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The Kings #10
The Shifter King
Sam saw him enter the club at the opposite end of the room. Everyone did.
He was a dark shadow against the night, no small feat but one he accomplished with frightening ease. His suit was expertly, precisely tailored, black and expensive, and it hugged every intended curve of his six-foot-five frame. The collar of his black shirt, crisp and sharp, brushed the dark blonde curls he almost never bothered to cut and set off the equally sharp black image of his leather eye patch. One ice blue eye lit up the shadows, stark and unavoidable.
“Holy hell, sister. That is one beautiful, scary, beautiful man,” whispered Sam’s friend.
“He can hear you,” Sam whispered back.
Across the room, Jack Colton smiled. And it was a beautiful, scary, beautiful smile.
Samantha O’Neill has been running for twenty years. She’s been fleeing from a man with an ice blue gaze, and possessed of a terrible magic. Two decades has seen her grown into a woman wise and self-sufficient, and unnaturally blessed with a powerful and unique magic all her own.
For twenty years she’s managed to escape him. But all hunts come to an end. And now, in the lengthening darkness of an autumn Chicago night, an ominous footfall in the subway and a shadow over her solitary form force Sam to at last come face-to-face with her brutally beautiful pursuer – and her clouded and tangled feelings for him.
Jack Colton assumes their forms in the night, shifting to become the predators that grown men still fear in the cold sweat of their nightmares. Powerful, sleek, graceful, and deadly, he moves through the darkness, watching. Waiting. And that powerful blue gaze finds Sam everywhere she goes. Because he knows something she doesn’t. He knows what she is, and he knows what that means. He knows the prophecy. He lives it every day.
Jack has fought for twenty years to protect that secret, killed to protect the woman who keeps it, and if he must, he will die to see it come to its fruition.
The Shifter King is the tenth book in the Big Bad Wolf spinoff series, The Kings, by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Heather Killough-Walden.
He was a dark shadow against the night, no small feat but one he accomplished with frightening ease. His suit was expertly, precisely tailored, black and expensive, and it hugged every intended curve of his six-foot-five frame. The collar of his black shirt, crisp and sharp, brushed the dark blonde curls he almost never bothered to cut and set off the equally sharp black image of his leather eye patch. One ice blue eye lit up the shadows, stark and unavoidable.
“Holy hell, sister. That is one beautiful, scary, beautiful man,” whispered Sam’s friend.
“He can hear you,” Sam whispered back.
Across the room, Jack Colton smiled. And it was a beautiful, scary, beautiful smile.
Samantha O’Neill has been running for twenty years. She’s been fleeing from a man with an ice blue gaze, and possessed of a terrible magic. Two decades has seen her grown into a woman wise and self-sufficient, and unnaturally blessed with a powerful and unique magic all her own.
For twenty years she’s managed to escape him. But all hunts come to an end. And now, in the lengthening darkness of an autumn Chicago night, an ominous footfall in the subway and a shadow over her solitary form force Sam to at last come face-to-face with her brutally beautiful pursuer – and her clouded and tangled feelings for him.
Jack Colton assumes their forms in the night, shifting to become the predators that grown men still fear in the cold sweat of their nightmares. Powerful, sleek, graceful, and deadly, he moves through the darkness, watching. Waiting. And that powerful blue gaze finds Sam everywhere she goes. Because he knows something she doesn’t. He knows what she is, and he knows what that means. He knows the prophecy. He lives it every day.
Jack has fought for twenty years to protect that secret, killed to protect the woman who keeps it, and if he must, he will die to see it come to its fruition.
The Shifter King is the tenth book in the Big Bad Wolf spinoff series, The Kings, by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Heather Killough-Walden.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2017
215 people are currently reading
409 people want to read
About the author
Heather Killough-Walden
61 books2,187 followersHeather Killough-Walden is a California native currently living in Texas with her husband and child. She is the New York Times bestselling author of the Big Bad Wolf series. Heather’s educational background includes religious studies, archeology, and law. She has traveled all over the world but hopes to one day live in a town with a world-class hockey team. (Let’s Go Pens!) Visit Heather’s website at www.killough-walden.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter. Also, be sure to keep in touch with her and other fans through her Facebook fan page and through Twitter (killoughwalden)!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 25, 2017
Buckle up for a wild ride!
After reading all of HKW books I have to say this is one of my favorites. I don't want to give any spoilers so let me just say thus book kept me on the edge of my seat turning pages till I finished it. To anyone who is thinking of reading this series you will not be disappointed BUT this is a series you have to start from the beginning or you will miss out on a lot of important key elements. This series had been a wonderful journey and this book left me once again wondering, well now who is h traitor!! As always Heather finds a way to keep us guessing and wanting more! Absolutely love these books!! You will not be disappointed we have everything from vampires, werewolves, dragons, shifters of other nature, witches and so much more, buckle up for a wild ride!
After reading all of HKW books I have to say this is one of my favorites. I don't want to give any spoilers so let me just say thus book kept me on the edge of my seat turning pages till I finished it. To anyone who is thinking of reading this series you will not be disappointed BUT this is a series you have to start from the beginning or you will miss out on a lot of important key elements. This series had been a wonderful journey and this book left me once again wondering, well now who is h traitor!! As always Heather finds a way to keep us guessing and wanting more! Absolutely love these books!! You will not be disappointed we have everything from vampires, werewolves, dragons, shifters of other nature, witches and so much more, buckle up for a wild ride!
March 11, 2017
GENERAL INFO: The Shifter King
Year Pub/Re Pub:2/21/2017
Indie/Publisher:indie
Page Length:347
Genre: UF
Sub-Genre/Age:18+ just for that one sex scene
Book's Price:3.99
Price I'd Value: 2.99
Standalone/Cliffhanger:standalone
Standalone /Part of a Series/Installment:Bk 10 The Kings
Epilogue Included:yes
=======================================
POV (1st/2nd/3rd Person): 2nd
Character(s)POV Spoken: H, h
=======================================
BOOK DESCRIPTION
=======================================
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc:M/F
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:HFN
Contains Cheating:no
Contains Children:no
Flashbacks: Yes, to when H and h first meet in high school and, SPOILER******
***********************************************************************
h takes H's eye out.
Jealy/Possy/OTT Rating: 2. Jack has a little OTT moment at a bar with a werewolf who Sam politely turns down to his happiness.
Amount of Sex In The Book:one pretty explosive scene outside no less
Overall Smex Rating:4
=======================================
CHARACTER DESCRIPTION
=======================================
HERO: Jake Colton
Hero Description:doppelshifter, Shifter King "in hiding"
Hero Likability Rating:4
HEROINE: Samantha O'Neill
Heroine Description:magi shifter,has been on the run from Jack for 20 yrs
Heroine Likability Rating:4
Secondary characters:Raven-Sam's guardian, Darius Walker-Shifter King while Jack and Sam "grow up"
=======================================
H /h RELATIONSHIP INFO
=======================================
OW/OM/Exes:no
=======================================
Cheating Before/During/Outside H/h Relationship:no
Grovel Rating:n/a
Did OW/OM/Ex Ruin the Book For You:n/a
=======================================
TRIGGERS/WARNING:h is an ex-cutter, said in passing
=======================================
AUTHOR OVERVIEW: Heather Killough Walden
=======================================
Technical/Editing Quality:4
Writing/Content Quality:4
=======================================
PERSONAL OVERVIEW: Overall Rating:4
Do You Recommend This Book:maybe
Will You Re-read This Book:maybe
Would You Read More Books by this Author:yes
=======================================
COMMENTS/NOTES:H and h don't spend enough time together for me. It's over halfway thru the book before they speak again after the first time(when they are 16). I want them to build a relationship, not have an insta- love type thing. Jake knows Sam is his. He's thinking marriage, kids, etc. Sam's been on the run for twenty years waiting for him to get revenge. She hasn't thought about any kind of life. I don't buy them getting together in the span of a few chapters versus meeting and falling in love. Also, Raven gets a lot of book time that could be given to Sam and Jake. If she is going to be a future queen, that's one thing, or if she's playing a important role in the story with the Entity, I could see why she became such a focus. Sam doesn't need a guardian, she's a powerful queen. Having said all that - the feral, animalistic nature of that sex scene does make up for the lack of connection Sam and Jack had for 61% of the book IMO. It was hottt! Bummer ending though, where can this possibly go except the next book being the last with the Time King. Unless there is going to be some resurrection happening(possible spoiler, sorry) two kings are SOL!
Year Pub/Re Pub:2/21/2017
Indie/Publisher:indie
Page Length:347
Genre: UF
Sub-Genre/Age:18+ just for that one sex scene
Book's Price:3.99
Price I'd Value: 2.99
Standalone/Cliffhanger:standalone
Standalone /Part of a Series/Installment:Bk 10 The Kings
Epilogue Included:yes
=======================================
POV (1st/2nd/3rd Person): 2nd
Character(s)POV Spoken: H, h
=======================================
BOOK DESCRIPTION
=======================================
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc:M/F
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:HFN
Contains Cheating:no
Contains Children:no
Flashbacks: Yes, to when H and h first meet in high school and, SPOILER******
***********************************************************************
h takes H's eye out.
Jealy/Possy/OTT Rating: 2. Jack has a little OTT moment at a bar with a werewolf who Sam politely turns down to his happiness.
Amount of Sex In The Book:one pretty explosive scene outside no less
Overall Smex Rating:4
=======================================
CHARACTER DESCRIPTION
=======================================
HERO: Jake Colton
Hero Description:doppelshifter, Shifter King "in hiding"
Hero Likability Rating:4
HEROINE: Samantha O'Neill
Heroine Description:magi shifter,has been on the run from Jack for 20 yrs
Heroine Likability Rating:4
Secondary characters:Raven-Sam's guardian, Darius Walker-Shifter King while Jack and Sam "grow up"
=======================================
H /h RELATIONSHIP INFO
=======================================
OW/OM/Exes:no
=======================================
Cheating Before/During/Outside H/h Relationship:no
Grovel Rating:n/a
Did OW/OM/Ex Ruin the Book For You:n/a
=======================================
TRIGGERS/WARNING:h is an ex-cutter, said in passing
=======================================
AUTHOR OVERVIEW: Heather Killough Walden
=======================================
Technical/Editing Quality:4
Writing/Content Quality:4
=======================================
PERSONAL OVERVIEW: Overall Rating:4
Do You Recommend This Book:maybe
Will You Re-read This Book:maybe
Would You Read More Books by this Author:yes
=======================================
COMMENTS/NOTES:H and h don't spend enough time together for me. It's over halfway thru the book before they speak again after the first time(when they are 16). I want them to build a relationship, not have an insta- love type thing. Jake knows Sam is his. He's thinking marriage, kids, etc. Sam's been on the run for twenty years waiting for him to get revenge. She hasn't thought about any kind of life. I don't buy them getting together in the span of a few chapters versus meeting and falling in love. Also, Raven gets a lot of book time that could be given to Sam and Jake. If she is going to be a future queen, that's one thing, or if she's playing a important role in the story with the Entity, I could see why she became such a focus. Sam doesn't need a guardian, she's a powerful queen. Having said all that - the feral, animalistic nature of that sex scene does make up for the lack of connection Sam and Jack had for 61% of the book IMO. It was hottt! Bummer ending though, where can this possibly go except the next book being the last with the Time King. Unless there is going to be some resurrection happening(possible spoiler, sorry) two kings are SOL!
January 5, 2019
3.5 Stars
February 26, 2017
Stunning
Oh my! What a journey! This fast paced, action packed story will leave you breathless and yearning for more! Beautiful imagery makes you feel as though you are watching the story unfold like a movie with characters that sink right into your heart and take up residency. I highly recommend this book!!! 10 are mated, 2 are dead...... I can hardly wait to see what happens next!
Oh my! What a journey! This fast paced, action packed story will leave you breathless and yearning for more! Beautiful imagery makes you feel as though you are watching the story unfold like a movie with characters that sink right into your heart and take up residency. I highly recommend this book!!! 10 are mated, 2 are dead...... I can hardly wait to see what happens next!
February 25, 2017
Shifter king
Jack has been stalking Sam for many years but her time is up. Another king find there queen but its never easy with the Enity chasing them. Great book 10.
Jack has been stalking Sam for many years but her time is up. Another king find there queen but its never easy with the Enity chasing them. Great book 10.
February 28, 2017
Awesomeness
Does she write a bad book. Noooooo she absolutely rocks.. I love this series and it's still goin strong. It's just as good today as it was the first page a couple years ago. Love and heartaches but it's great.
Does she write a bad book. Noooooo she absolutely rocks.. I love this series and it's still goin strong. It's just as good today as it was the first page a couple years ago. Love and heartaches but it's great.
March 7, 2017
I really liked this newest installment of The Kings and it kept my interest all the way through. There's a new King and Queen, someone dies. There was an included short story at the end that made me cry. A few typos; not an extreme amount. One of my favorite authors.
This is not a standalone novel. For best reading, start with the Big Bad Wolf books which lead into this series. Some characters from this series appear in that one too. At least start with Book 1 of this series, because it's one big adventure.
This is not a standalone novel. For best reading, start with the Big Bad Wolf books which lead into this series. Some characters from this series appear in that one too. At least start with Book 1 of this series, because it's one big adventure.
March 1, 2017
The Kings never disappoint!
This series is such fun! Here we meet the Shifter King as the intrigue grows. I so appreciate the strength of the women/Queens in this series. Having partners written as true equals is refreshing. Heather continues to develop depth in her characters. As usual - I'm sad to reach the end of this installment and eagerly await the next.
This series is such fun! Here we meet the Shifter King as the intrigue grows. I so appreciate the strength of the women/Queens in this series. Having partners written as true equals is refreshing. Heather continues to develop depth in her characters. As usual - I'm sad to reach the end of this installment and eagerly await the next.
February 25, 2017
This book is #10 of 13. If you like paranormal anything I heartily recommend reading this series. I suggest you start with The Big Bad Wolf Series as the Kings spin off from there. You won't be disappointed. Happy reading everyone!☺
July 4, 2017
WOW! Lots of surprises in this installment - unfortunately, it's still a no-go on the identity of The Traitor King, but buckle up for a wild ride because Killough-Walden doesn't pull any punches with the shifter king and his soon-to-be queen. In The Shifter King, we learn that the king isn't the man we thought he was and the reason behind the deception is even more stunning. We learn that there are even more interesting shifters than previously revealed and that Sam and Jack's pairing might not have been only fated, but also a prophesy among the shifters and their guardians. The Hunters make a violent return in this installment and the consequences of that showdown are quite bloody... on both sides. And the setup for the next book in the series left me quite thankful that I put off reading The Shfter King until now because I can't imagine the torture of having to wait months for The Nightmare King.
As I said before, the identity of The Traitor King still has not been revealed and while the author does an outstanding job of laying false clues, raising suspicions, and pointing fingers, my suspect remains the same - even if I'm not sure how that's going to play out now. And while I'm still reeling from the loss experienced in The Demon King, there is a four-legged visitor that makes me question just what happened during the attack in that book. Hmmm, maybe I'll get my answers in The Nightmare King. Off I go to find out.
As I said before, the identity of The Traitor King still has not been revealed and while the author does an outstanding job of laying false clues, raising suspicions, and pointing fingers, my suspect remains the same - even if I'm not sure how that's going to play out now. And while I'm still reeling from the loss experienced in The Demon King, there is a four-legged visitor that makes me question just what happened during the attack in that book. Hmmm, maybe I'll get my answers in The Nightmare King. Off I go to find out.
June 3, 2020
I hate that I am getting so close to finishing this series, lol. This was another great book. Sam has been running for most of her life from a guy she met in high school. A guy whose eye she put out by partially shifting into another form, one with claws. He has always found her and will again.
Jack Colton has been keeping an eye on his queen for most of her life. He has always followed her and kept her safe. He knows that time is running out and he is going to have to claim her if he wants to continue to keep her safe. Having another shifter pose as King for all these years was a great plan at the time, but now things are coming to a head with the thirteen Kings, the Hunters, and the Entity and he has to take his rightful place before he gets someone killed or captured. But then it is too late and all he can do is trust the other Kings to help him fix it. The other Kings and his Queen. He must never forget that one of the others is a traitor. This could go so wrong...
Jack Colton has been keeping an eye on his queen for most of her life. He has always followed her and kept her safe. He knows that time is running out and he is going to have to claim her if he wants to continue to keep her safe. Having another shifter pose as King for all these years was a great plan at the time, but now things are coming to a head with the thirteen Kings, the Hunters, and the Entity and he has to take his rightful place before he gets someone killed or captured. But then it is too late and all he can do is trust the other Kings to help him fix it. The other Kings and his Queen. He must never forget that one of the others is a traitor. This could go so wrong...
February 15, 2022
Not a good story for me.
The good part: When you overlook the crazy, the dynamics between the heroine and hero are actually sweet. That's one of the reason I like this author. Sometimes she sees right into the heart of the things. She keeps you on her toes and you have wonder who's the villain of the story even when you are halfway through the book.
The crazy part:
There are times when the things or events in the books don't line up. Sometimes the writing gets too sloppy and confusing.
The good part: When you overlook the crazy, the dynamics between the heroine and hero are actually sweet. That's one of the reason I like this author. Sometimes she sees right into the heart of the things. She keeps you on her toes and you have wonder who's the villain of the story even when you are halfway through the book.
The crazy part:
There are times when the things or events in the books don't line up. Sometimes the writing gets too sloppy and confusing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2017
Lots of action, twists and turns.
Sam is a fascinating Queen. I would love to her shifter ability. Jack is a little odd. I like how he cares for Sam and his residence is cool but it was hard to get a handle on him. He was too secretive or something.
I liked the action and events of the final battle, but the very end scene is confusing. What happens now?
Footnote: 1) What are chances that both the Winter Queen and the Shifter Queen like Honeycrisp apples? Especially since they don’t know each other.
Fave scenes: escaping the store, the chess cat, the bilby and the flight of the Phoenix.
Sam is a fascinating Queen. I would love to her shifter ability. Jack is a little odd. I like how he cares for Sam and his residence is cool but it was hard to get a handle on him. He was too secretive or something.
I liked the action and events of the final battle, but the very end scene is confusing. What happens now?
Footnote: 1) What are chances that both the Winter Queen and the Shifter Queen like Honeycrisp apples? Especially since they don’t know each other.
Fave scenes: escaping the store, the chess cat, the bilby and the flight of the Phoenix.
March 4, 2017
I couldn't put this book down!
I have read all of the Kings books. I am not sure how Heather keeps producing such engaging stories! I think. this is the best magical story, ever. The heroine kept me engaged in her plight, sorrow, growth and happiness. All of the animal shifts were clearly thought out, and written with such detail, I would see them in my dreams. A good story moves the reader. This book had me soaring. Thank you Heather.
I have read all of the Kings books. I am not sure how Heather keeps producing such engaging stories! I think. this is the best magical story, ever. The heroine kept me engaged in her plight, sorrow, growth and happiness. All of the animal shifts were clearly thought out, and written with such detail, I would see them in my dreams. A good story moves the reader. This book had me soaring. Thank you Heather.
August 8, 2021
Omg, this was so good Sam and Jack what a pair they made this was definitely a great read. This series is so good I'm sad that it will end soon these kings are giving me all the feels. The Entity is one crafty bad guy I have never wanted a bad guy to lose as much as I want him to. I'm still confused on who the traitor was like what is happening but hopefully, that gets cleared up soon because this is driving me bonkers lol. I cannot wait for the next king to find his queen.
May 9, 2017
This book is the 10th in the series of the kings. In this book a shifter tries to keep away form a person she thinks means to do her harm. This book is very goo dreading as there is always something happening and new surprises around every corner. I hope we get to find out who the traitor is soon.
I am looking forward to the next book.
I am looking forward to the next book.
August 31, 2017
Still going strong
I love the fact that Heather used the names of some of her favorite characters from TV and such for this book in the series, I too love SG1 and am glad you did what the series never did, get Jack and Sam together! I hope that even after you reach the 13th book in this series, you will somehow keep this adventure going!
I love the fact that Heather used the names of some of her favorite characters from TV and such for this book in the series, I too love SG1 and am glad you did what the series never did, get Jack and Sam together! I hope that even after you reach the 13th book in this series, you will somehow keep this adventure going!
February 17, 2020
2020 Book Nerd Your Way
Did not fit an available category for the EBN Challenged.
Book #10 of The Kings series. This was a good story, but I feel like it got away from the author a little. It felt a little more chaotic than the last one. I really like Jack and Sam... I love that they are special shifters. I really hope the next three pick back up to the level of the beginning of the series.
Did not fit an available category for the EBN Challenged.
Book #10 of The Kings series. This was a good story, but I feel like it got away from the author a little. It felt a little more chaotic than the last one. I really like Jack and Sam... I love that they are special shifters. I really hope the next three pick back up to the level of the beginning of the series.
June 16, 2020
This story is about Jack Colton the shifter king and his queen Samantha O'Neill.
Another great edge on your seat story, with everything from vampires, werewolves, dragons, shifters, witches and so much more.
Once again we are left guessing as to who is the traitor.
These book are still very addictive and i am really enjoying them.
Another great edge on your seat story, with everything from vampires, werewolves, dragons, shifters, witches and so much more.
Once again we are left guessing as to who is the traitor.
These book are still very addictive and i am really enjoying them.
March 7, 2017
Marvelous Read
Wow, this series gets better and better. The author is brilliant, talented writer. Awesome characters that are strong, kind, and powerful. This is a series that makes you smile and keeps you on the edge of your seat? Very highly recommend and keep them coming.
Wow, this series gets better and better. The author is brilliant, talented writer. Awesome characters that are strong, kind, and powerful. This is a series that makes you smile and keeps you on the edge of your seat? Very highly recommend and keep them coming.
July 13, 2020
This one was just ok. A lot of chasing Sam and half the book was over before she and Jack even had a conversation. The Entity of course was there. The dragon king was slain as well as the nightmare king.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2017
Book 10 was simply AMAZING! I absolutely loved Jack and Sam! Bring on book 11!
March 11, 2017
Idk what was about this specific book, but it just really pissed me off. Especially the ending
May 5, 2017
These Queens
They are getting on my nerves. They know that they are needed. Kings have died. Will they be replaced? Have to wait to find out.....
They are getting on my nerves. They know that they are needed. Kings have died. Will they be replaced? Have to wait to find out.....
June 1, 2017
Loved it
Man this was a good. Can't wait for the next one to come. Seems I always finish too quickly n want to reread
Man this was a good. Can't wait for the next one to come. Seems I always finish too quickly n want to reread
June 3, 2017
Love
He books are absolutely amazing, she has been the only author I've read in the last two years. I look forward to more books.
He books are absolutely amazing, she has been the only author I've read in the last two years. I look forward to more books.
November 29, 2017
Ok
Repetitive in the saying about a lot of the story when the king speaks to the queen and king. The plot was okay but just didn't do it for me this time. Boring.
Repetitive in the saying about a lot of the story when the king speaks to the queen and king. The plot was okay but just didn't do it for me this time. Boring.
December 3, 2017
Love this series
This is one of her best series I only wish I could find it on audible so I could listen while I’m on the go
This is one of her best series I only wish I could find it on audible so I could listen while I’m on the go
July 1, 2018
I couldn’t put down, finished this before the day ended. I was not expecting the casualties that occurred. I love how powerful the women are! Looks as if their unity will prevail. Very good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews