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Otherworld Stories #13.5
Forsaken
Three years after being named Alpha of the North American pack, Elena Michaels is in London battling for respect from the British pack. When it becomes apparent she won't get it, she heads home, expecting a much-needed rest on her family vacation, only to discover a battle brewing of a very different kind.
One of her eight-year-old twins has disappeared, and all evidence points to Malcolm Danvers. It seems as if the psychotic former Pack member they've been tracking for the past year has brought the fight to them, setting the bait he knows Elena can't afford to ignore.
Number one New York Times-bestselling author Kelley Armstrong returns to her much-loved Otherworld with this powerful novella detailing the latest trials and travails of a fan-favorite character, a working mother who happens to lead the werewolves of North America.
One of her eight-year-old twins has disappeared, and all evidence points to Malcolm Danvers. It seems as if the psychotic former Pack member they've been tracking for the past year has brought the fight to them, setting the bait he knows Elena can't afford to ignore.
Number one New York Times-bestselling author Kelley Armstrong returns to her much-loved Otherworld with this powerful novella detailing the latest trials and travails of a fan-favorite character, a working mother who happens to lead the werewolves of North America.
237 pages, Hardcover
First published November 29, 2014
51 people are currently reading
2609 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
302 books33.5k followersKelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
December 20, 2014
Spoilers
-Wasn't all that bothered about the main story, didn't find Kate going missing or her search all that entertaining. Did enjoy Elena's struggles as alpha, the pack's interactions, the world, and most of the side characters.
-The whole American pack versus the British pack was predictable, dull and kind of insulting. It played on ridiculous, untrue stereotypes. I rolled my eyes at how the Brits were portrayed as backward, sexist, narrow minded, superior/snobby, and generally awful and weak whilst the American pack were oh so open minded, tolerant, stronger, smarter, and the good guys in comparison. Ugh, give me a break.
-Didn't much like Logan, he was way too sensible and wise for an eight year old. He sounded more like an old man than a child, it was too unrealistic and didn't ring true no matter how smart he supposedly was.
-Kind of felt sorry for Kate, it was obvious something was wrong with her but all Clay, Logan and Elena did was bitch about her and write her behaviour off as her being a brat. They missed all the glaring signs of what was really going on with her, they didn't even feel bad about not noticing what she was going through. At times it seemed like Logan was their favourite and most loved child and Kate was just someone they had to put up with. After reading this, I can see why Kate has to be so loud and demanding just so her parents will notice her.
-Really liked the Malcolm twist at the end, wasn't expecting that after everything that'd happened between Malcolm and the pack.
-Looking forward to future short stories of Malcolm's return and if it causes Elena and co any trouble.
-Wasn't all that bothered about the main story, didn't find Kate going missing or her search all that entertaining. Did enjoy Elena's struggles as alpha, the pack's interactions, the world, and most of the side characters.
-The whole American pack versus the British pack was predictable, dull and kind of insulting. It played on ridiculous, untrue stereotypes. I rolled my eyes at how the Brits were portrayed as backward, sexist, narrow minded, superior/snobby, and generally awful and weak whilst the American pack were oh so open minded, tolerant, stronger, smarter, and the good guys in comparison. Ugh, give me a break.
-Didn't much like Logan, he was way too sensible and wise for an eight year old. He sounded more like an old man than a child, it was too unrealistic and didn't ring true no matter how smart he supposedly was.
-Kind of felt sorry for Kate, it was obvious something was wrong with her but all Clay, Logan and Elena did was bitch about her and write her behaviour off as her being a brat. They missed all the glaring signs of what was really going on with her, they didn't even feel bad about not noticing what she was going through. At times it seemed like Logan was their favourite and most loved child and Kate was just someone they had to put up with. After reading this, I can see why Kate has to be so loud and demanding just so her parents will notice her.
-Really liked the Malcolm twist at the end, wasn't expecting that after everything that'd happened between Malcolm and the pack.
-Looking forward to future short stories of Malcolm's return and if it causes Elena and co any trouble.
March 10, 2015
We haven't gotten to see much of Alpha Elena, so it was great witnessing her knee deep in her newish role dealing with Pack politics, and the challenges that come with being not only the sole female werewolf, but also one in a leadership position. Kate frustrated me at times with her rebellious attitude, and independent streak; I had to keep reminding myself that she's only eight, and that her behaviour was age appropriate, and entirely understandable given present circumstances. All of my favourite furry Otherworld characters were out in full force, including the latest additions to the North American Pack as well as the current candidates. The twists involving the twins were totally squee-worthy, and this series' Big Bad tables a proposition that will leave me on edge until the next short is announced. Highly recommended, but not to be read as a stand-alone.
January 21, 2019
Oh, how I liked this one, though what the freaking hell man. You can’t just leave us like that!!! What are we to think? What’s going on man.
The twins! Oh, I have loved them in each book they have been in so far and it was nice to actually have them in and be involved in this book.
I can’t even imagine how terrified Elena and Clay were I don’t ever want to find out.
A lot happens in this book and I just don’t feel like it is done. I quite enjoyed the narration as well. The sound was off it kind of sounded like she was in a box, and there were times the script got repeated.
The twins! Oh, I have loved them in each book they have been in so far and it was nice to actually have them in and be involved in this book.
I can’t even imagine how terrified Elena and Clay were I don’t ever want to find out.
A lot happens in this book and I just don’t feel like it is done. I quite enjoyed the narration as well. The sound was off it kind of sounded like she was in a box, and there were times the script got repeated.
May 5, 2016
I kind of don't think of these novellas as canon. Subterranean Press geo-blocks Australia from the eBooks and the print editions are so expensive that I've only been able to read a few of them via the library. Thus I've skipped some novellas, and obviously missed important events (such as involving the Australian Pack). And a continuing plotline is still not over by the end of Forsaken.
Elena and Clay have twins that are growing up, and I'm happy for them, but why do kids in fiction always have to be so precocious? The first half of the novella is about a kid in peril, and the second half is about kids helping to save the day. Forsaken just didn't work for me. Maybe readers with kids will enjoy it more.
Elena and Clay have twins that are growing up, and I'm happy for them, but why do kids in fiction always have to be so precocious? The first half of the novella is about a kid in peril, and the second half is about kids helping to save the day. Forsaken just didn't work for me. Maybe readers with kids will enjoy it more.
May 28, 2021
This surprise new book jumps ahead a few years and focused on the were pack with Elena. On the one hand it does give some answers, but it still left me with fresh new threads to be handles in some future iterations.
February 26, 2015
It's no secret that I love Kelley's Otherworld books and universe. Her take on supernaturals is original, her characters strong and vivid, and she mixes mysteries into her stories, which is always a plus for me. I purchased this in both Kindle and print as Kelley is an author whose books I like to have in every possible format.
If you don't like children in your stories, you might want to skip this one as Elena and Clay's twins are an important part of the story. They're precocious and yet believable, both funny and obnoxious. I enjoyed them and their interactions with each other and their family, which includes the whole pack.
Elena was not one of my favorite characters initially. I sort of liked her but she wasn't a favorite. Over the years though she has changed and grown and now I like her a lot. Armstrong has a knack for writing compelling characters and they don't stay static, they evolve. Elena is mature yet snarky, thoughtful and reasonable yet stubborn, independent yet able to accept help. The problem is that as Alpha, she has to be careful about being seen to accept help. Alphas of other packs around the world are having trouble accepting that she is really the American Alpha; women werewolves are unusual and they have an easier time believing that her husband and mate, Clayton, with his bloodthirsty reputation, is the real power. I enjoyed seeing the difficulties and how Elena handled. She's calmer and more level-headed than she used to be.
The story itself was a little convoluted at times and I wasn't entirely happy with the resolution but it was a good story with a Machiavellian villain. Darn it, I wish he'd die already, mumble grumble. Maybe in a future story. Overall, I enjoyed the story including the close-up at werewolf politics and pack politics.
If you don't like children in your stories, you might want to skip this one as Elena and Clay's twins are an important part of the story. They're precocious and yet believable, both funny and obnoxious. I enjoyed them and their interactions with each other and their family, which includes the whole pack.
Elena was not one of my favorite characters initially. I sort of liked her but she wasn't a favorite. Over the years though she has changed and grown and now I like her a lot. Armstrong has a knack for writing compelling characters and they don't stay static, they evolve. Elena is mature yet snarky, thoughtful and reasonable yet stubborn, independent yet able to accept help. The problem is that as Alpha, she has to be careful about being seen to accept help. Alphas of other packs around the world are having trouble accepting that she is really the American Alpha; women werewolves are unusual and they have an easier time believing that her husband and mate, Clayton, with his bloodthirsty reputation, is the real power. I enjoyed seeing the difficulties and how Elena handled. She's calmer and more level-headed than she used to be.
The story itself was a little convoluted at times and I wasn't entirely happy with the resolution but it was a good story with a Machiavellian villain. Darn it, I wish he'd die already, mumble grumble. Maybe in a future story. Overall, I enjoyed the story including the close-up at werewolf politics and pack politics.
March 1, 2023
REREAD 2023
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REREAD 2020
Yay! I've been waiting for this book since I finished Thirteen! I always liked the dynamic between Clay/Elena, and when the twins came along, I instantly fell in love with them and their dynamic as well, so following them grow up and then finally getting this book here, is such a treat! Even if I know what's happening.
I won't say too much about the book, for fear of spoiling it, other than I like the family-dynamic and generally enjoy the story. Even if it is a cliffhanger leading up to Driven.
Keeping the original rating.
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Original rating: 4/5 stars
A thought on events that contain spoilers.
.
.
.
.
One thing I've been thinking about while rereading this seires and the Darkest Powers-trilogy, is how the child-wolves all seem so smart. Clay and Derek and Kate and Logan all have the brainpower of... well, I'd say they're geniuses in one field or the other. And I can't help but wonder if that's something related to their werewolf enhancements.
Sure, the other wolf-kids mentioned in the Darkest Powers-trilogy all seem more like wolves than smart humans, but maybe it could swing either way? It's a battle between instinct and intelect?
Don't know anything for sure, I don't know if Armstrong has said anything about it, but it's an interesting thought.
--------------------------
REREAD 2020
Yay! I've been waiting for this book since I finished Thirteen! I always liked the dynamic between Clay/Elena, and when the twins came along, I instantly fell in love with them and their dynamic as well, so following them grow up and then finally getting this book here, is such a treat! Even if I know what's happening.
I won't say too much about the book, for fear of spoiling it, other than I like the family-dynamic and generally enjoy the story. Even if it is a cliffhanger leading up to Driven.
Keeping the original rating.
---------------------------
Original rating: 4/5 stars
A thought on events that contain spoilers.
.
.
.
.
One thing I've been thinking about while rereading this seires and the Darkest Powers-trilogy, is how the child-wolves all seem so smart. Clay and Derek and Kate and Logan all have the brainpower of... well, I'd say they're geniuses in one field or the other. And I can't help but wonder if that's something related to their werewolf enhancements.
Sure, the other wolf-kids mentioned in the Darkest Powers-trilogy all seem more like wolves than smart humans, but maybe it could swing either way? It's a battle between instinct and intelect?
Don't know anything for sure, I don't know if Armstrong has said anything about it, but it's an interesting thought.
December 4, 2014
Quite a bit gets packed into this short story, including big things for the twins and the story itself ends on a pretty major TO BE CONTINUED. Not sure if that means we have to wait a full year for another 100-ish pages to pick this back up, or if Kelley has something else planned.
April 4, 2015
Need to be reviewed.
June 18, 2018
The plot of this book is....well, hard to talk about without spoilers (see below). Elena Michaels, Alpha of the American werewolf pack goes on vacation with her mate, Clay and twin eight year olds Kate and Logan one of whom has been acting out lately and causing tension in the family but something is amiss and everything reaches fever pitch when Kate runs off and it becomes apparent that someone might be targeting the two children.
What I liked
Werewolf politics. It was interesting to learn about the other packs, the international relations, it just makes the world feel richer.
Kate: Especially when she is lost in the woods. I've always found the twins a bit much for my taste, NO kids sound like them no matter how smart, but in this book she actually sounded like a little girl.
Malcolm: I' really starting to like this guy (not as someone you'd want within 500 miles of you, but as a character). Maybe it's because he is the only WOTO character who has a distinctive personality (all the characters; male and female, start to sound the same after a while with almost identical morals, motivations, sensibilities and world-views it gets boring). But Malcolm? I mean the guy is patently crazy but his actions have a weird sort of logic, to him anyway, he's the closest thing to a well-rounded villain these books have.
Despite the packs instance, he's NOT merely a "psychopath" this is a guy with a predators aggressive instincts and a frame of reference so outside of anything a rational human being would recognise that it'd be hard to call him objectively evil. And most importantly, he's highly intelligent, he knows what makes the other characters tick, even if it those reasons make no sense to him personally.
What I disliked
Logan: Just come on! He didn't come across as a realistic child. Like at all.
The super-predictable "twist" : Logan and Kate would both be werewolves (It's funny how this was hinted at for years as being only a "possibility" as if anyone would believe that). It was obvious from the moment Kate started showing symptoms that they'd both change by the end of the book.
The plot: In a nutshell; its nonsensical and just seems like a flimsy premise to have all the characters gather together and prove them right, in that order (like I still cannot, for the life of me figure out what the British "traitors" end-game was, yes they were staging a coup against their Alpha but it was just so unbelievably stupid and convoluted, they added in a transatlantic fight, a murderous psychopath and like five extra steps for NO REASON AT ALL except of course to hammer home the point that Elena and the American pack are oh so awesome and above reproach)
The Flat characters: The misogyny of the British pack was simply ridiculous. I mean like no-one talks like that in real life. The entire thread of the conversation was *Elena has idea* *British pack* - Let's not listen she's a woman, prone to hysteria and fits of womanly weakness.
Elena: But what really grated was that for all the straw woman-hater characters harping on about Elena being a "hysterical woman" to highlight what backwards assholes they were, well, I'm sorry but she DID act like a hysterical woman.
Her daughter, a super-intelligent werewolf child wanders off into the woods for a few hours in a huff and she FREAKS OUT (at this point there is ZERO indication that there is ANY machinations against the pack) she panics, she appears to be on the point of hyperventilating if her internal monologue is anything to go by, she mobilises the troops and calls in the whole werewolf pack; to find a kid who is probably an hour away from home at most it's just so unbelievably excessive if there hadn’t been a convenient plot against her kids it would have come across as paranoid and smothering.
I've read nearly all the otherworld books and short stories and Elena is a terrible mother, and not just because she has raised two spoiled brats with no boundaries and she believes that disrespect and talking back to adults is a sign of their "preciousness" rather than just shitty parenting; she's needy, possessive and over-protective to a ridiculous degree, she frets and worries over every little thing and not in a healthy way, if ANYTHING at all goes wrong to disrupt the balance in her perfect little life; her kid falls and scrapes her knee, the kids get the flu it's just endless rounds of pointless hysteria and self-flagellation and it's painful.
Yes, the other pack is wrong for assuming that all women are hysterical, they are not however wrong about Elena, unfortunately. It's painful when a feminist message gets garbled by the fact that the "strong" woman actually conforms to the strawman stereotypes
Another thing I've noticed about Elena's character over the years of reading these books and short stories; she REALLY hates being a woman.
Every negative stereotype, every nasty belief about women, about blondes, about blue eyes she internalises and seems to believe far more than anyone around her except for the ridiculous cardboard cut-outs like the British pack whose sole existence is so that Elena can have a "you go girl!" moment.
She believes she has to punch a guy to death to prove she's "strong" because that's the ONLY kind of strength, constantly references how she is good at stuff "for a woman" or how men don't expect her to be able to do X "because I'm a woman".
I've lost count the number of times Elena has referenced her blonde-ness in a negative way, being blonde is NOT a character flaw, and to be honest in the heteronormative Anglosphere that Armstrong's characters populate its defiantly a bonus. She plays up to the dumb blonde and hysterical woman archetypes when around humans or trying to weasel out of trouble and for someone who is trying to prove that women are just as speshial as men she is really insulting her own gender by playing up to lazy stereotypes, the fact that she views these antics; crying, weeping, playing dumb, not being able to walk and chew gum at the same time as "normal" woman behaviour pretty much tells us all we need to know about Elena's views on women.
What I liked
Werewolf politics. It was interesting to learn about the other packs, the international relations, it just makes the world feel richer.
Kate: Especially when she is lost in the woods. I've always found the twins a bit much for my taste, NO kids sound like them no matter how smart, but in this book she actually sounded like a little girl.
Malcolm: I' really starting to like this guy (not as someone you'd want within 500 miles of you, but as a character). Maybe it's because he is the only WOTO character who has a distinctive personality (all the characters; male and female, start to sound the same after a while with almost identical morals, motivations, sensibilities and world-views it gets boring). But Malcolm? I mean the guy is patently crazy but his actions have a weird sort of logic, to him anyway, he's the closest thing to a well-rounded villain these books have.
Despite the packs instance, he's NOT merely a "psychopath" this is a guy with a predators aggressive instincts and a frame of reference so outside of anything a rational human being would recognise that it'd be hard to call him objectively evil. And most importantly, he's highly intelligent, he knows what makes the other characters tick, even if it those reasons make no sense to him personally.
What I disliked
Logan: Just come on! He didn't come across as a realistic child. Like at all.
The super-predictable "twist" : Logan and Kate would both be werewolves (It's funny how this was hinted at for years as being only a "possibility" as if anyone would believe that). It was obvious from the moment Kate started showing symptoms that they'd both change by the end of the book.
The plot: In a nutshell; its nonsensical and just seems like a flimsy premise to have all the characters gather together and prove them right, in that order (like I still cannot, for the life of me figure out what the British "traitors" end-game was, yes they were staging a coup against their Alpha but it was just so unbelievably stupid and convoluted, they added in a transatlantic fight, a murderous psychopath and like five extra steps for NO REASON AT ALL except of course to hammer home the point that Elena and the American pack are oh so awesome and above reproach)
The Flat characters: The misogyny of the British pack was simply ridiculous. I mean like no-one talks like that in real life. The entire thread of the conversation was *Elena has idea* *British pack* - Let's not listen she's a woman, prone to hysteria and fits of womanly weakness.
Elena: But what really grated was that for all the straw woman-hater characters harping on about Elena being a "hysterical woman" to highlight what backwards assholes they were, well, I'm sorry but she DID act like a hysterical woman.
Her daughter, a super-intelligent werewolf child wanders off into the woods for a few hours in a huff and she FREAKS OUT (at this point there is ZERO indication that there is ANY machinations against the pack) she panics, she appears to be on the point of hyperventilating if her internal monologue is anything to go by, she mobilises the troops and calls in the whole werewolf pack; to find a kid who is probably an hour away from home at most it's just so unbelievably excessive if there hadn’t been a convenient plot against her kids it would have come across as paranoid and smothering.
I've read nearly all the otherworld books and short stories and Elena is a terrible mother, and not just because she has raised two spoiled brats with no boundaries and she believes that disrespect and talking back to adults is a sign of their "preciousness" rather than just shitty parenting; she's needy, possessive and over-protective to a ridiculous degree, she frets and worries over every little thing and not in a healthy way, if ANYTHING at all goes wrong to disrupt the balance in her perfect little life; her kid falls and scrapes her knee, the kids get the flu it's just endless rounds of pointless hysteria and self-flagellation and it's painful.
Yes, the other pack is wrong for assuming that all women are hysterical, they are not however wrong about Elena, unfortunately. It's painful when a feminist message gets garbled by the fact that the "strong" woman actually conforms to the strawman stereotypes
Another thing I've noticed about Elena's character over the years of reading these books and short stories; she REALLY hates being a woman.
Every negative stereotype, every nasty belief about women, about blondes, about blue eyes she internalises and seems to believe far more than anyone around her except for the ridiculous cardboard cut-outs like the British pack whose sole existence is so that Elena can have a "you go girl!" moment.
She believes she has to punch a guy to death to prove she's "strong" because that's the ONLY kind of strength, constantly references how she is good at stuff "for a woman" or how men don't expect her to be able to do X "because I'm a woman".
I've lost count the number of times Elena has referenced her blonde-ness in a negative way, being blonde is NOT a character flaw, and to be honest in the heteronormative Anglosphere that Armstrong's characters populate its defiantly a bonus. She plays up to the dumb blonde and hysterical woman archetypes when around humans or trying to weasel out of trouble and for someone who is trying to prove that women are just as speshial as men she is really insulting her own gender by playing up to lazy stereotypes, the fact that she views these antics; crying, weeping, playing dumb, not being able to walk and chew gum at the same time as "normal" woman behaviour pretty much tells us all we need to know about Elena's views on women.
January 28, 2015
Elena is missing the start of her annual family holiday because she's in London trying to make a misogynistic Pack leader see sense. When she gets home, it's to a missing daughter and the possibility of a major Pack threat being back.
Now, a review of a Kelley Armstrong book is always going to be glowing from me because I love the woman and all the words that come from her fingertips. Forsaken is no different.
It's set after all the other Otherworld books (latest in series), I think Goodreads has it listed as 13.4. Since we're not getting full length novels any more, the Sub Press novellas are the only way to get my Otherworld fix (well, besides re-reading the series but in this case I mean a new fix). As I've stated in the title, so much has happened in the series that even a blurb isn't spoiler free anymore.
Elena is having to prove herself as Alpha to all other Alphas since they think it's just a ploy and either she and Clay are co-Alphas or Clay is the real Alpha and they're just using her as a figurehead to prove something. I'm loving the different side of Clay and Elena as parents that we're getting in these novellas. I'm also loving seeing Logan and Kate grow up, they're both so different but so like their parents.
As sad as I am about the Otherworld hiatus, I'm so grateful for these novellas being released because I like seeing my favourite characters age and grow up and mature in their own way.
What I don't love is that this ended in such a way that I'm now impatiently waiting for the announcement of the next novella to see what happens. Armstrong writes such exciting stories that you just want to stay in her world all the time. If I didn't need to sleep, work and eat I'd happily just read her world constantly.
Her work also has the added bonus of pulling me out a reading funk and making me want to dive into books again. Although it's her books I want to read right now and not the huge pile of TBRs I have to tackle.
Now, a review of a Kelley Armstrong book is always going to be glowing from me because I love the woman and all the words that come from her fingertips. Forsaken is no different.
It's set after all the other Otherworld books (latest in series), I think Goodreads has it listed as 13.4. Since we're not getting full length novels any more, the Sub Press novellas are the only way to get my Otherworld fix (well, besides re-reading the series but in this case I mean a new fix). As I've stated in the title, so much has happened in the series that even a blurb isn't spoiler free anymore.
Elena is having to prove herself as Alpha to all other Alphas since they think it's just a ploy and either she and Clay are co-Alphas or Clay is the real Alpha and they're just using her as a figurehead to prove something. I'm loving the different side of Clay and Elena as parents that we're getting in these novellas. I'm also loving seeing Logan and Kate grow up, they're both so different but so like their parents.
As sad as I am about the Otherworld hiatus, I'm so grateful for these novellas being released because I like seeing my favourite characters age and grow up and mature in their own way.
What I don't love is that this ended in such a way that I'm now impatiently waiting for the announcement of the next novella to see what happens. Armstrong writes such exciting stories that you just want to stay in her world all the time. If I didn't need to sleep, work and eat I'd happily just read her world constantly.
Her work also has the added bonus of pulling me out a reading funk and making me want to dive into books again. Although it's her books I want to read right now and not the huge pile of TBRs I have to tackle.
August 14, 2022
A short story, 13.5 in the Women of the Otherworld series and revolving around a diverse group of strong, smart, and skillful supernatural women and their equally talented mates. The focus is on Kate and Logan Danvers of the Stonehaven Pack.
If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of the Women of the Otherworld books on my website.
My Take
I'm taking issue with the whole "summoned" to a meeting. How can a British Alpha summon an American Alpha? What's the hold? The hierarchy? Tell him to piss off until after your vacation. He wants his kid to have bodyguards? Send them yourself. For this, I'd've given "Forsaken" a "3", but this is only the start of the story, and I had to up it to a "4" due to the rest of the tale.
Nothing says Kate has to justify being Alpha. Nor does she have to answer to anyone but her pack.
We "hear" the whole story from a first person protagonist point-of-view from Elena's perspective, and while I love hearing her thoughts on how she and Clay are raising their kids. As time shows, it's the best way. As for her thoughts about the kids' propensities? Too funny.
It's through Elena that we also hear the hypocrisy that makes me want to blow up! Elena notes that if Clay went for Parker's throat, then he was a proper werewolf. If she went for Parker's throat, she was a hysterical woman.
It's Kate's phone call that starts off the real action. Growing up comes with issues. Growing up with werewolf blood comes with even more issues only it takes awhile for Elena and Clay to realize what's happening.
It seems America isn't the only group with voting irregularities. I'm not sure where Harris is going with this. Part of the set-up? Or just that Parker is an idiot with an immature son for whom he's making excuses. He was a child six months ago, but now he's eighteen so he's mature now? Yep. I've got this bridge . . .
It's plenty of tracking and brutal action based on werewolf abilities, particularly Elena's and Clay's to an extent. But it's also Elena's thoughts about her kids. Parents will relate. Okay, except for the werewolf bits, lol. Hmm, then again . . .
The Story
Business calls Elena out of the country when she's supposed to be on vacation. It's a call from Kate that will call Elena back.
One of her eight-year-old twins has disappeared, and all evidence points to Malcolm Danvers. It seems as if the psychotic former Pack member they’ve been tracking for the past year has brought the fight to them, setting the bait he knows Elena can’t afford to ignore.
The Characters
Elena Michaels has been the Alpha for three years. Clay Danvers is her husband — the world thinks he's a psycho — and her Beta. The twins — Kate and Logan — are eight years old now. Jeremy Danvers, his kitsune side gives him visions, had been the previous Alpha until he retired. He's still a very successful artist. Jaime Vegas, the celebrity psychic, is Jeremy's mate of seven years ( No Humans Involved , 7).
Members of the Stonehaven Pack include . . .
. . . Karl Marsten, who's married to Hope, a chaos half-demon and daughter of Lucifer (Otherworld Chills: "Chaotic", 5.2, and Personal Demon , 8) and they have a daughter, Nita ( Thirteen , 13); Antonio Sorrentino; Nick Sorrentino is Antonio's son who has had a reputation as a playboy, but he's involved with the very competent Vanessa “Ness” Callas, a half demon with a gift for fire and former FBI; Noah is Nick's ward ( Frostbitten , 10); Morgan Walsh is a Canadian with no reputation but great tracking skills (Otherworld Secrets: "Forbidden", 10.2); Reese is the Australian around whom so much controversy revolves ( Frostbitten , 10); Charlie is/was an Australian bounty hunter sent after Reese; and, Madison "Maddie" is Charlie's human daughter in college and now a member of Stonehaven, a human, gasp!
The unloved Malcolm Danvers is Jeremy's father who had been thought dead, but is hiding out in Bulgaria. Rhys Smith runs a security agency where Vanessa is one of his agents (Otherworld Chills: "Brazen", 13.3).
The English Pack
Hollis John Parker, Lord Something, has been the British Alpha for three years with a jerk of a son, Kevin. He's teetering over who to ally with. Harris Charles Parker, another Lord something, is Hollis' cousin. Shane Atherton is Hollis' current Beta who had contested Hollis for the position of Alpha.
The Australian Pack are . . .
. . . enemies who want to take over the American Pack.
The Russian Pack is . . .
. . . an ally.
The Bulgarian Pack is . . .
. . . led by Marko Todorov who has given asylum to Malcolm.
The Cabals are . . .
. . . sorcerers aligned by families. The Nasts are based in California.
The Cover and Title
The cover is graphic in style with the curly, blonde Kate in a red hoodie and jeans, her body facing us but her head tilted to the side in shame. Behind her is a GIGANTIC, snarling black wolf with blue eyes. At the very top is the title in the same blue, crossing Kate's hoodie. At the bottom right is the author's name in a white shadowed red.
I think the title is about Malcolm feeling "Forsaken".
If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of the Women of the Otherworld books on my website.
My Take
I'm taking issue with the whole "summoned" to a meeting. How can a British Alpha summon an American Alpha? What's the hold? The hierarchy? Tell him to piss off until after your vacation. He wants his kid to have bodyguards? Send them yourself. For this, I'd've given "Forsaken" a "3", but this is only the start of the story, and I had to up it to a "4" due to the rest of the tale.
Nothing says Kate has to justify being Alpha. Nor does she have to answer to anyone but her pack.
We "hear" the whole story from a first person protagonist point-of-view from Elena's perspective, and while I love hearing her thoughts on how she and Clay are raising their kids. As time shows, it's the best way. As for her thoughts about the kids' propensities? Too funny.
It's through Elena that we also hear the hypocrisy that makes me want to blow up! Elena notes that if Clay went for Parker's throat, then he was a proper werewolf. If she went for Parker's throat, she was a hysterical woman.
It's Kate's phone call that starts off the real action. Growing up comes with issues. Growing up with werewolf blood comes with even more issues only it takes awhile for Elena and Clay to realize what's happening.
It seems America isn't the only group with voting irregularities. I'm not sure where Harris is going with this. Part of the set-up? Or just that Parker is an idiot with an immature son for whom he's making excuses. He was a child six months ago, but now he's eighteen so he's mature now? Yep. I've got this bridge . . .
It's plenty of tracking and brutal action based on werewolf abilities, particularly Elena's and Clay's to an extent. But it's also Elena's thoughts about her kids. Parents will relate. Okay, except for the werewolf bits, lol. Hmm, then again . . .
The Story
Business calls Elena out of the country when she's supposed to be on vacation. It's a call from Kate that will call Elena back.
One of her eight-year-old twins has disappeared, and all evidence points to Malcolm Danvers. It seems as if the psychotic former Pack member they’ve been tracking for the past year has brought the fight to them, setting the bait he knows Elena can’t afford to ignore.
The Characters
Elena Michaels has been the Alpha for three years. Clay Danvers is her husband — the world thinks he's a psycho — and her Beta. The twins — Kate and Logan — are eight years old now. Jeremy Danvers, his kitsune side gives him visions, had been the previous Alpha until he retired. He's still a very successful artist. Jaime Vegas, the celebrity psychic, is Jeremy's mate of seven years ( No Humans Involved , 7).
Members of the Stonehaven Pack include . . .
. . . Karl Marsten, who's married to Hope, a chaos half-demon and daughter of Lucifer (Otherworld Chills: "Chaotic", 5.2, and Personal Demon , 8) and they have a daughter, Nita ( Thirteen , 13); Antonio Sorrentino; Nick Sorrentino is Antonio's son who has had a reputation as a playboy, but he's involved with the very competent Vanessa “Ness” Callas, a half demon with a gift for fire and former FBI; Noah is Nick's ward ( Frostbitten , 10); Morgan Walsh is a Canadian with no reputation but great tracking skills (Otherworld Secrets: "Forbidden", 10.2); Reese is the Australian around whom so much controversy revolves ( Frostbitten , 10); Charlie is/was an Australian bounty hunter sent after Reese; and, Madison "Maddie" is Charlie's human daughter in college and now a member of Stonehaven, a human, gasp!
The unloved Malcolm Danvers is Jeremy's father who had been thought dead, but is hiding out in Bulgaria. Rhys Smith runs a security agency where Vanessa is one of his agents (Otherworld Chills: "Brazen", 13.3).
The English Pack
Hollis John Parker, Lord Something, has been the British Alpha for three years with a jerk of a son, Kevin. He's teetering over who to ally with. Harris Charles Parker, another Lord something, is Hollis' cousin. Shane Atherton is Hollis' current Beta who had contested Hollis for the position of Alpha.
The Australian Pack are . . .
. . . enemies who want to take over the American Pack.
The Russian Pack is . . .
. . . an ally.
The Bulgarian Pack is . . .
. . . led by Marko Todorov who has given asylum to Malcolm.
The Cabals are . . .
. . . sorcerers aligned by families. The Nasts are based in California.
The Cover and Title
The cover is graphic in style with the curly, blonde Kate in a red hoodie and jeans, her body facing us but her head tilted to the side in shame. Behind her is a GIGANTIC, snarling black wolf with blue eyes. At the very top is the title in the same blue, crossing Kate's hoodie. At the bottom right is the author's name in a white shadowed red.
I think the title is about Malcolm feeling "Forsaken".
March 28, 2015
I really like the series that this book is a part of and the werewolves are a favorite of mine. As the twins grow older it's interesting to see Clay and Elena as parents, to see how that affects how they deal with the pack and how the pack protects the kids. I loved seeing the interaction between parents and children and how they dealt with the special problems that come with being werewolf.
I love seeing how other werewolves deal with Elena. It's funny to see them think less of her, to think she is a figure head, that Clay is the real Alpha. That is so far from the truth and if they really knew Elena, they would know to be more afraid of her than Clay.
It was great to see all the pack members, werewolf and non-werewolf, band together to help their Alpha. I worry a bit about the ending, the new info that Elena and Clay learned. I fear that they are backed into a corner and will need to accept this ally that isn't an ally.
I love seeing how other werewolves deal with Elena. It's funny to see them think less of her, to think she is a figure head, that Clay is the real Alpha. That is so far from the truth and if they really knew Elena, they would know to be more afraid of her than Clay.
It was great to see all the pack members, werewolf and non-werewolf, band together to help their Alpha. I worry a bit about the ending, the new info that Elena and Clay learned. I fear that they are backed into a corner and will need to accept this ally that isn't an ally.
January 2, 2015
Latest in the series of Elena and Clay, and their twins. Elena is the Alpha of the American Pack but some of the other Packs don't accord her respect because she is female. I liked seeing how they worked with this issue of dominance when she and her husband Clay have these issues as well, and seeing their relationship and how she approaches him when she needs advice. The things men would do don't always work for women, so she has to adjust things, and deal with misogynistic werewolves as well.
However after having read the novella about Nick and Vanessa about Malcolm, I'd really like them to end him, and find another bogey man to deal with. He's horrible, awful.
However after having read the novella about Nick and Vanessa about Malcolm, I'd really like them to end him, and find another bogey man to deal with. He's horrible, awful.
July 5, 2017
Reread Thoughts:
I'm still not over this one. I loved seeing the new pack work together like this and wish there was more!
Quick Thoughts - First Read
1. It was really cool seeing Elena as alpha. That's something we never got to see in the books.
2. I've seen a lot of people complain about the stereotypes in this book but I think they made the story more realistic. Of course the tradition male werewolves are going to have an issue with a female alpha.
3. Loved getting to know the twins. I hope we get to see more of them!
4. The whole Malcom twist was really exciting. It also left more to be determined so another novella maybe?
5. I just need more. I can't give up Elena and Clay!
I'm still not over this one. I loved seeing the new pack work together like this and wish there was more!
Quick Thoughts - First Read
1. It was really cool seeing Elena as alpha. That's something we never got to see in the books.
2. I've seen a lot of people complain about the stereotypes in this book but I think they made the story more realistic. Of course the tradition male werewolves are going to have an issue with a female alpha.
3. Loved getting to know the twins. I hope we get to see more of them!
4. The whole Malcom twist was really exciting. It also left more to be determined so another novella maybe?
5. I just need more. I can't give up Elena and Clay!
March 1, 2015
It was a pleasure to be able to read the twins' story again. I'd be really upset if I missed this novella. I didn't expect the twist and was glad that the author didn't mention it in Logan's Puppy plan.
I burst out into laugh when the twins discussed while was Elena dealing with enemy. As I said before I really want to read when the twins reached their teen hood. It would be entertaining.
With the way the book end, I guess and hope there would be more of them in the future.
I burst out into laugh when the twins discussed while was Elena dealing with enemy. As I said before I really want to read when the twins reached their teen hood. It would be entertaining.
With the way the book end, I guess and hope there would be more of them in the future.
June 13, 2016
International pack politics and child issues leads to another great story by Armstrong.
Clay and Elena are one of my favorite book couples. They balance each other well and have stayed interesting throughout marriage and kids. Most of the pack also shows up which is always great to see. It does end on sort of a cliff-hanger, which I could have done without.
Clay and Elena are one of my favorite book couples. They balance each other well and have stayed interesting throughout marriage and kids. Most of the pack also shows up which is always great to see. It does end on sort of a cliff-hanger, which I could have done without.
August 6, 2021
Very fun! The British Alpha doesn't take Elena seriously as a leader... ironically, as it turns out he's the one with dissension in his ranks. There are also some very interesting developments with the twins and in the end Malcolm drops a bit of a bombshell on Elena.
December 7, 2014
Okay, I know I've said this before, but I'M JUST SO HAPPY Armstrong is still telling stories in this world!
And stuff is happening in them! If you're a fan of the series, these novellas are definitely worth checking out.
And stuff is happening in them! If you're a fan of the series, these novellas are definitely worth checking out.
February 22, 2015
I'm so happy that Kelley Armstrong is still revisiting the werewolf world. The twins have become my new favourite characters. That conversation they had while Elena was fighting a mutt in front of them? GIMME a series with them now!!! Looking forward to the next novella.
August 22, 2015
Idk but this just rubbed me the wrong way. I felt like all of the characters weren't themselves and it was just this super open ending that I believe implied more books, which Id usually be happy of but idk. I think it would just be nice to end on a high note and this was not it.
September 10, 2016
A good Elena and Clay story. Some interesting developments with their twins. I felt like it had a very open ended ending. I wouldn't call it a cliffhanger but it's definitely leaving you hungry for the next story.
December 18, 2014
I always love coming back to Elena & Clay and their world..
I would really like another full length novel but I'm very grateful for these short stories!
I would really like another full length novel but I'm very grateful for these short stories!
April 5, 2015
Yeah baby wolves :-)
July 22, 2022
Six reasons to read Forsaken:
1) The story opens with international werewolf politics. There is no way to make that uninteresting if you're a writer like Kelley Armstrong.
2) There’s a lot of family drama, which I enjoyed because it creates conflict and shows that, even in fiction, no family is perfect.
3) I've not always been a fan of Clay's, but he has grown a lot since the first book and is no longer the kind of character I instantly dislike. I loved how worried he was over losing Kate, how afraid he was of telling Elena, and how even so many years later he still enjoys antagonising Karl.
4) This is the first time we really see the whole Pack work together!
5) The twins’s casual commentary as they watch their mother fight was funny.
6) The final plot twist is wonderful.
Four drawbacks to Forsaken:
1) I don't always enjoy how the twins are characterised. They're often too mature even for kids who spend most of their time around adults, especially Logan. Of the two, he’s the least interesting because he isn't given any proper flaws.
2) The plot is convoluted because what the villains are up to doesn't make sense. The scheme they hatch is stupidly complicated and implausible. It’s obvious that it's a means to an end, that end being character development and the final plot twist, but I would have enjoyed the story more if everyone's actions made sense.
3) The story occasionally did that thing where it makes side-characters unrealistically vile so that the hero can shine.
4) Elena annoyed me. All that talk about how women aren't hysterical, yet that's exactly how she acted when Kate went missing. To the point where she kept passing out.
1) The story opens with international werewolf politics. There is no way to make that uninteresting if you're a writer like Kelley Armstrong.
2) There’s a lot of family drama, which I enjoyed because it creates conflict and shows that, even in fiction, no family is perfect.
3) I've not always been a fan of Clay's, but he has grown a lot since the first book and is no longer the kind of character I instantly dislike. I loved how worried he was over losing Kate, how afraid he was of telling Elena, and how even so many years later he still enjoys antagonising Karl.
4) This is the first time we really see the whole Pack work together!
5) The twins’s casual commentary as they watch their mother fight was funny.
6) The final plot twist is wonderful.
Four drawbacks to Forsaken:
1) I don't always enjoy how the twins are characterised. They're often too mature even for kids who spend most of their time around adults, especially Logan. Of the two, he’s the least interesting because he isn't given any proper flaws.
2) The plot is convoluted because what the villains are up to doesn't make sense. The scheme they hatch is stupidly complicated and implausible. It’s obvious that it's a means to an end, that end being character development and the final plot twist, but I would have enjoyed the story more if everyone's actions made sense.
3) The story occasionally did that thing where it makes side-characters unrealistically vile so that the hero can shine.
4) Elena annoyed me. All that talk about how women aren't hysterical, yet that's exactly how she acted when Kate went missing. To the point where she kept passing out.
December 10, 2017
Elena’s position as Alpha is tenuous and difficult. Although her Pack may understand and appreciate that she is fully capable, the male-dominated world of werewolves doesn’t see it in the same way. Sound familiar anyone? So, an entire novella about how she handles her new role and the derogatory ways in which her Alpha-ness is approached was really beautiful. Plus, visiting a more stable, well-balanced version of Elena was incredibly enjoyable.
Honestly, I got frustrated just reading some of the scenes in this book – being called hysterical because she was getting pissy at the stupid men. Honestly, its’s one of the most irritating comments that I’ve heard from people. It’s also a great highlight of how badly we all experience double standards. After all, if a man gets annoyed, he’s just annoyed, but whenever us women feel the same, we’re hysterical, annoyed or probably PMSing… the fact that Parker (the British Alpha) then uses Elena’s motherhood and care for her family against her… I almost had steam coming out my ears just reading it. Which I think is kind of the purpose… throughout the entire series, we’ve watched Elena grow and change, and then everything is disregarded because of her genitals. It also leads to the complications that arise throughout the story, but, as always, Elena manages to triumph over the morons who challenge her.
Forsaken doesn’t just show how Elena has evolved, but how the entire Danvers clan has changed. The twins have also grown and altered as they’ve turned from screaming toddlers to kind of terrifying nine-year-olds. Alright, they’re definitely not normal, and the whole family is a little off-kilter. But the characterisation works beautifully. It also matches the incredibly off-kilter parents, and makes the entire journey so much more enjoyable. It also makes me wonder what kind of children I’ll possibly produce in the future…
Honestly, I got frustrated just reading some of the scenes in this book – being called hysterical because she was getting pissy at the stupid men. Honestly, its’s one of the most irritating comments that I’ve heard from people. It’s also a great highlight of how badly we all experience double standards. After all, if a man gets annoyed, he’s just annoyed, but whenever us women feel the same, we’re hysterical, annoyed or probably PMSing… the fact that Parker (the British Alpha) then uses Elena’s motherhood and care for her family against her… I almost had steam coming out my ears just reading it. Which I think is kind of the purpose… throughout the entire series, we’ve watched Elena grow and change, and then everything is disregarded because of her genitals. It also leads to the complications that arise throughout the story, but, as always, Elena manages to triumph over the morons who challenge her.
Forsaken doesn’t just show how Elena has evolved, but how the entire Danvers clan has changed. The twins have also grown and altered as they’ve turned from screaming toddlers to kind of terrifying nine-year-olds. Alright, they’re definitely not normal, and the whole family is a little off-kilter. But the characterisation works beautifully. It also matches the incredibly off-kilter parents, and makes the entire journey so much more enjoyable. It also makes me wonder what kind of children I’ll possibly produce in the future…
March 5, 2018
A novelette added to the end of the Otherworld series that takes place about three years after the final novel: ‘Thirteen’. Elena is now the pack Alpha and trying to settle in when one of her and Clay’s eight-year-old twins disappears. And a dangerous enemy returns.
This was a very interesting story and definitely needed to fill in and complete some situations that were left open in the final novel. It shows us a power shift in the pack and involves a major change in Kate’s life.
There are 4 really nice umber-shaded, graphic novel style illustrations in my Hardback version.
Footnote: 1) Does anyone else remember how it was stated in the very first book that the werewolves were in danger because there were only about 35 of them left in the world? I think I mentioned it in my review for that book. Anyway, now all of a sudden we find out there’s packs in Australia, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, etc. plus third world and developing countries. Wow! Talk about a population explosion. Maybe Ms. Armstrong meant packs instead if individuals.
Fave scenes: Elena meeting with the British Alpha, the downed tree, hiding in the bathroom and Elena’s deal with the British Alpha.
This was a very interesting story and definitely needed to fill in and complete some situations that were left open in the final novel. It shows us a power shift in the pack and involves a major change in Kate’s life.
There are 4 really nice umber-shaded, graphic novel style illustrations in my Hardback version.
Footnote: 1) Does anyone else remember how it was stated in the very first book that the werewolves were in danger because there were only about 35 of them left in the world? I think I mentioned it in my review for that book. Anyway, now all of a sudden we find out there’s packs in Australia, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, etc. plus third world and developing countries. Wow! Talk about a population explosion. Maybe Ms. Armstrong meant packs instead if individuals.
Fave scenes: Elena meeting with the British Alpha, the downed tree, hiding in the bathroom and Elena’s deal with the British Alpha.
March 1, 2019
This book...this book, this book, this book...holy moly....
This book made me shake, nearly have a panic attack, and also made me worry about both Elena and Clay and their kids...
And no, no, no this book didn't make me have ideas of writing my own werewolf AU (it totally did).
But anyway...
Elena is all the way up in England, at a Alpha meeting and she hates the Alpha of the UK pack and wants to go home to her kids and husband on their family trip. She does, but not before her daughter walks out of the house and gets lost. Worried, she starts looking for her, only to catch the scent of another werewolf that should've been in Belguim, Malcolm Danvers, but it totally wasn't him as she finally found her daughter, scared, shaking and alone, but this time she saw the muscles moving and started having fears of her daughter changing into a werewolf.
So the Danvers family moved to a hotel and that's when everything came ahead. Turns out the UK pack wanted to show that Elena was a weak, hysterical mother (and they didn't), and both Kate and Logan successfully Changed into werewolves (that part makes me cringe when Kate changed) and also they didn't want to give Malcolm a chance, but they're thinking about it. And it was nice to see Hope and Karl again (sans her pregnancy from Otherworld Secrets).
This book made me shake, nearly have a panic attack, and also made me worry about both Elena and Clay and their kids...
And no, no, no this book didn't make me have ideas of writing my own werewolf AU (it totally did).
But anyway...
Elena is all the way up in England, at a Alpha meeting and she hates the Alpha of the UK pack and wants to go home to her kids and husband on their family trip. She does, but not before her daughter walks out of the house and gets lost. Worried, she starts looking for her, only to catch the scent of another werewolf that should've been in Belguim, Malcolm Danvers, but it totally wasn't him as she finally found her daughter, scared, shaking and alone, but this time she saw the muscles moving and started having fears of her daughter changing into a werewolf.
So the Danvers family moved to a hotel and that's when everything came ahead. Turns out the UK pack wanted to show that Elena was a weak, hysterical mother (and they didn't), and both Kate and Logan successfully Changed into werewolves (that part makes me cringe when Kate changed) and also they didn't want to give Malcolm a chance, but they're thinking about it. And it was nice to see Hope and Karl again (sans her pregnancy from Otherworld Secrets).
October 9, 2018
This is listed as a novella (?) but if that's so it's a long one - 240 pages for the hardcover, but my ebook version lists the last page as 148 (even if Amazon lists it as having 240 pages too), so go figure. It does have a "short" feel, where the story comes to a close but with a - not exactly cliffhanger, but like a TV episode, a lead-in into the next volume.
Elena and Clay are about to go on vacation when signs appear that their enemy Malcolm might be in the area. Elena, as the pack's new alpha, has to deal with prejudice from other packs, and in the midst of pack politics and the threat from Malcolm, they suddenly have to deal with their 8-year-old daughter rebelling and running away.
It's been awhile since I visited Armstrong's Otherworld, so I had to get used to it again. Elena in this new role of alpha and mother is also something to get used to, and in this story I felt she acted a bit out of character at times. But it's a solid story, and I loved the story arc about their twins. Looking forward to the next one.
Elena and Clay are about to go on vacation when signs appear that their enemy Malcolm might be in the area. Elena, as the pack's new alpha, has to deal with prejudice from other packs, and in the midst of pack politics and the threat from Malcolm, they suddenly have to deal with their 8-year-old daughter rebelling and running away.
It's been awhile since I visited Armstrong's Otherworld, so I had to get used to it again. Elena in this new role of alpha and mother is also something to get used to, and in this story I felt she acted a bit out of character at times. But it's a solid story, and I loved the story arc about their twins. Looking forward to the next one.
October 4, 2025
A brilliant, haunting return to Armstrong’s Otherworld.
Forsaken reminds me why I fell in love with Kelley Armstrong’s writing in the first place — her world feels alive, dangerous, and deeply human all at once. Elena and Clay’s story continues here with more emotional weight than ever. Armstrong gives us not just action and lore, but the raw ache of responsibility, love, and identity that makes her characters unforgettable.
What I love most is that Forsaken doesn’t rely on spectacle — it’s intimate and personal, grounded in Elena’s fierce heart and the challenges of leading when every decision has a cost. The tension, the tenderness, and the sharp dialogue all feel effortless.
This novella proves that Armstrong’s world still has new corners to explore, and that even after all these years, she continues to balance darkness with grace.
If you’ve followed the Otherworld series, Forsaken is a must-read — not just for what it adds to the mythology, but for how it deepens the soul of the story.
Forsaken reminds me why I fell in love with Kelley Armstrong’s writing in the first place — her world feels alive, dangerous, and deeply human all at once. Elena and Clay’s story continues here with more emotional weight than ever. Armstrong gives us not just action and lore, but the raw ache of responsibility, love, and identity that makes her characters unforgettable.
What I love most is that Forsaken doesn’t rely on spectacle — it’s intimate and personal, grounded in Elena’s fierce heart and the challenges of leading when every decision has a cost. The tension, the tenderness, and the sharp dialogue all feel effortless.
This novella proves that Armstrong’s world still has new corners to explore, and that even after all these years, she continues to balance darkness with grace.
If you’ve followed the Otherworld series, Forsaken is a must-read — not just for what it adds to the mythology, but for how it deepens the soul of the story.
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