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The Gate-Shifter #1
The Morph
Dakota Reyes, a twenty-something private eye who specializes in what she calls ‘hard-to-prosecute’ cases, finds herself in a dark alley one night, about to end up dead at the hands of a young Ted Bundy in training...that is, until a lost, shape-shifting alien named Nihkil rescues her, and inadvertently takes her home with him. The problem is, his home is in a different dimension, and Dakota has no clue how to get back to Seattle, or Earth, or even her own time period. She finds herself bound to her rescuer, Nihkil, through his ‘lock,’ a quasi-biological structure that controls whether he can shape-shift, among other things, which he needs to be able to do in order to get her back home. Only Dakota has no idea how to open Nik’s lock, and the longer she spends in his world, the more forces begin to align against them, trying to prevent her from getting home.
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First published February 24, 2013
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About the author
J.C. Andrijeski
212 books714 followersAlso publishes under the name Julie Light
JC Andrijeski is a USA TODAY bestselling author who writes sexy, apocalyptic and cyberpunk-y science fiction romance and mystery books, often with a metaphysical bent. Current works include the gritty, epic, psychic warfare romance, ALLIE'S WAR, which follows Allie Taylor and her antihero partner, Revik, in their attempts to save the world from a dark, psychic force. Her dystopian science fiction romance series, ALIEN APOCALYPSE, features Jet Tetsuo, survivor and slave under alien conquerors, and her GATE SHIFTER series is about a shape-shifting alien and a tough-girl PI from Seattle. Her newest launch is QUENTIN BLACK, a science fiction romance and mystery series that’s a spin-off from Allie’s War but set in our own version of Earth.
JC has a background in journalism, history and politics, travels extensively and has lived abroad in Europe, Australia and Asia, and from coast to coast in the continental United States. She currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand.
To learn more about me and my writing, please visit http://jcandrijeski.com. For more about the Allie's War series, visit http://allieswarseries.com
If you want to get an automatic email when JC's next book is released, join THE REBEL ARMY at tinyurl.com/JCAndrijeski.
JC Andrijeski is a USA TODAY bestselling author who writes sexy, apocalyptic and cyberpunk-y science fiction romance and mystery books, often with a metaphysical bent. Current works include the gritty, epic, psychic warfare romance, ALLIE'S WAR, which follows Allie Taylor and her antihero partner, Revik, in their attempts to save the world from a dark, psychic force. Her dystopian science fiction romance series, ALIEN APOCALYPSE, features Jet Tetsuo, survivor and slave under alien conquerors, and her GATE SHIFTER series is about a shape-shifting alien and a tough-girl PI from Seattle. Her newest launch is QUENTIN BLACK, a science fiction romance and mystery series that’s a spin-off from Allie’s War but set in our own version of Earth.
JC has a background in journalism, history and politics, travels extensively and has lived abroad in Europe, Australia and Asia, and from coast to coast in the continental United States. She currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand.
To learn more about me and my writing, please visit http://jcandrijeski.com. For more about the Allie's War series, visit http://allieswarseries.com
If you want to get an automatic email when JC's next book is released, join THE REBEL ARMY at tinyurl.com/JCAndrijeski.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 1, 2014
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Have you ever read a book where you did not like the story but you had to continue to read because you have to know how it ends? Well, this is how this book was for me. First, this is a very, very, very long book. I usually read books really fast but this one took me forever to finish. This is not a paranormal romance or even a sci-fi romance. If that is what you are looking for this is not it. This book while a pretty good sci-fi read left a lot to be desired in the romance department. Nik the hero did not even talk for most of the book. Second problem, there is something that happens at the end. I won't tell you what but Dakota the main character literally just stands there and does ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!! Really!! She goes from being a strong woman in the beginning to a person that just stands there. Not cool. I have never read a book where the main character actually gets worse during the course of the book. Maybe, it was just too sci-fi for me or something but I just did not love this.
January 19, 2015
Thanks to NetGalley for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review...
This is going to be a difficult one to review. The problem is, I both liked and hated this book at once. Certain aspects (ignorant narrator, difficult to pronounce names, copious description) made me grate my teeth constantly. Other aspects (strong hero, interesting plot, shape shifters are super cool) were awesome enough that I had to finish.
The fact that the first person narrator, Dakota, was the only perspective the reader got for the whole book was problematic. On alien planets, in a different dimension, with a Hero (Nik) who doesn't like to talk....we have a problem! I spent the entire book frustrated out of my mind because I had no idea what was going on. That sort of frustration is okay for a few chapters, it builds suspense, but throughout this book there was no concise explanation of what the hell was happening. I still don't exactly know what a "lock" is or why it exists.
Dakota, who started out as a take-charge bad-ass (or at least she wanted to be) ended up standing back for the last 75% of the book and just watching. Nihkil (I still am not sure how to pronounce this) was such a strong, silent, foreboding, shape-shifter dude, and then he just lets things happen to him and Dakota. TAKE CHARGE PEOPLE!
Something that bugged me about this alien race, the morph, is that they didn't seem all that different from humans. So they can change into other interesting creatures, something the reader saw almost nothing of, but they are in human form almost all the time, they have senses of humor, jealousy, they have to eat/sleep/drink just like the rest of us. Despite this, the morph are treated as though they were so crazy different from us that Dakota was shocked they could/would mate with humans. She does seem to have a short epiphany near the end in regards to how they are more like humans than she thought, but this was not enough. Maybe the author could have spent time exploring this idea rather than using so much time to explore a planet the characters were on for less than a day.
Speaking of which...
The author has this incredible world built up that she sees so magnificently she simply must tell you every single aspect of it RIGHT NOW. Honestly, 6 straight pages of description of a planet the characters spend less than 12 hours on. I respect your world-building, I really do, but please spare me this monotonous description that I could care less for. I found myself skipping entire pages at the climax of the book because I didn't care about descriptions of the planet, I just wanted to know what the heck happened next!
As for the names of the people, places and things in this world, this book needs an official pronunciation/description list in the back. I don't mind immersing myself into your world, but please help me say the names right and keep everything straight!
Now, this was a whole lot of negative to read, but let me spend a few words on the things I liked. Nik, actually, though incredibly frustrating, was interesting. I want to know his character better. I think this book would benefit if some of the chapters were written from his perspective. He knows this world, he cares about it, he is smart: Why can't you let me in his head?!
The twist regarding a certain character's identity surprised me, in a good way.
I don't generally read sci-fi, but I enjoyed this foray. The plot was intriguing and fresh.
I don't know that I'll read the rest of this series, despite that the book ended with a slight cliff-hanger. I was left wanting in regards to the romance angle. And the final chapters of the book gave me very little hope. Maybe if I read that the next book is set on Earth, or written from multiple perspectives I will give it a try.
This is going to be a difficult one to review. The problem is, I both liked and hated this book at once. Certain aspects (ignorant narrator, difficult to pronounce names, copious description) made me grate my teeth constantly. Other aspects (strong hero, interesting plot, shape shifters are super cool) were awesome enough that I had to finish.
The fact that the first person narrator, Dakota, was the only perspective the reader got for the whole book was problematic. On alien planets, in a different dimension, with a Hero (Nik) who doesn't like to talk....we have a problem! I spent the entire book frustrated out of my mind because I had no idea what was going on. That sort of frustration is okay for a few chapters, it builds suspense, but throughout this book there was no concise explanation of what the hell was happening. I still don't exactly know what a "lock" is or why it exists.
Dakota, who started out as a take-charge bad-ass (or at least she wanted to be) ended up standing back for the last 75% of the book and just watching. Nihkil (I still am not sure how to pronounce this) was such a strong, silent, foreboding, shape-shifter dude, and then he just lets things happen to him and Dakota. TAKE CHARGE PEOPLE!
Something that bugged me about this alien race, the morph, is that they didn't seem all that different from humans. So they can change into other interesting creatures, something the reader saw almost nothing of, but they are in human form almost all the time, they have senses of humor, jealousy, they have to eat/sleep/drink just like the rest of us. Despite this, the morph are treated as though they were so crazy different from us that Dakota was shocked they could/would mate with humans. She does seem to have a short epiphany near the end in regards to how they are more like humans than she thought, but this was not enough. Maybe the author could have spent time exploring this idea rather than using so much time to explore a planet the characters were on for less than a day.
Speaking of which...
The author has this incredible world built up that she sees so magnificently she simply must tell you every single aspect of it RIGHT NOW. Honestly, 6 straight pages of description of a planet the characters spend less than 12 hours on. I respect your world-building, I really do, but please spare me this monotonous description that I could care less for. I found myself skipping entire pages at the climax of the book because I didn't care about descriptions of the planet, I just wanted to know what the heck happened next!
As for the names of the people, places and things in this world, this book needs an official pronunciation/description list in the back. I don't mind immersing myself into your world, but please help me say the names right and keep everything straight!
Now, this was a whole lot of negative to read, but let me spend a few words on the things I liked. Nik, actually, though incredibly frustrating, was interesting. I want to know his character better. I think this book would benefit if some of the chapters were written from his perspective. He knows this world, he cares about it, he is smart: Why can't you let me in his head?!
The twist regarding a certain character's identity surprised me, in a good way.
I don't generally read sci-fi, but I enjoyed this foray. The plot was intriguing and fresh.
I don't know that I'll read the rest of this series, despite that the book ended with a slight cliff-hanger. I was left wanting in regards to the romance angle. And the final chapters of the book gave me very little hope. Maybe if I read that the next book is set on Earth, or written from multiple perspectives I will give it a try.
April 2, 2014
2 reviews
STACI T'S REVIEW
2.5 STARS
The Morph, by J.C. Andrijeski, is a new adult sci-fi thriller with a smattering of romance sprinkled in. Based on the Amazon description, I was excited to read the book; it sounded like a fresh take on the interdimensional-travel story. And, truth be told, it probably is a new approach. The problem is, the plot unravels so slowly—and so confusingly—that it is hard to keep track of what’s going on. Yes, it is a sci-fi story, but it is mostly a political story.
There are at least four (possibly more) being-types, and they all seem to be holding onto peace tenuously. The rift caused by the earthling entering their “dimension” (and I don’t think that word was used correctly) puts them all at the brink of war and annihilation. I’m just not sure I ever understood what the issue is. Supernaturals are never really addressed after the lead character encounters them. There are also humans, although not first planet humans—which is an important distinction, I think—and there are morphs. Amidst all that, there are two conflicting factions (the Pharei and the Malek) and I’m not sure what their issues are, other than they control two different portals.
Morphs are slaves, but more powerful than humans. And despite being a slave, the male protagonist morph has control over the female protagonist, a first planet human. I’m not sure how that is possible, but it is. It’s just too difficult to keep track of hierarchies, rules, and races, particularly when none is really ever defined and no issues are ever really resolved. I found myself liking the two leads, especially the male morph (the female first-planet human is sometimes annoying, but that is probably justified given her situation), but even so, it’s not enough to love the story. Despite all the plotting going on, the novel’s pace is still slow and cumbersome. If more time was spent on ironing out the character types and less on trying to advance the storyline, it would have made more sense to me. And the storyline would have advanced organically. I realize this is part of a series, and there will likely (hopefully) be more clarification in future books. But I don’t know if I’ll read any more. I’d like to know what happens, but I don’t know if I want to keep trying to figure it all out. If you love sci-fi, you might want to give this novel a chance. The concept is strong. But be prepared for a convoluted journey that ends with more of a cliffhanger than a resolution.
Also reviewed by Lindsey G. See her review here.
STACI T'S REVIEW
2.5 STARS
The Morph, by J.C. Andrijeski, is a new adult sci-fi thriller with a smattering of romance sprinkled in. Based on the Amazon description, I was excited to read the book; it sounded like a fresh take on the interdimensional-travel story. And, truth be told, it probably is a new approach. The problem is, the plot unravels so slowly—and so confusingly—that it is hard to keep track of what’s going on. Yes, it is a sci-fi story, but it is mostly a political story.
There are at least four (possibly more) being-types, and they all seem to be holding onto peace tenuously. The rift caused by the earthling entering their “dimension” (and I don’t think that word was used correctly) puts them all at the brink of war and annihilation. I’m just not sure I ever understood what the issue is. Supernaturals are never really addressed after the lead character encounters them. There are also humans, although not first planet humans—which is an important distinction, I think—and there are morphs. Amidst all that, there are two conflicting factions (the Pharei and the Malek) and I’m not sure what their issues are, other than they control two different portals.
Morphs are slaves, but more powerful than humans. And despite being a slave, the male protagonist morph has control over the female protagonist, a first planet human. I’m not sure how that is possible, but it is. It’s just too difficult to keep track of hierarchies, rules, and races, particularly when none is really ever defined and no issues are ever really resolved. I found myself liking the two leads, especially the male morph (the female first-planet human is sometimes annoying, but that is probably justified given her situation), but even so, it’s not enough to love the story. Despite all the plotting going on, the novel’s pace is still slow and cumbersome. If more time was spent on ironing out the character types and less on trying to advance the storyline, it would have made more sense to me. And the storyline would have advanced organically. I realize this is part of a series, and there will likely (hopefully) be more clarification in future books. But I don’t know if I’ll read any more. I’d like to know what happens, but I don’t know if I want to keep trying to figure it all out. If you love sci-fi, you might want to give this novel a chance. The concept is strong. But be prepared for a convoluted journey that ends with more of a cliffhanger than a resolution.
Also reviewed by Lindsey G. See her review here.
March 28, 2013
The Morph is another complex and rich world given to us with grace and heart by JC Andrijeski. It's a little bit sci-fi and a little bit urban fantasy, with a satisfying small dose of romance which really hit me on an emotional level.
Dakota Reyes accidentally follows Nikhil, a "morph" (read shape-shifter, but much cooler) through a space-continuum gate (like a wormhole) that leads to a different planet, and, in fact, a different solar system altogether from Earth.
Talk about needing a minute to get your balance, but no, they are immediately attacked by a species of beings stranger than anything Dakota's ever imagined. Her only guide to anything in these bizarre happenings is Nikhil, and he's a) technically a slave - whoever holds his lock can force him to change shapes, or not allow him to change shapes at all; And b) not all that great at explaining anything... including how Dakota ends up being his "lock-holder" and what, exactly, that's supposed to mean.
And of course, there's always that one, even bigger question nagging at the back of Dakota's thoughts: Will she ever get back to Earth, or are her family and friends lost to her forever?
The Morph made its debut as a first draft serialized on Ms. Andrijeski's blog. It was fun to read that way, but honestly? It was even more enjoyable to read on my kindle.
This is a beautiful start to a series that I am loving already. You'll want more of Dakota and Nik when you reach the end, but don't worry - it doesn't leave you with that dreaded "cliffhanger" feeling in the pit of your stomach the way so many series do these days. With the Morph, you get a full story.
JC Andrijeski never fails to ensnare me into her beautifully described worlds, and her prose is so somehow simple yet elegant it might as well start with, "Let me tell you a story..."
If you love JC's Allie's War series (my all time favorite), you'll enjoy The Morph, as well.
Dakota Reyes accidentally follows Nikhil, a "morph" (read shape-shifter, but much cooler) through a space-continuum gate (like a wormhole) that leads to a different planet, and, in fact, a different solar system altogether from Earth.
Talk about needing a minute to get your balance, but no, they are immediately attacked by a species of beings stranger than anything Dakota's ever imagined. Her only guide to anything in these bizarre happenings is Nikhil, and he's a) technically a slave - whoever holds his lock can force him to change shapes, or not allow him to change shapes at all; And b) not all that great at explaining anything... including how Dakota ends up being his "lock-holder" and what, exactly, that's supposed to mean.
And of course, there's always that one, even bigger question nagging at the back of Dakota's thoughts: Will she ever get back to Earth, or are her family and friends lost to her forever?
The Morph made its debut as a first draft serialized on Ms. Andrijeski's blog. It was fun to read that way, but honestly? It was even more enjoyable to read on my kindle.
This is a beautiful start to a series that I am loving already. You'll want more of Dakota and Nik when you reach the end, but don't worry - it doesn't leave you with that dreaded "cliffhanger" feeling in the pit of your stomach the way so many series do these days. With the Morph, you get a full story.
JC Andrijeski never fails to ensnare me into her beautifully described worlds, and her prose is so somehow simple yet elegant it might as well start with, "Let me tell you a story..."
If you love JC's Allie's War series (my all time favorite), you'll enjoy The Morph, as well.
October 28, 2014
4.5 Other Worldly Stars
ARC generously provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Dakota Reyes is use to tough cases. She is a PI that takes on the cases that seem to be hard to prove in the court room, meaning she is usually around not so nice individuals. Dakota knows she lives a dangerous life but she also knows how to take care of herself. Then while working a case she finds herself in a situation she is afraid she may not be able to get out of. Then out of no where a handsome (too perfectly handsome) man shows up to come to her rescue. This leads Dakota on an adventure that she never dreamed possible, one that winds her up in another world with other creatures relying one someone whom she just met.
I have to admit when I started this book I just wasn't that into it and thought there was no way I would enjoy it. Boy was I wrong. I am happy to say this is one of those books that if you can keep reading you will not be disappointed. At around the 24% mark the book clicked and then I couldn't put it down and now can't wait for the next one in this series. Yes, there will be more and at the end you are left thinking, "What, wait you must tell me what happens next!"
Nihkil is the "Morph" (Alien) that comes to Dakota's rescue and he is out of this world (pun intended). Dakota must face a new world with Nihkil who doesn't exactly have much power in his own world. He is basically a slave to the humans of his world but it doesn't take long to figure out who is the strongest. Nihkil will risk it all to protect Dakota. They are connected, she is his lock holder, and neither is willing to release it.
This is a stange love story and the communication between the two is not exactly open but they just work together and I cannot wait to read more about their adventures.
ARC generously provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Dakota Reyes is use to tough cases. She is a PI that takes on the cases that seem to be hard to prove in the court room, meaning she is usually around not so nice individuals. Dakota knows she lives a dangerous life but she also knows how to take care of herself. Then while working a case she finds herself in a situation she is afraid she may not be able to get out of. Then out of no where a handsome (too perfectly handsome) man shows up to come to her rescue. This leads Dakota on an adventure that she never dreamed possible, one that winds her up in another world with other creatures relying one someone whom she just met.
I have to admit when I started this book I just wasn't that into it and thought there was no way I would enjoy it. Boy was I wrong. I am happy to say this is one of those books that if you can keep reading you will not be disappointed. At around the 24% mark the book clicked and then I couldn't put it down and now can't wait for the next one in this series. Yes, there will be more and at the end you are left thinking, "What, wait you must tell me what happens next!"
Nihkil is the "Morph" (Alien) that comes to Dakota's rescue and he is out of this world (pun intended). Dakota must face a new world with Nihkil who doesn't exactly have much power in his own world. He is basically a slave to the humans of his world but it doesn't take long to figure out who is the strongest. Nihkil will risk it all to protect Dakota. They are connected, she is his lock holder, and neither is willing to release it.
This is a stange love story and the communication between the two is not exactly open but they just work together and I cannot wait to read more about their adventures.
April 20, 2015
This book took me a while to read. It starts out kind of slow. That being said it is a long book and it took me till about 40% into the book for me to really get into the story. The beginning is not an attention grabber. The rest of the book is and I was shocked when I finished how much I liked it considering how much I hated it when I started. Overall a really interesting story. A little too complicated for me at times. I was thoroughly confused at some parts about what was going on. Of course Dakota was confused as well so maybe that was the point? I just didn't like being that confused that much in a book. Our main character of Dakota was an ok heroine. She was tough and could kick butt which I liked, but did and said some stupid things at times. Also important to note that this is a clean romance. Hardly any kissing in it all which is actually something that I like knowing going in.
Nik was pretty cool. I don't read a lot of sci-fi, but usually when I do I like it. This book was just a little bit too much for me ergo the 4/5 stars. There was just a lot to absorb about this book and the world that I was too confused for most of the book and you get tired of waiting for things to become clear.
The writing style was good and there was a surprise I wasn't expecting. Characterization was alright. Also I am assuming since they call this Book 1 there will be more which would be interesting to read. I had never read a book by this author and if you are a die-hard sci-fi fan you will probably love this book. If you are not big into sci-fi you will probably give up before you get to the good part of the story, but in the end I did really enjoy it.
Nik was pretty cool. I don't read a lot of sci-fi, but usually when I do I like it. This book was just a little bit too much for me ergo the 4/5 stars. There was just a lot to absorb about this book and the world that I was too confused for most of the book and you get tired of waiting for things to become clear.
The writing style was good and there was a surprise I wasn't expecting. Characterization was alright. Also I am assuming since they call this Book 1 there will be more which would be interesting to read. I had never read a book by this author and if you are a die-hard sci-fi fan you will probably love this book. If you are not big into sci-fi you will probably give up before you get to the good part of the story, but in the end I did really enjoy it.
November 18, 2014
The Morph was one of those books that when it was all finished, I wasn't sure how I felt about it. The writing wasn't the best in the beginning but I powered through because I was intrigued by the synopsis. The plot and story line of this story was interesting, it has equal parts of sci-fi, political, suspense; what was really missing for me was the romance angle. Though JC Andrijeski attempted to add a romance part to the story, it fell flat. The heroine (Dakota) starts of this story was a strong women who's up for any change, however as the story progresses she looses that spark and by the end of the book she seems to be more of a watcher than a doer. I was never able to get a good read on the hero Nik, he says very little throughout the book and never seems to explain anything to Dakota or the readers.
I'm not sure if the writing got better as the book continued or if I grew a tolerance to it, but I didn't seem to hate the writing so much at the end. Even with the mediocre writing style, Andrijeski was able to keep you in a state of suspense as far as what will happen next. The ending for me however was a let down, it just kind of....ended. There was so much build up to the ending that when it actually occurred, I was expecting it to end with a bang...instead it fizzled out.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions*
I'm not sure if the writing got better as the book continued or if I grew a tolerance to it, but I didn't seem to hate the writing so much at the end. Even with the mediocre writing style, Andrijeski was able to keep you in a state of suspense as far as what will happen next. The ending for me however was a let down, it just kind of....ended. There was so much build up to the ending that when it actually occurred, I was expecting it to end with a bang...instead it fizzled out.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions*
dnf
September 28, 2014Received from publisher through Net Galley for an honest review.
Honestly I can not finish this book. It sounded so promising, like all the books I request, but after my standard 50 page trial I've decided I'm not continuing. The first couple pages had my hopes up, I liked the humor and the action then it went off on a tangent. I forgot what was going on, I didn't know up from down, left from right and by the time the story got back on track I was already starting to suspect I was going to DNF. I kept with it though and we meet the hero of the story, our compliment to the heroine, and he was a bit off, but hey he is an alien. I gave it some more time and he still felt flat and the story continued to go off on odd trains of thought and by the time we made it to this other world or dimension I was so confused that I didn't care anymore. I'm sorry, but this title just didn't work for me and I have to set it aside. Since I read so little of it I am going to withhold star rating. Best of luck to the author.
Honestly I can not finish this book. It sounded so promising, like all the books I request, but after my standard 50 page trial I've decided I'm not continuing. The first couple pages had my hopes up, I liked the humor and the action then it went off on a tangent. I forgot what was going on, I didn't know up from down, left from right and by the time the story got back on track I was already starting to suspect I was going to DNF. I kept with it though and we meet the hero of the story, our compliment to the heroine, and he was a bit off, but hey he is an alien. I gave it some more time and he still felt flat and the story continued to go off on odd trains of thought and by the time we made it to this other world or dimension I was so confused that I didn't care anymore. I'm sorry, but this title just didn't work for me and I have to set it aside. Since I read so little of it I am going to withhold star rating. Best of luck to the author.
June 11, 2019
2 1/2 stars. This book was frustrating. There is rich world-building and an interesting plot. I like Dakota who is a go-getter and smart, except for one big moment but there wouldn't be a book otherwise. I like smart heroines who don't go off without preparation, who realize when they are up against superior forces and wait to fight for another day, and aren't smart alexs when it will only get them a beating. However, Dakota is forced into that role most of this book and it gets a bit boring. There is also a lot of lack of communications, particularly on Nikhil's part, which don't seem necessary and only further distances the two of them. Nikhil is a bit of an enigma. He is very self contained and doesn't do much talking. Characters talk about how he has changed but don't give much information on how he has changed.
There is a lot of talk about the 'lock' but there isn't much detail about how exactly it works or how it was developed. I was also confused about the gate. There was an explanation on how it worked but at the end the events seemed to contradict it. The good and the frustrating.
There is a lot of talk about the 'lock' but there isn't much detail about how exactly it works or how it was developed. I was also confused about the gate. There was an explanation on how it worked but at the end the events seemed to contradict it. The good and the frustrating.
November 15, 2016
Intense
Is was an impossible to put down book and my house and kids can attest to my neglect today... I enjoyed the story and it has a "to be continued" feel to it. There is some language in it and the romance, while I wouldn't classify it as sweet, is fairly clean. Sex in general is discussed and alluded to, but there are no scenes. Overall the story was good.
I received this book free from one of the book subscription emails.
Is was an impossible to put down book and my house and kids can attest to my neglect today... I enjoyed the story and it has a "to be continued" feel to it. There is some language in it and the romance, while I wouldn't classify it as sweet, is fairly clean. Sex in general is discussed and alluded to, but there are no scenes. Overall the story was good.
I received this book free from one of the book subscription emails.
March 3, 2019
Really wanted to find out what happened, but only read 54% of book, and it was just so laboriously detailed, I was gritting my teeth. the heroine was annoying in most of her dialogue, but the hero, Morph, was the one who kept my interest. But he rarely gets to speak after being 1/3 into the book. So, seeing how long, very, very long the book is, AND that it will be a cliffhanger, with another long book, I QUIT. But I love this author's "Quentin Black " books, having read 6 now.
October 28, 2021
When Dakota meets Nihkil, it was a job gone wrong. Now they are both on the run as Dakota want to help the stranger out of this messed up situation. But when Nihkil steps to a portal, Dakota steps with him through the portal. As what they say, "you are definitely not in Kansas anymore Dorothy"
She signed herself up to a wild ride through a different universe that consists of humans and morphs.
But can she survive this hostile environment where they force Morph and human to reproduce? And the gates are closed so she has no way back to her Earth. How will she survive?
Lots of action, adventure through different societies in a different galaxy. The world building is alien and colorful , and even though I read this book as interim, I was immediately hooked to this foreign worlds.
She signed herself up to a wild ride through a different universe that consists of humans and morphs.
But can she survive this hostile environment where they force Morph and human to reproduce? And the gates are closed so she has no way back to her Earth. How will she survive?
Lots of action, adventure through different societies in a different galaxy. The world building is alien and colorful , and even though I read this book as interim, I was immediately hooked to this foreign worlds.
January 14, 2018
Why did i wait so long?
Why did i wait so long to read this book? I bought it a while ago and forgot about it. I was pleasantly surprised when i started reading it. Its written in Dakota's point of view so you know as much as she does. It comes together pretty good about 40% into the book. I'm glad i found this author in one of those short story books i like.
Why did i wait so long to read this book? I bought it a while ago and forgot about it. I was pleasantly surprised when i started reading it. Its written in Dakota's point of view so you know as much as she does. It comes together pretty good about 40% into the book. I'm glad i found this author in one of those short story books i like.
February 18, 2018
Superlative accomplishment!
Fabulous!!! Every detail, each character, the whole of this spellbinding story ~ superbly composed, marvelously written, held me in thrall every moment I read. Never overwhelming, yet very personal, I felt myself vividly experiencing what I wish could really be a true narrative.
Fabulous!!! Every detail, each character, the whole of this spellbinding story ~ superbly composed, marvelously written, held me in thrall every moment I read. Never overwhelming, yet very personal, I felt myself vividly experiencing what I wish could really be a true narrative.
August 9, 2017
Holy creative and transportive, pun intended.
Awesome cliffhanger. Lots of details and interesting twists and turns.
Awesome cliffhanger. Lots of details and interesting twists and turns.
October 4, 2020
Great story
Another excellent book from J C Andrijeski. Superior world building and an enthralling plot make this book a must read.
Another excellent book from J C Andrijeski. Superior world building and an enthralling plot make this book a must read.
October 16, 2014
The Morph, Gate Shifter Book One, JC Andrijeski
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Well, I love JC Andrijeski Allie’s War series and this is another paranormal romance. I tend to stay away from books which involve other planets/space travel as being too far in the sci-fi genre for me. Still, I found after the first book I was hooked on Allie’s War, although I wasn’t sure it would be a good fit initially, so knowing I love JC’s writing style I thought I’d try this one. I’m so glad I did, as I love it.
I can see similarities in the two series, and what works for me is there is a strong romantic element in them, though this book is far less sensual so far that the AW series. In fact though I can see a romance beginning they’re still finding their way, and have done little more than a few kisses so far. Still, you can feel the attraction and that puzzles Dakota, knowing Nihkil is from another planet, another race, how she feels about him. It takes some getting used to. I really enjoyed the way the other characters were explained, how we saw their actions, and how they fit into the story. As ever there’s a power hungry group heading everyone, and the Morphs are regarded as lesser than the Humans. They can interbreed, and very occasionally produce a totally different group, the Supernaturals. The children may be Morph, Human or Supernatural but if not Human then they can be removed from the parents. It reminds me very much of the slavery issues we used to have, and that still exist in some cultures....People can be very cruel and kid themselves they’re doing what’s best, when really its just a way to keep their place at the top :-(
I liked Dakota, she’s had a tough life and its made her very self reliant and suspicious of others motives. That stands her in good stead when she and Nihkil reach his home planet. The people there want to know how she crossed with Nihkil, she shouldn’t have been able to do it, and so they think her DNA may hold the key to many of their problems, not least their fertility issues. She’s not ready to become an incubator though, and there are some scary suggestions such as removing her ovaries etc. Nihkil registers a claim on her, though as a Morph he is subject to human laws he can claim her as his, and give her a measure of protection. She’s his lock holder too although she doesn’t understand how that happened, or how to control it...and that creates problems. She needs that lock open if Nihkil is to take her home, but first they need to find a way to get out from the clutches of the ruling group.
As in the AW series, there are people who are more than they seem. One who claims to be Nihkil’s friend certainly reminds me of Terian from AW...and it’s difficult to know if they can trust anyone, or what is planned for them. Its a struggle to stay together with Nihkil using existing laws to help protect them, and Dakota having to trust him. Nihkil is a strange man... a full blood Morph... and we seem him change hugely through the book. From the start there’s a real link between them and that grows, with Dakota getting jealous of his time with other women, but not knowing enough to ask him about it. It turns out that as a full Morph it’s part of his contract to try to reproduce with others. There’s a lot to learn for both of them, and I enjoyed how things brought them closer but not without some real problems along the way. They can’t leave, the rulers want to learn as much as possible from Dakota, and seem to regard her as property, and Nihkil is already regarded as “belonging” to them. Add on to that those who see them as troublemakers, and want to be rid of them and you can see what a thin line they tread. I love how Nihkil gets more and more protective of Dakota as they get closer, she has feelings of jealousy around him and yet they are both dancing around the question of attraction.
A great read – similarities to AW series but overall a different, lighter feel. the world building and characters aren’t ( yet!!) as complex and its an easier to follow story.
Stars: Five.
ARC supplied via Netgalley and author
January 26, 2015
http://functioninginsanity.blogspot.c...
The Morph was provided to be through NetGalley for an honest review.
As I mentioned I am already a fan of the author, and am currently reading two other series by J.C. Andrijeski, Allie’s War and The Slave Girl Chronicles. So I was more than ready to start another one while I wait for more in those. The Morph is book 1 in The Gate Shifters series and currently has two books out. Yeah I found out about book 2 Crash Morph from the author herself when I mentioned how much I loved The Morph on her blog page. Turns out it isn’t listed in the series on Goodreads (at this time, I have contacted them to see about adding it), but I found it and am currently reading it. Like the rest of her books, The Morph has a TON going on. There is constant actions, suspense, world building and exploring, strong characters with a slew of personal issues, devious plotting, and oh yeah some serious sexual tension.
Our main character, Dakota, is a strong and independent female. She has a less than safe or normal day, or should I say night, job and she is a fighter. She goes for what she wants and she is willing to fight with every ounce of herself for it. Dakota is not the type to go down without a fight, that’s for sure. She ends up in a new world where everything is flipped on its head. She’s lost and confused and unsure who to trust and most importantly she just wants to survive and go home. She may be strong and independent but she is also flawed; somewhat proud and not the best at communicating feelings. One of my favorite things about her though is her ability to roll with the punches. She knows things need to be explained and she knows she isn’t getting it sometimes but she makes the most of what she has and goes with it until she can find a moment to get more information. Oh and her connection with Nihkil.
Oh Nihkil. I like him because he is VERY flawed. I wasn’t 100% sure if I liked him or not through part of the book. He seems like a good guy but it wavers for a bit and I liked the uncertainty, really you have to make up your mind for yourself if you trust him or you don’t. That is made harder because he’s not very forthcoming. He’s pretty secretive and much like his counterpart, Dakota, is not getting a gold star for his communication skills. Though I admit I gave him a bit more slack in this because well he’s not human so I cut a morph some slack. Nihkil is a very complex character and he has some serious issues, many of with leave him unsure of his role in life and unsure of himself. And the tension between them is very solidly there but it doesn’t overpower the rest of the story.
And remember the little part about a new world, a new dimension. There is a lot of world building and learning of the new world and adapting to the cultural differences and views. Some things remain the same but the majority of things are different. We see new creatures and places. Hello aliens are real. There is a total structure change for the government/society. Morphs, they are treated like slaves or pets. It’s a very harsh and brutal world, but even in the vicious world there are still spots of beauty and The Morph finds a good balance with that and not bogging you down with too much world that you lose the story. Things are always in a state of constant motion in one way or another, from internal struggles to knock down drag out action, or the political games, and war. Things are never boring that’s for sure.
If you like high action, complex characters with issues, fantasy, and adult themes then I highly recommend checking out this book. I give it 5 Stars!
The Morph was provided to be through NetGalley for an honest review.
As I mentioned I am already a fan of the author, and am currently reading two other series by J.C. Andrijeski, Allie’s War and The Slave Girl Chronicles. So I was more than ready to start another one while I wait for more in those. The Morph is book 1 in The Gate Shifters series and currently has two books out. Yeah I found out about book 2 Crash Morph from the author herself when I mentioned how much I loved The Morph on her blog page. Turns out it isn’t listed in the series on Goodreads (at this time, I have contacted them to see about adding it), but I found it and am currently reading it. Like the rest of her books, The Morph has a TON going on. There is constant actions, suspense, world building and exploring, strong characters with a slew of personal issues, devious plotting, and oh yeah some serious sexual tension.
Our main character, Dakota, is a strong and independent female. She has a less than safe or normal day, or should I say night, job and she is a fighter. She goes for what she wants and she is willing to fight with every ounce of herself for it. Dakota is not the type to go down without a fight, that’s for sure. She ends up in a new world where everything is flipped on its head. She’s lost and confused and unsure who to trust and most importantly she just wants to survive and go home. She may be strong and independent but she is also flawed; somewhat proud and not the best at communicating feelings. One of my favorite things about her though is her ability to roll with the punches. She knows things need to be explained and she knows she isn’t getting it sometimes but she makes the most of what she has and goes with it until she can find a moment to get more information. Oh and her connection with Nihkil.
Oh Nihkil. I like him because he is VERY flawed. I wasn’t 100% sure if I liked him or not through part of the book. He seems like a good guy but it wavers for a bit and I liked the uncertainty, really you have to make up your mind for yourself if you trust him or you don’t. That is made harder because he’s not very forthcoming. He’s pretty secretive and much like his counterpart, Dakota, is not getting a gold star for his communication skills. Though I admit I gave him a bit more slack in this because well he’s not human so I cut a morph some slack. Nihkil is a very complex character and he has some serious issues, many of with leave him unsure of his role in life and unsure of himself. And the tension between them is very solidly there but it doesn’t overpower the rest of the story.
And remember the little part about a new world, a new dimension. There is a lot of world building and learning of the new world and adapting to the cultural differences and views. Some things remain the same but the majority of things are different. We see new creatures and places. Hello aliens are real. There is a total structure change for the government/society. Morphs, they are treated like slaves or pets. It’s a very harsh and brutal world, but even in the vicious world there are still spots of beauty and The Morph finds a good balance with that and not bogging you down with too much world that you lose the story. Things are always in a state of constant motion in one way or another, from internal struggles to knock down drag out action, or the political games, and war. Things are never boring that’s for sure.
If you like high action, complex characters with issues, fantasy, and adult themes then I highly recommend checking out this book. I give it 5 Stars!
January 10, 2017
Really Good Story,, Shape Shifters,Aliens,New Worlds
This has about everything you could want in a book. Alien Explorers, lock and lock holders,good guys, bad guys,different worlds and finally a one way trip to where.
This has about everything you could want in a book. Alien Explorers, lock and lock holders,good guys, bad guys,different worlds and finally a one way trip to where.
March 28, 2014
Rated 3.5 Stars
The synopsis piqued my interest to the point that I was excited to start reading this story. Once I started though, I had a great deal of trouble getting into it. After the first few chapters running through the streets of Seattle in the mind of Dakota Reyes, things finally got moving. At that point, the story became interesting. Unfortunately, it took me a few weeks of reading off and on to get there. Dakota inadvertently follows shape-shifting alien, Nihkil, through a gate to another world, a world of humans, morphs, supernaturals, and everything in between.
I had to keep my mind wide open to take in all that was going on. The society of the world Nihkil lived in didn't make much sense at first. Humans were the dominant and morphs seemed to be the submissives, but morphs had great powers too. Also, the morphs had their own set of laws that the humans couldn't violate. Nihkil, being an extraordinary morph, was in essence a sexual slave for the humans as well as a guide to the gates of the universe. When he passed through the gate with Dakota, the two bonded and she took control of his "lock". This power over Nihkil made Dakota his mate. While being his mate, one would assume that he would not be allowed to continue as a sexual slave, but that didn't seem to be the case. Even though Dakota never wanted the responsibility of being an alien mate, she was jealous and upset upon realizing what Nihkil was still doing.
Since this story is told in the first person point of view of Dakota, a human from Earth, Andrijeski describes the alien world in great detail. At some points, a little too much detail. There was a lot of non-verbal communication between Nihkil and Dakota as well as several other characters, which I did find very interesting.
As hard as it was to follow at times, the story is a multifaceted creation that took an inordinate amount of imagination to create. I am interested to see where Andrijeski takes this story.
Thank you to the JC Andrijeski and The Masquerade Crew for providing me with a copy of "The Morph" in exchange for an honest review.
The synopsis piqued my interest to the point that I was excited to start reading this story. Once I started though, I had a great deal of trouble getting into it. After the first few chapters running through the streets of Seattle in the mind of Dakota Reyes, things finally got moving. At that point, the story became interesting. Unfortunately, it took me a few weeks of reading off and on to get there. Dakota inadvertently follows shape-shifting alien, Nihkil, through a gate to another world, a world of humans, morphs, supernaturals, and everything in between.
I had to keep my mind wide open to take in all that was going on. The society of the world Nihkil lived in didn't make much sense at first. Humans were the dominant and morphs seemed to be the submissives, but morphs had great powers too. Also, the morphs had their own set of laws that the humans couldn't violate. Nihkil, being an extraordinary morph, was in essence a sexual slave for the humans as well as a guide to the gates of the universe. When he passed through the gate with Dakota, the two bonded and she took control of his "lock". This power over Nihkil made Dakota his mate. While being his mate, one would assume that he would not be allowed to continue as a sexual slave, but that didn't seem to be the case. Even though Dakota never wanted the responsibility of being an alien mate, she was jealous and upset upon realizing what Nihkil was still doing.
Since this story is told in the first person point of view of Dakota, a human from Earth, Andrijeski describes the alien world in great detail. At some points, a little too much detail. There was a lot of non-verbal communication between Nihkil and Dakota as well as several other characters, which I did find very interesting.
As hard as it was to follow at times, the story is a multifaceted creation that took an inordinate amount of imagination to create. I am interested to see where Andrijeski takes this story.
Thank you to the JC Andrijeski and The Masquerade Crew for providing me with a copy of "The Morph" in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2013
I thought this book was amazing in so many ways. Dakota Reyes, a kick-ass Private Investigator, gets much more than she ever bargained for when she impulsively hitch-hikes a ride with an odd stranger who saved her bacon in a dark alley encounter gone wrong. With little chance of ever returning home, Dakota finds herself and her strangely blank-faced companion caught up in a political nightmare between warring factions in another dimension.
Told from Dakota’s perspective, the writing reflects her confusion and uncertainty amongst people in a structured society of reticent beings. Linked emotionally to her rescuer Nihkil during the transfer process, Dakota takes center stage when she unintentionally becomes Nihkil's lock-keeper, and because of her exotic appearance and fertility.
This complex story mesmerized me with its unique setting(s), alien cultures, and backstabbing viciousness. While there are scenes of intense action, much of the book focuses on the military and political ramifications of Dakota’s arrival, and the shattering news that the gates (space portals) have been closed – apparently broken beyond repair. The pacing was somewhat slower than I usually prefer, but in this case it made sense because of the overwhelming foreignness of the situation in which Dakota finds herself. Nihkil risks his own well-being in order to keep her safe and Dakota repays his loyalty with her own. The pair slowly learns to work together, and the respect they have for each other grows in the process. The various people and caste-like cultures are brought forth in a brilliant mosaic against the tumultuous upheavals of a slowly dying civilization - one willing to take extraordinary measures to survive. Dakota witnesses the events from a unique perspective and takes the reader along for the ride.
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
Told from Dakota’s perspective, the writing reflects her confusion and uncertainty amongst people in a structured society of reticent beings. Linked emotionally to her rescuer Nihkil during the transfer process, Dakota takes center stage when she unintentionally becomes Nihkil's lock-keeper, and because of her exotic appearance and fertility.
This complex story mesmerized me with its unique setting(s), alien cultures, and backstabbing viciousness. While there are scenes of intense action, much of the book focuses on the military and political ramifications of Dakota’s arrival, and the shattering news that the gates (space portals) have been closed – apparently broken beyond repair. The pacing was somewhat slower than I usually prefer, but in this case it made sense because of the overwhelming foreignness of the situation in which Dakota finds herself. Nihkil risks his own well-being in order to keep her safe and Dakota repays his loyalty with her own. The pair slowly learns to work together, and the respect they have for each other grows in the process. The various people and caste-like cultures are brought forth in a brilliant mosaic against the tumultuous upheavals of a slowly dying civilization - one willing to take extraordinary measures to survive. Dakota witnesses the events from a unique perspective and takes the reader along for the ride.
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
November 9, 2014
I must admit to being a great fan of J.C's books and because she has been so prolific with Allie's War series, it was only by chance that I stumbled over The Morph series (see Amazon does have its uses).
I really enjoyed this book as well as the second one which I rushed out to buy immediately (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...)
Dakota is a take no nonsense girl (or prisoners) who won't sit back and accept what is happening to her. After running into trouble on a job she is doing as a PI she is sorted of saved or she saves a stranger (not sure who saves who here) and ends up being sucked into a alien universe which is a mix of humans, supernaturals and morphs. The stranger who she arrives with is Nihkil, a morph (shape shifter), to whom she is now bonded with. The morph's are at the bottom of the totem pole in this world and are basically slaves to whomever holds their "key" and are trying to achieve freedom from their slave masters.
I don't want to go into too many details but the world that JC's created is really interesting while Dakota and Nihkil developing relationship is has the right blend of two strangers meeting for the first time without falling into bed with each other by the second page(pet hate) but not for lack of trying on Nihkil's part.
I have it on good authourity that there will be a third book and I can't wait :)
I really enjoyed this book as well as the second one which I rushed out to buy immediately (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...)
Dakota is a take no nonsense girl (or prisoners) who won't sit back and accept what is happening to her. After running into trouble on a job she is doing as a PI she is sorted of saved or she saves a stranger (not sure who saves who here) and ends up being sucked into a alien universe which is a mix of humans, supernaturals and morphs. The stranger who she arrives with is Nihkil, a morph (shape shifter), to whom she is now bonded with. The morph's are at the bottom of the totem pole in this world and are basically slaves to whomever holds their "key" and are trying to achieve freedom from their slave masters.
I don't want to go into too many details but the world that JC's created is really interesting while Dakota and Nihkil developing relationship is has the right blend of two strangers meeting for the first time without falling into bed with each other by the second page(pet hate) but not for lack of trying on Nihkil's part.
I have it on good authourity that there will be a third book and I can't wait :)
January 31, 2017
I downloaded The Morph as a free book from Amazon. I had a harder time following the beginning of this book, but as a reader of other Andrijeski novels, I was able to focus on the story until the pieces started to fall into place-- and they did, telling an excellent story. I loved Nihkil and Dakota as a pair, they seem to offset each other rather well. Since there is a language/nuance barrier between the two main characters, there is a level of frustration for both the protagonists and the reader who gets to experience each person learning a new culture. Like most protagonists by this author, the strength of the individuals is not in their aggression or ability to harm, but in their endurance and patience. I'm not too excited about the ending, so I'll have to get the next book to find out what comes next. Stick with this one through the first chapters, and read where you won't be interrupted so you can concentrate on the build up-- you'll be happy you took the time.
October 10, 2014
This ARC was kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Let me just say that starting out this book I was a little hesitant and not quite sure what I had signed myself up for reading. By about the 16% I was completely enthralled and enamoured with this book and couldn't put it down.
While it is a fact that I usually prefer my books to have a little but more steam I was actually okay with the fact that Nik and Dakota didn't get down and dirty. There was so much more going on with this book that I was constantly on my toes trying to figure out what twist and turns would happen next.
Hopefully the next installment in this series comes out sooner rather than later and shows us a little bit more of Nik and Dakota in a more serious relationship setting and hopefully some sexy steam.
Let me just say that starting out this book I was a little hesitant and not quite sure what I had signed myself up for reading. By about the 16% I was completely enthralled and enamoured with this book and couldn't put it down.
While it is a fact that I usually prefer my books to have a little but more steam I was actually okay with the fact that Nik and Dakota didn't get down and dirty. There was so much more going on with this book that I was constantly on my toes trying to figure out what twist and turns would happen next.
Hopefully the next installment in this series comes out sooner rather than later and shows us a little bit more of Nik and Dakota in a more serious relationship setting and hopefully some sexy steam.
April 19, 2013
I found this to be one of the better crafted Sci-fi books. The worlds the author envelopes you in are so well depicted, you can feel, smell, see, and hear the elements of the worlds around you. The descriptions of the characters were so in-depth that I could picture them rather easily. I did feel that there was some long-worded areas, but they didn’t distract me from the book at all. I feel this book is well worth the read and I actually won this book in a contest, so I’m a pretty happy contest-winner!
October 30, 2014
The Morph has a lot going for it. There is world building, character development, and a lot of description. What it lacked was a plot that made sense. I was as lost as Dakota as I read. That did not stop me from continuing in the hope that I would understand what the lock was and how Dakota could use it. There are hints scattered throughout the book but each left both Dakota and I needing more. The ending was unexpected and while it did bring Dakota and Nik where they wanted to be it left a lot unresolved.
I will be looking for the next book to see if my questions are answered.
I will be looking for the next book to see if my questions are answered.
June 29, 2016
I'm a little thrown off on this story. In one half I love it and the other half is like what just happened. I am on the fence with Dakota in some aspects her coping mechanism was cool and impressive. I'm not quite sure I believed her being a P.I. Though because she was so oblivious to Nik and her surroundings. I wanted to punch her for her stupidity. Nik was very intense and I think he should have been more aware of their cultural difference I mean hell he saw her planet. Overall I liked the story and characters but in some places it was long winded.
January 9, 2016
Good book to start series
I really enjoyed this first book of the series. After just finishing Alien apocalypse I felt this book flowed much better and didn't describe everything as much as those stories. I liked the different worlds and characters the author created.
I really enjoyed this first book of the series. After just finishing Alien apocalypse I felt this book flowed much better and didn't describe everything as much as those stories. I liked the different worlds and characters the author created.
November 29, 2016
Dakota and Nihkil must trust each other to survive. She is human and he..is not. Dakota's world colapse when she is transported to other world and she is locked to a morph. It's very pulling story of trust, survival in unknown world and love, which change Dakota's and Nihkil view of life.
February 27, 2015
interesting world building and sci-fi action
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