Shifter: City of Wolves

Shifter #1

by Avery Burch

She is an elite...
He is a wolf and an outcast...

Their forbidden passion will move worlds. Everyone knows that wolves love with a passion that can be dangerous. They imprint on a woman and never let her go. From the moment they love their female, they will kill for her, and die for her!

Lyla is more than rich. She is one of The Elite, a paranormal class that rules society with an iron fist. She arrives in New York to begin training as an enforcer...

Zac is an orphan, an outcast, and a shifter. Turning into a wolf is an unforgivable crime in the elite regime. Enforcers hunt down and kill anyone who can shift!

When Zac and Lyla meet, they know love is hopeless, but their powerful attraction is simply too great. Fighting to overcome the ruthlessness of their society, Zac and Lyla learn that true love can overcome any obstacle, but not without dire consequences...

Shifter: City of Wolves is the first book in a paranormal romance series that features passionate romance, intensely real emotion, supernatural powers, and forbidden shifter love.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Shapeshifters, Paranormal Romance, Werewolves, Fantasy, New Adult

456 pages, Unknown Binding

First published August 3, 2015

Reviews

[Donita · Rating 1 out of 5]

"What if they lost each other? It would ruin them. He knew instinctively that life without a fated mate would be almost unlivable. "

I always felt awful everytime I give book a 1 star rating. It bothers me to no end. So this is the first time, as far as I can remember, that I haven't felt bad at all when I gave this low rating. In fact, I even thought that giving it a 1 star rating is being generous. I would've given this a negative star if I could. Reading Shifter is a fucking waste of time. HA!

*Ridiculous world building
*POV kept changing to random characters
*Cringe-worthy fucking sex scenes
*Idiot characters who think that making out and pleasuring each other was more important than getting out on a burning building.

"She loved him. She wanted to pleasure him. She didn't care if the world was crumbling around her. This mattered more than anything else."

No kidding. Because giving someone a fucking blowjob is a matter of life and death.

I can rant like forever and write a detailed review why I-HATED-THIS-BOOK-WITH-BURNING-PASSION, but decided against it because I thought it would be a waste of time too. I know I'm being ruthless, but I don't even care anymore. Just, do yourself a favor, stay away from this book and spare yourself with the torture of reading this.

[Meags · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actual rating: 1.5/5

A few weeks back I signed up to get a free copy of this book for my Kindle and I'm looking at all the other reviews for this book and I'm thinking, did we really read the same book? It's a shame that I didn't enjoy this book the way everyone else seemed to because I felt like there was so much potential for the story line and the characters but it was all just so wrong.

To start with, what the hell Edith Stanton? What the hell? If there was a book on the World's Worst Mother, it would be written by her. I actually can't wrap my mind around the way she let everyone treat her own freaking daughter. First, she allows and supports her own brother, Oswald, to form an arranged/forced marriage with Lyla (because incestuous relationships are apparently fine in this series). Then she allows Oswald to beat the crap out of Lyla because it's all for the greater good and her sacrifices will make it worth it in the end. Not only that, but when she hears of how Oswald attempted to rape Lyla, she brushes that off and says that it's bound to happen sometime. And honestly the best part is when Lyla attempts suicide, her mother is disappointed because she has been given everything she needs to live a happy life. Yes Edith, because sexual/physical abuse and marriage to a family member twice your age is just what everyone dreams of.

One thing I hate in series is instalove. Now I know this is something I can't really complain about, because the synopsis literally says "They imprint on a woman and never let her go. From the moment they love their female, they will kill for her, and die for her." This book is focused on fated mates, meaning when they see each other, it's love at first sight... and that's about it.

"He'd never felt anything like it in his life, but it was as if he suddenly knew with absolute certainty that he was looking at the woman he would spend his whole life with." - Chapter 1

I know I can't be the only person in the entire world bothered by this.

The personalities of the characters also bothered me. Let's just say Lyla is a lot like Juliette Ferrars from Shatter Me before any of the character development. There were so many times where I got angry reading this book because she complained about how everyone treated her like an incompetent four year old but then when she should've stood up for herself, she stayed quiet. No wonder they continued to treat her like crap. Zac was just irritating, but the worst was Zac and Lyla together. It was absolutely ridiculous. When their world is being burned to the ground and purges have commenced, Zac and Lyla take a second and sleep together. What? Seriously? Innocent people are being murdered, tortured, and strung up in the streets and you are more focused on enjoying each other's company than saving their lives? Well, okay then.

I don't know really, but I was just expecting more from this story. Maybe I'll enjoy the next book more but honestly I'm questioning if I'm even going to read it. It was just all so ridiculous to me.

[Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reminded me of titanic for some reason lol!

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!!
***Received a copy of the ebook for an honest review

The cover grabs my attention with the wolf and its stunning blue eyes :)

This is Avery’s first book in the Shifter series. And I really liked it!! It is a unique world full of complexities that I didn’t see coming. I really liked both Lyla and Zac. I did find a few parts slow, but this is normal when building a new world especially one as complex as this one is. Of course, I wanted more and didn’t want it to end where it did because I need to know what happens next. I see several directions the series could go, but I’m not sure whether it will stick with Lyla and Zac or if their friends will be the stars of the next book. I don’t want to give anything away, but this world gives you prejudice and controlling government that leaves you rooting for those bucking the system. I hope they get their happy ending!!! I can’t wait to see what Avery cooks up next!!

I recommend this book to my wolf lovin’ friends who want a shifter book that is unlike others where you are pulled in several directions and wanting to slap those you deem the bad guys!!!


Merged review:

My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!!
***Received a copy of the ebook for an honest review

The cover grabs my attention with the wolf and its stunning blue eyes :)

This is Avery’s first book in the Shifter series. And I really liked it!! It is a unique world full of complexities that I didn’t see coming. I really liked both Lyla and Zac. I did find a few parts slow, but this is normal when building a new world especially one as complex as this one is. Of course, I wanted more and didn’t want it to end where it did because I need to know what happens next. I see several directions the series could go, but I’m not sure whether it will stick with Lyla and Zac or if their friends will be the stars of the next book. I don’t want to give anything away, but this world gives you prejudice and controlling government that leaves you rooting for those bucking the system. I hope they get their happy ending!!! I can’t wait to see what Avery cooks up next!!

I recommend this book to my wolf lovin’ friends who want a shifter book that is unlike others where you are pulled in several directions and wanting to slap those you deem the bad guys!!!

[➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shifter Book 1: City of Wolves

by Avery Burch

I was given an ARC by the author for an honest review
The Elites and their Enforcers hunt, torture and kill the Shifters and generally run heavy hand over the Normals that make up the remainder of society. This is set in a futuristic version of New York shifters are not only different classes but have distinctions within the law and government. The plot of Shifter: City of Wolves revolves around the forbidden romance between Lyla and Zac. Lyla is an elite soon to be Enforcer , being forced to marry her own evil uncle (Oswald) and restricted to the life of a Trophy Wife. Zac is a shifter and the moment he sees her he knows she is his fated mate. Oswald is power hungry, he want to remove the President & replace him. Mother dearest (Edith ) start of like cold hearted bit@h, we dont find out until later in book why she is the way she is daughter... There is alot of back story on Shay, and most of the characters lifes revolve around Shay....
Lil more information and history on the characters - Zac's past with Jason and Jackman would have been awesome. And special Shay

[zaheerah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh man, I’m so disappointed with this. I was currently in a slump and I was hoping this could pull me out of it. But it didn’t. It was terrible.

Shifter is paranormal dystopian novel which revolves around Lyla, an elite class member which rules over Manhattan, and Zac, an outcast orphan looking for an adventure, who is also a wolf and is always on his guard from the elite regime. When they meet, the fight over the barriers from their society, but not without terrible consequences.

I felt really bad for Lyla however she was such a TSTL character and that really irritated me because I wanted her to be so good! I wanted her to become such a strong character, but she was such a doormat and she need much better development than what was given to her. Zac was also very one dimensional, and I couldn’t connect with anyone them, at all. Even the side characters were irritating. Lyla’s mother, her uncle (and betrothed… I know. Ew.) Zac also comes to NY with a friend, who was barely there, considering their close relationship, and only makes a bigger appearance at the end when the whole rebellion thing goes on.

So many things irritated me, and here’s a few example: (spoilers)
Zac is supposed to be looking for his sister, Lyla – daughter of his adoptive father and Edith. He literally meets her the second he enters the city, but it never once trigger the thought that she MAYBE THE LYLA HIS FATHER SAID IN HIS LETTER. Also, the sex scenes were actually a joke. I laughed so hard, and here I was thinking 50sog had it bad. They’ve known each other what? A couple of days? Oh perfect, let’s sleep together TWICE and I’ll give you a blowjob all in the space of a day, while a war rages on outside and the building we are in is burning down. There are a time and place, but these two obviously didn't get it. 

Overall, this story began really exciting, and had the potential but unfortunately the lack of detail, and terrible character development ruined it.

[Sue Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.

I'll start by saying I enjoyed this book and will read the next in the series.
Zac and Lyla are in love. She's an Elite and he's a Shifter. The Elites and their Enforcers hunt, torture and kill the Shifters and generally run rough shod over the Normals that make up the remainder of society. Lyla is promised to her Uncle who is of high standing with the Elites and has aspirations to lead. The story centres around the relationship between Lyla and Zac and their struggles.

I thought it was slow to start, but in defence of the story there was a lot of world building going on which was necessary. I was about half way through before it really caught my interest.

Both of the main characters came across as young/inexperienced. I'd put this novel in the YA/NA category. The action once it got going was good. The sex was ok. I can't help that think some of their locations/timing for sex was odd ie everything going to hell in the City (trying to avoid spoilers) and they have sex on a roof top. The descriptions of sex etc didn't really do it for me and seemed a little clunky. At one point she asks him to "impale me" - who says that? Another part likened his man bits (trying to make my review PG13) to "an animal hiding in the forest" - that one made me laugh and another as the "handle of a bat".

What made me enjoy the book was the action. Once it got going I was keen to know what happened next and read this book in one sitting and as I said earlier I would like to read the next book to see where this all goes. An interesting start to a new series.

[Sharon Lipman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not 100% sure what I thought of this. I didn't dislike it but I wasn't bowled over either. The author did a great job with the villains because I really despised Oswald and the Edith. I think my problem was that I wasn't completely in love with Zac or Lyla. Bizarrely, I couldn't tell you what either of them really looks like. There's nothing particularly stand-out about them and their timing for romantic/animalistic interludes makes no sense whatsoever and could be seen as gratuitous. I completely get that when your world is falling apart, you take love when you can get it... but I wish they'd started a little earlier. The sex in itself isn't shocking. The timing definitely is.

There's a couple of chapters where if you substituted Lyla for Rose and Zac for Jack, you'd have a scene right out of Titanic complete with almost identical dialogue. I think once that thought entered my head, I couldn't get it out and it kinda ruined it a little for me.

I have no problem with the idea of fated mates and I find the society rules and world setting interesting enough that I'd still read the next one to see where it goes.

[Meleka Taylor · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to thank the author for giving me the privilege of reading her first book for an honest review. I enjoy reading books by up and coming authors. However, this book was not my cup of tea. The story was boring for me. It was blah and did not spark my imagination. But I wanted to read this book till the end.

"Their story was the same as the stories of a million other lovers. They came from different worlds, they were forbidden to love each other, but all true love came at a price." These sentences were the essence of this whole story to me. A first sight, forbidden love between 2 teens. Zac was a young man looking to have freedom and to see the world. He tried to forget about the lessons of his "father" and blaze his own trail in life. Nothing was wrong with that, but he lost the objective his father sent him out to fulfill. Lyla as a timid little girl. Rightfully so since she was constantly under the finger of her uncle and mother. She met Zac and he opened her world to adventure. He had her think outside the box and realize there was a world out there; she could go her own way in life.

There wasn't chemistry between Zac and Lyla. They didn't know what love was. To me, they had a strong liking. I wanted to know what was happening exactly during the process of imprinting. From reading this story, it was when a shifter boy likes a girl and just stares at her a lot. What if the person they liked didn't like he/she back? Is that person going to go into depression because the so-called "fated mate" didn't return the affection?

One of the worst things during this book was the "romance" is minimal, but out of the blue (like 68% of the book) the feeling of the story just turns raunchy. There was no buildup to this. One word (i.e. p....) changed the whole mood. It was unnecessary. Also, when the city is going to hell in a hand basket, fights are breaking out, things are blowing up, they just started having sex at the most inappropriate time. Doesn't make sense!!!

I didn't connect with any of the characters. The Caledons, Oswald and Edith, were such hypocrites. Oswald was a shifter, but he wanted to annihilate shifters out of the city. Killing his own kind. He even mentioned that shifter love was tainted since he saw that Zac and Lyla, supposed brother and sister, fall in love with each other. Oswald can't say much of crap since he was in love with his niece. Since he was an elite he will never put himself in a class with a shifter. This was the typical thinking of all elitist, even though they had powers similar to shifters. Edith had a child with a shifter and had spent all her adult life trying to hide it. In the process of all this, she was making her child's life miserable. At one point Edith wanted to start acting like a mother when her and Oswald's plans were complete. She wasn't thinking about being there for her daughter when Oswald was beating the breaks off her. Edith was weak. And in her weakness she picked on someone whose status in society was lower that hers. Edith treated Agnes like dirt because she had an affair with a shifter. The only difference between Agnes and Edith is that Agnes got caught!!! And the twist of it all is that they were in love with the same shifter, Shay. Taking about wanting to slap a b.... That's ridiculous!!! It blew my mind and not in a good way. The only real person in this book was Agnes.

The plot, sentence structure, and comparisons/symbolisms in this book are elementary. They didn't spark my imagination. There's are a lot of sentences that could have been better written. It didn't come together for me. No emotions. Just a saying of words just to say them. The story led nowhere and I wasn't anticipating on what happens next with the kids. I might be in the minority with this review (and I don't mind). A lot of people enjoyed it. I know everyone's tastes are different. But this did not appeal to me. However, I won't disqualify this author from this one story.

[Bambi Unbridled · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a dystopian paranormal... I'm not sure exactly when it takes place, but its after large scale purges of the Shifter population by the "Elite" of society. The Elite live in New York City, and the Normals and Shifters are living on the fringes of society. The Elite are snobby, prejudiced, power-hungry asshats. Some of the Elite are out to eliminate all the Shifters, even though they share similar paranormal powers, and they also want to take out the Normals for some reason. There wasn't really any explanation given for this other than the Elite just thought they were better.

The heroine is Lyla, one of the Elite. She is betrothed her uncle, Oswald. Eeeeuwwww. This was so creepy that I had a very hard time getting past it. Lyla is only 19 and her life is being dictated by good ol' Uncle Oswald and her mother, Edith. She seems like a doormat for a good bit of the story. I could have used some more character development for Lyla because I never really connected to her.

The hero is Zac, a wolf shifter. After his adoptive father died, he has set off for NYC to find his father's daughter, Lyla. (Though this is not mentioned for the majority of the story, which I will discuss below.) Zac is somehow able to go through life with only his guitar, stealing when he needs to eat and sneaking into where ever he wants to go. He has a positive attitude and was okay as a hero, but I still would have liked more character development. This story had more dialogue than monologue so I felt like we didn't get to know the characters like we would if we had access to their inner thoughts. Both of the main characters were pretty one dimensional... and now that I think about it, I can't even tell you what they look like. Other than Zac is "scruffy" with man bits that look like an animal hiding in the forest (seriously) and Lyla is overly perfect in appearance. I need more details.

The story had potential, but unfortunately it hit too many of my "annoying" triggers (other than the lack of detail and character development). A few examples (without giving spoilers):

Zac is supposed to be searching for his sister, Lyla - daughter of Edith and Shay. He immediately meets a Lyla upon coming to the city, and her mother's name is Edith (which he learns of fairly quickly I think), but never once does that trigger that SHE is THE Lyla??? So there was some common sense lacking here.

There are A LOT of Too Stupid To Live Moments. Most of them revolve around sex. Oh, we're at war, no worries, let's get busy on this rooftop. Oh no, the enemy has caught us?!? How did that happen? Yeesh. Then again, the building is burning down around us but let me stop to give you a BJ because THAT is the most important thing in the world. Seriously!?! It happened, check it:

"She loved him. She wanted to pleasure him. She didn't care if the world was crumbling around her. This mattered more than anything else."

Then some of the conflict seemed kinda anticlimactic... particularly between Lyla and Oswald. Then Lyla commits the sin of all sins, running away without allowing her fated mate to explain. I seriously almost stopped reading it at this point... and it was like 98%. I sucked it up and finished and still felt like it was all very "meh".

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me but my OCD kept me reading until the end. 2 stars / 3 flames.

[Michelle ♥ The Romance Vault ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok where to start. Well there were parts of this book I really loved and parts that had my eyebrows kissing and saying hi to my hairline.

Foremost, the world building/creating - SPOT ON. Really well crafted and believable Dystopian world they live in.

Secondly, the evilness, wow, Avery got them SPOT ON too! Oswald and Lex, oh my word! And the teacher... so very easy to have intense dislike to them.

Overall effect of the Zac and Lyla's romance, very good. Considering it's pretty much instalove, it's done well. And I've said it so many times, I have a hard time with instalove novels, but there are a handful that I'd happily re-read again and this is one of them.

Now, the Debbie Downer bits... the incentuous feel and going ons, uh uh, that's a no no in my eyes. What mother would allow to be happen to her 'daughter' and with her Uncle, well Edith would have been shot by me if I was her daughter. I know I'm not the one that has been moulded to accept etc etc, but even so, Lyla, I am glad she finally took a stand, and I settled into the story more when her brain started arguing with her reality.

Jackson, I can feel an excellent story coming on with him, and Jason, I kinda don't want him to get his own one, he was good as part of this one but I don't know, I would definitely read it if he did have a book to himself.

Now the last Debbie Downer, the sex. Yes, in this book some of the times they get it on is in the most bizarre situations! I guess Avery wanted us to feel the power and pull of their connection and anytime, anywhere is their motto if that's the case. Also the scenes were the best I've ever read, but definitely passable, if you're expecting to get a twitch and a tingle from reading some steamy scenes, then in this case Shifters would be hard pushed to 'turn you on'. But I'm also going to argue that I don't think these are paramount to the book anyway, the story itself the surroundings and their predicaments is what make this a good read.

So as you can see I have some positives and some negatives, overall I am going to settle on 3.5 (GR's) star rating. I can't fault Avery for her world building or indeed her visualisations. I could picture everything so clearly in my head, and I am pretty sure this series would make excellent cinematography indeed.

I would recommend this to my followers but going in knowing about the incentuous vibe and the sex scenes being something they've probably never read before, as in situations and the vernacular. But like I say if you like paranormal/dystopian with good world creating and characters that annoy, frustrate, shock and pretty much have you wanting to slap them, then this should be on your radar.

I received a copy of Shifter: City of Wolves in return for an honest review, my reviews are my own and are 100% honest.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you go into this book thinking it's just a shifter story you will miss out on a whole other dimension to this book. This was more dystopian/shifter. I think one of the hardest genres has to be dystopian. The writer has to build an entire world and bring the reader into that world and then have a story line that's appealing and draws the readers attention while explaining this different world. That's a lot to accomplish in one book but Avery Burch does this quite successfully. The world that she creates is a futuristic look at what life could become and invokes thoughts of the corruption and greed that we see in today's world but on a far more extreme scale. The love story between the two main characters is the basis for the change that we feel traveling through the book. It starts out as a glimpse , the catching of an eye and moves to a love that is beyond anything ever experienced before. These two have an entire world against them and they have to fight for what they truly want out of life. Having never thought a love was possible, much less a love between their two societies they are blindsided by the depth of emotion and overcome by the need to be together at all cost. The shifter aspect of the story just adds that extra dimension and a deeper definition to the disparages between their worlds. I really enjoyed this book and the world that Avery Burch creates and can't wait to read more!

Merged review:

If you go into this book thinking it's just a shifter story you will miss out on a whole other dimension to this book. This was more dystopian/shifter. I think one of the hardest genres has to be dystopian. The writer has to build an entire world and bring the reader into that world and then have a story line that's appealing and draws the readers attention while explaining this different world. That's a lot to accomplish in one book but Avery Burch does this quite successfully. The world that she creates is a futuristic look at what life could become and invokes thoughts of the corruption and greed that we see in today's world but on a far more extreme scale. The love story between the two main characters is the basis for the change that we feel traveling through the book. It starts out as a glimpse , the catching of an eye and moves to a love that is beyond anything ever experienced before. These two have an entire world against them and they have to fight for what they truly want out of life. Having never thought a love was possible, much less a love between their two societies they are blindsided by the depth of emotion and overcome by the need to be together at all cost. The shifter aspect of the story just adds that extra dimension and a deeper definition to the disparages between their worlds. I really enjoyed this book and the world that Avery Burch creates and can't wait to read more!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shifter: City of Wolves is absolutely phenomenal and undeniably outstanding! This is a beautifully intriguing and thoroughly entertaining story that is fully fleshed out with amazing characters and an intense storyline. You will find your heart and soul completely captivated as you take the ride of a lifetime. Whatever you do, don’t assume anything as what you think you know, you will find that you don’t know at all.

Lyla is a prisoner in her gilded cage. She has wealth, prestige, and a life filled with promises untold, but it is slowly draining the life from her. What she has to give up far outweighs what she is given in its place. Treasures can’t be substituted for boundless love and power is a poor replacement of truly living. This is the only world she knows, and she was suffocated and dying until Zac came along. He not only brought light and hope into her life, he brought her an unimaginable love and intense devotion. Since turning her world upside down and breathing life into her, she aches to keep him close to her. She must decide if she will turn her back on the life that has left her trapped and shackled, or will she choose to spread her wings and walk hand in hand with Zac into the life she desperately longs for?

Watching this spectacular world take shape before my eyes was beyond incredible. The characters are truly out of this world! Their depth is exquisite, their emotion is so real, and their struggle is intensely tangible. I felt everything, and I simply adore stories that feel this real. Lyla and Zac did more than just steal my heart. They destroyed my soul and then remade it in their own quiet yet impressive way. The breathtaking love and bond that formed and connected Lyla and Zac was simply exquisite. Few words can give that magnificent of a love the justice it deserves. This is a story that will haunt you long after it has finished. It will build a permanent home in your heart, so that it will not easily be forgotten.

Avery Burch has done a fabulous job of turning my head and winning my attention. There is no doubt that she has a brilliant talent that is truly beyond words. She will touch you in a very deep and meaningful way. You won’t be able to walk away and forget her since you will take a piece of her heart with you. I was thoroughly impressed by this incredible story, and I am anxious to see what happens next. This series is already proving to be one of epic, spellbinding proportions.

[Eva Millien · Rating 4 out of 5]

They know their love is hopeless, but together Zac and Lyla will learn that true love can overcome obstacles but now without dire consequences in this exciting paranormal romance.

Zac is a shifter which means he is an outcast and Lyla is an elite preparing to be an enforcer and the reader can’t help but get caught up in the story as circumstances put Zac and Lyla on opposite sides but a fated love changes their course. The chemistry strikes hard with a single glance and has this sizzling attraction bringing together a forbidden love that could mean their deaths and these strong, compelling characters demand the reader’s attention from the very beginning while their defy society and its rules to reach for their happily ever after. The fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps adrenaline pumping with lots of suspense, action and romance while vivid emotional turmoil grips the heart and ensures that the reader roots for Zac and Lyla throughout their dangerous courtship.

Expectation builds lots of tension as Lyla and Zac discover that things can be different if it’s worth fighting for even as the danger to them both escalates and leaves them with very little options. The scenes and details are well written, painting vivid images that bring this story to life while the well-orchestrated and intriguing events make it easy for the reader to become completely absorbed in the story.

Enter this world at your own risk because the author has created a fascinating but somewhat cruel alternate society that rules with an iron fist, a dark and edgy world that kept me on the edge of my seat just as Zac and Lyla captured my heart and I can’t wait to find out what this new series has in store for me next.

[C.A. Tibbitts · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
The story of Zac and Lyla.
When we first meet Zac, he is a “normal” traveling with his friend Jason to New York City. It is apparent from the start that this is definitely a different world.
The “elite” are the rich/powerful/political people, while the “normals” and the “shifters” are second-class citizens.
Lyla is one of the elite. In a gross twist, she is a young lady (I believe it said 19) who is set to marry her uncle (her mother’s brother). (Ewww) Oswald is forty-something, cruel, and hell-bent on becoming the president. He already has a fairly high political role in the society, and he’ll do ANYTHING to reach the top.
Lyla and Zac first spot each other on the bridge into the city. Zac is playing a song on his guitar for the masses of people walking, and Lyla is riding in the back of a chauffeured car. Zac can’t take his eyes off her. He’s determined to see her again, by any means necessary.
It turns out he is a shifter after all, and Lyla is his fated mate. But of course, things are never going to be simple!
The author has done a great job at creating an alternate reality. I had to give up on knowing if it was supposed to mirror present times or not, though I think it did.
At times the story was needlessly “wordy”, but the author did paint a vivid picture of everything. A few liberties were taken at skipping from the main characters to other character’s points of view, but that is easily forgiven.
The end action scenes are fantastic, and I really appreciated all the details given in that instance.
It is a story I would recommend to others!

[Shiran · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, I love paranormal romance and I love discovering new authors, but this book just disappointed me. The storyline felt like it was Titanic fan fiction with shifters and the writing was juvenile. The POV kept changing to random characters and the dialogue was annoying and unrealistic.

I didn't connect with the characters at all, in fact I found them to be very one dimensional and lacking emotion. I didn't like Zac or Lyla, in fact, Lyla's pervy uncle and horrible mother had the most depth to them.

The story was also all over the place. You think that Zac is a shifter from the start, but then he's shifting for the first time? It made no sense, he knew how to calm a shifter down but then couldn't do it himself?

I didn't even make it to 50% when I decided I couldn't continue. A little part of me wants to know where the story goes but I can't bring myself to read the annoying dialogue and deal with the insipid characters.

On a side note: I received this book from the author and found myself a little disappointing and put off by one of her emails. In it she noted that this isn't the best book. For the author to state that her book isn't good means that she doesn't have faith in it or think it's worthy of being read, that almost made me not both to read it at all. But I tried to read it anyway and I have to say, she was right.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOODNESS, I've just finished reading Avery's first book... Shifter: City of Wolves & I'm feeling sooo many emotions. Such an intense read from start to finish, I couldn't put it down, I was drawn into the emotions, the story, the people, the history, the divide. I was CAPTIVATED!

Inside this almost dark story, is a romance so intense it feels real, as for the darkness there are some scenes quite un-nerving. But without them the story wouldn't be what it is, I think the added darkness in the people within helped you understand what was happening in their lives. People had wanted to break free from the dictatorship that was the Elite, even some of the Elite. Let not forget the normal people being down troden, left to feel powerless & the shifters persecuted just for being alive, for being shifters. You got a not so good glimps into what it meant to being a shifter, when Jason & Zac arrive to the city, I won't ruin this for you.

I can't wait to read where Avery takes this series, I await book 2 with patience, impatiently.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one will get it for being different in the setting and the type of background. I actually got mad a few times even because of the class barriers that were so ever present and the ruthlessness. The characters themselves are young but are up against a age old thing encountered forbidden love. Lily is living in a very tight structured life while Zac is the opposite. He is also because of what he is a forbidden and his kind must be so smart to survive. She will have a sympathizer though from her side but also a real life example of what could happen. Little by little she breaks structure and the forbidden meet and love grows. There are alot of other elements to this story for example on just how special she is and why she is coveted. Lots of drama but at times maybe alittle too much. One creepy aspect too on who she is expected to marry-ughhh double ugh. More then half way through it though you will find yourself racing to see the outcome and where you will be left standing with these two.

[Susan Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

spoiler alert ( is this titanic with shifters?)

ok i gave this book two stars not because its a horrible book (though a little more character depth, and at times the "love" scenes felt a little sterile) the main reason I'm giving this book two stars is its uncanny resemblance to TITANIC. I'm sorry i can't help but make this connection. boy from the wrong side of the tracks, upper-class engaged girl out of his league , his day pass into the district is to similar to jacks day pass on the upper-class deck down to the outcast rich women dressing him to the very conversation taking place in the banquet. and again when they are waiting to board the elite escape helicopters mirrors the life boat scene in titanic. the similarities crop up all through the book up to some of the final lines. for this reason i can,t give this book higher than two stars because in my opinion it lacks a level of creativity.

[Danielle's · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like most of the ideas out of this book were part of other books/ films. It wasn't a bad book but it wasn't really my cup of tea.
The bench mark for me in werewolf story's is feral sins and this book wasn't even in the same league. The alpha male for me is the dominant personality and the male in this book didn't have that.
The first 20% of this book felt like watching the movie blood and chocolate (good movie btw) with a mix of titanic (as some1 else said)
Then it went on to take you through
Divergence and immortal instruments.
If you like a good werewolf romance which creates a whole new world then I would definitely recommend you read this but if you're as big a fantasy reader as me you may feel like you've already read this in snippets from other sources.

*An advanced copy of this book was given to me in exchange for an honest review*

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had higher expectations for this book. It was an OK read, not something I would read again and even though I am interested in the secondary characters I don't think I will continue this series.
This is a paranormal book set in a dystopian world which started to read as more of a YA but then about halfway through the sex scenes started and they kept going and going and going...seriously I love a good erotic romance but staying in a burning building to have a quicky just isn't hot which is what I would think the author was going for...it's stupid, and that is only one of the many issues I had with this book. I was seriously considering giving this book one star but I went with two because there were parts that were very enjoyable unfortunately there weren't many of them.

[Jessica Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery does it again!
Can't wait for the second book!
War.
Shifters/normals versus the Elites
Good versus Evil
Layla has it all... Or so she thinks, she knows she wants to be free and marry who she wishes but for her being an elite that will not happen. She is suppose to marry her uncle.. Yuck! And become a enforcer of the shifters all the while doing as what she is told to do.
Zac raised on the other side of tracks. He is a shifter on a mission to find his "sister" but she is really a step since he was adopted. When he finally meets her, he relisizes she is his fated mate. Will they get their happy ending or will it be all for not.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit I'm not sure whether I liked this book or not. Obviously I didn't hate it because I finished it, but there were some things I took issue with while there were others I liked. I think what I disliked most was the timing of the sex scenes. While the city is burning around them, and people are being killed by the hundred, hey let's do it now seemed a bit wrong. Fortunately, there were other parts that redeemed the story and kept me reading. Not at all sure what the next book will be bring in the series but I am interested in finding out.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[Garcelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely and completely adored this. While I am happy that I only have to wait 3 months for the next installment, I wish I didn't have to wait at all. Despite a few typos, the story flowed really well and to me, it was very believable (in a world where Shifters exist). The discrimination and prejudice that the Shifters endure is very reflective of the same treatment people get in the world today. The hypocrisy of the "Elites" is another thing that can relate to society today. I can't thank Avery Burch enough for giving me this opportunity and gifting me this awesome book. I can't wait for the next book.

[Kin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn't awful. There are still a lot of improvements needed. Like the world building and so many loose ends

The characters weren't developed much either, like I finished the book and I feel like I barley know them

There was erotica and to be honest it happens at the stupidest times. Like hell, they're in the middle of a purge. But they do the deed.

While in an elevator.
While they're supposed to be running for their lives.

I'll give it 4 stars because with a little bit of tweaking it could be a great book

[Jo Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a truly amazing story which will evoke every emotion. Intelligently written, this is a new concept that I haven't read before. It's fresh, has plenty of depth, the twists & turns just keep coming. The story centres around Zac and Lyla from both ends of the social spectrum. They find each other with a rare glimpse and the tale continues through their struggles. This is a must read book of high calibre !!!

[Laura DeSimone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this free read and it is a great story. The two main characters in this book are Zachary and Lyla. Lyla is from a prestigious family, and Zachary is a wolf shifter. Zachary and Lyla have many obstacles before them, one being her Uncle Oswald. Oswald is the next new villain you can't help but hate, and hate you will. I look forward to the next book in the Shifter series.

[Tish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Although a little different than what I was expecting, I really enjoyed this book. I like that it didn't follow the norm. It was emotional and exciting.....and difficult to put down.

[Tallkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow!!! I absolutely loved it!!! So action packed from the first page and like a roller coaster of emotions!! I honestly can't wait for the next to come out! loved it from start to finish.

Kind regards 

Tina xx

[Diana · Rating 1 out of 5]

At 97% of book read Ihad to stop reading. Couldn't take it anymore
It began in a good way, but lots of topics and non sense bored me to no end. Good idea about the shifters purge, though. And very nice of the author to offer an ARC to me. Sadly, this book wasn't my cup of tea