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The Ancients #1
Shadows of the Ancients
Have you ever been so stubborn that you failed at something?
Yeah? Me too!
I hail from an ancient line of werewolves, so you’d think being me would be easy. If only two very important things were not standing in my way.
ONE:
Zach Brighton - my betrothed.
TWO:
My wolf was very different!
Everyone said I should be happy he still wanted me. I was not.
Then, I met someone else, a mystery man who changed everything, but held secrets of his own that threatened his ability to claim me.
Maybe I wasn’t meant to be claimed.
Maybe I was broken.
Or Maybe, I was just waiting for my new life to catch up.
This is book ONE of The Ancients Series. This paranormal romantic suspense story MUST be read in order. The main character's story concludes in book 4, but all four of those books are already available!
1 - Shadows of the Ancients
2 - Falling into the White
3 - Branches of the Willow
4 - Bound by the Moon
*Note: This book was originally released on Mar. 28, 2014. It has been updated, given a new cover, and is listed as a 2nd edition (due to significant changes). If you previously downloaded this book, you should be able to update it and it will require no further purchase.
Yeah? Me too!
I hail from an ancient line of werewolves, so you’d think being me would be easy. If only two very important things were not standing in my way.
ONE:
Zach Brighton - my betrothed.
TWO:
My wolf was very different!
Everyone said I should be happy he still wanted me. I was not.
Then, I met someone else, a mystery man who changed everything, but held secrets of his own that threatened his ability to claim me.
Maybe I wasn’t meant to be claimed.
Maybe I was broken.
Or Maybe, I was just waiting for my new life to catch up.
This is book ONE of The Ancients Series. This paranormal romantic suspense story MUST be read in order. The main character's story concludes in book 4, but all four of those books are already available!
1 - Shadows of the Ancients
2 - Falling into the White
3 - Branches of the Willow
4 - Bound by the Moon
*Note: This book was originally released on Mar. 28, 2014. It has been updated, given a new cover, and is listed as a 2nd edition (due to significant changes). If you previously downloaded this book, you should be able to update it and it will require no further purchase.
345 pages, Paperback
First published March 27, 2014
128 people are currently reading
1338 people want to read
About the author
Christine M. Butler
52 books433 followersChristine M. Butler writes under several pen names. The Christine M. Butler name is being retired in 2023 and all books will be shifted to publication under Christine Michelle and/or Anne Storm.
If you want to learn more about Christine, her books, or her crazy adventures into the wilderness, you can find out more through the following links:
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If you want to learn more about Christine, her books, or her crazy adventures into the wilderness, you can find out more through the following links:
Universal links to everything
(social media, book links, and more)
https://linktr.ee/christinemichelle
WEBSITE & Newsletter signup:
https://www.moonlitdreams.org
Facebook:
Friend or follow my personal page here:
https://www.facebook.com/M00nlitDreams
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
August 23, 2015
This book sets up a love triangle in the last 15 pages. I liked the heroine, but no one else. Both Jess' parents try to force her into a bond with a guy she hates. Once a stronger werewolf shows up, they're happy to kick Zach to the curb and give her to the new guy. It turns out they knew that Zach was trying to force himself on her, but they didn't care. One of the annoying things about this book is that it lets them off the hook for this. Suddenly, they're loving parents now the new guy has shown up.
The new, strong werewolf, Evan, has an asshat brother, Mikael. Mikael casually mortally wounds Jess' best friend for daring to verbally defend Jess and won't let Jess help her. Ashley is saved from bleeding out at the last minute, but nearly dies again while turning into a wolf. At the end of the book Ashley defends Mikael and says "I can't be mad at him for it either. Look what it's gotten me. I will be able to spend multiple lifetimes with my best friend, and I found my soul mate, my bonded half." Jeez, what happened after he tried to murder Ashley does not in any way change the fact that what he did was appalling. Just because it all came out in the wash doesn't make him a good guy.
It turns out that Mikael is the third leg of the love triangle. From what I read in the reviews of the next book, he undergoes a personality transplant.
The new, strong werewolf, Evan, has an asshat brother, Mikael. Mikael casually mortally wounds Jess' best friend for daring to verbally defend Jess and won't let Jess help her. Ashley is saved from bleeding out at the last minute, but nearly dies again while turning into a wolf. At the end of the book Ashley defends Mikael and says "I can't be mad at him for it either. Look what it's gotten me. I will be able to spend multiple lifetimes with my best friend, and I found my soul mate, my bonded half." Jeez, what happened after he tried to murder Ashley does not in any way change the fact that what he did was appalling. Just because it all came out in the wash doesn't make him a good guy.
It turns out that Mikael is the third leg of the love triangle. From what I read in the reviews of the next book, he undergoes a personality transplant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2014
This one was a kindle freebie. Honestly, I would have paid good money to read it because it was excellent. About a week ago a made a comment about shifter books creeping me out and this little gem certainly has me eating my words. This book went straight on my favorites list! It's still free on amazon so I suggest EVERYONE go and download it immediately! You will not regret it!
September 13, 2018
I enjoyed the first half of the book but it started to go downhill about halfway through. The drama felt forced and very immature. Felt like I was reading about teenagers. The more I read about the heroine, the less I liked her. The book itself ends on a cliffhanger with the promise of a love triangle that seemingly comes out of nowhere.
March 30, 2014
I love this author! Everything I've read of hers has been amazing! When starting this book, I was thinking, "Oh, another werewolf book... hopefully this won't suck and be the same as so many others"... upon completion "Wait, that was the last page?? What happens next? I need to know more!". The story line was unique, the leading female character was smart and strong, emotionally and physically, and actually stood up for herself. The chemistry between her and her bff was amazing and such a joy to see, I wish I had a bff like Ashley. ** Sigh ** And then there is Evan. And Asi. And yes, even Mikael started to win me over. Three hunks (and no, not all battling for the affection of the main character) that are absolutely swoon-worthy! I loved the banter between all of the characters and could easily feel the love... and in a book where there is a couple of absolutely vile characters as well, that is much needed. :) Twice in two weeks this author has left me anxiously waiting for the next book in a series! Curses!
April 20, 2014
The most important thing you need to learn about Evan is you don't mess with what's his, and that includes his woman, "you dared hit the woman I marked as my mate?" His fury was palpable. He turned to Marcus, and it was the first time I'd ever seen the man scared. "You will pay for this." He's considerate, "we were only a few steps in when Evan reached back and grabbed a hold of my hand, pulling me up beside him. He leaned down and whispered in my ear, "you should be right here by my side, not walking behind me." I really wish the author will do a novella all about Ashley and Asi because I loved those two characters, "the black wold stalked off to the side of the porch and shifted back to the form of a very naked man. I made sure to keep my eyes averted, but Ashley did not. Her wolf was watching Asriel as he entered my house, and she apparently liked what she saw." I can't wait for the next book in the series.
May 20, 2014
LOVED IT! Can't wait to get my hands on sequel!
September 24, 2017
This book was instantly addictive. Yes, a little cheesy & perhaps similar to many other shifter series but hey I like it. Jess is kick-ass. Evan is hot. I knew I like Mikael despite how he was introduced to us & I have doubts about Evan so I'm thinking cue angsty love triangle... I love that shit.
March 12, 2015
OK so this was my second time reading the first book in the series (yes it's that good) Almost beating out my love for Mercy Thompson series. (that alone say a lot if you knew me. As independent books go defiantly gets the #1 spot!I was weary of Even when he first showed his face but the next scene had me hooked on him, (gotta love a man who wont let anyone hurt their mate). I love Ash and Jess's closeness, it reminds me of my lil sis. I'm gotta keep this quick so I can read the next installment to see what Mikael has up his sleeve. He is gonna need a prayer to win haha. All I want to ad is Please give it a go, you wont regreat it. (^,-)
March 2, 2015
I really enjoyed this one. I liked how although Evan was an alpha he wasn't all about imposing his will on Jess and seemed to be interested in developing a partnership. Also liked how Jess called him on his dickish behavior when he tried to 'protect' her by ignoring her. I thought her concerns about what his behavior meant long term were reasonable. I did find that she spent way to much time talking about how she looked, what she and her friend were wearing and how sexy they were and that was annoying. And I so want Jess to give Evan's dad a smack-down after that ending.
August 6, 2014
Wonderful debut
I really enjoyed Jess.She is a strong character that has had so much knowledge withheld from her. Now all the secrets are coming out. Evan is an interesting character. At first he seems very arrogant but he soon becomes the dream guy. What makes him interesting is he has some flaws and they could become serious. Mikael is intriguing because he has potential to be the deal breaker. The rest of the Ancients are assets! Cannot wait for book 2.
I really enjoyed Jess.She is a strong character that has had so much knowledge withheld from her. Now all the secrets are coming out. Evan is an interesting character. At first he seems very arrogant but he soon becomes the dream guy. What makes him interesting is he has some flaws and they could become serious. Mikael is intriguing because he has potential to be the deal breaker. The rest of the Ancients are assets! Cannot wait for book 2.
May 24, 2014
I NEED TO SEQUEL TO COME OUT NOW!!!! Like OMG HOLY CRAP WTH!!!! This book has way too many twist and turns that will keep the reader focused and intrigued about what will come next. OMG. Can't even process.
December 4, 2018
Evan is hot as hell, then again every important character seems to be ravishing in one way or another. This was drilled into my head every second of the novel with dripping wet scenes, dancing in skimpy outfits scenes, going about in pajamas scenes... And so on. I never thought I would say no to werewolf hotness. But this author managed to make it happen. The descriptions and dialogues were so lacking in emotion and so repetitive that it became unbearable and boring.
The writing style was choppy, didn't flow at all and most dialogues felt stiff and unrealistic. Never mind the fact that the "romance" took place in 48 hrs, their reactions to it were far fetched and made no sense... I'm not even criticizing the instant-mate struck by Cupid's arrow kind of moment, that is fine by me if made the right way. There are tons of romance stories were there was this instant connection and super arousal but the characters made it believable. This does not happen with any of the couples in this story. Second tier characters get paired up and married in less than 24 hrs and then have this married forever depiction of their relationships that sets my teeth on edge.
Oh! It also has serious grammatical problems, like using they're instead of their and the wrong pronoun for a persona. Could have really benefited from an editor or a beta reader.
Will not be continuing with the series, and possibly with the author.
Update> Read the second novel, just in case some of the issues resolved... But it was pretty much the same. The plot twist of changing the main pairing, if we can call it that since it is actually the whole plot of the novel, felt so unrealistic and obvious that I kept waiting for something else to happen. In case you were wondering, it did not. /sigh/
The writing style was choppy, didn't flow at all and most dialogues felt stiff and unrealistic. Never mind the fact that the "romance" took place in 48 hrs, their reactions to it were far fetched and made no sense... I'm not even criticizing the instant-mate struck by Cupid's arrow kind of moment, that is fine by me if made the right way. There are tons of romance stories were there was this instant connection and super arousal but the characters made it believable. This does not happen with any of the couples in this story. Second tier characters get paired up and married in less than 24 hrs and then have this married forever depiction of their relationships that sets my teeth on edge.
Oh! It also has serious grammatical problems, like using they're instead of their and the wrong pronoun for a persona. Could have really benefited from an editor or a beta reader.
Will not be continuing with the series, and possibly with the author.
Update> Read the second novel, just in case some of the issues resolved... But it was pretty much the same. The plot twist of changing the main pairing, if we can call it that since it is actually the whole plot of the novel, felt so unrealistic and obvious that I kept waiting for something else to happen. In case you were wondering, it did not. /sigh/
May 15, 2017
Meh. I'm not to sure about this one.
I definitely liked the premise way more than the execution.
The book was a lot of talk, talk, talk. A lot of fake drama and overly long monologues.
Seriously, everybody in this book was way too verbose. Nobody in real life explains things as thoroughly, or tells things as thoroughly as they did here.
It took a lot away from the action, too. A lot of the action were explained in conversation instead of being written out in scenes. It made the whole thing somewhat dull.
And what little action there was, was killed and killed dead, when you afterwards had to read through all the characters reiterating to each other what had happened.
I was torn between giving this two or three stars, because I honestly didn't like it very much.
I'm going to give book 2 a chance, but I'll probably end up DNF'ing it if the writing style doesn't change drastically.
I definitely liked the premise way more than the execution.
The book was a lot of talk, talk, talk. A lot of fake drama and overly long monologues.
Seriously, everybody in this book was way too verbose. Nobody in real life explains things as thoroughly, or tells things as thoroughly as they did here.
It took a lot away from the action, too. A lot of the action were explained in conversation instead of being written out in scenes. It made the whole thing somewhat dull.
And what little action there was, was killed and killed dead, when you afterwards had to read through all the characters reiterating to each other what had happened.
I was torn between giving this two or three stars, because I honestly didn't like it very much.
I'm going to give book 2 a chance, but I'll probably end up DNF'ing it if the writing style doesn't change drastically.
October 9, 2021
The emotional breakdown from Jess, the insecurity, wow, that was childish. I mean, I get that, and to be honest, I did feel for her; I might have shed a tear or two. But that was because of the writer's vivid description 😜!
Anyway, I loved the storylines. I admired the beautiful relationship between Jess and Ashley, and it made me want to be in their circle too! However, as for Evan, I couldn't connect with him. He's a mysterious guy, and if he's the mate of our heroine, I hope to read more about him in the next book.
Anyway, I loved the storylines. I admired the beautiful relationship between Jess and Ashley, and it made me want to be in their circle too! However, as for Evan, I couldn't connect with him. He's a mysterious guy, and if he's the mate of our heroine, I hope to read more about him in the next book.
May 23, 2018
I enjoyed the plot of this story but it definitely could have benefited from an editor or at the very least a proofreader. It kept me interested enough to finish it and buy the next one. There were a few places where I wish the author would have done things a little different or built suspense a little more for relationships and plot devices to be believable. I felt like the characters were much younger than they were and told the reader everything through their dialogue.
July 14, 2018
I loved this story and the writing was amazing.
Jessi got me hooked right from the start with her no bullshit attitude.
Because I´m not very fond of love triangles the end was a little bit shocking. I´m not entirely sure if I like it or not. But I can´t wait to read the next book and see how this plays out.
Jessi got me hooked right from the start with her no bullshit attitude.
Because I´m not very fond of love triangles the end was a little bit shocking. I´m not entirely sure if I like it or not. But I can´t wait to read the next book and see how this plays out.
September 4, 2017
Great beginning to the series! Can't wait to read more!
August 30, 2018
Awesome werewolves meet humans world
I enjoyed the wild shifters and how they have a community and hierarchy all their own. Family and friends matter, so keep them close!
I enjoyed the wild shifters and how they have a community and hierarchy all their own. Family and friends matter, so keep them close!
June 19, 2020
5 stars
Definitely need to buy the rest of the series. Love the new adult feel. Quickly becoming a favorite of !ine. One of my top authors
Definitely need to buy the rest of the series. Love the new adult feel. Quickly becoming a favorite of !ine. One of my top authors
July 22, 2020
I loved the book until the end
I loved the characters how Evan and Jessica drew me in. I thought it was a good story but I did dislike the end.
I loved the characters how Evan and Jessica drew me in. I thought it was a good story but I did dislike the end.
January 19, 2021
Very sassy. Loved it!
February 5, 2022
You spend half the book soaking up the cliched but not bad romance, only to have a love triangle forced onto the mc.
Besides that little bit of irritation, the book itself was fine, nothing special though.
Besides that little bit of irritation, the book itself was fine, nothing special though.
June 5, 2015
I have had this novel on my Kindle for a while now and the other day I decided to see what it was about. I would say that I was impressed with the idea of the story since, despite it being one of many werewolf books, it differs from the others. The author brought her own twist into the mix and it turned out well. However, I was disappointed in other aspects of the novel.
The Goodies
So to begin with the good stuff, I will say that I did enjoy the characters. In some areas they were lacking, but overall I really did enjoy reading about them. I am thanking all that is holy that the author made Jessica (our main character) not only smart, but a pretty decent bad ass. Finally, a book with a girl who knows how to take care of herself without too much help from her boy toy! Such a rare find these days. Speaking of boy toys, who could complain about our Evan? I will just leave it at that.
The story line is another things that was good. It was creative and well thought out with a couple twists here and there to keep the reader from guessing what exactly is going to happen. Christine Butler did well when she planned this book out and I am quite glad to have sat down and read it!
What Could Have Been Better
Sadly, I must say this book was not entirely perfect and one of the things that took away from the experience was the various grammar and spelling mistakes. I could not believe how many there were! In one sentence, the author wrote, "..it blue her mind.." Really? I mean, I understand it was a freebie which means it probably was not looked over as well as other books are, but still.
Something else that I noticed about the novel was the repetition of certain phrases. For example, I cannot count on my fingers the number of times I read "..the fact that.." in this novel. I understand that could be a phrase the main character uses, but it got to me a little. There was even a moment where it was used twice in one sentence!
In the End
Overall, I did enjoy reading this novel and the plot kept me turning the pages all night (I may or may not have finished this book in one day *cough cough*). I would even read it again! I loved the characters and enjoyed reading about them. I only took away a couple of stars because I could not get past all of the grammar and spelling issues I noticed and the repetition. Other than that, the writing was on point. Would I recommend this book? I probably will. Will I look into the sequel? Pretty darn likely!
The Goodies
So to begin with the good stuff, I will say that I did enjoy the characters. In some areas they were lacking, but overall I really did enjoy reading about them. I am thanking all that is holy that the author made Jessica (our main character) not only smart, but a pretty decent bad ass. Finally, a book with a girl who knows how to take care of herself without too much help from her boy toy! Such a rare find these days. Speaking of boy toys, who could complain about our Evan? I will just leave it at that.
The story line is another things that was good. It was creative and well thought out with a couple twists here and there to keep the reader from guessing what exactly is going to happen. Christine Butler did well when she planned this book out and I am quite glad to have sat down and read it!
What Could Have Been Better
Sadly, I must say this book was not entirely perfect and one of the things that took away from the experience was the various grammar and spelling mistakes. I could not believe how many there were! In one sentence, the author wrote, "..it blue her mind.." Really? I mean, I understand it was a freebie which means it probably was not looked over as well as other books are, but still.
Something else that I noticed about the novel was the repetition of certain phrases. For example, I cannot count on my fingers the number of times I read "..the fact that.." in this novel. I understand that could be a phrase the main character uses, but it got to me a little. There was even a moment where it was used twice in one sentence!
In the End
Overall, I did enjoy reading this novel and the plot kept me turning the pages all night (I may or may not have finished this book in one day *cough cough*). I would even read it again! I loved the characters and enjoyed reading about them. I only took away a couple of stars because I could not get past all of the grammar and spelling issues I noticed and the repetition. Other than that, the writing was on point. Would I recommend this book? I probably will. Will I look into the sequel? Pretty darn likely!
June 28, 2015
I haven't read anything from this author before so didn't know what to expect but I loved it. so much so that I immediately downloaded the rest as soon as I finished it.
Jess is a werewolf who has been paired to the Alpha's nephew, a decision she is most unhappy about. To forget about her troubles for a while she goes out with her best friend Ashley to a local club to drown her sorrows. Unusually for werewolves, Ashley is human and many in Jess' pack frown upon their friendship but Jess can be quite sassy and she doesn't let their disdain dictate her friendships.
Shortly after they arrive at the club, Jess becomes aware of a couple of unknown werewolves and she immediately becomes drawn to one of them. During the evening, the unknown werewolf marks Jess with his scent and that starts a whole catalyst of events that Jess wasn't prepared for. Long story short, the unknown werewolf eventually introduces himself as Evan and even more shocking is the fact that he's an Ancient.... the werewolf equivalent of royalty!
the first book in the series is full of surprises, action and suspense and ends on a cliffhanger! There are characters you'll want to hate, characters you'll want to slap the stupid out of and characters you'll love. I really hope the rest of the series has the same entertainment factor.
Jess is a werewolf who has been paired to the Alpha's nephew, a decision she is most unhappy about. To forget about her troubles for a while she goes out with her best friend Ashley to a local club to drown her sorrows. Unusually for werewolves, Ashley is human and many in Jess' pack frown upon their friendship but Jess can be quite sassy and she doesn't let their disdain dictate her friendships.
Shortly after they arrive at the club, Jess becomes aware of a couple of unknown werewolves and she immediately becomes drawn to one of them. During the evening, the unknown werewolf marks Jess with his scent and that starts a whole catalyst of events that Jess wasn't prepared for. Long story short, the unknown werewolf eventually introduces himself as Evan and even more shocking is the fact that he's an Ancient.... the werewolf equivalent of royalty!
the first book in the series is full of surprises, action and suspense and ends on a cliffhanger! There are characters you'll want to hate, characters you'll want to slap the stupid out of and characters you'll love. I really hope the rest of the series has the same entertainment factor.
October 21, 2014
Initial reaction
Hmm, a book about werewolves and hot guys...lemme see-
Review
The story was a nice treat. I thought the storyline was interesting. Usually, it would be something with a human and a werewolf, and they are in love, yada yada, but in this case, being a 'Lesser' (not from a pure bloodline; turned to a were or mated with human) meant you couldn't imagine of standing on the same ground as an 'Ancient' (pure bloodline). It's a plot that I've seen before, but upon reading it, it had surprised me a few times (which I also liked).
What I found that bothered me was how the characters' reactions were very ... unrealistic. There was a particular scene where the protagonist, Jessica, was angry at Evan.
Tbh, I didn't think he was trying to 'push her away'. All he did was text her that he heard that she was upset. She just blew up at him...
I felt bad for the guy...
I still like Jessica, though. Her strong character makes her more independent and less of a 'damsel-in-distress' protagonist.
I give this a 4.5 stars!
Final reaction
[image error]
Playlist
-Animal by Maroon 5
-Stay by Artist vs Poet (cuddling scene)
Hmm, a book about werewolves and hot guys...lemme see-
Review
The story was a nice treat. I thought the storyline was interesting. Usually, it would be something with a human and a werewolf, and they are in love, yada yada, but in this case, being a 'Lesser' (not from a pure bloodline; turned to a were or mated with human) meant you couldn't imagine of standing on the same ground as an 'Ancient' (pure bloodline). It's a plot that I've seen before, but upon reading it, it had surprised me a few times (which I also liked).
What I found that bothered me was how the characters' reactions were very ... unrealistic. There was a particular scene where the protagonist, Jessica, was angry at Evan.
Tbh, I didn't think he was trying to 'push her away'. All he did was text her that he heard that she was upset. She just blew up at him...
I felt bad for the guy...
I still like Jessica, though. Her strong character makes her more independent and less of a 'damsel-in-distress' protagonist.
I give this a 4.5 stars!
Final reaction
[image error]
Playlist
-Animal by Maroon 5
-Stay by Artist vs Poet (cuddling scene)
February 5, 2015
Shadows of the Ancients
And
Falling into the White
Christine Butler
5 Bookgasums!
Wow! Just finished and can’t stop smiling and have ‘happy’ tears running down my face.
Normally this book would have only gotten a 4 due to a few proof reading problems but the story itself just really deserves a 5+.
The coming of the Great White Wolf ruler who hasn’t been seen in hundreds of years. The writer shows the growth of a girl into the greatest of Alphas, first love found and lost, true soul bonding, and even the evils that people will commit to keep their power and control over all others.
I cannot say enough to praise this book. This is a must, must read book and well worth the money. At the time that I write this book one is free on Amazon Kindle so please give it a try. Shadow of the Ancients. (http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Ancient...)
Book 2 Falling into the White
(http://www.amazon.com/Falling-into-Wh...)
Find Christine on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/M00nlitDream...
And
Falling into the White
Christine Butler
5 Bookgasums!
Wow! Just finished and can’t stop smiling and have ‘happy’ tears running down my face.
Normally this book would have only gotten a 4 due to a few proof reading problems but the story itself just really deserves a 5+.
The coming of the Great White Wolf ruler who hasn’t been seen in hundreds of years. The writer shows the growth of a girl into the greatest of Alphas, first love found and lost, true soul bonding, and even the evils that people will commit to keep their power and control over all others.
I cannot say enough to praise this book. This is a must, must read book and well worth the money. At the time that I write this book one is free on Amazon Kindle so please give it a try. Shadow of the Ancients. (http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Ancient...)
Book 2 Falling into the White
(http://www.amazon.com/Falling-into-Wh...)
Find Christine on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/M00nlitDream...
December 4, 2017
This story has potential, but the author dropped the ball. At times I felt I was reading something written by a high school student. The editing/proofreading was horrendous, way too many errors/misspellings/etc in a published work. The story itself has a split personality, it seems to be intended for Y/A for the most part, but the foul language & sexual encounters speak adult, character personalities all speak angst driven high schoolers as well. The heroine comes across as wishy-washy, one minute she’s super strong the next she’s a wimp who can’t handle anything. If she has the power to beat down Zach back from mind raping her, she needs to consistently use said power with all the encounters with him. & How is she able to avoid obeying her father earlier on when he & the pack leader are stronger than her to a certain point into the story? This werewolf basic background info seems to change conveniently for the author’s use to manipulate the story. There needs to be set rules to the background that don’t fluctuate just to let the author have dramatic moments in the story. This also is for the readers’ benefit, to give continuity to a story. I was so confused at so many points in this story of why things happened when it shouldn’t have been able to.
October 9, 2014
My rating is more of a 2.5 stars. To start off, I'm going to be completely honest and say that I truly cannot stand love triangles. It's my opinion and it does have impact on how much I like a book. For the most part, once a triangle comes into the story I put the book down and don't finish it- and this is not possible for me since even when I find a story lacking or slow I still finish it which goes to show how much I dislike triangles.There have only been very few triangles I can manage to read through or even come close to liking.
That being said, I was a bit hesitant when I first grabbed this book based on its preview, but I figured its clear she hates the one guy so there probably won't be any real triangle. I gave it a chance and actually enjoyed it for the most part until the end. The ending clearly set up a love triangle for the next book and that led my enjoyment of the story to drop significantly. At first, I had considered that since it was forced that maybe it wouldn't be too bad; but as I finished reading and the best friend came and started saying some of these great things about both guys, that was it for me.
That being said, I was a bit hesitant when I first grabbed this book based on its preview, but I figured its clear she hates the one guy so there probably won't be any real triangle. I gave it a chance and actually enjoyed it for the most part until the end. The ending clearly set up a love triangle for the next book and that led my enjoyment of the story to drop significantly. At first, I had considered that since it was forced that maybe it wouldn't be too bad; but as I finished reading and the best friend came and started saying some of these great things about both guys, that was it for me.
February 9, 2015
Though this is the second longest of the four books in this series, Shadows of the Ancients is still a very short, fast, and entertaining read. It goes a little too fast for my tastes at times, but overall I believe that Christine did a great job in fitting an entire plot into less than 300 pages worth of reading material.
Jessica was an enchanting little thing, sassy and sexy and innocent all at once. I especially adored the banter between she and Ashley. I cried, I laughed so hard! With Ash and all the rest of her family, the humor brought me to tears, my stomach aching. And with how they all treated Jess like family, despite her wolfy nature...SO SWEET!
Not that Jess didn't have any family of her own, I just preferred Ash's, they were much friendlier and more at ease with life than were Jess's parents. Though, seriously, with all that happened, who could blame them?
I have finished this book in a mere day and been left wanting more. I cannot wait until I have some free time to eat up the next book in this thrilling series.
Jessica was an enchanting little thing, sassy and sexy and innocent all at once. I especially adored the banter between she and Ashley. I cried, I laughed so hard! With Ash and all the rest of her family, the humor brought me to tears, my stomach aching. And with how they all treated Jess like family, despite her wolfy nature...SO SWEET!
Not that Jess didn't have any family of her own, I just preferred Ash's, they were much friendlier and more at ease with life than were Jess's parents. Though, seriously, with all that happened, who could blame them?
I have finished this book in a mere day and been left wanting more. I cannot wait until I have some free time to eat up the next book in this thrilling series.
April 27, 2016
Jess is a great strong female character, and I absolutely love her best friend Ashley!! Whenever Ashley opens her mouth, or even sends a text to Jess, it is almost 100% guaranteed to make you smile or even laugh out loud! So, not only does the book have that going for it, but it also has some pretty great eye candy, which is always a plus in my book!
Butler does a FANTASTIC job of throwing in surprises and keeping lots of humor in a story filled with looming danger and consequences. Right after I finished this book, I immediately went to the kindle store and bought the second installment. Now be aware I never do this unless I absolutely love a book and just feel compelled and excited to keep reading! I am not kidding around, I am serious, this book was fantastic and had me staying up all night, and buying and starting the second book at three in the morning! I just couldn't help myself!!
Butler does a FANTASTIC job of throwing in surprises and keeping lots of humor in a story filled with looming danger and consequences. Right after I finished this book, I immediately went to the kindle store and bought the second installment. Now be aware I never do this unless I absolutely love a book and just feel compelled and excited to keep reading! I am not kidding around, I am serious, this book was fantastic and had me staying up all night, and buying and starting the second book at three in the morning! I just couldn't help myself!!
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