When Mother Earth comes calling, you'd better answer the door…
Evie has asked for sanctuary with Rowan, and he's accepted, allowing her into his territory to lick her wounds and heal. Things are good for a while, until strange occurrences start happening when Rowan and Evie are together.
With similar magic, Evie feels like she's found a kindred soul in the Shifter Lord, but other forces are about to shatter her rest and respite time and plunge them both into a type of danger they've never experienced before.
Someone is poisoning Rowan's land and attempting to wrest his territory away from him. This time, the Lord isn't powerful enough to win. But the enemy never counted on the fae heir and Floromancer's visit, and one thing Evie is very good at is fighting for her friends.
Complications arise when Caelan figures out where she is and attempts to bring her home. But Evie never abandons a friend, and certainly not for a man who wouldn't fight for her when she needed him to. Between fighting Caelan and fighting for Rowan, Evie is mentally and physically exhausted, something the enemy jumps on.
When the chips are down and the future looks grim, Evie will have to muster all her strength and power to fight back for Rowan, for herself, and to save Mother Earth from total annihilation.
S.E. Babin has a passion for writing books with a paranormal twist. Whether it's romance or mystery, she loves taking the norm and turning it into the extraordinary. Her love of reading turned into a curious exploration to see whether or not she could write her own novel.
Beginning with random, terrible poetry and a slightly popular reimagining of Beowulf's Grendel in her high school English class, Sheryl spent way too much time in the library, killing any chance of her becoming a cheerleader or anything even remotely cool. Find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SEBabin. She loves to hear from readers!
Sign up for the newsletter to hear about upcoming releases, sales, and freebies! sebabin.com
After six books of emotional investment, this series ultimately undermines its own characters and the trust it built with me
Caelan’s arc is the biggest disappointment. Over multiple books, the author carefully constructed him as a complex, fundamentally decent character — someone capable of love, loyalty, and gentleness. His affection for Seymour, and the fact that he was consistently surrounded by genuinely good, principled people, reinforced the idea that at his core, Caelan was not a villain. That groundwork mattered. It taught readers how to understand him.
Which is why his sudden transformation into a cruel, one-dimensional antagonist feels less like character development and more like character replacement. The shift is abrupt, poorly earned, and emotionally jarring. Instead of a nuanced downfall or morally complicated unraveling, we get a complete personality overwrite that ignores everything previously established.
The situation is made worse by the fact that Caelan is explicitly shown to be under magical influence during key moments — a narrative device that normally demands moral and emotional consequences. When a story uses control, coercion, or manipulation, it creates an implicit contract with the reader: actions under influence are not the same as freely chosen actions. Unfortunately, the series largely abandons that idea when it becomes inconvenient.
Evie’s response compounds the issue. She is written throughout the series as cautious with her heart, slow to trust, and deeply loyal — someone who would risk everything for her friends. Yet when it comes to Caelan, a man she believed she loved and whom she knows was not acting of his own free will, she barely tries. There is no meaningful attempt to reach him, help him, or even truly grapple with the complexity of what happened.
Even more frustrating is how quickly Evie moves on afterward. For a character who treated love as rare and serious, the speed with which she emotionally pivots feels wildly out of character. If this were framed as denial, avoidance, or emotional self-preservation, it could have worked. Instead, the narrative treats it as healthy growth, which feels unearned and emotionally dishonest.
The result is a finale that prioritizes shock and convenience over consistency and payoff. After six books of careful character building, the story abandons its own logic to force an ending, leaving a long-term reader like me feeling dismissed rather than rewarded.
This isn’t about disliking a ship or resisting change. It’s about narrative promise. The series spent years teaching readers who these characters were — and then asked us to accept versions of them that no longer matched that foundation.
For readers deeply invested in character consistency and emotionally coherent arcs, this ending may be less heartbreaking than simply exhausting. I finished it, but I won’t be continuing the series.
First I gotta say the ending and the peek at what’s to come is giving me kittens for having to wait! Next off can I say team Rowan 100% and omg Caelan is a whole slew of words that would get my review banned lol. This one is drama to the max and filled with little hints of the future here and there. Evie went through the wringer emotionally and I think she’s finally coming through to the other side and better for it. I got drawn in and read from start to finish I could not put this one down and my only regret is I have to wait for the next installment sad so sad lol.
Bursting with Feels, Even if They're Sometimes Contrived
**Spoilers ahead**
This is a slower-paced, tighter-focused book. Evie's emotional state runs the plot and, in fact, is writ large across the literal landscape in the book in the form of a spreading blight.
Does anyone miss Caelan, the asshole who began his romance by shattering a shop and seriously wounding his romantic interest? Not me. However, his transformation from three-dimensional, utterly smitten jackass to two-dimensional figure who rages, retaliates, and spouts conveniently hurtful potshots just doesn't ring true. Obviously Rowan has always been the better character and potential mate, but Caelan is a walking, evil Ken doll in this book. His cruel statements feel contrived to break six books' worth of romance while conveniently showcasing the benevolence of Rowan.
Also, I read through a number of reviews, and... is no one else going to mention the erratic and weird shifting of past tense verbs to present tense throughout this novel? It's jarring and feels either like a terrible editorial mistake or an avant-garde language experiment gone wrong.
All that griping aside, I always dig a book whose plot is emotionally driven. This book delivers on the feels and allows a slower pace to allow Evie time for introspection and healing. It's more contemplative than the other books, and I found myself continually returning to it even after becoming annoyed at the transformation of Caelan from living (albeit unlikable, at least for me) character to convenient caricature.
“In-hiding hedgewitch florist by day. Powerful demigoddess by blood. Shapeshifting immortal by accident.”- book 1 hook
Well, it’s taken seven books to get here but Shifting of the Wild is the story I’ve been waiting for and so, so satisfying.
In all my reviews I’ve made it clear that the character of Caelan has been one I consider a being I’m absolutely not a fan of, especially in the toxic relationship he’s had with Evie. He’s been the epitome of a controlling, dangerous, narcissistic personality who’s only interested in power and dominance.
And the sad, damaging nature of this relationship has been one of the worst aspects of the series. Domestic violence and abuse are front and center here. Cheating and humiliation as well in the previous story.
So this book is where Evie begins with her healing, her understanding of her past relationships , of Caelan, their abusive dynamic , and slowly starting to change and move happily forward.
Shes in Rowan’s territory after the last battles and ordeals suffered in the previous story. The damage incurred is devastating. Physically and emotionally. She’s needed space and time to heal and recover.
And yes, Rowan has been a great favorite of mine. What a great and well balanced character, including his own secrets and powers.
This narrative has multiple layers, including a new huge threat to the world from unknown sources. And Cernunnos and Moira are setting up a new plot and role for Moira with her new powers.
I just love this story, and really want the trajectory of Evie’s new relationship to continue. Fantastic work and series.
Highly recommended!
So well written and beautifully executed.
Cover design by Covers by Christian
Shifter Lords (11 book series): Shift of Heart #1 Shift of Morals #2 Power Shift #3 Shifting Winds #4 Shifting Resolve #5 Shift of Rule #6 Shift of the Wild #7 Goddess Shifting #8 - April 14, 2026 Final Shift #9 - Aug 26,2036 Shift Happens #10 - 8/26 Shifting Allegiance #11 - Oct 6,2026
Evie has taken sanctuary with Rowan while she recovers from all of the trouble with Caelen. His magic is similar to hers and they’ve always been friends. It’s always been obvious to me that Rowan wanted to be more but he is too decent to push in. Now he is taking his time and treating Evie with the respect and decency she deserves. As Evie heals, she is healing and growing her own self esteem that had been badly damaged. When Caelen shows up to demand she come back to him, she and Rowan stand together to defy Caelen. At the same time there is a dark power damaging the land and Evie is trying to help. Because it involves the land covered by the shifter lords, a meeting is set This book covers Evie’s healing and the growing attraction between her and Rowen. The changes that must happen for her to go on with her life and a mystery of who or what is the cause of the darkness on the land. There are surprises, suspense, humour, great characters and some romance. It is a quick, easy, read that I enjoyed a lot.
It’s episode 7 in the life & times of our Little Shop of Florals family. This book focuses very much on Evie, Rowan, & Caelen. We do hear from Cernunnos, Moira, Ash, Garrett, & Simone. We also meet Rowan’s omega & second. Evie goes through some big changes in her thought process & her emotional being. The Lords add their 2 cents to the situation. Which comparatively to their past interactions, surprisingly wasn’t negative. There is a new big bad, that is just beginning to affect the crew. We have personal conflicts, environmental conflicts (of a magical sort), and the conflict of major change for our friends. I’m really hoping Evie gets some good news in our next episode!! I can’t wait to see what happens next!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Magic, Betrayal, and Second Chances For a while, Evie was engaged to Caelen, but in the previous book he said and did things that drove them apart. Some wounds are hard—maybe impossible—to come back from. Now Evie has found sanctuary with Rowan. The two have been friends, but it seems that something more might be growing between them. At the same time, Rowan’s land is being poisoned, and Evie is determined to do everything she can to heal it. But will her best be enough? And what about Caelen? He’s not ready to give up on her so easily. Will what’s developing between Evie and Rowan have a chance to grow, or will the past—and the threats surrounding Rowan’s territory—tear everything apart? If you enjoy stories that blend magic with romance, this one might be worth a try. This series is best read in order.
I made no secret of the fact that I was unhappy with an unexpected turn in the last book, and I was a little apprehensive about starting this one. However, since I just love this series, I had to read it as soon as I got it. Poor Evie’s life is in such upheaval in this latest, and she is unsure where she is going to land after the events of the previous books. I have come around more to what happened in the previous books with the events of this latest. Yes, I know this is a little vague, but I hate spoiling things for other readers. Wonderfully written, captivating action, and complex and interesting characters, this is a great addition to the series. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Okay, bridges have been burned, and recent circumstances have upped the ante for our devastated MC, Evie. Enjoyed the change of setting, and the new characters that we encounter after the blow up at the end of the last book. Reading this was like gawking at a metaphorical car crash - emotional carnage included. Read in one sitting and it left me interested in what comes next, but completely pissed off with Caelan. He knows that he’s under a magical influence of unknown origin, but he can’t put aside his ego long enough to get his head out of his ass and accept some help. I’m now firmly Team Rowan at this point. The next book promises to be a real knock down, drag out fight between Caelan and everyone else, so I’ll definitely be picking up book 8
I struggled at the end of the last book. And I really had no idea how this would go. I gotta say this author is just…WOW. I’m so invested in this series. And I’m still heartsick like Evie over what has transpired. Like her, I’m so gut punched at Caelan’s vitriol. But I’m slowly seeing it all needed to happen. The magical world this author has created is so fun. I love and sadly hate the characters. I’m diving into the next book. Then I’ll need to wait for the upcoming releases. This author has become a favorite.
***I really struggled with the shift (see what I did) that the author did with a certain character and maybe because I literally read this series in a week I can handle it better than some. But I’m so invested I need to see where it is continuing to go.***
I love Evie in this book, but sometimes I wanted to reach in there and slap her for wanting to give Caelan the benefit of the doubt for his actions. Even after her father explained to her how that kind of magic works. She still thought that maybe some of it was her fault. She finally did realize that Caelan was really not worth her tears. She did seem to kind of go into the other lord’s arms pretty quickly though. Granted they were friends for a while before they decided they possibly might become lovers. I did like the end of this book and I can’t wait to see what comes up next.
Such a whirlwind of events but tinged with sadness, beware the dangers of a classic narcissist. A relationship with one is like walking through a minefield, so I’m a little sad that Caelan isn’t who he initially appeared to be, that rug was firmly pulled away.
Awesome moves from Rowan. I’m really interested in seeing what happened between Moira and Soren to push her so firmly away. Fun times ahead. A touch disappointed that I didn’t check that all of the books have been published yet, because there are at least 3 pending. My bad, I tend to binge read. That said this series is firmly in my top 10 for the year.
I like that throughout the series we didn’t get Evie’s true love interest revealed to us at the beginning. Like it could have been either Ben, Caelen or Rowan. I enjoyed the books getting us to think that Evie and Caelen was end-game because sometimes that’s what you think a relationship is. I do think that Caelen was dramatically mean in this book but I suspect the randomness of it is due to the rot that’s impacting him and his lands.
Can we also eventually find out what the hell happened with Moira and Soren?? Like girl, SAY IT already.
There are not enough stars for this installment to the series. My heart breaks for Evie and Caelen but he is too prideful which I can see as being his own demise. Rowan on the other hand, turned out to be absolutely swoon worthy.
There was plenty of action, emotional rollercoaster and new found friends and possible romance. It ended too quickly for me. Now I have to wait for the next book release. Oh the misery of patience.
Many kudos to the author. She did an amazing job with this book. Can't wait to see what comes next.
So I must say I feel betrayed. Why have me read through 6 books of the Evie and Caelan show to go, oops sorry that's not the real love interest in these books??? Thankfully I am reading these on kindle unlimited, because if I had bought all 7 of these i would be pissed right now. It's a huge jump the shark moment, or a money grab, let's make you start over with a new romantic interest so you can buy more books to see where this one goes. Ya, no I'm done and out. I am going to go find something else to read now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3.5. Caelen’s that toxic ex you can’t shake off. He’s dumb as rocks. I pity every person who has dealt with an insecure, immature partner like him. The developing romance with Rowan was cute though. I skipped the middle books but this series feels a bit repetitive esp with Caelen running hot and cold so I didn’t miss much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I don't mind twists and turns. But this book turned left so fast I couldn't believe it. Evies love for the shifter lord changed up so fast. I didn't like how it happened. She really loved him. But he played games for her power. Did he ever really care about her. Why is she the one who is always left hurting so badly. And yet I can't stop reading....
This was such a good book in this series that continues to be so very good!! I really, really hope that Evie and Rowan end up together, I never liked Calean and will be so disappointed if he enters back into the series…
Oh man! I think this may be my favorite book in the series! I did not see this coming, though I am very hopeful for the next book. I highly recommend this book and the rest of the series!
This was so amazing and wonderful to read. So many new things are happening to Evie. She is coming closer to healing her heart. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
The characters in this book come to life, and keep you engaged. Usually after several books the plots start to weaken, but this one just gets better and better. Great writing
I’ve been waiting for this! Yes! this is definitely my favorite book in the series so far. Finally everything I was hoping for is happening! And the story just keeps getting better and better! #teamrowan
There are those who will want you for who you are, and those who will want you for what you are and possess. Caelan dropped the ball and lost, and Rowan is picking up the pieces. I can't wait to see what happens next.
That was a wild turning point. I don't want to spoil it, but lots of change for Evie - not just her location. Looking forward to reading the next book.
I loved this book heartbreak and all. Eve has a lot of hurt along the way, hopefully with Rowen helping her heal she may find what missing to heal and be whole.