I am Shala Wilder. It is time for my coming-of-age celebration. Eligible males from every wolf pack have come to compete in the brutal trials of the Assertion.
When all is over, the victor will claim me as his companion. The problem? My heart isn’t set on a competitor, but on an off-limits guard who has no interest in me.
What fate awaits me at the end of the trials? Will I fulfill my duty as obedient pack member, or will I forge my own path?
Melaina Rayne, author of paranormal romance and romantic fantasy, loves writing stories of beastly men, headstrong women, and the untamable passion that always draws them together.
Assertion Trials by Melaina Rayne can be classified as a paranormal romance novella. I was looking for something that was a little different from the typical paranormal romance and that is what this novella delivered.
Shala Wilder will be twenty in a few days so it is time to leave the haven she spent ten years at learning the ways of the wolfkind people. Six elder women from the school escort her towards the place where the assertion trials will be held. They are met by guards and continue their progress where Shala is reunited with her parents for the first time in ten years.
The assertion trials involve eligible males from all of the wolf packs that elect to fight each other, with the victor claiming Shala as his companion. Shala is independent, somewhat selfish and does not care for crowds so a celebration in her honor is difficult for her to endure. I won’t say more in order to avoid spoilers, but events do not go smoothly.
I am truly grateful that I do not live in a culture of arranged marriage whether it is arranged by family or by combat. The story builds the reader’s empathy for the uncertainty Shala must have been feeling. Would she be compatible with the victor? How would he treat her? Could she learn to love him? What would her life be like after the trials? Which wolf pack would she now become a member of? This is the first book that I have read by Melaina Rayne, but it won’t be the last. The book involves distinctive cultural ways, wolf packs, feral wolves, duty, honor, fighting, punishment for disobedience and much more. You have to be able to suspend belief and go with the unique story. I happened to be able to enjoy the story while at the same time being grateful that I was not Shala. I also appreciated the humor in the book which helped to dampen some of the darker events that occurred. Will there be additional books in the series? I hope so.
Many thanks to BookBuzz.net, Melaina Rayne and Net Galley for a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
A new author to me and a very different kind of shifter story. If I'm brutal I didn't care for Shala as she's a very selfish character who does things that are honestly sheer stupidity but I could empathise with her very natural fears . This was unique and unusual as here the female Wolves grow up separated from everyone once puberty is around the corner . We meet Shala as she's about to be reunited with family and Pack but also more importantly about to preside over the trials that will decide who will mate with her ! Yes its a shifter story but honestly we mostly see the characters in human form so I was perhaps a little disappointed. However it's easy to read and the world building makes sense if you can accept the male Wolves who are unmatched will go wild for the smell of a female ! I found myself fully immersed in this quick read and happily everything works out but I did feel that perhaps something's are unfinished so hopefully there's a follow-up book still to come. This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Overall, it was a quick, mildly entertaining read. It does feature instalove, but that is typical in shifter romances. If you are looking for a quick shifter read, this is it…
I am Shala Wilder. It is time for my coming-of-age celebration. Eligible males from every wolf pack have come to compete in the brutal trials of the Assertion.
When all is over, the victor will claim me as his companion. The problem? My heart isn’t set on a competitor, but on an off-limits guard who has no interest in me.
What fate awaits me at the end of the trials? Will I fulfill my duty as obedient pack member, or will I forge my own path?
ASSERTION TRIALS is a story with a paranormal basis, where it is different from the usual shifter story. In here, the wolves have a way of life that is full of tradition and sometimes violence, but that you may not be used to. Shala has reached her twentieth birthday, and now she must reunite with her pack, and choose a companion. She is happy about being reunited, but very dubious about the companion side of things.
The world-building was outstanding, with the pack way of life easy to understand. The main characters of Shala and Decker were endearing in their own ways, and they had a fantastic supporting cast too.
I loved how the build-up between Decker and Shala was slow but continuous, and I wondered how it would happen so they could be together.
This was an easy story to read, full of drama, passion, and angst. I have no hesitation in recommending this story, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
Once again I found myself craving a shifter read! The dark mysterious looking cover caught my eye and then when I read the blurb this novella soon became a must read now choice! I would say the female on the cover is a good representation of Shala, the main character in the book.
The book begins with Shala hiding out, having some quiet, alone time to calm her nerves about what is to come soon. It’s not long until one of the elderwomen shouts for Shala to come down. Shala is nervous, its been ten years since she saw her parents. All female children go to the mountain stronghold until they become a woman and return to their families at the age of twenty. At age twenty it is time for the Assertion Trials where all the males fight until only one is left standing and then they claim their prize.
Shala is pleased that it is Nailana that accompanies her back to her village. Shala is anxious about seeing her parents again but that soon melts away when as tradition dictates her parent stand in the doorway and her mother, Eden breaks tradition and cannot wait for her daughter to walk to her so she meets her halfway. Shala’s father Arnou as Alpha is more restrained but its clear to see that he is proud of his first daughter to be home for her Assertion Trials. It’s not long until Shala feels somewhat stifled and decides she needs to wander outside and reacquaint herself with the area she grew up in. Shala ends up in the nearby trees of the forest and climbs a tree contemplating what is to come. Thinking about who will she end up being with for the rest of her life. Suddenly she senses wolves approaching but they are not pack wolves they are feral. One of the guards comes to her aid and it’s the one she noticed earlier. The one that caught her eye in a way none of the competitors in the Assertion Trials did. The guard being her companion is impossible, it’s just not done. The best she can hope for if she doesn’t get on with her companion is to join the guard. Though there aren’t many female guards. After the fight with the ferals, the head guard Kene, allocates two guards to be with Shala at all times. The two guards he choses are Wyatt and Decker. Decker being the one with the eyes that seem to be staring at Shala a lot. Those eyes that Shala is beginning to care a lot about.
I can’t really say much more without giving spoilers. There is plenty of fighting action in this book as each fight within the Assertion Trials is covered in the book. Shala has to sit and watch each fight. The one’s she wishes to be out of the competition as soon as possible are Resno and his two sidekicks Rafe and Lyall. Though not particularly interested in any of the competitors she does have the hope someone other than the three arrogant young men will be the victor. I really loved the way Nailana and Eden talked to Shala about the competitors saying that there will be some great specimens but there will also be some she would dearly love to slap around the head. Another part that made me laugh was how the women in the pack were drinking and encouraging Shala to drink her Uncle’s, well known moonshine drink. Poor Shala certainly needs it at certain points of the book. Things don’t turn out to be as straight forward when someone threatens the safety of Shala and a guard steps him to do his job protecting her. The one who wins the Assertion Trials ends up not being the one that wins Shala, thank goodness for her sake and safety. A challenger steps forward, which though unusual, it is allowed. Can this, last minute challenger beat the unsavoury Assertion Trial victor, or is Shala doomed for a life with a man she already detests?
My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book was that I had just snuggled up in bed and read it in one go, didn't want to put it down. Loved it! Please tell me there is going to be more...? ....A lot more to this ...series?
This book has action, fighting, wolf packs, feral wolves, love, honour, duty and a generous helping of romance too. I really hope there’s going to be more of this series.
This is the first book of Ms. Rayne's that I have read, and I absolutely fell in love with her writing. Shala is a young werewolf that is coming of age. While she was sent away to live among women until she becomes an adult, she is taught the ways of her people and how the trials and future will come to pass. When she is returned to her family and pack while eligible males fight to become her companion, Shala meets males that are nice and worthy and others that are vile and egocentric. As Shala breaks away from the party to get some alone time in the forest, she is surrounded by feral werewolves. Decker is a guard in charge of her safety. As the young males fight each other to become Shala's companion, Shala watches and hopes that Resno does not win. The intensity and chemistry between Shala and Decker is intense as well as explosive. Who will win and become Shala's companion/champion?
This story is told in the old ways. young children were sent away to be taught and raised without the influence of the opposite sex. Men had to fight to prove themselves worthy of the woman's hand in matrimony. I found this tale to be captivating and well told. Shala is a young lady but she is strong willed and headstrong. Resno is a young male who is used to getting what he wants and will do anything to achieve it. Decker is a warrior who has lived a hard life but works to protect all of the packs. I read the book in one sitting, and I hope that there is a continuation. Thank you Netgalley for introducing me to a new author. I look forward to reading more of your work.
A very interesting take on the wold shifter lives.
When I seen that it was a shifter book, it intrigued me, as per usual. I love reading a lot of shifter books (doesn't have to be wolves, can be bears, etc).
The main character is a female shifter named, Shala Wilder and it seemed like it would be interesting to follow where she led in this book of a coming of age female wolf that must be forced to be a mate to a victor in a tournament, or she could join the guard, and lastly, she could turn tail and be feral which could be dangerous. She is unsure on whether or not she could learn to love the victor or not. So many doubts surround her as she waits for the fights to begin, and during the fights unsure who she cares to win, only hoping certain ones don't.
While I did find the book a tiny bit slow in progression to get to some really interesting scenes, I still enjoyed the read to get there. The story was well written. I loved the story right to the end and can't wait to see if more adventures come after this book with Shala and the choices that she could make in the future.
The cover was interesting although a lot of black, but the moon along with the wolf howling was very neat.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love the werewolves genre! Author Melaina Rayne did a great job of creating a new unique world which came alive with new traditions that made this story different. I delved into this book quite quickly - it held my attention and I became quickly invested in Shayla.
Shayla Wilder is a werewolf who has recently turned 20 and is returning to her pack's home where she will be expected to observe the custom of the choosing of her mate. Several pack mates must fight for the privilege of gaining Shayla as her companion in a competition.
Shayla is a headstrong woman and doesn't cower at obstacles. She is less than thrilled to have to participate in the archaic system where her companion for life will be chosen through mere strength. However, who does interest her someone not competing in the trials...
I definitely would recommend this book! Especially if you are into the werewolf genre. My only complaint is that I wish there was a book two to jump into. I would rate this a three out of five stars..
***Netgalley provided me with a free advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. #AssertionTrials #NetGalley
Shala is a young woman who is in fact a werewolf preparing to be mated. It is customary in their culture for males to compete for the right to a female. Shala is not a meek female though. She is tough and gritty and would rather fight in the guard than be mated and cared for like she's a weak person who needs to be cared for. Regardless of her feelings, she has to go along with the traditions of her people, especially since her father is a pack alpha.
I was in the mood for a shifter romance, so I enjoyed this quick read. Unfortunately, it left me wanting more. I hope Ms. Rayne writes more books in this realm. I would definitely read them.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Assertion trials are quite a spin on the werewolf story. Young girls are separated from their families and kept away until they hit a certain age. Then they have the assertion trials where men can compete to be her champion. They fight until the end. But for Shala she’s never dreamed what her champion will be nor does she believe in this practice.
However things change rapidly when she sees someone her first night at the festivities. She can handle the one male she knows fighting for her, but the one man she can’t have... the man assigned to guard her, draws her like no other. When the victor is crowned will she be able to chose what she wants or forced to live a life in misery???
The set up of this society is a bit too handmaid's tale for my liking. The whole idea of separating preteens from their family to train them for some specific future role assigned by society is disturbing. Nonetheless, Shala and Decker seem to have a genuine connection that should have been explored more than the violence of the trials. I think a version of this story that focuses on this connection would be more likely to make me more interested in this series (if in fact it becomes one). Just my opinion of course, thank you for the free copy.
Shayla is a werewolf and it is time for her coming of age celebration. Eligible males from every wolf pack will compete to claim her as his. Though her heart belongs to a guard who has no interest in her. Fast-paced paranormal read with plenty of drama and suspense. I found the story entertaining with great characters. Looking forward to more.
This is my first by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I understood how she felt; the author made sure that you could feel her emotional turmoil and could relate to her. It was a really good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed reading this book. Had me drawn in and hard to put down. Very well written with well written characters. If you love the paranormal then you will love this book. I recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am Shala Wilder. It is time for my coming-of-age celebration. Eligible males from every wolf pack have come to compete in the brutal trials of the Assertion. When all is over, the victor will claim me as his companion. The problem? My heart isn’t set on a competitor, but on an off-limits guard who has no interest in me. What fate awaits me at the end of the trials? Will I fulfill my duty as obedient pack member, or will I forge my own path? This was a pretty good book. It’s been a long time since I’ve read one with a forced/arranged marriage plot. I liked Shala and I felt really bad for her and for everything she was going through. Good book and quick read. I recommend. **I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
Young cute Shala Wilder gets to watch males participate in her Assertation Trials a big competition. Why? Because she is finally of age to get a mate. You would think oh this sounds great lots of sexy young men she thinks she likes.... stop right there this young girl doesn't get to choose who she wants. Nope, I can see the horror now on your faces as I had the same look while reading. You would think she would be able to pick at least a select few men she thinks she might like to be stuck with all her life? I mean this is a mate forever till death. So give this girl someone decent. This doesn't look like it will be a live match at all. She gets a "Celebration" of every eligible male of any age from every pack that's shows up. This male victor at the end might not be good looking, good in bed, kind or even have any sanity left. Just whomever out smarts and out beats the rest.. Shale has to be his mate, bare his babies, cook, clean and pretend she likes him every day. What Shala wants though is the only male to turn her head. A sexy guard who is of course off limits to compete. Will he jump in to take on every male to claim her? Will love & the hot guard win out? This book had me reading every where I could. I plan to read more from this great author! I love her twisted imagination and I hope you do too😉
This would have been an interesting story with great characters had it not been for the unlikeable, prudish, hypocritical, immature, obstinate, wishy-washy, faux-stoic Shala and her tedious mental monologues. Also this is a book about wolf shifters who spend the entire book not shifting except for during one quick fight scene when a couple of them were in wolf form fighting along with the rest of them in human form. Aside from all that, the rest of the characters were well written and quite likeable, and the plot was entertaining.
I received a free copy of Assertion Trials, but that did not affect my review.
I have never read anything by this author before but chose it as I love wolf shifters. This story is slightly different to the usual and I was very pleased with that. The author does a great job in building her world and her main characters. This is a wonderful book to read, it’s not overly long only taking me just over an hour, although I am a fast reader. If you enjoy wolf shifters then give this author a try, I wasn’t disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An intriguing PA romance the hunger games wolf edition meets the bachelor.
I really don't want to spoil this book, it is better to just go in blind if you like my caption then this book is for you. The MC is well written, cultural aspects are well woven in this book and can be found in our real world.
I will continue this series it has a lot of potential.
I received a free arc copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, my opinions are my own.
Male dominated werewolf society where the females are kept away from the males til age 20, where they then are "auctioned" off by dominance fights for a mating. As a short, this was okay. Finished too fast to accommodate being a novellete. Needed fleshed out, or book length. I found it lacking. I voluntarily reviewed for Netgalley.