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Forest Exiles Saga #1
Werecats Emergent
*** FIRST IN A COMPLETE SERIES! ***
Afflicted, exploited, and deadly…
Teenaged Pawly discovers her secret werecat heritage after unexpectedly morphing one Halloween night. Desperate to find an outlet for her and her twin brother's growing bloodlust before they go feral, Pawly's blended human-werecat family begs a Chicago-area drug cartel for help. Her uncle Ritzi, meanwhile, scrambles to develop an alternate way the twins might satisfy their lethal urges. Resuming his deported father's scientific research, Ritzi draws notice from an elder werecat representing a rogue state keen on the twins' potential. When a cartel enforcer is found savagely mauled following the twins' first job, Ritzi insists Pawly and her brother enlist in the rogue state's service to ensure their safety. But their father, a Navy sailor critically wounded in recent combat, would rather die than risk being separated from his children again—which Pawly soon realizes is no idle threat.
Werecats Emergent and additional Forest Exiles Saga books feature the modern-day remnant of an ancient clan of werecats, torn apart as militaries on three continents vie to exploit their deadly talents. Stories which fans of Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson franchise and Brad Magnarella’s Blue Wolf series can sink their teeth into!
Afflicted, exploited, and deadly…
Teenaged Pawly discovers her secret werecat heritage after unexpectedly morphing one Halloween night. Desperate to find an outlet for her and her twin brother's growing bloodlust before they go feral, Pawly's blended human-werecat family begs a Chicago-area drug cartel for help. Her uncle Ritzi, meanwhile, scrambles to develop an alternate way the twins might satisfy their lethal urges. Resuming his deported father's scientific research, Ritzi draws notice from an elder werecat representing a rogue state keen on the twins' potential. When a cartel enforcer is found savagely mauled following the twins' first job, Ritzi insists Pawly and her brother enlist in the rogue state's service to ensure their safety. But their father, a Navy sailor critically wounded in recent combat, would rather die than risk being separated from his children again—which Pawly soon realizes is no idle threat.
Werecats Emergent and additional Forest Exiles Saga books feature the modern-day remnant of an ancient clan of werecats, torn apart as militaries on three continents vie to exploit their deadly talents. Stories which fans of Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson franchise and Brad Magnarella’s Blue Wolf series can sink their teeth into!
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2023
140 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Mark J. Engels
4 books30 followersBoyhood interests in trains and electronics fostered Mark's career as an electrical engineer, designing and commissioning signal and communications systems for railroads and rail transit agencies across the United States. Along the way Mark indulged his writing desire by authoring articles for rail and transit industry trade magazines. Coupled with Mark's long-time membership in anime, manga and anthropomorphic fandoms, he took up writing genre fiction. Growing up in Michigan, never far from his beloved Great Lakes, Mark and his wife today make their home in Wisconsin with their son and a dog who naps beside him as he writes.
Mark is a member of Allied Authors of Wisconsin, one of the state's oldest writing collectives. He also belongs to the Furry Writer’s Guild, dedicated to supporting, informing, elevating, and promoting quality anthropomorphic fiction and its creators.
Mark is a member of Allied Authors of Wisconsin, one of the state's oldest writing collectives. He also belongs to the Furry Writer’s Guild, dedicated to supporting, informing, elevating, and promoting quality anthropomorphic fiction and its creators.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 9, 2025
Werecats Emergent starts off with an intense scene. Teenage hockey player Pawly discovers she is a werecat when her brother is attacked. Alex, Pawly’s mom, is married to a human named Barr. Both Alex and her brother, Uncle Ritzi, believed the twins would not be affected with the mutation and never told them about werecats to protect them. Now they must scramble to keep the teens safe as both a rogue group and a cartel show interest in using the teens as weapons.
The tale that unfolds traverses three continents as we learn about this family, a remnant of an ancient clan of werecats that were driven almost to extinction by militaries and those who seek to exploit their talents.
Pawly and her twin, Tommy, are training with their mother and other members of the werecat community. Their father vows to protect them, and their uncle searches for not only a cure for his sister. He is also seeking a way to control the twins’ rage and keep them safe.
The author unpacks a lot as he introduced us to characters and provides a history of the werecats and the current issues at hand. Unlike other shifter stories, this line of werecats’ has their body breaking down with each morph. I found the story intriguing as we trotted around the world, faced danger and got to know the family and key characters. We see character growth in the teens as they evolve. They went from training to engaging the enemy, and we witnessed it. Both have a strong desire to be playing a part in their own destinies.
For fans who love a solid urban fantasy, you’ll find shifters, family and some science fiction in this action-packed tale. While the pacing could be slow, the author did an excellent job of developing the world and characters. I am curious to see what develops next in Werecats Convergent. For those who love to binge, the completed Forest Exiles Saga Trilogy is available and in KindleUnlimited.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
The tale that unfolds traverses three continents as we learn about this family, a remnant of an ancient clan of werecats that were driven almost to extinction by militaries and those who seek to exploit their talents.
Pawly and her twin, Tommy, are training with their mother and other members of the werecat community. Their father vows to protect them, and their uncle searches for not only a cure for his sister. He is also seeking a way to control the twins’ rage and keep them safe.
The author unpacks a lot as he introduced us to characters and provides a history of the werecats and the current issues at hand. Unlike other shifter stories, this line of werecats’ has their body breaking down with each morph. I found the story intriguing as we trotted around the world, faced danger and got to know the family and key characters. We see character growth in the teens as they evolve. They went from training to engaging the enemy, and we witnessed it. Both have a strong desire to be playing a part in their own destinies.
For fans who love a solid urban fantasy, you’ll find shifters, family and some science fiction in this action-packed tale. While the pacing could be slow, the author did an excellent job of developing the world and characters. I am curious to see what develops next in Werecats Convergent. For those who love to binge, the completed Forest Exiles Saga Trilogy is available and in KindleUnlimited.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
December 29, 2025
Werecats Emergent is a fun, shapeshifting adventure. It follows two primary characters: Pawly, a young teen, newly coming into her werecat power with her twin, and her uncle Ritzi, who is desperately trying to find a cure.
I enjoyed the book, but I’ll start out with a few minor nitpicks just to get them out of the way. The book is labeled to be for young adult / teens. Which made me think I’d probably be in for an adventure similar to Teen Wolf. Teen comes into power and has to navigate her youth while balancing and hiding this new power. While some of that is here, the story fails in a large way to focus on the teens at all. The older, obviously adult Ritzi is the central character. Considering I love young adult, this focus confused me and even made many of the beginning elements almost dry and boring. It’s missing the teen angst and internal dialogue that is central to the teen category. Emotions are held at arm’s length without ever exploring how the characters, even Ritzi, felt in the aftermath of certain events.
But with that aside, the story was fun and engaging and there were several fight scenes that were a blast. The conflict was clear and the stakes were always high. There were a handful of scenes that even made me feel for the characters in a heart-wrenching way as things went from dark to darker, especially towards the end. Character motivation was always obvious. And the cast of characters was extremely fun and well-rounded. The cast was considerably large at points with several minor characters that were difficult to keep track of, but I never felt that they detracted from the main plot.
Ritzi’s story was engaging and I felt for the character and the predicament he found himself in. The twins were a delight to read and Pawly was fun and reckless and I enjoyed getting to know more about her towards the end of the book. I would absolutely return back to the world just to know how the characters grow – and hopefully to learn more about their powers and how they work. It’s hinted several times that they have additional “secret” abilities and I’d like to see more of this.
While the book isn’t the teen narrative I was hoping for, it was still a very fun and enjoyable read.
I enjoyed the book, but I’ll start out with a few minor nitpicks just to get them out of the way. The book is labeled to be for young adult / teens. Which made me think I’d probably be in for an adventure similar to Teen Wolf. Teen comes into power and has to navigate her youth while balancing and hiding this new power. While some of that is here, the story fails in a large way to focus on the teens at all. The older, obviously adult Ritzi is the central character. Considering I love young adult, this focus confused me and even made many of the beginning elements almost dry and boring. It’s missing the teen angst and internal dialogue that is central to the teen category. Emotions are held at arm’s length without ever exploring how the characters, even Ritzi, felt in the aftermath of certain events.
But with that aside, the story was fun and engaging and there were several fight scenes that were a blast. The conflict was clear and the stakes were always high. There were a handful of scenes that even made me feel for the characters in a heart-wrenching way as things went from dark to darker, especially towards the end. Character motivation was always obvious. And the cast of characters was extremely fun and well-rounded. The cast was considerably large at points with several minor characters that were difficult to keep track of, but I never felt that they detracted from the main plot.
Ritzi’s story was engaging and I felt for the character and the predicament he found himself in. The twins were a delight to read and Pawly was fun and reckless and I enjoyed getting to know more about her towards the end of the book. I would absolutely return back to the world just to know how the characters grow – and hopefully to learn more about their powers and how they work. It’s hinted several times that they have additional “secret” abilities and I’d like to see more of this.
While the book isn’t the teen narrative I was hoping for, it was still a very fun and enjoyable read.
June 19, 2023
Coming of age to find out a secret that has been kept from you. This secret also includes your mother and uncle, who you are just like you, what? Science fiction, coming of age, mystery and a whole lot more.
This book is full of mystery, action and the love of family. Each time I started reading, I didn’t want to put it down. It held my interest with the awesome storyline and I just had to see what happened next. The end of the book gave your imagination a run for its money on how many directions the next book could go, which I’m looking forward to.
This book is full of mystery, action and the love of family. Each time I started reading, I didn’t want to put it down. It held my interest with the awesome storyline and I just had to see what happened next. The end of the book gave your imagination a run for its money on how many directions the next book could go, which I’m looking forward to.
September 4, 2025
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Werecats Emergent
Thank you to Mark J. Engels for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!
On the ice, twins Pawley and Tommy are fierce hockey players. But before a big game, when an opposing team tries to take out the twins before a match, things go horribly sideways. Pawly’s werecat side emerges to defend her family and friends. Something that never should have happened. Now the family is left wondering how to sate Pawley’s violent urges and is keeping a watchful eye on Tommy for signs of a change.
Werecats Emergent takes on a scientific approach to a legacy of werecats. The twins' Uncle was convinced the genes would not activate in the twins. Yet fate would have it, they emerged at the worst time. Unprepared, Uncle Ritzi must pick up where his father’s research left off and try to find a way to help the twins control their werecat side. Those who enjoy diving into genetics and science will enjoy Ritzi’s point of view as he researches and creates formulas.
There are times when the characters are either in their human form or were form, and it is difficult to tell which. Hands and claws are used concurrently in the same section of the story. It is unclear if they are shifting between the two forms, or it is a misalignment with their own minds as to how they perceive their body. There are struggles with the younger protagonists of being in tune with their wilder side.
Pawly’s point of view really plays into the confusion and struggle. Though the use of the drug cartel and the tests she is put through are a bit at odds with the story. It seems there would be many people inadvertently involved in what takes place, leading to the twins not being as secretive as they should be. There are also story points added in without build up that seem to move the plot along, but not really mesh with the overall narrative.
That being said, the sibling relationship between Pawly and Tommy is well written. Their ability to learn from one another and at the same time be frustrated by one another is so accurate to siblings. They have each other's back and still dive into mischief, acting their age and taking risks that increase the tension.
Werecats Emergent is a fast-paced tale of family legacy and scientific development. This is a great mix of themes for those who enjoy urban fantasy and more of a sci-fi twist of gene therapy and manipulation.
Thank you to Mark J. Engels for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!
On the ice, twins Pawley and Tommy are fierce hockey players. But before a big game, when an opposing team tries to take out the twins before a match, things go horribly sideways. Pawly’s werecat side emerges to defend her family and friends. Something that never should have happened. Now the family is left wondering how to sate Pawley’s violent urges and is keeping a watchful eye on Tommy for signs of a change.
Werecats Emergent takes on a scientific approach to a legacy of werecats. The twins' Uncle was convinced the genes would not activate in the twins. Yet fate would have it, they emerged at the worst time. Unprepared, Uncle Ritzi must pick up where his father’s research left off and try to find a way to help the twins control their werecat side. Those who enjoy diving into genetics and science will enjoy Ritzi’s point of view as he researches and creates formulas.
There are times when the characters are either in their human form or were form, and it is difficult to tell which. Hands and claws are used concurrently in the same section of the story. It is unclear if they are shifting between the two forms, or it is a misalignment with their own minds as to how they perceive their body. There are struggles with the younger protagonists of being in tune with their wilder side.
Pawly’s point of view really plays into the confusion and struggle. Though the use of the drug cartel and the tests she is put through are a bit at odds with the story. It seems there would be many people inadvertently involved in what takes place, leading to the twins not being as secretive as they should be. There are also story points added in without build up that seem to move the plot along, but not really mesh with the overall narrative.
That being said, the sibling relationship between Pawly and Tommy is well written. Their ability to learn from one another and at the same time be frustrated by one another is so accurate to siblings. They have each other's back and still dive into mischief, acting their age and taking risks that increase the tension.
Werecats Emergent is a fast-paced tale of family legacy and scientific development. This is a great mix of themes for those who enjoy urban fantasy and more of a sci-fi twist of gene therapy and manipulation.
May 16, 2023
The Start of Something Special
Innovation is a virtue. I believe that to be true for not only what I write, but also what I read. And I can confidently say you’ve never read a book quite like “Werecats Emergent.”
Genre mashups, such as this, allow authors to cherry-pick ingredients from well-established recipes, combine them in unexpected ways, and serve up exceptional creations with a flavor all their own. “Werecats Emergent” combines the wonder of urban fantasy and furry fiction with the intrigue of military fiction and family drama. The result is a complex yet fast-paced story that delivers on both cerebral and visceral levels.
“Werecats Emergent” overflows with action, intrigue, and above all passion. It takes the best of what its inspirations have to offer, defies genre conventions, and goes all in on telling you a story you didn’t know you needed to read. Every character—from precocious Pawly to pragmatic Ritzi to an extensive supporting cast—feels real, exhibiting nuance and conflicting motivations that reduce terms like “hero” and “villain” to a matter of perspective.
While I’m eager to continue this adventure in the forthcoming sequel, I have plenty of excuses to reread this first installment of the Forest Exiles Saga in the meantime!
Innovation is a virtue. I believe that to be true for not only what I write, but also what I read. And I can confidently say you’ve never read a book quite like “Werecats Emergent.”
Genre mashups, such as this, allow authors to cherry-pick ingredients from well-established recipes, combine them in unexpected ways, and serve up exceptional creations with a flavor all their own. “Werecats Emergent” combines the wonder of urban fantasy and furry fiction with the intrigue of military fiction and family drama. The result is a complex yet fast-paced story that delivers on both cerebral and visceral levels.
“Werecats Emergent” overflows with action, intrigue, and above all passion. It takes the best of what its inspirations have to offer, defies genre conventions, and goes all in on telling you a story you didn’t know you needed to read. Every character—from precocious Pawly to pragmatic Ritzi to an extensive supporting cast—feels real, exhibiting nuance and conflicting motivations that reduce terms like “hero” and “villain” to a matter of perspective.
While I’m eager to continue this adventure in the forthcoming sequel, I have plenty of excuses to reread this first installment of the Forest Exiles Saga in the meantime!
February 6, 2024
Simultaneously fun & horrifying
A family that turns into bipedal lynxes when they get angry! Intriguing to say the least. But that's just what Mark Engels' Forest Exiles Saga is about. And I'm not talking about adorable, fluffy, yarn-loving felines! These are sharp-of-claw, bloodthirsty beasts. When her brother is attacked by the members of the opposing hockey team, Pawly's (Pawlina) inner werecat is unleashed and unbound. She defends him and discovers what she really is. Her uncle is a scientist following in his father's footsteps. He wants to find a cure for their "affliction", in order to protect his niece and nephew and save their humanity. Well written with the family history seamlessly woven into the plot. Dark and mysterious with great action scenes and vivid details about the transformations. Simultaneously fun & horrifying.
A family that turns into bipedal lynxes when they get angry! Intriguing to say the least. But that's just what Mark Engels' Forest Exiles Saga is about. And I'm not talking about adorable, fluffy, yarn-loving felines! These are sharp-of-claw, bloodthirsty beasts. When her brother is attacked by the members of the opposing hockey team, Pawly's (Pawlina) inner werecat is unleashed and unbound. She defends him and discovers what she really is. Her uncle is a scientist following in his father's footsteps. He wants to find a cure for their "affliction", in order to protect his niece and nephew and save their humanity. Well written with the family history seamlessly woven into the plot. Dark and mysterious with great action scenes and vivid details about the transformations. Simultaneously fun & horrifying.
October 15, 2023
Mark has noticeably improved his writing since Always Gray In Winter. It’s tighter, and conversations between characters feel more natural – not that they felt overly clunky before. The strengths he displayed are all still present too. Pawly and her family still feel very well-rounded as characters and it’s never dull seeing them working through their escalating issues. In particular, seeing Pawly starting out on her werecat journey and having to get to grips with that as she moves towards becoming the character I already knew was really enjoyable. On top of that, Mark effortlessly blends genres here with what is essentially a coming-of-age story playing out in an urban fantasy setting, all backed by some military trappings.
There is a good amount of action here, all of which is well-written and flows nicely across the pages. What makes this so effective is that not only does Mark provide vivid detail during these scenes, but he doesn’t go overboard with it. That’s all balanced out with some world-building centered on the werecats and how they fit in their world.
Werecats Emergent offers a smooth blend of family drama, shapeshifters, and action. Pawly and her family are easy to get behind as protagonists, and seeing the beginnings of this universe is an absolute joy. Mark has really kicked things up a notch with his writing here, improving on his previous release without losing any of what made the story charming in the first place. So, if you want a werecat-focused story with a coming-of-age edge, this is for you!
There is a good amount of action here, all of which is well-written and flows nicely across the pages. What makes this so effective is that not only does Mark provide vivid detail during these scenes, but he doesn’t go overboard with it. That’s all balanced out with some world-building centered on the werecats and how they fit in their world.
Werecats Emergent offers a smooth blend of family drama, shapeshifters, and action. Pawly and her family are easy to get behind as protagonists, and seeing the beginnings of this universe is an absolute joy. Mark has really kicked things up a notch with his writing here, improving on his previous release without losing any of what made the story charming in the first place. So, if you want a werecat-focused story with a coming-of-age edge, this is for you!
June 18, 2025
I wish to thank the author for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For starters, I loved the concept of a cover that purposely only shows the body of a werecat woman without showing her face. The concept was truly original and what instantly piqued my interest. Even if the author hadn't kindly given me a copy of all 3 books to read & review, I would have ended up at least buying book 1 so satiate my curiosity.
There are plenty of books out there featuring romances with hunky alpha wolves. But books without the typical romance theme of a family of migrants with werecat ancestry? That is highly unusual. Even more so because this book focuses on the plethora of negatives of this genetic trait. Characters can go haywire out of nowhere, shift into their werecat form, kill someone and then wake up naked somewhere lying in a pile of scattered hairs with memory gaps. To be honest, I have never recalled reading a book where the main focus are two twin siblings trying to comfort eachother as they get used to 'the Affliction'.
Pawly and her twin brother Tommy already had a strong bond as two seemingly normal highschool students that play hockey and want to join the Navy. To suddenly awaken their inner werecats and have to modify their lives takes an expected huge toll on their mental health. This is compounded because their mother Alex who passed the werecat gene to them tried her earnest to keep her shifting a secret.
The book explains pretty convincingly Alex assumed her kids would never shift because their father is just an ordinary human. Overall, the family dynamics are a huge strength to the book and I also liked seeing Alex being such an active participant in the story. Books featuring moms playing proactive roles are uncommon, so this aspect was a breath of fresh air. Toppling the family is their uncle Ritzi (Alex's brother), who can also shift. A lot of the conflict in the book stems from him accepting to work with a known terrorist in exchange for their network of well funded secret labs to find a cure for some degenerative disease affecting Alex.
Now, for all of the nice aspects of the book did come issues I frequently had during the story. Loved the family dynamic and obvious downsides of werecat shifting. Felt confused with several aspects of the book that were never really properly explained. Alex married a member of the US Navy, and apparently the feds were aware Alex and Ritzi are werecats. Instead of forcing Ritzi to work for the NIH and have access to the US's massive science facilities, the US government never really has Ritzi and Alex under their radar. Most of the book's plot could have been avoided if Ritzi worked in a government facility in the first place. Plotwise, I think things would have worked a bit more smoothly if they were purposely trying not to attract government attention so that Pawly and Tommy could grow up like normal people.
The terrorist that takes Ritzi under his wing was a very nice addition, and I assume we will get to learn more about him in the sequel. Werecat society is highly secretive and we never get to know much about the different family lines. Only that some werecats look a bit different. Pawly and her family look a bit like bobcats with their human hair, whereas a woman we meet later in the book named Lim resembles a Siberian tiger. I was really intrigued by these family lines and wished we got to learn at least a little bit about werecats in general.
In fact, whenever I wanted to learn more about how Pawly & Tommy struggle with their first few shifts, the book seems to skip entire chapters of the story alltogether and we miss out on a lot of their journey. Instead, we get occasionally confusing scenes where one chapter Ritzi is still in the US failing to find a cure, then the next hunkered down in a bunker, then in North Korea, and back to the US as if nothing ever happened. It sometimes frustrated me that I enjoyed the characters in the book and brief glimpses of their intricate secret society, only to have chapters where everyone is now working as enforcers of a local mafia gang (none of whom are werecats). The book explains plausibly being able to beat people up helps curb the werecat bloodlust, but I was still feeling confused about the frequent timeshifts in between chapters. It felt at times I should have been supplied a wikipedia entry with the book synopsis to know what was going on.
However, the plot picks up pretty well in the last 3 chapters. While it never really feels there was a final story arc with a climax, you get more than enough unsolved conflicts to feel tempted to continue with the series.
3.5 stars!
For starters, I loved the concept of a cover that purposely only shows the body of a werecat woman without showing her face. The concept was truly original and what instantly piqued my interest. Even if the author hadn't kindly given me a copy of all 3 books to read & review, I would have ended up at least buying book 1 so satiate my curiosity.
There are plenty of books out there featuring romances with hunky alpha wolves. But books without the typical romance theme of a family of migrants with werecat ancestry? That is highly unusual. Even more so because this book focuses on the plethora of negatives of this genetic trait. Characters can go haywire out of nowhere, shift into their werecat form, kill someone and then wake up naked somewhere lying in a pile of scattered hairs with memory gaps. To be honest, I have never recalled reading a book where the main focus are two twin siblings trying to comfort eachother as they get used to 'the Affliction'.
Pawly and her twin brother Tommy already had a strong bond as two seemingly normal highschool students that play hockey and want to join the Navy. To suddenly awaken their inner werecats and have to modify their lives takes an expected huge toll on their mental health. This is compounded because their mother Alex who passed the werecat gene to them tried her earnest to keep her shifting a secret.
The book explains pretty convincingly Alex assumed her kids would never shift because their father is just an ordinary human. Overall, the family dynamics are a huge strength to the book and I also liked seeing Alex being such an active participant in the story. Books featuring moms playing proactive roles are uncommon, so this aspect was a breath of fresh air. Toppling the family is their uncle Ritzi (Alex's brother), who can also shift. A lot of the conflict in the book stems from him accepting to work with a known terrorist in exchange for their network of well funded secret labs to find a cure for some degenerative disease affecting Alex.
Now, for all of the nice aspects of the book did come issues I frequently had during the story. Loved the family dynamic and obvious downsides of werecat shifting. Felt confused with several aspects of the book that were never really properly explained. Alex married a member of the US Navy, and apparently the feds were aware Alex and Ritzi are werecats. Instead of forcing Ritzi to work for the NIH and have access to the US's massive science facilities, the US government never really has Ritzi and Alex under their radar. Most of the book's plot could have been avoided if Ritzi worked in a government facility in the first place. Plotwise, I think things would have worked a bit more smoothly if they were purposely trying not to attract government attention so that Pawly and Tommy could grow up like normal people.
The terrorist that takes Ritzi under his wing was a very nice addition, and I assume we will get to learn more about him in the sequel. Werecat society is highly secretive and we never get to know much about the different family lines. Only that some werecats look a bit different. Pawly and her family look a bit like bobcats with their human hair, whereas a woman we meet later in the book named Lim resembles a Siberian tiger. I was really intrigued by these family lines and wished we got to learn at least a little bit about werecats in general.
In fact, whenever I wanted to learn more about how Pawly & Tommy struggle with their first few shifts, the book seems to skip entire chapters of the story alltogether and we miss out on a lot of their journey. Instead, we get occasionally confusing scenes where one chapter Ritzi is still in the US failing to find a cure, then the next hunkered down in a bunker, then in North Korea, and back to the US as if nothing ever happened. It sometimes frustrated me that I enjoyed the characters in the book and brief glimpses of their intricate secret society, only to have chapters where everyone is now working as enforcers of a local mafia gang (none of whom are werecats). The book explains plausibly being able to beat people up helps curb the werecat bloodlust, but I was still feeling confused about the frequent timeshifts in between chapters. It felt at times I should have been supplied a wikipedia entry with the book synopsis to know what was going on.
However, the plot picks up pretty well in the last 3 chapters. While it never really feels there was a final story arc with a climax, you get more than enough unsolved conflicts to feel tempted to continue with the series.
3.5 stars!
August 26, 2024
“Werecats Emergent” by Mark J. Engels is a fascinating foray into the world of urban fantasy, blending the thrilling elements of transformation, family legacy, and the struggles of coming to terms with one’s identity. Engels crafts an intricate narrative that spans from the visceral streets of Green Bay, Wisconsin, to the enigmatic isolation of a Lake Michigan island, introducing readers to a universe where the extraordinary lurks within the ordinary. The novel begins with a gripping revelation on a Halloween night that forever changes the lives of young Pawly and her twin brother, Tommy. The discovery of their werecat heritage following a violent altercation sets the stage for a story rich in character development and supernatural intrigue. Engels does not shy away from delving into the visceral realities of Pawly’s transformation and the primal bloodlust that comes with it, providing a raw and authentic exploration of what it means to grapple with a newfound, darker side of oneself.
The addition of characters like Uncle Ritzi, a biological researcher and fellow werecat, adds depth to the narrative, offering insights into the complexities of managing such a condition within a family dynamic fraught with secrets and blame. The ritualistic attempts to control Pawly’s feral rage, the familial bonds tested by her condition, and the underlying tension between human and supernatural realms are themes that Engels navigates with skill.
As the story unfolds, Engels introduces a myriad of challenges and enemies that Pawly, Tommy, and their allies must confront. From the mysterious Blaznikov with his dangerous ties to international crime syndicates to the personal and global implications of their werecat abilities, the narrative weaves a complex web of adventure and conspiracy. The twins’ journey from victims of circumstance to active participants in their destiny is a compelling evolution, underscored by their unique abilities and the special bond they share.
Engels’ world-building is commendable, painting a vivid picture of a world where werecats, secret societies, and magical afflictions exist just beneath the surface of our reality. The settings, from the remote family retreat to the bustling streets of Chicago, are rendered with a keen eye for detail, immersing readers in the story’s diverse locales.
“Werecats Emergent” also tackles broader themes such as identity, family, and the ethics of power. The moral quandaries faced by the characters, particularly in dealing with their afflictions and the responsibilities that come with their powers, add a thoughtful layer to the thrilling narrative. Engels successfully balances action-packed sequences with introspective moments, allowing readers to ponder the nature of humanity and monstrosity.
In summary, “Werecats Emergent” is a compelling addition to the urban fantasy genre, offering a fresh take on the trope of transformation and the eternal struggle between light and darkness within us all. Mark J. Engels has crafted a world that is as enthralling as it is thought-provoking, populated by characters who are as complex as they are captivating. For fans of supernatural thrillers and tales of personal discovery, this novel is a must-read, promising an adventure that is both heart-pounding and deeply human.
The addition of characters like Uncle Ritzi, a biological researcher and fellow werecat, adds depth to the narrative, offering insights into the complexities of managing such a condition within a family dynamic fraught with secrets and blame. The ritualistic attempts to control Pawly’s feral rage, the familial bonds tested by her condition, and the underlying tension between human and supernatural realms are themes that Engels navigates with skill.
As the story unfolds, Engels introduces a myriad of challenges and enemies that Pawly, Tommy, and their allies must confront. From the mysterious Blaznikov with his dangerous ties to international crime syndicates to the personal and global implications of their werecat abilities, the narrative weaves a complex web of adventure and conspiracy. The twins’ journey from victims of circumstance to active participants in their destiny is a compelling evolution, underscored by their unique abilities and the special bond they share.
Engels’ world-building is commendable, painting a vivid picture of a world where werecats, secret societies, and magical afflictions exist just beneath the surface of our reality. The settings, from the remote family retreat to the bustling streets of Chicago, are rendered with a keen eye for detail, immersing readers in the story’s diverse locales.
“Werecats Emergent” also tackles broader themes such as identity, family, and the ethics of power. The moral quandaries faced by the characters, particularly in dealing with their afflictions and the responsibilities that come with their powers, add a thoughtful layer to the thrilling narrative. Engels successfully balances action-packed sequences with introspective moments, allowing readers to ponder the nature of humanity and monstrosity.
In summary, “Werecats Emergent” is a compelling addition to the urban fantasy genre, offering a fresh take on the trope of transformation and the eternal struggle between light and darkness within us all. Mark J. Engels has crafted a world that is as enthralling as it is thought-provoking, populated by characters who are as complex as they are captivating. For fans of supernatural thrillers and tales of personal discovery, this novel is a must-read, promising an adventure that is both heart-pounding and deeply human.
May 15, 2023
My initial thoughts when hearing about this book was that it would be a good fit as I am deeply interested in fantasy and sci-fi.
My two most favorite genres.
It's labeled a YA Urban Fantasy with the Trigger Warnings of Profanity and Violence.
I enjoyed the premise of werecats rather than the drastically overplayed werewolves of most books. Adding in the element of a foreign gang was a brilliant move on the part of the author.
The relationships in the book were very realistically written. There was much fast paced movement which kept the story interesting also. There were some truly shocking situations that kept attention also. A few moments of emotional shock and character sympathy.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. I definitely think that the storytelling is on point and the descriptions were well written. So were the characters.
Disclaimer: I did receive an advance copy of the book for free but this is certainly an honest review and I totally would pay for a book like this.
My two most favorite genres.
It's labeled a YA Urban Fantasy with the Trigger Warnings of Profanity and Violence.
I enjoyed the premise of werecats rather than the drastically overplayed werewolves of most books. Adding in the element of a foreign gang was a brilliant move on the part of the author.
The relationships in the book were very realistically written. There was much fast paced movement which kept the story interesting also. There were some truly shocking situations that kept attention also. A few moments of emotional shock and character sympathy.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. I definitely think that the storytelling is on point and the descriptions were well written. So were the characters.
Disclaimer: I did receive an advance copy of the book for free but this is certainly an honest review and I totally would pay for a book like this.
March 5, 2025
An excellent story full of shape-shifting action and suspense.
Werecats Emergent takes the shape-shifter formula and adds an interesting spin on it, introducing its own rules for how the teenage Pawly first shifts, how the circumstances affect her biology going forward, and how it differs for each member in her ailuranthropic family. The story hops around the globe, with syndicate threats close to home manipulating Pawly and her brother Tommy and foreign governments set on getting Pawly's uncle Ritzi and his research on their feline affliction by any means necessary. The action is top-notch, quick and frantic, leaving blood and fur in its wake, but the expansive family dynamics is where the story truly shines. Can't wait to pick up the rest of the trilogy!
Werecats Emergent takes the shape-shifter formula and adds an interesting spin on it, introducing its own rules for how the teenage Pawly first shifts, how the circumstances affect her biology going forward, and how it differs for each member in her ailuranthropic family. The story hops around the globe, with syndicate threats close to home manipulating Pawly and her brother Tommy and foreign governments set on getting Pawly's uncle Ritzi and his research on their feline affliction by any means necessary. The action is top-notch, quick and frantic, leaving blood and fur in its wake, but the expansive family dynamics is where the story truly shines. Can't wait to pick up the rest of the trilogy!
July 15, 2023
Book one in the Forest Exiles saga and it is so good! It’s a well written, well paced, exciting and thrilling read that pulls you into this incredible urban fantasy that is full of action, drama, and adventure as we meet Pawly who has just discovered that she has inherited her family curse of turning into a werecat under stress and that’s not always a good thing. With fantastic world building and awesome characters, this had me hook line and sinker!
February 11, 2025
amazing start to a peak series
I loved the twins Pawley and Tommy How they evolved from normal teens to learning that they are werecats and the rest of their family.
I loved Ritzi he is a character that I related to the most.
The thriller Aspect, with the characters' bloodlust and how they learn to Manage it, was extremely fascinating.
Phenomenal book!
I highly recommend checking out the author more He is an amazing writer.
April 29, 2024
Great novel
I was lucky to meet the author at Penguicon this weekend. A day later, I’m eager to start the next book in his series. Fast paced with engaging characters, I couldn’t put it down.
I was lucky to meet the author at Penguicon this weekend. A day later, I’m eager to start the next book in his series. Fast paced with engaging characters, I couldn’t put it down.
May 18, 2023
A fast-paced, thrilling exploration of the characters in Pawly's universe, their backstories, and the interpersonal relationships that build the larger werecat universe.
January 2, 2024
Good urban fantasy .
September 22, 2023
Interesting twist on the were theme, with some humorous dialogue.
May 22, 2023
Furry, but not Fluffy
You might think that a novel about a clan of human beings who can turn into kitty cats might be a bit on the lighthearted side of fiction. You might even picture anthropomorphic Disney characters singing showtunes when approaching this novel … but let me tell you now, it would be wise to dismiss any such prejudice when it comes to Mark Engels’ Werecats Emergent - what you’re actually going to get out of this book will be layered, tension-filled, and occasionally rather dark.
The first in a series of books about the dangers faced by a tight-knit family (with occasionally-sharp claws), Werecats Emergent quickly introduces our young main characters to the at-times deadly world inhabited by their brood of changelings (and their enemies). Engels weaves dozens of characters and heaps of world-building effortlessly into a complex tableau that draws a reader in deeper and deeper as the story flows along. The detailed, almost visceral descriptions of the characters’ transformations are particularly vivid.
All in all, Werecats Emergent is a great start to what I’m sure will be a fabulous series of books.
You might think that a novel about a clan of human beings who can turn into kitty cats might be a bit on the lighthearted side of fiction. You might even picture anthropomorphic Disney characters singing showtunes when approaching this novel … but let me tell you now, it would be wise to dismiss any such prejudice when it comes to Mark Engels’ Werecats Emergent - what you’re actually going to get out of this book will be layered, tension-filled, and occasionally rather dark.
The first in a series of books about the dangers faced by a tight-knit family (with occasionally-sharp claws), Werecats Emergent quickly introduces our young main characters to the at-times deadly world inhabited by their brood of changelings (and their enemies). Engels weaves dozens of characters and heaps of world-building effortlessly into a complex tableau that draws a reader in deeper and deeper as the story flows along. The detailed, almost visceral descriptions of the characters’ transformations are particularly vivid.
All in all, Werecats Emergent is a great start to what I’m sure will be a fabulous series of books.
February 12, 2024
Twins Pawly and Tommy want to finish high school and just do what typical teenagers do. But they know their lives will forever be different since the family has the ability to morph into werecats (of the lynx type) but what they don’t know is how the Affliction then breaks the body down with each morph. The twins are under the impression they won’t be able to morph, but one Halloween night Pawly jumps to Tommy’s defence, and once the red vision overwhelms her, there is no holding her back. After tasting human blood in her first morph, things can only get worse.
The family have entered into some shady deals in the past with mafia, gangs, and, most recently, a drug cartel while trying to figure out the morphing curse, stopping the Affliction from breaking down bodies, and just staying alive. But now the stakes are raised. With the twins’ mom, Alex, needing a breakthrough to stop her body from rapidly breaking down, and their father, Barry, swearing he will kill to keep them safe, their Uncle Ritzi needs to use all his scientific knowledge to find a cure ASAP. But of course, when an outside clan member offers assistance, hard decisions must be made. Do something for the greater good? Or keep things as close to your immediate family as possible? Sometimes all the alternatives are wrong...
Well, this was action-packed from start to finish, with loads of tangents to follow. Sometimes, I found that there was too much action, too much going on, and just as you were trying to figure out the whys and whens, a mother or an uncle would come roaring in to save the day or move things in a different direction.
The story seems to come from Pawly and Ritzi’s POV and both of these bring a very different feel. Pawly’s is young and new and innocent and learning how the world is so much more than she thinks. Ritzi’s is very scientific and calculating and trying to figure out where things went wrong and how he can fix the family he loves.
It was sometimes difficult to keep up with characters and their connections to the various “gangs” as well as countries (where from and where in currently) at times, as a lot of info is introduced and if you were to stop reading for a few days, you might have to begin again. I also found it difficult that sometimes foreign words were not translated so I didn’t catch the nuance that the meaning would have had on the sentence. Some characters played minor roles so you didn’t get too involved with them, and some characters were only touched on but left with a story open that obviously leads into later in the series.
It's interesting that the modern werecats don’t necessarily know all their history and that they are living by trial and error – probably the same as those that came before them. It seemed a blend of the old and the new – the traditions of the turn and what happens to those who taste human blood during it versus those who don’t. Yet they all lead down the same path. If the DNA problem is not sorted, then their bodies will decay. Ritzi’s exceptional turn was a little confusing but that was probably because I was trying to keep track of loads of characters and the meandering of the story. When it comes to a story where a lot of info is to be remembered it can be difficult for the reader the first time around as the author will have had this in their head for years and had all the intricacies mapped out but not necessarily allowed the reader space to breathe to absorb it.
I liked that werecats branched out into different species and how different types of cats were affected. I have a feeling Lim and a young one will have a big part to play in the next book. One thing about this story that made me think was how we accept supernatural areas of fiction without thinking of the processes. Werewolves have to find clothes again after turning. Vampires... well, we won’t go there. And werecats need to shed. Not just a bit, but all of it after turning. The colander in the shower not to clog the drain had me thinking. It opens a minefield of questions – like what happens to whiskers? If they can growl, do their larynxes change? Where do their claws retract to? So many logistics!
But back to the story. The writing was very fast-paced and sometimes I would have liked more time taken to explain and absorb the story as it felt frenetic very often. With a lot of things from the past brought in as a one-liner to explain something or a past incident alluded to. These led to questions that multiplied and it was sometimes difficult to slot everything in place. The villain was a villain and then an ally and then a villain and a hero was a hero then a villain then a hero and then it got confusing. In the end I wasn’t even sure who I was rooting for as I wasn’t sure if the person I was backing had an endgame. However, I appreciated the editing and the minimal number of errors. It made the reading a lot easier.
The depth of writing can be seen in places like the boat scene with the rescue and the waves. The writing was intense and the descriptions so realistic that the threats involved and the feeling of death looming were palpable.
The story covers more than just incidents. It covers the history of clans and what happens when clans betray each other as well as the punishment meted out from clans and human legalities alike. It gives a glimpse of what their futures hold and how they can take past mistakes and turn them into positives.
A fast ride with a story that has openings to lead into the second that lovers of all things supernatural and urban fantasy will enjoy. A decent four quills here (make them claw marks!).
Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to review the story.
The family have entered into some shady deals in the past with mafia, gangs, and, most recently, a drug cartel while trying to figure out the morphing curse, stopping the Affliction from breaking down bodies, and just staying alive. But now the stakes are raised. With the twins’ mom, Alex, needing a breakthrough to stop her body from rapidly breaking down, and their father, Barry, swearing he will kill to keep them safe, their Uncle Ritzi needs to use all his scientific knowledge to find a cure ASAP. But of course, when an outside clan member offers assistance, hard decisions must be made. Do something for the greater good? Or keep things as close to your immediate family as possible? Sometimes all the alternatives are wrong...
Well, this was action-packed from start to finish, with loads of tangents to follow. Sometimes, I found that there was too much action, too much going on, and just as you were trying to figure out the whys and whens, a mother or an uncle would come roaring in to save the day or move things in a different direction.
The story seems to come from Pawly and Ritzi’s POV and both of these bring a very different feel. Pawly’s is young and new and innocent and learning how the world is so much more than she thinks. Ritzi’s is very scientific and calculating and trying to figure out where things went wrong and how he can fix the family he loves.
It was sometimes difficult to keep up with characters and their connections to the various “gangs” as well as countries (where from and where in currently) at times, as a lot of info is introduced and if you were to stop reading for a few days, you might have to begin again. I also found it difficult that sometimes foreign words were not translated so I didn’t catch the nuance that the meaning would have had on the sentence. Some characters played minor roles so you didn’t get too involved with them, and some characters were only touched on but left with a story open that obviously leads into later in the series.
It's interesting that the modern werecats don’t necessarily know all their history and that they are living by trial and error – probably the same as those that came before them. It seemed a blend of the old and the new – the traditions of the turn and what happens to those who taste human blood during it versus those who don’t. Yet they all lead down the same path. If the DNA problem is not sorted, then their bodies will decay. Ritzi’s exceptional turn was a little confusing but that was probably because I was trying to keep track of loads of characters and the meandering of the story. When it comes to a story where a lot of info is to be remembered it can be difficult for the reader the first time around as the author will have had this in their head for years and had all the intricacies mapped out but not necessarily allowed the reader space to breathe to absorb it.
I liked that werecats branched out into different species and how different types of cats were affected. I have a feeling Lim and a young one will have a big part to play in the next book. One thing about this story that made me think was how we accept supernatural areas of fiction without thinking of the processes. Werewolves have to find clothes again after turning. Vampires... well, we won’t go there. And werecats need to shed. Not just a bit, but all of it after turning. The colander in the shower not to clog the drain had me thinking. It opens a minefield of questions – like what happens to whiskers? If they can growl, do their larynxes change? Where do their claws retract to? So many logistics!
But back to the story. The writing was very fast-paced and sometimes I would have liked more time taken to explain and absorb the story as it felt frenetic very often. With a lot of things from the past brought in as a one-liner to explain something or a past incident alluded to. These led to questions that multiplied and it was sometimes difficult to slot everything in place. The villain was a villain and then an ally and then a villain and a hero was a hero then a villain then a hero and then it got confusing. In the end I wasn’t even sure who I was rooting for as I wasn’t sure if the person I was backing had an endgame. However, I appreciated the editing and the minimal number of errors. It made the reading a lot easier.
The depth of writing can be seen in places like the boat scene with the rescue and the waves. The writing was intense and the descriptions so realistic that the threats involved and the feeling of death looming were palpable.
The story covers more than just incidents. It covers the history of clans and what happens when clans betray each other as well as the punishment meted out from clans and human legalities alike. It gives a glimpse of what their futures hold and how they can take past mistakes and turn them into positives.
A fast ride with a story that has openings to lead into the second that lovers of all things supernatural and urban fantasy will enjoy. A decent four quills here (make them claw marks!).
Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to review the story.
December 29, 2025
A thoroughly enjoyable book, with some great characters and ideas behind the story. A few little nit-picks here and there - some of the chapters could feel a bit fragmented and I didn't always get the emotions the characters were meant to be feeling - but overall I loved this book. Definitely keen to read more in this story world and to follow the adventures of these characters.
May 29, 2024
For full disclosure, I strongly disliked the author's first attempt at writing this story, Always Gray In Winter. I was among those who read Gray and was left feeling annoyed and perplexed about what I had read.
Engles deserves a major round of applause for such a writing glow-up. Because this book is the poster child for a glow-up. I am truly, deeply impressed at how well Engles both listened to and applied the constructive criticism given to him by several readers of the first novel.
The premise is this: Pawly and her brother come from a long line of werecats. The werecats' bodies will begin to degenerate if they do not indulge in their feline instincts. In the case of Pawly and her brother, it was assumed that, because they are half human, they had never inherited the werecat gene because, despite being older teenagers, they had never transformed as they typically would have by now had they been carriers of the gene. However, it turns out being half human only slowed their feline affliction, as the two of them finally transform after getting jumped in an alley by their rival hockey team. Unfortunately for Pawly (and her entire family, really)
Meanwhile, their uncle, Ritzi, is a former government agent with ties to the Soviets & the Korean mafia. He is a fellow werecat and currently works in genetic research and is seeking a fix for his sister's rapidly failing body. When he finds out his niece and nephew , he realizes he needs to work faster and harder than ever before. However, the ghosts of the past come back to haunt him with a vengeance...
The action? Wicked cool. Intrigue? Loved it. I'm always a big slut for warring factions and military sci-fi. If you enjoy military spec fic, you will enjoy Emergent. It hit all the right buttons for me.
Speaking of military, I have to heap praises on the character Ritzi. He was, by far, the highlight of this book for me. Something about him just felt so deep and authentic. He is one of this book's biggest strengths, as Engles did an excellent job of getting into the heart and mind of a strong, but deeply loving, military man intent on saving his family. It was also refreshing to have him be the uncle & brother of the people he was trying to save, rather than the father or husband. There is literally nothing wrong at all the characters of this archetype that come from the latter two categories, but having him be somewhat more distant family really helped emphasize (at least to me) how close-knit and loving this family is. A unique take on one of my favorite character archetypes.
Because I liked Ritzi so much, this did sort of dampen my ability to enjoy Pawly. She is not a bad character by any means and I am eager to find out what happens to her in the next volume, however, she just didn't feel as "real" to me as Ritzi did. She felt a little like what someone might expect a teenage tomboy to act like, rather than a realistic portrayal of one. (I would know; I was a teenage tomboy who played hockey :P ).
My one other complaint would be that occasionally I see the ghosts of Winter flitting through the pages. Occasionally, you will come across a passage or two where the author clearly knows what he's talking about, but the reader certainly won't. This is not, however, story-breaking and constant like it was in Winter, and most likely will not damage your ability to enjoy or understand the bigger picture.
In all, a super fun read, and genuinely inspiring. If you like military spec fic or werecats, please do yourself a favor and check it out.
Engles deserves a major round of applause for such a writing glow-up. Because this book is the poster child for a glow-up. I am truly, deeply impressed at how well Engles both listened to and applied the constructive criticism given to him by several readers of the first novel.
The premise is this: Pawly and her brother come from a long line of werecats. The werecats' bodies will begin to degenerate if they do not indulge in their feline instincts. In the case of Pawly and her brother, it was assumed that, because they are half human, they had never inherited the werecat gene because, despite being older teenagers, they had never transformed as they typically would have by now had they been carriers of the gene. However, it turns out being half human only slowed their feline affliction, as the two of them finally transform after getting jumped in an alley by their rival hockey team. Unfortunately for Pawly (and her entire family, really)
Meanwhile, their uncle, Ritzi, is a former government agent with ties to the Soviets & the Korean mafia. He is a fellow werecat and currently works in genetic research and is seeking a fix for his sister's rapidly failing body. When he finds out his niece and nephew , he realizes he needs to work faster and harder than ever before. However, the ghosts of the past come back to haunt him with a vengeance...
The action? Wicked cool. Intrigue? Loved it. I'm always a big slut for warring factions and military sci-fi. If you enjoy military spec fic, you will enjoy Emergent. It hit all the right buttons for me.
Speaking of military, I have to heap praises on the character Ritzi. He was, by far, the highlight of this book for me. Something about him just felt so deep and authentic. He is one of this book's biggest strengths, as Engles did an excellent job of getting into the heart and mind of a strong, but deeply loving, military man intent on saving his family. It was also refreshing to have him be the uncle & brother of the people he was trying to save, rather than the father or husband. There is literally nothing wrong at all the characters of this archetype that come from the latter two categories, but having him be somewhat more distant family really helped emphasize (at least to me) how close-knit and loving this family is. A unique take on one of my favorite character archetypes.
Because I liked Ritzi so much, this did sort of dampen my ability to enjoy Pawly. She is not a bad character by any means and I am eager to find out what happens to her in the next volume, however, she just didn't feel as "real" to me as Ritzi did. She felt a little like what someone might expect a teenage tomboy to act like, rather than a realistic portrayal of one. (I would know; I was a teenage tomboy who played hockey :P ).
My one other complaint would be that occasionally I see the ghosts of Winter flitting through the pages. Occasionally, you will come across a passage or two where the author clearly knows what he's talking about, but the reader certainly won't. This is not, however, story-breaking and constant like it was in Winter, and most likely will not damage your ability to enjoy or understand the bigger picture.
In all, a super fun read, and genuinely inspiring. If you like military spec fic or werecats, please do yourself a favor and check it out.
June 2, 2024
I’ve never read a book quite like Werecats Emergent. Based on the title, I expected a typical shifter fantasy novel, but it was much more than that.
Werecats Emergent is told through the alternating points-of-view of teenaged Pawlina, or Pawly as she’s known, and her uncle, an American-Polish scientist named Ritzi. I definitely related more to Pawly and found her chapters easier to read, but Ritzi’s chapters were interesting too, especially as the story went on. My only gripe with both POVs is that they often used terminology I didn’t understand and had to look up. It broke the immersion into the story for the first few chapters which made it a bit hard to fully get into the story. However, the story did start off in the middle of an action-packed scene, which I really liked. It set the story up well and I enjoyed it from the very first page.
This story had a lot of elements throughout that I wasn’t expecting, the biggest one being both Polish and Korean culture. The majority of books that tend to come my way are predominantly Western cultures, but I enjoyed reading something a bit different.
Speaking of different, the way the author portrays the world of shifters is unique. I expected the shifters in this story to work how most other stories portray shifters – accepted as magic and ‘it is what it is’. Engels took a different approach in this story. Werecats are hiding, and no one knows how or why they exist. Ritzi, Pawly’s uncle, seeks to understand how werecats work, and he uses science to do it. He’s also tasked with finding an answer – and possible cure – for a condition that affects werecats who have traumatising first shifts. For reasons unknown, werecats who first shift too early, too late, or have a particularly violent first shift, experience a condition where their body begins to break down at a relatively young age. Ritzi cares deeply for his family, and nothing will stop him from finding a cure for his family – even if it means engaging with North Korea and risking being tried for treason against the USA.
There is so much packed into Werecats Emergent that it’s hard to condense it all into a review. There are many intense elements in this story, including international politics, underbelly gangs, the CIA, and espionage, but it’s interspersed by softer themes such as teenage friendships, first love, romantic crushes, and teenagers who think they know everything.
I had a hard time giving this story a final rating. I’ve rated it 3.5 stars, but I’m not sure it sits exactly there. It might be better off as a 3.75, or a 3.8. Unfortunately, WordPress doesn’t let you do stars like that, so I’ve gone with 3.5 for simplicity’s sake. While this story has a lot of great points going for it, I did struggle to fully immerse myself in the story at times due to needing to look up words while reading, and I struggled to connect with some of the adult characters (especially the sciencey ones, but that’s because I’m not a sciencey person).
I 100% recommend this story to crime readers, and fantasy readers who don’t mind science and crime-genre themes.
Werecats Emergent is told through the alternating points-of-view of teenaged Pawlina, or Pawly as she’s known, and her uncle, an American-Polish scientist named Ritzi. I definitely related more to Pawly and found her chapters easier to read, but Ritzi’s chapters were interesting too, especially as the story went on. My only gripe with both POVs is that they often used terminology I didn’t understand and had to look up. It broke the immersion into the story for the first few chapters which made it a bit hard to fully get into the story. However, the story did start off in the middle of an action-packed scene, which I really liked. It set the story up well and I enjoyed it from the very first page.
This story had a lot of elements throughout that I wasn’t expecting, the biggest one being both Polish and Korean culture. The majority of books that tend to come my way are predominantly Western cultures, but I enjoyed reading something a bit different.
Speaking of different, the way the author portrays the world of shifters is unique. I expected the shifters in this story to work how most other stories portray shifters – accepted as magic and ‘it is what it is’. Engels took a different approach in this story. Werecats are hiding, and no one knows how or why they exist. Ritzi, Pawly’s uncle, seeks to understand how werecats work, and he uses science to do it. He’s also tasked with finding an answer – and possible cure – for a condition that affects werecats who have traumatising first shifts. For reasons unknown, werecats who first shift too early, too late, or have a particularly violent first shift, experience a condition where their body begins to break down at a relatively young age. Ritzi cares deeply for his family, and nothing will stop him from finding a cure for his family – even if it means engaging with North Korea and risking being tried for treason against the USA.
There is so much packed into Werecats Emergent that it’s hard to condense it all into a review. There are many intense elements in this story, including international politics, underbelly gangs, the CIA, and espionage, but it’s interspersed by softer themes such as teenage friendships, first love, romantic crushes, and teenagers who think they know everything.
I had a hard time giving this story a final rating. I’ve rated it 3.5 stars, but I’m not sure it sits exactly there. It might be better off as a 3.75, or a 3.8. Unfortunately, WordPress doesn’t let you do stars like that, so I’ve gone with 3.5 for simplicity’s sake. While this story has a lot of great points going for it, I did struggle to fully immerse myself in the story at times due to needing to look up words while reading, and I struggled to connect with some of the adult characters (especially the sciencey ones, but that’s because I’m not a sciencey person).
I 100% recommend this story to crime readers, and fantasy readers who don’t mind science and crime-genre themes.
May 15, 2023
Werecats Emergent follows a complicated extended family of werecats, whose transforming abilities are known as the Affliction. We follow two main character point of views - Pawly, a teen-aged, newly morphed werecat who was supposed to have escaped the Affliction, and her uncle Ritzi who will stop at nothing to prevent the Affliction from quite literally ripping his family to pieces.
The two POVs end up having two very different feels. Pawly’s story reads like a YA coming-of-age novel, albeit with far more stress and danger than a typical teenager deals with, and Ritzi’s story is a high-stress, intense thriller involving medical, political, and family drama.
Ritzi’s story really kept my eyes glued to the page. As a scientist, he thought he had found a way to keep his niece and nephew from ever suffering through the Affliction, so the sudden appearance of it guides every decision he makes in this book, for better or worse. The political and medical drama side of his story reads very much like a complex Michael Crichton thriller, involving overseas mobs, corrupt governments, betrayals, deportations, disappearances, and more.
One thing I loved about this story is the complex morality. No one is wholly good or wholly bad, and everyone has their own motivations for what they do. It’s revealed that several characters worked as hitmen/aggressors for an overseas mob, as its one of the few ways to keep the Rage from the affliction under control. Pawly and her brother see their families struggling and do some questionable things attempting to keep them afloat using their newfound powers. Ritzi gets involved in all kinds of problems, and continues to remain involved even after he knows the damage it could cause, simply because he is determined to put his family first and fix the problems of the Affliction.
Even our main antagonist, Blaznikov, has ultimately the right motivations in trying to protect the werecat clans from discovery and torture, though he goes down the darkest path in order to fulfill this desire.
The worldbuilding is exquisite, not just with the world (much of this novels takes places around the Great Lakes and feels very solid, plus the complexity of a close Polish American family) but also with the Affliction and the lore of the werecats. Rage, Talent, Affliction, and Clans all come up in small, understandable doses and I never felt lost reading it. It carries enough of the tropes of werecreatures while still being original that it never feels cliche.
I'm really looking forward to seeing where this series goes!
The two POVs end up having two very different feels. Pawly’s story reads like a YA coming-of-age novel, albeit with far more stress and danger than a typical teenager deals with, and Ritzi’s story is a high-stress, intense thriller involving medical, political, and family drama.
Ritzi’s story really kept my eyes glued to the page. As a scientist, he thought he had found a way to keep his niece and nephew from ever suffering through the Affliction, so the sudden appearance of it guides every decision he makes in this book, for better or worse. The political and medical drama side of his story reads very much like a complex Michael Crichton thriller, involving overseas mobs, corrupt governments, betrayals, deportations, disappearances, and more.
One thing I loved about this story is the complex morality. No one is wholly good or wholly bad, and everyone has their own motivations for what they do. It’s revealed that several characters worked as hitmen/aggressors for an overseas mob, as its one of the few ways to keep the Rage from the affliction under control. Pawly and her brother see their families struggling and do some questionable things attempting to keep them afloat using their newfound powers. Ritzi gets involved in all kinds of problems, and continues to remain involved even after he knows the damage it could cause, simply because he is determined to put his family first and fix the problems of the Affliction.
Even our main antagonist, Blaznikov, has ultimately the right motivations in trying to protect the werecat clans from discovery and torture, though he goes down the darkest path in order to fulfill this desire.
The worldbuilding is exquisite, not just with the world (much of this novels takes places around the Great Lakes and feels very solid, plus the complexity of a close Polish American family) but also with the Affliction and the lore of the werecats. Rage, Talent, Affliction, and Clans all come up in small, understandable doses and I never felt lost reading it. It carries enough of the tropes of werecreatures while still being original that it never feels cliche.
I'm really looking forward to seeing where this series goes!
February 26, 2024
This is a paranormal novel with an unusual approach to werewolves. Most of these stories glorify the power and beauty of the species, while throwing them enough difficulties to keep the story interesting. These werecats find their genetic malformation a life-threatening handicap, almost uncontrollable. A great deal of the conflict in the story revolves around attempts to use modern medical technique to save, maintain, and perhaps, far down the series, find a cure for the afflicted.
The strength of the story is the characters and their natural interaction. The best of the conflict comes from the complex plotline, with many different members of the family on different projects, some not completely compatible. Adding to their problems is the tendency of the irresponsible teenage twins to act like…well… irresponsible teenagers.
The reading experience is also boosted by numerous action sequences, some more clearly described than others. The standout scene is not a battle, but a barge load of equipment shaking loose in a monster storm on the Great Lakes, and the crew’s efforts to rescue themselves and their equipment. A minor kick for Canadian readers is the side plot involving the teenagers working out their energies as hockey players.
On the downside, this book shows all the evidence of a beginning writer working without the benefit of a good editor.
One error that I found irritating is overuse of “before” and “after.” The wonders of modern computing allow me to tell you that both prepositions were used more than a hundred times, many of them misuses. Let me explain:
“She stopped short after rounding the corner” may sound normal, but if you look at it carefully from the reader’s point of view, she stops short, then she goes back in time and rounds the corner, then the story continues. “She rounded the corner and stopped short,” is more straightforward.
Also, point of view control is weak, which sometimes makes it difficult to follow the action scenes and know who is doing what. Sentence fragments can be used to create quick, choppy action sequences, but when overused they, too, become irritating.
And the usual problem in the exposition section, extending way too far into the action part of the book: too much background info constantly slowing down the action.
This book is wonderful scenario with a fresh approach and realistic character portrayal, but it is presented in a helter-skelter fashion. With a lot of tightening and polishing, this could be a great series.
The strength of the story is the characters and their natural interaction. The best of the conflict comes from the complex plotline, with many different members of the family on different projects, some not completely compatible. Adding to their problems is the tendency of the irresponsible teenage twins to act like…well… irresponsible teenagers.
The reading experience is also boosted by numerous action sequences, some more clearly described than others. The standout scene is not a battle, but a barge load of equipment shaking loose in a monster storm on the Great Lakes, and the crew’s efforts to rescue themselves and their equipment. A minor kick for Canadian readers is the side plot involving the teenagers working out their energies as hockey players.
On the downside, this book shows all the evidence of a beginning writer working without the benefit of a good editor.
One error that I found irritating is overuse of “before” and “after.” The wonders of modern computing allow me to tell you that both prepositions were used more than a hundred times, many of them misuses. Let me explain:
“She stopped short after rounding the corner” may sound normal, but if you look at it carefully from the reader’s point of view, she stops short, then she goes back in time and rounds the corner, then the story continues. “She rounded the corner and stopped short,” is more straightforward.
Also, point of view control is weak, which sometimes makes it difficult to follow the action scenes and know who is doing what. Sentence fragments can be used to create quick, choppy action sequences, but when overused they, too, become irritating.
And the usual problem in the exposition section, extending way too far into the action part of the book: too much background info constantly slowing down the action.
This book is wonderful scenario with a fresh approach and realistic character portrayal, but it is presented in a helter-skelter fashion. With a lot of tightening and polishing, this could be a great series.
January 1, 2024
Urban fantasy is one of my favourite sub-genres of fantasy. It isn't easy to find a book in urban fantasy that also isn't from one of two or three authors.
Werecats Emergent is a book that sounds very interesting and when I was asked by the author if I would read the book I went to download it from kindle unlimited. Just reading the blurb had me hooked.
I do like the fact that the author makes the time to talk about the culture as well of the characters since it adds that extra little bit of reality to a fantasy novel.
I really like the start of this book and how it shows that emotional turmoil can start to cause changes in people. Pawly is afflicted by something and it's nothing she was ever told about. The secret could ruin her very life.
It feels like a young adult style of book and I think that suits it better. They show a teen lifestyle and what can happen through the rage and the uncertainty of youth.
I enjoyed the story and think that it was kind of cute and Iove the shifter style and that it wasn't a standard shifter like a werewolf but deals with a cat which is much more interesting.
The story felt soft at times where the story didn't seem to match the characters. Don't get me wrong it wasn't often but I definitely felt that it could have been handled a bit better at times.
I am impressed by the writing style but mid way through I kind of felt that the story was stalled. I don't think it actually was it is just my perception of the story. It seemed that not much was happening and that the werecat part of the story was second place to other aspects. Don't get me wrong it isn't bad just I always figure with this type of urban fantasy that it's much more action oriented because of the change that happens to these people. I am in no means an expert on this style though as I tend to prefer vampires over werebeasts.
Overall this is a solid book and definitely I will read more from this series as well as from this author.
Werecats Emergent is a book that sounds very interesting and when I was asked by the author if I would read the book I went to download it from kindle unlimited. Just reading the blurb had me hooked.
I do like the fact that the author makes the time to talk about the culture as well of the characters since it adds that extra little bit of reality to a fantasy novel.
I really like the start of this book and how it shows that emotional turmoil can start to cause changes in people. Pawly is afflicted by something and it's nothing she was ever told about. The secret could ruin her very life.
It feels like a young adult style of book and I think that suits it better. They show a teen lifestyle and what can happen through the rage and the uncertainty of youth.
I enjoyed the story and think that it was kind of cute and Iove the shifter style and that it wasn't a standard shifter like a werewolf but deals with a cat which is much more interesting.
The story felt soft at times where the story didn't seem to match the characters. Don't get me wrong it wasn't often but I definitely felt that it could have been handled a bit better at times.
I am impressed by the writing style but mid way through I kind of felt that the story was stalled. I don't think it actually was it is just my perception of the story. It seemed that not much was happening and that the werecat part of the story was second place to other aspects. Don't get me wrong it isn't bad just I always figure with this type of urban fantasy that it's much more action oriented because of the change that happens to these people. I am in no means an expert on this style though as I tend to prefer vampires over werebeasts.
Overall this is a solid book and definitely I will read more from this series as well as from this author.
June 2, 2023
“Werecats Emergent” by Mark J. Engels is a gripping and original urban fantasy novel that explores the dangerous and thrilling world of werecats. The story follows teenage werecat Pawly and her twin brother Tommy as they struggle to control their bloodlust and navigate the werecat community’s complex political and social landscape.
One of the strengths of the novel is Engels’ world-building. The werecat society he has created is rich and detailed, with its own customs, beliefs, and conflicts. The werecats are not just a gimmick but a fully realized and believable culture. The conflicts between the different factions of werecats and their interactions with humans and other supernatural beings are complex and intriguing.
The characters are also well-drawn and sympathetic. Pawly is a relatable and engaging protagonist, struggling to come to terms with her identity and her place in the world. Her brother Tommy is a complex and intriguing character, torn between his loyalty to his family and his desire to explore his full potential as a werecat. The supporting cast, including Pawly’s uncle Ritzi and the enigmatic elder werecat representing the rogue state, are also well-developed and add depth and richness to the story.
Overall, “Werecats Emergent” is a thrilling and well-crafted urban fantasy novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. Engels has created a world and characters that are both unique and engaging, and the story is sure to leave readers eager for more.
I received a digital copy of the book from BookSirens to review. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.
One of the strengths of the novel is Engels’ world-building. The werecat society he has created is rich and detailed, with its own customs, beliefs, and conflicts. The werecats are not just a gimmick but a fully realized and believable culture. The conflicts between the different factions of werecats and their interactions with humans and other supernatural beings are complex and intriguing.
The characters are also well-drawn and sympathetic. Pawly is a relatable and engaging protagonist, struggling to come to terms with her identity and her place in the world. Her brother Tommy is a complex and intriguing character, torn between his loyalty to his family and his desire to explore his full potential as a werecat. The supporting cast, including Pawly’s uncle Ritzi and the enigmatic elder werecat representing the rogue state, are also well-developed and add depth and richness to the story.
Overall, “Werecats Emergent” is a thrilling and well-crafted urban fantasy novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. Engels has created a world and characters that are both unique and engaging, and the story is sure to leave readers eager for more.
I received a digital copy of the book from BookSirens to review. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.
May 15, 2023
Clarity comes after the red haze dies...
Mark Engels: "Werecat" series is a unique treat.
I had already read the out of print "Always Gray In Winter" before being given Engels' "Emergent" ARC.
What was already a satisfyingly complex story was given three new viewpoints from a decade earlier - innocent and jaded viewpoints - describing the lives of unique people trying to survive in a world that is not friendly to uniqueness... or bloodlust.
"Werecats Emergent" shows the characters from different perspectives, variously subtly, or not so, redefining good and evil within their world.
My support for the Heroes didn't change, but I gained some sympathy for the plight of the "villains" who pounced on my psyche with unsheathed claws and made me reevaluate what happened and why.
The world is a complex place, and moreso if you aren't "normal".
As an Autistic, I relate deeply with the Werecats, "good" and "bad", as they struggle with merging their "otherness" into society while striving to hide that same reality from those who would shut them down.
I wait hungrily for the next installment.
Mark Engels: "Werecat" series is a unique treat.
I had already read the out of print "Always Gray In Winter" before being given Engels' "Emergent" ARC.
What was already a satisfyingly complex story was given three new viewpoints from a decade earlier - innocent and jaded viewpoints - describing the lives of unique people trying to survive in a world that is not friendly to uniqueness... or bloodlust.
"Werecats Emergent" shows the characters from different perspectives, variously subtly, or not so, redefining good and evil within their world.
My support for the Heroes didn't change, but I gained some sympathy for the plight of the "villains" who pounced on my psyche with unsheathed claws and made me reevaluate what happened and why.
The world is a complex place, and moreso if you aren't "normal".
As an Autistic, I relate deeply with the Werecats, "good" and "bad", as they struggle with merging their "otherness" into society while striving to hide that same reality from those who would shut them down.
I wait hungrily for the next installment.
February 5, 2024
With a surprise transformation, Pawly and her twin brother suddenly discover their family's big secret. They're part of a clan of werecats.
The story mainly focusses on Pawly and her uncle Ritzi. It's half a coming-of age tale - as the twins work through the challenges of adapting to their new reality and now-secret existence - and half suspense/thriller, as the adults deal with various groups that want to exploit their people.
The characters' intertwining stories made for an enjoyable read. The inclusion of non-English words added depth, although it would have been helpful if their meanings were more explicitly presented. Sometimes the context wasn't quite enough to get what was being said.
With a lot of action and conflict, and family drama too, this is a gripping story of some members of the modern-day remnant of an ancient clan of werecats trying to come to terms with their "Affliction", as they call it, while at the same time trying to do their best for their family. They make questionable choices and do questionable things, with all sorts of consequences, as they just try to help their family. It makes for an engaging read.
The story mainly focusses on Pawly and her uncle Ritzi. It's half a coming-of age tale - as the twins work through the challenges of adapting to their new reality and now-secret existence - and half suspense/thriller, as the adults deal with various groups that want to exploit their people.
The characters' intertwining stories made for an enjoyable read. The inclusion of non-English words added depth, although it would have been helpful if their meanings were more explicitly presented. Sometimes the context wasn't quite enough to get what was being said.
With a lot of action and conflict, and family drama too, this is a gripping story of some members of the modern-day remnant of an ancient clan of werecats trying to come to terms with their "Affliction", as they call it, while at the same time trying to do their best for their family. They make questionable choices and do questionable things, with all sorts of consequences, as they just try to help their family. It makes for an engaging read.
May 15, 2023
As someone that has watched movies and series like Teen Wolf, I can say that this story takes on the feel and tone of shows. If you enjoy those shows this story will give you a nostalgic trip.
With that basics set out, this story takes many twists and turns with some dark moments. For the most part the story has some grit to it but it doesn’t go too far in any direction. There is one moment that is very controversial in the story that may put some readers at discomfort. This is a story for late teens and up, not for any sexual content but for some very dark themes.
The main characters are memorable but some of the side characters are hard to keep track of. There isn’t too much character growth in the first story because there is a lot of setup going on. Once you get past that, you get to see what it’s like living as a person that could shapeshift into a werecat. Make sure you’re ready to take on a world with danger around every corner and threat of being found out follows you with every page.
With that basics set out, this story takes many twists and turns with some dark moments. For the most part the story has some grit to it but it doesn’t go too far in any direction. There is one moment that is very controversial in the story that may put some readers at discomfort. This is a story for late teens and up, not for any sexual content but for some very dark themes.
The main characters are memorable but some of the side characters are hard to keep track of. There isn’t too much character growth in the first story because there is a lot of setup going on. Once you get past that, you get to see what it’s like living as a person that could shapeshift into a werecat. Make sure you’re ready to take on a world with danger around every corner and threat of being found out follows you with every page.
March 4, 2024
This is a complicated thriller, a paranormal drama with a medical side story and a touch of politics and mafia. It comes with an unusual approach to the standard shifters’ stories: there is no magic, only a genetic medical condition. It touches a large family, and the author is good at describing their difficult life. The medical part of the novel tries to find a cure, which is difficult to handle, this kind of genetical ‘affliction’ would need at least a few chromosomes more and a very different path of handling energy. There is no way to cure such condition.
The family drama flows more natural, as people are different even in a family, and they feel and react to their condition in different ways. There is a lot of good dialogue, which is hard to write, but also hard to read. The action part is very similar to the dialogues, fragmented and quick, and sometimes difficult to follow.
All in all, a good start to a series.
The family drama flows more natural, as people are different even in a family, and they feel and react to their condition in different ways. There is a lot of good dialogue, which is hard to write, but also hard to read. The action part is very similar to the dialogues, fragmented and quick, and sometimes difficult to follow.
All in all, a good start to a series.
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