I’d wanted answers. To know who I was and where I came from. How had I ended up in those woods all alone? Why didn’t I have elemental magic like everyone else? What made me so different?
I’d thought I wanted it more than anything, but I was wrong. Everything is spinning out of control as my past and present collide, leaving me feeling like a stranger to myself. I’d always wanted to find my home, a place where I belong, but what if home isn’t a place? What if it’s a feeling? Home is with the guys, and while they might drive me up the wall with their alpha tendencies, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’d wanted answers, and I’ve got them, or at least most of them.
Now, if I could just figure out what’s wrong with me, we might just have a chance of surviving the man who seems intent on killing me.
Shaped by Discovery is book two in the Beasts of Extinction Series and ends on a cliffhanger. This is a full-length shifter romance that has some darker elements and multiple love interests. Please read the Trigger Warnings.
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WOW, this second book in the Beasts of Extinction series wasn't at all what I expected.... It was so much better! I stumbled on the first book (Shaped by Destiny) about a year ago because of a "Stuff your Kindle" sale and when I finished it I knew I needed to keep an eye on the amazing author 😉
Chances were that I could become part of the ARC-reader group, so this 2nd book in the series was my first ARC read & review. I was so excited to continue the story, that I read it in about 4 days. I just couldn't put it down and noticed myself thinking/ruminating about in when I wasn't reading 😅
Sooo, if you're into "Why choose" (because honestly, why would we choose between all these amazing characters 😂), fantasy, spice and a healthy dose of mystery, tension and uncertainty then you should definitely give this book a try!
Also, I find it really refreshing that this isn't yet another fantasy romance series. Yes, we get to read about all of our favourite tropes (fated mates, magic, protectiveness, trauma & growth, shifters, why choose,...) but in a whole new story that I find myself unable to put down.
Little heads up: this series does end on a cliffhanger and because it's the 2nd book in a 5-book series, some questions remain unanswered, which, in my opinion, only contributes to the fact that I can't wait for the next books to come out 😍
I don’t even know where to begin. I had high expectations for this book. The first book in this series had me in 24 hour chokehold and I devoured it. As soon as I started reading it I could not stop. The mystery, and tension between each character had me flipping pages. However, this story had the opposite effect.
There was little character development in this book and that was a huge let down. After everything that happened before (in book 1) you would think in this book Serena would have major growth but nope.
There was a large informational dumb that made it hard to connect with the story. I was too busy trying to wrap my head around Serena’s backstory and the kingdoms backstory to be able to care for anyone. The delivery for the new details could have been better.
The new characters that were introduced were interesting but Serena better not have a new love interest I stg I will lose my mind. She is still juggling the ones she has, and doesn’t know how to act around them. If she can’t handle 6 men what makes you believe 7 will be fine? SMH - I’m still waiting for this to turn into a true why choose. Maybe one day.
Honestly Serena needs more character development and she had none. It felt like she had made zero progress in this book. I don’t want to give spoilers but something major did happen and I was hoping along with that she would become stronger. However, the complete opposite happened.
I would only suggest to read this book to get a few answers for the question that presented themselves in book one. But if this book was by itself? Nope. Not worth it. I’m praying that book 3 does my girl some justice. I’m not sure how we go from the masterpiece that was book one to this but I’m hoping things change in the next installment.
ARC Review ✨️ ♡Must read♡♡ Tropes: Found Family Why choose Second chance Protective alphas Angst
This story picks up exactly where we left off in book one! The world building and the plot develop so much more throughout this book. I love Sara's writing, and the way they she creates these stories are incredible!💕 I need the third book asap because that cliffhanger has me stuck!! 🙌
Wow! What a great follow up to Shaped by Destiny, which was my gateway book for this author 😁This story picks up right after book 1, and Serena is reeling. She and the guys are trying to figure out what Garrett’s revelations mean for them. I really like that we get to see more about Garrett and his past, plus we meet a new intriguing character, Ryker, and not gonna lie, he gonna need to work to it, but I’m rooting for him :) This story has some fun and unexpected twists. I loved seeing the guys start to realize the depths of their feelings, the tension. Each guy is unique and brings a different dynamic to the group. I also loved learning more about Serena’s past. This story does end on a cliffy - and it hurts! I can’t wait to see what happens next.
We have fated mates, found family, secret powers, we have supportive MMCs that would move heaven and earth to make our girl happy, touch her and d!e vibes, ANGST and why-choose situations. Count. Me. IN.
This is the second book in the Bests of Extinction series, it cannot be read as a standalone.
In Shaped by Discovery we continue the story of Serena and the guys, and it is a DOOZY. Here we pick up immediately from the end of the first book and Serena is hunting for answers about her past and powers. After that last cliffhanger in the first book I was anxiously awaiting the release of this book and I was not disappointed. This is a slow burn, I keep waiting for these guys to get their heads on straight, and we get a teensy bit of movement in this area.. FINALLY. I loved reading all the MMCs POVs in the book, I love getting a peek into their thoughts about Serena and each other. With such a large group, I felt like each guy was a full fledged character, I wasn't getting them mixed up and this can be tough with a group of 5+ MMCs. I also really loved the change in scenery for this book, the realm was well rounded and I didn't feel like it was leaving me confused at all. We meet a new possible addition to the team, jury is still out where he'll end up because he's giving major 'could he be a bad guy?' feels, but I liked him and hope he stays through the next few books.
Without giving too much away, just this entire book was a major win and I enjoyed the entire thing. The cliffhanger at the end, oof, that left me googling when the next book would be coming out. I didn't throw my book, because I read on my phone, but if I had a paper copy I just might have. The book is so good. Just read it.
I received an advance copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
For some reason, I was disappointed with how this turned out. I feel like there was a lot happening, but at the same time, nothing was happening. Some bonds were taken care of, but I still kind of thought of Serena as a brat, and she just didn't gel with me. We get some history and a few questions answered about her past, but that's still a mystery after the current revelations. There is a lot of repetitive introspection on their feelings i could have done without. I skimmed a lot of this book until it led back to the main conversation at hand. I was so looking forward to this and feel let down somehow. I feel bad for not liking this when i was so excited about it. I didn't go back to re read the first, but this was maybe too juvenile for my tatste. The first could have had this tone, but i dont remember it, only a desire to read the next one. Characters' personality and spice were lacking for me. I will not continue the series
This book is a continuation of the ‘Beasts of Extinction series’ and is book 2. Shaped by Discovery follow us on from the cliffhanger ending of book 1 ‘Shaped by Destiny’. Due to it being the second of the series I will be not go into depth so as not to ruin for those who have yet to start the series or to those who have yet to embark in the following masterpiece (and yes, I do mean masterpiece).
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book of the series and so when I had that special email on the longest of long days I was near enough beside myself. I loved the first that much that I had to reread (I struggle to rewatch movies I haven’t seen in years that are my absolute favourites. So, to read a book again (within a year might I mention) was impressive to say the least and I LOVED IT… AGAIN!) Anyway, after finishing SBDestiny I had high hopes and expectations for SBDiscovery and boy did this exceed them and not let me down in anyway. I absolutely loved this book and it had me so thrilled and excited the whole way through.
The story development and character development was yet again outstanding as well as the world building. It had me completely absorbed and I was its complete and utter slave. #noregrets
I must warn though, the cliff hanger at the end was rather mean… but expected🥲 so now I have to await the next in the series as patiently as possible🥹. Please note that this is the second installation in what is planned to be a 5 book (possibly) series. It will also have you unable to complete general daily tasks seeing as it is ADDICTIVE ASF! So please plan accordingly. You have been warned.
Overall, did I enjoy this book? Ummm, hell yeah!!! Do I plan to read other books within the series or related to? This is the second in the series and I plan to read anything that Sara writes at this point. Would I recommend this book? 100%!! In truth I would recommend it far and wide.
What a book, my mind is absolutely spinning from that ending that Sara gave us. What a cliffhanger, I need the next book, Pronto! This series is just so good, and it just got better and better with this book in particular, so I can just imagine how amazing yet nerve-wracking the next one shall be.
The characters and plot in this book are just so good. Obviously we have our beloved FMC Serena and our boat load of guys; Storm and Sol the twins, Pike, Lyle, Garrett and Blair and then out of no where we get another perspective of Ryker who we meet when Serena accidentally travels to a different realm and the guys follow along after her. We learned such a good backstory in this book as it progressed.
I love the fact that this book is a shifters romance and I really enjoy the fact how they are all a different range of animals and also their personalities are not the same with another character, making them more unique. And the fact that they were all roomates and now they find out that the guys are mates to Serena is just utterly amazing to read.
The writing in this book was just absolutely amazing, and I loved all of the many perspectives that we get with all of the characters who, in my opinion, are just top tier. The pacing and plot that went along with this story were so interesting and exciting to read, and I can't help but wonder what may happen in the next book.
I’m going to start by saying I almost threw my kindle when I got to the cliffy and realized I was going to have to wait a year for the next book. I actually didn’t read the first book until this second book was released because I hate that- I need to binge read them all without waiting. I’m mad at myself for not knowing there was a third coming, as I would have shelved both books until the third was released 🤦♀️
That being said, I love this series. It’s crazy creative, a lot of fun, a bit spicy (just a touch), and filled with the right about of twists and turns that kept me pulled in and anxious to see what happens next. Am I annoyed that I will have forgotten it all by next year when the next book comes out? Yes. Hopefully I’ll remember enough to remember that I need to see how things get resolved. Because I really do want to know.
*I received this book as an Arc in exchange for an hinest review*
As always, Sara doesn't disappoint with her harems, storytelling, and CLIFFHANGERS!!!!
GOSH!
SPOILERS
Firstly, how freaking awesome that we have a realm change. I absolutely adored that our squad have to forgo technology and learn how to do things without it.
Secondly, Rena getting her memories back had me in tears. I was so happy because the love her and Garret have is so beautiful, I was dying for them to reconnect completely.
Thirdly, Ryker (I love a last minute Harem addition- yes yes I know it might not happen but fingers crossed. I do love a tortured, lonely boy)
Fourthly, I can't say that I am bummed Lyle is being forced to take a little timeout from the group. He drives me insane. He could use a little humility IMO.
Fifthly, Pikes family sucks.
Lastly, I read this in less than a day and I am going to die a painful death waiting for the next book but it was so worth it.
I hope that we finally get some progress on Rena learning to use her powers and finding out what she's really made of and kick some shadow man ass.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
If it was a possibility, I would have recorded a voice message instead of written a review, and that voice message would have ended up being me screaming the entire time... Seriously, how am I supposed to be little miss nice girl right now? I am not okay after how this book ended, and I already started to dread reaching the end somewhere around 70% in because I just knew the author would threw us off the highest cliff she could find. And yes, she did exactly that.
"Shaped by Discovery" is book two in the "Beasts of Exctinction" series, and even though we are slowly provided with some answers about Serena's past, there are still an excruciating amount of them left to uncover. It had me at the edge of my seat, and made me throw my kindle at the end knowing how many answers I'm still seeking, and how long I will have to wait to get them. The bonds between Serena and her men are slowly developing from friends to lovers, adding a bit of spice to the storyline, although there is still a lot left to hope for in book three.
I do believe this series is meant for readers who love a lot of plot development, and who enjoy sitting at the edge of their seat waiting for answers that manage to throw the entire story upside down. It provides the best kind of mix between hurt and enjoyment a reader can find. I can't wait to get my hands on book three!
Sara is by far one of my favourite authors and no matter what she writes, I will always read it. I’m so very lucky I got to do an ARC read for Shaped By Discovery (Book 2 in Beasts of Extinction)! Now, let’s get into it..
This entire book was so exciting, it was go go go from the very beginning. We finally got some answers for Rena’s past (woo!!!!!) We get some more spice!!! 😏 We maybe have another harem member??? I’m seriously hoping so…fingers crossed.
Overall, this was an addictive read, it had it all: action, spice, a lil angst, some very good character development & so much more! You gotta read this series.
Now…I’m a little mad!!! that cliffhanger!!! I’m going to die waiting for the next one….so do prepare yourself for that…might throw your kindle against the wall. I will be counting down the days for book 3 ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Once again Sara has left me on edge waiting for the next one. I lovedddd ittt!! This is the second of the series. We get to see more of Serena and the guys storyline. New plot twists and you build a new love for a character that you loved anyways, but it's a little different after his story is told in this book. New emotions are out in the open and you can't help but love the characters bonds. If you haven't read the first one read it and then read this one. This one was my favorite of the two!! Let's talk Tropes and Triggers.
Tropes Found family Why choose Fantasy Shifter Alpha hero
Triggers Past Trauma Emotional Scarring Assault/Abuse
First off all, look at the cover! F***ing gorgeous!
This was so hard to put down after starting! This picks up where SbD left off and was so worth the wait! Everything was perfect! The worldbuilding, story, and characters. You feel all the emotions, questions are answered but if choose you end up with more to be answered in book 3 🤣
So of course there's a cliffhanger; you know it, I know it, everyone knows it. What we don't know is what said cliffhanger is gonna be and OMG! Book 3 seriously can not come soon enough!
I first want to say how thrilled I was to get book 2!! With how things ended in book 1, I needed answers!! Well, you definitely won't be disappointed!
I was hooked from beginning to end! Filled with mystery, magic, lots of feels, some spice and suspense. While we are given a few clues or answers throughout the story, there is still so much left to discover. I'm loving Serena even more in this book. She grows a little more as she learns some about herself. We also get to see relationships between her and her mates really start to change. I love how different each of them are too. It adds so much to the story.
I think was an excellent continuation and I can't wait for book 3!! After that ending, I'm gonna need more!!!
Shaped By Discovery really lives up to its namesake as this addition to the series dives deep into Serena's background. I absolutely adore how much detail we are getting while still progressing the present storyline. These characters continue to make me fall for them as Serena, and the guys, realize how deep their connections are. The steam level also increases with this book, it's so good 🥵 and worth the wait. I still have questions and a whole riot of feelings after the ending left me hanging on a cliff by my pinky finger. I'll just be sitting here, on the edge, waiting not so patiently for book 3!
Serena continues her journey of discovering her best friends are actually her fated mates.. things get 🔥🔥🔥
These mates are.. ✨overprotective ✨ worshipping ✨touch her and ☠️ ✨ they live and breathe for her existence
In this 2nd book of the beasts of extinction series (not standalones) you follow Serena as she discoveries more about where she came from and her memories come back to her and learning how to harness the power her shadows give her. I was into this book from page 1 and didn’t ever want to put it down.. I even feel asleep a couple times reading it because I was pushing myself to stay up 😅. I love the multiple POVS too!
Ugh loved it!!! I've been waiting on book 2 forever it seems!! We picked up right where we left off and boy did Sar deliver. This is a slow burn book which usually isn't my jam but sara just knows how to write!! I live Serena over all and lived that we got all the mmc's poverty too, it's fun being in their minds sometimes! And the cliffy!! Ugh I need more and now going to be waiting impatiently for book 3
I’m so glad I found this series! I love it. Such a different dynamic in a shifterverse plus the realm element. Loved the cliffhanger ending, can’t wait to see what’s next for Serena and the guys…. Not sure how I’m going to last until the next book.
Sarah had me on the edge of my seat with this one. Finding out more about who she is was a nails biter. Then there is the scene in the dungeon 🔥🔥 ugh this is one cliffhanger that I have imagined the next book starting in so many way.
Absolutely cannot wait to continue with Serena and her boys!
*This does end in a cliffhanger* as it is only part 2 in a 5 part series, so know that going into it! I loved Shaped by Destiny and Discovery was no different! We get to learn a little more about Serena’s past, of which she has no memory. And we get to spend time adventuring with her merry band of hot hunks.
I love that this series is about shifters, but it’s done in such a refreshing and new way. Not only are they mostly atypical animals, but it’s not the whole focus of the book as some are.
If you read book 1 hoping for a few different hookup or epiphany scenarios .. you HAVE to read this one too! And honestly.. the rest after this!
Wow!!! Just WOW!! This series has all of my favorite tropes (why choose, found family, touch her and die, fated mates, past trauma) and the most diverse group of shifters I have ever read. This is book 2 of a 5 book series and does end on a cliffhanger but I promise you it’ll all be worth the wait. Sara is one of the best storytellers I have ever read and always a one click author for me!!!!!!!
Goodness the drama, the tension, the can’t put it down. I’m still torn between which characters are my favorite but I also like how the fmc is underestimated. Absolutely love this series thus far and already chomping at the bit for the next one. Sara has an amazing way of writing keeping you sucked in and only giving you just enough to keep you coming back for more.
I have to admit I liked book one even if it was kind of slow but book 2?!?! Boooooyyyy do things HEAT up! The suspense, the mates, the betrayal, all of it had me devouring this book and I just can’t wait till the next book❤️ is it ready yet??🤣
This book kept me on my toes! I loved how the story comes full circle eh kinda lol from book 1. I love the thought of so many beautiful shifters in 1 pack and how they fight for what's theirs!
Sara did it again with this amazing book 2! I love how Serena the fmc shows she is underestimating everything and questions everything but slowly and I mean very slowly you start seeing her growth and how she is becoming confident in her choices! One thing that never fails is her determination to protect and love those around her! I loved reading about her past and seeing the memories as they came! The mmcs are absolutely more swoon worthy than before. Each the men bring a different element and beast to the slowly building harem of mates. I loved the introduction of new characters especially Ryker and I'm hoping to see so much more of him in book 3! Oh and poor Lyle and the cliffhanger! Oh that cliffhanger left me in a book slump needing more of this series! If you love magic, fated mates, rh, good and evil, found family and a slow burn 🔥 this is a must read!
Things get both better and worse for Serena and her men, with mate bonds forming, new realms to explore, a possible new mate and a totally insane bad guy! This is a brilliant book with great characters, huge emotions and a fantastic story. Plus an ending that literally had me screaming and throwing my kindle down on the sofa. I need the next book now!
This is a fast paced read that had me hooked with the series. This is an amazing read and can’t wait for the next book. Wow that cliffhanger is crazy and I wasn’t expecting that ending. Super excited that this is a 5 part series.
...was just wrong in all the right kind of ways. Omg. I loved this story so much. Making us wait for the third book is tandemount to reader abuse (is that a thing? If not, it should be).