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The Wild Rites Saga #2
The Jackal Prince
A hidden stronghold in the heart of Egypt — a kingdom on the edge of ruin, ruled by fear and forgotten magic.
Sounds like a great place for a vacation, right? Emma Chase isn’t exactly thrilled by the idea, but the jackals will do anything to get their claws on her, for she is the Caller of the Blood, a human woman destined to command the magic of all shapechanging races — which is a teensy bit more complicated than it sounds. And while Emma and her weird assortment of friends, allies and protectors are safe on an enchanted farm in the California Mountains, the Jackal Prince’s invitation is too dangerous to refuse. Problem is, accepting it could be just as deadly, especially since Emma’s going to need the help of a powerful ancient with an unbreakable — and totally unfair — grudge against her.
Emma’s got a few tricks up her sleeve, but she’s human, and she can be broken. Somehow she’ll have to get her friends out of the jackal kingdom alive before the jackals kill her first — or worse, find a way to claim her power for their own.
Sounds like a great place for a vacation, right? Emma Chase isn’t exactly thrilled by the idea, but the jackals will do anything to get their claws on her, for she is the Caller of the Blood, a human woman destined to command the magic of all shapechanging races — which is a teensy bit more complicated than it sounds. And while Emma and her weird assortment of friends, allies and protectors are safe on an enchanted farm in the California Mountains, the Jackal Prince’s invitation is too dangerous to refuse. Problem is, accepting it could be just as deadly, especially since Emma’s going to need the help of a powerful ancient with an unbreakable — and totally unfair — grudge against her.
Emma’s got a few tricks up her sleeve, but she’s human, and she can be broken. Somehow she’ll have to get her friends out of the jackal kingdom alive before the jackals kill her first — or worse, find a way to claim her power for their own.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2015
122 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Anna McIlwraith
9 books165 followersAnna McIlwraith is the author of the urban fantasy series Caller of the Blood and the upcoming paranormal romance series Wayward Heart. She’s addicted to the mysterious power of using words to walk between worlds, and there’s nowhere she’d rather be than travelling the dusty roads and dark kingdoms of the worlds of her books. Sadly, one can visit those territories but never stay, which is the only reason Anna gets any reading of her own done.
When not reading or writing, Anna spends the rest of her free time in this dimension arguing with her cats and preparing for the zombie apocalypse. She lives near the sea in Victoria, Australia, where the weather is only slightly less hellish, but the wildlife is a lot less deadly.
When not reading or writing, Anna spends the rest of her free time in this dimension arguing with her cats and preparing for the zombie apocalypse. She lives near the sea in Victoria, Australia, where the weather is only slightly less hellish, but the wildlife is a lot less deadly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 3, 2023
The worldbuilding, the writing style, the character building…super good. Insanely good considering the genre.
But this book was just too slow. The first book started out slow too, like an introduction to a complex world with complex people, and that’s fine for book 1 in a 6-book series. However, now I’m done with book 2 and not much more has happened.
I love love a good slowburn. I’m perfectly willing to get strung along for many books hoping that two people will get together. Buuuut by book 2 I’d at least like the love interests to interact a lot and build tension, even if slowly. Instead of growing closer to her love interests, Emma spends this book with a new character who’s platonic and probably won’t play a large role outside this installment. (It’s the titular Jackal Prince.) That’s frustrating when I’m waiting on development in the romantic relationships and getting next to nothing there.
A notable exception: Fern aka Spiderman
Fern is always the exception because my love for him is exceptional 🥲 he’s a perfect boy and he gets a decent amount of page time in The Jackal Prince. We love to see it.
But this book was just too slow. The first book started out slow too, like an introduction to a complex world with complex people, and that’s fine for book 1 in a 6-book series. However, now I’m done with book 2 and not much more has happened.
I love love a good slowburn. I’m perfectly willing to get strung along for many books hoping that two people will get together. Buuuut by book 2 I’d at least like the love interests to interact a lot and build tension, even if slowly. Instead of growing closer to her love interests, Emma spends this book with a new character who’s platonic and probably won’t play a large role outside this installment. (It’s the titular Jackal Prince.) That’s frustrating when I’m waiting on development in the romantic relationships and getting next to nothing there.
A notable exception: Fern aka Spiderman
Fern is always the exception because my love for him is exceptional 🥲 he’s a perfect boy and he gets a decent amount of page time in The Jackal Prince. We love to see it.
February 26, 2022
Sefu!
My favorite character is Sefu. Just saying, lol.
And Telly... and Fern...and I kinda like Alexi too...and the King, Seshua...oh and Anton and Ricky...wait. I think I really like all the main characters in this series. How did that happen?
I am really loving this series so far. The whole not your usual shifter thing is very appealing. One can only take so many werewolves and vampires, I guess.
The characters have grown on me from the first book. They are all so thought provoking and unique. The way their world is set up works too. I love the prophecy and how Emma fits into it. It gives enough for her mythology to grow.
This is very slow burn. I already know who I want in the harem. I just hope they cooperate, haha.
My favorite character is Sefu. Just saying, lol.
And Telly... and Fern...and I kinda like Alexi too...and the King, Seshua...oh and Anton and Ricky...wait. I think I really like all the main characters in this series. How did that happen?
I am really loving this series so far. The whole not your usual shifter thing is very appealing. One can only take so many werewolves and vampires, I guess.
The characters have grown on me from the first book. They are all so thought provoking and unique. The way their world is set up works too. I love the prophecy and how Emma fits into it. It gives enough for her mythology to grow.
This is very slow burn. I already know who I want in the harem. I just hope they cooperate, haha.
June 19, 2018
4.5 - this series is really REALLY good!
Is it wrong that I really like Seshua? And Telly... he's my fave!
Is it wrong that I really like Seshua? And Telly... he's my fave!
September 10, 2018
I'm on the super binge of the century and currently reading book 5, so my memory is a bit hazy other than to say this series is awesome and this is maybe my least favourite of the bunch.
but still worth 4.5 stars
but still worth 4.5 stars
December 26, 2019
Having partially opened up her powers, Emma fights for her life as the supernatural world want every last piece of her. On the run constantly with the walking god and other shape changers, Emma must negotiate her own life and self will in the face of co fronting the sizzling terrifying but oh so deliciously tempting serpent priest again. Having being blind by
The author truely does write telepathy and mind power usage so well that it’s possible to really imagine what it would feel like. The conversations and negotiations that Emma has to have with these ancients make sense, the difference in opinions and values is so vast that it can seem impossible to navigate, but with help and inbuilt skill Emma does.
The sexual tension keeps building (as pre warned there is no onpage sexy times until book 4/5 however the tension and slow burn is SCORCHING )
I devoured this series and cannot put one book over another- though I am alexei and fern all the way BABY!! Yes!!
The author truely does write telepathy and mind power usage so well that it’s possible to really imagine what it would feel like. The conversations and negotiations that Emma has to have with these ancients make sense, the difference in opinions and values is so vast that it can seem impossible to navigate, but with help and inbuilt skill Emma does.
The sexual tension keeps building (as pre warned there is no onpage sexy times until book 4/5 however the tension and slow burn is SCORCHING )
I devoured this series and cannot put one book over another- though I am alexei and fern all the way BABY!! Yes!!
February 8, 2020
Okay so Emma's coming into her power a little more, relationships are growing, and some things are being figured out. There doesn't seem to be any feelings on her part that would lead to something other than a platonic relationship with the guys. I hope this starts to resolve some because it's getting a little frustrating.
I really like Fern but she seems to think about him like a brother though I think he's probably pretty in love with her but isn't gonna push. I guess he's supposed to be the bad guy but I like Seshua. I don't think she gives him enough credit. He basically gives her everything she wants. She has some attraction to Seshua but I don't know if its ever going to go there and the attraction she feels towards Red seems to be magically induced so I don't know about that one either. There are hints that Alexi and Telly are having some thoughts but everything is alluded to so not sure where it's going yet. Like I said a little frustrating.
Some of Anna's descriptions are superfluous and slightly ridiculous (i.e.: his voice was tinged with the whisper of thunder on the horizon). I don't need to know every time someone has a look or talks what it smells, tastes, or sounds like....gah. Sorry maybe I'm just not cut out for this slow of a slow burn lol! I'll probably keep reading the series though...at least the next one.
I really like Fern but she seems to think about him like a brother though I think he's probably pretty in love with her but isn't gonna push. I guess he's supposed to be the bad guy but I like Seshua. I don't think she gives him enough credit. He basically gives her everything she wants. She has some attraction to Seshua but I don't know if its ever going to go there and the attraction she feels towards Red seems to be magically induced so I don't know about that one either. There are hints that Alexi and Telly are having some thoughts but everything is alluded to so not sure where it's going yet. Like I said a little frustrating.
Some of Anna's descriptions are superfluous and slightly ridiculous (i.e.: his voice was tinged with the whisper of thunder on the horizon). I don't need to know every time someone has a look or talks what it smells, tastes, or sounds like....gah. Sorry maybe I'm just not cut out for this slow of a slow burn lol! I'll probably keep reading the series though...at least the next one.
May 11, 2020
Slow but decent
You know this series is very very slow in terms of giving information and in terms of relationships. I have inklings that Emma has deeper feelings for people, even romantic feelings but I have a lot of trouble making the inferences that are alluded to in the book. Like toward the end Red Sun and Telly talking it wasn’t clear what the soon they mention is. We learn more about Fern and Emma’s bond which I didn’t expect it to be the type of bond it is. I’m also curious will this turn romantic at all yet? This was listed under harems but I’ve yet to notice romance. Lots of inklings and undercurrents. I really do want Emma and Telly together, and I am wanting to figure out what is going on with Alexi. Overall this was a crazy run. I’m definitely interested to see where this goes.
You know this series is very very slow in terms of giving information and in terms of relationships. I have inklings that Emma has deeper feelings for people, even romantic feelings but I have a lot of trouble making the inferences that are alluded to in the book. Like toward the end Red Sun and Telly talking it wasn’t clear what the soon they mention is. We learn more about Fern and Emma’s bond which I didn’t expect it to be the type of bond it is. I’m also curious will this turn romantic at all yet? This was listed under harems but I’ve yet to notice romance. Lots of inklings and undercurrents. I really do want Emma and Telly together, and I am wanting to figure out what is going on with Alexi. Overall this was a crazy run. I’m definitely interested to see where this goes.
July 29, 2019
I liked it, even though honestly Emma is ... well, she trends into TSTL. Like, I don't understand, in the last book, why she insisted they let Alan go. Now she's hyper to find him - and of course she is, because he wants her - and doesn't know where to look. Hello, duh, why did you let him go in the first place?
I also love Telly, and hate how weird she is with him. Honestly, she's flippy-floppy with all the guys, and I feel like she just ... leads everyone on and/or keeps waffling on what she feels. There are several times in this book that I just wanted to slap her in the back of the head and tell her to go TALK to him.
Also not a fan of how she seems drawn to the people who treat her the worst. LIke, I'm sorry, but I don't want to hear any more about Alexi's pretty eyes. He's been a total bag of shit to you from the literal second that you met him, and has been angsting over the way you've continually prevented him from "punishing" (KILLING) your friends. Why do you LIKE him? Come ON now! And Fern. Yes, he's a nicer guy than he originally presented as, but that's a pretty goddamn low bar. He started out by kidnapping and assaulting her. Robbing her of all choice and ability to consent, because he bonded with her. Surprise to him, he wasn't in control of the bond ... she was. But the fact that that is what he WANTED means that she should be keeping him at arm's length. Now she's treating him like her bestest friend ever, and I do not get it. Seshua she also seems drawn to. Basically, if you're nice to her, she treats you like a non-entity (Anton and Ricky, who weren't even in this book, and Telly ... who she angsts over her conflicted feelings for, a lot harder than she angsts over her conflicted feelings for Seshua, a man who tried to rape her to control her power). Assault or kidnap her and you're a possible future mate. I'm tired of it, guys.
And anyway, this is where I leave the series. Not because this was a bad book - it wasn't - but because when I went to Amazon to get the next one I saw the top review, which says in the headline that there's a graphic, brutal rape of the heroine in the next book. I know that's a spoiler, but honestly, I feel like people should be warned. And that's a nope for me.
I also love Telly, and hate how weird she is with him. Honestly, she's flippy-floppy with all the guys, and I feel like she just ... leads everyone on and/or keeps waffling on what she feels. There are several times in this book that I just wanted to slap her in the back of the head and tell her to go TALK to him.
Also not a fan of how she seems drawn to the people who treat her the worst. LIke, I'm sorry, but I don't want to hear any more about Alexi's pretty eyes. He's been a total bag of shit to you from the literal second that you met him, and has been angsting over the way you've continually prevented him from "punishing" (KILLING) your friends. Why do you LIKE him? Come ON now! And Fern. Yes, he's a nicer guy than he originally presented as, but that's a pretty goddamn low bar. He started out by kidnapping and assaulting her. Robbing her of all choice and ability to consent, because he bonded with her. Surprise to him, he wasn't in control of the bond ... she was. But the fact that that is what he WANTED means that she should be keeping him at arm's length. Now she's treating him like her bestest friend ever, and I do not get it. Seshua she also seems drawn to. Basically, if you're nice to her, she treats you like a non-entity (Anton and Ricky, who weren't even in this book, and Telly ... who she angsts over her conflicted feelings for, a lot harder than she angsts over her conflicted feelings for Seshua, a man who tried to rape her to control her power). Assault or kidnap her and you're a possible future mate. I'm tired of it, guys.
And anyway, this is where I leave the series. Not because this was a bad book - it wasn't - but because when I went to Amazon to get the next one I saw the top review, which says in the headline that there's a graphic, brutal rape of the heroine in the next book. I know that's a spoiler, but honestly, I feel like people should be warned. And that's a nope for me.
March 24, 2020
This. This is exactly why I was so scared to continue with the wild rites. It was so freaking exciting and lovely and clever....How dare you?!? I should be studying damn it. And I have no self control, so book three, here I come.
April 23, 2018
I can not decide if I like these books! You know the first one was good. I was into the story and I liked the characters. In this one I didn't care for the story as much. It was a whole lot of lying and mind games. And the characters.. well I didn't like them as much either. Emma is a strong sassy female lead. I do like her. I just feel like she is extremely arrogant now. She shuts down advice from GODS and her friends who have been around for centuries. I get that she needs to make her own way in this world but would it kill her to at least hear her friends out? Nope. But she is apparently all knowing after being in this world for 6 months. Also is is actually into any of these guys????? It keeps saying this is a romance and I DO NOT agree. I feel like there is zero romance. She think sometimes about he guys attractiveness but other than that there isn't anything. I am cool slow burn romances but I have to know who the characters are into and in this book I have no clue. I think maybe Telly may be into her but again I don't know for sure. He seems possessive of her but thats not the same thing.. So I have no idea.
March 8, 2017
i rate it 3.5 because it's an improvement over the first one!
April 22, 2017
Wow, just wow. The author is determined to take the reader on a long and sometimes frustrating journey. The story is full of hints, mythology and fascinating characters. The hints get frustrating, the mythology is great, and while there are a lot of characters, some of them die in this book.
I loved it but it might not appeal to others - it is long winded. For me, that's just a bonus. I can't wait to to start the next story.
I loved it but it might not appeal to others - it is long winded. For me, that's just a bonus. I can't wait to to start the next story.
March 24, 2018
I loved the dive into Egypt... the jackal shifter culture... the progression of Emma's relationships (or rather, potential relationships)... the unfolding of the mysteries surrounding her...
This series is just damn good!
This series is just damn good!
December 29, 2016
*beware* If you are not into the "many loves" type of romance then this series is not for you.
May 22, 2017
So good... I'm sick with a serious sinus infection but I still can't seem to put this book down. I'm so addicted, OMG! OkY on to book 3.. Yeah I'm jumping right in.
May 7, 2018
This series just keeps getting better and better. I could not put this book down. Future readers please know that sleep is optional.
Emma can't go back to the way her life was before she was kidnapped by the Jaguar King. Turns out Alan was more than he seemed and had an ulterior motive. Emma now lives on Telly's heavily warded, and thanks to the Jaguar King, heavily guarded California ranch house. The knowledge of Emma's existence is spreading through the supernatural kingdoms and everyone wants to meet her.
Emma has barely settled into this new home when they receive an invitation from the Jackal Kingdom in Egypt. Refusing is not an option, despite knowing that this trip will be dangerous. It doesn't take very long for Emma and her group to realize that there is something very wrong in Egypt....
Emma can't go back to the way her life was before she was kidnapped by the Jaguar King. Turns out Alan was more than he seemed and had an ulterior motive. Emma now lives on Telly's heavily warded, and thanks to the Jaguar King, heavily guarded California ranch house. The knowledge of Emma's existence is spreading through the supernatural kingdoms and everyone wants to meet her.
Emma has barely settled into this new home when they receive an invitation from the Jackal Kingdom in Egypt. Refusing is not an option, despite knowing that this trip will be dangerous. It doesn't take very long for Emma and her group to realize that there is something very wrong in Egypt....
January 5, 2020
This was better than the first book in some ways, and just as frustrating in other ways.
Better because:
1) Finally Emma got to be part of the action, and she kind of started acting instead of reacting.
2) More of a story than in the first one
Frustrating because:
1) Still too many characters to get to know anyone even a little bit better, and most of them are too mysterious to even try to get to know them
2) Still really little actual plot and too much talk about politics and mythology
I'm hoping that we will actually get to know someone in the next book, otherwise it's gonna be really disappointing.
Better because:
1) Finally Emma got to be part of the action, and she kind of started acting instead of reacting.
2) More of a story than in the first one
Frustrating because:
1) Still too many characters to get to know anyone even a little bit better, and most of them are too mysterious to even try to get to know them
2) Still really little actual plot and too much talk about politics and mythology
I'm hoping that we will actually get to know someone in the next book, otherwise it's gonna be really disappointing.
March 23, 2022
So I wasn’t expecting much from this book due to how much I struggled with book 1 but this really surprised me. I really enjoyed it, the Egyptian links were so good and it all just made so much more sense. I’m absolutely in love with Fern I think he’s just brilliant. The thing with this series it has or mentions shifters we don’t normally come across, like tarantulas and crocodiles were mentioned. I love something different. Push through book 1 and I’m sure like me you won’t be disappointed with book 2!
February 28, 2024
Kindle Unlimited.
This series is a bit slow for me.
There's something about Emma that rubs me wrong. She's not a martyr, but she's constantly trying to keep the peace in a world that she doesn't understand, so it feels ridiculous. Like walking into the middle of a pro boxing ring and saying "guys, can't we just talk this out?"
I read the spoilers for the rest of the series because I wanted to see if things pick up, or if I should walk away now. I'm walking away. Apparently there's a rape scene in book three and a couple of other red flags for me throughout the series, so I'm done.
This series is a bit slow for me.
There's something about Emma that rubs me wrong. She's not a martyr, but she's constantly trying to keep the peace in a world that she doesn't understand, so it feels ridiculous. Like walking into the middle of a pro boxing ring and saying "guys, can't we just talk this out?"
I read the spoilers for the rest of the series because I wanted to see if things pick up, or if I should walk away now. I'm walking away. Apparently there's a rape scene in book three and a couple of other red flags for me throughout the series, so I'm done.
January 1, 2017
That just happened
I thought this was very cool with the necromancer and the Gods. I was impressed with the characters and how they have overcame their issues to work together in this one. I wonder if she ever knows what she is getting into. Let's see what is in store for her next.
I thought this was very cool with the necromancer and the Gods. I was impressed with the characters and how they have overcame their issues to work together in this one. I wonder if she ever knows what she is getting into. Let's see what is in store for her next.
April 16, 2020
Creative, slow burn story arcs get me every time
I think I might have liked Book 2 of the Wild Rites saga better then the first - the authors world is full of so many wonders and surprises that go even farther in this novel then the first.
Her characters feel real and some have stolen my heart. I can’t wait to see where they develop from here.
I think I might have liked Book 2 of the Wild Rites saga better then the first - the authors world is full of so many wonders and surprises that go even farther in this novel then the first.
Her characters feel real and some have stolen my heart. I can’t wait to see where they develop from here.
June 5, 2017
Beyond captivating
I love how she has taken me on this ride. I don't want to put this down. No one has merged different shape shifters and other super naturals so flawlessly before and tease me with potential romance like this author. I love it. Beyond love really!
I love how she has taken me on this ride. I don't want to put this down. No one has merged different shape shifters and other super naturals so flawlessly before and tease me with potential romance like this author. I love it. Beyond love really!
June 8, 2017
Love it
Really enjoying this series. Only a short review as I desperately need to read the next book haha but love all the characters and Telly is definitely hiding something which I hope unfolds in the next book.
Really enjoying this series. Only a short review as I desperately need to read the next book haha but love all the characters and Telly is definitely hiding something which I hope unfolds in the next book.
June 20, 2017
So much better than the first one
The plot was better this time, Emma was badass (even if it wasn't always intentional) and again I LOVE Fern. Everyone should have a Fern in their life, preferably without the painful process of getting him!
The plot was better this time, Emma was badass (even if it wasn't always intentional) and again I LOVE Fern. Everyone should have a Fern in their life, preferably without the painful process of getting him!
July 25, 2017
Amazeballs!
Can I just say how much I love Emma!
I say im rooting that she can get mr.moody now constrictor to grow a heart.
&& what's up with the red son && telli. He has secrets & I don't like them.
So glad I got into this series :)
Can I just say how much I love Emma!
I say im rooting that she can get mr.moody now constrictor to grow a heart.
&& what's up with the red son && telli. He has secrets & I don't like them.
So glad I got into this series :)
June 16, 2017
What can I say?
I'm hooked!
So far, so great!
Now on to the next I go ;)
I'm hooked!
So far, so great!
Now on to the next I go ;)
April 18, 2018
Excellent
I have read the first two. I am about to but the other three in the series. I can’t wait.
I have read the first two. I am about to but the other three in the series. I can’t wait.
April 22, 2018
No growth
I got bored with a main character who can’t seem to learn from her mistakes. Move things forward already!
No noticeable errors in grammar, etc. just not great writing.
I got bored with a main character who can’t seem to learn from her mistakes. Move things forward already!
No noticeable errors in grammar, etc. just not great writing.
January 25, 2020
Action packed
I very much enjoy reading the adventures of Emma and her crew of paranormal friends! The world building is fantastic and it keeps you riveted and wanting more.
I very much enjoy reading the adventures of Emma and her crew of paranormal friends! The world building is fantastic and it keeps you riveted and wanting more.
September 1, 2020
Great series
So unique and action packed ! Great main female character ! Would recommend if you like RH, fantasy genres xx
So unique and action packed ! Great main female character ! Would recommend if you like RH, fantasy genres xx
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews