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The Shift Chronicles #2
Syndrome
A Missing Girl...
For months, there's been no sign of Alex's sister, who she fought so desperately to rescue. She's disappeared without a trace.
A Series of Warnings...
A werewolf is stalking Alex's once sleepy southern town. People are dying, and Alex thinks she knows the reason: her refusal to give in to Valkos. The growing bodycount is a warning. He is trying to break her, and now neighboring packs--once allies-- are convinced that she is a risk that needs to be eliminated before she's broken.
An Unexpected Visitor...
Just when things between Alex and Kael are starting to make sense amongst all the chaos around them, a dark part of Kael's past returns in the most unexpected of places, and threatens to turn them upside down all over again.
An Impossible Betrayal...
Alex thought she finally knew who she could trust.
She was wrong.
And her mistake may mean war.
For months, there's been no sign of Alex's sister, who she fought so desperately to rescue. She's disappeared without a trace.
A Series of Warnings...
A werewolf is stalking Alex's once sleepy southern town. People are dying, and Alex thinks she knows the reason: her refusal to give in to Valkos. The growing bodycount is a warning. He is trying to break her, and now neighboring packs--once allies-- are convinced that she is a risk that needs to be eliminated before she's broken.
An Unexpected Visitor...
Just when things between Alex and Kael are starting to make sense amongst all the chaos around them, a dark part of Kael's past returns in the most unexpected of places, and threatens to turn them upside down all over again.
An Impossible Betrayal...
Alex thought she finally knew who she could trust.
She was wrong.
And her mistake may mean war.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2015
218 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Gaither
28 books2,069 followersI don't check Goodreads regularly, but you're welcome to send me an email (smgaitherbooks@gmail.com) anytime!
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As a kid, S.M. Gaither spent way too much time playing video games like Final Fantasy and reading every book she could get her hands on instead of doing silly things like her assigned homework. As an adult…Well, not much has changed. Her goal is to write books that distract others from their life’s obligations, too, thus creating an army of fellow procrastinators over which she can reign supreme. These days, her personal favorite places to procrastinate are in the mountains near her North Carolina home, in the company of her husband, their daughter, and their very spoiled dog.
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As a kid, S.M. Gaither spent way too much time playing video games like Final Fantasy and reading every book she could get her hands on instead of doing silly things like her assigned homework. As an adult…Well, not much has changed. Her goal is to write books that distract others from their life’s obligations, too, thus creating an army of fellow procrastinators over which she can reign supreme. These days, her personal favorite places to procrastinate are in the mountains near her North Carolina home, in the company of her husband, their daughter, and their very spoiled dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 8, 2019
Mmm not bad. Not as good as the last one - mainly because of the ending - but still good. The romance was en pointe and the characters were just as sweet and genuine as in the previous book, but I found the ending stupid and I honestly can't be bothered continuing the series, not even for Kael. Sorry Kael ❤
Want to read
June 28, 2015I am over the moon that this book exists, it's such a wonderful surprise! I have been waiting for this for years! Glad that the author is okay!
June 29, 2016
I was really going into the sequel with high expectations. That was probably my fault. It was good, but not as good as I hoped. The two main characters were frustrating and it drove me crazy. I do hope the next book gets better. Three glittery stars.
July 8, 2020
Alex is still ridiculously stubborn, allowing people to be painfully vague leaving her woefully ignorant. Bit frustrating to read this one.
I also feel the romance in this series so far isn't really there, the characters seem to lack any real connection.
I also feel the romance in this series so far isn't really there, the characters seem to lack any real connection.
September 26, 2016
These books a very wordy. I tend to skip most of the internal dialogue and just read the conversations between characters and I haven't seemed to miss anything. The storyline isn't bad, I'm just bored with the lack of forward motion. I'm going to read one more book and if I just can't like the series any better than I do now I'm out!
May 13, 2017
Where is the third book?! I need to know what happens next! This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites and I can't believe it's not as well known as it should be. And the writing is phenomenal! 10 of out 10, by far!
August 22, 2015
Worth the wait
Very good. Hope the next one comes out quick! I'm hoping Kael is not gone thru most of the next one.
Very good. Hope the next one comes out quick! I'm hoping Kael is not gone thru most of the next one.
June 20, 2017
I cannot say enough good things about this book. While Descendant was enjoyable, Syndrome was a vast improvement. Alex grows a bit as a character but not too much. Shes still shortsighted and quick to act without thought. She is still determined to protect her family and searches frantically for Lora every chance she has. But, oh my god, she said "hell." I was so proud. She does lose some of her selfishness and naivete throughout the novel and just matures over all. Her and Kael's relationship progresses fairly naturally. They both come off as anxious and nervous in some scenes and it is just adorable. The born vs made conflict is still mentioned but the lines have blurred with both sides being mixed so I don't think its exactly valid anymore. The prejudice is still there but fairly hypocritical. (So I guess very realistic in that sense..) The best part though was the surprise appearances, plot twists, and mysteries that were everywhere in Syndrome. It all came together beautifully and I was quite surprised with how it all turned out. That ending though! And then the epilogue! Oh I cannot wait to start in on Sacrifice. Come to mama.
One thing that bothered me though: She had like 30 seconds of "normal" life in school with friends and homework and everything but then it was never mentioned again. I feel like as a sixteen year old girl, her social life and "best friend" would be more important to her and therefore mentioned occasionally? There wasn't any mention in Descendant either but it was said at some point that everything happened over the summer. Syndrome definitely takes place over the school year. It just seemed abnormal to me.
One thing that bothered me though: She had like 30 seconds of "normal" life in school with friends and homework and everything but then it was never mentioned again. I feel like as a sixteen year old girl, her social life and "best friend" would be more important to her and therefore mentioned occasionally? There wasn't any mention in Descendant either but it was said at some point that everything happened over the summer. Syndrome definitely takes place over the school year. It just seemed abnormal to me.
September 26, 2024
These books are way more juvenile than I was expecting, honestly the main characters in this book are 2 sisters who are about 14 & 16 years old!
The female protagonist having to study so she wouldn’t flunk 10th grade 😳 not the kind of fantasy escape novel I was hoping for!
Then the drama between the one wolf she likes and Sarah a wolf he’s known for centuries possibly an ex girlfriend just felt like high school drama… again not my cup of tea.
Then the epic self sacrifice at the end backfiring I saw coming from a million miles away, honestly why stab your self near a pack just waiting for you to bleed on an accident book to break there pact and start a war.
If this book wasn’t free I wouldn’t of read it, I definitely wouldn’t pay for it
The female protagonist having to study so she wouldn’t flunk 10th grade 😳 not the kind of fantasy escape novel I was hoping for!
Then the drama between the one wolf she likes and Sarah a wolf he’s known for centuries possibly an ex girlfriend just felt like high school drama… again not my cup of tea.
Then the epic self sacrifice at the end backfiring I saw coming from a million miles away, honestly why stab your self near a pack just waiting for you to bleed on an accident book to break there pact and start a war.
If this book wasn’t free I wouldn’t of read it, I definitely wouldn’t pay for it
July 5, 2018
As one of the characters in the book so eloquently put it “angsty teenagers”. I enjoyed the book, obviously, since I rated 5 stars and purchased the next book.
The blind anger I can relate to and find a little less off putting then some others may. I was surprised at the twist which doesn’t happen often so thumbs up there!
Overall good read! Would recommend.
Favorite quote:
“What was that saying? Damned if you did, damned if you didn’t? Yeah. That. Story of my life.”
The blind anger I can relate to and find a little less off putting then some others may. I was surprised at the twist which doesn’t happen often so thumbs up there!
Overall good read! Would recommend.
Favorite quote:
“What was that saying? Damned if you did, damned if you didn’t? Yeah. That. Story of my life.”
May 12, 2020
I liked this book more than the first one. I feel as though the main relationship is a little rushed (even though I was also waiting for SOMETHING to happen!). I am not sure if I felt like they actually cared about each other and then all of a sudden it was love. I mean I am not someone who hates that so I didn't mind, but others might. Definitely feel like the series has improved, but it is still a YA kindle-unlimited (meaning overall average).
June 23, 2020
Action-packed and intriguing
To be honest, I usually enjoy reading books with more romance in them. So, if you’re like me, this series is very much an action series with a bit of slow-burn romance. I still found it interesting and found it hard to put down. Definitely a PG13 YA book which is great if you want a break from the adult romance genre in which storylines can get lost in sexual tension. I’ll definitely keep reading this series to find out how it all ends.
To be honest, I usually enjoy reading books with more romance in them. So, if you’re like me, this series is very much an action series with a bit of slow-burn romance. I still found it interesting and found it hard to put down. Definitely a PG13 YA book which is great if you want a break from the adult romance genre in which storylines can get lost in sexual tension. I’ll definitely keep reading this series to find out how it all ends.
July 28, 2021
Damn Good!!!
Perfectly written, lots magic and lore, just the right amount of Love, lots of action, and to top it all off a lot of natural involvement, All combined and excellently written just like I said damn good!! 😊😊😊 the author of these books deserves an " Academy " award or something it's equal the composition of these books is so good. 😀😀😀😀😀
Perfectly written, lots magic and lore, just the right amount of Love, lots of action, and to top it all off a lot of natural involvement, All combined and excellently written just like I said damn good!! 😊😊😊 the author of these books deserves an " Academy " award or something it's equal the composition of these books is so good. 😀😀😀😀😀
September 21, 2019
After reading the first book I was kind of on the fence about this series but hoping for better. It was in a way, BUT honestly the main character just gave me too many TSTL vibes and I’m not here for that.
February 16, 2021
Good series
I read the first book of the series and thought it was pretty good. So I decided to read the second. It was full of conspiracy, war and ended with heart breaking love. I will have to get the next now.
I read the first book of the series and thought it was pretty good. So I decided to read the second. It was full of conspiracy, war and ended with heart breaking love. I will have to get the next now.
February 22, 2021
The storyline was decent though it would benefit from a more in-depth editing process. I don't think that the title really fits with the novel, however. The title just doesn't make sense as the "syndrome" was barely touched on or completely understood from the reader's perspective.
January 7, 2026
im really loving Alex's and kaels slowburn relationship right now and the plot is picking up and I'm so invested now!! I'm scared about Lora and the other characters and the found family is everything to me!! i love the found family!!
May 9, 2018
Yup. Just as good as the first book. This time read it in a day.
Great book. I can't wait to read the next. It was so action packed. I love the two main characters
Great book. I can't wait to read the next. It was so action packed. I love the two main characters
September 20, 2020
Enjoyed this book as much as the first, can't wait to read the next one. Love seeing how the characters develop and it's a great story line.
January 5, 2021
3.5 - easy, quick read.
January 30, 2021
OMDSSSSSSS
THE ENDING
I CANT EVEN.............
THE ENDING
I CANT EVEN.............
August 9, 2021
3.5 ⭐⭐⭐
I have mixed feelings. Romance was amazing but the 'adventure ' part was unnerving. Alex's thinking frustrated me .
I have mixed feelings. Romance was amazing but the 'adventure ' part was unnerving. Alex's thinking frustrated me .
October 16, 2022
OMG. I want to hate the mom. How is this girl so understand! Still an amazing book. But it definitely gave me someone else to dislike besides the bad guy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2017
Whiney
A very whiney second installment. Lot's of temper tantrums, bitching, and woe is me going on with the main character. I didn't feel like she'd learned anything during her book 1 adventures because she remained reckless and selfish throughout book 2. I really dislike characters that have to be constantly saved from their own stupidity, especially when the talk a big game and have no follow through. How many times can she make threats and fail to deliver before you want to tell her to grow a pair or shut up?
In terms of plot, it was predictable. The dialogue was predictable, too. A lot was going on but nothing was happening. Hardly any world building occurred in this book, as well. A very disappointing second installment.
A very whiney second installment. Lot's of temper tantrums, bitching, and woe is me going on with the main character. I didn't feel like she'd learned anything during her book 1 adventures because she remained reckless and selfish throughout book 2. I really dislike characters that have to be constantly saved from their own stupidity, especially when the talk a big game and have no follow through. How many times can she make threats and fail to deliver before you want to tell her to grow a pair or shut up?
In terms of plot, it was predictable. The dialogue was predictable, too. A lot was going on but nothing was happening. Hardly any world building occurred in this book, as well. A very disappointing second installment.
February 1, 2016
Another solid showing in this YA shifter series. I continued to enjoy the back and forth sass between Kael and Alex as well as the warm fuzzies, and definitely got a little emotional at the end, but I will admit that I didn't quite understand the thought process behind some of the angst and space between them. Alex was certainly out of line with her jealousy a couple of times, and I was ready for them to just be officially together already... but whatever. I still enjoyed that aspect of the story more than anything else. I have to say, the rest of the story just moved a little too slowly for my taste. I thought it was good, but I was ready to come to its conclusion and move on. I'm looking forward to what I'm assuming will be a series closer (although I could see this stretching out to four books) in March of this year.
August 21, 2016
Have to admit I got sucked into this one even more than the first book of the series. I would have read it in one sitting if my eyes had let me!
I was not expecting a few of the twists in this book but I was expected a few of them with how the last book ended. Its a fairly fast read. It has more romance than the first book did (has kissing). I love that not everything worked out like you expected it to at the end.
I will defiantly get the next two books once I can afford them and the last book is out!
I was not expecting a few of the twists in this book but I was expected a few of them with how the last book ended. Its a fairly fast read. It has more romance than the first book did (has kissing). I love that not everything worked out like you expected it to at the end.
I will defiantly get the next two books once I can afford them and the last book is out!
September 10, 2015
Wow
So much drama and mind bending betrayal. A mother that is not her real mom, a sister lost, and a young girl with the weight of the world on her shoulders. Not knowing who to really trust or what is expected made an excellent series. Great job author Eva Thruedale !!!
So much drama and mind bending betrayal. A mother that is not her real mom, a sister lost, and a young girl with the weight of the world on her shoulders. Not knowing who to really trust or what is expected made an excellent series. Great job author Eva Thruedale !!!
April 6, 2016
Ok
This book was good, but not my favorite. It kinda dragged on too much for me. I was very frustrated by Alex and Kael's relationship. I will prob read the next book but not my favorite series...
This book was good, but not my favorite. It kinda dragged on too much for me. I was very frustrated by Alex and Kael's relationship. I will prob read the next book but not my favorite series...
August 11, 2016
Heart wrenching
I love this one also, well written and another that was hard to put down! I don't want to give away the story but if you like werewolf love stories with a lot of actions and secrets this story is for you! Love it!!!!
I love this one also, well written and another that was hard to put down! I don't want to give away the story but if you like werewolf love stories with a lot of actions and secrets this story is for you! Love it!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews