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Birds of a Feather #1
Wilder
Alternate-cover edition can be found here
Wilder’s wonderful grandfather is dead, and so is her mother, but Grandpa Willy gives her one final gift in his will – the knowledge that her father is only her step-father.
Once she meets Hawker, the scary man who turns out to be her real dad, her life takes an unexpected turn. She finds out about a heritage she never knew she had, and secrets from the past are uncovered as she fights to save her part of the world from destruction.
And then there’s Mac, with his green eyes and a soft voice that flows through her like sweet honey. He’s there to help Wilder as she struggles with how to fit into the group of people around her dad, and with every bad thing that happens it becomes more important to have Mac in her life .
“Wilder” is the first in the Birds of a Feather series and a spin-off from the Dreughan trilogy. It’s set in modern time and can be read stand-alone.
Wilder’s wonderful grandfather is dead, and so is her mother, but Grandpa Willy gives her one final gift in his will – the knowledge that her father is only her step-father.
Once she meets Hawker, the scary man who turns out to be her real dad, her life takes an unexpected turn. She finds out about a heritage she never knew she had, and secrets from the past are uncovered as she fights to save her part of the world from destruction.
And then there’s Mac, with his green eyes and a soft voice that flows through her like sweet honey. He’s there to help Wilder as she struggles with how to fit into the group of people around her dad, and with every bad thing that happens it becomes more important to have Mac in her life .
“Wilder” is the first in the Birds of a Feather series and a spin-off from the Dreughan trilogy. It’s set in modern time and can be read stand-alone.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2014
42 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Lena North
15 books64 followersThe proper way to put it here would probably be to describe how I love to play with our two big dogs, how much I adore my fantastic daughters and how much I love to read.
Another way would be to use my imagination and then I would be a super powerful warrior woman, think Xena the warrior princess (though with less tacky clothes). Or when I think of it, maybe I’m actually more of a Hercule Poirot (sans the suit and moustache). Or maybe I’m like Aragorn, strong and cool and then I might get to meet Gandalf! Or I could be Bella’s pretty cousin and snap Jacob up in a second (yeah, I’m so not team Edward), or wait, maybe I could be like one of them heroines in historical novels who swoon all the time. I’ve always wanted to swoon…
Well, I guess you get how my mind is working (or not working, some say).
Anyways, I like to write. Stories, adventures, romantic and happy stuff mixed up with sorrow and hardship, and bit of laughter here and there because the way I see it – life is way too short to go around feeling grumpy.
Another way would be to use my imagination and then I would be a super powerful warrior woman, think Xena the warrior princess (though with less tacky clothes). Or when I think of it, maybe I’m actually more of a Hercule Poirot (sans the suit and moustache). Or maybe I’m like Aragorn, strong and cool and then I might get to meet Gandalf! Or I could be Bella’s pretty cousin and snap Jacob up in a second (yeah, I’m so not team Edward), or wait, maybe I could be like one of them heroines in historical novels who swoon all the time. I’ve always wanted to swoon…
Well, I guess you get how my mind is working (or not working, some say).
Anyways, I like to write. Stories, adventures, romantic and happy stuff mixed up with sorrow and hardship, and bit of laughter here and there because the way I see it – life is way too short to go around feeling grumpy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 16, 2016
*ARC received from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
I could not wait to finish this book, and not in a good way. I was bored, and when I wasn't bored, I was confused. I kept waiting and waiting for something to happen, but even the drama and mystery were so underwhelming. Wilder came off as an annoying 15 yr old who said whatever wayyy too much and argued with people for the stupidest things. Her father came off as a grumpy 16 yr old, who for some reason controlled the whole town without the reader ever finding out why. Her 'love' interest, Mac, was described as a manwhore at every turn, so I'm sure this contributed to me thinking this romance was dumb and fake. Why did I finish it? Because I had made it so far and just knew something big must come at the end. I was wrong. The big, bad villian (who basically just glared a lot and was a greedy a**hole) was just blah. The ending was just blah. The story was just blah. What did I like? I guess just seeing how everything would unfold? I don't know. One star added at the end just because I was able to finish it honestly. I skimmed to the end, but it had some sweet points.
I could not wait to finish this book, and not in a good way. I was bored, and when I wasn't bored, I was confused. I kept waiting and waiting for something to happen, but even the drama and mystery were so underwhelming. Wilder came off as an annoying 15 yr old who said whatever wayyy too much and argued with people for the stupidest things. Her father came off as a grumpy 16 yr old, who for some reason controlled the whole town without the reader ever finding out why. Her 'love' interest, Mac, was described as a manwhore at every turn, so I'm sure this contributed to me thinking this romance was dumb and fake. Why did I finish it? Because I had made it so far and just knew something big must come at the end. I was wrong. The big, bad villian (who basically just glared a lot and was a greedy a**hole) was just blah. The ending was just blah. The story was just blah. What did I like? I guess just seeing how everything would unfold? I don't know. One star added at the end just because I was able to finish it honestly. I skimmed to the end, but it had some sweet points.
February 13, 2018
I marked this a 4 star even though I think it is more a 3.60. As I keep saying I can’t mark it in percentages of stars.
This book is exciting, suspenseful and I wanted to keep reading to see what happened. However I think Lena takes too long to get to the point of what is happening. Some of the first or the story is needed: finding a body that comes into play later(which is all I will say about that) and what happened to Wilder-her dad wasn’t her birth father and other things. And there does seem to be a romance growing I was a bit disappointed in (all I will say about that too). The birds(Yes, all I will say about that too but there is the title of the series so readers will know birds have something to do with Wilder) finally enter the picture but it seems to be a long time.
There were twists I didn’t expect, which is good. The descriptions were well done, same with the action scenes. Some show that Lena could use some more practice with writing but still over all not at all. Her dad gets angry a bit much for my tastes and she is acts all hurt and confused a lot. Of course she was but still a couple of times I wanted to say not again. I do think certain scenes could be tighten up, it takes a while to get to places. I know it takes place in the mountains but still not everything on the trips pushed the story forward.
Still over all I do recommend it. If you like tales without a lot of physical action but yet suspense and with twists you will like this one. There is plenty of emotional action though. It will keep you reading.
This book is exciting, suspenseful and I wanted to keep reading to see what happened. However I think Lena takes too long to get to the point of what is happening. Some of the first or the story is needed: finding a body that comes into play later(which is all I will say about that) and what happened to Wilder-her dad wasn’t her birth father and other things. And there does seem to be a romance growing I was a bit disappointed in (all I will say about that too). The birds(Yes, all I will say about that too but there is the title of the series so readers will know birds have something to do with Wilder) finally enter the picture but it seems to be a long time.
There were twists I didn’t expect, which is good. The descriptions were well done, same with the action scenes. Some show that Lena could use some more practice with writing but still over all not at all. Her dad gets angry a bit much for my tastes and she is acts all hurt and confused a lot. Of course she was but still a couple of times I wanted to say not again. I do think certain scenes could be tighten up, it takes a while to get to places. I know it takes place in the mountains but still not everything on the trips pushed the story forward.
Still over all I do recommend it. If you like tales without a lot of physical action but yet suspense and with twists you will like this one. There is plenty of emotional action though. It will keep you reading.
June 6, 2019
When her mother snatched her away from her father, little did she know what hid in her life until her mother passed on. After 16 years, she finds her father, and the unknown heritage and legacy she's born with. Will she change her mind to accept it?
Wilder, a biker girl, engineering graduate finds herself, sitting with her uncle and aunt, facing the lawyer with her ex-father about her grandfather's last will. Little did she known the mother she looked up to cheated on her about her biological father. Broken hearted, she finds herself in Nortan, face-to-face, with her biological father, Hawker. What does Lena North have in store for Wilder? In this Young-Adult fantasy, first installment in the Birds of A Feather Series, Lena North writes her story from the first person's perspective, Wilder. Finding the easy flow, comfortable setting, and dramatic expressions a wee bizarre there weren't any suspenseful, climax moments that would help to overboard this ship (which I hoped). There was a certain charisma that will keep any reader 100% hooked-up, thanks to its wonderful characters.
The action, adventure, romance, and family drama embedded by Lena North will keep its readers, who have a keen interest toward this type of read, wildly entertained.
Wilder, a biker girl, engineering graduate finds herself, sitting with her uncle and aunt, facing the lawyer with her ex-father about her grandfather's last will. Little did she known the mother she looked up to cheated on her about her biological father. Broken hearted, she finds herself in Nortan, face-to-face, with her biological father, Hawker. What does Lena North have in store for Wilder? In this Young-Adult fantasy, first installment in the Birds of A Feather Series, Lena North writes her story from the first person's perspective, Wilder. Finding the easy flow, comfortable setting, and dramatic expressions a wee bizarre there weren't any suspenseful, climax moments that would help to overboard this ship (which I hoped). There was a certain charisma that will keep any reader 100% hooked-up, thanks to its wonderful characters.
The action, adventure, romance, and family drama embedded by Lena North will keep its readers, who have a keen interest toward this type of read, wildly entertained.
December 14, 2016
I really enjoyed this book! I love that it's the new generation from the Dreughan trilogy that Lena North did previously. It also let us know some of the mysteries that were in the previous books. Here we find out what happened. It was a fun book with some serious moments. I love these sassy characters who aren't afraid to speak their minds and risk their hearts. Wilder is a strong young woman who has been through a lot in her life. When her beloved grandfather dies, she is thrown into the lives of her family that she never knew existed. Little does she know that she will find love and acceptance with this crazy group of people. It's the perfect start to a new trilogy with the new generation, with this group seemingly just barely touching the surface of what has been known in the past. I'm looking forward to more in the future, with wonderful, fun characters who discover their destinies and purpose with the ones they love. I highly recommend this book and the previous trilogy.
March 22, 2017
What a great find and why did it take me so long to read it?
I've noticed a recent trend of mixing lots of different kinds of themes together (eg Megan Crane's Viking Dystopian Erotic romances) and this is another one.
The book starts with Wilder at her grandfather's funeral. The child of absentee parents who loved only each other, Wilder doted on her grandfather and feels bereft without him. But at the reading of his will Wilder finds out a secret about her life that will forever alter what she thought she knew about herself.
On a visit to view a cottage she inherited from her grandfather Wilder runs into a strange group of wild tattooed bikers who turn out to be relatives of hers. Soon Wilder is met by a strange young vet with a powerful voice, ancient secrets and a greed that threatens her very way of life.
I'm trying to think of a way of describing Wilder and nothing really fits. Think of Bella from Twilight, thrown into a world of tattooed bikers, ancient myths and rivalries combined with tribal hatreds and modern mysteries (ok, so some of that sounds like Twilight anyway, think of Twilight without the virginity subtext, the creeper vampire and the irritating high school friends).
Bottom line? I loved it and I'm going to look for the next one right now!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review (even if it is shamefully late).
I've noticed a recent trend of mixing lots of different kinds of themes together (eg Megan Crane's Viking Dystopian Erotic romances) and this is another one.
The book starts with Wilder at her grandfather's funeral. The child of absentee parents who loved only each other, Wilder doted on her grandfather and feels bereft without him. But at the reading of his will Wilder finds out a secret about her life that will forever alter what she thought she knew about herself.
On a visit to view a cottage she inherited from her grandfather Wilder runs into a strange group of wild tattooed bikers who turn out to be relatives of hers. Soon Wilder is met by a strange young vet with a powerful voice, ancient secrets and a greed that threatens her very way of life.
I'm trying to think of a way of describing Wilder and nothing really fits. Think of Bella from Twilight, thrown into a world of tattooed bikers, ancient myths and rivalries combined with tribal hatreds and modern mysteries (ok, so some of that sounds like Twilight anyway, think of Twilight without the virginity subtext, the creeper vampire and the irritating high school friends).
Bottom line? I loved it and I'm going to look for the next one right now!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review (even if it is shamefully late).
July 4, 2020
Wild Ride, and then some!
I loved this book, and I look forward to the next in the series! I was first introduced to some of the characters in the book "Seaborn" by Lena North, so I was glad to really get to know these characters. Wilder, is a sassy smart mouthed girl that's had her share of sorrow growing up. Then she becomes embroiled in the lives of her biological father, and his biker buddies. Holy hotness!!! Add in a magical history, some birds, snarky humor, and a asshat, and you have an amazing story. Ready for the next one for sure!
I loved this book, and I look forward to the next in the series! I was first introduced to some of the characters in the book "Seaborn" by Lena North, so I was glad to really get to know these characters. Wilder, is a sassy smart mouthed girl that's had her share of sorrow growing up. Then she becomes embroiled in the lives of her biological father, and his biker buddies. Holy hotness!!! Add in a magical history, some birds, snarky humor, and a asshat, and you have an amazing story. Ready for the next one for sure!
December 10, 2016
Wilder by Lena North is a new paranormal romance that is a branch off of her Dreughan series. In this series we are introduced to Wilder who has just endured not just one but two tragedies in her life. Her grandfather Willy and her mother have both just passed away. Her grandfather’s heart gave out while he was driving and since he mother was in the car with him she died when the car crashed. Wilder learns that her grandfather has left her his ranch Double H and another piece of property. Her mother left everything she had to the man that Wilder believed to be her father but finds that he’s not so he points Wilder in the direction of her father and things go from there.
Wilder leaves and goes to the town/village where the man who is supposed to be her father lives. There Wilder with her friend Mickey meets not only her father but more of her family as well. She’s not ready to accept them though because she doesn’t know or understand the story concerning the reasons as to why he has not been in her life or ever really tried to be a part of it. Not long after settling in at her new home Wilder makes several discoveries…she comes across the stories of her ancestors: Vilda, Sannah and Troy. She at first thinks that they are just stories her grandfather Willy wrote down but quickly learns that there is more to what she has found.
Let me say this first…if you read and enjoyed the Dreughan series as much as I did then you are going to more than really like this new series by Lena North. I really enjoyed Wilder’s character. There were moments when I didn’t like her that much but this story is so engaging and enjoyable that you can’t help no wanting to put it down for even a few minutes as Wilder deals with the challenges that her new life are throwing at her and as she comes to decisions that are best for her life now. There is danger and it is very apparent as to who is behind it because he doesn’t hide it very well but it just adds another level to this story.
Even though this story doesn’t really have any shifter elements to it this book is still very enjoyable with the characters connection to what they have evolved into now. I love the various elements and tie ins that the author does for this story. It’s a great read and I honestly cannot wait for the next book in this series. I give this book two thumbs up and 5 out of 5 stars. Great job!
Wilder leaves and goes to the town/village where the man who is supposed to be her father lives. There Wilder with her friend Mickey meets not only her father but more of her family as well. She’s not ready to accept them though because she doesn’t know or understand the story concerning the reasons as to why he has not been in her life or ever really tried to be a part of it. Not long after settling in at her new home Wilder makes several discoveries…she comes across the stories of her ancestors: Vilda, Sannah and Troy. She at first thinks that they are just stories her grandfather Willy wrote down but quickly learns that there is more to what she has found.
Let me say this first…if you read and enjoyed the Dreughan series as much as I did then you are going to more than really like this new series by Lena North. I really enjoyed Wilder’s character. There were moments when I didn’t like her that much but this story is so engaging and enjoyable that you can’t help no wanting to put it down for even a few minutes as Wilder deals with the challenges that her new life are throwing at her and as she comes to decisions that are best for her life now. There is danger and it is very apparent as to who is behind it because he doesn’t hide it very well but it just adds another level to this story.
Even though this story doesn’t really have any shifter elements to it this book is still very enjoyable with the characters connection to what they have evolved into now. I love the various elements and tie ins that the author does for this story. It’s a great read and I honestly cannot wait for the next book in this series. I give this book two thumbs up and 5 out of 5 stars. Great job!
December 5, 2016
Before I critique this novel, be it known that I do feel strongly that this story has immense potential. . . it just never quite takes flight. In terms of writing, aside from some very awkward sentences (some which fail to make sense at all), it is for the most part competently written, albeit a little pedestrian. In any event the tone of the story probably is on target for the intended audience. Pacing is a massive issue in this story. It is very slow and, as it stands, there are a lot of darlings that needed to be slaughtered in order to elevate this story to the next level. At times I was, quite frankly, bored. I did feel that the supernatural elements of the story needed to be introduced much earlier. While there was some suggestion of this I was wondering when the author would finally get to the point. In terms of character, Wilder strikes me a little bit unreliable. She is tough and does not hold back in dishing it out, and then she tolerates being called 'babe' all throughout the story by her love interest. The rest of the cast felt quite one dimensional. Apart from Hawker and Mac they all kind of blended into one. More work is needed here to bring the story to life. The setting lacked authenticity, perhaps because the author kept dropping the reader into new spaces without taking the time to flesh out the place. However, it was the mythology of the story which, for me at least, was where everything fell apart. I'm not sure the author was really convinced by the world that she had created. In any event, she failed to communicate this because too often I couldn't see the connections between events and the history she was referencing. The snippets of the diary that were shared were unconvincing.
To be honest this is a rough diamond. It is not ready for publication and needs a good deal of polishing before it has any hope of reaching its full potential. I do hope that the author will choose to do this because I am quite excited about what this story might become.
To be honest this is a rough diamond. It is not ready for publication and needs a good deal of polishing before it has any hope of reaching its full potential. I do hope that the author will choose to do this because I am quite excited about what this story might become.
December 5, 2016
pooled ink Reviews:
I’m going to start this off by saying that this book surprised me.
It’s part of a spin-off series from North’s Dreughan Trilogy and while I haven’t read that I still really enjoyed reading about Wilder. Also, while this is the start to a spin-off series it can actually be read just fine as a stand-alone.
I’m not entirely sure how to categorize this book…it’s sort of contemporary yet fantasy/paranormal and with a touch of CIA. There are rich people and dragons and motorcycles and a ranch and skiing and dead people and romances and ancient prophecies… Yeah. Complicated. Honestly it doesn’t sound like it’d work and I decided to read this book on a whim, but I’m glad I did because I really liked it. I’m not sure yet if I’ll continue this series or if I’ll read the Dreughan Trilogy but I will definitely look into it and I’m happy with having read this one.
Suffice it to say that yes there was romance, yes there was grit, yes there was fantasy, yes there were motorcycles, and yes I really enjoyed it much more than I expected.
Wilder is a story full of spunk, tough love, and self-discovery that goes on a mystic flight through ancient history.
Read my FULL review here: https://pooledink.com/2016/12/05/wild...
I’m going to start this off by saying that this book surprised me.
It’s part of a spin-off series from North’s Dreughan Trilogy and while I haven’t read that I still really enjoyed reading about Wilder. Also, while this is the start to a spin-off series it can actually be read just fine as a stand-alone.
I’m not entirely sure how to categorize this book…it’s sort of contemporary yet fantasy/paranormal and with a touch of CIA. There are rich people and dragons and motorcycles and a ranch and skiing and dead people and romances and ancient prophecies… Yeah. Complicated. Honestly it doesn’t sound like it’d work and I decided to read this book on a whim, but I’m glad I did because I really liked it. I’m not sure yet if I’ll continue this series or if I’ll read the Dreughan Trilogy but I will definitely look into it and I’m happy with having read this one.
Suffice it to say that yes there was romance, yes there was grit, yes there was fantasy, yes there were motorcycles, and yes I really enjoyed it much more than I expected.
Wilder is a story full of spunk, tough love, and self-discovery that goes on a mystic flight through ancient history.
Read my FULL review here: https://pooledink.com/2016/12/05/wild...
December 16, 2016
Really great book. "Wilder" is an amazing story wrapped up in another great story. I absolutely love the way Wilder and Mac have both endured terrible treatment from the people who are supposed to love them and they still have found a way to always look at the brighter side of things. Wilder is a strong girl and I love to see that. She handles the loss of Willy well and she also accepts her new found family and embraces the differences. Love the birds and the connection they all have. Lena North has done it again. A truly great book, could not put it down. Full video review on YouTube channel Adventures-IN-Print. https://youtu.be/xxSaLVxl8WQ
December 12, 2016
I enjoyed this story. It is a spin off of the previous series The Dreghan - Courage, Reason and Joy.
I would strongly suggest that you read that series first so you will understand this series.
It is supposed to take place in modern day with characters that I found very similiar to the previous
series.
It is hard to reveal too much as it will spoil the story.
I found the characters intriguing with a lot of action and plot twists.
If I had to choose which I preferred I would have to say the original series as I found the characters
more intriguing .
Overall I enjoy reading anything from this author .
I would strongly suggest that you read that series first so you will understand this series.
It is supposed to take place in modern day with characters that I found very similiar to the previous
series.
It is hard to reveal too much as it will spoil the story.
I found the characters intriguing with a lot of action and plot twists.
If I had to choose which I preferred I would have to say the original series as I found the characters
more intriguing .
Overall I enjoy reading anything from this author .
December 15, 2016
Loved, loved, loved this! Wilder is related to the Dreughan series, but set in modern day. Wilder's maternal grandfather and her mother die in a car crash, setting off intrigue and adventure. Upon finding out that her father is really her stepfather, she sets off to meet her father. He is an intimidating man, who, besides her grandfather and almost everyone else she knew and loved, kept secrets from her. Add this to a scheming stepfather, bully-boys, a certain green-eyed handsome vet, a dead body, ancient papers and talking birds, Wilder has a lot to tackle. I cannot wait for the next book!
December 13, 2016
This is one of the best books I have had the pleasure to read this year. With a unique storyline, engaging writing and the perfect pacing of the story it hit all the right notes. This is one book you will be happy you read.This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan
December 14, 2016
Another great book by Lena. I really loved and enjoyed reading it. I didnt think i would concerntrate enough to read on my vacation but this book proved me wrong. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy
August 2, 2017
Great new series beginning with a link to Ms. North's previous books! Loved getting to know Wilder and her friends as she learns about her ancestors and her rising abilities.
July 24, 2018
Look, I tried really hard with this book, I really did, but in the end it just couldn't work between us. I was ready for a self-indulgent read, the kind that has a lot of plot holes, really shallow and stereotypical characterization, cringey dialogues but a plot that keeps you going. This book was it... til the point when not even the plot could keep me going. I know this will sound super harsh and I'm really sorry, I do genuinely respect how hard it is to write a book and there were a few things that I enjoyed so I will start with those and then talk about the ones that I didn't love.
1. I thought the plot had a lot of potential, the whole fantasy element of the story blended with the backstory of the setting could've been fantastic! It was a good "magic" element I thought, more innovative than vampires or werewolves (not that there's anything inherently wrong with those!) and it made for a cool team of characters/heroes. It was just such a pity that we barely got to learn about it, it was never explained properly, it was just talked about, briefly mentioned to move along the plot even though it was central to the plot! I really wanted to know about Vilda's story! There were so many tantalising hints about the kind of interesting background to the setting these stories could provide, but it seemed like the story was just used for namedropping. The tension wasn't built up either, it was quite underwhelming when the magical element was introduced and the MC was just like "cool, yeah, been used to this my whole life without even knowing about it". What I'm saying is, I thought the fantasy plot was really interesting and had a lot of unfulfilled potential and I needed to know more about the history of the setting because it was a pity that it didn't feature more.
2. It was fast-paced. It wasn't slow, it didn't drag, I was looking for immediate entertainment and I got it. It was perhaps... too fast. I would've appreciated if the book dedicated a bit more time to some things e.g the magical element, describing the actual world this happened in, actually seeing how the events that happened were dealt with, etc. But it wasn't boring, it was immediate satisfaction so it's good if you don't like waiting for the build-up of a climax or the thorough examinations of events/feelings/characters.
3. I liked the Norton family. Stereotypical grunting, overprotective, stoic, muscled, assholes-with-a-good-heart? Totally, but still fun. You lost track of them sometimes because they aren't thoroughly introduced, they all just immediately bond with the MC, like I still have no clue who Olly is or where he came from but in general, they were all a wholesome bunch.
So those were the good things. The bad things... well, I don't want to dedicate a lot of time to them because I don't want to be cruel. Some I've already sort of mentioned, like the fact there wasn't much build-up of tension, events just happened one after the other and they didn't really make me feel hot or cold because I wasn't invested. It felt a bit like reading the summary of a story rather than a story, like the author was too impatient to flesh things out and just wanted to skip from event to event. At times this meant ridiculous transitions like or when . At other times, events didn't really follow coherently after each other, it was a painfully obvious case of *because plot reasons*. The characterisation was really shallow and unrealistic, emotions were so flimsy and unconvincing. The dialogues were super super cringey, completely unrealistic and unbelievable. The terms of endearment used constantly and randomly literally became a pet peeve of mine. In general, I didn't like the writing style, that is purely personal preference but it read like a really rushed fanfiction to me.
All in all, I'll leave it at that. I wouldn't recommend it to my friends but at the same time I think the fantasy idea had potential.
1. I thought the plot had a lot of potential, the whole fantasy element of the story blended with the backstory of the setting could've been fantastic! It was a good "magic" element I thought, more innovative than vampires or werewolves (not that there's anything inherently wrong with those!) and it made for a cool team of characters/heroes. It was just such a pity that we barely got to learn about it, it was never explained properly, it was just talked about, briefly mentioned to move along the plot even though it was central to the plot! I really wanted to know about Vilda's story! There were so many tantalising hints about the kind of interesting background to the setting these stories could provide, but it seemed like the story was just used for namedropping. The tension wasn't built up either, it was quite underwhelming when the magical element was introduced and the MC was just like "cool, yeah, been used to this my whole life without even knowing about it". What I'm saying is, I thought the fantasy plot was really interesting and had a lot of unfulfilled potential and I needed to know more about the history of the setting because it was a pity that it didn't feature more.
2. It was fast-paced. It wasn't slow, it didn't drag, I was looking for immediate entertainment and I got it. It was perhaps... too fast. I would've appreciated if the book dedicated a bit more time to some things e.g the magical element, describing the actual world this happened in, actually seeing how the events that happened were dealt with, etc. But it wasn't boring, it was immediate satisfaction so it's good if you don't like waiting for the build-up of a climax or the thorough examinations of events/feelings/characters.
3. I liked the Norton family. Stereotypical grunting, overprotective, stoic, muscled, assholes-with-a-good-heart? Totally, but still fun. You lost track of them sometimes because they aren't thoroughly introduced, they all just immediately bond with the MC, like I still have no clue who Olly is or where he came from but in general, they were all a wholesome bunch.
So those were the good things. The bad things... well, I don't want to dedicate a lot of time to them because I don't want to be cruel. Some I've already sort of mentioned, like the fact there wasn't much build-up of tension, events just happened one after the other and they didn't really make me feel hot or cold because I wasn't invested. It felt a bit like reading the summary of a story rather than a story, like the author was too impatient to flesh things out and just wanted to skip from event to event. At times this meant ridiculous transitions like or when . At other times, events didn't really follow coherently after each other, it was a painfully obvious case of *because plot reasons*. The characterisation was really shallow and unrealistic, emotions were so flimsy and unconvincing. The dialogues were super super cringey, completely unrealistic and unbelievable. The terms of endearment used constantly and randomly literally became a pet peeve of mine. In general, I didn't like the writing style, that is purely personal preference but it read like a really rushed fanfiction to me.
All in all, I'll leave it at that. I wouldn't recommend it to my friends but at the same time I think the fantasy idea had potential.
November 29, 2016
Wilder has always lived up to her name. A child seemingly unwanted by her parents, she spends her young life away at boarding schools, alone in their large mansion and largely ignored, often receiving only cold-hearted stares and reprimands. Now a teen, her mother has died and she is left alone with the world’s coldest father. The crushing blow in her life was the death of her grandfather, the only person who seemed to love her and want her. It is through the reading of his will that Wilder learns the truth of her real parentage and the life she was denied. Now on a mission to meet the man who gave her up, who never cared enough to find out how her life was, she engages the help of her best friend as she heads to a small town where buried secrets will be exhumed and she will finally learn who she is and where she came from. Will the truth set her free or will she once again, feel the pain of being alone in the world. She has always felt a little different and now she will learn why. Just as she decides whether to forgive her father or even believe him, she finds Mac, handsome, quiet and mysterious, exactly the kind of man she could finally believe in.
WILDER by Lena North is a surprising and fascinating look at a secret group of people who have the abilities to do what normal humans cannot. Under the wild biker façade are men of grit, honor and very long lives. And Wilder may find the world to which she truly belongs, but first she must help to fight for that world and the secrets they keep.
Wilder is like a breath of fresh air with a few ice crystals added in! She is strong, brave and nearly fearless in her single-minded quest to find things long kept hidden. When her new home and her ranch are threatened, it is Wilder that leads the charge against evil, headed by one surprising enemy…
Hang on for this one! A touch of fantasy, long ago legends and the magic contained in the very dirt around her-and bikers? What a fabulous twist to a story that plays out non-stop from start to finish as one girl wonders if any of her life was true or just a pack of lies and fairy tales. Once again, Lena North brings her world to life, with humor, heart and the help of birds of prey! Great dialogue, heartfelt emotions and one tough heroine who never gives up!
I received an ARC edition from Lena North. Of course, I couldn't resist volunteering to give an honest review! Read it as a stand alone, or better yet, check out the series this spins off from, Dreughan.
Series: Birds of a Feather - Book 1
Publisher: FAB Publishing; 1 edition (December 14, 2016)
Publication Date: December 14, 2016
Genre: YA Fantasy
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
WILDER by Lena North is a surprising and fascinating look at a secret group of people who have the abilities to do what normal humans cannot. Under the wild biker façade are men of grit, honor and very long lives. And Wilder may find the world to which she truly belongs, but first she must help to fight for that world and the secrets they keep.
Wilder is like a breath of fresh air with a few ice crystals added in! She is strong, brave and nearly fearless in her single-minded quest to find things long kept hidden. When her new home and her ranch are threatened, it is Wilder that leads the charge against evil, headed by one surprising enemy…
Hang on for this one! A touch of fantasy, long ago legends and the magic contained in the very dirt around her-and bikers? What a fabulous twist to a story that plays out non-stop from start to finish as one girl wonders if any of her life was true or just a pack of lies and fairy tales. Once again, Lena North brings her world to life, with humor, heart and the help of birds of prey! Great dialogue, heartfelt emotions and one tough heroine who never gives up!
I received an ARC edition from Lena North. Of course, I couldn't resist volunteering to give an honest review! Read it as a stand alone, or better yet, check out the series this spins off from, Dreughan.
Series: Birds of a Feather - Book 1
Publisher: FAB Publishing; 1 edition (December 14, 2016)
Publication Date: December 14, 2016
Genre: YA Fantasy
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 1, 2018
I just can’t with this one
I felt like it tried, but failed big time. It was often as if the writer had a great idea that she began to execute, took a break, then came back and forgot what the big idea was.
I must say, that I was completely into the first couple of chapters, although I found Mickey’s choice of words childish in reference to Paolo. Several chapters after, I was thinking I’ll just continue to see where this all goes, even though Wilder’s journey to meet her father was off. Something about the way he spoke to his daughter didn’t seem father-daughterish to me. It was weird and I had a hard time imagining him as her dad. The profane language spoken with the characters didn’t flow. It was as if the words were just added as fillers. Annoying fillers.
With no warning, no passion, no reason at all, MAC suddenly calls Wilder babe and begins to be possessive and territorial with her. When you read the story, you come to the conclusion that they will like each other, but nothing truly leads up to this.
One good thing about fiction, is that it can feel real to the reader, but the whole bird explanation was just blah. Wilder was just too calm and accepting of the situation. After Hawker tells her about their family and reveals the bird, she later tells Mickey who wasn’t shocked nor does he stop to question any of it. It’s just no big deal. Every one continues seeping their tea and wondering why Paolo is suddenly so nice to Wilder.
I did not and could not finish this book. I desperately wanted to. I desperately tried to. But I found it to not be worth it. I do think it can be good, but until then, I’ll find a new read.
I felt like it tried, but failed big time. It was often as if the writer had a great idea that she began to execute, took a break, then came back and forgot what the big idea was.
I must say, that I was completely into the first couple of chapters, although I found Mickey’s choice of words childish in reference to Paolo. Several chapters after, I was thinking I’ll just continue to see where this all goes, even though Wilder’s journey to meet her father was off. Something about the way he spoke to his daughter didn’t seem father-daughterish to me. It was weird and I had a hard time imagining him as her dad. The profane language spoken with the characters didn’t flow. It was as if the words were just added as fillers. Annoying fillers.
With no warning, no passion, no reason at all, MAC suddenly calls Wilder babe and begins to be possessive and territorial with her. When you read the story, you come to the conclusion that they will like each other, but nothing truly leads up to this.
One good thing about fiction, is that it can feel real to the reader, but the whole bird explanation was just blah. Wilder was just too calm and accepting of the situation. After Hawker tells her about their family and reveals the bird, she later tells Mickey who wasn’t shocked nor does he stop to question any of it. It’s just no big deal. Every one continues seeping their tea and wondering why Paolo is suddenly so nice to Wilder.
I did not and could not finish this book. I desperately wanted to. I desperately tried to. But I found it to not be worth it. I do think it can be good, but until then, I’ll find a new read.
November 2, 2017
Honestly, this book was a bit confusing to me. At first, I thought it was just a book with some good old fashioned family drama - and I was 100% ok with that. But then halfway through the book, we find out that there used to be dragons, and now the descendants of those shapeshifting dragons have a connection with birds. Add to that a "random" dead man found in a cave, some old artifacts, and some sort of weird energy crystal (none of which are ever really explained), and you have a story that is way too jumbled. Oh, and the main character's real dad heads up some sort of biker gang, that, with the help of their bird connection, manages to save the world - which we also get no information about (the world or their good deeds). Maybe if I read the rest of the series I'll have some sort of inkling of what is going on, but I doubt it.
September 8, 2018
I really enjoyed wilder's story from the very beginning, it captured my attention from the very start and held it all the way through, I really enjoyed her character. I loved Hawker john, who Wilder find out is her real dad ( he is totally badass I think id pee if I ever met him irl lol) but I loved reading and experiencing there bond grow as and how stubborn they both can be.
overall I enjoyed all the books in the bird of feather series and Lena North has quickly become my new favorite author and I can't wait to read more from Lena North. The last thing I'm going to mention is I love the bond and friendship the characters have throughout the books, the bond between all the characters is unbreakable.
overall I enjoyed all the books in the bird of feather series and Lena North has quickly become my new favorite author and I can't wait to read more from Lena North. The last thing I'm going to mention is I love the bond and friendship the characters have throughout the books, the bond between all the characters is unbreakable.
July 30, 2018
I liked the way the author developed the characters, then gets into the story. It starts out like a simple fiction read, then moves into the fantasy with the birds becoming integral to the plot. Also, the tension between the characters is excellent.
I also liked the setting, having it sort of in the middle of nowhere, yet accessible to hospital, and other needs, enough to make things seem realistic.
I also liked the setting, having it sort of in the middle of nowhere, yet accessible to hospital, and other needs, enough to make things seem realistic.
January 16, 2018
I could've totally done without all the cursing, but it was surprisingly clean sex-wise and the story was unique. I got this one for free and with the amount of cursing, I won't be spending money on the rest of the series.
October 9, 2021
Surprise!!
Just when I thought nobody would do justice to this kind of story placed in modern day, I opened the pages to Wilder. I was captivated from the get go, and hated having to put it down to sleep. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!!
Just when I thought nobody would do justice to this kind of story placed in modern day, I opened the pages to Wilder. I was captivated from the get go, and hated having to put it down to sleep. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!!
January 17, 2017
When Wilder’s mother and her grandfather die at the very same time, her life changes, and it’s her grandfather that she misses most. Wilder’s mom was devoted only to her husband and Wilder always felt like she was in the way, but Willy, Wilder’s grandfather, loved her unconditionally and spent as much time with her as he possibly could.
Wilder’s not sure how to go on without Willy in her life. She’s always tried to please her father, but received nothing in return. Then, when Willy’s will is read, Wilder learns that her mother’s husband wasn’t her father at all and her father is a mysterious man who lives in the mountains where Willy and Wilder went every winter to ski.
Wilder and her best friend Mickey go to the mountains to explore this unknown part of her life and find far more than they bargained for. Soon they’ve met a whole community of strangers who know all about them, they’re embroiled in a two thousand year old mystery, and the secrets are popping up all over. And did I mention the romance? There’s also romance.
Wilder is smart as a whip and tough. The characters in the book are interesting and flawed and I not only rooted for them while I was reading but now that I’m finished I want to know more about them. Good thing this is the first book in a series!
The fantasy is rooted in a modern world that is familiar. The characters drive cars and motorcycles and have cell phones and technology, but the physical location doesn’t match with any place in the real world, and the history of the story in no way matches history as we know it. The world building is beautiful, however, and the technology we know from the world today blends seamlessly with the fantastical elements of the story.
I would have been happy with antagonists that were a little less gullible, slightly smarter, and harder to defeat. But on the whole, the conflict was a satisfying one, and the emotional pull I felt toward the sympathetic characters more than made up for any disappointments in the antagonists.
In Wilder, Lena North wrote a fantasy that kept me up reading past my bedtime two nights in a row and had me ignoring my to-do list the final morning just so I could finish reading. I’ll definitely keep my eyes out for book number two in the Books of a Feather series.
I received a review copy of Wilder courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
Wilder’s not sure how to go on without Willy in her life. She’s always tried to please her father, but received nothing in return. Then, when Willy’s will is read, Wilder learns that her mother’s husband wasn’t her father at all and her father is a mysterious man who lives in the mountains where Willy and Wilder went every winter to ski.
Wilder and her best friend Mickey go to the mountains to explore this unknown part of her life and find far more than they bargained for. Soon they’ve met a whole community of strangers who know all about them, they’re embroiled in a two thousand year old mystery, and the secrets are popping up all over. And did I mention the romance? There’s also romance.
Wilder is smart as a whip and tough. The characters in the book are interesting and flawed and I not only rooted for them while I was reading but now that I’m finished I want to know more about them. Good thing this is the first book in a series!
The fantasy is rooted in a modern world that is familiar. The characters drive cars and motorcycles and have cell phones and technology, but the physical location doesn’t match with any place in the real world, and the history of the story in no way matches history as we know it. The world building is beautiful, however, and the technology we know from the world today blends seamlessly with the fantastical elements of the story.
I would have been happy with antagonists that were a little less gullible, slightly smarter, and harder to defeat. But on the whole, the conflict was a satisfying one, and the emotional pull I felt toward the sympathetic characters more than made up for any disappointments in the antagonists.
In Wilder, Lena North wrote a fantasy that kept me up reading past my bedtime two nights in a row and had me ignoring my to-do list the final morning just so I could finish reading. I’ll definitely keep my eyes out for book number two in the Books of a Feather series.
I received a review copy of Wilder courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
January 25, 2017
It is a little hard for me to write a review for this book. I enjoyed it for the most part, but it's also something that I thought was kind of just meh. It has a lot of potential that I think a good editing session could take care of.
This book starts off with Wilder dealing with her mother and grandfathers death at a lawyers office. There she finds out that Paolo is not her real father and that's why he has always treated her with disdain. Wilder gets mad and storms out of the office and decides to head to Norton to see her real father. When she gets to Norton, Wilder fights with probably every single person she runs into (this should have been a hint for how the rest of the book would go). As a MC Wilder did not grow at all. Yes, she eventually grew to accept her family and get over the fact that they weren't there for all of her life, but she didn't grow as a person. She would fight with everyone even if she had a good reason or not. Mac would say she was being childish and then Wilder would get mad at him. Rinse, lather, repeat.
The dialogue was also super awkward in about half the conversations. For instance, Wilder will be in an argument with someone and then all of a sudden they are all laughing it off like nothing happened. And this happened about 90% of the time!!! I'm all for it happening occasionally, but it shouldn't be used in every single situation. Especially when this situation happened every other page.
The pacing in this book could have been better as well. It was so slow in some parts that I was dragging to continue reading. North didn't even bring in the supernatural aspect until about half way through the book. Then North barely explained what it all meant and the prophecy they found was all very confusing. Even at the end when it was supposed to have all come together, I have no idea what happened and why.
Overall, this wasn't a terrible book to read. I wish that the pacing was better and that there was even a little bit of character development. Wilder could have sure used it.
I received this eArc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book starts off with Wilder dealing with her mother and grandfathers death at a lawyers office. There she finds out that Paolo is not her real father and that's why he has always treated her with disdain. Wilder gets mad and storms out of the office and decides to head to Norton to see her real father. When she gets to Norton, Wilder fights with probably every single person she runs into (this should have been a hint for how the rest of the book would go). As a MC Wilder did not grow at all. Yes, she eventually grew to accept her family and get over the fact that they weren't there for all of her life, but she didn't grow as a person. She would fight with everyone even if she had a good reason or not. Mac would say she was being childish and then Wilder would get mad at him. Rinse, lather, repeat.
The dialogue was also super awkward in about half the conversations. For instance, Wilder will be in an argument with someone and then all of a sudden they are all laughing it off like nothing happened. And this happened about 90% of the time!!! I'm all for it happening occasionally, but it shouldn't be used in every single situation. Especially when this situation happened every other page.
The pacing in this book could have been better as well. It was so slow in some parts that I was dragging to continue reading. North didn't even bring in the supernatural aspect until about half way through the book. Then North barely explained what it all meant and the prophecy they found was all very confusing. Even at the end when it was supposed to have all come together, I have no idea what happened and why.
Overall, this wasn't a terrible book to read. I wish that the pacing was better and that there was even a little bit of character development. Wilder could have sure used it.
I received this eArc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2023
Wilder is the first book in the Birds of a Feather series, and it starts many, MANY years after The Dreughan Trilogy. Wilder has just lost her beloved grandfather and also learns more about her family. Some surprises were in store for her, and she struggled to deal with them all. Funnily enough, the biggest surprise was easy for her. The hardest was dealing with people she thought she knew, and finding out they had a whole other life that didn't involve her. With a whole new family to contend with, plus a love interest, there is a lot going on for Wilder.
First of all, the thing that I ADORED in this book was the appearance of Vilda, Sannah, and Troy! I loved how they made their appearance, and their appearances after. For me, it helped to wrap up their trilogy, and I loved every single time they were mentioned.
There is plenty of action in this story, and it is different from The Dreughan Trilogy. For a start, it is set in a contemporary time, not medieval. A whole new bunch of characters and abilities light the way, giving this series a great introduction in a well-written story. There are some editing and grammatical errors, but nothing that spoilt my enjoyment of the story.
A great beginning to the series, and I can't wait to continue. Definitely recommended by me.
* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 20, 2018
First of all, the thing that I ADORED in this book was the appearance of Vilda, Sannah, and Troy! I loved how they made their appearance, and their appearances after. For me, it helped to wrap up their trilogy, and I loved every single time they were mentioned.
There is plenty of action in this story, and it is different from The Dreughan Trilogy. For a start, it is set in a contemporary time, not medieval. A whole new bunch of characters and abilities light the way, giving this series a great introduction in a well-written story. There are some editing and grammatical errors, but nothing that spoilt my enjoyment of the story.
A great beginning to the series, and I can't wait to continue. Definitely recommended by me.
* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 20, 2018
December 14, 2016
Wilder, book 1 of the Birds of a Feather series, is written by author Lena North. This is a spin-off from the Dreughan trilogy.
This is Wilder's story, her grandfather and mother dead... however, her grandfather tells her a secret that her father is not really her father. She meets Hawker, who is actually her father and her life changes. Secrets are unveiled and the fight of her life begins. Enter Mac who is there when Wilder needs him.
This story is captivating and different. It's different in aspects that pull you into the story and the dynamics that are written into the story. There's danger, suspense, secrets and it's a book you should truly read.
This is Wilder's story, her grandfather and mother dead... however, her grandfather tells her a secret that her father is not really her father. She meets Hawker, who is actually her father and her life changes. Secrets are unveiled and the fight of her life begins. Enter Mac who is there when Wilder needs him.
This story is captivating and different. It's different in aspects that pull you into the story and the dynamics that are written into the story. There's danger, suspense, secrets and it's a book you should truly read.
December 14, 2016
Lena North is fast becoming one of my new favorite authors. I read the Dreughan trilogy (loved it) and thought it was over, but we get a great spin off to that series in Wilder. The heroine Wilder is a feisty character who has suffered two tragedies simultaneously as her life is turned upside down. Following her on an adventure to find out who she really is, you won't be able to stop reading. I very much liked the nods to the original trilogy, but that this book wasn't just a repeat of them. Wilder is a fantastic read that had me on the edge of my seat throughout. I cannot wait to continue this series!
January 6, 2017
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley
Wilder is a dirty-mouthed twenty year-old woman. She is feisty, and she is absolutely hilarious. I loved all the jokes and mainly couldn't stop laughing. The rest of the characters were well developed and likeable. The plot was interesting, though it felt a little bit rushed.
The one thing that bothered me was her age. It felt like she was 17 at the most, instead of 20, as she was a little bit immature.
I certainly will read the rest of the saga, and I highly recommend it for a quick read.
Wilder is a dirty-mouthed twenty year-old woman. She is feisty, and she is absolutely hilarious. I loved all the jokes and mainly couldn't stop laughing. The rest of the characters were well developed and likeable. The plot was interesting, though it felt a little bit rushed.
The one thing that bothered me was her age. It felt like she was 17 at the most, instead of 20, as she was a little bit immature.
I certainly will read the rest of the saga, and I highly recommend it for a quick read.
December 23, 2016
This book was okay. It was definitely slow in the beginning, and the plot picked up at some point but not really enough to interest me. There was a lot of growling and murmuring by various characters, all who were uninteresting, also. The protagonist didn't seem to have a strong personality, although she kept on indicating that she did. Okay premise, just weak execution.
I was able to read this book through Net Galley!
I was able to read this book through Net Galley!
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