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Totem #1
Dark Dawning
It’s a dark day when someone murders one of their own.
Shifters across Alaska are going missing. When up and coming interior designer Ametta Dorn rescues the gorgeous Kodiak shifter Lucky Osberg, she comes into the crosshairs of two relentless hunters. While Lucky sets his sights on wooing her, the killers seek to not only capture her in her powerful polar bear form but to also take her skin.
To prevent her murder and the deaths of other shifters, she must work with Lucky to track down and stop these merciless hunters. After all, their enemy’s plan for shifter skins is something much more terrifying than collecting mere trophies.
Shifters across Alaska are going missing. When up and coming interior designer Ametta Dorn rescues the gorgeous Kodiak shifter Lucky Osberg, she comes into the crosshairs of two relentless hunters. While Lucky sets his sights on wooing her, the killers seek to not only capture her in her powerful polar bear form but to also take her skin.
To prevent her murder and the deaths of other shifters, she must work with Lucky to track down and stop these merciless hunters. After all, their enemy’s plan for shifter skins is something much more terrifying than collecting mere trophies.
- GenresUrban FantasyRomance
95 pages, ebook
Published October 17, 2016
16 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Christine Rains
57 books245 followersChristine Rains is a multi-genre writer, book blogger, and geek mom. When she's not playing games with her son, she's playing games with her friends. She has four degrees which do not help at all with motherhood but make her a great Jeopardy player.
Christine has several novels, novellas, and short stories published. Her writing covers all genres of fiction, but she loves to lose herself in paranormal romance most of all.
Christine has several novels, novellas, and short stories published. Her writing covers all genres of fiction, but she loves to lose herself in paranormal romance most of all.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 14, 2021
I'm not quite sure how I feel about this one, hence the rating.
I think there's a very fine line in shifter literature between what could be an awesome urban fantasy and what comes out as just plain cheesy. This is sitting so heavily on the preverbial fence that it must have a ton of splinters in it's arse! I'll reserve final judgement because it looks like I've downloaded 2 more books in the series.
It could be just be me though - there are plenty of reviews of people who loved it.
I think there's a very fine line in shifter literature between what could be an awesome urban fantasy and what comes out as just plain cheesy. This is sitting so heavily on the preverbial fence that it must have a ton of splinters in it's arse! I'll reserve final judgement because it looks like I've downloaded 2 more books in the series.
It could be just be me though - there are plenty of reviews of people who loved it.
October 4, 2016
Polar bear shifter Ametta Dorn dreams of the big city, as long as that city isn't in Alaska, in Christine Rains' Dark Dawning, but those dreams will be put on hold until Ametta and her family stop the hunters seeking down shifters for their skins. Ametta is a spitfire, sure-of-herself woman who can be more than a bit stubborn about things. Lucky Osberg can be stubborn as well as he and Ametta butt heads on matters. The mystery of who is killing shifters and why intrigues me. We don't get all the answers to our questions, but it's a good thing we have eight more novella-length tales to read. Rains weaves Inuit mythology with a modern day world populated by paranormal creatures. I enjoyed the glimmers of romance brewing between Ametta and Lucky too. I found myself grinning more than once at Lucky's antics. Dark Dawning by Christine Rains sets up what I think will be a great urban fantasy series.
July 21, 2019
The start of this wonderful series had me up really late reading. The characters are so interesting and I really enjoyed the sister's dynamic, their differences, and how they've all struggled with their family's history, their sense of self, and then the challenge's placed before them now. Each book was a great adventure, and they way they all wove together was expertly done. Plus, it's adorable to see the three sisters handle relationships and their regular lives on top of the dark and terrifying dangers they face. I devoured the first three books in a flash and can't wait to finish out the series!
January 1, 2017
Dark Dawning by Christine Rains
I have read and reviewed several of Christine Rains’ novellas and I enjoy the way she writes. “Dark Dawning” is set in Alaska and grabbed my interest right away with its Inuit mythology. I have a weakness for Native American stories. However, I can’t recall having read any stories about polar bear shifters before. I dove in head first and devoured the novella enjoying the story till the end. Then my mind started to question some of the events, like how did that happen? Was a certain ritual being performed that wasn’t mentioned? And where was Saskia this whole time? We know she was out hunting the hunters, but why did she not find a way to communicate with her family after a certain length of time? Was she that egotistical and inconsiderate all the time?
Sorry, I guess I jumped ahead of myself here. Saskia, Kinley, and Ametta Dorn work together in a custom home building/design/renovation business in rural Alaska. They are polar bear shifters and this story centers on Ametta, the youngest of the three sisters. Her expertise is in design and her dream is to move from Alaska and set up her own design firm in a large metropolis far from Alaska. This has become a source of contention within the family recently.
When Ametta rescues an injured Kodiak bear who is being hunted by an elite set of hunters the mystery begins. It seems that she and gorgeous Kodiak shifter Lucky Osberg are on their own to figure out who, what, and why. Ametta is head-strong, intuitive, and impulsive. It seems like she can be her own worst enemy at times. Ametta meeting Lucky has the potential of throwing a huge wrench into her future plans. The sexual tension between them is palatable and intriguing.
The action is fast and furious and I became totally engrossed. The twists in the story kept me off balance, which caused the questions above. I’m pretty sure I’ve worked out some of the answers. The rest I’m hoping will be answered in the following novellas. Characters are developed in differing amounts, depending on their importance. Saskia and Kinley are introduced with key personality traits and I suspect they will become more fully rounded as the series continues. I am anxious to learn more about the Black Shamans, the ancient police of the shifters. Saskia’s association with them is briefly touched on when they were brought into the mystery. The plot quest comes to light at the end of this story, which includes some mystical properties. So while one story arc is completed there is much more to come as the hunt continues.
Bottom line, I found this novella compelling but was left wanting. This is a common problem with novellas for me. I think this may be a promising new urban fantasy series with some original elements.
FYI: “Dark Dawning” is book one in the “Totem” series, of which there are six completed so far. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** December 29, 2016
Format/Typo Issues: No significant issues in proofing or formatting.
I have read and reviewed several of Christine Rains’ novellas and I enjoy the way she writes. “Dark Dawning” is set in Alaska and grabbed my interest right away with its Inuit mythology. I have a weakness for Native American stories. However, I can’t recall having read any stories about polar bear shifters before. I dove in head first and devoured the novella enjoying the story till the end. Then my mind started to question some of the events, like how did that happen? Was a certain ritual being performed that wasn’t mentioned? And where was Saskia this whole time? We know she was out hunting the hunters, but why did she not find a way to communicate with her family after a certain length of time? Was she that egotistical and inconsiderate all the time?
Sorry, I guess I jumped ahead of myself here. Saskia, Kinley, and Ametta Dorn work together in a custom home building/design/renovation business in rural Alaska. They are polar bear shifters and this story centers on Ametta, the youngest of the three sisters. Her expertise is in design and her dream is to move from Alaska and set up her own design firm in a large metropolis far from Alaska. This has become a source of contention within the family recently.
When Ametta rescues an injured Kodiak bear who is being hunted by an elite set of hunters the mystery begins. It seems that she and gorgeous Kodiak shifter Lucky Osberg are on their own to figure out who, what, and why. Ametta is head-strong, intuitive, and impulsive. It seems like she can be her own worst enemy at times. Ametta meeting Lucky has the potential of throwing a huge wrench into her future plans. The sexual tension between them is palatable and intriguing.
The action is fast and furious and I became totally engrossed. The twists in the story kept me off balance, which caused the questions above. I’m pretty sure I’ve worked out some of the answers. The rest I’m hoping will be answered in the following novellas. Characters are developed in differing amounts, depending on their importance. Saskia and Kinley are introduced with key personality traits and I suspect they will become more fully rounded as the series continues. I am anxious to learn more about the Black Shamans, the ancient police of the shifters. Saskia’s association with them is briefly touched on when they were brought into the mystery. The plot quest comes to light at the end of this story, which includes some mystical properties. So while one story arc is completed there is much more to come as the hunt continues.
Bottom line, I found this novella compelling but was left wanting. This is a common problem with novellas for me. I think this may be a promising new urban fantasy series with some original elements.
FYI: “Dark Dawning” is book one in the “Totem” series, of which there are six completed so far. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** December 29, 2016
Format/Typo Issues: No significant issues in proofing or formatting.
September 2, 2016
Ametta Dorn is the youngest of three shifter sisters. When she saves fellow shifter Lucky Osberg from hunters, she gets drawn out of her world of interior decorating and into a dark and dangerous mystery. Who is hunting and killing shifters? And more immediately: Can Ametta stay true to herself and her plans to leave her Alaskan home, or will growing feelings for Lucky anchor her there?
This first in a nine-part series of novellas sets the stage for an interesting quest. The three Dorn sisters must work to reassemble an ancient totem pole. And of course, because it's Christine Rains, there will be romance.
I enjoyed the setting and the novelty of having Inuit mythology in this story. It feels like a fresh twist on the shifter mythos. I'm sort of over vampires and werewolves, but this is new and intriguing. The only down side is that it's a cliffhanger.
I can easily imagine readers trying to decide which Dorn sister they are: Ametta, Kinley, or Saskia. Maybe there should be an online quiz! I look forward to getting to know all of them better over the course of the series.
I received an advanced reading copy of this novella in return for my honest review.
This first in a nine-part series of novellas sets the stage for an interesting quest. The three Dorn sisters must work to reassemble an ancient totem pole. And of course, because it's Christine Rains, there will be romance.
I enjoyed the setting and the novelty of having Inuit mythology in this story. It feels like a fresh twist on the shifter mythos. I'm sort of over vampires and werewolves, but this is new and intriguing. The only down side is that it's a cliffhanger.
I can easily imagine readers trying to decide which Dorn sister they are: Ametta, Kinley, or Saskia. Maybe there should be an online quiz! I look forward to getting to know all of them better over the course of the series.
I received an advanced reading copy of this novella in return for my honest review.
February 8, 2017
.
Very interesting book. Surprised me. Can't wait to read more by Christine. The first in this series is awesome, can't wait to see what's in store for the rest of the series.
Ametta and Lucky, who is not so lucky, must run from hunters. Twists and turns abound in this book!
Very interesting book. Surprised me. Can't wait to read more by Christine. The first in this series is awesome, can't wait to see what's in store for the rest of the series.
Ametta and Lucky, who is not so lucky, must run from hunters. Twists and turns abound in this book!
August 25, 2018
Pros: the idea of hundreds of different types of shifters, there are even cow shifters, which is pretty amazing. And also cool is a woman shifter being something powerful like a polar bear. (Except then it's kind of immediately negated when the love interest is a Kodiak bear...because heaven forbid she be more powerful than the guy.)
Cons: literally every trope from paranormal romance is here. The overprotective jealously territorial love interest--she's a freaking POLAR BEAR and was trained by her father who was an enforcer over the shifter communities, yet the hero is constantly trying to tell her to wait back where it's safe. There's the absurdly dumb reason why the couple shouldn't be together. The instant love. The heroine who can't seem to literally do anything when the love interest is around but think about how hot he is--no seriously, at one point she gets them into a car accident and totals the car, with him getting badly tore up, because she can't stop staring adoringly at him and doesn't see the moose in the road.
And while it was mildly refreshing for once to have the hero always being the one injured when usually in these books that's the heroine's job; in the course of only 95 pages, this hero is shot on two separate occasions (3-4 wounds), plus injured in the car accident.
Then the ever-present misogyny, can't possibly have a trope-ridden urban fantasy without it. At first I was hopeful that the main character had two sisters and that we might get a rare display of female friendship in a paranormal romance, but no. Of course she is constantly fighting with them, and looks down on their interests (in fact, she looks down on a lot of people and everything is a status symbol to her. Her beloved car that she totaled. Her townhouse. Her clothes. At one point, she and the hero are on the run from the villains, immediately after that car accident, they are being shot at, the hero is badly injured and he can barely keep up. Yet all the heroine can think about though, is woe, how the swamp they are in is ruining her designer boots and trendy clothes).
In addition to the fighting with her sisters, of course the female competition doesn't end there--she dismisses her client at the beginning as a vapid, silly cow. She's immediately jealous of the restaurant waitstaff who all show interest in the hero, and implies they are slutty in numerous ways; and they in turn completely ignore the heroine to fawn over the hero solely to make her jealous, naturally. Then there's the female villain, who is referred to as nothing other than "b!tch" by both the heroine and hero. Repeatedly. Is the male villain, who they catch skinning a shifter, and who shoots the hero those 3-4 times, as well as shoots the heroine's father, ever referred to by a gendered insult? Or literally any other insult? Don't be silly. Nor is there any reference to his actions being unfathomable or illogical, whereas the female villain is obviously "crazy."
And then there's the use of Alaskan native mythology and rituals occasionally thrown casually into the story. However, only one of the characters is described as possibly being Native (although that is more a "he might have an Inuit accent, but it might be more exotic like Russian.") So then that plotline just felt more like appropriation.
Given the pros I stated, and all the high reviews, I was really interested in the book. But alas, this is exactly why I had to stop reading so much paranormal/urban fantasy. Too much bad/mediocre to wade through to get to the rare good stuff.
Cons: literally every trope from paranormal romance is here. The overprotective jealously territorial love interest--she's a freaking POLAR BEAR and was trained by her father who was an enforcer over the shifter communities, yet the hero is constantly trying to tell her to wait back where it's safe. There's the absurdly dumb reason why the couple shouldn't be together. The instant love. The heroine who can't seem to literally do anything when the love interest is around but think about how hot he is--no seriously, at one point she gets them into a car accident and totals the car, with him getting badly tore up, because she can't stop staring adoringly at him and doesn't see the moose in the road.
And while it was mildly refreshing for once to have the hero always being the one injured when usually in these books that's the heroine's job; in the course of only 95 pages, this hero is shot on two separate occasions (3-4 wounds), plus injured in the car accident.
Then the ever-present misogyny, can't possibly have a trope-ridden urban fantasy without it. At first I was hopeful that the main character had two sisters and that we might get a rare display of female friendship in a paranormal romance, but no. Of course she is constantly fighting with them, and looks down on their interests (in fact, she looks down on a lot of people and everything is a status symbol to her. Her beloved car that she totaled. Her townhouse. Her clothes. At one point, she and the hero are on the run from the villains, immediately after that car accident, they are being shot at, the hero is badly injured and he can barely keep up. Yet all the heroine can think about though, is woe, how the swamp they are in is ruining her designer boots and trendy clothes).
In addition to the fighting with her sisters, of course the female competition doesn't end there--she dismisses her client at the beginning as a vapid, silly cow. She's immediately jealous of the restaurant waitstaff who all show interest in the hero, and implies they are slutty in numerous ways; and they in turn completely ignore the heroine to fawn over the hero solely to make her jealous, naturally. Then there's the female villain, who is referred to as nothing other than "b!tch" by both the heroine and hero. Repeatedly. Is the male villain, who they catch skinning a shifter, and who shoots the hero those 3-4 times, as well as shoots the heroine's father, ever referred to by a gendered insult? Or literally any other insult? Don't be silly. Nor is there any reference to his actions being unfathomable or illogical, whereas the female villain is obviously "crazy."
And then there's the use of Alaskan native mythology and rituals occasionally thrown casually into the story. However, only one of the characters is described as possibly being Native (although that is more a "he might have an Inuit accent, but it might be more exotic like Russian.") So then that plotline just felt more like appropriation.
Given the pros I stated, and all the high reviews, I was really interested in the book. But alas, this is exactly why I had to stop reading so much paranormal/urban fantasy. Too much bad/mediocre to wade through to get to the rare good stuff.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2018
This was a fun, quick read full of fascinating shape shifting characters, action, humor, and romance. As other reviewers have mentioned, the author does a great job packing a lot into a tightly constructed story. It's one of those books that you want to read in one sitting because you just have to keep turning the pages to find out what's going to happen next.
'Dark Dawning' centers on an interior designer, Ametta Dorn, who also happens to shape shift into a polar bear from time to time. Her love interest, Lucky Osberg, is also a shape shifter and the two of them, along with Ametta's family and others, seek to stop two hunters who are killing shape shifters. Along the way, they discover that the threat to shape shifters is much graver than they thought, something which they'll have to deal with in future books in the series.
I can't say that I've sought out novels that focus on shape shifters before, but that's all changed after reading 'Dark Dawning.' I have a real appreciation for the genre now and am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
'Dark Dawning' centers on an interior designer, Ametta Dorn, who also happens to shape shift into a polar bear from time to time. Her love interest, Lucky Osberg, is also a shape shifter and the two of them, along with Ametta's family and others, seek to stop two hunters who are killing shape shifters. Along the way, they discover that the threat to shape shifters is much graver than they thought, something which they'll have to deal with in future books in the series.
I can't say that I've sought out novels that focus on shape shifters before, but that's all changed after reading 'Dark Dawning.' I have a real appreciation for the genre now and am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
November 23, 2016
I loved it.
Christine is one of my favorite authors. This time she took me back to Alaska with her Polar Bear shifters.
Ametta Dorn is a sexy, headstrong designer with big plans, and Lucky Osberg is a handsome firefighter with a desire to alter those plans, but a killer is on the loose and family is the target.
It's an exciting journey through the wilds of Alaska with Ametta and Lucky and a host of shifters. Christine weaves her tale of the paranormal and romantic suspense with mystical native lore that only adds to the adventure.
A page-turning mystery that does not disappoint.
Christine is one of my favorite authors. This time she took me back to Alaska with her Polar Bear shifters.
Ametta Dorn is a sexy, headstrong designer with big plans, and Lucky Osberg is a handsome firefighter with a desire to alter those plans, but a killer is on the loose and family is the target.
It's an exciting journey through the wilds of Alaska with Ametta and Lucky and a host of shifters. Christine weaves her tale of the paranormal and romantic suspense with mystical native lore that only adds to the adventure.
A page-turning mystery that does not disappoint.
August 11, 2017
A great start to this series. Very fast read, but the author packed a lot in and I felt invested in the characters, even those we are yet to find out much about. Rains knows how to write a great chase scene; the action here felt tense and real. I also like how a mythology has been built up around the shifters, which we get little teases of. Looking forward to finding out more about the subsequent parts; the ending pretty much leads us straight into Book 2, which I've already started reading!
- Nick Wilford, author of Black & White
- Nick Wilford, author of Black & White
July 14, 2017
A quick read with a great mix of mystery, suspense and humor. I'm always drawn to books with an Alaskan setting and I enjoyed the weaving of Inuit mythology into the modern world. I liked the characters right away and look forward to spending more time with them as I read the rest of the series.
October 19, 2017
Engaging adventure quick read
Fun read, a hint of Romance with an engaging and strong mystery. Can't wait to read the next book in this 7 book series to learn more about the mystery and story world.
Fun read, a hint of Romance with an engaging and strong mystery. Can't wait to read the next book in this 7 book series to learn more about the mystery and story world.
January 3, 2017
Ametta is an interior designer in Alaska – but this werepolarbear has ambitions far beyond her state: she wants to head south, to the great cities and really build her business.
Her family does not approve
But when wereanimals are being hunted and killed and skinned any disagreements she has with them about their future need to be shelved while they focus on desperately surviving.
Werepolarbears! Werepolar-bears. Were-polar-bears? I don’t know exactly how to write but this is awesome and so rare
And female werepolarbears! This is even rarer - there are strict gender roles that tend to land on wereanimals. If you have a woman, she will usually be a wereleopard, weretiger, or some other kind of feline. Felines can be female. You may get a female werewolf – but she will usually be the only female werewolf ever to be something so unfeminine as several canine wereanimal! And a female werebear? Clutch your pearls and pass the smelling salts!
So I’m already praising this book for slaying this trope of acceptable feminine wereanimalness (feline, it’s always feline). We also have an interesting main character: she’s not exactly completely original: she’s wants more than her provincial life in Alaska, she wants to move to bigger cities and expand her business as an interior designer. She has ambition, she’s driven and she is willing to stand up and demand this. It’s an excellent example of a strong female character who is strong in ways beyond fighting.
And I really like the idea of a company that builds and decorates housing to suit wereanimals. I really like the world building that goes into the characteristics of wereanimals and why they need building adaptations – like changing the colours in decorating to take into account of depth perception and colour blindness of some wereanimals. I also like the difference of the wereanimals we see depicted – like a herd of werecattle.
We have some nice poking at a wider worldbuilding – the Black shamans and wereanimal policing an even some beginning hints of powers beyond that that are very briefly touched on
The plot itself is well written, nicely twisty as they try to figure out who is attacking and killing wereanimals, why they’re doing it and how they’re doing it. The tension is kept going and the obligatory romance between Ametta and Lucky, a were-kodiak bear – doesn’t get in the way of it.
This book does seem to be drawing at least a little on Native Alaskan mythology, beliefs and traditions. I say seem because I know so little about this that I honestly am not even going to try to say if the depiction is accurate or drawing on actual beliefs or not.
Read More
Her family does not approve
But when wereanimals are being hunted and killed and skinned any disagreements she has with them about their future need to be shelved while they focus on desperately surviving.
Werepolarbears! Werepolar-bears. Were-polar-bears? I don’t know exactly how to write but this is awesome and so rare
And female werepolarbears! This is even rarer - there are strict gender roles that tend to land on wereanimals. If you have a woman, she will usually be a wereleopard, weretiger, or some other kind of feline. Felines can be female. You may get a female werewolf – but she will usually be the only female werewolf ever to be something so unfeminine as several canine wereanimal! And a female werebear? Clutch your pearls and pass the smelling salts!
So I’m already praising this book for slaying this trope of acceptable feminine wereanimalness (feline, it’s always feline). We also have an interesting main character: she’s not exactly completely original: she’s wants more than her provincial life in Alaska, she wants to move to bigger cities and expand her business as an interior designer. She has ambition, she’s driven and she is willing to stand up and demand this. It’s an excellent example of a strong female character who is strong in ways beyond fighting.
And I really like the idea of a company that builds and decorates housing to suit wereanimals. I really like the world building that goes into the characteristics of wereanimals and why they need building adaptations – like changing the colours in decorating to take into account of depth perception and colour blindness of some wereanimals. I also like the difference of the wereanimals we see depicted – like a herd of werecattle.
We have some nice poking at a wider worldbuilding – the Black shamans and wereanimal policing an even some beginning hints of powers beyond that that are very briefly touched on
The plot itself is well written, nicely twisty as they try to figure out who is attacking and killing wereanimals, why they’re doing it and how they’re doing it. The tension is kept going and the obligatory romance between Ametta and Lucky, a were-kodiak bear – doesn’t get in the way of it.
This book does seem to be drawing at least a little on Native Alaskan mythology, beliefs and traditions. I say seem because I know so little about this that I honestly am not even going to try to say if the depiction is accurate or drawing on actual beliefs or not.
Read More
October 19, 2016
As a massive Christine Rains fan, I was super excited when she released the first book in her Totem series. In Dark Dawning, we meet Ametta a polar bear shifter. Ametta has huge dreams for her future as an interior designer, and they include her leaving Alaska. But when she rescues a deliciously sexy Kodiak shifter named, Lucky, well let’s just say, everything in her life changes. And as far as I’m concerned, it was in the best possible way.
The pair find themselves in the middle of a war with hunters, but things are not as they seem and both are in imminent danger. And working together may be the only way to put a stop to the killings to protect themselves and their families.
I love Rains’ stories. Her characters are so detailed and leave me wanting more. I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the series and follow Ametta’s sisters’ journeys in finding the Totems to save all shifters.
The use of Inuit mythology was cleverly threaded throughout he story, adding another layer to the fantastic worldbuilding. The underlying romance blossoming between Ametta and Lucky had me glued to the pages because I just know more is coming for this couple.
Dark Dawning is a must for all Urban Fantasy fans who want fast paced action, a devilishly sexy alpha, and a heroine with enough spunk to face the most terrifying of foes. Can’t wait for the next book☺
The pair find themselves in the middle of a war with hunters, but things are not as they seem and both are in imminent danger. And working together may be the only way to put a stop to the killings to protect themselves and their families.
I love Rains’ stories. Her characters are so detailed and leave me wanting more. I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the series and follow Ametta’s sisters’ journeys in finding the Totems to save all shifters.
The use of Inuit mythology was cleverly threaded throughout he story, adding another layer to the fantastic worldbuilding. The underlying romance blossoming between Ametta and Lucky had me glued to the pages because I just know more is coming for this couple.
Dark Dawning is a must for all Urban Fantasy fans who want fast paced action, a devilishly sexy alpha, and a heroine with enough spunk to face the most terrifying of foes. Can’t wait for the next book☺
February 6, 2017
I have been a fan of Christine's books for years now and love how much I've seen her grow through each book/series. The writing in this one is as expected, well done, appealing, and pulled me right into the story.
I was able to connect right away to the leading lady, Ametta, as she is strong, willful, and her own woman. I always like that in female characters.
Lucky I often felt bad for- he was hurt so many times- poor guy- but his strength and determination won me over as Ametta's possible other half.
With hunters in the area the two embark on an adventure that sets up I believe the rest of this series. To me this read like an early beginning and the ending didn't wrap things up well for me. It felt more like I'm left with too many questions unanswered- and some will be answered in the books to come, but I wanted more from Lucky and Ametta's relationship, specially at the end.
I would recommend this book to PNR lovers, fantasy romance lovers, and those who want to try a new author. Christine writes beautifully even if I didn't get the kind of closure I wanted as a reader.
I was able to connect right away to the leading lady, Ametta, as she is strong, willful, and her own woman. I always like that in female characters.
Lucky I often felt bad for- he was hurt so many times- poor guy- but his strength and determination won me over as Ametta's possible other half.
With hunters in the area the two embark on an adventure that sets up I believe the rest of this series. To me this read like an early beginning and the ending didn't wrap things up well for me. It felt more like I'm left with too many questions unanswered- and some will be answered in the books to come, but I wanted more from Lucky and Ametta's relationship, specially at the end.
I would recommend this book to PNR lovers, fantasy romance lovers, and those who want to try a new author. Christine writes beautifully even if I didn't get the kind of closure I wanted as a reader.
October 17, 2016
I received a review copy of this book and am now writing my review. I didn't expect this to end so soon - and I was disappointed it did, because I wanted to read on! Christine Rains is developing an intriguing world and interesting characters who I definitely want to read more about, with lots of 'action / adventure' to keep me hooked. And of course there is some sizzling romance to provide a special kind of intrigue.
The book definitely left me with a lot of questions unanswered, which is natural since it's the first book in a series. I will be eager to read the second book in the series!
The book definitely left me with a lot of questions unanswered, which is natural since it's the first book in a series. I will be eager to read the second book in the series!
December 31, 2016
OMGoodness. I absolutely loved Dark Dawning by Christine Rains!
The author, Christine Rains knows how to write action-packed, suspenseful scenes. And the sexual tension between Ametta and Lucky had me wanting more, much more. I was enthralled with this book, and when I was less than half-way through Dark Dawning, I couldn't put it down. I was somewhat stunned when I reached the end because I definitely needed it to go on and on. I look forward to reading the next installment of The Totem Series, Silent Whispers.
The author, Christine Rains knows how to write action-packed, suspenseful scenes. And the sexual tension between Ametta and Lucky had me wanting more, much more. I was enthralled with this book, and when I was less than half-way through Dark Dawning, I couldn't put it down. I was somewhat stunned when I reached the end because I definitely needed it to go on and on. I look forward to reading the next installment of The Totem Series, Silent Whispers.
August 24, 2016
The first book in my urban fantasy series, Totem. Ametta is the youngest of the Dorn sisters, and the one who gives me the most trouble. She's feisty!
This is the beginning, a dark one, of a nine book series filled with mystery, danger, romance, and Inuit mythology. I've fallen in love with this world and the people in it. I hope you do too.
This is the beginning, a dark one, of a nine book series filled with mystery, danger, romance, and Inuit mythology. I've fallen in love with this world and the people in it. I hope you do too.
February 3, 2017
great fast read
i thought this book was really good, it is a fast read, fast paced, full of excitement, mystery, and a hint of romance. loved the characters and the fact that even though this was a fairly short book, i felt i was able to connect with the two main characters.
i thought this book was really good, it is a fast read, fast paced, full of excitement, mystery, and a hint of romance. loved the characters and the fact that even though this was a fairly short book, i felt i was able to connect with the two main characters.
February 3, 2017
Story was good but...
I liked the story line. Hunky guy, protecting the girl. Girl wants to leave but loads of other problems. Ending- was not a fan off!
I liked the story line. Hunky guy, protecting the girl. Girl wants to leave but loads of other problems. Ending- was not a fan off!
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