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Judgement of the Six #4
[Un]bidden
I left home because I didn’t want to end up in a cage like a lab rat. Hitching rides, begging for cash, and sleeping on the ground got old fast. That was the only reason I braved an overgrown path to a group of buildings. I’d hoped to find a bed and a decent night’s sleep. However, what I found was a place overrun by werewolves.
While on the run, Charlene finds herself surrounded by werewolves, creatures she can’t control with her mind like she can humans. Their existence has her believing she’s found a safe place to stay, a place where secrets are okay. However, she soon discovers she’s anything but safe. Charlene must learn how to use her abilities to influence the strange new species because if she can’t, the next bite she suffers might just kill her.
Read how the cycle begins, and have no doubt. Charlene’s past will shape the future of the Judgements.
While on the run, Charlene finds herself surrounded by werewolves, creatures she can’t control with her mind like she can humans. Their existence has her believing she’s found a safe place to stay, a place where secrets are okay. However, she soon discovers she’s anything but safe. Charlene must learn how to use her abilities to influence the strange new species because if she can’t, the next bite she suffers might just kill her.
Read how the cycle begins, and have no doubt. Charlene’s past will shape the future of the Judgements.
249 pages, ebook
First published November 24, 2014
434 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Haag
47 books1,189 followersI love to write! Sharing the worlds I've created is beyond amazing . Want to read a book for free? Check out my website at:
http://melissahaag.com/free-ebook/
Connect with me on:
https://twitter.com/MelissaHaag
https://www.facebook.com/author.MelissaHaag
I also write adult books under the pen name M.J. Haag. Happy reading!
http://melissahaag.com/free-ebook/
Connect with me on:
https://twitter.com/MelissaHaag
https://www.facebook.com/author.MelissaHaag
I also write adult books under the pen name M.J. Haag. Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
February 29, 2024
I didn't think I would like going back in time right in the middle of a series but Charlene's story is so engaging from the very beginning that I completely forgot it was decades in the past! She is also my favorite heroine in the series. She is kind and cares deeply for others, making her very easy to love. Thomas was also great fun to read. He is exactly the opposite of the heroes so far,in that he DOESN'T want Charlene, humans or anyone not of his "kind" to live! It was fun seeing him slowly change while falling in love with her.
My only complaint is the revelation that she is only 15! Glad that little tidbit didn't pop up until the very last part of the book or I would have had all kinds of trouble buying into the story because that age didn't fit her character at ALL! By that time, her character was already very well developed and I had enjoyed the story. She was written with a personality and actions of a 30 year old, even though we knew she was a teenager - but 15? Uh...nope. Would not be believable by any stretch of the imagination!
My only complaint is the revelation that she is only 15! Glad that little tidbit didn't pop up until the very last part of the book or I would have had all kinds of trouble buying into the story because that age didn't fit her character at ALL! By that time, her character was already very well developed and I had enjoyed the story. She was written with a personality and actions of a 30 year old, even though we knew she was a teenager - but 15? Uh...nope. Would not be believable by any stretch of the imagination!
November 24, 2014
I loved this book, LOVED IT
Warning: I was given this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review and all that fun stuff, and honesty is what I do
Warning #2: I am in love with this series - just letting you know ;) Also that it is part of a series, that while this book takes place mostly in the past there might be one or two titty bitty spoilers from the previous books, you have been warned
Song Choice: "Change Your Mind" by the Killers, "Shelter" by The XX
First thoughts: Wow, I was so intrigued when I found out that Melissa would be writing Charlene's story and I was not disappointed, not in the least! There was so many twist and honestly I didn't even know what to expect, after all we know who Charlene ends up with but their journey to each other, wow. Loved it :D
Thoughts on Plot: So Charlene much like the other girls in the series are alone in the world, difference here though is that Charlene left because she knew it would be the best. I loved the progression of this book it also gave the readers an excellent look at the beginnings of this whole revolution, I never even...it was awesome let me just say that. I think that Melissa did well too transporting us back into time during the 70s (Right it was the 70s O.o) anyways she didn't take the easy route out and try to trick the book into being in the decade it shouldn't be in. Anyways!!! moving on, i thought it was really interesting and intriguing, i think if you are a follower of this amazing series you will find that it was quite wonderful and might answer quite a few hundred questions you might be harboring. Not to mention watching the love unfold for Charlene and Thomas *swooon* I was so glad to really get to see it :) really wonderful <3
Characters:
Charlene: She was awesome, a self-less but also understanding character. She wasn't stupid and she wasn't going to just give up either. She saw the importance she held to the werewolves and she was just an utterly awesome character. I really loved her maturity and I had a hard time remembering her age most of the time. She was Melissa's classic, strong, witty, and amazing character :D totally adored her
Thomas: *Swoon* he had a bad attitude but that quickly changed. he had a huge responsibility and he wasn't going to back down. I admired and loved him. I am so glad we got to see their story, their struggles and he was wonderful :D
The ending: OMGOD, LIKE SERIOUSLY, what a shock, wow. Alright then Melissa lets just hand over the next one and no one gets hurt ;)
For more Becca-ness check me out here: http://theviolethourbookreviews.wordp...
January 31, 2021
I would NOT recommend this series to any of my clean romance followers.
Y’all. If ever there was an ominous ending to a book, that was it. But also, what just happened?! Like seriously. What. Just. Happened?! Do you feel like I say that a lot when it comes to this series? Yes? Me too!
(Un)bidden is Charlene and Thomas’s story and it takes place over 25 years ago. Like me, you’re probably wondering why this wasn’t the 1st book. I didn’t get it until the very end… literally. You need to know Gabby, Michelle and Bethi’s stories before you can discover THAT truth bomb. I won’t go into detail because, again, I don’t want to ruin for anyone. But I’ll leave it at these two words… Mind. Blown.
I’ve loved Charlene and Thomas from the first moment I met them in Hope(less). They had this presence about them, and you knew that they were special. They are the ultimate power couple. Thomas is the leader of their Pack and Charlene is the heart of it. I can already tell that they are going to be pivotal when Judgment comes.
I absolutely loved this book. I could not devour it fast enough. I was a little leery going into the book because of “flashbacks” but I didn’t have anything to worry about. The first and last chapters were in the present. Everything in between was the history of how the Pack came to be and Charlene’s secrets. I’m definitely hooked and cannot WAIT to grab the next book! Thank goodness it’s the weekend! Haha.
Content: Mild Violence. Mild passion (one scene, not a lot of detail, important to the story). Mild innuendo. Swoony kisses.
Y’all. If ever there was an ominous ending to a book, that was it. But also, what just happened?! Like seriously. What. Just. Happened?! Do you feel like I say that a lot when it comes to this series? Yes? Me too!
(Un)bidden is Charlene and Thomas’s story and it takes place over 25 years ago. Like me, you’re probably wondering why this wasn’t the 1st book. I didn’t get it until the very end… literally. You need to know Gabby, Michelle and Bethi’s stories before you can discover THAT truth bomb. I won’t go into detail because, again, I don’t want to ruin for anyone. But I’ll leave it at these two words… Mind. Blown.
I’ve loved Charlene and Thomas from the first moment I met them in Hope(less). They had this presence about them, and you knew that they were special. They are the ultimate power couple. Thomas is the leader of their Pack and Charlene is the heart of it. I can already tell that they are going to be pivotal when Judgment comes.
I absolutely loved this book. I could not devour it fast enough. I was a little leery going into the book because of “flashbacks” but I didn’t have anything to worry about. The first and last chapters were in the present. Everything in between was the history of how the Pack came to be and Charlene’s secrets. I’m definitely hooked and cannot WAIT to grab the next book! Thank goodness it’s the weekend! Haha.
Content: Mild Violence. Mild passion (one scene, not a lot of detail, important to the story). Mild innuendo. Swoony kisses.
April 28, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
I read this series back in 2014, when I wasn't on goodreads. So it never got rated.
Basically this series is about six human woman, who have different special talents and don't what they are useful for. On the other hand there are werwolves. Kind of two different species of werwolves, one are the good one and one the bad ones. Both groups has people who are compatible with those human women. For each woman two guys to choose from.
Charlene was the first one found. We do not know her story. In Hope(less) the first book of this series we read about Gabby's story. In (Mis)fortune the second book of the story we follow Michelle and Emmitt's story. Book three is about Luke and Bethi's story, which I expected to be book two. (Un)bidden is the story of the older couple: Charlene and Thomas.
Charlene can manipulate human minds and her frenemy wants to expose her. She has to run and find the compound where werewolves live. She starts changing their lives and finds Thomas.
I read this series back in 2014, when I wasn't on goodreads. So it never got rated.
Basically this series is about six human woman, who have different special talents and don't what they are useful for. On the other hand there are werwolves. Kind of two different species of werwolves, one are the good one and one the bad ones. Both groups has people who are compatible with those human women. For each woman two guys to choose from.
Charlene was the first one found. We do not know her story. In Hope(less) the first book of this series we read about Gabby's story. In (Mis)fortune the second book of the story we follow Michelle and Emmitt's story. Book three is about Luke and Bethi's story, which I expected to be book two. (Un)bidden is the story of the older couple: Charlene and Thomas.
Charlene can manipulate human minds and her frenemy wants to expose her. She has to run and find the compound where werewolves live. She starts changing their lives and finds Thomas.
June 28, 2019
https://celebrityreaders.com/2019/06/...
ON REREAD:
4.5 stars — I don’t know, I feel like I enjoyed this one even more the second time around. I still had the same issues with Charlene’s age, it just WASN’T believable AT ALL, and I think I would have enjoyed it way more if she’d even just been 16 going on 17 instead of 15 going on 16. A lot changes in the teen years. And I realize now that the reason it didn’t bother me with Mary as much is that she is a Werewolf, and thus the way she grew up and the expectations she had would be COMPLETELY different from what society dictates for us.
I will also admit that I was less than pleased with how the Mating occurred. Charlene was pretty clear about wanting to call the shots, and I feel like Thomas manipulated that and pressured…I get that it’s a paranormal, but I still would have appreciated it more if Charlene had clearly consented.
But besides that, I really enjoyed the glimpse into the past! I loved all the things I loved the first time around, getting to see how the Werewolves were back then, and watching Charlene open their eyes and encourage them to become active participants in their survival.
And I loved Charlene herself! She was so strong in the face of all she was facing, and I loved her sense of empathy for all living creatures. I felt like her reactions were so real, and something I could really connect with.
I also appreciated that the romance between Charlene and Thomas wasn’t completely in the background like Bethi’s…we got to see them connecting with one another, and there were some really sweet moments.
So yeah, still wish we got a bit more in certain areas, but really loved what we did get.
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
https://celebrityreaders.com/2016/07/...
4 stars -- Hmmmm...this book both answered a bunch of questions, and left me wanting more all at the same time. I think I expected to get different things out of it, but that doesn't diminish what I did get.
I loved seeing just how completely different the werewolf community was before Charlene came along. Like, seriously people, crazy different. It was crazy intriguing to watch them resist the change, but then listen to the rather wise things that Charlene was saying. I loved seeing them find fulfillment from the human type things she had them doing.
And holy cow was it ever violent!! Like seriously, you think Gabby had it bad with all the crazy Introductions, but seeing what it was like at the beginning when they didn't even know how the claimings worked? Charlene went through a LOT!!! But I felt like all her thought processes, and the weighing of whether it was safe to stay there or find someplace else was very well thought out and realistic. Charlene was in a crazy tough position. I might not have gotten the full extent of her fear from one person, as she did from Penny...I couldn't help but wonder why people wouldn't be skeptical of Penny. Why she needed to close herself off from humans altogether. Why couldn't she just not use the ability? But I digress.
I must say that I am 100% with my blog partner Curly Carla -- Charlene's age bothered me. I did not believe one little bit that she was 15. I know some people are older than their ages, but it just did not feel authentic. And so that was weird.
I enjoyed Charlene and Thomas's long and complicated courtship. There was a lot of strange conflict since it was such a bizarre situation for both of them, but we did get to some great sweet moments. I will admit I must be a bit prudish, b/c I did have a problem with her age no matter how it was addressed in the book. It was odd. But if I ignored that, I really loved this beginning of their story. I almost wished there was more of their lives than just the beginning. I had so many questions of how things progressed. But I suppose that wasn't actually important, just me fangirling.
Now one other thing I absolutely adored was the cast of secondary characters. I LOVED Mary. What a great friend. And Mary and Gregory were adorable. It's funny that Mary was the same age, and yet her age didn't bother me as much. And seeing early Grey was delightful. I also liked seeing an early Wini too. And Anton! I know he had a tiny part, but what happened to him? I liked him.
I was extremely surprised by the outcome of Charlene's ability. I can't say more without spoiling, but I'm curious to see what the fallout is going to be.
Definitely a great addition to the series, and can't wait to keep finding out what's happening in the present.
ON REREAD:
4.5 stars — I don’t know, I feel like I enjoyed this one even more the second time around. I still had the same issues with Charlene’s age, it just WASN’T believable AT ALL, and I think I would have enjoyed it way more if she’d even just been 16 going on 17 instead of 15 going on 16. A lot changes in the teen years. And I realize now that the reason it didn’t bother me with Mary as much is that she is a Werewolf, and thus the way she grew up and the expectations she had would be COMPLETELY different from what society dictates for us.
I will also admit that I was less than pleased with how the Mating occurred. Charlene was pretty clear about wanting to call the shots, and I feel like Thomas manipulated that and pressured…I get that it’s a paranormal, but I still would have appreciated it more if Charlene had clearly consented.
But besides that, I really enjoyed the glimpse into the past! I loved all the things I loved the first time around, getting to see how the Werewolves were back then, and watching Charlene open their eyes and encourage them to become active participants in their survival.
And I loved Charlene herself! She was so strong in the face of all she was facing, and I loved her sense of empathy for all living creatures. I felt like her reactions were so real, and something I could really connect with.
I also appreciated that the romance between Charlene and Thomas wasn’t completely in the background like Bethi’s…we got to see them connecting with one another, and there were some really sweet moments.
So yeah, still wish we got a bit more in certain areas, but really loved what we did get.
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
https://celebrityreaders.com/2016/07/...
4 stars -- Hmmmm...this book both answered a bunch of questions, and left me wanting more all at the same time. I think I expected to get different things out of it, but that doesn't diminish what I did get.
I loved seeing just how completely different the werewolf community was before Charlene came along. Like, seriously people, crazy different. It was crazy intriguing to watch them resist the change, but then listen to the rather wise things that Charlene was saying. I loved seeing them find fulfillment from the human type things she had them doing.
And holy cow was it ever violent!! Like seriously, you think Gabby had it bad with all the crazy Introductions, but seeing what it was like at the beginning when they didn't even know how the claimings worked? Charlene went through a LOT!!! But I felt like all her thought processes, and the weighing of whether it was safe to stay there or find someplace else was very well thought out and realistic. Charlene was in a crazy tough position. I might not have gotten the full extent of her fear from one person, as she did from Penny...I couldn't help but wonder why people wouldn't be skeptical of Penny. Why she needed to close herself off from humans altogether. Why couldn't she just not use the ability? But I digress.
I must say that I am 100% with my blog partner Curly Carla -- Charlene's age bothered me. I did not believe one little bit that she was 15. I know some people are older than their ages, but it just did not feel authentic. And so that was weird.
I enjoyed Charlene and Thomas's long and complicated courtship. There was a lot of strange conflict since it was such a bizarre situation for both of them, but we did get to some great sweet moments. I will admit I must be a bit prudish, b/c I did have a problem with her age no matter how it was addressed in the book. It was odd. But if I ignored that, I really loved this beginning of their story. I almost wished there was more of their lives than just the beginning. I had so many questions of how things progressed. But I suppose that wasn't actually important, just me fangirling.
Now one other thing I absolutely adored was the cast of secondary characters. I LOVED Mary. What a great friend. And Mary and Gregory were adorable. It's funny that Mary was the same age, and yet her age didn't bother me as much. And seeing early Grey was delightful. I also liked seeing an early Wini too. And Anton! I know he had a tiny part, but what happened to him? I liked him.
I was extremely surprised by the outcome of Charlene's ability. I can't say more without spoiling, but I'm curious to see what the fallout is going to be.
Definitely a great addition to the series, and can't wait to keep finding out what's happening in the present.
February 5, 2015
Compared to other 4 star books this one probably should be rated lower, but I really enjoyed the flashback to Charlene' s story and how it all began. There are still pace issues and the writing isn't flawless however the plot and characters are completely original and the individual stories are all finally coming together. Thomas is incredibly sweet! Clean read. I wish I didn't know she was 15 though. I get that it's normal for their kind, but as the reader I still have human sensibilities and 15 is way to young for mating.
November 24, 2014
Spoiler-Free Review:
Rating: ★★★★½
This review will not spoil book 4, (Un)Bidden, but it may contain small details from the first 3 books that some could be construed as spoilers, again I would never mention any major spoilers within my reviews!
I am unabashedly a huge fan of this series! I am also a fan of shifter/were books, but I don’t read a ton of them, but I wouldn’t avoid them either. I know we all have a genre we love or hate…but do me a favor and break your rules or comfort zone to read this series! These books are a perfect mix of beautiful writing, creative storytelling, unique lore, fantastic mystery and wrap that all into some seriously swoon worthy romance! The build up and angst is just perfect in every single book!! Each book should be read in order and each book gives you such a new insight into the Judgement and the wolves. The story itself may be weaved together from book to book but each is so new and unique that you fall in love with each character in every book!
I just can’t stop recommending others to read this series! It’s worth every penny! They have also recently been rebranded – which I am a HUGE fan of the new covers – really should bring in a bigger audience. I do feel that these books are Upper YA and could be slightly New Adult, due to some common themes, however anyone over 16 should be mature enough to deal with the stories. Also, now available in paperback for the first time! Now if you still haven’t decided if you should read these books? Go download book 1, Hope(less) (links below this review) as it is currently free!
Now that I got a little crushin’ out of the way let’s talk shop – aka (Un)Bidden.
(Un)Bidden is a little different than the previous 3. Mostly because it is Charlene’s story, and at this point, we know Charlene as an adult with two grown boys of her own. So this novel starts off in the current day and everyone is making plans for what they are about to do (keeping this spoiler-free!). Then boom, flashback. We are taken back to the day Charlene chose to leave her life & family behind and how she ended up meeting the pack! We also learn just how important Charlene was to the pack as well as the future of the Judgements. Charlene spent the majority of her life not knowing anyone like herself, and it isn’t until some of the other girls start finding their way to the pack that she finally understands that she was the start of the cycle and instrumental in the continued success of the pack.
In each book we learn a bit more about what the heck is going on! This time as I mentioned, we flashback and we get to discover more about Charlene and her gift. We get to experience pack life before they became the social community as we know them. It was awesome to learn this stuff that as a reader we may have just taken for granted, except for some snippets of reminiscing done throughout. We learn so much! I could see this as a downside for some readers who want all action, but sometimes you need the build up to truly appreciate the stakes. At first I was confused as to why we were getting Charlene’s story as book 4, instead of ‘Peace’s’ (due to the ending of (Un)Wise). But now since I just told you & if you read the rest of the series so far, you’ve probably read the synopsis already, so it’s not a stretch to assume we will get back to all that action in the next installment.
Here’s the part where I tell you I was not a fan of Thomas at first, neither was Charlene, but the brilliance of this novel is, here I am falling for him, right alongside of Charlene! It really is great when you can feel the characters pain, love and awkwardness. Charlene however surprised me. I loved her character through and through but I ended up mad at her, just a little bit. Ahhh spoilers blaahh. I won’t say more on that! Their growth of character not just Thomas & Charlene, but as they all evolve was such a sweet journey to explore.
This book is chock full of all those cool things we all were dying to know, but that meant more of a discovery that is so important to where we all are now. Like that Emmitt, Charlene’s adult son, grew up to be such a good amazing mate and for Michelle (the Judgement from (Mis)Fortune), you can honestly see how Charlene became an amazing part of the pack and raised her sons right.
Melissa Haag weaves a story you want to read. Strong, wise and witty heroines combined with the romantic alphas who will do anything to win over their girl. Then sprinkle in a blaze of action into every book. The romance is so well built, slow-paced and so addicting! I wanted so much more when I got to the end, but it’s ok, because I know more exciting things are coming! I love discovering more about the Judgements in each installment, and knowing there are only 2 more books & Judgements to come, I can only say that this book was probably a little break in the midst of the war to come!
PS. If you are current in reading these books, don’t be sad there are only 2 books left because Melissa Haag is writing novellas from the boys perspectives!!! AHHHH! *seriously flailing*
NOW the wait continues…again.
Solid 4.5 stars out of 5! This series is fantastic and like I said earlier, I cannot recommend them enough!
I was provided an earc for review, I am in no way compensated for my reviews. My opinions are all my own. First published on 11/24/14 BookCrushin Blog
Rating: ★★★★½
This review will not spoil book 4, (Un)Bidden, but it may contain small details from the first 3 books that some could be construed as spoilers, again I would never mention any major spoilers within my reviews!
I am unabashedly a huge fan of this series! I am also a fan of shifter/were books, but I don’t read a ton of them, but I wouldn’t avoid them either. I know we all have a genre we love or hate…but do me a favor and break your rules or comfort zone to read this series! These books are a perfect mix of beautiful writing, creative storytelling, unique lore, fantastic mystery and wrap that all into some seriously swoon worthy romance! The build up and angst is just perfect in every single book!! Each book should be read in order and each book gives you such a new insight into the Judgement and the wolves. The story itself may be weaved together from book to book but each is so new and unique that you fall in love with each character in every book!
I just can’t stop recommending others to read this series! It’s worth every penny! They have also recently been rebranded – which I am a HUGE fan of the new covers – really should bring in a bigger audience. I do feel that these books are Upper YA and could be slightly New Adult, due to some common themes, however anyone over 16 should be mature enough to deal with the stories. Also, now available in paperback for the first time! Now if you still haven’t decided if you should read these books? Go download book 1, Hope(less) (links below this review) as it is currently free!
Now that I got a little crushin’ out of the way let’s talk shop – aka (Un)Bidden.
(Un)Bidden is a little different than the previous 3. Mostly because it is Charlene’s story, and at this point, we know Charlene as an adult with two grown boys of her own. So this novel starts off in the current day and everyone is making plans for what they are about to do (keeping this spoiler-free!). Then boom, flashback. We are taken back to the day Charlene chose to leave her life & family behind and how she ended up meeting the pack! We also learn just how important Charlene was to the pack as well as the future of the Judgements. Charlene spent the majority of her life not knowing anyone like herself, and it isn’t until some of the other girls start finding their way to the pack that she finally understands that she was the start of the cycle and instrumental in the continued success of the pack.
In each book we learn a bit more about what the heck is going on! This time as I mentioned, we flashback and we get to discover more about Charlene and her gift. We get to experience pack life before they became the social community as we know them. It was awesome to learn this stuff that as a reader we may have just taken for granted, except for some snippets of reminiscing done throughout. We learn so much! I could see this as a downside for some readers who want all action, but sometimes you need the build up to truly appreciate the stakes. At first I was confused as to why we were getting Charlene’s story as book 4, instead of ‘Peace’s’ (due to the ending of (Un)Wise). But now since I just told you & if you read the rest of the series so far, you’ve probably read the synopsis already, so it’s not a stretch to assume we will get back to all that action in the next installment.
Here’s the part where I tell you I was not a fan of Thomas at first, neither was Charlene, but the brilliance of this novel is, here I am falling for him, right alongside of Charlene! It really is great when you can feel the characters pain, love and awkwardness. Charlene however surprised me. I loved her character through and through but I ended up mad at her, just a little bit. Ahhh spoilers blaahh. I won’t say more on that! Their growth of character not just Thomas & Charlene, but as they all evolve was such a sweet journey to explore.
This book is chock full of all those cool things we all were dying to know, but that meant more of a discovery that is so important to where we all are now. Like that Emmitt, Charlene’s adult son, grew up to be such a good amazing mate and for Michelle (the Judgement from (Mis)Fortune), you can honestly see how Charlene became an amazing part of the pack and raised her sons right.
Melissa Haag weaves a story you want to read. Strong, wise and witty heroines combined with the romantic alphas who will do anything to win over their girl. Then sprinkle in a blaze of action into every book. The romance is so well built, slow-paced and so addicting! I wanted so much more when I got to the end, but it’s ok, because I know more exciting things are coming! I love discovering more about the Judgements in each installment, and knowing there are only 2 more books & Judgements to come, I can only say that this book was probably a little break in the midst of the war to come!
PS. If you are current in reading these books, don’t be sad there are only 2 books left because Melissa Haag is writing novellas from the boys perspectives!!! AHHHH! *seriously flailing*
NOW the wait continues…again.
Solid 4.5 stars out of 5! This series is fantastic and like I said earlier, I cannot recommend them enough!
I was provided an earc for review, I am in no way compensated for my reviews. My opinions are all my own. First published on 11/24/14 BookCrushin Blog
April 20, 2017
In all honesty, I almost didn't read this book and wasn't sure I would continue with this series... book three was a bit disappointing for me, and I don't usually like to jump BACK in time. which I knew would be inevitable with this book. I'm so, so glad I decided to give it a try anyway! This book turned out to be my favorite in the series so far. and I loved seeing Charlene and Thomas' romance unfold. I'm a little disappointed that more questions weren't answered, and this book (again) ended quite abruptly, but I still loved it and will keep reading.
April 4, 2025
3 ⭐️ // An Intriguing Semi-Back Story to the Judgement of Six Series
Disclaimer: this review is for “(Un)Bidden” and “Thomas’ Heart” together as I read them in tandem to each other.
Charlene is a 15 year old running away from home because she’s afraid her special mind powers are going to get herself and her loved ones hurt. After a few weeks of hitchhiking and sleeping in the woods, she stumbles onto an abandoned, run-down former Hippi convent. She decides to set up camp there for the coming winter, knowing that once the weather changes she won’t be able to continue surviving sleeping outdoors. Only she doesn’t realize she’s actually stumbled onto a werewolf sanctuary. Then, she’s attacked by two male werewolves who mistake her for a female of her kind—thrusting her into a wild culture of a secret half-human race that is dying out unless they learn to adapt and accept their human side. Thomas is part of this race, and when he hears there’s a human at their sanctuary, he’s determined to get rid of her. Until he sees her for the first time and realizes she’s his mate. Now, he’ll do anything to keep her, including learning how to be human. But Charlene’s got secrets, and these secrets threaten not only the security of her relationship with Thomas, but his pack, the werewolf race, and humanity.
I give 3⭐️ ratings to books I enjoyed, but have critiques. Here’s what I thought could have been better:
* I didn’t like how young Charlene was in comparison with the timeline of the story. She’s 15, and even as her feelings for Thomas grow, she makes it clear her age concerns her in the claiming/mating process. Next to her secret mind controlling ability, it’s one of the main reasons she puts of mating him for so long even though she sees how not mating him is affecting him and the pack, who she’s also grown to care for. But there’s still this overwhelming expectation she mate with him. The author tries to address this in a conversation between Mary—a female werewolf who is also 15-and Charlene, by dwindling it down to culture differences. But Charlene is a human, and Mary wants to be more human (she’s also holding out on her own mate when it comes to mating), so it makes more sense to extend the timeline and make Thomas and Gregory wait until Charlene and Mary are older and ready to take that step. But Winnifred, the elder-who claims she wants what’s in the best interest of the pack and Charlene because she’s a potential mate—while never pushing Charlene, still clearly expects Charlene—a 15 year old—to have sex. And it’s not the exploration sex or casual sex 15 year olds typically engage in, it’s sex that equals marriage to their culture. That’s a lot of pressure to put on a 15 year old, especially one who we know from other books in the series is supposed to be a part of team the judges morality. Granted, when that happens, she’s a grown woman. But no wonder Gabby, Michelle, and Bethi all made a big deal about how young Charlene looked to them. She was practically forced to marry at age 15!
* This story does an okay job setting up what Charlene and Thomas’ ultimate role in the judgement of six will be, as well as answering the question of “why did the urbat wait so long to start tracking down and attacking these gifted women,” but it still leaves questions about the world of the series. How do werewolves know how to speak English if they never associate with humans and rarely associate with each other outside of wolf-form? Why are there some things from human culture they need clarification on, but others they don’t? If werewolves are typically bred, born and live in the wild, how did Winnifred come to the point of feeling so strongly they should be a part of the human world, to the point she actually went to school to get a job as a teacher? (Winnifred’s story could be a cool companion novel as well). And this book explains how Grey became an elder, but we don’t ever meet Sam in this book. Yet we know he’s an elder from Gabby’s book.
* The way Charlene’s claiming is handled by the elder’s in this book is a slap in the face to Gabby, who was told her book that her mate had six months to convince her of his claim before he could be challenged for the right to claim her. A guy challenges Thomas for Charlene after she’s claimed him and she rejects it—and Grey and Winnifred as the elders AGREE with her—on the principle that because she has to be the one to bite her mate, the claim is entirely her choice. If they agreed with Charlene’s logic here, why didn’t they accept that logic with Gabby and Clay? It’s not like either Charlene or Gabby was going to willing bite the neck and bind themselves to a werewolf they didn’t know when Thomas and Clay both worked hard to pursue each of these women, especially not after witnessing this strange werewolf kill the man they were falling in love with.
* The pacing of these two stories—even together because they practically follow the same plot points just from different POVs—was meh. Thomas’s attitude change and pursuit of Charlene was the main hook for me, the rest was kind of boring, mainly because I felt like it wasn’t really giving me answers to things I didn’t already know. I think it could have been more engaging over all if it included an introduction to Sam (he could have been introduced when Winnifred and Jonas put out the call to recruit more elders) and if it included how Grey found Carlos (instead of just showing us Grey’s desire to be a dad, and it could have happened when Grey was sent out to find out to find and convince families to come to the sanctuary since he found some family packs tragically murdered during his investigation).
* The conflict resolution of this story, I felt, was weakened by its role as a filler story in the series, and by the fact that Charlene didn’t reveal everything about her power to Thomas. I actually agree why she didn’t. Her fear he would tell Winnifred who would then see her as a threat to werewolf kind and have to kill her makes sense. But so much of the plot of this story revolves around Thomas winning Charlene’s trust and heart. Also, I don’t think her ability was completely explained, because she told Winnifred and Thomas the truth about most of it. I’m kind of confused about exactly what she left out.
Moving on to what I liked about this story:
* I didn’t care for Charlene or Thomas in the other books (in fact when I originally read this series I skipped their story all together). This might have been because I felt like they were too old compared to the other protagonists. But this book made me like both of them.
* I loved, and wished there was more of, Thomas and Grey’s relationship. They are great brothers.
* I also didn’t care for Mary and Gregory in the other books, mainly because Michelle saw them as nosy neighbors. But I liked learning their back story through Thomas and Charlene’s story. I nearly cried when I realized their sons, Paul and Henry, who are row try significant side characters in the other books, are named after Mary’s dad and uncle. In fact, you can add to the list of things I didn’t like the fact that the original Paul and Henry basically just disappear into thin air in Charlene and Thomas’ story.
I think you should read Charlene and Thomas’ story if you’re reading the rest of the Judgement of Six series, although keep in mind it is a filler book and therefore you may not find it as engaging as the other books. I also recommend it to readers who enjoy werewolf-human romances where the human is thrown into the backwards-secret-society of werewolves because he/she is the mate of an alpha.
Disclaimer: this review is for “(Un)Bidden” and “Thomas’ Heart” together as I read them in tandem to each other.
Charlene is a 15 year old running away from home because she’s afraid her special mind powers are going to get herself and her loved ones hurt. After a few weeks of hitchhiking and sleeping in the woods, she stumbles onto an abandoned, run-down former Hippi convent. She decides to set up camp there for the coming winter, knowing that once the weather changes she won’t be able to continue surviving sleeping outdoors. Only she doesn’t realize she’s actually stumbled onto a werewolf sanctuary. Then, she’s attacked by two male werewolves who mistake her for a female of her kind—thrusting her into a wild culture of a secret half-human race that is dying out unless they learn to adapt and accept their human side. Thomas is part of this race, and when he hears there’s a human at their sanctuary, he’s determined to get rid of her. Until he sees her for the first time and realizes she’s his mate. Now, he’ll do anything to keep her, including learning how to be human. But Charlene’s got secrets, and these secrets threaten not only the security of her relationship with Thomas, but his pack, the werewolf race, and humanity.
I give 3⭐️ ratings to books I enjoyed, but have critiques. Here’s what I thought could have been better:
* I didn’t like how young Charlene was in comparison with the timeline of the story. She’s 15, and even as her feelings for Thomas grow, she makes it clear her age concerns her in the claiming/mating process. Next to her secret mind controlling ability, it’s one of the main reasons she puts of mating him for so long even though she sees how not mating him is affecting him and the pack, who she’s also grown to care for. But there’s still this overwhelming expectation she mate with him. The author tries to address this in a conversation between Mary—a female werewolf who is also 15-and Charlene, by dwindling it down to culture differences. But Charlene is a human, and Mary wants to be more human (she’s also holding out on her own mate when it comes to mating), so it makes more sense to extend the timeline and make Thomas and Gregory wait until Charlene and Mary are older and ready to take that step. But Winnifred, the elder-who claims she wants what’s in the best interest of the pack and Charlene because she’s a potential mate—while never pushing Charlene, still clearly expects Charlene—a 15 year old—to have sex. And it’s not the exploration sex or casual sex 15 year olds typically engage in, it’s sex that equals marriage to their culture. That’s a lot of pressure to put on a 15 year old, especially one who we know from other books in the series is supposed to be a part of team the judges morality. Granted, when that happens, she’s a grown woman. But no wonder Gabby, Michelle, and Bethi all made a big deal about how young Charlene looked to them. She was practically forced to marry at age 15!
* This story does an okay job setting up what Charlene and Thomas’ ultimate role in the judgement of six will be, as well as answering the question of “why did the urbat wait so long to start tracking down and attacking these gifted women,” but it still leaves questions about the world of the series. How do werewolves know how to speak English if they never associate with humans and rarely associate with each other outside of wolf-form? Why are there some things from human culture they need clarification on, but others they don’t? If werewolves are typically bred, born and live in the wild, how did Winnifred come to the point of feeling so strongly they should be a part of the human world, to the point she actually went to school to get a job as a teacher? (Winnifred’s story could be a cool companion novel as well). And this book explains how Grey became an elder, but we don’t ever meet Sam in this book. Yet we know he’s an elder from Gabby’s book.
* The way Charlene’s claiming is handled by the elder’s in this book is a slap in the face to Gabby, who was told her book that her mate had six months to convince her of his claim before he could be challenged for the right to claim her. A guy challenges Thomas for Charlene after she’s claimed him and she rejects it—and Grey and Winnifred as the elders AGREE with her—on the principle that because she has to be the one to bite her mate, the claim is entirely her choice. If they agreed with Charlene’s logic here, why didn’t they accept that logic with Gabby and Clay? It’s not like either Charlene or Gabby was going to willing bite the neck and bind themselves to a werewolf they didn’t know when Thomas and Clay both worked hard to pursue each of these women, especially not after witnessing this strange werewolf kill the man they were falling in love with.
* The pacing of these two stories—even together because they practically follow the same plot points just from different POVs—was meh. Thomas’s attitude change and pursuit of Charlene was the main hook for me, the rest was kind of boring, mainly because I felt like it wasn’t really giving me answers to things I didn’t already know. I think it could have been more engaging over all if it included an introduction to Sam (he could have been introduced when Winnifred and Jonas put out the call to recruit more elders) and if it included how Grey found Carlos (instead of just showing us Grey’s desire to be a dad, and it could have happened when Grey was sent out to find out to find and convince families to come to the sanctuary since he found some family packs tragically murdered during his investigation).
* The conflict resolution of this story, I felt, was weakened by its role as a filler story in the series, and by the fact that Charlene didn’t reveal everything about her power to Thomas. I actually agree why she didn’t. Her fear he would tell Winnifred who would then see her as a threat to werewolf kind and have to kill her makes sense. But so much of the plot of this story revolves around Thomas winning Charlene’s trust and heart. Also, I don’t think her ability was completely explained, because she told Winnifred and Thomas the truth about most of it. I’m kind of confused about exactly what she left out.
Moving on to what I liked about this story:
* I didn’t care for Charlene or Thomas in the other books (in fact when I originally read this series I skipped their story all together). This might have been because I felt like they were too old compared to the other protagonists. But this book made me like both of them.
* I loved, and wished there was more of, Thomas and Grey’s relationship. They are great brothers.
* I also didn’t care for Mary and Gregory in the other books, mainly because Michelle saw them as nosy neighbors. But I liked learning their back story through Thomas and Charlene’s story. I nearly cried when I realized their sons, Paul and Henry, who are row try significant side characters in the other books, are named after Mary’s dad and uncle. In fact, you can add to the list of things I didn’t like the fact that the original Paul and Henry basically just disappear into thin air in Charlene and Thomas’ story.
I think you should read Charlene and Thomas’ story if you’re reading the rest of the Judgement of Six series, although keep in mind it is a filler book and therefore you may not find it as engaging as the other books. I also recommend it to readers who enjoy werewolf-human romances where the human is thrown into the backwards-secret-society of werewolves because he/she is the mate of an alpha.
July 19, 2015
I really wanted to give this book a higher rating, but there was just too many glaring plot holes for me to really like this book.
Let's start at the beginning, with the ultra paper-thin premise. (Note that below really only spoils the first chapter, so I didn't hide that part of the review).
So the main character, Charlene, can control people's minds/wills, but she hates using her powers and feels that controlling people is evil. She has an ex-friend named Penny who hates her because Charlene had refused to use her powers on Penny's mother so that she would look away when Penny wanted to sneak candy into her house when they were younger. Years later as teenagers, Penny is hell bent on exposing Charlene's powers, and when she succeeds on doing so to the whole high school through a recording, Charlene ends up using her powers to make the student think that the video is some kind of prank, while leaving Penny with full knowledge of Charlene's powers. Charlene then leaves her family and town, scared that Penny will continue to expose her powers.
First of all, what kind of grudge is that?? Just because Charlene wouldn't let Penny sneak in candy? Second of all, this would have been all over if Charlene would just suck it up and just frickin' erase Penny's memories. Charlene is OK with what she calls "nudging" people to thinking that the video was a prank, but she was not OK with "nudging" Penny into leaving Charlene alone? So she would rather leave all her friends and family and all the comforts of home than to go against her beliefs and mess with Penny's memories. I found that a little bit unbelievable. I think running away would be a last resort in any one's book.
I also thought some of the character development was a little weak, especially in regards to Thomas. First he hates the idea of Charlene, a human, residing with the werewolves. Then he is OK with it, then turns around and starts acting sweet to Charlene. This would have been fine if we were exposed to the transition between emotions, but I just felt like we jumped from one to the next abruptly.
Let's start at the beginning, with the ultra paper-thin premise. (Note that below really only spoils the first chapter, so I didn't hide that part of the review).
So the main character, Charlene, can control people's minds/wills, but she hates using her powers and feels that controlling people is evil. She has an ex-friend named Penny who hates her because Charlene had refused to use her powers on Penny's mother so that she would look away when Penny wanted to sneak candy into her house when they were younger. Years later as teenagers, Penny is hell bent on exposing Charlene's powers, and when she succeeds on doing so to the whole high school through a recording, Charlene ends up using her powers to make the student think that the video is some kind of prank, while leaving Penny with full knowledge of Charlene's powers. Charlene then leaves her family and town, scared that Penny will continue to expose her powers.
First of all, what kind of grudge is that?? Just because Charlene wouldn't let Penny sneak in candy? Second of all, this would have been all over if Charlene would just suck it up and just frickin' erase Penny's memories. Charlene is OK with what she calls "nudging" people to thinking that the video was a prank, but she was not OK with "nudging" Penny into leaving Charlene alone? So she would rather leave all her friends and family and all the comforts of home than to go against her beliefs and mess with Penny's memories. I found that a little bit unbelievable. I think running away would be a last resort in any one's book.
I also thought some of the character development was a little weak, especially in regards to Thomas. First he hates the idea of Charlene, a human, residing with the werewolves. Then he is OK with it, then turns around and starts acting sweet to Charlene. This would have been fine if we were exposed to the transition between emotions, but I just felt like we jumped from one to the next abruptly.
November 21, 2015
Another great book in the series! I read this one in a day, a week after starting the first book; I'm addicted! Book 4 goes slightly back in time to catch us up on the 4th sister of the Six. We read about Gabby (Hope), Michelle (Prosperity), Bethi (Wisdom), and have met a few times the eldest, Charlene (Strength), who lives at the werewolf compound. Now we get to read her story as the first (in this lifetime anyway) of the 6: the first to realize she was not quite human and was compatible with the werewolves. That makes for a tale of exploration, full of rises and falls with Charlenes trials and falls, in which we learn about about the werewolves. At first she runs from her powers, and is first on quite tense terms with the wolves. However, with her strength she strives to help unite the wolves, help them thrive, as sort of a mother figure, building the compound and adapting to the times. In so doing, she finds herself a place she belongs, a family. Along the way she tests the balance between her human ways and her new family's wolf lifestyles, which leads to some amusing compromises, one of which is the way they find their mates. Thomas, a pack leader, promises to learn to be human and Charlene must learn to let him into her life, especially with all her secrets. With this book we learn just how much Charlene is capable of, and I can't wait to see what she and her sisters do with it as part of their Judgment after they find Peace and save Courage from the Urbats.
December 18, 2014
Another fantastic book to add to the judgement series.
This book was about the lovely Charlene (Will) who as we know from the previous books, has the ability to bend other people's will to match her own, she can also make people forget things, and ultimately control them. This is a secret that even in the present day she keeps to herself and Thomas doesn't know.
So, this little slice of booky heaven, is the story of how Charlene found the wolves, got an extremely messed up scarred neck, and fell in love with the lovely, strong and attractive Thomas :)
This entire story was basically a hugggeee flashback, beginning in the present day, flashing back over her memories and dragging us back to present day for the last few pages.
Honestly I'm excited to see what the next instalment will bring, as I was initially disappointed to find this book wasn't about the firey, angry, emotion absorber and Elder Grey, but after finishing (Un)Bidden, I completely understand the placement and reasoning for having this book as number 4!
Now release number 5 before I go insane trying to predict what's going to happen!! :D
This book was about the lovely Charlene (Will) who as we know from the previous books, has the ability to bend other people's will to match her own, she can also make people forget things, and ultimately control them. This is a secret that even in the present day she keeps to herself and Thomas doesn't know.
So, this little slice of booky heaven, is the story of how Charlene found the wolves, got an extremely messed up scarred neck, and fell in love with the lovely, strong and attractive Thomas :)
This entire story was basically a hugggeee flashback, beginning in the present day, flashing back over her memories and dragging us back to present day for the last few pages.
Honestly I'm excited to see what the next instalment will bring, as I was initially disappointed to find this book wasn't about the firey, angry, emotion absorber and Elder Grey, but after finishing (Un)Bidden, I completely understand the placement and reasoning for having this book as number 4!
Now release number 5 before I go insane trying to predict what's going to happen!! :D
November 24, 2014
Thanks Wicked Reads for a free book to read and review. This book was fantastic. Perfectly young adult and totally werewolves. I really thought the next book was going to be different so this entire book has really thrown me. Fantastic writing, and I'm so engrossed. I hate the time I have to spend between books but this series has been absolutely perfect so far. Charlene is the major character in this book and her trials of what she went through. I'm mesmerized by the authors storytelling and this tale of the judgement of six was really entertaining. Really looking forward to the next book. Overall entertainment is five stars.
October 21, 2014
Last week, I was very lucky to get my hands on an advanced copy of (Un)bidden. If you are a fan of Melissa's Judgement of the Six series, you'll love this. It tells Charlene's story and how she was instrumental in bringing the werewolves together. The romance between Charlene and Thomas was so sweet and natural and I totally fell in love with Thomas. I can't say much more without giving away spoilers. Seriously though, if you haven't started this series, you should. And if you are waiting on (Un)bidden, you will not be disappointed.
February 11, 2020
You could read the last 10% and be caught up. The rest is a flip the house story. Cooking. Scavenging. Denying poor Thomas. Sheesh. And then when they mate, it’s not even romantic. I really want to know the end of the whole Judgment thing. It had better be good since I suffered through the prior two novels. I expect Isabelle’s story to be good.
June 14, 2018
The plot was okay but I HATE books in a series that are told in the past and do not really contribute to the plot of the series. I think the author could have simply explained Charlene’s gift and saved me hours of reading.
February 1, 2019
(Un)Bidden was a wonderful surprise. In this book we go back to the beginning of this cycle and we learn how Charlene, the Judgement of Strength, came to be among the werewolves before everything on this crazy journey has started.
Here's the thing, I will admit that I didn't think I would like Charlene's book. I knew that it would be told from the past and I couldn't see how I would like a book that was told mainly as a flash back but I was interested in Charlene, she was the first to appear and I don't know that much about her besides the little tidbits that I got from the other books.
I was so wrong about this book, (Un)bidden was amazing. Melissa manage to make the story feel current and connected to the others while simultaneously revealing past information that may be key to the story overall. The book is well written and the overall plot was pretty fantastic but it was the characters that made the most impact.
Charlene was amazing, here she was fifteen away from home with a responsibility to keep her powers a secret and not abuse them. She finds this group of people/werewolves and is face with a lot. She not only has to keep herself safe but she feels the need to make these people lives better. Seeing the difference that she made, I cannot even find the right words but I'll try.
In the first book and all the way through to the third book I figured the werewolves lives were pretty close to human with lives and jobs and families, while thinking that only a few lived differently. Now I know that Charlene is a big part of how the werewolves are in the previous books. When she first gets there the wolves are in pretty bad shape as a species and they were disconnected and dying out. Fifteen year old Charlene has gathered these people, challenge the way they see things, fought to improve and be better,overall Charlene is a badass.
We all know that Thomas is Charlene's mate but he had to work for it. I realize that all the judgements go through such horrors and their mates have to prove themselves worth of them. After all they have been through remembered and not they do not trust easily and it takes a special kind of man with a lot of good qualities to be right for them. Thomas was a bit of a mess when Charlene first comes, he spent most of his time as a wolf and didn't understand humans and how fragile they are at all. Also certain motions were a bit difficult to understand as well. The early version of Thomas is a lot different from the current one we know. But I loved how he was willing to try to understand and to be better. Don't get me wrong, I love a mating bond but I loved how Thomas and Charlene grew closer not because of a bond but because of the experiences they share.
(Un)Bidden has manage to be highly entertaining while showing secrets of the past and revealing parts of the future. There was not a single moment when I was not enjoying this book, the relationships, the werewolves past and how things came to be. This book has made me even more excited for the rest of the series and I have Thomas' book waiting, I can't wait to read the story from his pov, it should be interesting.
Overall 4.5 stars
August 23, 2017
I wanted to like this book a lot more than I ended up liking it. To be honest, the plot was clunky and the romance was a bit too weird. Charlene is a fifteen year-old teenager who is on the run after a bully at her school threatens to reveal her "gift": she can control people's minds.
She stumbles upon a pack of werewolves who instantly treat her like a chew toy.
Warily, she settles in with the pack of boys/wolves, even though all of them are eyeing her like the last piece of bacon on planet earth.
First of all, I don't understand why she had to leave home in the first place. Has she ever heard of boarding school? Homeschooling? Lots of kids fantasize about running away to escape their problems, but there are better alternatives...unless you have an abusive family (which she didn't).
Secondly, the life-mate thing is actually very disturbing. Just imagine a guy who can't be with anyone else except for you for the rest of his life. He adores you on sight. He would die for you. He fights other guys to prove how much stronger he is than they are in order to win your heart--*Ahem* Actually, he just wants the chance to bite your neck and sleep with you so that you are forever tied to him as his mate. This is romance with an unhealthy dose of creepy, considering that Charlene is FIFTEEN YEARS OLD!
Thirdly, the way the characters behave is not realistic. Charlene is a lot more mature and brave than a normal teenager. And why has she always been such a goody two shoes about using her gift? It takes an adult understanding of morals to realize why it is so wrong to nudge someone into a different state of mind, even for the most altruistic reasons.
Charlene is also a moron for not trying to find a better place to live than a ramshackle warehouse with a group of teenage boys/wolves when she has already been attacked three times!
(Un)bidden gets points for the fresh approach to a werewolf story and for the absence of explicit sex scenes and heavy sensuality.
This book isn't mature enough to be adult fiction and a bit too heavy for young adult fiction. I would probably classify it as "new adult".
She stumbles upon a pack of werewolves who instantly treat her like a chew toy.
Warily, she settles in with the pack of boys/wolves, even though all of them are eyeing her like the last piece of bacon on planet earth.
First of all, I don't understand why she had to leave home in the first place. Has she ever heard of boarding school? Homeschooling? Lots of kids fantasize about running away to escape their problems, but there are better alternatives...unless you have an abusive family (which she didn't).
Secondly, the life-mate thing is actually very disturbing. Just imagine a guy who can't be with anyone else except for you for the rest of his life. He adores you on sight. He would die for you. He fights other guys to prove how much stronger he is than they are in order to win your heart--*Ahem* Actually, he just wants the chance to bite your neck and sleep with you so that you are forever tied to him as his mate. This is romance with an unhealthy dose of creepy, considering that Charlene is FIFTEEN YEARS OLD!
Thirdly, the way the characters behave is not realistic. Charlene is a lot more mature and brave than a normal teenager. And why has she always been such a goody two shoes about using her gift? It takes an adult understanding of morals to realize why it is so wrong to nudge someone into a different state of mind, even for the most altruistic reasons.
Charlene is also a moron for not trying to find a better place to live than a ramshackle warehouse with a group of teenage boys/wolves when she has already been attacked three times!
(Un)bidden gets points for the fresh approach to a werewolf story and for the absence of explicit sex scenes and heavy sensuality.
This book isn't mature enough to be adult fiction and a bit too heavy for young adult fiction. I would probably classify it as "new adult".
August 13, 2021
While there are a couple of scenes both at the beginning and the end of this book that were in the present time and revolved around the current events that were revealed in the first three books of both series, most of this story was in the past, making me wish it had been set up as a prequel.
This is where everything starts in its own way. We learn that werewolves are solitary when compared to that of the human worlds and it's been hinted at that Charlene, the main character in this story, is the main reason that changed. Because she's the first human woman who could be a potential mate of werewolves.
And, Charlene's the youngest woman so far. At fifteen, it makes me once again question how young some of the female werewolves are when the males Claim them. And Charlene's the start of it all when she's "Claimed" multiple times by multiple males, and they discover it doesn't work. Most of the events that happen in this book, we've come to realize in small hints here and there with the first books of the series, and while it was cool to see how everything started, I just wish I'd read this book first. It honestly would have made a lot of some of the other occurrences in earlier books make sense without giving too much away about the overall plot of the series.
This is where everything starts in its own way. We learn that werewolves are solitary when compared to that of the human worlds and it's been hinted at that Charlene, the main character in this story, is the main reason that changed. Because she's the first human woman who could be a potential mate of werewolves.
And, Charlene's the youngest woman so far. At fifteen, it makes me once again question how young some of the female werewolves are when the males Claim them. And Charlene's the start of it all when she's "Claimed" multiple times by multiple males, and they discover it doesn't work. Most of the events that happen in this book, we've come to realize in small hints here and there with the first books of the series, and while it was cool to see how everything started, I just wish I'd read this book first. It honestly would have made a lot of some of the other occurrences in earlier books make sense without giving too much away about the overall plot of the series.
May 20, 2017
Okey, so, when I first realized that this story wasn't about Isabelle I was annoyed. The previous book left us kind of hanging and I was impatient to get on with the story.
But as soon as I started actually readying my annoyance was quickly forgotten. You simply cannot read this books and not like them. The writing is so light, it's the perfect thing to get you out of a reading slump.
Charlene had to grow up way to quickly. None of this girls had an easy happy life, but having to leave your home at fifteen is tough, to say the least.
Knowing how far the packs would come from the previous books, it's fascinating watching them when they were just 'fresh out of woods'. Brining a better life to them is a huge responsibility. It was mentioned before how Charlene help the werewolf community to get were they are now, but I never knew she was just fifteen at the time. I'm seeing her in a whole new light now.
The ending was kind of ominous. I don't share Charlene fear about Thomas's reaction to her big secret. I think he'll understand her fear, but as her mate he'll know that she would never misuse her powers. The Elders, though, may not be so understanding.
But as soon as I started actually readying my annoyance was quickly forgotten. You simply cannot read this books and not like them. The writing is so light, it's the perfect thing to get you out of a reading slump.
Charlene had to grow up way to quickly. None of this girls had an easy happy life, but having to leave your home at fifteen is tough, to say the least.
Knowing how far the packs would come from the previous books, it's fascinating watching them when they were just 'fresh out of woods'. Brining a better life to them is a huge responsibility. It was mentioned before how Charlene help the werewolf community to get were they are now, but I never knew she was just fifteen at the time. I'm seeing her in a whole new light now.
The ending was kind of ominous. I don't share Charlene fear about Thomas's reaction to her big secret. I think he'll understand her fear, but as her mate he'll know that she would never misuse her powers. The Elders, though, may not be so understanding.
July 27, 2017
This series just gets better and better! Lord almighty, WHAT has kept me from reading this spectacular book for so long?
Charlene has been kind of in the background up until this point, even though she is a vital part of our favorite pack of wolves and the catalyst that gave the wolves a chance to thrive. We've only seen Charlene as the motherly figure that cares and cooks for the pack, but now we get to see how it all began for Charlene. We get to see her makings into the Alpha Female and get a full understanding of just how much she's done to protect her hard-won family.
Charlene is truly the "Strength" of the pack, along with its heart. She knows what needs to be done and does it, not sitting idly on her ideas and feelings. Her actions have born marvelous fruit, but she's not done yet. What more will Charlene have to face to keep her family close and safe?
I LOVED this book so darned much! Thomas was a bit of a jerk in the beginning, but his little human thawed that furry heart of his and gave him every tool he needed to succeed as possibly the greatest Alpha in history. I anticipate many more surprises and triumphant moments from our amazing group of Judgments and Wolves.
Charlene has been kind of in the background up until this point, even though she is a vital part of our favorite pack of wolves and the catalyst that gave the wolves a chance to thrive. We've only seen Charlene as the motherly figure that cares and cooks for the pack, but now we get to see how it all began for Charlene. We get to see her makings into the Alpha Female and get a full understanding of just how much she's done to protect her hard-won family.
Charlene is truly the "Strength" of the pack, along with its heart. She knows what needs to be done and does it, not sitting idly on her ideas and feelings. Her actions have born marvelous fruit, but she's not done yet. What more will Charlene have to face to keep her family close and safe?
I LOVED this book so darned much! Thomas was a bit of a jerk in the beginning, but his little human thawed that furry heart of his and gave him every tool he needed to succeed as possibly the greatest Alpha in history. I anticipate many more surprises and triumphant moments from our amazing group of Judgments and Wolves.
February 6, 2021
Man that took a LONG TIME to get through. I could only read about 10 pages at a time because it was so boring and SLOW. So by the time I got to the end- thank God! - I forgot what happened before this novel. No joke. Who are these people and what's happening? I don't know, but I'm certainly not going to re-read to find out. Characters - slower than molasses to develop/ grow, if they ever really do. It's hard to say. Plot - ummm... I guess it's so simple that it's easy to miss. She gets together with the guy and there are other guys that attack and hurt her. Thankfully, there is no rape in those attacks. Romance - not the worst I've ever seen, but just when you think you're starting to see some growth/development, the backstory rejoins the present. Editing - needs a lot of work.
I only read this novel because I want to get to the end of this series, and since this character is like Judgment Zero, I thought it would be important. It is, kind of, but it could have been condensed into a single chapter. So glad I got through it, and now on to the last 2 books in the series.
I only read this novel because I want to get to the end of this series, and since this character is like Judgment Zero, I thought it would be important. It is, kind of, but it could have been condensed into a single chapter. So glad I got through it, and now on to the last 2 books in the series.
December 16, 2016
(Un)bidden follows Charlene's story and helps explains a lot about discovering humans are of interest to the survival of werewolves. Charlene ran away from home to protect herself and her family but ends up finding refuge in a derelict house hidden away that is owned by werewolves which tend to bite first ask questions later. But Charlene just wants a safe haven. (Un)bidden really helped me to understand what was going on before Hope(less) began. It also gave an insight into why Charlene was part of the story and how the werewolves evolved to how they were in Hope(less).
'"Tell me what you need," he said.
My heart skipped a beat as a single thought raced forward. A home. A place to belong. But I didn't say it.
"Nothing. Im better now. Thank you." I straightened away from him and stood. He caught my head when I would have stepped away.'
'"Tell me what you need," he said.
My heart skipped a beat as a single thought raced forward. A home. A place to belong. But I didn't say it.
"Nothing. Im better now. Thank you." I straightened away from him and stood. He caught my head when I would have stepped away.'
March 12, 2021
Charlene left home to protect her secret and protect those she loves. Now she finds herself in a new world. One with werewolves. Now she's isn't the only one with a secret. She could be the key to the survival of the werewolves. She is the beginning of this Judgement cycle. Only no one knows.
I like Charlene. I love Thomas. However, I didn't see how she fit with her sisters. So, this story was great. We go back to the beginning. The beginning of change in the werewolf world, the building of the compound, the sense of family, and the beginning of the cycle. We now understand her place with the others even though her role is different due to her motherly age. Charlene's compassion, careful ways, and expectations set the tone for their whole society.
I like Charlene. I love Thomas. However, I didn't see how she fit with her sisters. So, this story was great. We go back to the beginning. The beginning of change in the werewolf world, the building of the compound, the sense of family, and the beginning of the cycle. We now understand her place with the others even though her role is different due to her motherly age. Charlene's compassion, careful ways, and expectations set the tone for their whole society.
December 25, 2020
Structure Issues
Overall, I like the story but this series has some serious structure issues. This is the second time that we end the book introducing a new character but then the next book changes from the original character but does not switch to the new character it just introduced but another one... It is confusing every time I start the next book in the series - so much so that the author had to put a disclaimer on this one. Also, I'm not sure why there was a copy and paste chapter from the last book into this book that did not include any new information... Sad. Regardless, I am looking forward to learning what happens next.
Overall, I like the story but this series has some serious structure issues. This is the second time that we end the book introducing a new character but then the next book changes from the original character but does not switch to the new character it just introduced but another one... It is confusing every time I start the next book in the series - so much so that the author had to put a disclaimer on this one. Also, I'm not sure why there was a copy and paste chapter from the last book into this book that did not include any new information... Sad. Regardless, I am looking forward to learning what happens next.
August 31, 2024
I don't understand why the author made her heroine 15 years old. It's not at all believable from her behavior and deeply unlikely that an only child with a happy home life would develop this level of maturity and wisdom from her difficulties at school. Also, the 15 year old characters argue that there's nothing wrong with them having sex with adult men and then they do it. The sex scene is somewhat explicit. The heroine talked like a middle aged woman and it's ludicrous, disturbing, and deeply irresponsible to make her 15. Also, this is gory and violent. Once again, while it contains useful series information, it contains unnecessary ick. :(
July 28, 2019
Good series, great book !
This was such a great book, it was interesting to read about Charlene’s past and how the compound came about ! It was a really well written book and I would recommend reading it if you’ve read the other books in the series ! The books have definitely gotten better through the series, I didn’t love the first book but I enjoyed the second and third and loved this one, I wish this had been the first book in the series I think it would make more sense and give the series a good starting point !
This was such a great book, it was interesting to read about Charlene’s past and how the compound came about ! It was a really well written book and I would recommend reading it if you’ve read the other books in the series ! The books have definitely gotten better through the series, I didn’t love the first book but I enjoyed the second and third and loved this one, I wish this had been the first book in the series I think it would make more sense and give the series a good starting point !
May 28, 2023
(Un)hidden (Judgement of The Six Book 4)
The love story of Charlene an Thomas as told by Charlene. Charlene is on the run because of her power. One of her classmate knows of her power and wants to show the world what she can do. So she run and leave all she known behind. After many days on the road she finds the Cabin owned by cabin owned by Winifred, an Elder of the werewolves. Four have bit her but none can claim her now it's Thomas turn. Can he claim her? Great story.
The love story of Charlene an Thomas as told by Charlene. Charlene is on the run because of her power. One of her classmate knows of her power and wants to show the world what she can do. So she run and leave all she known behind. After many days on the road she finds the Cabin owned by cabin owned by Winifred, an Elder of the werewolves. Four have bit her but none can claim her now it's Thomas turn. Can he claim her? Great story.
May 27, 2024
Charlene is a name we're familiar with from the first books, but we did not know her place in the overall series story. We find out she's a judgement in this book and get her backstory, from a bully named Penny to how she can use her gift to how they figured out a lot of different things about shifters and claiming their mated. Some violence. No language. Clean and interesting though a lot of the book is figuring out cleaning and cooking for a large pack of werewolves.
August 8, 2018
To read my full review please go to https://opinionatedbw.blogspot.com
We had already seen Charlene in the series and I was not at all looking forward to her story thinking it would be boring since we already know the outcome. I was surprised when this book became my second favorite in the series.
We had already seen Charlene in the series and I was not at all looking forward to her story thinking it would be boring since we already know the outcome. I was surprised when this book became my second favorite in the series.
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