What do you think?
Rate this book
A polar bear bard comes at first snow, bearing gifts for a small king.
If you want to hear the rest of the tale, grab a cup of tea (or dare the big teapot in Ghost Mountain's kitchen), find your spot in a pup pile, and hang on for the ride as we journey with a teenage bard who wants to tell stories - but is also absolutely going to be one.
If you want to hear the rest of the tale, grab a cup of tea (or dare the big teapot in Ghost Mountain's kitchen), find your spot in a pup pile, and hang on for the ride as we journey with a teenage bard who wants to tell stories - but is also absolutely going to be one.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2025
132 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Audrey Faye
44 books324 followersHas previously authored books under the name of Debora Geary.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 29, 2025
This series is a firm favorite, though it's so hard to describe to others. It isn't an action-oriented UF, and it isn't a romance-oriented PNR. It's a slice-of-life story about a pack of shifters that are healing after the overthrow of a monstrous alpha (that happens in the very beginning of book 1, so not really a spoiler).
It's a book about family, and healing, and love. It's poetic in its narrative, and most books make me cry a lot, but not in a horrible way, just in a ... connected way, if that makes sense. It's crying out of love, mostly. Finishing a book in the series always makes me feel content. Peaceful. That way you feel after a really great day hanging out with people you love, not really doing anything particular, just enjoying each other's company.
A weird review, I know. I don't know of any other series like this one, so I can't think of anything to compare it to. One thing to stress, though: these books are not standalones. In fact, the weaving is so complex, with so many characters, that it can be hard to follow if you haven't read the previous book in awhile.
The next book, according to the note from the author at the end, is Ruby. I feel like I'm going to have to have a specially-ordered case of kleenex for that one.
It's a book about family, and healing, and love. It's poetic in its narrative, and most books make me cry a lot, but not in a horrible way, just in a ... connected way, if that makes sense. It's crying out of love, mostly. Finishing a book in the series always makes me feel content. Peaceful. That way you feel after a really great day hanging out with people you love, not really doing anything particular, just enjoying each other's company.
A weird review, I know. I don't know of any other series like this one, so I can't think of anything to compare it to. One thing to stress, though: these books are not standalones. In fact, the weaving is so complex, with so many characters, that it can be hard to follow if you haven't read the previous book in awhile.
The next book, according to the note from the author at the end, is Ruby. I feel like I'm going to have to have a specially-ordered case of kleenex for that one.
October 20, 2025
Polar bear teenager happens!
When the real world is currently crazy, it’s good to know that positive things are happening in the Ghost Mountain world.
If you’ve been reading from the beginning, I can confidently state that Bard is a wonderful addition to the series. I highly recommend it.
As always I’m currently re-reading as there’s so many details that I catch something new with each pass.
The sad news is that this is not a book where you can jump into the series. So many characters, details and events are woven together in each book, creating a tapestry that requires the whole series to appreciate.
So find book one “Alpha” and start reading. You’re welcome.
So many tears coming in the next book, ultimately happy as I trust the author.
Cross posted amazon, goodreads, bookbub
When the real world is currently crazy, it’s good to know that positive things are happening in the Ghost Mountain world.
If you’ve been reading from the beginning, I can confidently state that Bard is a wonderful addition to the series. I highly recommend it.
As always I’m currently re-reading as there’s so many details that I catch something new with each pass.
The sad news is that this is not a book where you can jump into the series. So many characters, details and events are woven together in each book, creating a tapestry that requires the whole series to appreciate.
So find book one “Alpha” and start reading. You’re welcome.
So many tears coming in the next book, ultimately happy as I trust the author.
Cross posted amazon, goodreads, bookbub
October 16, 2025
Magic in every shape and size!
No words I write will do this book and series justice. The way this incredible author approaches healing through story, song, and poem validated every piece of trauma and life inside me and makes me feel less alone. As per usual, I am in awe of this book in the Ghost Mountain series, and eagerly await the next one (even though this one literally came out today).
Ani starts an incredible journey of growth in this book infecting others to look inward as well. So well written!
The way this author approaches the multiple POV in her books and the extremely thorough character development and world building she has managed is as always very impressive. Another must read.
No words I write will do this book and series justice. The way this incredible author approaches healing through story, song, and poem validated every piece of trauma and life inside me and makes me feel less alone. As per usual, I am in awe of this book in the Ghost Mountain series, and eagerly await the next one (even though this one literally came out today).
Ani starts an incredible journey of growth in this book infecting others to look inward as well. So well written!
The way this author approaches the multiple POV in her books and the extremely thorough character development and world building she has managed is as always very impressive. Another must read.
October 24, 2025
Another Good, If Confusing, Reading.
I find myself, possibly for the third, maybe even fourth time in a row, putting a book in the Ghost Mountain Shifters down after reading with mixed feelings. I loved the book, I really did. I loved following Ani's journey as she learns what it is to be part wolf in bear form. Inexplicably, again, I find myself in tears reading Ms Faye's writing, it's been the same ever since her beautiful Modern Witches series (I still mourn their loss even now). But. I'm confused. There are just too many characters and I can't keep them straight. Too many similar names - Flynn, Finn, Kel, Kelsey, Mel, Mellie.. and more. I love these books, and I love each and every beautifully crafted character but the tales are getting increasingly messy and hard to navigate which makes the whole experience much less fun. BUT, even with that moan, I still wouldn't dare dishonour a Polar Bear with anything less than 5 stars.
I find myself, possibly for the third, maybe even fourth time in a row, putting a book in the Ghost Mountain Shifters down after reading with mixed feelings. I loved the book, I really did. I loved following Ani's journey as she learns what it is to be part wolf in bear form. Inexplicably, again, I find myself in tears reading Ms Faye's writing, it's been the same ever since her beautiful Modern Witches series (I still mourn their loss even now). But. I'm confused. There are just too many characters and I can't keep them straight. Too many similar names - Flynn, Finn, Kel, Kelsey, Mel, Mellie.. and more. I love these books, and I love each and every beautifully crafted character but the tales are getting increasingly messy and hard to navigate which makes the whole experience much less fun. BUT, even with that moan, I still wouldn't dare dishonour a Polar Bear with anything less than 5 stars.
December 6, 2025
I felt the same about this book as Poet with Terrence TBH - nothing interesting happened most chapters, and any character development was glacial. It seemed like I was reading the same behavior analysis multiple times rather than new discoveries. I didn't care very much for Ani, and I just wanted to find out more about Ruby and Milo's recovery which is still hasn't changed significantly for multiple books.
The series is still a cozy read as a whole, but some books have dragged on for me and haven't held my interest as well as others.
The series is still a cozy read as a whole, but some books have dragged on for me and haven't held my interest as well as others.
December 17, 2025
I used to love this series but it's now verging on sickly sweet with everyone perfectly knowing what to do all the time.
October 19, 2025
Long awaited
This series captured my heart from the start. Bard opens pathways of opportunities that I did not see coming within the text, but upon reflection, I now understand what it is to be struck by lightning.
Ani is truly an amazing bear. I am awestruck by what she sees and how, in her words, makes people "wiggle."
This series captured my heart from the start. Bard opens pathways of opportunities that I did not see coming within the text, but upon reflection, I now understand what it is to be struck by lightning.
Ani is truly an amazing bear. I am awestruck by what she sees and how, in her words, makes people "wiggle."
October 26, 2025
I DNF'd.
I have read all the previous 11 books and really liked them. At least, the first 6 or so. But, it's just more of the same. It's like the author found a formula and just repeats it, changing the characters. To some, this is great. To me, not so much. Not anymore.
There really isn't that much tension anymore. Where are the bad guys? In the first books, I loved to hate the bad guys. And I liked how some of the people on the edge were slowly redeemed. That was cool too. But I don't see any bad guys anymore. It's boring.
Also, it is cute at the start, but ... how is it everyone knows what to do and say? They are all perfect psychologists except for the main person who needs to change. Even the kids! Really?
Obviously, except for the main character that the book is about, who is named in the title. The bard for book 12. It is beyond belief that they are the only person who doesn't get it, or says the wrong thing, is confused, or even **gasp** doesn't agree with someone else. Or, maybe, work with me here, is selfish or self-centred?
Also, a more minor nit, with a book every few months or a year, I NEED a list of names and relationships. Sure, to someone who binges the books it's easy to keep track, but there are, like 30-50 people in the clan now. I need a bit of a hint. Also, relationships. Who is married to who, or a sibling.
Oh, and this doesn't take away from the story, because every fictional world is different. This is this world. But in the real world, there are no Dominant or Submissive animals. At least as a class, that dictates that animal's personality and actions. Every animal's personality is as varied as it is for people. BUT, for me, because I know this is true, it broke my belief and thus my willingness to accept this world. So, it was a bit harder than normal to get into it.
And, not so side note. This is true of Alphas and Betas. No such thing. Unless you would say every leader is an alpha. If so, then there is no nuance in your world, and I feel sorry for you.
I have read all the previous 11 books and really liked them. At least, the first 6 or so. But, it's just more of the same. It's like the author found a formula and just repeats it, changing the characters. To some, this is great. To me, not so much. Not anymore.
There really isn't that much tension anymore. Where are the bad guys? In the first books, I loved to hate the bad guys. And I liked how some of the people on the edge were slowly redeemed. That was cool too. But I don't see any bad guys anymore. It's boring.
Also, it is cute at the start, but ... how is it everyone knows what to do and say? They are all perfect psychologists except for the main person who needs to change. Even the kids! Really?
Obviously, except for the main character that the book is about, who is named in the title. The bard for book 12. It is beyond belief that they are the only person who doesn't get it, or says the wrong thing, is confused, or even **gasp** doesn't agree with someone else. Or, maybe, work with me here, is selfish or self-centred?
Also, a more minor nit, with a book every few months or a year, I NEED a list of names and relationships. Sure, to someone who binges the books it's easy to keep track, but there are, like 30-50 people in the clan now. I need a bit of a hint. Also, relationships. Who is married to who, or a sibling.
Oh, and this doesn't take away from the story, because every fictional world is different. This is this world. But in the real world, there are no Dominant or Submissive animals. At least as a class, that dictates that animal's personality and actions. Every animal's personality is as varied as it is for people. BUT, for me, because I know this is true, it broke my belief and thus my willingness to accept this world. So, it was a bit harder than normal to get into it.
And, not so side note. This is true of Alphas and Betas. No such thing. Unless you would say every leader is an alpha. If so, then there is no nuance in your world, and I feel sorry for you.
October 17, 2025
This series tops my favorites list, it's one of the very few that I reread periodically. I was excited to see this book come out, had high expectations, and am not disappointed. There are so many threads, woven so expertly together: an aspiring teenage bard who is smack up against the boundaries of what she thought was normal, and is pushing her way through, trying desperately not to lose control, along with her anxious father. We have a wolf who may have forgotten her human side and is teetering on the edge of letting her rage consume her. We have the joy of the pups of the pack, the steadying of the submissives, and the iron leadership of the dominants, masked with softness and silliness. No one does character development and emotional tension like Audrey Faye. I already have a book hangover from this story and am planning a reread of the series starting now. If you like wonderfully crafted shifter stories, terrific character development and want to get deeply engrossed in the fictional lives of characters who will end up feeling like friends - pick up this book! And if you haven't started the series yet, you are in for a rare treat. Start with Alpha and work your way through to Bard. I hope you love it as much as I do.
October 22, 2025
Soup
This story is as complex as I expected it to be, but took several turns that were unexpected; at least by me.
No one with a brain can deny that polar bears are apex predators.
What happens when one has decided to learn how to add softness to the whole so she can learn it's value?
Ani, Ivan's daughter wants; no, needs to apprentice to be a bard.
Terrence is willing, but apprehensive whether she can control her bear while she learns to write her truth.
There are struggles, revelations, and a few mistakes made, and many of them aren't just Ani's.
This is a pack that knows, and loves their bears.
But is even the huge, extended pack that Ghost Mountain Pack has become big enough, and strong enough to give a polar bear teenager the room to become what she longs to be?
Read this wonderful new addition to one of my all-time favorite series.
Note: This series needs to be read in order.
Start with "Alpha". You'll be so glad you did!
This story is as complex as I expected it to be, but took several turns that were unexpected; at least by me.
No one with a brain can deny that polar bears are apex predators.
What happens when one has decided to learn how to add softness to the whole so she can learn it's value?
Ani, Ivan's daughter wants; no, needs to apprentice to be a bard.
Terrence is willing, but apprehensive whether she can control her bear while she learns to write her truth.
There are struggles, revelations, and a few mistakes made, and many of them aren't just Ani's.
This is a pack that knows, and loves their bears.
But is even the huge, extended pack that Ghost Mountain Pack has become big enough, and strong enough to give a polar bear teenager the room to become what she longs to be?
Read this wonderful new addition to one of my all-time favorite series.
Note: This series needs to be read in order.
Start with "Alpha". You'll be so glad you did!
November 24, 2025
I love the pack at Ghost Mountain and I often revisit the first books in this series, but the series is no longer what it was. For each new book new characters are introduced on behalf of old loved ones. And for each new book you get the story told from more and more viewpoints to the end where the voices are alike. The different characters are more used as props to say a line or crack a joke than as persons whose growth is explored. They are often mentioned as a group, "the engineers" or "the cats" or "the psychologists" rather than individuals. And the story telling isn't as forthright any longer, often the plot is told between the lines and you sit back wondering what ever happened. I know each book has it own main character, but I still would prefer to follow the original pack without the confusion of all the other shifters in the area. I have come to the point where I have felt the need to make a list of characters, but it keeps growing!
October 31, 2025
Hope in a broken world
This entire series is about overcoming trauma and finding joy and it heals me a little every time I reread the whole series. 12 books in, and it has not lost its magic.
This book built a little slower for me than some of the others. The community is growing and sometimes it takes a while for me to place a familiar name or character. But the last few chapters broke my heart and made me fall further in love with the Ghost Mountain Shifters. I know we'll have to wait a while for the next book, but if it was out already I would absolutely be launching myself directly into reading it.
If you're feeling hopeless and alone, I highly recommend these books. They remind me of the power of community every time.
This entire series is about overcoming trauma and finding joy and it heals me a little every time I reread the whole series. 12 books in, and it has not lost its magic.
This book built a little slower for me than some of the others. The community is growing and sometimes it takes a while for me to place a familiar name or character. But the last few chapters broke my heart and made me fall further in love with the Ghost Mountain Shifters. I know we'll have to wait a while for the next book, but if it was out already I would absolutely be launching myself directly into reading it.
If you're feeling hopeless and alone, I highly recommend these books. They remind me of the power of community every time.
October 20, 2025
Books in this series are so hard to read, they've been through a lot and as much trauma as they've healed, there is still a lot of healing to go yet. This time around the healing is spurred by an unusual suspect, a teen polar bear who's coming to do an internship as a bard. While Ani spurs changes, she also finds different things in her that are healed by being with this group of shifter and how accepting they are by everything she needs, including biting partners. It's interesting to see how each of them in the packs are so affected by different things and able to see things in a new light. I can't wait for the next book, even as I know it will probably be brutal to read.
October 27, 2025
Incredibly complex
So many characters to visit again. Ani, Ivan's daughter, has come down from the north to intern as a bard - a storyteller who helps grow emotional and adapting strengths. This book is very complex and impossible if you have not read the series. But for those who have - welcome back and buckle up. For those who have not - start today for an enormously powerful series of healing and growth. One that also shows the absolute rightness and power of diversity as all the different shifters bring their own strengths and complexities to the mix of the Ghost Mountain story.
So many characters to visit again. Ani, Ivan's daughter, has come down from the north to intern as a bard - a storyteller who helps grow emotional and adapting strengths. This book is very complex and impossible if you have not read the series. But for those who have - welcome back and buckle up. For those who have not - start today for an enormously powerful series of healing and growth. One that also shows the absolute rightness and power of diversity as all the different shifters bring their own strengths and complexities to the mix of the Ghost Mountain story.
November 16, 2025
An amazing series of hope, love, joy, and rediscovering your place in the world. I can not overemphasize the importance of starting this series with book 1 (Alpha). The incredible diversity of the different groups as they have melded into one family is inspiring. The poetry of each section is thought provoking and moving. Often, it resonates either in my heart or my memory of another. This one was a little slower and more obscure than some of the previous books. Probably since Ani was coming from outside the pack and was sort of an unknown. Also, due to the heavy teenage influences. I know the next book focusing on Ruby is going to be a huge emotional tear jerker. I can't wait.
November 20, 2025
I love this series and I reread the whole series every time she releases a new book, but I find myself, putting a book down after reading with mixed feelings. I loved following Ani's journey as she learns what it is to be part wolf in bear form. But I get confused. There are just too many characters with similar names; Flynn, Finn, Kel, Kelsey, Mel, Mellie.. and more. As I get to each chapter I have to write the name of the person who is the main character of the chapter so I don't get lost in who is telling the story. But even with that I love these books and they are hard to explain what they are about. I would highly recommend this series.
October 23, 2025
A little wobble, and then . . .
The first few pages of this book felt a little wobbly… I wasn’t certain how this book was going to speak or end up. Faith is a fickle thing, and it’s been a little while since I was asked to believe so I’ve gotten a little out of the habit of it.
But I gave it just a minute, and there she was, Audrey Faye pulling off her usual miracle of wonder.
Such a breathtaking little book full of every day happenings and thundering with beauty. Just like an Audrey Faye..
The first few pages of this book felt a little wobbly… I wasn’t certain how this book was going to speak or end up. Faith is a fickle thing, and it’s been a little while since I was asked to believe so I’ve gotten a little out of the habit of it.
But I gave it just a minute, and there she was, Audrey Faye pulling off her usual miracle of wonder.
Such a breathtaking little book full of every day happenings and thundering with beauty. Just like an Audrey Faye..
December 15, 2025
such a gift
I will start with heart felt thanks for this book. It’s been such a year, this 2025. Family upheaval and health issues, months in hospitals that ended in hospice and a loss that is demanding a new way of life. Bard arrived in my kindle in the midst of it all and promptly got lost. So, this week , finally able to breath again, I I found this treasure and oh, so much to learn and accept. Life can still be full of love and softly hunt a new road. Thank you Audrey Faye.
I will start with heart felt thanks for this book. It’s been such a year, this 2025. Family upheaval and health issues, months in hospitals that ended in hospice and a loss that is demanding a new way of life. Bard arrived in my kindle in the midst of it all and promptly got lost. So, this week , finally able to breath again, I I found this treasure and oh, so much to learn and accept. Life can still be full of love and softly hunt a new road. Thank you Audrey Faye.
October 17, 2025
OMG I LOVE THESE PEOPLE!
THANK YOU!!!!! I have been checking every day for an up date. I do wish you would make these in light novel form, so we could see the characters the way you see them. Also a map of where everything is.
Omg you had me crying right off the bat, when I read that Rayan had been born. Wow one blow after another in this book, but so so good. You make me wish I could live in their world. Thanks so very much.
THANK YOU!!!!! I have been checking every day for an up date. I do wish you would make these in light novel form, so we could see the characters the way you see them. Also a map of where everything is.
Omg you had me crying right off the bat, when I read that Rayan had been born. Wow one blow after another in this book, but so so good. You make me wish I could live in their world. Thanks so very much.
October 30, 2025
Spectacular
I don't know how she does it, but every one of Ghost Mountain's books reshape me when I read them. I laugh, I cry, I want to be a shifter and a pack member, I want to live on the mountain in a HomeWild building. I want to be sunk so deep in these packs.
These books make me want to be better than I am. I don't know how she does it, but I will sleep tonight dreaming of a life on Ghost Mountain.
I don't know how she does it, but every one of Ghost Mountain's books reshape me when I read them. I laugh, I cry, I want to be a shifter and a pack member, I want to live on the mountain in a HomeWild building. I want to be sunk so deep in these packs.
These books make me want to be better than I am. I don't know how she does it, but I will sleep tonight dreaming of a life on Ghost Mountain.
October 18, 2025
So good - do yourself a favor and read them all
Every book in this series is as good/brilliant as the rest. I laugh and I have moments that are all the feels. Highly, highly recommend the whole series. I am eagerly and impatiently waiting for the next every time I read the newest, but each book is entirely satisfying as well. Just read!
Every book in this series is as good/brilliant as the rest. I laugh and I have moments that are all the feels. Highly, highly recommend the whole series. I am eagerly and impatiently waiting for the next every time I read the newest, but each book is entirely satisfying as well. Just read!
October 18, 2025
This series is a balm for your soul. The whole thing is about personal growth and learning who you are, and embracing kindness? Or decency, or just being better I think.
I enjoyed this book, I enjoyed the characters, I enjoyed the growth of another polar bear, and I am charmed by ghost mountain all over again.
I enjoyed this book, I enjoyed the characters, I enjoyed the growth of another polar bear, and I am charmed by ghost mountain all over again.
October 20, 2025
Tears
Another beautiful instalment from my favourite forest family and this one regularly had me tearing up. I love catching up with old characters and learning more about the newer ones. Ani is shaping up to be an epic force for change and a pivotal ally for those still trying to find their way home.
Another beautiful instalment from my favourite forest family and this one regularly had me tearing up. I love catching up with old characters and learning more about the newer ones. Ani is shaping up to be an epic force for change and a pivotal ally for those still trying to find their way home.
October 23, 2025
Beautiful chaos
I absolutely loved this one. It was beautiful moment after beautiful moment. The perspective kept jumping from shifter to shifter but it all wove together to make an amazing story that I want to read over and over again. A true bardic tale such as our dear Ani would tell
I absolutely loved this one. It was beautiful moment after beautiful moment. The perspective kept jumping from shifter to shifter but it all wove together to make an amazing story that I want to read over and over again. A true bardic tale such as our dear Ani would tell
October 24, 2025
I really love this series. Getting to visit with these old friends is so fun and interesting, and an honest relief that there will always be a HEA.
As for a review of book 12 itself, it's what long time readers of the series have come to expect: an exploration of self and what it means to want things vastly different than those you love and know.
As for a review of book 12 itself, it's what long time readers of the series have come to expect: an exploration of self and what it means to want things vastly different than those you love and know.
October 25, 2025
Surprises
I love Ghost Mountain Wolves and friends. Love to visit and see what everyone is up too. Love how they support their friends during good times and hard times.
I want to eat cookies and muffins. To listen to their music. I want to be a pirate or mermaid with them.
I want the story not to end.
I love Ghost Mountain Wolves and friends. Love to visit and see what everyone is up too. Love how they support their friends during good times and hard times.
I want to eat cookies and muffins. To listen to their music. I want to be a pirate or mermaid with them.
I want the story not to end.
October 28, 2025
This one didn't hit me quite as hard as any of the prior books in the series, but that's possibly due to Ani coming in from the outside. We still get many different POV and a progression of the whole pack, and a lot of it seemed like set up for the next one. (Which I cannot wait for.)
I didn't cry until the end - but the very last word just broke me.
I didn't cry until the end - but the very last word just broke me.
November 3, 2025
ripped me up in the best of ways
It’s rare a series over 10 books keeps me coming back. The well of emotional knowledge within this amazing world is my favorite part and I will always be ready for the next Ghost Mountain Pack edition. Thank you for the hard stuff you go through to give us this beautiful world Audrey.
It’s rare a series over 10 books keeps me coming back. The well of emotional knowledge within this amazing world is my favorite part and I will always be ready for the next Ghost Mountain Pack edition. Thank you for the hard stuff you go through to give us this beautiful world Audrey.
November 11, 2025
So very good
You will laugh and cry in the way only Audrey Faye can make you. You will become invested in the wolves of cost mountain big and small wether they are wolves, cats, humans, birds or bears. You will desperately wish for a pack of your own. Great series but best to start from the beginning with book 1 Alpha
You will laugh and cry in the way only Audrey Faye can make you. You will become invested in the wolves of cost mountain big and small wether they are wolves, cats, humans, birds or bears. You will desperately wish for a pack of your own. Great series but best to start from the beginning with book 1 Alpha
November 14, 2025
Miss Audrey has done it again. I swear I don't know what it is about her books that makes me cry from the first pages but upon starting to read the flood gates open. Her words her characters their stories they sure to extract the emotions out of you. You'll feel their sadness and sorrow as well as their joy and triumphs. I loved every single book in this series and I cannot wait for more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews