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Wolf Rampant #3
Alpha Ascendant: A Fantastical Werewolf Adventure
Can Terra choose between her mate and her adopted daughter? Ember is a bloodling, a werewolf born in lupine rather than in human form. The wolf pup is the perfect blend of rainbows and chaos, bound to bring a smile to everyone's face. But Terra soon begins to wonder whether it's truly in Ember's best interests to raise her adopted daughter as a wolf. As a bloodling himself, her mate Wolfie adamantly opposes the idea of forcing a shift on their charge before her time. But when Wolfie is called away and Ember's sadistic biological father demands his daughter's return, Terra is faced with a difficult decision. By werewolf law, a shifter has come of age and can make her own choices after her first transformation. But while forcing Ember's shift prematurely would allow Terra to keep the pup out of the hands of her biological father, the act might drive Wolfie out of both of their lives forever. Alpha Ascendant is the engrossing finale of the Wolf Rampant trilogy that begins with Shiftless and continues with Pack Princess. Wolf Rampant 1. Shiftless 2. Pack Princess 3. Alpha Ascendant
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2015
166 people are currently reading
545 people want to read
About the author
Aimee Easterling
98 books621 followersAimee Easterling is a USA Today Bestselling author writing on the boundary between urban fantasy and paranormal romance. She specializes in spunky shifters and invites you to dive into her werewolf world in the Wolf Rampant trilogy, the spinoff Bloodling serial, and her new Alpha Underground series.
Studying biology and working as a naturalist have both informed Aimee's writing, but she's quite willing to let reality slide in favor of a good story. When not writing, she loves to read and always keeps books by Robin McKinley, Patricia Briggs, and Elizabeth Peters on her shelf. You can learn more at www.aimeeeasterling.com.
Studying biology and working as a naturalist have both informed Aimee's writing, but she's quite willing to let reality slide in favor of a good story. When not writing, she loves to read and always keeps books by Robin McKinley, Patricia Briggs, and Elizabeth Peters on her shelf. You can learn more at www.aimeeeasterling.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
did-not-finish
December 12, 2023DNF at 3%. I thought I could keep going with this series but I just cannot! Thank you to the people who gave one and two stars. You helped me make up my mind.
July 13, 2016
Excellent series
This was an excellent series, that I enjoyed tremendously. It's also clean and appropriate for teens. I would recommend this to anyone who likes shifter books. Now, I am off to read the complete bloodling series, which is a spin-off of this series. So, I am looking forward to it, and have high hopes.
This was an excellent series, that I enjoyed tremendously. It's also clean and appropriate for teens. I would recommend this to anyone who likes shifter books. Now, I am off to read the complete bloodling series, which is a spin-off of this series. So, I am looking forward to it, and have high hopes.
November 1, 2017
I'm really disappointed in this book, and the series as a whole.
This book seems to have a lot of filler, and the thing is, it's contradictory and inane. Lots of tiny minor things, like one second a young character is in danger of revealing their secrets to a dangerous person, but the next second Terra is thinking "oh ha ha, isn't she cute when she does this dangerous thing?" An entire page between "we have three options here: one that sucks, another that also sucks, and....[whole page of Terra wringing her hands about how terrible those options are, and not even giving a thought to the big fat hints about the third option that's about to be laid out] third that's actually fine. I spent the whole time being angry with Terra for being obtuse and uncurious and not preventing a whole lot of stuff that she could have prevented if she's just had her eyes and her mind OPEN, ffs.
The series had started out so well. Exploring lots of big ideas about relationships, gender quality in a world where physical strength is important, love, and the nature of free will. But ultimately instead of finding her own strengths and leadership style, overcoming the brute force ways of her predecessors, she ended up just relying on a man to bolster her up. Yes, there's an argument to be made that it's a beautiful story about their beautiful partnership and I tried really hard to think of it that way, but that's just not how it's really sitting with me. Before, Wolfie was super powerful and she was super weak and stupid. She never found her own strength; she just shares in his now without really bringing anything of her own to the table. Very disappointing.
This book seems to have a lot of filler, and the thing is, it's contradictory and inane. Lots of tiny minor things, like one second a young character is in danger of revealing their secrets to a dangerous person, but the next second Terra is thinking "oh ha ha, isn't she cute when she does this dangerous thing?" An entire page between "we have three options here: one that sucks, another that also sucks, and....[whole page of Terra wringing her hands about how terrible those options are, and not even giving a thought to the big fat hints about the third option that's about to be laid out] third that's actually fine. I spent the whole time being angry with Terra for being obtuse and uncurious and not preventing a whole lot of stuff that she could have prevented if she's just had her eyes and her mind OPEN, ffs.
The series had started out so well. Exploring lots of big ideas about relationships, gender quality in a world where physical strength is important, love, and the nature of free will. But ultimately instead of finding her own strengths and leadership style, overcoming the brute force ways of her predecessors, she ended up just relying on a man to bolster her up. Yes, there's an argument to be made that it's a beautiful story about their beautiful partnership and I tried really hard to think of it that way, but that's just not how it's really sitting with me. Before, Wolfie was super powerful and she was super weak and stupid. She never found her own strength; she just shares in his now without really bringing anything of her own to the table. Very disappointing.
August 21, 2017
I'm pretty sure having the main alpha character being named Wolfie, ruined the book for me. If that wasn't enough, then having the female alpha be cowardly & unsure did it. I ended up not being able to stand most of the characters after 3 books. I'm pretty sure I won't be reading the spinoff series with Fen.
May 26, 2019
Loved the book start to finish the ending felt just right cant wait to read more of this authors books
September 11, 2015
I was excited to read the final installment in Terra's story. In this final book, Terra is strong...a leader of her pack, a far cry from the girl who'd turned her back on her inner wolf for nearly a decade that we meet in book one. She's more than embraced her lupine self in this book and evolves as a mother figure, leading and guiding the pack of yahoos who all grow and mature into their own in Alpha Ascendant.
One aspect of the story I especially liked was the family that is created in Haven and not just the family that Terra and Wolfie create with their adopted daughter, Ember, but a family as a whole pack. I remember Terra's hesitancy when returning to the place she grew up in book one, but Haven is now her home again and all of the werewolves that live in Haven are one big, albeit dysfunctional family at times.
One thing I would've liked more of was intimacy between Terra and Wolfie, and not just sexually. I love their relationship and I love how tortured and angsty Wolfie can be. I want more of their special moments together...but that's just hopeless romantic in me. The dynamic they share is great and one of my favorite scenes in the book occurs when they are discussing the powers the alpha has over his pack and what that means for Terra. I won't spoil anything, but it was incredibly deep and intense to me and left me wanting more.
This book moved at fast pace, which I appreciated. From chapter one, the story was going, leaving me to wonder where Easterling would eventually lead us. Again, not to spoil anything, I have to say another of my favorite scenes is the big confrontation with Wolfie's brother, Justin. It was extremely well written as if I was watching an action movie directed by Michael Bay.
Alpha Ascendant leaves the reader with a feeling of satisfaction, closing up the loose ends, but leaving the door open for more stories with different characters. After reading the authors note, I was excited to see that Fen's adventure is only beginning. I'm anxious to see where she ends up!
Once again, 5 stars to Aimee Easterling for writing an intelligent and exciting story that draws readers in. Her writing is impeccable. She is a true master of the written word.
One aspect of the story I especially liked was the family that is created in Haven and not just the family that Terra and Wolfie create with their adopted daughter, Ember, but a family as a whole pack. I remember Terra's hesitancy when returning to the place she grew up in book one, but Haven is now her home again and all of the werewolves that live in Haven are one big, albeit dysfunctional family at times.
One thing I would've liked more of was intimacy between Terra and Wolfie, and not just sexually. I love their relationship and I love how tortured and angsty Wolfie can be. I want more of their special moments together...but that's just hopeless romantic in me. The dynamic they share is great and one of my favorite scenes in the book occurs when they are discussing the powers the alpha has over his pack and what that means for Terra. I won't spoil anything, but it was incredibly deep and intense to me and left me wanting more.
This book moved at fast pace, which I appreciated. From chapter one, the story was going, leaving me to wonder where Easterling would eventually lead us. Again, not to spoil anything, I have to say another of my favorite scenes is the big confrontation with Wolfie's brother, Justin. It was extremely well written as if I was watching an action movie directed by Michael Bay.
Alpha Ascendant leaves the reader with a feeling of satisfaction, closing up the loose ends, but leaving the door open for more stories with different characters. After reading the authors note, I was excited to see that Fen's adventure is only beginning. I'm anxious to see where she ends up!
Once again, 5 stars to Aimee Easterling for writing an intelligent and exciting story that draws readers in. Her writing is impeccable. She is a true master of the written word.
February 25, 2019
Decent conclusion
This was significantly better than the 2nd book in the series, not A lot of action that you would expect in the ultimate showdown of a last book but there were trials and tribulations to speak of.
The writing definitely improved and the author finally decided to write in one point of view and tense instead of bouncing back and forth.
There is another series who follows Fin but probably won't read it unless I absolutely have nothing else to read because I have found that these branch off series are never as good as the original. The last one I took a chance on, was by Leia Stone: Matefinder next generation. It seems to me that the authors never really develop the next character enough to have you invested in a series about them. To me, the author didn't really give you enough about Fin to really care about what happened to her, I would be more interested in hearing Ember's story or a prologue about Chief Wilder.
All in all the series was decent, I think the author will improve as she develops her craft more, I wouldn't say her style of writing is my favorite. And there's my 2 cents lol
This was significantly better than the 2nd book in the series, not A lot of action that you would expect in the ultimate showdown of a last book but there were trials and tribulations to speak of.
The writing definitely improved and the author finally decided to write in one point of view and tense instead of bouncing back and forth.
There is another series who follows Fin but probably won't read it unless I absolutely have nothing else to read because I have found that these branch off series are never as good as the original. The last one I took a chance on, was by Leia Stone: Matefinder next generation. It seems to me that the authors never really develop the next character enough to have you invested in a series about them. To me, the author didn't really give you enough about Fin to really care about what happened to her, I would be more interested in hearing Ember's story or a prologue about Chief Wilder.
All in all the series was decent, I think the author will improve as she develops her craft more, I wouldn't say her style of writing is my favorite. And there's my 2 cents lol
January 7, 2020
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and hate to see it end! Terra Wylder and her mate, Wolfie, are co-alphas of a werewolf pack consisting mostly of Terra's family and misfit werewolves that don't fit into other packs. The two are trying to raise their adopted daughter, Ember, the best way possible, but don't always agree on what the best way might be.
Ember's father, Justin, is Wolfie's brother and a cruel Alpha intent on getting what he wants. The question is: Will Justin be able to grab Ember from the pack who loves her or will Terra and Wolfie be allowed to keep her as their own?
As with the other books in this series, this book is appropriate for all ages. There is humor, angst, and coming of age elements in this book and I hope that the author continues to write more books featuring some of the characters in this series.
The narrator, Kelly McCall Fumo, does a great job and added a lot to my enjoyment of this audiobook. I was given the chance to listen to this book by the author and chose to review it.
Ember's father, Justin, is Wolfie's brother and a cruel Alpha intent on getting what he wants. The question is: Will Justin be able to grab Ember from the pack who loves her or will Terra and Wolfie be allowed to keep her as their own?
As with the other books in this series, this book is appropriate for all ages. There is humor, angst, and coming of age elements in this book and I hope that the author continues to write more books featuring some of the characters in this series.
The narrator, Kelly McCall Fumo, does a great job and added a lot to my enjoyment of this audiobook. I was given the chance to listen to this book by the author and chose to review it.
April 25, 2021
Listened to the story on Audible. I had the boxset with all 3 books. Narrator does a good job. She has a nice tone of voice; a little more emotion in her voice would be good, but it’s still a good listen. Good quality recording too; not my favorite narration, but I’d recommend the audio.
This 3rd and final book of this series was much the same as the previous 2 books. Lots of wolf pack politics and going with the status quo. Terra continues to try her best to be Alpha for her pack, but the old ways cause problems. A lot of this story is dealing with the baby wolf born in the last book, dealing with evil Justin, and Terra and Wolfie’s romance. Still a sweet romance between them. I wish there was more growth for the way the wolf packs handle things, but nothing really improved on that front. Terra continues to be a likable lead; this book is only in her POV, but she hasn’t grown enough throughout this series. Overall, a good read and series, but not quite exciting enough for me. Tame emotional impact; good for a light read. I’m going with a 3 rating for this one.
This 3rd and final book of this series was much the same as the previous 2 books. Lots of wolf pack politics and going with the status quo. Terra continues to try her best to be Alpha for her pack, but the old ways cause problems. A lot of this story is dealing with the baby wolf born in the last book, dealing with evil Justin, and Terra and Wolfie’s romance. Still a sweet romance between them. I wish there was more growth for the way the wolf packs handle things, but nothing really improved on that front. Terra continues to be a likable lead; this book is only in her POV, but she hasn’t grown enough throughout this series. Overall, a good read and series, but not quite exciting enough for me. Tame emotional impact; good for a light read. I’m going with a 3 rating for this one.
November 18, 2024
As I wrap up this trilogy that tells me how Wolfe and Tera get together and Ember (she has her own series later) fits into the story. I found I enjoyed the first book but the next two started to fall flat.
Book one, we have Tera who forced her wolf back so much she became shiftless. This story could of been made stronger but over all I still enjoyed the idea.
Book 2, we see the introduction of Sarah, Ember's mom and some other events that felt weaker the more the story went on.
Book 3, we are seeing more of Ember and have to keep her protected from crazy biological dad. This was the weakest of all 3 in plot and character development.
Since I read all of Ember's story, I could not help but feel some of the cliché, tropes where used in both series and just felt stale.
I so far like the first book of each series but not so much the ones that come after.
I like that she writes clean books but the heros of the story feel more like 15 then in their 20s or so and her beta readers should give her better feed back.
Book one, we have Tera who forced her wolf back so much she became shiftless. This story could of been made stronger but over all I still enjoyed the idea.
Book 2, we see the introduction of Sarah, Ember's mom and some other events that felt weaker the more the story went on.
Book 3, we are seeing more of Ember and have to keep her protected from crazy biological dad. This was the weakest of all 3 in plot and character development.
Since I read all of Ember's story, I could not help but feel some of the cliché, tropes where used in both series and just felt stale.
I so far like the first book of each series but not so much the ones that come after.
I like that she writes clean books but the heros of the story feel more like 15 then in their 20s or so and her beta readers should give her better feed back.
November 7, 2017
Last Book of the Trilogy.Is has been about Terra's growth and the the three books are trace together in a very real fashion. Terra did not grant immediate maturity,
The first book showed how her background had stopped her growth on many levels.
The second book showed her floundering to find her feet and learning from her own mistakes.
This final book shows her finally beginning to accept herself and who she is and who her mate is.
There were times on this journey that I doubted that she would make it to this level,
I hope there is going to be another story from this world. It is interesting to watch these shifters grow and change and cope with the dual nature that they have.
The first book showed how her background had stopped her growth on many levels.
The second book showed her floundering to find her feet and learning from her own mistakes.
This final book shows her finally beginning to accept herself and who she is and who her mate is.
There were times on this journey that I doubted that she would make it to this level,
I hope there is going to be another story from this world. It is interesting to watch these shifters grow and change and cope with the dual nature that they have.
November 30, 2019
In the final book in this series, you see everything come together from the previous books leading to both endings and beginnings. Terra and Wolfie have to fight for their family and pack while finding their footing as co-alphas of their new pack and solidifying their bond as mates. Ember really starts to become her own little person, and if you love her in this story, be sure to read the series about her when she gets older. And Fen plays an important role in this book that leads into her own series as well.
Once again, the narrator does a great job bringing the story and all the characters to life while filling the story with all the emotion and animation it deserves.
Once again, the narrator does a great job bringing the story and all the characters to life while filling the story with all the emotion and animation it deserves.
February 14, 2025
Audiobook: I enjoyed book three as much as the first two books in the series. I loved Terra's and Wolfie's adopted daughter Ember. I felt for Terra who was forced by circumstances to make a very difficult choice. I waited with bated breath to find out the consequences of her decision. I was entertained by the clever and surprising ending to this series. I thought Kelly McCall Fumo's narration was good as her rendition was easy to follow and pleasant to the ear. I was given a copy of the audiobook through Spotify. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
October 1, 2017
Enjoyed this although I do think some of the characters were made out of cardboard. Terra and Wolfie are now able to live together as mates because it was necessary to blend their packs. They are raising the little bloodling wolf abandoned by her parents in the previous volume.
I get the feeling this story was not planned very well. For one thing all of the stories are short, when they could simply be one novel. Very little growth takes place in the characters and the plots are just too simple.
Don't believe I'll read anything by this author again.
I get the feeling this story was not planned very well. For one thing all of the stories are short, when they could simply be one novel. Very little growth takes place in the characters and the plots are just too simple.
Don't believe I'll read anything by this author again.
May 30, 2020
Alpha Ascendant is Aimee Easterling's final installment in her Wolf Rampant Series. Ember, a bloodling pup, has entered the scene and is shaking things up as the adopted daughter of Terra and Wolfie. Parenting and pack issues have put a strain on their relationship. Will their shared power make them stronger or ultimately tear them apart?
As with the other books the storyline remains fast-paced, filled with danger, intrigue, manipulation, politics and romance. The characters are wonderfully developed and engaging. This series was delightful to read.
As with the other books the storyline remains fast-paced, filled with danger, intrigue, manipulation, politics and romance. The characters are wonderfully developed and engaging. This series was delightful to read.
December 9, 2019
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author and found it very enjoyable. I really like how this series ended. Just when things seem to get going great for the pack, Ember's father returns and wants her back. No one in the pack is willing to lose the Bloodling. The plot seems straight forward, but has a few twists thrown in and leads perfectly into the next series.
January 27, 2020
Ethan says that Ember is being treated like a pet instead of a child because she is a bloodling stuck in wolf form. Terra starts to wonder. As the daughter of the Alphas, she should be shown more respect.
BUT Wolfie grew up as a bloodling and he sees this opinion as a smear at himself.
When Ember's father lodges an application to regain custody of the child, it becomes a larger question.
Can Terra make the right decision for her niece as well as for the rest of the clan?
BUT Wolfie grew up as a bloodling and he sees this opinion as a smear at himself.
When Ember's father lodges an application to regain custody of the child, it becomes a larger question.
Can Terra make the right decision for her niece as well as for the rest of the clan?
April 8, 2020
Good Finale
The thrilling conclusion to the Wolf Rampant series. Terra makes a decision that she fears Wolfie well not like. But, it's the only way she sees to keep Ember. Wolfie has a fight with his brother over a family heirloom. All is this is done under the baleful of a member of The Council. Will they survive this scrutiny or will they clan be torn apart? This is a good finale for the series.
The thrilling conclusion to the Wolf Rampant series. Terra makes a decision that she fears Wolfie well not like. But, it's the only way she sees to keep Ember. Wolfie has a fight with his brother over a family heirloom. All is this is done under the baleful of a member of The Council. Will they survive this scrutiny or will they clan be torn apart? This is a good finale for the series.
May 17, 2020
I was thoroughly disappointed by this series. It started off well with book 1 but then spiraled down from there. I only kept reading after book 1 because I have read and enjoyed other books by this author.
Despite the presentation of the heroine as an alpha - she was not. She had no confidence in anything she said or did, was constantly cringing away from something or other and relied completely on her bf’s power/judgment/opinions for almost everything. She brought nothing to the table.
Despite the presentation of the heroine as an alpha - she was not. She had no confidence in anything she said or did, was constantly cringing away from something or other and relied completely on her bf’s power/judgment/opinions for almost everything. She brought nothing to the table.
August 2, 2020
Most of what I can say about this book is that almost everything is tied up in a neat little bow, and what isn't, is dropped completely.
In a good book a weak plot is balanced out by something else. But not here, it seems that everything is contrived. The main male character so perfect no mistakes.
I have a hard time getting past the point that everything in the second book was completely avoidable and the third book didn't have to happen because of that reason.
In a good book a weak plot is balanced out by something else. But not here, it seems that everything is contrived. The main male character so perfect no mistakes.
I have a hard time getting past the point that everything in the second book was completely avoidable and the third book didn't have to happen because of that reason.
October 26, 2020
Alpha Ascendant starts with Terra and Wolfie trying to hold their joined packs together as co-alphas. Terra is worried that Wolfie's strong alpha persona will overpower her voice and her will. They have taken the bloodling daughter of Wolfie's brother to raise. When Justin gets the powerful Tribunal involved in an attempt to take Ember away from them important decisions must be made.
Find out what happens to Terra, Wolfie, Ember, and the rest of the pack.
Find out what happens to Terra, Wolfie, Ember, and the rest of the pack.
May 15, 2021
I couldn't stop reading this series, and the final book did not disappoint. I was sad at some of the sacrifices that were made for this group of shifters to survive, but so happy with the ending. The characters all grew and developed throughout the series, and I found the stories fun though "light" reading. It was great. I highly recommend!
"I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
"I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
May 20, 2022
THIS IS A WONDERFUL FINALE. i received a review copy of the audio WOLF RAMPANT TRILOGY
and loved every book in the series. This third book is also the beginning of little Ember's tale and gives us the basis of how her loving family will prepare her to star in the WOLF LEGACY QUARTET. But after you finish this book, pick up the ALPHA UNDERGROUND TRILOGY and then go to the WOLF LEGACY QUARTET.
Don't miss this exciting conclusion to the WOLF RAMPANT TRILOGY
and loved every book in the series. This third book is also the beginning of little Ember's tale and gives us the basis of how her loving family will prepare her to star in the WOLF LEGACY QUARTET. But after you finish this book, pick up the ALPHA UNDERGROUND TRILOGY and then go to the WOLF LEGACY QUARTET.
Don't miss this exciting conclusion to the WOLF RAMPANT TRILOGY
March 27, 2017
I am so sad that this series is over but excited to see how Fen fairs in her quest to make her way in the world with her small and young clan. The ending was surprising to say the least I so did not see that coming!! Ms. Easterling is a talented writer and is now one of my favorite storytellers, her books are MUST READ in my book!!!
March 27, 2018
Wolfie’s brother Justin continues to cause trouble, Terra’s brother shows up, Ember grows up a bit, and Wolfie and Terra work on their relationship. An unjust situation causes a pack rift, which is the setup for a spinoff series.
Typos: sunken is used twice as a verb (it’s an adjective), missing comma, easier is an adjective but is used as an adverb.
Typos: sunken is used twice as a verb (it’s an adjective), missing comma, easier is an adjective but is used as an adverb.
October 15, 2021
2 Not bad, not great. Wouldn't necessarily recommend this series but it served the purpose of occupying my mind for a few hours. Kinda been there, read that. This third book in particular felt disconnected to the plot. Things should have been resolved by now but were dragging and it seemed to only be so they could produce a third book.
March 7, 2017
Terra and Wolfie deserve a happy ending. They have fought hard and had to endure a lot of pain to get to a happy place. They still have battles ahead but together they can overcome any obstacle, they are a great alpha pair.
May 30, 2017
I have read stories about wolf shifters by several different authors, & I find Ms. Easterling's to be the books I like the best. She is an excellent writer with great world-building & character development. Her plots are twisty-turny, with lots of surprises thrown in. Definitely one of the best.
June 29, 2017
Kudos
I thoroughly enjoyed the third book, Alpha Ascendant. I couldn't wait to start it after finishing the last. I thought the author did a stupendous job, building and relating all the characters involved and I was entranced by the story as I turned each page.
I thoroughly enjoyed the third book, Alpha Ascendant. I couldn't wait to start it after finishing the last. I thought the author did a stupendous job, building and relating all the characters involved and I was entranced by the story as I turned each page.
July 15, 2017
This was a nice ending to Terra and Wolfie's story. As much as I enjoyed reading about them, I am interested in the new series with Alpha Fen. I'm seeing all sorts of ways the author can go with this storyline so it will be interesting to see where she goes with it.
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