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The Wolfkin Saga #1
Wolves of Black Pine
An ancient civilization long hidden from humanity is on the brink of chaos and war.
Peaceful for thousands of years, the wolfkin clans are mysteriously losing packmates, kidnapped and killed by unknown foes. Among the dead is Luca, youngest grandson of the two most powerful wolves in the Northern Clans, but he is forced into a half-life, hidden in the far northern wilds of Canada and cut off from his kind. Those who raised him have no idea the creature they harbor in their midst, and name him Ghost. He begins to lose himself over the long years, and though he barely recalls his true name, the one wolf he never forgets is Kane.
Heir to the wolfkin clan Black Pine, Kane is charged with hunting down the traitors who betrayed their kind to the humans. Years fly by, and more wolves are dying. He refuses to give up, and he vows to never again fail another of their kind, as he failed young Luca years before. His heart tells him Luca lives, but his mind tells him that it’s foolish hope, his guilt eating him alive.
Fate and magic change the course of their lives, and the two wolves long separated by the years find their paths intertwining, though the reunion does not come without cost...
150,000+ words, contains graphic sex between men, dubious consent, mentions of abuse. Contains gore and violence. Mature readers only.
Peaceful for thousands of years, the wolfkin clans are mysteriously losing packmates, kidnapped and killed by unknown foes. Among the dead is Luca, youngest grandson of the two most powerful wolves in the Northern Clans, but he is forced into a half-life, hidden in the far northern wilds of Canada and cut off from his kind. Those who raised him have no idea the creature they harbor in their midst, and name him Ghost. He begins to lose himself over the long years, and though he barely recalls his true name, the one wolf he never forgets is Kane.
Heir to the wolfkin clan Black Pine, Kane is charged with hunting down the traitors who betrayed their kind to the humans. Years fly by, and more wolves are dying. He refuses to give up, and he vows to never again fail another of their kind, as he failed young Luca years before. His heart tells him Luca lives, but his mind tells him that it’s foolish hope, his guilt eating him alive.
Fate and magic change the course of their lives, and the two wolves long separated by the years find their paths intertwining, though the reunion does not come without cost...
150,000+ words, contains graphic sex between men, dubious consent, mentions of abuse. Contains gore and violence. Mature readers only.
364 pages, ebook
First published June 30, 2015
400 people are currently reading
3509 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Himes
20 books1,461 followersSoon to be retired former pen name of author Sheena Jolie. See that profile for more up to date info.
I will be moving all my titles over the course of 2022 to my new author name, Sheena Jolie.
If you have questions for me, and want an answer sooner rather than later, find me on Facebook or Twitter as Sheena Jolie.
Website under construction.
I also write as Revella Hawthorne. I write mainly gay romance and erotica, but I am branching out into polyamorous groupings and LGBT+ characters.
Saving Silas is my only contemporary. Everything else is paranormal, urban fantasy, or scifi/alternate universe.
I'm a nomad--I move a lot. My health is sporadic, so when I'm feeling well enough is when I'm writing. Which is good, as otherwise, I think my suffering translates to boring stories. ;)
I've learned the hard way that I can't do release dates until a book is 100% DONE. No projected dates anymore. For up to date and accurate information, find me on Facebook and Twitter. I RARELY come to GR. It'll be months before I'm back again.
Any books I have reviewed are my own opinions and done so without malice. I won't review a book anymore if I can't give it 3 stars or higher. Most of my reviews are based upon how a book makes me FEEL. Entirely subjective and personal. Exceptions are in cases of plagiarism and intellectual property theft or a massively horrible formatting job or erroneous content (ie the title and blurb don't match the interior.)
I will be moving all my titles over the course of 2022 to my new author name, Sheena Jolie.
If you have questions for me, and want an answer sooner rather than later, find me on Facebook or Twitter as Sheena Jolie.
Website under construction.
I also write as Revella Hawthorne. I write mainly gay romance and erotica, but I am branching out into polyamorous groupings and LGBT+ characters.
Saving Silas is my only contemporary. Everything else is paranormal, urban fantasy, or scifi/alternate universe.
I'm a nomad--I move a lot. My health is sporadic, so when I'm feeling well enough is when I'm writing. Which is good, as otherwise, I think my suffering translates to boring stories. ;)
I've learned the hard way that I can't do release dates until a book is 100% DONE. No projected dates anymore. For up to date and accurate information, find me on Facebook and Twitter. I RARELY come to GR. It'll be months before I'm back again.
Any books I have reviewed are my own opinions and done so without malice. I won't review a book anymore if I can't give it 3 stars or higher. Most of my reviews are based upon how a book makes me FEEL. Entirely subjective and personal. Exceptions are in cases of plagiarism and intellectual property theft or a massively horrible formatting job or erroneous content (ie the title and blurb don't match the interior.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 417 reviews
May 24, 2018
Third reread: 26th Mar 2018
Third time actually is the charm! 😉
Ok .. so please skip this book if you are looking for a typical shifter MM romance full of lusty, sexy smut. This is a fairly long novel which is finely orchestrated with very vivid details and a rich story line. Usually, I can finish a novel in one day unless it's really long like ASOIAF and it took me almost 3 days to finish this novel since I was savoring every part of it by reading them again. Don’t get me wrong .. when it finally came to the steamy sex, S.J. Himes flew my pants off but it didn’t reached to that until the two third of this novel which is almost the triple size of a normal romance novel. 😁
I have to say that Himes’ writing is really dreamy and refreshing. First, I was a bit hesitant to read this novel since it was quite long but I can’t be happier that I gave this book a shot. 😉 Because it became one of my all time favorites. 😍😍😍
The book is about two wolfkin named Luca aka Ghost and Kane. The prior is a powerful shaman and the latter as equally powerful and intimidating alpha. In this fantasy world magically constructed by Himes, the shamans have the spiritual power and alphas have commanding physical powers. Thus, a mating between a shaman and an alpha is prohibited and there's no female shaman to prevent such regarded abomination. Still, the bond between the little shaman and the strong alpha became inevitable and they madly fell in love with each other. 😌
I love every single thing about this book! 😱 How Kane was desperate to save little Luca when he fell in the water even though he still didn’t know that Luca will become his fated mate in the future and the connection between Luca and his foster parents, it was hilarious and witty. 😁 I loved how Luca finally found his way home. 😍 The reunion scene when Kane and Luca finally recognized each other is EPIC!!!! 😱 I love, loveeee, loveeeeee it!!! 😍
This book is more about story than the usual steamy smut. It has action, drama, suspense, hope and lust. I'm so glad that I picked up this book only after the sequel had come out because if I had to wait another year to read the second book in this series, I'd literally die with frustration. 😂
10 innocent lightning Shaman and protective Alpha macho lovers stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You nailed this book Himes .. you nailed it 👏👏👏
Definitely a reread! I recommend this book to everyone! 🤓🤓🤓
Third time actually is the charm! 😉
Ok .. so please skip this book if you are looking for a typical shifter MM romance full of lusty, sexy smut. This is a fairly long novel which is finely orchestrated with very vivid details and a rich story line. Usually, I can finish a novel in one day unless it's really long like ASOIAF and it took me almost 3 days to finish this novel since I was savoring every part of it by reading them again. Don’t get me wrong .. when it finally came to the steamy sex, S.J. Himes flew my pants off but it didn’t reached to that until the two third of this novel which is almost the triple size of a normal romance novel. 😁
I have to say that Himes’ writing is really dreamy and refreshing. First, I was a bit hesitant to read this novel since it was quite long but I can’t be happier that I gave this book a shot. 😉 Because it became one of my all time favorites. 😍😍😍
The book is about two wolfkin named Luca aka Ghost and Kane. The prior is a powerful shaman and the latter as equally powerful and intimidating alpha. In this fantasy world magically constructed by Himes, the shamans have the spiritual power and alphas have commanding physical powers. Thus, a mating between a shaman and an alpha is prohibited and there's no female shaman to prevent such regarded abomination. Still, the bond between the little shaman and the strong alpha became inevitable and they madly fell in love with each other. 😌
I love every single thing about this book! 😱 How Kane was desperate to save little Luca when he fell in the water even though he still didn’t know that Luca will become his fated mate in the future and the connection between Luca and his foster parents, it was hilarious and witty. 😁 I loved how Luca finally found his way home. 😍 The reunion scene when Kane and Luca finally recognized each other is EPIC!!!! 😱 I love, loveeee, loveeeeee it!!! 😍
This book is more about story than the usual steamy smut. It has action, drama, suspense, hope and lust. I'm so glad that I picked up this book only after the sequel had come out because if I had to wait another year to read the second book in this series, I'd literally die with frustration. 😂
10 innocent lightning Shaman and protective Alpha macho lovers stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You nailed this book Himes .. you nailed it 👏👏👏
Definitely a reread! I recommend this book to everyone! 🤓🤓🤓
August 2, 2021
Sixth re-read: 02.08.2021
This book just pulls on all my heartstrings. I know it is long and all that, but it is beautifully written and the main relationship is gorgeous. Of course there is that scene where you shouldn't be getting horny but................... sometimes you're just that fucked up. Anyway, I had to re-read this one simply because I needed it.
Fifth re-read: 23.11.2020
I was too tired to read this book in full, so I skimmed the information as I know it quite well and focused on my beloved Kane and Ghost. There's just something beautiful with those two. Oh and I wonder, will Gabe have his own book?
Forth re-read: 28.03.2020
This book is so good. The only reason for not having more stars is simply because it is quite long, yet I wanted more. The beginning of this book always kills me. I start tearing up even before it has happened. It's just so sad. And the middle. I just brings me to tears. That being said, I just had to re-read again. I couldn't help it. Oh and will we ever know what/where Josiah is/doing?
Third re-read: 20.11.2019
I couldn't myself with another re-read after I read her The Beacon Hill Sorcerer series. The Wolfkin Saga is my favorite of S.J. Himes and I still absolutely adore it! It's fantastic and heartwarming and beautiful and lovely. I love Ghost immensely, he's so adorable and Kane is hot and worthy of his mate. Though I had to admit that in this re-read I did skim certain parts simply because I'm impatient to get to the parts I love and not because they aren't good. I just remember it very well and know what I need :P I wonder if Gabe will be getting his own book as well....?
Second re-read: 14.07.2019
Jesus. I found myself with a face full with tears. This book is so damn heartbreaking; part one just kills me. The second the tears stops, more comes. It's kinda annoying, but it's written so beautifully that I can't help it. If someone reads this book and don't cry, you obviously don't have a heart. Just kidding, but you know what I mean. The story is so gorgeous and the world is so interesting, and the characters are amazing. I absolutely love Ghost and Kane. They are incredible together. This book is a must read, and I know I'll re-read it again some time soon.
Re-read: 08.04.2018
Kane and Ghost is so damn adorable and Ghost is such a refreshing character. I adore them. They have become one of my favorite couples of all time. I also adore the friendship between Kane and Burke. And I can still feel Caius' pain for Gray Shadow. I ship them as well. Overall, it's damn good book and people should definitely read it. The story is quite interesting, the characters great and the animalistic side is awesome. So yeah, read it.
New Rating - 3.5 stars.
Other characters:
↦ Shaman Gray Shadow, Ghost' grandpa, the world’s most powerful shaman.
↦ Alpha Burke (49 in part 2), who serves as Black Pine’s Speaker and is Kane's lieutenant and best friend.
↦ Caius McLennan, Alpha of Black Pine Clan, the home clan of Gray Shadow and his family.
↦ Andromeda, the White Wolf, a beta centuries old, one of the oldest wolves Black Pine and the surrounding clans could claim in their territory. The Clan Leader of Red Fern, and their hostess while in Baxter. Also Shaman River's sister.
↦ Catherine ‘Cat’ Medeiros, Ph.D. in Biology, and Director of Luna Wolf Rescue and Research Sanctuary in New Brunswick and Glen Mitchell (late thirties in part 1, and is at least ten years older than Cat). He was a big supporter of the wolf restoration projects, chronicling the species’ return to eastern Canada and the northern United States. Is Cat's research partner.
↦ Sebastien Remus, owner of Remus Acquisitions and Technologies; Wolf hunters. Government sponsored, paramilitary wolf hunters. And his brother, Simon Remus . Villains of the story.
↦ Lesser alphas, Roman and Gerald , sons of Caius.
↦ Heromindes, The Alpha of Clan Ashland and a stubborn fool.
↦ Sophia, one of Kane's betas who was the ranking member of his team; First Beta.
↦ Gabriel ‘Gabe’ Suarez, a young alpha rescued by Kane and his wolfs from kidnapping and torture.
First read review:
What a surprise! I believe I've found a new almost favorite author! S.J. Himes's writing is refreshing, as is her stories. So awesome and original, I adore it. Though her books aren't among my favorites, they are quite close. This book centers around youngest grandson of the two most powerful wolves in the Northern Clans, Luca ‘Ghost’ (5 in part 1, 19 in part 2 and out) and Heir to the wolfkin clan Black Pine, Kane (30 in part 1, 44 in part 2 and out).
Luca gets taken away from his family at the age of five after horrible events, and while everyone believe him dead, Kane's heart refused to believe it. Yet, Luca was never found and life still went on. Many years later, horrible events still happening which results to two lost souls finally reuniting. Overall, part 1 was heartbreaking (I cried), part 2 was interesting with the beginning of part 2 still sad, and part 3 awesome. I'm really looking forward to book 2, though I'm nervous as to what would happen...
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series, Book One.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Luca ‘Ghost’.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - Probably.
Rating - 3.5/4 stars.
This book just pulls on all my heartstrings. I know it is long and all that, but it is beautifully written and the main relationship is gorgeous. Of course there is that scene where you shouldn't be getting horny but................... sometimes you're just that fucked up. Anyway, I had to re-read this one simply because I needed it.
He smiled, thinking of the magic he’d seen, and the sweet, charming cub who’d known all the answers.
Luca was adorable, and smart, and his giggle was infectious. Kane sighed, catching a glimpse of his own cabin through the trees, glad to be going home in the morning. Maybe when he got back to Augusta he’d make a greater effort to know his clan mates better, and see if he couldn’t get Luca to laugh again.
Fifth re-read: 23.11.2020
I was too tired to read this book in full, so I skimmed the information as I know it quite well and focused on my beloved Kane and Ghost. There's just something beautiful with those two. Oh and I wonder, will Gabe have his own book?
Forth re-read: 28.03.2020
This book is so good. The only reason for not having more stars is simply because it is quite long, yet I wanted more. The beginning of this book always kills me. I start tearing up even before it has happened. It's just so sad. And the middle. I just brings me to tears. That being said, I just had to re-read again. I couldn't help it. Oh and will we ever know what/where Josiah is/doing?
Third re-read: 20.11.2019
I couldn't myself with another re-read after I read her The Beacon Hill Sorcerer series. The Wolfkin Saga is my favorite of S.J. Himes and I still absolutely adore it! It's fantastic and heartwarming and beautiful and lovely. I love Ghost immensely, he's so adorable and Kane is hot and worthy of his mate. Though I had to admit that in this re-read I did skim certain parts simply because I'm impatient to get to the parts I love and not because they aren't good. I just remember it very well and know what I need :P I wonder if Gabe will be getting his own book as well....?
Second re-read: 14.07.2019
Jesus. I found myself with a face full with tears. This book is so damn heartbreaking; part one just kills me. The second the tears stops, more comes. It's kinda annoying, but it's written so beautifully that I can't help it. If someone reads this book and don't cry, you obviously don't have a heart. Just kidding, but you know what I mean. The story is so gorgeous and the world is so interesting, and the characters are amazing. I absolutely love Ghost and Kane. They are incredible together. This book is a must read, and I know I'll re-read it again some time soon.
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*You should read this one*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Re-read: 08.04.2018
Kane and Ghost is so damn adorable and Ghost is such a refreshing character. I adore them. They have become one of my favorite couples of all time. I also adore the friendship between Kane and Burke. And I can still feel Caius' pain for Gray Shadow. I ship them as well. Overall, it's damn good book and people should definitely read it. The story is quite interesting, the characters great and the animalistic side is awesome. So yeah, read it.
New Rating - 3.5 stars.
The Shamans were gentle souls who sought only peace, love, and the care of their people. They used their abilities to instead care for their clans, as was the intended purpose of the Great Mother.
Other characters:
↦ Shaman Gray Shadow, Ghost' grandpa, the world’s most powerful shaman.
↦ Alpha Burke (49 in part 2), who serves as Black Pine’s Speaker and is Kane's lieutenant and best friend.
↦ Caius McLennan, Alpha of Black Pine Clan, the home clan of Gray Shadow and his family.
↦ Andromeda, the White Wolf, a beta centuries old, one of the oldest wolves Black Pine and the surrounding clans could claim in their territory. The Clan Leader of Red Fern, and their hostess while in Baxter. Also Shaman River's sister.
↦ Catherine ‘Cat’ Medeiros, Ph.D. in Biology, and Director of Luna Wolf Rescue and Research Sanctuary in New Brunswick and Glen Mitchell (late thirties in part 1, and is at least ten years older than Cat). He was a big supporter of the wolf restoration projects, chronicling the species’ return to eastern Canada and the northern United States. Is Cat's research partner.
↦ Sebastien Remus, owner of Remus Acquisitions and Technologies; Wolf hunters. Government sponsored, paramilitary wolf hunters. And his brother, Simon Remus . Villains of the story.
↦ Lesser alphas, Roman and Gerald , sons of Caius.
↦ Heromindes, The Alpha of Clan Ashland and a stubborn fool.
↦ Sophia, one of Kane's betas who was the ranking member of his team; First Beta.
↦ Gabriel ‘Gabe’ Suarez, a young alpha rescued by Kane and his wolfs from kidnapping and torture.
History was not all tales of love and romance and happy endings. It was death and pain and blood.
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Surprisingly good*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
First read review:
What a surprise! I believe I've found a new almost favorite author! S.J. Himes's writing is refreshing, as is her stories. So awesome and original, I adore it. Though her books aren't among my favorites, they are quite close. This book centers around youngest grandson of the two most powerful wolves in the Northern Clans, Luca ‘Ghost’ (5 in part 1, 19 in part 2 and out) and Heir to the wolfkin clan Black Pine, Kane (30 in part 1, 44 in part 2 and out).
*Luca, my Luca,* Ghost heard his old name, whispered gently, and he was never happier. He burrowed into the warmth of the alpha’s big body, his soul humming with joy, and a sense of utter rightness and completion filled him up.
Luca gets taken away from his family at the age of five after horrible events, and while everyone believe him dead, Kane's heart refused to believe it. Yet, Luca was never found and life still went on. Many years later, horrible events still happening which results to two lost souls finally reuniting. Overall, part 1 was heartbreaking (I cried), part 2 was interesting with the beginning of part 2 still sad, and part 3 awesome. I'm really looking forward to book 2, though I'm nervous as to what would happen...
“...But if I fear my power, then I can’t control it, and I will end up hurting someone. I will never be happy that I carry the Voice, but I will not fear it. True control comes from embracing your powers and gifts, and letting go of fear and guilt.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series, Book One.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Luca ‘Ghost’.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - Probably.
Rating - 3.5/4 stars.
July 18, 2025
Reread July 2025
Reread November 2022
Still in love.
Reread November 2020
This is still one of my favorite mate stories.
Reread November 2018
Well, considering this is the third time I've read this in about a year, this is definitely my go-to book when I want a good mate story. It's just exactly how I like them. I can't wait for more.
Reread May 2018
I think this is my absolute favorite PNR series ever. Ghost and Kane are perfect heroes. The world building is phenomenal. I love that they are soulmates and how they stand by each other always. I’m hoping there’s more to come soon.
Originally read November 2017
This was one of those books where all my GR friends were raving over it. And every time I saw it in my newsfeed, I thought "I'll read that next". But I would end up picking something else up instead...I think the number of pages scared me. Well, I finally decided to pick it up to figure out what all the fuss was about. I'm not going to lie...it took me a good 15-18% to really get into the book and in a book with almost 600 pages, that's a lot of reading to get to a point where it grabs you. I soldiered on through the myriad of descriptions and what seem to be some long-windedness. And boy am I glad I did... I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK.
I don't usually care for books where the mc's aren't together the majority of the book. And here, it was around 50% before they are together. But it worked. I enjoyed seeing the two of them in their lives before they are reunited. It had purpose and helped to build the story.
Kane is the epitome of what an alpha with power should be. And Ghost, is his equal and gentle counterpart. I love soulmate stories and this one was beautiful. These two are meant to be together. They work on every level. It has suspense and mystery. It has all the things I love in shifter stories. I'm looking forward to the next book which I will be starting right away.
Thanks to my peeps Shin, Deborah, Lorraine, Lyn and Tammy for all the updates and reviews that put this on my radar 😘
Reread November 2022
Still in love.
Reread November 2020
This is still one of my favorite mate stories.
Reread November 2018
Well, considering this is the third time I've read this in about a year, this is definitely my go-to book when I want a good mate story. It's just exactly how I like them. I can't wait for more.
Reread May 2018
I think this is my absolute favorite PNR series ever. Ghost and Kane are perfect heroes. The world building is phenomenal. I love that they are soulmates and how they stand by each other always. I’m hoping there’s more to come soon.
Originally read November 2017
This was one of those books where all my GR friends were raving over it. And every time I saw it in my newsfeed, I thought "I'll read that next". But I would end up picking something else up instead...I think the number of pages scared me. Well, I finally decided to pick it up to figure out what all the fuss was about. I'm not going to lie...it took me a good 15-18% to really get into the book and in a book with almost 600 pages, that's a lot of reading to get to a point where it grabs you. I soldiered on through the myriad of descriptions and what seem to be some long-windedness. And boy am I glad I did... I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK.
I don't usually care for books where the mc's aren't together the majority of the book. And here, it was around 50% before they are together. But it worked. I enjoyed seeing the two of them in their lives before they are reunited. It had purpose and helped to build the story.
Kane is the epitome of what an alpha with power should be. And Ghost, is his equal and gentle counterpart. I love soulmate stories and this one was beautiful. These two are meant to be together. They work on every level. It has suspense and mystery. It has all the things I love in shifter stories. I'm looking forward to the next book which I will be starting right away.
Thanks to my peeps Shin, Deborah, Lorraine, Lyn and Tammy for all the updates and reviews that put this on my radar 😘
November 19, 2018
5 big stars!!!
Loved it! Loved it! Loved it SO much!
I know I am late to this party. So many of my friends already read it. But I am super happy I finally did!
Thanks SO much, Shin for the rec!!!
It's my first book by this author. As I am not a fan of paranormal, shapeshifters and all, I didn't plan on reading it, but the curiosity won. And I am so happy I gave it a try because it was SO good!!!
This author created such a sweet love story and a very unique world. I absolutely adored the soulbond! Kane and Luca/Ghost were perfect together. I loved everything about them. Everything! Kane was strong and a perfect future clan leader. Luca was super sweet. Loved their powers!
If I have to admit what didn't really work for me would be the fact that we have to wait SO much for Luca to return to his clan. The waiting was painful, but when Luca and Kane reconnected, it was glorious!
Loved it! Loved it! Loved it SO much!
I know I am late to this party. So many of my friends already read it. But I am super happy I finally did!
Thanks SO much, Shin for the rec!!!
It's my first book by this author. As I am not a fan of paranormal, shapeshifters and all, I didn't plan on reading it, but the curiosity won. And I am so happy I gave it a try because it was SO good!!!
This author created such a sweet love story and a very unique world. I absolutely adored the soulbond! Kane and Luca/Ghost were perfect together. I loved everything about them. Everything! Kane was strong and a perfect future clan leader. Luca was super sweet. Loved their powers!
If I have to admit what didn't really work for me would be the fact that we have to wait SO much for Luca to return to his clan. The waiting was painful, but when Luca and Kane reconnected, it was glorious!
October 16, 2021
This is more a 3,75 stars book for me and even though I enjoyed a lot of it, I still had my issues with it. 🥲🥲
Shifter books have the same problem in my point of view, the insta-love, and even though the characters in this met again at 45% or so, it was still insta, but let me write this in order:
The first 40% or so was brilliant, the writing was compelling and the world building was incredible, there is magic with this wolves and the history of it was beautifully explained. Loved it. 🤩🤩
Then Kane met Luca again, it was insta, Kane didn't realize that he had his mate, but he acted like it, the physical contact, the protection, the alpha male shit, all of it was insta and I could have dealt with it, because the writing was 🤯🤯 but...
My real problem was with Luca's character, he was 19 when he met Kane again, Kane was 40 something, but that's not my problem, my problem was that his mind was of someone younger, he had spent his life as a wolf for reasons (spoilers so I won't say), so he didn't have a chance to develop as a person AND IT SHOWED. *cringes*
My other problem with his character is, spoilers ahead BTW, he is a shaman who didn't receive any training, but he comes to the pack and starts doing magic perfectly, he starts healing like Jesus and yes, I thought there was a God like characterization with him and it made me uncomfortable, he is the descendant of the best shaman there was, but come on, he needs training, he should have failed at something, it was like he was untouchable, like he walked on water while the others walked on ground.
He was unbothered by what was going on around him and only wanted to jump in Kane's dick, BUT HE IS STILL THE GREATEST SHAMAN THERE IS, I dunno, with great power comes great responsibility (oh, great uncle Ben) and that didn't show, wich made me uncomfortable.
But, the pack dynamics saved this for me, the battles, the bad guys, the victims, the strength, the love and the family that they made, made it lovely.
I dunno if I'll keep going, but if there is a book about Burke, the whisperer of my panties, I WILL READ THAT SHIT I DON'T CARE!!!!!!!!! 🤯🤯💗💗
Shifter books have the same problem in my point of view, the insta-love, and even though the characters in this met again at 45% or so, it was still insta, but let me write this in order:
The first 40% or so was brilliant, the writing was compelling and the world building was incredible, there is magic with this wolves and the history of it was beautifully explained. Loved it. 🤩🤩
Then Kane met Luca again, it was insta, Kane didn't realize that he had his mate, but he acted like it, the physical contact, the protection, the alpha male shit, all of it was insta and I could have dealt with it, because the writing was 🤯🤯 but...
My real problem was with Luca's character, he was 19 when he met Kane again, Kane was 40 something, but that's not my problem, my problem was that his mind was of someone younger, he had spent his life as a wolf for reasons (spoilers so I won't say), so he didn't have a chance to develop as a person AND IT SHOWED. *cringes*
My other problem with his character is, spoilers ahead BTW, he is a shaman who didn't receive any training, but he comes to the pack and starts doing magic perfectly, he starts healing like Jesus and yes, I thought there was a God like characterization with him and it made me uncomfortable, he is the descendant of the best shaman there was, but come on, he needs training, he should have failed at something, it was like he was untouchable, like he walked on water while the others walked on ground.
He was unbothered by what was going on around him and only wanted to jump in Kane's dick, BUT HE IS STILL THE GREATEST SHAMAN THERE IS, I dunno, with great power comes great responsibility (oh, great uncle Ben) and that didn't show, wich made me uncomfortable.
But, the pack dynamics saved this for me, the battles, the bad guys, the victims, the strength, the love and the family that they made, made it lovely.
I dunno if I'll keep going, but if there is a book about Burke, the whisperer of my panties, I WILL READ THAT SHIT I DON'T CARE!!!!!!!!! 🤯🤯💗💗
October 8, 2017
This book consumed me.
When I first decided to read this book, I had little expectations. I thought I was going to read a light, fluffy shifter story akin to most others that are circulating around the genre. Not so. Instead, I got an epic story full of adventure, loss, love, deceit and heroism.
I was gobsmacked.
Once I started reading I couldn't stop. I put everything else to the side so I could devour the words written here. This book grabbed hold of me and wouldn't let go until I finished every last word.
I could tell this was a labor of love for the author. The care she took with her characters shone through in her words; every sentence intricately detailed so as to make me feel as if I was there. I felt the snow crunch under my boots. I felt the heat of fire and smelled the damp earth.
I ran with wolves.
Brava, SJ Himes. This was an experience I'm overjoyed to have had.
I highly, highly recommend this book to shifter fans. If you haven't read this yet, please do so immediately. It's an experience you won't want to miss.
Gah! Loved this so much!
When I first decided to read this book, I had little expectations. I thought I was going to read a light, fluffy shifter story akin to most others that are circulating around the genre. Not so. Instead, I got an epic story full of adventure, loss, love, deceit and heroism.
I was gobsmacked.
Once I started reading I couldn't stop. I put everything else to the side so I could devour the words written here. This book grabbed hold of me and wouldn't let go until I finished every last word.
I could tell this was a labor of love for the author. The care she took with her characters shone through in her words; every sentence intricately detailed so as to make me feel as if I was there. I felt the snow crunch under my boots. I felt the heat of fire and smelled the damp earth.
I ran with wolves.
Brava, SJ Himes. This was an experience I'm overjoyed to have had.
I highly, highly recommend this book to shifter fans. If you haven't read this yet, please do so immediately. It's an experience you won't want to miss.
Gah! Loved this so much!
November 3, 2019
What took me so long to read this, I will never know. Fucking loved this book. Now onto book 2!
August 22, 2019
Re-read 20th - 22nd August 2019
I’ve been wanting to re-read since my first read. I distracted myself with Beacon Hill series (which I have re-read several times). I told myself I was waiting for the third book. But I couldn’t wait any longer.
It’s just as good (and by good I mean brilliant) as I remembered and it’s straight onto the next one. Which if I remembered rightly cost me several finger nails and bottles of wine.
Original review.
At last an intelligent addictive shifter series.
Once again I’m late to the party, this has been on my to read list for ages and so after seeing a fresh cluster of glowing 5* reviews I decided to dive in.
Since there’s already so many reviews l’ll skip my usual summary and just give my opinion.
Over the years I’ve read a lot of werewolf books, some have been good, some bad but most have been at best average. A lot of shifter books these days seem to be short smut reads, now don’t get me wrong I’ve no problem with smut reads after all I read enough of them but for ages now I’ve been looking for a shifter series I can get lost in and here it’s been all this time just sitting on my to-read list.
My only concern going in was the fact that I’m an impatient reader and I knew this was a very descriptive read and I did struggle initially to get into it but once I had I was hooked and I do mean hooked.
I couldn’t put it down which resulted in only 3 hours sleep last night and now I’m moving straight onto the next one.
I’ve been wanting to re-read since my first read. I distracted myself with Beacon Hill series (which I have re-read several times). I told myself I was waiting for the third book. But I couldn’t wait any longer.
It’s just as good (and by good I mean brilliant) as I remembered and it’s straight onto the next one. Which if I remembered rightly cost me several finger nails and bottles of wine.
Original review.
At last an intelligent addictive shifter series.
Once again I’m late to the party, this has been on my to read list for ages and so after seeing a fresh cluster of glowing 5* reviews I decided to dive in.
Since there’s already so many reviews l’ll skip my usual summary and just give my opinion.
Over the years I’ve read a lot of werewolf books, some have been good, some bad but most have been at best average. A lot of shifter books these days seem to be short smut reads, now don’t get me wrong I’ve no problem with smut reads after all I read enough of them but for ages now I’ve been looking for a shifter series I can get lost in and here it’s been all this time just sitting on my to-read list.
My only concern going in was the fact that I’m an impatient reader and I knew this was a very descriptive read and I did struggle initially to get into it but once I had I was hooked and I do mean hooked.
I couldn’t put it down which resulted in only 3 hours sleep last night and now I’m moving straight onto the next one.
July 14, 2024
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
He wanted to go home. Trouble was, he didn’t remember where it was, or who was waiting for him.
I could probably talk about this book for-fucking-ever, so I’m gonna try to keep it short. I’m pretty sure I’ve found my new favorite fated mates/soulmates book, as I can’t think of anything coming close. It’s 496 pages long, but I was dreading finishing it already at 50%. I kept rereading my favorite scenes and interactions as I went, and I wouldn’t mind just reading the entire thing again right away. Thankfully there’s a second book I can start.
This was just way different than anything I’ve read, and a fab take on soulmates. The first time Kane and Luca (later called Ghost) meet, Luca is only 5 years old and already a massive flirt and just a charming kid. Kane is 30 years old, and neither of them have any idea they’re fated. They are then (by power of external fuckery) lost to each other for a long time. The story following that is pretty much just epic.
He sighed, remembering how silly the little cub had been, sneaking looks at him under his lashes, a flirt at five years of age.
We get a lot of different POVs, which I absolutely loved. There was never a moment where I was left wanting to know what a certain character thought, because the author included it. I also think multi POV brings something really special to a story if it’s done well. I especially adore seeing the main characters from a side character’s point of view. It’s like we get to know them better and in a way that isn’t colored by the other MCs love for them.
Ghost got nervous, whining, and looked up at Kane. His alpha cupped his muzzle and ran his thumbs over his eyes, soothing him, making hushing noises.
What made me want to read the book initially was the fact that Luca is stuck in his wolf form for a long time, and I’m pleased to say this was done super well. Luca is very powerful and intelligent, and his mate and friends definitely help, but as you can imagine, not living as a human from age 5 to 19 affects a person, lol. I believe we’ll see even more of this in the second book, but saying that he isn’t the best at navigating tricky social situations is an understatement. It’s very endearing, even if he does create sticky situations, lol.
If you’ve ever read a shifter romance where you felt there was a lack of cuddling, growling, possessiveness, time spent in shifter form, all of that jazz, then look no further. I kept rereading scenes where Luca and Kane interacted both shifted and not, because all of the touching, kisses and cuddles had me dramatically swooning like a 1950s Hollywood starlet.
ALSO. If you’ve read any of my reviews previously, you might have spotted that I often say ‘so and so was forgiven, but my unforgiving ass will never forget’: Behold, a book with a damn decent redemption arc for a side character. His behavior, his trauma and background, how he started to change when someone showed him some kindness and understanding, and just gave him chance? *chefs kiss*. That’s how you do it.
There was quite a few typos, and I didn’t even care. It was still the perfect story for me.
Just pretend like you didn’t see me say I was going to keep it short.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Wolf shifters
Werewolves
Alpha
Shaman (wields magic, healer)
Sort of captivity
Raised as a pet
Age gap
Fated/soulmates
Found family
Size difference
Mind link/mind speak
Virgin MC
Telepathy
Slow burn
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
On-page non-con scene (no MC involved)
Captivity
Gun violence
Graphic violence
Child injured in shooting
Gunshot wounds
Death of side characters
Misogynistic side character
Drugging and sexual assault of children (off page)
Anxiety attacks
Facefucking
Injured MC
Bigotry
Death of a small animal
On-page killing
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No. Kane’s best friend used to be his lover, but they never touch again after the MCs meet. Absolutely no drama.
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, multi POV
Genre: Urban fantasy romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 44 and 19. (Wolfkin have a very long lifespan. It’s not an extreme age gap in their world.)
Pages: 496
He was excited, and he kept trying to make them hear him, but the humans acted like he wasn’t speaking at all. Luca tried to tell them his name, and that he was lost, and that he wanted to go home, but neither one of them heard him.
He shrugged off the memory of the lost cub, and sent a brief prayer to the Great Mother that Luca was at peace, wherever he was.
“Why does it hurt so much? I barely knew the cub. He’s dead, he must be, but it hurts, as if he’s waiting for me to save him, and I just gave up on him,” […]
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
He wanted to go home. Trouble was, he didn’t remember where it was, or who was waiting for him.
I could probably talk about this book for-fucking-ever, so I’m gonna try to keep it short. I’m pretty sure I’ve found my new favorite fated mates/soulmates book, as I can’t think of anything coming close. It’s 496 pages long, but I was dreading finishing it already at 50%. I kept rereading my favorite scenes and interactions as I went, and I wouldn’t mind just reading the entire thing again right away. Thankfully there’s a second book I can start.
This was just way different than anything I’ve read, and a fab take on soulmates. The first time Kane and Luca (later called Ghost) meet, Luca is only 5 years old and already a massive flirt and just a charming kid. Kane is 30 years old, and neither of them have any idea they’re fated. They are then (by power of external fuckery) lost to each other for a long time. The story following that is pretty much just epic.
He sighed, remembering how silly the little cub had been, sneaking looks at him under his lashes, a flirt at five years of age.
We get a lot of different POVs, which I absolutely loved. There was never a moment where I was left wanting to know what a certain character thought, because the author included it. I also think multi POV brings something really special to a story if it’s done well. I especially adore seeing the main characters from a side character’s point of view. It’s like we get to know them better and in a way that isn’t colored by the other MCs love for them.
Ghost got nervous, whining, and looked up at Kane. His alpha cupped his muzzle and ran his thumbs over his eyes, soothing him, making hushing noises.
What made me want to read the book initially was the fact that Luca is stuck in his wolf form for a long time, and I’m pleased to say this was done super well. Luca is very powerful and intelligent, and his mate and friends definitely help, but as you can imagine, not living as a human from age 5 to 19 affects a person, lol. I believe we’ll see even more of this in the second book, but saying that he isn’t the best at navigating tricky social situations is an understatement. It’s very endearing, even if he does create sticky situations, lol.
If you’ve ever read a shifter romance where you felt there was a lack of cuddling, growling, possessiveness, time spent in shifter form, all of that jazz, then look no further. I kept rereading scenes where Luca and Kane interacted both shifted and not, because all of the touching, kisses and cuddles had me dramatically swooning like a 1950s Hollywood starlet.
ALSO. If you’ve read any of my reviews previously, you might have spotted that I often say ‘so and so was forgiven, but my unforgiving ass will never forget’: Behold, a book with a damn decent redemption arc for a side character. His behavior, his trauma and background, how he started to change when someone showed him some kindness and understanding, and just gave him chance? *chefs kiss*. That’s how you do it.
There was quite a few typos, and I didn’t even care. It was still the perfect story for me.
Just pretend like you didn’t see me say I was going to keep it short.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Wolf shifters
Werewolves
Alpha
Shaman (wields magic, healer)
Sort of captivity
Raised as a pet
Age gap
Fated/soulmates
Found family
Size difference
Mind link/mind speak
Virgin MC
Telepathy
Slow burn
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
On-page non-con scene (no MC involved)
Captivity
Gun violence
Graphic violence
Child injured in shooting
Gunshot wounds
Death of side characters
Misogynistic side character
Drugging and sexual assault of children (off page)
Anxiety attacks
Facefucking
Injured MC
Bigotry
Death of a small animal
On-page killing
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No. Kane’s best friend used to be his lover, but they never touch again after the MCs meet. Absolutely no drama.
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, multi POV
Genre: Urban fantasy romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 44 and 19. (Wolfkin have a very long lifespan. It’s not an extreme age gap in their world.)
Pages: 496
He was excited, and he kept trying to make them hear him, but the humans acted like he wasn’t speaking at all. Luca tried to tell them his name, and that he was lost, and that he wanted to go home, but neither one of them heard him.
He shrugged off the memory of the lost cub, and sent a brief prayer to the Great Mother that Luca was at peace, wherever he was.
“Why does it hurt so much? I barely knew the cub. He’s dead, he must be, but it hurts, as if he’s waiting for me to save him, and I just gave up on him,” […]
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
February 22, 2018
~WHO LET THE WOLVES OUT~
4.5
Whoa, whoa, whoa. What a ride this was, a magical wolfy ride of epic proportions. I can say with honesty I’ve never read a gay shifter book where the characters are so woven into the world building. It wasn’t just about, you’re my mate and I claim you its a world of magic, politics, friendship, and family. I went in with a slight trepidation thinking it would take me at least a week to read or I might DNF at some point. Oh ever did I play myself!! I devoured this in a little over a day. Wolves of Black Pine gripped me by the pants and didn’t let go.
Shamans, Alphas, Betas, lesser Alphas, all with some kind of strong gift is what this shifter world is made of. Little Luca was meant to be a great shaman, because his grandfather said so and he was to teach him ways of a wolf so revered and honoured by its people. Until a traitor among their midst snuffed his light and his family. Now he’s lost his grandfather and the security of the pack. He now has to navigate a world he doesn’t know in the body of a wolf that came too early.
Kane has spent the last 15yrs searching for a traitor within their midst and looking for the humans responsible for the death of his pack-mates and of his little Luca. A light so bright gone so quick, but deep in hearts of hearts Kane feels like Luca isn’t gone. Even though 15yrs have passed but the hope in heart has never faded. Now wolves are going missing, turning up dead, and it’s all connecting to that heartbreaking day. Someone’s hunting wolves and Kane is hunting them.
I’m not gonna get too deep into the meat of it, but let’s say Kane’s feelings were spot on and little Luca ain’t so dead and ain’t so Luca anymore. Things happen, people change, and love comes a knocking. With all that they still have to catch some killers.
Things I liked: The world building is A+ it totally had me captivated. Its not just a backdrop to a love story but intricately woven into the story telling.
Love all the Alpha dynamics and hierarchy. It leads to salty feeling individuals.
I loved the relationships, pretty much all the characters (except the assholes I didn’t like them).
Things I didn’t like: The coming together of Ghost (aka Luca) and Kane. It just didn’t sit well with me. It was too easy, too freaking perfect their coming together. I can understand Kane’s joy of finally having Luca home but their progression to an actual relationship was too soon.
Which leads me to my other thing. Ghost took to everything like fish in water. Too easy peasy beautiful cover girl for my liking. All of it made the book a good read instead of a great one.
The fact that it is so damn long. While its entertaining, it needed a tightness because after awhile I felt like I was coming down from a sugar rush. I felt like it needed to be a lot cleaner.
Every bad thing that happened felt too formulated. I wanted to be surprised and I never was. Ever!!
Regardless, I very much enjoyed reading Wolves of Black Pine. The author is solid at storytelling and created a wonderful shifter world. I’m looking forward to reading the sequel but I’m in no hurry.
4.5
Whoa, whoa, whoa. What a ride this was, a magical wolfy ride of epic proportions. I can say with honesty I’ve never read a gay shifter book where the characters are so woven into the world building. It wasn’t just about, you’re my mate and I claim you its a world of magic, politics, friendship, and family. I went in with a slight trepidation thinking it would take me at least a week to read or I might DNF at some point. Oh ever did I play myself!! I devoured this in a little over a day. Wolves of Black Pine gripped me by the pants and didn’t let go.
Shamans, Alphas, Betas, lesser Alphas, all with some kind of strong gift is what this shifter world is made of. Little Luca was meant to be a great shaman, because his grandfather said so and he was to teach him ways of a wolf so revered and honoured by its people. Until a traitor among their midst snuffed his light and his family. Now he’s lost his grandfather and the security of the pack. He now has to navigate a world he doesn’t know in the body of a wolf that came too early.
Kane has spent the last 15yrs searching for a traitor within their midst and looking for the humans responsible for the death of his pack-mates and of his little Luca. A light so bright gone so quick, but deep in hearts of hearts Kane feels like Luca isn’t gone. Even though 15yrs have passed but the hope in heart has never faded. Now wolves are going missing, turning up dead, and it’s all connecting to that heartbreaking day. Someone’s hunting wolves and Kane is hunting them.
I’m not gonna get too deep into the meat of it, but let’s say Kane’s feelings were spot on and little Luca ain’t so dead and ain’t so Luca anymore. Things happen, people change, and love comes a knocking. With all that they still have to catch some killers.
Things I liked: The world building is A+ it totally had me captivated. Its not just a backdrop to a love story but intricately woven into the story telling.
Love all the Alpha dynamics and hierarchy. It leads to salty feeling individuals.
I loved the relationships, pretty much all the characters (except the assholes I didn’t like them).
Things I didn’t like: The coming together of Ghost (aka Luca) and Kane. It just didn’t sit well with me. It was too easy, too freaking perfect their coming together. I can understand Kane’s joy of finally having Luca home but their progression to an actual relationship was too soon.
Which leads me to my other thing. Ghost took to everything like fish in water. Too easy peasy beautiful cover girl for my liking. All of it made the book a good read instead of a great one.
The fact that it is so damn long. While its entertaining, it needed a tightness because after awhile I felt like I was coming down from a sugar rush. I felt like it needed to be a lot cleaner.
Every bad thing that happened felt too formulated. I wanted to be surprised and I never was. Ever!!
Regardless, I very much enjoyed reading Wolves of Black Pine. The author is solid at storytelling and created a wonderful shifter world. I’m looking forward to reading the sequel but I’m in no hurry.
November 7, 2017
Let me start by saying I absolutely LOVED the sweet relationship between Alpha Kane and his adorable Luca/Ghost. But unfortunately this book is incredibly long and the relationship only plays a small roll in it.
This book started with some explanation about the Alphas, betas and shamans this world has. Kane is the Alpha heir and one of the few to have The Voice. He can compel any wolf to do his bidding. Except a shaman. Shamans are always the sweetest, gentlest of wolves with great magic without wanting to abuse their power.
When the Black Pine Wolves are attacked by humans, 5 year old Luca disappears. Kane is heartbroken that he couldn’t save the little boy. For some reason he feels more heartbroken than he should be about one of his pack members.
Meanwhile Luca has been picked up by some humans who run a wolf sanctuary and who think he is a regular wolf cub. They take him home and continue to care for him, not knowing he could turn into a little boy. But Luca doesn’t quite know how to change back by himself, so he stays a wolf.
15 years later it is clear that Ghost (as the humans have named Luca) is not a regular wolf. When a couple of scientists show up to see Ghost they try to take Ghost, but Ghost stops them by using spirit fire. Glen and Cat realize Ghost is magic and decide to bring him back to where they found him, since they basically kidnapped him all those years ago (with good intentions).
It is not long before Kane finds the humans and the strange wolf with them. As soon as Kane sees Ghost he knows it is Luca. It is also immediately clear that the two share a soul bond and are meant for each other. But there are rules against an Alpha and a shaman mating, because they would be too powerful together…
While I like how sweet Luca and Kane were with each other, I didn’t care much about the rest of the story. And there was a lot of it. I tried to get into it, but I only wanted more Kane and Luca.
I am also really not one for multiple POV’s. And it seemed everyone in this got page time. I even had to read about the two villains having sex! Seriously, why would I want to read that??
Kane and Luca (Ghost) are reunited at 50% in the book, and OMG what a long 50% it was. We get told the entire history of the world the author created. I wasn’t interested in that at all.
While I would have loved a book simply about Kane and Luca, we didn’t get that here. So 3 stars it is.
This book started with some explanation about the Alphas, betas and shamans this world has. Kane is the Alpha heir and one of the few to have The Voice. He can compel any wolf to do his bidding. Except a shaman. Shamans are always the sweetest, gentlest of wolves with great magic without wanting to abuse their power.
When the Black Pine Wolves are attacked by humans, 5 year old Luca disappears. Kane is heartbroken that he couldn’t save the little boy. For some reason he feels more heartbroken than he should be about one of his pack members.
Meanwhile Luca has been picked up by some humans who run a wolf sanctuary and who think he is a regular wolf cub. They take him home and continue to care for him, not knowing he could turn into a little boy. But Luca doesn’t quite know how to change back by himself, so he stays a wolf.
15 years later it is clear that Ghost (as the humans have named Luca) is not a regular wolf. When a couple of scientists show up to see Ghost they try to take Ghost, but Ghost stops them by using spirit fire. Glen and Cat realize Ghost is magic and decide to bring him back to where they found him, since they basically kidnapped him all those years ago (with good intentions).
It is not long before Kane finds the humans and the strange wolf with them. As soon as Kane sees Ghost he knows it is Luca. It is also immediately clear that the two share a soul bond and are meant for each other. But there are rules against an Alpha and a shaman mating, because they would be too powerful together…
While I like how sweet Luca and Kane were with each other, I didn’t care much about the rest of the story. And there was a lot of it. I tried to get into it, but I only wanted more Kane and Luca.
I am also really not one for multiple POV’s. And it seemed everyone in this got page time. I even had to read about the two villains having sex! Seriously, why would I want to read that??
Kane and Luca (Ghost) are reunited at 50% in the book, and OMG what a long 50% it was. We get told the entire history of the world the author created. I wasn’t interested in that at all.
While I would have loved a book simply about Kane and Luca, we didn’t get that here. So 3 stars it is.
Want to read
January 24, 2018Exciting Kindle freebie, 1/24/18!
July 21, 2017
5 plus RIVETING STARS!!!
The book’s summary had me curious about the story. I was only going to check out the sample, because I was pretty sure it would be too angsty and too long to hold my interest. Yeah, right!!! I friggin’ loved every word, every page, every damn thing about this book!!! The author is an incredible storyteller, and her writing is beautiful.
When I read a romance novel, I want it to be all or mostly about the MCs. With this book, it’s not just about the MCs, but that was okay because all the characters were so engaging. I ended up falling in love with them just as much as I did the MCs. Oh and the MCs, Kane and Ghost, to die for. So sweet and affectionate with one another. *sigh*
I can’t say enough about how much I loved this book. A true bright spot in my 2017 reads so far!
The book’s summary had me curious about the story. I was only going to check out the sample, because I was pretty sure it would be too angsty and too long to hold my interest. Yeah, right!!! I friggin’ loved every word, every page, every damn thing about this book!!! The author is an incredible storyteller, and her writing is beautiful.
When I read a romance novel, I want it to be all or mostly about the MCs. With this book, it’s not just about the MCs, but that was okay because all the characters were so engaging. I ended up falling in love with them just as much as I did the MCs. Oh and the MCs, Kane and Ghost, to die for. So sweet and affectionate with one another. *sigh*
I can’t say enough about how much I loved this book. A true bright spot in my 2017 reads so far!
March 17, 2018
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Well well well, what a surprise this was. The world building is on the wordy side and although this slowed things down a bit for the first 20%, I was fascinated with the world the author was building. The shaman gifts, the pack links, The Voice, The Speaker, I could go on and on. Bloody genius!
What a refreshing change to read a shifter book that's got more story than smut. Don't get me wrong, Kane and Ghost were hot together but I loved that there was a fantastic, clever and unique story in there rather than the same old "bang their brains out" smut that a lot of PN books seem to suffer from. Kane and Ghost are apart for the majority of the book and you know what, I didn't mind that in the least, the story was just that good.
I absolutely adored Kane and Ghost together, if ever two characters were perfect for each other it's these two. Loved so many of the other characters as well and hope we get to see a lot more of them in future books. I need to see Burke get his happy, Caius too (I'm thinking that man has demons).
I'm going straight on to the next book because I really don't want to leave the Black Pine Wolves
Well well well, what a surprise this was. The world building is on the wordy side and although this slowed things down a bit for the first 20%, I was fascinated with the world the author was building. The shaman gifts, the pack links, The Voice, The Speaker, I could go on and on. Bloody genius!
What a refreshing change to read a shifter book that's got more story than smut. Don't get me wrong, Kane and Ghost were hot together but I loved that there was a fantastic, clever and unique story in there rather than the same old "bang their brains out" smut that a lot of PN books seem to suffer from. Kane and Ghost are apart for the majority of the book and you know what, I didn't mind that in the least, the story was just that good.
I absolutely adored Kane and Ghost together, if ever two characters were perfect for each other it's these two. Loved so many of the other characters as well and hope we get to see a lot more of them in future books. I need to see Burke get his happy, Caius too (I'm thinking that man has demons).
I'm going straight on to the next book because I really don't want to leave the Black Pine Wolves
April 26, 2022
4.3 stars.
Eu tenho uma fascinação com histórias de lobisomens, adoro isso de matilha, ligação de almas gêmeas e etc. Wolves of black pine foi uma história de lobos muito diferente das que estou acostumada.
Aqui os lobos tem habilidades muito interessantes, além de serem lobisomens, alguns personagens tem dons bem legais e alguns nascem como xamãs ( tipo um lobo x-men 😅). Logo no início conhecemos sobre o poder xamã, sobre companheiros de almas, tudo explicado por Gray Shadow.
Confesso que demorei um pouco para compreender algumas coisas, o lance da idade dos lobos foi uma coisa que foi difícil de compreender. Fiquei na dúvida de quem seria o casal dessa história.. Lucas tinha 5 no início, Kane tinha 30, uma suuuuper diferença de idade 👀 Anos depois Lucas está com 19 e Kane com 45 anos ( o cara poderia ser pai dele). Foi explicado que na idade lobo os anos passam diferentes e etc, não me importei muito com isso. Lucas não é menor, passou dos 18 já é legal e sinceramente... Sua química com daddy Kane foi muito boa e quente 🔥 Realmente foi uma conexão da lua mística ( eu usando frases de wolfsong 😂).
Conexão deles foi tão abrasadora que minutos depois de Lucas virar humano após 14 anos como lobo ( já estavam se comendo)...Fogo no parquinho kkkkkkkkkkk ( tento fazer resenhas sem escrever bobagens). Não sou problematizadora de idade quando os personagens já são maiores e sabem o que estão fazendo!
O livro tem uma narração bem detalhada e explicativa, tudo bem que a autora se repetia em alguns momentos e poderia ter poupado algumas páginas. Tirando esse problema, achei uma ótima leitura. Uma história diferente de lobisomens, agora é ler o segundo livro para saber como vai terminar. Posso amar ou odiar, vai depender de como será o fim.
Eu tenho uma fascinação com histórias de lobisomens, adoro isso de matilha, ligação de almas gêmeas e etc. Wolves of black pine foi uma história de lobos muito diferente das que estou acostumada.
Aqui os lobos tem habilidades muito interessantes, além de serem lobisomens, alguns personagens tem dons bem legais e alguns nascem como xamãs ( tipo um lobo x-men 😅). Logo no início conhecemos sobre o poder xamã, sobre companheiros de almas, tudo explicado por Gray Shadow.
Confesso que demorei um pouco para compreender algumas coisas, o lance da idade dos lobos foi uma coisa que foi difícil de compreender. Fiquei na dúvida de quem seria o casal dessa história.. Lucas tinha 5 no início, Kane tinha 30, uma suuuuper diferença de idade 👀 Anos depois Lucas está com 19 e Kane com 45 anos ( o cara poderia ser pai dele). Foi explicado que na idade lobo os anos passam diferentes e etc, não me importei muito com isso. Lucas não é menor, passou dos 18 já é legal e sinceramente... Sua química com daddy Kane foi muito boa e quente 🔥 Realmente foi uma conexão da lua mística ( eu usando frases de wolfsong 😂).
Conexão deles foi tão abrasadora que minutos depois de Lucas virar humano após 14 anos como lobo ( já estavam se comendo)...Fogo no parquinho kkkkkkkkkkk ( tento fazer resenhas sem escrever bobagens). Não sou problematizadora de idade quando os personagens já são maiores e sabem o que estão fazendo!
O livro tem uma narração bem detalhada e explicativa, tudo bem que a autora se repetia em alguns momentos e poderia ter poupado algumas páginas. Tirando esse problema, achei uma ótima leitura. Uma história diferente de lobisomens, agora é ler o segundo livro para saber como vai terminar. Posso amar ou odiar, vai depender de como será o fim.
February 28, 2018
**** If you like werewolves, you must read this one !****
This is a beautiful werewolf saga, magnificently written, intricately woven, and deliriously stunning. The various characters range from divine to evil.
I was hooked immediately by this writing, the anticipation. Yes, it's a long tale, but so worth it.
I loved Luca first as the sweet grandchild of the Shaman, and later as Shaman Ghost.
He has an innate gift, which mimics his beloved grandfather, Grey Shadow, common sense and restraint with his magic.
Alpha Kane is solid, calm, intelligent, powerful, and an amazing, honorable leader. He too uses his gifts wisely.
There are problems to solve, rules to follow, good-hearted folks, and vicious bad guys. As with many elders, they cannot seem to bend with the new ways.
Ghost and Kane's sexy times are magically overpowering, raw and deeply emotional. It is first times for Ghost.
This is a marvelous tale, so mesmerizing.
Highly recommended. I look forward to book two.
ENJOY !
======
Thank you sweet Melissa for the rec.
======
This is a beautiful werewolf saga, magnificently written, intricately woven, and deliriously stunning. The various characters range from divine to evil.
I was hooked immediately by this writing, the anticipation. Yes, it's a long tale, but so worth it.
I loved Luca first as the sweet grandchild of the Shaman, and later as Shaman Ghost.
He has an innate gift, which mimics his beloved grandfather, Grey Shadow, common sense and restraint with his magic.
Alpha Kane is solid, calm, intelligent, powerful, and an amazing, honorable leader. He too uses his gifts wisely.
There are problems to solve, rules to follow, good-hearted folks, and vicious bad guys. As with many elders, they cannot seem to bend with the new ways.
Ghost and Kane's sexy times are magically overpowering, raw and deeply emotional. It is first times for Ghost.
This is a marvelous tale, so mesmerizing.
Highly recommended. I look forward to book two.
ENJOY !
======
Thank you sweet Melissa for the rec.
======
July 19, 2017
I couldn’t put this down.
I’m not sure what it was exactly about this book but it grabbed me and would not let go.
I honestly should have been frustrated and rolling my eyes but I wasn’t. What should have felt like too many pages and too many words and too long to get there did not. If anything my heart just raced and raced and I couldn’t wait and I loved the anticipation.
Yes. That was the best part of this book. How it made me feel like I was on the edge of my seat. Exciting.
I couldn’t put this down.
The world building.
The supporting characters.
The mythology.
The magic.
Ghost and Kane. Gah! How perfect!
Really, there was just something about this book that totally worked for me.
I’m calling it a favorite of 2017.
I couldn’t put this down.
I’m not sure what it was exactly about this book but it grabbed me and would not let go.
I honestly should have been frustrated and rolling my eyes but I wasn’t. What should have felt like too many pages and too many words and too long to get there did not. If anything my heart just raced and raced and I couldn’t wait and I loved the anticipation.
Yes. That was the best part of this book. How it made me feel like I was on the edge of my seat. Exciting.
I couldn’t put this down.
The world building.
The supporting characters.
The mythology.
The magic.
Ghost and Kane. Gah! How perfect!
Really, there was just something about this book that totally worked for me.
I’m calling it a favorite of 2017.
I couldn’t put this down.
August 20, 2019
Awww HELL naw, she’s not leaving me here!!! *runs to read Wolf of the Northern Star!*
Loved it loved it LOVED IT, every damn thing!
Except the cliffhanger. 😒
*dustcloud*
Loved it loved it LOVED IT, every damn thing!
Except the cliffhanger. 😒
*dustcloud*
April 21, 2022
On to favourites shelf , and merrily steaming on to the next book !
August 16, 2019
This was amazing, I love this author so much!
RTC
~*~
Wow! What a journey this book takes you on, from start to finish.
This book starts when Luca, later called Ghost, is 5 years old, and Kane is 30....except they barely meet, and Luca is just a sweet kid at his grandfather's little event where he's telling all the kids about the history of the werewolves, and Luca keeps talking in the most adorable way because he's heard it all before.
Kane is in the back of the tent to just get away from it all for a bit, and he remembers Gray Shadow's stories as well. Kane is what is known as a greater Alpha and the Heir to to the Black Pine Clan, set to take over when Caius, Luca's other grandfather, passes someday.
What's interesting is that werewolves in this universe live for centuries - probably around 300 years to 400 years I'm guessing - so Kane is still considered a "whelp" at the age of 30, even though that is full on adult for us.
But then, at this gathering of wolves, they are betrayed and attacked by humans, and Luca is pulled into a river by a dying bad guy, and while Kane runs after him to try to save him, he can't find him. But Gray Shadow, a powerful shaman - a type of werewolf that has powers, more powers than the typical werewolf - gives the last of his life to save Luca, although it comes at a price of Luca turning into a wolf too early and not knowing how to get back to human.
And when humans come across him - well meaning, but misguided (because how can you expect werewolves to be real?) - who run a wolf sanctuary, they take Luca thinking he was abandoned by a human owner, because he behaves like he's used to humans.
And so almost 15 years go by, with Kane never having found Luca, but thinking he was still alive, while others, like Luca's own grandfather, believed him to be dead.
So fast forward all those years, Luca is now 20 years old, but still in wolf form. Kane is 45, but still pretty young in werewolf years.
Things happen with betrayals, the humans kidnapping all these wolves over the year to try to use werewolves and their power (even betas have some power) to benefit them (what else is new with humans *sigh*).
Along the way, Ghost is reunited with Kane. It takes awhile, until about the 50% mark in a fairly long book, for these two to reunite with Ghost as an adult, but when it happens it is wonderful and I just loved them together.
Turns out they have a soulbond too (and Kane hasn't been with anyone else in 15 years, not understanding why he found no other werewolf appealing, it just was what it was.) which is basically forbidden in werewolf society because Alphas, especially greater Alphas and Shamans are not supposed to be soulbonded, because that means they can share their powers with each other, and the legend is that before there were shamans, Alphas just had all these powers and went mad with power, and so the Great Mother (creator of werewolves) made shamans to split all the powers werewolves can have, especially the big, powerful....powers haha into two, and shaman werewolves tended to be more sweet and kind and level headed, capable of wielding that power for good instead of destruction.
But if their soulbond and dealing with people find out wasn't enough, the humans are coming back to try to kill/take them again and they all have to fight them off, and the betrayer who led the humans to them.
There was so much going on this book, but it all flowed together so well. I didn't even mind that it took until 50% to get these two reunited as adults (although I was eager for when it happened), because everything happening before that was important to the plot.
The only teensy tiny thing that made me go "huh...okay" was when the two bad guys (the main human trying to hurt the werewolves and the werewolf who betrays them) have sex on page? And it escalated quickly too. They've known each other for years and years and nothing has happened, no hint of any attraction, and then the human guy is all the sudden attracted to him, but also he's resistant and of course the other bad guy is...well, bad and doesn't back down and kind of makes it happen, and barely uses any lube...and I would totally say it's rape except the guy did like it?? So yeah, definitely were the dubious consent tag comes from.
But for me it just felt so out of place and random that I was like "okay, dunno why this is happening, but okay..." I mean unless it becomes a bigger thing in the next book, i dunno why it needed to be included.
But other than that very small piece, I loved this whole book. All the characters were interesting, had depth, and Ghost and Kane's relationship made sense, and I just wanted more between these two (thankfully there's a second book ;)).
This really was a saga, but SO worth the read. Such a new and unique turn to the usual werewolf story as well. Loved this, and I HIGHLY recommend! <3
RTC
~*~
Wow! What a journey this book takes you on, from start to finish.
This book starts when Luca, later called Ghost, is 5 years old, and Kane is 30....except they barely meet, and Luca is just a sweet kid at his grandfather's little event where he's telling all the kids about the history of the werewolves, and Luca keeps talking in the most adorable way because he's heard it all before.
Kane is in the back of the tent to just get away from it all for a bit, and he remembers Gray Shadow's stories as well. Kane is what is known as a greater Alpha and the Heir to to the Black Pine Clan, set to take over when Caius, Luca's other grandfather, passes someday.
What's interesting is that werewolves in this universe live for centuries - probably around 300 years to 400 years I'm guessing - so Kane is still considered a "whelp" at the age of 30, even though that is full on adult for us.
But then, at this gathering of wolves, they are betrayed and attacked by humans, and Luca is pulled into a river by a dying bad guy, and while Kane runs after him to try to save him, he can't find him. But Gray Shadow, a powerful shaman - a type of werewolf that has powers, more powers than the typical werewolf - gives the last of his life to save Luca, although it comes at a price of Luca turning into a wolf too early and not knowing how to get back to human.
And when humans come across him - well meaning, but misguided (because how can you expect werewolves to be real?) - who run a wolf sanctuary, they take Luca thinking he was abandoned by a human owner, because he behaves like he's used to humans.
And so almost 15 years go by, with Kane never having found Luca, but thinking he was still alive, while others, like Luca's own grandfather, believed him to be dead.
So fast forward all those years, Luca is now 20 years old, but still in wolf form. Kane is 45, but still pretty young in werewolf years.
Things happen with betrayals, the humans kidnapping all these wolves over the year to try to use werewolves and their power (even betas have some power) to benefit them (what else is new with humans *sigh*).
Along the way, Ghost is reunited with Kane. It takes awhile, until about the 50% mark in a fairly long book, for these two to reunite with Ghost as an adult, but when it happens it is wonderful and I just loved them together.
Turns out they have a soulbond too (and Kane hasn't been with anyone else in 15 years, not understanding why he found no other werewolf appealing, it just was what it was.) which is basically forbidden in werewolf society because Alphas, especially greater Alphas and Shamans are not supposed to be soulbonded, because that means they can share their powers with each other, and the legend is that before there were shamans, Alphas just had all these powers and went mad with power, and so the Great Mother (creator of werewolves) made shamans to split all the powers werewolves can have, especially the big, powerful....powers haha into two, and shaman werewolves tended to be more sweet and kind and level headed, capable of wielding that power for good instead of destruction.
But if their soulbond and dealing with people find out wasn't enough, the humans are coming back to try to kill/take them again and they all have to fight them off, and the betrayer who led the humans to them.
There was so much going on this book, but it all flowed together so well. I didn't even mind that it took until 50% to get these two reunited as adults (although I was eager for when it happened), because everything happening before that was important to the plot.
The only teensy tiny thing that made me go "huh...okay" was when the two bad guys (the main human trying to hurt the werewolves and the werewolf who betrays them) have sex on page? And it escalated quickly too. They've known each other for years and years and nothing has happened, no hint of any attraction, and then the human guy is all the sudden attracted to him, but also he's resistant and of course the other bad guy is...well, bad and doesn't back down and kind of makes it happen, and barely uses any lube...and I would totally say it's rape except the guy did like it?? So yeah, definitely were the dubious consent tag comes from.
But for me it just felt so out of place and random that I was like "okay, dunno why this is happening, but okay..." I mean unless it becomes a bigger thing in the next book, i dunno why it needed to be included.
But other than that very small piece, I loved this whole book. All the characters were interesting, had depth, and Ghost and Kane's relationship made sense, and I just wanted more between these two (thankfully there's a second book ;)).
This really was a saga, but SO worth the read. Such a new and unique turn to the usual werewolf story as well. Loved this, and I HIGHLY recommend! <3
July 5, 2017
Holy hell was this book slow going.
If ever there were a shifter book to make me want to quit the genre this was it. The premise is what drew me in. I loved this idea of a soulmate being thought dead for years (15 years to be exact) and yet he is still out there trying to find his way home.
That all sounded good and lovely but our MC's don't even find each other again until the 50% mark and its a loooooong 50% let me tell you. Not only that, we get a history lesson in the beginning that reminded me way too much of college. No thank you. I prefer my history thrown in by bits and pieces throughout the story.
Even when we did get some action between the two, it just didn't feel organic to me. Maybe it's from the boredom felt in the first 65% but I just couldn't get into it.
So unfortunately this didn't work for me. It was a schwing and a miss.
On to the next!
If ever there were a shifter book to make me want to quit the genre this was it. The premise is what drew me in. I loved this idea of a soulmate being thought dead for years (15 years to be exact) and yet he is still out there trying to find his way home.
That all sounded good and lovely but our MC's don't even find each other again until the 50% mark and its a loooooong 50% let me tell you. Not only that, we get a history lesson in the beginning that reminded me way too much of college. No thank you. I prefer my history thrown in by bits and pieces throughout the story.
Even when we did get some action between the two, it just didn't feel organic to me. Maybe it's from the boredom felt in the first 65% but I just couldn't get into it.
So unfortunately this didn't work for me. It was a schwing and a miss.
On to the next!
April 26, 2018
4-26-18
This is on a countdown deal at Amazon. On sale for .99cents for approximately 3 more days.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YI33Q06/
2017 Review
Yep, another shifter story. :-D
I really enjoyed this. I recently picked this one up from Amazon since it was free (I don't think it is anymore). You know when you finish a story and you are not at home so you look thru your kindle to find something to read? So I picked this :) . I do want to warn you that the editing was not done well; there are a lot of typos and things that really bothered me but they got better (I thought) as the story went on.
Since this is a shifter story, you can bet the connection between Ghost and Kane is instant, but not only is it instant, it is INSTANT! They didn't question their connection or joy or whatever they felt at seeing the other again after 15 years. They are both in wolf form and are just all over each other, rubbing and licking and piling on the other. It was cute, don't get me wrong, and I TOTALLY enjoyed it (it was just adorbs), but not once did either of them even question it; they just acted as if nothing was weird.
This story could have been a lot shorter too because there were alternate POVS. You have Ghost and Kane, which yay!! LOVE those alternating POVs between MCs. But then you also get the bad guys POV (yes, plural), as well as other characters POV. It's the bad guys plotting and evilness I didn't care to read about, so I skipped a lot of that because it didn't add anything for me.
There is a lot going in this story (bitter rivalry within the pack; the hunt for those responsible for killing and kidnapping their wolfkin; later Luca/Ghost being found), and once the action takes off, everything happens in a short amount of time. All in all, an enjoyable read and I look forward to the next book in the series. :)
This is on a countdown deal at Amazon. On sale for .99cents for approximately 3 more days.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YI33Q06/
2017 Review
Yep, another shifter story. :-D
I really enjoyed this. I recently picked this one up from Amazon since it was free (I don't think it is anymore). You know when you finish a story and you are not at home so you look thru your kindle to find something to read? So I picked this :) . I do want to warn you that the editing was not done well; there are a lot of typos and things that really bothered me but they got better (I thought) as the story went on.
Since this is a shifter story, you can bet the connection between Ghost and Kane is instant, but not only is it instant, it is INSTANT! They didn't question their connection or joy or whatever they felt at seeing the other again after 15 years. They are both in wolf form and are just all over each other, rubbing and licking and piling on the other. It was cute, don't get me wrong, and I TOTALLY enjoyed it (it was just adorbs), but not once did either of them even question it; they just acted as if nothing was weird.
This story could have been a lot shorter too because there were alternate POVS. You have Ghost and Kane, which yay!! LOVE those alternating POVs between MCs. But then you also get the bad guys POV (yes, plural), as well as other characters POV. It's the bad guys plotting and evilness I didn't care to read about, so I skipped a lot of that because it didn't add anything for me.
There is a lot going in this story (bitter rivalry within the pack; the hunt for those responsible for killing and kidnapping their wolfkin; later Luca/Ghost being found), and once the action takes off, everything happens in a short amount of time. All in all, an enjoyable read and I look forward to the next book in the series. :)
May 10, 2020
This is certainly a book with a difference.
I loved …
- the fantastic world building – the author has put a huge amount of thought into this!
- The multiple POVs work really well here – this felt like watching a movie.
- Kane, the gentle, responsible but powerful alpha. He’s a dream of an alpha come true, although he hasn’t reached his potential yet.
- Luca/Ghost, the shaman who has such a sweet nature, is my total favourite - his innate goodness is touching, his spectacular powers are awesome.
- Their first time going all the way is truly epic and chuckle-worthy!
- The descriptions of magic – the author’s imagination is truly amazing.
- the tense and captivating plot.
However, I think …
- This book is very long. I don’t mind the length in itself at all, but, imho, many scenes could have been shortened easily, particularly cutting down the first half of the book.
- Speaking of which – the first 50% really pushed my patience. Everything is too drawn out and overly detailed, but mostly, the MCs don’t meet until about midway. (my top niggle!)
- The author repeats explanations and descriptions far too often. Whether it’s about powers, how the social hierarchy of the wolves works, character traits – it’s repeated again and again for no reason. It got a little bit irritating towards the end.
- I was surprised how quickly Luca/Ghost and Kane fall into sex. Yes, they are in a soulbond, but Luca has been a human for not even a day before ‘things happen’.
- I also expected a much lengthier process of Luca getting used to his humanity and learning things about wolves. He simply ‘knows’ that he’s soulbonded, for example, although he can't have any knowledge of this rare thing. It seems a shame for rushing through this, considering how many words are used for other events. (I could have totally done without the sex scene between Simon and Roman, for example)
Still, there’s no doubt that this is very worth reading. And I have no choice but go straight to book 2!
I loved …
- the fantastic world building – the author has put a huge amount of thought into this!
- The multiple POVs work really well here – this felt like watching a movie.
- Kane, the gentle, responsible but powerful alpha. He’s a dream of an alpha come true, although he hasn’t reached his potential yet.
- Luca/Ghost, the shaman who has such a sweet nature, is my total favourite - his innate goodness is touching, his spectacular powers are awesome.
- Their first time going all the way is truly epic and chuckle-worthy!
- The descriptions of magic – the author’s imagination is truly amazing.
- the tense and captivating plot.
However, I think …
- This book is very long. I don’t mind the length in itself at all, but, imho, many scenes could have been shortened easily, particularly cutting down the first half of the book.
- Speaking of which – the first 50% really pushed my patience. Everything is too drawn out and overly detailed, but mostly, the MCs don’t meet until about midway. (my top niggle!)
- The author repeats explanations and descriptions far too often. Whether it’s about powers, how the social hierarchy of the wolves works, character traits – it’s repeated again and again for no reason. It got a little bit irritating towards the end.
- I was surprised how quickly Luca/Ghost and Kane fall into sex. Yes, they are in a soulbond, but Luca has been a human for not even a day before ‘things happen’.
- I also expected a much lengthier process of Luca getting used to his humanity and learning things about wolves. He simply ‘knows’ that he’s soulbonded, for example, although he can't have any knowledge of this rare thing. It seems a shame for rushing through this, considering how many words are used for other events. (I could have totally done without the sex scene between Simon and Roman, for example)
Still, there’s no doubt that this is very worth reading. And I have no choice but go straight to book 2!
January 26, 2018
Was-interesting-enough-to-keep-reading-but-it-all-could-have-been-said-with-less-details-and-repetition-2.25-starred-read
The sequel is even longer?!?
The sequel is even longer?!?
July 5, 2015
Entertaining m/m shifter romance. This is a fairly long novel rich in detail and mysticism about the shifter world. It reminded me a little of Lupa Garneau's Children of the Shairobi series. The MC's are separated while Luca is still a child and don't meet up again till 50% into the story. Once they are together though sparks and soulbonds fly. I liked all the pack and found the conflict to be an interesting take on the usual "evil humans capturing and testing the noble shifters" storyline. There is a pretty graphic rape scene between two of the bad guys towards the end so be warned. It ends at a satisfying place but things are far from resolved and I'm looking forward to book two coming out later this year. There are a few typos (I think it's self pubbed).
January 16, 2022
I have to say I was a little apprehensive to start this book based on the length of the story. Once I started the book it just flew by!! It had packed a bit of everything from pack dynamics, angst, humor and romance/bonding.
Luca was my absolute favorite character! He was an exceptional caring wolf/person, he just went with instinct without realizing how incredible he was. Yes, he was more or less still young without the bias of adults and their deceitful ways but I truly believe Luca as a person in general was special and totally fit with Kane and gave Kane a playful side he needed. ;-) I was so glad I can start the 2nd book ASAP!!!!!!!
Luca was my absolute favorite character! He was an exceptional caring wolf/person, he just went with instinct without realizing how incredible he was. Yes, he was more or less still young without the bias of adults and their deceitful ways but I truly believe Luca as a person in general was special and totally fit with Kane and gave Kane a playful side he needed. ;-) I was so glad I can start the 2nd book ASAP!!!!!!!
November 7, 2017
Ever read one those books that is so good that you spend a couple of minutes thinking of how to phrase your review then just giving up because words can't explain how good it was.
This is that book.
For a more coherent review, read Shin's review.
This is that book.
For a more coherent review, read Shin's review.
October 17, 2017
Interesting story, but badly in need of an editor. I skimmed so many paragraphs of this book because it was just too LOOOONG with filler.
December 16, 2017
I'm one of the one's for whom this worked absolutely flawlessly when all is said and done. It's long, it can be long winded at times - but the richness of the story, the world, and the people was so far in my head I had a jolt to go back to reality after each burst of reading. I finally gave up and read most of the night to finish. This is epic - and well worth a read!
May 6, 2020
The world building in this book was nothing short of stellar!! The beautiful imagery and the emotions the author invokes is all encompassing. I laughed and I cried buckets. Gray Shadow's sacrifice was so beautiful. Wow. Let me just say... I'm not liking Caius very much right now. Amazing read!
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