Chasing Freedom

West Haven

by Nicola S. Dorrington

Chase Finn is being hunted, and if he ever stops running he’s going to end up dead.

It doesn’t matter that he’s only seventeen. It doesn’t matter that just a few weeks ago he was a normal teenager. All that matters is that he is a threat, and the Agents tracking him will stop at nothing to see him neutralised.

With the line between friends and enemies blurring, Chase discovers he is just a pawn in the middle of a war that’s lasted for centuries, but he isn’t going to let himself be used any longer.

Soon both sides of the war are going to learn that the most important thing about Chase Finn isn’t that he’s a werewolf, it’s that he’ll sacrifice everything, even his own freedom, for the people he loves.

Genres: Fantasy, Werewolves, Supernatural, Young Adult, Romance, Young Adult Paranormal

ebook

First published June 13, 2014

About the author

Nicola S. Dorrington is the author of YA Contemporary Fantasy books The Pendragon Series, and the West Haven Series. Originally from England, Nicola currently lives in the Cayman Islands, where she procrastinates by staring at the ocean. A Lot.

Despite living in paradise she mostly writes books about a wet and mythical version of the country she left behind.

She fully expects to one day be a crazy old cat lady - only with dogs

Reviews

[Aneesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in an exhange for an honest review, thanks to Sarah from J&S Author Services

This book was really really really fascinating! I did not expect for me to love this book very much but I could not help myself and I fell in love with Chase's character!

This begins with Chase running for his life and is saved. He then wakes up in a unknown place surrounded by strangers. Pause...want more? Well let's just say this story was really captivating and an eye opener in some ways. Chase at the beginning has a hard time fitting in and just like a every new character you read in a book who arrives wants to just get back to their comfort zone and old life. But something compels him to stay, so unknowingly he stays every time he intends to go back home.

My two favourite characters would have to be Mal and Vic. Victoria is the kind of person you just want to hug and tell her everything will be okay, she is depicted as a fragile character but she has immense strength when she fights with all her heart. Mal is the opposite, he is another vampire (I am reading too many vampire books, I am obsessed! Oh well!) who is shown to have a tough exterior except for Kat who he seems to have a soft spot for. He is portrayed as a very tough person but with a heart of gold when you get to know him. I must admit, the way he schemes is very manipulating indeed!

This story was a pleasure to read, I love how the story turned out, it kept me wanting more. I cannot wait for the next book, well I assume there will be another book!

[Nicola Dorrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously I'm going to give this 5 stars.

I just hope everyone has as much fun reading it as I did writing it!

[Wendy Higgins]

I beta read this for Nicki and completely enjoyed it. The cover image accurately portrays Chase's hotness. ;)

[Kate Wrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an Advance Review Copy of Chasing Freedom, so I am writing this review before the official publication date. When I began reading Chasing Freedom, I immediately noticed that it was well-written. The story of Chase Finn, a newly bitten werewolf, unfolds with a skillful use of flashbacks. Chase is immediately likable, written with a strong voice and a no-nonsense personality. I found his attitude to be particularly refreshing—yes, his whole life was changed and he’s upset, but he’s pretty open-minded. I loved that “… a few weeks ago he had transformed into a snarling beast, so he felt about ready to accept anything.”
Chase falls in with a group of other ‘special’ people, and this is where the fun begins. For a little while, in the late beginning, while the story was still setting up, I felt like it had stalled out a little bit. Honestly, I wasn’t sure I was going to get into it. Perhaps, in part, this is because the story is a familiar one, and I’m not that young anymore, so it was not a new story to me. I think a younger reader (or myself when I was younger) would have maintained a higher engagement rate at this point. That being said, as soon as the new group of characters really start in, Dorrington finds her stride, and BAM! I went from “I’m not sure” to “must… read… more… now!”
The characters in this novel are so well-written, and their relationships grow with a subtle interplay between personalities. There’s the ongoing romance with Victoria, a shape-shifter who is drawn to Chase, but wary. She and Chase really sizzle together. Psychic Anna is a trip, always struggling with the stray thoughts of the other teenagers around her. Sassy, fiery Kat is far more likable than I originally suspected. And then there’s Maladict, a brooding, sarcastic vampire that is hard not to love from the first time he opens his mouth. I think that in the end, it was the complex relationship that Dorrington developed between Maladict and Chase, vampire and werewolf, that really made this book for me. I felt like these two were so real in the way they related to each other (despite being supernatural beings), and that the issues and intricacies of their relationship were perfect, valid, and powerful.
Aside from characters, the plot really gets going as the story develops, and it is hard to put the book down. I felt like I was in the middle of these battle scenes, with everything moving so fast around me. I experienced both fear and elation alongside Chase as he fought his way to freedom. The end of the book left me satisfied and wanting more. Cleverly done.
I would best describe this book as Teen Wolf meets the X-men, but the characters make it more than that. It was a fun read and I think it will appeal to a wide range of readers.

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are well written and likable. Chase Finn is a newly bitten werewolf. Walking back to his dorm he is attacked by a wolf. He soon turns and his whole life changes. Men are after him called The Department. A vampire saves him and brings him to West Haven where he meets all kinds of kids with different supernatural abilities The Department at one time went after. All the characters had great personalities and were likable. There is action, suspense and some nail biting moments. It is well thought out. The story brought me a long for the ride and kept my attention. I was thinking about the characters when I wasn't reading the book.

I highly recommend this story, it's a great YA book.

I received this from the author for my honest review.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to thank the author for providing me an eBook copy in an exchange for an honest review.

First I want to say that the cover is really fitting, I imagine Chase like the guy in the cover.

The book starts with some action and in the middle of something, Chase is running away from someone that have been following him a couple of weeks, and is rescued by some mysterious guy. This guy is a vampire and he takes Chase to a house where Chase found out there are more of his type, and more supernaturals.

It is a good story, but my problem was that I didn't felt a connection with any of the characters, and that's something important to me. I don't know why but simply I didn't felt Chase emotions.

Sometimes I felt things where happening so fast, and there where other times where things where dragging.

Another thing that bothered me was the end. Again everything happened so fast! I mean they where supposed to be fighting with a really old vampire of a thousand years! Wasn't he supposed to be really strong and fast, more than Maladict and Chase? That part of the book doesn't make any sense to me.

Anyway, I have to admit that the story was interesting, and it left me wanting more. I want to know what happens with Victoria, Chase's parents, the Department and the others supernaturals.

I enjoyed the story but unfortunately I didn't loved it.

[Jennifer Showalter - · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mmmmm.... This was a yummy read. Nicola created yet another British based novel that was a delight. I must say, this really fits the bill for someone looking for a true YA novel. The romance is light and very age appropriate.

I just want to cut to the chase. (Hahahaha... I HAD to do that!) A gorgeous, rugby playing, British accented Werewolf who needs someone to be there for him? Yes please! Sign me up!

Nicola has a very unique style of writing that I quite enjoy. I loved how she took so many different character types and melded them into one cohesive storyline that worked. The characters meshed well and I thought (apart from Chase) that the secondary characters really shone.

As for the romance (rolling up sleeves)... it was organic, natural and well paced. Instant attraction, yes. But no insta-love. YAY! The crowd roars!!! It couldn't help but be reminded of the Beauty and the Beast kiss while reading it. Chase is this big, beast who's beautiful inside and out. Vix is the quite, delicate yet strong and determined brown haired beauty. SIGH. Will they fall in love? Will they ever kiss? HA! No spoilers here my friends! ;) (EVIL GRIN)

There are a host of other characters in the book that I thought fell into the lame duck category. You know the types: angst ridden, masochistic, guilt ridden and frozen with doubt. Will they get back on that horse or are the doomed to stay locked up in the prison of their own making?

I find that the storyline, though paranormal is very rateable. People go through all kinds of changes and sometimes those closest to us can deal with it, and sometimes they can't. How do we handle rejection and how do we process unexpected detours in life? What if you had your whole life mapped out in front of you and then BAM! something happens. You're whole life plan is out the window. What do you do?

There were a few grammatical housekeeping items I saw that needed to be polished up early in the book but overall I felt the writing was excellent. British life fascinates me and I love to read from that point of view. Character development is a big point for me. She subtly but dramatically molded each personality throughout the story. I remember reading a line saying to myself, "Wow, when did they grow up?" That kind of finesse is hard to accomplish.

Nicola had quite a bit of tension and drama throughout the book. A couple of scenes had me reaching for tissues or freaking out. You always know if a book is a good one if it pulls emotional responses out of you.

This isn't listed as a series but I really, really, REALLY hope Nicola adds to the story. There was a MIGHTY big cliff hanger that has me dangling and it is a moral imperative that I find out what happens! So Nicola, (I know you're reading this) PLEASE put me out of my misery and tell me there are more installments coming!! Also, I must say I love the cover graphic with the moon, trees and model! Love it. LOOOOOOVVVEEE it!!

I urge you guys to go get a copy and read it today! Well done my friend!

[Loni Engledow · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! When I was finally able to sit down and read this book I got so wrapped up in it and didn't want to put it down. The book starts with young Chase Finn walking home one evening after a game of rugby with some friends. He has been going to a boarding school so it was nice to get together with friends that he had not seen in a while. All of a sudden as he is walking he is attacked by what he believes is a huge dog. After he heals he doesn't give the injury too much thought until one night he starts having horrible pain. His room mates call for an ambulance but he runs away. He wakes up near his home, naked and with no memory of what happened. He sneaks into his house and cleans up and gets some clothes. He then gets on the computer to try to find out what is happening to him. He finds some sites that talk about werewolves and the supernatural and how they change during the full moon. He realizes that last nights problem is due to happen again tonight. He hears his parents come in the house. They have been contacted by the school about Chase's disappearance and are very glad to see him. Chase can't tell them what is wrong with him but asks them to lock him in the basement and no matter what, Do Not Open The Door!! His parents hear horrible sounds but do as he asked. The next morning he talks to his parents and try's to talk to them about what he believes has happened to him. His parents are confused and as they leave for the day they don't know what to believe. It is later on as Chase tries to leave his home that he is met at the front door by two men from THE DEPARTMENT. The men tell Chase that his parents contacted them and he is to go with them. He does not believe them and takes off with them following close behind. They corner him down an alley and shoot him with a dart that causes him to lose consciousness. Just before he passes out he sees a man standing near where they are with piercing blue eyes. When he comes to he is being restrained, he soon learns that he is not with THE DEPARTMENT, but he was rescued by the man from the alley who he later learns is a vampire named Maladict. He finds out from the young girl who is sent to help him that he is at West Haven. West Haven is a home that Maladict has set up to help keep super naturals away from the department. I really liked the characters that live and depend on each other at West Haven. The young girl who shows him around is Victoria she is a shapeshifter. Her friends all call her Vix. The story becomes very involved and intriguing. It moves very fast and we learn THE DEPARTMENT is doing experiments on the children that they capture.thet really want Chase. You must read this book and find out who exactly is trustworthy in this story. They have a traitor in their midst. Travel with this group as they fight for their existence against some pretty horrible attackers. I must read her other books. Thanks so much for letting me review this wonderful novel.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review first appeared on my blog: What Happened to the Wallflower?

Cover-I like the boy on the cover, I like the moon, and I like the trees. They're all positioned fairly well, too, when looking at it from the technical perspective.

I think, overall, however, the cover should be on the darker side; if the moon's out, for example, it should be dark out (even with a glimmer of moonlight). Then there's the fact that it's somewhat of a dark novel. If there were a little more darkness and less white the tone and overall vibe of the cover would have worked better with the book.

★★★☆☆

Narrative-The narrative is told from the third person POV, in the perspective of Chase Finn. Overall, the writing was smooth and easy to read. At times, however, I felt like it was a little too simple: sentences too short, too often, for example.

I think that's the main problem I had while reading it. The simplicity made it difficult to feel the urgent nature associated with the plot.

★★★☆☆

Plot-I enjoyed the plot; then again, I've always enjoyed plots in which one species of people are being hunted down by another (particularly when it's run by the government, because then it creates all kinds of fictional juicy messes).

The pacing was off, though. There was too much plot without enough space within the novel, which prevented it from flowing together smoother. By the end, I felt like there was too much happening within the span of one novel without enough lead-in or hints along the way. I might have to wait and see what's in store with the sequel, but there were aspects of the plot, villain-wise, that could have fit in better had part of it been stretched out more; either more space within this novel, or else within a future one.

★★★☆☆

Characters-The characters were probably my favorite part of this. Chase, himself, was alright: a cocky teenage boy, but I think his voice came out pretty well during the actual narrative. Above all, though, it didn't really feel like there was anything special about him, so I'm still a little on the fence.

However, I loved the supporting cast. Victoria, Maladict, Anna, Kat, Andy, Jason, Will. Maybe I shouldn't be listing them, but I loved them. Them, their banter with each other, their abilities, their personalities. In all actuality I feel like I didn't get enough of them, a strange through considering they were always around. It would have been great to see them through their "special talents" in the same way we got to see Chase.

★★★★☆

Final Answer: 3.25 / 5

[Laquesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Follow my blog! : http://www.boooklover2.blogspot.com/

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed reading this book but I had a few problems with it and so I will try to explain both the good and the bad sides. This book was extremely fast-paced and most of the time, it was a good thing but sometimes I felt like certain important aspects of the story were rushed. I didn't really connect with any of the characters, I don't know why, I just couldn't. This book is set in England and I felt like the culture and the scenery were so beautifully described, it made me feel like I was there.

This book had action around every corner, the characters were always moving and going somewhere and that made it a very easy and quick read. However, I felt that at some points it was a bit too quick and left little room for character development and plot development. The actual climatic events and the story in general were phenomenal but I just thought that it could've used a little bit more description. Chasing Freedom was only around 260 pages long and everything just seemed to be crammed into them.

The only characters that I really connected with and felt something for were Chase and Maladict who were so amazing and badass by the way. The others kind of just faded into the background for me. I didn't think I knew enough about them to have an opinion. They were kind of just there and even the romance between Chase and Victoria, which I was rooting for, just didn't really go anywhere and was just there.

I love England! Anyone who knows me, know this. I've never been to England, nope I haven't but I will someday. Anything British excites me and when I found out that this book was based in England, I was so happy! I was not disappointed because the setting was perfectly described and I literally felt like I was in England with the characters, fighting their battles and experiencing everything they were going through. I appreciate books that fully describe setting because most of the time, it's not the main focus and it kind of gets pushed to the side but I think that the setting description in Chasing Freedom was vivid and added a lot to the actual story.

Chasing Freedom was a good read despite the problems that I had with it. I would recommend it to all the lovers of Paranormal out there because it's definitely worth checking out. For all the reasons I have listed above, I've decided to go ahead and give this book three stars because it really was an enjoyable read.

[Cam Moreland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Story

First off I want to say that I am one of the many inkpoppers that got to read this book on inkpop when it was still around. This was actually the first story I read off of inkpop.com when I was just a kid starting highschool. Naturally though when inkpop was gone (another site took over but it wasn't the same) I was mortified that Chasing Freedom as well as many other stories and writers I liked were gone. Only last month, January 2015, I found the author on the new site, Jinxy, and discovered that Chasing Freedom as well as two other books of hers she had since written and published was published and better yet, an ebook. I immediately purchased the three books and began reading Chasing Freedom from the beginning. So many good memories of this story came flooding back and I literally was binge reading it up to the last chapter that was published on inkpop. I just finished the book moments go and though the ending was not at all as I had hoped it leaves me wanting more. This is an excellent book and I most definetely recommend it to everyone who loves a good, fast paced, and intense book. You will not regret buying this book. On inkpop I read this story over and over again dozens of times, not wanting to forget anything just in case there was an update and plan to do the same now with the finished book. Jinxy I can't wait for your next book and hope to someday be able to call myself an author too though writer's block still lingers by me.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st i received this book in return for my review.... This book was good. A little juevinel in some parts but overall OK.... Don't know if I will read the next book... The characters and story are all good.... Overall I give this book a not bad but not great rating

[Jem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started and finished In less than a day! Just could not put it down!

[Melinda Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.

ACTUAL RATING: 2.5/5

I liked this book, although it wasn't a real stand out for me. I had some problems with the book including with some of the characters. I felt that the author needed to spend some more time building up the characters as I didn't really care about any of them as I didn't feel like I KNEW them. The only character I really cared about was Chase, and that was because most of the book was from his perspective. I think if the book had a little less action and certain bits were chopped and instead more was said about the characters and if Chase actually spent more time with his 'friends' instead of constantly studying and brooding, it would be a little more realistic.

I really didn't like Victoria. She was a very flimsy character. She was meek and humble and spent most of her time insisting she wasn't and trying to act like she wasn't I think the author was trying to show the audience although she seemed meek she wasn't really, but it didn't work for me.

I also didn't like Maladict, apart from his cool name. Maladict was manipulative and cruel although he claimed to be 'reformed' and pretended to have good intentions. He was just like a normal human being except for having no heartbeat, being burned or killed by sunlight and obviously being a vampire. His relationship with Kat the witch was also a bit ambiguous. There was an implied romantic/sexual relationship although it wasn't confirmed or denied throughout the novel.

The main problem I had with Chase was his dramatic transformation throughout the book. He started off as being a hot headed, newly turned werewolf into an entirely different person who had virtually no temper and was reasonable. The transformation was just too much too quickly and was unbelievable. I was completely shocked when he didn't care that Maladict had used him and manipulated him before they met. It was so out of character that I had to reread it a few times to make sure I wasn't mistaken.

The whole idea of a newly found or recruited supernatural being the destined one to save the whole world, is also getting extremely overused. Give the beginning of this book and the synopsis, I had high hopes this book would be semi-original but I was left disappointed.

Overall this was a mediocre book that didn't meet or exceed my expectations.

[Katherine Paschal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chase has lived a pretty happy, average life. That is until he was bit by a wild dog and ended up changing into an animal himself. Chase inadvertently was turned into a werewolf and now has a secret Government branch called the Department out to get him. When he is rescued by a stranger and brought back to a facility with other supernaturals of all species, Chase has no idea what is going on. He has to learn how to control the wolf that shares his body as well as figure out what side and role he wants to play in what looks like a brewing war.
I found myself enjoying this book more and more as the story went on. I had a little trouble getting into the story at the beginning and I am not completely sure what my difficulty with it was. The reader is tossed right into the action without any preface. Back story is told through Chase’s memories when a particular situation causes him to remember something. The book was a mix of action paranormal, a dash of romance and character development all wound together to keep the reader motivated and invested.
I really liked Chase as a character and I rooted for him to make smart choices. He matured and became a responsible member of the ragtag group, even though he had to fight for every little bit of information he was sparingly given. I like how Chase learned to control his wolf, master his anger and learn what he wanted out of his topsy turvy life. I also have a soft spot for the protective alpha wolf thing he had going on. I found the reasoning as to why Maladict was drawn to having Chase around to be interesting for characterization as well as world building. The dynamic between Maladict and Chase was intense and I was always looking for manipulation and nefarious plots from the vampire that didn’t exist. Also, the slow buildup of feelings between Chase and Victoria was sweet and very different from the instant love seen so often in teen books recently.
I enjoyed the world building as well as all the unique supernatural powers that everyone had. I look forward to more from this series, especially with the way things ended. Chase has a huge battle on his hands that I can’t wait to experience right along with him.
I received this book form the author in exchange for my honest review.
More reviews also on my blog: http://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

review to come