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Shifters of Black Isle #1

Claimed by the King

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Abandoned by her people, a young woman was being sent to her doom.
Kelly was going to be a prisoner; a slave. At least that’s what she thought as she waited for the mysterious giants that lived on the Black Isles to claim her. A human sacrifice, once every eight years. That’s what it took to keep mankind safe from these savages.

The human would ensure the survival of his bloodline. Whether he liked it or not.
Broc’s reign as King of the Black Isles had lasted seven years already. That was a long time to go without a queen and therefore, an heir. He knew what he had to do; to claim the human offering and make her his own.

When they met, it changed everything. A glimmer of hope, even of love, in unexpected places. But life on the Black Isles was far from simple. And there were powerful secrets, yet to be uncovered, that could change everything yet again.

Claimed by the King is the first in Lorelei Moone’s brand new fantasy romance series, Shifters of Black Isle. Shifters, magic and relatable characters; set in a mysterious, distant land, where anything seems possible, and yet all its inhabitants hold dear could be destroyed in an instant.

163 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 20, 2018

546 people are currently reading
406 people want to read

About the author

Lorelei Moone

64 books617 followers
Lorelei Moone is an author of paranormal romance based in London. A lover of all things sweet and caffeinated, when she's not writing about sexy bear shifters and their strong-willed curvaceous love interests, Lorelei can be found baking cookies or cakes for her family.

She got her start writing bear shifters in the well received Scottish Werebear series (2015-2016), and its spin-off, Alpha Squad (2016-2017). To binge-read these today, make sure to buy the boxed set collections. Additionally, she's written of vampires in her Vampires of London series (2016-2017), and has just begun her foray into paranormal fantasy romance with the Shifters of Black Isle series (2018-2019).

Most of her titles are also available in print as well as audio, so you can enjoy them in your favourite format.

Lorelei also writes contemporary / erotic romance as L. Moone.

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5 stars
154 (26%)
4 stars
156 (26%)
3 stars
176 (29%)
2 stars
77 (13%)
1 star
25 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Stacie.
2,554 reviews274 followers
September 24, 2019
3 1/2 "Fantasy" Stars

I really liked this book. There's not a whole lot to it, but it was good to me. Definitely going to read book 2. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Chloe Adams.
150 reviews8 followers
March 3, 2019
Not at all what I expected but a truly good read
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.2k reviews91 followers
August 28, 2020
Every eight years one of women residents in her town is taken and given to the Black Isles to ensure doom doesn’t befall on the town. Kelly finds herself torn from everything and everyone that is familiar however she is unwilling to just accept her fate and she plans to escape at her earliest opportunity.

Broc knows that the fate of his people and life as they know it is dependent on him. He requires a bride who isn’t part of their culture and he is prepared to fulfill his obligation however he never expected to develop feelings for her and that the biggest threat may be from those he thought he could trust.

Broc and Kelly’s journey had a few obstacles to overcome as they learn not only about each other but themselves as well and the secondary characters are intriguing. are intriguing which leaves us looking forward to the next book in this series. I enjoyed the performance of the narrator and though he did a great job with both the story and the characters.
Profile Image for Tai Nelson-Barnes.
2,833 reviews76 followers
July 24, 2018
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So I am a pretty big paranormal fan. And I do enjoy many different authors that write in the genre but for some reason, this one just didn't do it for me. I didn't feel the connection between the characters.

I wanted to really like it. But it was just meh. I probably won't read the next book in the series.

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Profile Image for Susan (susayq ~).
2,523 reviews132 followers
June 4, 2021
3.5 stars

This was a quick read/listen. I really liked Kelly. She could have been whiny and full of pity for herself considering how she ended up being on Black Isle. She wasn't though. She was accepting and willing to adapt to her circumstances. I do like the overall story arc going on here. I can't wait to see what Teraq is doing.

The audio for this was good. I'm glad I listened to it.
Profile Image for Deserthomemaker.
1,001 reviews4 followers
December 29, 2019
The story had potential, but is seriously underdeveloped. The romance was just meh, and the book would have benefitted from less of it and more story development.
326 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2018
Once in every eight springs, a girl will be put forth by one of the coastal regions. A peace offering, a condition of the truce between the Giant Warriors of Black Isle and the men of the mainland.
1. No one shall remain with the offering when the time comes.
2. None shall attempt to lay eyes on or follow the giants.
3. No girl shall ever come home, or her village shall feel the giants’ wrath. By this ritual we are bound, so long as our truce may last.
==============================
Poor Kelly thought her life was over, been chosen as the new sacrifice, her mother long gone and brother sent away by her horrendous father.
She is a young woman being sent to her doom. Kelly was going to be a prisoner; a slave. At least that’s what she thought as she waited for the mysterious giants that lived on the Black Isles to claim her. A human sacrifice, once every eight years. That’s what it took to keep mankind safe from these savages.
This story gripped me from the first page, I read it in one sitting, beautifully written and well drawn out. It is a clean romance which for me took it down from 5 to 4, I like my books with a bit of passion and while it was in there it seemed very discreet more like the old fashioned way of portraying the sexy times in books, I like my sexy times and as this is a shifter book I thought there would be plenty. It did not detract from the story at all, original concept and flowed beautifully. I loved Kelly wasn't so sure of Broc at first but I grow to love him. this is the first book of the series so I am looking forward to reading the next in line. another niggle which took it down to 4 was the abrupt way it finished. I wanted more on the couple and it was rushed a little at the end. I will not say to much about the plot, except we have mermaids, wolves, bears , eagles and witches. The tale is wonderful. This is a first time read from this author it will not be my last. I was given this as an ARC, for an honest review as I am new to the actual ARC's I did take my time I still read it in a couple of hours but I savored the book which helped with the enjoyment as well. Hats of to you Lorelei Moone if this is your first. you have a new fan.I loved it
Profile Image for Hannah G.
319 reviews18 followers
August 5, 2018
I enjoyed it. And, would continue this series.
267 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2018
Oh my goodness!! Such yumminess inside😍😍

I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this book. I totally understood Kelly from the first page since I've always felt different from everyone else. Fortunately, I haven't been left tied to a pillar to satisfy a treaty. The unknown is so scary, so it would have been nice, and I think allowed a better transition for some of the previous girls, if they had an idea that they were going to be wives and mothers. But the changes that were made seemed to be a good idea, and Broc certainly knew how to make Kelly feel welcome. Something is not right with Teaq, and I can't wait to see more from the Black Isles. I had reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book, but I LOVED it so much I bought myself a copy!
Profile Image for Natalia.
1,180 reviews94 followers
July 27, 2018
this is more of a 2,5 star book!!


The story has potencial but come short!

The king is a little to "perfect" and she like a true Mary Sue h is also oh so perfect!
They get along perfectly , the chemistry is perfect! *rolleyes*
2nd day after she's being taken to another land and she's already sneaking her way into the night to the King's room!!! cheeky little girl!

The story has potencial like i said but was poorly explored IMO!
Profile Image for Patty .
1,352 reviews7 followers
July 23, 2018
What an awesome start to a new paranormal series.  The series starts off with Kelly.  Kelly won the lottery, but this is not a good thing.  She won the lottery to her demise.  Every 8 years her village sends a girl of right age to be sacrificed to the Giants of Black Isles and this year it is Kelly.  But what Kelly thinks is going on is not to be the case at all.

Broc is king of the Black Isles.  The pressure  is on for him to take a bride and make an heir.  This years sacrifice needs to be the one, for he can't marry one of his people, it is against the rules.  When he goes to collect the sacrifice, he is surprised that he is drawn to her and very protective of her at first sight.  But will she be the one to help lead his people?  Will she make it trough the transition? 

The characters were interesting and the author did a good job with the character development and world building in the story.  We got some good background with out drowning out the main story line.  As the story builds there is an air of mystery added to it, which draws readers in and makes them look forward to another book.  It is a small cliff hanger, but not too bad.  It does give you an insight as to who the next book will focus on and a hint to what is to come with that character.

This book was a good read.  It had an original story plot and was a steady paced read.  It is a PG-13 clean paranormal romance.  There are still some steamy scenes, just not overly descriptive and dirty as most.  So if you like paranormal without all the hot and dirty sex, then you will enjoy this book.  

*ARC provided by Lorelei Moon
Profile Image for Lauren Jones.
436 reviews11 followers
July 28, 2018
If you had to become a sacrifice in order for your people to survive another eight years in your village, would you? That seems like a huge risk, but when you are thinking about your father and brother potentially falling victim to giants, what more can you do? Moone has a fast-paced, entertaining story with Claimed by the King.

Broc Bearclaw is the ruler of the Black Isles and he must take in as many outsiders as possible in order to allow his people to thrive and survive against the oncoming war with the sea people. His people are also pressuring him to take a wife and produce an heir. When Broc sees Kelly for the first time on that wooden post, a sacrifice to his people until the next eight years, he is enraptured by her beauty and immediately feels connected to her. He wants passion. He wants to protect her. But, his people suggest that an oncoming threat is looming over the Black Isles and they can't help believing that Kelly has something to hide which can be a danger to them all.

Moone has a quick read with this first installment. The novella is filled with a great backstory and terrific character development; however, the romance is a very fast-paced. The author is assuming the characters have an instant draw to each other based on lore of finding ones soulmate. The story is written well and easy to read. If you are a reader of paranormal romance, you may want to try this one. Since this is the first installment, the reader can jump right in.

This book was downloaded by Turning Another Page from Book Funnel and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a four-star rating for Claimed by the King by Lorelei Moone.
Profile Image for Darlene.
376 reviews28 followers
July 27, 2018
I received an ARC from this very masterful Author LORELEI MOONE. In exchange for very honest opinion of her CLAIMED BY THE KING BBW BEAR SHIFTER FANTASY ROMANCE SHIFTERS OF BLACK ISLE BOOK 1. This is my very honest opinion of her outstanding -out of this world -edge of your seat/page turner of a story. One that you can't get enough of. You are held captive once you turn the very first page. This story is so magically writen you find yourself transported to the Black Isle itself. You become one with the characters & scenes. Brok , Kelly and the rest of them are written so well described and defined. The reader is able is picture them right before their eyes. As for the scenes , they are so realistic. You feel you are apart of them aong with seeing them. Ms Moone creativity is exceptional. The way in which she has taken pen to paper to bring this story life before your eyes is truly remarkable. One that you have you have to read and experience for yourself.
So let me begin telling you CLAIMED BY THE KING... As our story opens we find Kelly preparing to sacrificed to herself to the giants on Black Isles. The town folk every 8 years have to choose a young maiden to be sacrifice. The deal is that they villagers leave maidens tied up -say thier good-byes and walk away. No one is suppose to see what happens to them when the giants of the black isle claim them.
Kelly awaits her fate . The fog is getting dense. The ship is approaching - here come the giants. Kelly is beginning to wonder what is going to happen to her. Aboard the ship is King of the Black Isle Brok. This year it is his turn to take a mate. As they pull up to the shore Broc has his men get out and goes to the stake where Kelly is. Untie her , order her into the ship. They set off to Black Isle once again. Once back at their village, Broc decides that Kelly is his destined mate. He orders the women to help her adjust to life there. However, secrets are being kept . Will they be enough to keep these to apart? Or will they actually make to marriage feast? To find the answers to these questions and more. You need to get your COPY OF CLAIMED BY THE KING (SHIFTER OF BLACK ISLE BOOK 1). Make sure to add it to your Goodreads Reading list and to your BOOKBUB.COM account. I recommend this Amazing -Hot - Fast Read, for all. Who love an excellent shifter-paranormal romance. I give this a 5 mouse paws. Now run an get your copy today.





Profile Image for Up All Night With Books.
1,160 reviews44 followers
July 20, 2018
3.75 'Light' Stars
Review by Allyson
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog


Light
Love
Life


Edgy, unique paranormal romance that sets this new series by Lorelei Moone on a fresh path for the next books to follow. Claimed By the King was enjoyable and intriguing in a sense. I liked how it wasn't just a one-animal shifter novel but a collective of animals; bears, wolves, owl, witch, etc.

A female sacrifice on the verge of life and death alleged to folklore, however she ends up with more than she bargained for.

I only wished there was more lust, more connection between Broc and Kelly. The chemistry was on the surface but it could have gone deeper. I, as the reader, wanted more passion, more fire than what we were given. As well, the ending was abrupt and I felt the relationship between Kelly and Rhea was unfinished. I understand there are more books approaching soon and I am hoping that my questions will all be answered. Even though my rating is mediocre I will be reading the rest as the book was well written and I am interested to see what happens to the 'other' prisoner in the dungeon.

**ARC provided for an honest review**
1,330 reviews10 followers
July 25, 2018
Holly cow what a phenomenal story. It is so completely well written and thought through. I would love to read more about them. Thank goodness it shows a book two to follow at the end.
This is Broc and Kelly's story. The story starts with Kelly's people sending her to her supposed Doom with the Giants. But things are far from what they seem when she arrives on the island. Brock is determined to take her as his bride but not the way to tradition would normally do. He wants to woo her and have her come willingly. But as they grow closer it only seems that his top Soldier Teaq and Reha seem to be conspiring against them. Then there's a small problem of the prophecy. And it seems that there are surprises left for them all leading up to Reha throwing Kelly into the dungeon for unknown reasons too Broc and Kelly. Seems she is more special than she thinks. Now they just have to find a way to release her and convince everyone she is not the threat they believe her to be.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it when you do; they value your opinions too.
Profile Image for Erin Penn.
Author 4 books23 followers
April 24, 2020
The first of a series, I picked it up for free as part of the popular marketing ploy of first book free to get you to want the rest of the series.

Not a bad story, but not great.

First off, BBW (big beautiful women) is false advertising when the female is immediately transferred to a society where she is the smallest, lightest weight woman in a group of giants. BBW is the celebration of big - not being made to feel dainty. And even before the transfer, her size had no impact on anything.

While the description of the landscape and situation put you on the lonely rock, the dialog, characters, and romance was just average. The plot looks to be interesting as the overarching story develops over the series. The plot here had a huge god-in-the-machine moment; while hinted very lightly throughout, a stronger backstory for it would have made it seem less like "the author needs an uber-powerful solution to resolve the overarching story so I'm going to put superman here." Well, not superman, but a Mary Sue definitely.

No character caught my imagination. The romance was mostly behind doors - kudos for an alpha treating a woman captive as an equal, but tingle would have been nice.

Mostly a setup book for the rest of the series. Meh.
Profile Image for Claire Cronin.
1,244 reviews19 followers
July 24, 2018
This was my first book by Lorelei, and this is the first in a new PNR series about shifters, not just one type though, all different ones, which was kinda unique. It was a good read and I enjoyed the story line.

A village girl gets sacrificed to the giants on the Island once every 8 years, this time it was Kelly's turn. The giants need new blood to enable their bloodline to continue, and so a girl is taken once every 8 years across to their Island. Broc is the king and he is claiming Kelly to be his bride and hopefully produce an heir.

I enjoyed the story, but the chemistry between Broc and Kelly seemed to be lacking, there was not enough passion for my tastes, it seem to be a bit like an old fashioned tale rather than a hot shifter romance. Hopefully further books in this series will correct this, but I'm looking forward to continuing the story.
Profile Image for Susan Otto.
832 reviews9 followers
March 19, 2019
A different kind of a bear shifter story

Kelly is one of the girls that is given to the monsters every 8 years. What will happen to her? Broc is the bear shifter King and he is to have Kelly for his mate. Will they be able to make it in this Frozen Island that is their home? Can she love this bear shifter?

There are many shifters on the island and they bear animosity towards humans and vice versa. It's a property right that there will be change?

The two main characters of Kelly and Broc are unique. The plot is fast paced and have some twist. I was immediately hooked on this book and couldn't put it down. It makes me so intrigued with the series that I want to read the next book.

Highly recommended because the author takes you back in time to see what their lives are like.

bookwormsuzy
Profile Image for Tina.
960 reviews6 followers
March 15, 2019
This book has mixed reviews but I actually enjoyed the story. It’s a different take on human, witch and shifter interaction. Kelly is sacrificed by the townsfolk as part of a treaty, with the giants. Every 8 years a sacrifice is given in exchange for protection, although she thinks this will lead to her death it’s actually the opposite. It’s Broc, king of the black isles first reaping since becoming king and this sacrifice is intended for him, but what mysteries will come to light when Kelly and Broc come face to face?
I liked the story, plot, and characters. It did have some angst, and some sweet moments, including a very romantic sex scene. Being honest I had moments where I wanted to scream at certain characters but overall I enjoyed this read.
Profile Image for Serena Buffaloe.
659 reviews11 followers
June 10, 2024
A great 1st book !!!

At 1st glance , this was totally a book I would like !! It is full of folklore and amazing surprises and situations .
Kelly is on her way to be a tribute to the Giants across the water. No one has ever seen them, but the treaty from a very long time ago states that every 8 years , A tribute ( A young female ) must be left at the appointed place , and no one shall stay with her.
Hmmm.....
As Kelly is left out in the cold , she has plenty of time to think about her fate.
Brock knows that this system is despicable, but his people NEED this. They must have new blood.
As these two are thrust together, many questions are answered. And some are not !! But the book has a great flow and it was a great read !!
Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,518 reviews91 followers
July 20, 2018
Kelly life is drastically changed when she's chosen to be sacrificed to the giants of  Black Isles all she could think of was a horrible fate until she saw him Broc Kings of Black Isles and King of the giant. Broc hates that every eight years he has to go and collect a human but if he does not them his race will die out but when he saw Kelly that all change and he will stop at nothing to make her his Queen. 

Overall the story was good I would consider it a new adult book sometimes the scenes felt a little rush other times I was a little confused about what happened the nights before but I enjoyed the story.
Profile Image for Ashley Carr, LSoR.
4,992 reviews62 followers
July 24, 2018
4.5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A fantastic way to start off a series. You get introduced to the main characters and story line in this story. Kelly thinks she is going to be a prisoner/slave when she is sacrificed to the giants, that is furthest from the truth though. Broc, the king of the Black Isles, claims Kelly for his own. The two most important people in his life oppose the match for their own reasons. When Broc meets Kelly something shifts inside of him and he knows it is going to be a good match. Will Broc and Kelly get their HEA or will secrets tear them apart? I can’t wait for the next installment of this series!!
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,010 reviews154 followers
July 25, 2018
Lorelei Moone has started her new series off with a success. King of the Black Isle's have been alone for too long. Now, he must step up his game and take a queen. He never expected a human sacrifice to become that more he needed to want to move forward in the world. Kelly was the bbw that gave new life the the beings of the Black Isle. She goes in to this sacrifice with her eyes open. She finds that the world she has been sacrficed to is not the one that she has heard about all her life. Broc and Kelly find a level of respect, peace and a connection, but that does not please all. This one finds its only connection and slight suspense. This was a quick read that made the lunch break go by.
2,259 reviews6 followers
September 21, 2018
Kelly is sacrified by the humans to the "giants" on Black Isle. She thinks she is going to be killed or be a slave. Unbeknownst to her she has been chosen to be the queen to the King of the shifters, Broc. Kelly knows nothing of magic and shifters, but she is fearless and once she realizes she will not be harmed, she embraces her new life. She feels a connection to Broc very soon. But there are surprises in store. Especially her unknown abilities, that manifest themselves. Is she the person in the prophecy who will bring doom to the shifters on Black Isle, or will she be their salvation. I can't wait to find out.
899 reviews
March 9, 2019
This book was very good. This is about Kelly, who was to be sacrificed by her clan to the mysterious giants that resided on an island not far from the mainland. The giants are really Bear Shifters and they keep the peace between them and the mainland by demanding a sacrifice every 8 years. They need new blood brought into their clan and this was the only way they could think to get it. A lot of tension on the part of Kelly, of course, but she finally gets used to them and they don't mistreat her. Not a whole lot of passion between Kelly and Broc, the king of the shifter clan. Good story. Kept my interest. Recommend.
Profile Image for Emily Dickson.
1,096 reviews7 followers
July 21, 2018
Great start to a new series! Kelly was a fantastic character and so was Broc. Kelly was chosen as a sacrifice at the very beginning and ends up on an island of shifters. Lots of fun as the story progressed and the secondary characters were also well developed. This was a fun and a fast read that kept my interest and I am now looking forward to reading the next book. I am voluntarily reviewing an arc I received
568 reviews4 followers
July 22, 2018
This book makes me so excited for this new series. I’m a long-time fan of Ms Moone & Claimed by the King holds true to her skills as a world-builder. The characters are colourful & charismatic. I loved the story- Kelly thought she was going to be a slave but things didn’t go the way she expected. I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the relationship between her & Broc although things don’t go smoothly for them which makes for an exciting and engaging read.
Profile Image for Chantelle Bouffanie.
1,218 reviews11 followers
July 28, 2018
Oh My Goodness! I've volunteered to review this book for the author. I love reading Lorelei Moone books. A fantastic way to start off a series. I really enjoyed this story. This book is about Broc and Kelly. It is so completely well written and thought through. Now, Broc must step up his game and take a queen. He has his sight set on Kelly. This is a fast paced, quick and easy read. I read it all in only a few hours. You WILL NOT be disappointed in this one. Keep up the great job!
Profile Image for Allena.
1,447 reviews
March 4, 2019
Title: Claimed by the King
Author: Lorelei Moone
Publication Date: 7-20-2018

I really enjoy PNR whether it’s a fluff piece or an elaborate world created by the author.

The premise for this world is the treaty between the coastal regions and the Giant Warriors, wherein the Giants are given a peace offering by way of a woman once every eight years.

Good pace, interesting storyline and likable characters.




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