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Yellowstone Wolves #1
Challenge the Darkness
Yellowstone Book One
When alpha shifter Mikael Volokov is called to witness a challenge, he learns the evil and power-hungry Anton Gregor will stop at nothing to attain victory. Knowing he will need alliances to keep his pack together, Mikael requests a congress with the nearby Evergreen pack and meets Denton Arguson, Evergreen alpha, to ask for his help. Fate has a strange twist for both of them, though, and Mikael and Denton soon realize they’re destined mates.
Denton resists the pull between them—he has his own pack and his own responsibilities. But Mikael isn't willing to give up. The Mother has promised Mikael his mate, told him he must fight for him, and that only together can they defeat the coming darkness. When Anton casts his sights on Denton's pack, attacks and sabotage follow, pulling Denton and Mikael together to defeat a common enemy. But Anton’s threats sow seeds of destruction enough to break any bond, and the mates’ determination to challenge the darkness may be their only saving grace.
When alpha shifter Mikael Volokov is called to witness a challenge, he learns the evil and power-hungry Anton Gregor will stop at nothing to attain victory. Knowing he will need alliances to keep his pack together, Mikael requests a congress with the nearby Evergreen pack and meets Denton Arguson, Evergreen alpha, to ask for his help. Fate has a strange twist for both of them, though, and Mikael and Denton soon realize they’re destined mates.
Denton resists the pull between them—he has his own pack and his own responsibilities. But Mikael isn't willing to give up. The Mother has promised Mikael his mate, told him he must fight for him, and that only together can they defeat the coming darkness. When Anton casts his sights on Denton's pack, attacks and sabotage follow, pulling Denton and Mikael together to defeat a common enemy. But Anton’s threats sow seeds of destruction enough to break any bond, and the mates’ determination to challenge the darkness may be their only saving grace.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2015
36 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Dirk Greyson
21 books115 followersDirk is very much an outside kind of man. He loves travel and seeing new things.
Dirk worked in corporate America for way too long and now spends his days writing, gardening, and taking care of the home he shares with his partner of more than two decades.
He has a Master’s Degree and all the other accessories that go with a corporate job. But he is most proud of the stories he tells and the life he's built.
Dirk lives in Pennsylvania in a century old home and is blessed with an amazing circle of friends.
Dirk worked in corporate America for way too long and now spends his days writing, gardening, and taking care of the home he shares with his partner of more than two decades.
He has a Master’s Degree and all the other accessories that go with a corporate job. But he is most proud of the stories he tells and the life he's built.
Dirk lives in Pennsylvania in a century old home and is blessed with an amazing circle of friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
July 20, 2017
**** This is a marvelous new series by Dirk Greyson (my first of his writing) which is about wolf shifters in the Northwest USA.
Strong Alpha Mikael, rules the Yellowstone Pack.
He's been shown in dreams since he was eight, who his fated mate will be.
When they meet, it is Evergreen Pack Alpha Denton, a Forest Ranger.
We could feel the anticipation and longing to find a mate, and then the exuberance and excitement of their mate's presence. The writing is expressive ! Both Alphas have their pack needs to consider, so they walk away at first. Each man suffers without the mate in their daily life. Denton becomes ill, and grouchy, as does Mikael.
As events take place, they are thrust together more often, and their strength in avoiding a mating is waning.
* Nature cannot be ignored.
The book opened with a challenge to the death by the evil,
scheming Alpha Anton, and again he's shown up to cause problems. His need to dominate beyond all measure is abnormal, and he's quite insane. Our packs work together after a fire, to settle their members and defeat the crazed Anton.
This story has vivid descriptions, interesting story flow, and sexy hotness with our two Alphas. They are fierce, raw, powerful, emotional, erotic and explosive. Wow !
This story is new, fresh, unusual, and riveting.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
===================
Strong Alpha Mikael, rules the Yellowstone Pack.
He's been shown in dreams since he was eight, who his fated mate will be.
When they meet, it is Evergreen Pack Alpha Denton, a Forest Ranger.
We could feel the anticipation and longing to find a mate, and then the exuberance and excitement of their mate's presence. The writing is expressive ! Both Alphas have their pack needs to consider, so they walk away at first. Each man suffers without the mate in their daily life. Denton becomes ill, and grouchy, as does Mikael.
As events take place, they are thrust together more often, and their strength in avoiding a mating is waning.
* Nature cannot be ignored.
The book opened with a challenge to the death by the evil,
scheming Alpha Anton, and again he's shown up to cause problems. His need to dominate beyond all measure is abnormal, and he's quite insane. Our packs work together after a fire, to settle their members and defeat the crazed Anton.
This story has vivid descriptions, interesting story flow, and sexy hotness with our two Alphas. They are fierce, raw, powerful, emotional, erotic and explosive. Wow !
This story is new, fresh, unusual, and riveting.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
===================
December 17, 2015
As you will know if you follow my reviews, I love shifter stories. A new world, as developed in ‘Challenge the Darkness’, always gets me excited because I get to learn new “rules” about how everything works, a new history and background, and great new characters who face some obstacle or crisis. In this case, Mikael has to deal with an evil, power-hungry alpha who is trying to get all the area’s packs under his control. But Mikael also meets his mate – only to discover that Denton is another alpha, and everyone knows two alphas can’t mate. Right? What follows is a suspenseful story with lots of confrontation, personal struggle, and a fight for survival for two packs who need to learn how to work together –not something that is exactly common in this world.
Mikael is an interesting combination of your “usual” alpha (hierarchical, overbearing at times, possessive, and territorial) and an inspired leader who knows how to convince people and who can use rational arguments if he thinks it will help avoid violence. Both are traits he has ample opportunity to use as he figures out that the evil Anton is after everyone’s pack and that he intends to use any means to get to his objective. Mikael’s idea to form an alliance with a neighboring pack is unusual, to say the least, but it leads to Mikael meeting Denton, the pack’s alpha, and while he is elated he has finally found his mate, he also soon despairs at Denton’s lack of willingness to give up his pack. Mikael isn’t willing to give up his pack either, so there’s an unsolvable standoff right there.
Denton is a good alpha, not willing to just give up and join Mikael’s pack. He can feel the attraction between them, but even when sabotage destroys his pack’s homes, and Mikael comes to the rescue, Denton is not willing to “just give in” and defer to Mikael. Their struggle to figure out a solution adds to their fight for survival and makes for a very powerful mix. The Mother, a goddess Denton and his pack are not aware of because they were never taught that part of werewolf lore, is anther interesting element in everything that is going on.
If you like werewolf stories, if an epic power struggle between mates, as well as with an external enemy, is your thing, and if you’re looking for an action-packed read full of tension, passion, and two mates clearly meant to be together, then you will probably like this novel. I certainly hope there are more stories set in this world!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Mikael is an interesting combination of your “usual” alpha (hierarchical, overbearing at times, possessive, and territorial) and an inspired leader who knows how to convince people and who can use rational arguments if he thinks it will help avoid violence. Both are traits he has ample opportunity to use as he figures out that the evil Anton is after everyone’s pack and that he intends to use any means to get to his objective. Mikael’s idea to form an alliance with a neighboring pack is unusual, to say the least, but it leads to Mikael meeting Denton, the pack’s alpha, and while he is elated he has finally found his mate, he also soon despairs at Denton’s lack of willingness to give up his pack. Mikael isn’t willing to give up his pack either, so there’s an unsolvable standoff right there.
Denton is a good alpha, not willing to just give up and join Mikael’s pack. He can feel the attraction between them, but even when sabotage destroys his pack’s homes, and Mikael comes to the rescue, Denton is not willing to “just give in” and defer to Mikael. Their struggle to figure out a solution adds to their fight for survival and makes for a very powerful mix. The Mother, a goddess Denton and his pack are not aware of because they were never taught that part of werewolf lore, is anther interesting element in everything that is going on.
If you like werewolf stories, if an epic power struggle between mates, as well as with an external enemy, is your thing, and if you’re looking for an action-packed read full of tension, passion, and two mates clearly meant to be together, then you will probably like this novel. I certainly hope there are more stories set in this world!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 19, 2015
Very nice shifter story about two alpha who end being each others true mates. This brings some complicaties because no one has ever heard about two alpha's being together. They each have their own pack they want to take care of. But when they find out they have a bit treat in common, they try to find a way to werk together. Their chemistry is so strong that it keeps harder to stay apart. These big strong alpha wolfs are gonna have to try to find a way to be together without giving up their own status.
I really enjoyed reading this one. There was plenty of shifting and some very nice steam.
3,5 stars from me
I really enjoyed reading this one. There was plenty of shifting and some very nice steam.
3,5 stars from me
April 19, 2020
3,5 stars for a good shifter story ... although I was a bit annoyed with with his Micks alphaness
Nevertheless all in all a nice story
Nevertheless all in all a nice story
September 17, 2015
Mikael and Denton meet as alphas of neighboring packs who must unite against an evil shifter determined to take over the entire territory. They realize they are mates, but fight it – everyone knows two alphas will never work as mates, right?
What results is a long, slow romance between two hot-headed and hot shifters. Mikael is the first to realize how vital the mating between them will be. In addition to his own gut instincts, he’s received a message from the Goddess telling him that their partnership will be required to conquer the evil Anton.
The chemistry between these guys is combustible! They slowly get to know one another until they can’t stand to be apart. It was great watching the slow transformation from almost enemies to lovers.
Anton’s plot takes up a lot of storyline and involves several other players who I hope will become MCs in later books.
There is a fair amount of world-building and time spent as wolves – something I always appreciate in a good shifter novel.
The ending is climactic and exciting and also very sentimental and touching.
I really enjoyed this new shifter book and look forward to the series.
4.5 of 5 stars
What results is a long, slow romance between two hot-headed and hot shifters. Mikael is the first to realize how vital the mating between them will be. In addition to his own gut instincts, he’s received a message from the Goddess telling him that their partnership will be required to conquer the evil Anton.
The chemistry between these guys is combustible! They slowly get to know one another until they can’t stand to be apart. It was great watching the slow transformation from almost enemies to lovers.
Anton’s plot takes up a lot of storyline and involves several other players who I hope will become MCs in later books.
There is a fair amount of world-building and time spent as wolves – something I always appreciate in a good shifter novel.
The ending is climactic and exciting and also very sentimental and touching.
I really enjoyed this new shifter book and look forward to the series.
4.5 of 5 stars
October 14, 2015
Great story!! I'm looking forward to more of this series.
August 31, 2015
When the story begins, only one of the alphas knows he has a true or fated mate out there somewhere. Only one has witnessed the evil and brutality of the monster that is Anton Gregor. But when an alliance is proposed between Mikael and Denton’s packs, this change for them both as men and as alphas. Yes, this is a fates mates / fated alphas story and it’s done so well! This is not one where one alpha is found to really be a pretender or some such (yes, I’ve read stories like that :/ )
But what do you do when your mate has his own pack and pack lands to deal with, you have an evil abomination trying to gobble up all the other packs (and sets his sights on yours next), and your Goddess has plans for you both? Yeah, life is never easy when Dirk is in the writers seat! But hey, that’s a good thing. I promise.
The writing is so vivid and clear you feel as if you are right there in the pages with the characters. The growth and development is wonderful to see, as is how each man deals with the other, their pack members, and their trials. And by the last page, all I wanted was more. There is so much potential in this story and world, I hope (HINT HINT NUDGE NUDGE) Dirk writes more and turns this into a series. I’m simply not ready to leave this world or these men behind!
If you love your romance with a heavy side of grit and need to overcome, then this is the perfect must-read for you. I can’t say enough good about this shifter story. If I could give it more than 5 drops, I would…... Oh, and don’t even get me started on the need for ice and fans during the sex… O. M. F’ing. G!
But what do you do when your mate has his own pack and pack lands to deal with, you have an evil abomination trying to gobble up all the other packs (and sets his sights on yours next), and your Goddess has plans for you both? Yeah, life is never easy when Dirk is in the writers seat! But hey, that’s a good thing. I promise.
The writing is so vivid and clear you feel as if you are right there in the pages with the characters. The growth and development is wonderful to see, as is how each man deals with the other, their pack members, and their trials. And by the last page, all I wanted was more. There is so much potential in this story and world, I hope (HINT HINT NUDGE NUDGE) Dirk writes more and turns this into a series. I’m simply not ready to leave this world or these men behind!
If you love your romance with a heavy side of grit and need to overcome, then this is the perfect must-read for you. I can’t say enough good about this shifter story. If I could give it more than 5 drops, I would…... Oh, and don’t even get me started on the need for ice and fans during the sex… O. M. F’ing. G!
December 12, 2017
This book was picked for me in a pick it for me challenge. This was the first book in a new series too me. Mikael Volokov is an Alpha of a small pack he goes to witness his childhood friend when he is challenge. When is friend Gregor loses he takes in his mate and his two boys. Anton Romanov is a cold headed Alpha who has a black soul. When he meets with the neighboring pack Alpha he comes face to face with his mate Denton Arguson. Denton has been alpha of his pack Evergreen for a little while he challenged his cousin and won. Denton is having a hard time with this mate thing he also doesn't believe in Mother the one who protects them. Mikael knows he has to woo his mate so he starts by planning a picnic they both know that its going to be hard because they both are alphas of their pack and have responsibilities to their pack and their family. When Anton makes his moves he tries to have Denton kidnapped. This was a really good read the sex scenes between these two were hot. This was my first time reading this author this book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
September 3, 2015
loved this book and the characters and I want more pretty please! !!!
January 25, 2016
(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews with a copy provided by the author / publisher for an honest review. Rated 4.5 out of 5.0 Stars.)
In Challenge the Darkness, Dirk Greyson begins a new series about the wolves of Yellowstone National Park. In real life, scientists, park officials and the general public have all been surprised by the rapid repopulation of wolves that occurred in Yellowstone following the reintroduction of wolves to the park.
In this book, Dirk gives us his take on how that rapid repopulation occurred. It seems there were a bunch of shifters living in the area as well, and they went underground, hiding in caves, after the hunters began killing of the wolves a hundred years ago. Now they are back.
Alpha shifter Mikael Volokov is the Alpha of the Yellowstone Pack. He is single, and gay, and has known for years that he has a fated mate. The Mother, the wolves’ Goddess, showed Mikael a vision when he was a boy of a golden haired boy who was fated to be his mate. Mikael has no idea how, or even if, he will ever meet his fated mate.
Mikael is called to witness a challenge for leadership of a nearby pack, and when he does he comes in contact with an evil dark wolf named Anton. Anton seems to be the antithesis of everything that is good in wolf culture. Even worse, Anton seems determined to defeat all the alphas and take over all the packs as his own!
Mikael must look towards building an alliance with other packs if he, and they, are to defend themselves against Anton. But what will happen when Mikael meets Denton, the Alpha of the Evergreen Pack? It is the golden haired boy…all grown up…but two alphas? How the heck will that work?
I enjoyed Mr. Greyson’s take on wolf shifters. I think this will be another great series, and can’t wait for the next installment! The book was well written and well edited. I recommend the book for any of you who enjoy m/m shifter stories!
In Challenge the Darkness, Dirk Greyson begins a new series about the wolves of Yellowstone National Park. In real life, scientists, park officials and the general public have all been surprised by the rapid repopulation of wolves that occurred in Yellowstone following the reintroduction of wolves to the park.
In this book, Dirk gives us his take on how that rapid repopulation occurred. It seems there were a bunch of shifters living in the area as well, and they went underground, hiding in caves, after the hunters began killing of the wolves a hundred years ago. Now they are back.
Alpha shifter Mikael Volokov is the Alpha of the Yellowstone Pack. He is single, and gay, and has known for years that he has a fated mate. The Mother, the wolves’ Goddess, showed Mikael a vision when he was a boy of a golden haired boy who was fated to be his mate. Mikael has no idea how, or even if, he will ever meet his fated mate.
Mikael is called to witness a challenge for leadership of a nearby pack, and when he does he comes in contact with an evil dark wolf named Anton. Anton seems to be the antithesis of everything that is good in wolf culture. Even worse, Anton seems determined to defeat all the alphas and take over all the packs as his own!
Mikael must look towards building an alliance with other packs if he, and they, are to defend themselves against Anton. But what will happen when Mikael meets Denton, the Alpha of the Evergreen Pack? It is the golden haired boy…all grown up…but two alphas? How the heck will that work?
I enjoyed Mr. Greyson’s take on wolf shifters. I think this will be another great series, and can’t wait for the next installment! The book was well written and well edited. I recommend the book for any of you who enjoy m/m shifter stories!
May 30, 2016
Eine schöne Geschichte für zwischendurch, mit einer interessanten Idee von Dunklen Wölfen, auf die dann aber, zu Gunsten eines schnellen Happy Ends, leider nicht großartig eingegangen wird. Vielleicht kommt dazu noch mehr in den nächsten Bänden, zu erzählen gäbe es jedenfalls genug.
Zu Denton und Mikael kann ich gar nicht viel sagen, sie sind für mich zwar nicht blass geblieben, aber wirklich im Gedächtnis bleiben sie auch nicht. Vielleicht liegt das auch an meinem Verständnis für Gefährten, denn einerseits heißt es, sie wären welche, dann steht aber später im Buch, wenn sie von anderen markiert werden oder sich markieren lassen, wäre das Thema Gefährten für beide erledigt. Da saß ich beim Lesen dann doch mit einem irritierten Fragezeichen über dem Kopf da. Entweder sie sind Gefährten oder sie sind keine. So sehe ich das zumindest.
Mehr beeindruckt war ich von den Naturbeschreibungen, da hat der Autor nicht an Worten gespart und mir ein schönes Bild von der Gegend und den Wohnorten der Rudel in den Kopf gesetzt.
Für einen gemütlichen Lesenachmittag auf der Couch ist die Geschichte wunderbar geeignet, daher gibt es 3,5* von mir und eine Leseempfehlung.
Zu Denton und Mikael kann ich gar nicht viel sagen, sie sind für mich zwar nicht blass geblieben, aber wirklich im Gedächtnis bleiben sie auch nicht. Vielleicht liegt das auch an meinem Verständnis für Gefährten, denn einerseits heißt es, sie wären welche, dann steht aber später im Buch, wenn sie von anderen markiert werden oder sich markieren lassen, wäre das Thema Gefährten für beide erledigt. Da saß ich beim Lesen dann doch mit einem irritierten Fragezeichen über dem Kopf da. Entweder sie sind Gefährten oder sie sind keine. So sehe ich das zumindest.
Mehr beeindruckt war ich von den Naturbeschreibungen, da hat der Autor nicht an Worten gespart und mir ein schönes Bild von der Gegend und den Wohnorten der Rudel in den Kopf gesetzt.
Für einen gemütlichen Lesenachmittag auf der Couch ist die Geschichte wunderbar geeignet, daher gibt es 3,5* von mir und eine Leseempfehlung.
September 8, 2015
All I can say is Wow!!
Not a typical shifter book, the story was compelling, vivid, with strong characters and a storyline that was a thrill ride from start to finish. Mikael and Denton are mates, both Alpha, and when they meet neither one is sure what to do. They come together to face a common enemy, and in trying to work through the fact they are mates, deal with two packs and families. Neither one wants to give up being Alpha, so they must come to terms with joining ranks and being partners.
It isn't until Denton is kidnapped that they both realize what they have and who they are, and only together can they defeat the dark one and merge their packs into one.
Brilliant, engaging and oh so worth it!!
Not a typical shifter book, the story was compelling, vivid, with strong characters and a storyline that was a thrill ride from start to finish. Mikael and Denton are mates, both Alpha, and when they meet neither one is sure what to do. They come together to face a common enemy, and in trying to work through the fact they are mates, deal with two packs and families. Neither one wants to give up being Alpha, so they must come to terms with joining ranks and being partners.
It isn't until Denton is kidnapped that they both realize what they have and who they are, and only together can they defeat the dark one and merge their packs into one.
Brilliant, engaging and oh so worth it!!
November 8, 2015
Really enjoyed that this one was not all about the sex. There was a plot that went somewhere and challenges to be overcome. It's not gritty - but it certainly is a little more coarse then others I've read. Not in a bad way - in a way that says there is a lot of complex situations occurring. Love the concept of two alpha's and these two didn't wimp out. A nice length - and I'd read more in this universe!
September 1, 2015
4.5 stars
My favorite from this author so far!
My favorite from this author so far!
June 25, 2017
Der Alpha Mikael will unter allen Umständen sein Rudel schützen. Es droht durchaus Gefahr von einem machthungrigen Alpha, der schon einige Rudel unter seine Kontrolle gebracht hat und dabei nicht zimperlich zur Sache geht. Mikael entschließt sich einen Verbündeten zu suchen. Dieser könnte Denton Arguson sein. Schon beim ersten Treffen wird Mikael klar, dass Denton sein vom Schicksal gewählter Gefährte ist.
Doch Denton ist davon wenig begeistert. Schließlich ist er selbst Alpha und trägt Verantwortung für sein Rudel, das jedoch von ihrem Widersacher sehr schnell unter Druck gesetzt wird.
Gleichzeitig kann sich Denton Mikaels Werben und Anziehungskraft kaum entziehen. Zwar glaubt der Wandler nicht an die Mythologie, von der Mik überzeugt ist, doch kann er das Begehren und das Interesse nicht abstreiten. Aber das Mating und die Verantwortung für sein Rudel stürzen Denton in große Unsicherheit. Obwohl er ein Alpha ist, wird schnell klar dass Mikael der Stärkere von ihnen ist. Und Mikael ist auch die treibende Kraft in dieser Beziehung, die jedoch nur zögerlich tiefer wird.
Bis sie jedoch wirklich zusammenfinden, muss aber erst der Alpha-Status geklärt werden. Denn es hat noch nie ein Alpha-Paar gegeben und auch die Rudel müssen sich mit dieser Konstellation abfinden. Lösungen zu finden ist nicht einfach, denn keiner von ihnen kann und will sein Rudel im Stich lassen oder sich unterordnen und damit schwach wirken.
Diese Geschichte ist wirklich herzerwärmend geschrieben und punktet mit sehr sympathischen Protagonisten punktet. Man erfährt genügend aus ihrer Vergangenheit um ihre Persönlichkeit gut zu verstehen. Mikaels Familie fand ich wunderbar liebevoll und fürsorglich beschrieben. Sie haben die Story schön abgerundet. Dentons Familie und Rudel sind hierbei ein wenig zu kurz gekommen. Außerdem hat das Verhalten seines Betas immer wieder Fragen aufgeworfen, die leider nicht beantwortet wurden.
Auch mit der ganzen Mythologie Sache konnte ich nur wenig anfangen und teilweise war sie so abstrus, dass ich sie überblättert habe. Dennoch war es ein einnehmender Lesespaß, den ich gern empfehle.
September 7, 2019
Das...
...Herz des Alphas ist ein sehr schönes Buch. Licht gehen Dunkelheit. Friede gegen Chaos. Inmitten eines großen Kampfes eine wunderschöne Liebesgeschichte. Heiß natürlich auch, wie Werwölfe halt sind. 🔥Ich habe das Buch praktisch verschlungen und freue mich nun auf den zweiten Teil.
Absolute Leseempfehlung ❤️
...Herz des Alphas ist ein sehr schönes Buch. Licht gehen Dunkelheit. Friede gegen Chaos. Inmitten eines großen Kampfes eine wunderschöne Liebesgeschichte. Heiß natürlich auch, wie Werwölfe halt sind. 🔥Ich habe das Buch praktisch verschlungen und freue mich nun auf den zweiten Teil.
Absolute Leseempfehlung ❤️
February 27, 2017
Mikael and Denton are alphas from two adjoining wolf packs. They are also true mates, and Mikael has known that since he was eight years old when he was visited by a wolf goddess who showed him a picture of his true mate. The two alphas meet to form an alliance against another rival wolf pack that is headed by someone named Anton, and that is when both realize that they are true mates.
This is new ground for shifter novels -- when both mates are alphas of different wolf packs-- and I thought it would be interesting to see this author's interpretation of resolving the problem. Unfortunately, the resolution is neither new nor novel, and is sort of blah.
The author tailors this story as the fight of two alphas who are part of the "light" against one alpha who is part of the "dark". Their is werewolf lore that there are evil werewolves who use "dark" magic to keep control over their packs, and to invade other packs. This is sort of the Star Wars' type good versus evil battle. The two main character alphas find a wolf from Anton's pack named Vadim -- and it is learned that Anton can "bewitch" the wolves in his packs to do his evil bidding.
Anton sets a fire near Denton's pack lands and destroys the pack's housing. Anton also tries to kidnap Denton. Mikael feels that something is wrong with his true mate, comes to the rescue, and is able to put an evacuation and rescue plan into action. Denton and all of his pack are saved, one of the kidnappers is caught, and the two main characters bond for life and decide to integrate the two packs while having co-alpha males. (Is that the big solution for what to do when true mates are both alpha males? Sort of anti-climactic, don't you think.).
In order to defeat Anton, however, the two main characters decide to go meet the "Mother", the goddess who protects the wolf packs. In a sacred area, the Mother speaks directly with Mikael, but also makes her presence known to Denton. Her advise is simple . . . Wait for Anton to attack and then respond as a pair to the provocative attack.
The two packs are joined into one and all of the members are working together to build a bigger community. One day, there is a sound of bullets in the area, and they go to investigate. Anton is leading a hunting party. As directed by the goddess, Mikael convinces Anton to issue a challenge - two days hence there will be a fight to the death for control of the remaining pack lands. Once the gauntlet is thrown down, Anton is directed off of pack lands. The fight occurs, and, of course, Mikael wins (or else there wouldn't be any sequels. Remember, Andrew Grey wrote this book, and he just loves his sequels.).
Since Mikael wins, he also gains leadership over all of the packs that Anton controlled. Mikael has to visit each pack and install new alphas to start reconstructing the pack system, and all of the packs vote that Mikael should be the Supreme alpha.
Obviously, the future books will involve consolidating and protecting the packs, preventing uprisings and battles. This is a good first part of what I anticipate to be a long term series. Take into account that I like shifter novels . . . I give this book 4 stars.
THOUGHTS:
Kaiawa is Denton's second in command, his beta. From page 100 in the books, it becomes readily apparent that Kaiawa is a traitor who is working with Anton to effect the take over of Denton's pack.
This is new ground for shifter novels -- when both mates are alphas of different wolf packs-- and I thought it would be interesting to see this author's interpretation of resolving the problem. Unfortunately, the resolution is neither new nor novel, and is sort of blah.
The author tailors this story as the fight of two alphas who are part of the "light" against one alpha who is part of the "dark". Their is werewolf lore that there are evil werewolves who use "dark" magic to keep control over their packs, and to invade other packs. This is sort of the Star Wars' type good versus evil battle. The two main character alphas find a wolf from Anton's pack named Vadim -- and it is learned that Anton can "bewitch" the wolves in his packs to do his evil bidding.
Anton sets a fire near Denton's pack lands and destroys the pack's housing. Anton also tries to kidnap Denton. Mikael feels that something is wrong with his true mate, comes to the rescue, and is able to put an evacuation and rescue plan into action. Denton and all of his pack are saved, one of the kidnappers is caught, and the two main characters bond for life and decide to integrate the two packs while having co-alpha males. (Is that the big solution for what to do when true mates are both alpha males? Sort of anti-climactic, don't you think.).
In order to defeat Anton, however, the two main characters decide to go meet the "Mother", the goddess who protects the wolf packs. In a sacred area, the Mother speaks directly with Mikael, but also makes her presence known to Denton. Her advise is simple . . . Wait for Anton to attack and then respond as a pair to the provocative attack.
The two packs are joined into one and all of the members are working together to build a bigger community. One day, there is a sound of bullets in the area, and they go to investigate. Anton is leading a hunting party. As directed by the goddess, Mikael convinces Anton to issue a challenge - two days hence there will be a fight to the death for control of the remaining pack lands. Once the gauntlet is thrown down, Anton is directed off of pack lands. The fight occurs, and, of course, Mikael wins (or else there wouldn't be any sequels. Remember, Andrew Grey wrote this book, and he just loves his sequels.).
Since Mikael wins, he also gains leadership over all of the packs that Anton controlled. Mikael has to visit each pack and install new alphas to start reconstructing the pack system, and all of the packs vote that Mikael should be the Supreme alpha.
Obviously, the future books will involve consolidating and protecting the packs, preventing uprisings and battles. This is a good first part of what I anticipate to be a long term series. Take into account that I like shifter novels . . . I give this book 4 stars.
THOUGHTS:
Kaiawa is Denton's second in command, his beta. From page 100 in the books, it becomes readily apparent that Kaiawa is a traitor who is working with Anton to effect the take over of Denton's pack.
November 15, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
As far as paranormal stories go, Challenge the Darkness delved quite a bit into the “spirituality” of the shifter world. Using the Mother as a spirit guide and a source of strength, Mikael is certain he will eventually have to defeat the ever-growing evil darkness in Anton. With just the right blend of spiritualism and tension, Greyson weaves a dual story—one a romance, the other an action/adventure paranormal tale.
I felt this author achieved just the right balance when he had both Denton and Mikael grapple with the idea that one of them would ultimately have to give up leadership of his pack. This was a huge deal for these two alphas and rather than push it aside as a mere inconvenience, it became the focal point of the story. What is it like to suddenly lose all you think you are? Could either man live with the idea that he would no longer be the guy in charge? It was dealt with in such a way that we saw the real struggle this presented for the two men and it became a stumbling block to both encouraging and continuing their attempts to become a mated couple.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
As far as paranormal stories go, Challenge the Darkness delved quite a bit into the “spirituality” of the shifter world. Using the Mother as a spirit guide and a source of strength, Mikael is certain he will eventually have to defeat the ever-growing evil darkness in Anton. With just the right blend of spiritualism and tension, Greyson weaves a dual story—one a romance, the other an action/adventure paranormal tale.
I felt this author achieved just the right balance when he had both Denton and Mikael grapple with the idea that one of them would ultimately have to give up leadership of his pack. This was a huge deal for these two alphas and rather than push it aside as a mere inconvenience, it became the focal point of the story. What is it like to suddenly lose all you think you are? Could either man live with the idea that he would no longer be the guy in charge? It was dealt with in such a way that we saw the real struggle this presented for the two men and it became a stumbling block to both encouraging and continuing their attempts to become a mated couple.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
May 10, 2017
The book started out fine enough. But then the issues started cropping up quite quickly. There were a few things that were repeated over and over again by Mikael and especially Denton ("You have your pack, I have mine. This is not going to work.").
There was no characterisations for both the MCs. Mikael's character was given a chance to develop through his POV, but it was up to no good. But Denton was like a blank figure, with only blond hair, blue eyes and golden-toned skin, nothing about what type of a person he was.
I also didn't see many alpha things from Denton. And Mikael was just running on one track of alpha characteristics. There was no proper communication between them until the end. The initial conversations were all ridden with sex communication and cheesy, repetitive, baseless dialogues.
The only thing that kept me going was the plot. I was invested in Anton's fate and how it would come about. There were many issues, the first of which is wrong name of Anton in the blurb, a couple plot holes (Mikael was keeping his conversations with The Mother to himself, yet at the end he says to his pack that the fight happened as The Mother had shared with him! At one point Denton is slowly getting up, and then again he is doing the same!), and irritating romance development and romantic talks.
I am undecided now about whether to read the next book or not.
There was no characterisations for both the MCs. Mikael's character was given a chance to develop through his POV, but it was up to no good. But Denton was like a blank figure, with only blond hair, blue eyes and golden-toned skin, nothing about what type of a person he was.
I also didn't see many alpha things from Denton. And Mikael was just running on one track of alpha characteristics. There was no proper communication between them until the end. The initial conversations were all ridden with sex communication and cheesy, repetitive, baseless dialogues.
The only thing that kept me going was the plot. I was invested in Anton's fate and how it would come about. There were many issues, the first of which is wrong name of Anton in the blurb, a couple plot holes (Mikael was keeping his conversations with The Mother to himself, yet at the end he says to his pack that the fight happened as The Mother had shared with him! At one point Denton is slowly getting up, and then again he is doing the same!), and irritating romance development and romantic talks.
I am undecided now about whether to read the next book or not.
December 3, 2015
I’ve read many, many shifter books and even though I enjoy most, they all have pretty much the same base. Fated mates, Alpha’s good and evil, good v’s evil fight to the death. What I enjoyed most about this one is the fact that yes, it had all that, we also had some new twists. A ‘higher power’ called Mother. This is a voice that tells them what to do. (more or less). It’s two Alpha’s that are fated. The one thing a didn’t like was the fact that the main MC knew he had a male mate waiting for him was going to marry a women, non mate, and then just deal with what ever happens when said mate shows up. I get he claims she needed protection, but Mother had already spoken.
The was the two MC’s had this love/hate greater good for my pack was noble, the ending was kinda anti climatic when all said and done. Although listening to the banter and you know…. for them to get there was very entertaining.
The ultimate fight at the end to remove the evil threat to the packs in the area was well written and played out.
The secondary pack mates on all sides rounded out the story nicely.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviews
The was the two MC’s had this love/hate greater good for my pack was noble, the ending was kinda anti climatic when all said and done. Although listening to the banter and you know…. for them to get there was very entertaining.
The ultimate fight at the end to remove the evil threat to the packs in the area was well written and played out.
The secondary pack mates on all sides rounded out the story nicely.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviews
January 12, 2016
This book was really good! I liked the two alpha's being mates, I have never seen that in a book before. There is some angst in this and very hot scenes. Now I want to say there were some parts for me at least were everything fit too well together if that makes sense. Like both packs just being okay with everything that was happening, no fighting or anyone getting really angry. I felt like that was to easy and there should have been a little more angst after all the build up with Mikael and Denton being so worried how everything was going to go and then boom no one really cared. The rest of the book I thought was very good. I felt like they were perfect for each other as mates. You also get the protective Alpha vibe from both of them for each other, which I loved. So I will leave this review with I thought this was a really good book and I would definitely recommend this!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Inked Rainbow Reads
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Inked Rainbow Reads
February 14, 2017
Dirk Greyson is a new author to me. I love m/m shifter stories and this one did not dissappoint me. To some, after Mikael Volokov and Denton Arguson are mated, may be a too much sweetness between them, but I loved it.
The pace was steady and intriguing, it kept my attention throughout the book. The Dark Wolf, Anton Gregor, challenges all Alpha pack leaders to the death to take over their territory and so far not one Alpha has lived. There's a mystery that surrounds the Dark Wolf which puzzles both Mikael and Denton.
Anton never loses his strenght no matter how long he fights and he has powers of controling others minds. He treats his pack with no respect and cares nothing about them. Just a really bad arshat.
But Mikael is of the light, the Mother of all beings and it's her guidance that helps bring down Anton.
This book is an excellent shifter book and I enjoyed it immensely.
The pace was steady and intriguing, it kept my attention throughout the book. The Dark Wolf, Anton Gregor, challenges all Alpha pack leaders to the death to take over their territory and so far not one Alpha has lived. There's a mystery that surrounds the Dark Wolf which puzzles both Mikael and Denton.
Anton never loses his strenght no matter how long he fights and he has powers of controling others minds. He treats his pack with no respect and cares nothing about them. Just a really bad arshat.
But Mikael is of the light, the Mother of all beings and it's her guidance that helps bring down Anton.
This book is an excellent shifter book and I enjoyed it immensely.
November 2, 2015
This was a long read. I liked how the author portrayed the paranormal aspect. It is always a plus for me when an author does the wolf sifter story line a little differently than others. Mikael and Denton's mating was interesting.
The book did drag on in portions and it seemed like I was reading for a really long time. It wasn't boring but long winded. I admit I had to skip some of the last portion because I couldn't take anymore. The author could of cut some of the ending.
Overall, a decent book.
The book did drag on in portions and it seemed like I was reading for a really long time. It wasn't boring but long winded. I admit I had to skip some of the last portion because I couldn't take anymore. The author could of cut some of the ending.
Overall, a decent book.
October 4, 2015
This story has a solid slow developing plot with well written and felt emotions. I liked both main characters, but did feel a bit annoyed with the pace. Storyline had way to much emotional mushiness. Still, this part was pulling and ended with sweet HEA. I'll definitely read other books by this author.
September 15, 2016
Solid wolf shifter book.
Evil lurks among the wolf packs of Yellowstone National Park.
Mikael and Denton, 2 alpha wolves fated by the Mother goddess to be together, must worK through their differences and face down the darkness threatening their packs.
Maybe a touch too much sex, and it took a little too long to get to the finish, but overall a very, very good read.
Evil lurks among the wolf packs of Yellowstone National Park.
Mikael and Denton, 2 alpha wolves fated by the Mother goddess to be together, must worK through their differences and face down the darkness threatening their packs.
Maybe a touch too much sex, and it took a little too long to get to the finish, but overall a very, very good read.
December 1, 2015
While I haven't feel in love with the MCs particularly hard, I have to say that the lore and the worldbuilding were very rich, fresh, nicely developed and vivid, and the writing itself very good as well.
September 6, 2015
4.5 stars
November 27, 2015
DNF 47%
Only so many time I can read that they are both alphas so they can't be together... What to do.
Only so many time I can read that they are both alphas so they can't be together... What to do.
February 4, 2016
Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
May 3, 2017
A new look into the shifter world. Kept me interested and I really did like Denton and Mikael. They were good Alpha's and thought if their mate and pack first.
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