Mackenzie Grey never felt as vulnerable as she does now—but that won’t stop her from getting what she wants: revenge. Kenz and her friends journey to a new land where everyone has a motive and everyone is a suspect. The Lunas find their voices after the massacre but question still stands—who is the real enemy? If Mackenzie wants to free herself, she will need to free them all; and it won’t be easy. As she approaches her 24th birthday—in the middle of a web of lies, deception, and murder—Kenz has to weave her way to the truth before she’s next on the chopping block.
With her companions, Mackenzie will make her final stand and change the course of the Lycan world forever…
Karina 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.
Mackenzie is back! She still has no filter. Says what she wants. And refuses to be controlled by anyone.
Because of her crimes in America, she's summoned for a trial in Europe. The majority of the story takes place in the King's castle. She and her friends search for the truth while they wait for their judgement.
A lot of new characters come into play. And we also see more Lunas coming out to seek freedom. This story is very strong on girl power, with a little bit of romance.
The MC is a nightmare. I mean a straight up crazy nightmare. She honestly always has been but I tried to look past it because I was into the semi romance. But now.. Now I can't take it any more. She acts like a child. And its not just like a couple actions NO every single thing she does is childish. Her temper is ridiculous. She stomps her freaking feet. I can't stand her. And I know I am on the 3rd book out of 4 but I honestly don't think I can continue with it. I wan't to make her real and kill her more than I want Jem Carstairs to be real and with me. And if you know anything about anything you know that is a huge freaking deal.
I also don't think it's believable that she got a bunch of other races to randomly attack the packs just for her. Yes I get that the Lunas are mistreated. Trust I freaking see that. But I just don't see the vampires giving a shit. They aren't allies. So it just makes zero sense that this no name chick came in and a month later she's got everyone attack each other just because she deems it necessary.
So yeah. I just don't think I can read another book with her going on and on about life not being fair. And her throwing a tantrum whenever someone tells her something she doesn't agree with.
Gah. I can't read this series anymore. Kenzie has become a ridiculously selfish character. She thinks about nothin' but herself. It's a constant pity party. She has people that will literally die for her, but all she can think about it herself. Even her 'passion' to save the Lunas stems from a very selfish perspective, and she's never happy with what she's achieved. It's never enough for her, and she'll push everyone to the brink of death until everyone's dead.
Not only that, she made a life changing decision to Everyone around her seems to make all the sacrifices, and she's just so damn selfish. I just cannot do it anymore.
The baddies were also super predictable. .
I thought finally, FINALLY this gal has chosen her bae. Jokes on us, she f'ed that up too. No love interest in the picture rn. Damn I'm done. Too much frustration.
I just don't know, I liked the first two books but this one, not so much. It's hard to see Mackenzie as someone who cares and fights for everyone when she constantly puts everyone's life in danger for her gun-ho wants an needs. Its also really exasperating watching her stomp her foot and act like a totally child throughout the book. Now everything that can go wrong does, total s**** show, this book seems to have lost me when the whole team, and I mean the whole team breaks apart, everything that happened was nothing I was expecting, talk about heartbreaking. I myself just don't want to finish this read, it many ways this book instead of pumping me has done the total opposite, in ways I wish I never read this book and sat in my happy little bubble with the other two book
McKenzie is a super annoying tantrum throwing teenager in this installment. This book was a major dissapointment after the 2nd book. There was a lot of character growth in the second book which was completely nullified in this book. Her immature behaviour was totally offputting, also the swing back to the love triangle and her not being able to make up her mind between the 2 wolves after a year of living together with Roman was also a total regress.
INITIAL THOUGHTS Having totally adored the previous books in this series, I was truly looking forward to this book, and had high expectations for it too. I was eager to know if Mackenzie would ever make the choice between her two potential mates, or would someone else arrive on the scene and sweep her off her feet. Another thing I am eager to catch up with is has anything changed for the better for the Luna’s now they have Mackenzie to help their cause?
THOUGHTS WHILST READING 4% Oh wow! King Alexander is finding out his daughter is not a typical meek and mild Luna. Mackenzie has a mind of her own and isn't afraid to say what she is thinking or feeling! Mackenzie is back and is as kick butt as ever! 19% Totally loving this book already and hate having to put it down to do other things. I really want to finish it to find out all the answers but at the same time I seriously want to and intend to savour every word!" 51% Just loving this book! Who is the guilty party inside the castle household? My guess? Andrew Duncan maybe" 77% Oh wow I love a kick butt female, and Mackenzie Grey knows how to kick butt!! And as to who ordered the Luna's to be killed? Well....it couldn't be....? Could it?"
REVIEW The cover of this book, once again features Mackenzie Grey, a more mature, Mackenzie Grey? Only time will tell. The same sort of shade of blue is also carried through this series, maybe a subtle reference to Mackenzie's royal heritage? The fonts of the titles, and author names also match well as does their placement on the book covers. The cover fits very well with Shift and Caged. I’d love to see them all side by side on my book shelf! The genres this book falls into for me are paranormal/supernatural, with a little romance added. The supernatural races featured in the book which I totally love are shifter's, vampires, and witches. Though I would normally shy away from and usually dislike fae and pixies, I do enjoy their parts in this book a great deal. So this book jumps right back into the action picking up at at a hearing to decide what further action should be taken against the trio of Mackenzie, Sebastian and Jonah. The King is disgusted to hear what Logan did to Mackenzie, and the fact that Malcolm, father of Logan and Alpha condoned it, they are immediately cast out of their pack. The King also promises to find out who really ordered his guards to carry out the attack on the Brooklyn Pack. Mackenzie, Sebastian and Jonah are given two weeks to bury their dead, and take care of anything that needs to be sorted out as they have been summoned to appear before a tribunal in Scotland at the Kings Castle! I loved the comparison that Karina made saying the King’s castle in Scotland is like the wolf Vatican city! The castle is miles away from humans. The King will be the head of the tribunal as he says “he is the law” but to ensure fairness and justice is done the European Summit members will also form part of the “jury”. During her two weeks Mackenzie ensures that Emma is safely away from any danger under the care and protection of the vampire, Roman. It’s whilst hugging Roman that Mackenzie admits to herself that Logan has broken something within her that will take a very long time to heal, if it ever does. She visits her family, enjoying time with her adoptive parents and brother Oliver. Then Mackenzie attempts to attend the Luna funerals. Amy, being human is not allowed to attend and initially Sebastian, Jonah etc try to discourage Mackenzie from attending too, but she still goes. Sadly she has a run in with Charles Cadwell, and Mohammed a pack member, but an additionally surprising interaction with a couple of the young surviving Luna’s. One of the last things Mackenzie “takes care of” is explaining, or should I say revealing more of herself to Detective Garrett Michaels. Does he believe what she reveals? I think he has no other choice but to do so. How does he react? Well that would be slipping into spoiler territory. This book is really super packed, with lots happening from the aftermath of Caged to be dealt with. Then the mixture of the whole tribunal and what that entails, along with Mackenzie having to deal with getting to know her birth father King Alexander, step mother Queen Ivana and her sneaky, smarmy, rather creepy step brother Prince Andrew Duncan. A character I thoroughly enjoyed disliking! Then Mackenzie has the added complication of having to learn to be a Princess and a meek, obedient Luna thrust upon her. Which let's face it, this is not going to be an easy task for the independent, unconstrained, fierce, outspoken, opinionated, kick butt individual that is Mackenzie Grey. Though the very traits that make her stand out as not the typical Luna or Princess are the ones Mackenzie will need to rely on when she is faced by the fight of her life. Mackenzie certainly never takes the easy route, when asked to choose someone to fight for her between Sebastian and Jonah she determindely refuses to choose. Preferring to break all traditions, and previous customs and insisting on taking her fate into her own hands. We learn along with Mackenzie about her mother Adaline, and what happened to her. Though Mackenzie feels alone and isolated at first in Scotland she learns she has many more allies than she could have ever of thought. Mackenzie certainly uses her investigative skills, unearthing facts that are being hidden, some old secrets, as well as old and new betrayals along with a few rather unlikely loyalties too. I enjoyed learning some of the meanings behind certain Gaelic names, including Mackenzie’s. I also found the reasons behind certain aspects of the pack funerals to be both fascinating and endearing. I loved the sentiment and the reasons pack funerals are carried out the way they are. I honestly felt real affection for Mackenzie in this book, the losses she has to come to terms with, that she ends up having to grieve for alone. Another character I fell in love with earlier in the series was the Luna called Blu, there is a really emotional scene in this book between her and Mackenzie, it made me teary when I read it. The interaction also has the intended affect on Mackenzie that Blu wanted it to have. We also meet some new potential beloved characters, such as, King Alexander, Helena, and Scarlett Slade. The King, I took a little while to warm up to whereas the characters of Helena and Scarlett I immediately adored. Helena is an older Luna who serves the Royal family. Helena treats Mackenzie with kindness and love from the moment they meet, and even risks the Kings ire to help her when she needs it. Scarlett instantly reminded me of Amy. Speaking of Amy there’s no way I cannot mention favourite characters without mentioning my favourite “couple” Amy and Jackson (“book boyfriend” material), though there are some rather unexpected issues raised in this book that will have major repercussions that will have to be dealt with in the future. The relationship between Mackenzie and Lucian also takes an unforseen rocky path towards the end of this book. Hopefully Mackenzie will be able to regain the full trust, understanding and love of her "not so happy" friends once again. Then there’s the other two, “book boyfriend” material characters of Jonah and Sebastian. I love them both in different ways, probably as Mackenzie does, which will she choose? With everything going on in this book will she have the chance to choose? I know which I would choose personally . . .I admit it, I have a weakness for the gorgeous sounding, somewhat hot tempered, fiercely protective, intensely loyal Sebastian! Though I can understand how Mackenzie is attracted to both the Alpha Sebastian of the Brooklyn pack and the Beta Jonah in different ways. This book was amazing! In fact I think the Mackenzie Grey Series is amazing and think there is a huge amount of future further potential for these characters, and certainly hope to read much, much more! I'd love to see this book made into a TV Series! I mean it's been done for Kelley Armstrong's, Women Of The Otherworld Series - known as Bitten. If kept as in the book, this could be a hit TV Series too! I'd love to know who Karina would envision playing all the different roles. Again I find myself thinking I could talk endlessly about this book and in fact the whole Mackenzie Grey series! Once I read the first few words I was captured by the book and hated having to put it down at all! I wanted to read on quickly to obtain the answers to the questions this book and the previous books in the series had made me ask. Yet at the same time I desperately wanted to read this book slower and almost savour every word.
FINAL THOUGHTS To sum up what words can I use to describe this book? Emotional, revealing, endearing, and action packed! This book reminds me how much and why I love shifter's. Thank you for another fantastic read Karina!
Omg!!!! I need more!!!! This can't be the end. At this point I glad she didn't make a choice and Amy.....so sorry but you should be a little more understanding since you made your choice. Oh and all the new tevelations....... This book was great and I need more now!!!!! Please don't keep me waiting!!!!!!!
We have a bunch of new characters, family issues galore, traveling to another country, and a couple assassination attempts along the way to make it a little more interesting.
But again--we get the wishy washy character choices and the will-they-wont-they romance that was still annoying to read. However, i'm glad we got a conclusion to the Luna plot line...even if it was a little rushed at the end.
But holy moly That part of the book hit me pretty hard ngl.
Don't think I'll read on to the next one though.["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>
So on to the third book and my last book. To a certain extent she need to learn the rules of this world. I understand the freedom she wants but damn sometimes it just to help her. She finds out who her family is and why everyone is hunting her. She is just so disrespectful, selfish and hardheaded til its ridiculous. I understand girl power i really do but girl power and stupidity is two different things. I just can't with her anymore.
Book 3 in the series picks up right where book one ended, with Mackenzie and her boys fighting for justice for the slaying of the Luna's, even while facing the wrath of the king. The King of all werewolves, who just so happens to be Mackenzie's father, who never knew she existed. When the three of them are forced to travel to Scotland to face punishment for their crimes, Mackenzie refuses to back down, wanting Luna's to be equal in every way. This will be a battle that changes everything.
Do not read this book without reading the first two, the story will not make sense and you will miss out on the world building and plot building that happens. And the first 2 books were so entertaining, so you would just miss out in general on a good reads. Mackenzie is back, just as opinionated, sarcastic and potty-mouthed as ever. I don't think I have ever seen a character so full of good intentions that just spiral out of control like she is able to. It was also interesting to see how she deals with her emotional wounds from the abuse she received in the last story. This book was such a good, twisty, engaging read that I absolutely flew through in one sitting. The world the author built is so complex and full of werewolves, vampires, witches, oracles, Fey, crazy Amazonian werewolves, and all other supernatural beasties, I could not help but want more. Even if Mackenzie's story ends, there are so many other characters that I would love to have spin off stories about.
The way the book ended this could easily be the end of the series (like I originally thought it was) because enough was wrapped up to not leave me hanging and it was surprisingly upbeat (which is odd since Mackenzie spends most of her time in danger or being berated by others or herself). I can't wait to see how the author will have the entire series wrapped up, because man, it has been quite the journey for Mackenzie. All I can say it that I hope she picks a mate (and we all know who she needs to be with-a particular frustratingly attractive guy who gave his trust, loyalty and submission to her in front of everyone- just saying) and how she and Amy will be able to recover. I look forward to what will come.
Karina Espinosa has done it again! She has managed to capture me and leave me on a book high, once again! I really love this series, we see just how stubborn, Mackenzie truly is. Rules are meant to be broken, especially those Mackenzie Grey disagrees with, which is most of them LOL I think we've all figured out by now that Mackenzie plays by her own rules, that is til she hurts those she loves most. So much drama, emotions, action and of course romance! As much as Ive always loved Jonah, I think Bash is starting to win me over (ssshhh don't tell the author I said that, Ill never admit to it) Mackenzie is being tried for the massacre, trying to save her friends and family, all at the same time figuring out who she really is. I need OMEGA like now, I really need to see what happens, next. Who will she choose, or has she already? Because my heart is being torn in many pieces! I really love the characters, the detail and everything Karina brings to the table with this series. I can't get enough of it.
Finally she meets her Father, the King and his family. She has a brother, Andrew who puts out a weird vibe. She has her trial, and ends up fighting a Wendigo to earn her freedom. She ends up organizing a world wide rebellion to give rights to the Lunas. She ends up fighting the Queen who killed her Mother. And Andrew, her stepbrother who is half fae and not Alexander's son and organized the killing of the Lunas in America. The King declares freedom for the Lunas, but change will take time.
I am SO excited to share this review with you guys!! I am just going to state from the start that I have enough crap in my everyday life, so I generally only read books with a HEA. Like I mentioned before I read to get away from the day to day grind and I really don’t want to read about other people with issues when those issues don’t end up in a HEA.
I was lucky to get an early copy of the book that came out today. Alpha by Karina Espinosa. I found her first book Shift when I was doing a trial run in Kindle Unlimited. I read the first book about a lone werewolf coming into her own and trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs. This book was supposed to be the end to the series but her characters spoke to her and there will be a fourth installment to the series in which I am grateful for.
This book was an extreme roller coaster ride of emotions. To be honest the whole series has been so far. When I get a new book in a series I usually like to reread all the ones up to that point just so I can continue the story all at once. I started the books on Thursday and had all three read within 3 days. It would have taken less time if I hadn’t had to work or eat or anything like silly life living.
Karina delved into the characters and made you care for them or hate them depending on whose side they were on. She is a talented author with a gift for creating worlds in which the paranormal beings are alive and well. In the first two books there was a bit of a love triangle that really could have gone either way and it was hard to root for one over the other. I leaned slightly more towards one however and without giving any spoilers, I will say that my choice was picked and I almost cheered out loud. Since there is another book though it is possible that could change, but for the moment I am happier than a fat kid with cake at the way this book went.
I heartily give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. All three books are well written and I wasn’t pulled out of the story by any spelling errors or inconsistencies in the story. I am eagerly counting down to when the next book comes out. Below are the links to all three books. Happy reading and go get lost Inside a good book!
All I have to say is wow. I was not sure if book 3 would keep my attention because I stink at book series but I like how it follows Makenzie and her story in each book. Book 3 had my laughing one minute and the next ugly crying. AMAZING!
Alpha is the third book in the MacKenzie Grey series and comes complete with its own set of shocks and surprises. The majority of this book is set in Scotland, far away from human eyes... well, apart from Amy's that is. Kenzie has her 'family' around her - Lucian, Jackson, Amy, Bash, and Jonah - as she meets her family for the first time. Bash and Jonah have a plan, which Kenzie suffers through. She is so not a traditional Luna! The twists and turns keep a'coming, and the story will have you hooked. There is one bit that I need to mention, and that is when Kenzie quotes Braveheart, much to Scarlet's delight! Absolutely brilliant 😁
This is exceedingly well-written - even though it's been quite a while since I read Caged, I was immediately drawn back into the story and the nuances of Kenzie's character. I always have been, and probably always will be on Team Bash, as Jonah is a bit too proper for my liking, although I can understand Kenzie's feelings about him. The thing that I LOVE about this is that there is romance here, albeit in the MacKenzie Grey style of sarcasm and need, but the ending... well, the ending is for all new Lunas out there!!!
With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, I can highly recommend both this book, and the series as a whole, and it was with an enormous sense of delight that I read that there will be another book in this series! I can't wait.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books! Mar 11, 2017
I appreciate the arc in exchange for an honest review, I am thrilled to have gotten the chance to read the book. I have been anxiously waiting for it since Caged.
Mac is back, the revolution failed and a tribunal is to be held. Likely to her death, what's a girl gotta do to be left alone? Everything's coming together in Alpha.
I really don't want to give too many spoilers. The King of the Lycans and his family is straight outta game of Thrones and it works for me, the whole magical underground of creatures are also having issues within themselves, alliances are being made and broken left and right as Mackenzie is trying to keep her head on her shoulders.
I liked how everything came together, I'm curious if there will be a book four since there is the opportunity for more but if not, it was a nicely wrapped up ending I'd felt satisfied. I have really enjoyed the series, the characters have some serious growth, and the characters stay true to their nature. The POV from Scar was a bit odd, it was short and I didn't really see how it added much. I would have loved a POV from Amy after all she had endured and would have wanted to see her and Jackson's aftermath, to see how that played out. Maybe in the next book!
Words cannot express how long I've waited for this book. Its by far my favorite of the series. Watching the evolution of the character from book one to now allows me to fully appreciate the growth of the writing by the author.
Pros: Hello details! So happy that we were able to fully immerse ourselves within the realm of Mackenzie's world. The Luna's may have been knocked down and while Kenize's guilt palpable through the book, it fortifies her personality even more so. I truly adore Alexander! I mean yeah he is typical wolf but he still has these tender moments for Mackenzie that just makes me feel warm towards the man even if he is prime suspect in the deaths of all those Lunas. Um I am excited about a part of the book that I won't mention because it will spoil it for everyone but suffice to say Omg Becky!
Cons: That its over...sigh I love this series and to wait if there will be more is killing me Smalls! Also that part of that book that I said earlier? Yeah there needed to be more of that!
Overall: the cover is sexy and fiercest of the collect, once again we see the evolution of Mackenzie visually. This is by far my fave of the series and ultimately feel so many things can spring from this one series alone and I really really hope for spinoffs!
Let me start off by saying I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
Alpha was so ABSOLUTELY FREAKING AMAZING!!!! The characters are just as incredible now as they have always been, and boy did they keep me on an emotional roller coaster this book. The story picked up exactly where the Caged left off. Mac visits Scotland, meets daddy dearest, and kicks some SERIOUS HARDCORE A$$!! She is still the Mac we know an love. as are our favorite men, Sebastian and Jonah! I've enjoyed this book on a ridiculously great level, and it was an awesome continuation for the series. There were crazy twists, turns, hilarious times, and some very heartbreaking moments in Alpha. Please do yourself a favor and read this book! You will not regret it!! :)
Non-stop action! I'm loving this series! We get answers on Mackenzie's past and Luciens involvement, which I think there may be a bit more we don't know. I loved the surprises and better yet seeing some theories come to pass. Mackenzies' sarcasm makes her utterly enduring. She is a fun character. She makes me crazy at times when she is dense to the clues that are so hopelessly obvious. She never asked for details about her mom until this book...or to even question Ivana when she heard she killed her. I also thought she finally picked one of the boys. Then she acts like she hasn't and leaves both of them, again. I'm glad there is a 4th book because there are too many loose ends we still need to wrap up.
Karina Espinosa has surprised me with EVERY book in this series.
Alpha is EXACTLY what it should be for the third book in a series.... The character dynamics were amazing, the pace was set perfectly and there were still plot twists that I didn't quite expect.
There is also a fait bit of humour in this one that had me laughing to myself like a crazy person!
Mackenzie proves once again that she is a force to be reckoned with when she faces her father and the European Summit. In order to get justice for the Lunas, she must confront her past and delve into long buried secrets and agendas.
I received an ARC of this book but I have also purchased my own copy on Amazon AU.
I received an ARC copy of this book in return for my honest review.
WOW! This was an epic ending to an amazing series. I loved every moment of this book as well as the series. I don't think I could have asked for a more satisfying conclusion although I am sad to see it come to an end.
The main female lead is a head strong woman who finds herself in an unbelievable situation. Her bull headedness keeps her in trouble that eventually has her appearing before the royal court. How is she going to get out of it this time??
I adore all the characters and the plot is very exciting and interesting.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good paranormal read! :D
2nd Read-Through - I still love this series! I do wish it was edited a bit better, but I've learned to ignore it. I love Mackenzie! I've finally been able to choose between Sebastian and Jonah; although, I'm not certain Mackenzie will choose either.
I love this series! This book deserves 5 stars based on the story. I absolutely love the story-line. But the editing really got to me - from misspelled words to missing apostrophes. But the one that got me the most was the odd verb tense ("He must had seen something"). From what I can find, it's not technically wrong, but it sounds wrong. Please, I beg you Karina, let me (or someone) proofread the next book before you hit publish!
So many twists and turns. I really enjoyed this book. The only thing I didn't like, was the dynamic with Mackenzie, Jonas and Sebastian. It's a little frustrating at this point. We get it, she needs no one. She has a lot of stuff to figure out in this book. Start a revolution, meet dad, survive. Looking forward to the last book.
This was a fantastic book and I can't wait for the next one. I'm a little sad about some things. But I totally called some, I highly recommend this book.