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Wolf, Becoming
Volyk learns very young that he has to hide what he is—oboroten’, shape-shifter—after his father is killed and skinned by a hunter, and the pack that takes in his pregnant mother is hostile to his kind. When Volyk is ordered to fight the pack’s beta to prove his fitness, but instead obeys his hormones and tries to mount him, he’s declared an abomination and forced to flee.
Ilya, too, hides a secret. Being young and gay in modern Russia is dangerous, and he knows it. But the truth eventually gets out, and his brothers lure him into the forest to kill him. They’re stopped by Volyk, who hides the mortally wounded Ilya in his den. The only way to heal the human is to turn him into an oboroten’.
Unfortunately, Ilya’s gentle nature is ill-suited to the life of a wolf. But when Volyk’s old pack returns, seeking to take away Volyk’s magickal den, Ilya will have to embrace—truly become—the wolf Volyk made him to save both his mate’s life and his own.
Ilya, too, hides a secret. Being young and gay in modern Russia is dangerous, and he knows it. But the truth eventually gets out, and his brothers lure him into the forest to kill him. They’re stopped by Volyk, who hides the mortally wounded Ilya in his den. The only way to heal the human is to turn him into an oboroten’.
Unfortunately, Ilya’s gentle nature is ill-suited to the life of a wolf. But when Volyk’s old pack returns, seeking to take away Volyk’s magickal den, Ilya will have to embrace—truly become—the wolf Volyk made him to save both his mate’s life and his own.
91 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 15, 2016
4 hearts
This is such a unique story! I love when authors make it their own, and play with the ideas of what a shifter can be and do. Coileain definitely did this, and did it beautifully!
Ilya and Volyk are both exiles in their own way, and both got there by very brutal and sad means (there are definitely a few characters I would have happily seen murdered). The first 30% of the story shows glimpses into Ilya and Volyk’s separate but slightly intertwined lives over the course of 18 years. It starts from the day Ilya’s dad kills Volyk’s, until the day Volyk saves Ilya from his brothers attempt to murder Ilya (hint: these are the characters I wanted to see dead).
As stated previously, the uniqueness of this story comes from the idea of what a shifter can do. Volyk is born Oboroton (shifter) and that means he is born a wolf and will stay a wolf until he can find a place that holds the magick that can change him into a human. He will only be able to change into his human form while in this place of magick and not elsewhere. While in their Wolf form they can communicate telepathically to other Oboroton as well as understand human and standard Wolf communication. I don’t want to waffle on, but as I’ve said I find it so incredibly creative when authors do this! Loved this concept.
This story is told almost in a fairytale type way, which felt very appropriate with snowy Russian landscape as a setting and the Russian language interspersed throughout the story. The Oboroton have an interesting way of talking as well, which makes it feel more historical.
“You take my breath, wolf-mine.”
Which brings me onto the important stuff, the love story. Volyk has seen and thought about Ilya a few times since his father's death, and already cares a great deal for him and protects him as he would a mate. Therefore he wastes no time in getting ‘closer’ once Ilya is revealed as Oboroton. The sex scenes were very sensual, and very very sexy!
These two connect hard and fast as mates tend to do in shifter stories, and confessions of love are spoken rather quickly. I would call it Insta-love for Ilya, but because Volyk knew more of Ilya and felt a connection before their official introduction. Their desire for each other is plain to see and the connection between these two isolated people as they form a new and safe home together is beautiful.
“I need to hold you.”
“And I… need to be held.”
One thing I really didn’t like was we never saw Ilya’s brothers get any comeuppance. I may be a little blood thirsty but I seriously wanted them (and his dad) to be mauled by all the wolves… that ever lived…. ever!!
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes shifters and mates stories. It was a very easy and enjoyable read with such a unique concept!
This is such a unique story! I love when authors make it their own, and play with the ideas of what a shifter can be and do. Coileain definitely did this, and did it beautifully!
Ilya and Volyk are both exiles in their own way, and both got there by very brutal and sad means (there are definitely a few characters I would have happily seen murdered). The first 30% of the story shows glimpses into Ilya and Volyk’s separate but slightly intertwined lives over the course of 18 years. It starts from the day Ilya’s dad kills Volyk’s, until the day Volyk saves Ilya from his brothers attempt to murder Ilya (hint: these are the characters I wanted to see dead).
As stated previously, the uniqueness of this story comes from the idea of what a shifter can do. Volyk is born Oboroton (shifter) and that means he is born a wolf and will stay a wolf until he can find a place that holds the magick that can change him into a human. He will only be able to change into his human form while in this place of magick and not elsewhere. While in their Wolf form they can communicate telepathically to other Oboroton as well as understand human and standard Wolf communication. I don’t want to waffle on, but as I’ve said I find it so incredibly creative when authors do this! Loved this concept.
This story is told almost in a fairytale type way, which felt very appropriate with snowy Russian landscape as a setting and the Russian language interspersed throughout the story. The Oboroton have an interesting way of talking as well, which makes it feel more historical.
“You take my breath, wolf-mine.”
Which brings me onto the important stuff, the love story. Volyk has seen and thought about Ilya a few times since his father's death, and already cares a great deal for him and protects him as he would a mate. Therefore he wastes no time in getting ‘closer’ once Ilya is revealed as Oboroton. The sex scenes were very sensual, and very very sexy!
These two connect hard and fast as mates tend to do in shifter stories, and confessions of love are spoken rather quickly. I would call it Insta-love for Ilya, but because Volyk knew more of Ilya and felt a connection before their official introduction. Their desire for each other is plain to see and the connection between these two isolated people as they form a new and safe home together is beautiful.
“I need to hold you.”
“And I… need to be held.”
One thing I really didn’t like was we never saw Ilya’s brothers get any comeuppance. I may be a little blood thirsty but I seriously wanted them (and his dad) to be mauled by all the wolves… that ever lived…. ever!!
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes shifters and mates stories. It was a very easy and enjoyable read with such a unique concept!
February 24, 2016
This is a paranormal fairy tale with supernatural elements, a message of hope, and of deep love between two men who are both painfully lonely before they find each other. Set in an alternate version of contemporary Russia, one where beings of legend still exist but are in hiding, it is the story of human-born Ilya who has to hide his sexuality, and oboroten’-born Volyk who lives as a wolf but knows that his ancestors were able to shift into a human form. It’s a dark story and doesn’t shirk away from the brutality of what hatred can do to people and some wolves alike. As much as I liked the original version of this story, ‘Ilya and the Wolf’ published as a short story in 2014, this longer version with all the additional background for both characters and the continuation of their story beyond the original ending was even better. The extra material allowed me to understand not just the characters better, but to see more of the mythological background of the oboroten’ or shape-shifters.
Ilya is the youngest of three sons of a rich Russian oligarch, and he hides a secret deep inside himself. He knows he can never let anyone find out he likes men, but he hadn’t counted on his two brothers’ viciousness and willingness to commit murder. Ilya is a gentle soul, and I hated what they did to him. But without knowing it, they end up giving Ilya the biggest Christmas gift ever: a chance at a different life. One where he doesn’t have to hide who he is or whom he loves. But that new life – as a wolf- also has its challenges, and it takes every ounce of Ilya’s courage and all his abilities as a wolf to deal with them.
Volyk is a mysterious being, but he has some very clear moral and ethical ideas. Seeing a man killed by two stronger ones isn’t something he can let go. And when the scent of the guy in trouble attracts him in other ways, he acts. Without thinking about the ancient rules around these encounters, and ignoring his own safety, he decides to rescue Ilya and saves his life. He would have accepted the consequences of Ilya’s rejection, but it is Christmas when the change occurs… and Ilya has always admired the wolves that roamed the area around his family’s dacha. Volyk becomes a guide and teacher to Ilya as he learns about being a wolf and I loved the way he went about it.
Only once Ilya and Volyk face the ultimate test, having to decide how to defeat a common enemy who is trying to kill them, do they fully understand how much they love each other. Volyk is ready to die to save Ilya, and Ilya finally comes to terms with who he is now – part wolf – and the need to be violent if he wants to save Volyk. The showdown and its aftermath is intense, had me chewing my fingernails, and made the new ending better than the original. Even if you read the original I’d recommend you give this new version a try. I loved it and think it was well worth my time.
If you like stories about mystical beings and old legends come to life, if you think that two men from different worlds might just be exactly who the other needs, and if you’re looking for a darkly beautiful read set in the snow-covered steppes of Russia, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Ilya is the youngest of three sons of a rich Russian oligarch, and he hides a secret deep inside himself. He knows he can never let anyone find out he likes men, but he hadn’t counted on his two brothers’ viciousness and willingness to commit murder. Ilya is a gentle soul, and I hated what they did to him. But without knowing it, they end up giving Ilya the biggest Christmas gift ever: a chance at a different life. One where he doesn’t have to hide who he is or whom he loves. But that new life – as a wolf- also has its challenges, and it takes every ounce of Ilya’s courage and all his abilities as a wolf to deal with them.
Volyk is a mysterious being, but he has some very clear moral and ethical ideas. Seeing a man killed by two stronger ones isn’t something he can let go. And when the scent of the guy in trouble attracts him in other ways, he acts. Without thinking about the ancient rules around these encounters, and ignoring his own safety, he decides to rescue Ilya and saves his life. He would have accepted the consequences of Ilya’s rejection, but it is Christmas when the change occurs… and Ilya has always admired the wolves that roamed the area around his family’s dacha. Volyk becomes a guide and teacher to Ilya as he learns about being a wolf and I loved the way he went about it.
Only once Ilya and Volyk face the ultimate test, having to decide how to defeat a common enemy who is trying to kill them, do they fully understand how much they love each other. Volyk is ready to die to save Ilya, and Ilya finally comes to terms with who he is now – part wolf – and the need to be violent if he wants to save Volyk. The showdown and its aftermath is intense, had me chewing my fingernails, and made the new ending better than the original. Even if you read the original I’d recommend you give this new version a try. I loved it and think it was well worth my time.
If you like stories about mystical beings and old legends come to life, if you think that two men from different worlds might just be exactly who the other needs, and if you’re looking for a darkly beautiful read set in the snow-covered steppes of Russia, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 14, 2016
3.5 Stars
This was a very hard book for me to read. I almost DNF'd it as it just had to many backward phrases, broken sentences and pronoun/noun conflicts. However, I kept going because I knew the author was using language like that to show the primitive thinking of the wolf and how the wolf is driven by base instincts.
This story deals with being gay when gayness is not accepted nor tolerated. Both the MC deal with it differently, one as a paranormal shape shifter and the other as a human. Volyk is confronted with his attraction to males when as a teenage wolf he is suppose to fight another Pack's beta wolf and instead he mounts him and attempts to mate with him. Ilya hides his attraction to men until one day it gets out and his brothers beat him almost to death, leaving him for dead - until Volyk rescues him and in an attempt to heal him changes Ilya to an oboroten or shape shifter.
While learning to adjust as a wolf Ilya has difficulty transitioning from his calm and gentleness to having to hunt for food and eat it raw. It isn't until Volyk's previous pack comes back and threatens the couple that Ilya accepts what he is and helps to defend himself and his mate.
I have to admit that throughout this book I was frustrated at times just because of the writing style as mentioned above, however once I got past it and embraced the story it was a good story. I would have liked to have more story after Ilya finally accepts being a wolf and chooses to mate with Volyk - however, maybe the author is planning a sequel.
3.5 Stars
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
This was a very hard book for me to read. I almost DNF'd it as it just had to many backward phrases, broken sentences and pronoun/noun conflicts. However, I kept going because I knew the author was using language like that to show the primitive thinking of the wolf and how the wolf is driven by base instincts.
This story deals with being gay when gayness is not accepted nor tolerated. Both the MC deal with it differently, one as a paranormal shape shifter and the other as a human. Volyk is confronted with his attraction to males when as a teenage wolf he is suppose to fight another Pack's beta wolf and instead he mounts him and attempts to mate with him. Ilya hides his attraction to men until one day it gets out and his brothers beat him almost to death, leaving him for dead - until Volyk rescues him and in an attempt to heal him changes Ilya to an oboroten or shape shifter.
While learning to adjust as a wolf Ilya has difficulty transitioning from his calm and gentleness to having to hunt for food and eat it raw. It isn't until Volyk's previous pack comes back and threatens the couple that Ilya accepts what he is and helps to defend himself and his mate.
I have to admit that throughout this book I was frustrated at times just because of the writing style as mentioned above, however once I got past it and embraced the story it was a good story. I would have liked to have more story after Ilya finally accepts being a wolf and chooses to mate with Volyk - however, maybe the author is planning a sequel.
3.5 Stars
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
January 8, 2018
Reading new authors can be bittersweet. There's that nervousness of "is this going to be good? I don't know this author". Then there's the flipside of finding a gem in a haystack. In this case, Rory is definitely a gem.
This story is based in Russia and is about wolves and wolf shifters, yes there's both in here. It's also about persecution about being "different" for both the human race (being gay) and in the wolf race about being a 'oboroten' or shape-shifter. Among regular wolves, they believe them to have "tainted blood".
This is why the story is unique. The oboroten don't seem to just shift at will, it is a magick long forgotten that they must call upon, or in Volyk's case, stumble upon. He didn't find the magick, it found him.
After his father was murdered by human hunters his mother was taken in by a pack of wolves, leaving Volyk a lone wolf. Through the years he seems to stumble upon the littlest human boy, son to the hunter, who wept for Volyk's father after he was murdered. The boy intrigues him, he seems to not be like the other humans. This sensitivity calls to Volyk.
Through the first 30% I knew that these two were meant for each other somehow, but the whole time I was like, "how is this going to work if he can't shift"? That would be...awkward...
My question definitely got answered though, thankfully, when Volyk stumbles upon his new home, and magical place.
While out for a hunt, Volyk stumbles upon a gory scene that will change the course of his and our human's, Ilya, lives forever...
No longer being a lone wolf, he must defend his new den from a deranged Alpha and get passed secrets of his past and Ilya trying to come into his "wolf. Will Ilya find himself before it's too late?
What I like most about this author is her fluid and poetic way of writing. Her wording is beautiful and "old". She uses a lot of tongue from an ancient time, which really adds to the overall picture of the story.
The one slight downfall to the book is the cover. This is the case of "don't judge the book by the cover". While I don't want to bash it, I plead with you, IGNORE the cover, this really is a magical read and you'll be missing out....
Overall this story captivated me and took me on a magical journey of finding yourself and love and overcoming hate and fear.
4.5*
**given as an ARC for my honest review**
This story is based in Russia and is about wolves and wolf shifters, yes there's both in here. It's also about persecution about being "different" for both the human race (being gay) and in the wolf race about being a 'oboroten' or shape-shifter. Among regular wolves, they believe them to have "tainted blood".
This is why the story is unique. The oboroten don't seem to just shift at will, it is a magick long forgotten that they must call upon, or in Volyk's case, stumble upon. He didn't find the magick, it found him.
After his father was murdered by human hunters his mother was taken in by a pack of wolves, leaving Volyk a lone wolf. Through the years he seems to stumble upon the littlest human boy, son to the hunter, who wept for Volyk's father after he was murdered. The boy intrigues him, he seems to not be like the other humans. This sensitivity calls to Volyk.
Through the first 30% I knew that these two were meant for each other somehow, but the whole time I was like, "how is this going to work if he can't shift"? That would be...awkward...
My question definitely got answered though, thankfully, when Volyk stumbles upon his new home, and magical place.
While out for a hunt, Volyk stumbles upon a gory scene that will change the course of his and our human's, Ilya, lives forever...
No longer being a lone wolf, he must defend his new den from a deranged Alpha and get passed secrets of his past and Ilya trying to come into his "wolf. Will Ilya find himself before it's too late?
What I like most about this author is her fluid and poetic way of writing. Her wording is beautiful and "old". She uses a lot of tongue from an ancient time, which really adds to the overall picture of the story.
The one slight downfall to the book is the cover. This is the case of "don't judge the book by the cover". While I don't want to bash it, I plead with you, IGNORE the cover, this really is a magical read and you'll be missing out....
Overall this story captivated me and took me on a magical journey of finding yourself and love and overcoming hate and fear.
4.5*
**given as an ARC for my honest review**
March 2, 2016
This story started as a short in the 2014 Christmas package Dreamspinner does each year as “Ilya and the Wolf”.
Here is my review for that short story:
In this tremendously sweet shifter story, a gay man of Russian Royalty (Ilya) is tricked by homophobes into going out in the snow to gather wood. They end up attacking him and nearly killing him.
Ilya is saved by a “wolf” with a fascinating story to share and a life of mated perfection to save him forever from those that would call him an abomination.
**
The writing is beautiful and fluid and has a fairytale like quality to it.
I hope/wish there are more stories from this “world” as it was beautifully created and wonderful to read.
This is a much longer version with some added back-story and a bit more after the two MCs have connected.
On the one hand, I loved the parts that were after the pair had connected – we got to see a bit more about their world and their relationship, and that was lovely.
On the other hand, I did not like seeing the parts before they were together – it’s hard to read and awful – but it does give a better understanding of where they are now.
I’m on the fence – part of me really liked the simplicity of the short story – it flowed so well and left me with this lovely resonance of hope and mysticism. This makes things more clear and is more detailed, and in a way that detracts from some of that simple beauty.
But… that being said… it is still a wonderful story and whether or not you’ve read the short story I think this is worth reading. It’s beautifully done and really strives to be in the head of the wolves rather than humans as wolves.
I enjoyed it and recommend it.
Here is my review for that short story:
In this tremendously sweet shifter story, a gay man of Russian Royalty (Ilya) is tricked by homophobes into going out in the snow to gather wood. They end up attacking him and nearly killing him.
Ilya is saved by a “wolf” with a fascinating story to share and a life of mated perfection to save him forever from those that would call him an abomination.
**
The writing is beautiful and fluid and has a fairytale like quality to it.
I hope/wish there are more stories from this “world” as it was beautifully created and wonderful to read.
This is a much longer version with some added back-story and a bit more after the two MCs have connected.
On the one hand, I loved the parts that were after the pair had connected – we got to see a bit more about their world and their relationship, and that was lovely.
On the other hand, I did not like seeing the parts before they were together – it’s hard to read and awful – but it does give a better understanding of where they are now.
I’m on the fence – part of me really liked the simplicity of the short story – it flowed so well and left me with this lovely resonance of hope and mysticism. This makes things more clear and is more detailed, and in a way that detracts from some of that simple beauty.
But… that being said… it is still a wonderful story and whether or not you’ve read the short story I think this is worth reading. It’s beautifully done and really strives to be in the head of the wolves rather than humans as wolves.
I enjoyed it and recommend it.
February 24, 2016
I have read Rory Ni Coilean before, and enjoyed the short story of Ilya and the Wolf as it was first posted in Dreamspinner’s 2014 Christmas anthology, Celebrate! I wanted more back then, and I can honestly say that I had hoped the author would return to this verse again—I was pleased by this newer, updated version.
Wolf, Becoming is the background of both Ilya and Volyk’s story. The author takes the reader on a slightly choppy introduction to her version of the werewolf legends, and incorporates the short story into this extended version. It took me a bit to understand the wolves’ primitive speech and the time jumps, but it did smooth out into a wonderfully detailed story.
I loved the differences on the unique take of Russian lore and magic that have much influence in this story, and while it was complete, it didn’t feel finished to me. I still think that the author has more to say and look forward to the continuing tale if the decision is made to return to this verse.
I adored the wonderful changes from the normal tropes where in this -verse shifting is an act of will and magic, and only certain places have the magic to allow the shifter to become human. There is also a running theme of being different, sexual preference, and the ways different individuals learn to accept the way they are.
Sweet and delicately handled issues of love and discrimination round out this short story addition to a nice change in the genre staples.
Reviewed by Angel for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
Wolf, Becoming is the background of both Ilya and Volyk’s story. The author takes the reader on a slightly choppy introduction to her version of the werewolf legends, and incorporates the short story into this extended version. It took me a bit to understand the wolves’ primitive speech and the time jumps, but it did smooth out into a wonderfully detailed story.
I loved the differences on the unique take of Russian lore and magic that have much influence in this story, and while it was complete, it didn’t feel finished to me. I still think that the author has more to say and look forward to the continuing tale if the decision is made to return to this verse.
I adored the wonderful changes from the normal tropes where in this -verse shifting is an act of will and magic, and only certain places have the magic to allow the shifter to become human. There is also a running theme of being different, sexual preference, and the ways different individuals learn to accept the way they are.
Sweet and delicately handled issues of love and discrimination round out this short story addition to a nice change in the genre staples.
Reviewed by Angel for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
March 3, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Okay. So, truth is, I really, really wanted to like this book. The premise was interesting, and I liked that the shifter here was a wolf who could become a man. There was a lyricalness to the prose that gave it a fairytale feel and at times I was swept away to a different place. But I’ll admit that I had some trouble with it.
So I think, for me, the removed aspect of it was the biggest hinderance. Most of this story takes place with the characters as wolves. While Ilya’s initial POV showed us the present, almost everything for Volyk’s POV was as a wolf, and he only was able to shift later in life. I had trouble with Volyk knowing common phrases and words, though he did have human sentience and he and his parent thought like humans. But I couldn’t reconcile how human he was considering that he spent most of his living as wolf. This was a rather large stumbling block for me.
I felt for Ilya as I first met him and saw him growing up. Growing up gay in Russia meant that he had to hide, and his softer side made him vulnerable. But then the story took a turn I just couldn’t believe of him. Rescued by Volyk and hiding in the cave, he instantly accepts and believes everything that Volyk tells him. Without question. And then he is instantly in love with Volyk as well. It was too much for me.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Okay. So, truth is, I really, really wanted to like this book. The premise was interesting, and I liked that the shifter here was a wolf who could become a man. There was a lyricalness to the prose that gave it a fairytale feel and at times I was swept away to a different place. But I’ll admit that I had some trouble with it.
So I think, for me, the removed aspect of it was the biggest hinderance. Most of this story takes place with the characters as wolves. While Ilya’s initial POV showed us the present, almost everything for Volyk’s POV was as a wolf, and he only was able to shift later in life. I had trouble with Volyk knowing common phrases and words, though he did have human sentience and he and his parent thought like humans. But I couldn’t reconcile how human he was considering that he spent most of his living as wolf. This was a rather large stumbling block for me.
I felt for Ilya as I first met him and saw him growing up. Growing up gay in Russia meant that he had to hide, and his softer side made him vulnerable. But then the story took a turn I just couldn’t believe of him. Rescued by Volyk and hiding in the cave, he instantly accepts and believes everything that Volyk tells him. Without question. And then he is instantly in love with Volyk as well. It was too much for me.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
February 25, 2016
This is told is sections, years apart.
llya and Volyk meet of a sort when both are very young. Over the death of Volyk father being hunted and killed.
Then again years later as IIya is being beaten by his brothers. Volyk saves him, but in doing that turns him with out giving him a choice.
As these two navigate these new worlds, life and love for each other. The original pack shows up and both must fight for what they know and love.
Even though, I love shifter books and have read a ton of them, I have to say this is a unique style for me. It’s more on the violent side, and again for me, because it was so short and we had so much going on I felt like these two didn’t have time to connect with each other. So I didn’t get to connect with them.
The violence from both sides was a lot for me, both the shifter side of the original pack and the human family. Seemed like someone was beating on someone all the time.
What I did like was the way that even throughout the childhood to adulthood to shifterhood, llya never changed. He started being a gentle soul, turning from blood sports and meat eating and even in wolf form turned his noise up to meat. I also loved that Volyk saw and understood this, never forcing the issue, just helping and guiding. I just wish we had more time, before and or possible after to develop that relationship.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviewers
llya and Volyk meet of a sort when both are very young. Over the death of Volyk father being hunted and killed.
Then again years later as IIya is being beaten by his brothers. Volyk saves him, but in doing that turns him with out giving him a choice.
As these two navigate these new worlds, life and love for each other. The original pack shows up and both must fight for what they know and love.
Even though, I love shifter books and have read a ton of them, I have to say this is a unique style for me. It’s more on the violent side, and again for me, because it was so short and we had so much going on I felt like these two didn’t have time to connect with each other. So I didn’t get to connect with them.
The violence from both sides was a lot for me, both the shifter side of the original pack and the human family. Seemed like someone was beating on someone all the time.
What I did like was the way that even throughout the childhood to adulthood to shifterhood, llya never changed. He started being a gentle soul, turning from blood sports and meat eating and even in wolf form turned his noise up to meat. I also loved that Volyk saw and understood this, never forcing the issue, just helping and guiding. I just wish we had more time, before and or possible after to develop that relationship.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviewers
February 17, 2016
This was a good book, but different. The concept and the plot line is very original and unique.
The author takes the legend of the werewolf and puts in a bit of a twist. I love that. I don't want to say too much to give away the surprise and the uniqueness of the story. Suffice it to say that this is a really good story.
The first half of the book, though, is a bit confusing. Each chapter is of a different time period and I had trouble weaving them together. There was no introduction or leading paragraph to connect them. So they felt jumbled. After the 50% or so mark, then it made more sense and the story improved greatly.
I do recommend this story. Especially for werewolf story lovers. This one is unique and a must read for the wolf shifter m/m story lover.
I received this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
The author takes the legend of the werewolf and puts in a bit of a twist. I love that. I don't want to say too much to give away the surprise and the uniqueness of the story. Suffice it to say that this is a really good story.
The first half of the book, though, is a bit confusing. Each chapter is of a different time period and I had trouble weaving them together. There was no introduction or leading paragraph to connect them. So they felt jumbled. After the 50% or so mark, then it made more sense and the story improved greatly.
I do recommend this story. Especially for werewolf story lovers. This one is unique and a must read for the wolf shifter m/m story lover.
I received this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
November 26, 2016
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four stars!
I really enjoyed this expanded version of the story. I liked the first but this brings the full story out. I like how the history between Ilya and Volyk is so heartbreakingly tragic. They’re more connected than they realize. The emotions in this story are wonderfully written. You can feel Volyk’s tentativeness and Ilya’s reluctance.
I liked the addition of the beta/alpha storyline. It brought a new dimension to the story and made the history of the oboroten so much deeper. I want more stories with this history and the characters we meet. Especially Rodion. I want his story so badly! There’s a sweet happy ending in this story but I would gladly read more.
Four stars!
I really enjoyed this expanded version of the story. I liked the first but this brings the full story out. I like how the history between Ilya and Volyk is so heartbreakingly tragic. They’re more connected than they realize. The emotions in this story are wonderfully written. You can feel Volyk’s tentativeness and Ilya’s reluctance.
I liked the addition of the beta/alpha storyline. It brought a new dimension to the story and made the history of the oboroten so much deeper. I want more stories with this history and the characters we meet. Especially Rodion. I want his story so badly! There’s a sweet happy ending in this story but I would gladly read more.
November 8, 2016
This title was originally reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®
Technically Wolf, Becoming by Rory Ni Coileain is a second edition. I have no idea what has changed since the first edition, apart from the cover and title, since I never read the first edition. What I can tell you, however, is that you need to read this book.
For complete Review see http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?p=4...
March 3, 2016
An awesome new twist on shapeshifters. A world where tolerance and hatred runs through all parts of the animal kingdom and yet our heroes still manage to find each other. Can they overcome their own pasts? Can they learn to share the love they have held in for so long?
Another awesome MM romance from Ms. Rory! Her steamy erotica always leaves me breathless and these boys do not disappoint!!
Another awesome MM romance from Ms. Rory! Her steamy erotica always leaves me breathless and these boys do not disappoint!!
July 25, 2016
Highly recommend
Great shifter story with lots of suspense and characters that are vivid, imaginative and sympathetic. Highly recommend if looking for a shifter story..
Great shifter story with lots of suspense and characters that are vivid, imaginative and sympathetic. Highly recommend if looking for a shifter story..
December 3, 2017
Reviewed on The Blogger Girls
4.5 stars
When Volyk’s father is killed, he’s determined to care for his pregnant mother. But then he encounters a pack that forces him to fight the beta and ends up mounting him instead. Declared an abomination, he runs and lives as a lone wolf until he sees Ilya. Ilya has a secret he can’t share with anyone and especially not his family. When his brothers try to kill him, though, he’s saved by Volyk who’s only way of healing him is by turning Ilya into an oboroten’. Now Ilya must learn to live as a wolf because he can never be human but when the other pack finally catches up to them, Volyk will need Ilya to become his wolf. Will he finally be able to accept that part of himself?
When I read Ilya and the Wolf, I really enjoyed it. I wanted to explore more of the world, more of Volyk and more of Ilya and Volyk together. For the most part, this second edition answered all of that. We get to see more of Volyk’s history – of how he became to be a lone wolf and what it’s like being a wolf and then human. We get to see Volyk and Ilya after they’re together and see Ilya as a wolf. It was interesting to see the different ways they thought. Volyk is pure wolf in mannerisms while Ilya is so timid and not wanting to embrace his new self.
It made me really love this story because we got to know both Volyk and Ilya. BUT now I find I want to see more of Ilya after he embraces his wolf. I know I’m being super greedy but it took Ilya so long to accept his wolf that now I want to SEE him after this point.
In the end, I absolutely ADORED this book. I loved seeing Volyk and Ilya again and getting to know them both deeper. I’m glad the author considered extending this story because it’s definitely a uniquely, intriguing tale. I hope this won’t be the last we see of them, especially since I want Volyk’s brother’s story now! Definitely pick this one up if you’re looking for a different kind of shifter story!
4.5 stars
When Volyk’s father is killed, he’s determined to care for his pregnant mother. But then he encounters a pack that forces him to fight the beta and ends up mounting him instead. Declared an abomination, he runs and lives as a lone wolf until he sees Ilya. Ilya has a secret he can’t share with anyone and especially not his family. When his brothers try to kill him, though, he’s saved by Volyk who’s only way of healing him is by turning Ilya into an oboroten’. Now Ilya must learn to live as a wolf because he can never be human but when the other pack finally catches up to them, Volyk will need Ilya to become his wolf. Will he finally be able to accept that part of himself?
When I read Ilya and the Wolf, I really enjoyed it. I wanted to explore more of the world, more of Volyk and more of Ilya and Volyk together. For the most part, this second edition answered all of that. We get to see more of Volyk’s history – of how he became to be a lone wolf and what it’s like being a wolf and then human. We get to see Volyk and Ilya after they’re together and see Ilya as a wolf. It was interesting to see the different ways they thought. Volyk is pure wolf in mannerisms while Ilya is so timid and not wanting to embrace his new self.
It made me really love this story because we got to know both Volyk and Ilya. BUT now I find I want to see more of Ilya after he embraces his wolf. I know I’m being super greedy but it took Ilya so long to accept his wolf that now I want to SEE him after this point.
In the end, I absolutely ADORED this book. I loved seeing Volyk and Ilya again and getting to know them both deeper. I’m glad the author considered extending this story because it’s definitely a uniquely, intriguing tale. I hope this won’t be the last we see of them, especially since I want Volyk’s brother’s story now! Definitely pick this one up if you’re looking for a different kind of shifter story!
June 25, 2018
I had a strange feeling that I've read this already. And I did as "Ilya and the Wolf" short Advent calendar story.
Author took reviews on short version to heart and added Volyk's backstory and how he ended being a lone wolf, plus some needed details about Ilya's upbringing and his fear of his overbearing father.
Not sure if I really liked new additions or not since the expanded story is much less lighthearted and fairy tale feeling. Overall story got improved and more satisfying, though leaving steppe instead of forest was a mistake IMHO. It makes magical cave out of place in such environment.
Kudos to the author for not mangling Russian names and using the appropriate bedtime nursery rhyme. I think it's the only book that I've read that's got Russian names, expressions and rhymes right.
Author took reviews on short version to heart and added Volyk's backstory and how he ended being a lone wolf, plus some needed details about Ilya's upbringing and his fear of his overbearing father.
Not sure if I really liked new additions or not since the expanded story is much less lighthearted and fairy tale feeling. Overall story got improved and more satisfying, though leaving steppe instead of forest was a mistake IMHO. It makes magical cave out of place in such environment.
Kudos to the author for not mangling Russian names and using the appropriate bedtime nursery rhyme. I think it's the only book that I've read that's got Russian names, expressions and rhymes right.
February 22, 2016
3.5 Stars
This was a new author for me and I really hate it when I don’t enjoy the book. It was very hard to read and I kept putting it down and struggling to get through it. It felt very chopped up and that made it hard to read. The story behind all it seemed to be very good and that is what kept me reading the book. I never really connected to either of the MC’s but like the story itself. The story did seem to kind of end rather abruptly and would have liked to see an epilogue.
I received a free copy of this book to read for Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
This was a new author for me and I really hate it when I don’t enjoy the book. It was very hard to read and I kept putting it down and struggling to get through it. It felt very chopped up and that made it hard to read. The story behind all it seemed to be very good and that is what kept me reading the book. I never really connected to either of the MC’s but like the story itself. The story did seem to kind of end rather abruptly and would have liked to see an epilogue.
I received a free copy of this book to read for Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2016
A mixed read; I like how it flowed, and the notion of wolves that could occasionally become men. But I struggled with how easily the characters took to changes in their circumstances. And I wish it had been a little longer - the end felt cut short.
February 10, 2018
This book was ok. The mythology was new & original. It had some interesting twists, wasn’t too angsty. Just didn’t grab me, but it no means is it a bad read.
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