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Kitsune #1
Change
A sudden life threatening injury turns Nickie’s world on its ear, but not in a way she ever would have predicted. Nickie finds out that not only do shape-shifters exist, but she is one. The Kitsune are a race of shape-shifters that have been living in secret alongside humans for centuries. As Nickie struggles to master her newly discovered shape-shifting and the abilities it brings her, she learns that some of the people in her life are far more than she knew. Can Nickie handle all the changes headed her way on her own? Or does she have someone who can help her?
ebook
First published January 1, 2012
341 people are currently reading
689 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Stevens
125 books510 followersMelissa Stevens has penned more than fifty novels and novellas to date. She was part of the Wicked After Dark anthology which hit #13 on the New York Times Bestsellers list and is working hard for a repeat performance.
With books coming out frequently, the best way to keep on top of what Melissa's doing is to sign up for her VIP Reader List at https://sendfox.com/melissastevens
Melissa lives in Arizona with her husband of more than twenty years and their children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 2, 2014
I am confused- a Kitsune is a fox creature but all the covers have wolves and so far I'm finding it to "shape-shifters" but not a fox in sight.
I don't understand why someone would take a mythology term then completely ignore it and use it as they see fit.
A lot of authors borrow from myths and legends but in the end the werewolf is still a werewolf and the vampire is still a vampire, authors just put new spins on old mythology.
If I continue to read this and there's no mention of a Kitsune having anything to do with a fox...well I won't be reading the rest of the books.
Maybe something will become more clear as I get into the book more but right now I am disappointed. I thought from the using the term Kitsune for the series there would finally be something amazing written about fox shifters.
But no.
I don't understand why someone would take a mythology term then completely ignore it and use it as they see fit.
A lot of authors borrow from myths and legends but in the end the werewolf is still a werewolf and the vampire is still a vampire, authors just put new spins on old mythology.
If I continue to read this and there's no mention of a Kitsune having anything to do with a fox...well I won't be reading the rest of the books.
Maybe something will become more clear as I get into the book more but right now I am disappointed. I thought from the using the term Kitsune for the series there would finally be something amazing written about fox shifters.
But no.
December 31, 2023
While an interesting premise, the story line is obvious and the writing is painfully heavy on exposition. The protagonist is an archetypal Mary Sue. There’s the baffling, unexplained and completely pointless decision to set the story in the near future, a decision that only serves to add a jarring poor use of terminology for the handful of items this impacts. The misuse or misunderstanding of “kitsune” is grating. This is a book in desperate need of a good editor.
March 22, 2019
This was an enjoyable and quick paranormal romance book. The main character is likeable and I can see her growing in depth in subsequent books. However, the use of "Kitsune" is confusing to me. I believe this typically means fox in Japanese. While this story mentions various animal forms for shifters, the main form in the story line is wolf. Additionally, there were numerous misspelled words, as well as grammar and sentence structure issues that detracted from the flow of the story in the kindle version that I read. The story line has potential, though, so I will eventually give the second book in the series a try.
January 19, 2012
First book available and written by a great friend! Can't wait to read it. :)
I really enjoyed this story about a girl who learns she's a shapeshifter and how to deal with it.
I really enjoyed this story about a girl who learns she's a shapeshifter and how to deal with it.
June 15, 2013
Okay, so all those customer service training classes you ever had to take? Where the customer service rep listens to the customer's problem, then rephrases and repeats the problem back to you? Yep, that's THIS book. It got frustrating after awhile to read a situation, then have it repeated again, and sometimes (in case we didn't get it) again. Most of the dialogue could have been removed and replaced with "and she relayed the events that happened earlier" (but no, the author almost verbatim repeats everything AGAIN). There was very little character development, as the writer tells you what happens rather than letting the reader feel what happens. What saves this story from a lower rating? Its a fantastic story, despite the repetitive dialogue and lack of attachment to each character. The writer has an excellent storyline that she makes the most of. There is a lot of room for improvement (starting with typos: be for me, and for an, your for you're, you get the idea) but the plot is excellent and I'm willing to read the next book. The ending is abrupt, but enough storyline is resolved that you are not disappointed. And I definitely want to see where this goes. But PLEASE: editors are your friend, readers aren't stupid, so stop with the repetitive dialogue and over-explaining (we GET it already!), and a little more character development- the talent is here, it just needs some fine tuning.
October 2, 2019
For all of those who may be confused, this book is not about nine-tailed foxes as the Japanese title of the series would have you to believe. Instead it is about wolf-shifters. Disappointed? I was as well.
Nickie goes on a hike with her close friend Brandon and ends up getting bitten by a rattlesnake. The venom causes something in her to change and then she realizes she is no longer human. Luckily Brandon was there, he knows what to do. But now she has to get used to being stronger and faster and keeping secrets from her family, something she has never done.
The time table is a bit confusing and Nickie feels flat and reactive for the first half of the novel, it was quite a struggle to read. As other characters come in the story grows more interesting but it still reads as a sort of daily journal. Not the kind you are excited about but the mandatory ones you had to write during summer for a class project.
***Anger alert***
Stevens decides to use the term "ethnic" to describe all non-white identities. Why? I have no idea, it is rude to do so and I have no idea what made her decide to do it. That is one of the most ridiculous terms that anyone could use to describe marginalized populations as it tries to free these groups from labels what really happens is that when it is written or said, it sounds like you just don't care enough to give an ethnicity or nationality. It's lazy writing.
Nickie goes on a hike with her close friend Brandon and ends up getting bitten by a rattlesnake. The venom causes something in her to change and then she realizes she is no longer human. Luckily Brandon was there, he knows what to do. But now she has to get used to being stronger and faster and keeping secrets from her family, something she has never done.
The time table is a bit confusing and Nickie feels flat and reactive for the first half of the novel, it was quite a struggle to read. As other characters come in the story grows more interesting but it still reads as a sort of daily journal. Not the kind you are excited about but the mandatory ones you had to write during summer for a class project.
***Anger alert***
Stevens decides to use the term "ethnic" to describe all non-white identities. Why? I have no idea, it is rude to do so and I have no idea what made her decide to do it. That is one of the most ridiculous terms that anyone could use to describe marginalized populations as it tries to free these groups from labels what really happens is that when it is written or said, it sounds like you just don't care enough to give an ethnicity or nationality. It's lazy writing.
July 11, 2013
This book was so full of mundane, repetitive tasks that I thought I was going to scream. It took about five pages of the book to contain all of the interesting stuff. Most of it was what she was cooking, and always the same thing: grilled steak and baked potato. An the washing of the potato, and the thawing of the steak. Or, what she was trying to decide to wear, or to buy to wear. Ugh!
I am soooo disappointed, because I love the shape-shifter theme. I guess the first books I read on the subject spoiled me: Silver-white, the Great North Woods Pack #1 and its sequel. You'd be better off reading them.
I am soooo disappointed, because I love the shape-shifter theme. I guess the first books I read on the subject spoiled me: Silver-white, the Great North Woods Pack #1 and its sequel. You'd be better off reading them.
July 14, 2013
The vast amount of grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and sheer redundancy made getting through this book extremely difficult. Why did the author release her work in such shabby condition? The plot was weak. This author clearly never learned that a plot must have a climax. The story just kept going with nothing happening. I kept reading it, hoping that the nearly endless character Development would lead to the characters doing something- anything. This book was a disappointment. I hope the author hires an editor and stops wasting readers' time.
November 17, 2018
Change (Kitsune Book 1) By: Melissa Stevens Here's To "Change," It's Off To A Promising Start!!
"Change" can be Good, "Change" can be Scary, & Sometimes "Change" can Even be Hairy...
At least that's what she's finding out after going through an Unexpected "Change!"
Now, she's navigating Powers, Pack, & Secrets...
All while learning that to "Change" means MORE than Meets the Eye...
Will Her Family accept the "Change" with Grace, or Run away with Distaste...
Because, Not Everything with the "Change" is Nice...
AND, Sometimes, things Cum with a Price...
Awesome First Book to A Promising New Series... This Book offers a Unique look at Shifters that's Enjoyable; I'll be looking forward to the Next Installment!!
Even though I already Owned Melissa Stevens' "Change (Kitsune Book 1)," I agreed to ARC it for her via Booksprout; I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
November 17, 2018
On a typical weekend hike with a buddy from childhood, Nickie finds herself bitten by a rattlesnake.
In order to heal itself, her body changes. Boom. This orphan raised in a family of mostly humans funds out she is a shifter. PS she has an adopted brother who is a shaman.
All of a sudden, she sees, hears and smells the word differently. In more ways than one, really. She realizes she is a telepath, and can hear and understand many others, and call or stop a shift.
Thanks to a long time friend of her father, she learns many new skills.
As she puts it, it is probably less that everyone else has changed, and more now that she has changed that she sees and understands them in different ways.
Unfortunately, not all want to relate to her without seeing her as a threat - or as a desirable mate. Talk about culture shock - the idea that someone would try to claim her is completely foreign - and a huge shock when someone tries.
A really interesting standalone - and very cool as the first book in a series about this community.
It is the kind of book with action and adventure that also makes you think about perceptions and ideologies - including understanding of self.
Looking forward to the adventures continuing!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In order to heal itself, her body changes. Boom. This orphan raised in a family of mostly humans funds out she is a shifter. PS she has an adopted brother who is a shaman.
All of a sudden, she sees, hears and smells the word differently. In more ways than one, really. She realizes she is a telepath, and can hear and understand many others, and call or stop a shift.
Thanks to a long time friend of her father, she learns many new skills.
As she puts it, it is probably less that everyone else has changed, and more now that she has changed that she sees and understands them in different ways.
Unfortunately, not all want to relate to her without seeing her as a threat - or as a desirable mate. Talk about culture shock - the idea that someone would try to claim her is completely foreign - and a huge shock when someone tries.
A really interesting standalone - and very cool as the first book in a series about this community.
It is the kind of book with action and adventure that also makes you think about perceptions and ideologies - including understanding of self.
Looking forward to the adventures continuing!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2017
Catch it in full at ♀ Bookworm
You know those movies that startup super slowly up until the middle of the story, and then picks up in a higher speed? Change is that movie. That movie you are watching but on your phone most of the time, waiting for things to heat up, and when it does you’re 5 minutes away from ending credits. Change, in theory, was awesome. The execution was boring, and when things started to get better you are hit in the face by a blank page saying “the end”. Not at all satisfying.
On another note, the beginning of something interesting by the end makes me feel off-balance. I am somewhat wanting to know what comes next (it’s not all rainbows and unicorns, I know… there will be conflict, and I am loving the possibility!).
(Exasperated) SO MANY TYPOS. It’s true that when you’ve been working for too long on something you’re immune to pick up mistakes and, sometimes, words altogether. So, yeah, the use of “they’re” and “their”, or vice-versa; “your” and “you’re”, sometimes even “yours”; and many others can be found in this story, which resulted in lack of interest on my part. This could easily be fixed by hiring someone to go over it… and click “update” or “publish”, once again.
You know those movies that startup super slowly up until the middle of the story, and then picks up in a higher speed? Change is that movie. That movie you are watching but on your phone most of the time, waiting for things to heat up, and when it does you’re 5 minutes away from ending credits. Change, in theory, was awesome. The execution was boring, and when things started to get better you are hit in the face by a blank page saying “the end”. Not at all satisfying.
On another note, the beginning of something interesting by the end makes me feel off-balance. I am somewhat wanting to know what comes next (it’s not all rainbows and unicorns, I know… there will be conflict, and I am loving the possibility!).
(Exasperated) SO MANY TYPOS. It’s true that when you’ve been working for too long on something you’re immune to pick up mistakes and, sometimes, words altogether. So, yeah, the use of “they’re” and “their”, or vice-versa; “your” and “you’re”, sometimes even “yours”; and many others can be found in this story, which resulted in lack of interest on my part. This could easily be fixed by hiring someone to go over it… and click “update” or “publish”, once again.
November 18, 2018
While hiking with her friend Brandon, Nicki is bitten by a rattlesnake. She tried not to panic when her body felt different and she wasn’t feeling the effects of the venom. That’s when she realized she was in a wolf form. Apparently some dormant genes activated allowing her body to shift. You follow along to witness her learning process being a shifter but also how she develops her gifted abilities. It was nicely written. I generally do not read much in the pnl genre, but I enjoyed this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
November 23, 2018
A good story with a paranormal aspect. She was a strong character who carries the story. I found the revealing information as written by the author to be very interesting. I liked hiw her character evolved over the course of the story. I was surprised that the author did what she did with her friend though. But it provided drama and interest where it was needed. I also liked her interest in her father's employee. He was a bit mysterious as is her background. Hopefully we'll read more in the next book because I thought the story ended rather abruptly.
February 22, 2018
A different look at a shifter society, and how members are treated.
A woman who had been adopted as a child shifts into a wolf after a snake bite, surprising her and leading to many changes in her life as she is introduced to others of her kind. Mild romance, no hot scenes, and it leaves you wanting to continue to the next book. A couple of irritating typos and grammar errors, but that did not lessen the enjoyment in the tale.
A woman who had been adopted as a child shifts into a wolf after a snake bite, surprising her and leading to many changes in her life as she is introduced to others of her kind. Mild romance, no hot scenes, and it leaves you wanting to continue to the next book. A couple of irritating typos and grammar errors, but that did not lessen the enjoyment in the tale.
March 21, 2018
Ok, I'm going to say right up front--there are no werefoxes in this book. From the series title, I'd expected fox shifters, but when they turned out to be wolves, I was OK with it.
This is the first story where Nickie, at the tender age of only 28 suddenly learns that she's a shapeshifter. Darn those rattlesnakes and their life changing attacks.
Still, I enjoyed the book. It's a short novel and an interesting world. Definitely worth checking out the next book.
This is the first story where Nickie, at the tender age of only 28 suddenly learns that she's a shapeshifter. Darn those rattlesnakes and their life changing attacks.
Still, I enjoyed the book. It's a short novel and an interesting world. Definitely worth checking out the next book.
November 30, 2018
Change by Melissa Stevens is a wonderful story to read. This is a wonderful start to a new series, I loved reading this story a lot. I love reading about shape shifters and this is a wonderful story to read can not wait to read the next book. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves shape shifter stories.
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.
October 1, 2019
I liked the book over all and would have started the next one, but, I have a policy to clean out my "bookshelf" before I add more to it! I am overloading my phone with books and pictures. The plot was a change, and the characters really needed a little more depth. She put a lot of time into some of the mundane day to day life that really didn't pertain to the story line. Not a bad book, but not a great one either.
July 7, 2020
One of the best Shifter books I have read!
This version of shifting is very interesting and different from other books. You have to be born to Kitsune parents to become one.
This book has a Kitsune man that can't shift. There is a young woman who was adopted and one day she shifts. She has a talent that can help the man shift. The story is very well written and keeps your interest.
This version of shifting is very interesting and different from other books. You have to be born to Kitsune parents to become one.
This book has a Kitsune man that can't shift. There is a young woman who was adopted and one day she shifts. She has a talent that can help the man shift. The story is very well written and keeps your interest.
April 8, 2024
Nickie Daniels didn’t know she was a Kitsune (wolf shapeshifters) until she was bitten by a rattlesnake. Nickie found out that she was born a Kitsune. Her best friend Brandon says that he is her mate. Nickie feels more drawn to Devon who is Kindred (another type of shapeshifter) but he cannot shapeshift. Nickie must choose who will be her mate. I really enjoyed this great paranormal fantasy romance novel.
December 19, 2017
This is a story of Nickie and she turns into a werewolf and Deven who helps her adjust. It was a good story but for me In needed more. The book spent a lot of time explaining the art of being a werewolf and the people in the town. There was no action and no love scenes. This is the first book I read by Melissa Stevens and I would like to give her another chance by reading something else by her.
March 29, 2018
I enjoyed this book
I really liked this book. I loved Nickie and Devon. It was a great read. I always loved fantasy books with a kick butt main character and that is what Nickie was. There wasnt a whole lot of action in the book but you still got to see the strength in Nickie. Plus the way she stood up to... Well lets not spoil it. But breaking his nose was amazing.
I really liked this book. I loved Nickie and Devon. It was a great read. I always loved fantasy books with a kick butt main character and that is what Nickie was. There wasnt a whole lot of action in the book but you still got to see the strength in Nickie. Plus the way she stood up to... Well lets not spoil it. But breaking his nose was amazing.
April 18, 2018
I enjoyed this book
Nikki is bitten by a snake while out on a hike. This triggers her wolf, something she wasn't aware she had, and opens a whole new world. This world is led by someone she had known her whole life. I like the interaction between the characters and am interested to see how this will continue.
Nikki is bitten by a snake while out on a hike. This triggers her wolf, something she wasn't aware she had, and opens a whole new world. This world is led by someone she had known her whole life. I like the interaction between the characters and am interested to see how this will continue.
November 15, 2018
This book is the story of a young adopted woman who is shocked when she finds out she isn't human but kitsune. It's a fast moving story that's full of intrigue and worth reading. I can't wait to read the next book in the series !
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.
November 18, 2018
Okay... I really liked this book. It took me a few days to read it I am enjoying how this book is playing out. Finding out she's not who she thought she was. Changing relationships some good,some bad. I can't wait to read more of this series. It's becoming addictive.
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.
November 20, 2018
She is bitten by a rattlesnake and she is about to learn she is not who she thought it was. She is a shapeshifter and now she learns everyone around her has been keeping secrets from her. She also needs to learn what she can do. What will she learn? See what she does
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.
December 7, 2019
Was ok. Deff needs some trigger warnings.
There is the stupidest timeline jump that totally messes up the whole beginning of the book. We go from friday to tuesday and then back to Saturday, then Sunday and monday skip to Wednesday. It totally makes your head spin and is so disconcerting that I had to go back and read it in the right order to gather the correct timeline.
There is the stupidest timeline jump that totally messes up the whole beginning of the book. We go from friday to tuesday and then back to Saturday, then Sunday and monday skip to Wednesday. It totally makes your head spin and is so disconcerting that I had to go back and read it in the right order to gather the correct timeline.
July 15, 2017
Please; this needs proff-reeding (sic!)
Your: Belonging to You
You're: You are.
These are not interchangeable.
And, as others have said, there is a lot of repetition.
There is enough to make me want to finish... and I'm reading the second one now. Lack of Kindle Unlimited may be the breaker for Kit3. We'll see
Your: Belonging to You
You're: You are.
These are not interchangeable.
And, as others have said, there is a lot of repetition.
There is enough to make me want to finish... and I'm reading the second one now. Lack of Kindle Unlimited may be the breaker for Kit3. We'll see
July 25, 2017
Great YA Book
It took nearly the whole book to have a kiss, that should have happened alot sooner. Also, what happened to her best friend that hit her. I was waiting for some kick ass? A very good YA book.
It took nearly the whole book to have a kiss, that should have happened alot sooner. Also, what happened to her best friend that hit her. I was waiting for some kick ass? A very good YA book.
November 20, 2018
I loved this book from the start i read it all in one seting it kept me in the book to end
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book and to review it
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book and to review it
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2018
Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author.
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews