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Black Werewolves #1
The Dark Ones
In a world ruled by lethal Slavic immortals, Rose and her pack of Black werewolves are drawn into the beginning of a war as they try to uncover the being behind the mass murder of White werewolves.
Because the nature of the killings obstructs the normal passage of souls, Veles, the sultry lord of the underworld, offers Rose his assistance; the were is left facing not only the new knowledge of the pack's hidden lineage but also her growing fondness for the arrogant god...
To win the war, the pack must ascend to The Dark Ones. But to do so, they must be willing to risk being on the receiving end of the immortal community's wrath.
Because the nature of the killings obstructs the normal passage of souls, Veles, the sultry lord of the underworld, offers Rose his assistance; the were is left facing not only the new knowledge of the pack's hidden lineage but also her growing fondness for the arrogant god...
To win the war, the pack must ascend to The Dark Ones. But to do so, they must be willing to risk being on the receiving end of the immortal community's wrath.
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About the author
Gaja J. Kos
177 books291 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Gaja J. Kos writes steamy urban fantasy and paranormal romance, rich with sizzling tension and soulmates who come in pairs, menage, or reverse harem constellations. Why choose, right?
As a Zodiac enthusiast and shameless summer babe, she thrives on finding magic in everyday life. She loves binge reading high-heat series, seeing her favorite rockstars live in concert, and spending time with her husband and two Chinese Crested dogs.
For more information on Gaja’s books, you can download your free guide and reading checklist at gajajkos.com!
As a Zodiac enthusiast and shameless summer babe, she thrives on finding magic in everyday life. She loves binge reading high-heat series, seeing her favorite rockstars live in concert, and spending time with her husband and two Chinese Crested dogs.
For more information on Gaja’s books, you can download your free guide and reading checklist at gajajkos.com!
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 20, 2016
*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review *
This was a really interesting and edgy werewolf novel.
Originally I was a little hesitant about reading yet another werewolf book, but this one pleasantly surprised me. The plot and character descriptions were very detailed and complex, yet they were explained thoroughly enough that I found it very easy to follow along. The world building and paranormal traits were well done, excepting the Slavic component – I felt there could have been a little more explanations around what some of the terms within the book actually meant; even a glossary would have been ok – although in an e-book, I’m not sure it would have helped.
There is a lot of strong violence and sex scenes within this book, so I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone squeamish about that or to younger audiences.
I did enjoy this book, it was a refreshing take on a well hashed troupe, and with some careful editing I believe this could really be an excellent book.
Many thanks to the author Gaja J. Kos for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This was a really interesting and edgy werewolf novel.
Originally I was a little hesitant about reading yet another werewolf book, but this one pleasantly surprised me. The plot and character descriptions were very detailed and complex, yet they were explained thoroughly enough that I found it very easy to follow along. The world building and paranormal traits were well done, excepting the Slavic component – I felt there could have been a little more explanations around what some of the terms within the book actually meant; even a glossary would have been ok – although in an e-book, I’m not sure it would have helped.
There is a lot of strong violence and sex scenes within this book, so I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone squeamish about that or to younger audiences.
I did enjoy this book, it was a refreshing take on a well hashed troupe, and with some careful editing I believe this could really be an excellent book.
Many thanks to the author Gaja J. Kos for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 6, 2016
I started reading this book because of that last sentence in the book description.
"But to do so, they must be willing to risk being on the receiving end of the immortal community's wrath."
I expected a sort of political balancing where the supernatural community is dependent on each other and their actions of solving the mystery would have serious consequences. Alas, none of that.
So let me start off with the good. The plot was quite entertaining and the writing was easy to read although it did have a lot of spelling mistakes. I think the author got better at writing since the end felt better than the beginning which is a real good point. However that is where the good ends.
I can take spelling mistakes such as 'as' instead of 'us'. However switching verb tenses midsentence just breaks the whole immersion. Sentences like the following were too frequent in my opinion.
"Whatever information he gave her now, could cause more harm then good since a strong line of events hasn't constructed itself yet."
UPDATE: It was pointed out to me that the spelling mistakes are because of the translated version I've read. Do keep that in mind when reading this review.
Also the story was written mainly form Rose's point of view, which is fine, however some switches were made to other characters, which would also be fine if not for the way in which it was done. Sometimes without so much as a blank line in between, the point of view would switch to another character for about a paragraph and then switch back.
Besides that sometimes we would only read Rose's thoughts and actions and at others it would become an omniscient narrator and tell what everyone had been doing and thinking. This didn't occur more to the end of the book anymore hence the improved writing of the author.
Other than the writing I was irritated by the characters and world building. These are things that are very important to me so maybe for other people this wouldn't be a problem but it bugged me.
The beginning just felt rushed. There was minimal explanation before the beginning of the plot is dumped on you. What little explanation there was felt strained/obligatory like the writer had to list of facts about the world building without actually building anything.
For example in the beginning of the book the Gamayun drops by to dump the plot on you. But hardly anything was explained about this being making the reactions the characters had on her awkward to read. I was left with questions such as: If the Gamayun is so mystical then what are the stories about her? What has happened in the past that makes this Gamayun so special? What does the Gamayun mean to the modern day supernatural community? None of this was ever explained.
There were too many elements that existed solely to further the plot with minimal world building to back it up.
The characters didn't feel real. They didn't have unique thinking, they didn't have different interests in a situation. This can be explained somewhat by them being a really close pack with supernatural bonds and the whole nine yards but it wasn't explained.
Of only one character it was mentioned what their regular life's looked like and that was only because it was necessary for the plot. The consequence of this was that the characters reacted like this was all really big for them but I read it with the impression that dealing with supernatural problems is what they did in their daily lives. I couldn't connect with the characters because of it.
The characters also had no inconveniences like real people do. Hot summer day? Rose can regulate her body temperature so she isn't affected by it. Carrying an arsenal of weapons through over crowded streets? No one asks questions because the weapons are glamoured. Having sex in the middle of the street but not wanting everyone to see it? Also glamour!
And that brings me to the sex scenes. I get that it is a part of the genre and even if it wasn't I don't have a problem with some steamy moments but this was absurd. Whenever the who, how and why's of the murders wasn't discussed there was either a boring diary entry or something in the league of a sex scene. No matter what the situation was or how pressing other matters where there had to be sex. It was just too much.
Overall the book was quite easy to read but I had too many problems with it to really enjoy it. There were so many questions about the world and the characters that were left unanswered in the end that I can't give it high rating. However the plot was sound so if a bare minimum of world building and character development doesn't bother you then go ahead and read it. For people like me who do value those things, don't bother with this one and go read something else.
"But to do so, they must be willing to risk being on the receiving end of the immortal community's wrath."
I expected a sort of political balancing where the supernatural community is dependent on each other and their actions of solving the mystery would have serious consequences. Alas, none of that.
So let me start off with the good. The plot was quite entertaining and the writing was easy to read although it did have a lot of spelling mistakes. I think the author got better at writing since the end felt better than the beginning which is a real good point. However that is where the good ends.
I can take spelling mistakes such as 'as' instead of 'us'. However switching verb tenses midsentence just breaks the whole immersion. Sentences like the following were too frequent in my opinion.
"Whatever information he gave her now, could cause more harm then good since a strong line of events hasn't constructed itself yet."
UPDATE: It was pointed out to me that the spelling mistakes are because of the translated version I've read. Do keep that in mind when reading this review.
Also the story was written mainly form Rose's point of view, which is fine, however some switches were made to other characters, which would also be fine if not for the way in which it was done. Sometimes without so much as a blank line in between, the point of view would switch to another character for about a paragraph and then switch back.
Besides that sometimes we would only read Rose's thoughts and actions and at others it would become an omniscient narrator and tell what everyone had been doing and thinking. This didn't occur more to the end of the book anymore hence the improved writing of the author.
Other than the writing I was irritated by the characters and world building. These are things that are very important to me so maybe for other people this wouldn't be a problem but it bugged me.
The beginning just felt rushed. There was minimal explanation before the beginning of the plot is dumped on you. What little explanation there was felt strained/obligatory like the writer had to list of facts about the world building without actually building anything.
For example in the beginning of the book the Gamayun drops by to dump the plot on you. But hardly anything was explained about this being making the reactions the characters had on her awkward to read. I was left with questions such as: If the Gamayun is so mystical then what are the stories about her? What has happened in the past that makes this Gamayun so special? What does the Gamayun mean to the modern day supernatural community? None of this was ever explained.
There were too many elements that existed solely to further the plot with minimal world building to back it up.
The characters didn't feel real. They didn't have unique thinking, they didn't have different interests in a situation. This can be explained somewhat by them being a really close pack with supernatural bonds and the whole nine yards but it wasn't explained.
Of only one character it was mentioned what their regular life's looked like and that was only because it was necessary for the plot. The consequence of this was that the characters reacted like this was all really big for them but I read it with the impression that dealing with supernatural problems is what they did in their daily lives. I couldn't connect with the characters because of it.
The characters also had no inconveniences like real people do. Hot summer day? Rose can regulate her body temperature so she isn't affected by it. Carrying an arsenal of weapons through over crowded streets? No one asks questions because the weapons are glamoured. Having sex in the middle of the street but not wanting everyone to see it? Also glamour!
And that brings me to the sex scenes. I get that it is a part of the genre and even if it wasn't I don't have a problem with some steamy moments but this was absurd. Whenever the who, how and why's of the murders wasn't discussed there was either a boring diary entry or something in the league of a sex scene. No matter what the situation was or how pressing other matters where there had to be sex. It was just too much.
Overall the book was quite easy to read but I had too many problems with it to really enjoy it. There were so many questions about the world and the characters that were left unanswered in the end that I can't give it high rating. However the plot was sound so if a bare minimum of world building and character development doesn't bother you then go ahead and read it. For people like me who do value those things, don't bother with this one and go read something else.
December 26, 2017
Written by Gaja Kos, The Dark Ones is the first book in the Black Werewolves series, and follows the pack of Black Werewolves, beings that retain their human mind in wolf form and are the only wolves that can transform into a half wolf half human form. In this novel there is a poison released into the world that they have been recruited to find information about and remove it.
The fact that it took me four chapters to find out that much will tell you why I didn’t like this book. The level of detail the author gives is inconsistent at best and completely lacking in most cases.
The syntax in this novel was fine- maybe eventually I will read the rest of the books in this series- but the way the world was convayed was just atrocious. It was as if the author dropped the reader into the middle of the book.
What is worse, maybe, is that I fully saw exactly what the author was trying to do. To feed us information slowly. But she would describe the clothing but not what the other characters looked like. She mentioned a mythical beast I have never heard of, described feathers and hair, and nothing else. I have no idea what the creature was. That bothers me.
And, generally, you want to find the reader information they don’t realize they were missing.
This book had an interesting idea that was not executed well.
I don’t currently recommend this book. If I ever finish the series, that could change.
The fact that it took me four chapters to find out that much will tell you why I didn’t like this book. The level of detail the author gives is inconsistent at best and completely lacking in most cases.
The syntax in this novel was fine- maybe eventually I will read the rest of the books in this series- but the way the world was convayed was just atrocious. It was as if the author dropped the reader into the middle of the book.
What is worse, maybe, is that I fully saw exactly what the author was trying to do. To feed us information slowly. But she would describe the clothing but not what the other characters looked like. She mentioned a mythical beast I have never heard of, described feathers and hair, and nothing else. I have no idea what the creature was. That bothers me.
And, generally, you want to find the reader information they don’t realize they were missing.
This book had an interesting idea that was not executed well.
I don’t currently recommend this book. If I ever finish the series, that could change.
January 2, 2017
This was a difficult book to rate. I'll start by saying the plot by itself was worthy of a 5-star rating, but a few pages into this read, it is also very evident that English is not this writer's first (or main) language. The book is riddled with poor grammar and punctuation (which will drive grammar nerds crazy), as well as incorrect spelling and word choices (motif=motive, hold=holed, neither=none). The story line is unique and the author's imagination kept my attention, unfortunately the wrong word choices and grammar pulled me out of the reading as I tried to make sense of what the writer meant. This excellent book needs an edit by an English-speaking editor to clean it up. It is worth the 99cents I paid, but the quality will prevent me from purchasing more of the series. Too bad-- excellent foundation, but needs more work to appeal to the English-speaking readers.
January 29, 2018
wow....that was thrilling and I can't wait for more. Rose and Vele's chemistry is one that can't be matched. I loved ever word of these. Rose and the rest of the characters of characters you can't help but pull for. This was one non-stop adventure and it's just the beginning.
....Happy Reading.
....Happy Reading.
September 3, 2018
Great story with lots of different characters and intense scenes. It has a very complicated plot that is slowly revealed.
Love Rose and Veles.
Love Rose and Veles.
August 1, 2016
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Dark Ones features Rose and her pack members, who are faced with what seems to be a potential threat for werewolves around the world. With the help of Veles, the Underworld god and a new love interest of Rose’s, they are able to gain information on what they’re dealing with, and realise their strength in unity.
At first, I expected this book to be a random, uneventful attempt at paranormal adventure. To my surprise, things just kept getting better and better as the story progressed. The story has a Slavic background and is set in Ljubljana; something that the author explores in a matter-of-fact way.The storyline is quite straightforward, but the author portrays it in an engaging way; probably so that the readers won’t get bored on time.
I like the way the mystery, the supernatural aspect, and the love story are well constructed and put together. The characters are all unique and have their own personal stories, and that made me want to know more about them; even the minor characters. Even though I thought Rose and Veles would end up being just friends with benefits, the fact that they develop deeper feelings for each other works even better.
I do have a problem with the translations (or lack of, thereof). In the beginning of the story, I had little idea of the things Rose was referring to in her language, and could only turn to my imagination for help. However, that little inconvenience wasn’t nearly enough to make me even consider disliking Rose’s story (it’s that good!)
In all, I found The Dark Ones to be a very refreshingly edgy read with lots of interesting elements. Adding a glossary and a bit of editing will make it even better; but I have no regrets and lovers of dark, mysterious fantasy stories will feel the same way.
Dark Ones features Rose and her pack members, who are faced with what seems to be a potential threat for werewolves around the world. With the help of Veles, the Underworld god and a new love interest of Rose’s, they are able to gain information on what they’re dealing with, and realise their strength in unity.
At first, I expected this book to be a random, uneventful attempt at paranormal adventure. To my surprise, things just kept getting better and better as the story progressed. The story has a Slavic background and is set in Ljubljana; something that the author explores in a matter-of-fact way.The storyline is quite straightforward, but the author portrays it in an engaging way; probably so that the readers won’t get bored on time.
I like the way the mystery, the supernatural aspect, and the love story are well constructed and put together. The characters are all unique and have their own personal stories, and that made me want to know more about them; even the minor characters. Even though I thought Rose and Veles would end up being just friends with benefits, the fact that they develop deeper feelings for each other works even better.
I do have a problem with the translations (or lack of, thereof). In the beginning of the story, I had little idea of the things Rose was referring to in her language, and could only turn to my imagination for help. However, that little inconvenience wasn’t nearly enough to make me even consider disliking Rose’s story (it’s that good!)
In all, I found The Dark Ones to be a very refreshingly edgy read with lots of interesting elements. Adding a glossary and a bit of editing will make it even better; but I have no regrets and lovers of dark, mysterious fantasy stories will feel the same way.
March 19, 2016
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4.5 stars
The connection with the Black Werewolves is felt immediately, but grows stronger throughout. Their connection not only grows emotionally, but with strength in their abilities. Their friendships with one another is strengthened while they work to solve a potential death sentence for all werewolves. While the pack learns as much as they can about the deadly toxin found, Rose, their pack leader, is abducted and brought to Veles.
The relationship that develops between Veles and Rose grows stronger and with that the Black Werewolves become stronger.
When secrets are revealed it effects the pack but does not deter them, it makes them more of a pack. With the help from Veles, the path is full of suspense that pulls the reader deeper in to the story and the outcome of their pursuit.
If you enjoy the paranormal genre, this one will have you yearning for more. You will find suspense, loyalty, friendship, lust and belonging. You will be pulled into the sensual, steamy relationship of Veles and Rose, the bonding of the pack and their determination to be as they were meant to be, a force to be reckoned with in the end.
4.5 stars
The connection with the Black Werewolves is felt immediately, but grows stronger throughout. Their connection not only grows emotionally, but with strength in their abilities. Their friendships with one another is strengthened while they work to solve a potential death sentence for all werewolves. While the pack learns as much as they can about the deadly toxin found, Rose, their pack leader, is abducted and brought to Veles.
The relationship that develops between Veles and Rose grows stronger and with that the Black Werewolves become stronger.
When secrets are revealed it effects the pack but does not deter them, it makes them more of a pack. With the help from Veles, the path is full of suspense that pulls the reader deeper in to the story and the outcome of their pursuit.
If you enjoy the paranormal genre, this one will have you yearning for more. You will find suspense, loyalty, friendship, lust and belonging. You will be pulled into the sensual, steamy relationship of Veles and Rose, the bonding of the pack and their determination to be as they were meant to be, a force to be reckoned with in the end.
September 27, 2016
The supernatural world is often not what it appears. The Dark Ones are a lethal pack of werewolves known for their black color and ruthless penchant for death and violence. As Rose and her pack discover, the barrier between the immortals and the “others” of the supernatural realm not only includes a major difference in powers and strength, but also in knowledge and secrecy. Ruth’s pack is tasked with facing an unknown enemy that is targeting the Lord of the Underworld and ruthlessly annihilating endangered super natural beings in the most painful of ways. Their enemy is creating an army against them and yet, they don’t even know who or what they are facing. As Ruth and her team uncover more about these gruesome slaughters, her attraction to the Lord of the Underworld becomes increasingly more difficult to avoid. Rose has always been able to take care of herself and her reluctance to give in to anything the Dark Lord desires provides a witty and flirtatious byplay that is both fun and intriguing in its development throughout the story.You can read this entire review at San Diego Book Review
May 8, 2016
A fantasy/paranormal romance featuring Slavic characters who are the good guys was an exciting find for me, and I was also drawn by the setting of Ljubljana. The author depicts the Slavic background and setting matter-of-factly, which is a welcome change from the "exoticification" of Slavdom in most Western literature, although readers who don't speak a Slavic language might want a bit more context for words like Psoglav and srcek. The storyline and language is in many ways pretty generic, but the main character, Rose, has some refreshing aspects to her that make her a welcome addition to the genre: e.g., she is apparently bisexual, something the author presents and the other characters accept as completely natural and ordinary. In general, the female characters are clever and strong, and take the lead both in investigating the situation and fighting the bad guys. Readers looking for a paranormal romance with an unusual setting and strong female leads will find a lot to like here.
July 15, 2016
A Truly Original Werewolf Novel
There are a lot of werewolf novels on the market right now, and that makes finding one that's actually unique an incredible rarity. I normally don't give a book five stars unless it's flawless. This book isn't flawless - it has some editing issues. But they simply aren't distracting enough to take away from this well-crafted and interesting story. From the setting to the characters, the worldbuilding to the plot itself, this is a complex book that somehow managed to lay everything out in such a way that I didn't get lost, and truly cared about every subplot. And what a plot - fantastic dark mystery that slowly unfolds, and a hot romance with just the right pace. I'm incredibly impressed by this author, and will be looking for more.
There are a lot of werewolf novels on the market right now, and that makes finding one that's actually unique an incredible rarity. I normally don't give a book five stars unless it's flawless. This book isn't flawless - it has some editing issues. But they simply aren't distracting enough to take away from this well-crafted and interesting story. From the setting to the characters, the worldbuilding to the plot itself, this is a complex book that somehow managed to lay everything out in such a way that I didn't get lost, and truly cared about every subplot. And what a plot - fantastic dark mystery that slowly unfolds, and a hot romance with just the right pace. I'm incredibly impressed by this author, and will be looking for more.
May 9, 2016
Not a bad read, it had great potential with a interesting take on werewolves and their mythology but each time the story just got going we had this....
Which is fine the first or second time, but after what felt the hundredth it starting just feeling like a gap filler to plump the story up, and there is only so much a girl can take before it just becomes boring. I think that with some rewriting and editing it would really be a great read, but not bad for a first go.
Which is fine the first or second time, but after what felt the hundredth it starting just feeling like a gap filler to plump the story up, and there is only so much a girl can take before it just becomes boring. I think that with some rewriting and editing it would really be a great read, but not bad for a first go.
October 3, 2016
Brand new take on the Werewolf trope !! With Slavic Gods, & Slavic locals and paranormal creatures as the main interests of this book, it made for a new and intriguing take on good versus evil, and where does a paranormal creature end and the beginning of a new God or pantheon of God's begin. Gaja Kos has taken what she grew up with and made it a very possible believability. I strongly recommend this book and series to anyone who loves paranormal books, and is looking for a "new" venue to find and read them in. 4☆'s.
October 10, 2016
**I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book**
This is a very different type of werewolf book than is typically written. The Dark Ones are a special group of werewolves. This book pulls the reader into a world of supernatural beings and doesn't let you go until the very end. My favorite character are definitely Rose & Veles but the twins are definitely fun characters.
This is a very different type of werewolf book than is typically written. The Dark Ones are a special group of werewolves. This book pulls the reader into a world of supernatural beings and doesn't let you go until the very end. My favorite character are definitely Rose & Veles but the twins are definitely fun characters.
August 6, 2016
You can find my full review on Books & Quills Magazine's Facebook Page.
For full review click here
For full review click here
May 22, 2016
I liked this book. The supernatural elements,the mystery part and the love story were well constructed and kept me interested to keep reading. I would love to read more stories of "the dark ones"
April 25, 2017
Rose and her pack of black werewolves are drawn into a war with the Slavic werewolves. She gets unexpected help. Another great read by an amazing author. Loved helping with the ARC
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews