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Pack Dynamics
After seven horrific months as a POW, Army Ranger-turned-PI Ben Lockwood just wants a safe, boring life. With his boss on vacation, he takes what looks like an easy case of pharmaceutical espionage he can work from his desk.
Now he's caught in a three-way collision course between a ruthless werewolf on the hunt for a cure for his dying vampire wife, a mad scientist whose multinational company doesn't even research supernatural medicine--and himself. Ben's nanotech-injected blood holds the key to the vampire's recovery, and the werewolf doesn't much care if he lives or dies in the harvesting.
Ben thought he was done fighting wars when he got home from Afghanistan, but his hard-won sanity and his girlfriend's life are both at risk. He'd rather die than lose either. The battle lines are drawn in a billionaire's basement, and retreat isn't an option. No matter how outgunned he is.
Now he's caught in a three-way collision course between a ruthless werewolf on the hunt for a cure for his dying vampire wife, a mad scientist whose multinational company doesn't even research supernatural medicine--and himself. Ben's nanotech-injected blood holds the key to the vampire's recovery, and the werewolf doesn't much care if he lives or dies in the harvesting.
Ben thought he was done fighting wars when he got home from Afghanistan, but his hard-won sanity and his girlfriend's life are both at risk. He'd rather die than lose either. The battle lines are drawn in a billionaire's basement, and retreat isn't an option. No matter how outgunned he is.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2015
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61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 25, 2018
Wow. I dove into "Pack Dynamics" with only a vague idea of what to expect from it--"nanotech werewolves and killer bunnies" were basically my only expectations--and I am pleased to say that this is probably my new favorite werewolf book.
Ben Lockwood is a combat veteran with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who's been hired to investigate suspected corporate espionage on a pharmaceutical/nanotech company. It was supposed to be an easy, I-can-finish-this-from-my-desk job... No such luck. Ben gets kidnapped and tortured for days on end by several goons employed by the rival responsible for the espionage, and long story short, the only treatment that saves Ben's life after that abuse also turns him into a werewolf, albeit one created by nanotechnology rather than magic.
PTSD, I imagine, is a hard enough thing to deal with, but pile a sudden conversion to werewolf on top of that and you've got a recipe for insanity. I came very close to tears several times while Ben was having flashbacks and panic attacks, and I was deeply touched by his girlfriend, Janni's devotion and compassion in helping him cope, especially once his lycanthropy made itself known. I don't have any personal experience with PTSD, so I'm not exactly the best judge of how realistically Julie Frost portrayed it in this book, but it felt painfully real to me--real enough that I was ready to break down and cry right along with Janni for Ben's distress.
In fact, I felt a very strong emotional connection to all the characters, not just Ben and Janni. You don't typically think of werewolf books or movies as touchy-feely stories; lots of times they end up being "Aaahhhh kill the monster before it eats us all" horror/survival stories. I was particularly fond of Alex, the CEO who hired Ben for the investigation. He kind of reminds me of Tony Stark--genius billionaire playboy philanthropist, but also reckless and arrogant and so scatterbrained that he literally needs a personal assistant to remind him to eat and sleep. But it's obvious that he's got a heart of gold from the way he works himself to exhaustion trying to figure out how to save lives.
On the subject of mature content: Although "Pack Dynamics" isn't all about the blood and gore, it does contain some significant violence, including bullet wounds, wolf-on-wolf battles with teeth and claws, a slashed throat, and one obliquely described dismemberment. There's also a good deal of language including multiple F-bombs. Sex is only mentioned and not described in detail, and none of the aforementioned profanity was used in a sexually crude way.
Final thoughts: I've rated this book 5 stars, but it's not for everyone. I would recommend "Pack Dynamics" to adult readers who feel they can handle the levels of violence and language I've described. Although it puts you through the wringer, emotionally, to witness--even just as words on a page--the anguish that Ben, Janni, and friends experience, it's that same anguish that makes the payoff at the end all the sweeter. I'm very much looking forward to getting my hands on the second book when it comes out!
Ben Lockwood is a combat veteran with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who's been hired to investigate suspected corporate espionage on a pharmaceutical/nanotech company. It was supposed to be an easy, I-can-finish-this-from-my-desk job... No such luck. Ben gets kidnapped and tortured for days on end by several goons employed by the rival responsible for the espionage, and long story short, the only treatment that saves Ben's life after that abuse also turns him into a werewolf, albeit one created by nanotechnology rather than magic.
PTSD, I imagine, is a hard enough thing to deal with, but pile a sudden conversion to werewolf on top of that and you've got a recipe for insanity. I came very close to tears several times while Ben was having flashbacks and panic attacks, and I was deeply touched by his girlfriend, Janni's devotion and compassion in helping him cope, especially once his lycanthropy made itself known. I don't have any personal experience with PTSD, so I'm not exactly the best judge of how realistically Julie Frost portrayed it in this book, but it felt painfully real to me--real enough that I was ready to break down and cry right along with Janni for Ben's distress.
In fact, I felt a very strong emotional connection to all the characters, not just Ben and Janni. You don't typically think of werewolf books or movies as touchy-feely stories; lots of times they end up being "Aaahhhh kill the monster before it eats us all" horror/survival stories. I was particularly fond of Alex, the CEO who hired Ben for the investigation. He kind of reminds me of Tony Stark--genius billionaire playboy philanthropist, but also reckless and arrogant and so scatterbrained that he literally needs a personal assistant to remind him to eat and sleep. But it's obvious that he's got a heart of gold from the way he works himself to exhaustion trying to figure out how to save lives.
On the subject of mature content: Although "Pack Dynamics" isn't all about the blood and gore, it does contain some significant violence, including bullet wounds, wolf-on-wolf battles with teeth and claws, a slashed throat, and one obliquely described dismemberment. There's also a good deal of language including multiple F-bombs. Sex is only mentioned and not described in detail, and none of the aforementioned profanity was used in a sexually crude way.
Final thoughts: I've rated this book 5 stars, but it's not for everyone. I would recommend "Pack Dynamics" to adult readers who feel they can handle the levels of violence and language I've described. Although it puts you through the wringer, emotionally, to witness--even just as words on a page--the anguish that Ben, Janni, and friends experience, it's that same anguish that makes the payoff at the end all the sweeter. I'm very much looking forward to getting my hands on the second book when it comes out!
March 30, 2018
Extremely Entertaining Paranormal Fiction
I am a huge fan of werewolf and paranormal fiction, and this book did not disappoint. Exciting from the beginning, with a humorous nod to “killer bunnies”. I was not disappointed. I also loved that the science of nanotechnology was woven into the paranormal genre story. This book was suspenseful, engaging and showed real depth of emotion with its main characters. It has a solid plot line and has some romance, plot twists, and kept my attention from beginning to end. Great read!!!!
I am a huge fan of werewolf and paranormal fiction, and this book did not disappoint. Exciting from the beginning, with a humorous nod to “killer bunnies”. I was not disappointed. I also loved that the science of nanotechnology was woven into the paranormal genre story. This book was suspenseful, engaging and showed real depth of emotion with its main characters. It has a solid plot line and has some romance, plot twists, and kept my attention from beginning to end. Great read!!!!
October 28, 2015
I picked this up when it was Book Bombed on Monster Hunter Nation. I was intrigued by nanotech enhanced werewolves. What can I say, I'm a sucker for the classics. In any case, fun book, good action, quick plotting. The characters decent, though maybe drawn a bit broadly. Similarly, there were a couple things that are either indications of a sequel, or just loose ends that slipped through editing. Or to be completely fair, maybe I just missed stuff cause I was enjoying it so much I was going too fast.
October 24, 2015
Good book
Doesn't seem to follow any formula, and has lots of action. Interesting characters. I'm looking forward to her next book.
Doesn't seem to follow any formula, and has lots of action. Interesting characters. I'm looking forward to her next book.
September 22, 2019
A fun and intense read with just the right amount of humor.
December 11, 2024
Excellent
Excellent read, very well whiten I read it in one. setting, just couldn't put it down. Highly recommend this one.
Excellent read, very well whiten I read it in one. setting, just couldn't put it down. Highly recommend this one.
February 15, 2017
Wow. I dove into Pack Dynamics with only a vague idea of what to expect from it--"nanotech werewolves and killer bunnies" were basically my only expectations--and I am pleased to say that this is probably my new favorite werewolf book.
Ben Lockwood is a combat veteran with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who's been hired to investigate suspected corporate espionage on a pharmaceutical/nanotech company. It was supposed to be an easy, I-can-finish-this-from-my-desk job... No such luck. Ben gets kidnapped and tortured for days on end by several goons employed by the rival responsible for the espionage, and long story short, the only treatment that saves Ben's life after that abuse also turns him into a werewolf, albeit one created by nanotechnology rather than magic.
PTSD, I imagine, is a hard enough thing to deal with, but pile a sudden conversion to werewolf on top of that and you've got a recipe for insanity. I came very close to tears several times while Ben was having flashbacks and panic attacks, and I was deeply touched by his girlfriend, Janni's devotion and compassion in helping him cope, especially once his lycanthropy made itself known. I don't have any personal experience with PTSD, so I'm not exactly the best judge of how realistically Julie Frost portrayed it in this book, but it felt painfully real to me--real enough that I was ready to break down and cry right along with Janni for Ben's distress.
In fact, I felt a very strong emotional connection to all the characters, not just Ben and Janni. You don't typically think of werewolf books or movies as touchy-feely stories; lots of times they end up being "Aaahhhh kill the monster before it eats us all" horror/survival stories. I was particularly fond of Alex, the CEO who hired Ben for the investigation. He kind of reminds me of Tony Stark--genius billionaire playboy philanthropist, but also reckless and arrogant and so scatterbrained that he literally needs a personal assistant to remind him to eat and sleep. But it's obvious that he's got a heart of gold from the way he works himself to exhaustion trying to figure out how to save lives.
On the subject of mature content: Although Pack Dynamics isn't all about the blood and gore, it does contain some significant violence, including bullet wounds, wolf-on-wolf battles with teeth and claws, a slashed throat, and one obliquely described dismemberment. There's also a good deal of language including multiple F-bombs. Sex is only mentioned and not described in detail, and none of the aforementioned profanity was used in a sexually crude way.
Final thoughts: I've rated this book 5 stars, but it's not for everyone. I would recommend Pack Dynamics to adult readers who feel they can handle the levels of violence and language I've described. Although it puts you through the wringer, emotionally, to witness--even just as words on a page--the anguish that Ben, Janni, and friends experience, it's that same anguish that makes the payoff at the end all the sweeter. I'm very much looking forward to getting my hands on the second book when it comes out!
Ben Lockwood is a combat veteran with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who's been hired to investigate suspected corporate espionage on a pharmaceutical/nanotech company. It was supposed to be an easy, I-can-finish-this-from-my-desk job... No such luck. Ben gets kidnapped and tortured for days on end by several goons employed by the rival responsible for the espionage, and long story short, the only treatment that saves Ben's life after that abuse also turns him into a werewolf, albeit one created by nanotechnology rather than magic.
PTSD, I imagine, is a hard enough thing to deal with, but pile a sudden conversion to werewolf on top of that and you've got a recipe for insanity. I came very close to tears several times while Ben was having flashbacks and panic attacks, and I was deeply touched by his girlfriend, Janni's devotion and compassion in helping him cope, especially once his lycanthropy made itself known. I don't have any personal experience with PTSD, so I'm not exactly the best judge of how realistically Julie Frost portrayed it in this book, but it felt painfully real to me--real enough that I was ready to break down and cry right along with Janni for Ben's distress.
In fact, I felt a very strong emotional connection to all the characters, not just Ben and Janni. You don't typically think of werewolf books or movies as touchy-feely stories; lots of times they end up being "Aaahhhh kill the monster before it eats us all" horror/survival stories. I was particularly fond of Alex, the CEO who hired Ben for the investigation. He kind of reminds me of Tony Stark--genius billionaire playboy philanthropist, but also reckless and arrogant and so scatterbrained that he literally needs a personal assistant to remind him to eat and sleep. But it's obvious that he's got a heart of gold from the way he works himself to exhaustion trying to figure out how to save lives.
On the subject of mature content: Although Pack Dynamics isn't all about the blood and gore, it does contain some significant violence, including bullet wounds, wolf-on-wolf battles with teeth and claws, a slashed throat, and one obliquely described dismemberment. There's also a good deal of language including multiple F-bombs. Sex is only mentioned and not described in detail, and none of the aforementioned profanity was used in a sexually crude way.
Final thoughts: I've rated this book 5 stars, but it's not for everyone. I would recommend Pack Dynamics to adult readers who feel they can handle the levels of violence and language I've described. Although it puts you through the wringer, emotionally, to witness--even just as words on a page--the anguish that Ben, Janni, and friends experience, it's that same anguish that makes the payoff at the end all the sweeter. I'm very much looking forward to getting my hands on the second book when it comes out!
October 20, 2015
This is a very interesting book with a simple premise: corporate espionage. Ben Lockwood is a veteran of Afghanistan, who was captured while serving and tortured by the Taliban. Since returning home and working through PTSD, he works a desk job for his girlfriend’s mother’s PI Agency. The Agency is working for Jarrett Biologicals, looking into possible espionage. One evening, Lockwood is kidnapped and tortured by employees of Hans Ostheim’s pharmaceutical firm. Ostheim has been spying on Jarrett and wants to know how much the investigators and Jarrett know. Lockwood is eventually recovered from his kidnappers by the CEO of Jarrett Biologicals, billionaire Alex Jarrett and his personal staff. While Hans is a ruthless business man, it turns out he is doing this because his wife is dying and Hans will stop at nothing to save his wife no matter how many people have to die to save her. A rather straight forward corporate espionage tale that is entertaining moves at a brisk pace.
But there is more. How much more? Well consider:
Hans Ostheim is a werewolf. Ostheim’s wife is a vampire.
Alex Jarretts’s assistant is also a were-wolf.
And the “cure” Hans is seeking is nano-technology.
So, Pack Dynamics could be elevator pitched as Larry Correia meets Michael Crichton.
And it works, for the most part. It does so because the underlying plot is straightforward. As noted above, it is a tale about corporate espionage. Everything that Frost has weaved into her story, werewolves, vampires, nano-tech, etc. does not detract from the story being told.
Because of that solid grounding, the book doesn’t step into the trap of having the stakes too high. One of the problems with a lot of stories involving the supernatural is making it all about good versus evil fighting for control of the world. Pack Dynamics keeps its focus on the two groups: The Jarretts and the Ostheims. And because the stakes are not that high, it allows the reader to invest more in the outcome and the fate of the characters, especially Ben Lockwood.
It is also nice that there is no massive info-dump about a world where vampires and were-wolves exist. Frost present the information, but does so within the context of the story.
The only issues I had with the story a minor. I felt the final encounter between the good guys and bad guys was slightly rushed. Also, while Alex Jarrett is portrayed as the eccentric genius billionaire, it struck me as odd that he didn’t know his personal assistant was a were-wolf. It struck me a being a little oblivious for someone who created such a large and successful company as Jarrett Biologicals is portrayed.
But those are minor quibbles. It is a good read.
But there is more. How much more? Well consider:
Hans Ostheim is a werewolf. Ostheim’s wife is a vampire.
Alex Jarretts’s assistant is also a were-wolf.
And the “cure” Hans is seeking is nano-technology.
So, Pack Dynamics could be elevator pitched as Larry Correia meets Michael Crichton.
And it works, for the most part. It does so because the underlying plot is straightforward. As noted above, it is a tale about corporate espionage. Everything that Frost has weaved into her story, werewolves, vampires, nano-tech, etc. does not detract from the story being told.
Because of that solid grounding, the book doesn’t step into the trap of having the stakes too high. One of the problems with a lot of stories involving the supernatural is making it all about good versus evil fighting for control of the world. Pack Dynamics keeps its focus on the two groups: The Jarretts and the Ostheims. And because the stakes are not that high, it allows the reader to invest more in the outcome and the fate of the characters, especially Ben Lockwood.
It is also nice that there is no massive info-dump about a world where vampires and were-wolves exist. Frost present the information, but does so within the context of the story.
The only issues I had with the story a minor. I felt the final encounter between the good guys and bad guys was slightly rushed. Also, while Alex Jarrett is portrayed as the eccentric genius billionaire, it struck me as odd that he didn’t know his personal assistant was a were-wolf. It struck me a being a little oblivious for someone who created such a large and successful company as Jarrett Biologicals is portrayed.
But those are minor quibbles. It is a good read.
May 2, 2016
Pack Dynamics is a paranormal/urban fantasy, though you could also argue some sci-fi elements as well. In short, it's about werewolves and vampires and nanotech, and a veteran with PTSD who has a very bad, no good, really awful couple of weeks. Okay, perhaps it wasn't all no good. But it starts off with him being tased, abducted, interrogated and dumped in the street, and it's mostly downhill from there. Caught up in the middle of industrial espionage and powerful people with dark secrets, he's in for one doozy of a ride.
I can't say I've ever been that interested in the fur, fangs, and claws genre--never read Twilight and probably never will--so this was a bit of departure for me. But I do try to broaden my horizons from time to time. I have no idea if this novel was typical of the genre, but perhaps I'll find out at some later date. (Come to think of it, Monster Hunters International was in the same vein (no pun intended), so perhaps I'm not such a stranger to the genre as I thought.)
The focus of the book is on action, and the interpersonal relationships between the characters, which is probably why I enjoyed it. It didn't dwell on backgrounds, ancient curses, or even a lot of character backstory, but just gave enough of a skeleton to hang the plotline on. It's a lean book, so those who like a lot of exposition, background, explanations, etc., will likely be disappointed. But I found it an entertaining read that kept me coming back until I finished it. I enjoyed the character arcs of two of the main characters (the other two don't really have an arc, really, which is okay). There weren't a lot of amazing twists, but that also doesn't bother me. Far too often writers throw in twists just to show how clever they are. If the plot is engaging and fun without a twist, I'm fine with that. Nor does every plot have to be world-threatening. This one is primarily character-threatening, and that's good enough for me.
Pack Dynamics took me in some new directions, with some interesting characters. It didn't come with a lot of gravitas, nor was it intended to. Frost, I believe, was trying to write a fun, entertaining story, and for me she succeeded. I look forward to seeing what she come out with next.
I can't say I've ever been that interested in the fur, fangs, and claws genre--never read Twilight and probably never will--so this was a bit of departure for me. But I do try to broaden my horizons from time to time. I have no idea if this novel was typical of the genre, but perhaps I'll find out at some later date. (Come to think of it, Monster Hunters International was in the same vein (no pun intended), so perhaps I'm not such a stranger to the genre as I thought.)
The focus of the book is on action, and the interpersonal relationships between the characters, which is probably why I enjoyed it. It didn't dwell on backgrounds, ancient curses, or even a lot of character backstory, but just gave enough of a skeleton to hang the plotline on. It's a lean book, so those who like a lot of exposition, background, explanations, etc., will likely be disappointed. But I found it an entertaining read that kept me coming back until I finished it. I enjoyed the character arcs of two of the main characters (the other two don't really have an arc, really, which is okay). There weren't a lot of amazing twists, but that also doesn't bother me. Far too often writers throw in twists just to show how clever they are. If the plot is engaging and fun without a twist, I'm fine with that. Nor does every plot have to be world-threatening. This one is primarily character-threatening, and that's good enough for me.
Pack Dynamics took me in some new directions, with some interesting characters. It didn't come with a lot of gravitas, nor was it intended to. Frost, I believe, was trying to write a fun, entertaining story, and for me she succeeded. I look forward to seeing what she come out with next.
October 10, 2015
Pack dynamics
A really really good book. Werewolves vampires and nanotechnology what more could you want.
A werewolf wants to save his vampire wife from death and he tries to steal a rival's nanotechnology to save her. They just happen too believe their better than everyone else. The rival is someone trying to do the right thing and doesn't want to get involved with the paranormal. Throw in a pi with ptsd and a girlfriend whose very productive and you have a nonstop book. This is a stand alone book so no cliffhanger but I would like a sequel. If you like roller coaster ride of a book this is it.
A really really good book. Werewolves vampires and nanotechnology what more could you want.
A werewolf wants to save his vampire wife from death and he tries to steal a rival's nanotechnology to save her. They just happen too believe their better than everyone else. The rival is someone trying to do the right thing and doesn't want to get involved with the paranormal. Throw in a pi with ptsd and a girlfriend whose very productive and you have a nonstop book. This is a stand alone book so no cliffhanger but I would like a sequel. If you like roller coaster ride of a book this is it.
October 22, 2015
It was a fun read, but I felt there were some editing issues. A couple spots where the wrong word was used and some spots where it seemed obvious that a chunk of story was cut out and I kept going back to see if I had missed something or if things really didn't make sense there.
I understand it's the author's first novel and it shows some talent, so I think I would read more books by her, but this one is still a little rough. I did enjoy it though.
And in regards to the character's issue with "fixing" people, it's actually brought up further in the book and addressed briefly.
I understand it's the author's first novel and it shows some talent, so I think I would read more books by her, but this one is still a little rough. I did enjoy it though.
And in regards to the character's issue with "fixing" people, it's actually brought up further in the book and addressed briefly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2015
Nano-Tech und Werwölfe - dazu noch Killerbunnies. Perfekt, so mag ich das. Mehr musste ich nicht lesen und schon war das Buch bestellt. Und es enttäuscht nicht.
Es startet etwas langsamer, aber ist dann nach wenigen Seiten angekommen in einer packenden Story, die mit hoher Geschwindigkeit voranschreitet.
Julie Frosts erstes Buch macht Spass, was will man mehr? Es bleiben noch einige Fäden der Handlung ein wenig offen, und ich bezweifle, dass die Prämisse Werwölfe und Nanotech in dem Setting noch mehr Bücher zulässt. Andere Bücher von Frost würde ich aber durchaus anschauen...
Es startet etwas langsamer, aber ist dann nach wenigen Seiten angekommen in einer packenden Story, die mit hoher Geschwindigkeit voranschreitet.
Julie Frosts erstes Buch macht Spass, was will man mehr? Es bleiben noch einige Fäden der Handlung ein wenig offen, und ich bezweifle, dass die Prämisse Werwölfe und Nanotech in dem Setting noch mehr Bücher zulässt. Andere Bücher von Frost würde ich aber durchaus anschauen...
July 24, 2016
I like Julie Frost's first novel. The characters are unique and interesting. The story moves along nicely, although a couple of times I thought characters didn't really think things through, and ended up creating more problems for themselves.
Alex and Megan ARE clones of Tony Stark and Pepper Potts, even if Megan is a werewolf and Alex doesn't have a clue. I really was expecting them to end up together at the end of the book.
Ben and Janna are cute and I really want to know more about Alex's butler. (who's name I forget)
So, werewolves, vampires, humans with guns.. What's not to like???
Alex and Megan ARE clones of Tony Stark and Pepper Potts, even if Megan is a werewolf and Alex doesn't have a clue. I really was expecting them to end up together at the end of the book.
Ben and Janna are cute and I really want to know more about Alex's butler. (who's name I forget)
So, werewolves, vampires, humans with guns.. What's not to like???
November 2, 2015
Great first book
This was a great read. Although, there were some issues for me (people not exactly acting like their life is truly in danger, repetitive mistakes from characters, etc) I find this to be a tremendous first novel. I will definitely read new releases from this author.
This was a great read. Although, there were some issues for me (people not exactly acting like their life is truly in danger, repetitive mistakes from characters, etc) I find this to be a tremendous first novel. I will definitely read new releases from this author.
May 22, 2016
A solid book by a first-time author. The nano-tech is interesting and how it ties in with the werewolf aspect is unique. I had the pleasure of meeting Julie at the SLC FanX back in March (and she signed my book!). I would like to read more of her writing and see where all this goes. A definite genre-bender!
November 5, 2015
It was OK, but not great. The characters were kind of bland. Sure they each had their own character, but there just wasn't any character arcs. It was as if something crazy and life altering happened to you, but you didn't actually change or grow in the process.
October 13, 2015
Overall an enjoyable story with solid action and likable characters. Will be interested in seeing this continued.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews