First of Spring

Gardinian World #3

by Kelsey Jordan

Caution: Contains sizzling otherworldly romance between two people trying to exist in a world where two races battle for superiority and the gods who find new ways to add more chaos to the mix.

Forged from a childhood filled with bloodshed and death, Trent had been raised with a blood-soaked blade in his hands. He lives the life of a warrior—an unspoken act of redemption for his mother’s ultimate sacrifice. As the acting Mikko of the Order of Rockys, Trent leads the most dominant Lycans in the world. For that reason alone, he has no use or understanding for those who embrace their vulnerabilities rather than rally against them.

Aryana doesn't dream of love everlasting. Her life is ruled by a song that echoes from the halls of Oblivia, a fate that came to her under the thundering hooves of the Mares of Night. She is going to die, but with no clue as to when or why. Aryana is forced to do everything she can to negate the haunting words of fate,

Weakness dies and you are weak.

In a battle against circumstances carved from the whispered words of fate, how far will Trent have to fall to protect Aryana from meddlesome gods and their merciless disregard for mortals?

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Adult Fiction

310 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

Kelsey Jordan is the author of the Gardinian World Novels. She is a collector of back packs, pens, and an unseemly amount of paper. When she isn’t working on the series, you can usually find her scrawling on something, playing video games, or taking glorious naps.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world shredded by wars between different factions where weakness means hesitation and death, and guilt can bear down like a tsunami, the leader of the Rockys has hardened himself to emotion, at least on the outside. But the gods need to create more turmoil, for their own entertainment and to steer events where they want them to go, no matter the cost. Receiving top scrutiny is Trent, fierce, loyal, and the first person to look down on weakness. What better way to bring him to his knees then presenting him with a possible mate? Aryana is not the warrior princess that Trent thought he would find, but is she trainable to be worthy of his fierceness? (Yes, I really asked that.) Is it possible that Aryana will show Trent the true meaning of fierce bravery and bring this giant of a man to his knees like quivering jelly? When Fate is involved in matters of the heart and soul, there is no dodging Cupid’s arrow, unless you cannot be brave enough to trust.

Kelsey Jordan is a powerful storyteller! A magician of words and emotions with a gift of creating a world filled with strife and few places of peace, Ms. Jordan will have you fist-pumping, laughing and practically sobbing, all in a matter of a few pages. She is able to wring raw and realistic emotion from her characters and make us FEEL the pain. And battle scenes, both mental and physical will leave you out of breath! In a world filled with wonderful paranormal writing, that can sweep the reader away from reality for hours on end, Kelsey Jordan is on the fast track to the top, with her warriors, gods and minions following close behind!

I received an ARC edition from Kelsey Jordan and Booktrope in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date: June 4, 2015
Publisher: Booktrope
ISBN-10: 1620155087
ISBN-13: 978-1620155080
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 310 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Promotions and all things Books visit: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Eva Millien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mikko Trent has no understanding of weakness but the gods are merciless in their meddling and Trent will have to fall far for the weak female who claims his soul in this mesmerizing paranormal romance.

The Gardinian world once again demands readers sit up and pay attention to the workings of the gods and the Lycans that command it and the readers have no choice but to obey as Trent sets out to train Aryana and make her strong enough to be his mate. He owns her from the very beginning and no one not even fate will stand in his way of keeping what's his. The characters are strong, compelling and draw readers in to a complex world especially as there are so many intriguing characters involved throughout the story including the meddlesome gods and the steady to fast paced plot keeps readers on the edge of anticipation with lots of suspense, excitement and romance.

The war between the Lycans and the Hunters continue as the gods champion their chosen sides which means lots of battles but most of the tension building comes from Fate as she plays with the mortals and interferes with the gods inspiring some unexpected twists including some very emotional ones (be prepared for some tears). Also, the second half of the story includes some interesting happenings with the god Lykil (Destruction) quite a bit which adds even more excitement and spice. The story comes to life with well written scenes that capture the imagination and the intriguing events ensure that the reader has to know what happens next.

The complex plot and intricate world building can be a bit confusing so my suggestion is to be sure and pick a good quiet time to read the story so that you can truly get caught up in it and if you haven't already be sure to read the previous books in the series first to get the full impact and understanding of this fascinating world.

[M'kaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book won in giveaway from librarything.com
in exchange for an honest review.

Rating - 3/5

Warning - Minor spoilers

My feelings about this book are very bipolar. Though this is another author I had not heard of until receiving this book, this means I have not read the previous books in the series even though they seemed like stand alones because the characters in the synopsis are different, this might be why the book was so confusing to me.

First there was a point somewhere in the first half where I almost stopped reading the book though I can’t say why without giving away spoilers, it was so confusing, maybe I need to read the previous books or reread this book even though I had to backtrack many times to understand a little better, I honestly don’t know. The story was a little all over the place and I didn’t really see a huge plot, I’m not saying the story is bad, but it was very confusing.

I don’t know honestly, to me the characters weren’t attachable, so I didn’t really have a favorite and like I said, everything was way too confusing. Though I am happy I finished the book because then ending was probably the best thing for me, it was very happy and was a good way to end it without it being too cliche, besides that for most of everything I was neutral about it, didn’t like but also didn’t hate it, the best way to put it in a gif is -



Would I recommend it? ; look back at the gif, if I ever get a chance to read the two previous books, maybe.

[Susan H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book, thank you ... and here come my thoughts ...

Life and Death ... Destruction and Creation ... One cannot exist without the other yet they seem to forever be at cross purposes.

I loved the first two Gardas books from Kelsey Jordan. But this one ... First of Spring has put me in a book coma. It's beyond any book hangover I've ever experienced. Within its pages are things so heart-rending, so tragic that they ripped my heart out, shattered it into pieces and left my soul to pick them up and try to sew them back together while it's sobbing uncontrollably at the intensity and the beauty within the sorrow within the pages.

We see returning faces as well as new ones. Trent is back and even more intense as an adult than he was as a child (wait, was he ever a child ... and is it possible for him to be more intense than he was then? Oh yes, you have NO idea!) Aryana and Camden are all grown up, and even Lykil is having to "grow up" and face his fate so to speak.

The war rages on between Lycans and Hunters and has only gotten more deadly. Plus there is still fighting between different groups of Lycans for power and for territory.

Don't attempt this book unless you've already read The Lycan Hunter and Heart of a Rocky or you will be lost lost lost!!

Make sure to have tissues handy, you are going to need them ... when things reach the point that a Rocky is reduced to tears you know you are going to be sobbing.

[CoffeeTimeRomance andMore · Rating 5 out of 5]

With each new book of this series I fall more and more in love with this world. I particularly like Jordan’s take on shape-shifters, they are not what is normally seen in this genre, and the distinctive mythos/religion she created for them and their gods is awesome. The story draws you in, and multiple POV switches are smoothly executed adding complexity and detail to the story instead of confusion. There are plots within plots, just when you think something will go a certain way you are shown the error of your ways and led down a different and unforeseen route. I would not advise reading this book without reading the first two beforehand, only because you would miss the beginnings of the world built, though there is a glossary included to help the reader out if needed. This story was so emotional and poignant, but still there are happy parts, very happy parts and going through the ups and downs is so worth it. This book made me weepy and I am hardly ever weepy after reading a book! I look forward to the next chapter.
Llaph
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More

[Soccergypsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

** A free copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. **

Oh...I so wanted to give this a five-star rating. Loved, absolutely LOVED Part I. However, Part II just was not what I expected having "watched" Trent grow up through the series. This did tug on my heartstrings and the ending of the book was a wonderful conclusion. The worlds the author has created are colorful and enticing and full of possible storylines. I hope to see more novels released.

[Liz Ellyn]

I absolutely loved the first half of the book. Aryana’s brother, Camden, sets the tone for Aryana’s mind set. He says quite casually, “Nobody wants to marry her, they just want the experience of bedding the hybrid.” Trent’s attraction towards Aryana is left to be mysteriously vague but it is clear that it isn’t malicious as the others. The pull between them is palpable and I couldn’t put down the book. The devastating event that separates Trent and Aryana happened at about the half-way point in the story. I’m a very greedy and impatient reader. I want my HEA. The diversion from this main romance was heavily ensconced in the mythical world that has many relations to Greek mythology. During this time, Trent focuses on the war between the lycans and the hunters.

Unfortunately, I can’t go into details about what I liked in the second half of the book without spoiling the story. All in all, the story is a bit of everything: paranormal romance, greek mythology, and a dose of a 6-month long punishment that hints at BDSM and the concept of ownership.

[Llaph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aryana is an omega shifter of the Blue-Oconee pack; her father is the Mikko, a lycan, and her mother an ex-hunter, a human, thus making her a rare hybrid of both races. Her nature plays havoc in predicting the outcomes and power levels of her abilities since she is basically a mix of each race. Listening to the voice she has heard all her life, “weakness is death, and you are weak” has her believing that she is a disappointment. She thinks Trent hates her and thinks her fragile. Her father makes a deal with him; in exchange for medical training Trent is to give her Rocky training. That is only the first step of the difficult path awaiting her. First, she has to survive the hard training, surprising gain, heartbreaking loss, and further plans of the gods.
Trent is the acting Mikko of the Rocky pack, who are famed as being the best fighters in the Lycan world, who also are known for their solid faith in the gods, and he is also known for his fierce determination. His mother died at his birth, and his father constantly reminded him while he trained Trent from a young age to be a warrior. Outwardly he looks to be annoyed by the fact that he has to train Aryana, whom he calls Princess, as she is weak and he has no patience for it. Secretly he knows that she is his soul’s mate, but is determined she be trained as a Rocky so that she can be her own “white knight” instead of needing one. He also has a destiny of his own, filled with heartache and betrayals, which will also test his steadfast faith in the gods.
Aryana and Trent’s future as one begins to look hopeful, alternatively, skirmishes between hunters and other Lycans break-out. Tragedy then strikes, and they are torn apart. Still, the gods are not finished with them yet, each fated to play a key role in their race’s future. Both Trent and Aryana are given harsh destinies to complete but are the rewards worth the extreme ups and downs that they will have to go through first? Can their love survive and be strong enough to stand through impossible events and the changes within the god’s realm? Because along with their troubles, Gardas also will have its upheavals, saying farewell to the old, making room for the new, and having to deal with a deity who is no longer content to work from the shadows wanting to have a say in everything.
With each new book of this series I fall more and more in love with this world. I particularly like Jordan’s take on shape-shifters, they are not what is normally seen in this genre, and the distinctive mythos/religion she created for them and their gods is awesome. The story draws you in, and multiple POV switches are smoothly executed adding complexity and detail to the story instead of confusion. There are plots within plots, just when you think something will go a certain way you are shown the error of your ways and led down a different and unforeseen route. I would not advise reading this book without reading the first two beforehand, only because you would miss the beginnings of the world built, though there is a glossary included to help the reader out if needed. This story was so emotional and poignant, but still there are happy parts, very happy parts and going through the ups and downs is so worth it. This book made me weepy and I am hardly ever weepy after reading a book! I look forward to the next chapter.
Llaph
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More

[Talitha · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars)

The setup of this book is fairly traditional in paranormal romance, but the rest of First of Spring is not. You may need a refresher course of The Lycan Hunter (*raises hand*) to get back into the intense mythology of the series. I had to make sure the heroine was who I thought she was before starting the book, as well as puzzle over the cover.

The cover, it should be noted, makes more sense when you finish the book than when you start it. Because of this, it's my favorite cover yet of the Gardinian World series.

It's almost inevitable that even your most favorite authors will write characters you don't particularly like- unless your favorite author regurgitates past characters and passes them off as 'new'. Although I did like Trent and Aryana, Aryana was a bit too easily put in her place, but also a little stubborn over the simple things. Near the end of the book, Trent put Aryana in her place with a display that was a bit of a blurred line for me, and had me narrowing my eyes especially the amount of time this strange display took place. I'm not a fan of the overbearing alpha male (unlike most other romance readers), so I doubt anyone else will be raising their eyebrows as far as I did, but for those who dislike some of the 'pack hierarchy' I-must-prove-my-dominance displays, it may make you twitch a little.

I still found a favorite quote, despite my ambivalence towards the protagonists:

'"One day, you'll beg me to kiss you. I might like you then."'

The best part of this book for me is undoubtedly the worldbuilding. While Heart of a Rocky did have some worldbuilding in it, it wasn't quite to the extent of The Lycan Hunter or this book, which builds heavily on the already unique world. While we did see some god-play in The Lycan Hunter, this book blows it out of the water. I can't say more without spoiling, but really- if you were a fan of the mythology in the first novel of the series, grab this book to read.

First of Spring continues the tradition of action-packed, mythology-rich paranormal romance that is indicative of the Gardinian World series. Even though the characters weren't my favorites, there was a lot to like about them and their interesting entanglement. I recommend First of Spring to anyone who read and loved The Lycan Hunter, especially if you're a fan of alpha males.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a great I-didn't-see-the-plot-coming second book in the series!

Disclaimer: I was given a free advanced e-copy of this book from a book promoter in exchange for an honest review. My opinion remains as forthright as ever.

As posted on my book blog, Victorian Soul Critiques.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the other two books in this series, I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review; boy, am I glad I didn’t pay for this! I was kind in giving book two a four star review because I thought that if I plowed through it, the pay off would be worth it in book three and it would all make sense somehow. I was very wrong.

Like book two, this book was divided into two parts that were very different from each other. Now, I am not one for spoilers so I will not say exactly what happens, just in case you are inclined to read this; I will say though that it could have been so much better!

The first half wasn’t too bad. It seemed to be bringing things to a head and like it was going to draw all the books together. I figured that the second half would be where all the action was and that learning all the different types of Lycans (and some Gods), their roles in their respective societies, how they all worked together (sometimes against each other) for a common goal, and all of the exposition from books one, two, and part one of book three would come to a conclusion…it did not, in fact, it got more confusing when it switched from the world of the Lycans to the world of the Gods, and how one character was actually three different characters in one body with, I think, four or five different names (honestly, I lost track). There was even a chapter about dragons on another world that had absolutely no purpose what so ever…it was a lesson that could have been learned in a world that was already established.

In the middle of writing this review I did some research and I found out that the author is working on book four (there is also a companion novel – a Wattpad exclusive – already written and should be read between books 1 & 2). I have invested my time in learning about the lives of the Lycans, the Hunters, and now the Gods, that I will read book four when it comes out and give it the benefit of the doubt that the prophecy, stated in book one, will come to some sort of conclusion. If so, and it ties everything together, I may come back and edit this review. As of right now though, I cannot give this book a rating any higher than I have (it only gets as high as it does from me because part one was better than part two). It just ended, with no real warning, and the copy that I read from (kindle version) had quite a few grammatical and editing mistakes. I admit, I am not always 100% with my own grammar, but I don’t have an editor that should catch and fix things I write. When reading a professional work, it should not take three or four times reading a sentence to figure out how it is actually supposed to be read, not how it is actually written. I have no desire to read the companion book at this time, but I may when book four comes out…no promises though.

One more gripe before I go: the cover art for books two and three do not match the character descriptions. The Lycans and the Gods have long hair (save one that had been banished), the guys on the cover art all have short hair.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the other two books in this series, I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review; boy, am I glad I didn’t pay for this! I was kind in giving book two a four star review because I thought that if I plowed through it, the pay off would be worth it in book three and it would all make sense somehow. I was very wrong.

Like book two, this book was divided into two parts that were very different from each other. Now, I am not one for spoilers so I will not say exactly what happens, just in case you are inclined to read this; I will say though that it could have been so much better!

The first half wasn’t too bad. It seemed to be bringing things to a head and like it was going to draw all the books together. I figured that the second half would be where all the action was and that learning all the different types of Lycans (and some Gods), their roles in their respective societies, how they all worked together (sometimes against each other) for a common goal, and all of the exposition from books one, two, and part one of book three would come to a conclusion…it did not, in fact, it got more confusing when it switched from the world of the Lycans to the world of the Gods, and how one character was actually three different characters in one body with, I think, four or five different names (honestly, I lost track). There was even a chapter about dragons on another world that had absolutely no purpose what so ever…it was a lesson that could have been learned in a world that was already established.

In the middle of writing this review I did some research and I found out that the author is working on book four (there is also a companion novel – a Wattpad exclusive – already written and should be read between books 1 & 2). I have invested my time in learning about the lives of the Lycans, the Hunters, and now the Gods, that I will read book four when it comes out and give it the benefit of the doubt that the prophecy, stated in book one, will come to some sort of conclusion. If so, and it ties everything together, I may come back and edit this review. As of right now though, I cannot give this book a rating any higher than I have (it only gets as high as it does from me because part one was better than part two). It just ended, with no real warning, and the copy that I read from (kindle version) had quite a few grammatical and editing mistakes. I admit, I am not always 100% with my own grammar, but I don’t have an editor that should catch and fix things I write. When reading a professional work, it should not take three or four times reading a sentence to figure out how it is actually supposed to be read, not how it is actually written. I have no desire to read the companion book at this time, but I may when book four comes out…no promises though.

One more gripe before I go: the cover art for books two and three do not match the character descriptions. The Lycans and the Gods have long hair (save one that had been banished), the guys on the cover art all have short hair.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is the third book in a series about were people who live in our world but are not fully of it. While I could mostly follow along, it was clear that a lot of world building occurred in the first two books that would have helped me understand things earlier and better. The book is in two parts, the first centers on the daughter of the couple from the first book, and the second continues her story along with the story of one of the gods who's understanding of the universe is being challenged.

The heroine of the first book is emotionally weak in a world where strength is most important. She ends up with one of the strongest men in her world, and there is a good deal of no communication about the important things between them. Partly this is because he knows she must make some changes before she can fit into his life. Partly this is because he's the strong silent type and she gives in easily.

I had some issues with how the hero and heroine interact, especially in the second half of the book. He is angry, for understandable reasons, and is not nice to her for some time. She is not very interesting during the second half of the book. Granted she's not the focus, but she just hangs around in a wishy washy manner that didn't want me to spend more time with her. That was surprising as I had come to like her in the first half and had a tearjerk reaction to what happened with her.

The second half focuses more on two males who are angry or pushy. While I wasn't happy with the way Trent behaves towards Aranya, he does end up expressing himself in a deeply emotional and romantic way that somewhat redeems him. The god is likeable except for how he interacts with Fate, where he is focused on domination. Trent is rather dominating as well. And I guess those factors kept me form enjoying the book as much as I might have otherwise.

That being said, it is clear that Aranya's parents' story was very different as her mother is perhaps too strong, and the heroes of the second book seem quite interesting and likeable. So, now I want to go and read those books, as I suspect I will like them better. This book takes place mostly in a world at war (though hidden from humans). This book isn't about the war, though battles do occur. This book is about Trent and Aranya changing, and about changes with the gods.

I received a free copy for review from the author through LibraryThing.

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

To sum up my review, I'm just going to say it's all too much; too many characters, too much of an unfamiliar world, too many types of characters. In general, just TOO MUCH.

I got this e-book free as a part of the early reviewer program on LibraryThing.

I didn't realize this book was part of a series until I was 27% into the book and was already frustrated because I didn't know enough about the individual characters, the titles, or the hierarchical structure for all the pieces of the puzzle to fit. That's partly my fault. I did read the abstract and glance at the cover (neither mentioned a series), but I didn't research in-depth because I enjoy reading blind...most of the time. Sadly, I didn't find the glossary of terms until I'd read the very last page of the book (woe is me).

There was just too much going on. There were too many named characters with their own story lines (and now that I know this is a series I can see the author creating room to expand the series). This book should have been 150 pages lighter and focused more on the story of Aryana and Trent.

All the Gods stuff with the exception of how they relate specifically to Aryana and Trent could have been excluded and fleshed out in an entirely different book.

After 60% I was just over this book and ready for it to end.

Trent had the alpha male thing going and Aryana had the lack of self-esteem thing going which is kind of trite but I know it's a commonly used formula and people like to read it for whatever reason. The whole tearing down to build up theme...Not so much, but whatever sells a book.

I have the first two books in this series and I want to read the first one just to see if the context/world/setting is better explained, but then I feel like it'd be a waste if the storyline was as convoluted as it was here.

I see where the author tried to go with this book and I think the concept was a good one, I just think that the focus of the book should have been more narrow (still leaving room for additional storylines like Ryu and Annalise, Lykil and Syrena, Camden and Yumi, Mikko Sean, Nivar, Lance, Kyran and Alexis, and I could go on and on and on).

I'm sure you feel about this review the same way I feel about the book; JUST LET IT END ALREADY!!!

Don't let me deter you. Happy reading!

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Amy W.
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

Combining mythical gods and goddesses with shapeshifters is a risky proposition for any author, but after being introduced to Kelsey Jordan’s Gardinian World series, it looks like it can work.

Although First of Spring is the third book in the series, it was my first foray into a world fraught with shapeshifters. With some books, it is easy to jump in mid-series, but this was not one. I believe that in order to fully enjoy the author’s creativity, it is best to start with the first book in the series. It would have been helpful to have reviewed the glossary prior to reading instead of jumping straight into the Lycan world.

The story focuses on Aryana and Trent. As a hybrid, there seems to be some holes in Aryana’s background that were probably outlined in one of the earlier stories. Without a quick overview of what has happened so far, it gets confusing with Variant Hunters, Talas and Alesers all appearing within the first few pages.

What is clear, however, is there is a dark cloud that surrounds Aryana’s future. When she is sent with Trent back to his compound for warrior training, it is evident there is an attraction, but neither one is willing to show weakness. It takes a series of events before they face the heated passion between them.

At that point in the story, I was expecting the ending to come soon with a typical “happily ever after” with all the details wrapped up neatly in a bow. That’s when the gods and goddesses took over and caused all sorts of chaos with a secondary storyline. Although the mythical component had been present from the beginning, it wasn’t until Aryana’s fate is realized that the connection becomes clear.

It takes a while — much longer than expected — before I felt satisfied as a reader because there were plenty of rabbit holes hiding in this storyline. Since it is in the paranormal genre, though, there’s not as much pressure to focus on reality.

I would recommend some light editing to tie up some grammatical errors, but overall, I found this to be quite an intriguing trip into a world where the story doesn’t end with death in the physical realm.

[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Camden and Aryana made their appearances in The Lycan Hunter and Trent was introduced in The Heart of a Rocky, I was hoping that they would have their own story. I was only too happy to see that First of Spring was the story of Aryana and Trent with Camden as a major feature.

Trent is now leading the "Rocky". He is a tower of strength and a fair and powerful leader. Kyras makes a request for him to train Aryana and he appears to be apprehensive about the request as Aryana is perceived to be weak. He doesn't put too much of a resistance to agree though!

Aryana is a hybrid but her development is different to Camden and she believes herself to be lacking. She doesn’t have any choice about her training and Trent doesn't make any allowances for her but is rather patient. He is set on giving her strength as she is his Soul's Mate. The pull towards each other cannot be ignored but Fate has her own ideas.

The war continues and the Gods and Fate continue to interfere, keeping everybody on their toes!

This novel is full of action and suspense together with all kinds of emotions. There is also a strong message about the perception of money equating power!

Lykil, the God of destruction is still one of my favourites and I like his way of thinking. Even though, part of the story is heartbreaking, it is my favourite so far. It is advisable to read the first two books to fully grasp the whole context of this series.

I hope that the series continues as it would be nice to read Trevor's story and see more of Lykil.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review and I can honestly say that I love the Gardinian World.

[Kelly Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm. I normally don't make reviews more than a few words but...I was actually really disappointed. It seemed like the focus of the story was all over the place. In the first few chapters I felt extremely confused and had to retrace my steps just to make sure I hadn't missed any details. I was extremely confused. There were also NUMEROUS grammatical errors which I guess were poor editing. Those don't normally bother me, but there were A LOT. There was also SO much going on in the story. I guess I was expecting a story more The Lycan Hunter and not the business of this novel. I did really how the author went into detail about the progression of Alexis and Kyran's family. Another positive is the writing as far as descriptions was written EXTREMELY well. The writing was amazing just like the other books, I just didn't much care for the numerous plots.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a hard book for me to review because I didn't read the first two books. In fact I had never heard of the series, but I found the blurb enticing. First off, the glossary is in the back of the book, which is nice to have one but it should have been in the front. I was so confused with all the titles and names. I even went to the author's webpage to see if there was a glossary there. There isn't. I liked the first part and was excited to see what was going to happen, but the second part of the book was more about the gods. I think if I would've read the other books I would rate this higher. I wanted to just give up a couple of times, but I charged ahead and finished it and was still confused about what happened. And I couldn't pronounce half of the names of the characters.

I received this ARC from the author.

[Kathy Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first part of this book is mostly based on Aryana, daughter of Kyran & Alexis from the “The Lycan Hunter.” She is sent to train with the Rocky’s under the tutelage of Trent. But is he just training her? Part one ends in a complete cliffhanger. Be thankful the author has put both parts in one book and there is no waiting!

Unfortunately, I am unable to leave a complete review of the second part of the book. Why? It would ENTIRELY give away the first part. We do get to know Lykil much better and meet his new friend. I did feel this part dragged a little.

While this part loses a star for the slow 2nd part, I still thoroughly enjoy this series.

***Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock***

[Buffy Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was my least favorite of the series. There were times it felt like it dragged on a bit and the timeline and perspectives jump around a lot making it harder to follow. There were also some loose ends left wide open that bothered me.

While the gods were previously fun and interesting, and the still had their moments this time, there was too big a focus on them. I suppose you could say their novelty wore off.

I liked the couple eventually, but it took me a while with how difficult they both could be. Their story, while compelling and in the end interesting, was disappointing and sad all around.

First of Spring takes this series to a different level. Check it out!

[Buffy Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was my least favorite of the series. There were times it felt like it dragged on a bit and the timeline and perspectives jump around a lot making it harder to follow. There were also some loose ends left wide open that bothered me.

While the gods were previously fun and interesting, and the still had their moments this time, there was too big a focus on them. I suppose you could say their novelty wore off.

I liked the couple eventually, but it took me a while with how difficult they both could be. Their story, while compelling and in the end interesting, was disappointing and sad all around.

First of Spring takes this series to a different level. Check it out!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed reading this book even though it started off being confusing because it's the 3rd book of the series, but it didn't take too long to figure it out. The characters were all fully realized and the mythology and society well thought out. Trent is the acting Mikko, or leader of the Order of Rockys, an elite warrior class of Lycans. Aryana is a princess from another pack who is sent to Trent for training. There are plots within plots, and just when you think something will go a certain way, you find out you are wrong. It's intense and very well written with well developed characters.