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Pendragon Gargoyles #1
Primal Instinct
A Pendragon Gargoyles Prequel
For months Corrine Lawson has walked a fine line between reality and madness. The only thing keeping her sane is her sexy and mysterious next-door-neighbor, Ryker. Yet the closer she gets to uncovering the truth about him, the harder it becomes to resist the man who exposes her to a dangerous world steeped in myth and legend. Surrendering to him and the sizzling connection that burns between them means succumbing to the madness within, and that’s not a fight she’s willing to lose.
Both man and wolf, Gargoyle Ryker McKinnon has spent nearly a century tormented by his past, hungering only for vengeance—until he finds Corrine, a spirited human and the key to his redemption. Determined to use Cori as a pawn in a deadly game of revenge, nothing prepares Ryker for the staggering emotion her touch unleashes or the brutal need to claim her as his own.
When Cori is caught in the middle of a bitter feud and a centuries-old greed for Excalibur, will Ryker’s secrets destroy the woman he loves or finally awaken the fierceness inside her?
For months Corrine Lawson has walked a fine line between reality and madness. The only thing keeping her sane is her sexy and mysterious next-door-neighbor, Ryker. Yet the closer she gets to uncovering the truth about him, the harder it becomes to resist the man who exposes her to a dangerous world steeped in myth and legend. Surrendering to him and the sizzling connection that burns between them means succumbing to the madness within, and that’s not a fight she’s willing to lose.
Both man and wolf, Gargoyle Ryker McKinnon has spent nearly a century tormented by his past, hungering only for vengeance—until he finds Corrine, a spirited human and the key to his redemption. Determined to use Cori as a pawn in a deadly game of revenge, nothing prepares Ryker for the staggering emotion her touch unleashes or the brutal need to claim her as his own.
When Cori is caught in the middle of a bitter feud and a centuries-old greed for Excalibur, will Ryker’s secrets destroy the woman he loves or finally awaken the fierceness inside her?
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2014
About the author
Sydney Somers
47 books327 followersA born and raised Maritimer, Sydney Somers fell in love with writing when she finished her first story, Jenny and the Glowing Green Mittens. After attempting her first book in high school, she set writing aside to focus on school. While getting her degrees in psychology and education, Sydney tried her hand at journalism between part time jobs before finally returning to her love of writing.
Twenty-five novels and novellas later, Sydney is thrilled to spend her days slaying demons, running with shape-shifter packs and making the people in her head fall wildly in love. When she’s not writing or curled up with a good book, Sydney can be found chasing after her herd of kids, talking her way into a gourmet meal, exterminating rogue dust bunnies or joking about the pending zombie apocalypse. She loves hearing from readers and invites them to contact her anytime.
Twenty-five novels and novellas later, Sydney is thrilled to spend her days slaying demons, running with shape-shifter packs and making the people in her head fall wildly in love. When she’s not writing or curled up with a good book, Sydney can be found chasing after her herd of kids, talking her way into a gourmet meal, exterminating rogue dust bunnies or joking about the pending zombie apocalypse. She loves hearing from readers and invites them to contact her anytime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
October 25, 2014
I'm going to go on record as saying that I think gargoyles are the underutilized paranormal critter in the PNR genre. I mean... THEY'RE MADE OF STONE (at least sometimes) and everyone knows that romance heroes need to have at least one rock hard appendage to really please their lady friends. WHAT'S BETTER THAN WHOLE-BODY STONINESS???
Nothing, that's what.
Anyway. Ryker and Cori. They both have some things that have to work past. He might be hiding a few things about himself and why he befriended her. Her issues are a little more complex since she doesn't know the truth about herself. Bottom line, there's a mutual attraction and lots of secrets.
I do love the world presented here. Myth and legend wrapped up with shapeshifters and a centuries-old feud. The worldbuilding is solid and the sex is smokin'. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Nothing, that's what.
Anyway. Ryker and Cori. They both have some things that have to work past. He might be hiding a few things about himself and why he befriended her. Her issues are a little more complex since she doesn't know the truth about herself. Bottom line, there's a mutual attraction and lots of secrets.
I do love the world presented here. Myth and legend wrapped up with shapeshifters and a centuries-old feud. The worldbuilding is solid and the sex is smokin'. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
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November 18, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/18/2019)! 🎁
July 8, 2015
Great story..
Ok! We have werewolves, panthers, dragons, immortals, Fea, a sorceress, tales of King Arthur, Morgana, Mordred. What a fascinating storyline.
I like Ryker and Corrine, and I like that he’s a werewolf and she’s a panther. And their sexual tension simply terrific. Another thing I like about this book is that both the hero and the heroine are beautiful. I know a lot of you want them to be more “life-like” but I don’t. I have “life-like” every day of my life so I want a book to be a fantasy. I don’t want my heroine to be too plain, too thin, and too plump, have red-orange hair like a scouring pad, nothing like I see every day. And have a drop-dead gorgeous hero who’s going to fall for the latter. Not going to happen. I saw a saying on Facebook a while back that suits me perfectly, “When I’ve had too much reality I open a book.” And, for me, it’s filled with love and beautiful people.
I also liked Cale, Tristan. Briana and Elena. That was some kind of fight that went on in the bar, that went on between 2 wolves, 2 cats, a dragon a, Fea and a sorceress. Yep, good times. Corinne’s father? What an absolute whack-job.
The sex in this book was wonderfully written.
With the exception of book 4 the rest are waaaay overpriced so I can’t see myself reading any other of the Pendragon series. I can buy a brand new book for $1.99 so why would I want to spend $3.44 to $4.24 for some of the books with less than 150 pages. Too overpriced for some as old as 6 years.
Ok! We have werewolves, panthers, dragons, immortals, Fea, a sorceress, tales of King Arthur, Morgana, Mordred. What a fascinating storyline.
I like Ryker and Corrine, and I like that he’s a werewolf and she’s a panther. And their sexual tension simply terrific. Another thing I like about this book is that both the hero and the heroine are beautiful. I know a lot of you want them to be more “life-like” but I don’t. I have “life-like” every day of my life so I want a book to be a fantasy. I don’t want my heroine to be too plain, too thin, and too plump, have red-orange hair like a scouring pad, nothing like I see every day. And have a drop-dead gorgeous hero who’s going to fall for the latter. Not going to happen. I saw a saying on Facebook a while back that suits me perfectly, “When I’ve had too much reality I open a book.” And, for me, it’s filled with love and beautiful people.
I also liked Cale, Tristan. Briana and Elena. That was some kind of fight that went on in the bar, that went on between 2 wolves, 2 cats, a dragon a, Fea and a sorceress. Yep, good times. Corinne’s father? What an absolute whack-job.
The sex in this book was wonderfully written.
With the exception of book 4 the rest are waaaay overpriced so I can’t see myself reading any other of the Pendragon series. I can buy a brand new book for $1.99 so why would I want to spend $3.44 to $4.24 for some of the books with less than 150 pages. Too overpriced for some as old as 6 years.
April 17, 2017
Cori and Ryker. I loved the way this started out. Ryker moves in next door to Cori who is a student working long hours to put herself through college. She has never seen him because of the tall fence that separates their houses, but has chatted with him at night across the fence. In fact, you could even say they develop an easy friendship chatting after dark about anything and everything. What she doesn't chat about though, is that she is going mad. In fact she is taking umpteen pharmaceuticals to try and keep the madness, irrational rage and panic attacks in check which all started months ago. The one useful side effect of her 'madness' is that she can tell the truth from a lie. She has had to take a temporary leave from school but still works to pay the bills. What she doesn't know, is that the reason Ryker is there, has to do with her birth father and revenge. So right from the get go, their relationship is based in white lies. They both feel the pull to each other, and even though Cori has offered to meet face to face, Ryker refuses. That is until, egged on by his cousin and the knowledge that someone else is watching her too, he decides to step up his game and confront/kidnap her. The truth comes out and Cori's life becomes a roller coaster of mystical things and crazy 'shifters'. It's a different take on the whole shifter genre in that these shifters are 'gargoyles'. This is the introduction book, so I don't want to give too much away.
Ryker of course finds it hard to come to terms with his feelings for Cori, and she (thank goodness) doesn't put up with any cr*p from him. The author does a good job of taking them step by step, closer together. The ending action sequence was a little harsh, and I wished for an epilogue because I felt I needed more to be satisfied. I liked the writing style and look forward to reading more by this author!
Ryker of course finds it hard to come to terms with his feelings for Cori, and she (thank goodness) doesn't put up with any cr*p from him. The author does a good job of taking them step by step, closer together. The ending action sequence was a little harsh, and I wished for an epilogue because I felt I needed more to be satisfied. I liked the writing style and look forward to reading more by this author!
September 29, 2016
I did not know what to expect from this book, but it's apparently a combination of King Arthur and gargoyle shifters, and magic and sexy times. I see the potential for an interesting series, I'm just not big on the King Arthur legend so I'm not sure I want to keep reading. I like the gargoyles and the idea that if they find their mate they don't have to turn to stone during the day. I'm just not sold on the shifting into their "animal" part. I think there are one too many supernatural elements being combined into one creature, and way too many supernatural legends in this one book. If the author tones it down in future installments, meaning stops adding magic creatures or magic elements to already magically creatures, this series might work. The characters are fun and interesting and the action is easy to follow. So if you like shifters, fae, sorcerers, King Arthur, gargoyles and dragons, all in the same book, I recommend this book.
May 6, 2016
The only reason why I marked this as four starts is for one reason only: Gargoyles. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed reading this. There doesn't seem to be that many books about gargoyles (or shows for that matter). This story had a very interesting twist on them. Primal Instinct has plenty of action and a couple small, steamy scenes. I am on the fence with this one regarding reading the next one in the series. I am thinking I may want to give the author another chance then make my final decision from there.
March 10, 2018
2.5 stars
This book was good enough to finish, but not good enough to make me any percent sure that I'll read the remainder of the series. The writing style was enjoyable but the world building was often painful. You should always world build because its a basic building block of the paranormal genre imo. But if you are diverging from the traditional mythologies it is especially important to let your reader know at least the bare bones of what's going on. Truthfully, I am still not certain I understand this world very well and it took much too long to let us in on whatwas going on. The short version is that the series name is misleading. No true gargoyles, there are shifters who turn to stone in the morning (some sort of curse) til they find their mate. What the powers and weaknesses of the shifters are is unclear as is the mating thing. Also dump in some King Arthur stuff and you now know about what I gleamed from this book. Just enough not to make me rage quit but not enough to make me want to pay money for the other books.
I liked each character separately. The heroine worried me at first but she was pretty spunky. The hero had the tortured broody thing going on which worked for him. But putting them together...its like a dissonant chord. Each note sounds ok on its own but together..clash. He was kind of douchey to her and though she suitably chastised him...idk I can't put my finger on it but I just didn't love them for being mates. There were too many almost sex scenes not enough full on ones.
Tldr: alright book but not the strongest showing for a first in a series. Maybe some day I'll give the next book a shot but right now I've got too many unreads on my nook to spend money
This book was good enough to finish, but not good enough to make me any percent sure that I'll read the remainder of the series. The writing style was enjoyable but the world building was often painful. You should always world build because its a basic building block of the paranormal genre imo. But if you are diverging from the traditional mythologies it is especially important to let your reader know at least the bare bones of what's going on. Truthfully, I am still not certain I understand this world very well and it took much too long to let us in on whatwas going on. The short version is that the series name is misleading. No true gargoyles, there are shifters who turn to stone in the morning (some sort of curse) til they find their mate. What the powers and weaknesses of the shifters are is unclear as is the mating thing. Also dump in some King Arthur stuff and you now know about what I gleamed from this book. Just enough not to make me rage quit but not enough to make me want to pay money for the other books.
I liked each character separately. The heroine worried me at first but she was pretty spunky. The hero had the tortured broody thing going on which worked for him. But putting them together...its like a dissonant chord. Each note sounds ok on its own but together..clash. He was kind of douchey to her and though she suitably chastised him...idk I can't put my finger on it but I just didn't love them for being mates. There were too many almost sex scenes not enough full on ones.
Tldr: alright book but not the strongest showing for a first in a series. Maybe some day I'll give the next book a shot but right now I've got too many unreads on my nook to spend money
June 30, 2019
*WARNING* contains explicit adult sexual situations and violence
Ryker is wolf shifter that turns to stone when the sun comes up. Ryker is also seeking vengeance for his sister and nephew. Corrine Lawson is the key Ryker needs, or at least that's what the Oracle told him.
Cori has was just fired from another job, soon her rent will be late, along with her light bill, and she doesn't want to ask her mom for a loan because she doesn't want me o give them ammunition against her for dropping out if college. Now what us she going to do? What she can't figure out us why taking a bottle of wine out back by the fence and talking to the neighbor she has never seen makes everything feel like it's going to be okay, maybe it's his voice?
I read this one because of the goyles and there are none in this story. I was surprised by what this author called a gargoyle, however I think it's quite original. This whole story was quite original and not at all what I expected. This talks of King Arthur, Morgana, Excalibur, shifters turning to stone, Avalon, and Sorceresses, it's a wonderful surprise. The storyline is interesting and exciting. The plot is easy to follow, but not "simple". Bringing up all of these older characters and mixing with the newer one makes this fantasy read something different. I would recommend this to all adult PNR/fantasy readers.
Ryker is wolf shifter that turns to stone when the sun comes up. Ryker is also seeking vengeance for his sister and nephew. Corrine Lawson is the key Ryker needs, or at least that's what the Oracle told him.
Cori has was just fired from another job, soon her rent will be late, along with her light bill, and she doesn't want to ask her mom for a loan because she doesn't want me o give them ammunition against her for dropping out if college. Now what us she going to do? What she can't figure out us why taking a bottle of wine out back by the fence and talking to the neighbor she has never seen makes everything feel like it's going to be okay, maybe it's his voice?
I read this one because of the goyles and there are none in this story. I was surprised by what this author called a gargoyle, however I think it's quite original. This whole story was quite original and not at all what I expected. This talks of King Arthur, Morgana, Excalibur, shifters turning to stone, Avalon, and Sorceresses, it's a wonderful surprise. The storyline is interesting and exciting. The plot is easy to follow, but not "simple". Bringing up all of these older characters and mixing with the newer one makes this fantasy read something different. I would recommend this to all adult PNR/fantasy readers.
August 8, 2014
This prequel to the Pendragon Gargolyes Series written by Sydney Somers presents wonderful characters that I hope will show up in books of their own. In this first book the story is all about Ryker, the ancient werewolf-gargoyle and Cori, the woman coming into her own. The author creates interest from the very first scene where Cori and Ryker are speaking to one another while sitting on their balconies isolated from one another by a partition that hides them from one another. They may be unable to see one another but they definitely both seem interested in more than just conversation.
As the story develops there is reference to Camelot, Avalon, Excalibur, Fairies, Sorceresses, gargoyle-shape-shifters and more. There is combat, capture, intrigue, desire for revenge, delineation of the mythology of the story and within and beyond all of this there is the love story of Ryker and Cori and the potential of their future together.
A lot is packed into just under 150 pages BUT at the end of the story the story is finished in a way that the readers is not left dangling but still interested in reading future books in the series.
As the story develops there is reference to Camelot, Avalon, Excalibur, Fairies, Sorceresses, gargoyle-shape-shifters and more. There is combat, capture, intrigue, desire for revenge, delineation of the mythology of the story and within and beyond all of this there is the love story of Ryker and Cori and the potential of their future together.
A lot is packed into just under 150 pages BUT at the end of the story the story is finished in a way that the readers is not left dangling but still interested in reading future books in the series.
March 1, 2015
I purchased a copy of this book from Amazon. I am a member of the review team @ The Paranormal Bookshelf.
Corrine thought she was going crazy, she couldn't sleep, she had aggressive moments and she just got fired...AGAIN... The only high point in her life is her neighbour. She's never met him but she has spent every night since he moved in talking to him. She's convinced he must be a werewolf though. Ryker has lost his sister and her children in a horrendous murder. Corrine is the key to his revenge against her father, the killer. Ryker is in fact a wolf gargoyle, from Avalon, the world of King Arthur and Morgana.
I gave this book five stars, it is set around the legend of King Arthur and his death. Sydney creates a world adjacent to our world with the ability to travel between. This is just a quick glimpse into the world she's created but leaves you craving so much more.
Corrine thought she was going crazy, she couldn't sleep, she had aggressive moments and she just got fired...AGAIN... The only high point in her life is her neighbour. She's never met him but she has spent every night since he moved in talking to him. She's convinced he must be a werewolf though. Ryker has lost his sister and her children in a horrendous murder. Corrine is the key to his revenge against her father, the killer. Ryker is in fact a wolf gargoyle, from Avalon, the world of King Arthur and Morgana.
I gave this book five stars, it is set around the legend of King Arthur and his death. Sydney creates a world adjacent to our world with the ability to travel between. This is just a quick glimpse into the world she's created but leaves you craving so much more.
August 9, 2014
Primal Instinct is a prequel to the Pendragon Gargoyles series. As expected, it is rather short and gives the reader a basic background of the characters and the myths surrounding them. Also crammed into this novella is the story of Corrine and Ryker.
I liked the book, but I can't say I loved it. The problem with authors writing these prequels is trying to fit so much into a book. This results in too much background information being left out and the story line to be rushed.
It did get me interested enough that I might read the next in the series. However, the story was too incomplete to convince me to definitely continue. I would prefer the author skip the prequels and novellas and give the reader a complete book to enjoy.
I liked the book, but I can't say I loved it. The problem with authors writing these prequels is trying to fit so much into a book. This results in too much background information being left out and the story line to be rushed.
It did get me interested enough that I might read the next in the series. However, the story was too incomplete to convince me to definitely continue. I would prefer the author skip the prequels and novellas and give the reader a complete book to enjoy.
December 16, 2014
A very interesting take on shifters. They are gargoyles during the day if they aren't mated. We also have a flavour of King Arthur & Avalon, Excalibur and the associated myths.
Elina doesn't know she's a Pendragon Gargoyle, as she's never shifted. Her father has basically ignored her as he's a jerk who thinks she is worthless. Until she starts showing signs of shifting. Her dad, Dalton, is a bad, bad man.
Ryder is a Pendragon Gargoyle wolf, and he wants revenge against Dalton for slaughtering his sister & nephews about 50 yrs ago. He inveigles himself into Elina's life not realising she is his mate.
Elina doesn't know she's a Pendragon Gargoyle, as she's never shifted. Her father has basically ignored her as he's a jerk who thinks she is worthless. Until she starts showing signs of shifting. Her dad, Dalton, is a bad, bad man.
Ryder is a Pendragon Gargoyle wolf, and he wants revenge against Dalton for slaughtering his sister & nephews about 50 yrs ago. He inveigles himself into Elina's life not realising she is his mate.
March 24, 2016
I downloaded Primal Instinct as a free novella from Amazon. This story mixed Arthurian legends with wereanimals and a twist on gargoyle myth. I enjoyed the novella and the characters were interesting. I'd be interested in more books from this series to see where everything eventually goes.
August 1, 2018
Apparently, this book is a prequel written after books in the series had already been written. I wish I'd known that before reading this book, then I wouldn't have bothered. I was confused by the world building because the descriptions seemed to rely on prior knowledge.
September 14, 2018
Whoa
An interesting take on an old story. You mix in some action, some romance & some magic & it turns into a great book
An interesting take on an old story. You mix in some action, some romance & some magic & it turns into a great book
January 23, 2024
4 Stars for Enjoyment. 3 Stars for Quality
How can this simultaneously be an incredible story and a crappy book? I'll tell you.
First, this is a story about Ryker (MMC) and Cori (FMC). Ryker is a 500-year-old immortal gargoyle wolf shifter. Weird, right? Until they are mated, the shifters turn to stone during the day. His sister and her family were murdered centuries (?) ago, and he's on a quest for revenge!!! Ryker has figured out the perfect way to get his revenge. He is going to kidnap Cori, who is the daughter of his enemy, and use her as bait! Unfortunately, Cori turns out to be his mate. Which will Ryker choose, revenge or his fated mate?
For one thing, I really liked the characters in this story! Well, I really like Cori anyways. Ryker had his good moments, but then he would quickly ruin them by turning into an asshole.
There is no world building here, atleast there is no world building that matters. The author spends all this time explaining Avalon and the history of Arthur and Excalibur, but none of that makes a difference in this book. We never see Avalon. We never encounter anything from Avolon that would be relevant to this story. It's like a weird aspect thrown into the book randomly to make it seem more interesting.
Continuity issues I think the author got confused at points and forgot what she was writing. This left us with pieces and parts that didn't make sense or fit. Ryker is 500 years old. His sister's family was murdered. He repeatedly states that he's been seeking vengeance for the past 500 years. Except when he has a flashback of their deaths, he notices baking sheets, crayons, paper, oven mitts, chocolate chip cookies, etc. Modern stuff. Crayons weren't invented until the 1900s (and weren't called crayons). Chocolate chip cookies weren't invented until the late 1930s. None of this fits the narrative that the author is trying to sell us. Finally, Ryker says it happened 100 years ago. So, was it 500 years ago, 100 years ago, or in modern days?
I liked the ideas behind this story. I enjoyed reading it, too. However, upon closer inspection, you notice the book needs more work. The plot required the book to be more fleshed out and longer, at the very least—the same with relationship development. I need more of the story to feel connected to these people. More relationship building. More everything. The book was too short for what it wanted to accomplish.
🔥 Medium Burn
🌶 Medium spice
🔖 Tropes: kidnapping, fated mates, revenge, gargoyle shifters, King Arthur + Avalon + Excalibur, betrayal
🫦 Kinks: raw sex, scratching, biting
P.S. It was really weird when the author kept referring to the clit as a "wet knot." The mental pictures from that phrase were alarming.
How can this simultaneously be an incredible story and a crappy book? I'll tell you.
First, this is a story about Ryker (MMC) and Cori (FMC). Ryker is a 500-year-old immortal gargoyle wolf shifter. Weird, right? Until they are mated, the shifters turn to stone during the day. His sister and her family were murdered centuries (?) ago, and he's on a quest for revenge!!! Ryker has figured out the perfect way to get his revenge. He is going to kidnap Cori, who is the daughter of his enemy, and use her as bait! Unfortunately, Cori turns out to be his mate. Which will Ryker choose, revenge or his fated mate?
For one thing, I really liked the characters in this story! Well, I really like Cori anyways. Ryker had his good moments, but then he would quickly ruin them by turning into an asshole.
There is no world building here, atleast there is no world building that matters. The author spends all this time explaining Avalon and the history of Arthur and Excalibur, but none of that makes a difference in this book. We never see Avalon. We never encounter anything from Avolon that would be relevant to this story. It's like a weird aspect thrown into the book randomly to make it seem more interesting.
Continuity issues I think the author got confused at points and forgot what she was writing. This left us with pieces and parts that didn't make sense or fit. Ryker is 500 years old. His sister's family was murdered. He repeatedly states that he's been seeking vengeance for the past 500 years. Except when he has a flashback of their deaths, he notices baking sheets, crayons, paper, oven mitts, chocolate chip cookies, etc. Modern stuff. Crayons weren't invented until the 1900s (and weren't called crayons). Chocolate chip cookies weren't invented until the late 1930s. None of this fits the narrative that the author is trying to sell us. Finally, Ryker says it happened 100 years ago. So, was it 500 years ago, 100 years ago, or in modern days?
I liked the ideas behind this story. I enjoyed reading it, too. However, upon closer inspection, you notice the book needs more work. The plot required the book to be more fleshed out and longer, at the very least—the same with relationship development. I need more of the story to feel connected to these people. More relationship building. More everything. The book was too short for what it wanted to accomplish.
🔥 Medium Burn
🌶 Medium spice
🔖 Tropes: kidnapping, fated mates, revenge, gargoyle shifters, King Arthur + Avalon + Excalibur, betrayal
🫦 Kinks: raw sex, scratching, biting
P.S. It was really weird when the author kept referring to the clit as a "wet knot." The mental pictures from that phrase were alarming.
February 1, 2026
It was frustrating. They’re called gargoyles, but Ryker doesn’t turn to stone until halfway through, and really, the stone curse thing felt like an afterthought, because it rarely comes up. They were shifters. Cori never asks any real questions. She asks like two or three things, but gets sidetracked by anything and everything and never asks any questions again. Or she gets mad and stops listening. Or Ryker plain refuses to answer. As a result, the reader doesn’t get any explanations either. It relies on the reader having at least some knowledge of Arthurian legends, and explains almost nothing, except the few things that are somewhat different from the legends. But if you know nothing of it then you’ll be definitely lost. Also, things would be brought up as if the reader is familiar with them, only to be explained much later, and the explanation is absolutely unsatisfying, if there is even an explanation. The author calls Ryker’s friend “addicted” to things, but then proceeds to describe an obsession with said things. They’re different, and the fact that the author treats the terms as interchangeable was annoying.
As for the characters, Ryker was an ass most of the time, Cori was TSTL, and everybody else was completely unidimensional. Cori and Ryker seemed to finish every argument with sex, without resolving any of the problems, only for one of them to run away afterwards for some stupid reason, always involving the unwillingness to communicate from both of them. I could hardly believe these two could be allies, let alone love each other, because they didn’t trust the other at all. Some of Cori’s reactions to events were somewhat realistic, but it all goes away because she refuses to ask the questions that she should be asking, and most of her decisions didn’t make much sense. She had very little agency, letting everyone push her around and doing stupid things because it made the plot move along. And that ending! It just stops in the middle of a scene, and nothing is really resolved. She didn’t contact Ryker for weeks because “I don’t want to see him because I’ll blame myself for choosing him over my father” an absent father, mind you, who tried to kill Ryker and all of her friends, and lied to her constantly. And he just shows up, and she’s over it in a blink. The end. They barely talk about the trauma, and it just ends in the middle of the scene. I hated that.
I have no wish to read anything else in this series. Maybe I’ll give the author another chance, if I come across something from her that’s free.
As for the characters, Ryker was an ass most of the time, Cori was TSTL, and everybody else was completely unidimensional. Cori and Ryker seemed to finish every argument with sex, without resolving any of the problems, only for one of them to run away afterwards for some stupid reason, always involving the unwillingness to communicate from both of them. I could hardly believe these two could be allies, let alone love each other, because they didn’t trust the other at all. Some of Cori’s reactions to events were somewhat realistic, but it all goes away because she refuses to ask the questions that she should be asking, and most of her decisions didn’t make much sense. She had very little agency, letting everyone push her around and doing stupid things because it made the plot move along. And that ending! It just stops in the middle of a scene, and nothing is really resolved. She didn’t contact Ryker for weeks because “I don’t want to see him because I’ll blame myself for choosing him over my father” an absent father, mind you, who tried to kill Ryker and all of her friends, and lied to her constantly. And he just shows up, and she’s over it in a blink. The end. They barely talk about the trauma, and it just ends in the middle of the scene. I hated that.
I have no wish to read anything else in this series. Maybe I’ll give the author another chance, if I come across something from her that’s free.
March 14, 2021
3.0 stars
Easy to read, Gargoils, Fae, dragons Sorcery in the king rather Avalon "dimension".....the world that Sydney Somers builds is amazing. The heroine is having a hard time, job, boyfriend and school, her health is running down hill. Her neighbor is secretive but is who she turns toward to keep her going. She also is a bit attracted to, even though she has never seen him.They share a balcony with a tall partition between them. He is after her father (everyone is) and they are going to use her to get to him. But Rhy is attracted to her and she has no idea who or what she is. That magical world crashes into her world (literally) and Corri and Rhyker are on the run. He gets to bring her up to speed on who she is minus the reason he has been watching her.....yup you know where this going.....interesting world building, plot sizzling love scenes and a bang up fight to the end. I just found some of the characters actions and relationships moving to fast or missing bits...it was a bit of a rocky road. It was a decent read. I would try more in the series.
3/14/21
I wanted to add this addendum to my review after thinking about it. I think if the beginning of Ryker and Corri's relationship had a slower development I would have enjoyed it more. I mean he walks into the bathroom and sees her ....well...,.yeah. And he doesn't give her space
And she, after seeing this guy walk in and others in her apartment and all she can think of is sex.....that is not natural. I shut down there and what came after bounced off my brain instead of me being vested in the relationship. I mean this is a paranormal romance right? I like a slower burn and slower entry into sex......its too bad. The rest of this was really good. Again, I'll try another book in the series.
Easy to read, Gargoils, Fae, dragons Sorcery in the king rather Avalon "dimension".....the world that Sydney Somers builds is amazing. The heroine is having a hard time, job, boyfriend and school, her health is running down hill. Her neighbor is secretive but is who she turns toward to keep her going. She also is a bit attracted to, even though she has never seen him.They share a balcony with a tall partition between them. He is after her father (everyone is) and they are going to use her to get to him. But Rhy is attracted to her and she has no idea who or what she is. That magical world crashes into her world (literally) and Corri and Rhyker are on the run. He gets to bring her up to speed on who she is minus the reason he has been watching her.....yup you know where this going.....interesting world building, plot sizzling love scenes and a bang up fight to the end. I just found some of the characters actions and relationships moving to fast or missing bits...it was a bit of a rocky road. It was a decent read. I would try more in the series.
3/14/21
I wanted to add this addendum to my review after thinking about it. I think if the beginning of Ryker and Corri's relationship had a slower development I would have enjoyed it more. I mean he walks into the bathroom and sees her ....well...,.yeah. And he doesn't give her space
And she, after seeing this guy walk in and others in her apartment and all she can think of is sex.....that is not natural. I shut down there and what came after bounced off my brain instead of me being vested in the relationship. I mean this is a paranormal romance right? I like a slower burn and slower entry into sex......its too bad. The rest of this was really good. Again, I'll try another book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2024
Ryker lives next door to Cori but at first they don't see each other over the fence, they just talk through the fence and get to know each other. I thought this was going to be one of those "The hero falls for the girl next door" type romances because I didn't re-read the description after adding it to my Kindle. I just clicked on the book and started reading. Ryker slowly unveils his plans to use Cori as bait to get to her father but as he's gotten to know her, he's started to have feelings for her so things are working out a little different than he had first thought they would. Cori also isn't real close with her absentee father and she knows nothing about what he actually is. But when danger shows up at her door, literally and she's thrown into the fire sooner than Ryker can plan for, he saves her so he can use her to contact her father and because he feels protective of her.
When Cori learns the whole truth about what's going on and that her father is a shifter who is responsible for Ryker's family being murdered, she's not sure what to do. She likes Ryker, a lot but isn't sure she should trust him after finding out that he only got to know her to get close to her father.
I found this storyline to be a little confusing though because the shifters are called Gargoyles which I thought meant there would be actual gargoyles and there wasn't. The gargoyles are actually shifters like panthers, wolves and dragons but they are from King Arthur's Court ie, Avalon. They are only gargoyles in the sense that they are cursed and until they find their mates, they turn to stone at certain times. It was an interesting idea but also a little confusing.
There's a lot of action and drama because of the danger Cori's father puts them all in.
When Cori learns the whole truth about what's going on and that her father is a shifter who is responsible for Ryker's family being murdered, she's not sure what to do. She likes Ryker, a lot but isn't sure she should trust him after finding out that he only got to know her to get close to her father.
I found this storyline to be a little confusing though because the shifters are called Gargoyles which I thought meant there would be actual gargoyles and there wasn't. The gargoyles are actually shifters like panthers, wolves and dragons but they are from King Arthur's Court ie, Avalon. They are only gargoyles in the sense that they are cursed and until they find their mates, they turn to stone at certain times. It was an interesting idea but also a little confusing.
There's a lot of action and drama because of the danger Cori's father puts them all in.
March 13, 2021
Corrine ‘Cori’ Lawson’s not her best after dropping out of school, losing yet another job, late on her bills and needing a loan from her mom and step-dad. Cori has no idea why but meds aren’t helping her mood swings, growling, growing claws or acute hearing. Topping it off, she has a crush on the next-door neighbor she’s spoken to but not seen!
Determined to exact vengeance on Cori Lawson’s dad, Dalton, gargoyle Ryker McKinnon insinuates himself in her life. Ryker’s shocked Cori’s not what he expected but her female calls to his male…loudly. Certain someone else is stalking Cori, Ryker comes out of the shadows to protect her.
Cori and Ryker’s strong mutual attraction at their first meeting makes them immobile, until an immortal crashes into her apartment breaking the spell. Naturally, they protect each other to escape. At Cori’s pleas, Ryker explains the world she’s part of but ignorant of but pointedly omits the reason immortal factions are after her.
This reader was amazed at this unique foundation tale with likeable leads, good sensuous and action pieces that include an insanely long list crossing fantasy, myth and immortal beings. There are a lot of moving pieces but the read isn’t too busy. However, Cori was a bit too accepting, too quickly for my taste.
While it didn’t inhibit my reading, the change in type about halfway through the outing was noticeable.
Rating: 3.75stars
Determined to exact vengeance on Cori Lawson’s dad, Dalton, gargoyle Ryker McKinnon insinuates himself in her life. Ryker’s shocked Cori’s not what he expected but her female calls to his male…loudly. Certain someone else is stalking Cori, Ryker comes out of the shadows to protect her.
Cori and Ryker’s strong mutual attraction at their first meeting makes them immobile, until an immortal crashes into her apartment breaking the spell. Naturally, they protect each other to escape. At Cori’s pleas, Ryker explains the world she’s part of but ignorant of but pointedly omits the reason immortal factions are after her.
This reader was amazed at this unique foundation tale with likeable leads, good sensuous and action pieces that include an insanely long list crossing fantasy, myth and immortal beings. There are a lot of moving pieces but the read isn’t too busy. However, Cori was a bit too accepting, too quickly for my taste.
While it didn’t inhibit my reading, the change in type about halfway through the outing was noticeable.
Rating: 3.75stars
September 9, 2017
Pleasant
A quite pleasant book but with a strange twist on the shifter genre. In this book we have shifters who are also gargoyles. There are what we know as standard shifters , people who are also an animal. Some are wolves others are dragons or panthers while there are also fae and sorceresses. The difference is that the shifters turn to stone in their animal form as soon as the sun rises; until they find their mate. All a bit too complicated as far as I'm concerned. Especially when you bring into it that they all originated in Avalon if King Arthur!
In this book Corinne (Cori) doesn't know that she is a shifter. All she knows is that she's been having panic attacks recently which have lead to her having to drop out of college. She hasn't been able to keep a job either and now can't pay her rent or her bills. Her next door neighbour is an enigma. They talk every night and have built up a strong friendship and yet they have never met face to face! Her neighbour, Ryker, is a werewolf who originally meant to use Cori to get to her father but, as they say, the best laid plans etc. So Cori finds herself thrown headlong into a supernatural mish mash. There are a lit of inconsistencies in this story but it was a pleasant read regardless. I can't give it more than 3 stars though.
A quite pleasant book but with a strange twist on the shifter genre. In this book we have shifters who are also gargoyles. There are what we know as standard shifters , people who are also an animal. Some are wolves others are dragons or panthers while there are also fae and sorceresses. The difference is that the shifters turn to stone in their animal form as soon as the sun rises; until they find their mate. All a bit too complicated as far as I'm concerned. Especially when you bring into it that they all originated in Avalon if King Arthur!
In this book Corinne (Cori) doesn't know that she is a shifter. All she knows is that she's been having panic attacks recently which have lead to her having to drop out of college. She hasn't been able to keep a job either and now can't pay her rent or her bills. Her next door neighbour is an enigma. They talk every night and have built up a strong friendship and yet they have never met face to face! Her neighbour, Ryker, is a werewolf who originally meant to use Cori to get to her father but, as they say, the best laid plans etc. So Cori finds herself thrown headlong into a supernatural mish mash. There are a lit of inconsistencies in this story but it was a pleasant read regardless. I can't give it more than 3 stars though.
September 17, 2017
Primal Instinct (Pendragon Gargoyles #1) 0 by Sydney Somers - Okay I din't know what a Pendragon is and I had no idea about his book but the "recommend reading suggestions" were getting old - I mean who wants to read the same exact style of book everyday? Not me, I need some variety so I jumped in and took a stab at this book & ...........
Surprises are in store with this story - feels like a from King Arthur to mystical creatures, action and adventures and heart stopping love!
The main character's Cori a struggling woman with thinking she was going crazy to facing reality the world wasn't what it seemed. The other main character Ryker was living for revenge for his families brutal death. The adventure is epic. This would make a marvelous movie. This is my first book from Syndney Somers and I am hooked. The fantasy would be perfect for those that like Harry Potter, Merlin Camelot, Mystica with some adult intimacy.
More information for Book Reviews & help finding the write book for you -
Please be sure to stop over to my blog: https://www.my2centsbookreviews.com - I would love to have you join our Book Lovers Team (BLT). LOL – it’s time to curling up with a good book, making new friends and escaping and let all the troubles fade away and lift your soul and recharge your batteries so you ready for your next adventures. I look forward to you joining me there. : - )
Surprises are in store with this story - feels like a from King Arthur to mystical creatures, action and adventures and heart stopping love!
The main character's Cori a struggling woman with thinking she was going crazy to facing reality the world wasn't what it seemed. The other main character Ryker was living for revenge for his families brutal death. The adventure is epic. This would make a marvelous movie. This is my first book from Syndney Somers and I am hooked. The fantasy would be perfect for those that like Harry Potter, Merlin Camelot, Mystica with some adult intimacy.
More information for Book Reviews & help finding the write book for you -
Please be sure to stop over to my blog: https://www.my2centsbookreviews.com - I would love to have you join our Book Lovers Team (BLT). LOL – it’s time to curling up with a good book, making new friends and escaping and let all the troubles fade away and lift your soul and recharge your batteries so you ready for your next adventures. I look forward to you joining me there. : - )
September 27, 2020
Loved it!! Best shifter book I’ve read in a long time
Wow. I just loved this book! It was amazing!! It was everything a shifter book should be and more. From pulling from folklore and stories most people know to adding her own twists and turns to make it all her own made this book. I loved how the author used King Aurthur and Excalibur as the basis of this book.
I absolutely adored Cori, she’s one of the strongest “human” characters I’ve read in a shifter book in a very long time and I have read a lot lately. You can’t not love her.
Ryker was the perfect match to her, I guess you could say flaws ~ being “Crazy Cori Town”. His strength and abilities definitely complimented her own.
I loved that she didn’t know what she was and struggled with it thinking she was crazy. That she was strong enough to see through her father’s lies and was tormented with the end result, even though it was the right thing to do.
I’m stoked and cannot wait to dive into the rest of the series.
Wow. I just loved this book! It was amazing!! It was everything a shifter book should be and more. From pulling from folklore and stories most people know to adding her own twists and turns to make it all her own made this book. I loved how the author used King Aurthur and Excalibur as the basis of this book.
I absolutely adored Cori, she’s one of the strongest “human” characters I’ve read in a shifter book in a very long time and I have read a lot lately. You can’t not love her.
Ryker was the perfect match to her, I guess you could say flaws ~ being “Crazy Cori Town”. His strength and abilities definitely complimented her own.
I loved that she didn’t know what she was and struggled with it thinking she was crazy. That she was strong enough to see through her father’s lies and was tormented with the end result, even though it was the right thing to do.
I’m stoked and cannot wait to dive into the rest of the series.
December 16, 2020
I liked Ryker and Cori's story but it was a little slow at first for some reason. Ryker has never seen Cori no she him as he is her neighbor and they are separated by a high fence. They talk a lot at night after she gets home from work but never see each other. She has some sexy thoughts about him though. The actual meeting is pretty eventful as a dragon shifter is out to take her away too her father whom has been missing most of her life.
She is a shifter too but has no idea and her inner panther is only now showing signs of wanting to emerge. She thinks something mental is wrong with her. Ryker rescues her and takes her to a safe place where she finds out what his real motives are. Her father is responsible for the death of his sister and her children and they are all from Avalon. Gets pretty good from here on.
As I said for some reason I had a hard time getting into it but after the get to Pendragon's club it gets much better. Will probably look at rest of series.
She is a shifter too but has no idea and her inner panther is only now showing signs of wanting to emerge. She thinks something mental is wrong with her. Ryker rescues her and takes her to a safe place where she finds out what his real motives are. Her father is responsible for the death of his sister and her children and they are all from Avalon. Gets pretty good from here on.
As I said for some reason I had a hard time getting into it but after the get to Pendragon's club it gets much better. Will probably look at rest of series.
October 6, 2018
Gargoyle Ryker McKinnon moves in next door to Corrine Lawson with the intention of using her to find her father another Immortal, but his plan falls apart as he gets to know Cori and falls for her and discovers she is his fated mate.
Cori is half human and hal Immortal and has not been told what she could possibly become so her world falls apart when she first starts to feel changes and she thinks she is going crazy. She finds peace talking to Ryker at night on her balcony through a privacy wall.
The plot unfolds with numerous attacks by other Immortals controlled by Cori's father. I loved the connection to ancient times, and all the various types of Immortals involved in the plot. Ryker and Cori's romance is hot, full of ups and downs and finally they fight together to save each other at a great price following their Primal Instinct.
Cori is half human and hal Immortal and has not been told what she could possibly become so her world falls apart when she first starts to feel changes and she thinks she is going crazy. She finds peace talking to Ryker at night on her balcony through a privacy wall.
The plot unfolds with numerous attacks by other Immortals controlled by Cori's father. I loved the connection to ancient times, and all the various types of Immortals involved in the plot. Ryker and Cori's romance is hot, full of ups and downs and finally they fight together to save each other at a great price following their Primal Instinct.
March 26, 2020
I fell in love with Ryker
Primal Instinct: Pendragon Gargoyles book 1
By Sydney Somers
Kindle unlimited purchase
Corrine has had a rough couple of months but the one thing helping her cope is her next-door neighbor. She's never met him face to face but he has become a close friend.
Ryker is more than he seems. He has secrets and he is on a mission to find the person that killed his sister and her and his nephews and Cori is going to help him find the answers.
This is a great start to a series, great character building, great plot, easy to understand. This is the first book in this series, the series has 6 books and I'm looking forward to reading every one of them.
Pendragon Gargoyles:
Primal Instinct
Primal Hunger
Primal Attraction
Primal Pleasure
Primal Temptation
Primal Bounty
Primal Instinct: Pendragon Gargoyles book 1
By Sydney Somers
Kindle unlimited purchase
Corrine has had a rough couple of months but the one thing helping her cope is her next-door neighbor. She's never met him face to face but he has become a close friend.
Ryker is more than he seems. He has secrets and he is on a mission to find the person that killed his sister and her and his nephews and Cori is going to help him find the answers.
This is a great start to a series, great character building, great plot, easy to understand. This is the first book in this series, the series has 6 books and I'm looking forward to reading every one of them.
Pendragon Gargoyles:
Primal Instinct
Primal Hunger
Primal Attraction
Primal Pleasure
Primal Temptation
Primal Bounty
May 25, 2020
Pretty good
She thinks she’s losing her mind but Corrine is about to discover a new reality. In the last month, Corrine has been fired three times and suffered numerous panic attacks but is attracted to her next door neighbor, even though she’s never seen him. Ryker is part werewolf and part gargoyle and wants vengeance for the death of his family. He plans to use Corrine to draw her father out of his hiding place but never expects to fall for her. When she’s forced to choose between a father she never really knew or Ryker can she make the right choice?
Shifters and revenge makes up the story. It took me awhile to figure out where the gargoyle comes in. A woman trying to figure out her crazy life and a man that just wants the man responsible for his family’s death to pay.
She thinks she’s losing her mind but Corrine is about to discover a new reality. In the last month, Corrine has been fired three times and suffered numerous panic attacks but is attracted to her next door neighbor, even though she’s never seen him. Ryker is part werewolf and part gargoyle and wants vengeance for the death of his family. He plans to use Corrine to draw her father out of his hiding place but never expects to fall for her. When she’s forced to choose between a father she never really knew or Ryker can she make the right choice?
Shifters and revenge makes up the story. It took me awhile to figure out where the gargoyle comes in. A woman trying to figure out her crazy life and a man that just wants the man responsible for his family’s death to pay.
April 17, 2018
Good start to the series
The beginning of a series about immortals that turn to gargoyles at night yet are shifters during the day. There are fae, sorceress etc also in the story. The story is about Ryker and Corrine. Corrine thinks she's a human with Ryker being the mysterious guy next door. He has sought her out as bait to trap her father, Dalton, who murdered Ryker's sister and her family. Her dad is trying to find her at he came time Ryker is trying to hide her for his plan. Things change and she finds her true nature. There is a battle and Cori has to make a difficult choice. Definitely think it's worth reading the next and see where the story leads.
The beginning of a series about immortals that turn to gargoyles at night yet are shifters during the day. There are fae, sorceress etc also in the story. The story is about Ryker and Corrine. Corrine thinks she's a human with Ryker being the mysterious guy next door. He has sought her out as bait to trap her father, Dalton, who murdered Ryker's sister and her family. Her dad is trying to find her at he came time Ryker is trying to hide her for his plan. Things change and she finds her true nature. There is a battle and Cori has to make a difficult choice. Definitely think it's worth reading the next and see where the story leads.
September 17, 2017
First in series. A different take on shifters that turn into Gargoyles when the sun comes up,that is until they are mated.Corrine has been going through some changes lately and has no idea what is going on,.Ryker,her next door neighbor is actually a shifter that has been keeping an eye over her since she seems to be the key to his sisters family murder years ago. Corrine is introduce to the paranormal world all at once and does not take it to well. Well written,lots of secrets,great sex scenes,fight scenes, keeps you interested
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