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Heirs to the Throne #0
The Alphas
THE ALPHAS is a prequel to HOWL OF THE WOLF, Heirs to the Throne Trilogy. (Please note that this edition includes a new short story.) It takes place in modern day on the planet Earth and is a mix of Mystery and Science Fiction. Has your dog ever stared into your eyes, trying to send you a message you can't quite understand? Learn what happens when you finally “get” that message.
What starts off as a perfect day for Carra Taylor, quickly spirals into a terrifying race to solve a deadly mystery. Carra learns that her friend, Frieda, has been murdered and the dogs in Frieda’s kennel are missing. Frieda was the breeder of Carra’s beloved German Shepherd, Kriegen, who was stolen five years before. Now Carra learns that she’s the heir to Frieda's hefty estate and the next target for a group of killers.
As she searches for clues to Frieda’s murder and a series of dog thefts, Carra and her husband Mike find themselves on a dangerous journey through Frieda’s past. They uncover painful secrets about the woman and learn about a secret breeding project Frieda initiated over fifteen years earlier. Can two amateur sleuths blast through a web of lies to unravel the truth and rescue endangered wolves?
Will they survive against a ruthless company that is determined to exploit helpless animals to complete research that might be worth millions? Carra is faced with decisions that might affect generations of sentient beings.
What starts off as a perfect day for Carra Taylor, quickly spirals into a terrifying race to solve a deadly mystery. Carra learns that her friend, Frieda, has been murdered and the dogs in Frieda’s kennel are missing. Frieda was the breeder of Carra’s beloved German Shepherd, Kriegen, who was stolen five years before. Now Carra learns that she’s the heir to Frieda's hefty estate and the next target for a group of killers.
As she searches for clues to Frieda’s murder and a series of dog thefts, Carra and her husband Mike find themselves on a dangerous journey through Frieda’s past. They uncover painful secrets about the woman and learn about a secret breeding project Frieda initiated over fifteen years earlier. Can two amateur sleuths blast through a web of lies to unravel the truth and rescue endangered wolves?
Will they survive against a ruthless company that is determined to exploit helpless animals to complete research that might be worth millions? Carra is faced with decisions that might affect generations of sentient beings.
214 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 28, 2014
6 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 1, 2014
What can I say? I picked this book because the cover caught my eye
and I have to say I am no science fiction fan, but I do like dogs
and wolves and I did find it a good read.
If you think the science fiction/dog/wolves will appeal, then this is
the series for you,I can see it being very popular,its well written,
original idea,thought provoking, good descriptives here so you get a
feel for the locations, settings, people and animals.
Different from what I normally read but I could see myself reading
the whole series and enjoying it,I can only imagine the pleasure
die hard sf / animal fans would get from these books,they
will love it all.
Its left me thinking and wondering about my own
dogs from the past.But then animals have always been
smarter than we think.
October 23, 2014
Topic was intriguing. Really enjoyed this story. Am happy to provide a review of this First Reads book 'The Alphas' by Diane
Rapp which I won through the Goodreads giveaway.
The Alphas is a story about murder, telepathy, dogs and the desire for power at any cost. I sailed through this book in just a few hours. Just couldn't put it down. The story was easy to follow. The main character in this story is about a woman who is involved with raising dogs and entering them in the show dog circuit. She and her husband have a comfortable life and consider their dogs as family. The meat of the story begins when an officer visits the dog owner at her home to inquire about an acquaintance of hers who is also involved in the show dog business. Eventually the real reason for his visit is finally revealed and he notifies her that the neighbor has died in a vehicle accident on a pass nearby. Even more strange is that she is also contacted by an attorney who advises her that the neighbor has named her in the will to receive the majority of the estate which is quite substantial, along with large sums of cash and investments.
Things move even more quickly after that as she is returning home when she encounters someone who tries repeatedly to run her off the road. After this, she and her husband begin to investigate the neighbor's life and activities before she passed. They come across a letter about extensive research notes regarding a certain line of dogs that the neighbor considered very special and had kept extremely thorough documentation. There were also references to others who might know more about the research involving the dogs and the hints about the dogs' enhanced instincts. What happens next involves several more adventures about the dog research and scientists who seemingly have a legal right to these dogs and all research. Am looking forward to reading more by the author Diane Rapp.
Rapp which I won through the Goodreads giveaway.
The Alphas is a story about murder, telepathy, dogs and the desire for power at any cost. I sailed through this book in just a few hours. Just couldn't put it down. The story was easy to follow. The main character in this story is about a woman who is involved with raising dogs and entering them in the show dog circuit. She and her husband have a comfortable life and consider their dogs as family. The meat of the story begins when an officer visits the dog owner at her home to inquire about an acquaintance of hers who is also involved in the show dog business. Eventually the real reason for his visit is finally revealed and he notifies her that the neighbor has died in a vehicle accident on a pass nearby. Even more strange is that she is also contacted by an attorney who advises her that the neighbor has named her in the will to receive the majority of the estate which is quite substantial, along with large sums of cash and investments.
Things move even more quickly after that as she is returning home when she encounters someone who tries repeatedly to run her off the road. After this, she and her husband begin to investigate the neighbor's life and activities before she passed. They come across a letter about extensive research notes regarding a certain line of dogs that the neighbor considered very special and had kept extremely thorough documentation. There were also references to others who might know more about the research involving the dogs and the hints about the dogs' enhanced instincts. What happens next involves several more adventures about the dog research and scientists who seemingly have a legal right to these dogs and all research. Am looking forward to reading more by the author Diane Rapp.
June 16, 2014
The Alphas is very appealing to all canine fanatics, but it also embodies a uniquely human element that draws the reader into the story line as they invest in the character’s journey. While beautiful descriptions of animals abound, this book is at its heart a tale of adventure.
The main character, Carra is drawn into a situation that is more corrupt and dangerous than she ever imagined. The theft of her beloved pet and show dog years earlier was dismissed as a minor crime. It never seemed minor to her! The story reveals the true reasons her dog was taken. When the eccentric dog breeder who bred her long-lost dog is killed, she discovers that the estate and its remaining dogs are left to her care and discretion. This is only the beginning of the strange pattern of events that unfold from two seemingly unrelated crimes!
Carra learns more about the show dogs she has adored, and she encounters a plethora of interesting and sometimes dangerous characters as she attempts to solve a series of crimes involving the dogs that will lead her to a motive that nobody, especially her saw coming. I loved the character’s willingness to follow the clues left behind by the dead dog breeder out of respect and reverence for the dog that had been taken from her.
I particularly liked the elements of telepathy affecting pack mentality and the splash of science fiction that lends credence to the trilogy series that follows this book.
This book is sure to please animal lovers and mystery lovers alike!
The main character, Carra is drawn into a situation that is more corrupt and dangerous than she ever imagined. The theft of her beloved pet and show dog years earlier was dismissed as a minor crime. It never seemed minor to her! The story reveals the true reasons her dog was taken. When the eccentric dog breeder who bred her long-lost dog is killed, she discovers that the estate and its remaining dogs are left to her care and discretion. This is only the beginning of the strange pattern of events that unfold from two seemingly unrelated crimes!
Carra learns more about the show dogs she has adored, and she encounters a plethora of interesting and sometimes dangerous characters as she attempts to solve a series of crimes involving the dogs that will lead her to a motive that nobody, especially her saw coming. I loved the character’s willingness to follow the clues left behind by the dead dog breeder out of respect and reverence for the dog that had been taken from her.
I particularly liked the elements of telepathy affecting pack mentality and the splash of science fiction that lends credence to the trilogy series that follows this book.
This book is sure to please animal lovers and mystery lovers alike!
July 29, 2015
The Alphas: Prequel to Howl of the Wolf, Heirs to the Throne Trilogy
By Diane Rapp
As a prequel to her sci-fi trilogy, this book shines. Anyone loving animals, especially dogs and wolves, will be drawn into this fascinating story. Carra, whose beloved German Shepherd was stolen, cannot believe the mystery, evil and suspense going on in the dog breeding society. She discovers horrifying things that at first seem impossible, when she discovers that she is the heir to the fortune of her friend and dog breeder, Frieda, who is found murdered. This begins a journey to faraway places and one adventure after another as her and a select group of friends try to protect the lives and sanctity of the animals.
The dogs and wolves in this story are not normal, thanks to a science group who discover telepathy among some canines, wolves, and some people. Carra is one of those people. Author Diane Rapp writes a fast-paced novel with wonderfully developed characters, both human and canine. Readers will be especially drawn to this book, beginning with the beautiful picture of the animals on her cover. It’s a fast easy read that is difficult to put down.
As a special treat, she ends her prequel with a sample of the first of the series; Howl of the Wolves, Heirs to the Throne Trilogy. It's a tantalizing piece which sent me directly to Amazon to purchase it. How could I not?
Micki Peluso, author of . . . And the Whippoorwill Sang
By Diane Rapp
As a prequel to her sci-fi trilogy, this book shines. Anyone loving animals, especially dogs and wolves, will be drawn into this fascinating story. Carra, whose beloved German Shepherd was stolen, cannot believe the mystery, evil and suspense going on in the dog breeding society. She discovers horrifying things that at first seem impossible, when she discovers that she is the heir to the fortune of her friend and dog breeder, Frieda, who is found murdered. This begins a journey to faraway places and one adventure after another as her and a select group of friends try to protect the lives and sanctity of the animals.
The dogs and wolves in this story are not normal, thanks to a science group who discover telepathy among some canines, wolves, and some people. Carra is one of those people. Author Diane Rapp writes a fast-paced novel with wonderfully developed characters, both human and canine. Readers will be especially drawn to this book, beginning with the beautiful picture of the animals on her cover. It’s a fast easy read that is difficult to put down.
As a special treat, she ends her prequel with a sample of the first of the series; Howl of the Wolves, Heirs to the Throne Trilogy. It's a tantalizing piece which sent me directly to Amazon to purchase it. How could I not?
Micki Peluso, author of . . . And the Whippoorwill Sang
July 29, 2016
After reading Author Diane Rapp's Heirs to the Throne series, I suspected I would love this prequel to those novels - `The Alphas', and I was right. This storyline answers a few questions and as always with this author's writing, you will want to keep turning pages. Along with a handful of interesting and well developed `people' in this novel, I was introduced to members of the wolf and dog community, here on Earth. What happens when scientists get involved with `gifted' animals and how far they will go to get what they want is just one of the things that makes this book interesting. It's dynamic and a smooth read. I have always loved the wolve's language (I won't give spoilers), and that is always my favorite when reading this series, but add the mystery of this plot and the reality of human nature into the storyline and you've got another winner in this series. If you love animals and mysteries you will really enjoy this read. I've followed this author for years and have loved every book of hers that I've read. This book addresses subjects like love, loyalty, family, trust, betrayal, and faith in one another. It was great and I Highly recommend. I was given this read in exchange for an unbiased review, and everything I've written here is my opinion as a reader.
April 24, 2014
The Alphas is not what I expected! I wasn’t sure whether it would be a werewolf book or some other kind of lycanthropic adventure but it was more subtle than that.
Diane draws characters very finely and this suspense thriller had me on the edge of my seat right from the beginning. There was a whodunit element to the beginning which sent my mind scurrying after all sorts of red herrings. But I was masterfully scooped up into a tale of murder and psychic savants mixing things up in the animal world.
This book is hard to categorise – it breaks a lot of boundaries – so I won’t even try. Let’s just say it certainly opened up my mind!
I was a little bit worried, several times, that it would go into too much detail about the American dog-breeding world, but this was only used as an effective backdrop to the main plot. If you love dogs, you will certainly appreciate Diane’s deep knowledge of the subject – for instance, I didn’t even know dogs could breed with wolves. However, you don’t need to like dogs to love this story.
Diane’s prose is flowing and seemingly effortless. She carries you along on a gentle current of adventure until she bites your heels with a surprise. Read it!
Diane draws characters very finely and this suspense thriller had me on the edge of my seat right from the beginning. There was a whodunit element to the beginning which sent my mind scurrying after all sorts of red herrings. But I was masterfully scooped up into a tale of murder and psychic savants mixing things up in the animal world.
This book is hard to categorise – it breaks a lot of boundaries – so I won’t even try. Let’s just say it certainly opened up my mind!
I was a little bit worried, several times, that it would go into too much detail about the American dog-breeding world, but this was only used as an effective backdrop to the main plot. If you love dogs, you will certainly appreciate Diane’s deep knowledge of the subject – for instance, I didn’t even know dogs could breed with wolves. However, you don’t need to like dogs to love this story.
Diane’s prose is flowing and seemingly effortless. She carries you along on a gentle current of adventure until she bites your heels with a surprise. Read it!
May 13, 2014
Diane Rapp has done it again! Her descriptive style of writing draws you into the story and before you know it, you feel a strong connection to the characters. I loved the Heirs to the Throne" Trilogy by Diane, and I was delighted when she wrote this prequel.
The story reveals the secrets behind the telepathic wolves and their connection to specially bred dogs. In the previous trilogy, the highly intelligent wolves inhabit the planet Drako. The path that led them to Drako was full of heartbreak and happiness. There is a murder, a mystery and romance. The corruption and greed will leave you seething, but the goodness of others will touch you deeply. You will feel the love. Anyone who ever loved a pet will appreciate the dialogue between the humans and the wolves and dogs. The story is written from the heart and it will take you for a ride.
Yes, this is a work of fiction….or is it?
The story reveals the secrets behind the telepathic wolves and their connection to specially bred dogs. In the previous trilogy, the highly intelligent wolves inhabit the planet Drako. The path that led them to Drako was full of heartbreak and happiness. There is a murder, a mystery and romance. The corruption and greed will leave you seething, but the goodness of others will touch you deeply. You will feel the love. Anyone who ever loved a pet will appreciate the dialogue between the humans and the wolves and dogs. The story is written from the heart and it will take you for a ride.
Yes, this is a work of fiction….or is it?
November 4, 2014
If you like your murders served cozy with a healthy dose of 'woof' and a splash of sci-fi, then this is the story for you. Clean, well-written fiction with a plot that moves at a rollicking pace. I loved the premise that wolves have abilities beyond what we expect, and the government/military exploitation angle was well chosen, along with plot twist where we learn who is behind it all. The doggy detail is delivered with love and care. You almost expect the disclaimer 'no dogs were harmed during the production of this story', but of course, I'd just be imagining that :-).
A few small details bothered me - that for example one of the characters takes almost being run off the road on a dangerous mountain pass fairly much in their stride, and the denouement seemed a little trite. But there were enough surprises along the way to ensure that my interest was held throughout. For me, a welcome foray into a genre I don't often read, and a well deserved 5 stars.
A few small details bothered me - that for example one of the characters takes almost being run off the road on a dangerous mountain pass fairly much in their stride, and the denouement seemed a little trite. But there were enough surprises along the way to ensure that my interest was held throughout. For me, a welcome foray into a genre I don't often read, and a well deserved 5 stars.
April 30, 2014
THE ALPHAS, the prequel novella to Diane Rapp’s Heirs to the Throne Trilogy, is a blend of whodunit, thriller and science fiction – which in this author’s capable hands results in a wonderful read. The story opens when Carra Taylor learns that California dog breeder Frieda Klein has been murdered and that she is the beneficiary of Frieda’s large estate. When she discovers that dogs in Frieda’s kennel are missing, Carra and her husband Mike set off on a journey that uncovers a secret breeding project that Frieda initiated and makes them the target of group of ruthless researchers who are exploiting helpless animals. Touching, intriguing, filled with memorable characters, THE ALPHAS is a page-turner that will leave you wanting more!
December 31, 2014
It was interesting to understand the backstory of these wolf tales.
I thought it a clever and original idea giving wolves an extra dimension and for those who appreciate how special they are in today's world only adds to the delight in this science fiction story.
A well written and fast-paced read to be enjoyed on many levels, filled with mystery and surprises.
I thought it a clever and original idea giving wolves an extra dimension and for those who appreciate how special they are in today's world only adds to the delight in this science fiction story.
A well written and fast-paced read to be enjoyed on many levels, filled with mystery and surprises.
August 27, 2016
Fun read and prequel to a series. There is action, mystery, special puppy vision powers, and did I mention PUPPY VISION! Recommended for dog lovers of all breeds and an introduction to the alphas. Team Zorro! Ps PUPPY VISION
September 20, 2016
Totally wonderful colorful characters throughout the book, that hooked me from the start. The storyline keep getting better with each page. Would recommend this book to everyone ! I was given this book as a ARC for a honest review.
June 23, 2021
This is very distinctly a prequel to a series, and I feel that I would probably have been more invested in the characters had I read any of the series and understood where the world and plot were going.
As it was, it's a good read, and the parts written from the animals' points of view are very well done.
If you are a Dianne Rapp fan you will love it, but I wouldn't recommend it as the first part of the series to read. It works very well as an extra.
As it was, it's a good read, and the parts written from the animals' points of view are very well done.
If you are a Dianne Rapp fan you will love it, but I wouldn't recommend it as the first part of the series to read. It works very well as an extra.
May 12, 2017
Love German Shepherds
I enjoyed this story about Shepherds and wolves. We had German Shepherds for years so it touched a soft spot. I probably will not read the rest tho since I'm not a sci-fi fan at all. The prequel was a good read, don't miss it.
I enjoyed this story about Shepherds and wolves. We had German Shepherds for years so it touched a soft spot. I probably will not read the rest tho since I'm not a sci-fi fan at all. The prequel was a good read, don't miss it.
April 9, 2017
I read this book in one day! I couldn’t put it down. Diane Rapp’s book, The Alphas, is an intriguing book about telepathic dogs/wolves and a select handful of humans who risk their lives to save them. Having a German shepherd of my own, I’ve always wished I could telepathically communicate with her and find out what she is thinking. I was envious of the characters in this book that could do that with the dogs and wolves in the story. The story is both warm and at times heartbreaking. The plot was interesting, not at all predictable, and had enough twists and turns to be a solid mystery. The characters were well developed and the dialogue realistic.
The book is a prequel to an already existing trilogy, which I will now have to purchase!!! A great book.
The book is a prequel to an already existing trilogy, which I will now have to purchase!!! A great book.
January 30, 2017
Unaware
I was delighted as I read this book. I assumed it was teaching how to become an alpha and teach my pet, an intelligent tho strong willed dauchhound. Instead I learned about the people who research wolves. A wonderfully depiction of reality.
I was delighted as I read this book. I assumed it was teaching how to become an alpha and teach my pet, an intelligent tho strong willed dauchhound. Instead I learned about the people who research wolves. A wonderfully depiction of reality.
October 22, 2015
A good, interesting book involving mind-reading dogs. A mix of science fiction with mystery and intrigue. This is the first part of I believe three books.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews