Steel Rain

Mated werewolves Charles and Anna Cornick must withstand the deadly magic of the Wild Hunt in this haunting entry in #1 New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs’s Alpha and Omega series.

Something dangerous has been stirring in the Olympic Peninsula, but that’s not unusual. The rainforest has been attracting the attention of the supernatural denizens of the Pacific Northwest since before the first Western settlers appeared on the shores of North America.

But this time, that stirring is . . . convenient.

Charles and Anna Cornick have been tasked with keeping Charles’s brother’s child safe and hidden. But keeping a baby who is obviously of fae and werewolf descent secret is no easy charge. They need to give the infant an origin story that doesn’t involve family.

While Charles’s father, the Marrok, and his mate protect the baby, Charles and Anna travel to the Washington coastline. But the forest is old, and its shadows are deep. To survive, Anna must bargain with elemental powers, and Charles must dig deep into the treacherous heritage he has long suppressed.

For ancient magic is rising, and the woods ring out with the call of the Horn of the Wild Hunt.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs