What do you think?
Rate this book
Madison Lark #1
Frayed
As a semi-pro fighter and free spirit, Fray doesn't have a care in the world, until a secret group begins abducting supernatural teens in the Blue Hills of North Carolina for excruciating experiments. Will Fray, a leopard shapeshifter, and her unlikely allies rescue the children before they are dissected alive?
Fray will do whatever it takes to stop her world from changing -including confronting personal prejudices and a brooding ex- but the ultimate sacrifice forces her to realize just how overdue change is. Her most shocking discovery: Everyone's human. At least a little...
Fans of Laurell K. Hamilton are sure to love the 'no surrender' attitude of FRAYED.
Fray will do whatever it takes to stop her world from changing -including confronting personal prejudices and a brooding ex- but the ultimate sacrifice forces her to realize just how overdue change is. Her most shocking discovery: Everyone's human. At least a little...
Fans of Laurell K. Hamilton are sure to love the 'no surrender' attitude of FRAYED.
154 pages, Paperback
First published November 24, 2011
64 people are currently reading
514 people want to read
About the author
Blakely Chorpenning
10 books55 followersBlakely Chorpenning is a multi-genre author. Her stories blend the magnificent with the mundane, inviting readers to walk with monsters and fall in love with dreams. linktr.ee/blakelychorpenning
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 15, 2015
3.5 stars
Interested in more of my reviews? Visit my blog!
When local teenagers start disappearing from the various shifter communities, old rivalries get put on the back burner in order to stop this from continuing.
Fray is a leopard shifter and a semi-pro mixed martial arts fighter. To sum it up: she’s quite the badass. Highly independent and extremely sarcastic I grew quite fond of Fray. After finding out that more teenagers are disappearing, her and her family realizes that someone needs to look into this to prevent any future kidnappings and it needs to be Fray. She teams up with a vampire/investigator to find out why these kidnappings are happening and who’s responsible.
I really enjoyed this introduction novella. I think it presented a good picture of what’s to be expected in this upcoming series. This has a surprisingly interesting plot with strong and likable characters. I also enjoyed the underlying story of overcoming deep-seated prejudices and learning how to overcome those challenges to complete the common goal. I think I would have enjoyed it a teensy bit more if it was longer and the author was able to dive a bit deeper in respects to world-building. Character development was spot on though. Recommended for you UF fans out there.
Interested in more of my reviews? Visit my blog!
When local teenagers start disappearing from the various shifter communities, old rivalries get put on the back burner in order to stop this from continuing.
Fray is a leopard shifter and a semi-pro mixed martial arts fighter. To sum it up: she’s quite the badass. Highly independent and extremely sarcastic I grew quite fond of Fray. After finding out that more teenagers are disappearing, her and her family realizes that someone needs to look into this to prevent any future kidnappings and it needs to be Fray. She teams up with a vampire/investigator to find out why these kidnappings are happening and who’s responsible.
I really enjoyed this introduction novella. I think it presented a good picture of what’s to be expected in this upcoming series. This has a surprisingly interesting plot with strong and likable characters. I also enjoyed the underlying story of overcoming deep-seated prejudices and learning how to overcome those challenges to complete the common goal. I think I would have enjoyed it a teensy bit more if it was longer and the author was able to dive a bit deeper in respects to world-building. Character development was spot on though. Recommended for you UF fans out there.
January 26, 2015
My Thoughts
I admit I am a big fan of novellas. It’s incredibly difficult to create a good backstory, develop characters and establish an interesting plot in such a limited amount of pages. A lot of authors will end up overwhelming readers with too much detail or underwhelming them with too few. It’s hard to get the balance just right. I think it’s a true test of an author’s skill to communicate all we need to know and successfully deliver a story that resonates with us.
Blakely Chorpenning is one of those skilled authors. What I liked about this novella is her ability to interlace an interesting plot with such a strong social message that people can change and overcome prejudice when needed.
So about the story…
Within the world of shifters - leopards, lions and wolves - there has never been any unity or closeness. In fact, there is a predominant intolerance to every community outside your own. However, when young shifters from each lepe, pride and pack start disappearing, prejudices no longer seem important.
Fray is a leopard shifter whose life is pretty easy and all about fun and good times. Asked to help search for the missing young, Fray must work with other supernaturals and find a way to forego her deeply rooted prejudice.
With the help of Nash (a vampire Private Investigator hired to help with the investigation), they discover who the kidnappers are and why it is they came to their particular town.
The Dissenters are a group of deranged men whose roots stem from Puritan rebels during the days of the Salem Witch Trials. They want to find a cure for what they consider the ‘inner beast’, and are willing to go to any lengths to find it. Even if it means the cruel mutilation of young shifters. Before a supernatural shifts for the first time is when they are at their weakest, so the Dissenters target the young.
Fray…
Madison Lark (aka Fray) is a multi-faceted character. She’s tough, sarcastic, witty, not easily intimidated, but at the same time she’s warmhearted, compassionate and sympathetic. Despite her brother’s attempts at convincing her to change her ways, she’s sure that her life is all about being a fighter. So far Fray hasn’t found anything she’d rather do or anything that’s more important. She understands that the lepe needs to be protected at all costs; however, that has nothing to do with her plans for life.
After working closely with other supernaturals and witnessing their struggles, emotion and grief, she realizes that they all have some very human emotions – even the vampires. This comes as quite a shock to her as it goes against every preconceived notion she’s ever had.
The way that Fray dealt with the entire crisis showed significant leadership potential. And people took notice.
Blaire…
Fray’s ex-boyfriend, Blaire, is the son of the currently very ill lepe leader. Blaire is acting as leader now however is having trouble gaining the support of the rest of the lepe. Despite the “ex” status, its obvious that there is still strong feelings and passion between the two. Blaire is sexy and gorgeous but the reasons they parted are still there and Fray shows incredible strength with keeping him at arm’s length. Goddess love her because I don’t think I could be that strong given Chorpenning’s description of him!
Nash…
Nash is a private investigator hired to work with Fray to investigate the disappearances. He also happens to be a vampire. If Fray is prejudiced against other shifters, she is doubly so against vampires. For the most part, he’s patient and they come to an understanding in order to work together. At least until her suspicions go too far. We didn’t find out too much about Nash in this first novel but I hope to see much more of him in the future. I think his story will be an interesting one.
There were some other memorable characters that we got to hear about. Fray’s 5 roommates are quite a handful and obviously love Fray very much. Shane is a shadowshifter (ghost-like being that blends into the shadows and isn’t seen unless it wants to be seen). I hope to see more of him. Rush (the mysterious survivor of a Dissenter capture) and Lucy (Nash’s ex). And yes all these were introduced in this novella in a most proficient of ways.
For the future…
When I’m finished a novel in a series, my mind is still spinning with what ifs and what’s next. So I always start thinking about what the next one will be like. I can’t wait to see which way the author decides to go in this series.
• Now that Fray has grown as a person, will she and Blaire rekindle their relationship? If so, what will happen if Fray starts to become more respected as a leader than Blaire?
• What role will Nash play? Is he a love interest for Fray?
• What happened to the Dissenters who got away?
• What role does Rush play in it all?
The only thing is didn’t like was that it wasn’t long enough!
________________________________________
Bottom Line
In my opinion, this novella was a great introduction to the Madison Lark series. If Ms. Chorpenning can achieve what she has in a novella, I sure am eager to see what she can do with a full-length novel. I hear that Book #2 is due out this summer. Can’t wait!!
Happy Reading!!
4 Bad Boys – Really Enjoyed It!!!!
I admit I am a big fan of novellas. It’s incredibly difficult to create a good backstory, develop characters and establish an interesting plot in such a limited amount of pages. A lot of authors will end up overwhelming readers with too much detail or underwhelming them with too few. It’s hard to get the balance just right. I think it’s a true test of an author’s skill to communicate all we need to know and successfully deliver a story that resonates with us.
Blakely Chorpenning is one of those skilled authors. What I liked about this novella is her ability to interlace an interesting plot with such a strong social message that people can change and overcome prejudice when needed.
So about the story…
Within the world of shifters - leopards, lions and wolves - there has never been any unity or closeness. In fact, there is a predominant intolerance to every community outside your own. However, when young shifters from each lepe, pride and pack start disappearing, prejudices no longer seem important.
Fray is a leopard shifter whose life is pretty easy and all about fun and good times. Asked to help search for the missing young, Fray must work with other supernaturals and find a way to forego her deeply rooted prejudice.
With the help of Nash (a vampire Private Investigator hired to help with the investigation), they discover who the kidnappers are and why it is they came to their particular town.
The Dissenters are a group of deranged men whose roots stem from Puritan rebels during the days of the Salem Witch Trials. They want to find a cure for what they consider the ‘inner beast’, and are willing to go to any lengths to find it. Even if it means the cruel mutilation of young shifters. Before a supernatural shifts for the first time is when they are at their weakest, so the Dissenters target the young.
Fray…
Madison Lark (aka Fray) is a multi-faceted character. She’s tough, sarcastic, witty, not easily intimidated, but at the same time she’s warmhearted, compassionate and sympathetic. Despite her brother’s attempts at convincing her to change her ways, she’s sure that her life is all about being a fighter. So far Fray hasn’t found anything she’d rather do or anything that’s more important. She understands that the lepe needs to be protected at all costs; however, that has nothing to do with her plans for life.
After working closely with other supernaturals and witnessing their struggles, emotion and grief, she realizes that they all have some very human emotions – even the vampires. This comes as quite a shock to her as it goes against every preconceived notion she’s ever had.
The way that Fray dealt with the entire crisis showed significant leadership potential. And people took notice.
Blaire…
Fray’s ex-boyfriend, Blaire, is the son of the currently very ill lepe leader. Blaire is acting as leader now however is having trouble gaining the support of the rest of the lepe. Despite the “ex” status, its obvious that there is still strong feelings and passion between the two. Blaire is sexy and gorgeous but the reasons they parted are still there and Fray shows incredible strength with keeping him at arm’s length. Goddess love her because I don’t think I could be that strong given Chorpenning’s description of him!
Nash…
Nash is a private investigator hired to work with Fray to investigate the disappearances. He also happens to be a vampire. If Fray is prejudiced against other shifters, she is doubly so against vampires. For the most part, he’s patient and they come to an understanding in order to work together. At least until her suspicions go too far. We didn’t find out too much about Nash in this first novel but I hope to see much more of him in the future. I think his story will be an interesting one.
There were some other memorable characters that we got to hear about. Fray’s 5 roommates are quite a handful and obviously love Fray very much. Shane is a shadowshifter (ghost-like being that blends into the shadows and isn’t seen unless it wants to be seen). I hope to see more of him. Rush (the mysterious survivor of a Dissenter capture) and Lucy (Nash’s ex). And yes all these were introduced in this novella in a most proficient of ways.
For the future…
When I’m finished a novel in a series, my mind is still spinning with what ifs and what’s next. So I always start thinking about what the next one will be like. I can’t wait to see which way the author decides to go in this series.
• Now that Fray has grown as a person, will she and Blaire rekindle their relationship? If so, what will happen if Fray starts to become more respected as a leader than Blaire?
• What role will Nash play? Is he a love interest for Fray?
• What happened to the Dissenters who got away?
• What role does Rush play in it all?
The only thing is didn’t like was that it wasn’t long enough!
________________________________________
Bottom Line
In my opinion, this novella was a great introduction to the Madison Lark series. If Ms. Chorpenning can achieve what she has in a novella, I sure am eager to see what she can do with a full-length novel. I hear that Book #2 is due out this summer. Can’t wait!!
Happy Reading!!
4 Bad Boys – Really Enjoyed It!!!!
December 29, 2011
The Good
I was actually pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed Frayed. In the novella we meet Fray, a leopard shapeshifter with an ingrained prejudice against vampires, werewolves, and other shapeshifters. It's how supernatural creatures live, hating those who are not their own but tolerating them only when they are helpful. But as Fray and vampire Haden Nash work together to find the many supernatural teens that have been kidnapped for nefarious reasons, Fray realizes it's time for every species to end this poorly reasoned animosity. Maybe if everyone would have just worked together in the first place, these horrible occurrences would have never come to be. Innocence would have never been taken and lives could have been saved.
I loved that supernatural social issues were so beautifully woven within the plot. It gave the story numerous layers that pulled me into these characters' lives more than I expected for a novella. But the main plot was fascinating on it's own. There was mystery, horror, and fast-paced action. The dialogue was simply brilliant. I love humor in urban fantasy. When a story gets dark for portions of the book, it's nice to have that comedic relief. The banter between Fray and Nash was hilarious and really made me like both characters for simply being smartasses.
Fray was a great heroine for this story. She's tough, smart, and speaks her mind. She actually learns from her mistakes and tries to better herself. I think she really shines when she's bantering with Nash. Of course, she naturally despises him. He's a vampire, all he's good at is being dead and savage. But after spending time with him, she realizes that maybe her preconceived notions are wrong. Nash is actually an all around gentlemen, even when he's purposely egging Fray on.
Let's move on to the romance. You know that ex that you never really got over but had to let go because you two were simply not compatible, both too strong-willed and pigheaded to yield to the other. Yeah, that's Blaire and Fray. We don't get to travel too much into their "relationship lane" but the peeks we see left me wanting more. I don't even know if I want them together, but their somewhat mysterious past makes me crave to see what they are like in a relationship.
The secondary characters were all very interesting and multi-dimensional. Again, we get small snippets of their characters and their pasts making me wish there was more time to delve further into their stories. Lucy, Nash's ex-girlfriend who's also a vampire, was nothing at all what I expected. In most books, when you meet the ex, they are just horribly rude and evil. Not Lucy. She was so sweet my teeth hurt, in a good way. I actually really liked her, even though she is only a small part of the story.
There were some great action scenes that were both ferocious and technically written well. The ending was almost hard to read. I really did want to cry. These poor children go through so much and it can't help but break your heart. When someone can make my cold heart actually ache, then I have to applaud them for a job well done.
The Bad
I'm finding it difficult to come up with the right wording to describe what I didn't like but I'll try. I felt some parts of the novella were overwritten. Though the language and style was very imaginative and elaborate, I felt the overdone descriptions and artistic comparisons were too much sometimes. I actually had to reread several sentences to understand what the author was trying to convey. I like creative and descriptive language as much as the next reader, but it can be overused to the point of confusion. But that's my only complaint, so I give props to Chorpenning since I tend to complain about everything and anything. What can I say, I am what I am (Oh yeah, I went there. Totally invoking Popeye. He's the man.)
The Snuggly
Some heavy petting that ended in a way that made me laugh my butt off. We also get a shower scene but nothing too sexual. No sex.
Overall
I laughed, I was frightened, I was shocked, and I was completely satisfied by the end. I think this book makes a great addition to my urban fantasy collection. Frayed was well written except for a few quirks and was extremely entertaining. Highly recommended.
http://readingandwritingurbanfantasy....
I was actually pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed Frayed. In the novella we meet Fray, a leopard shapeshifter with an ingrained prejudice against vampires, werewolves, and other shapeshifters. It's how supernatural creatures live, hating those who are not their own but tolerating them only when they are helpful. But as Fray and vampire Haden Nash work together to find the many supernatural teens that have been kidnapped for nefarious reasons, Fray realizes it's time for every species to end this poorly reasoned animosity. Maybe if everyone would have just worked together in the first place, these horrible occurrences would have never come to be. Innocence would have never been taken and lives could have been saved.
I loved that supernatural social issues were so beautifully woven within the plot. It gave the story numerous layers that pulled me into these characters' lives more than I expected for a novella. But the main plot was fascinating on it's own. There was mystery, horror, and fast-paced action. The dialogue was simply brilliant. I love humor in urban fantasy. When a story gets dark for portions of the book, it's nice to have that comedic relief. The banter between Fray and Nash was hilarious and really made me like both characters for simply being smartasses.
Fray was a great heroine for this story. She's tough, smart, and speaks her mind. She actually learns from her mistakes and tries to better herself. I think she really shines when she's bantering with Nash. Of course, she naturally despises him. He's a vampire, all he's good at is being dead and savage. But after spending time with him, she realizes that maybe her preconceived notions are wrong. Nash is actually an all around gentlemen, even when he's purposely egging Fray on.
Let's move on to the romance. You know that ex that you never really got over but had to let go because you two were simply not compatible, both too strong-willed and pigheaded to yield to the other. Yeah, that's Blaire and Fray. We don't get to travel too much into their "relationship lane" but the peeks we see left me wanting more. I don't even know if I want them together, but their somewhat mysterious past makes me crave to see what they are like in a relationship.
The secondary characters were all very interesting and multi-dimensional. Again, we get small snippets of their characters and their pasts making me wish there was more time to delve further into their stories. Lucy, Nash's ex-girlfriend who's also a vampire, was nothing at all what I expected. In most books, when you meet the ex, they are just horribly rude and evil. Not Lucy. She was so sweet my teeth hurt, in a good way. I actually really liked her, even though she is only a small part of the story.
There were some great action scenes that were both ferocious and technically written well. The ending was almost hard to read. I really did want to cry. These poor children go through so much and it can't help but break your heart. When someone can make my cold heart actually ache, then I have to applaud them for a job well done.
The Bad
I'm finding it difficult to come up with the right wording to describe what I didn't like but I'll try. I felt some parts of the novella were overwritten. Though the language and style was very imaginative and elaborate, I felt the overdone descriptions and artistic comparisons were too much sometimes. I actually had to reread several sentences to understand what the author was trying to convey. I like creative and descriptive language as much as the next reader, but it can be overused to the point of confusion. But that's my only complaint, so I give props to Chorpenning since I tend to complain about everything and anything. What can I say, I am what I am (Oh yeah, I went there. Totally invoking Popeye. He's the man.)
The Snuggly
Some heavy petting that ended in a way that made me laugh my butt off. We also get a shower scene but nothing too sexual. No sex.
Overall
I laughed, I was frightened, I was shocked, and I was completely satisfied by the end. I think this book makes a great addition to my urban fantasy collection. Frayed was well written except for a few quirks and was extremely entertaining. Highly recommended.
http://readingandwritingurbanfantasy....
August 25, 2012
Frayed is Blakely Chorpenning’s debut book. It is a novella leading into her new Madison Lark Urban Fantasy series.
We meet Fray early on, when she is in the midst of a semi pro fight. Fray is a leopard shifter, who likes to fight, to use up her restless leopard energies, and she gets paid for it. Fray is a tough, hard assed heroine, who is not afraid to speak her mind openly, no matter if it hurts, and she is very independent. But despite her stubbornness, she cares, and this makes her an excellent heroine.
We also get to meet Fray’s friends and pack members, as she lives with some of this. I will get back to this, as part of this bothered me a bit. At the end of the fight, Fray is met by her brother Darien, who has a stranger with him. She smells him, and knows he is Vampire and we all know that all shape-shifters hate Vampires. Fray is nasty to Nash, the vampire, but is told to behave by her brother. Nash is there for a reason.
Fray learns there are more missing children from various local packs. She cares about the children, and is determined to help find them. Blaire, the head of the pack, feels Fray is the best person to team up with Nash, who has also been assigned to help investigate why the children are disappearing. Fray puts aside her immense dislike for vampires, and is willing to work with Nash. Willing does not mean she will treat him nice.
There is no real romance in this novella, though you know there is past history between Blaire and Fray. Something that is still very much alive, but at this time Fray is trying to fight her feelings by staying away from Blaire, as she does not want to get hurt again.
Nash and Fray work together meeting families of the missing children to try and understand what and why this is happening. Finally we meet Lucy, who is also a vampire and Nash’s ex. At this point, we learn a bit more about who is taking the children. The story for the last half of the book is very exciting, tense, even sickening. But it is well written and flows very well, and at times pulls on your emotions. Fray is a wonderful character, and you can’t help but like her. She takes much of what happens to her heart, and she knows that prejudices must change, and people must work together, if they are to survive.
This story had a lot of action, character building and many tense moments for a novella. On thing I had mention is the secondary characters. I thought the introduction of many of the pack members, was a bit too much at the same time. It was hard to know who was who. I got to know Lucy a bit more then Fray’s own friends. However that being said, this was an excellent novella by Chorpenning. I want to know what happens to Fray, how much has this case changed her and what will she do to; will she ever try to resume her relationship with Blaire; what happens with the packs and children; Lucy and Nash are interesting and I want to know more. So Chorpenning has gotten my attention in this excellent first book, and now I want more.
Barb
The Reading Cafe>/a>
We meet Fray early on, when she is in the midst of a semi pro fight. Fray is a leopard shifter, who likes to fight, to use up her restless leopard energies, and she gets paid for it. Fray is a tough, hard assed heroine, who is not afraid to speak her mind openly, no matter if it hurts, and she is very independent. But despite her stubbornness, she cares, and this makes her an excellent heroine.
We also get to meet Fray’s friends and pack members, as she lives with some of this. I will get back to this, as part of this bothered me a bit. At the end of the fight, Fray is met by her brother Darien, who has a stranger with him. She smells him, and knows he is Vampire and we all know that all shape-shifters hate Vampires. Fray is nasty to Nash, the vampire, but is told to behave by her brother. Nash is there for a reason.
Fray learns there are more missing children from various local packs. She cares about the children, and is determined to help find them. Blaire, the head of the pack, feels Fray is the best person to team up with Nash, who has also been assigned to help investigate why the children are disappearing. Fray puts aside her immense dislike for vampires, and is willing to work with Nash. Willing does not mean she will treat him nice.
There is no real romance in this novella, though you know there is past history between Blaire and Fray. Something that is still very much alive, but at this time Fray is trying to fight her feelings by staying away from Blaire, as she does not want to get hurt again.
Nash and Fray work together meeting families of the missing children to try and understand what and why this is happening. Finally we meet Lucy, who is also a vampire and Nash’s ex. At this point, we learn a bit more about who is taking the children. The story for the last half of the book is very exciting, tense, even sickening. But it is well written and flows very well, and at times pulls on your emotions. Fray is a wonderful character, and you can’t help but like her. She takes much of what happens to her heart, and she knows that prejudices must change, and people must work together, if they are to survive.
This story had a lot of action, character building and many tense moments for a novella. On thing I had mention is the secondary characters. I thought the introduction of many of the pack members, was a bit too much at the same time. It was hard to know who was who. I got to know Lucy a bit more then Fray’s own friends. However that being said, this was an excellent novella by Chorpenning. I want to know what happens to Fray, how much has this case changed her and what will she do to; will she ever try to resume her relationship with Blaire; what happens with the packs and children; Lucy and Nash are interesting and I want to know more. So Chorpenning has gotten my attention in this excellent first book, and now I want more.
Barb
The Reading Cafe>/a>
March 6, 2012
To see this review and more like it check out my site Urban Fantasy Review at www.ufreviews.com
I am normally not a person who really falls in love with novellas. And the reason for that is I always want more, I start to like the characters or I want to learn more about the world, and novellas just aren't enough time for authors to really do that. But this novella may be my exception to that rule, because I really enjoyed this book, I just wish it was longer.
I'm going to start with the one thing that bugged me in the novella, and then go on to the good things about it. There is a scene about 3/4 of the way through the book, where all the action takes place. And this is the most important part of the action, but the problem I had was Fray jumps into the action, and I almost felt like their was like 3 pages or so missing of build up. It was like Fray arrived on the scene got in trouble and then started searching around, within such a short period of time and it didn't feel believable.
Other than that the book is great. I love Fray, she is truly a badass, but she is by no means the perfect girl. She almost reminds me Faythe in Rachel Vincent's shifters series. And not just because they are both shifters, but because they are both women who fight for those who can't fight for themselves. They are the reluctant leaders, the ones who don't want the power, but can't help but to step up and do the right thing when it is put in front of them.
This novella deals with someone that I think all readers can identify with, which I think is the reason why this novella is one I enjoyed more, because I connected with the story. No one wants to think about what horrible things people could do to children, and in this book it is children who are targeted. It gets everyone's blood boiling not just the characters in the book, but I think it will do the same thing for the readers as well.
The characters are also really well written for such a short period of space. I feel like Fray was given the opportunity to grow and she did. I feel like Blaire was a good strong leader type, who I want to see more of in the future. Darien was the older brother we all would expect when you have a little sister. And there is a whole cast of room mates that bring more interesting situations to the book. But the one character I think that was the most striking, I can't really tell you much about without ruining the novella. But I will say it's one of the children, they say children are resilient and that is especially true for this girl, and she has more strength than she even realizes.
Overall this was a great book to read, and I am really looking forward to the sequel, I want to know what happened next. I want to know how the shifter community is going to react, are they going to come together or are they going to be torn apart. And what is going to happen to Fray. There is so much I want to know. And when you read a book that leaves you wanting more, you know it was a good book. So check it out.
I am normally not a person who really falls in love with novellas. And the reason for that is I always want more, I start to like the characters or I want to learn more about the world, and novellas just aren't enough time for authors to really do that. But this novella may be my exception to that rule, because I really enjoyed this book, I just wish it was longer.
I'm going to start with the one thing that bugged me in the novella, and then go on to the good things about it. There is a scene about 3/4 of the way through the book, where all the action takes place. And this is the most important part of the action, but the problem I had was Fray jumps into the action, and I almost felt like their was like 3 pages or so missing of build up. It was like Fray arrived on the scene got in trouble and then started searching around, within such a short period of time and it didn't feel believable.
Other than that the book is great. I love Fray, she is truly a badass, but she is by no means the perfect girl. She almost reminds me Faythe in Rachel Vincent's shifters series. And not just because they are both shifters, but because they are both women who fight for those who can't fight for themselves. They are the reluctant leaders, the ones who don't want the power, but can't help but to step up and do the right thing when it is put in front of them.
This novella deals with someone that I think all readers can identify with, which I think is the reason why this novella is one I enjoyed more, because I connected with the story. No one wants to think about what horrible things people could do to children, and in this book it is children who are targeted. It gets everyone's blood boiling not just the characters in the book, but I think it will do the same thing for the readers as well.
The characters are also really well written for such a short period of space. I feel like Fray was given the opportunity to grow and she did. I feel like Blaire was a good strong leader type, who I want to see more of in the future. Darien was the older brother we all would expect when you have a little sister. And there is a whole cast of room mates that bring more interesting situations to the book. But the one character I think that was the most striking, I can't really tell you much about without ruining the novella. But I will say it's one of the children, they say children are resilient and that is especially true for this girl, and she has more strength than she even realizes.
Overall this was a great book to read, and I am really looking forward to the sequel, I want to know what happened next. I want to know how the shifter community is going to react, are they going to come together or are they going to be torn apart. And what is going to happen to Fray. There is so much I want to know. And when you read a book that leaves you wanting more, you know it was a good book. So check it out.
April 5, 2012
It was pretty good, pretty good. There was quite a bit of swearing, so I warn others for that. My friend won this in a sweepstakes here in goodreads and let me read it after her. She didn't think it was that good, but what does she know because I thought is was pretty good story-line wise. Its about a girl named Fray. I didn't realize that she was a girl until a few pages in where she was in the women's locker room, but apparently I missed it earlier. Its cool, no biggie. So I was reading and my friend told me it was weird, and I see why she thought so. Fray turns into a leopard. Just willie nilly. It is paranormal though so...eh. Anyways, its really cool 'cause she can turn into a snow leopard. So Fray is pretty...'open'...i guess. Anyways so she doesn't dress conservatively or anything and she doesn't really have a censor. So she meets this new dude and the first place they go is a club where she ditches him for some one else she knows if that gives you an idea of her character. I mean I kept reading all though because it was a novella and i wanted to so it didn't bother me to much. It's pretty funny, and entertaining, except toward the end where i cried cause there was an intense death. it wasn't like completely spelled out, but you get the idea pretty quick. So it was pretty nice seeing Fray transform from this crazy little girl that doesn't care about anyone except herself to being a hero for children she has the right to dislike. It was pretty nice thinking back on that.
Favorite quote: " Why are you hijacking my shower?" that was a funny scene.
Favorite quote: " Why are you hijacking my shower?" that was a funny scene.
July 25, 2012
The shifter community is in an uproar because their teenagers seem to be missing. Because there is little communication between the leopards, weres, etc., it has taken sometime for them to realise the breadth of the problem.
Fray is a mixed martial artist who loves and lives to fight. Her brother assigns Fray to investigate the disappearances with Nash - a vampire. Fray is not at all pleased as it seems that distrust not only extends to other shifters but to the undead as well.
Chorpenning has a large world with various types of shifters, as well as vampires. The cast is filled with mixed race people, which is a nice change of pace from all White worlds. I do however think that despite being told that Fray had a paternal African grandmother and typical Black features, there were no markers other than description to mark her as a person of colour. The same unfortunately occurred with other characters.
Fray is yet another character in this genre who has zero impulse control, no respect for authority. She ridiculously allowed herself to be captured without much forethought. I found it very hard to like Fray mainly because I am tired of seeing this kind of woman in urban fantasy. Why is it so hard to have a character who is capable of having a conversation without flying off the damn handle every two seconds. She hardly behaves like adult woman she is supposed to be.
Read More
Fray is a mixed martial artist who loves and lives to fight. Her brother assigns Fray to investigate the disappearances with Nash - a vampire. Fray is not at all pleased as it seems that distrust not only extends to other shifters but to the undead as well.
Chorpenning has a large world with various types of shifters, as well as vampires. The cast is filled with mixed race people, which is a nice change of pace from all White worlds. I do however think that despite being told that Fray had a paternal African grandmother and typical Black features, there were no markers other than description to mark her as a person of colour. The same unfortunately occurred with other characters.
Fray is yet another character in this genre who has zero impulse control, no respect for authority. She ridiculously allowed herself to be captured without much forethought. I found it very hard to like Fray mainly because I am tired of seeing this kind of woman in urban fantasy. Why is it so hard to have a character who is capable of having a conversation without flying off the damn handle every two seconds. She hardly behaves like adult woman she is supposed to be.
Read More
June 28, 2013
This is actually the first story, outside of my own (Heart Song), where I have seen the use of therianthrope used correctly. I have to commend the author on that. I'm impressed and very happy to see that term getting more use. This was a fast, easy read. The story is very much something about change and breaking from the norm to bring about the change and how it sometimes comes about through chaos and war and loss. There are definitely great merits to this story. The characters were unique with real problems and complex ideas. I felt most of them were well thought out and individual. I could've used a little bit more from Fray's circle. I definitely think this could've been a much longer story with more development, spending more time with the relationships and definitely more time on the conflict itself. There were parts that were very short and intense. I think the author could've gone a little deeper with the plot. I feel like the main conflict was left too soon. I think the concept has potential and with a little more thought and work, this could be a great story. There were points that drug on and some that still needs a bit more development. With that being said, this is perfect for those rainy days for those who love shifter stories with strong, spicy female protagonists.
*NOTE: A free copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.*
*This review will also be found at my site and Amazon*
*NOTE: A free copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.*
*This review will also be found at my site and Amazon*
March 22, 2012
I just finished reading this book. The author did such a great job of giving just enough information to get to know each character's personality and feelings. Letting you get to really know them in such a short story.
I enjoyed the flow of the book, with one exception. I wish there was more details with the main fight scene. When reading short stories I am always left feeling like so much was missed, so many questions wanting so much more. Frayed, while that one scene I wished was more, the rest of the story was great! I was able to get a great picture of how their world works, the rules, the thinking and the understanding of why they felt the way they did.
I loved how it also got you to really think about things. How everyone is different yet the same. How differences can be set aside, even though it is hard and some might not approve, because of a tragic event that brought them together. The hope that while they are not the same, someday they might be able to find away create a way to get along better with each tribe.
I would recommend this book for people to read, it is well written. I cannot wait to see what happens next! Looking forward to the next one.
I enjoyed the flow of the book, with one exception. I wish there was more details with the main fight scene. When reading short stories I am always left feeling like so much was missed, so many questions wanting so much more. Frayed, while that one scene I wished was more, the rest of the story was great! I was able to get a great picture of how their world works, the rules, the thinking and the understanding of why they felt the way they did.
I loved how it also got you to really think about things. How everyone is different yet the same. How differences can be set aside, even though it is hard and some might not approve, because of a tragic event that brought them together. The hope that while they are not the same, someday they might be able to find away create a way to get along better with each tribe.
I would recommend this book for people to read, it is well written. I cannot wait to see what happens next! Looking forward to the next one.
March 7, 2014
This was my first novella and very interesting also my first book I won from a giveaway before. It basically follows the story of a girl named Fray who has the power to shift into a leopard. Though you think her life would be easier with this power, it is proven to be untrue when a group of evil humans against all magical people start to kidnap all the teenagers in Fray's "lepe" (basically group of other leopard shifters). With the help of an unusual pair of vampires and Fray's gorgeous old ex, she must reclaim the teens before it is too late. This had very interesting characters as well as leading onto ideas that could further the story into possibly a sequel. Easy read and very interesting, I give this book four stars and a encourage you to read it.
October 18, 2012
I received a copy of Frayed from the author Blakely Chorpenning.
I love Fray, she was a real badass, the type that won’t take crap from anyone but still has a big heart. It was really good, I was surprised because all the characters were well written for a novella and they seemed realistic. Even in a short amount of time Fray seemed to grow. Sometimes I find that Novellas just make me hungry for more storyline but I thought I thought the storyline was great, even though it was a sad sort of one, shifter children being kidnapped. It made me laugh but near the end it made me cry, I kept tearing up as I continued to read Frayed. I was so glad to hear there is going to be a sequel because Fray is an amazing character and I’d love to read more of her world.
I love Fray, she was a real badass, the type that won’t take crap from anyone but still has a big heart. It was really good, I was surprised because all the characters were well written for a novella and they seemed realistic. Even in a short amount of time Fray seemed to grow. Sometimes I find that Novellas just make me hungry for more storyline but I thought I thought the storyline was great, even though it was a sad sort of one, shifter children being kidnapped. It made me laugh but near the end it made me cry, I kept tearing up as I continued to read Frayed. I was so glad to hear there is going to be a sequel because Fray is an amazing character and I’d love to read more of her world.
March 27, 2012
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I quite enjoyed this book. There was a nice consistency of the plot, I didn't feel like I was wasting time reading through any slow parts. It was also easy to get started and once I had opened the book and properly began to read it, I finished it in one go.
Keeping in mind it was a novella, I felt like this was more of a novel in how it was written. The characters were quite developed and there was a stable and believable plot that was introduced right away and stayed on the same path all the way to the end. Overall I felt this was a well written book.
I recommend it to anyone who enjoys supernatural fantasy.
I quite enjoyed this book. There was a nice consistency of the plot, I didn't feel like I was wasting time reading through any slow parts. It was also easy to get started and once I had opened the book and properly began to read it, I finished it in one go.
Keeping in mind it was a novella, I felt like this was more of a novel in how it was written. The characters were quite developed and there was a stable and believable plot that was introduced right away and stayed on the same path all the way to the end. Overall I felt this was a well written book.
I recommend it to anyone who enjoys supernatural fantasy.
July 17, 2018
Not bad!!
I was surprised how good this book is. I read a lot of books, generally one a day. I takes a lot to impress me. The main character Frey is someone that I would like to get to know better. The battling between the various races is explained well and we have the possibility of Frey helping with that in the future holds you wanting more from this author. The only reason I left out a star is because there is no second book mentioned!
I was surprised how good this book is. I read a lot of books, generally one a day. I takes a lot to impress me. The main character Frey is someone that I would like to get to know better. The battling between the various races is explained well and we have the possibility of Frey helping with that in the future holds you wanting more from this author. The only reason I left out a star is because there is no second book mentioned!
September 22, 2021
Frayed book one 🐺😼
Shapeshifters/ shifter mystery,urban fantasy,dark paranormal with humour, snark, romance, adventure, and life lessons to be pondered to a child asking Why Can’t We All Get Along ❣️
Shapeshifters/ shifter mystery,urban fantasy,dark paranormal with humour, snark, romance, adventure, and life lessons to be pondered to a child asking Why Can’t We All Get Along ❣️
January 28, 2020
Grasses so happy
I'm so glad I found out about black paranormal.I'm completely enthralled.Ready for the next one and can't wait to read it!
I'm so glad I found out about black paranormal.I'm completely enthralled.Ready for the next one and can't wait to read it!
April 19, 2022
Great twist on an old species.
This was a great read. I enjoyed learning about the other species.
Plus the interplay with Vampires.
I can't wait to see what happens next.
This was a great read. I enjoyed learning about the other species.
Plus the interplay with Vampires.
I can't wait to see what happens next.
October 11, 2019
Loved It
I really enjoyed this. Fray is an ultra strong female MC, with tons of grit but enough femininity to keep her balanced and relatable. The dialog in this book is exceptional, super witty and just really crisp. I loved that Chorpenning didn't stick with trendy catch phrases to build humor but added her own blend of vibrant language to draw me in.
The chemistry between Caleb and Fray is pretty spicy and I'm curious if/how that relationship will develop. I'm also hoping that Fray keeps her fighter mentality and doesn't go the way of the broken heroine who just wants to live a normal life.
The engaging storyline, unique characters, and let's face it - the just under the surface waiting to break steaminess- was a welcome change from the more and more common tough female led paranormal plot.
I really enjoyed this. Fray is an ultra strong female MC, with tons of grit but enough femininity to keep her balanced and relatable. The dialog in this book is exceptional, super witty and just really crisp. I loved that Chorpenning didn't stick with trendy catch phrases to build humor but added her own blend of vibrant language to draw me in.
The chemistry between Caleb and Fray is pretty spicy and I'm curious if/how that relationship will develop. I'm also hoping that Fray keeps her fighter mentality and doesn't go the way of the broken heroine who just wants to live a normal life.
The engaging storyline, unique characters, and let's face it - the just under the surface waiting to break steaminess- was a welcome change from the more and more common tough female led paranormal plot.
June 29, 2022
Worth a read
if you like supernatural books you will enjoy reading this,, looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
if you like supernatural books you will enjoy reading this,, looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
April 28, 2013
This book held more than a few surprises inside that I was not expecting. I think it is completely unique in its story, and I was turning pages as fast as I could to find out what would happen next.
See, first we have Fray, which is actually a nickname for a leopard shifter woman named Madison Lark. She is this badass semi-pro MMA fighter. Yep, a female MMA fighter. That’s what initially was interested in this story. I love when a character is not something you normally see, especially when it is a woman who is breaking stereotypes. And Fray definitely lived up to that expectation. She is tough, strong, beautiful, and shit is about to get real for her.
Kids have been disappearing from the shifter community. And here is something else I liked. Fray is leopard, but there are lion shifters, wolves, and vampires in this book. Even shadowshifters. The diversity was beyond awesome. Fray gets paired of up with Nash, a vampire. Vampires typically could not care less about the doings of shifters, but he’s not completely heartless, ya know.
Actually, I really liked Nash a lot. He has a flirtatious nature, and a great sense of humor. I’m really hoping that he will be featured more in upcoming books. At first I thought he might be a potential romance for Fray, with all of his flirting. But that was before I met Blaire.
Blaire is the leader in training, as his dad is nearing death any day now. The guy has got a lot on his shoulders, and not the least of it is his on again/off again relationship with Fray. They have some really terrific scenes together, and he is another character I’d love to see more of.
And that’s what is so great about this story, I could say that about practically all of the characters. Everyone was so clearly described, I could see them in my mind like I’d known them forever.
Now for the plot and the whole storyline. It picks up quick and it will grab you. A lot gets accomplished in a short time – this is a novella length book. Fray wants, no – needs, to find these children. What she believes is being done to them can only be described as a horrendous nightmare.
There are parts of this book that will make you smirk, and some will make you throw your fist in the air. And there are some that will heat you up, and some that will break you down. You will get angry and scared and you will want to know how such horrible creatures can exist. This author doesn’t hold back at all, and I think the story will definitely speak for itself.
And if you aren’t sure about Fray, here’s a little bit of something she has to say:
“Do what you want to me. It better be worth it, though.” I stretched my neck until the tips of our eyelashes rubbed, facing that alien gaze. “Because I plan to spit on your carcass before sunrise.”
See? Badass.
See, first we have Fray, which is actually a nickname for a leopard shifter woman named Madison Lark. She is this badass semi-pro MMA fighter. Yep, a female MMA fighter. That’s what initially was interested in this story. I love when a character is not something you normally see, especially when it is a woman who is breaking stereotypes. And Fray definitely lived up to that expectation. She is tough, strong, beautiful, and shit is about to get real for her.
Kids have been disappearing from the shifter community. And here is something else I liked. Fray is leopard, but there are lion shifters, wolves, and vampires in this book. Even shadowshifters. The diversity was beyond awesome. Fray gets paired of up with Nash, a vampire. Vampires typically could not care less about the doings of shifters, but he’s not completely heartless, ya know.
Actually, I really liked Nash a lot. He has a flirtatious nature, and a great sense of humor. I’m really hoping that he will be featured more in upcoming books. At first I thought he might be a potential romance for Fray, with all of his flirting. But that was before I met Blaire.
Blaire is the leader in training, as his dad is nearing death any day now. The guy has got a lot on his shoulders, and not the least of it is his on again/off again relationship with Fray. They have some really terrific scenes together, and he is another character I’d love to see more of.
And that’s what is so great about this story, I could say that about practically all of the characters. Everyone was so clearly described, I could see them in my mind like I’d known them forever.
Now for the plot and the whole storyline. It picks up quick and it will grab you. A lot gets accomplished in a short time – this is a novella length book. Fray wants, no – needs, to find these children. What she believes is being done to them can only be described as a horrendous nightmare.
There are parts of this book that will make you smirk, and some will make you throw your fist in the air. And there are some that will heat you up, and some that will break you down. You will get angry and scared and you will want to know how such horrible creatures can exist. This author doesn’t hold back at all, and I think the story will definitely speak for itself.
And if you aren’t sure about Fray, here’s a little bit of something she has to say:
“Do what you want to me. It better be worth it, though.” I stretched my neck until the tips of our eyelashes rubbed, facing that alien gaze. “Because I plan to spit on your carcass before sunrise.”
See? Badass.
July 25, 2012
The shifter community is in an uproar because their teenagers seem to be missing. Because there is little communication between the leopards, weres, etc., it has taken sometime for them to realise the breadth of the problem.
Fray is a mixed martial artist who loves and lives to fight. Her brother assigns Fray to investigate the disappearances with Nash - a vampire. Fray is not at all pleased as it seems that distrust not only extends to other shifters but to the undead as well.
Chorpenning has a large world with various types of shifters, as well as vampires. The cast is filled with mixed race people, which is a nice change of pace from all White worlds. I do however think that despite being told that Fray had a paternal African grandmother and typical Black features, there were no markers other than description to mark her as a person of colour. The same unfortunately occurred with other characters.
Fray is yet another character in this genre who has zero impulse control, no respect for authority. She ridiculously allowed herself to be captured without much forethought. I found it very hard to like Fray mainly because I am tired of seeing this kind of woman in urban fantasy. Why is it so hard to have a character who is capable of having a conversation without flying off the damn handle every two seconds. She hardly behaves like adult woman she is supposed to be.
Read more
Fray is a mixed martial artist who loves and lives to fight. Her brother assigns Fray to investigate the disappearances with Nash - a vampire. Fray is not at all pleased as it seems that distrust not only extends to other shifters but to the undead as well.
Chorpenning has a large world with various types of shifters, as well as vampires. The cast is filled with mixed race people, which is a nice change of pace from all White worlds. I do however think that despite being told that Fray had a paternal African grandmother and typical Black features, there were no markers other than description to mark her as a person of colour. The same unfortunately occurred with other characters.
Fray is yet another character in this genre who has zero impulse control, no respect for authority. She ridiculously allowed herself to be captured without much forethought. I found it very hard to like Fray mainly because I am tired of seeing this kind of woman in urban fantasy. Why is it so hard to have a character who is capable of having a conversation without flying off the damn handle every two seconds. She hardly behaves like adult woman she is supposed to be.
Read more
January 31, 2013
I read Frayed by Blakely Chorpenning a few months ago, and I admit I was not excited to read it at first. It falls into the paranormal romance genre, specifically the subset of “shape-shifters”. I am not a fan of these books in general. I would say the majority of these books all read the same: one member of a clan of lion shifters or wolf shifters or leopard shifters hates all members of a rival clan in which they eventually find the love of their life. Honestly, there are way too many of these books being published these days. So after reading the first few pages, my initial response was, “Ugh, not another one of these books.”
I was so wrong. After reading the book, I have to say it’s the best in its class. In fact, I’d say it’s my favorite ARC (Advanced Review Copy) I’ve read so far.
See more at http://cellardoorians.com/frayed-by-b....
I was so wrong. After reading the book, I have to say it’s the best in its class. In fact, I’d say it’s my favorite ARC (Advanced Review Copy) I’ve read so far.
See more at http://cellardoorians.com/frayed-by-b....
October 3, 2015
Good read
This is a story of different types of people, such as vampires, were's, leopards, lions, shadow shifters, etc. The children started disappearing shortly before the age when they would shift. What pain and torture they experienced is inhumane. Well they find the children and those who have captured them? Good read
This is a story of different types of people, such as vampires, were's, leopards, lions, shadow shifters, etc. The children started disappearing shortly before the age when they would shift. What pain and torture they experienced is inhumane. Well they find the children and those who have captured them? Good read
March 19, 2014
Do you want to cry????
That's what will happen here. Yes it was a shifter/vamp story, but not typical. This was more about crossing lines and working together to get something accomplished. The only thing I didn't like is that the emotions and personalities were flat.
That's what will happen here. Yes it was a shifter/vamp story, but not typical. This was more about crossing lines and working together to get something accomplished. The only thing I didn't like is that the emotions and personalities were flat.
November 23, 2015
Good story
Shifters, all different kinds, are disappearing. Not ordinary shifters, but children. Lots of action and excitement . The main character is someone you would not want to piss off and yet they have anyway. Good luck, you're going to need it.
Shifters, all different kinds, are disappearing. Not ordinary shifters, but children. Lots of action and excitement . The main character is someone you would not want to piss off and yet they have anyway. Good luck, you're going to need it.
Want to Read
March 13, 2012Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh, this seems right up my alley! I can't wait to read it!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews