Gefährtenbranding (Runenwolf)

Rune Wolf #1

by Aimee Easterling

Infiltrate a rotten pack? Easy until I fall for the alpha.

I'm Elspeth, the petite werewolf enforcer no one sees coming. My mission: shut down a dangerous pack steeped in dark blood magic, a pack that just happens to be led by the alpha who surprised me yesterday with an out-of-the-blue offer to mate.

Accepting Orion's offer is the only way in, and I figure a mate bond can be broken as easily as it's created. This mate bond, however, immediately spirals out of control. Mysterious tattoos pop up on both of our arms, awakening lethal new powers within me and threatening to destroy everything I once believed in.

Because Orion's pack isn't rotten, and Orion is no criminal. He's my fated mate. Now the corrupt Council I once served hunts both of us while we race to unlock the mate bond's powers. Will embracing our connection be our salvation, or will it hasten the bloody end for my pack and my mate?

Don't miss this first book in a new romantic urban fantasy series by the USA Today bestselling author who has been described as a “good choice for Patricia Briggs fans.”

Genres: Paranormal, Audiobook, Urban Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Fantasy, Magic, Amazon

266 pages, Paperback

First published February 6, 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

[Cheyanne Folman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely gonna need to get the 2nd and 3rd audiobooks. So good !

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author. I enjoyed the writing, but I thought the FMC was kind of TSTL most of the time. I was pretty frustrated at her actions for most of the book and I anticipated the ending making me really angry, but then it kind of turned around. I haven't decided if I'll continue the series yet.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good quick Read

This book went faster than expected. But it was a good book and I enjoyed the read. The main character annoyed me of how she questioned everyone but the people that she needed to question and I found it a little bit unreal at times, but in general, the book was good.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading this author for quite some time, and I think this is my favorite of her series so far. Orion and Elspeth are everything I could have hoped for when I read the prequel story. Orion is just such a steady person, and I loved how they quickly were drawn to each other. I was blown away with the ending, and now I want to find out what exactly is going on with…well, I’ll leave you to find out what I’m taking about. Well-written, fun, action-filled series starter. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[2TNWalkers · Rating 1 out of 5]

FMC was TSTL, never questioned anything was the perfectly groomed weapon against her own people, MMC did not educate her on being a wolf, let her run around ignorant..let humans tell her about being a wolf…will not buy next if it was KU I would at least read it.

[Taaibah · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a read!!!

Wow, what a read….
The only reasons I put this book down was because my iPad died, I was babysitting my 4yr old granddaughter and it was my hubby’s birthday…. If not for the latter two I would have just kept on reading while charging….
What a read, what a heartbreaking journey and what an ending!!!
As always Aimee captured interest and mystery from the beginning right to the end…. I don’t think her books are capable of disappointing….
And this book definitely does not disappoint in anyway….
A truly great read… cannot wait for the next book….

[꧁ Brutally Honest ꧂]

Can I get 1 non-paid review lol but I suppose that tells me all I need to know. Skip!

[Alejandra Guerrero · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was too much and nothing at the same time. I freaking hated Orion's continued refusal of any explanations whatsoever. Elspeth knows nothing about being in a pack, or being mated, and instead of explaining and therefore strengthening her and their bond, he chooses to ignore her questions and then get mad at her for not knowing. Or just telling her something and assuming she knew. Elspeth wasn't any better, she never questions anything or anyone, and when she asks a question and Orion doesn't answer or deflects, she just keeps going as if the answers are not important. But c'mon, if a magical tattoo nobody told me about suddenly appears on me, I'm not going anywhere until someone explains it to my satisfaction. But not Elspeth. As a result, worldbuilding is absolutely unsatisfying because all the unique elements in the story are just introduced and the reader is just told that "they just are", and we're kinda expected to know what all of it means, just like everyone expects Elspeth to just know. And it's like that all the time, Elspeth never asks the questions that need asking, so the reader never gets any answers. Worse,when she's proven someone has been lying to her, she still doesn't think of questioning everything that character had previously told her. It made her TSTL sometimes and a doormat most of the time.
At least there wasn't an annoying teenager whose only role was to cause trouble so the plot could move along. Still, I'm not going to continue with this series. I got as far as I did (70%) because it seemed originally that the "romance"was going to have a closure, but nope, based on the blurb from the next book. So I'm calling it quits.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! If you read, or listened to, "Paws and Claus," you will recognize Orien, Maya, and their pack. You will also remember the disappearance of Prince, alpha of a nearby pack. Now meet Elspeth. Elspeth works for the Council. Her job is to infiltrate a pack where blood magic is being performed and quickly, and efficiently, remove the Alpha performing said magic. She also evaluates whether the rot has spread any further than the alpha and calls in assistance if that is the case. But is what she thinks she is doing really what she is doing?

Out on a solitary run in the desert, Elspeth meets a male wolf and strange things happen when they touch. Orien tells her that they are mates, but Elspeth was raised by, and with, humans. She doesn't really know about fated mates, and she's not sure she wants to. When her next assignment turns out to be Orien and his pack, she decides to investigate the Blood Magic accusation before acting. What she finds, shocks her. How many people are lying to her? Her mentor? Her adopted father? The whole council?

This one ends on a cliffhanger and, as usual, with things unresolved between the H and the h. Stay tuned. Sigh. I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


A fierce start to a fresh new shifter series.


Matebranded kicks off Aimee Easterling’s latest series with action, attitude, and a heroine who refuses to be tamed. This is classic Easterling—full of pack dynamics, personal grit, and just enough danger to keep the pages flying.


As the series opener, this book does a great job laying the groundwork for a compelling world. The main character is independent to her core, and I appreciated her refusal to just fall in line with the usual mate-mark tropes. She’s sharp, resourceful, and constantly challenging the rules—and I loved her for it.


The shifter lore feels both familiar and fresh, and the romantic thread simmers beneath the surface rather than taking over. It’s more of a slow burn, with plenty of tension and mistrust to unravel in future books. A few pacing hiccups here and there, but nothing that pulled me out of the story for long.


If you’re a fan of strong heroines, layered pack politics, and slow-burn shifter romance, Matebranded is a solid first bite. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where the series goes next.

[Jennifer G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elspeth, a petite werewolf enforcer was raised by humans and now helps police the werewolf community. She's undercover to stop a pack using dark blood magic. The mission goes sideways when the Pack's Alpha turns out to be her mate. Add in some magical tattoos, an attack by a neighboring Pack, and the fact Elspeth can find no evidence of blood magic, and it appears she may have been led astray. When it looks like the Council she works for is corrupt, Elspeth knows she has to find out what's really going on. She needs to try to undo some of the damage she's responsible for after blindly following orders. Now, the council is after her.

I like the basic idea of the story but it was disjointed. I felt like I was missing pieces with the fast pace and lack of detail. Elspeth's ignorance of werewolf-kind was detrimental to the story since no one would give her any information and Orion and Elspeth never connected. The lack of development hurt this story. The reader has to have an idea of what is going on and they have to care.

[Sheryl Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The setup for this series is well done, with tidbits that flesh out the world and the story coming at regular intervals. There is, of course, the romance, and the self-discovery, disillusionment, revelation and rebirth that carries us along. There is action and suspense, some intrigue, and the wolf shifter aspect. So, it is quite a well rounded world and scenario.

I like that this first book does a full story arc, yet leaves enough breadcrumbs for us to want to continue the series to see what happens next. The characters are set up a bit differently than I am used to, with the badass male being a nice guy, while one alpha's mate does not seem to believe in kindness.

Then there is the whole mate branded part that takes on a life of its own. It is clouded in mystery and somehow demands respect and awe from everyone but the one wearing it. She is clueless and no one will tell her what's going on. There is where the real story is.

[Deb Barringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matebranded, by Aimee Easterling, is everything I expected and so much more! This book will keep you glued to the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Filled to the brim with werewolves, humans, adventure, magic, danger, kidnappings, drama, subterfuge and matebranded romance, this storyline is fast-paced and very well written, and so full of twists and turns it will make your head spin. I absolutely love how the author always manages to include a different take on the standard werewolf lore. This time she introduces the concept of the matebrand, which took standard mating to a whole different level. The characters were well developed and engaging. Elspeth and Orion's relationship is definitely a complicated one. I look forward to book 2 in this series to see where it goes. Overall, Matebranded is a very enjoyable read and I highly recommend it!

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have said this before, but I am not usually a fan of shifter stories. This one, however trapped me and kept me focused during the entire story. The characters are believable, interesting, and become beloved, quickly. The plot is easily followed, and the premise changes from scene to scene. First off, the main character is sent to isolate and capture an Alpha, accused of blood magic, then a mate-branding occurs that tells her a different story. To make matters worse, she finds most of the wolves she had captured and turned over to the Council, imprisoned and being experimented with on an oil rig. This is when the excrement slams against the fans. Chaos ensues and she finds out her "Father" was only a father to her when she did as asked. The final blow ends the story. It is well worth your time and effort to read the story.

[Brie Fogle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I think this book had such potential to be great, but I think the lack of development really hurt the set up and execution of this story. We are rushed right into the middle of an operation, which can be a blast and offer good pacing, but we never get to build the story, stakes, & characters. What’s this blood magic? How’s this council work? What shaped our FMCs life? Why won’t anyone answer anything????

The writing was quite good and easy to read, so it’s a shame there wasn’t more. The romance is interesting, but I dong feel invested in Orion. Boy, your mate is running around being dumb, you gonna say little to nothing??

Anywho, if this was on KU I’d def read to find out what is going on, but I’m undecided if I’ll continue since I’d have to purchase the book. TBD

[Tash · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 sad stars

I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't. Elspeth, the heroine git in my last nerve. She was doing things that didn't make sense to me. Even while she was on these "so-called" missions, I could see it wasn't right. How could she not? Then there's Orion, her mate-branded. He was a total stranger to her and yet, he not just mated with Elspeth but matebranded with her (that's supposed to be more sacred and more connected, I'm guessing)

The storyline was all over the place and I couldn't keep up. Okay, I was able to remember some of the characters, but for the most part, it was just poorly put together, in my opinion.

At first, I was going to grab all the books in this series but after this read, I'm glad I didn't. I won't be picking up the next one.

[Jane Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting

Would have given 5 stars if the writer had actually had solved or answered the overall mysteries. I really hate that I have to keep reading to find out the resolutions. Leaving a story with half the questions unresolved, never mind added to, has made it problematic if I would bother reading anymore novels by this author. I read to enjoy the stories by trying to make me bu more is a recipe for failure. I no longer read Terry Brooks, once a favourite author, when he started doing the same thing in his later books. So no matter what, I can only show my displeasure by refusing to buy any more. Good luck with your work.😪

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I enjoyed this story a lot. From the opening paragraphs until the very end, i was riveted. I liked Elspeth and Orion, their instant attraction, and their determination to do the right thing, whatever the sacrifice required to meet their individual goals. I appreciated the magic and its properties. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I was entertained by Heather Daniel's narration, and her performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

[Michelle Brenner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a free audiobook on Chirp, or I probably wouldn't have read it. It was decent, but TBH I wasn't that invested in either character. Neither the characters or their romantic relationship were very well developed, and it was a bit difficult to follow all the mate/matebranded stuff in the plot (partly because it was an audiobook and I was probably distracted a bit). The writing was good and the narrator was good, I wouldn't be opposed to reading another by the author but there are other shifter books I've enjoyed more.

[Celeste Jean Ralston · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Wows ~ my first Aimee book. I really enjoyed it. Mystery, love & trouble.

Tissues Needed: Wow what more than you can ask for. As the story unfolds you will never figure out what is going to happen next. I cried in several scenes and discovered I was not breathing. I am a very emotional reader. I tell myself it’s not real but it doesn’t do any good. Please give this series a go.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hard to follow along

I think this is the first book I've ever read from this author. The storyline was a good one but the author's writing style was really hard to follow along. It definitely is a slow-burning relationship with the MMC and the FMC.
Although only just over 200 pages, it took me a while to read the book. I kept losing interest and had to try hard to get to the end. I'm not sure about continuing the series.

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy books by Aimee Easterling.

This is book 1, following the prequel where we met the pack including the Alpha, Orion.

Now we meet Elspeth sent to investigate the Alpha for the use of blood magic. When she becomes mate-bonded to Orion she discovers more than she expected.

I got an ARC and am happy to review.

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wolf shifter becomes an operative for an organization she believes is taking out people for using blood magic. Instrumental in taking alphas from packs and the capture of a whole wolf pack she meets another alpha and is mate branded but she doesn't know what it means. She also has to deal with feelings that she hasn't dealt with before. She discovers things aren't always what they seem.

[Carolina Firefly · Rating 3 out of 5]

No spice, YA-appropriate shifter fantasy. This is a plot-driven book, rather than a character-driven one, and it suffers for it. Most of the characters’ motivations are unknown, making the plot feel like it happens to the characters rather than that they are protagonists with agency. Still gonna read the next one.

[Paige Grover · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this story boring at some point of the story. I loved the cover and was really intrigued on what this story would entail but didn’t find the growth of the mc realistic. It took a while for her to actually grow at all through the whole book.

I’m not sure if I’ll read the rest of the series.

[Jojo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going in blind

I had no to low expectations starting this book. Was not only pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it, but I was halfway through before I realized for a romance book (website where I got in from) there was no real romance in it, and it didn't need it.
Excited to start the next book.

[Amy and Rae Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Amy) there’s a lot of twists and turns in this one as Elspeth figures out who and where her loyalties lie- what does she actually know, and what has been lies fed to her? This one will send you through a range of motions from excitement, humour, betrayal, anticipation, lust and desire to sheer frustration with the miscommunication. It’s part of a series and ends on a cliffy :)

[Khaleah Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book but I’m confused on why her sister is still upset with her..

It’s as if she wanted Elsepeth to put her over all the wolves she was fighting to save including her blood aunt who literally had a gun pressed to her head while the conversation was going on..

and that just doesn’t sit right with me.. especially Elsepeth beating herself up over it

[Frances Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual.

A dark but fascinating story about werewolves. In this world werewolves are hated but are far more powerful than even they realise. It doesn’t make you feel good to be human, I have to say. But it’s good. So good that I just had to preorder the next book!

[ElCee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. Good start but not a lot of character building. This felt like it is one big setup for the next book as soon as the first ended with a cliffhanger.
I thjnk there could have been some more explanations or details about the matebrand, her relationship to her family, the council, etc.