Good evening, everyone! I'm Christopher, and tonight we'll be diving into the book Running with the Alpha's Son by Penny Jessup. I am thrilled to have had the chance to read this book in Paperback format as an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC), graciously provided by Tiny Ghost Press for an honest review. This book is the third in The Alpha's Son Series. I eagerly anticipate the release of the hardback edition to my Book Collection. “Running with the Alpha's Son,” is scheduled for publication on June 3, 2025. This book spans 357 pages, and is structured into 31 chapters, all narrated from Max’s first-person perspective. with a reading age of 13-18 years.
Summary: After months of navigating the complexities of their relationship, Max and Jasper are finally together and ready to explore their newfound romance. However, being the mate of the alpha's son comes with unexpected challenges. Max must embrace his role within the elite pack while also dealing with pack members who disapprove of their public relationship.
Review: -The immediate continuation of the story, picking up directly after the New Year's Eve celebration and Jasper's drive with Rive, was captivating. The story's seamless transition, beginning with a car conversation that mirrored the lingering impact of the party, instantly re-immersed me in the book's universe, leaving me eager to discover the unfolding plot. The book delved into the complexities of embracing oneself, navigating human connections, and questioning the world around us. I found that, much like the preceding instalments, this particular part of the series skilfully employs wolf symbolism, which significantly enhances the story's appeal and complexity. I was captivated by the author's writing, which vividly brought the setting to life, allowing me to effortlessly visualize the characters' experiences. I believe that certain parts of the "Interlopers" chapter could benefit from revisions to enhance their clarity. Furthermore, I noticed some missing words at the bottom of the first page, specifically within the "Let Them Eat Cake" section. I admired the use of bold font for text messages, which immediately set them apart, and the subtly offset text style used to represent abilities, providing a clear visual cue for these elements within the narrative. This clever distinction greatly improved readability, allowing for a seamless navigation through the different textual components of the story. Furthermore, the recurring small illustrations of howling wolves as breakers were a delightful touch, injecting a playful and engaging element that amplified the overall visual appeal of the book. I was captivated by the rapid tempo and immersive nature of the experience; however, as it progressed, I noticed a slight imbalance. Following the second book, my curiosity about Max's wolf-related abilities intensified. I was pleased to find that this instalment delved deeper into these aspects, enriching the enigmatic nature of his powers. The humour significantly enhanced my enjoyment, frequently eliciting smiles and laughter. The book's descriptions of food were so enticing that I found myself craving a taste of each dish, and the birthday scene evoked such a warm, celebratory atmosphere that it inspired me to want to plan a picnic for my next birthday. The dialogue between Max and Jasper truly captivated me, serving as a compelling showcase of their relationship's progression and the obstacles they navigate together. I found their exceptional communication to be a standout feature, a welcome departure from the often-frustrating communication breakdowns seen in other narratives, and I was particularly drawn to their consistent character development throughout the story.
-I appreciate that the book avoids explicit content, given the characters' ages. The narrative focuses on age-appropriate interactions, such as kissing and touching, and any potentially sensitive scenes are handled with discretion, avoiding graphic details.
-I was thrilled to discover this book has an audiobook version, especially since it's narrated by Michael Mola, who also narrated the first two books in the series. I find that Michael's voice perfectly embodies the characters, and he skilfully differentiates them through unique vocalizations, making it easy to distinguish each speaker even without visual cues. His ability to convey the characters' emotions is remarkable, and his clear enunciation enhances the listening experience. The audiobook runs for 10 hours and 17 minutes. While the narration is already excellent, incorporating ambient sounds, such as wolf howls or subtle background music, could further immerse listeners, similar to the use of sound effects in films.
-The near-ending twist was captivating, and the conclusion left me enthralled. The cliff-hanger ending, which poses several unanswered questions, including the character's destiny, has created a compelling mystery for me. I am eagerly anticipating for Spring 2026, the next instalment.
I rate each book I read out of 10 and for this one, I give it a 9.2 Remember this was what I thought about the book personally and I suggest that you give it a go for yourself.