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Bane Pack #1
Blood Ties: The First
All Kendra wanted was a change.
After a bad day at work, she wants this more than anything. She goes to an old friend for comfort and decides it’s time for that change to happen. So she gets a tattoo in a last ditch effort to make people see her differently. She never would’ve bargained for what comes next. She’s seeing better than she ever has in her life. She can smell and even tell the difference between scents. She can hear a fly buzzing from fifty feet away. She’s faster. Stronger.
Oh…and now she’s extremely hot.
But is the price of these changes too high? And what about the shocking revelation of who-and what-her biological father really is?
Sometimes change can be good…and then there’s the other times.
After a bad day at work, she wants this more than anything. She goes to an old friend for comfort and decides it’s time for that change to happen. So she gets a tattoo in a last ditch effort to make people see her differently. She never would’ve bargained for what comes next. She’s seeing better than she ever has in her life. She can smell and even tell the difference between scents. She can hear a fly buzzing from fifty feet away. She’s faster. Stronger.
Oh…and now she’s extremely hot.
But is the price of these changes too high? And what about the shocking revelation of who-and what-her biological father really is?
Sometimes change can be good…and then there’s the other times.
- GenresEbooksParanormal
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2013
3 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Rustin Petrae
23 books31 followersRustin Petrae is the author of the Histories of Purga Novels, the Bane Pack Novels, Hybrid Earth, and Forfeit. He is also a graphic designer and recent BFA graduate from The Ohio State University. Currently, he lives in Ohio but was actually born in San Antonio, TX. However, he spent most of his childhood and early adulthood overseas in Japan and Korea. The experiences gained from living in Japan (Misawa Air Force Base) and Korea (Yongsan Army Base and Osan Air Force Base) helped shape his writing. Living among other cultures did a lot to expand his worldview. He started writing very early on but was interested in becoming an author even back in elementary school. In fact, when asked what he wanted to be when he grew up as part of a school project, he said he wanted to be either a cartoonist or an author. While he still draws here and there, he spends most of his time working to hone both his writing and graphic design skills. He's written several stories, flash fictions, a few novellas, and five novels. He also creates his own cover art and promotional materials.
To get up to date news on Rustin's projects, freebies, and more, check out his official website at: rustinpetrae.com.
To get up to date news on Rustin's projects, freebies, and more, check out his official website at: rustinpetrae.com.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 7, 2021
I thought that this book was okay
August 23, 2013
I got this book from the author, free of cost, in exchange of an honest review from my side!
Firstly I would like to thank Rustin Petrae, author of blood Ties: The First, for this wonderful opportunity that I got of reading and reviewing this book.
I just loved the story, it's really great and the writing style of the author was really fabulous and comfortable and I quickly got connected with the book unlike many others where you have to read a no. of chapters to get yourself connected to the main plot.
I just lost the track of time and got totally mesmerized by the story and specially by Kendra who is the main character of the story and is the kick-ass heroine whom we all love to have but sadly don't get to see in most of the books in werewolf genre but unlike other books this book has an unique story and all the werewolf fans are just going to heart it!
The action scenes are power-packed and the suspense will drive you crazy in anticipation and girls beware of your manicured nails because you're going to chomp those down, I bet! The story is really spicy and you'll get everything that you want from a great book.
So go for it and I bet that you won't be disappointed!
Firstly I would like to thank Rustin Petrae, author of blood Ties: The First, for this wonderful opportunity that I got of reading and reviewing this book.
I just loved the story, it's really great and the writing style of the author was really fabulous and comfortable and I quickly got connected with the book unlike many others where you have to read a no. of chapters to get yourself connected to the main plot.
I just lost the track of time and got totally mesmerized by the story and specially by Kendra who is the main character of the story and is the kick-ass heroine whom we all love to have but sadly don't get to see in most of the books in werewolf genre but unlike other books this book has an unique story and all the werewolf fans are just going to heart it!
The action scenes are power-packed and the suspense will drive you crazy in anticipation and girls beware of your manicured nails because you're going to chomp those down, I bet! The story is really spicy and you'll get everything that you want from a great book.
So go for it and I bet that you won't be disappointed!
March 17, 2013
I received a copy of Blood Ties from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
While I generally likes me a good werewolf story I am still pretty much on the fence about Blood Ties. After finishing the book a couple days ago I have been wracking my brain trying to write the review and the only thing I could think of to say about it was...meh it was ok needs some polish though.
Don't get me wrong there was a lot here that I liked. I liked the wolves and their conflict with the wizards after an uneasy truce. I actually liked the bad guys and the whole puppet master behind them. There was a ton of action which always works for me. I read the book fairly quickly so I did enjoy it overall.
Now what I didn't like was at times the writing was very choppy and the background of the characters could have had more to it. One of my pet peeves, and this happens a lot is when the main character is some sort of supernatural and everyone they know is aware of it but them. Creates a bunch of annoying unnecessary angst. I did like it overall but I do think it could have used a good edit and it would have been much much better.
While I generally likes me a good werewolf story I am still pretty much on the fence about Blood Ties. After finishing the book a couple days ago I have been wracking my brain trying to write the review and the only thing I could think of to say about it was...meh it was ok needs some polish though.
Don't get me wrong there was a lot here that I liked. I liked the wolves and their conflict with the wizards after an uneasy truce. I actually liked the bad guys and the whole puppet master behind them. There was a ton of action which always works for me. I read the book fairly quickly so I did enjoy it overall.
Now what I didn't like was at times the writing was very choppy and the background of the characters could have had more to it. One of my pet peeves, and this happens a lot is when the main character is some sort of supernatural and everyone they know is aware of it but them. Creates a bunch of annoying unnecessary angst. I did like it overall but I do think it could have used a good edit and it would have been much much better.
August 10, 2013
I was provided with a copy of this book for an honest review.
Spoiler Alert
I think the book is a good addition to the werewolf genre. The characters are fairly well developed and the plot goes along at a reasonable pace. However, I think some corners are cut with character development in terms of the main protagonist. She is thrust, quite suddenly and violently, into the paranormal world, but very quickly she takes on the role and language of an alpha. This was especially prominent toward the end when after a day or two as a werewolf, she is negotiating with the head of the Hunters and speaks like a long time Alpha.
Given the description of Elijah, the head of the Hunters, having him duped for a long period of time didn't sit well with me. It was a nice touch making the hunter group here associated with the Knights of Templar.
The conclusion leaves a lot of loose ends. Some I can handle, but the idea that a witch or goddess that is several thousand years old could not get her revenge earlier or by herself seems too far fetched for me. I am not sure if I could go much further with this vengeful adversary for our sweet Alpha and Conor, who is clearly forecasted to be her love interest.
There were, as I inevitably find in most of these ARCs, some missing words, typos, etc.
Spoiler Alert
I think the book is a good addition to the werewolf genre. The characters are fairly well developed and the plot goes along at a reasonable pace. However, I think some corners are cut with character development in terms of the main protagonist. She is thrust, quite suddenly and violently, into the paranormal world, but very quickly she takes on the role and language of an alpha. This was especially prominent toward the end when after a day or two as a werewolf, she is negotiating with the head of the Hunters and speaks like a long time Alpha.
Given the description of Elijah, the head of the Hunters, having him duped for a long period of time didn't sit well with me. It was a nice touch making the hunter group here associated with the Knights of Templar.
The conclusion leaves a lot of loose ends. Some I can handle, but the idea that a witch or goddess that is several thousand years old could not get her revenge earlier or by herself seems too far fetched for me. I am not sure if I could go much further with this vengeful adversary for our sweet Alpha and Conor, who is clearly forecasted to be her love interest.
There were, as I inevitably find in most of these ARCs, some missing words, typos, etc.
October 1, 2014
I was given a copy of this book for free for an honest review. All I have to say is that Rustin you did it again. I read this book and enjoyed every minute of reading it. This genre of book is not something that I typically read, but I decided that I would give it a try because I have read both book in the Histories of Purga.
The book Blood Ties: The First was a well written book. The story had a good flow to it, characters were presented well, and the ending of the story makes you want to know what is going to happen next.
One thing about this book that kept me reading it was the introduction of the different characters throughout the story, an example being the doorman at the apartment where Kendra lives. At first you don't know that he is part of the plot because he is introduced as the doorman. This was a great aspect of the book in my opinion. As the characters were being introduced in the story I wanted to know where and how they were going to play part in the plot of the story. With the end of this book there is still more questions to be answered with what happened in this book, and I am sure the answers lye in the second book.
Thank you Rustin for the opportunity to read this book and give you my honest opinion, I hope to read more of your books in the future.
The book Blood Ties: The First was a well written book. The story had a good flow to it, characters were presented well, and the ending of the story makes you want to know what is going to happen next.
One thing about this book that kept me reading it was the introduction of the different characters throughout the story, an example being the doorman at the apartment where Kendra lives. At first you don't know that he is part of the plot because he is introduced as the doorman. This was a great aspect of the book in my opinion. As the characters were being introduced in the story I wanted to know where and how they were going to play part in the plot of the story. With the end of this book there is still more questions to be answered with what happened in this book, and I am sure the answers lye in the second book.
Thank you Rustin for the opportunity to read this book and give you my honest opinion, I hope to read more of your books in the future.
March 8, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars Blood Ties: The First (A Bane Pact Novel), March 8, 2013
By Nanakulikane - See all my reviews
This review is from: Blood Ties: The First (A Bane Pack Novel) (Kindle Edition)
This was gifted to me by the author to review and the first thing I can say is that if there were werewolves avaiable to join, he would be the first to sign up, he loves this stuff. Having said that, anyone who writes about something they are pasionate about, generally does a bang up job, this is certainly no exception. An edge of your seat thriller, that is a can't put down page turner, yet at the same time, giving the novice, the background in a non boring way. It's actually a big question if the star of this book even has a chance of survival until the last couple of pages, that is how skillfully this is written. The only minus, and it's a minor one, is that I could see the inevitable string of serial followups, that sadly were not so skillfully put in at the last. However that is my opinion and does not detract from the whole of this excellently written piece. 4.9 Stars out of 5 on my scale, very well done and certainly a must for you wolvers' out there.
August 6, 2013
I was given this book for an honest review!
First off, I really liked the writing style of this author. He does know how to grab a person and reel them in.
The heroine is Kendra, who at first was one of those weak females I love to hate, so wasn't sure I was going to like this book at all. When someone at her job upsets her, she goes running to a tattoo shop to talk to her friend Merle who decides to put a "special" tattoo on her.
There the action begins. There were a LOT of twists and turns to the story after that, and it kept my attention throughout the book! There were a lot of surprises every time I turned the page and I looked forward to it so much, that I read this book in one day.
If I have one thing to say about this? It went a little TOO fast for me, and it could have been slowed down a bit in the beginning from when she has the tat to when she finds out what and who she really is.
Needless to say, I look forward to the next one in the series!
First off, I really liked the writing style of this author. He does know how to grab a person and reel them in.
The heroine is Kendra, who at first was one of those weak females I love to hate, so wasn't sure I was going to like this book at all. When someone at her job upsets her, she goes running to a tattoo shop to talk to her friend Merle who decides to put a "special" tattoo on her.
There the action begins. There were a LOT of twists and turns to the story after that, and it kept my attention throughout the book! There were a lot of surprises every time I turned the page and I looked forward to it so much, that I read this book in one day.
If I have one thing to say about this? It went a little TOO fast for me, and it could have been slowed down a bit in the beginning from when she has the tat to when she finds out what and who she really is.
Needless to say, I look forward to the next one in the series!
March 25, 2013
There is a lot of urban fantasy out there these days and I believe this by far is some of the best executed beginnings of a series I've read to date.
I got into this book so quickly and couldn't put it down was a fast read. I feel in love with the characters.
I can't help it but i always judge a book by its cover. Covers with lots of bright colours tend to steer clear of. I found the cover of 'Blood ties' very appealing. However, what i imagined and what i got were two very different things
I enjoyed this book in the capacity of a young-adult/teen read. The characters were interesting for the most part and the take on werewolves was different from what I've read before.I really liked this book and I am so glad I got it for reviewing.
I think I'm going to continue reading this series if there will be some new books.... By the end, all of the characters had grown on me.
March 28, 2013
My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 stars - I liked it!!
I liked this book, and it was a new take on werewolves. Poor Kendra has had a tough life and now she is learning things she never knew about her friends and family. There is intrigue and betrayal throughout the book. I was really sucked into the story for the first 2 parts, and then it cooled off a little which I attribute to this being the first book in the series. I will definitely continue reading this story because there are many things that we don’t know yet, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the author goes this with. This is a new author for me, and I think he did a nice job with the story.
**received the book free from the Making Connections group for an honest review
I liked this book, and it was a new take on werewolves. Poor Kendra has had a tough life and now she is learning things she never knew about her friends and family. There is intrigue and betrayal throughout the book. I was really sucked into the story for the first 2 parts, and then it cooled off a little which I attribute to this being the first book in the series. I will definitely continue reading this story because there are many things that we don’t know yet, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the author goes this with. This is a new author for me, and I think he did a nice job with the story.
**received the book free from the Making Connections group for an honest review
August 10, 2013
What a great start to the series. I can't wait for the next one.
June 19, 2020
Un-put-down-able!
Blood Ties introduces our protagonist who goes from a shy, awkward girl to a formidable she-wolf with a harrowing destiny suddenly thrust upon her. The characters and scenes are easily visualized in excellent description, and there's plenty of action and drama throughout.
The main reasons I don't give it a full five stars are because there were quite a few grammatical and punctuation errors, and the main character sometimes suffers from Mary Sue Syndrome. Otherwise, it's an action-packed, fun read, and I definitely look forward to its sequel!
Blood Ties introduces our protagonist who goes from a shy, awkward girl to a formidable she-wolf with a harrowing destiny suddenly thrust upon her. The characters and scenes are easily visualized in excellent description, and there's plenty of action and drama throughout.
The main reasons I don't give it a full five stars are because there were quite a few grammatical and punctuation errors, and the main character sometimes suffers from Mary Sue Syndrome. Otherwise, it's an action-packed, fun read, and I definitely look forward to its sequel!
March 20, 2022
interesting enough listen,
knights templar, werewolves and mages.
i actually really enjoyed the fmc she grew into her roll really well.
This is a fantasy book, romance aspect is little to nil.
Narration grew on me as the book progressed. Accent was a pleasant change from the norm and the narrator did a good job on the male voices.
Id be interested in continuing this series, so looking forward to book two being put on audio
gifted audio in exchange for an honest review.
knights templar, werewolves and mages.
i actually really enjoyed the fmc she grew into her roll really well.
This is a fantasy book, romance aspect is little to nil.
Narration grew on me as the book progressed. Accent was a pleasant change from the norm and the narrator did a good job on the male voices.
Id be interested in continuing this series, so looking forward to book two being put on audio
gifted audio in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2024
this was actually one of the 1st ebooks ive read. & imho...i enjoyed reading it. there was alot going on but i like the idea of u thinkn ur living in ur simple world & bam!! wake up one day to a whole new world of reality. as much as i love my normal spicy reads, i appreciate this having a plot. plus i am a wolfy fan so theres no way ima pass up this story. looking forward to read the next!!
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February 10, 2021Just finished BloodTies 2and was VERY unhappy the way it ended. I REALLY hope there is another one coming very soon. Hard to wanna start reading another book until I know if there is more of this coming. Both books were awesome. Just want MORE!!!!
November 22, 2020
Got this book for free. Great read. Every 15 minutes you have an ad but that is ok. There are typos in the book but you are able to decipher it.
December 10, 2020
Full of drama and mystery and thrills. I loved how everything came together at the end with just enough of a cliffhanger to want me wanting more.
February 5, 2021
Very good book author did a good job onthe book.
March 31, 2013
Rustin definitely succeeded where he wanted to create his own spin on werewolf origins and stereotype. I appreciated his back stories and how he tied it in throughout the novel, the twists with villains, and the concept of the Knights with their Mage partners.
Had this book been solely about the mages and knights, it would have appealed to me more. But that's just my personal opinion, since I tend to avoid werewolf, vampire, or angels/demons in literature. Had I know what the true premise of the novel was, which not even the Amazon sample alluded to, I would not have picked this novel. I believed it to be about a girl who got magical powers from a tattoo. While that did happen, it certainly wasn't the type of power I had envisioned.
The author could have used a bit more description. While it made this book a quick read, the way he told the story, instead of showing it, didn't give the reader much to dig into beyond the surface. I do believe the characters could have used a little more depth. Though it was his intention, how characters seemed to change from the readers' first impression of them was a bit off-putting. I must say Kendra accepted things so quickly, considering only a day or 2 had passed, that it was a bit unrealistic.
Yet for those who enjoy this genre of literature, this novel is worth a read. As the epilogue shows, it definitely sets itself up to become an interesting series.
Note: I received a free copy from the author for a fair and honest review.
Had this book been solely about the mages and knights, it would have appealed to me more. But that's just my personal opinion, since I tend to avoid werewolf, vampire, or angels/demons in literature. Had I know what the true premise of the novel was, which not even the Amazon sample alluded to, I would not have picked this novel. I believed it to be about a girl who got magical powers from a tattoo. While that did happen, it certainly wasn't the type of power I had envisioned.
The author could have used a bit more description. While it made this book a quick read, the way he told the story, instead of showing it, didn't give the reader much to dig into beyond the surface. I do believe the characters could have used a little more depth. Though it was his intention, how characters seemed to change from the readers' first impression of them was a bit off-putting. I must say Kendra accepted things so quickly, considering only a day or 2 had passed, that it was a bit unrealistic.
Yet for those who enjoy this genre of literature, this novel is worth a read. As the epilogue shows, it definitely sets itself up to become an interesting series.
Note: I received a free copy from the author for a fair and honest review.
April 1, 2013
Kendra was in desperate need to take a dominate role in her life. What better way to ward off a mental breakdown after a terrible day at work than to get a tattoo? I always knew tattoo's were life changing in one aspect but, Kendra didn't see this one coming by a long shot.
Magic, Werewolf's, and Knight's Oh my!!
My thought's on the book:
This is not the first Rustin Petrae book for me.
I tried to really get into the book! The writing seemed to be all there. Meaning the story was well rounded. The book lacked an emotional response from me. I was reading and reading but I couldn't connect with any of the characters. I also felt like Kendra had no attachment to anyone either. She cried and a couple times I was like this is it.. but it all came up short for me. I felt the book had the making of a great read, very creative. Like I said it had no emotional charge behind it.
November 24, 2014
I was given a copy of this book for review by the author. This in no way influenced my review/rating. 1 star. Did Not Finish.
I want to start off by saying the idea/premise behind this book sounds interesting and has promise. That's about all I can say for it. I tried, I really tried to get into Blood ties, but I just couldn't.
Kendra is a character I not cannot connect with, she is one I don't like. For someone with a degree and working in an office setting, she acts like she's 12. Add in her violence that goes unchecked and with no consequence (up to the point I stopped), I found her greatly disappointing.
I wanted to like this book, and Kendra, but it just didn't happen. If you are intrigued, give this book a try. Just don't have high expectations.
I want to start off by saying the idea/premise behind this book sounds interesting and has promise. That's about all I can say for it. I tried, I really tried to get into Blood ties, but I just couldn't.
Kendra is a character I not cannot connect with, she is one I don't like. For someone with a degree and working in an office setting, she acts like she's 12. Add in her violence that goes unchecked and with no consequence (up to the point I stopped), I found her greatly disappointing.
I wanted to like this book, and Kendra, but it just didn't happen. If you are intrigued, give this book a try. Just don't have high expectations.
May 2, 2013
I was given this book for free, in exchange for a review.
I first need to say I love paranormal/urban fantasy books – werewolves, vamps, mages, wizards, the whole gambit.
While I did love how Rustin gave us a new spin on becoming a werewolf. That was very original and very unique. And I also liked that Kendra is a female Alpha, this is very rare, it’s always a male. The action is this book, was what got me to finish the book. I didn’t truly care about any of the characters.
This book has all the elements I love, it still left me wanting more. There were places in the book where there was too much detail and then in other places, not enough. I really felt like this book could have used another once over by a beta reader/editor.
I first need to say I love paranormal/urban fantasy books – werewolves, vamps, mages, wizards, the whole gambit.
While I did love how Rustin gave us a new spin on becoming a werewolf. That was very original and very unique. And I also liked that Kendra is a female Alpha, this is very rare, it’s always a male. The action is this book, was what got me to finish the book. I didn’t truly care about any of the characters.
This book has all the elements I love, it still left me wanting more. There were places in the book where there was too much detail and then in other places, not enough. I really felt like this book could have used another once over by a beta reader/editor.
August 28, 2013
I was provided with a copy of this book for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this, at the back he says he was inspired by the Underworld movies (glad he was love that movie series).
Plot surrounding the book is really interesting & kept me guessing at times, I really wished this book was much longer giving more of back story to the characters types e.g werewolves,knights & mages.
I love Jenna & Felix the dynamic between the two was really good, love to read more of the next book in the series.
got a tatse sounds like it'll be interesting.
I really enjoyed reading this, at the back he says he was inspired by the Underworld movies (glad he was love that movie series).
Plot surrounding the book is really interesting & kept me guessing at times, I really wished this book was much longer giving more of back story to the characters types e.g werewolves,knights & mages.
I love Jenna & Felix the dynamic between the two was really good, love to read more of the next book in the series.
got a tatse sounds like it'll be interesting.
February 21, 2013
This was one of my favorite books to write. I've always loved werewolves and I wanted to write a novel with a new twist on them as a whole. I wanted to create them as a race of people with traditions and customs. I thought it was a different spin on it. I also wanted to make them good guys. I love the movies where the werewolf can actually control themselves and that's what I wanted here. I hope everyone enjoys it.
November 14, 2013
What would you do if your world just turned upside down . That is what happened to Kendra. Page after page kept me on edge of my seat to see what would happen next.The characters were strong and made you wanting more! I give this book 5/5 . I cant wait for the next book to come out!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews