A Gathering of Claws

by K.I. Tolles

A rogue wolf marked by fate. A scarred warrior bound by duty. Their bond shouldn’t exist—but it just might change everything.

Arianne has spent her life running—from hunters, from heartbreak, from a past she can’t remember. When she's forced to cross into Stormclaw territory, she expects death, not salvation. But when a glowing mate mark appears on her skin before the Gathering, everything changes. The catch? No one else bears the match.

Sentenced to compete in brutal trials or die trying, Arianne finds herself under the watchful eye of Kael, a ruthless sentinel with a haunted past and no time for wolves like her. He’s not her mate, and he's certainly not her savior. But as secrets unravel and whatever it is that's between them deepens, Kael and Arianne are forced to confront the terrifying truth: some bonds aren’t written in fate… but forged in fire.

In a world where wolves are born to obey their destiny, what happens when two souls dare to choose?

Genres: Shapeshifters, Romantasy, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Slow Burn

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2025

About the author

Hi, I’m Katie, though in the world of my books, you’ll find me as K.I. Tolles. I write paranormal romances where slow-burn tension meets dangerous magic, and fate is never as simple as it seems. I believe every love story should have teeth, every heroine should be impossible to tame, and every hero should make you question whether you’d follow him into the dark.

When I’m not writing, you’ll probably find me haunting antique bookstores, building playlists for fictional couples, drinking too much coffee, or rereading my favorite fantasy romances by candlelight. I'm forever torn between exploring new worlds and coming home to my own, and believe the best stories leave you a little breathless, a little heartbroken, and completely unwilling to let go.

Reviews

[Meghan Roy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars
I was so excited to receive an ARC from the author and get to read this book before its release date.

This story centers on Arianne who identifies as a wolf shifter who’s never actually shifted. She ends up in a packs territory and becomes a prisoner who must undergo trials to prove herself worthy. Kael is the sentinel who is chosen to gaurd her and he gives off major *touch her and die* vibes but not in a way that he was holding her back from being strong and independent woman she is.

Ultimately enjoyed this book. The length was perfect, the pacing was fast, and the romance being centered around choosing who you love rather than fate was amazing. My biggest concern was how confused I felt throughout so much of the book. There is a lack of world building which means a lot of things are not explained until they are happening and sometimes there is no explanation at all. This left me confused, occasionally frustrated and many of my questions were never answered. This is to be the first book in a series which means there’s room to grow with world building. However I also felt content with this being read as a standalone.

[Abigail Russo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first wolfy fantasy and I am sucked in! As a sucker for trials and banter, the FMC and MMC had me from the start. There was a perfect mix of angst, yearning and twists to keep you reading. I cannot wait to see where the story goes next as the next installments are written.

[Stephie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The slow burn of this book was delicious and I am so grateful to have received this ARC from the author. A Gathering of Claws is the first book in the Starforged Chronicles. It follows Arianne, a rogue wolf, who is taken prisoner by the Stormclaw Pack. She learns about her past and who she is all while navigating her relationship with Kael, her warden, and trying to survive the deadly trials.

I really enjoyed this book, but it was too short. I felt that because of the length a lot of the relationships and characters weren't fleshed out as well as they could be. A lot of questions were left unanswered and I was a bit confused about some things. That being said… I love a slow burn and I love how things develop between Arianne and Kael. At first, I was put off by how aggressive and brash both the characters were, but then I realized they were that way in order to survive the worlds they were in. Once they both let their guards down… perfection.

I can't wait to read the next book! I hope it delves more into Arianne and Kael's pasts, as well as the mate stuff, and delivers more slow-burny goodness!

3.5 out of 5 stars
1 out of 5 spicy peppers
Memorable line: “I would give you the world if I could.” - pg. 113
Read this if you like: Shifter, Paranormal romance, HEA, slow burns, deadly trials
F*ck appears: 26 times
Spicy chapters: Ch. 17

[Julia Fuchs · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 out of 5 stars ⭐️
🐺 Wolf Shifters
🫀 Enemies to Lovers
🔥 Slow Burn Romance
☠️ Touch Her and Die
📖 Orphan with an Unknown Past
✨ Fated Mates... With a Twist
🖤 Morally Grey MMC

I was very lucky to receive an ARC of this book and …….
LET ME TELL YOU I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS SO MUCH I WANT MORE

I have to be honest I was a bit concerned with how short the book was because it tends to be very rushed and insta- love but man I was blown away with how good this book was . it was fast paced but not to fast paced and it was slow burn not instant love at all ,, it had a very good plot and I loved kael .,, how he did everything for her was so possessive ,, the whole story was so good and I’m a very picky person when it comes to books and I was hooked from the start the only part that makes me sad is that I finished it 😭😭 I wish I could reread it for the first time
My favorite lines*****
“ Whatever was
between us wasn’t born of prophecy. We weren’t claimed by fate. But we were
forged by choice—marked not by magic, but by the vow of two wolves who
refused to be caged, and I felt deep down that somehow, that was stronger.”

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

​I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Now, let me tell ya, this book got me hooked from the beginning! And for me, as a reader, that is such an important thing! I inhaled this book in a day!
It has sassy, strong, and independent FMC! It has a bit of banter here and there and it has *tension* between main characters!
The MMC is such a softie even if he's supposed to be a badass character. No one can convince me otherwise!
Personally, I'm not the biggest fan of wolf shifters type of books, but this one was just so easy to read. The world was built in a way that didn't feel forced, and I loved that.
The only minor critique, that is mostly guided by my personal preferences is that when I started reading the book I was so exited for the enemies to lovers type of love and I felt like it could have been more intense on that account.
This as a debut novel? It's just so good!
I'm so happy I got to read this book and for sure I will read more of Katie's works in the future!

[Tiffany ✨️ Bergamot Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arianna has spent her life on the run. Discovered abandoned by her pack as a child, and taken in by strangers, she wanders where the woods take her, now that no one she cares for is left. Chance crosses her path in the form of a wild, rabid wolf shifter that tries to take her life. Killing him is the only option, except it sets her on a direct path to her own destruction.

*****

This one hooked me on page one! I knew going into it that it was quite a short novel, so it would most likely be faster paced, but I didn't expect it to immediately steal all of my attention. The FMC was such a strong and unique character, and I loved that she was the rogue wolf, when normally in shifter novels that role is usually held by a male.

The setup of how she ended up being taken in and how we get flashes into the past she remembers - and the memories she has hidden from her - had me devouring this one in one sitting. I loved the dynamic between her and Kael, even if it progressed quickly, because it felt true to who they were as characters.

The trials were unique and I do wish we got a bit more explanation into them as they're outside of normal shifter world building and seemed to be built into the society as a whole. On the other hand, I loved that we didn't get long-winded explanation of shifter world dynamics and just got to jump right into the story. Also, the inclusion of the discovered historical notes preceding each chapter were perfect for additional insight into the world as it was, contrasted with how it currently exists.

Overall, this was a fast paced shifter romance with some extra twists that kept it fresh and engaging, and I can't wait to see where the author takes this series.

*****

Thank you to the author Katie Tolles for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Rubys.Reads_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

🖤 Vibe: Wild. Haunted. Slow-burn tension.
💥 Tropes: Wolf Shifter Romance | Enemies to Lovers | Lost Past / Trials
🐺 What to expect: Arianne has run all her life, with no memory of why. Crossing into Stormclaw territory forces her to face danger, a wolf protector she distrusts, and trials that reveal more than she ever wanted.
💭 For readers who love: wolf packs, enemies-to-lovers arcs, moral ambiguity, and romance built on trust and danger.


📖 Start date: 19th September
📖 Finish date: 21st September
✨ Genre: Paranormal Fantasy Romance

💬 Memorable Quotes
“To me, the role wasn’t a title—it was a coffin with a crown.”
“I had almost forgotten I was wild, too.”
“If it was possible to wear a hole in the floor from pacing, I would have been in the basement over an hour ago.”

⭐ Ratings
Spice: 2.5/5
Characters: 3/5
Plot: 3/5
Engagability: 3/5
Writing Style: 3/5
Dark Themes: 2/5
World-building: 3/5
Pacing: 3/5
Overall: 3/5


🔥 Tropes You’ll Find
30+ Main Characters
Fated Mates
Lost Memories
Slow-burn
Wolf Shifters
Trials
Morally Grey MMC
Pack Politics
Romance built on trust


📝 Review
I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity to ARC read.
This was a great read with well-built tension and trust between the main characters. It was refreshing to have a blond(ish) MMC—we don’t see that too often anymore! The concept was strong, and the writing was clear, descriptive, and engaging.
Where I struggled a little was with the delivery of pivotal moments. At times the impact felt muted, and I found myself wondering if I had missed something. In places, key foreshadowing or detail seemed absent, leaving the middle section a little confusing (especially the second trial).
That said, I loved the settings and the author’s descriptions. They created atmosphere beautifully. By the end, I was hooked, and I really enjoyed the underlying message: that choice is stronger than destiny.
I’m definitely looking forward to the second instalment!

🚨💥🫣 SPOILERS AHOYYYYYYY!! 🫣💥🚨

📌 Notes While Reading
Opening page: Love the little history pre-chapter. Informative but smooth.
1%: This is what I love—showing, not telling. Beautiful.
27%: Confused about the binding mark vs. the mating mark. Maybe I’m impatient.
28%: Her sudden doubts about Lorelei felt abrupt.
54%: Some leaps in logic—felt like I missed something important.
66%: Still feel like there’s a big secret I’m not grasping.
77%: When was it said she was marrying Alpha? That felt out of nowhere.
92%: I’m in LOVE. Annoyed it’s nearly over!
Finished: Obsessed. Loved the message about forging your own path, though I wish it had been woven more powerfully throughout.

[PastelSkiesReviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

Is this romantasy? It's hard to define genre, so I won't argue whether it is or isn't. But if you go into this book expecting ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, Daughter of No Worlds, or even The Wolf King, you might be disappointed. Personally, I wasn't expecting that, but I feel that's what people think when they see romantasy. Because of the thin worldbuilding, I think it'd be safer to think of this as a paranormal romance.

One thing I *will argue is that AGOC is *not enemies to lovers. Unfortunately, the ETL trope is super overmarketed right now. Everything is ETL and nothing really is. At 17%, the MMC was already showing admiration toward the FMC. "You bite when you're bleeding. I can see why they're afraid of you." That doesn't give enemies to me. That's a compliment on her toughness.

For true enemies to lovers, there has to be a real reason for them to be enemies. Like "we're from two different kingdoms and for years, my people have died at the hands of yours." That's an enemy situation. Not "you haven't done anything to me personally, but you're the random guard assigned to me so let's talk s**t to each other." It just felt forced so it could be called enemies to lovers.

So, the worldbuilding. There were these snippets at the beginning of each chapter. They were basically found text about bonds and other wolfish things. I liked them, but it wasn't a substitute for worldbuilding. At times, it was hard to tell when and where this story even took place.

This was a tough read for me. I thought about DNF'g a few times. The characters felt too flat, which is something I'm seeing more and more of these days. I feel like I read the whole book and I still have no clue who the FMC really is. She's just a tough, "not like other girls" type with nothing really unique about her. So many questions unanswered.

Anyway, don't let my review deter you. Obviously, I'm in the minority so you may like this book. The writing wasn't bad and it's a true slow burn. I say give it a chance and see!~PastelSkiesReviews

[Georgina · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 A Gathering of Claws by K.I. Tolles

Tropes: 🐺 Shifter Romance | ❤️ Chosen Mates | ⚡ Enemies to Lovers | ☠️ Deadly Trials

Thank you so much to K.I. Tolles for giving me the opportunity to be one of the first people to read this ARC, it was an absolute pleasure and easy one of my favourite reads of the year! I’m going to have a hard time picking my top 10 at the end of the year!

I read this in one sitting because I physically could not put it down. The pacing had me drawn in straight away, I mean we literally begin with the FMC fighting for her life, and before I knew it, I was completely lost in this world.


SPOILERS!

The wedding scene? Absolutely magnificent 🙌🏻. It had that cinematic, heart-in-your-throat tension that makes you forget to breathe. And when our broody MMC finally arrived at the very last second… let’s just say my heart was pounding.

Arianne was such a refreshing heroine. She was strong and defiant, but with enough vulnerability to make you ache for her. Kael was the perfect combination of morally grey and “touch her and die” energy. The things he endures for her, man 😫.
Their romance felt deliciously slow burn (no easy task in a shorter book), and I loved that their bond was forged by choice rather than prophecy or fate. That made everything feel stronger and more meaningful, especially at the end. Also, when the spice finally arrived… it was SPICING 🌶️.

Yes, it’s short, and ofcourse I’m left with questions about the wider world and what’s to come… but honestly, I was happy with how it ended. It works as a standalone, but I’m thrilled there’ll be a second book (even if I’m terrified K.I. will break my heart).

If you love shifter romance, dramatic tension, and a brooding MMC who knows how to make an entrance, this one will leave you with palpitations, in the best way obvs 😏

[Rainbowsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gathering of Claws is one of those books that completely sweeps you away. It had me hooked from the first page as i hung to the high speed of the horrible adventures poor Arianne went true; it made me cheer her on, root for her to escape and find happiness.

As the opening to the Starforged Chronicles, it instantly grabbed my attention. Arianne, a rogue wolf, is captured by the Stormclaw Pack and forced into brutal trials that test both her spirit and her past. She’s bold, dangerous, and doesn't need any saviour—in fact, she’s the kind of heroine others should be afraid of crossing cause she is the one doing her saving.

Then there’s Kael. His arc of loyalty, sacrifice, and hard choices gave the perfect counter balance to Arianne’s fire. The chemistry between them? LOVED it. Their banter had me smirking, and the slow-burn tension was just perfect. The character build of both of two makes you understand exactly where they come from and why.
And then just this: Kael: let’s be real:
He is pure swoon material. Picture Dean Winchester with glasses and extra muscle and you’re close. at least in my mind he would be.

What you’ll find inside:
✨ A razor-sharp, snarky heroine
✨ A broody, morally gray hero you can’t help but love
✨ A villain you’ll want to strangle
✨ Werewolves, spice, and just the right amount of heat 😏
✨ Themes of destiny, found family, and love that’s chosen

If you’re into paranormal romance that blends enemies-to-lovers sparks with a slow-burn payoff, this is absolutely one to grab. I already cant wait for book two—more Arianne, more Kael, more bond tension, and every ounce of that fiery romance.

last i wanna thank K.I. Tolles for giving me the chance to ARC read this book; i totally enjoyed it and look forward to the next book.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much for allowing me to Beta read this book.

It's giving Throne of Glass/Fourth Wing Vibes (I'm a fourth wing die hard). One of my only complaints is that it just isn't long enough. Double the length of the book and I would still devour it.

The first chapter is brilliant, it really drew me in and I instantly texted my bookstie to sign up for the ARC version. My adrenaline was pumping, eager to keep reading to find out what happens.

I love the brief history at the beginning of each chapter.

The FMC feels alone in the world, she has no friends or family and no one to miss her. Her wolf hasn't come out in her yet so she feels even more rejected. All she needs is a big brooding, handsome MMC to make her feel worthy right!?

The MMC - I like that Kael wasn't the usual MMC looks wise and his glasses make him kinda dorky which was cute.

The banter between them is laugh out loud in places which I also love as a lot of fantasy books stick with the back and forth arguing/tension. However, I do think there could be added sexual tension (The author assures me she has added some more in for the ARC version).

The trials were quite short. I felt like these could have been longer. For example Trial 3 there is a big moment in the book where something happens and I felt it should have been celebrated as such.

I hear there are three extra chapters from Kael's POV that I haven't read so I'm excited to read these.

Overall, I really enjoyed it, would highly recommend for lovers of fantasy and I hope there will be a book two!

Congrats to the author on her debut, what an achievement.

[BooksbyFate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Gathering of Claws by K. I. Tolles

This book was one I had a very hard time
putting down. A Gathering of Claws is a wolf
shifter book and it has everything! Enemies to lovers,
pack politics, slow burn and fun banter.

Arianne is a strong independent wolf shifter without a pack and with a wolf that has never shown itself. She has lost the only family she
knew and now has to go onto Stormclaw land. While foraging she ends up having to break pack laws to survive and gets taken prisoner. While the council is debating her fate a mate mark
appears on her back, but no one else has a match.

Kael is a brutal, quiet sentinel with a past of his own. He is ordered to protect Arianne and make sure she survives until the
trials begin by his Alpha. There are three trials and as they continue and tensions get high Kael and Arianne grow closer with witty banter and understanding.

I soaked up every bit of the witty banter between the FMC and MMC! Between the banter and the tension I devoured it all, honestly. I also love all the internal dialogue in the book! The only complaint I have is the end of the book is a little confusing, it is part of a series but it ends like a standalone and there are so many unanswered questions! I am hoping we find out more in book two~ I am so very excited!

[Amber Montes · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars
A gathering of claws is a debut book that is apart of the starforged chronicles. The story follows Arianne who is a rogue wolf that gets taken as a prisoner after she commits a crime she was not aware of at the time. She is unaware of her past as she has no pact, until she slowly starts discovering it while being confined as a convict. While she is there she starts a friendship with Kael who is her warden and protects her from the other wolfs in the storm claw pack as he forms a soft spot for her through out the story. Both characters are to go through three deadly trials for their crimes and the slow burn during the span of the trials is done so well. You can tell they don’t want to let their guard down because they’ve been taught to keep walls up but they can’t seem to deny the feelings that are there for one another.

The story was well paced and kept me wanting more to see how their outcome will be for the trials and if they will let their guards down to let love in

One thing I wish was included in the story is more details of the trials, especially the first one. I was also intrigued by Ariannes past and wanted to know more about what happened to her than what was told on the story but I am hoping this will be discovered next book!

This was a wonderful debut overall

[Allie Freitas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's talk about this book! The book that I read faster than I wished, the one that made me laugh, cry, want to unalive a certain someone, and that was just amazing!

On AGOC, we follow the story of Arianne and her discovery of inner strength, a very independent woman who definitely doesn't need anyone to save her (let's just say she is the one people need salvation from); and Kael's story of loyalty, morality and sacrifice!
It is a book that teaches you that fate/family/love is what you make of it, rather than what someone said you were bound/obliged to. Your strength is within yourself, and you can do so much more than you think you're capable of - Arianne taught me that.

This book has all you need: a sassy as hell female character; the grumpy and very Dean Winchester vibes male character (but with glass and more muscles 😉); a villain that will get on your nerves; sexy werewolves; the right amount of spice 😏;

Katie's writing style is beautiful and keeps you hooked until the very last page. It was a delightful reading and I can't wait for the next ones!
Dear Katie, thank you for kindly sending a copy. It was such a pleasure!
10m

[stacigracefullylovesreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through the author and I am so incredibly grateful to be one of the first to read it. I don't know if it was because I put off reading it so I could read this in time for a review but I was confused a lot throughout the beginning of the book. I am not sure what confused me maybe being thrown into the world and not given much backstory confused me. I wasn't sure if this world was our world, a new world, did they have technology, were there other humans, how did she know she entered blackclaw territory, how could she not remember who she was? All of these were questions I had that didn't really get answered. I hope the second book expands on them.
Regardless of the questions I did enjoy reading about Arienne and Kael. I love that he fell first and he was going to protect her no matter what. Whether she was going to reciprocate didn't matter. Arienne was a little confusing to understand. She was strong, even though she couldn't shift, she was willful and arrogant. How did she know how to fight? Did her two guardians teach her. Again, I hope the second book goes over these questions.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great series start and debut!

Arianne is a lone rogue wolf, but when she is forced onto Stormclaw land she is taken prisoner. As they are debating her fate, a glowing mate mark appears on her back, but no one bears the matching mark. She is sentenced to the trials, a set of brutal tests in which many wolves die, and guarded by Kael, a quiet but ruthless sentinel with a dark past of his own. As the trials progress, Kael and Arianne become closer and secrets are revealed, but they aren't mates so what happens when they decide that their choice overrides fate?

I loved the slow burn in this book! The tension and banter between Kael and Arianne was fantastic. Arianne was so strong and sassy while Kael was the strong quiet type. The way that he protected her and helped her was so good. There are definitely a lot of questions that were left unanswered at the end of the book, but I hope they will be addressed in future books. I definitely want to dive in to learn more about their pasts and future. As a debut novel, I felt like this was really strong and I'm excited to read more from this author.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A strong debut

“I had almost forgotten I was wild, too.”
A debut shifter romance focusing on belonging, mates and forcing fate’s hand…this is A Gathering of Claws.

Arianne is a shifter with no pack and no wolf. After defending herself against a frenzied wolf attack, she discovers she’s killed the heir of the local pack. But moments before she is to be executed, she develops a rare mate mark.

Arianne is instructed to go through the Trials before her destiny is decided. She is guarded by enigmatic Kael, a man with his own secrets. Their attraction is magnetic, but Arianne is determined to escape.

This was an enjoyable read, with decent world building and storytelling. I feel like it took a little while for the author to find their rhythm, but the ending was strong. I’d like to see more of the history of this world as there’s definitely some stories to tell there.

The story is an open door, slow burn romance. Thematically, there’s imprisonment, corporal punishment (off page) and attempted forced marriage.

This is a strong offering for a first novel and I look forward to seeing how this author progresses. I’d recommend this book to fans of PNR.

[Samantha Gwizdowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got the privilege to read this as my first ARC as well as my first wolf book as well - double whammy there!

I honestly loved the slow burn, the chemistry between Adrianne and Karl was 10/10.

The length of the book was PERFECT.

The ONLY thing I wish there was more information about was the trials. there was little information on the trials and it was a semi big part of the book - needing to pass all 3 trials.

The first one was straight forward; but the second one had no information about it - even Adrianne was a little confused, I didn't get the full picture but was able to piece enough together to understand and it didn't effect the flow of the book. As well as the 3rd/trust trial. wish I had a little bit more details regarding why most fail, or the point of them!

The ending though has me wanting MORE.

do they go to the water?
does throne love the sand? 😂
release #2 like tomorrow.

I also feel like there needs to be a prequel, we need a flash back book to Adrianne being taken in and need more information about Lorelei and Brec.

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Gathering of Claws” takes us into a fascinating universe where the lives of wolves are dictated by destiny, and every choice is a mere echo of fate’s plans... until two rebellious souls dare to defy the norm.

At the heart of this tale is Arianne and Kael, two wolves marked by both fate and the suffocating weight of expectation. Arianne, a spirited and fierce wolf, has always felt the pull of a different path, yearning for freedom beyond her preordained life. Kael, on the other hand, is a steadfast, loyal warrior, grappling with his own inner conflicts between duty and desire.

Their relationship evolves from a friendship rooted in mutual understanding to a fierce bond that challenges the very essence of what it means to follow one’s heart in a predefined world.

A tale that celebrates the spirit of choice and the strength of the heart, this story is s a must read for anyone who enjoys stories that challenge the status quo.

This spellbinding story captivates with themes of autonomy, love, and the courage to challenge one's path.

🦋
Copy supplied for review

[Louise || Bookworms and Lattes · Rating 3 out of 5]

To start, thank you so much to K.I. Tolles for an arc copy.

Shifter romance was something I’ve only recently got into and I have not been disappointed! A Gathering of Claws caught my eye immediately and I was ecstatic to get picked as an arc reader. Right off the bat, I loved the characters. They were each unique and well developed, with their own strengths, weakness, and faults. The story was fast paced, but not too much so. The world and plot was so much fun to read, however, the descriptions felt a little incomplete, which made it hard to visually picture the world and characters or follow along with movements.

There were a few moments where the writing started to blend together for me, and I had to reread to not get discombobulated - but I have a hard time processing what I read sometimes so that may have just been me.

Overall I loved everything about A Gathering of Claws. If you like a badass FMC, wolf shifters, secrets, and trials, then you should definitely give this a read. This was a solid 3.75 stars for me.

[Claire Smith-Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed from the beginning this book sees Arianne being hunted, she will do what she must to survive as she hasn't come this far to give up now. Her past is shrouded in mystery and secrets, even from herself and she bears strange markings.

Forced to pay the consequences of her actions, she expects death and is only saved by the appearance of a mate mark. The only trouble is no one knows who has the other half.

Pack hierarchy and politics deem she must compete in dangerous trials where they don't expect her to survive. Fighting for her life Arianne is surprised to be joined in the trials by Kael, a shifter with secrets of his own. Can she unravel her own secret past, will she understand her strange markings and can she trust Kael?

The banter, pack politics and slow burn attraction keep the story moving along and the secrets Arianne carry keep you guessing until the end.

I'm looking forward to reading more

[Paige Jorgensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5–3.75/5

A Gathering of Claws is a fast-paced and engaging debut book with intriguing, strong willed characters and an interesting foundation for the series. The story follows Arianne, a rogue wolf who’s never shifted (though well past the typical age to do so), as she’s taken prisoner and forced into deadly trials that slowly unravel her dark and mysterious past. Guarded by Kael, a sentinel who is commanded to protect her, their slow-burn romance shines for being about choice rather than fate.

While I loved the tension, emotional pull, and hints of deeper lore (like forged marks and ancient texts), the world building sometimes felt thin and left me with more questions than answers. I'd love more character history and wolf specific history to really get a full picture. Still, the chemistry, suspense, and unique premise kept me hooked, and I’m already anticipating book two. A strong and promising debut overall!

[Hila Jonker · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me 24h to devour this book, and I am kicking myself for not getting to this ARC sooner.

Arianne quickly made her way into my heart, and I was ready to protect her at every turn. I loved how we were told just enough to feel like we knew as much as she did about what was going to happen next. While some may see it as a downside for me, it was the perfect way to be guided through the lore and world-building.

Arianne being a rogue wolf with little interest in Wolf politics and the way things work outside the codex meant that we learned as she did, and the snippets between chapters added a little extra hinting in between.

When we got the first Kael POV I had the hugest smile on my face and it was just the right amount. Like a little secret whispered in our ear, so that we had just a little more info than Arianne did.

I am excited to keep reading the Starforged Chronicles and I really love the way Katie writes, so I am very much looking forward to more from her "pen".

[Kennedy Sepsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice: 3/5 🌶️

“I didn’t realize you needed to hear this, but I don’t give a shit about fate.”

Alexa, play Dangerous by Sleep Token while I cry over this book 😭💚

A Gathering of Claws is a paranormal wolf-shifter romance set in a world that’s giving Middle Earth vibes but modern. It’s got a twist on the fated mates trope, an intense slow-burn (which is wild to accomplish for such a short novel!) romance, and a twist towards the end that left my jaw on the floor.

Kael and Arianne are the epitome of what found family can look like when you decide to change the narrative you think has been assigned to you and work to change your own destiny. My heart was so full watching their stories unfold and I cannot wait to see them again as the series unfolds.

Thank you to K.I. Tolles for the ARC 🖤

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like a smouldering slow-burning tension romance that refuses to die & violent, brutal trials then this book maybe for you!

Arianne’s is on a journey to self-discovery learning about her past, whilst Kael's is a broody MMC who see-saws between morally grey & obsession with Arianne, creating delicious tension between them. Their "enemies-to-lovers" dynamic is very feisty & fiery, which will make you sizzle from the spice, but you also experience tenderness & vulnerability through their wolf-shifter bond; bringing depth to both the storyline & characters.

The descriptive world building is immense, as the reader you feel immersed in the world rather than just reading the pages.

I totally devoured this book, loved it, can't wait for book 2.
* Thank you to K. I Tolles for the free ARC copy of this e-book, I'm leaving this review voluntarily*

[Tori V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this quite a lot. I don’t usually go for stories with wolf pack dynamics, but this one got my attention with “the mate mark appeared, but the mate didn’t.” Finding out the reason was both fascinating and tragic, but I won’t spoil it here, of course.

Our FMC, Arianne, is strong and feisty and refuses to take her fate lying down. Despite being an orphan with a boatload of trauma, and not having a wolf like the rest of her people, Arianne is still kicking, and I can’t help but admire her tenacity.

This is book one, but we still get a sense of closure in some ways, which I really appreciate. An “end of act one” sort of ending. I’m looking forward to the next part of the story.

Thanks very much to Katie for this ARC! 💜

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I love paranormal romance and read a lot of it but sometimes they don’t tick all my boxes of what I want. This one did! I loved the slow reveal of who the main character really was! I liked the culture of the wolf people as I learned more with every page, and I particularly liked the way the main character developed into herself and found the beginnings of her new life. I don’t want to give anything away, but I also enjoyed her discoveries of who she belongs with within the pack. I look forward to learning more about her bonds and the other characters. I can’t wait to see what will be revealed about them all in the future! A nice read! You should really pick it up if you haven’t read it yet!

[Marie MARIONETTE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is the Book’s recipe:
Wolf shifter
Fated or…
Strong capable FMC
Unknown Past
Trial
Protective MMC


The story starts by her being attacked and having to unlive them. But he was someone important.
She gets arrested and ready to be executed… until fate decides otherwise.
And that’s when the questions starts to pill up.

Why her?
Why now?
With who?

While trying to figure it out, she has to achieve some tasks and survive the company of her keeper.

Keeping her is indeed the command he received, being obsessed, protective nope.

It was easy to get into the book, impatient to have everything make sense.
There is banter
There is fighting
There a magic and more

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so grateful to have received this book as an ARC.

Arianne, a rogue wolf, when half dead is taken in by Shadowclaw. Accused of breaking the Wolf Codex she must complete the trials to prove her worthy and gain freedom.

But, the path she follows was in fate's design.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, wolves is a subgenre I haven't delved in to much and this was a perfect dabble.

We have tension, a delicious slow burn, a blonde MMC who will do anything in his power to protect those he loves (hell fricken yes to that!!)

There's deadly trials, political intrigue, fated mates, and so much more!

definitely a must have on your TBR!

[The Literature Lizard · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

📚 A Gathering of Claws by K.I. Tolles
📚 Starforged Chronicles Book 1 | 218 Page
📚 Releases September 22, 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️

Thank you to Katie for providing me with an advanced copy of A Gathering of Claws. As always, my opinions are my own! ☺️

AGOC was a no nonsense, get down to business type of story and I loved it so much for that! The pacing was fast, the trials were challenging, and the love, while not insta love, showed us that it’s not always fate that chooses our story for us. It’s the choices we make that do too. I cannot wait to read more by Katie and see what more comes from the Starforged Chronicles.