The Wolf's Heir

The Wild Rites Saga #3

by Anna McIlwraith

A desperate king, a dying princess, and an orphaned boy who won’t speak of the horror that claimed his pack.

Of all the shapechanger races Emma’s met so far, the wolves are the most loyal — and the least tame. When the Russian wolves beg Emma for help, she jumps at the chance to use her burgeoning powers for good, in spite of the misgivings of those who would rather she stay safe and untouched under their protection. After all, Emma Chase is the Caller of the Blood, destined to command the magic of all shapechanging races — and if her power can’t save one innocent kid, what the hell is it good for? Besides, the Russian wolves might be able to help her solve the mystery of her own stray wolf’s origins, or at least give her some tips on how to stop him chewing up the furniture.

But old enemies have been biding their time, and Emma’s promise to the wolves sets events in motion that will push her to the limits of her mind, body and soul, and finally awaken the ancient powers that have, until now, lain dormant within.

Can she save the wolf’s heir — and herself?

Caller of the Blood | Series Reading Order:

Book 1 — The Jaguar King
Book 2 — The Jackal Prince
Book 3 — The Wolf’s Heir

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Magic, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Romance, Vampires

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 5, 2016

About the author

Anna 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.

Reviews

[Helen 2.0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. All the tears, all the feelings…I stayed up way too late to finish this book and it totally broke my heart.



Anna McIlwraith, please take all my money and all my love 💔

Emma and her shifter posse make their way to Russia, where the wolf pack alpha's daughter is dying of the wasting disease that Emma's powers are supposedly meant to cure. But Emma's not fully come into her power yet, because she never completed the sexy sex ritual with Seshua in book 1. That ritual becomes the focus of book 3, but not in the way I expected. It's tragic.

I really enjoyed Emma's character in this installment. She's got a backbone but she's not dumb about it. She knows when to stand up for herself, and she knows when to listen and step down.

Expect lots of Fern scenes (but we're still stuck in hyper slowburn mode with him) and some surprising developments with a certain surly snake priest.

[Amara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Alexi! And spoilers- Don't look!

Something really bad happened and then there's Alexi to the rescue. But what happened to Telly? Where did he go?

I really like Telly ... and Alexi... and Seshua... and kinda Fern too. And a little bit Anton. And Ricky even, but he gets left out of everything except cooking.

I want Alan to die, but after he's been tortured or something. Horribly. Like bleed him out, stake him in the sun, and then chop pieces of him off, I dunno. How do you even kill a 6000 year old vampire or soul eater or whatever he is?

And Rain! Did they free his brother or did he die? Maybe death might be better since he's been so tortured or experimented on or whatever. I am really hoping he goes to Russia and can take Zack with him.

Seshua, bless his heart... thought he was gonna get lucky and then BAM that crazy stuff happens. He started things with Emma bad, going about things the wrong way though. Has he even redeemed himself yet?

I don't know what Alexi did, but maybe he took power from his brother somehow? Or from the Serpent Priesthood? Sounds like he is in trouble. But whatever, I like snakes!

Tarantulas too. Even though I think I like Fern less than Telly, Alexi, and even Seshua. I'm not sure why. I guess he is too 'go with the flow' or something maybe.

Now about that power he and Emma wielded as she was abducted... that turned those guys inside out or whatever. What in the world was that?!

I adore this series! I really really do!

[★Me Myshelf and I★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still on the super binge so this will be quick
Book 1; ★★★★★
Book 2; ★★★★

This is the one where it all kicks off. It'll stress the life outta you but wow worth it

I think that support group for Arachnophobics needs to be set up because I'm in love




I want to have you're little spider babies
...but then never go near them cos ya know, scared shitless and all

Talk about realationship problems

[Rhiannon Chillingworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was tough to read in places, due to the dark places it went, but it was a spectacular book.

Alexi... Who could not love him after that?

This series is amazing!

[Megan (BookWifeReviews) · Rating 2 out of 5]

What the heck man. That so was fucked up. I am depressed. It's hard for me to rate this book because of the last 20%. The first 80% of the book was good. I enjoyed the werewolves. But god what happened was horrific. I am struggling with accepting it. I am struggling with the fact that thats how the author chose to make something happen. Maybe there is a reason. I mean it's her book she knows whats going on but my as a reader.. I am just sad and heartbroken. And I an NOT the type of person that thinks it's a good thing to cry when I'm reading. Emotions are the enemy.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh..my...god...!!

Seriously, wow... Book 3 took my heart strings and ripped them completely out! It was such an amazing read though! From Emma's triumphs and falls, to meeting Katenka, and of course everything Alexi in there! <3 This story was so absolutely unbelievably Amazing! We see even more depth in a lot of the characters we've come to love, and it made the story 100% more awesome!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU READ THIS SERIES! Do yourself the favor, people.

[Yasmin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trigger Warning: Rape

Love the series but disappointing and heartbroken with what happened to Emma.

[Che is Slowly Getting Back to Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best and most heartbreaking in the series so far!

[A.R. Von · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I didn't see that coming (and I loved it!)
A 4.5 rounded to a solid 4 rating. I look forward to the next of the series.
Actually, it's been some time since a series enraptured me so.
On to book 4 I go ;)

[Danielle (Danniegurl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wayyyyy better

This book had so much more action than the previous books. This book is also severely intense with trauma and such. So beware when you read it.

I do at least know someone who will be in the harem and it’s one of the people I’ve been wanting Emma with. I’m excited for the start of the relationship building. This was such a crazy book. I basically dropped everything to power read it so I know what happens.

I’m mad at Telly though.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is totally unpredictable, 😶. Did not see this coming..

[Meka Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I'm broken

This book had me a mess. I loved this book. I really love Emma she is confident and bad@ss and witty and smart and fierce and loyal! And now powerful and a bit broken. The story is amazing. I love where it is going. I can't wait for the next one. Team Alexi and Fern....

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it was action packed and entertaining to a point and I really like Emma I was not happy once we got to aforementioned point when Emma is raped by Alan to complete the ritual I was REALLY not happy about that as it is one of my 3 top no-nos. Also as I have mentioned in previous books there are so many hot guys and potential love interests popping up then disappearing for a book or so that it makes my head spin For example she has this special connection with god Telly and it is obvious she has feelings for him but she is outside kissing Antonio when Telly just up and leaves the whole freaking dimension because he is becoming too attached, she is going to sleep with Senshu to complete the ritual, then she is kidnapped and raped and Alexei rescues her and she is now with him . Then at the end she seems to choose one – and to me it was kind of an unbelievable choice given her previous interactions with this guy.

[Ariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

*may contain spoilers*

The Wolf's Heir tore me up and by the end put me back together. I balled my eyes out, causing my salty tears to dry out my skin, I was drenched with it. I cried so hard it became painful. The end raised me up though. I love Alexi and Emma, I ship them so hard. So after all the tears and wrenching heartache I felt for Emma, I got a little smile from the blossoming of their relationship. I can't wait for book four.

[Carly Kirk · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this book, I feel like I'm missing something quite often while reading. Like I would have never (spoilers) said that Emma had the hots for Alexi to the point of wanting him over every other man around her that she's noted as being super good looking. I was glad that she didn't complete the ritual with Seshua because he was just too arrogant, but everything that happened with Allen sucked beyond belief. Very interested to see where the next book takes the story...

[Gabriela Zotou · Rating 1 out of 5]

so we were saved from having to read something traumatic in the first book only to have her been raped even more horribly in the third book?i am outraged!at least S. would have been kinder for her and for us!thanks!really!i really, really enjoyed it!and that stupid asshole Telly?always leaving when he is more needed!couldnt he have given her teleportation or something?who ever rated more than 2 stars this bullshit?if i wanted rape in my books i wouldnt read books with magical creatures!

[BJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - this was a great story with the h being so strong, taking initiative and showing her acceptance of her role in this fantastical world. She is not the leader, so she gets used by others and it was great to see her step and push for what she knows is the right thing to do. Yet she also pays a price, more than seems fair. Love it.

[Soph · Rating 5 out of 5]

🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡trigger warning 🟠🟠🟠🟠🟠
There is kidnapping, rape, trauma, emotional/ psychical/psychological abuse WARNING




I cried when I read it the first time , I really did. I raged and cried. I wish I could go back and unread it just so I could read it again for the first time. This book made me FEEEEEEL. It was horrible and amazing.

[Sparkyhedgehog · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book 1&2 were great. Loved them! Book 3 not so much. I liked the wolves but there was no Telly. Alan returns b/c of mistakes made by the heroine. I don’t like the serpent priest. Ick. ...and then there’s the rape. Uhggg... I won’t be finishing this series. Really disappointed since it started out so good.

[Searcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh oh oh...damn!

Still an amazing series, though this entry takes you to some pretty dark places. But her support system is growing and strengthening and I think things are about to come off the back burner. Yay!

Such yummy men too :)

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! That was crazy. RTC.

[Mary Hartshorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series. I love how different it is from the usual Urban Fantasy genre and how amazing the author is at storytelling. There are always so many characters that Emma interacts with, yet she is able to make the story flow flawlessly, and in such a way that each individual is critical to the overall story-line.

I love all of the characters, and I absolutely love Emma. This character is very down to earth, and easy to love. Along with the ocelot maidens, the jaguar king, Telly, Anton, Ricky, Fern, and so many more.

I highly recommend this book, especially since some explosive scenes, and important events happen in this book. This is a must read!!!!!!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Again short review because I need to devour the fourth. I honestly don't know what I'll do when I've read them all. I love everyone so much except maybe Telly he was definitely my favourite previously but now..

[Tünde Kasza tóth · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much better than the first two books. We get to know Fern a little bit better, much more action, a lot more tragedy and heartbreak. There is Seshua and Anton in this one, but no one cares, but no Telly, and about that everybody cares. :(

[Princess J. Antoinette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh! This book made me mad, sad, frustrated, heartbroken but also awakened, happy and victorious. How about that? Wow I'm just so in love with this series. What a read!

[Sonya Philbrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

These books keep me intrigued from the first word to the the last. I am already about to start the fourth and can’t wait.

[Lyndsey Gollogly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favourite so far! Fast paced loved the story development and oh my am I a little bit in love with Alexi!! This is a pretty decent shifter series!

[Isa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rape warning!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can find more reviews Mademoisellesnow Blog

A desperate king, a dying princess and an orphaned boy who won’t speak of the horror that claimed his pack. Emma Chase is the Caller of the Blood and is destined to command the magic of all shapechanging races. But when the time comes Emma realises that at her current power level she is unable to save the dying wolf princess. The only chance she has is to finish the ritual that she and the Jaguar King didn’t finish. But old enemies have been bidding their time and have just seen the chance to kidnap Emma for their own cause. Emma’s promise to the wolves have started the motion that will push her to her limits of her mind, body and soul, and finally, awaken her ancient powers.

This book has been by far the one that took hold of my heartstrings and ripped them completely out. This book has been absolutely amazing to read, there’ve been so many questions answered but then they created so many questions. You saw a lot of depth of a lot of the characters and understand deeper connections and even some of the politics. I really felt for Emma in this book, what she experienced was intense and it has been one of the hardest things to read for me. Emma has been emotionally destroyed with what happened with Allen her vampire ex-boyfriend. There’s a bit of sexual violence in this book so if you can’t read that then I wouldn’t recommend reading this book. I was surprised that the author got into the gritty details where most authors shy away from it. I felt that this book set the way for the books that were going to come after and set the tone of the story and really it made Emma more aware of the dangers out there and would take more precautions and I would think that the rest of them would want to keep Emma informed at all times.

[mspotts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insanely good. Haven't felt this much emotion reading a book in a long while.

Still not sure who the romantic interests are going to be apart from Alexi, Seshua and Fern (and Telly, but I'm not a fan of him).

Can't wait to see where this goes next!