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Devoncroix Dynasty #3
Renegade
From the author of The Passion and The PromiseEmory Hilliford, a quiet anthropology professor, is drugged, held captive and interrogated by a mysterious stranger who wants only one the truth about an ancient race of beings known as the lupinotuum, half man/half wolf, who have walked among humans for centuries. Once they ruled the tundra, now they rule Wall Street. Once they fought with teeth and claws, now they fight with wealth and power. And Emory Hilliford, an orphan who was raised by a family of sophisticated, influential lupinotuum in twentieth century Venice, is uniquely positioned to chronicle their culture, their history, and their secrets. Unknown to all but a select few, Emory has also been carefully groomed to play a crucial role in history, one that could have deadly consequences for his own race, and theirs. Now forced to tell his story, Emory must decide how much of the truth he can afford to reveal, and what secrets he will take to his grave... because his own time is running out.From the ancient legends of Greece and Rome to the mysteries of the Dark Ages and the glitter of modern day New York, RENEGADE is a sweeping saga of passion and betrayal, sacrifice and destiny, that will consume your days and haunt your nights long after the last page is turned. More Praise for Donna Boyd's Devoncroix Dynasty"...A horror/love story offering some of the density of background found in the best vampire fiction... [Boyd] knows how to keep a tale moving."--Kirkus Reviews"Boyd transforms the monsters of myth and legend into erotic and charismatic beings."--Library Journal"A maelstrom of suspense, love, and terror... a gripping, intense fantasy with riveting characters."--Rendezvous"[Boyd] makes the esoteric werewolf culture consistently and appealingly exotic, witty and sexy....Readers will crave another novel set in this magical realm."--Publisher's Weekly
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2011
17 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
Donna Boyd
10 books48 followersaka Donna Ball, Rebecca Flanders, Donna Carlisle
With Shannon Harper as Leigh Bristol, Taylor Brady
Donna A. Ball born in 1951 in Georgia, USA. Her ancestors were one of the first pioneer families of North Georgia, and her family still lives on the land they purchased from the Cherokee in 1782.
Her first book was published in 1982 as Donna Ball, since them she has written over a dozen works of commercial fiction under her name and under diferent pseudonyms: Rebecca Flanders, Donna Carlisle and Donna Boyd. She also signed novels with Shannon Harper as Leigh Bristol and Taylor Brady. And a novel with Linda Dano as Felicia Gallant. She is known for her work in women’s fiction and suspense, as well as supernatural fantasy and adventure. Her novels have been translated into well over a dozen languages and have been published in virtually every country in the world. She has appeared on Entertainment Tonight and Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, and has been featured in such publications as the Detroit Free Press, the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Ladies Home Journal, Good Housekeeping, and even T.V. Guide. She is the holder of the Storytelling World award, 2001, the Georgia Author of the Year Award, 2000, Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Awards for consecutive years 1991-1996, the Georgia Romance Writer’s Maggie Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Romantic Times, among others.
Donna lives in a restored turn-of-the-century barn in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northeast Georgia with her dogs, they have won numerous awards for agility, obedience, and canine musical freestyle. Her hobbies include oil painting, hiking and dog obedience training.
With Shannon Harper as Leigh Bristol, Taylor Brady
Donna A. Ball born in 1951 in Georgia, USA. Her ancestors were one of the first pioneer families of North Georgia, and her family still lives on the land they purchased from the Cherokee in 1782.
Her first book was published in 1982 as Donna Ball, since them she has written over a dozen works of commercial fiction under her name and under diferent pseudonyms: Rebecca Flanders, Donna Carlisle and Donna Boyd. She also signed novels with Shannon Harper as Leigh Bristol and Taylor Brady. And a novel with Linda Dano as Felicia Gallant. She is known for her work in women’s fiction and suspense, as well as supernatural fantasy and adventure. Her novels have been translated into well over a dozen languages and have been published in virtually every country in the world. She has appeared on Entertainment Tonight and Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, and has been featured in such publications as the Detroit Free Press, the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Ladies Home Journal, Good Housekeeping, and even T.V. Guide. She is the holder of the Storytelling World award, 2001, the Georgia Author of the Year Award, 2000, Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Awards for consecutive years 1991-1996, the Georgia Romance Writer’s Maggie Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Romantic Times, among others.
Donna lives in a restored turn-of-the-century barn in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northeast Georgia with her dogs, they have won numerous awards for agility, obedience, and canine musical freestyle. Her hobbies include oil painting, hiking and dog obedience training.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 16, 2012
I was disappointed in this book. The first two in the series are amazing, and after all these years I thought the next book would be even better. It wasn't about any great passion, and it was a bit confusing. I would have preferred a story about David.
I have read the first two multiple times, but I will never read this again.
I have read the first two multiple times, but I will never read this again.
January 2, 2012
Again Donna Boyd writes another exceptionally well written addition to the Devoncriox dynasty. The Renegade does take a different pace and spin then her previous two novels but still completely divulges the reader into the lifestyle and world of loup garous. The readers get to revisit some of their favorite characters and get a side story of a queen wolf and a human she cared for.
However I will say that although this third installment needed to be written as fans (as well as myself) of this series were dying for the story to continue, I do feel that after 12 years the Renegade can be seen as a bit of a let down. This sequel is absolutely a worthy read but I felt it was more of a thirst quencher for next the novel not an epic conclusion to such a phenomenal series.
Overall the story was excellent but I do have my let downs. I may only be only one to feel this but I wanted more.The love story in this novel was missing something. I felt Boyd's previous two novels had more passion and angst which made me feel a lack of connection to the characters in this novel. I felt that Lara was a sorry excuse for a werewolf. She was only interesting after she left the pack and led a outlandish human life, but even that seemed kind of like a knock off of Brianna when she did the same, and Emory our human hero kept disappointing me at every turn and found him to be weak even when he did have his moments of bravery. In all I wasn't sure if I cared if Lara and Emory got to as I couldn't see what they saw in each other.
Never the less I STILL want to read more but I am however afraid of certain outcomes in future sequels (if Boyd where to continue) like the possibility that Nicholas might somehow get together with Lara, who is a lycan that doesn't want to be one, so I would find it appalling were she to become the queen of a race that she doesn't want to be apart of. I am also afraid of another human who succumbs to the very whim of these creatures. I had hoped that this time around we would see a human who would either shun the loup garous or earn their complete and utter respect more their admiration. I hope that we will see something like this in future but I would still be perfectly happy with anything written by this author.
However I will say that although this third installment needed to be written as fans (as well as myself) of this series were dying for the story to continue, I do feel that after 12 years the Renegade can be seen as a bit of a let down. This sequel is absolutely a worthy read but I felt it was more of a thirst quencher for next the novel not an epic conclusion to such a phenomenal series.
Overall the story was excellent but I do have my let downs. I may only be only one to feel this but I wanted more.The love story in this novel was missing something. I felt Boyd's previous two novels had more passion and angst which made me feel a lack of connection to the characters in this novel. I felt that Lara was a sorry excuse for a werewolf. She was only interesting after she left the pack and led a outlandish human life, but even that seemed kind of like a knock off of Brianna when she did the same, and Emory our human hero kept disappointing me at every turn and found him to be weak even when he did have his moments of bravery. In all I wasn't sure if I cared if Lara and Emory got to as I couldn't see what they saw in each other.
Never the less I STILL want to read more but I am however afraid of certain outcomes in future sequels (if Boyd where to continue) like the possibility that Nicholas might somehow get together with Lara, who is a lycan that doesn't want to be one, so I would find it appalling were she to become the queen of a race that she doesn't want to be apart of. I am also afraid of another human who succumbs to the very whim of these creatures. I had hoped that this time around we would see a human who would either shun the loup garous or earn their complete and utter respect more their admiration. I hope that we will see something like this in future but I would still be perfectly happy with anything written by this author.
January 25, 2025
Unfortunately this is the final book of the Devoncroix Dynasty series. There's an end point here, but definitely enough material here for a fourth book- and had this been published 10 years later, we might have gotten number five or six. Still, I appreciate an author who leaves you wanting just that little bit more.
This volume has an undisclosed time jump. Nicholas Devoncroix hasn't been seen since his helicopter went down in Alaska. Werewolves across the globe are in disarray, resulting in chaos in the human world as well across business and politics. David Devoncroix, the werewolf/human hybrid, is on the loose and must be found. Apparently a human, Emory Hilliard, was the last to see him so he's being held captive in a clandestine location. Emory was the pet human of the Fasburgs (relatives of Freda Fasburg, Brianna's and Matise's friend from the previous book) and privy to many of the werewolves' secrets.
Boyd is a great writer so this isn't a bad book at all. But in reading this back to back with The Promise, some flaws stand out.
This volume has an undisclosed time jump. Nicholas Devoncroix hasn't been seen since his helicopter went down in Alaska. Werewolves across the globe are in disarray, resulting in chaos in the human world as well across business and politics. David Devoncroix, the werewolf/human hybrid, is on the loose and must be found. Apparently a human, Emory Hilliard, was the last to see him so he's being held captive in a clandestine location. Emory was the pet human of the Fasburgs (relatives of Freda Fasburg, Brianna's and Matise's friend from the previous book) and privy to many of the werewolves' secrets.
Boyd is a great writer so this isn't a bad book at all. But in reading this back to back with The Promise, some flaws stand out.
October 10, 2019
Hooked
This series is so addictive. I think the first book is still the best, but each in it's own way is an experience. I really hope this isn't the last one, because I want to find out if David is really as egotistical as he appears. And he did mention telling Emory his story.
Also there's Nicholas Devoncroix who has never gotten his story. How does he fare in this war for control of the world against his nephew? He's in hiding. So there's still two more stories!
This series is so addictive. I think the first book is still the best, but each in it's own way is an experience. I really hope this isn't the last one, because I want to find out if David is really as egotistical as he appears. And he did mention telling Emory his story.
Also there's Nicholas Devoncroix who has never gotten his story. How does he fare in this war for control of the world against his nephew? He's in hiding. So there's still two more stories!
January 31, 2024
What an excellent way to conclude a trilogy
I read the Promise and the Passion years ago and loved them. Recently, I reread them and discovered Renegade. Wow! What a great book to wrap up this story. The world building and the way history was told was fabulous. I never would have guessed how all of this would come together. Probably my three favorite books of all time. Really.
I read the Promise and the Passion years ago and loved them. Recently, I reread them and discovered Renegade. Wow! What a great book to wrap up this story. The world building and the way history was told was fabulous. I never would have guessed how all of this would come together. Probably my three favorite books of all time. Really.
December 27, 2011
Praise for the Devoncroix Dynasty!
The Lupinotuum Part man, part wolf, they have been at the top of the food chain for ten thousand years. The Devoncroix family is the head of the pack. It's not like other supernatural books where there are area's that are ruled by different packs. Devoncroix family are the leaders of all the packs everywhere with the exception of one... The Dark Moon Vale are rouges as Alexander Devoncroix calls them. But they are truly the oldest Lupinotuum blood around and the most formidable to the Devoncroix's.
The Human Emory Hilliford, an orphaned boy raised by a wealthy, influential family of lupinotuum in twentieth century Venice, is one of the few humans to be taken into their confidence, to study their culture and chronical their past. The wealthy family is the Prince and Princess. Their youngest daughter of 4 children is named Lara. Which Emory will grow up with and they become insuperable.
The book starts out with Emory having been drugged and kidnapped by a guy named Rolfe. When Emory wakes, his muddled mind is trying to piece together where he is, and that he did in fact been drugged by his captors. Emory asks his captor "who are you?" Rolfe responds "for now, you may think of me as the man who holds your future in his hands." Emory ends-up filling in the details of his life up to the point in the interrogation room. It was fascinating, exciting, adventurous with romance filled in-between in his tale.
All I can say is...WOW. This book pulled me in from the first couple of pages, to the I didn't except that coming end. This book is an excellent stand alone book, but I felt I have to now purchase the first two asap.
The Lupinotuum Part man, part wolf, they have been at the top of the food chain for ten thousand years. The Devoncroix family is the head of the pack. It's not like other supernatural books where there are area's that are ruled by different packs. Devoncroix family are the leaders of all the packs everywhere with the exception of one... The Dark Moon Vale are rouges as Alexander Devoncroix calls them. But they are truly the oldest Lupinotuum blood around and the most formidable to the Devoncroix's.
The Human Emory Hilliford, an orphaned boy raised by a wealthy, influential family of lupinotuum in twentieth century Venice, is one of the few humans to be taken into their confidence, to study their culture and chronical their past. The wealthy family is the Prince and Princess. Their youngest daughter of 4 children is named Lara. Which Emory will grow up with and they become insuperable.
The book starts out with Emory having been drugged and kidnapped by a guy named Rolfe. When Emory wakes, his muddled mind is trying to piece together where he is, and that he did in fact been drugged by his captors. Emory asks his captor "who are you?" Rolfe responds "for now, you may think of me as the man who holds your future in his hands." Emory ends-up filling in the details of his life up to the point in the interrogation room. It was fascinating, exciting, adventurous with romance filled in-between in his tale.
All I can say is...WOW. This book pulled me in from the first couple of pages, to the I didn't except that coming end. This book is an excellent stand alone book, but I felt I have to now purchase the first two asap.
December 7, 2011
Ten years is a long time to wait, but fans of Donna Boyd's "The Passion" (1998) and "The Promise" (1999) waited not so patiently for the third in the Devoncroix Dynasty series. Now there is "Renegade" - published by the author whose real name is Donna Ball and whose other names include Rebecca Flanders, Donna Carlisle, Leigh Bristol, and Taylor Brady.
I discovered her work when I first shared my fantasy manuscript filled with shifter dogs and a few werewolves. A dog trainer friend told me I must read "The Passion." I found not the werewolves of scary movies, teens from "Twilight" (2005), or the children's fantasy world of Harry Potter (1997). Here was a race of creatures living among us - our business leaders, sports stars, and glittering celebrities - like us, but more gloriously beautiful and intelligent. They embodied the best and the worst of humanity. I believed in that possibility as I imagine did many of her fans.
Step into the world of the Devoncroix werewolves and look at the world differently. I loved returning to the castle in Alaska and leaning more about their lives in Italy. "Renegade," like the others is an exciting, well-crafted mix of urban fantasy, suspense, mystery, romance, shapeshifting werewolves, and historical fiction.
More please, Ms. Boyd. Don't let the lupinotuum keep you from sharing their stories.
I discovered her work when I first shared my fantasy manuscript filled with shifter dogs and a few werewolves. A dog trainer friend told me I must read "The Passion." I found not the werewolves of scary movies, teens from "Twilight" (2005), or the children's fantasy world of Harry Potter (1997). Here was a race of creatures living among us - our business leaders, sports stars, and glittering celebrities - like us, but more gloriously beautiful and intelligent. They embodied the best and the worst of humanity. I believed in that possibility as I imagine did many of her fans.
Step into the world of the Devoncroix werewolves and look at the world differently. I loved returning to the castle in Alaska and leaning more about their lives in Italy. "Renegade," like the others is an exciting, well-crafted mix of urban fantasy, suspense, mystery, romance, shapeshifting werewolves, and historical fiction.
More please, Ms. Boyd. Don't let the lupinotuum keep you from sharing their stories.
October 5, 2021
Now some of the other reviews make sense. This book isn’t awful but certainly not as good as the first two. It does have gems in it and adds to the overall storyline of the Pack but it’s rather confusing at the end. Emory and Nicholas working together? What’s going on with David? What’s happening with the state of the Pack? Total world chaos? Lara and Emory were bonded mates? It’s almost as if Boyd intended to add a fourth installment to the series. I was let down by the ending. The endings of the first 2 books were great. If the series ended at book 2 it would have been perfect. This book had some redundancies from the first two but that can be explained by being a different character’s perspective of the same time period. Although the one part that really doesn’t fit well is the scene with Nicolas after his parents funeral. That’s not how it was described in book 2 and it seems apparent that the author came up with the idea to insert the interaction between Nicholas and Emory when she was writing this book. 3.5 stars rounding to 4 because the other books were suburb. If Boyd releases a fourth book in the series I will read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2012
I have not read any of the other Devoncroix books, but didn't feel that was a disadvantage in reading this book. In some ways, I suspect it might be a summary of the rest of the series, filling in some of the blanks between the books.
I found the story compelling, the switches between time-slots, genres and pace made for a rollercoaster ride. Moving from an action-packed flashback story to the current day in the kidnap location, where everything was gentile and calm was an effective technique.
The writing was eloquent and visual. This is obviously a well-developed universe and I didn't spot any internal inconsistencies.
The werewolves in this book/ series are different from those in many other stories. I liked the premise behind these better; it owes a lot to the sange real hypothesis, which then gives an explanation of how humans and werewolves might co-exist.
An excellent book I would recommend to readers of suspense and mystery books as well as lupus-lovers!
I found the story compelling, the switches between time-slots, genres and pace made for a rollercoaster ride. Moving from an action-packed flashback story to the current day in the kidnap location, where everything was gentile and calm was an effective technique.
The writing was eloquent and visual. This is obviously a well-developed universe and I didn't spot any internal inconsistencies.
The werewolves in this book/ series are different from those in many other stories. I liked the premise behind these better; it owes a lot to the sange real hypothesis, which then gives an explanation of how humans and werewolves might co-exist.
An excellent book I would recommend to readers of suspense and mystery books as well as lupus-lovers!
October 8, 2012
I have been waiting a Year to Read this book. I thought I was going to have some people pass it to me, I wanted as a present for Christmas last year. However, it eluded me. I took the opportunity to utilize Kindle on my Iphone and purchase it. The story, started off much slower then the rest. But I was Intrigued at the story. I think I was disappointed in this story line. Because I felt she should have gone into Nicholas Devoncroix's story. Instead it skipped several years to discuss Emory Hilliard. who was never mentioned in any of the series. I did enjoy his story as I got into it ( and it was a slow process) but I still feel sort of robbed. No doubt Ms. Ball will take many years ago to continue this series. So it leads me to consider abandoning the whole thing. I will say that Donna Boyd/ Ball is an Amazing story teller. Full of detail. but I think she missed the ball on this one.
December 15, 2011
I won this book from a goodreads giveaway.
I very much enjoyed this book. The suspense and gradual reveal of plot is crafted very well.
The book includes a wide variety of genres including mystery, suspense, romance, a science fiction element, fantasy, fast-paced action, interrogation, and many others.
I love this book. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about werewolves.
I very much enjoyed this book. The suspense and gradual reveal of plot is crafted very well.
The book includes a wide variety of genres including mystery, suspense, romance, a science fiction element, fantasy, fast-paced action, interrogation, and many others.
I love this book. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about werewolves.
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April 5, 2013Not satisfying, characters are self absorbed, live according to principles that are venial and souless, love is more intense attachment that real love.
January 19, 2015
Good storyline with good character buildup. Loved the story until the last couple of chapters. Did not like the ending, quite confused over the Rolfe/David thing.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews