peak for what apears to be the 4th book in her Lupi series???.... but either way it is a fantastic little tail that is refreshing and doesnt sound like a copy cat world like some authers have a tendancy to do.
Buying Trouble by Karen Chance was impressive as always keeping my nose steadily in the book. It was very similar to her Casandra Palmer charecter but different enough that it was still refreshing, loved the ending!
Mona Lisa wining by Sunny.....well sigh....like so many others i really just couldnt get into it....I have never read anything by her and i was rather confused and disapointed, since i literally had to go to the book store and buy Cry Wolf and requested other books by Eileen Wilks just from their wonderful samplings in this book i was Very surprised that i have no desire to read one of the other books that i have by Sunny.
All in all On the Prowl is a must read! Just expect that you will be craving more from most if not all of these authors :-)
Medina P. (Mischtook) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on
Helpful Score: 1
I read "On The Prowl" and it has a short story in it that made Patricia Briss' book "Cry Wolf" make a lot more sense to me.
Melissa (readermuse) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 96 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This anthology was highly recommended and I can see why. It is a very good read. It is also a must to read for the introduction to the Alpha and Omega series. One I am now anxious to start. I also enjoyed the stories Inhuman and Buying Trouble. Inhuman's characters also continues in another series. Anthologies are a great way to introduce yourself to some great writers.
Kathy J. (chocorose) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 149 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I got this book for the first story; Alpha and Omega by Patricia Briggs. I was confused when I went to the bookstore and found that the same characters from this short story were one in the same from her newly released book Cry Wolf. Why is it that we have to get two books to read about the same characters? Still confused about that. I did enjoy the short story and will be reading the full book.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading her Mercy Thompson books and I'm anxiously awaiting the next one in that series.
Her writing style is very easy to read for me.
The second short story Inhuman by Eileen Wilks was not keeping me interested enough to read it. I read about 50 pages (really tried to give it a chance to grab my interest); to no avail. Had to move forward to the next story.
The third story is Buying Trouble by Karen Chance. She tends to write a lot of action and I find it a bit difficult to keep up with her at times. I do like her characters; very quirky.
The fourth and final story is Mona Lisa Betwining by Sunny. This is the first time I've read anything by her and I have to say that I wasn't thrilled with this author. I found that characters seemed to be thrust at you and (I believe) that unless you have read her previous book(s), you really aren't able to follow this storyline very well.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading her Mercy Thompson books and I'm anxiously awaiting the next one in that series.
Her writing style is very easy to read for me.
The second short story Inhuman by Eileen Wilks was not keeping me interested enough to read it. I read about 50 pages (really tried to give it a chance to grab my interest); to no avail. Had to move forward to the next story.
The third story is Buying Trouble by Karen Chance. She tends to write a lot of action and I find it a bit difficult to keep up with her at times. I do like her characters; very quirky.
The fourth and final story is Mona Lisa Betwining by Sunny. This is the first time I've read anything by her and I have to say that I wasn't thrilled with this author. I found that characters seemed to be thrust at you and (I believe) that unless you have read her previous book(s), you really aren't able to follow this storyline very well.
S. I. (RedHeadDread) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 43 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The first story in this anthology is by far the strongest and most interesting. You don't need to have read the Mercy Thompson books by Briggs, which are also very good and set in this same world, to appreciate it. I look forward to reading more about these characters, when the book featuring them is published.
The second and third stories by Eileen Wilks and Karen Chance would have been improved had they been longer, IMO. They both felt like introductions to characters who are going to end up with their own series, but the pacing was rushed to fit the short story format. In a longer format they might have been more successful, but I enjoyed the premises of both despite their flaws. If I run across the follow-up books the authors are no doubt writing, I would consider checking them out.
The last story is part of Sunny's Mona Lisa series. This is the second story from that series I have read, both in anthologies, and each time I have felt like Sunny really, *really*, REALLY wants to be Laurell K. Hamilton when she grows up. Her stories have all the strengths and all the flaws of Hamilton's work, and a number of similar plot twists. The Mona Lisa series is not plagiarism, but is clearly *heavily* inspired by the Anita Blake (and, to a lesser extent, Merry Gentry) books. I just can't recommend a mediocre knockoff of a series that is so far from its peak and showing no sign of recovering.
The second and third stories by Eileen Wilks and Karen Chance would have been improved had they been longer, IMO. They both felt like introductions to characters who are going to end up with their own series, but the pacing was rushed to fit the short story format. In a longer format they might have been more successful, but I enjoyed the premises of both despite their flaws. If I run across the follow-up books the authors are no doubt writing, I would consider checking them out.
The last story is part of Sunny's Mona Lisa series. This is the second story from that series I have read, both in anthologies, and each time I have felt like Sunny really, *really*, REALLY wants to be Laurell K. Hamilton when she grows up. Her stories have all the strengths and all the flaws of Hamilton's work, and a number of similar plot twists. The Mona Lisa series is not plagiarism, but is clearly *heavily* inspired by the Anita Blake (and, to a lesser extent, Merry Gentry) books. I just can't recommend a mediocre knockoff of a series that is so far from its peak and showing no sign of recovering.
Melinda E. (SoCaliGirl) -
Helpful Score: 1
Wow! What a good book. Every story left me wanting more. I will look up more works by the same authors.
Jan S. (phoenix49) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 31 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through! I ordered it originally for the Alpha and Omega story by Patricia Briggs but Loved the entire book!
Kelly J. (KellitaJ) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 550 more book reviews
This is a wonderful compilation of stories, which caused me to buy who books from all authors. A great keeper!
Barbara B. (catbookmom) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 52 more book reviews
I bought this to read the beginning of the Anna Latham and Charles Cornick story, which is set in the same alter-verse as Briggs' Mercedes Thompson series. The stories by Eileen Wilks and Karen Chance were good ones and tempt me to get into the stories that follow. Sunny's story is bad; I quit reading partway through. Interesting to me that the quality of the stories declines in just the order they're included.
Rachel A. (ra7) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 1026 more book reviews
Alpha and Omega by Patricia Briggs 5*
Introduction to this spin-off series and I'm hooked (once again)! I just really enjoy P Briggs writing. Also thanks to those reviews that said to read the FIRST before starting Cry Wolf. So far more romance heavy than Mercy (but I've only read through the 3rd book, Iron Kissed).
Inhuman- Eileen Wilks 2*
A bit confusing to get into as I haven't read anything else in this series/world.
Buying Trouble- Karen Chance 4*
Action! Romance!
Mona Lisa Betwining- Sunny 2*
Eh. Read Anne Bishop's Dark Jewels series. It's similar enough to this one (and so much better)
Introduction to this spin-off series and I'm hooked (once again)! I just really enjoy P Briggs writing. Also thanks to those reviews that said to read the FIRST before starting Cry Wolf. So far more romance heavy than Mercy (but I've only read through the 3rd book, Iron Kissed).
Inhuman- Eileen Wilks 2*
A bit confusing to get into as I haven't read anything else in this series/world.
Buying Trouble- Karen Chance 4*
Action! Romance!
Mona Lisa Betwining- Sunny 2*
Eh. Read Anne Bishop's Dark Jewels series. It's similar enough to this one (and so much better)
Paige M. (pg-mack) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on
Contains "Alpha and Omega," the origin story for the Alpha and Omega series. Also, "Buying Trouble" follows a side character from the Dorina Basarab (author Karen Chance) series. Great book if you're a fan of either of those series.
Rebecca H. (Rebemdee) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on
I didn't dislike the Sunny story as much as I usually don't like her writing, but it still seems juvenile and sex driven, without a real plot other than to drive the sex, and I don't read the novels. Sunny's writing is sort of like paranormal porno. The other stories were fun and interesting, although two of them were definitely promos for upcoming books.
Margaret T. reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 9 more book reviews
I'm not a fan of anthologies, but I bought this book because of Patricia Briggs. I am so glad I did! Loved the story by Briggs, but I was so intrigued by Eileen Wilks story that I bought her paranormal romance series. Love her Lupi books. I enjoyed Karen Chance's story enough that I bought a couple of her books as well. Not too fond of Sunny's story, though. I've never been able to get through it.
Sharon H. (grannysharon) -
...is how I felt reading authors that were new to me. I'm a HUGE fan of Patricia Briggs and after reading this book now a big fan of Eileen Wilks, Karen Chance and Sunny.
Each story was completely different and each story kept me up at night finishing them (until my husband said "honey, please turn off the light--I have to go to work in 2 hours!") often heading back to the sofa to give my poor huaband some darkness to sleep.
My personal fav was Mona Lisa Betwining by Sunny. It featured a new "creature" and a new bump in the night to make me sleep with a 9mm under my pillow. I don't know why I should feel safe, it probably wouldn't even hurt a child of the moon.
Each story was completely different and each story kept me up at night finishing them (until my husband said "honey, please turn off the light--I have to go to work in 2 hours!") often heading back to the sofa to give my poor huaband some darkness to sleep.
My personal fav was Mona Lisa Betwining by Sunny. It featured a new "creature" and a new bump in the night to make me sleep with a 9mm under my pillow. I don't know why I should feel safe, it probably wouldn't even hurt a child of the moon.
Kay K. (quaker) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 123 more book reviews
Im giving this 4 stars for Alpha and Omega cause I loved it... I love all of Patricia's books... the other 3 sucked!!!!!
Glenna G. (keno) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 869 more book reviews
loved the book! i found another fav author!! sunny is great! read the other books in order and you will see why!!mona lisa rocks!!
glenna
glenna
Christine H. (solarawynn) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 724 more book reviews
I really enjoyed all of the stories.
Debbie C. (Froglover) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 384 more book reviews
4 stories by 4 authors. All very good with a paranorman theme.
Lynn D. (mamalynn) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 40 more book reviews
Enjoyed all the books. I read Patricia Briggs and love her Mercy Thompson stories so much. The other authors were new to me but I found their stories very interesting and I probably will look up some of their other works to read.
Lenna W. (bratz54) -
I read most of the other stories but I mainly got this book for the P. Briggs story. The other stories are all right but they never appealed to me. I would rate A & O- 5 stars but not the whole book.
Corky W. (cky15) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 254 more book reviews
I liked this book found it on the library for sale shelf - yeah...
Karen K. (krin) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 407 more book reviews
I enjoyed these stories of paranormal romance. Each one introduced me to new characters and I look forward to learning more about Claire, Anna, Kai and Mona Lisa.
Nancy M. (imnellen) reviewed On the Prowl: Alpha and Omega / Inhuman / Buying Trouble / Mona Lisa Betwining on + 246 more book reviews
This book has great short stories- I really enjoyed them all. Worth the read.
