Paws & Claus

Rune Wolf #0.5

by Aimee Easterling

Old magic. New alpha.

Orion struggles to provide a memorable Solstice celebration while keeping his pack safe from an influx of outsiders. Will surrendering to the old magic of the desert solve his problems or lead his entire pack astray?

Paws & Claus is a prequel short story in the Rune Wolf series, full of holiday magic and lots of werewolves.

Genres: Paranormal, Audiobook, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

35 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 2024

About the author

Aimee Easterling is a USA Today Bestselling author writing on the boundary between urban fantasy and paranormal romance. She specializes in spunky shifters and invites you to dive into her werewolf world in the Wolf Rampant trilogy, the spinoff Bloodling serial, and her new Alpha Underground series.

Studying biology and working as a naturalist have both informed Aimee's writing, but she's quite willing to let reality slide in favor of a good story. When not writing, she loves to read and always keeps books by Robin McKinley, Patricia Briggs, and Elizabeth Peters on her shelf. You can learn more at www.aimeeeasterling.com.

Reviews

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this author, so I was excited about this prequel to another new series. It didn’t take long for me to become engaged in this book, and is true with her other books, and I came to quickly love Orion and Maya, and their pack, even the new ones. I can’t wait to see how the events in this prequel play out in the first book in the series, hopefully, soon, because I want to meet the woman who is going to be right for Orion. LOL! Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Jen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paws and Claus is the prequel for a new series by Aimee Easterling. Orion is the new alpha of his pack and in order to keep everyone safe, he’s moved them to a hidden spot in the desert. Solstice is coming, but the security of the new pack starts to feel questionable with the arrival of Becca and some of her packmates from a neighboring pack. Will they all learn to get along, or at least put aside their differences long enough to allow for a memorable Solstice for the youngest pack members?

I liked Orion and am definitely looking forward to learn more about him, especially the ‘bees’ in his head. His sister Maya, Donovan and Becca are all well written characters that I want to know more about as well. One of the things I really liked about this book was the descriptions the author gave of the desert—it actually started to feel like a character unto itself and I really enjoyed that. This was a nice, cozy holiday story and now I am definitely excited for the first, full length novel in this new series, it can’t come out soon enough!

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orion is the new alpha of his pack. He convinced them to abandon their homes for the safety of the desert. The arrival of an old acquaintance will cause some strife within his pack, but an impulsive decision on his part, and maybe just a little desert magic, will provide him with an opportunity to make Solstice memorable for everyone.
Wow, fantastic characters. They are all well written and compelling. But I found Orion to be particularly fascinating and his struggles to adapt to his new role is absolutely engrossing. I think this is a must-read introduction to Orion and his packmates, and with it being a Christmas story with a happy ending that makes it even better. I recommend this story to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orion is trying to keep his pack safe from the packs that have existed before them. The previous Alpha has died and the neighboring packs want the territory and new members. The pack are having to keep hidden. Despite the problems, it's Solstice Eve and the pups want to celebrate and find presents in the morning.

It's a prequel and so short. I know the later books in the series will be enjoyable - Aimee's books always are.

Yay. I get to be the first review on both Kobo and Goodreads. ARC book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I was entertained by this paranormal short story. I enjoyed the tale as it introduced Orion who just became a new leader to his pack. I liked that the short story showcased Orion's dedication to his pack, his desire to be a great pack-leader, and his uncertainty about living up to his own ideas about his role. I thought Cameron Smith's narration was great, and his performance kept my attention. I was given a copy of the audiobook through Spotify. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

[Deb Barringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paws & Claus, by Aimee Easterling, is a good, entertaining prequel to her Rune Magic series. As a prequel, the story may be short; but it's filled with adventure, danger, magic, rituals/traditions and pack bonding. Unfortunately, it's length doesn't leave much room for character development; however, the main characters are developed as well as can be expected. Overall Paws & Claus is a charming short story, and I recommend reading it before the main series.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, but cute, story about a new alpha who struggles to keep his pack safe while allowing them to celebrate Solstice in a new way. The appearance of outsiders looking for asylum, brings unique problems that almost derail the party before it gets started. This is a prelude story to an upcoming book. I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

I have also listened to the audio version of the story.

[Lorena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story is a delightful prequel to introduce Aimee Easterling’s Rune Wolf series. I’m looking forward to learning more about this ragtag werewolf pack hiding in the Arizona desert and the mysterious magic that affects them.

Orion is trying so hard to be a better, kinder alpha and to keep his pack safe and happy. He and his sister Maya make a great team, and I loved the way they gave their pack such a great solstice celebration despite difficult circumstances. I loved the humor, mystery, excitement, and hint of magic in this holiday story.

The audiobook is a fun way to experience this story. I enjoyed Cameron Smith’s narration, although his pacing is a bit odd at times. His pronunciation is clear, and he has a pleasant voice well suited to the story.

If you enjoy contemporary fantasies and shifter stories, you should give this a try.

I purchased the Kindle version of this book. The author provided me a free advanced listening copy of the audiobook. I am voluntarily posting this honest review.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Introduction

This reviewer struggles with short stories, hence 4 out of 5. This is an author that I have read previously and I received an ARC to review this one.

Strangers, magic and the holidays combine to introduce a new alpha and wolf pack.

As a prologue I want to continue reading the story when book one of the series is available.

[Georgia Tumbleweed McNabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Start to a new Series!

I like very much the way this starts, there is not much ever really written about how things go when there is a change in Alphas. Also what the new Alpha is going through and their thoughts. Wish the next book was already available.

[Maria do Socorro Baptista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Um jovem lutando para se firmar enquanto Macho Alfa de um bando de lobisomens ao mesmo tempo em que quer tratar seus companheiros com respeito, mostrando-se um verdadeiro líder. Uma tarefa difícil, mas que o protagonista encara com firmeza. Um bom início de série.

[RaChelle Holmberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

great!

Received as a gift from the author, on a facebook offer, i now know shes evil cuz i want more! Great characters!

[Illana Halliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely little prequel

Lots of wolfy emotions and dynamics
Nice to revisit the pack, even if a short drop in.
Would be great read before the series.

[Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

quick pre read

A quick introduction to a new series. Wet’s the appetite for more, of this werewolf clan its alpha and beta.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting

I’ve enjoyed other works by this author. This fast paced short story led me to getting the first in a series that I haven’t read yet.

[allemuor · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is power in the sand. I got excited when Prince was mentioned. And once more when Becca made an appearance. I love these short stories, giving me an idea of the protagonist's personality and thought process before he makes an appearance in the main book or series.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mit 'Pfoten zur Bescherung' gibt uns Aimee Easterling einen kleinen Einblick in Orions Pack und seine Art mit dem Rudel umzugehen, in seine Sorgen, Nöte und Schwierigkeiten, aber auch seine Zugewandtheit und seinen Willen, Dinge besser zu machen als das was er selbst von seinem Alpha kennengelernt hat.

Ein schöner Einstieg, der dem Lesenden ein wenig Hintergrund zu Orion und in die Rudeldynamik für die kommenden Bücher gibt.