Tag Archives: werewolves

Book Review: The Bite (The Bite #1) by Z.W. Taylor

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About the Book:

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When Charlotte escapes her abusive relationship, she flees in the middle of the night with nothing but the cash in her pocket, and the paper map leading her north to Alaska. She sheds her old self along the way―dying her hair, scrubbing off her fake California tan, pawning all the jewelry her ex, Nate, bought her over the years. None of it was worth anything if she couldn’t stay alive.

Alone in the Alaskan forest, Charlotte feels safe at last. Even if she’s lost. Even if she’s only got a burner phone that lost its last bar miles ago, and even if she missed her turn and can’t find the cabin she was promised by a friend. Tucked into a sleeping bag in the backseat of “Ted”―her ancient 4-Runner―she’s finally living life on her own terms.

But that feeling is short-lived. In the middle of the woods, Charlotte’s attacked, brutally, and unforgivingly―and a lone wolf bites her leg. And it’s a bite that will change her life forever.

My Thoughts:

I received an ARC through NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group, W by Wattpad Books in exchange for an honest review.

The Bite is an interesting story set in a world that has both humans and the supernatural. Charlotte, the main protagonist is running from an abusive relationship and goes as far as the Alaskan border to get away. Just as she starts to feel safe, she is attacked in the night and thrust into a world that she did not imagine. Enter in some brooding men and a few who bring life to the group.

I enjoy reading books with supernatural elements to it and this is a good werewolf story. The author even includes vampires and some mentions or hints of other supernatural beings. I enjoyed reading about Charlotte and how she grows as a person. Her story is one of strength and findings herself and she does this in the most unusual circumstances but with a lot of unexpected help. She finds her place among a group of people whom she did not expect to know.

Some parts of the story did confuse me and I did not understand all of the character interactions. Some of the characters were not as well developed as I would have liked and their back stories were not as detailed as they could have been. This made it a little difficult for me to fully get into the story and it took some time to connect with the story and the characters.

However, I am glad that I kept reading the book until the end. I enjoyed it overall and was able to appreciate Charlotte’s journey and everyone who supported her to get there. The story is definitely worth reading and I am looking forward to reading then next book in the series. Fans of the fantasy and supernatural genres and those who love adventure will enjoy this read!

Book Review: Fall of the Harvest Moon by Nina Walker and Kimberly Loth

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My Thoughts:
Fall of the Harvest Moon is the final book in the New World Shifters series by authors Nina Walker and Kimberly Loth. This book picks up where the last one left off and takes us on a fast paced journey towards the conclusion.

We follow Poppy as she navigates becoming a Lycan and deals with the after effects of having killed The King and biting Rhys. So many questions were left unanswered at the end of Book 3 with the clarification and conclusion coming to light in this book. Poppy starts to take control and stand up for herself and the other girls. Rhys is confused and trying to come to terms with a lot of things as well as handle being the alpha. There is also a bigger focus on the romance between the characters and an interesting twist to this equation.

The authors have done a great job in bringing the story together and tying up all loose ends. As a reader, we come away satisfied with the story and the characters and how they end up. This story is fast paced and we see much more action than in the others. In addition to this, we also see a lot of the characters grow into their own and take control of their lives. It is indeed a beautiful journey of four books that the readers will take with these characters whom they will grow to love or hate. But, it is all worth it in the end.

This is a world where werewolves, lycans and other shapeshifters come together and hopefully, eventually live in harmony with the humans. A truly wonderful conclusion to the series, I highly recommend this series and of course this book (if you have read the rest) to all fans of  books in the genres of paranormal romance.

Book Review: Third Spell’s the Charm by Susanna Shore

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About the Book:

“Fire wasn’t exactly the intended outcome of a water spell, but with me, sadly inevitable.”

Phoebe’s new life as a mage hasn’t had an auspicious start. No matter how hard she tries, her spells fail spectacularly. How is she to impress her boss, Archibald Kane, if she keeps setting her hair on fire?

Her problems with magic become trivial when a night out ends with a dead body. The victim has clearly been killed by a vampire, and the evidence points at Phoebe’s housemate Luca.

The leader of London vampires, Morgan Hunt, is convinced Luca is guilty. To prove his innocence, Phoebe and Luca set out to solve the death. Was the victim random, or has an old enemy of Hunt’s returned? And how are they to find the killer when Hunt has done his best to hide his past?

Phoebe is an expert in unearthing old things, but facing a powerful foe would be easier, if she had a hang of her spellcasting too. Luckily she has magical friends she can count on. And maybe the third spell turns out to be the charm after all.

My Thoughts:

Third Spell’s the Charm is the third book in the series which follows Phoebe and her friends on another magic filled adventure. Following the end of the previous book, Phoebe has now discovered her powers and is trying to learn how to perform some basic spells. However her luck is not so great and things go horribly wrong to the extent that a water spell gives out fire instead. This just adds to the hilarity of the situation making it light hearted and fun to read. With a focus on learning to be a spell caster at a much later age than most, Phoebe is having a difficult time keeping up.

As the story progresses, the focus shifts towards the vampires and Phoebe’s attempt to help her friend and housemate Luca who is accused of killing someone. As Phoebe and her friends come together to solve the mystery, they end up in the most unexpected situations. The main recurring theme of the story is on the strength of the friendship the characters share and the faith they have in one another. There is also the element of mystery and anticipation of things to come that are hidden behind the comedy. Since this is a continuation of the series, it was a pleasure to read about the characters and how they grow through each of the books. Though the plot is a predictable in some places, the story overall is well written and makes for a good read!

This is a quick fun filled read which will have the reader in splits half the time even while there is a mystery to solve! This book and the series is definitely worth a try!

Book Review: Rise of the Wild Moon by Nina Walker and Kimberly Loth

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Rise of the Wild Moon is Book 3 in the New World Shifters series by Nina Walker and Kimberly Loth. The book will be released on 18.01.2021.

I was provided with an eARC of the book in exchange for my honest review. Read on to know what I thought about this book.

(Hint: I loved this book and I love the series! The authors have done a magical job!)

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My Thoughts:
I must admit that with each book, the plot only gets better and better! This book picks up where Book 2 left off after the Lycans attack at the festival. Poppy escapes with help from Ryne who also sends Knox with her to take care of her. Having been bitten, Poppy is yet to discover how it will affect her.

In this book, we meet more of the shifters and get to know them better. We get to spend time among the Lycans as Poppy and Knox end up among a group of them. They have their own ways, but seem to be more concerned about the humans and about saving them (or so they say!). Can you truly ever trust anyone and assume that they do not have a secret agenda? This forms the crux of the plot as the story progresses.

As Poppy navigates her way with the Lycans, she ends up with the resistance and meets many of the players involved. We also learn more about the Lycans as Poppy learns to handle the transitions every Moon cycle. Thus ensues a journey to rescue someone and exact revenge while also trying to save the humans from their fate among the werewolves. I enjoyed reading about the various characters and I like how the authors have worked to develop them. They are well rounded and believable. I also like how Poppy grows as a character reaching a point where she takes strong decisions and initiative while also assuming the role of a leader. She is caring and compassionate and this turns out to be the best part of who she is.

I devoured this book in one night, enjoying the story completely and now eagerly waiting for the next book in the series. This is indeed a wonderfully written book with a new spin on the supernatural with a dash of romance that will have the reader hoping for more!

Book Review: Running from the Pack by A J Connor

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About the Book:

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What would you do if the wolves came for you?

A month ago, all I cared about was finding my next party, but then a werewolf bite changed me. Now I’m being hunted by the wolf queen of the south, the fate of the city hangs in the balance, and the hot guy in the local coffee shop is teaching me to fight naked (it’s a wolf thing).

Learning that there are werewolves in the world is amazing, and all I want is to find out more, but it’s hard to relax and enjoy your new body when a tyrant’s out to get your friends. Sure, I could give up on nights out to focus on mastering my powers, but what’s the point in winning if you can’t have fun along the way?

The world’s weirder than I thought, and a lot more dangerous. The question is, do I run from the danger the wolf pack presents, or is it time I learned to stand my ground?

A brand new British urban fantasy series, full of power, politics, and passion, set in the bustling streets of Leeds.

My Thoughts:

Running from the Pack is an urban fantasy fiction story set in the time where werewolves live among humans (in secret) and still thrive. The protagonist is new to the city and only wants to have fun. Little does she know how her life is going to change with just one bite. The story follows her as she discovers and navigates life as a new werewolf and establishes new relationships with people.

I found the writing to be average and the characters pretty one dimensional. I was not able to fully relate to them and the plot. However, I think that the author had a good idea and it could have been executed much better. The tensions between packs and the bonds of friendship that develop are something to note in the book.

Overall I think that this is a one time read for fans of the paranormal fantasy fiction genre. I think that it was not my cup of tea but I am sure it would still be worth reading for many readers out there!

Note: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Lies of the Blood Moon by Nina Walker and Kimberly Loth

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My Thoughts:

Note: I received an ARC from Nina and Kimberly in exchange for an honest review! A huge thanks to them for this opportunity.

Lies of the Blood Moon is Book 2 in the New World Shifters series, coauthored by two wonderful authors! This book picks up where Book 1 ended just after Madame Nova’s death. Poppy, our protagonist, is now a stronger person and suspects that the death was actually murder. Her suspicions grow stronger when another of the girls is killed putting everyone at risk. On the other hand, Ryne is trying to stay away from Poppy and is found to be betrothed to Elle, a Luna Wolf and the new teacher for the girls. Here we are introduced to the protective and jealous side of Poppy, a side I’m guessing even she didn’t know about.

As the plot thickens, we have a whole lot of emotions going around and the authors have done a brilliant job in building up the suspense. No-one is really as they seem and there is more to the people than meets the eye. With the Pink Moon Festival approaching and a few engagements announced, there is a whole lot of drama in this book! I like how the girls are portrayed in this book and the bonds that form, break and reform among all of the characters.

Be prepared to be shocked by the turn of events which leads to an interesting ending that lays a strong foundation for the next book. Though some of the plot is easy to guess, the authors have a few tricks up their sleeves just to throw us off balance. There is romance, action, drama and even death in this well-written sequel that makes the book absolutely worth reading! I am looking forward to the next book and all the events to come.

Book Review: The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh

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About the Book:

New York Times bestselling author Renée Ahdieh returns with a sumptuous, sultry and romantic new series set in 19th century New Orleans where vampires hide in plain sight.

In 1872, New Orleans is a city ruled by the dead. But to seventeen-year-old Celine Rousseau, New Orleans provides her a refuge after she’s forced to flee her life as a dressmaker in Paris. Taken in by the sisters of the Ursuline convent along with six other girls, Celine quickly becomes enamored with the vibrant city from the music to the food to the soirées and—especially—to the danger. She soon becomes embroiled in the city’s glitzy underworld, known as Le Cour des Lions, after catching the eye of the group’s leader, the enigmatic Sèbastien Saint Germain. When the body of one of the girls from the convent is found in the lair of Le Cour des Lions, Celine battles her attraction to him and suspicions about Sèbastien’s guilt along with the shame of her own horrible secret.

When more bodies are discovered, each crime more gruesome than the last, Celine and New Orleans become gripped by the terror of a serial killer on the loose—one Celine is sure has set her in his sights . . . and who may even be the young man who has stolen her heart. As the murders continue to go unsolved, Celine takes matters into her own hands and soon uncovers something even more shocking: an age-old feud from the darkest creatures of the underworld reveals a truth about Celine she always suspected simmered just beneath the surface.

At once a sultry romance and a thrilling murder mystery, master storyteller Renée Ahdieh embarks on her most potent fantasy series yet: The Beautiful.

My Thoughts:

The Beautiful has to be one of the most talked about books! I was quite intrigued by the book cover and premise that I had to pick it up! It is a dark and sultry romance with murder, mystery and thrills all thrown into the mix!

At first, it took some time to get into the book and understand the context and setting. We are introduced to Celine, our main protagonist, a very strong-willed woman who keeps her own council and is not afraid to speak up. At first we see her struggling to conform to the rules of the convent where she has been taken in in New Orleans, having fled from Paris. However, she catches the eye of first Odette and then Sèbastien Saint Germain, all part of a group simply known as Le Cour des Lions. Little does she know that she has stepped into a completely different world, shrouded in darkness and surrounded by the dead, quite literally!

A very well written tale, the setting of New Orleans is very well described, especially the streets and nightlife. The characters are intriguing and well developed. At times, I must admit to getting a little annoyed with Celine, but it was not enough to pull me away from the book. As we are introduced to the creatures of the underworld and Celine starts to discover the existence of the paranormal, a series of murders leads to questions of motive and who the real target is. Not to be left out, Celine tries to conduct her own investigation having the feeling that she is indeed a target.

The developing romance between Celine and Sèbastien is both natural and forbidden and is interesting to see develop. The courtship (a suitable word for the time in which the story is set) is not without it’s problems and when murder and mayhem are thrown into the mix, we have all the ingredients for an entertaining story! The story is a roller-coaster of a ride as we navigate the sub-plots and various supporting characters who add such flavor to the story!

Though there were some ups and downs with the story, it is definitely worth the read!

Book Review: Thorne Bay (An Alaskan Packs Novel Book 1) by Jeanine Croft

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I downloaded a free auto approved copy of this book via NetGalley.

I picked it up based on the synopsis which seemed quite interesting. Read on to know my thoughts.

About the Book:

Thorne Bay (An Alaskan Packs Novel Book 1)

Disillusioned and aimless, Evan Spencer makes a pact with herself. To follow wherever the finger of destiny points. Even if that means heading to some obscure Alaskan town she’s never heard of. A place where the primal beauty of the backwoods is rivaled only by a certain pair of steely green eyes.

But Thorne Bay has a dark side. It’s not just rumors and wary gazes that shadow the darkly alluring Tristan and his reclusive family. Her search for self, as it turns out, leads to a discovery of werewolves and a fight for survival. Alaska might just leave an indelible mark. Love and Death will leave her changed forever.

My Thoughts:

The story follows Evan Spencer as she makes a drastic move to try to follow her destiny and find her place in the world. She moves away from her family to Alaska in the hopes of finding herself and her independence. On the way we meet Tristan who is extremely good-looking, but shrouded in mystery along with his family. Not bothered by rumors, or perhaps eager to discover the truth by herself, Evan forges a friendship with Tristan that seems to be more than that. As their bond develops, we meet some of the people Evan works with and some of the people from Tristan’s family.

The author maintains a level of intrigue around Tristan and drops enough hints without directly giving way to the idea of werewolves. Though the main characters are well developed, some of the supporting characters like Nicole and Dean are just touched upon. It would have been nice to have some more background on them, some insights into their lives before Evan turned up in Alaska and this entire plot line was set in motion. Some horrors of the werewolf world and the laws that govern their existence are brought in and this adds context, but could have been addressed in-depth to add to the storyline.

Some parts of the story are quite normal and expected and the love story that develops between our two main characters is wonderful to read about. I enjoyed the way the author approached the supernatural and the punny banter between Evan and Tristan.

Overall however, I would say that this is definitely an enjoyable and worthwhile read!

Book Review: Midnight Sun (The Twilight Saga #5) by Stephenie Meyer

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About the Book:

Midnight Sun (Twilight, #5)

It’s here! Number one bestselling author Stephenie Meyer makes a triumphant return to the world of Twilight with this highly-anticipated companion; the iconic love story of Bella and Edward told from the vampire’s point of view.

When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella’s side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward’s version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun.

This unforgettable tale as told through Edward’s eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his years as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward’s past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he justify following his heart if it means leading Bella into danger?

In Midnight Sun, Stephenie Meyer transports us back to a world that has captivated millions of readers and brings us an epic novel about the profound pleasures and devastating consequences of immortal love.

My Thoughts:

The much awaited Midnight Sun is here! Being a fan of the Twilight book series, I was quite interested in reading this book. The chance to get a glimpse into Edward’s complex mind and learn about his background and life was too good to pass up.

The book was a pleasant surprise. It sticks to the same story line as Twilight, but we get a complete view of the events that happened prior to Bella arriving in Forks, as well as those that happened after. Edward’s story and his thoughts are intriguing, considering that he thinks of so many things at a time. However, at times, his thoughts get repetitive and this gets a little bit annoying. A lot of the story is written in the style of an internal monologue with dialogue’s thrown in where necessary.

Even though we know the story, the different view point adds a lot of value to the original one, giving us insights into what happened in the background and how the characters ended up where they are. We come to know how the Cullen family found each other and their ideas, emotions, thoughts from Edward’s point of view, as he effortlessly uses his gift. As always, Stephanie Meyer brings to us a well-written novel and takes us back to interact with our favorite characters.

Overall, this story is a good read for fans of the series. Those who have not read the series, you can read this as a standalone, but it would be better to read Twilight first.