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Creatures of the Otherworld #1
Verfluchter Wolf Kreaturen der Anderswelt
Kann eine kämpferische Frau, die von denen verabscheut wird, die sie eigentlich lieben sollten, die Geheimnisse ihres einzigartigen Blutes rechtzeitig entdecken, um ihre eigene Retterin zu sein?
Forrest Hesketh klammert sich verzweifelt an die Menschlichkeit. Seit ihrem neunten Lebensjahr ist das traumatisierte Mädchen in einer äußerst unpraktischen Wolfsgestalt gefangen, und die Hoffnung, ihre Fähigkeit zur Wandlung wiederzuerlangen, schwindet langsam. Doch als ihr misshandelndes Rudel plant, sie zu töten, löst ihre verzweifelte Tat, ihrem freundlichen Stiefbruder zu helfen, schließlich die Wandlung der gebrochenen jungen Frau aus.
Verblüfft darüber, dass nach vierzehn Jahren schrecklicher Misshandlung jeder Interesse an ihr zu haben scheint, kämpft Forrest damit, ihre grundlegenden Fertigkeiten wieder zu erlernen, während sie Entführern und Mördern ausweicht. Und da ein mächtiger Wandler entschlossen ist, sie zur Gefährtin zu nehmen, kann selbst der Schutz eines wunderschönen Drachens ihre Sicherheit nicht garantieren.
Wird Forrests unerschrockener Mut ausreichen, um sie am Leben zu erhalten, während die Monster immer näher kommen?
Verfluchter Wolf ist das rasante erste eigenständige Buch der Urban-Fantasy-Serie Kreaturen der Anderswelt. Wenn du starke weibliche Charaktere, Slow Burn Romance und Geschichten mit übernatürlicher Spannung magst, dann wirst du die fesselnde Geschichte von Brogan Thomas lieben.
Kaufe Verfluchter Wolf, um deine Feinde noch heute um Gnade heulen zu lassen!
Forrest Hesketh klammert sich verzweifelt an die Menschlichkeit. Seit ihrem neunten Lebensjahr ist das traumatisierte Mädchen in einer äußerst unpraktischen Wolfsgestalt gefangen, und die Hoffnung, ihre Fähigkeit zur Wandlung wiederzuerlangen, schwindet langsam. Doch als ihr misshandelndes Rudel plant, sie zu töten, löst ihre verzweifelte Tat, ihrem freundlichen Stiefbruder zu helfen, schließlich die Wandlung der gebrochenen jungen Frau aus.
Verblüfft darüber, dass nach vierzehn Jahren schrecklicher Misshandlung jeder Interesse an ihr zu haben scheint, kämpft Forrest damit, ihre grundlegenden Fertigkeiten wieder zu erlernen, während sie Entführern und Mördern ausweicht. Und da ein mächtiger Wandler entschlossen ist, sie zur Gefährtin zu nehmen, kann selbst der Schutz eines wunderschönen Drachens ihre Sicherheit nicht garantieren.
Wird Forrests unerschrockener Mut ausreichen, um sie am Leben zu erhalten, während die Monster immer näher kommen?
Verfluchter Wolf ist das rasante erste eigenständige Buch der Urban-Fantasy-Serie Kreaturen der Anderswelt. Wenn du starke weibliche Charaktere, Slow Burn Romance und Geschichten mit übernatürlicher Spannung magst, dann wirst du die fesselnde Geschichte von Brogan Thomas lieben.
Kaufe Verfluchter Wolf, um deine Feinde noch heute um Gnade heulen zu lassen!
436 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2020
1994 people are currently reading
2576 people want to read
About the author
Brogan Thomas
64 books434 followersBrogan lives in Ireland with her husband and their eleven furry children: five furry minions of darkness (aka the cats), four hellhounds (the dogs), and two traditional unicorns (fat, hairy Irish cobs).
In 2019 she embraced her craziness by writing about the imaginary people that live in her head. Her first love is her husband followed by her number-one favourite furry child Bob the cob, then reading. When not reading or writing, she can be found knee-deep in horse poo and fur while blissfully ignoring all adult responsibilities.
In 2019 she embraced her craziness by writing about the imaginary people that live in her head. Her first love is her husband followed by her number-one favourite furry child Bob the cob, then reading. When not reading or writing, she can be found knee-deep in horse poo and fur while blissfully ignoring all adult responsibilities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 524 reviews
April 9, 2021
WTF are y’all reading that this has such high scores?
I actually read the entire thing because it was like a train wreck that kept getting worse and I wanted to see how bad it would get by the end (spoiler: real real real REAL bad).
This has some great ideas. BUT: the writing style of a 14 year old. So many plot holes. So many poorly structured sentences (the writing style is not enjoyable). Typos. Randomly skipping three years. So so so many unexplained or poorly explained events. Characters getting away with shit. Zero character depth OR growth, not to mention no chemistry between characters. And then just suddenly all the power, all the badass skills, all the winning, kill all the bad guys, hurray the end.
This was BAD.
I actually read the entire thing because it was like a train wreck that kept getting worse and I wanted to see how bad it would get by the end (spoiler: real real real REAL bad).
This has some great ideas. BUT: the writing style of a 14 year old. So many plot holes. So many poorly structured sentences (the writing style is not enjoyable). Typos. Randomly skipping three years. So so so many unexplained or poorly explained events. Characters getting away with shit. Zero character depth OR growth, not to mention no chemistry between characters. And then just suddenly all the power, all the badass skills, all the winning, kill all the bad guys, hurray the end.
This was BAD.
January 3, 2023
1.5🌟
Did I read a different book than y’all? Or y’all just delusional I’m so confused as to why this has 4.3 stars 😭
The female mc was SO TERRIBLE. Thought she was so quirky and different and special. She was absolutely one of those “I’m just not like other girls” type of female mcs and not in a good way. — Oh and she literally said “URM” every other sentence. It would be on every single page like 8 times.
All the male characters were cringe and gross. They all behaved like pigs and trust me I’ve read a lot of shifter books, so I’m used to the whole alpha male thing. This was more like wannabe alpha male in a cringy way.
The storyline could have had potential with what it started as but it just kept escalating into trash that wasn’t enjoyable.
Did I read a different book than y’all? Or y’all just delusional I’m so confused as to why this has 4.3 stars 😭
The female mc was SO TERRIBLE. Thought she was so quirky and different and special. She was absolutely one of those “I’m just not like other girls” type of female mcs and not in a good way. — Oh and she literally said “URM” every other sentence. It would be on every single page like 8 times.
All the male characters were cringe and gross. They all behaved like pigs and trust me I’ve read a lot of shifter books, so I’m used to the whole alpha male thing. This was more like wannabe alpha male in a cringy way.
The storyline could have had potential with what it started as but it just kept escalating into trash that wasn’t enjoyable.
August 27, 2020
Unfinished
The premise of this book seems like it would make for an excellent story. To my everlasting disappointment, the author skimps on having Forrest cope with her grisly backstory in favour of making Forrest an all-powerful hellhound shifter with Fae magic.
The most disturbing part of the story, aside from the child abuse, rape, kidnapping, and murders, is that the author infantilizes Forrest. The character is repeatedly carried around and held like a baby. She is so little that she is not able to sit in a chair - her feet don’t touch the floor, so she swings them while she wriggles and giggles and claps. There is one point where she dunks her whole hand into a glass of water then falls off the chair with her dress pulled up over her head. Forrest can’t reach things on the kitchen counter and doesn’t know how to feed herself. Her favorite clothes are her unicorn themed. She likes to be rocked to sleep and held. All in all, it read to me like the author was describing a toddler, which makes the entire romantic storyline exploitative.
The premise of this book seems like it would make for an excellent story. To my everlasting disappointment, the author skimps on having Forrest cope with her grisly backstory in favour of making Forrest an all-powerful hellhound shifter with Fae magic.
The most disturbing part of the story, aside from the child abuse, rape, kidnapping, and murders, is that the author infantilizes Forrest. The character is repeatedly carried around and held like a baby. She is so little that she is not able to sit in a chair - her feet don’t touch the floor, so she swings them while she wriggles and giggles and claps. There is one point where she dunks her whole hand into a glass of water then falls off the chair with her dress pulled up over her head. Forrest can’t reach things on the kitchen counter and doesn’t know how to feed herself. Her favorite clothes are her unicorn themed. She likes to be rocked to sleep and held. All in all, it read to me like the author was describing a toddler, which makes the entire romantic storyline exploitative.
August 7, 2022
It's a first effort and I can forgive a lot when an author is just starting out.
There are some interesting ideas in this book but the way they were presented felt more like a list of things that happened than story.
The good parts of this book could have been turned into a great book but they felt like they were slapped together without very much thought.
But there is enough here that I'm willing to give book two a chance.
There are some interesting ideas in this book but the way they were presented felt more like a list of things that happened than story.
The good parts of this book could have been turned into a great book but they felt like they were slapped together without very much thought.
But there is enough here that I'm willing to give book two a chance.
December 6, 2023
2.5 ⭐️
The premise had promise, sadly it remained unfulfilled.
The FMC is infantilized throughout the story. Supposedly her brain has been damaged and she’s stuck as a teen mentally. That’s just make the whole guardian love interest gross. There’s needless drama & trauma porn with no romance or spice. Instead of dealing with the trauma, she boxes it up and no one in her medical care team forced the issue. How does that make sense? A whole team of doctors and not one says, oh hey therapy should be considered essential after the decade plus of abuse and trauma the FMC has barely lived through?!?!?!?
Add in plot holes big enough to drive through and little to no resolution to most.
I doubt I’ll continue the series.
The premise had promise, sadly it remained unfulfilled.
The FMC is infantilized throughout the story. Supposedly her brain has been damaged and she’s stuck as a teen mentally. That’s just make the whole guardian love interest gross. There’s needless drama & trauma porn with no romance or spice. Instead of dealing with the trauma, she boxes it up and no one in her medical care team forced the issue. How does that make sense? A whole team of doctors and not one says, oh hey therapy should be considered essential after the decade plus of abuse and trauma the FMC has barely lived through?!?!?!?
Add in plot holes big enough to drive through and little to no resolution to most.
I doubt I’ll continue the series.
November 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this a lot.
A truly badass heroine who survives some pretty wretched stuff in her life and wins over her enemies by living her best life, making friends, falling in love, and saving other vulnerable folks from her own fate. Love that we get to see her get stronger and gain friends and family that support her and believe her. The world building is really fun and I enjoyed the humor. I was drawn in an enjoyed every minute of the book.
Why would I mark this down by a star? Well, let me explain.
1. This is a world where "female shifters are rare and need to be protected". Sigh. And, of course, this means that we are subjected to SO. MUCH. VIOLENCE against women. And violence against women by women as well... sigh. While there are supportive female friendships, there is definitely a message of competition and unsafety. Please note there is an on-page sexual assault. Thankfully, our heroine is able to save herself, but not before some nasty acts and consequences.
2. The male love interest. Okay... he's not bad. But he's not great. There's a part where he apologizes towards the end for not keeping her in the loop on his plan to keep her safe (she is sexually assaulted and has no warning that a sociopath is about to get her so maybe him looping her in would have saved her a LOT). And this is swept by so quickly. He apologizes (without truly explaining) and she accepts it cause "she loves him". Sigh.
Plus, when they first meet, he knows he's totally into her... but gets appointed as her guardian to "keep her safe". I understand he wants to protect her, but it made the power dynamic between them feel off... and when they sleep together naked, it kinda felt creepy rather than sexy.
While he mostly supports her and lets her be her strong self, there's a part where he forces her to do something that she's BEGGING him not to force. And she ends up freaking out and having a nightmare (leading to the naked sleeping together scene). It felt so unnecessary for him to force her without asking why she was doing it the way she was. And it really burst the bubble for me on my interest in him as a future partner for her. It showed the imbalance of power and how he wasn't as concerned about her well-being. He thought he knew best. And frankly, I don't think he made up for it.
All the while we have this love interest, I kept mourning the man who really was there for her the whole time. The ONE MAN who ALWAYS believed her, ALWAYS protected her, ALWAYS supported her, and LET HER BE HERSELF but gave her the tools to succeed. Nanny Hound will always be my favorite character and you will never convince me that anyone else was more worthy of her love and respect than him. If he doesn't get his epic love story in this series, I will be gravely disappointed.
3. The cruelty and betrayal from her brothers. It didn't make sense that she was not believed SO MUCH. The brother who was intimately knowledgeable of how badly she was treated and how she saved him ended up treating her badly and believing his cheating girlfriend instead. Her brother who KNEW how much she was traumatized not only left her in a terrible situation, but later sided with her RAPIST over her! It was intense. Also, since I read Rebel Unicorn first, the betrayal of people who should know you intimately but believe others over you felt a bit repetitive.
I really enjoyed the book and will recommend it... but it has it's faults.
A truly badass heroine who survives some pretty wretched stuff in her life and wins over her enemies by living her best life, making friends, falling in love, and saving other vulnerable folks from her own fate. Love that we get to see her get stronger and gain friends and family that support her and believe her. The world building is really fun and I enjoyed the humor. I was drawn in an enjoyed every minute of the book.
Why would I mark this down by a star? Well, let me explain.
1. This is a world where "female shifters are rare and need to be protected". Sigh. And, of course, this means that we are subjected to SO. MUCH. VIOLENCE against women. And violence against women by women as well... sigh. While there are supportive female friendships, there is definitely a message of competition and unsafety. Please note there is an on-page sexual assault. Thankfully, our heroine is able to save herself, but not before some nasty acts and consequences.
2. The male love interest. Okay... he's not bad. But he's not great. There's a part where he apologizes towards the end for not keeping her in the loop on his plan to keep her safe (she is sexually assaulted and has no warning that a sociopath is about to get her so maybe him looping her in would have saved her a LOT). And this is swept by so quickly. He apologizes (without truly explaining) and she accepts it cause "she loves him". Sigh.
Plus, when they first meet, he knows he's totally into her... but gets appointed as her guardian to "keep her safe". I understand he wants to protect her, but it made the power dynamic between them feel off... and when they sleep together naked, it kinda felt creepy rather than sexy.
While he mostly supports her and lets her be her strong self, there's a part where he forces her to do something that she's BEGGING him not to force. And she ends up freaking out and having a nightmare (leading to the naked sleeping together scene). It felt so unnecessary for him to force her without asking why she was doing it the way she was. And it really burst the bubble for me on my interest in him as a future partner for her. It showed the imbalance of power and how he wasn't as concerned about her well-being. He thought he knew best. And frankly, I don't think he made up for it.
All the while we have this love interest, I kept mourning the man who really was there for her the whole time. The ONE MAN who ALWAYS believed her, ALWAYS protected her, ALWAYS supported her, and LET HER BE HERSELF but gave her the tools to succeed. Nanny Hound will always be my favorite character and you will never convince me that anyone else was more worthy of her love and respect than him. If he doesn't get his epic love story in this series, I will be gravely disappointed.
3. The cruelty and betrayal from her brothers. It didn't make sense that she was not believed SO MUCH. The brother who was intimately knowledgeable of how badly she was treated and how she saved him ended up treating her badly and believing his cheating girlfriend instead. Her brother who KNEW how much she was traumatized not only left her in a terrible situation, but later sided with her RAPIST over her! It was intense. Also, since I read Rebel Unicorn first, the betrayal of people who should know you intimately but believe others over you felt a bit repetitive.
I really enjoyed the book and will recommend it... but it has it's faults.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2020
I enjoyed the unique plot of this book: an abused teenager has been trapped as a wolf for fourteen years when she suddenly finds herself changed to a human again. The story is interesting and easy to understand, despite the unique magic.
Trigger warning: rape, suicide, murder, sexual abuse, physical abuse, ingrained societal misogyny.
The character of Forrest was a little more problematic to appreciate. She's presented as a 24-year-old, but it is reiterated many times that she quit school at age nine, and later she is described as having a damaged prefrontal cortex. Yet she is continually captured and nearly raped. She is taken under the guardianship of a shifter who wants to protect her, but he ends up stalking her for the next half decade. When she finds out, she is happy he has been watching her and they become a romantic couple. That's just not palatable to me as a parent of teenaged girls. Forrest had zero life experiences during the five years she thought she was alone which indicate she has been educated, taught about love, had therapy, or been able to overcome her learning disabilities. Even if I did not feel the shifer was abusing her privacy and trust, I would not care for the "romantic" element of this book as the couple is not together during the book.
I really think this author has a ton of potential, though. The writing was good for the most part--varied and interesting. I think the author was attempting to write a hard-core urban fantasy but she picked the wrong character to follow. If she can drop some of the gratuitous swearing and rape (what physically- and sexually-abused nine-year-old would hear the "bow chicka wow wow" music when seeing a naked man?) and learn to write from her characters' true feelings it would be better.
Review based upon an advanced reader copy of the book through booksirens.com.
Trigger warning: rape, suicide, murder, sexual abuse, physical abuse, ingrained societal misogyny.
The character of Forrest was a little more problematic to appreciate. She's presented as a 24-year-old, but it is reiterated many times that she quit school at age nine, and later she is described as having a damaged prefrontal cortex. Yet she is continually captured and nearly raped. She is taken under the guardianship of a shifter who wants to protect her, but he ends up stalking her for the next half decade. When she finds out, she is happy he has been watching her and they become a romantic couple. That's just not palatable to me as a parent of teenaged girls. Forrest had zero life experiences during the five years she thought she was alone which indicate she has been educated, taught about love, had therapy, or been able to overcome her learning disabilities. Even if I did not feel the shifer was abusing her privacy and trust, I would not care for the "romantic" element of this book as the couple is not together during the book.
I really think this author has a ton of potential, though. The writing was good for the most part--varied and interesting. I think the author was attempting to write a hard-core urban fantasy but she picked the wrong character to follow. If she can drop some of the gratuitous swearing and rape (what physically- and sexually-abused nine-year-old would hear the "bow chicka wow wow" music when seeing a naked man?) and learn to write from her characters' true feelings it would be better.
Review based upon an advanced reader copy of the book through booksirens.com.
February 23, 2021
Wow this was amazing.
Especially, for her first book! I didn’t even read the blurb before diving in. So, I was pleasantly surprised with how good this story was.
Character development was on point.
Forrest struggled through trauma & abuse in the beginning, but still managed to come out strong. She grew as a person/shifter and became a strong fighter, not willing to back down. Also, with the help of a lot of awesome friends. 💪🏼
This was so well written & unique. I absolutely fell in love with the storyline.
Anyone, who loves shifter romances I would recommend!!!
5 stars 🌟
Especially, for her first book! I didn’t even read the blurb before diving in. So, I was pleasantly surprised with how good this story was.
Character development was on point.
Forrest struggled through trauma & abuse in the beginning, but still managed to come out strong. She grew as a person/shifter and became a strong fighter, not willing to back down. Also, with the help of a lot of awesome friends. 💪🏼
This was so well written & unique. I absolutely fell in love with the storyline.
Anyone, who loves shifter romances I would recommend!!!
5 stars 🌟
June 26, 2021
My Thoughts:
This is my first Brogan Thomas book and I am so very glad that I stumbled into her! I like her author's voice! The sassy sarcasm and the way she weaves a wonderful world and her characters are loveable! Though the plot has tiny little holes in them and kinda predictable. However, I can forgive that because this is urban fantasy after all, not crime fiction.
This is also my first Poppy Royana listen and I like the way she reads! Her British accent and young voice fits Forrest to the T! I like the way she reads her lines with sarcasm and vive!
Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 5
Ending = 4
World building = 5
Cover art = 4.5
Pace = 4.5
Plot = 4
Narration = 5
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
December 23, 2022
Glad I didn't start here...
I started with book 4, which was definitely better written.
Book 1 is actually a decently engaging story, especially considering it's apparently the author's first, but it's a bit brutal, there's not a whole lot of depth & the author's language is unnecessarily & pretty constantly crass. Whether or not you want to read it will likely depend more on your tolerance level for the content than the story itself (*see below)
Thankfully, the author must have listened to reviewers complaints about the language because book 1 has nearly 200 f-bombs & book 4 was down to 2 dozen.
(Dear author, of course it's your choice, but please consider - while I obviously was not one of them here, there are still many readers who will avoid your books because they find the use of such a word repugnant. Meanwhile, NONE of your potential readers will avoid your books because you didn't use it. The same with disrespectful uses of God's Name)
*CONTENT: as a movie, this would be rated R even without the f-bombs
-It contains possible triggers in the aftermath of a brutal rape, threats of & attempted rape, suicides, a serial murderer,
-Shifting back to human form is normally naked, secular attitudes toward intimacy with some explicit talk but no peeping tom porn scenes,
-Vocabulary frequently on par with the stereotypical teenage guy locker room &
-Use of the Lord's Name trivially/disrespectfully (ie in vain) though none as curses, fwiw
I started with book 4, which was definitely better written.
Book 1 is actually a decently engaging story, especially considering it's apparently the author's first, but it's a bit brutal, there's not a whole lot of depth & the author's language is unnecessarily & pretty constantly crass. Whether or not you want to read it will likely depend more on your tolerance level for the content than the story itself (*see below)
Thankfully, the author must have listened to reviewers complaints about the language because book 1 has nearly 200 f-bombs & book 4 was down to 2 dozen.
(Dear author, of course it's your choice, but please consider - while I obviously was not one of them here, there are still many readers who will avoid your books because they find the use of such a word repugnant. Meanwhile, NONE of your potential readers will avoid your books because you didn't use it. The same with disrespectful uses of God's Name)
*CONTENT: as a movie, this would be rated R even without the f-bombs
-It contains possible triggers in the aftermath of a brutal rape, threats of & attempted rape, suicides, a serial murderer,
-Shifting back to human form is normally naked, secular attitudes toward intimacy with some explicit talk but no peeping tom porn scenes,
-Vocabulary frequently on par with the stereotypical teenage guy locker room &
-Use of the Lord's Name trivially/disrespectfully (ie in vain) though none as curses, fwiw
December 10, 2021
I really liked this debut novel in this series!
YA/NA fantasy about an abused shifter from the age of 9 who can’t shift back into her human form.
There is a love interest but it’s definitely not the main focus of the book. Trigger warnings needed for attempted rape, kidnapping and abuse however these scenes are not descriptive.
I listened to the audio and liked the narration.
Looking forward to the next book in the same universe.
4 stars.
Gifted audio for honest review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
YA/NA fantasy about an abused shifter from the age of 9 who can’t shift back into her human form.
There is a love interest but it’s definitely not the main focus of the book. Trigger warnings needed for attempted rape, kidnapping and abuse however these scenes are not descriptive.
I listened to the audio and liked the narration.
Looking forward to the next book in the same universe.
4 stars.
Gifted audio for honest review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 23, 2023
Dnf around 50%
Interesting premise but poorly executed
Interesting premise but poorly executed
dnf
July 19, 2025DNF @ 40% because by this stage of the book I'd at least would've liked to have been introduced to the hero 🙄
November 29, 2020
Update:
I just finished listening to the newly released audiobook, and it was incredible. The narrator did a fantastic job of bringing Forrest and her story to life, spot-on with her attitude and internal monologues. I thoroughly enjoyed listening and would absolutely recommend to anyone who prefers to listen to their stories come to life.
Original review:
I had zero clue that this was a debut novel for the author, until I went to look up the rest of her catalog once I'd finished reading this book. That right there should tell you something.
The story was an incredibly emotional ride. We started by meeting Forrest, an incredibly rare female shifter who had been trapped in her wolf form for many years, though neither she, nor we as readers, were aware of exactly how long. Unfortunately for her, freeing herself and managing to shift back into human only created new - and unbelievably more dangerous - problems. She was made to be a victim at the hands of those who should've protected her, and as a result, she showed her naivety each time the slightest offer of aid was sent her way.
"Emotionally I feel like an autumn leaf; dead but still clinging desperately to the branch and dreading the next gust of wind."
I can honestly say that I don't think I've ever mentally railed at a book as much as I did while reading this one. There were people that Forrest extended trust to who so obviously didn't deserve it. There were times that she could've made a move simply by speaking up, but didn't - couldn't. Still, watching as Forrest was able to slowly learn how to set aside her misplaced shame and rise above her past was truly an empowering journey. Female power, hear me roar, all that jazz.
There was a lot to this book. We jumped through time a fair bit, told that many circumstances occurred rather than actually having been present for it. We were told about so many different supernatural creatures (her take on witches and those nifty potion balls would be interesting to see in another book), but barely expanded on any of them. Even so, this wasn't by any means a short story, and was a very satisfying read that tied up almost everything that it set in motion. (I say "almost" as I'm a little salty that a certain character didn't get some well-deserved attitude adjustment at their own negligence... Maybe we can hope for a bonus scene down the road? Haha.)
It's rare to find an entertaining paranormal read that doesn't require a huge commitment to multiple books, so I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy Cursed Wolf as much as I did. Curious to see what else comes from this new writer.
I received a free advanced copy of this book from BookSirens in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I just finished listening to the newly released audiobook, and it was incredible. The narrator did a fantastic job of bringing Forrest and her story to life, spot-on with her attitude and internal monologues. I thoroughly enjoyed listening and would absolutely recommend to anyone who prefers to listen to their stories come to life.
Original review:
I had zero clue that this was a debut novel for the author, until I went to look up the rest of her catalog once I'd finished reading this book. That right there should tell you something.
The story was an incredibly emotional ride. We started by meeting Forrest, an incredibly rare female shifter who had been trapped in her wolf form for many years, though neither she, nor we as readers, were aware of exactly how long. Unfortunately for her, freeing herself and managing to shift back into human only created new - and unbelievably more dangerous - problems. She was made to be a victim at the hands of those who should've protected her, and as a result, she showed her naivety each time the slightest offer of aid was sent her way.
"Emotionally I feel like an autumn leaf; dead but still clinging desperately to the branch and dreading the next gust of wind."
I can honestly say that I don't think I've ever mentally railed at a book as much as I did while reading this one. There were people that Forrest extended trust to who so obviously didn't deserve it. There were times that she could've made a move simply by speaking up, but didn't - couldn't. Still, watching as Forrest was able to slowly learn how to set aside her misplaced shame and rise above her past was truly an empowering journey. Female power, hear me roar, all that jazz.
There was a lot to this book. We jumped through time a fair bit, told that many circumstances occurred rather than actually having been present for it. We were told about so many different supernatural creatures (her take on witches and those nifty potion balls would be interesting to see in another book), but barely expanded on any of them. Even so, this wasn't by any means a short story, and was a very satisfying read that tied up almost everything that it set in motion. (I say "almost" as I'm a little salty that a certain character didn't get some well-deserved attitude adjustment at their own negligence... Maybe we can hope for a bonus scene down the road? Haha.)
It's rare to find an entertaining paranormal read that doesn't require a huge commitment to multiple books, so I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy Cursed Wolf as much as I did. Curious to see what else comes from this new writer.
I received a free advanced copy of this book from BookSirens in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 9, 2023
New reader
Loved the book, the characters were deep, playful, my heart went out to Forrest. I am really looking forward to reading the next one..
Loved the book, the characters were deep, playful, my heart went out to Forrest. I am really looking forward to reading the next one..
March 27, 2023
TW: r*pe, death of parents, death of siblings, s*icide, parents killing children to save them from assault, drugging
I loved the idea of this book but honestly it was just raging trauma porn. The MC gets almost sexually assaulted so often and it doesn't even advance the story. To the point that it is nauseating. Basically all of the men other than 2 in the entire world are abusive and for most of them there doesn't even seem to be a reason (I mean raging misogyny is a reason but I don't think it's *the* reason). The romantic relationship is not fully defined and is insta love (but like 3 years later) and the MC's development as a badass warrior is greatly overshadowed by all the men that want to use her.
I get that this is a debut and debuts are never an author's best work. But this is just so needlessly dark but seems to brand itself as not dark-- but it is just trauma after trauma with many of the plot-based and character-based questions left unanswered. Plus we really need to stop calling women cows (even shitty women) and the woman who is called a cow is really the only one other than MC that gets substantial page time.
I loved the idea of this book but honestly it was just raging trauma porn. The MC gets almost sexually assaulted so often and it doesn't even advance the story. To the point that it is nauseating. Basically all of the men other than 2 in the entire world are abusive and for most of them there doesn't even seem to be a reason (I mean raging misogyny is a reason but I don't think it's *the* reason). The romantic relationship is not fully defined and is insta love (but like 3 years later) and the MC's development as a badass warrior is greatly overshadowed by all the men that want to use her.
I get that this is a debut and debuts are never an author's best work. But this is just so needlessly dark but seems to brand itself as not dark-- but it is just trauma after trauma with many of the plot-based and character-based questions left unanswered. Plus we really need to stop calling women cows (even shitty women) and the woman who is called a cow is really the only one other than MC that gets substantial page time.
October 16, 2021
I fucking love Forrest. She is endearing, adorable, and a little bit crazy. And obsessed with cake. And a little bit violent – but that’s ok she has good reason. She is perfect and exactly who she should after what she has been through. Aragon's nickname for her is Nutty and it really does suit her. And poor Forrest constantly betrayed and let down by those around her. John is a bad brother. I am so glad she had Owen as he was one person who never let her down. Even Aragon did with his arrogance and by not telling what was going on which played a part in what happened with Daniel. Altho he makes up for it by letting her go and experience life and find her place. And Forrest gets more love for her reaction to rapists- the serial killer and the mercenaries. I just love her. And her excited bouncing over all sorts of things.
October 14, 2020
Good book
spoilers : This is the first time I hated the good brother. I hope John was devastated and had lots of regret when he thought she was dead. I loved this book. The only things I didn't like was her calling Owen Nanny seemed childlike and telling her only good girls get cake was said in a way you say it to a kid. It took me out of the story each time. Other than that I loved it. It was different than a lot of books. The mate was a surprise but didn't disappoint in the end. I love that she showed strength even in fear.
spoilers : This is the first time I hated the good brother. I hope John was devastated and had lots of regret when he thought she was dead. I loved this book. The only things I didn't like was her calling Owen Nanny seemed childlike and telling her only good girls get cake was said in a way you say it to a kid. It took me out of the story each time. Other than that I loved it. It was different than a lot of books. The mate was a surprise but didn't disappoint in the end. I love that she showed strength even in fear.
January 7, 2023
3.75
Other than the occasional grammatical issue that was mildly enough to disturb reading flow this was a significantly better than average torture porn romance. I liked it well enough to want to jump right into the next.
UPDATED: I just realized this is a PNR series so there will be different MCs with every book. I will NOT be jumping right into the next one but will eventually get around to it.
Other than the occasional grammatical issue that was mildly enough to disturb reading flow this was a significantly better than average torture porn romance. I liked it well enough to want to jump right into the next.
UPDATED: I just realized this is a PNR series so there will be different MCs with every book. I will NOT be jumping right into the next one but will eventually get around to it.
September 25, 2020
So well done! Wouldn’t know this was her first book.
Everything from the natural timeline to her challenges and relationships felt realistic. The most natural display of a survivors struggles I’ve read in a while without over or under dramatizing.
The romance was a slow burn but not in a frustrating way. It was more the cherry on top to her story than the filling. Also, approached different as it’s not the first schmuck you’re presented with either.
Lovely supporting characters, horrible twisted villains, and some who just don’t make good choices. I hated the baddies but just because they were properly bad. And not all the “good” guys were heroes or made good choices, which was a change from the perpetual blind trust in FMCs and preachy behaviour side characters are always doing. Damn did her brother John make me want to pull his ear and give a time out. Only good thing he did was finally show up when she called.
Would have loved a bit more world building to understand the social order and history. Enough information is presented to understand any social or political significance throughout the story though. I’m mostly just curious as it’s more creature based with humans being the threatened population which is a fresh change for urban fantasy. But none of this is a complaint my curiosity has just been piqued.
And the whole story wrapped up in a tidy bow (albeit one that is semi obvious) and in a normal timespan. Curious about her next book in this serial series, not too keen on John returning though, unless it’s to get taught a lesson about good choices and behaviour. On a plus note he is a realistically shitty brother.
PS this is another book you shouldn’t judge by the cover, even though the illustrator in me has some technical issues with it and the reader some accuracy complaints.
4.25 ⭐️, A , 83%
Everything from the natural timeline to her challenges and relationships felt realistic. The most natural display of a survivors struggles I’ve read in a while without over or under dramatizing.
The romance was a slow burn but not in a frustrating way. It was more the cherry on top to her story than the filling. Also, approached different as it’s not the first schmuck you’re presented with either.
Lovely supporting characters, horrible twisted villains, and some who just don’t make good choices. I hated the baddies but just because they were properly bad. And not all the “good” guys were heroes or made good choices, which was a change from the perpetual blind trust in FMCs and preachy behaviour side characters are always doing. Damn did her brother John make me want to pull his ear and give a time out. Only good thing he did was finally show up when she called.
Would have loved a bit more world building to understand the social order and history. Enough information is presented to understand any social or political significance throughout the story though. I’m mostly just curious as it’s more creature based with humans being the threatened population which is a fresh change for urban fantasy. But none of this is a complaint my curiosity has just been piqued.
And the whole story wrapped up in a tidy bow (albeit one that is semi obvious) and in a normal timespan. Curious about her next book in this serial series, not too keen on John returning though, unless it’s to get taught a lesson about good choices and behaviour. On a plus note he is a realistically shitty brother.
PS this is another book you shouldn’t judge by the cover, even though the illustrator in me has some technical issues with it and the reader some accuracy complaints.
4.25 ⭐️, A , 83%
August 2, 2020
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Highly recommended!!
The only reason I have rated this four stars (it actually could even get 4½), is because personally I found the swearing and crudeness in the book to be excessive and unnecessary to get the point of the story across. I really think this book could have been better without that. Don't get me wrong, a swear word here and there, when appropriate - absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Having said that, let me get to what deserves the four stars. Forrest was an absolutely amazing character, and the way that she evolves throughout the story is fantastic. Having come from an abusive home, her character is so well developed that I could identify with her in parts. To me, when an author manages that, then they are well worth the read.
Suffice it to say, this is Brogan's debut novel, and what a debut she has made. Bursting onto the literary scene like - well a little bit like Forrest did, well what she does, in the book. Don't want to give anything away.
There were a few twists, some a plain to see as the nose on my face, and others that totally blind-sided me, so well done to Brogan for that.
Some characters that I loathed, others that I loved ... if you enjoy shifter type stories with a lot of heart and soul, then - as I said right in the beginning ...
Highly recommended!!
Highly recommended!!
The only reason I have rated this four stars (it actually could even get 4½), is because personally I found the swearing and crudeness in the book to be excessive and unnecessary to get the point of the story across. I really think this book could have been better without that. Don't get me wrong, a swear word here and there, when appropriate - absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Having said that, let me get to what deserves the four stars. Forrest was an absolutely amazing character, and the way that she evolves throughout the story is fantastic. Having come from an abusive home, her character is so well developed that I could identify with her in parts. To me, when an author manages that, then they are well worth the read.
Suffice it to say, this is Brogan's debut novel, and what a debut she has made. Bursting onto the literary scene like - well a little bit like Forrest did, well what she does, in the book. Don't want to give anything away.
There were a few twists, some a plain to see as the nose on my face, and others that totally blind-sided me, so well done to Brogan for that.
Some characters that I loathed, others that I loved ... if you enjoy shifter type stories with a lot of heart and soul, then - as I said right in the beginning ...
Highly recommended!!
August 4, 2020
I liked this book. It really is not quite 4 stars for me but is more than 3.5. The world building was good and I liked the characters. I love shifters. I felt like the beginning was a little rough as the main character, Forrest, dumped tons of information about her family, background and the shifter world in the guise of an internal monologue. I prefer a show not tell style but it did not continue throughout the whole book. Forrest Is a strong character who overcomes immense childhood trauma. I did have some issue with the fact that she is twenty-three but has been in wolf form since she was nine, stunting her emotional, and her love interest is over a thousand years old. It is easy to overlook and ignore though because this book isn't focused on their romance as much as it is about Forrest's growth and the action and mystery of the storyline which I found entertaining. I enjoyed the second half of the book a lot and look forward to more books in this series. I'd like to read a book written about Owen the Hellhound, please.
There is child abuse, murder, suicide and a few attempted rapes in this story. It is not overly graphic but it could be trigger for some.
I received an ARC from booksirens in return for an honest review.
There is child abuse, murder, suicide and a few attempted rapes in this story. It is not overly graphic but it could be trigger for some.
I received an ARC from booksirens in return for an honest review.
August 6, 2020
Forrest has been in her wolf form for over a decade. She shifted as a child and her blood brother, John left her with her stepbrothers and pack. They treated her abominably until Harry came home and rescued her. They blamed her for their little sister’s, Grace and father’s deaths. Little do they know at nine, she also lost her mother at the same time. She finally shifts back into her human form saving Harry from a cheating wolf. Her brother John, a Hellhound comes to get her. Many are punished, killed, marked rogue, and banished. As she learns to defend herself and become healthy again, she has plans. Other male shifters are after her to own her! She has to escape! Only the one after her is high up in the hierarchy. She meets another protector, only to have to leave him as well and take control of her life by disappearing! She has been abused, attacked, forced to do things against her will, watched people die, escaped from others, hunted bad people, and more…what will it finally take to gain her total freedom? Who will help her? Will she ever be totally free and happy to find her forever mate? I received this as an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review.
June 24, 2021
Cursed Wolf is an incredible story, brilliantly written with phenomenally developed characters. The premise definitely took me by surprise; the darker elements of the plot are what made the story. Brogan Thomas did an exceptional job engaging and emotionally connecting her readers/listeners to the heroine. I go through several audiobooks per week, and it's become a rare occurrence where I'm touched by characters' circumstances; Forrest's story totally drew me in.
Forrest is a unique shifter who lived in her wolf form for many years. Also, as a victim of trauma and childhood abuse, her demeanor was clearly impacted. After coaxing herself to shift back into a human, she is confronted with danger and conflict. To me, she was fragile and a survivor with the will to overcome; this contrast is what makes her such a captivating character. Her journey in Cursed Wolf is wrapped in suspense, mystery, plot twists, action, romance, and growth. I'm definitely looking forward to the entire series.
Fantastic narration by Poppy Royana. I was impressed by the quality of her performance; she slipped into the characters and brought them to life. Overall, Cursed Wolf is an excellent start to the Creatures of the Otherworld series, one I'll highly recommend.
Forrest is a unique shifter who lived in her wolf form for many years. Also, as a victim of trauma and childhood abuse, her demeanor was clearly impacted. After coaxing herself to shift back into a human, she is confronted with danger and conflict. To me, she was fragile and a survivor with the will to overcome; this contrast is what makes her such a captivating character. Her journey in Cursed Wolf is wrapped in suspense, mystery, plot twists, action, romance, and growth. I'm definitely looking forward to the entire series.
Fantastic narration by Poppy Royana. I was impressed by the quality of her performance; she slipped into the characters and brought them to life. Overall, Cursed Wolf is an excellent start to the Creatures of the Otherworld series, one I'll highly recommend.
August 4, 2020
I absolutely loved this book, I am really glad to have stumbled across it. The description drew me in and it gives you a good feeling on what the book is going to be about. I couldnt wait to keep reading and finding out what is happening throughout the whole book.
There was a couple surprising things contained within the book but there was one thing that a flashback gave details for told me all I needed to know about one thing (which I wont say).
You do get to find out (at the end) if/what the reason was for Forrest to not be able to shift back into being a human, so be sure to read the whole book if you want to know if/what.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There was a couple surprising things contained within the book but there was one thing that a flashback gave details for told me all I needed to know about one thing (which I wont say).
You do get to find out (at the end) if/what the reason was for Forrest to not be able to shift back into being a human, so be sure to read the whole book if you want to know if/what.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 3, 2020
The beginning of the story wasn’t bad and I was quite pleased with the way it seemed to be going, then chapter eight starts with ’Fourteen years ago’. I really didn’t like the way this puts a sudden hold on the story just as it was getting interesting.
The essence of this story is that Forrest has been abused for fourteen years and even as she escapes from this situation she finds there are still those who are willing to exploit and abuse her. This story only works for me if Forrest is able to sort out her life and overcome her abusers and those that only want to control and dominate her. This is partially what I got, but the author was also writing a happy ending romance where she is rescued and lives happily ever after with her ‘prince charming’.
Overall this was an enjoyable read and I didn’t mind the happy ending.
The essence of this story is that Forrest has been abused for fourteen years and even as she escapes from this situation she finds there are still those who are willing to exploit and abuse her. This story only works for me if Forrest is able to sort out her life and overcome her abusers and those that only want to control and dominate her. This is partially what I got, but the author was also writing a happy ending romance where she is rescued and lives happily ever after with her ‘prince charming’.
Overall this was an enjoyable read and I didn’t mind the happy ending.
July 22, 2022
Pleasant surprise!
I picked up this ebook mainly because it was free. I was pleasantly surprised and charmed. Within a week, I read her first four books and found them witty, imaginative and entertaining. They are not heavy reading and are perfect for escapism from the mundane. Although she is Irish and some her words and turns of phrase are different from what I am used to, I found that only enhanced my enjoyment. Each book could stand alone but when you read all of them you find that they are woven together for a bigger view of the aspects of her world building.
So settle in with a nice cup of hot chocolate and escape reality for a while with this light but enjoyable read.
I picked up this ebook mainly because it was free. I was pleasantly surprised and charmed. Within a week, I read her first four books and found them witty, imaginative and entertaining. They are not heavy reading and are perfect for escapism from the mundane. Although she is Irish and some her words and turns of phrase are different from what I am used to, I found that only enhanced my enjoyment. Each book could stand alone but when you read all of them you find that they are woven together for a bigger view of the aspects of her world building.
So settle in with a nice cup of hot chocolate and escape reality for a while with this light but enjoyable read.
August 30, 2020
Decent book
Sorry if I sound surprised, but this is actually a decent book. The characters are likable, the world is defined, and most importantly, the storyline is original! Well, not all of it, the love interest is cliche and has been done many, many, times before. The best part is that the main character is very well written. Even though to everyone else she is 23 years old, in her mind she is still a young teen and the author writes it well, never making her suddenly act older, keeping her consistent, a teen in a woman’s body, wearing teen clothes, having teen confusion, angst, and those annoying, innocent, budding sexual thoughts. Well done. The author also gives the girl’s inner thoughts some humor and snark. I look forward to more from this author.
Sorry if I sound surprised, but this is actually a decent book. The characters are likable, the world is defined, and most importantly, the storyline is original! Well, not all of it, the love interest is cliche and has been done many, many, times before. The best part is that the main character is very well written. Even though to everyone else she is 23 years old, in her mind she is still a young teen and the author writes it well, never making her suddenly act older, keeping her consistent, a teen in a woman’s body, wearing teen clothes, having teen confusion, angst, and those annoying, innocent, budding sexual thoughts. Well done. The author also gives the girl’s inner thoughts some humor and snark. I look forward to more from this author.
August 31, 2020
Wow!!
I can't believe this is the authors first book. It was amazing! There was every imaginable fantasy creature in it and even the bad guy was unbelievable. A young shifter girl experiences something so horrible, she shifts into wolf form and doesn't shift back into human for years. Her time spent as a wolf is horrific and she has to learn how to live in her human form all over again. When I first started reading this book, I had no idea what to expect. But, it pulled me into a world of fantasy that I have never been before. Anyone loving fantasy of any kind will fall in love with this book. It is so wonderfully well written and you will love the characters. Great job. I look forward to reading many more books by this author.
I can't believe this is the authors first book. It was amazing! There was every imaginable fantasy creature in it and even the bad guy was unbelievable. A young shifter girl experiences something so horrible, she shifts into wolf form and doesn't shift back into human for years. Her time spent as a wolf is horrific and she has to learn how to live in her human form all over again. When I first started reading this book, I had no idea what to expect. But, it pulled me into a world of fantasy that I have never been before. Anyone loving fantasy of any kind will fall in love with this book. It is so wonderfully well written and you will love the characters. Great job. I look forward to reading many more books by this author.
August 4, 2020
Love this book!!!!! I would give it more stars if I could. So amazing to see the natural strength and courage Forrest finds as she is trapped in wolf form and then trapped by the ones who are trying to protect her with the best of intentions. The writing and events of the story unfold so naturally as Forrest finds her way to independence and self reliance after a childhood of subjection and abuse. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait for the next book!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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