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A Whisper in the Wild

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A prophecy emerges from the ashes of war. Stubborn and downhearted, an unlikely child is suspected of possessing the royal spirit of the jaguar. In this coming-of-age story, Katariya embarks on an uncertain journey to discover her animal spirit and search for her brother, who was banished many moons ago.

Travel into the dense jungles of Tolego, across the vast plains, and through the scorching deserts of Sandstone. Explore the Kingdom of Animalia and unravel the secrets lurking in the wild winds.

This is a story for readers who love fast-paced high fantasy, animals, and otherworldly kingdoms.

391 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2024

3 people are currently reading
19 people want to read

About the author

Allysa Salena

2 books3 followers
Author Allysa Salena is a biracial writer from middle-of-nowhere, Pennsylvania. As a child, she faced challenges with a stutter and delayed reading abilities. With hard work and the support of her parents and a speech pathologist, she overcame these obstacles. This unconditional love and support led her to develop a deep-rooted love for reading and writing. In 2018, she graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in English.

Beyond her writing pursuits, Salena's interests include daydreaming about unique and diverse worlds, roller skating, playing video games, and watching animal documentaries.

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5 stars
10 (76%)
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2 (15%)
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1 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Samantha.
97 reviews10 followers
May 17, 2024
Go Read This Book!!!!!

This book exceeded every expectation I had for it. I was in a book hangover and this book had me in the first chapter. I below through this book. Kat is an amazing FMC who I was able to relate to and feel for. This book gives Black Panter meets The Lion King vibes in all the best ways.

The different tribes in this book and how the enter act is so interesting, mixed with prophecy, self-discovery, coming of age, and found family what's not to love. This book boosts a diverse cast of characters which is a breath of fresh air needed.

In this book the tribes in Tulamund are separated out by their Animalia shifter identity's. The Kingdom is run by the jaguars where the jaguar Prince Zahir is promised to the Antelope tribes leaders' daughter Katariya who through a prophecy is supposed to be given the gift of jaguar shifter abilities. We are able to move through the story and Kats fight within herself of who she truly is and who she is supposed to be for society.

This book can be read as a standalone but is the first in the series and I cannot wait for the next book.


Profile Image for Alisha 🦋💗.
252 reviews116 followers
October 11, 2024
This book isn’t like any book that I have personally read yet and I had a really good time reading it. I thought the magical system was pretty dope and my girl Katariya DONT PLAY. I loved the dynamic between her and her brother and the way they cared for eachother. There was so much depth to each and every character that I never questioned anything they did because I knew they were doing it for a reason. I just had a good time reading this and it certainly gives Black Panther meets Lion King for sure. I loved the aspect of the different tribes of animals and how they all coincide with eachother. Overall a genuinely good read for something different and fresh!
Profile Image for Carmen.
12 reviews4 followers
June 1, 2024
I went in to this thinking it was just going to be another shifter story, which I do love. It was.....and so much more. The writer built her characters so that you felt you knew them. She built her worlds with depth and detail...you could imagine yourself there. This was not your typical wolf shifter story...this was about the whole animal kingdom. Follow Kat, her family, the prince and a handsome stranger. You will experience love, heartache, happiness, sadness and freedom. Kat is meant to fulfill a prophecy...does she...or does she change the future to be even better than the prophecy foretold? You'll have to read to find out. Can't wait for the next book
Profile Image for Minesha Carter.
6 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2024
The perfect book to get you out of a reading slump. Katariya’s journey will draw you in as you witness not only her strength and determination but also her flaws and fears. The story has a lot of twists and turns that will keep you turning the page. The world building is well done causing you to imagine yourself as part of the world. The diverse cast of characters are easy to fall in love with. Character relationships are a strong point in this novel as you are given not only a bit of romance but strong family bonds as well. If you enjoy a story filled with animals, prophecies, and intriguing characters then this should definitely be your next read.
I received this book as an arc and I leave my honest review.
Profile Image for Alex Orr.
1 review2 followers
November 5, 2024
Absolutely phenomenal read!! A page-turning fantasy that felt like a fresh new twist on a Lion King / Black Panther story. The author created her own magical world of animal shifter tribes and tells this coming-of-age story with so many exciting plot twists! The writing was so colorful and creative, it makes you feel like you’re truly immersed in the Kingdom of Animalia! 5/5 stars!
Profile Image for Jenilee Brown.
56 reviews20 followers
August 10, 2024
A Roaring Debut!

In the realm of high fantasy, a new voice has emerged, and it's a force to be reckoned with. Allysa Salena's “A Whisper in the Wild" is a mesmerizing coming-of-age tale that will captivate fans of the genre and leave them eagerly awaiting more.

Katariya, the MFC, is a complex and relatable heroine whose journey from self-doubt to empowerment is nothing short of inspiring. As she navigates the mystical world of Animalia, Salena masterfully weaves together elements of adventure, magic, and self-discovery, creating a narrative that's both thrilling and heartwarming.

The world-building in "A Whisper in the Wild" is nothing short of phenomenal. The Kingdom of Animalia is richly detailed, with lush landscapes, diverse creatures, and a deep history that adds depth and complexity to the story. Salena's writing is vivid and immersive, making it easy to become lost in the dense jungles, vast plains, and scorching deserts of this fantastical realm.

What sets this novel apart, however, is its thoughtful exploration of themes such as identity, community, and the power of listening to one's inner voice. Katariya's struggles to find her place in the world and understand her connection to the natural world will resonate deeply with readers of all ages.

A Whisper in the Wild is a triumph of high fantasy storytelling, with a strong MFC, a richly detailed world, and a narrative that's both fast-paced and emotionally resonant.

Step into the world of Animalia, where the wild things are, and you’ll never want to leave!
Profile Image for Robin.Bookish.Escape.
286 reviews9 followers
June 27, 2024
Wakanda meets the Lion King, but wayyyyyy more epic and majestic. Coming of age story with characters, that although in a fantastical world, felt so easily relatable. The writing feels like a full immersive experience. If you are a fan of shifters and action adventure, this is for you. This is not your run-of-the-mil shifter story. This diverse cast of animals is unique and unlike any other that I have found.

This story follows Katariya, daughter of the chieftain of the Antelope tribe of Tulamund, as she learns of her possible shifter identity and the prophecy foretold. Promised to Zahir, Prince to the jaguar tribe and leaders of the realm, Kat struggles on her journey of self-discovery and comes to terms with who she is and her place in the world. The relationships that she builds showcase her bravery and strength while allowing her to maintain her humanity and flaws.

This book beautifully and masterfully demonstrates relationships that are strong and worthy, not only romance but that of the found family ties as well. What a great start to what I know will be an absolutely amazing series. I look forward to seeing what is to come from this author. Allysa Salena is now one of my auto-buy authors. Not to mention, she is just an amazing human!!
Profile Image for Brittany Plantz.
4 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2024
This is not a book I would have normally reached for, but it exceeded all of my expectations. The relationships between the characters were so strong and well-built. I felt like I knew them. The love and devotion is this book was such a strong driving force for the whole story. I cannot wait to see where the series goes! Congratulations Allysa!!!! You rocked this!
Profile Image for Emma.
248 reviews8 followers
September 12, 2024
Thank you Allysa for sending me a copy of your book in exchange for an honest review.

Despite I had a bit of a hard time getting into this book but once I grasped it it flowed so well. I liked that it wasn't the typical shifter story and the character development was fantastic!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

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