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Shifted Fates #1
Forsaken Mate
I thought my fated mate would cherish me. Mine kills me in cold blood.
After a decade of bullying me, the Alpha Heir discovers I’m his predestined mate. But just because he rejects me in front of the whole pack doesn’t mean he’s going to let me go.
When I flee my fated mate, he gives chase. The Alpha Heir would sooner murder me than let me live out of his reach.
Only death isn’t the end for me. The afterlife is a bit more fiery than I pictured, but that’s fine. I’m used to fighting to survive, and literal Hell just might be a step up from what I’ve been dealing with.
Even if that means facing off against minotaurs and murderous mermaids.
Even if, when I find refuge in a seemingly abandoned castle, I find the most dangerous creature in the underworld.
The good news: He agrees to train me, so I’ll never be left weak and at the mercy of another.
The bad news: His training methods involve a variety of unconventional methods, such as infiltrating my dreams and pinning me beneath him when we spar.
The worst news: He’s never going to let me leave his castle.
Forsaken Mate is a fresh retelling of Hades and Persephone with shifters, betrayal, and spice.
After a decade of bullying me, the Alpha Heir discovers I’m his predestined mate. But just because he rejects me in front of the whole pack doesn’t mean he’s going to let me go.
When I flee my fated mate, he gives chase. The Alpha Heir would sooner murder me than let me live out of his reach.
Only death isn’t the end for me. The afterlife is a bit more fiery than I pictured, but that’s fine. I’m used to fighting to survive, and literal Hell just might be a step up from what I’ve been dealing with.
Even if that means facing off against minotaurs and murderous mermaids.
Even if, when I find refuge in a seemingly abandoned castle, I find the most dangerous creature in the underworld.
The good news: He agrees to train me, so I’ll never be left weak and at the mercy of another.
The bad news: His training methods involve a variety of unconventional methods, such as infiltrating my dreams and pinning me beneath him when we spar.
The worst news: He’s never going to let me leave his castle.
Forsaken Mate is a fresh retelling of Hades and Persephone with shifters, betrayal, and spice.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2023
2724 people are currently reading
14928 people want to read
About the author
Vasilisa Drake
12 books617 followersVasilisa Drake is based in New England and is constantly bouncing from city to city while she tries to find her home amidst overpriced rental apartments. Forsaken Mate is Vasilisa Drake's debut, though she's written contemporary romance under another name for several years. Fantasy romance is her first love, closely followed by pet dragons and men who are obsessed with their women. She can be found staying up way too late reading, organizing her bookshelf for the millionth time, and winning the imaginary arguments in her head at least 30% of the time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 429 reviews
June 7, 2023
booktok got me
PNR
Shifter
Hades and Persephone retelling
Rejected mates
Naive FMC
Mysterious MMC
Morally Gray MMC
Cliffhanger
Spice: .5/5
FMC: Avery
MMC: Cole
Did I enjoy this book? It was alright
Would I read this book again? No
Will I continue the series? No
Will I read from this author again? No
I originally wanted to give this 3 stars, but I just can’t. I wanted to like this book so bad. The underlying plot sounded interesting, but this book was beyond boring. So much internal monologue by Avery and everything was pretty predictable. I did tons of skimming and didn’t miss anything with the story. That tells me there is a lot of unnecessary filler. I had high hopes for this book because I love rejected mates trope and love love love Hades and Persephone retelling. This fell so flat. The characters were boring and one dimensional. Avery was so naive and just dumb. Cole was completely emotionless and just came across as a jerk. 75 percent of the story was Avery training with Cole in his castle. This is where the witty banter back and forth should come in and building sexual tension. There was none of that. Not to mention there are no other people at this castle. Just Avery and Cole. So boring. Cole makes a snarky comment here and there, then Avery tries to make one back and then I read Avery’s internal dialogue for the next 10 pages. It was so tedious. I do not understand where the good reviews are coming from for this book.
PNR
Shifter
Hades and Persephone retelling
Rejected mates
Naive FMC
Mysterious MMC
Morally Gray MMC
Cliffhanger
Spice: .5/5
FMC: Avery
MMC: Cole
Did I enjoy this book? It was alright
Would I read this book again? No
Will I continue the series? No
Will I read from this author again? No
I originally wanted to give this 3 stars, but I just can’t. I wanted to like this book so bad. The underlying plot sounded interesting, but this book was beyond boring. So much internal monologue by Avery and everything was pretty predictable. I did tons of skimming and didn’t miss anything with the story. That tells me there is a lot of unnecessary filler. I had high hopes for this book because I love rejected mates trope and love love love Hades and Persephone retelling. This fell so flat. The characters were boring and one dimensional. Avery was so naive and just dumb. Cole was completely emotionless and just came across as a jerk. 75 percent of the story was Avery training with Cole in his castle. This is where the witty banter back and forth should come in and building sexual tension. There was none of that. Not to mention there are no other people at this castle. Just Avery and Cole. So boring. Cole makes a snarky comment here and there, then Avery tries to make one back and then I read Avery’s internal dialogue for the next 10 pages. It was so tedious. I do not understand where the good reviews are coming from for this book.
March 17, 2024
What it started like a typical rejected mates story turned out to be so much more! It is a Hades and Persephone retelling with a touch of wolves and witches. I loved it and can't wait to start the next one.
June 3, 2023
This was a book with a really good premise but… turns out I didn't like a single thing about it. All exciting-looking elements turned out to be boring or downright bad. There are wolf packs? They barely make an appearance. We get to visit Hell? Yes, but only an area where nothing ever happens. An attractive bad boy? Nope, he's just sexist… And that's the worst part: the whole book reeks of misogyny. But before I get to that part, let's cover all the other things I didn't like.
About the plot… there actually wasn't a plot. The synopsis is actually a summary of the book: the protagonist, Avery, is forsaken by her mate and she is killed. She goes to Hell and plans to come back stronger. And that's what this whole book is about, how Avery trains to not be weak anymore. So I felt like I only read the first part of the book. I was waiting for the actual plot to start.
Now, let's talk about the characters. The only character I liked was Daphne, and that's probably because I didn't see much of her. With time, I would've found something I didn't like about her. The rest of the wolves are awful. And, yes, they ARE supposed to be awful, but they act like children. There are ways for adults or twenty-year-olds to be mean without having to do things little kids would do (speak behind the teacher's back and put someone in a locker?).
Names in fantasy books are usually extravagant and it can be tiring, but in this case, all names are extremely simple, so much so that it isn't even funny. It's the kind of names you use in a draft until you come up with a proper backstory and, therefore, a better name. Reading the names of the places in the map felt like a bad joke. The names of the packs were fit for a children's book. The title of the books were way too generic. The characters' names are not that bad, except for… Cole. Are you telling me one of the names of the biggest mythical figures in history is Cole?
And it's not just names that are simple. Even the map was. Although I don't know why there was a map of the pack lands when it wasn't needed at all. In any case, a map of Hell would've been more useful.
There were magic sparks, which is common in children's books too. They're nothing new but they're not too bad either… Except that the sparks are green. It doesn't get more stereotypical than that.
I can't tell if the worldbuilding is great or not because I couldn't see much of it. For the most part of the book, the only scenery we get is a castle, a lake and some hills, which doesn't help me in identifying a world structure. The end of the book does look more promising on that regard, but I still wasn't able to see a lot. Even in the land of the living I was left with too many questions. It's not mentioned in what kind of world the wolves and other magical creatures live. A continent is mentioned, but other than that, I don't know if they're supposed to live in our world or some other place.
I didn't see a lot of character development from Avery. All development I saw was physical. I did see that the author intended to cover Avery's inner struggles, but I don't think she achieved that. One of the main problems was the protagonist's acceptance of her death. She would sometimes say that she still couldn't process everything, but that struggle never went beyond words. She was perfectly functional, absolutely nothing beyond a comment here and there showed that she was actually having a hard time. "I was becoming numb to the craziness of the realm," she said. Girl, in that case, you were always numb.
Another problem with her character development was her perception of the rejection of the mating bond. Avery at first was sad at her assigned mate for rejecting her. Eventually, she gets angry. Anyway, she never suggests that it was a terrible pairing to start with, that she should have rejected the mating bond herself. I understand that such bond would have helped her survive in the pack, but she had to at least think about it. Why was it a male (a love interest, to make it worse) who had to tell Avery that her mate didn't deserve her?
And that brings me to my biggest complaint: the sexism. Excuse me if I say too many spoilers, but I need to point out the problems with clarity.
Avery lives in a pack led by an alpha male. When she gets mated to his son, he rejects her. There's a female who, instead of dreaming of being an alpha (even if it's impossible), she wants to be mated to the alpha's son. That female kills Avery because that's what the son desired. A female all too pleased to do a male's bidding. A female against a female.
Then, there's Cole, the male saviour. The first time we meet him, he's jealous. Later on, he doesn't ask Avery if she liked her mate, if she's happy, that wasn't his first instinct. He just cared about his jealousy.
When Avery and Cole formally meet, she's attracted to him. That's okay. She doesn't know him, so she doesn't know that he's a horrible person. Time goes on. She sees he's rude (not just grumpy), he's condescending, he keeps secrets… A month goes by and she still likes him, even more than before. I genuinely don't understand why.
I'm a big fan of banter so, when they started exchanging words, I was excited. But then he would insult her, belittle her. That's not banter nor teasing.
During the first half of the book, when Cole told Avery to do things she was scared to do, he didn't comfort her, he forced her or shamed her into doing it. He just needed to talk to her, be transparent. She was in a world she didn't know and he wouldn't answer any of her questions. He did it all with the excuse of making her stronger.
I have no idea how Avery trusted Cole when he did nothing to earn that trust. He claimed to know her, but how? They never talked about anything, they just trained and he found ways to disrespect her.
Then, at some point, there was a scene where I was this close to DNF the book. There's a fighting scene where Cole is aroused on top of Avery and she didn't do anything to imply that she liked it. He should've moved but he stayed on top. Even if she had liked it, she asked him to move and he didn't. Even if he was just trying to train her, there were boundaries that he should have respected.
Another terrible scene is when Cole let Avery think it was all just a dream and tried trading answers for kisses. What she accepts to do in what she thinks is a dream is not consent.
To top it all off, Avery, too, had internalized sexism. She has sexual fantasies where Cole, the man that mistreats her, is dominant over her. She gets jealous over that same man when another woman comes into the picture. She thinks it's girlish to want to dress up for dinner. She is aware of the sexism of the b-word and she still uses it. Many times.
I hoped that, with the help of Hecate, Avery would realize how awful Cole was, but even the powerful witch loyally followed his lead.
In the end, all Avery was angry about was that he kept one secret from her. She could've been mad because he was diminishing and disrespectful and didn't tell her a ton of things. But no, she was just angry about the one secret.
The only reason I finished the book was because I hoped Avery would realize everyone's wrongdoings (including her own), but it was too much to hope for.
I'd like to say this was a well-intentioned story that came out wrong, but I don't think it's just the story that's the issue. The author needs to practice her fantasy writing but, more importantly, she needs to read feminist theory so that the rest of her literature doesn't suffer the same sexist fate. Because there's no space for sexist stories in today's world.
About the plot… there actually wasn't a plot. The synopsis is actually a summary of the book: the protagonist, Avery, is forsaken by her mate and she is killed. She goes to Hell and plans to come back stronger. And that's what this whole book is about, how Avery trains to not be weak anymore. So I felt like I only read the first part of the book. I was waiting for the actual plot to start.
Now, let's talk about the characters. The only character I liked was Daphne, and that's probably because I didn't see much of her. With time, I would've found something I didn't like about her. The rest of the wolves are awful. And, yes, they ARE supposed to be awful, but they act like children. There are ways for adults or twenty-year-olds to be mean without having to do things little kids would do (speak behind the teacher's back and put someone in a locker?).
Names in fantasy books are usually extravagant and it can be tiring, but in this case, all names are extremely simple, so much so that it isn't even funny. It's the kind of names you use in a draft until you come up with a proper backstory and, therefore, a better name. Reading the names of the places in the map felt like a bad joke. The names of the packs were fit for a children's book. The title of the books were way too generic. The characters' names are not that bad, except for… Cole. Are you telling me one of the names of the biggest mythical figures in history is Cole?
And it's not just names that are simple. Even the map was. Although I don't know why there was a map of the pack lands when it wasn't needed at all. In any case, a map of Hell would've been more useful.
There were magic sparks, which is common in children's books too. They're nothing new but they're not too bad either… Except that the sparks are green. It doesn't get more stereotypical than that.
I can't tell if the worldbuilding is great or not because I couldn't see much of it. For the most part of the book, the only scenery we get is a castle, a lake and some hills, which doesn't help me in identifying a world structure. The end of the book does look more promising on that regard, but I still wasn't able to see a lot. Even in the land of the living I was left with too many questions. It's not mentioned in what kind of world the wolves and other magical creatures live. A continent is mentioned, but other than that, I don't know if they're supposed to live in our world or some other place.
I didn't see a lot of character development from Avery. All development I saw was physical. I did see that the author intended to cover Avery's inner struggles, but I don't think she achieved that. One of the main problems was the protagonist's acceptance of her death. She would sometimes say that she still couldn't process everything, but that struggle never went beyond words. She was perfectly functional, absolutely nothing beyond a comment here and there showed that she was actually having a hard time. "I was becoming numb to the craziness of the realm," she said. Girl, in that case, you were always numb.
Another problem with her character development was her perception of the rejection of the mating bond. Avery at first was sad at her assigned mate for rejecting her. Eventually, she gets angry. Anyway, she never suggests that it was a terrible pairing to start with, that she should have rejected the mating bond herself. I understand that such bond would have helped her survive in the pack, but she had to at least think about it. Why was it a male (a love interest, to make it worse) who had to tell Avery that her mate didn't deserve her?
And that brings me to my biggest complaint: the sexism. Excuse me if I say too many spoilers, but I need to point out the problems with clarity.
Avery lives in a pack led by an alpha male. When she gets mated to his son, he rejects her. There's a female who, instead of dreaming of being an alpha (even if it's impossible), she wants to be mated to the alpha's son. That female kills Avery because that's what the son desired. A female all too pleased to do a male's bidding. A female against a female.
Then, there's Cole, the male saviour. The first time we meet him, he's jealous. Later on, he doesn't ask Avery if she liked her mate, if she's happy, that wasn't his first instinct. He just cared about his jealousy.
When Avery and Cole formally meet, she's attracted to him. That's okay. She doesn't know him, so she doesn't know that he's a horrible person. Time goes on. She sees he's rude (not just grumpy), he's condescending, he keeps secrets… A month goes by and she still likes him, even more than before. I genuinely don't understand why.
I'm a big fan of banter so, when they started exchanging words, I was excited. But then he would insult her, belittle her. That's not banter nor teasing.
During the first half of the book, when Cole told Avery to do things she was scared to do, he didn't comfort her, he forced her or shamed her into doing it. He just needed to talk to her, be transparent. She was in a world she didn't know and he wouldn't answer any of her questions. He did it all with the excuse of making her stronger.
I have no idea how Avery trusted Cole when he did nothing to earn that trust. He claimed to know her, but how? They never talked about anything, they just trained and he found ways to disrespect her.
Then, at some point, there was a scene where I was this close to DNF the book. There's a fighting scene where Cole is aroused on top of Avery and she didn't do anything to imply that she liked it. He should've moved but he stayed on top. Even if she had liked it, she asked him to move and he didn't. Even if he was just trying to train her, there were boundaries that he should have respected.
Another terrible scene is when Cole let Avery think it was all just a dream and tried trading answers for kisses. What she accepts to do in what she thinks is a dream is not consent.
To top it all off, Avery, too, had internalized sexism. She has sexual fantasies where Cole, the man that mistreats her, is dominant over her. She gets jealous over that same man when another woman comes into the picture. She thinks it's girlish to want to dress up for dinner. She is aware of the sexism of the b-word and she still uses it. Many times.
I hoped that, with the help of Hecate, Avery would realize how awful Cole was, but even the powerful witch loyally followed his lead.
In the end, all Avery was angry about was that he kept one secret from her. She could've been mad because he was diminishing and disrespectful and didn't tell her a ton of things. But no, she was just angry about the one secret.
The only reason I finished the book was because I hoped Avery would realize everyone's wrongdoings (including her own), but it was too much to hope for.
I'd like to say this was a well-intentioned story that came out wrong, but I don't think it's just the story that's the issue. The author needs to practice her fantasy writing but, more importantly, she needs to read feminist theory so that the rest of her literature doesn't suffer the same sexist fate. Because there's no space for sexist stories in today's world.
May 9, 2023
This is not just a shifter fantasy romance! There is Greek mythology thrown in too! I can never get enough of Persephone and Hades retellings but this is just so much more and very original. I devoured this book. Literally could not put it down. The storyline was addictive and the chemistry between Avery and Cole was undeniably spicy. We don’t have all the answers yet, but Avery seems torn between two worlds. She can count on two fingers the number of people that she trusts and one of them is an imaginary dream friend. I was disappointed this ended in a cliffhanger if only because things were really starting to pick up. The character development is crucial to the plot and very well written, but the pacing was so slow until the end. Then things start happening so quickly I feel like I’m missing details and content. I cannot wait for the next book! This is shaping up to be a great duology and I recommend trying it out! I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
September 15, 2023
I received Forsaken Mate in return for an honest review as part of the tour hosted by R&R Boook Tours.
Avery thought the mate ceremony would change it all she would find her fated mate and finally feel like she had a place. Little did she know that fate has marked her for the Alpha Heir the very man who's bullied her most of her life. Unwilling to be bound to Avery she finds herself dying instead of finally living. However, fate takes a hand and instead she finds herself in Hell and it's just the beginning.
I am a little obsessed with all things mythology my favorite couple has always been Hades and Persephone. So of course I knew I had to sign up to review this one and I'm so glad that I did because I enjoyed every moment of reading Forsaken Mate. I'm also a huge werewolf fan so it was interesting to see two of my favorite themes tossed together so well. I loved the idea of the underworld we did get to see one of my favorite side characters.
I love Avery she's a sweetheart who's just trying to fit into a world she never did, but given some effort she starts to thrive. I love Cole he's a perfect complement to Avery even if he's so much more than she believes him to be. They have this sizzling steamy chemistry that just works so well even if she may be dreaming. I love watching their relationship grow as well as Avery grow as a character. She still remains loyal to her best friend which I liked.
This is my first book by the author and I'm hooked as I devoured Forsaken Mate in just one afternoon. The characters are easy to connect with you can't help cheering them on as the story progresses. I loved the unique concept of the werewolves with Hades and Persephone elements I just couldn't get enough of Avery and Cole. The author did a beautiful job creating a captivating story that I couldn't put down. I can't wait to read the second one and see what happens next for our pair after everything that happened. I loved Forsaken Mate it was so much better than I expected.
Avery thought the mate ceremony would change it all she would find her fated mate and finally feel like she had a place. Little did she know that fate has marked her for the Alpha Heir the very man who's bullied her most of her life. Unwilling to be bound to Avery she finds herself dying instead of finally living. However, fate takes a hand and instead she finds herself in Hell and it's just the beginning.
I am a little obsessed with all things mythology my favorite couple has always been Hades and Persephone. So of course I knew I had to sign up to review this one and I'm so glad that I did because I enjoyed every moment of reading Forsaken Mate. I'm also a huge werewolf fan so it was interesting to see two of my favorite themes tossed together so well. I loved the idea of the underworld we did get to see one of my favorite side characters.
I love Avery she's a sweetheart who's just trying to fit into a world she never did, but given some effort she starts to thrive. I love Cole he's a perfect complement to Avery even if he's so much more than she believes him to be. They have this sizzling steamy chemistry that just works so well even if she may be dreaming. I love watching their relationship grow as well as Avery grow as a character. She still remains loyal to her best friend which I liked.
This is my first book by the author and I'm hooked as I devoured Forsaken Mate in just one afternoon. The characters are easy to connect with you can't help cheering them on as the story progresses. I loved the unique concept of the werewolves with Hades and Persephone elements I just couldn't get enough of Avery and Cole. The author did a beautiful job creating a captivating story that I couldn't put down. I can't wait to read the second one and see what happens next for our pair after everything that happened. I loved Forsaken Mate it was so much better than I expected.
August 22, 2025
I still hate the shifter premise. I don’t like the titles (alpha-luna BS), the hierarchy, or the way the trope is usually written.
But this book? It was good.
Overall Rating:
⭐️: 4/5 🔥: 0.5/5
Going into this, I was ready to roll my eyes the whole way through. Shifters are not my thing, period. I prefer monster romances vs a shifter romance. But somehow, this book worked. I think because there wasn't much shifter/clans interactions(?). It starts that way but then it transports you away to just the main characters. The twist on the Hades/Persephone vibe was fun, the tension kept me glued, and honestly, I didn’t expect to enjoy myself the way I did. It's definitely a sloooow burn.
That said, the writing had its moments — sometimes really solid and pulled me in, other times it glossed over too much and left me with questions. There were places I wanted more detail, more weight, instead of a quick skip to the next scene. It wasn’t enough to make me put it down, but it definitely stood out against the stronger parts of the book.
The end annoyed me, Avery (the FMC) is an idiot — but it also left me wanting to know what’s hiding in the background and where this story is going. I wasn't planning on jumping onto the next book right away.. but I'm very tempted to do so.
Overall Rating:
⭐️ 4/5
🌶️ 2.2/5 (not heavy on spice, but the tension between the MCs is heavy)
But this book? It was good.
Overall Rating:
⭐️: 4/5 🔥: 0.5/5
Going into this, I was ready to roll my eyes the whole way through. Shifters are not my thing, period. I prefer monster romances vs a shifter romance. But somehow, this book worked. I think because there wasn't much shifter/clans interactions(?). It starts that way but then it transports you away to just the main characters. The twist on the Hades/Persephone vibe was fun, the tension kept me glued, and honestly, I didn’t expect to enjoy myself the way I did. It's definitely a sloooow burn.
That said, the writing had its moments — sometimes really solid and pulled me in, other times it glossed over too much and left me with questions. There were places I wanted more detail, more weight, instead of a quick skip to the next scene. It wasn’t enough to make me put it down, but it definitely stood out against the stronger parts of the book.
The end annoyed me, Avery (the FMC) is an idiot — but it also left me wanting to know what’s hiding in the background and where this story is going. I wasn't planning on jumping onto the next book right away.. but I'm very tempted to do so.
Overall Rating:
⭐️ 4/5
🌶️ 2.2/5 (not heavy on spice, but the tension between the MCs is heavy)
October 11, 2025
***Disclaimer: Spoilers ahead***
Possible triggers: Bullying, Childhood trauma, Murder, Violence
Overall star rating (out of 5⭐️): 4.25
Spice level (out of 5🌶️): 2 (open door no sex but making out)
Content review: Love that is a shorter book and still a great storyline. I liked the characters and it moves in a good past. I understand that some people might think it’s too slow, but I liked that the two main characters got to spent time together before other things happen. Can’t wait to get into the next book!
Narrator review: fantastic narrator! 4 out of 5
Tags: betrayal, demons, evil creatures/monsters,fantasy, fated mates, good banter, great storyline, hidden/secret identity, magic, mythology, parallel worlds/portals, paranormal, reincarnation, romantasy, shape shifters, slow burn, underworld, werewolves, witches
Tropes: he falls first and harder, trainer-trainee
❤️ Love interest: Cole x Avery
Possible triggers: Bullying, Childhood trauma, Murder, Violence
Overall star rating (out of 5⭐️): 4.25
Spice level (out of 5🌶️): 2 (open door no sex but making out)
Content review: Love that is a shorter book and still a great storyline. I liked the characters and it moves in a good past. I understand that some people might think it’s too slow, but I liked that the two main characters got to spent time together before other things happen. Can’t wait to get into the next book!
Narrator review: fantastic narrator! 4 out of 5
Tags: betrayal, demons, evil creatures/monsters,fantasy, fated mates, good banter, great storyline, hidden/secret identity, magic, mythology, parallel worlds/portals, paranormal, reincarnation, romantasy, shape shifters, slow burn, underworld, werewolves, witches
Tropes: he falls first and harder, trainer-trainee
❤️ Love interest: Cole x Avery
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2025
4.5 Stars
I love a good fated mates story, but throw in wolf shifters and make it a Hades & Persephone retelling? I am sat and ready for the book.
Avery has always been the outcast and "weakest" wolf in her pack, who wanted nothing more than to be a mate to someone outside of her pack and escape. However, on the night everyone of age gathers to see if their moon mated is in the group, she finds out that she is the mate of the cruel Alpha's son, Jett. Jett along with a few of her other main torumenters from the pack end up chasing a killing her, sending her to Hell, where she meets Cole, who she can't decide if she wants to throttle or fuck him.
While I enjoyed the fast pace, and easy readability of this book, Cole and Avery are just a little bit annoying. Avery has in her head that she is super weak, and while Cole does help train her, he doesn't really do much to help that mindset. Avery would ask Cole a million and one questions, and Cole would only give her half answers if that. But what really irked me was that I could figure out the answers, and Avery was just clueless. Towards the end of the book, she grows a backbone, although it is a very small one, but nevertheless, I still cheered. I hope in the next books we get to see her come into herself more, and actually believe in herself.
I most likely will be continuing this series as they are quick and easy reads.
I love a good fated mates story, but throw in wolf shifters and make it a Hades & Persephone retelling? I am sat and ready for the book.
Avery has always been the outcast and "weakest" wolf in her pack, who wanted nothing more than to be a mate to someone outside of her pack and escape. However, on the night everyone of age gathers to see if their moon mated is in the group, she finds out that she is the mate of the cruel Alpha's son, Jett. Jett along with a few of her other main torumenters from the pack end up chasing a killing her, sending her to Hell, where she meets Cole, who she can't decide if she wants to throttle or fuck him.
While I enjoyed the fast pace, and easy readability of this book, Cole and Avery are just a little bit annoying. Avery has in her head that she is super weak, and while Cole does help train her, he doesn't really do much to help that mindset. Avery would ask Cole a million and one questions, and Cole would only give her half answers if that. But what really irked me was that I could figure out the answers, and Avery was just clueless. Towards the end of the book, she grows a backbone, although it is a very small one, but nevertheless, I still cheered. I hope in the next books we get to see her come into herself more, and actually believe in herself.
I most likely will be continuing this series as they are quick and easy reads.
October 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this book it was light fantasy one, the characters and their banter were so much fun! I also loved the Greek myth.
September 14, 2025
DNF at 50%.
This has all the hallmarks of what should be a great read... but for me it's lacking chemistry. I don't feel connected to any of the characters and they just don't make sense. I'm also finding holes throughout the plot. Chances are these plot holes are addressed later in the story but I'm finding this book such a slog that it's time to give it up. I guess I'll never know, and I'm ok with that.
This has all the hallmarks of what should be a great read... but for me it's lacking chemistry. I don't feel connected to any of the characters and they just don't make sense. I'm also finding holes throughout the plot. Chances are these plot holes are addressed later in the story but I'm finding this book such a slog that it's time to give it up. I guess I'll never know, and I'm ok with that.
April 18, 2025
There's nothing new here that you haven't read before.
Pleasant enough to pass the time, decent humor and quick paced - even though nothing really happens LOL
Pleasant enough to pass the time, decent humor and quick paced - even though nothing really happens LOL
November 13, 2025
Series Review
~ loose Hades/Persephone
~ OTT JP H
~ no ow drama
~ swoon worthy H
I had a lot of fun with this series, maybe because I haven’t read a lot of Hades retellings. Was it repetitive? Yeah. Did I get slightly bored in spots and skim? Yeah. But I loved Cole the MC he was the perfect combination of loyal asshole and he just gets better as the series progresses. Check out the great highlights in book 2 and 3.
Unlike most people I enjoyed Book 2 more than Book 3 - I thought the trials in 3 were a little ridiculous and it dragged a bit. I was hoping to get a story for Daphne and her three guys but don’t see one out yet. Anyways this is a violent book with lots of torture and death but the couple faces it together and I enjoyed the low angst read, first series I finished in weeks.
~ loose Hades/Persephone
~ OTT JP H
~ no ow drama
~ swoon worthy H
I had a lot of fun with this series, maybe because I haven’t read a lot of Hades retellings. Was it repetitive? Yeah. Did I get slightly bored in spots and skim? Yeah. But I loved Cole the MC he was the perfect combination of loyal asshole and he just gets better as the series progresses. Check out the great highlights in book 2 and 3.
Unlike most people I enjoyed Book 2 more than Book 3 - I thought the trials in 3 were a little ridiculous and it dragged a bit. I was hoping to get a story for Daphne and her three guys but don’t see one out yet. Anyways this is a violent book with lots of torture and death but the couple faces it together and I enjoyed the low angst read, first series I finished in weeks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2025
Well this wasn't the book I expected from the title, but I still enjoyed Cole and Avery's interactions. I'll give book 2 a read.
July 25, 2024
Dnf at 55% which I hate to do. I don't think there are spoilers because honestly nothing happens to spoil giving 2 stars because like I have said on countless occasions while doing a review making a book and putting it out in the world is incredibly hard.
So here's my dislikes.
-The main character is written as a 20 year old, but acts like a 16 year old high school girl throughout the book. The drama with her pack comes off as high school drama and the author states all shifters don't go to university in their pack just high school until their first mating ceremony. So we just get a high school girl aged up for the possibility of sex later I am assuming. At 55 percent we have not so much as a hand hold so.
-This "plot twist" I am sure is coming at the end of this book was SO OBVIOUS from her first dream sequence that I almost didn't read on from that point. How stupid are you? Your guy in your dreams which you have decided somehow must be your subconscious talking to you gets really jealous when talking about mates.......and you don't suspect at all that maybe in a world of magic it's not your subconscious. Please see bullet point one of my dislikes.
-Nothing happens. We get the scenes of her leaving her pack of rejection. And then it's confusing, muddled, and full of training sequences that in truth are not very good. They "banter" but in reality it's just her asking herself why is he nice sometimes and grumpy other times? Why would he be grumpy with me after what seems like flirting. Again please see bullet point one for the comparison to a 16 year old.
Honestly I'm disappointed because I am always on board for mates. That can take so many directions and rolls and I usually am along for the ride. If I didn't feel like I was reading a 16 year old idiots diary I think I'd finish it. But being naive and gullible to that level are not for me.
So here's my dislikes.
-The main character is written as a 20 year old, but acts like a 16 year old high school girl throughout the book. The drama with her pack comes off as high school drama and the author states all shifters don't go to university in their pack just high school until their first mating ceremony. So we just get a high school girl aged up for the possibility of sex later I am assuming. At 55 percent we have not so much as a hand hold so.
-This "plot twist" I am sure is coming at the end of this book was SO OBVIOUS from her first dream sequence that I almost didn't read on from that point. How stupid are you? Your guy in your dreams which you have decided somehow must be your subconscious talking to you gets really jealous when talking about mates.......and you don't suspect at all that maybe in a world of magic it's not your subconscious. Please see bullet point one of my dislikes.
-Nothing happens. We get the scenes of her leaving her pack of rejection. And then it's confusing, muddled, and full of training sequences that in truth are not very good. They "banter" but in reality it's just her asking herself why is he nice sometimes and grumpy other times? Why would he be grumpy with me after what seems like flirting. Again please see bullet point one for the comparison to a 16 year old.
Honestly I'm disappointed because I am always on board for mates. That can take so many directions and rolls and I usually am along for the ride. If I didn't feel like I was reading a 16 year old idiots diary I think I'd finish it. But being naive and gullible to that level are not for me.
June 6, 2023
Dude what?? This was so unexpectedly amazing?? Started off like any other shifter book - turned into SO SO MUCH MORE. Greek mythology?? Witches? Shifters?? Fated mates?? Gods & goddesses…. LONG LOST LOVERS!!!!!!?!?!?!?!?? ZODIAC SIGNS AS DEMONS!!!!! With their appearances & personalities represented correctly to boot??? So. Fricken. Cool
Basically if you like fantasy books - please read this just give it a shot because this honestly shocked me.
it was so unique and the world building was the perfect amount for me. The imagery was there so that I could build the picture in my head but not so all consuming that I kept getting lost in it & losing my way through the plot. This was so just good!!
Underworld realm was introduced and things started to get reallll interesting. Clearly we have our ~king~ of the underworld here although that isn’t technically revealed until the last page but you can guess it quite early on. Then we have our weak (not in the way you’re thinking this FMC packs a punch just not physically ~yet~) little Avery… Avery Avery Avery. OR IS IT?!?!? I went on a deep dive of miss “Soteria” after her trainings with hectate (also so cool) and wow lol.
The little mural on the dungeon wall being of the black wolf and the red wolf with their respective forests literally shook me to my boots. Of course the first image that came up as I googled Soteria and hades was a beautiful painting of them… as humans.. and it was jaw dropping my beautiful. “You were once my queen” had me kicking and screaming. Plus the epilogue being from Hectates POV watching “Cole” destroy the castle in despair after losing, supposedly AGAIN, his QUEEN!? Had my unwell. Un-fucking-well.
I can’t wait for the next book. I hope it lives up to everything I imagine. Because yes this was a very small bit “tedious” at first due to it being in first person and our FMC has literally no idea what’s going on. But the ending gives you that perfect mix of oh SHIT from shock value, satisfaction in being right in some of your guesses & intrigue to see what happens next. So obviously it’s a 5 star ⭐️ for me.
I have a feeling this spice is gonna hit HARD the next book. Talking 💥 #banging & the plot is going to be equally as explosive. So excited!!
Basically if you like fantasy books - please read this just give it a shot because this honestly shocked me.
it was so unique and the world building was the perfect amount for me. The imagery was there so that I could build the picture in my head but not so all consuming that I kept getting lost in it & losing my way through the plot. This was so just good!!
Underworld realm was introduced and things started to get reallll interesting. Clearly we have our ~king~ of the underworld here although that isn’t technically revealed until the last page but you can guess it quite early on. Then we have our weak (not in the way you’re thinking this FMC packs a punch just not physically ~yet~) little Avery… Avery Avery Avery. OR IS IT?!?!? I went on a deep dive of miss “Soteria” after her trainings with hectate (also so cool) and wow lol.
The little mural on the dungeon wall being of the black wolf and the red wolf with their respective forests literally shook me to my boots. Of course the first image that came up as I googled Soteria and hades was a beautiful painting of them… as humans.. and it was jaw dropping my beautiful. “You were once my queen” had me kicking and screaming. Plus the epilogue being from Hectates POV watching “Cole” destroy the castle in despair after losing, supposedly AGAIN, his QUEEN!? Had my unwell. Un-fucking-well.
I can’t wait for the next book. I hope it lives up to everything I imagine. Because yes this was a very small bit “tedious” at first due to it being in first person and our FMC has literally no idea what’s going on. But the ending gives you that perfect mix of oh SHIT from shock value, satisfaction in being right in some of your guesses & intrigue to see what happens next. So obviously it’s a 5 star ⭐️ for me.
I have a feeling this spice is gonna hit HARD the next book. Talking 💥 #banging & the plot is going to be equally as explosive. So excited!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2023
I took a chance on this author and I can say I wasn’t disappointed once I started I couldn’t put it down until the last page was turned but I will say this or I must say this I REALLY HATE CLIFFHANGERS ….ONLY BECAUSE I WANT TO KNOW HOW IT ALL COMES TOGETHER 😊! Avery makes you want to give her a huge hug telling her it is all going to be okay she has been bullied her whole life for being weak or presumed to be weak but she has a strength that can’t be denied, abused daily, hated daily by her pack but we all know in a pack they follow the alpha and the alpha was the main one to abuse her upon discovering he was her fated mate after public rejection he makes the decision of alpha to end her life or so he thought. But upon death she didn’t die really afterlife is where she discovers her strength, her determination becoming the queen of hell with one thing on her mind destroying the hierarchy that dictates their lives as shifters. On this journey she meets some very interesting characters like Cole who gives to her as much as he takes, pushes her to see things from different perspectives not to mention the attraction that they both deny or don’t acknowledge for the first time she has a friend and the journey they embark upon helps her discover the power within but also shows her how much she has gone through, she has grown and overpowering the very adversity that are in place to keep you down but where are they headed, will the alpha get what’s coming to him, will he learn the error of his ways, will she be satisfied in the end?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 25, 2024
Shifter romance
Rejected mate
Hades/ Persephone retelling.
I was looking for a normal shifter romance and found this on SYKD. This is a quick read and I did quickly find myself hooked. This story has grabbed me and held. So much more than just a shifter book. Did end on a slight cliffhanger. Can't wait to read the second and third.
Rejected mate
Hades/ Persephone retelling.
I was looking for a normal shifter romance and found this on SYKD. This is a quick read and I did quickly find myself hooked. This story has grabbed me and held. So much more than just a shifter book. Did end on a slight cliffhanger. Can't wait to read the second and third.
did-not-finish
November 27, 2025Just a little too "don't go in the basement, you idiot" for me.
January 28, 2024
Fun, humorous shifter paranormal romance with a unique mythology twist. The story is fast paced and keeps the reader interested in underworld setting. The. MMC and FMC are witty and fun, with a nice touch of the grumpy/sunshine trope.
February 4, 2024
Ahhh this was interesting indeed!
I did not expect this to go the way that bit did and was pleasantly surprised! Excited to see what happens next!
I did not expect this to go the way that bit did and was pleasantly surprised! Excited to see what happens next!
February 19, 2024
WENT INTO THIS BLIND, AND I FREAKING LOVED IT! Obviously, I missed out the final note in the blurb claiming this as a shifter-hades and persephone romance. Doesn't that just sound remarkably exciting or the worse combination ever?! Well, you be the judge.
THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON THE ENTIRE TRILOGY.
*May contain teensy spoilers*
This author's new for me, and I found the story to be vastly entertaining - with the right amount of ups and downs. The heroine being a past reincarnation and having lost her memories would be the reason why you'll pick up the next book after every cliffhanger.
COLE/HADES - I won't review much about him because he's like an NPC who's entire purpose was to love and devote himself to our heroine. Frankly, that's all he does. He's possessive, protective, talented, hot and good in bed. You're welcome. I just explained him in a nutshell, and don't worry, he wasn't too bland a character. His purpose was to keep the story going by withholding plenty of information from Avery (and us) so that we'll be glued to our seats - as annoying/frustrating as that sounds.
My only comment is, as the King of Hell, why wasn't Cole all-powerful? Technically, their whole lives were wrecked because of THAT ONE PERSON who thirsted for power. The fact that he's the King of Hell but yet was later thrown into Tartarus to atone for Avery's mistake, well, I thought he had more power to get himself out of that predicament.
AVERY was the main character whom we will experience the journey of pain, betrayal, growth, love and plenty of understanding with. I was thrown into a loop when her story started off as a weak shifter rejected by her mate, and then she was killed and went to hell. Now a shade, she ended up in Cole's castle, where she learns plenty of new things about herself - her wolf, her power and her unholy attraction to the asshole who owns the place. Naturally, there was the BIG QUESTION MARK OF WHO Cole was too. There were just plenty of question marks that drove the plot.
While Avery trains with Cole, she also learns that she has witchy powers, and eventually unravels the secrets of her past - one that Cole was very reluctant to divulge to the point where he hid it from her. I'm certain not many readers would be pleased with his actions/reasonings at times, even I felt that he could have better protected her had he told her the truth, and not just shoulder the burden on his own. Aren't Kings and Queens supposed to rule as one?
OVERALL know that SHIFTED FATES was enjoyable, passionate, fun and definitely had me till the end. Was it cliche? At least for me, it wasn't. I found it entirely refreshing how we got to enjoy everything in one book - shifters, hades and persephone, a little hocus-pocus and maybe Greek mythology. You'll never know what you're going to get.
ONE THING'S FOR SURE, BORING WOULD BE THE LAST ADJECTIVE ANYONE CAN USE TO DESCRIBE THIS SERIES. If you feel otherwise, then I'm sorry our tastes are so diverse.
THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON THE ENTIRE TRILOGY.
*May contain teensy spoilers*
This author's new for me, and I found the story to be vastly entertaining - with the right amount of ups and downs. The heroine being a past reincarnation and having lost her memories would be the reason why you'll pick up the next book after every cliffhanger.
COLE/HADES - I won't review much about him because he's like an NPC who's entire purpose was to love and devote himself to our heroine. Frankly, that's all he does. He's possessive, protective, talented, hot and good in bed. You're welcome. I just explained him in a nutshell, and don't worry, he wasn't too bland a character. His purpose was to keep the story going by withholding plenty of information from Avery (and us) so that we'll be glued to our seats - as annoying/frustrating as that sounds.
My only comment is, as the King of Hell, why wasn't Cole all-powerful? Technically, their whole lives were wrecked because of THAT ONE PERSON who thirsted for power. The fact that he's the King of Hell but yet was later thrown into Tartarus to atone for Avery's mistake, well, I thought he had more power to get himself out of that predicament.
AVERY was the main character whom we will experience the journey of pain, betrayal, growth, love and plenty of understanding with. I was thrown into a loop when her story started off as a weak shifter rejected by her mate, and then she was killed and went to hell. Now a shade, she ended up in Cole's castle, where she learns plenty of new things about herself - her wolf, her power and her unholy attraction to the asshole who owns the place. Naturally, there was the BIG QUESTION MARK OF WHO Cole was too. There were just plenty of question marks that drove the plot.
While Avery trains with Cole, she also learns that she has witchy powers, and eventually unravels the secrets of her past - one that Cole was very reluctant to divulge to the point where he hid it from her. I'm certain not many readers would be pleased with his actions/reasonings at times, even I felt that he could have better protected her had he told her the truth, and not just shoulder the burden on his own. Aren't Kings and Queens supposed to rule as one?
OVERALL know that SHIFTED FATES was enjoyable, passionate, fun and definitely had me till the end. Was it cliche? At least for me, it wasn't. I found it entirely refreshing how we got to enjoy everything in one book - shifters, hades and persephone, a little hocus-pocus and maybe Greek mythology. You'll never know what you're going to get.
ONE THING'S FOR SURE, BORING WOULD BE THE LAST ADJECTIVE ANYONE CAN USE TO DESCRIBE THIS SERIES. If you feel otherwise, then I'm sorry our tastes are so diverse.
May 23, 2023
4.5 STARS ✨
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Forsaken Mate from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Forsaken Mate is great for fans of:
• Enemies to lovers
• Hidden pasts
• Touch her and I'll k!word you
• Hades and Persephone retellings
• Greek mythology infused elements
I loved this book: it contained elements of all of my favourite tropes. Fated mates, Hades and Persephone, seeing each other in dreams prior to meeting, and it was all morphed together in a unique twist that kept me engaged. In the first few chapters especially I did fear that the book was following down the same route as another one of my favourites: the rejected mate, shunned by the rest of her back and being thrown to her death, but from that point, things took a completely different route, to my relief. I thought it was clever of Drake to have Avery 'fall' (technically pushed) into the Underworld, paralleling one of the versions of the original myth.
Avery and Cole's relationship was great; the tension was there, and, as I said, I am a massive fan of couples who see themselves in dream forms before actually meeting, but I did wish that Cole was more open with her and vice versa. The miscommunication trope is one that absolutely drives me insane, but it was a clever technique to leave me desperate for more answers in Forgotten Queen.
There were points, however, where I found Avery a little naïve. I understand trying to see the good in everyone, but with how she was treated in her past, and from the numerous warnings from Cole, you would think that she'd already learned that not everyone has the best intentions and needs to be saved. Also, the fact that Cole called her 'little wolf' from the moment that she met and that was the nickname that the voice in her dreams also called her, I was just screaming for her to connect the dots.
Regardless, I'm super excited to see what this series brings and what happens next — hopefully we'll get some more answers, they'll be some more development from both Avery and Cole, and I'll enjoy Forgotten Queen just much. September couldn't come quick enough!
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Forsaken Mate from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Forsaken Mate is great for fans of:
• Enemies to lovers
• Hidden pasts
• Touch her and I'll k!word you
• Hades and Persephone retellings
• Greek mythology infused elements
I loved this book: it contained elements of all of my favourite tropes. Fated mates, Hades and Persephone, seeing each other in dreams prior to meeting, and it was all morphed together in a unique twist that kept me engaged. In the first few chapters especially I did fear that the book was following down the same route as another one of my favourites: the rejected mate, shunned by the rest of her back and being thrown to her death, but from that point, things took a completely different route, to my relief. I thought it was clever of Drake to have Avery 'fall' (technically pushed) into the Underworld, paralleling one of the versions of the original myth.
Avery and Cole's relationship was great; the tension was there, and, as I said, I am a massive fan of couples who see themselves in dream forms before actually meeting, but I did wish that Cole was more open with her and vice versa. The miscommunication trope is one that absolutely drives me insane, but it was a clever technique to leave me desperate for more answers in Forgotten Queen.
There were points, however, where I found Avery a little naïve. I understand trying to see the good in everyone, but with how she was treated in her past, and from the numerous warnings from Cole, you would think that she'd already learned that not everyone has the best intentions and needs to be saved. Also, the fact that Cole called her 'little wolf' from the moment that she met and that was the nickname that the voice in her dreams also called her, I was just screaming for her to connect the dots.
Regardless, I'm super excited to see what this series brings and what happens next — hopefully we'll get some more answers, they'll be some more development from both Avery and Cole, and I'll enjoy Forgotten Queen just much. September couldn't come quick enough!
March 6, 2024
I am an absolute sucker for Hades/Persephone retellings. I wish there were more of them out there. When I saw this was a H/P retelling and it had shades of Beauty and the Beast, I was immediately sold.
I liked the premise and enjoyed some aspects of the story, but there were large sections where literally nothing happened on page. I mean, the pages themselves read like "I got up. I walked the halls (left here, right there, past a statue). I trained. I ate in the kitchen." Chapters and chapters like that. It left me feeling like the story was over-long and I had a hard time getting through it. I was invested enough in learning the backstory that I stuck it out and the last quarter or so made it worth it.
Still, I wish this had been cleaned up and shortened a bit.
Rating: 3.25 out of 5
I liked the premise and enjoyed some aspects of the story, but there were large sections where literally nothing happened on page. I mean, the pages themselves read like "I got up. I walked the halls (left here, right there, past a statue). I trained. I ate in the kitchen." Chapters and chapters like that. It left me feeling like the story was over-long and I had a hard time getting through it. I was invested enough in learning the backstory that I stuck it out and the last quarter or so made it worth it.
Still, I wish this had been cleaned up and shortened a bit.
Rating: 3.25 out of 5
July 8, 2025
***Book Review***
‘Forsaken Mate’ by Vasilisa Drake - Book 1
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2 🌶️🌶️
❤️This book was fab!
🖤I loved it!! I devoured it in one sitting!!
❤️The FMC 'Avery' is a weak omega wolf shifter but boy does her character develop throughout the book ... she accepts her weaknesses but at the same time stands strong to herself!! she want answers and is not afraid of getting stuck in to find out what she needs to know!!
🖤The MMC 'Cole' is a strong alpha, king, ruler of the underworld but he is also lost and hiding from his responsibilities until he finds 'Avery'
❤️Their relationship evolves throughout the book and I was totally captivated by their story.
🖤This book is a reincarnation of 'Hades and Persophone' and ends on a cliffhanger that had me eager for more!!
❤️ The story is about finding yourself, lost love, survival and much more!!
‘Forsaken Mate’ by Vasilisa Drake - Book 1
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2 🌶️🌶️
❤️This book was fab!
🖤I loved it!! I devoured it in one sitting!!
❤️The FMC 'Avery' is a weak omega wolf shifter but boy does her character develop throughout the book ... she accepts her weaknesses but at the same time stands strong to herself!! she want answers and is not afraid of getting stuck in to find out what she needs to know!!
🖤The MMC 'Cole' is a strong alpha, king, ruler of the underworld but he is also lost and hiding from his responsibilities until he finds 'Avery'
❤️Their relationship evolves throughout the book and I was totally captivated by their story.
🖤This book is a reincarnation of 'Hades and Persophone' and ends on a cliffhanger that had me eager for more!!
❤️ The story is about finding yourself, lost love, survival and much more!!
August 18, 2025
⭐ Rating: 3/5 ⭐
I love mythology, especially Hades and Persephone, so when I saw Forsaken Mate had that twist mixed with a werewolf romance, I knew I had to read it. The blend of shifters and the Underworld was unique and pulled me in right away.
Avery is easy to root for. She has always been treated as the weakest wolf in her pack, and all she wanted was to finally belong. On the night of the mate ceremony, she learns of her fated-mate. Instead of finding her place, she is hunted and killed, only to wake up in Hell where she meets Cole. Their chemistry is immediate, and while he is frustrating and secretive, their connection kept me turning the pages.
I liked Avery’s kindness and her loyalty, but I also hope to see her grow more confidence in the next book. Cole balances her well, even if his half-answers to her endless questions drove me a little mad. Together they are fiery, complicated, and fun to read.
The pacing is quick, the world-building is interesting, and the side characters were more intriguing than I expected. I am looking forward to seeing their roles develop further.
Overall, Forsaken Mate was fast-paced, addictive, and a lot better than I expected. I finished it in one sitting and immediately started book two. I cannot wait to see more growth from Avery and to find out where her journey with Cole will lead.
I love mythology, especially Hades and Persephone, so when I saw Forsaken Mate had that twist mixed with a werewolf romance, I knew I had to read it. The blend of shifters and the Underworld was unique and pulled me in right away.
Avery is easy to root for. She has always been treated as the weakest wolf in her pack, and all she wanted was to finally belong. On the night of the mate ceremony, she learns of her fated-mate. Instead of finding her place, she is hunted and killed, only to wake up in Hell where she meets Cole. Their chemistry is immediate, and while he is frustrating and secretive, their connection kept me turning the pages.
I liked Avery’s kindness and her loyalty, but I also hope to see her grow more confidence in the next book. Cole balances her well, even if his half-answers to her endless questions drove me a little mad. Together they are fiery, complicated, and fun to read.
The pacing is quick, the world-building is interesting, and the side characters were more intriguing than I expected. I am looking forward to seeing their roles develop further.
Overall, Forsaken Mate was fast-paced, addictive, and a lot better than I expected. I finished it in one sitting and immediately started book two. I cannot wait to see more growth from Avery and to find out where her journey with Cole will lead.
September 14, 2023
4.5⭐️
I LOVED this book!! The tension, the world-building, the sass & sarcasm was perfect 🤩 Avery is strong, determined, caring, and fierce. Being in her mind was great and I am enjoying her story so much!! The pacing of this one is really good and I can’t wait to see where the rest of the series goes
Tropes and things:
😘Snarky & sassy FMC
✨Humor
🚫Rejected mate
😈Broody & mysterious MMC
⚔️Training tension
💀Hades & Persephone vibes
🐺Wolf shifters
🏺Greek mythology
🧡Nickname
🛌Spicy “dreams”
❤️🔥Praise kink
This book also has another example of Hecate being one of my favorite goddesses, she is great in this book and I love her as a teacher!!
TW: bullying, cruelty, panic attacks
I LOVED this book!! The tension, the world-building, the sass & sarcasm was perfect 🤩 Avery is strong, determined, caring, and fierce. Being in her mind was great and I am enjoying her story so much!! The pacing of this one is really good and I can’t wait to see where the rest of the series goes
Tropes and things:
😘Snarky & sassy FMC
✨Humor
🚫Rejected mate
😈Broody & mysterious MMC
⚔️Training tension
💀Hades & Persephone vibes
🐺Wolf shifters
🏺Greek mythology
🧡Nickname
🛌Spicy “dreams”
❤️🔥Praise kink
This book also has another example of Hecate being one of my favorite goddesses, she is great in this book and I love her as a teacher!!
TW: bullying, cruelty, panic attacks
February 15, 2024
I admit did not have high hopes for this book at all but I was completely and utterly pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Its 3 star rating is not justified.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a masterpiece of great literature but it’s well written, in a way that’s easy to follow. Enough world building to fit the story but not too much to bore you. The start was a little sketchy and definitely contributed to my poor expectations but it significantly improved and was a good story. Jumping straight to the next one!
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a masterpiece of great literature but it’s well written, in a way that’s easy to follow. Enough world building to fit the story but not too much to bore you. The start was a little sketchy and definitely contributed to my poor expectations but it significantly improved and was a good story. Jumping straight to the next one!
January 14, 2025
249 pages of nothing really happening?
I was a victim of tiktok and thought this might be good. The writing is very YA and not very atmospheric, which I wouldve passed if the plot was good or something happened.
VERY VERY predictable.
As far as Cole, very sad that this AMAZING mithological character is named Cole and is a very cliche “bad boy/brooding male”
hate my brain because its hopeful that this might be better. Will I continue?
Not sure
I was a victim of tiktok and thought this might be good. The writing is very YA and not very atmospheric, which I wouldve passed if the plot was good or something happened.
VERY VERY predictable.
As far as Cole, very sad that this AMAZING mithological character is named Cole and is a very cliche “bad boy/brooding male”
hate my brain because its hopeful that this might be better. Will I continue?
Not sure
February 11, 2025
Easy read. Not a ton of plot. Avery is rejected by her moon fated mate, killed by his clique and wakes up in Hell. When she sleeps she talks with what she thinks is an imaginary person but is obviously Cole. She's weak so he trains her but then Hecate ends up helping train her on her witch abilities. Avery ends up discovering Cole is Hades. And she scrys her friend Daphne only to discover she's trapped in a jail cell and now must return to her realm to save her. Will give the book 2 a chance
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2023
A Brilliantly Written New Shifter Series.
Avery, an unfortunate omega in her pack, was left for dead and in fact was transported to another realm, hell. There she meets two important figures, Cole (King) and Hecate (witch). Both of them begin to teach her about herself that has been submerged … her wolf and witchy sides. Sooner rather than later she puts them to the test. And that is where the cliffhanger leads us.
I really liked this storyline. Not your usual shifter fare but elevated to the point I’m definitely intrigued and looking forward to book two.
I’m definitely recommending this new series for your reading pleasure.
PEACE.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Avery, an unfortunate omega in her pack, was left for dead and in fact was transported to another realm, hell. There she meets two important figures, Cole (King) and Hecate (witch). Both of them begin to teach her about herself that has been submerged … her wolf and witchy sides. Sooner rather than later she puts them to the test. And that is where the cliffhanger leads us.
I really liked this storyline. Not your usual shifter fare but elevated to the point I’m definitely intrigued and looking forward to book two.
I’m definitely recommending this new series for your reading pleasure.
PEACE.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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