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The Pack
Everelle, a nineteen-year-old girl from the village of Tuathanas is summoned to the war college of Askari against her will and outside her comfort zone. She is naive and has no knowledge of what lies beyond her village or her narrow view of life. Determined to prove everyone else wrong, Everelle's journey to learn about who she truly is and what that entails is just beginning. But when someone unexpectedly steps into her life, she has to force herself to learn the balance between herself and those around her.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 16, 2026
DNF at Chapter 12.
I really wanted to like this book. I love a wolf shifter book, and I kept reading because I hoped I would settle into the story. Unfortunately, I found myself getting pulled out of the story repeatedly by continuity issues.
Some examples I noticed:
• Page 37: When the packs break up, Nikita is left out entirely.
• Page 38: During the mission, Nikita is suddenly present and participating with Pack A, while Priya is no longer present.
• Page 71: The dialogue tag reads, “Assata gasped,” but based on the scene, it appears this should be Flavia.
• Pages 71-72: Nikita is already standing in formation with everyone else, but multiple times she is described as standing up again after becoming angry.
Any one of these issues by itself would not have been enough for me to stop reading. The problem was that I kept encountering things like this, and eventually I was spending more time trying to figure out who was where and who was speaking than I was enjoying the story itself.
I know many readers loved this book, and I’m genuinely glad it worked for them. Unfortunately, these continuity issues pulled me out of the story often enough that I decided to DNF at Chapter 12.
I really wanted to like this book. I love a wolf shifter book, and I kept reading because I hoped I would settle into the story. Unfortunately, I found myself getting pulled out of the story repeatedly by continuity issues.
Some examples I noticed:
• Page 37: When the packs break up, Nikita is left out entirely.
• Page 38: During the mission, Nikita is suddenly present and participating with Pack A, while Priya is no longer present.
• Page 71: The dialogue tag reads, “Assata gasped,” but based on the scene, it appears this should be Flavia.
• Pages 71-72: Nikita is already standing in formation with everyone else, but multiple times she is described as standing up again after becoming angry.
Any one of these issues by itself would not have been enough for me to stop reading. The problem was that I kept encountering things like this, and eventually I was spending more time trying to figure out who was where and who was speaking than I was enjoying the story itself.
I know many readers loved this book, and I’m genuinely glad it worked for them. Unfortunately, these continuity issues pulled me out of the story often enough that I decided to DNF at Chapter 12.
June 26, 2026
I found this book to be a cross between fantasy, romance and dystopian. If you read this book, you might think dystopian is a harsh critique but this is as dystopian a novel as I've ever ventured into. Definitely, there are passages in this book that are dark and insidious. I tend to like a novel that leaves me with a palpably raw feeling but if that's not your thing, the author has a knack for swiftly segueing from menacing to romantic. Throughout the book, love is in the air. Also throughout the book, you know danger is never far away. The author deftly provides that even-handed approach, making the story neither too erogenous nor too surly.
This author is one of the most detail oriented writers whose work I've ever come across. Included in this book is a "Pronunciations" section that I recommend you refer to since I found it readily necessary as I journeyed through this piece of literature. She also provides a drawing of a map of the fictional setting of "The Pack'(s)" story. Even the "Acknowledgements" are more than worth your time because the author unpacks so inspiringly how the idea for this book and the adventure contained within it came to be.
One more detail that shouldn't be ignored because it is important. This author curated a 35 song playlist that is listed right before the story begins. I listened to one song a day before I read one chapter a day. However you choose to listen to the playlist, just make sure that you listen to it. Don't cheat yourself. Listen to the whole selection. It is a unique accompaniment to this novel and some of the songs really hit home because they touch on many different aspects of the story you'll be immersing yourself in. This playlist will make the experience of reading "The Pack" more well-rounded and meaningful. So, do yourself a favor. Go to YouTube or Spotify or wherever you choose and listen to this playlist. Also make time to read this book. One experience will enhance the other and vice versa. By doing both, you will set yourself up for something you will savor.
This author is one of the most detail oriented writers whose work I've ever come across. Included in this book is a "Pronunciations" section that I recommend you refer to since I found it readily necessary as I journeyed through this piece of literature. She also provides a drawing of a map of the fictional setting of "The Pack'(s)" story. Even the "Acknowledgements" are more than worth your time because the author unpacks so inspiringly how the idea for this book and the adventure contained within it came to be.
One more detail that shouldn't be ignored because it is important. This author curated a 35 song playlist that is listed right before the story begins. I listened to one song a day before I read one chapter a day. However you choose to listen to the playlist, just make sure that you listen to it. Don't cheat yourself. Listen to the whole selection. It is a unique accompaniment to this novel and some of the songs really hit home because they touch on many different aspects of the story you'll be immersing yourself in. This playlist will make the experience of reading "The Pack" more well-rounded and meaningful. So, do yourself a favor. Go to YouTube or Spotify or wherever you choose and listen to this playlist. Also make time to read this book. One experience will enhance the other and vice versa. By doing both, you will set yourself up for something you will savor.
July 12, 2026
A Great Start to a New Fantasy Journey
Really enjoyed this book. Everelle starts out as a sheltered village girl who gets thrown way outside her comfort zone, and watching her slowly grow into herself was one of my favorite parts of the story. She’s easy to root for, even when she stumbles, and her journey feels earned.
The world was fun to explore and the war college setting added a lot to the story. There was a nice mix of character growth, mystery, and relationships that kept me turning the pages. I especially liked seeing Everelle figure out who she wanted to become instead of who everyone expected her to be.
This was a fun read from start to finish and it definitely left me wanting to see where the story goes next. If you enjoy coming of age fantasy with great characters, a little romance, and plenty of adventure, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up. - Shawn
Really enjoyed this book. Everelle starts out as a sheltered village girl who gets thrown way outside her comfort zone, and watching her slowly grow into herself was one of my favorite parts of the story. She’s easy to root for, even when she stumbles, and her journey feels earned.
The world was fun to explore and the war college setting added a lot to the story. There was a nice mix of character growth, mystery, and relationships that kept me turning the pages. I especially liked seeing Everelle figure out who she wanted to become instead of who everyone expected her to be.
This was a fun read from start to finish and it definitely left me wanting to see where the story goes next. If you enjoy coming of age fantasy with great characters, a little romance, and plenty of adventure, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up. - Shawn
May 1, 2026
Absolutely loved this book. Probably will purchase when available for my personal collection. I hope there is more to come.
June 17, 2026
When I say that I NEVER in a million years thought that I would fall in love with a wolf..... Crystal has changed that for me. I devoured this book and LOVED every single second of it. This book had me Laughing, crying, and excited all at the same time.
Let me tell you about Kolter (MEOW) the way he went out of his way to protect his "girl" was something that every female yearns for. The unconditional love he gave her every step of the way was just perfect. It's safe to say that I have fallen in love with him.
Now for Everelle, she nothing short of stubborn, testing- but loyal. she turned into a bad ass so quick. she handled anything that came her way in a courageous way. I just wished she was a better listener sometimes lol- BUT that is what made her such a fun character
I CAN NOT WAIT to read the next book..... I know it will be nothing short of AMAZING!!!
Let me tell you about Kolter (MEOW) the way he went out of his way to protect his "girl" was something that every female yearns for. The unconditional love he gave her every step of the way was just perfect. It's safe to say that I have fallen in love with him.
Now for Everelle, she nothing short of stubborn, testing- but loyal. she turned into a bad ass so quick. she handled anything that came her way in a courageous way. I just wished she was a better listener sometimes lol- BUT that is what made her such a fun character
I CAN NOT WAIT to read the next book..... I know it will be nothing short of AMAZING!!!
May 14, 2026
magic and shifters
I really enjoyed this book. It has a slower start but really picks up. The flow is fantastic and story is great. There are lots of different emotions Chrissy makes us feel. Can’t wait for book 2 to see where we go next
I really enjoyed this book. It has a slower start but really picks up. The flow is fantastic and story is great. There are lots of different emotions Chrissy makes us feel. Can’t wait for book 2 to see where we go next
June 10, 2026
The Pack was everything I hoped it would be and then some. Crystal Bittle created a world that completely pulled me in, blending fantasy, romance, shifting, and military academy training into a story that was impossible to put down.
What I loved most was the found family aspect. Watching these characters build trust, loyalty, and unbreakable bonds with one another gave the story so much heart. The relationships felt authentic, and I found myself rooting for every member of the pack.
The romance was beautifully done, and yes, the spice delivered. It felt natural to the story and made the connections between the characters even more fun.
As someone who loves shifter stories, I especially enjoyed the mix of wolves, lions, and the mate bonds woven throughout the plot. The shifting scenes were exciting, the world-building was immersive, and the academy setting added another layer of intrigue and intensity.
If you enjoy fantasy romance with strong found-family themes, fated mates, shifters, action, spice, and characters you’ll become emotionally invested in, The Pack is absolutely worth your time. I already can’t wait to read more from Crystal Bittle.
What I loved most was the found family aspect. Watching these characters build trust, loyalty, and unbreakable bonds with one another gave the story so much heart. The relationships felt authentic, and I found myself rooting for every member of the pack.
The romance was beautifully done, and yes, the spice delivered. It felt natural to the story and made the connections between the characters even more fun.
As someone who loves shifter stories, I especially enjoyed the mix of wolves, lions, and the mate bonds woven throughout the plot. The shifting scenes were exciting, the world-building was immersive, and the academy setting added another layer of intrigue and intensity.
If you enjoy fantasy romance with strong found-family themes, fated mates, shifters, action, spice, and characters you’ll become emotionally invested in, The Pack is absolutely worth your time. I already can’t wait to read more from Crystal Bittle.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I wish there were more stars to give this book. The storyline is incredible. I fell in love with the characters and loved following their stories throughout the book. The balance of plot, drama and spice was perfect. Watching Everelle change from the woman she was in the beginning to who she became was an incredible journey. I can't wait to see where book 2 takes her and the other characters. 5 star read for sure!!!
June 2, 2026
This book series needs to be a movie!! Everelle begins as a nieve 19yr old girl who gets sent off to a military school and discovers a new world and so much more about herself! The duel narration lets you feel what each protagonist is thinking and feeling. The perfect connection leads to spicy scenes, actions scenes, and so much more! Would give this 10 stars if I could!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book! It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read before. I read 50-100 books every year, so that’s saying a lot! Fated mates is my favorite genre, so if you enjoy that then this one is right up your alley!
May 27, 2026
ok how can I put into words
Started off about a young woman who doesn’t know why she was selected for this elite academy. Just to realize she is so much more and apart of something more. This book has characters you want to learn about and excited about things she learns on the way. Really excited for what this author has in store for the future.
Started off about a young woman who doesn’t know why she was selected for this elite academy. Just to realize she is so much more and apart of something more. This book has characters you want to learn about and excited about things she learns on the way. Really excited for what this author has in store for the future.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews