What do you think?
Rate this book
War of the Alphas #3
Alpha
No longer an Omega, Deirdre Tombs has found her animal. She only had to die and rise from her own ashes to discover it.
And she’s returned with a purpose.
For the first time in history, the role of Alpha is up for election. If Everton Stark takes charge, he could disband the ruthless government organization that has made life miserable for shifters like Deirdre.
One problem: Stark doesn’t want to run. He only wants vengeance against his wife, Rhiannon, who killed many of his followers and stole the Ethereal Blade.
While Stark is focused on revenge, Rhiannon is focused on winning the election for Alpha. Victory means tearing the Winter Court apart with civil war. It means riots. It means unleashing a deadly unseelie assassin that devours souls. Anything to get her dragon shifter mate in power… with Rhiannon at his side.
And she’s returned with a purpose.
For the first time in history, the role of Alpha is up for election. If Everton Stark takes charge, he could disband the ruthless government organization that has made life miserable for shifters like Deirdre.
One problem: Stark doesn’t want to run. He only wants vengeance against his wife, Rhiannon, who killed many of his followers and stole the Ethereal Blade.
While Stark is focused on revenge, Rhiannon is focused on winning the election for Alpha. Victory means tearing the Winter Court apart with civil war. It means riots. It means unleashing a deadly unseelie assassin that devours souls. Anything to get her dragon shifter mate in power… with Rhiannon at his side.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2015
136 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Reine
114 books2,007 followersHi everyone! My name is Sara, and I write urban fantasy and paranormal novels as SM Reine. I collect swords, cat hair, and typewriters (which I do use for writing!). It's a good day when those three things have nothing to do with each other.
If you would like to know the instant my next book is available, you should enlist in my Army of Evil! We have a wicked cool secret handshake, but you'll have to sign up to learn it. ;) Check it out -- http://smarturl.it/armyofevil
If you would like to know the instant my next book is available, you should enlist in my Army of Evil! We have a wicked cool secret handshake, but you'll have to sign up to learn it. ;) Check it out -- http://smarturl.it/armyofevil
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 19, 2018
enjoyed it. looking forward to the next one.
July 31, 2015
Slightly better than the second book, but not by much. Deirdre gets some of her fire back in this one, but she still refuses to stand up for what she believes in or attempt to take some agency back in to her life even though she really has no reason why she shouldn't turn around and tell everyone to kiss her arse. I don't know why she bothers to even try and make deals with Rylie and OPA any more since they've proved to be less than worthless. All they do is keep forcing her to do their dirty work by backing her in to corners and making pathetic threats, yet they give nothing in return to make it worth her while. Of course I also don't know why she's still hanging out with Stark and clinging to his "ideology" either. He's outright said he doesn't give two hoots for anyone, nor about running in the Alpha elections, just so long as he can get his vengeance on his (ex?)wife.
The signs of "romance" between Deirdre and Stark keep creeping in as well and it's still as disturbing as ever. At one point he starts bandying about the idea of her becoming his mate even though he's still as likely to snap a bone as he is to kiss her. Her reaction is first disgust, second fear, and only as a distant third exhilaration (love or even respect is nowhere in sight). Of course this is the same guy who tried to compel her and has no reason to believe that order didn't stick, so, you know...
Mostly I'm really annoyed at the fact that all the subtle untruths, conflicting political ideologies and twisted loyalties that were set up in the first book seem to have fizzled out entirely. This entire book was taken up with a far more simple "Evil for Evil's sake!" plot involving the entirely new faction brought in right at the end of book 2. Even worse is the fact this wasn't the end of the series like I'd mistakenly thought so I have absolutely no kind of resolution or questions answered. Unfortunately I've got to the point where I don't think my initial liking of Deidre and investment in her story is enough to propel me through all the surrounding crap another book would involve in an effort to finish this series.
The signs of "romance" between Deirdre and Stark keep creeping in as well and it's still as disturbing as ever. At one point he starts bandying about the idea of her becoming his mate even though he's still as likely to snap a bone as he is to kiss her. Her reaction is first disgust, second fear, and only as a distant third exhilaration (love or even respect is nowhere in sight). Of course this is the same guy who tried to compel her and has no reason to believe that order didn't stick, so, you know...
Mostly I'm really annoyed at the fact that all the subtle untruths, conflicting political ideologies and twisted loyalties that were set up in the first book seem to have fizzled out entirely. This entire book was taken up with a far more simple "Evil for Evil's sake!" plot involving the entirely new faction brought in right at the end of book 2. Even worse is the fact this wasn't the end of the series like I'd mistakenly thought so I have absolutely no kind of resolution or questions answered. Unfortunately I've got to the point where I don't think my initial liking of Deidre and investment in her story is enough to propel me through all the surrounding crap another book would involve in an effort to finish this series.
June 7, 2015
Deidre is back from the dead, literally, and she's still at Stark's side. They are both out for revenge for a number of reasons and Deidre has finally figured out exactly what she is. Considering all that's happened and how she became Stark's Beta it's amazing that she seems to be the only person in the whole book that ever thinks clearly. She has come a long way from being the Omega. Her relationship with Stark has changed a lot too I suppose realizing the truth about his wife freed him up to see things more clearly though that's not really saying much when it comes to him. Nothing between the two of them will ever be quite normal but in this book she was referred to as Statk's own personal Jiminy Cricket. It fits as she tries so hard to do the right thing and protect people and rein him in when he gets too murderous. In the beginning it seems the lines between good and evil and right and wrong are so clear. Rylie is the good motherly Alpha trying to hold the world together and Stark is the evil terrorist killing people and wreaking havoc on the government.
In Alpha it pretty much becomes clear that the only person that truly has the best interest of the people is Deidre. She knows what it's like to suffer through a broken system and all she wants is to fix it and help people when others are out for power or whatever else she wants to bring change for the better. Stark is too blinded by his need for vengeance to see clearly which is proven at the end. I don't think he is as bad a person as he seems to be though clearly his wife was always a horrible person. I sort of felt like throughout the whole story that maybe Deidre should have been the one running for Alpha. She would seem the best choice and I think even Stark knows he couldn't do it without her. I'm surprised he still hasn't realized she can't be compelled by him but I guess he will soon enough.
In the end Deidre is left with a decision that might get her killed though I'm almost certain that Stark won't kill her but with him you never know. She has to save the election keep the pack and their allies together and oh you know try not to be permanently killed. At this point I can't even guess how the election might go especially with the Seelie and Unseelie at war with everyone. I am very much looking forward to the fourth book though sad that it's the last I could read about her forever. This series has become one of my new favorites.
In Alpha it pretty much becomes clear that the only person that truly has the best interest of the people is Deidre. She knows what it's like to suffer through a broken system and all she wants is to fix it and help people when others are out for power or whatever else she wants to bring change for the better. Stark is too blinded by his need for vengeance to see clearly which is proven at the end. I don't think he is as bad a person as he seems to be though clearly his wife was always a horrible person. I sort of felt like throughout the whole story that maybe Deidre should have been the one running for Alpha. She would seem the best choice and I think even Stark knows he couldn't do it without her. I'm surprised he still hasn't realized she can't be compelled by him but I guess he will soon enough.
In the end Deidre is left with a decision that might get her killed though I'm almost certain that Stark won't kill her but with him you never know. She has to save the election keep the pack and their allies together and oh you know try not to be permanently killed. At this point I can't even guess how the election might go especially with the Seelie and Unseelie at war with everyone. I am very much looking forward to the fourth book though sad that it's the last I could read about her forever. This series has become one of my new favorites.
December 30, 2020
And when you think you have it all figured out, something else happens and the plot twists again.
Definitely a series worth trying!
Definitely a series worth trying!
June 27, 2015
The Alpha Wars are heating up… I honestly didn’t mean that to be a pun, but it’s true regardless.
Deirdre spends a lot of time juggling between trying to keep Stark under control and keeping him from killing her. As if that weren’t a full time job in itself, she’s also found a few more enemies that want her out of the equation. She’s pulled in several different directions and I was pulled right along with her. Confusing, I know, but if you’ve followed the series of books leading up to the War of the Alphas, you’d totally understand my emotional upheaval. I know that Rylie isn’t exactly who Dierdre thinks she is, but I also know that Dierdre has a legitimate complaint about what happened to her and others after Genesis.
There are a few characters that I am not at all confused about and Melchior tops that list. He is definitely someone who looks out for no one but himself. There is an ulterior motive to everything he does and his character is one of the few things that I totally agree with Stark on. He plays with Deirdre’s emotions and shows no mercy. He and Rhiannon both need to go down… how exactly that’s going to happen is anyone’s guess.
A few characters make return appearances in Alpha. Some were expected and some I was pleasantly surprised to see the roles they’ve taken since Genesis. This series may be shorter than the others in this world, but it’s not lacking in action or developments. Throwing vampires and the Fae into the paranormal mix has definitely made things more than interesting.
I’m not sure that SM Reine can ever turn Stark into a character that I like, but she’s trying to give him at least a semblance of humanity. Deirdre has her flaws as well, but she has definitely grown on me as the story progresses. I’ve come to the point that I can almost forgive her for her distrust of Rylie. Almost.
If you’ve been following this series from the beginning, you might already know that the War of the Alphas was originally supposed to be a trilogy. As the story progressed, SM Reine decided that there was too much to squeeze into just three books and tell the story that needed to be told, therefore Omega, Beta and Alpha will be followed by PAS. No complaints here. I’m personally never ready for a saga by this author to end. As I’ve said before, if she writes it, I will read it… period.
I received Alpha in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Deirdre spends a lot of time juggling between trying to keep Stark under control and keeping him from killing her. As if that weren’t a full time job in itself, she’s also found a few more enemies that want her out of the equation. She’s pulled in several different directions and I was pulled right along with her. Confusing, I know, but if you’ve followed the series of books leading up to the War of the Alphas, you’d totally understand my emotional upheaval. I know that Rylie isn’t exactly who Dierdre thinks she is, but I also know that Dierdre has a legitimate complaint about what happened to her and others after Genesis.
There are a few characters that I am not at all confused about and Melchior tops that list. He is definitely someone who looks out for no one but himself. There is an ulterior motive to everything he does and his character is one of the few things that I totally agree with Stark on. He plays with Deirdre’s emotions and shows no mercy. He and Rhiannon both need to go down… how exactly that’s going to happen is anyone’s guess.
A few characters make return appearances in Alpha. Some were expected and some I was pleasantly surprised to see the roles they’ve taken since Genesis. This series may be shorter than the others in this world, but it’s not lacking in action or developments. Throwing vampires and the Fae into the paranormal mix has definitely made things more than interesting.
I’m not sure that SM Reine can ever turn Stark into a character that I like, but she’s trying to give him at least a semblance of humanity. Deirdre has her flaws as well, but she has definitely grown on me as the story progresses. I’ve come to the point that I can almost forgive her for her distrust of Rylie. Almost.
If you’ve been following this series from the beginning, you might already know that the War of the Alphas was originally supposed to be a trilogy. As the story progressed, SM Reine decided that there was too much to squeeze into just three books and tell the story that needed to be told, therefore Omega, Beta and Alpha will be followed by PAS. No complaints here. I’m personally never ready for a saga by this author to end. As I’ve said before, if she writes it, I will read it… period.
I received Alpha in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 3, 2015
Another cliffhanger. Seems kind of a habit for this series now. I really shouldn't have been surprised. Unfortunately I still was and it's frustrating as hell. And I gotta say that despite this story being incredibly compelling, it's also not that great. These people's morality keeps lowering and it's way beyond dangerous and sick. It's...horrible really and, while I am curious to know how it all ends, I'm also putting a stop to my suffering. I was never much into masochism and reading this book when I have so many damn things against it just on principle alone is hurtful and mildly ridiculous. And expensive. I'm gonna spend my money on books I actually like.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2015
2.5*.
This installment of War of the Alphas was enjoyable, although there were several things that put me off about this title. This was the point in the series where I just felt Deirdre wasn't really moving forward but rather running around in circles and perpetrating the various cycles of her life. I had high hopes for how she would grow, but she just never really became her own woman, or a very strong one. There were some interesting plot elements, and I did like some of the discoveries in this book, though.
I found this world was just so full of negativity and general abuse with very few positive factors where characters felt flatter because of it.
This installment of War of the Alphas was enjoyable, although there were several things that put me off about this title. This was the point in the series where I just felt Deirdre wasn't really moving forward but rather running around in circles and perpetrating the various cycles of her life. I had high hopes for how she would grow, but she just never really became her own woman, or a very strong one. There were some interesting plot elements, and I did like some of the discoveries in this book, though.
I found this world was just so full of negativity and general abuse with very few positive factors where characters felt flatter because of it.
June 5, 2020
This series is only really good for its action. The romance makes no sense since apparently the hero (for the heroine, Deirdre) is the psychotic, murderous leader of the ‘revolution’ (i.e. a terrorist), Stark.
Also, the supposed ‘good guys’ (ahem Riley) aren’t at all good AND they always pretend to be saints!
Also, the supposed ‘good guys’ (ahem Riley) aren’t at all good AND they always pretend to be saints!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2019
Alpha: An Urban Fantasy Novel - Book 3
Deirdre Tomes, is a Phoenix, a shifter, a Beta to a madman terrorist, shifter, drug user named Everton Stark and nothing she is trying to do to create peace and a better life for gaeans (shifters) will fall into place.
The world is in chaos, shifters want freedom, allies turn on each other and those in politics want only their agenda to be accomplished no matter who is hurt or destroyed.
Deirdre still stays with Stark, Even though he continues to be violent toward her. She is still a weak and sad character.
The story continues with Stark trying to get shifters rights changed, but not by an election process. Most all of the other warring parties, including Deirdre want an election.
Death, vengeance, drug use, orgies, deception, violence against woman, humans, shifters, seelie and unseelie and Magic are the main themes of the story.
Now on to the last book of the series.
Kathy Barber Doyle - 5/28/2019
Deirdre Tomes, is a Phoenix, a shifter, a Beta to a madman terrorist, shifter, drug user named Everton Stark and nothing she is trying to do to create peace and a better life for gaeans (shifters) will fall into place.
The world is in chaos, shifters want freedom, allies turn on each other and those in politics want only their agenda to be accomplished no matter who is hurt or destroyed.
Deirdre still stays with Stark, Even though he continues to be violent toward her. She is still a weak and sad character.
The story continues with Stark trying to get shifters rights changed, but not by an election process. Most all of the other warring parties, including Deirdre want an election.
Death, vengeance, drug use, orgies, deception, violence against woman, humans, shifters, seelie and unseelie and Magic are the main themes of the story.
Now on to the last book of the series.
Kathy Barber Doyle - 5/28/2019
September 10, 2019
Alpha is book 3 in the War of the Alphas series by SM Reine. This series is a continuation of Reine’s long running series which focuses on what happens after Genesis.
Deirdre is no longer a mystery shifter, or an Omega. She finds her animal when she dies and rises from her own ashes. She is just as surprised by the turn of events as Everton Stark is! Riley Gresham has decided that the role of Alpha should be voted on by all gaean species. Deirdre wants to help the gaean’s so bad and thinks Stark is the one to solve all the problems of the world. Only issue, Stark has no interest in doing so. All he wants is revenge! Revenge against Rhiannon, his wife and Melichor her dragon shifter mate!
Even though I would love to hate Stark, I find myself siding with him and Deirdre at every turn. Stark is brutal but there is still a spark of humanity in him. Deirdre is the only one that brings it out in him. The spark of passion and tension between these two characters is very dynamic.
Deirdre is no longer a mystery shifter, or an Omega. She finds her animal when she dies and rises from her own ashes. She is just as surprised by the turn of events as Everton Stark is! Riley Gresham has decided that the role of Alpha should be voted on by all gaean species. Deirdre wants to help the gaean’s so bad and thinks Stark is the one to solve all the problems of the world. Only issue, Stark has no interest in doing so. All he wants is revenge! Revenge against Rhiannon, his wife and Melichor her dragon shifter mate!
Even though I would love to hate Stark, I find myself siding with him and Deirdre at every turn. Stark is brutal but there is still a spark of humanity in him. Deirdre is the only one that brings it out in him. The spark of passion and tension between these two characters is very dynamic.
May 6, 2024
Better than the second book in the series, but I still don't like the directions the relationships are going in. Why does the main character seem to be attracted to pretty much every guy she meets? And I feel like, the more I read of this series, the more I dislike her. Overall, very fast-paced and exciting, but probably not worthwhile if your main interest is the characters or relationships in a book.
July 19, 2017
Recommend this highly
The lead character is hard to like. She is difficult, hard, and unsure of her path or position in this world. Yet her story remains compelling and interesting. This is one of the better SM Reine books in this universe. Try it!
The lead character is hard to like. She is difficult, hard, and unsure of her path or position in this world. Yet her story remains compelling and interesting. This is one of the better SM Reine books in this universe. Try it!
January 22, 2018
Alpha It just keeps getting better and better
As the story continues with Tombs and Everton Stark things go continue to twist and turn in ways that keep you turning that page, waiting to see what happens next. You will not be disappointed
As the story continues with Tombs and Everton Stark things go continue to twist and turn in ways that keep you turning that page, waiting to see what happens next. You will not be disappointed
November 21, 2017
Alpha
Great book. Lots of action. Deirdre is a mess. She wants to help and make things better but problems, problems nothing but problems
Great book. Lots of action. Deirdre is a mess. She wants to help and make things better but problems, problems nothing but problems
July 18, 2019
This series just can hang with ascension, and that's ok. It's still good, just not great.
June 19, 2020
yep, these books turn out to be quite good if u look for entertainment. action packed :) recommend them if you don't mind lapses in logic xD
January 19, 2021
Fast action storyline,
This had me hooked so badly more so then the last 2 books in this series,
Truly loved this story and look forward to reading more
Had me gripping the pages for more
This had me hooked so badly more so then the last 2 books in this series,
Truly loved this story and look forward to reading more
Had me gripping the pages for more
February 7, 2021
Good read
I am enjoying this series. Stark is crazy. I don’t believe he can be capable of love. I liked the dragon shifter, psycho too. I can’t imagine this series ending well.
I am enjoying this series. Stark is crazy. I don’t believe he can be capable of love. I liked the dragon shifter, psycho too. I can’t imagine this series ending well.
July 7, 2015
3 stars.
The number one thing I want to mention first is the beautiful prose; even among all the killing, guts, and ichor, it shined through. (Sorry, couldn’t help myself. I had to use the word ‘ichor’.) SM Reine has a way with words that doesn’t sound like flowery dribble that makes you want to stab yourself for even reading it. Her writing is very strong and translates well into witty, quick dialogue.
Now that that’s out of the way, I’d mention that this story takes place in her already established world where her other series (Ascension and Descension) originated. So on one hand, yeah, it is very creative, the world that is entirely Reine’s, but on the other hand, I have to wonder why she’s stuck to this one world. Is it because it is very versatile? She’s got Earth, Heaven, Hell, and who knows how many other dimensions to explore, and she’s not ready yet to leave those worlds behind? I would like to see Reine’s hand at another story not connected in any way to her previous works. Something entirely fresh. But that’s not to say that this world that Reine’s created isn’t very elaborate. It is. Great world-building. (But that comment is coming from the knowledge from the preceding series. Based on this series alone, the world-building isn’t impressive. You have to read the other series in order to grasp Reine’s world).
The main character (MC) is between likeable and okay. I would like her better if she didn’t keep coming back to an asshole like Evan Stark—even the MC admits he is the biggest asshole and jerk on the planet and how much she hates him. And yet… she keeps coming back to him no matter how many chances of escape she’s had. He is everything I hate in a character: uses violence to get people to submit to him, beats people who are loyal to him, breaks a person’s spirit, forces a drug addiction on his followers, beats the person he says he loves.
Yeah… not inspiring any likeness towards him.
I sincerely hope that he isn’t meant to be the MC’s intended love match by the end of this. That is just wrong. On so many levels. One of Reine’s characters mentioned that people don’t stay dead. I don’t really care if the MC ends up with anybody by the end of this series (it doesn’t look like a romance novel, so I’m not expecting that), but I’d rather Reine bring Gage back to life or something than have her fall for any of the other assholes we’ve been introduced to (if Reine is dead set on matching the MC with anyone).
As for the plot, it is very fast paced. The political stuff is a good angle but a bit repetitive.
I hope Reine comes up with a good explanation as to why the MC has trouble embracing her inner creature to come out on her own, and how she plans to have the MC overcome that.
But above all else, it was the writing that I enjoyed the most. The story may have not been the best, but good writing always goes a long way to carrying a story forward.
The number one thing I want to mention first is the beautiful prose; even among all the killing, guts, and ichor, it shined through. (Sorry, couldn’t help myself. I had to use the word ‘ichor’.) SM Reine has a way with words that doesn’t sound like flowery dribble that makes you want to stab yourself for even reading it. Her writing is very strong and translates well into witty, quick dialogue.
Now that that’s out of the way, I’d mention that this story takes place in her already established world where her other series (Ascension and Descension) originated. So on one hand, yeah, it is very creative, the world that is entirely Reine’s, but on the other hand, I have to wonder why she’s stuck to this one world. Is it because it is very versatile? She’s got Earth, Heaven, Hell, and who knows how many other dimensions to explore, and she’s not ready yet to leave those worlds behind? I would like to see Reine’s hand at another story not connected in any way to her previous works. Something entirely fresh. But that’s not to say that this world that Reine’s created isn’t very elaborate. It is. Great world-building. (But that comment is coming from the knowledge from the preceding series. Based on this series alone, the world-building isn’t impressive. You have to read the other series in order to grasp Reine’s world).
The main character (MC) is between likeable and okay. I would like her better if she didn’t keep coming back to an asshole like Evan Stark—even the MC admits he is the biggest asshole and jerk on the planet and how much she hates him. And yet… she keeps coming back to him no matter how many chances of escape she’s had. He is everything I hate in a character: uses violence to get people to submit to him, beats people who are loyal to him, breaks a person’s spirit, forces a drug addiction on his followers, beats the person he says he loves.
Yeah… not inspiring any likeness towards him.
I sincerely hope that he isn’t meant to be the MC’s intended love match by the end of this. That is just wrong. On so many levels. One of Reine’s characters mentioned that people don’t stay dead. I don’t really care if the MC ends up with anybody by the end of this series (it doesn’t look like a romance novel, so I’m not expecting that), but I’d rather Reine bring Gage back to life or something than have her fall for any of the other assholes we’ve been introduced to (if Reine is dead set on matching the MC with anyone).
As for the plot, it is very fast paced. The political stuff is a good angle but a bit repetitive.
I hope Reine comes up with a good explanation as to why the MC has trouble embracing her inner creature to come out on her own, and how she plans to have the MC overcome that.
But above all else, it was the writing that I enjoyed the most. The story may have not been the best, but good writing always goes a long way to carrying a story forward.
September 2, 2015
Disclaimer: I was given this 4 in 1 book containing this series for free for review. I have to admit that is has been the best way to read it. One right after the other. In this case, listening to British female text-to-speech just kept the story going. But I couldn't tell when I was in the "Alpha" book. I did feel Deidre becoming stronger though this book shows her struggles with authority and addictions more than the others, I feel. Even so, it is fun to watch her grow as a character and as a leader. Mostly I stick to the first review below.
Disclaimer: I was gifted this book for an honest review.
Maybe it was because my life has been so busy with fun road trips and not so fun hospital time for my husband, but, I had a hard time getting through this story. Usually, I can't stop reading a Sara Reine book. There were just so many places where my mind wandered away from the story.
I think it is hard to make the main character a favorite for me. Deidre has no respect for Rylie our favorite Alpha werewolf. She doesn't even have respect for her own alpha. But then he isn't worth the respect. Meanwhile, Deidre Tombs goes all gooey about a dragon shifter and/or her alpha. It's hard to know where she stands. She hasn't much to stand on as she searches for her own animal to shift to. Once she finds it, she has a hard time making it happen.
Okay, all that aside, I am still looking forward to the next book to see what happens next. No, we weren't left on a cliffhanger. We were left with many threads left undone, possibly fraying at the ends. How can our prolific author tie this all up? Wow!
Disclaimer: I was gifted this book for an honest review.
Maybe it was because my life has been so busy with fun road trips and not so fun hospital time for my husband, but, I had a hard time getting through this story. Usually, I can't stop reading a Sara Reine book. There were just so many places where my mind wandered away from the story.
I think it is hard to make the main character a favorite for me. Deidre has no respect for Rylie our favorite Alpha werewolf. She doesn't even have respect for her own alpha. But then he isn't worth the respect. Meanwhile, Deidre Tombs goes all gooey about a dragon shifter and/or her alpha. It's hard to know where she stands. She hasn't much to stand on as she searches for her own animal to shift to. Once she finds it, she has a hard time making it happen.
Okay, all that aside, I am still looking forward to the next book to see what happens next. No, we weren't left on a cliffhanger. We were left with many threads left undone, possibly fraying at the ends. How can our prolific author tie this all up? Wow!
June 24, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This author has the magical ability to convince me that some of the most horrible people are just somehow misunderstood. I don't know how she does it, but it seems to happen every time.
This book picks up where the previous one left off (you don't want to read these out of order). Deirdre is still trying to figure out exactly what type of shifter she is (it is 100% cleared up in this book, so don't worry). She is also still trying to navigate her life and its minefield of broken alliances and lies. She's with Stark, but she's still sort of lying to him about some things. She talks to Rylie, but she actively goes against her. Deirdre is a riddle wrapped in teenage angst and election fever.
Stark and Deirdre's relationship bothers me. It should bother everyone! Part of me hates that this book pushes me into such uncomfortable situations but without the tension, turmoil, and horrible situations, the book wouldn't really sell me on this future world. This place is *horrible* and something needs to change. I'm still not sold on any of the solutions that the characters put forth so I'm still hoping for an as yet unnamed option. Oh, and, bonus, there's a lot of arrogant Fritz (who happens to be one of my favorite cameos in here).
It's very hard to sum up this book because it was jam-packed with action, changing alliances, and lots of new faces. I have no idea who to trust at this point (and I especially don't trust Deirdre... or Stark... or ... well... anyone). I do, however, trust in a satisfying conclusion to this series.
This author has the magical ability to convince me that some of the most horrible people are just somehow misunderstood. I don't know how she does it, but it seems to happen every time.
This book picks up where the previous one left off (you don't want to read these out of order). Deirdre is still trying to figure out exactly what type of shifter she is (it is 100% cleared up in this book, so don't worry). She is also still trying to navigate her life and its minefield of broken alliances and lies. She's with Stark, but she's still sort of lying to him about some things. She talks to Rylie, but she actively goes against her. Deirdre is a riddle wrapped in teenage angst and election fever.
Stark and Deirdre's relationship bothers me. It should bother everyone! Part of me hates that this book pushes me into such uncomfortable situations but without the tension, turmoil, and horrible situations, the book wouldn't really sell me on this future world. This place is *horrible* and something needs to change. I'm still not sold on any of the solutions that the characters put forth so I'm still hoping for an as yet unnamed option. Oh, and, bonus, there's a lot of arrogant Fritz (who happens to be one of my favorite cameos in here).
It's very hard to sum up this book because it was jam-packed with action, changing alliances, and lots of new faces. I have no idea who to trust at this point (and I especially don't trust Deirdre... or Stark... or ... well... anyone). I do, however, trust in a satisfying conclusion to this series.
August 23, 2015
I have said this before and I'll likely say it again: S.M. Reine's books kill me. Her characters do things (THINGS) and I honestly can't figure out how they're going to come back from them. Then the pieces fall into place and a bad situation turns worse (because these are some awesomely gritty books) before they get better and BOOM everything is rosier. Or sometimes more effed up. I end up confused and heartbroken and I LOVE IT.
Take the Deirdre/Stark dynamic, for example. I don't even want to marginally like the guy and I REALLY don't want him to end up with Deirdre because their whole relationship is a textbook example of domestic abuse. BUT... I get where he's coming from and I do get why Deirdre is drawn to him.
I still don't like him, though.
(And I'm holding out hope that something said in the first book will have GOOD repercussions for Deirdre once all's been said and done. Of course, there's always the chance I read it wrong and that thing isn't going to happen and I'll have to cry myself to sleep on my pillow once I finish the final book. WE'LL SEE!)
Things aren't looking good for Deirdre and her crew, but there are hints that there might be another path she can take. And I'm ready for it. I'm ready for whatever the next book throws at me.
Maybe.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Take the Deirdre/Stark dynamic, for example. I don't even want to marginally like the guy and I REALLY don't want him to end up with Deirdre because their whole relationship is a textbook example of domestic abuse. BUT... I get where he's coming from and I do get why Deirdre is drawn to him.
I still don't like him, though.
(And I'm holding out hope that something said in the first book will have GOOD repercussions for Deirdre once all's been said and done. Of course, there's always the chance I read it wrong and that thing isn't going to happen and I'll have to cry myself to sleep on my pillow once I finish the final book. WE'LL SEE!)
Things aren't looking good for Deirdre and her crew, but there are hints that there might be another path she can take. And I'm ready for it. I'm ready for whatever the next book throws at me.
Maybe.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
March 24, 2016
3.5 stars
This installment starts off a little after Beta ended. Its the first full moon since Deidre was brought back to life. The question everyone is facing is will she change and what to.
Through out this installment we seem to deal with the same issue we have the whole series. How is Deidre going to change, why wont she change??? She is strong now as a shifter then she was before she died, but she still can not control her animal.
I have learned that I just am not going to Like Rylie in this series. Or Fritz for that matter. Stark is still growing on me, though there seems to be a bit of Stockholm syndrome going on for both myself and Diedre.
We are re-introduced to more characters from other stories of SM Reines. And some of these characters we come across to me seem way out of character, at least for how they are in their own series. Having certain expectatons might have swayed the way I thought of them in this book.
I am interested to see where the conclusion of this series takes us
This installment starts off a little after Beta ended. Its the first full moon since Deidre was brought back to life. The question everyone is facing is will she change and what to.
Through out this installment we seem to deal with the same issue we have the whole series. How is Deidre going to change, why wont she change??? She is strong now as a shifter then she was before she died, but she still can not control her animal.
I have learned that I just am not going to Like Rylie in this series. Or Fritz for that matter. Stark is still growing on me, though there seems to be a bit of Stockholm syndrome going on for both myself and Diedre.
We are re-introduced to more characters from other stories of SM Reines. And some of these characters we come across to me seem way out of character, at least for how they are in their own series. Having certain expectatons might have swayed the way I thought of them in this book.
I am interested to see where the conclusion of this series takes us
June 21, 2015
Wowzers!!! What a great book!
I don't even know where to start. Maybe that this book was much more than I thought it would be. It was just.... excellent. SM Reine has done it again! The way she described the book so we'll made me feel like I was watching it on a big screen as I read it. The only thing that bothered me, was that because of a few short intimate parts my young teens went be able to read it. Unless I find a way to skip past that part for them lol. Maybe 16+ for this one. Other than that... I kinda feel bad for a lot of the characters in the story. Love, loss, betrayal and secrets made known. I loved thisone and can't wait for the next book to come out!!! Pick it up if you want a good read! Really!!
I don't even know where to start. Maybe that this book was much more than I thought it would be. It was just.... excellent. SM Reine has done it again! The way she described the book so we'll made me feel like I was watching it on a big screen as I read it. The only thing that bothered me, was that because of a few short intimate parts my young teens went be able to read it. Unless I find a way to skip past that part for them lol. Maybe 16+ for this one. Other than that... I kinda feel bad for a lot of the characters in the story. Love, loss, betrayal and secrets made known. I loved thisone and can't wait for the next book to come out!!! Pick it up if you want a good read! Really!!
July 16, 2015
Wow. This book is packed full of action and violence. And yet. There is an underlying hint of sadness, and confusion.
Deirdre is struggling, and has yet to fully come to grips with her animal, whilst trying to do the right thing. And she is torn between two total nightmare shifters, both of whom have their own agendas, and both of whom hold their own attractions.
Having read the other books which detail this world, I cant help but feel the loss of a certain character who is so pivotal in one of the other series. And no. I'm not going to tell you who. You'll have to read the other books for yourselves.
This penultimate book in this series is building to what will surely be an epic final chapter. I, for one, can't wait.
Deirdre is struggling, and has yet to fully come to grips with her animal, whilst trying to do the right thing. And she is torn between two total nightmare shifters, both of whom have their own agendas, and both of whom hold their own attractions.
Having read the other books which detail this world, I cant help but feel the loss of a certain character who is so pivotal in one of the other series. And no. I'm not going to tell you who. You'll have to read the other books for yourselves.
This penultimate book in this series is building to what will surely be an epic final chapter. I, for one, can't wait.
December 18, 2015
With one exception, I've loved every series that SM Reine has written. One series (The Descent Series) is one of my favorite set of books OF ALL TIME. Which basically means I'll read anything she writes. The Omega series, with Deirdre Tombs at its center, is a strong urban fantasy series. It's anti-hero is easy to hate and hard to like, and the books never pretend otherwise. Deirdre is GREAT. Reine can deliver a heroine like none other. I pretty much inhaled the first three books in this series and then had to weep with waiting for the fourth to be released. In this book, Deirdre grows ever closer to the anti-hero, but at the same time feeling pulled away from him because of her own rising power. BECAUSE SHE'S SUPER POWERFUL Y'ALL.
June 26, 2015
Another lovely installment. Can't wait for the final one.
6 MONTHS!!
I don't think I loved this book as much as I loved its predecessors. It felt more like an installment (no, really) or a filler until the next books ties things up. I just can't cope with the waiting. Bring it on, Reine.
BTW- REALLY loving the Descent Series. Absolutely ADORE Ms Kavanaugh. Got SO excited when they mentioned 'Kavanaugh' in this book. Felt like someone name dropped a celebrity who I happened to have met (probably only glimpse said celebrity's head back at the airport). I felt like screaming, "I know something you don't!" at the characters who couldn't hear me or care.
Yey!
6 MONTHS!!
I don't think I loved this book as much as I loved its predecessors. It felt more like an installment (no, really) or a filler until the next books ties things up. I just can't cope with the waiting. Bring it on, Reine.
BTW- REALLY loving the Descent Series. Absolutely ADORE Ms Kavanaugh. Got SO excited when they mentioned 'Kavanaugh' in this book. Felt like someone name dropped a celebrity who I happened to have met (probably only glimpse said celebrity's head back at the airport). I felt like screaming, "I know something you don't!" at the characters who couldn't hear me or care.
Yey!
June 26, 2015
Was hesitant but fell in love!
I have immensely enjoyed these books! Love being able to still read about Rylee Gresham. Loved the mix with the OPA, Fritz Freiderling. I'm hoping did to certain references that "the godfather" whom I dearly miss will somehow make a reappearance. I was shocked that the Brother turned out to be who he was. Shocked at who the powerful mage was. Maybe it was so unsuspecting it was right in front of my face and I didn't catch on till it was in your face. Loved it! I'd highly recommend this series to anyone. Especially the ones who loved The Ascension stores! S.M.Reine is awesome! Thank you, thank you for these wonderful series!
I have immensely enjoyed these books! Love being able to still read about Rylee Gresham. Loved the mix with the OPA, Fritz Freiderling. I'm hoping did to certain references that "the godfather" whom I dearly miss will somehow make a reappearance. I was shocked that the Brother turned out to be who he was. Shocked at who the powerful mage was. Maybe it was so unsuspecting it was right in front of my face and I didn't catch on till it was in your face. Loved it! I'd highly recommend this series to anyone. Especially the ones who loved The Ascension stores! S.M.Reine is awesome! Thank you, thank you for these wonderful series!
May 3, 2022
3rd Book in 3 Days-Just Found Author
Wow! I'm hooked. I just discovered this author 2 days ago when I read the free book Omega. Now I've bought the sequel and now this one. And I'm about to get the next one in the series. I can't wait to go back and start reading from the beginning of the Descentverse. This was definitely my favorite book in the series, thus far. I'm loving this new dynamic between the Alpha and His Beta! I'm so enamored with the possibilities of Tombs' potential for greatest and also now realizing how very much she is such a small piece of this very big world. Brava Ms. Reine. I am intrigued!
Wow! I'm hooked. I just discovered this author 2 days ago when I read the free book Omega. Now I've bought the sequel and now this one. And I'm about to get the next one in the series. I can't wait to go back and start reading from the beginning of the Descentverse. This was definitely my favorite book in the series, thus far. I'm loving this new dynamic between the Alpha and His Beta! I'm so enamored with the possibilities of Tombs' potential for greatest and also now realizing how very much she is such a small piece of this very big world. Brava Ms. Reine. I am intrigued!
July 13, 2015
Alpha is a great addition to the War of the Alphas series. I enjoyed this action packed novel. I love seeing the relationship between Stark and Deirdre change over time and Deirdre's confidence increase. The addition of the Sidhe, both Summer Court and Winter Court, to the election shakes things up even more. It's nice not knowing exactly what the outcome of the election will be and what will happen as a result of it. Of course at the same time, I can't wait to read what happens in the next book. This book is best read as part of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews