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All Callyn thought about was surviving each day and making it through senior year. All that changed the day she met her four mates. Zeke, Graydon, Lucian, and Maximus gave her something else she desperately needed... hope. After barely surviving at the hands of her abusive father, Callyn learns something about herself. She is shifter royalty and the next Alpha Queen.

With her father in jail and her aunt on her way to Camden Falls, Callyn hopes that she can lead some sort of normal life. She quickly realizes that’s not going to be the case. Callyn doesn’t just have Kelsey to contend with but new threats as well. Add on to that, she still needs to learn what it means to be Alpha Queen.

Let’s not forget, she can’t shift... yet.

The boys are also learning more about themselves and their new abilities. As Callyn and the boys learn to navigate their new lives, they still have the biggest threat of all to worry about... war. Things are set into motion and the threats are real.

As Callyn and her mates grow closer, their bond grows stronger. They will need each other to overcome their enemies.

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2018

654 people are currently reading
267 people want to read

About the author

S. Dalambakis

8 books121 followers
Indie Author. Mother to twin daughters. Married for 10+ years. Graduate of Youngstown State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and Biology. Native Ohioan who recently moved to Florida. Lover of all things Harry Potter. Obsessed with pens, paper, and planners.

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5 stars
513 (38%)
4 stars
384 (28%)
3 stars
311 (23%)
2 stars
106 (7%)
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24 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for Joyce.
643 reviews21 followers
June 21, 2018
To me, this book is the equivalent of a bad tv show that you can’t turn off because there’s nothing else on and you might as well see what happens. It’s a very ridiculous series. I’m somewhat embarrassed I read this book and yet I will probably read the next one too. 😳🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️

There wasn’t much progression plot wise from book one except - she finally kisses them all.... on the lips, instead of just on the cheeks. Sorry for that big spoiler. 🙄I mean there were a few other additions to the plot’s storyline but nothing major. It could have easily been said in a few pages. Didn’t need a whole book.
Profile Image for Jenn.
1,463 reviews26 followers
October 7, 2019
This book still has some editing issues, but compared to the first in the series its leaps and bounds ahead. The biggest grammatical issue seems to be the use of to and too. At least 75 percent of the time the words are used they used wrong. I'd say everytime but she might have gotten them right once or twice. Considering these words are used fairly often in the novel it's one of those grammar rules Dalambakis needs to learn or she's going to get hit on editing by most avid readers who take the time to review. She's definitely improved but there's still room for improvement in editing.

That said it's much easier to look at the bigger story when the book isn't littered with grammatical errors so massive it's like interpreting a foreign language. The individualality of the characters which makes them decisive as individuals rather than a weird hive mind is definitely improving though it's clear the author still prefers Grayson, followed by Max to her other two characters because she's made them more distinctive and gives them more time on the page. But there's been major improvements which I liked. What I didn't like was taking geeky Lucian and hinting that he's a teenage dom when he's displayed zero dominating characteristics prior to the scene where he claims Callyn and I'm hoping that idea gets forgotten in future installments. It doesn't fit for the character that's been presented so far and it feels like doing that is about checking a box rather than following the needs of the story.

Some of the interactions between the characters are awkward corny or silly and detract from the story. I don't think the fights over bowling skills and other inconsequentials were necessary and felt they detracted from the plot. That's said I loved the introduction of Cat and would like to see more of her and the plot was a lot more focused and interesting than in the previous installment. Definitely a much better read and I look forward to finishing the series.
Profile Image for Kei ♥bibliophile♥.
190 reviews
August 12, 2021
This was like a bad reality TV show that you can’t turn off. The bones for a good story were all present but the writing is so immature and the grammatical errors get annoying. While reading book one I thought a teen wrote it and now I think an older person writing what she thinks teens act like wrote this - AND why is this reverse harem paranormal romance centered around High School kids. All the sexual angst of these teens is cringe worthy. My journey ends here even though I’m mildly curious what happens to all these adults abusing/using kids.
Profile Image for Savannah Acheson.
67 reviews2 followers
May 22, 2018
Could have been better. Wasn't bad though.

I was sad by having to give this only three stars because I liked this book a lot, but it had many flaws and frustrations. There wasn't many errors in words in this book than the last which I was happy about. More was revealed about the Alpha shifter paring aspects and there was more emotional development between the mates. However, this romance and sexual aspects were extremely slow and the timing of adding a secondary character was awkward and made me instantly grow suspicious despite their actions. Giving Kelsey such an amazing power seemed like a bad decision to add from the author. I didn't get how people kept on getting away after incidents as well because with all the allies and powers this shouldn't have happened and it was glossed over. I wouldn't discourage people from reading this, but you will get frustrated by some areas.
122 reviews
September 23, 2018
Good plot

I will admit, the editing was distracting at times but I managed to move past it for the most part. The book itself had a great plot and we saw the characters continue to develop from book one to book two. I couldn’t help but get sucked into the world the book created and can’t wait to see where the story goes from here.
Profile Image for Calm Your Pits.
576 reviews6 followers
June 20, 2018
Good

Very good continuation of the story but I am a little surprised it took them so long to figure out who was plotting against them aside from Kelsey.
Profile Image for Nova.
74 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2018
Sweet but needs work

I was a little disapointed with the action part. It could have been a little more vivid and gory. I would say I love the characters. The villains in the book need more work. She could still keep the main villain but make her more authentic and capable of more evil things.


Profile Image for ❀ Crystal ✿ -  PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS .
2,532 reviews308 followers
July 5, 2023
This was a decent continuation and picks up right where the last book ends. Mean girl drama ensues and turns deadlier than before. Honestly how these teenagers treat one another is mind boggling. The cheese levels remain high and lead to awkward encounters and conversations. And really at this point I'm not sure if I'm just not paying enough attention or I just can't get it straight but does she have three or four mates, seems unclear at times?!?!?!? This book works to develop more of the plot and give the relationship time to grow. The romance expansion does feel as if they are moving quickly for a heroine with hang ups.
Profile Image for Glittah4every1.
17 reviews
May 29, 2018
WTF this was a great idea and the author i'm sure is great but lets be real... SHE IS A QUEEN and there hasnt been one in a long time no one knows whats happened to the last one so she appears and no one throws a parade no one has heard rumors of her so people from all over the world should be coming from far and wide they said there is witches and warlocks they should becoming to try and beg to be on her council or near her or ask from favors shes a QUEEN everyone is walking around acting like its okay and were going to accept it people should be bowing or at least diverting eye contact they are treating her with disrespect and dishonor... then her mates has all of this power before she came wtf happened to that people should be like lets trust them weve known them our whole lives... then why arent they spending all day everyday together people are trying to kill you AND HER no other bears wolfs foxes are helping keep an around the clock watch on their QUEEN just what!?!?... then this aunt comes thats not an aunt but a decedent from the maid who rescued her and has decades of secrets in journals and she just has them not in this secret chest lets not talk about the necklace that apparently was priceless and someone just walked in her house and took it but at least he gave it to her WTF but then her dad made her leave and thats her purpose in life WwWHAT!?! She should have had training from her mom on how to kill poison and shoot and be all bad ass and protect her she should have killed the dad instead she accepted it... then the dad is in jail so LETS FORGET ABOUT HIM... i would have used him to get back at her i wouldve paid a lawyer got him out of jail and then tormented her with him but the villain really wasnt a villain she should have been manipulative and sexy she should have been hooking up with those north guys and had them doing her bidding I expected her dad to buy out the town they have all this money why wasnt their classes changed i'm a bad guy ill pay the school register no classes with your boyfriend and then this gift is bestowed upon you thats so precious and so prestigious that no one has records of it but you this evil person gets it and its supposed to aid the queen (one more time) WHAT!?! And everyone is like oh wow you can see things BUT EVERYONE IGNORES THE QUEEN THE QUEEN Just sooo much wrong i gave it three stars because i want this to be great she has a great idea but sit and think the main character should be this strong up from the ashes chick she should be unstoppable with her mates she should have befriended more girls she should have needed no one but everyone needed her she should have been heard all over the world with a pulse and a screech when she transformed into THIS MYTHICAL BEING THAT NO ONE HAS EVER SEEN she should have had that town and that state the whole nation and people from everywhere bowing and not knowing why the teachers staff and other people in town it should have a been a influx of people in town to just bow and see her like they did for Megan Markle this magical necklace should have come with a powerful mage or a pet that does her bidding idk a dragon anything thats more bad ass the villains gift came with a ghost... A GHOST then it came in the last couple of seconds of the book just like oh hey i'm taking your gift and giving it to this other chick then the preview for the next book talks about her first time with an unnamed guy she couldve just had us look into the villains mind or the elders or just anyone she didnt need to tease us with sex

then she is ending the series now shes like okay the next book is the last WHAT!?! something I truly believe she never started or thought about... it wasnt just the editing i dont feel she researched this enough and then threw in what she read from others books like it is isnt this a love story why does she love them because they look good or they growl for her whats going on with her grades their grades you put them in school but mention very little hw or grades, pep rallys and events whats going on at the gym they train at whats going on at theyre homes im not spending enough time with the guys or her they fight, make out, get threatened and no parents come until the end they should've received a house when they found out they mated (its their culture they shouldve had some type of ritual) i'm highly disappointed my review is probably everywhere but ehhh so was this book and everyone who has reviewed this as a great five stars was either paid/rewarded or havent really read books like this before because i feel like all of those 5/4 stars are people hoping it gets better in the future when i see it for the hot mess it was
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Seragrime.
118 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2018
This is a new author series and after heavy edits, the first book felt a little overpriced given the errors and hassle of having to update to get the revisions but there was enough to hold it together that I was encouraged to see how the author progressed.

This book is the second in the series and my biggest complaint is how the character interactions are 99% in a group dynamic so the male characters tend to blur together even though they have been given distinguishing characteristics, such as mischievous, clever, surly, etc. That is one of the biggest dangers in harem novels and having to sort out who is who again pulls you out of the story.

But it is a good story with likable, realistic characters except for one; Kelsey. *SPOILERS*

She is the cliche blonde haired, blue eyed rich girl who is spoilt and cruel and I am fine with that. But the protagonist treats her like the stereotypical mean girl until the author casually drops in that oh yeah, she got another girl's mate killed out of jealousy and the guys are just nodding, like yeah we knew. So we have a plot where the guys are super protective but never bother mentioning that oh yeah, Kelsey isn't just a bully, she's deadly and everyone, even after this is brought up, continues treating Kelsey like an annoyance instead of a real threat.

An editor good with plot should have caught that or the author should have left it out entirely so there was the shock of we the reader, never see it coming because we are assured she was just the cruel but ultimately harmless cliche.

And maybe this is just me, but I hate when stories build this elaborate social system to conceal themselves and never utilize it. I get that 2 out of 4 Council members are against them, that's abundantly clear from book one but why even have a system if it can't be used or more importantly challenged?

Mates are this sacred, rare thing that everyone accepts and understands but all the boys families are 100% content to let the Council do as it pleased for months yet suddenly band together for the big showdown? It is frustrating because the whole premise is that the group is going to create a new system and rule but we have no real understanding of the old system.

A good example of how this sort of thing is addressed is Haley Edwards's Beginners Guide to Necromancy Series. We learn how this supernatural world is governed and ordered so that we understand why it is horrible or something to be feared. Another is Laurel K Hamilton's books that clearly define the good and bad about the systems govering vamps and fae.

Again, this is a new author so I understand that she will evolve and grow and I am pleased by how very much the second book improved over the first, gramatically and such. And just like the first book, there was enough that was done well that makes me want to stick around for the next book.
Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,872 reviews54 followers
July 23, 2020
Now that her father is in jail and her aunt on her way to Camden Falls, Callyn is ready to enjoy her new life. She is the next Alpha Queen and a phoenix shifter. She wants to learn about her new world, spend time with her mates, and have fun with her new friend. But it's not that simple. Not everyone wants her to take her position as Queen.

Again, the story followed along very predictable lines. Again, I can't comment on the editing because I listened to the audiobook and avoided it. Again, the narrator Laurel Shroeder is not my favorite. However, this book is an improvement in ways over the first one. There is story development both in the relationships and the overall arc. Book one had very little take place, this was definitely better. The banter still needs improvement and the characters still behave in a very immature fashion for their age. They are too easy to anger, they all profess their love for one another before sharing a kiss and they almost seem like sex is taboo. I have no issue with teens not having sex but their attitude was juvenile. They also behaved carelessly at best, stupidly at worst concerning the threats and dangers surrounding Callyn. Finally, I took issue with the idea that a family having money could get a teenage girl out of any trouble for repeated murder attempts.

I know that this is a trilogy but I doubt that I go any further with this series. The final book isn't offered on Audible Escape and I will not subject myself to the poor editing of the kindle version. If the author decides to offer it on Escape in the future, I will finish it but until then...
Profile Image for Elissa Harvey.
45 reviews
May 18, 2018
Intrigued and satisfied

This book was actioned backed from start to finish. Things begin to steam up to in the relationship department. I love the protagonist. Her strength is undeniable despite her journey. Everytime she feels like she's cross a milestone she gets hurdled back. I loved that she gets a friend in the book. So she has someone besides the boys. I was very watchful of kitty cat (Max's nickname not mine) in the beginning just like Graydon and Luke. Then she proves her loyalty. They have a great bond and it didn't feel rushed or non authentic.
Kelsey, uh I don't like this girl. She has no redeeming qualities. She is so evil and vile. How in the world did she get chosen for the visions. That never sat well with me.
This story dlowed well together and was a lot less repetitive than the last novel. One thing I want to say though is that when Kelsey leaves Callie in the Bronx she takes her phone. Then afterwards Callie uses her phone to text her aunt or something like that and then the phone is missing again. It is a major miss up and it threw me off. I reread it several times to make sure. That was probably one of my favorite scenes in the book when she rises from the fire a freaking Phoenix and they bow to her. She has all this power and badassness... Then the boys use their elements to clear the fire. I can't wait until they strengthen it. Really great read. I read it in a day directly after the first book.
Profile Image for TXBRITGAL.
1,430 reviews33 followers
May 18, 2018
LOVE this series!!

Yowza! This 2nd book of the series definitely didn't disappoint. We learn why Callyn cannot shift....at least at the moment *wink*.... her ties to the boys (her beloved mates) get stronger still, and in turn each male gains new powers unknown to them (or the Elders) before. Callyn will need to find the strength within as Kelsey (her nemesis) is up to her old tricks...and this time the evil cow has powerful help!! Don't count our Callyn out though as she too has a tribe behind her...including a new gal pal I'm quickly coming to adore. Some mysteries of the Alpha Queen are discovered when Callyn's beloved auntie appears....and with her quite a few shocking revelations. This book is FILLED with all kinds of exciting events!!! I honestly cannot wait to see what happens 's next. This RH book is a must read for me. I'm so thrilled as you read this book, that Callyn slowly gets mentally stronger from the abuse she endured from her sadistic father. Her shifter magic, and her necklace may have healed her outward scars....however mentally is an entirely different matter. It did my heart good seeing her truly grow into a worthy opponent and Queen. She's DEFINITELY becoming the ALPHA QUEEN she was born to be!
Profile Image for Nancy.
78 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2018
More Action This Time Around

Though I am still distracted by the pitiful editing, there was more action in this sequel than in the first book. If I’d reviewed the first book, the title would have been “a whole lot of nothing going on.” Thankfully, we get a lot more plot development and storyline progression in this second installment. There are some careless errors (in more than just the spelling and grammar)—for example, the main character’s phone is taken, but then she sends a message to her aunt before she proceeds to tell her friends that her phone was taken. How did she send the message to her aunt without anyone discussing her lack of cell phone? Smoke signals? The misuse of “too” and “to” is a major pet peeve of mine. Because I bought the audiobook of the first go round, I can’t say if that occurred in the first book or not; however, the error is EVERYWHERE in this second book. Overall, not an awful read, but I do hope the editing is better with the third book. I also hope Kelsey gets b%#*€ slapped.
Profile Image for Nadya Trifonova-Dimova.
318 reviews26 followers
January 8, 2021
DNF.

Да ми е честито, първата ужасна книга за 2021 г. е излъчена. След първата част, която беше прилична, във втората, която изтърпях до средата, задълбаваме на някакви абсолютни тъпотии от сорта кой целунал наша Кайлин за пръв път, а реално важните неща просто се случват за части от секундата, абсолютно без никаква логика, просто пуф! И вече сме феникс. Просто пуф! и неква откачалка иска да я убие, ама не успява... просто пуф! и вече всички й говорят като на кралица. Ама не, като е за първата й целувка с кого била го дъвкахме и предъвкахме 20 000 думи, часа и живота... Ще загина от тъпотия и дори няма да задам въпроса: "Ти сериозно ли?" Не знам какво се е случило между първа и втора книга с писането и мисловния процес и структурирането на книгата, ама режа вени... Не става за четене (а и за много други неща).
Profile Image for Tracey Sanders.
37 reviews4 followers
June 1, 2018
This is a great book I really enjoyed it..
The 1st book was good to but it was more about getting to know them and it was more a high school hot boys kinda book.. this book... Callyn is finely growing into her self and her 4 hot guys are just that hot with all 4 different personalities 😍 Maximus is the cocky and joker that loves to pull pranks, Graydon is the over protective and bad boy and at time them two are in competition batting each other but in a good way! Lucian and Zeke there more low key laid back smart and chilled but also protective to! This book had a lot more to offer and we find out what Callie looks like and that isn’t human at all! I don’t want to say to much but it really is a good paranormal, Romance, alpha male type of book!
24 reviews
July 10, 2018
Great story

I really love the story. The characters are fantastic and there's good character development and good steamy make out sessions.
The reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because of the errors in grammar and syntax. The story totally still stands up, but the errors pull me out of the story and disturb the flow. But I'm still getting the next book.
If the author sees this review i want her to know that I do much enjoy this and mean for the criticism to be only constructive. The intrigue you've got going on in here is titillating af, and I hope you know how much I've enjoyed the story. I hate saying the negative bits and would never want to hurt the feelings of anyone, much less an author i hope continues to write. Thanks for the story.
190 reviews12 followers
September 12, 2018
After reading the first book, I was a little on the fence about this one to start. Unfortunately, a lot of the problems that I had with the first book carried on into the second book - unnatural interactions/dialogue, rushed plot, forced feeling. Again, the general premise of the story is good, but without it being believable there just isn’t enough there for me. I was on the fence about carrying on with this series for awhile after I read it, but I don’t think the next one will get added to my TBR unless I have nothing else to read and it happens across my Recommendations. If I had nothing else waiting in the wings, I’d be curious enough to give it a go and see how the story develops, but I don’t think it’s going to be something I actively look for/follow up on.
Profile Image for Kasumatata.
1,140 reviews23 followers
November 15, 2018
So far I've read the first 2 books of the Shifter Royalty Trilogy and I'm kind of undecided about my reading experience. I read the first 2 books back to back, not because they were amazing and I couldn't stop. They were just pretty short and an easy and light read. I do love this kind of books on occasion and I was not disappointed in the general plot idea. The execution however did not do it for me. I missed some character development and the plot is very straightforward. The different POV were difficult to follow because all of the characters were pretty much 'the same'. Which is why I had to check back multiple times to know whose POV I was reading. I did not dislike the books though. It was a fun read, but I miss some depth.
Profile Image for Summer.
202 reviews
January 3, 2020
Two Stars

This was a painful book to read and I almost didn’t finish it. In fact I wish I didn’t finish it after reading that she had completed edits and corrected her first book. The amount of mistakes was horrible and I can’t believe anyone proofed it ahead of time. There are many sections where you have no idea who is saying what, and most of the book comes of sounding flat with no depth. The only emotions I felt while reading the book was annoyance at the mc’s stupidity and wanting the book to be over.

I’ve already read reviews for the third book so I have enough of an idea what happened in the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Shan ~A~.
3,377 reviews65 followers
April 23, 2020
I honestly skimmed this book after about 50%. It seemed like a lot of information that wasn't moving the plot along anywhere. I got more out of the last few minutes than I did through most of the entire book.

Yes, I said skimmed even though I was listening to this on audio. I guess the correct term would be fast forwarded?

I'm starting to feel like there are still too many things that was left unexplained at this juncture in the story. Not just for the readers, but also for Callyn.

I will attempted the last book in the trilogy just to see how this entire thing ends, but I think I'll try the kindle edition so that I can actually skim if necessary.
Profile Image for Killion Jay.
273 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2024
Do you know when your friend is trying to tell you about a story and instead of actually just summarizing it simply, they start jumping from point to point in such a chaotic manner that you can’t actually follow anything or you’re just like “okay, I’ll trust you that it’s good”, but you don’t really believe it? That’s this.
Also a solid example of why I don’t typically prefer character driven plot. When you only focus on the characters relationships you lose anything cohesively driving the story which then in turn even hurts the characters making them feel stagnant. Sometimes it’s don’t well but certainly not today.
Profile Image for Amanda.
90 reviews4 followers
May 23, 2018
Simple but entertaining

I was not going to read this because i am not a fan of reverse harem books but also have never read one.i decided to give it a try and i was pleasantly surprised. The reverse harem part was tastefully done and didnt over shadow the plot. It was a sweet story in which the characters grew as people as you read the story.it is a simple read,read it in leas than a day but the character development was great and i really enjoyed the story. I cant wait fof the next book!
488 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2022
Great story progression but the editing is frustrating at times.

The relationships are a little slow to gather but the story is coming along well if a little predictably. There’s more action and less frustration in this book (with the story at least). There are quite frequent mistakes throughout this book with words missing or the wrong form of to/too used enough that I stumbled over it every time I was reading and it always makes me falter in my reading when I see something like that like I must have read it wrong.
Profile Image for Francesca.
450 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2023
Book was almost as good as book one. There was plenty of drama and romance, as well plot development toward book three. Of course, there was some foreshadowing and I'm here for all of it. The MC and "mates" are still PG enough that this book is safer for the targeted YA audience since these kids are still in high school, but I'm suspecting book 3 might not be as PG-13. I guess I'll find out because I'm excited to start the next. So far, I'm still a go for recommending these books to other YA romance lovers. From one book nerd to another, happy reading!
Profile Image for Christy deSade.
473 reviews11 followers
October 11, 2018
Ed-i-tor

Seriously, the constant misused words were extremely aggravating (part instead of apart, pour instead of pure, past instead of passed). Then there were the shifts between present and past tense and the misspellings. The dialogue was already stilted and poorly chosen for teenagers, the grammar issues made it painful to wade through. I doubt I'll read anything else by this author.
404 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2018
Fantastic book

This book was fantastic there's much more happening! You've got suspense , fighting, excitement and laughing, I couldn't put it down I'm getting through this series so quickly because of it, bond are made stronger and new friend and does come to light, if you enjoyed the first you will enjoy this one to a brilliant read for anyone who likes paranormal (shifters) on to the next one whoop whoop!
Profile Image for Chloe.
659 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2019
Good book

This was a good book- but it could have been a great book. The story is really a great concept and the author did a good job but she could have added in so much more detail. I was always left feeling like I didn't get enough from each scene. The grammar and spelling mistakes are horrible and were very distracting. I enjoyed the story though and am looking forward to reading the last book of the series.
Profile Image for Francis.
477 reviews13 followers
January 27, 2021
There was certainly an improvement compared to the first part in this series. The plot was definitely more interesting, and even the characters showed some more personality.

However, the four mates part and acting on it with all of them still weirds me out, especially since it's an urban fantasy and the setting is quite realistic.

Additionally, I also still feel that they should have had the female parts narrated by someone else in the audiobook. Even at 1.5 speed it's still very annoying.
Profile Image for Amanda Crossland.
1,172 reviews13 followers
March 24, 2024
Wow

Loved the multiple point of views, we even get to read Kelsey the mean girls point of view, and it just made me hate her even more. The guys are all doing their best to support our female lead character in her new role as an alpha queen. She finally came into her shifted form on the cusp of death, and finally got to
Bond with her men, even if there wasn’t any nookie. Can’t wait to read the next book!
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