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It's hard enough being an undergraduate student, an intern at Downtown Manhattan's police station, and a bouncer at a local bar. Add her now ex-boyfriend who recently dumped her for the school's resident bimbo—oh, and she's a werewolf.
Mackenzie Grey meets her match when she is kidnapped by the Brooklyn Pack and tossed between Sebastian and Jonah—the Alpha and the Beta. Being a lone-wolf in the city is dangerous, and now that the Pack has found her, so can every supernatural being in the Tri-State area. And not even her sarcastic, smart mouth can get her out of this.
When a string of kidnappings involves Mackenzie in supernatural politics, she questions her new acquaintances and finds unlikely allies. Can she escape Pack law and keep her freedom—or will she be condemned to an unwanted path?
It's hard enough being an undergraduate student, an intern at Downtown Manhattan's police station, and a bouncer at a local bar. Add her now ex-boyfriend who recently dumped her for the school's resident bimbo—oh, and she's a werewolf.
Mackenzie Grey meets her match when she is kidnapped by the Brooklyn Pack and tossed between Sebastian and Jonah—the Alpha and the Beta. Being a lone-wolf in the city is dangerous, and now that the Pack has found her, so can every supernatural being in the Tri-State area. And not even her sarcastic, smart mouth can get her out of this.
When a string of kidnappings involves Mackenzie in supernatural politics, she questions her new acquaintances and finds unlikely allies. Can she escape Pack law and keep her freedom—or will she be condemned to an unwanted path?
Audible Audio
First published January 21, 2015
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About the author
Karina Espinosa
107 books466 followersKarina Espinosa is a Colombian-American author best known for the Mackenzie Grey series, the Blood Weaver Trilogy, and her latest romantasy hit, The Dragon’s Ballad. When she’s not writing fierce heroines and magical chaos, she’s globe-trotting, bingeing Asian dramas, or teaching college students how to write essays—with a coffee in hand and fictional body count on the rise.
Follow her for more coffee-fueled chaos and character heartbreak.
Follow her for more coffee-fueled chaos and character heartbreak.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
August 18, 2017
***** 4.5 Stars *****
If you are looking for a good werewolf story, stop right now. Shift will satisfy your cravings. This is definitely one of my fantasy favorites this year. I was hooked at the first chapter, and the story continued to keep getting better. It was funny, exciting, and just an amazing read.
Mackenzie was a lone wolf living in New York. She's bold, loud, and determined. She also has moments of being childish and annoying, but she calls herself out. The whole werewolf thing is new to her, so cut her some slack.
The Brooklyn pack discovered her by accident and kidnapped her. She didn't like the rules that the pack lived by. She'll never be like the female wolves and do household duties. Giving up her independence was not an option.
Most of the members in the pack didn't trust Mackenzie, but the pack's Alpha and Beta were both attracted to her. The love triangle will definitely pull at your heart. This wasn't erotic or anything, but it had some good heated PG-13 moments. I can't wait for book #2. I hope this series never ends!
If you are looking for a good werewolf story, stop right now. Shift will satisfy your cravings. This is definitely one of my fantasy favorites this year. I was hooked at the first chapter, and the story continued to keep getting better. It was funny, exciting, and just an amazing read.
Mackenzie was a lone wolf living in New York. She's bold, loud, and determined. She also has moments of being childish and annoying, but she calls herself out. The whole werewolf thing is new to her, so cut her some slack.
The Brooklyn pack discovered her by accident and kidnapped her. She didn't like the rules that the pack lived by. She'll never be like the female wolves and do household duties. Giving up her independence was not an option.
Most of the members in the pack didn't trust Mackenzie, but the pack's Alpha and Beta were both attracted to her. The love triangle will definitely pull at your heart. This wasn't erotic or anything, but it had some good heated PG-13 moments. I can't wait for book #2. I hope this series never ends!
December 1, 2025
2.75
Well I liked the plot of the book- girl goes to college with her hsc bf thinking she's going to get the regular young adult experience...only to one day inexplicably turn into a werewolf!
No bite, no random attack, no were's in the family tree, and no clue on what to do- except trust her new dorm mate who happened to walk in on her mid change, and try to figure out how to balance her school, work, and family life every full moon!
x--------------------------------------x
Spoilery review:
So overall plot and Kenzie's friendship with Amy was about all I liked. Other than that-Kenzie's wishy washy character choices, the "love interests", plot holes, and casual sexism (from both women and men) were just not my jam.
I mean, it wasn't even the fact that the werewolves were stuck in the 50's with the whole "women stay home and take care of babies and listen to the men folk" spiel that was annoying (which it was) but also the fact that to the h, every women she encountered besides Amy was a 'whore, home wrecker, bimbo bitch' So much girl hate going on.
But while Kenzie would get mad at all these women she would then never get AS mad at the men?
--Like she would be sad about her ex who dumped her out of the blue, but be down right vicious to the girl he ended up dating. (Yeah she was an ass too but why save all that hate for JUST her when HE was your bf for 3 years and your friend for 16???)
---She was bitchy and jealous right back to V even though V had been with Bash for years- but didn't really say to much when Bash said "oh I just have her around for my needs" Yuck.
---Got all jealous and shitty about that fae chick hitting on Jonah when she couldn't even make her damn mind up if she even like him or not in the first place.
Also is Kenzie's character just wishy washy as hell in the first place? Because the amount of stuff Kenzie is pissed about one second but lets go the next is wild.
-Like her ex asking to pretend they didn't break for his family's sake and her going along with it
-Her being suspicious of the drink Caleb was giving Sam (enough to call for help ) and thinks its drugged but drinking it anyways?
- The weird way Bash tried to take advantage of her then threw a hissy fit because she wouldn't fuck him--then being all over him in the elevator
-the way they took her blood w/o consent after they kidnapped her...and her just being cool playing wolf pack with them a few hrs later??
I mean she did call them out on shit, but then when back on it like less than a scene later. Because....wolf hormones? I dunno man.
Well I liked the plot of the book- girl goes to college with her hsc bf thinking she's going to get the regular young adult experience...only to one day inexplicably turn into a werewolf!
No bite, no random attack, no were's in the family tree, and no clue on what to do- except trust her new dorm mate who happened to walk in on her mid change, and try to figure out how to balance her school, work, and family life every full moon!
x--------------------------------------x
Spoilery review:
So overall plot and Kenzie's friendship with Amy was about all I liked. Other than that-Kenzie's wishy washy character choices, the "love interests", plot holes, and casual sexism (from both women and men) were just not my jam.
I mean, it wasn't even the fact that the werewolves were stuck in the 50's with the whole "women stay home and take care of babies and listen to the men folk" spiel that was annoying (which it was) but also the fact that to the h, every women she encountered besides Amy was a 'whore, home wrecker, bimbo bitch' So much girl hate going on.
But while Kenzie would get mad at all these women she would then never get AS mad at the men?
--Like she would be sad about her ex who dumped her out of the blue, but be down right vicious to the girl he ended up dating. (Yeah she was an ass too but why save all that hate for JUST her when HE was your bf for 3 years and your friend for 16???)
---She was bitchy and jealous right back to V even though V had been with Bash for years- but didn't really say to much when Bash said "oh I just have her around for my needs" Yuck.
---Got all jealous and shitty about that fae chick hitting on Jonah when she couldn't even make her damn mind up if she even like him or not in the first place.
Also is Kenzie's character just wishy washy as hell in the first place? Because the amount of stuff Kenzie is pissed about one second but lets go the next is wild.
-Like her ex asking to pretend they didn't break for his family's sake and her going along with it
-Her being suspicious of the drink Caleb was giving Sam (enough to call for help ) and thinks its drugged but drinking it anyways?
- The weird way Bash tried to take advantage of her then threw a hissy fit because she wouldn't fuck him--then being all over him in the elevator
-the way they took her blood w/o consent after they kidnapped her...and her just being cool playing wolf pack with them a few hrs later??
I mean she did call them out on shit, but then when back on it like less than a scene later. Because....wolf hormones? I dunno man.
October 9, 2021
DNF - quit at 45%
I will give the book this, it's a unique plot that had lots of potential, but fell way short of that potential. To start, there’s way too much inner dialogue for Kenzie. Then there’s to many cliche types of characters introduced in the part I did read, took the dynamic out of the story. There’s the wishy-washy heroine who wants to be cop but has no common sense for that, & that it seems all the guys want her; with the odd side kick best girlfriend (ride or die type of friend, which is awesome & needed); the douche ex-boyfriend that she admits several times (in internal dialogue) that she never was really “in love” with but mourns the lost “friend” relationship even though he’s done her wrong; the super gorgeous alpha-hole werewolf that she’s extremely attracted to even though he’s a jerk; the secondary werewolf that wants her even though he’s not alpha (but could be); all the “good looking” drool worthy werewolves she sees in that pack (I’m so tired of all the shifters always being gorgeous in every book)… I also think this book suffers an identity crisis, and that really hurt the story, it reads like a Y/A (Young Adult or teenagers) type book, lots of angst & the characters behave more like high schoolers, than people with only a year left in college or older. So at best, with the sexual commentary (no actual sex happens by 45%), & Kenzie’s propensity to getting a bit heavy handed on wanting violence I would not be comfortable with this as anything less than N/A (New Adult) if I were to classify it, definitely not adult. There is no world building, granted the FMC, Kenzie, had no clue about paranormals being real when she started wolfing out 4 years prior to the story starting, but I find it odd that she didn’t do a lot of research into paranormal books just to see if anything rang a little bit true at least since there’s obviously no actual legit Google documentation on werewolves out there in the story since they are still hiding from the world. There is no character development by 45%- for any of the characters. I really didn’t develop a liking for any of them, let alone feel like I knew them or could relate to them. There are 2 wolf shifters introduced, that seem like they might be a love triangle for her or maybe something more (ménage?). But I find it odd she doesn’t hate them for having kidnapped her & drugging her in the first place. I don’t even understand their dynamics to each other. Kenzie’s character is all over the place in her behavior, one minute she’s a kickass female, the next she’s a giggling schoolgirl, then a moody bitch. I just couldn’t take the inconsistencies anymore.
At my age (approaching 60), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
I will give the book this, it's a unique plot that had lots of potential, but fell way short of that potential. To start, there’s way too much inner dialogue for Kenzie. Then there’s to many cliche types of characters introduced in the part I did read, took the dynamic out of the story. There’s the wishy-washy heroine who wants to be cop but has no common sense for that, & that it seems all the guys want her; with the odd side kick best girlfriend (ride or die type of friend, which is awesome & needed); the douche ex-boyfriend that she admits several times (in internal dialogue) that she never was really “in love” with but mourns the lost “friend” relationship even though he’s done her wrong; the super gorgeous alpha-hole werewolf that she’s extremely attracted to even though he’s a jerk; the secondary werewolf that wants her even though he’s not alpha (but could be); all the “good looking” drool worthy werewolves she sees in that pack (I’m so tired of all the shifters always being gorgeous in every book)… I also think this book suffers an identity crisis, and that really hurt the story, it reads like a Y/A (Young Adult or teenagers) type book, lots of angst & the characters behave more like high schoolers, than people with only a year left in college or older. So at best, with the sexual commentary (no actual sex happens by 45%), & Kenzie’s propensity to getting a bit heavy handed on wanting violence I would not be comfortable with this as anything less than N/A (New Adult) if I were to classify it, definitely not adult. There is no world building, granted the FMC, Kenzie, had no clue about paranormals being real when she started wolfing out 4 years prior to the story starting, but I find it odd that she didn’t do a lot of research into paranormal books just to see if anything rang a little bit true at least since there’s obviously no actual legit Google documentation on werewolves out there in the story since they are still hiding from the world. There is no character development by 45%- for any of the characters. I really didn’t develop a liking for any of them, let alone feel like I knew them or could relate to them. There are 2 wolf shifters introduced, that seem like they might be a love triangle for her or maybe something more (ménage?). But I find it odd she doesn’t hate them for having kidnapped her & drugging her in the first place. I don’t even understand their dynamics to each other. Kenzie’s character is all over the place in her behavior, one minute she’s a kickass female, the next she’s a giggling schoolgirl, then a moody bitch. I just couldn’t take the inconsistencies anymore.
At my age (approaching 60), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
September 24, 2020
Karina Espinosa
Title: Shift
Author: Karina Espinosa
Series: Mackenzie Grey: Origin, Book 1
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
**** This Book Is A Re-Read For Me ****
***** Updated Review Below *****
I decided to re-read this book, as it had been so long since I started the series and I wanted to be able to read the rest of the books with this one fresh in mind. Most of my original review still stands (see original review below), but I believe the saying that, 'familiarity breeds contempt." Now, of course, I'm being excessively dramatic, but would you expect anything less of me? I thought not. ;)
What I really mean is, the second time around I found myself less excited and exuberant than the first time, which could be chalked up to the fact that this was a re-read and just maybe, maybe I was a tiny little bit bored, but I also have now rated it .5 stars lower from my original review due to one very specific scene and underlying tension throughout the book, but I will get to that in a moment.
First, lets just take a moment to stand back in awe and wonder that is Karina Espinosa. She really is, without a doubt, quite terrific. She takes and puts a spin on the Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance genre and does it with absolute grace and originality. Her writing is flawless, in the sense that I never, not once, have to go... "wait, what? How the heck did we jump from that scene to this craziness?" - which is a REALLY BIG DEAL for me. I abhor books that jump without a flow and Ms Espinosa never fails to deliver a seamless flow of writing that makes the story not only flow better, but also keeps you captivated and drawn in. And that, folks, is a GIFT.
Now, let's get to the part that did make me stand back and go, "what the holy hell just happened there? ICK!" So, keep in mind, that the first time I read this book in September 2015, this scene didn't even make a hiccup for me. I breezed past it without a second thought, completely immersed in the story and the world that is all things werewolf - which includes, very bossy, dominate Alphas' that always get their way - and I was happy as a clam. Alright, enough stalling, lets get into the scene:
Mackenzie and Sebastian are in the library for the night, hiding out from a very upset and aggressive Brooklyn pack when Bash decides to make a 'go' for Kenzie. Kenzie had already had an emotionally and sexually charged scene with Jonah, who put a stop to it because he knew he would be taking advantage of Kenzie due to her being so separated from her wolf. Now, go back to the scene with Bash - he literally tells her he doesn't care if its wrong and pushes her after she says stop. He even says, "It's a privilege to be with an Alpha." And thank God, Kenzie even says WTF in her inner dialogue - which is the saving grace of this scene. I had to put the book down in minor (maybe major) disgust. No is NO. Period. End of story. So I was very disappointed in a book that I loved so much, and an author I admire, that this sort of scene was even taking place. However, it didn't go further and again, Kenzie sure the heck put a stop to it, which is why it's so easy to fall in love with her feisty , stubborn to the core spirit.
So, I now understand that my own personal life experiences can taint the way I see things and how I react; I also know where this book intends to go, so I don't want to discourage readers from what is, in fact, an amazing author and gripping series - hence the reason I gave only a .5 reduction instead of smashing this book completely down. I remember the way the series ends up flowing so I still highly recommend this book, regardless of this scene.
So readers, go forth and lap up this book and series - you won't be disappointed!
*** THE ORIGINAL REVIEW ***
**** RESPECT THE OG ****
I did, in fact, receive a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.....
.... But, I was just so excited to read this one that I went ahead and bought it before I even got my copy from the publisher.
So. Freaking. Worth. It.
Um, holy cow with a triple side serving of 'yes, please'!
This is it people. The series I've been searching for every since I fell in love with the Mercy Thompson series. This book is the very definition of why I love werewolf books.
The characters are fan-freaking-tastic. Mackenzie is a force to be reckoned with and is as strong as she is sassy. I love me some smart-ass, strong as nails female characters and Mackenzie leads the pack ( pun very much intended!). I definitely love the chemistry between all the characters and I'm so intrigued by how they interact. I absolutely can't wait to see what is going to happen next!
The plot is awesome. It is definitely molded from the paranormal genre but has more than enough originality to be a shining star amongst the masses.
This book left me grinning from ear to ear when I was finished it. This is a prime example of why I love my books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2021
I haven't read a shifter book in years, I forgot how much I loved them. Reading Shift, Karina Espinosa has revived my love for this genre. I really got hooked straight from the beginning. I really loved the characters, they were so realistic that you can't help but to connect with each one of them. Mackenzie was very headstrong, I loved her character. She was very determined to be herself and not what others wanted her to be. Sebastian and Jonah, what can I say about these two except they are both so very hot! Sebastian, I really hated in the beginning, I didn't want to like him but he grows on you. Jonah, he wears his heart on his sleeve and I'm calling dibs on him. He is def my fave character out of all the characters in the book. All three of the main characters were stubborn and set in their ways so there was a lot of head butting, but it was so fast paced, once I started there was no putting it down. Each turn of the page there was more drama unfolding, def kept me up all night reading. I also think Jackson needs his own spin off. I really enjoyed reading this and feel others will as well, I highly recommend reading Shift and I can't wait to see what this author has in store for the rest of the series.
January 29, 2021
This book was not for me. Made it to chapter 6.
First paragraph and we already have the misogynistic girl-hate that attempts to make the female MC look...strong? I guess? She reads as juvenile at best. All the characters are the worst type of stereotypes, and even though they’re supposed to be adults, they read like 15-year-olds at best.
Worldbuilding is poor, the characters are cringey, and the MC seems more preoccupied by how hot the men are than by the fact they kidnapped her and drugged her multiple times. The wolf pack is 2D at best, and I don’t particularly care for the whole “the females are here to breed and watch the kids” thing, which is I guess supposed to show how backwards they are and how progressive and “against the mold” the MC is.
Also, I don’t need to keep reading about your melting and drenched panties. Ick. No thanks.
DNF
First paragraph and we already have the misogynistic girl-hate that attempts to make the female MC look...strong? I guess? She reads as juvenile at best. All the characters are the worst type of stereotypes, and even though they’re supposed to be adults, they read like 15-year-olds at best.
Worldbuilding is poor, the characters are cringey, and the MC seems more preoccupied by how hot the men are than by the fact they kidnapped her and drugged her multiple times. The wolf pack is 2D at best, and I don’t particularly care for the whole “the females are here to breed and watch the kids” thing, which is I guess supposed to show how backwards they are and how progressive and “against the mold” the MC is.
Also, I don’t need to keep reading about your melting and drenched panties. Ick. No thanks.
DNF
Read
June 15, 2025This is a minus 5 on my scale of minus 5 to plus 5. I did not try to finish this.
My keyboard has been distorted again by Kindle. I had just received a notice from Kindle asking whether I wish to change my UK dictionary to a UK dictionary? Suspicious, I looked at the language and keyboard settings and again my keyboard had been reset to what is called thumb format, I believe.
It seems the Kindle notice that they no longer support Goodreads have not stopped the butt hurt Amazon man-children from again expressing their disapproval of my opinion of Amazon, Kindle, Goodreads. This is another example of the pettiness and cowardice of these damaged fellows. Hiding their little interventions from system note is insane. If it might cost them, do not do. If it is a righteous belief system, involving punishing a reader with issues regarding racist representation, misogynistic portrayals, US supremacist themes, why sneak about. One should take pride in the effort.
For now I need a stepaway to the YouTube. This next was made possible by Doctor Who/They Break My Heart -RecklessGirl100, Red Glasgow, Keffals, Gingers are Black, LuckyBlackCat, May Moon Narrowboat, Inside Russia, Amie's Literary Empire, ScaredKetchup, Philosophy Tube, Viva La Dirt League, Cruising the Cut, Ukraine Matters, Silicon Curtain, Liz Webster, Sanctioned Ivan, Mia Mulder, UATV, The Leftist Cooks, Emma Thorne. Fit 2B Read, NFKRZ, Shades of Orange, Ukraine Calling, Ben and Emily, Bobbing Along, Cruising Crafts, Kyiv Independent, Winging it on a Budget, ThePrimeChronus, Depressed Russian, NFKRZ, Verilybitchie, Truth to Power, Battle Order, Central Crossing, Oceanliner Designs, May, Fundie Fridays. Malinda, Mythology and Fiction Explained, Squire, Military History Visualized, Quinn's Ideas, Brandon Fisichella, Filaxim Historia, TVP News, JingXuan performances, Secret Sauce of StoryCraft, Merphy Napier. Cari Can Read. Books and Lala, Willow Talks Books, Raw News and Politics. Owen Jones. Female Warriors - Teresatessa, Chris and Shell, Kathy's Flog in France, Cruising Alba, Boat Time, Just in Time Worldbuilding, Haylo Hayley, Nini Music, Captured in Words, Tom Nicholas, Times Radio, Holly the Cafe Boat, NerdForge, Living Anachronism, Kelly Loves Physics and History, Sailing Melody, Bryony Claire, Books N Cats, Haropones, Leena Norms, JohnTheDuncan, Lily Simpson, The British Museum, The London History Show, Karolina Zebrowska, History of Everything, Not Even Emily, Meghan Sandor, Gutsick Gibbon, Planarwalker, Ben G Thomas, Dr Fatima physicist, Megalithhunter, Welcome to Ukraine, The Cosy Creative, Geo Girl, Books & Borders, SciFi Scavenger, OrangeRiver, Jen the Librarian, Sumatha Reads Books, Atun Shei Films, Anda Kent, Jessie Gender, Anark, Fun Size Reader, BobbyBroccoli, Kaz Rowe, Caelan Conrad, Riverboat Jack, Nomadic Crobot, History of Everything, Lily Alexandre, Dark Brandon.
I recently saw that one Village Idiot who whilst insulting an essayist I reference, complained to her that I list other trans channel creators. After the last election, I no longer question the stupidity and nastiness of US males and so a Trigger Warning might be in order. To that idiot and friends be aware that among the channels which I list there are economist, hobbyist, cis, Swedish, mathematician, asexual, blond, historian, bi, physicist, trans, married, older, Welsh, socialist, het, red haired, gay, linguist, primatologist, tall, gamer, WOC, mathematician and many other female creators or as the sane refer to them Women. Almost as disturbing are the other channels which include communist, French, philosopher, hobbyist, film critic, logician, writer, other BIPOC, Neurodivergent, Scottish, other LGBTQ+, ginger, gamer, archaeologist, anarchist and more or as the sane label them Human Beings. If the voices still insist that you visit channels and my reviews, I urge that you seek emergency therapy, immediate pastoral counselling or our Catholic exorcism. My personal feelings towards these morons mirrors those of the 13 Ukrainian marines defending Snake Island, when the Russian navy demanded their surrender. Their response was "Russian warship, go f@ck yourself". Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!
This is typical low fantasy romance or perhaps it is better to say that it is bad romance in a present day werewolf, vampire and other creature setting. I got to the ten percent mark before giving up on this book. There was not one character who was not a stereotype. I just summarised the entire worldbuilding.
Obviously the dialogue matched the non-characters. There was no trace of personality anywhere on the page nor did it seem possible.
The misogyny began with the heroine on page one or two moaning about being dumped by her handsome jock boyfriend for a bigger breasted, man stealer. Her ex-boyfriend is only described as body, hotness and build. His view of relationships and/or women is problematic. The heroine was the stereotypical, damaged woman which the Republican Party would make the social norm. The woman hating women is a staple in these books and at best it is lazy writing which also reinforces identity self-hate. That is unpleasant story writing for me as a man but it might work for the target audience. Regardless I feel that it is unhealthy practice.
When I read her meeting a thug-like "Alpha" werewolf with less grace than a sport hooligan, I was burned out. This introduces how turned on she is by the very antisocial thug. She began describing in great detail how her body, her entire nervous system responded to his blatant sociopathy, hot body, etc. This exhibited the closest thing to real feelings in the book up to that point. I had to bail.
I do not know if there was a plot. The writing indicated that the writer had the ability to possibly do better but she preferred to write a "romance". This will devolve into S.A., abuse and more which will be love. I wish these books were labelled Erotica or Smut instead of romance, which would allow appropriate expectations. I have yet to see anything romantic in any sense of the word in one of these books.
The cartoon book covers and the YA label are very, very dangerous, since the book banners have no problem shelving these in school libraries. That assumes that there is no LGBTQ+ representation, non-white characters, non-US characters, etc. The Trumpist man and woman only support the most wholesome. The US is a dying culture.
I recently saw disturbing literacy numbers for the US. 52% of US readers between 16 and 74 years of age read BELOW the sixth grade level which I think is 11 or 12 years old. The US romance genre has an average eleven year old reading level, which makes more sense to me now. Sadly the mass of speculative fiction seems written at the nine to ten year old level, which also makes sense to me now.
Publishers can generate non-edited, poorly written rubbish which are labelled Romance, Romantasy, Fantasy because women and the 17% of male readers will buy them. Women are the largest segment of book buyers, what they accept has weight. In science fiction the situation is similar with the constant comment refrain being that "It's just science fiction" from readers who know nothing of the historical importance and purpose of the genre nor care. That is probably an overwhelmingly male audience and I have sampled the abuse directed at female readers who take issue with seriously flawed writing. These twisted groups have even attacked BookTubers for actually reviewing books.
I have already earned a mental reset on the YouTube. This next is courtesy of - Puddles Pity Party, Combat Veteran Reacts, Yoyomi, Kyiv Independent, The Gaze, Mia Mulder, Girls Rock Asia, Ship Happens, Mythology and Fiction Explained, Hej Sokoly, Anna from Ukraine, A Cup of Nicole, Asturias Quartet, Verilybitchie, May Moon Narrowboat, Eugenia from Ukraine, May, Library Ladder, Terrible Writing Advice, Belle Teresa, Annamarie Forcino, Nikki Carreon, Raw News and Politics, Menagerie, Hoots, Maggie Mae Fish, NerdForge, Interior Design Hub, Answer in Progress, Andrewism, Think that Through, Sarah Z, Dami Lee, Books with Emily Fox, Jay Exci, With Cindy, Female Warriors -Teresatessa, Dan Davis History, Crecganford, Strange Aeons, Mythic Concepts, Michael Lambert, Think that Through, Just in Time Worldbuilding, Veritas et Caritas, Malinda, Cover in French, Elina Charatsidou, Patrick(H)Willem, Contrapoints, Narrowboat Pirate, Tank Encyclopedia, No Justice, Broken Peach, Library of a Viking, Northern Narrowboaters, Lily Simpson, SciFi Odyssey, Jay Exci, Well Deck Diaries, Diary of a Ditch Witch, Templin Institute, Amanda the Jedi, Depressed Russian. Oceanliner Designs, Drama Kween, Spacedock, Military History Visualised, D'Angelo, Rebecca Watson, Bitchuation Room, Belle of the Ranch, Northern Narrowboaters, Widebeam and Wellingtons, Books with Emily Fox, Lydia Loves Timelines, AllShorts, Neida Teresa, Wednesday Addams -Paint it Black, Adiemus -Carmina Slovenica, Sanctioned Ivan, Joe Blogs, Unlearning Economics, Operator Starsky, Lily Simpson, Galactic Imaginarium, Hetty and the Jazzalato Band, The New Enlightenment, ConeOfArc, The Bands of HM Royal Marines, HBomberGuy, League of STEAM, Aid Thompsin, Hardcover Podcast, Jake Broe, Well Deck Diaries, Nomadic Crobot, Autumn's Boutique, Kris Atomic, Bobbing Along, Ben and Emily, Agro Squirrel Narrates, Nini Music, With Cindy, Fantasy and World Music by the Fletchers, Classics with Damien Walker, Paleo Analysis, Natasha's Adventures, Military Aviation History, Invicta, Merphy Napier, JuLingo, Geo Girl, Kelly Loves Physics and History, Media is Fay, Kat Blacque, Shar Henley, Darkest Hour Reads, JingXuan, Daily Stoic, Not Even Emily, Engineering with Rosie, Central Crossing, Xiran Jay Zhao, Princess Weekes, Kings and Generals, NarraTale, Tale Foundry, Ember Green, Haropones, ScFi Odyssey, Leena Norms, ATP Geopolitics, Hello Future Me, JammiDodger.
Please consider treating this as a potentially hostile site. 🤔
Goodreads discourse does not exist. As example, I wrote a short negative review of Powers of the Earth, formerly touted on Kindle as similar to the "The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress". Powers was so far different to Heinlein as to convince me that Kindle/Goodreads staff are functionally illiterate. Powers was written by Travis Corcoran who self-described as libertarian and advocate for the return of chattel slavery, veteran, admirer of Putin's Muscovy, and employee of an unnamed US agency. A MAGA exemplar. The book is a badly written, juvenile salute to the sociopathic January 6, 2021 hero. My opinion that the plot of the protagonist attempting the overthrow of the US government with the aid of the military in order that the newly rich not pay taxes, despite being a popular theme is dangerous and unhealthy. My opinion incensed the writer and six other "patriots", who went mental. As a communist, I hate the irony.
Those "patriotic" morons spent about a year and pages of unhinged comments, regarding slavery, the importance of white men to history and other now very common declarations among Trump voters and the Republican Party. The writer was several years ahead of his time but I declined engagement. A final comment was written by a Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710 now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr stating that They had "won" (?).
It seems that They managed to attack every female creator of channels which I mentioned. The physicists, boaters. hobbyists, essayists and many other female channel creators were hardly impressed with the US male. The world's overabundance of unpleasantness was certainly increased and They did deliver a wonderful self-portrait of the snowflake (arrogantly stupid, uneducated US man-children) to a multinational audience which it seems was a Victory. Goodreads discourse, Yay ?? USA, Yay ??
See the pronouncements from Republican and Nazi channels, as well as Project 2025. There will be no doubt that Goodreads attempts to enforce consensus, an absence of thoughtful examination of fiction consumed and silencing those readers who disagree with the common opinion.
My You Tube picks of the moment.
Keffals, Owen Jones, Jess Owens, Red Viburnam Song, Rebecca Romney, Gracey D, Amie's Literary Empire, The Cosy Creative, The Gaze, Leeja Miller, Biz, Tom Nicholas, Camily Balbo, Philosophy Tube, Munecat, The Closet Historian, Shannon Makes, Weir on the Move, Travelling K. The Authentic Observer, Kady2.0, The Researcher, Caerhl Irey, Lisa McLeod, Scallydandling About the Books, Acollierastro, Ellie Dashwood, Bernadette Banner, Shannon Makes, Break and Remake, Kirkpattiecake, Sabine Hossenfelder, Books and Things, Clouds and Sky, Parkrose Permaculture, Belinda Strnad, Carl Duncan, Esther Natakunda, FAFO,
Ominous Music begins. 😊 My first attack stream began within six months of the first review in which I criticised the poor writing. The above example was the last comment over several years that I should receive but it was really no different to the rest except perhaps in intensity. Other science fiction readers have received much the same and the romance comment gangs are become legend. Stalking, Doxxing and threats are now standard not just on Goodreads but against BookTubers as well. Amazon have taken no action against members, writers and employees involved nor acknowledged the incidents.
Kindle/Goodreads gave my meagre message history over to these deranged members. The result was a request through Pine Gap Centre to Australian Intelligence that the one friend whom I messaged occasionally be interrogated for my personal history. The attempt failed but did result in two outraged customers,which bothered Amazon not at all until we began publicising the event. All lurkers, especially the unreachable Dr Susan Hamilton Emeritus professor at University of Tennessee whom I was not Allowed to unfriend were disappeared, the alterations to my pages have disappeared, the fact of nasty to threatening comments have been masked and the rest visible to other readers suddenly, simultaneously disappeared.
Recently the seventh ex-employee of EBay was sentenced for the harassment of a couple who produced a small ecommerce channel deemed unkind to EBay. The couple were awarded multi-millions of pounds and that ex-employee had been the EBay Chief of EBay Global Security or some such. These are things to consider.
My suggested precautions may make you safer, though not invulnerable until you replace the Kindle with a better non-Amazon reader and other reader forums. There are several other smaller book review sites which are safer than Goodreads, if Amazon do not successfully absorb them.
Remove all personal information from Goodreads profile and avoid messaging. Remove the lurkers, those friends who never post. They are monitors and neither harmless nor admirers. Given the Goodreads penchant for Alteration of customer pages, the screenshot of the removal of reviews and the other odd and ugly are invaluable.
Do Not purchase Amazon Ebooks. There are other sources and hard copies are also a better choice. You purchase the device not downloads, Amazon reserves the right to remove all your purchases and have exercised same. This is in addition to Amazon sanctioned service interruptions and more. Do Not use Kindle Files, Calendar, Email or Contacts. All searches on Amazon Silk should be non-critical and innocuous. If you find the oddities I mention to be normal or are American disregard both the above paragraphs.
For others it might be useful to visit US political or social channels for an insight into what is now considered acceptable in Speech and Act. These men and women lack sanity, healthy socialisation, or recognisable morality but They are the proud US patriot. Ominous music ends. 😊
Some of my favourite channels.
Ben and Emily, Bobbing Along, UATV, Nicole Chilaka-Ukpo, Gingers are Black, Double Down News, Tom Powell, Professor Tim Wilson, Gresham College, Abney Park, The Shogunate, The Gaze, RFULegendary Tactics, Bernadette Banner, The Hat Historian, Historical Fashion, Munecat, Book Chats with Shelley, Planet D, Times Radio, Sumatha Reads, Mrs Betty Bowers, According to Alina, Cass Ellis, Summer Gayle, Owen Jones, Tom Nicholas, Lily Simpson, Tara Mooknee, May, Chris and Shell, Philosophy Tube, Randy Rainbow, TVP News, Weirdo Book Club, The Tank Museum, Our Shiny Days Battle Music, Read & Knit with Cheryl, Cossack and Caucasus Sword Dance, Doxie Carter, Plant Based Bride, The Brothers Gwynne, The Amber Ruffin Show, Petrik Leo, Kirkpattiecake, Council of Geeks, H Quinn's Ideas, Some More News, Read Rant Review, Yoyomi, Reads with Rachel, Sabine Hossenfelder, Songs Sped Up, Broken Peach, Prime of Midlife, AllShorts, Ukrainian Jenny, Steve Shives, The Shitty Book Club, Red Pen, Red Glasgow, Silicon Curtain, Reporting from Ukraine, BobbyBroccoli, Aid Thompsin, Kat Blacque, Kathy's Flog in France, Fraser Cain, Elina Charatsidou, UNTV, Coffee and Tales, Leah Nicole, Raya, Cambrian Chronicles, Lexi aka NewlyNova, Up and Atom, Jessie Gender, The Welsh Viking, The Book Leo, Riverboat Jack, Octopus Lady, Lady of the Library, Renegade Cut, Skip Intro, The Juice Media, Hailey Hughes, Miniminuteman, Stephen Milo, Patrick(H)Willem, Evie Lupine, Mom on the Spectrum, Naughty Nana DUZ, France 24, Adult Wednesday Addams - 2 seasons, Mandy, What Vivi did next, Expert Book Smuggler, Nini Music, It's Black Friday, Anda Kent, PageMelt. Nate Hagens, Historical Fiction, Orbital Array, Kiko1006, Listen2Kristen, BritMonkey, The Kavernacle, British Museum, Anka Daily News, Wera, Reporting from Ukraine, Don't F@ck with Ukraine, Verilybitchie, Holly the Cafe Boat, Nicole Raflee, Caelan Conrad, Ponderful, Emma Thorne, A Lil Bit Mads, Matriarchetype, Veritas et Caritas, Fundie Fridays, Olive's Book Nook, Secret Sauce of StoryCraft, Gabi Belle, Ashley Embers, Hollie Rose, Killing Time, Beck Leavesly, HBomberGuy, Megan's Reading Revelations, Natalie MP4, Tiff Reads Books, Tanya Fiona, MY2, Haropones, Wurld, Sara Elisabeth, Honestly Sophie, Supertanskiii, Swell Entertainment, Jesse on YouTube, Anya Taylor Joy, Nursena Yener, Jordaline Reads, RobWords, Brooke's Moon, The Queer Kiwi, Liz Webster, OliSunvia, Leena Norms, Diemmi Reads, Don't Fret, Roughest Drafts, Elvira Bary, Grace McGuire, Opus Elanae, Serena Skybourne, Christine Talks, Reese Waters, Katy Montgomerie, The Miracle Aligner, Boat Time, Reads with Rachel, Anton Petrov, TallGirl6234, Linguoer Mechanic.
I wish you a splendid morning, a wonderful afternoon, a cosy evening, a glorious night and may we all continue learning.
Committed Evil is often Cowardly.
My keyboard has been distorted again by Kindle. I had just received a notice from Kindle asking whether I wish to change my UK dictionary to a UK dictionary? Suspicious, I looked at the language and keyboard settings and again my keyboard had been reset to what is called thumb format, I believe.
It seems the Kindle notice that they no longer support Goodreads have not stopped the butt hurt Amazon man-children from again expressing their disapproval of my opinion of Amazon, Kindle, Goodreads. This is another example of the pettiness and cowardice of these damaged fellows. Hiding their little interventions from system note is insane. If it might cost them, do not do. If it is a righteous belief system, involving punishing a reader with issues regarding racist representation, misogynistic portrayals, US supremacist themes, why sneak about. One should take pride in the effort.
For now I need a stepaway to the YouTube. This next was made possible by Doctor Who/They Break My Heart -RecklessGirl100, Red Glasgow, Keffals, Gingers are Black, LuckyBlackCat, May Moon Narrowboat, Inside Russia, Amie's Literary Empire, ScaredKetchup, Philosophy Tube, Viva La Dirt League, Cruising the Cut, Ukraine Matters, Silicon Curtain, Liz Webster, Sanctioned Ivan, Mia Mulder, UATV, The Leftist Cooks, Emma Thorne. Fit 2B Read, NFKRZ, Shades of Orange, Ukraine Calling, Ben and Emily, Bobbing Along, Cruising Crafts, Kyiv Independent, Winging it on a Budget, ThePrimeChronus, Depressed Russian, NFKRZ, Verilybitchie, Truth to Power, Battle Order, Central Crossing, Oceanliner Designs, May, Fundie Fridays. Malinda, Mythology and Fiction Explained, Squire, Military History Visualized, Quinn's Ideas, Brandon Fisichella, Filaxim Historia, TVP News, JingXuan performances, Secret Sauce of StoryCraft, Merphy Napier. Cari Can Read. Books and Lala, Willow Talks Books, Raw News and Politics. Owen Jones. Female Warriors - Teresatessa, Chris and Shell, Kathy's Flog in France, Cruising Alba, Boat Time, Just in Time Worldbuilding, Haylo Hayley, Nini Music, Captured in Words, Tom Nicholas, Times Radio, Holly the Cafe Boat, NerdForge, Living Anachronism, Kelly Loves Physics and History, Sailing Melody, Bryony Claire, Books N Cats, Haropones, Leena Norms, JohnTheDuncan, Lily Simpson, The British Museum, The London History Show, Karolina Zebrowska, History of Everything, Not Even Emily, Meghan Sandor, Gutsick Gibbon, Planarwalker, Ben G Thomas, Dr Fatima physicist, Megalithhunter, Welcome to Ukraine, The Cosy Creative, Geo Girl, Books & Borders, SciFi Scavenger, OrangeRiver, Jen the Librarian, Sumatha Reads Books, Atun Shei Films, Anda Kent, Jessie Gender, Anark, Fun Size Reader, BobbyBroccoli, Kaz Rowe, Caelan Conrad, Riverboat Jack, Nomadic Crobot, History of Everything, Lily Alexandre, Dark Brandon.
I recently saw that one Village Idiot who whilst insulting an essayist I reference, complained to her that I list other trans channel creators. After the last election, I no longer question the stupidity and nastiness of US males and so a Trigger Warning might be in order. To that idiot and friends be aware that among the channels which I list there are economist, hobbyist, cis, Swedish, mathematician, asexual, blond, historian, bi, physicist, trans, married, older, Welsh, socialist, het, red haired, gay, linguist, primatologist, tall, gamer, WOC, mathematician and many other female creators or as the sane refer to them Women. Almost as disturbing are the other channels which include communist, French, philosopher, hobbyist, film critic, logician, writer, other BIPOC, Neurodivergent, Scottish, other LGBTQ+, ginger, gamer, archaeologist, anarchist and more or as the sane label them Human Beings. If the voices still insist that you visit channels and my reviews, I urge that you seek emergency therapy, immediate pastoral counselling or our Catholic exorcism. My personal feelings towards these morons mirrors those of the 13 Ukrainian marines defending Snake Island, when the Russian navy demanded their surrender. Their response was "Russian warship, go f@ck yourself". Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!
This is typical low fantasy romance or perhaps it is better to say that it is bad romance in a present day werewolf, vampire and other creature setting. I got to the ten percent mark before giving up on this book. There was not one character who was not a stereotype. I just summarised the entire worldbuilding.
Obviously the dialogue matched the non-characters. There was no trace of personality anywhere on the page nor did it seem possible.
The misogyny began with the heroine on page one or two moaning about being dumped by her handsome jock boyfriend for a bigger breasted, man stealer. Her ex-boyfriend is only described as body, hotness and build. His view of relationships and/or women is problematic. The heroine was the stereotypical, damaged woman which the Republican Party would make the social norm. The woman hating women is a staple in these books and at best it is lazy writing which also reinforces identity self-hate. That is unpleasant story writing for me as a man but it might work for the target audience. Regardless I feel that it is unhealthy practice.
When I read her meeting a thug-like "Alpha" werewolf with less grace than a sport hooligan, I was burned out. This introduces how turned on she is by the very antisocial thug. She began describing in great detail how her body, her entire nervous system responded to his blatant sociopathy, hot body, etc. This exhibited the closest thing to real feelings in the book up to that point. I had to bail.
I do not know if there was a plot. The writing indicated that the writer had the ability to possibly do better but she preferred to write a "romance". This will devolve into S.A., abuse and more which will be love. I wish these books were labelled Erotica or Smut instead of romance, which would allow appropriate expectations. I have yet to see anything romantic in any sense of the word in one of these books.
The cartoon book covers and the YA label are very, very dangerous, since the book banners have no problem shelving these in school libraries. That assumes that there is no LGBTQ+ representation, non-white characters, non-US characters, etc. The Trumpist man and woman only support the most wholesome. The US is a dying culture.
I recently saw disturbing literacy numbers for the US. 52% of US readers between 16 and 74 years of age read BELOW the sixth grade level which I think is 11 or 12 years old. The US romance genre has an average eleven year old reading level, which makes more sense to me now. Sadly the mass of speculative fiction seems written at the nine to ten year old level, which also makes sense to me now.
Publishers can generate non-edited, poorly written rubbish which are labelled Romance, Romantasy, Fantasy because women and the 17% of male readers will buy them. Women are the largest segment of book buyers, what they accept has weight. In science fiction the situation is similar with the constant comment refrain being that "It's just science fiction" from readers who know nothing of the historical importance and purpose of the genre nor care. That is probably an overwhelmingly male audience and I have sampled the abuse directed at female readers who take issue with seriously flawed writing. These twisted groups have even attacked BookTubers for actually reviewing books.
I have already earned a mental reset on the YouTube. This next is courtesy of - Puddles Pity Party, Combat Veteran Reacts, Yoyomi, Kyiv Independent, The Gaze, Mia Mulder, Girls Rock Asia, Ship Happens, Mythology and Fiction Explained, Hej Sokoly, Anna from Ukraine, A Cup of Nicole, Asturias Quartet, Verilybitchie, May Moon Narrowboat, Eugenia from Ukraine, May, Library Ladder, Terrible Writing Advice, Belle Teresa, Annamarie Forcino, Nikki Carreon, Raw News and Politics, Menagerie, Hoots, Maggie Mae Fish, NerdForge, Interior Design Hub, Answer in Progress, Andrewism, Think that Through, Sarah Z, Dami Lee, Books with Emily Fox, Jay Exci, With Cindy, Female Warriors -Teresatessa, Dan Davis History, Crecganford, Strange Aeons, Mythic Concepts, Michael Lambert, Think that Through, Just in Time Worldbuilding, Veritas et Caritas, Malinda, Cover in French, Elina Charatsidou, Patrick(H)Willem, Contrapoints, Narrowboat Pirate, Tank Encyclopedia, No Justice, Broken Peach, Library of a Viking, Northern Narrowboaters, Lily Simpson, SciFi Odyssey, Jay Exci, Well Deck Diaries, Diary of a Ditch Witch, Templin Institute, Amanda the Jedi, Depressed Russian. Oceanliner Designs, Drama Kween, Spacedock, Military History Visualised, D'Angelo, Rebecca Watson, Bitchuation Room, Belle of the Ranch, Northern Narrowboaters, Widebeam and Wellingtons, Books with Emily Fox, Lydia Loves Timelines, AllShorts, Neida Teresa, Wednesday Addams -Paint it Black, Adiemus -Carmina Slovenica, Sanctioned Ivan, Joe Blogs, Unlearning Economics, Operator Starsky, Lily Simpson, Galactic Imaginarium, Hetty and the Jazzalato Band, The New Enlightenment, ConeOfArc, The Bands of HM Royal Marines, HBomberGuy, League of STEAM, Aid Thompsin, Hardcover Podcast, Jake Broe, Well Deck Diaries, Nomadic Crobot, Autumn's Boutique, Kris Atomic, Bobbing Along, Ben and Emily, Agro Squirrel Narrates, Nini Music, With Cindy, Fantasy and World Music by the Fletchers, Classics with Damien Walker, Paleo Analysis, Natasha's Adventures, Military Aviation History, Invicta, Merphy Napier, JuLingo, Geo Girl, Kelly Loves Physics and History, Media is Fay, Kat Blacque, Shar Henley, Darkest Hour Reads, JingXuan, Daily Stoic, Not Even Emily, Engineering with Rosie, Central Crossing, Xiran Jay Zhao, Princess Weekes, Kings and Generals, NarraTale, Tale Foundry, Ember Green, Haropones, ScFi Odyssey, Leena Norms, ATP Geopolitics, Hello Future Me, JammiDodger.
Please consider treating this as a potentially hostile site. 🤔
Goodreads discourse does not exist. As example, I wrote a short negative review of Powers of the Earth, formerly touted on Kindle as similar to the "The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress". Powers was so far different to Heinlein as to convince me that Kindle/Goodreads staff are functionally illiterate. Powers was written by Travis Corcoran who self-described as libertarian and advocate for the return of chattel slavery, veteran, admirer of Putin's Muscovy, and employee of an unnamed US agency. A MAGA exemplar. The book is a badly written, juvenile salute to the sociopathic January 6, 2021 hero. My opinion that the plot of the protagonist attempting the overthrow of the US government with the aid of the military in order that the newly rich not pay taxes, despite being a popular theme is dangerous and unhealthy. My opinion incensed the writer and six other "patriots", who went mental. As a communist, I hate the irony.
Those "patriotic" morons spent about a year and pages of unhinged comments, regarding slavery, the importance of white men to history and other now very common declarations among Trump voters and the Republican Party. The writer was several years ahead of his time but I declined engagement. A final comment was written by a Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710 now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr stating that They had "won" (?).
It seems that They managed to attack every female creator of channels which I mentioned. The physicists, boaters. hobbyists, essayists and many other female channel creators were hardly impressed with the US male. The world's overabundance of unpleasantness was certainly increased and They did deliver a wonderful self-portrait of the snowflake (arrogantly stupid, uneducated US man-children) to a multinational audience which it seems was a Victory. Goodreads discourse, Yay ?? USA, Yay ??
See the pronouncements from Republican and Nazi channels, as well as Project 2025. There will be no doubt that Goodreads attempts to enforce consensus, an absence of thoughtful examination of fiction consumed and silencing those readers who disagree with the common opinion.
My You Tube picks of the moment.
Keffals, Owen Jones, Jess Owens, Red Viburnam Song, Rebecca Romney, Gracey D, Amie's Literary Empire, The Cosy Creative, The Gaze, Leeja Miller, Biz, Tom Nicholas, Camily Balbo, Philosophy Tube, Munecat, The Closet Historian, Shannon Makes, Weir on the Move, Travelling K. The Authentic Observer, Kady2.0, The Researcher, Caerhl Irey, Lisa McLeod, Scallydandling About the Books, Acollierastro, Ellie Dashwood, Bernadette Banner, Shannon Makes, Break and Remake, Kirkpattiecake, Sabine Hossenfelder, Books and Things, Clouds and Sky, Parkrose Permaculture, Belinda Strnad, Carl Duncan, Esther Natakunda, FAFO,
Ominous Music begins. 😊 My first attack stream began within six months of the first review in which I criticised the poor writing. The above example was the last comment over several years that I should receive but it was really no different to the rest except perhaps in intensity. Other science fiction readers have received much the same and the romance comment gangs are become legend. Stalking, Doxxing and threats are now standard not just on Goodreads but against BookTubers as well. Amazon have taken no action against members, writers and employees involved nor acknowledged the incidents.
Kindle/Goodreads gave my meagre message history over to these deranged members. The result was a request through Pine Gap Centre to Australian Intelligence that the one friend whom I messaged occasionally be interrogated for my personal history. The attempt failed but did result in two outraged customers,which bothered Amazon not at all until we began publicising the event. All lurkers, especially the unreachable Dr Susan Hamilton Emeritus professor at University of Tennessee whom I was not Allowed to unfriend were disappeared, the alterations to my pages have disappeared, the fact of nasty to threatening comments have been masked and the rest visible to other readers suddenly, simultaneously disappeared.
Recently the seventh ex-employee of EBay was sentenced for the harassment of a couple who produced a small ecommerce channel deemed unkind to EBay. The couple were awarded multi-millions of pounds and that ex-employee had been the EBay Chief of EBay Global Security or some such. These are things to consider.
My suggested precautions may make you safer, though not invulnerable until you replace the Kindle with a better non-Amazon reader and other reader forums. There are several other smaller book review sites which are safer than Goodreads, if Amazon do not successfully absorb them.
Remove all personal information from Goodreads profile and avoid messaging. Remove the lurkers, those friends who never post. They are monitors and neither harmless nor admirers. Given the Goodreads penchant for Alteration of customer pages, the screenshot of the removal of reviews and the other odd and ugly are invaluable.
Do Not purchase Amazon Ebooks. There are other sources and hard copies are also a better choice. You purchase the device not downloads, Amazon reserves the right to remove all your purchases and have exercised same. This is in addition to Amazon sanctioned service interruptions and more. Do Not use Kindle Files, Calendar, Email or Contacts. All searches on Amazon Silk should be non-critical and innocuous. If you find the oddities I mention to be normal or are American disregard both the above paragraphs.
For others it might be useful to visit US political or social channels for an insight into what is now considered acceptable in Speech and Act. These men and women lack sanity, healthy socialisation, or recognisable morality but They are the proud US patriot. Ominous music ends. 😊
Some of my favourite channels.
Ben and Emily, Bobbing Along, UATV, Nicole Chilaka-Ukpo, Gingers are Black, Double Down News, Tom Powell, Professor Tim Wilson, Gresham College, Abney Park, The Shogunate, The Gaze, RFULegendary Tactics, Bernadette Banner, The Hat Historian, Historical Fashion, Munecat, Book Chats with Shelley, Planet D, Times Radio, Sumatha Reads, Mrs Betty Bowers, According to Alina, Cass Ellis, Summer Gayle, Owen Jones, Tom Nicholas, Lily Simpson, Tara Mooknee, May, Chris and Shell, Philosophy Tube, Randy Rainbow, TVP News, Weirdo Book Club, The Tank Museum, Our Shiny Days Battle Music, Read & Knit with Cheryl, Cossack and Caucasus Sword Dance, Doxie Carter, Plant Based Bride, The Brothers Gwynne, The Amber Ruffin Show, Petrik Leo, Kirkpattiecake, Council of Geeks, H Quinn's Ideas, Some More News, Read Rant Review, Yoyomi, Reads with Rachel, Sabine Hossenfelder, Songs Sped Up, Broken Peach, Prime of Midlife, AllShorts, Ukrainian Jenny, Steve Shives, The Shitty Book Club, Red Pen, Red Glasgow, Silicon Curtain, Reporting from Ukraine, BobbyBroccoli, Aid Thompsin, Kat Blacque, Kathy's Flog in France, Fraser Cain, Elina Charatsidou, UNTV, Coffee and Tales, Leah Nicole, Raya, Cambrian Chronicles, Lexi aka NewlyNova, Up and Atom, Jessie Gender, The Welsh Viking, The Book Leo, Riverboat Jack, Octopus Lady, Lady of the Library, Renegade Cut, Skip Intro, The Juice Media, Hailey Hughes, Miniminuteman, Stephen Milo, Patrick(H)Willem, Evie Lupine, Mom on the Spectrum, Naughty Nana DUZ, France 24, Adult Wednesday Addams - 2 seasons, Mandy, What Vivi did next, Expert Book Smuggler, Nini Music, It's Black Friday, Anda Kent, PageMelt. Nate Hagens, Historical Fiction, Orbital Array, Kiko1006, Listen2Kristen, BritMonkey, The Kavernacle, British Museum, Anka Daily News, Wera, Reporting from Ukraine, Don't F@ck with Ukraine, Verilybitchie, Holly the Cafe Boat, Nicole Raflee, Caelan Conrad, Ponderful, Emma Thorne, A Lil Bit Mads, Matriarchetype, Veritas et Caritas, Fundie Fridays, Olive's Book Nook, Secret Sauce of StoryCraft, Gabi Belle, Ashley Embers, Hollie Rose, Killing Time, Beck Leavesly, HBomberGuy, Megan's Reading Revelations, Natalie MP4, Tiff Reads Books, Tanya Fiona, MY2, Haropones, Wurld, Sara Elisabeth, Honestly Sophie, Supertanskiii, Swell Entertainment, Jesse on YouTube, Anya Taylor Joy, Nursena Yener, Jordaline Reads, RobWords, Brooke's Moon, The Queer Kiwi, Liz Webster, OliSunvia, Leena Norms, Diemmi Reads, Don't Fret, Roughest Drafts, Elvira Bary, Grace McGuire, Opus Elanae, Serena Skybourne, Christine Talks, Reese Waters, Katy Montgomerie, The Miracle Aligner, Boat Time, Reads with Rachel, Anton Petrov, TallGirl6234, Linguoer Mechanic.
I wish you a splendid morning, a wonderful afternoon, a cosy evening, a glorious night and may we all continue learning.
Committed Evil is often Cowardly.
April 2, 2016
Brilliant, loved it, when can I read the next one please?
INITIAL THOUGHTS
I'm always on the look out for a good shifter book, be it werewolf, werecat, panther or dragon! Also I have recently been reading more of the shifter genre, which is still one of my favourites. So when I found this title on Netgalley I decided I had to to give it a go!
MY REVIEW
I requested and was sent an e-copy of this book by Netgalley.
The cover has a female on the front, who fits the description and imagery of Mackenzie Grey within the book. Mackenzie has very "werewolf" animalistic eyes that seem to stand off the page! Mackenzie is featured in a kind of soft blurry focus and the word SHIFT (the title of the book) is written in block capitals over the image of the woman. I think the blurry aspect and the word placement is very good and implies that Mackenzie is about to "shift" at any moment.
So would the cover make me pick this book up from a bookstore shelf? Yes! I find the cover eye-catching, intriguing and I feel I would be compelled to take this book from the shelf to learn more about it.
The main female characters in this book is Mackenzie Grey, who is a werwolf shifter and her non shifter, totally human friend Amy. Amy & Mackenzie are sharing living
accommodation whilst they both attend college. Amy is the only person that knows Mackenzie is a werewolf. When Mackenzie (Kenz or Kenzie to her family & friends) shifts into her werewolf form she locks herself in a cage so she cannot hurt anyone or be hurt herself. Mackenzie recently broke up with her childhood friend then sweetheart James, she was heartbroken to find out he had been cheating on her with a female the exact opposite of her. He was cheating with Diana Stone, or Barbie as Amy and Mackenzie refer to her! It comes as a surprise that James expects Mackenzie and Amy to still carpool "home" for the winter break and more importantly wants Mackenzie to act as if they are still in a loving relationship! This arrangement leads to some quite funny scenarios and equally amusing conversations between Amy and Mackenzie.
Mackenzie has an internship within the police force and has been shadowing Detective Michael's for some time now. It's when she is investigating a disappearance of a young man. When she attends the young mans address to speak with his mother who has reported him as missing, the woman seems rather strange and points to Mackenzie saying she cannot come into her home as she is one of "them". It sends a shiver down Mackenzies back but she just assumes the woman to be so upset that she is not aware what she is saying etc. There's quite an amusing relationship between the Detective and Mackenzie as he acts like he lets her go around with him under sufferance but you can see he does have an affection of sorts for her really. Mackenzie has nearly come to the end of her internship so is eager to help investigate the case and makes a rather grisly discovery of a piece of skin.
Mackenzie has to put all that to the back of her mind to get to her job as a bouncer. A great side affect from being a werewolf is her increased strength. So it comes as a shock when she is bested by three guys that look like they belong in HQ magazine. Kenzie can remember an argument and that thy seem to know what she is but then everything goes black. It turns out that the resident pack have found out about Kenzie and are wanting her to conform to their idealistic view of what a Luna (female wolf) should be and do. The three guys who kidnapped her may look like models from the pages of a magazine but they do not escape Kenzies irritation when she wakes up from being knocked out! The three gorgeous guys are,
"Mr Snarky Blue Eyes" the Alpha of the pack Sebastian, and the other two drool worthy guys are the Cadwell brothers, "Mr HQ" Jonah and the other "Mr Smooth" is Jackson.
Sebastian tries to explain that a lone wolf is not safe, that there are "others" as well as werewolves from packs that would seek to take advantage of her or kill her! Sebastian and Jonah also wish to help Kenzie "free her werewolf" and teach her change when she wishes and to run in her werewolf form rather than cage herself everytime she has to shift. Kenzie insists on going home for Winter break as planned, though Oliver (Ollie), the brother she adores will not be home from the army for the break she will still enjoy catching up with her parents and doing festive things with Amy too. There's lots of arguments and eventually Sebastian allows her to continue with her winter break plans as long as Jonah the pack Beta, is around to watch over her from a distance. The Winter Break begins brilliantly with the surprise that Oliver has managed to obtain a few days leave to see his family over the holidays. When Ollie accidentally meets Jonah he invites him to stay at the Grey household which ends up pushing Kenzie into spending more time with Jonah than she initially wanted. Kenzies beins to relax a little more and listens to Jonah describing what it's like to let your wolf run free and how she could be taught to control her shift, in fact Kenzie begins to feel more open to the idea of spending more time with the pack. Then things take a turn for the not so good when James becomes a little too good at acting affectionate and kissing her to continue to fool his family into thinking their relationship is still full on! Sebastian turns up with news that leaves the holiday plans in tatters really. Jackson has been kidnapped and Jonah is needed to help with the investigation and search. As Kenzie has been interning with the NYPD she insists on returning along with Amy to help with finding Jackson,
There are so many characters to meet and learn about in this book, it's kind of ironic how certain characters in Mackenzie's human life seem to be mirrored and have counterparts in her werewolf life too. Like the tarty, condescending Diana Stone from Mackenzie's human life and the sleazy, mean girl Luna Vivian in Mackenzie's werewolf life. The the other sort of "mirrored" characters, also female are best friend, champion, Amy and the new friend, protector, Blu a Luna in the pack.
There really is so much happening in this book, I feel I have only slightly scraped the surface! There's inter pack politics, the real heritage of Kenzie and where her werewolf gene came from, the search for Jackson, the fact the pack want to treat Kenzie like a Luna, and a rather interesting love triangle too! Kenzie really is a strong independent woman who at times can speak before she thinks. At one point Kenzie inadvertently challenges Alpha Sebastian to a fight! Kenzie is not afraid to stand her ground when she believes she is right.
The pace of the book is just right and has the perfect mix of "human" problems, and werewolf/"other"being drama's too. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and as I normally only read at night, I actually found myself looking forward to bedtime and reading the next installment about Mackenzie Grey.
So did I enjoy the book? Honestly? I totally adored it! I'd liken it to Rachel Vincent's Shifter Series. Would I recommend this book? Definitely! I really loved Mackenzie Grey that much, she reminds me of the kick butt female characters of Faythe, Abby, Delilah from Rachel Vincent's books. Would I want to read another book in this series? I can sincerely say that I would have gone right on to read Bk#2 had it been available. I yearn to know more about Mackenzie's true heritage. The ending of the book had me screaming No! get the information you will want later now! I also felt like screaming "choose one, just choose one, for goodness sake!" Would I want to read a different title by this author? Yes, I truly love Karina's style of writing, so I will be checking out any book written by her!
FINAL THOUGHTS
OooOo what a fantastic read. A great start to a potentially excellent series. I want so much more. I want to read more of the pack! I need to know about Mackenzie's true heritage and genetic's which are hinted at in this book. . . .and let's have a Luna revolution! If Mackenzie, Amy, and Blu get together I'm sure the Luna Traditions could be modernised. Looking forward to Bk#2. . . .
INITIAL THOUGHTS
I'm always on the look out for a good shifter book, be it werewolf, werecat, panther or dragon! Also I have recently been reading more of the shifter genre, which is still one of my favourites. So when I found this title on Netgalley I decided I had to to give it a go!
MY REVIEW
I requested and was sent an e-copy of this book by Netgalley.
The cover has a female on the front, who fits the description and imagery of Mackenzie Grey within the book. Mackenzie has very "werewolf" animalistic eyes that seem to stand off the page! Mackenzie is featured in a kind of soft blurry focus and the word SHIFT (the title of the book) is written in block capitals over the image of the woman. I think the blurry aspect and the word placement is very good and implies that Mackenzie is about to "shift" at any moment.
So would the cover make me pick this book up from a bookstore shelf? Yes! I find the cover eye-catching, intriguing and I feel I would be compelled to take this book from the shelf to learn more about it.
The main female characters in this book is Mackenzie Grey, who is a werwolf shifter and her non shifter, totally human friend Amy. Amy & Mackenzie are sharing living
accommodation whilst they both attend college. Amy is the only person that knows Mackenzie is a werewolf. When Mackenzie (Kenz or Kenzie to her family & friends) shifts into her werewolf form she locks herself in a cage so she cannot hurt anyone or be hurt herself. Mackenzie recently broke up with her childhood friend then sweetheart James, she was heartbroken to find out he had been cheating on her with a female the exact opposite of her. He was cheating with Diana Stone, or Barbie as Amy and Mackenzie refer to her! It comes as a surprise that James expects Mackenzie and Amy to still carpool "home" for the winter break and more importantly wants Mackenzie to act as if they are still in a loving relationship! This arrangement leads to some quite funny scenarios and equally amusing conversations between Amy and Mackenzie.
Mackenzie has an internship within the police force and has been shadowing Detective Michael's for some time now. It's when she is investigating a disappearance of a young man. When she attends the young mans address to speak with his mother who has reported him as missing, the woman seems rather strange and points to Mackenzie saying she cannot come into her home as she is one of "them". It sends a shiver down Mackenzies back but she just assumes the woman to be so upset that she is not aware what she is saying etc. There's quite an amusing relationship between the Detective and Mackenzie as he acts like he lets her go around with him under sufferance but you can see he does have an affection of sorts for her really. Mackenzie has nearly come to the end of her internship so is eager to help investigate the case and makes a rather grisly discovery of a piece of skin.
Mackenzie has to put all that to the back of her mind to get to her job as a bouncer. A great side affect from being a werewolf is her increased strength. So it comes as a shock when she is bested by three guys that look like they belong in HQ magazine. Kenzie can remember an argument and that thy seem to know what she is but then everything goes black. It turns out that the resident pack have found out about Kenzie and are wanting her to conform to their idealistic view of what a Luna (female wolf) should be and do. The three guys who kidnapped her may look like models from the pages of a magazine but they do not escape Kenzies irritation when she wakes up from being knocked out! The three gorgeous guys are,
"Mr Snarky Blue Eyes" the Alpha of the pack Sebastian, and the other two drool worthy guys are the Cadwell brothers, "Mr HQ" Jonah and the other "Mr Smooth" is Jackson.
Sebastian tries to explain that a lone wolf is not safe, that there are "others" as well as werewolves from packs that would seek to take advantage of her or kill her! Sebastian and Jonah also wish to help Kenzie "free her werewolf" and teach her change when she wishes and to run in her werewolf form rather than cage herself everytime she has to shift. Kenzie insists on going home for Winter break as planned, though Oliver (Ollie), the brother she adores will not be home from the army for the break she will still enjoy catching up with her parents and doing festive things with Amy too. There's lots of arguments and eventually Sebastian allows her to continue with her winter break plans as long as Jonah the pack Beta, is around to watch over her from a distance. The Winter Break begins brilliantly with the surprise that Oliver has managed to obtain a few days leave to see his family over the holidays. When Ollie accidentally meets Jonah he invites him to stay at the Grey household which ends up pushing Kenzie into spending more time with Jonah than she initially wanted. Kenzies beins to relax a little more and listens to Jonah describing what it's like to let your wolf run free and how she could be taught to control her shift, in fact Kenzie begins to feel more open to the idea of spending more time with the pack. Then things take a turn for the not so good when James becomes a little too good at acting affectionate and kissing her to continue to fool his family into thinking their relationship is still full on! Sebastian turns up with news that leaves the holiday plans in tatters really. Jackson has been kidnapped and Jonah is needed to help with the investigation and search. As Kenzie has been interning with the NYPD she insists on returning along with Amy to help with finding Jackson,
There are so many characters to meet and learn about in this book, it's kind of ironic how certain characters in Mackenzie's human life seem to be mirrored and have counterparts in her werewolf life too. Like the tarty, condescending Diana Stone from Mackenzie's human life and the sleazy, mean girl Luna Vivian in Mackenzie's werewolf life. The the other sort of "mirrored" characters, also female are best friend, champion, Amy and the new friend, protector, Blu a Luna in the pack.
There really is so much happening in this book, I feel I have only slightly scraped the surface! There's inter pack politics, the real heritage of Kenzie and where her werewolf gene came from, the search for Jackson, the fact the pack want to treat Kenzie like a Luna, and a rather interesting love triangle too! Kenzie really is a strong independent woman who at times can speak before she thinks. At one point Kenzie inadvertently challenges Alpha Sebastian to a fight! Kenzie is not afraid to stand her ground when she believes she is right.
The pace of the book is just right and has the perfect mix of "human" problems, and werewolf/"other"being drama's too. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and as I normally only read at night, I actually found myself looking forward to bedtime and reading the next installment about Mackenzie Grey.
So did I enjoy the book? Honestly? I totally adored it! I'd liken it to Rachel Vincent's Shifter Series. Would I recommend this book? Definitely! I really loved Mackenzie Grey that much, she reminds me of the kick butt female characters of Faythe, Abby, Delilah from Rachel Vincent's books. Would I want to read another book in this series? I can sincerely say that I would have gone right on to read Bk#2 had it been available. I yearn to know more about Mackenzie's true heritage. The ending of the book had me screaming No! get the information you will want later now! I also felt like screaming "choose one, just choose one, for goodness sake!" Would I want to read a different title by this author? Yes, I truly love Karina's style of writing, so I will be checking out any book written by her!
FINAL THOUGHTS
OooOo what a fantastic read. A great start to a potentially excellent series. I want so much more. I want to read more of the pack! I need to know about Mackenzie's true heritage and genetic's which are hinted at in this book. . . .and let's have a Luna revolution! If Mackenzie, Amy, and Blu get together I'm sure the Luna Traditions could be modernised. Looking forward to Bk#2. . . .
July 5, 2020
I am astounded by how much I dislike this one. The only redeeming qualities I can find, are that it is well edited and almost original. Actually, if you feel like reliving all the bad parts of being a teenager, then this might do the trick, though all the characters are supposed to be adult it is targeted at young adults.
October 28, 2024
Made it to ch. 3 then couldn’t take it anymore. Stereotypes galore, weak FMC hates her ex who cheated on her (understandably) yet easily pushes over and agrees to pretend to be his girlfriend and go visit home with him? Lame. So much slut shaming and petty teenage inner dialogue for a college woman. Very high school and I’m over it.
October 2, 2020
Not good
DNF @28%
DNF @28%
did-not-finish
June 25, 2024DNF at 7%.
Within a very short time we have women on women hate, doormat heroin who agrees to fake date her ex-boyfriend who cheated on her and I read reviews and it gets worse.
Within a very short time we have women on women hate, doormat heroin who agrees to fake date her ex-boyfriend who cheated on her and I read reviews and it gets worse.
February 8, 2015
Ink Angels was one of the lucky few to receive an ARC of Shift by Espinosa. We had never read anything by this author previously, but the mesmerizing cover had us immediately intrigued and interested to learn more about the paranormal romance.
Espinosa's protagonist, Mackenzie Grey, confounds readers with her atypical feminine behavior. Kenzie is a straight-laced, no nonsense shifter of epic proportions, who soon finds herself the object of desire for local pack leaders Sebastian and Jonah. The two virile male wolves stop at nothing in their attempts to persuade Kenzie to join their pack and accept their protection from outside dangers, though lone Luna wolf Kenzie has very different views.
With the help of Kenzie's roommate, the only human to share Kenzie's secret, Sebastian, Jonah, and an unlikely vampiric ally, Kenzie quickly discovers she is not the only living anomaly in the large city.
Ink Angels gave Shift three stars for introducing us to a Luna with attitude, a paranormal world where the female protagonist does not readily conform and willingly takes on challenges usually only reserved for the Alpha males in novels. Our only disappointment was that Espinosa did not have more character development throughout Shift. We found ourselves wishing for more detailed physical descriptions and background buildup between the humans and the surrounding supernatural community that would both give readers a visual to grasp as the story unfolded, as well as an explanation for the missing shock factor when her roommate discovers Kenzie's secret.
If you enjoyed the Twilight series then Shift is sure to deliver the paranormal romance you seek. While Mackenzie's family history remained a mystery, the story eludes to possible revelations in a sequel. Ink Angels is looking forward to seeing where Mackenzie's choices will lead her and the hot Alpha males that will undoubtedly be on her tail (pun intended).
Espinosa's protagonist, Mackenzie Grey, confounds readers with her atypical feminine behavior. Kenzie is a straight-laced, no nonsense shifter of epic proportions, who soon finds herself the object of desire for local pack leaders Sebastian and Jonah. The two virile male wolves stop at nothing in their attempts to persuade Kenzie to join their pack and accept their protection from outside dangers, though lone Luna wolf Kenzie has very different views.
With the help of Kenzie's roommate, the only human to share Kenzie's secret, Sebastian, Jonah, and an unlikely vampiric ally, Kenzie quickly discovers she is not the only living anomaly in the large city.
Ink Angels gave Shift three stars for introducing us to a Luna with attitude, a paranormal world where the female protagonist does not readily conform and willingly takes on challenges usually only reserved for the Alpha males in novels. Our only disappointment was that Espinosa did not have more character development throughout Shift. We found ourselves wishing for more detailed physical descriptions and background buildup between the humans and the surrounding supernatural community that would both give readers a visual to grasp as the story unfolded, as well as an explanation for the missing shock factor when her roommate discovers Kenzie's secret.
If you enjoyed the Twilight series then Shift is sure to deliver the paranormal romance you seek. While Mackenzie's family history remained a mystery, the story eludes to possible revelations in a sequel. Ink Angels is looking forward to seeing where Mackenzie's choices will lead her and the hot Alpha males that will undoubtedly be on her tail (pun intended).
May 26, 2020
A good start but also confusing.
We start the book with Mackenzie running bc she is about to shift before she gets home. Shes never met another shifter and has no idea she became a wolf. Was she born this way? Did something happen? When the Pack finds Mackenzie they kidnap her, use a sedative in injection form. And basically try to tell her what to do.
But, I honestly don’t get what Pack life is like and why Mackenzie is so so against joining the pack. I don’t understand the Pack way of life. Some of it is said, and it makes it seem like the females, or Lunas have no choice in their roles in the Pack and then it’s all explained away as oh the Pack hasn’t really caught up with modern times...in terms of roles. Ok cool.
But then they keep harassing Mackenzie, they keep trying to tell her what to do, use their Alpha voice on her and everything. And that’s just not going to work for her. I honestly don’t understand the dynamic of the Pack. NOTHING about being a wolf was explained. They just forced Mackenzie to do things without much explanations. This drove me nuts.
Then the Vampires come in. I just dunno where this is going.
Also I’m not entirely certain if this is an RH or not. I thought it might be but I went in with only having read the synopsis when I first added the book to my tbr. So I didn’t reread the synopsis this time around.
Mackenzie ends up leaving and in the note she has with her instructions, it says she can’t talk to or interact with anyone from the Pack or Amy, her bff, because she’ll be enemy number one. Why? Honestly. Why would she not trust them at least somewhat at the level of she has for them now. I don’t get why her leaving, even without a goodbye, would make this happen. She told them over and over she wasn’t joining so I just don’t understand.
I’ll read the next one to see what happens and if I will continue with the series or not.
We start the book with Mackenzie running bc she is about to shift before she gets home. Shes never met another shifter and has no idea she became a wolf. Was she born this way? Did something happen? When the Pack finds Mackenzie they kidnap her, use a sedative in injection form. And basically try to tell her what to do.
But, I honestly don’t get what Pack life is like and why Mackenzie is so so against joining the pack. I don’t understand the Pack way of life. Some of it is said, and it makes it seem like the females, or Lunas have no choice in their roles in the Pack and then it’s all explained away as oh the Pack hasn’t really caught up with modern times...in terms of roles. Ok cool.
But then they keep harassing Mackenzie, they keep trying to tell her what to do, use their Alpha voice on her and everything. And that’s just not going to work for her. I honestly don’t understand the dynamic of the Pack. NOTHING about being a wolf was explained. They just forced Mackenzie to do things without much explanations. This drove me nuts.
Then the Vampires come in. I just dunno where this is going.
Also I’m not entirely certain if this is an RH or not. I thought it might be but I went in with only having read the synopsis when I first added the book to my tbr. So I didn’t reread the synopsis this time around.
Mackenzie ends up leaving and in the note she has with her instructions, it says she can’t talk to or interact with anyone from the Pack or Amy, her bff, because she’ll be enemy number one. Why? Honestly. Why would she not trust them at least somewhat at the level of she has for them now. I don’t get why her leaving, even without a goodbye, would make this happen. She told them over and over she wasn’t joining so I just don’t understand.
I’ll read the next one to see what happens and if I will continue with the series or not.
April 27, 2018
4.5
What a great werewolf serie!!!
This books has all, strong characters, great dialogues lots of action that keep ups flipping page after page!
Mackenzie is a great h... the girl is fierce!! She will not bow in a world dominated by men!
She is a true poster girl for woman rights, in the books one of the main stories is freeing the Luna's ( the female werewolf's) from their submissive part in the werewolf world!
In this first book we get to know the evolution e transformation of Mackenzie... The life before her transformation and after transformation!
There is some romance in this book in a possible love triangle... But nothing "actually happen"!
Jumping on to the next one!
What a great werewolf serie!!!
This books has all, strong characters, great dialogues lots of action that keep ups flipping page after page!
Mackenzie is a great h... the girl is fierce!! She will not bow in a world dominated by men!
She is a true poster girl for woman rights, in the books one of the main stories is freeing the Luna's ( the female werewolf's) from their submissive part in the werewolf world!
In this first book we get to know the evolution e transformation of Mackenzie... The life before her transformation and after transformation!
There is some romance in this book in a possible love triangle... But nothing "actually happen"!
Jumping on to the next one!
December 15, 2022
This book was very nice. Haven't read much from this author yet. Actually the first book I've read by her. and it sucked me in and didn't come out anymore, I'm very curious about book 2 to 9. hihihi
February 1, 2015
Mackenzie Grey is not your average college student, she's a werewolf. She thinks she has things figured out and under control when Sebastian and Jonah walk into her life. Both are part of the Brooklyn Pack, not only that but Alpha and Beta. Finding out there are more werewolves out there is just the tip of the iceberg. There's a whole supernatural community that coexists with humans. Mackenzie get drawn deeper into the supernatural world when Jackson, Jonah's brother is kidnapped. Dealing with finding the culprit isn't the hardest part. Mackenzie finds herself drawn between both men. Danger lurks around every corner and with the help of her best friend Amy and her smart mouth Mackenzie tries to navigate this new world.
It was refreshing to see such an independent heroine who wasn't afraid to say what was on her mind. Mackenzie didn't hold back and said exactly what was on her mind. While it was nice to see I did find it a bit much at times.
Both Sebastian and Jonah were hard to decipher for me. I'm not quite sure what to make of them yet. I did thoroughly enjoy Lucien's character.
The story itself wasn't bad. It took me awhile to get into it and about halfway through it picked up and held more of my interest. There were some twists in the story but nothing shocking. I was a little disappointed but would like to know more about what happens.
It was refreshing to see such an independent heroine who wasn't afraid to say what was on her mind. Mackenzie didn't hold back and said exactly what was on her mind. While it was nice to see I did find it a bit much at times.
Both Sebastian and Jonah were hard to decipher for me. I'm not quite sure what to make of them yet. I did thoroughly enjoy Lucien's character.
The story itself wasn't bad. It took me awhile to get into it and about halfway through it picked up and held more of my interest. There were some twists in the story but nothing shocking. I was a little disappointed but would like to know more about what happens.
July 1, 2022
Audiobook
Narration: Nicole Poole
UF
PNR
Wolf Shifters
Vampires
Faes
Skinwalker
After long book slump, where nothing really captured my attention and where I couldn't find enything I truly enjoyed, I instantly felt calm and at ease when I heard the woice of Nicole Poole (Love her!). The story was fast phased, funny and intriguing. The FMC was sarcastic and headstrong and there were variety of sidecaracters, both male and female, and I love that we don't know who the MMC will be (my heart is set on Jonah). This series instantly became one of my favorites and I have high hopes for the rest of the books 😊 I can't wait to start the second book, Caged, and see what the next adventure will bring for Mackenzie Grey. Shift was my first book from Espinosa.
Narration: Nicole Poole
UF
PNR
Wolf Shifters
Vampires
Faes
Skinwalker
After long book slump, where nothing really captured my attention and where I couldn't find enything I truly enjoyed, I instantly felt calm and at ease when I heard the woice of Nicole Poole (Love her!). The story was fast phased, funny and intriguing. The FMC was sarcastic and headstrong and there were variety of sidecaracters, both male and female, and I love that we don't know who the MMC will be (my heart is set on Jonah). This series instantly became one of my favorites and I have high hopes for the rest of the books 😊 I can't wait to start the second book, Caged, and see what the next adventure will bring for Mackenzie Grey. Shift was my first book from Espinosa.
October 8, 2015
Mackenzie is caught between two sexy wolves and Karina's writing builds up the sensual angst just right. Sebastian is alpha and comes with all the sexy trappings that entails. Jonah has those same tendencies but only tempers them with something achingly sweet and comfortable. Both are intense and way sexy in their won right. Mackenzie is trying to find her way in the wolf world and trouble seems to be following her. The world Ms. Espinosa created is intriguing with unique characters that leave you wanting more. I can't wait for the next installment. Especially with the ending to this one! Want to know? Read it. Duh!
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review**
June 27, 2017
I found the main character a little annoying at times but I do like the dynamics of her meeting a Pack and learning about being a wolf. Of course I like Jonah and Sebastian and their immediate attraction to her. I would like to see this series end in a triad relationship but though that is growing in popularity (YAY!) I doubt that will be the case, more's the pity.
September 3, 2018
Second time around and I still can't choose between Jonah and Sebastian. I still lean toward Jonah. Still love this book!
Read
July 27, 2024I loved a bit of a different take on the shifter verse and the FMC didn’t just automatically bow to the alpha
I love that she knows her own mind even if I do have a soft spot for Bash and Jaxon surely she can have both right? I also like the plot around Lucien also I feel like he will have a much bigger role
I love that she knows her own mind even if I do have a soft spot for Bash and Jaxon surely she can have both right? I also like the plot around Lucien also I feel like he will have a much bigger role
July 2, 2019
Lots of innuendos
One of the best dedications to set the tone for the book. I liked how headstrong Kenzie was. She definitely keeps things interesting! I like the mystery of what Lucian might know as well as Charles.
One of the best dedications to set the tone for the book. I liked how headstrong Kenzie was. She definitely keeps things interesting! I like the mystery of what Lucian might know as well as Charles.
October 31, 2024
Great first book
Sucked me in and wow! The characters are so well written they just come alive. You catch yourself saying, “Just one more chapter!” Til you wake up with drool on your face and start reading again.
Sucked me in and wow! The characters are so well written they just come alive. You catch yourself saying, “Just one more chapter!” Til you wake up with drool on your face and start reading again.
January 9, 2018
Unexpectedly fantastic random read! Worth reading! I ended up falling in love with the characters and grabbed book 2! Five glittery stars!
February 18, 2020
I have been dying for a good paranormal romance. Karina Espinoda totally delivered! Cannot wait to start book 2!
November 22, 2024
Ready for book 2
She went threw so much. Every time she turned around more was being piled on top of what she had on her plate. One strong young lady.
She went threw so much. Every time she turned around more was being piled on top of what she had on her plate. One strong young lady.
January 26, 2020
Shift
I really.... really... enjoy a good werewolf novel, but I enjoy werewolf novels that deviate from the norm even more. This is one of those, filled with enough urban fantasy flair and intrigue to keep the pages turning. Our FMC, Mackenzie, isn’t wore as emotionally strong as I’d like, but it suits her, and gives her a platform to grow into the character we are getting hints of here in book 1.
First person, single POV, episodic, urban fantasy
Possible love triangle
Rating = R
Character age range = 22+
Pros:
- I like the pack, even with as backwards and sexist as they are.
- Amy. #FriendGoals
- Plot is subtle but worthy.
Cons:
- She can be strikingly immature
I really.... really... enjoy a good werewolf novel, but I enjoy werewolf novels that deviate from the norm even more. This is one of those, filled with enough urban fantasy flair and intrigue to keep the pages turning. Our FMC, Mackenzie, isn’t wore as emotionally strong as I’d like, but it suits her, and gives her a platform to grow into the character we are getting hints of here in book 1.
First person, single POV, episodic, urban fantasy
Possible love triangle
Rating = R
Character age range = 22+
Pros:
- I like the pack, even with as backwards and sexist as they are.
- Amy. #FriendGoals
- Plot is subtle but worthy.
Cons:
- She can be strikingly immature
September 25, 2015
***I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review***
This cover is what first drew me into the book since I am completely in love with how they designed it!
Now, werewolves are a somewhat overdone topic so I would not give this book points for originality but I do think that this book earns major props for creativity with an already overdone topic. It takes a lot to get me to fall completely in love with a werewolf book since I have read so many of them but this book had a fresh spin on it that definitely makes me want more Mackenzie, Jonah, Sebastian, and of course Amy.
This book definitely had me smiling and laughing at multiple points because I absolutely loved the main character. Mackenzie is incredibly sassy and has a spunk to her that I really enjoyed. Her way of looking at the world is unique and I would love to either be her or have a best friend just like her. She had a comeback to everything and she did not take anything from anyone. I hate books where the main character is always "meh" towards every conflict. Give me a hot-headed, passionate person any day!
There was a kinda sorta love triangle present in this book but I think the author artfully incorporates it into the conflict instead of making it the main conflict. I liked Jonah and Sebastian as characters and I appreciated finding out more about both of them as the book progressed. Mackenzie had such fun interactions from both of them and I loved how she refused to let them tell her how to live.
I also think something is just added to the overall wonderfulness of a book when the supporting character/best friend is just as fun and quirky as the main character. Amy seemed like such a loyal and hilarious person to be around and I could see how her relationship with the main character worked throughout the book. Amy was her own little star in the book and I enjoyed all of the moments that included her in the plot. She was the kind of supporting character that gave Mackenzie a whack in the head when she misbehaved or didn't understand something.
The plot was strong and easy to follow. It was engaging and did include some action parts thrown in during different parts of the book. This book has a couple different conflicts (kidnapping and joining of the pack) but the author does a nice job of distinguishing between the separate conflicts and tying up all loose ends. My only problem with the book was when Mackenzie stated that she read a lot of paranormal fiction about werewolves but still was completely in the dark about everything. I mean she would have learned something from reading those books with the aggressive behavior and such of werewolves.
I would definitely recommend this book to any older teen and new adult (maybe 16 or 17 up) just for the main character alone but also for the engaging plot.
This cover is what first drew me into the book since I am completely in love with how they designed it!
Now, werewolves are a somewhat overdone topic so I would not give this book points for originality but I do think that this book earns major props for creativity with an already overdone topic. It takes a lot to get me to fall completely in love with a werewolf book since I have read so many of them but this book had a fresh spin on it that definitely makes me want more Mackenzie, Jonah, Sebastian, and of course Amy.
This book definitely had me smiling and laughing at multiple points because I absolutely loved the main character. Mackenzie is incredibly sassy and has a spunk to her that I really enjoyed. Her way of looking at the world is unique and I would love to either be her or have a best friend just like her. She had a comeback to everything and she did not take anything from anyone. I hate books where the main character is always "meh" towards every conflict. Give me a hot-headed, passionate person any day!
There was a kinda sorta love triangle present in this book but I think the author artfully incorporates it into the conflict instead of making it the main conflict. I liked Jonah and Sebastian as characters and I appreciated finding out more about both of them as the book progressed. Mackenzie had such fun interactions from both of them and I loved how she refused to let them tell her how to live.
I also think something is just added to the overall wonderfulness of a book when the supporting character/best friend is just as fun and quirky as the main character. Amy seemed like such a loyal and hilarious person to be around and I could see how her relationship with the main character worked throughout the book. Amy was her own little star in the book and I enjoyed all of the moments that included her in the plot. She was the kind of supporting character that gave Mackenzie a whack in the head when she misbehaved or didn't understand something.
The plot was strong and easy to follow. It was engaging and did include some action parts thrown in during different parts of the book. This book has a couple different conflicts (kidnapping and joining of the pack) but the author does a nice job of distinguishing between the separate conflicts and tying up all loose ends. My only problem with the book was when Mackenzie stated that she read a lot of paranormal fiction about werewolves but still was completely in the dark about everything. I mean she would have learned something from reading those books with the aggressive behavior and such of werewolves.
I would definitely recommend this book to any older teen and new adult (maybe 16 or 17 up) just for the main character alone but also for the engaging plot.
February 7, 2020
It was an okay book. I didn’t love it and I didn’t hate it. But my least favorite part was there were no scenes of her as a wolf, they were skipped over
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