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Animals We Are #1
Animals We Are
"A relationship is a question asked over and over again across a lifetime... will the animal in you, bite the animal in me?"
Zoe and her boyfriend Mike head to Yosemite for week-long horse tour of the backcountry, but get more than they bargained for when a serial killer stalks their party through the woods. The killer's connection to Mike's past makes Zoe question the heart of the man she's fallen in love with. As the mystery unravels, Zoe is forced to confront not just the darkness within others, but the animal within herself. In this fast-paced, romantic thriller, readers are asked to sharpen their fangs and venture through the wilderness within... because not all animals live in the forest.
Zoe and her boyfriend Mike head to Yosemite for week-long horse tour of the backcountry, but get more than they bargained for when a serial killer stalks their party through the woods. The killer's connection to Mike's past makes Zoe question the heart of the man she's fallen in love with. As the mystery unravels, Zoe is forced to confront not just the darkness within others, but the animal within herself. In this fast-paced, romantic thriller, readers are asked to sharpen their fangs and venture through the wilderness within... because not all animals live in the forest.
- GenresThriller
282 pages, ebook
Published November 12, 2019
147 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Brandy
28 books41 followers "... the key word when describing Brandy is 'unflinching'." -- the Huffington Post
Valerie Brandy is a screenwriter, director, and actress based in Los Angeles. She began her writing career by selling a screenplay at 20 years old, becoming one of the youngest members of the WGA west at the time. She’s since worked for numerous film studios and television networks, most recently serving as a full time staff writer at Walt Disney Studios live action feature department, where she continues to develop new projects under a first look deal.
Her directorial feature film debut, Lola’s Last Letter— which she also wrote and starred in— was released in 2016 by Random Media and Sony’s “The Orchard” after a successful festival run, premiering at the historic Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The film received a five- star review from the Examiner, a special feature in Huffington Post, and a Best Principal Actress nomination from Los Angeles Film Review.
As an actress, Valerie recurred on FX’s Emmy- winning show “Justified” as the manipulative Trixie. She received her B.A. from UCLA in three years, graduating as a prestigious Alumni Scholarship Recipient.
Brandy lives in the greater Los Angeles area with her smush-faced dog and snow-white cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
January 2, 2020
To describe this book as a survival story would be to trivialize it, as it's so much more than that! Zoe and boyfriend Mike travel to Yosemite for a backpacking trip and when tragedy ensues, Zoe finds herself battling not only the snow and nature's elements but also her inner demons as she struggles to stay alive. It's also a very metaphorical journey as Zoe sees herself as a lone wolf even though she's never had to "show her fangs." And so she is tested over and over, and as she comes to the realization that the Alpha Male Wolf theory is not true--in fact wolves "live in family units in which two equal partners raise children into maturity"--she re-examines her own life and her relationships. Part thriller, part romance, part mystery, this debut novel is a poignant examination of a woman taking charge of her life and love. I eagerly await the sequel to this!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
April 12, 2021
What can I say about "Animals We Are"? I really enjoyed this read and it is a solid 5 stars for me!
What I enjoyed most about the novel was the plot and the pace!
I devoured this book in two days, stayed up late and found every excuse under the sun to keep reading.
I enjoyed the characters, particularly the portrayal of the protagonist who, for me, was layered and not always likeable. I will always enjoy a novel more if the central characters are well developed, and some authors go for plot above character development, but V.Brandy did not fall into this category. Brandy's characters were extremely well developed and believable, AND her plot was excellent. Furthermore, as regards to the plot, I really enjoyed it, found it refreshing.The blurb did no justice to the plot or the novel as a whole. If this is the first in a series, I will definitely read the next book!
I also enjoyed the exploration of themes such as love, commitment, trust and loyalty, which were subtle, yet inspiring.
I must also discuss the heroine; Zoe. Zoe for me is a well developed character who annoyed me at times and inspired me at others. She is the master of her own destiny and it was refreshing to have a strong and capable female protagonist. Zoe made this novel into a truly unforgettable experience.
I also really enjoyed the writing style, there was a nice flow to Brandy's writing as she uses a beautiful mix of short and long sentences, creates tension well, establishes a setting quickly and effectively and includes wonderful nature symbols and motifs.
Overall:: I enjoyed the depth, (not just a slasher/survival book), great character development, plot and twists that kept me guessing until the final page. I really think you will enjoy this fast paced thriller with some lovely twists!
I will definitely read ore of V.Brandy's work!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What I enjoyed most about the novel was the plot and the pace!
I devoured this book in two days, stayed up late and found every excuse under the sun to keep reading.
I enjoyed the characters, particularly the portrayal of the protagonist who, for me, was layered and not always likeable. I will always enjoy a novel more if the central characters are well developed, and some authors go for plot above character development, but V.Brandy did not fall into this category. Brandy's characters were extremely well developed and believable, AND her plot was excellent. Furthermore, as regards to the plot, I really enjoyed it, found it refreshing.The blurb did no justice to the plot or the novel as a whole. If this is the first in a series, I will definitely read the next book!
I also enjoyed the exploration of themes such as love, commitment, trust and loyalty, which were subtle, yet inspiring.
I must also discuss the heroine; Zoe. Zoe for me is a well developed character who annoyed me at times and inspired me at others. She is the master of her own destiny and it was refreshing to have a strong and capable female protagonist. Zoe made this novel into a truly unforgettable experience.
I also really enjoyed the writing style, there was a nice flow to Brandy's writing as she uses a beautiful mix of short and long sentences, creates tension well, establishes a setting quickly and effectively and includes wonderful nature symbols and motifs.
Overall:: I enjoyed the depth, (not just a slasher/survival book), great character development, plot and twists that kept me guessing until the final page. I really think you will enjoy this fast paced thriller with some lovely twists!
I will definitely read ore of V.Brandy's work!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 27, 2020
I happened upon this book after receiving a review copy of the second book in this series. I figured I might as well start out reading the first to give the second book its best chance for review purposes.
Anyways, this book is about a couple that goes on a trip to yosemite(Zoe and Mike). They join a group of campers on a horse back riding trip around yosemite. Pretty soon their quaint little camping trip becomes a desperate race for survival. Someone is stalking and threatening Zoe and Mike. But who is it and why are they doing it. They want to play a game with Zoe but can Zoe figure out the answers to the clues before time runs out.
The writing is pretty descriptive, and, at
some points, I thought the writing was overly descriptive and not necessary for story development; however, this did not take away from the story overall.
I found myself not deeply connected to any one character, and it did take a while before getting to any real excitement. I liked the flashback sequences and felt like they added some depth to the story. If you are looking for a true thriller that moves at break neck speed and keeps you wanting to fly through the chapters than this really wasn’t it for me. It was well written and had some great moments but overall it took me a bit longer to get through then most books which says something to me. The big reveal didn't much excite me either when it finally got to that point.
Anyways, this book is about a couple that goes on a trip to yosemite(Zoe and Mike). They join a group of campers on a horse back riding trip around yosemite. Pretty soon their quaint little camping trip becomes a desperate race for survival. Someone is stalking and threatening Zoe and Mike. But who is it and why are they doing it. They want to play a game with Zoe but can Zoe figure out the answers to the clues before time runs out.
The writing is pretty descriptive, and, at
some points, I thought the writing was overly descriptive and not necessary for story development; however, this did not take away from the story overall.
I found myself not deeply connected to any one character, and it did take a while before getting to any real excitement. I liked the flashback sequences and felt like they added some depth to the story. If you are looking for a true thriller that moves at break neck speed and keeps you wanting to fly through the chapters than this really wasn’t it for me. It was well written and had some great moments but overall it took me a bit longer to get through then most books which says something to me. The big reveal didn't much excite me either when it finally got to that point.
December 24, 2019
Animals We Are is a stunning debut. The mystery is easy enough to figure out, but who the villain is doesn’t matter as much as the journey to stop them. There’s no stalling and the writing really is fantastic, earthy and beasty, the animal analogies numerous and very imaginative. If you’ve seen the movie Ladyhawke, you might expect, while reading, the main character, Zoe, to transform into a hawk as she falls off the face of a mountain or into a big black wolf as she races against time and the elements to save her boyfriend. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to read more from this author. It’s rather unique.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2019
A fun psychological/romantic/survival-in-the-wilderness thriller, the first in a new series featuring Zoe and Mike, a couple who is almost committed but not quite there in their relationship. When Mike disappears while they're on a trip to the Yosemite, Zoe will move heaven and earth to find him or die trying.
It was interesting how Zoe was the one to work toward saving her partner, whereas in most of these types of adventures, the guy is the one who save his princess.
Full review at https://mysterysequels.com/book-revie...
It was interesting how Zoe was the one to work toward saving her partner, whereas in most of these types of adventures, the guy is the one who save his princess.
Full review at https://mysterysequels.com/book-revie...
December 18, 2019
Genre: Romance Thriller
Publisher: Little Leo Media, Inc.
Pub. Date: December 18, 2019
Mini-Review
The author reached out to me and offered an Advance Review Copy (ARC) of this book. The genre is not something I would normally be interested in reading. But, since she mentioned that she is a screenwriter. I accepted. The novel is a bit like Cheryl Strayed's, "Wild.” But it also made me think of the feminist book written by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés, “Women Who Run With the Wolves.” The book is about survival in impossible situations. A couple is stranded in Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains when their horse tour ran into complications. The female protagonist is always talking about her inner wolf. The novel begins with her thoughts about how now her physical traits are more similar to an animal than a woman. The next chapter goes back in time to when the couple had not yet left for the trip. I was okay with the story until the reader learns that a serial killer is stalking them in the mountains. It didn’t feel credible to me. My thoughts were that a more believable enemy might have been achieved with some kind paranormal happenings. I also take issue that the book ends so neat it might as well be tied up in a bow. This is something else I do not care for in a novel. But, I am certain other readers will gobble this one up especially since it ends with a cliff hanger.
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Publisher: Little Leo Media, Inc.
Pub. Date: December 18, 2019
Mini-Review
The author reached out to me and offered an Advance Review Copy (ARC) of this book. The genre is not something I would normally be interested in reading. But, since she mentioned that she is a screenwriter. I accepted. The novel is a bit like Cheryl Strayed's, "Wild.” But it also made me think of the feminist book written by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés, “Women Who Run With the Wolves.” The book is about survival in impossible situations. A couple is stranded in Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains when their horse tour ran into complications. The female protagonist is always talking about her inner wolf. The novel begins with her thoughts about how now her physical traits are more similar to an animal than a woman. The next chapter goes back in time to when the couple had not yet left for the trip. I was okay with the story until the reader learns that a serial killer is stalking them in the mountains. It didn’t feel credible to me. My thoughts were that a more believable enemy might have been achieved with some kind paranormal happenings. I also take issue that the book ends so neat it might as well be tied up in a bow. This is something else I do not care for in a novel. But, I am certain other readers will gobble this one up especially since it ends with a cliff hanger.
Find all my book reviews at:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
https://books6259.wordpress.com/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/review...
https://www.facebook.com/martie.neesr...
https://www.instagram.com/martie6947/
https://www.pinterest.com/martienreco...\
https://www.amazon.com/
https://twitter.com/NeesRecord
March 3, 2020
Valerie Brandy has written a solid plot with characters that you can relate to. What my biggest hangup was some of her attempts at a more poetic prose. I don't fell that is her real style and thus it felt a bit awkward at parts.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little Leo Media for a gifted copy of Animals We Are in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little Leo Media for a gifted copy of Animals We Are in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and Little Leo Media for the eARC.
What a debut novel this is: well written, descriptive and tense all the way through. It's also to have a follow-up, which is excellent news!
In Yosemite National Park, Zoe and Mike are on a week-long horse camping trip, when Mike disappears, presumed to have been kidnapped by his previous girlfriend. What follows is a harrowing trek through a hostile, beautiful landscape that is the making of Zoe, physically and emotionally. I particularly loved her meeting with the wolf family.
Zoe's musings about what it's like to be a woman, to be seen, to learn to trust and be at one with the animal within herself, made me pause quite a bit and read the passages again. Very insightful and thoughtful, this is a book to savor. Looking forward to the next in the series! Definitely recommended.
What a debut novel this is: well written, descriptive and tense all the way through. It's also to have a follow-up, which is excellent news!
In Yosemite National Park, Zoe and Mike are on a week-long horse camping trip, when Mike disappears, presumed to have been kidnapped by his previous girlfriend. What follows is a harrowing trek through a hostile, beautiful landscape that is the making of Zoe, physically and emotionally. I particularly loved her meeting with the wolf family.
Zoe's musings about what it's like to be a woman, to be seen, to learn to trust and be at one with the animal within herself, made me pause quite a bit and read the passages again. Very insightful and thoughtful, this is a book to savor. Looking forward to the next in the series! Definitely recommended.
October 15, 2020
Great story of universal connectivity
I loved this book and the way she found herself through
her connectedness with everything. Not just because I am native American and share this view it was the way she wrote it, had me crying when she knew her soul mate and let nothing convince her otherwise.
Great depiction of universal connectivity.
I loved this book and the way she found herself through
her connectedness with everything. Not just because I am native American and share this view it was the way she wrote it, had me crying when she knew her soul mate and let nothing convince her otherwise.
Great depiction of universal connectivity.
October 8, 2020
I am exhausted! The characters had to survive snowstorms on a mountain, to say nothing about a murderer! There was a surprise at the end as well! I definitely want to read the next one in the series because of the cliffhanger!
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the digital ARC. My review is strictly voluntary.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the digital ARC. My review is strictly voluntary.
January 11, 2020
3.5 ⭐️
“Will the animal in you, bite the animal in me?”
This story follows Zoe and her boyfriend, Mike who both decide take a trip to to Yosemite. One night during the trip Mike goes missing. Zoe is then forced to take matters into her hands to search for him. It is then that she becomes the wolf, that deep down we all have inside of us.
During my time reading this story, I realized how big of impact (or lack of) reading dialogue between characters play during my reading experience and entertainment. I enjoyed the first 40% of this book SO much, but up in until 60% I found myself skimming through the details. Now, don’t get me wrong, the details in this book- were amazing. Valerie Brandy is a highly talented writer. Her writing is beautiful and extremely atmospheric. I guess I just personally need dialect between characters in order to hold my attention. Also, that last chapter though....I’m interested to see what happens next.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book for an exchange of an honest review.
“Will the animal in you, bite the animal in me?”
This story follows Zoe and her boyfriend, Mike who both decide take a trip to to Yosemite. One night during the trip Mike goes missing. Zoe is then forced to take matters into her hands to search for him. It is then that she becomes the wolf, that deep down we all have inside of us.
During my time reading this story, I realized how big of impact (or lack of) reading dialogue between characters play during my reading experience and entertainment. I enjoyed the first 40% of this book SO much, but up in until 60% I found myself skimming through the details. Now, don’t get me wrong, the details in this book- were amazing. Valerie Brandy is a highly talented writer. Her writing is beautiful and extremely atmospheric. I guess I just personally need dialect between characters in order to hold my attention. Also, that last chapter though....I’m interested to see what happens next.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book for an exchange of an honest review.
December 27, 2019
Wow this was an interesting read. It was well thought out and written. I loved the journey that Zoe takes and her becoming whole. It’s a good story that keeps you guessing until the end. You don’t know who the bad guy is and even start to think it’s someone you know and like. The imagery is so detailed and the knowledge of Yosemite is definitely shown throughout. I love the oneness with nature and can’t wait to read more from this author. She did an amazing job for her first book. I highly recommend this book! I couldn’t put it down!!
#AnimalsWeAre #NetGalley
#AnimalsWeAre #NetGalley
November 16, 2020
ANIMALS WE ARE is the first book that I’ve read by Valerie Brandy and I can’t wait to read more! Suspenseful, heartbreaking, and brought tears to my eyes —Loved It!
Highly Recommend!
Thank you to Booksirens for providing me with an eBook of ANIMALS WE ARE in exchange for an honest review.
Highly Recommend!
Thank you to Booksirens for providing me with an eBook of ANIMALS WE ARE in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2020
This survival/psychological thriller/romance is the first in an entertaining new series.
Zoe and her boyfriend Mike head to Yosemite on vacation for a week, doing a horseback riding tour of the back country.
The party consists of their guide Brock, retired couple Ken and Sue, and Logan, a college age young man.
A few days into their trip Mike is kidnapped and someone is following the group's every move.
Is Mike's stalker ex-girlfriend Cassandra involved in his disappearance? Has Zoe ever been able to really trust Mike?
Zoe must decipher the clues left behind, to find Mike and stop a killer.
There is a spiritual quality to Zoe as she gets in touch with her inner wolf, surviving hardships and strenghthening her determination as it is put to the test.
This was an exciting story, I really enjoyed Zoe's relentless pursuit for answers.
The characters were well developed and interesting.
I did feel it wandered a bit when there was too much detail into her metaphysical thinking, but overall it was a powerful and gripping read.
Thank you Little Leo Media for the e-ARC via NetGalley.
Zoe and her boyfriend Mike head to Yosemite on vacation for a week, doing a horseback riding tour of the back country.
The party consists of their guide Brock, retired couple Ken and Sue, and Logan, a college age young man.
A few days into their trip Mike is kidnapped and someone is following the group's every move.
Is Mike's stalker ex-girlfriend Cassandra involved in his disappearance? Has Zoe ever been able to really trust Mike?
Zoe must decipher the clues left behind, to find Mike and stop a killer.
There is a spiritual quality to Zoe as she gets in touch with her inner wolf, surviving hardships and strenghthening her determination as it is put to the test.
This was an exciting story, I really enjoyed Zoe's relentless pursuit for answers.
The characters were well developed and interesting.
I did feel it wandered a bit when there was too much detail into her metaphysical thinking, but overall it was a powerful and gripping read.
Thank you Little Leo Media for the e-ARC via NetGalley.
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November 30, 2019
Animals We Are was a very exciting read, a psychological/action thriller about a woman, Zoe, who has to turn to her primal, animal instincts to survive extreme danger in Yosemite National Park.
The story itself is a page-turner, Zoe starts the story off going on a horse tour through back country with her boyfriend, Mike, and a few other people. Things quickly go sour when their camp it set fire and Mike is seemingly kidnapped. Zoe first must rely on the other people in the group but as the plot thickens, she ends up having to survive on her own AND search for Mike and his potential kidnapper.
What I loved about this book is that the characters are strongly developed and it's not just a thrilling plot. We learn about Zoe's deep trust issues in relationships and her fear of commitment to Mike. The book also explores themes of trust among men and women and even shows the strange allegiances women can make in the name of safety from men (Zoe has an interesting preoccupation with Mike's stalker, Cassandra, where she not only pities Cassandra but feels kindred to her.) Throughout the book, Brandy carefully examines gender dynamics -- the fact that women are right to be afraid of men, and in doing so must trust their instincts and protect themselves when necessary. Zoe ends up being an inspiring heroine in this book, rising to challenge after challenge.
Brandy's writing overall is really beautiful and descriptive. Her metaphors were very inventive. I especially liked all the comparisons to animals. The landscapes fly off the page and I felt transported to the amazing places Zoe finds herself in. Made me want to go see Yosemite for myself -- under much safer circumstances. This was a thrilling book to read, and I am excited to read more from Brandy in the future!
The story itself is a page-turner, Zoe starts the story off going on a horse tour through back country with her boyfriend, Mike, and a few other people. Things quickly go sour when their camp it set fire and Mike is seemingly kidnapped. Zoe first must rely on the other people in the group but as the plot thickens, she ends up having to survive on her own AND search for Mike and his potential kidnapper.
What I loved about this book is that the characters are strongly developed and it's not just a thrilling plot. We learn about Zoe's deep trust issues in relationships and her fear of commitment to Mike. The book also explores themes of trust among men and women and even shows the strange allegiances women can make in the name of safety from men (Zoe has an interesting preoccupation with Mike's stalker, Cassandra, where she not only pities Cassandra but feels kindred to her.) Throughout the book, Brandy carefully examines gender dynamics -- the fact that women are right to be afraid of men, and in doing so must trust their instincts and protect themselves when necessary. Zoe ends up being an inspiring heroine in this book, rising to challenge after challenge.
Brandy's writing overall is really beautiful and descriptive. Her metaphors were very inventive. I especially liked all the comparisons to animals. The landscapes fly off the page and I felt transported to the amazing places Zoe finds herself in. Made me want to go see Yosemite for myself -- under much safer circumstances. This was a thrilling book to read, and I am excited to read more from Brandy in the future!
November 30, 2019
Imagine that Cheryl Strayed's journey in "Wild" had gone horridly wrong, and she found herself unexpectedly stalked by a relentless predator in the wilderness, cut off from contact with anyone who could come to her aid, and you have an idea of the plot for "Animals We Are." This is a wonderful romp through the remote reaches of Yosemite Valley, blending the woman-versus-nature adventure story with the genres of horror and romance, but what's most gratifying is the inner journey of protagonist, Zoe. Like many, she begins her journey looking outside of herself for happiness, projecting her own desires and insecurities onto others, but as she confronts the choice to run or to face her worst nightmare, she chooses the latter, propelling her on a journey that will test her both physically and mentally by forcing her into complete self-reliance. Both our worst enemy and our greatest hero is the person we see in the mirror. Understanding that allows us to form stronger partnerships with others. Zoe ultimately learns that the key to true love comes from inside.
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.
November 30, 2019
Intense and action-packed, this story will keep you on your toes throughout the entire book. It never lets up so is compelling to the end. I find the modern woman makes things too complicated in her own life but stories like this remind me of what a great relationship I have, I worked on it though and it was not easy. The story does exactly what it promises and will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout!
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.
March 3, 2020
A fast-paced, feminist thriller about a young woman surviving in the wild of Yosemite backcountry, stalked by a killer, with no one to rely on but herself...
"A relationship is a question asked over and over again across a lifetime... will the animal in you, bite the animal in me?"
Zoe and her boyfriend Mike head to Yosemite for a week-long horse tour of the backcountry, but get more than they bargained for when a serial killer stalks their party through the woods. The killer's connection to Mike's past makes Zoe question the heart of the man she's fallen in love with. As the mystery unravels, Zoe is forced to confront not just the darkness within others, but the animal within herself.
Fan's of Cheryl Strayed's "WILD," will love this empowering, fast-paced, romantic thriller. Readers are asked to sharpen their fangs and venture through the wilderness within... because not all animals live in the forest.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
"A relationship is a question asked over and over again across a lifetime... will the animal in you, bite the animal in me?"
Zoe and her boyfriend Mike head to Yosemite for a week-long horse tour of the backcountry, but get more than they bargained for when a serial killer stalks their party through the woods. The killer's connection to Mike's past makes Zoe question the heart of the man she's fallen in love with. As the mystery unravels, Zoe is forced to confront not just the darkness within others, but the animal within herself.
Fan's of Cheryl Strayed's "WILD," will love this empowering, fast-paced, romantic thriller. Readers are asked to sharpen their fangs and venture through the wilderness within... because not all animals live in the forest.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 9, 2020
A strong entry in the thriller genre. Very engaging with characters that seem pretty real. This is a talented author. This has a creative, well executed plot. It's fun to see Zoe grow and how she tackles major physical and psychological challenges. Recommended.
Thank you very much for the review copy!!
Thank you very much for the review copy!!
February 22, 2020
This wonderful psychological thriller is set in the amazing wilderness of one of America’s amazing National Parks. This is a brilliant plot that this author has come up with and written in such an amazing way that I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the entire story. I think this is the first book by this author, it’s certainly the first time I’ve read anything by her, but it shall not be the last book.
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.
May 20, 2020
Animals We Are by Valerie Brandy is set in the Yosemite National park in California. Known best for the waterfalls, deep valleys, high mountains and lush meadows. Back-country is where we find ourselves in this suspenseful survival thriller with a dash of romance.
Zoe is a woman with ambitions of connecting and learning to trust her boyfriend Mike. She struggles with an everlasting voice in her head that tells her that humans are animals that will bite you when they have a chance. The combination of Zoe's desperate desire to trust and her habitual thought process of not getting to close to get hurt connected with me immediately.
The couple along with a three other individuals sigh up for a week of hiking on horseback through the dangerous terrain of Yosemite, guided by a skillful Ranger. Through this journey, physical, mental, and emotional distress clouds over the group as tragedy strikes.
Survival is at it's upmost importance more than ever, as there is a serial killer watching them closely. Zoe must open up to the wolf within herself.
Will Mike be able to love the new Zoe just as much? Will he be repulsed by the animal he sees grow more within his beloved? The choices that Zoe will make might change her permanently, she wonders if it will be for better or for worse.
A fun story. I didn't expect to connect with the character Zoe as much as I did. Her growth and internal dialogue throughout the book made it a meaningful read. I wasn't expecting romance, but happy with the amount. I preferred that it was mainly survival and perseverance story.
I entered a giveaway for this book months ago (finally reading it now on bookfunnel )
This is what the author wrote to everyone that entered the giveaway.
" Hello, fellow bookworms! Thank you for entering our giveaway. I was really honored by all your comments and entries. Although I can only give away three physical copies of the book, I've decided to offer everyone who entered a free digital copy of the ebook for "Animals We Are." It's tough times out there right now, and I hope that sharing art will help us get through a difficult season. We all need distractions to keep our minds off the COVID-19 crisis, and I'm happy to join leagues of other artists making their work available as an escape into another world.
If you read the book and like it, I hope you'll leave a review. Feel free to reach out to me on social media to let me know your thoughts! Hang in there, harness your inner animal, and remember to own your fangs.
Warmly,
-- Valerie Brandy "
I very much appreciated that I and everyone else was able to read this book. The author was kind and considerate of the covid issue at hand.
Zoe is a woman with ambitions of connecting and learning to trust her boyfriend Mike. She struggles with an everlasting voice in her head that tells her that humans are animals that will bite you when they have a chance. The combination of Zoe's desperate desire to trust and her habitual thought process of not getting to close to get hurt connected with me immediately.
The couple along with a three other individuals sigh up for a week of hiking on horseback through the dangerous terrain of Yosemite, guided by a skillful Ranger. Through this journey, physical, mental, and emotional distress clouds over the group as tragedy strikes.
Survival is at it's upmost importance more than ever, as there is a serial killer watching them closely. Zoe must open up to the wolf within herself.
Will Mike be able to love the new Zoe just as much? Will he be repulsed by the animal he sees grow more within his beloved? The choices that Zoe will make might change her permanently, she wonders if it will be for better or for worse.
A fun story. I didn't expect to connect with the character Zoe as much as I did. Her growth and internal dialogue throughout the book made it a meaningful read. I wasn't expecting romance, but happy with the amount. I preferred that it was mainly survival and perseverance story.
I entered a giveaway for this book months ago (finally reading it now on bookfunnel )
This is what the author wrote to everyone that entered the giveaway.
" Hello, fellow bookworms! Thank you for entering our giveaway. I was really honored by all your comments and entries. Although I can only give away three physical copies of the book, I've decided to offer everyone who entered a free digital copy of the ebook for "Animals We Are." It's tough times out there right now, and I hope that sharing art will help us get through a difficult season. We all need distractions to keep our minds off the COVID-19 crisis, and I'm happy to join leagues of other artists making their work available as an escape into another world.
If you read the book and like it, I hope you'll leave a review. Feel free to reach out to me on social media to let me know your thoughts! Hang in there, harness your inner animal, and remember to own your fangs.
Warmly,
-- Valerie Brandy "
I very much appreciated that I and everyone else was able to read this book. The author was kind and considerate of the covid issue at hand.
August 25, 2020
Thrilling to the core. The plot was not different from other stalking storylines but this has it's own twist and the ending keeps you wanting more.
October 15, 2020
This psychological thriller is the kind of book that makes me want to keep turning the page. First the wilderness aspects really draw you into a feeling of seclusion. As you follow Zoe's journey, you can't help but empathize. The writing style fits perfectly as it takes us through the internal conflicts Zoe is going through. I believe the end of the book also forces us to look into ourselves. What kind of animal are we? What lies within us? Great book overall. It was extremely enjoyable and relatable.
November 22, 2019
I didn't know it was possible for a thriller to tell such a dark, ever-twisting-and-turning story of fear and revenge while at the same time delving into insightful explorations of modern day relationships. But apparently - it's very possible indeed. ANIMALS WE ARE is a total page-turner. Brandy weaves a fascinating tale of wilderness, survival and suspicion. The characters bound off the pages like wolves, their emotions are multi-layered and their journeys are riveting. Not only is it simply a great story, but the book artfully incorporates refreshing philosophy about the reality of being a woman in any relationship, and how complicated a thing trust can be. I couldn't put ANIMALS WE ARE down, would highly recommend to anyone curious about the animal hidden inside themselves.
December 15, 2019
My review of the book Animals We Are ebook doc.
Rating: 5, excellent.
Thriller that will keep you guessing who is the maniac. This book was very entertaining, well written, great characters and a page turner. I enjoyed reading this book!! Wow what an ending!! I received an ARC for my honest opinion.
Rating: 5, excellent.
Thriller that will keep you guessing who is the maniac. This book was very entertaining, well written, great characters and a page turner. I enjoyed reading this book!! Wow what an ending!! I received an ARC for my honest opinion.
November 30, 2019
This was a really good book. From the beginning I was drawn in. The story is well written. A hard book to put down. I recommend reading.
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 19, 2020
This was a pretty interesting book that had a lot of elements going on with it. Even though I actually figured out who the villain was on page 30, it was a pretty interesting read because it had so many different facets. It is part survival fiction, part thriller mystery, a sprinkling of supernatural vibes thrown in for good measure, a pinch of psychiatric profiling. It seems like it would be overwhelming but I actually really wanted to get to the end to see if I was right about who I thought was the perpetrator and how everything would progress. Then of course, there is a little final chapter surprise shocker I was not expecting that makes me want to download the sequel right now even though it is 2am and I just binge-read this one. Definitely worth the read. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, but the opinion is all mine.
May 18, 2020
I cannot say enough about how much I LOVED this book. It's a cross-genre thriller. Has elements of survival, murder-mystery, relationships, and trying to figure out who the killer is. The feeling of escaping into a National Park was especially needed right now, given that we are all stuck inside and unable to travel. This is part domestic thriller, part travel adventure. The action/adventure scenes were my favorite, and I also deeply connected with the protagonist's (Zoe's) inner life. I did not figure out who the killer was until the very end, and appreciated the plot twist. It was very will written. I have already pre-ordered the second book! Highly recommend!
May 2, 2020
Animals We Are was a interesting read, I found it to be well written and action packed. It is able to keep you turning the page, to see what is going to happen next. Overall I found it to be an enjoyable read and would recommend it to others that enjoy pyschological thrillers.
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