Audiobook Review:
I really loved this very unique shifter story. But be warned, although it has a satisfying HEA, it is not a finished story; as there are many question left open. Nevertheless, I think it is a story worth listening to. In this AU, there is a ruling shifter royal family that hasn't been heard from for years. In their place they have left the "Elite" in charge to keep the shifters in line and make sure their existence is kept from the humans. The Elite seems pretty corrupt and have formed an underground MMA fight to the death circuit with shifters that have been "arrested" for violating shifter law. This is a pretty dark element of the story as the fighters lives are really sad, as some of them know they will eventually be killed for really minor infractions.
Carlin is one of three top alphas that has survived all his fights. Lucas is a shifter rising in the ranks who dreams of being free from this torture; as he hates killing his opponents. The fighters realize they are mates and plan for Carlin to fight for the right for both of them to be free. However, there are forces at work that Lucas and Carlin don't know about that are conspiring to keep Lucas away from Calin and never plan to let him go; as he is unique among shifters. And we are off . . .
I thought the world building in this story was really good, but since this is just the first story, not complete. It seems there is still a lot more to tell, such as where the heck is the royal family? Do they know what is happening in the shifter world? Who are Lucas' parents? I also really liked the pop culture references in the story, that was fun.
Derrick McClain's performance is fantastic. He really nailed both fighters (and a variety of supporting characters) and brought their story to life. Since this is told from both POVs, that was critical. I hope he continues with the next book which I look forward to. Highly recommended.