On the Prowl [Libro de bolsillo]

If it weren't for the last story by Sunny, I would rate all the stories in this anthology as 5 stars. I'm not sure who made the decision to include her in this book, but it felt completely out of place.

"Alpha and Omega" by Patricia Briggs, was great start to this anthology. I've read the first 2 paranormal books in this world by Briggs, and they are wonderful reads. However, you don't have to read those books to understand this short story. Anna, is an Omega werewolf, whose introduction to the werewolf world has been through several years of hell. Witnessing something that she's knows she's not supposed to, Anna places a call to a higher lupine authority. Charles, an enforcer gets dispatched to her to investigate the problems in her area. The story was really bitter sweet because of all the abuse Anna had been through. Although the plot wraps up in the end, the relationship between Charles and Anna is still uncertain. I will be looking forward to their book.

"Inhuman" by Eileen Wilks, was another great read. Someone is impersonating Kai, and draining gifted people of blood and energy. Nathan, a cop, who has his own gifted secrets, is out to prove Kai's innocence and that maybe friendship isn't what he needs from Kai. I've read the first 3 books and most of Wilks anthology stories, and this book makes some vague references to some of the events that have happened in the other books, but the story is completely stand alone as well. The plot also wraps up well, and indicates that a book will continue their relationship.

"Buying Trouble" by Karen Chance, was a surprise for me. I bought her first book, "Taking a Chance" when it first came out, but could never get in the mood for it beyond the first chapter, so I never finished. After this short story, I will have to dig that out and finish it. This was perhaps my favorite of all the stories. Claire, a Null, someone who can nullify magic users is working at an auction house to keep the crowd in line for the upcoming bidding, not realizing that she may be one of the items up for sale. Heidar, a Light Elf, has come to bid on an item but he wouldn't mind making a bid for Claire as well. When a riot erupts, Claire and Heidar, get thrown into a difficult situation, and she finds out more about herself that might prove all her insecurities correct. This was a great humorous read. I was disappointed that there was not indication whether their story would continue on in its own book. I would have loved reading about Claire's adventure further.

"Mona Lisa Betwining" by Sunny, made me glad I have never picked up any of her books despite some of the great reviews she's received on her books. The story was not stand alone, so I was completely baffled by the world and characters. In addition, the type of story it was felt inappropriate compared to all the previous stories. The other stories were slightly more paranormal fiction than romance. Sunny's story was all about sex, and non-monogamous ones that that. I couldn't understand the point of the story, because there wasn't enough characterization it made all of the heroine's action and thoughts unmeaningful. It was a horrible story, no plot, and awful characters. This was the only story I would rate 0 stars.

Even though all the stories except for Sunny's deserved a 5 star, I rated this as 4, just because Sunny's took a star away from being included.

Though I really like 2 of the authors of the stories in this compilation, I was extremely displeased by this "book". The first two stories ended with "if you want to read the end of this story, buy ... book". GRRR. This takes "series" fic to a more insane level.

The stories themselves are a mix.

Briggs rocks (as usual). This story takes place in the Moon Called universe, with a side character from there and answers as to where the sold weres came from in book 1. It is a good standalone, though, except for the big old "to be continued" at the close.

I'm not a big fan of Eileen Wilks writing, but this is an introduction to her Temting Danger series. It is also the opening to a new book, only half told here. There was too much trite political commentary for my taste. (making the "gifted" register in Texas and comparing it to Nazi Germany? A thinly veiled Trent Lott as the big bad politician? please. Tell a story, not your politics.)

The Chance story is the best standalone, I think, though it links with her Touch the Dark series. And it is a good, solid story. Probably the best of this batch. Her universe is very complex, but her story telling is quite riveting. And her characters just ooze with sensuality. She gets her point across without all the tab a slot b stuff. unlike...

Sunny who writes thinly veiled porn. This stuff would make Laurell Hamilton blush, and that's saying something. Jeezum Crow. The story was, again, the middle of her universe that begins with Mona Lisa Awakening. It seems like it might be a decent story, but mostly just sex. And that's not for me.

This book was given to me. I'd read two of the authors before and liked them (see other reviews). I'd skimmed the other two and passed. This did give me the benefit of knowing I'd passed on them for a reason. But boy, I don't like seeing "if you want to see the end of this story, look for the book in August 2008!"

GRRRR

(*)>

I bought this 4 novella edition for the Patricia Briggs story and was delighted to discover that each of the four contributors' offerings was well-written and interesting.

"Alpha and Omega", the first story by Patricia Briggs, is part of the back-story of her first Mercedes Thompson novel, "Moon Called." Charles, the Marrok (chief werewolf of the US) son and executioner, is called to Chicago when the Marrok discovers that one of the Chicago Alphas has sold werewolves to humans for experimentation. While this Alpha finds a corrupt packleader, he also finds an Omega Wolf in Anna, a young female werewolf who aids him in his investigation. I'm really looking forward to reading more about this pair. In just a few short pages, Ms. Briggs brought a character to life and gave her a reason to fight.

"Inhuman" by Eileen Wilks, deals with a time where the magic current have shifted stranding a Hellhound on Earth during Elizabethan times. He's now shifted fully to human form and works as a lawman. When he discovers a chameleon has come through the vales to this world, he must contact the Faery Queen he's lieged to--but in doing so, he risks his newfound love. This is my first exposure to Ms. Wilks' work and will not be my last. She writes very evocatively.

"Buying Trouble" by Karen Chance introduces us to Claire, who'd like a divorce from her family, but they try to sell her instead. She escapes the auction house with a Lord of the Fey and discovers her true identity. This is actually my favorite of what I've read by Ms. Chance. The story's funny ironic edge is definitely appealing.

"Mona Lisa Betwining" is by Sunny, who is a totally new author to me. Mona Lisa, the new Queen of the Monere in Mississippi must answer for the death of the former Queen. Additionally, she must deal with a lot of intricate sexual issues. This is a beautifully written story but explicit and erotic in content--may not be suitable for younger readers.

What I like about these types of collections is that for a small investment per author, you get a taste of their work. Anthologies have introduced me to some of my favorite authors.