What do you think?
Rate this book
Michael Biörn #3
Close Enemies
Tigers don’t belong in Yellowstone National Park. Yet, here they are... big, mean and thirsty for blood.
It started as a routine check for park ranger Michael Biörn. A vehicle illegally parked on a service road. An instant later, a child is fighting for her life while the man responsible vanishes into thin air. Stranger still, the encounter leaves Michael wounded and unable to heal for the first time in his eon-long existence.
Before the shapeshifter has a chance to reflect on his puzzling disability, the slaying begins.
Yellowstone's bears are the first victims, hunted for sport by very large cats. But soon the beasts start targeting humans, and it falls to Michael to stop them.
In his weakened state, Michael will need some help to unravel the mystery behind the attacks. But who can he trust when every single one of his friends is a potential suspect?
In an investigation spanning three continents, Michael will need to come face to face with the demons of his past to protect those close to him and finally find peace.
Books in the Michael Biörn series are Mysteries with an Urban Fantasy backdrop in the tradition of Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher and Faith Hunter.
MICHAEL BIÖRN SERIES
0 – Michael Biörn (A short story)
1 – Shadow Pack
2 – Unholy Trinity
3 – Close Enemies (June 2019)
It started as a routine check for park ranger Michael Biörn. A vehicle illegally parked on a service road. An instant later, a child is fighting for her life while the man responsible vanishes into thin air. Stranger still, the encounter leaves Michael wounded and unable to heal for the first time in his eon-long existence.
Before the shapeshifter has a chance to reflect on his puzzling disability, the slaying begins.
Yellowstone's bears are the first victims, hunted for sport by very large cats. But soon the beasts start targeting humans, and it falls to Michael to stop them.
In his weakened state, Michael will need some help to unravel the mystery behind the attacks. But who can he trust when every single one of his friends is a potential suspect?
In an investigation spanning three continents, Michael will need to come face to face with the demons of his past to protect those close to him and finally find peace.
Books in the Michael Biörn series are Mysteries with an Urban Fantasy backdrop in the tradition of Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher and Faith Hunter.
MICHAEL BIÖRN SERIES
0 – Michael Biörn (A short story)
1 – Shadow Pack
2 – Unholy Trinity
3 – Close Enemies (June 2019)
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2019
92 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Marc Daniel
7 books63 followersMarc Daniel is the author of Shadow Pack, an urban fantasy novel and first book of the Michael Biörn series. After spending significant amount of time in Ohio, France, and Montana, Marc is currently living in Texas where he writes as a full time hobby.
Marc developed a taste for mystery novels very young, and was definitely hooked to the genre by age 11 after reading Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. The Queen of Crime's unparalleled talent for mystery has had a strong influence on Marc’s desire to write and this is reflected in his novels. His taste for science fiction literature came a couple years later after stumbling upon The Dreaming Jewls by Theodore Sturgeon. Simak, Asimov, Van Vogt, Zimmer Bradley, Wells, Bradburry followed in short order. Marc was 18 when he read Frank Herbert’s Dune, his first space opera, and was immediately fascinated by the genre. He spent the next few years reading Space opera sagas almost exclusively (Herbert, Anderson, Bordage, etc) with the exception of the occasional Agatha Christie. He discovered fantasy much later at age 25 with Tolkien’s Lord Of The Rings trilogy. In the years following, his reading started gravitating more and more towards this literary style. Surprisingly enough, it took Marc another eight years to read his first urban fantasy, Patricia Brigg’s Moon Called, and to realize he wanted more. Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series partially tamed his appetite but his thirst could only be quenched by writing his own series. A year later, Shadow Pack was born.
Marc is currently working on book #2 of the Michael Biörn series and is having way too much fun with the story line.
Marc developed a taste for mystery novels very young, and was definitely hooked to the genre by age 11 after reading Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. The Queen of Crime's unparalleled talent for mystery has had a strong influence on Marc’s desire to write and this is reflected in his novels. His taste for science fiction literature came a couple years later after stumbling upon The Dreaming Jewls by Theodore Sturgeon. Simak, Asimov, Van Vogt, Zimmer Bradley, Wells, Bradburry followed in short order. Marc was 18 when he read Frank Herbert’s Dune, his first space opera, and was immediately fascinated by the genre. He spent the next few years reading Space opera sagas almost exclusively (Herbert, Anderson, Bordage, etc) with the exception of the occasional Agatha Christie. He discovered fantasy much later at age 25 with Tolkien’s Lord Of The Rings trilogy. In the years following, his reading started gravitating more and more towards this literary style. Surprisingly enough, it took Marc another eight years to read his first urban fantasy, Patricia Brigg’s Moon Called, and to realize he wanted more. Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series partially tamed his appetite but his thirst could only be quenched by writing his own series. A year later, Shadow Pack was born.
Marc is currently working on book #2 of the Michael Biörn series and is having way too much fun with the story line.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 13, 2019
I received this book for a honest review.
I love how this book kept things interesting. There was many times where I was holding my breath from page to page. I am glad ii had the same pace I loved about the first book with a major twist.
I love how this book kept things interesting. There was many times where I was holding my breath from page to page. I am glad ii had the same pace I loved about the first book with a major twist.
June 18, 2019
I want to thank the author for allowing me to read this novel in advance of the release date. I have read all of the books in this series and I have enjoyed watching how both the characters and the author have developed. This book is the best yet. The plotline is well thought out and the character interactions are enjoyable. The plot twists keep the reader engaged. I would recommend this book if you have read the earlier books in the series.
August 31, 2019
The main character is Park Ranger Michael Biorn and he works in Yellowstone National Park. He is also a very rare type of shapeshifter, thought to be extinct. The only one of his kind and he has lived for centuries, all over the world, but now settling for Yellowstone. A perfect place of isolation and peace. His job is to keep people safe in the park and to keep an eye out for illegal practices. One day, he is sent out to check out an illegally parked car and ends up saving a young girl, but getting injured in the process. He had followed a suspicious looking man who was carrying a gun, near other tourists, when the girl was pushed into a dangerous location, leaving his fellow park ranger with a badly burnt arm and Michael with badly burnt legs. This time however, his shapeshifter powers of healing aren’t working!
Next, come some curious animal deaths, with bears being ripped to pieces by what seems to be tigers, an animal that has no place in the park. Michael and his fellow rangers have to make sure the park is safe for tourists and try to find the location of these predators. They also have some new interns to be keeping an eye on and keep safe, making more work for all. Michael’s shapeshifter powers are almost non-existent since his injury and this is not helping in his normal job, never mind looking for the dangerous creatures or persons responsible for the recent animal deaths.
Michael needs help to find out why his powers are diminished and also to find out who is behind the attacks, he can no longer find out on his own. Not many know the secret behind his long life nor are many classed as his friends. The Rangers are a small and fairly tight unit and he can’t believe someone he knows could be behind this, yet the signs are there. Someone from Michael’s distant past is looking for revenge and anyone he relies on could be in danger. There is also added romance, with a girlfriend who has opened his heart for the first time in centuries.
Lots of scenic locations throughout the storyline, as Michael’s past is brought to the fore, along with his life story and the tales from his past. I wouldn’t normally choose a shapeshifter story, but the description was what grabbed me. There is so much more to this story than Michael’s rare true form as a shapeshifter. You have a tale set in Yellowstone National Park, with a Ranger as the main character and a great investigation underway. Unusual animals, shifters and more, with a very realistic and lifelike main character and relationship. I actually enjoyed this book and have bought the others in this series, since this is book three and I prefer to catch a series from the beginning.
This book can be read as a standalone and is wholly enjoyable as both a shifter tale and an investigative story with quite a few twists. I would recommend it to readers who may never have read a shapeshifter series before, as it was a really entertaining read and kept my interest throughout and maybe changed my mind a bit about shifter style books. I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Next, come some curious animal deaths, with bears being ripped to pieces by what seems to be tigers, an animal that has no place in the park. Michael and his fellow rangers have to make sure the park is safe for tourists and try to find the location of these predators. They also have some new interns to be keeping an eye on and keep safe, making more work for all. Michael’s shapeshifter powers are almost non-existent since his injury and this is not helping in his normal job, never mind looking for the dangerous creatures or persons responsible for the recent animal deaths.
Michael needs help to find out why his powers are diminished and also to find out who is behind the attacks, he can no longer find out on his own. Not many know the secret behind his long life nor are many classed as his friends. The Rangers are a small and fairly tight unit and he can’t believe someone he knows could be behind this, yet the signs are there. Someone from Michael’s distant past is looking for revenge and anyone he relies on could be in danger. There is also added romance, with a girlfriend who has opened his heart for the first time in centuries.
Lots of scenic locations throughout the storyline, as Michael’s past is brought to the fore, along with his life story and the tales from his past. I wouldn’t normally choose a shapeshifter story, but the description was what grabbed me. There is so much more to this story than Michael’s rare true form as a shapeshifter. You have a tale set in Yellowstone National Park, with a Ranger as the main character and a great investigation underway. Unusual animals, shifters and more, with a very realistic and lifelike main character and relationship. I actually enjoyed this book and have bought the others in this series, since this is book three and I prefer to catch a series from the beginning.
This book can be read as a standalone and is wholly enjoyable as both a shifter tale and an investigative story with quite a few twists. I would recommend it to readers who may never have read a shapeshifter series before, as it was a really entertaining read and kept my interest throughout and maybe changed my mind a bit about shifter style books. I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
June 19, 2019
I didn't think these books could get better but this one did. There is action, adventure, warlocks, witches, shifters, vampires and fae all in this book. Action packed and filled with recurring characters and some new ones as well. This time Michael must solve the mysterious deaths of animals in the park by what looks like a big cat the likes of which should not be in Yellowstone all while dealing with injuries that aren't healing properly and a team of assassins that are after him. Not to mention a new boss and summer interns. Michael's friends are also in danger and it's up to Michael to solve the mystery and keep his friends safe. I love the insights we get into Michael through flashbacks into his life. It helps explain so much about his character. I truly can't wait for more of Michael Biorn's adventures. A great read and I would highly recommend it if you enjoy paranormal reads. So very, very good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2019
Michael is a werebear, his life seems to have settled down, but I won't be long before he is drawn into another fight for his life, and the lives of the people he cares for, life just can't be simple for a centuries old werebear. Lions, and tigers, and bears, but let's not forget the vampires, the skinwalkers, the witches, the wizard, and the fae, oh my. All of these preternatural creatures will have roles to play in this story where Michael is the target of a scheme for revenge. He thought the perpetrator was locked up in jail, but this shifter has dreamed up a plot for revenge that will put himself and pretty much everyone he knows in danger.
Exciting, action packed, read with violence, magic and sometimes humorous interactions. I love these fascinating and unique characters in a world that, other than the preternatural, and magic, seems to mirror of our own. I think this is a fantastic, must read book and series.
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
Exciting, action packed, read with violence, magic and sometimes humorous interactions. I love these fascinating and unique characters in a world that, other than the preternatural, and magic, seems to mirror of our own. I think this is a fantastic, must read book and series.
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
February 1, 2020
In this third book in the MIchael Biorn series, large predators living in Yellowstone are found dead, and a very large cat or cats appear to be the culprits. Meanwhile, in Houston, someone tries to kill Michael's girlfriend, Sheila's, by setting a bomb in her car. She escapes this fate, but the colleague who was borrowing it is blown up. Michael travels to Houston St. Lucia, and Paris among other locales seeking out the supernatural or preternatural baddies who are causing so much chaos. Unfortunately, Michael was injured while trying to rescue a child from a hot spring, and strangely, his burns are not healing instantly as they normally would, and his sense of smell has been dampened. All this makes Michael's work more difficult than usual. As Michael struggles to stop the malefactors, his life and those of his closest friends are put in danger. I didn't like this book as well as I did the first two in the series, but it is still a fascinating read. I am looking forward to seeing more of Michael Biorn.
June 9, 2019
If you read or watched the Bourne Supremacy, you will remember that the story started with Jason Bourne trying to live a quiet life away from all the chaos of his previous existence; his quiet life just kept getting interrupted by people from his previous existence and dragging him out of retirement. Poor Michael Biorn (is the similarity in names an accident?) has the same problem. I just want to know what brought him to the attention of his enemies at this time - he was able to avoid them for decades if not centuries, so why are they popping up like moles in a whack-a-mole game over the course of several months? I am looking forward to seeing what Michael has to deal with next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2019
This is the third book in the Michael Biorn series
This was another great read so many twist and turns and what plot this had my head spinning I truly didn't know who was on what side and that included the Elves . I'm still a little iffy about Michael and his girlfriend I don't know she said some pretty hateful things too Michael during that argument that she met at the time I wonder if they'll last . To bad Sheila isn't so bad as a main girlfriend goes but still they definitely have some issues that need to be hashed out . As for Olivia and her sister this series could have done without either . Anyway looking forward too the next book in this series it looks like the government is on too the supernatural community and I smell trouble a coming .
This was another great read so many twist and turns and what plot this had my head spinning I truly didn't know who was on what side and that included the Elves . I'm still a little iffy about Michael and his girlfriend I don't know she said some pretty hateful things too Michael during that argument that she met at the time I wonder if they'll last . To bad Sheila isn't so bad as a main girlfriend goes but still they definitely have some issues that need to be hashed out . As for Olivia and her sister this series could have done without either . Anyway looking forward too the next book in this series it looks like the government is on too the supernatural community and I smell trouble a coming .
June 30, 2019
Close Enemies: An Urban Fantasy Mystery (Michael Biörn Book 3) by Marc Daniel is an amazing story that I have read and loved. This is book number three in this amazing series that I started with book one and I am so in love with this whole series. Marc Daniel has a way with writing he makes the story come alive for me. So instead of feeling like I am just reading it I feel like I am living it as one of the characters. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about shifters in their stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Another fast paced, action packed story following Michael Biörn werebear Park ranger, his human girlfriend Sheila, werewolf pup Olivia and a whole host of other preternatural and supernatural creatures.
Michael gets injured and isn't healing, there are numerous attempts on Sheila's life and big predators are being killed in the park...by other predators. Whats going on?
Well thats one thing I liked and also didn't like about this book, I had no clue what was going on until the very end which was good because I couldn't guess the ending but also left me pretty confused for most of the book.
Another fast paced, action packed story following Michael Biörn werebear Park ranger, his human girlfriend Sheila, werewolf pup Olivia and a whole host of other preternatural and supernatural creatures.
Michael gets injured and isn't healing, there are numerous attempts on Sheila's life and big predators are being killed in the park...by other predators. Whats going on?
Well thats one thing I liked and also didn't like about this book, I had no clue what was going on until the very end which was good because I couldn't guess the ending but also left me pretty confused for most of the book.
August 15, 2020
The last Werebear?
Michael Biorn may be the last werebear in the world. He’s over a thousand years old. He was a Viking berserker warrior, fought in the French Revolution and served as a US Army Ranger in the War on Terror. Now he lives a quiet existence in Yellowstone Park as an armed park ranger. The only problem, his peaceful life keeps geting disturbed by werewolfs, weretigers, werelions, vampires and other preternatural and even supernatural beings. His escapades make for a very enjoyable reading experience.
Michael Biorn may be the last werebear in the world. He’s over a thousand years old. He was a Viking berserker warrior, fought in the French Revolution and served as a US Army Ranger in the War on Terror. Now he lives a quiet existence in Yellowstone Park as an armed park ranger. The only problem, his peaceful life keeps geting disturbed by werewolfs, weretigers, werelions, vampires and other preternatural and even supernatural beings. His escapades make for a very enjoyable reading experience.
November 5, 2020
I liked Michael and Sheila. They're such a funny couple. He never know the right thing to say or do. He's an 800 pound bear, what does he know about feelings and such.
This time he was battling the Fae, giant lions and humongous tigers, and they were trying to kill everyone Michael cared about. It was all very exciting.
There was no sex and the F-bomb was used 4 times.
As to the narration: John McLain did a great job on the story. He still needs a little help with the women's voices BUT better a woman with a low voice than a hero that sounds like a girl, ugh!
February 24, 2020
This is an amazing action-filled thriller from start to finish. The characters are well crafted, interesting and full of personality. The narrative is wonderfully written and the dialogue witty and informative. The main storyline is filled with surprise, dead ends, twists, obstacles and suspense. The side stories add so much to the story making it more complex and interesting. I throughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.
April 22, 2020
Lions, Tigers and Bears Oh My
Close Enemies is the third book about Michael Biiorn, a ranger in Yellowstone Park. This delightful tale of mystery, romance and paranormal creatures is pure entertainment. If your taste runs to the wild side of Werewolves, vampires shape shifters and werebears ( werebears?) Yes werebears, wizards and Faes of all ranks and degrees; then this is your book. And Yellowstone National Park has just become your new stomping grounds.
Close Enemies is the third book about Michael Biiorn, a ranger in Yellowstone Park. This delightful tale of mystery, romance and paranormal creatures is pure entertainment. If your taste runs to the wild side of Werewolves, vampires shape shifters and werebears ( werebears?) Yes werebears, wizards and Faes of all ranks and degrees; then this is your book. And Yellowstone National Park has just become your new stomping grounds.
June 19, 2019
A fascinating page-turner! This is the first I have read of this series. What a ride! This is action-packed, fast-paced, and suspenseful. The characters are terrific and the location descriptions are wonderful. I am looking forward to more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2019
I really enjoy this series. This particular book was a real surprise. The who done it was fun and full of action and surprises. I love the fact that he keeps the love scenes to a minimum and the action on full throttle. The characters are interesting and continue to evolve. If you have not started this series go get it; you will enjoy it.
August 16, 2021
This is a fun series for sure
I managed to read the second and third books today, and it was a great way to spend a Sunday. There was interesting new backstory info in this book that will I am sure make future books interesting. They also finished a few story lines that made this a very interesting read. I recommend this book and series.
I managed to read the second and third books today, and it was a great way to spend a Sunday. There was interesting new backstory info in this book that will I am sure make future books interesting. They also finished a few story lines that made this a very interesting read. I recommend this book and series.
January 20, 2024
I enjoyed this one a lot more than the last, not only for the convoluted interesting plot but the characters and character developments.
My gripes with the description of women continues with this novel, though weirdly enough it ended up being worked into the major twist at the end? I have no idea how to describe it without spoilers so just know I was pleasantly surprised by that.
My gripes with the description of women continues with this novel, though weirdly enough it ended up being worked into the major twist at the end? I have no idea how to describe it without spoilers so just know I was pleasantly surprised by that.
June 13, 2019
Wow what a great adventure, gripping, exciting, full of surprises.
I loved this book from beginning to end.
I won’t spoil you need to read yourself.
I have given my honest review and what a book.
Congratulations once more on a great read.
I loved this book from beginning to end.
I won’t spoil you need to read yourself.
I have given my honest review and what a book.
Congratulations once more on a great read.
August 20, 2019
Good story. A lot of things going on and danger right around the corner. Unusual but interesting. You might like it. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
November 1, 2019
BEAR OF A GOOD TIME
This was quite the series. Unexpected and yet completely worth it. Never would I ha e thought of writing a book about a detective that happens to be a werebear.
This was quite the series. Unexpected and yet completely worth it. Never would I ha e thought of writing a book about a detective that happens to be a werebear.
February 18, 2020
Great series
I enjoyed reading this series. I loved the suspense of it all and all the different types of beings in this book from werewolves to vamps it was all great. I would recommend this author.
I enjoyed reading this series. I loved the suspense of it all and all the different types of beings in this book from werewolves to vamps it was all great. I would recommend this author.
May 5, 2020
Kept my interest and a little different. Got to love it.
Gave it 5 stars as I just finished the third book and am wanting more. Marc Daniel has earned a place in my favorite author 's list. Thank you Marc
Gave it 5 stars as I just finished the third book and am wanting more. Marc Daniel has earned a place in my favorite author 's list. Thank you Marc
July 16, 2020
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!
I just love a good mystery and throw in a few supernaturals, what's not to love? Fast moving, unpredictable, and thoroughly entertaining. As a side note, thanks to the author for writing a great series, without resorting to crappie sex scenes!!!
I just love a good mystery and throw in a few supernaturals, what's not to love? Fast moving, unpredictable, and thoroughly entertaining. As a side note, thanks to the author for writing a great series, without resorting to crappie sex scenes!!!
January 8, 2021
Close Enemies
Really enjoyed reading. Wow so many twists and turns. So amazing that Marc can get so many characters into the stories and so many paranormal types into them as well. Highly recommend reading.
Really enjoyed reading. Wow so many twists and turns. So amazing that Marc can get so many characters into the stories and so many paranormal types into them as well. Highly recommend reading.
October 28, 2021
Great series
I’ve read three of the books in the series and I really like the characters. It’s also pleasant to have a book that’s more than just sex scenes. More attention to the plot and characters.
I’ve read three of the books in the series and I really like the characters. It’s also pleasant to have a book that’s more than just sex scenes. More attention to the plot and characters.
June 23, 2019
This is a great series. Keeps me hooked. Well written stories and characters. I recommend the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 28, 2019
Great book
Awesome read I have read all three books and loved them all I would recommend to anyone looking for a quick book to read
Awesome read I have read all three books and loved them all I would recommend to anyone looking for a quick book to read
July 14, 2019
Love this series
I anxiously await each new book in this series and the author never disappoints. Great characters and a fun read
I anxiously await each new book in this series and the author never disappoints. Great characters and a fun read
July 14, 2019
This was yet another exciting installment in the life of Michael Biorn. The author has a good grip on where he wants to take this character.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews