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The Legend of All Wolves #4
Season of the Wolf
*A Kirkus and BookPage Best Book of 2020*
In a world of danger and uncertainty, the Alpha has enough to worry about without him...
For Alpha Evie Kitwanasdottir, things are never easy. The Great North Pack has just survived a deadly attack. Evie is determined to do whatever is necessary to keep her Pack safe, especially from the four Shifters who are their prisoners.
Constantine lost his parents and his humanity on the same devastating day. He has been a thoughtless killer ever since. When Constantine is moved to live under Evie's watchful eye, he discovers that taking directions and having a purpose are not the same thing.
Each moment spent together brings new revelations to Constantine, who begins to understand the loneliness of being Alpha. He finds strength and direction in helping Evie, but there is no room for a small love in the Pack, so Constantine must work harder than ever to prove to Evie he is capable of a love big enough for the Great North Pack itself.
"Vale is a rare writer, getting to the heart of her characters—their fears, their motivations—without sacrificing any of the grander picture…A must read.” —Kirkus starred review
“This entire series is beautiful and immersive. Each book just gets better, and readers who love complex world building and mythology will be over the moon. Vale’s romances are a treat to be savored.” —BookPage
In a world of danger and uncertainty, the Alpha has enough to worry about without him...
For Alpha Evie Kitwanasdottir, things are never easy. The Great North Pack has just survived a deadly attack. Evie is determined to do whatever is necessary to keep her Pack safe, especially from the four Shifters who are their prisoners.
Constantine lost his parents and his humanity on the same devastating day. He has been a thoughtless killer ever since. When Constantine is moved to live under Evie's watchful eye, he discovers that taking directions and having a purpose are not the same thing.
Each moment spent together brings new revelations to Constantine, who begins to understand the loneliness of being Alpha. He finds strength and direction in helping Evie, but there is no room for a small love in the Pack, so Constantine must work harder than ever to prove to Evie he is capable of a love big enough for the Great North Pack itself.
"Vale is a rare writer, getting to the heart of her characters—their fears, their motivations—without sacrificing any of the grander picture…A must read.” —Kirkus starred review
“This entire series is beautiful and immersive. Each book just gets better, and readers who love complex world building and mythology will be over the moon. Vale’s romances are a treat to be savored.” —BookPage
309 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 25, 2020
80 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
Maria Vale
15 books913 followersMaria Vale is a journalist who has worked for Publishers Weekly, Glamour, Redbook and the Philadelphia Inquirer. She's a double-Rita finalist whose books have been listed by Amazon, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, ALA Booklist & Kirkus among their Best Books of the Year. Trained as a medievalist, she persists in trying to shoehorn the language of Beowulf into things that don't really need it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
July 18, 2020
I liked it.🥴
August 18, 2020
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
We finally get inside the head of the Alpha of the Great North Pack. Evie Kitwanasdottir hasn't had an easy time and has suffered through some major tragic moments throughout the series. So I was excited to see that Season of the Wolf would be told partly from her point of view. The other character that was in the foreground for this book was the shifter Constantine. If you read the previous book then you'll know how he wound up living with the pack. I got very alpha male vibes from him and thought he was a great match for Evie. However, her pack is her number one responsibility and being entangled with a shifter is not something that would be received positively by the rest of the pack.
What I love most about this series is that the focus lies mainly on the pack and how they live and operate. The romance is still part of the story but it isn't the most important. I loved all the interactions between the wolves, and learning even more about how the pack sees the world. This was great addition to the series, and I enjoyed seeing what the previous main characters were up to. This book is not very heavy on action, and I don't think it was needed. I do think the next book (if there is one) will probably be explosive. The ending has me excited and scared to see what will happen next.
We finally get inside the head of the Alpha of the Great North Pack. Evie Kitwanasdottir hasn't had an easy time and has suffered through some major tragic moments throughout the series. So I was excited to see that Season of the Wolf would be told partly from her point of view. The other character that was in the foreground for this book was the shifter Constantine. If you read the previous book then you'll know how he wound up living with the pack. I got very alpha male vibes from him and thought he was a great match for Evie. However, her pack is her number one responsibility and being entangled with a shifter is not something that would be received positively by the rest of the pack.
What I love most about this series is that the focus lies mainly on the pack and how they live and operate. The romance is still part of the story but it isn't the most important. I loved all the interactions between the wolves, and learning even more about how the pack sees the world. This was great addition to the series, and I enjoyed seeing what the previous main characters were up to. This book is not very heavy on action, and I don't think it was needed. I do think the next book (if there is one) will probably be explosive. The ending has me excited and scared to see what will happen next.
August 18, 2020
The Legend of All Wolves series burst into my life in July, and I gobbled down the first three books in feverish delight over the course of a week and a half. I was very pleased to find that the fourth book, Season of the Wolf, was coming out at the end of August - and even more pleased when the author offered me a review copy through Twitter. Believe me when I say that it didn't disappoint my high expectations: Season of the Wolf is in contention for my favorite installment so far.
Evie Kitwanasdottir is now Alpha of the Great North Pack, shouldering the burdens of leading hundreds of wolves at the same time as trying to preserve the wilderness of their Homelands in the face of 21st century capitalism and environmental degradation. In the earlier books of the series we saw the Pack stand up to the brutal violence of August Leveraux, head of a group of wolf-shifters bent on destroying the Great North. Constantine was one of his right hand 'men', trained from an early age to hurt and kill on command. Now, in the wake of August's defeat, he finds himself in Evie's territory and at her mercy. The Pack's laws don't allow her to kill him but nor can she trust him; or the other three shifters who are with him. Her only choice is to bide her time, and let him bide his, until he chooses whose side he's on.
In common with the rest of the series Season of the Wolf is as much about the life and wellbeing of the Pack as it is about the central couple. In this book that is amplified further by Evie's position as Alpha, which requires her to act not as an individual but as a symbol and a figurehead for her wolves. She is like the CEO of a multi-national company, except that as well as keeping on top of financial, legal and HR, she has to personally take care of the health, wellbeing and needs of every single one of her people. She has to dedicate each waking moment to them, and never show a second of weakness or uncertainty. She must always be available; always ready with an answer or with comfort. What this means, and what Constantine immediately perceives, is that her own self is slowly disappearing. Everything that makes her 'Evie' instead of 'Alpha' is being crushed.
Constantine recognises it, perhaps, because he has already been emptied out and crushed. Having lost his parents at an early age, an adolescence and adulthood devoted to violence and death have left him unmoored. When he arrives in Homelands he's bereft of not only purpose, but of self. While he knows something is missing, he's at a loss to know how to find it - certainly he doesn't understand the role that the Pack, Homelands and Evie might play in helping him. He remembers his mother telling him that 'in the forest stark and grim live unspeakable things', and certainly that's the way it appears to him at first. Why would anyone fight as hard as Evie does to protect trees and dirt?
We see both Evie and Constantine's journeys of self-discovery and rediscovery through alternating point-of-view chapters. It's a significant departure from previous books, which have been told entirely from the Pack point of view. Constantine's is the first outsider voice, and all the more powerful for that - whereas previously we've had to infer how the incomers (Tiberius, Thea and Eyulf) have understood the Great North, here we get first hand access to Con's perspective and feelings. For me this back and forth heightened the emotional impact of the pair's growing relationship, and gave the 'shifters' a moral and personal agency that seems important to the overall arc of the series. They are no longer nameless bad guys, but individuals with histories, needs and wants of their own, adding new complexity to our worldview.
As always Maria Vale writes like a dream. One of the great pleasures of these books for me is the assurance with which she describes the natural world, and the way that the wolves relate to and experience it. She really brings alive the deep spiritual belonging that the Pack has to Homelands, which magnifies the absolute priority of protecting it. At the same time there is a lightness and humour that suffuses everything: the way the wolves teach themselves human behaviour and constantly misunderstand American culture cracks me up. Leonora, the Pack's human behaviour teacher, continues to be one of my favourite side characters, with her over-sized handbag and exercises in etiquette.
And of course, at this point in a series there is also the joy of catching glimpses of previous couples. There are several perfect jeweled moments with Tiberius and Silver, Thea and Elijah, who is still my best boy; and with Varya and Eyulf. It's especially lovely to see them because this isn't a series with standard, complete HEAs - Maria Vale ends each book on the cusp of forever love and happiness, in a way that leaves you yearning for more. I'm certainly already yearning for the next book in the series, and I hope we don't have too long to wait.
Evie Kitwanasdottir is now Alpha of the Great North Pack, shouldering the burdens of leading hundreds of wolves at the same time as trying to preserve the wilderness of their Homelands in the face of 21st century capitalism and environmental degradation. In the earlier books of the series we saw the Pack stand up to the brutal violence of August Leveraux, head of a group of wolf-shifters bent on destroying the Great North. Constantine was one of his right hand 'men', trained from an early age to hurt and kill on command. Now, in the wake of August's defeat, he finds himself in Evie's territory and at her mercy. The Pack's laws don't allow her to kill him but nor can she trust him; or the other three shifters who are with him. Her only choice is to bide her time, and let him bide his, until he chooses whose side he's on.
In common with the rest of the series Season of the Wolf is as much about the life and wellbeing of the Pack as it is about the central couple. In this book that is amplified further by Evie's position as Alpha, which requires her to act not as an individual but as a symbol and a figurehead for her wolves. She is like the CEO of a multi-national company, except that as well as keeping on top of financial, legal and HR, she has to personally take care of the health, wellbeing and needs of every single one of her people. She has to dedicate each waking moment to them, and never show a second of weakness or uncertainty. She must always be available; always ready with an answer or with comfort. What this means, and what Constantine immediately perceives, is that her own self is slowly disappearing. Everything that makes her 'Evie' instead of 'Alpha' is being crushed.
Constantine recognises it, perhaps, because he has already been emptied out and crushed. Having lost his parents at an early age, an adolescence and adulthood devoted to violence and death have left him unmoored. When he arrives in Homelands he's bereft of not only purpose, but of self. While he knows something is missing, he's at a loss to know how to find it - certainly he doesn't understand the role that the Pack, Homelands and Evie might play in helping him. He remembers his mother telling him that 'in the forest stark and grim live unspeakable things', and certainly that's the way it appears to him at first. Why would anyone fight as hard as Evie does to protect trees and dirt?
We see both Evie and Constantine's journeys of self-discovery and rediscovery through alternating point-of-view chapters. It's a significant departure from previous books, which have been told entirely from the Pack point of view. Constantine's is the first outsider voice, and all the more powerful for that - whereas previously we've had to infer how the incomers (Tiberius, Thea and Eyulf) have understood the Great North, here we get first hand access to Con's perspective and feelings. For me this back and forth heightened the emotional impact of the pair's growing relationship, and gave the 'shifters' a moral and personal agency that seems important to the overall arc of the series. They are no longer nameless bad guys, but individuals with histories, needs and wants of their own, adding new complexity to our worldview.
As always Maria Vale writes like a dream. One of the great pleasures of these books for me is the assurance with which she describes the natural world, and the way that the wolves relate to and experience it. She really brings alive the deep spiritual belonging that the Pack has to Homelands, which magnifies the absolute priority of protecting it. At the same time there is a lightness and humour that suffuses everything: the way the wolves teach themselves human behaviour and constantly misunderstand American culture cracks me up. Leonora, the Pack's human behaviour teacher, continues to be one of my favourite side characters, with her over-sized handbag and exercises in etiquette.
And of course, at this point in a series there is also the joy of catching glimpses of previous couples. There are several perfect jeweled moments with Tiberius and Silver, Thea and Elijah, who is still my best boy; and with Varya and Eyulf. It's especially lovely to see them because this isn't a series with standard, complete HEAs - Maria Vale ends each book on the cusp of forever love and happiness, in a way that leaves you yearning for more. I'm certainly already yearning for the next book in the series, and I hope we don't have too long to wait.
August 25, 2020
In the forest dark and grim live unspeakable things.
I could not put this book down. I love being immersed in this beautiful world, amongst the heart of wolves.
The tone was comforting, gentle, and mesmerizing. There is no stronger love, or bond than that of Maria Vale's wolves.
Oh god, I am not okay.Constantine's love for Evie is so powerful and consuming. He must learn that to love the pack Alpha you must first learn to love the pack. His childhood suddenly ended when he discovered his mother's secret. Then was raised by a cruel man who forced him to deny his true self. Can Constantine accept the wolf within him?
Turn around.
Look at me.
See me.
Evie.
In the forest strong and fierce are lives that must be lived unspoken.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, so I could give an honest review.
December 19, 2020
The Legend of All Wolves series is unique in the paranormal romance genre in that, it doesn’t have the feel of your typical romance. Over my years as a romance book blogger (of which there are many!) much thought has been given to what exactly it is that defines a romance novel as opposed to any other genre. I have this definition pretty firmly fixed in my head. A romance novel will have a happily ever after (HEA) and the main drive of the book will be the relationship between the people involved in the romance.
Then The Legend of All Wolves series came along, a paranormal romance with the heart of an urban fantasy. There is a HEA in this book and the story does, kind of, centre around our hero and heroine Eve and Constantine. But, the real driver of the story is the Pack. It isn’t enough that Eve and Constantine love each other; what dictates the romance isn’t any internal barrier or emotional obstacle, it’s Wolfish society.
External pressures to a romance isn’t a new concept for the genre of course, but the characters helplessness against it is something I have rarely seen. And, it all stems from Eve who is the Alpha of the Great North pack’s identity. Being Alpha means that the duties and responsibilities of being Alpha comes first, what Eve may want as an individual doesn’t really signify. Pack above self, always. This is the crux of the story, Eve wants Constantine, but the Alpha cannot have him. It was such an interesting idea and was set out in just the right tone. There was no unnecessary angst or hand wringing, it was accepted in the practical way of a Wolf which made the tragedy of it all the more stark.
As I said, this book did have a HEA, but Eve’s position as Alpha binds her in place. It was Constantine, the outsider, once mortal enemy of the Wolves who must work to fit into their way for any chance with Eve. This book really explores the world that Vale has created and the lovingly savage culture of the Wolves. It also harkens back to the first book, but rather than the difficulties of being the lowest member of the pack, instead we look at the complications brought by being at the very top.
I’ve spoken a lot about the book, but not really said too much about what I thought about it, Forever Wolf the previous book to this absolutely destroyed me in the very best of ways and remains one of my favourite books in recent years. This book didn’t quite have that same emotional impact, but it was still an intense and interesting read that I really enjoyed. I like the genre bending style and focus of these books, it’s unique and interesting and seems to lend Vale the freedom to add the unexpected.
If you like an urban fantasy or are a fan of Anne Bishop, then I know you’ll love this series, if you want to try something really unique then also give this a try. This isn’t an easy of traditional romance and I like it all the more for it.
Reviewed by Suzanne ❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
February 24, 2021
A new take on the classic werewolves story with Pack wolves and Shifter wolves being natural enemies. Basically Pack wolves have to shift shape three times a month while the Shifter wolves do not, remaining human.
The author spends an inordinate amount of time detailing the culture and politics of the Pack wolves who live with cult-like isolation to survive.
My only real problem with the series, not only this book which follows Constantine, the Shifter and Evie, the Alpha Pack leader but also the first book in the series, is that the author seems to miss the mark in creating a believable romance/relationship between the two protagonists. I am not even sure why they are together. It reads so one sided with Constantine seemingly out of nowhere becoming obsessed with Evie. This time we have Evie's POV's but it does nothing to make such disparate characters 'romance' any more believable.
I am not a exactly fan. Obviously the author is a good writer, detailing purposefully rich history of an isolated and small community of werewolves, but it would have been a better read if she spent time developing a more realistic relationship between the two characters.
The author spends an inordinate amount of time detailing the culture and politics of the Pack wolves who live with cult-like isolation to survive.
My only real problem with the series, not only this book which follows Constantine, the Shifter and Evie, the Alpha Pack leader but also the first book in the series, is that the author seems to miss the mark in creating a believable romance/relationship between the two protagonists. I am not even sure why they are together. It reads so one sided with Constantine seemingly out of nowhere becoming obsessed with Evie. This time we have Evie's POV's but it does nothing to make such disparate characters 'romance' any more believable.
I am not a exactly fan. Obviously the author is a good writer, detailing purposefully rich history of an isolated and small community of werewolves, but it would have been a better read if she spent time developing a more realistic relationship between the two characters.
June 23, 2020
Well I admit I went into this with some trepidation because the previous book just about broke me with its shocking ending. That being said I knew this author writes paranormal stories about Werewolves and Shifters that completely differ to any other series out there so obviously I wasn't going to quit reading her amazing series yet. There simply not enough words or indeed superlatives to express how amazing and unique these books are. I have no intention of rehashing the plot because it is truly worthwhile of your time to read this book. A world where Wolves are born who can also change into appearing Human but these are not Human no never that. There are also the more mundane Shifters that we are used to who can become Wolves but in this particular story we truly learn the differences and its amusing, poignant and even romantic so what more could I ask for ?
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
August 26, 2020
Constantine and three other shifters find themselves under the watchful eye of Evie and her pack. Constantine especially doesn't know what to think about his situation right from the very beginning and there are some of the pack that really don't want them there.
Evie is the pack alpha and she already had her hands full before Constantine and the other shifters showed up. But now she has a whole other set of problems because the more time she spends with Constantine, the more she likes him.
This was not exactly what I was expecting because Evie and her pack are more animal than human. They think like animals and act like animals and she really doesn't understand Constantine even though he's a shifter. But I liked how different it was, how primal they were and how Evie acted around Constantine. At first she didn't even want others knowing that they were being intimate but with a good sense of smell, I guess it was hard to really keep that a secret. So when one male takes offense that their alpha is spending time with and might even think about having pups with this outsider, things go very wrong. It causes a lot of problems and I was liking how things were going but then it ended without a real ending...a cliffhanger and I really didn't care for that ending. I really wanted more.
Disclosure: I was given an ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Evie is the pack alpha and she already had her hands full before Constantine and the other shifters showed up. But now she has a whole other set of problems because the more time she spends with Constantine, the more she likes him.
This was not exactly what I was expecting because Evie and her pack are more animal than human. They think like animals and act like animals and she really doesn't understand Constantine even though he's a shifter. But I liked how different it was, how primal they were and how Evie acted around Constantine. At first she didn't even want others knowing that they were being intimate but with a good sense of smell, I guess it was hard to really keep that a secret. So when one male takes offense that their alpha is spending time with and might even think about having pups with this outsider, things go very wrong. It causes a lot of problems and I was liking how things were going but then it ended without a real ending...a cliffhanger and I really didn't care for that ending. I really wanted more.
Disclosure: I was given an ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 5, 2023
Evie is the alpha of the Great Northern Pack, and they have had a rough time. Shifters encroaching on their territory, stealing pups and more.
Now 4 of those shifters are under guard and life goes on...
Evie was tough and self sacrifcing, because she wanted to do what was best for the pack. Her happiness be damned.
Constantine was a shifter who just tried to protect his brother. He helped the pack in book 3, but is under watchful eyes now. And the alpha fascinates him to no end. As for Evie, she is pulled towards him too.
This book is actually rather sad. They are pack, they are more wolves than human, they are born and live as pups first. They learn to pretend to be humans as their schooling and some go to live in the human world to protect them. But the wild is always shrinking, how can a pack like this even survive anymore?
Pack hierachy, in fighting, the danger of the shifters and more on this one. And a very slow building romance between two that are meant to be.
A nice narration that makes you be in this world, and really feel for them. The wild is always there pulling at you.
Now 4 of those shifters are under guard and life goes on...
Evie was tough and self sacrifcing, because she wanted to do what was best for the pack. Her happiness be damned.
Constantine was a shifter who just tried to protect his brother. He helped the pack in book 3, but is under watchful eyes now. And the alpha fascinates him to no end. As for Evie, she is pulled towards him too.
This book is actually rather sad. They are pack, they are more wolves than human, they are born and live as pups first. They learn to pretend to be humans as their schooling and some go to live in the human world to protect them. But the wild is always shrinking, how can a pack like this even survive anymore?
Pack hierachy, in fighting, the danger of the shifters and more on this one. And a very slow building romance between two that are meant to be.
A nice narration that makes you be in this world, and really feel for them. The wild is always there pulling at you.
November 9, 2020
The Legend of All Wolves series is unique in the paranormal romance genre in that, it doesn’t have the feel of your typical romance. Over my years as a romance book blogger (of which there are many!) much thought has been given to what exactly it is that defines a romance novel as opposed to any other genre. I have this definition pretty firmly fixed in my head. A romance novel will have a happily ever after (HEA) and the main drive of the book will be the relationship between the people involved in the romance.
Then The Legend of All Wolves series came along, a paranormal romance with the heart of an urban fantasy. There is a HEA in this book and the story does, kind of, centre around our hero and heroine Eve and Constantine. But, the real driver of the story is the Pack. It isn’t enough that Eve and Constantine love each other; what dictates the romance isn’t any internal barrier or emotional obstacle, it’s Wolfish society.
External pressures to a romance isn’t a new concept for the genre of course, but the characters helplessness against it is something I have rarely seen. And, it all stems from Eve who is the Alpha of the Great North pack’s identity. Being Alpha means that the duties and responsibilities of being Alpha comes first, what Eve may want as an individual doesn’t really signify. Pack above self, always. This is the crux of the story, Eve wants Constantine, but the Alpha cannot have him. It was such an interesting idea and was set out in just the right tone. There was no unnecessary angst or hand wringing, it was accepted in the practical way of a Wolf which made the tragedy of it all the more stark.
As I said, this book did have a HEA, but Eve’s position as Alpha binds her in place. It was Constantine, the outsider, once mortal enemy of the Wolves who must work to fit into their way for any chance with Eve. This book really explores the world that Vale has created and the lovingly savage culture of the Wolves. It also harkens back to the first book, but rather than the difficulties of being the lowest member of the pack, instead we look at the complications brought by being at the very top.
I’ve spoken a lot about the book, but not really said too much about what I thought about it, Forever Wolf the previous book to this absolutely destroyed me in the very best of ways and remains one of my favourite books in recent years. This book didn’t quite have that same emotional impact, but it was still an intense and interesting read that I really enjoyed. I like the genre bending style and focus of these books, it’s unique and interesting and seems to lend Vale the freedom to add the unexpected.
If you like an urban fantasy or are a fan of Anne Bishop, then I know you’ll love this series, if you want to try something really unique then also give this a try. This isn’t an easy of traditional romance and I like it all the more for it.
Then The Legend of All Wolves series came along, a paranormal romance with the heart of an urban fantasy. There is a HEA in this book and the story does, kind of, centre around our hero and heroine Eve and Constantine. But, the real driver of the story is the Pack. It isn’t enough that Eve and Constantine love each other; what dictates the romance isn’t any internal barrier or emotional obstacle, it’s Wolfish society.
External pressures to a romance isn’t a new concept for the genre of course, but the characters helplessness against it is something I have rarely seen. And, it all stems from Eve who is the Alpha of the Great North pack’s identity. Being Alpha means that the duties and responsibilities of being Alpha comes first, what Eve may want as an individual doesn’t really signify. Pack above self, always. This is the crux of the story, Eve wants Constantine, but the Alpha cannot have him. It was such an interesting idea and was set out in just the right tone. There was no unnecessary angst or hand wringing, it was accepted in the practical way of a Wolf which made the tragedy of it all the more stark.
As I said, this book did have a HEA, but Eve’s position as Alpha binds her in place. It was Constantine, the outsider, once mortal enemy of the Wolves who must work to fit into their way for any chance with Eve. This book really explores the world that Vale has created and the lovingly savage culture of the Wolves. It also harkens back to the first book, but rather than the difficulties of being the lowest member of the pack, instead we look at the complications brought by being at the very top.
I’ve spoken a lot about the book, but not really said too much about what I thought about it, Forever Wolf the previous book to this absolutely destroyed me in the very best of ways and remains one of my favourite books in recent years. This book didn’t quite have that same emotional impact, but it was still an intense and interesting read that I really enjoyed. I like the genre bending style and focus of these books, it’s unique and interesting and seems to lend Vale the freedom to add the unexpected.
If you like an urban fantasy or are a fan of Anne Bishop, then I know you’ll love this series, if you want to try something really unique then also give this a try. This isn’t an easy of traditional romance and I like it all the more for it.
June 13, 2020
I received an e-ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Review will also be available on my blog *Milky Way of Books* on 16/6/2020.
September 7, 2020
It's no secret that I love Maria Vale's Legend of All Wolves series. I read the first book - THE LAST WOLF - because it finaled for RWA's RITA Award. From the first line I knew I was in the hands of a master storyteller and I know I'll read anything Vale writes.
The magic of this series is in the deft use of details of the natural world to make the fantastic elements completely believable. I absolutely am convinced that wolves have found a way to masquerade as human beings in order to safeguard the wilderness they need to survive.
SEASON OF THE WOLF continues the story of this people, focusing on the Alpha, Evie. I frequently complain about male characters taking over action in stories and females having nothing to do. Evie is the core and pivot of both her pack and this story. It's about her learning to cope with her immense responsibility - and how accepting help doesn't diminish our strength. The love affair is gorgeous, sexually compelling and intertwined with the growth of the protagonists. Loved everything about this book and I can't recommend it, and the series enough.
The magic of this series is in the deft use of details of the natural world to make the fantastic elements completely believable. I absolutely am convinced that wolves have found a way to masquerade as human beings in order to safeguard the wilderness they need to survive.
SEASON OF THE WOLF continues the story of this people, focusing on the Alpha, Evie. I frequently complain about male characters taking over action in stories and females having nothing to do. Evie is the core and pivot of both her pack and this story. It's about her learning to cope with her immense responsibility - and how accepting help doesn't diminish our strength. The love affair is gorgeous, sexually compelling and intertwined with the growth of the protagonists. Loved everything about this book and I can't recommend it, and the series enough.
Read
December 20, 2020I’ve let too much time pass between the last book and this one so I’m completely lost and don’t have time to reread all the other books, but I love the 2 characters. I might pick this book back up at a later date.
August 22, 2020
I'm conflicted about how I feel about this latest volume in The Legend of All Wolves series. I liked it, don't get me wrong. I really liked Evie and Constantine themselves and Constantine's pining was very sweet. I liked seeing a lot of the wolves being more open and seeing some of the pack's personalities. But the book COMPLETELY bypasses the fact that the shifters are the mortal enemies of the wolves. It was wholly unbelievable to me that they would have been so easily accepted into the pack and I had a hard time overlooking this rather large plothole. I also found Evie's knowledge to be inconsistent. One moment she doesn't know what a compass is, the next she's referencing alternative dispute resolutions in a legal context.
Having said all that, I enjoy this series because of the feels. Both the ones the romance evoke and the ones the descriptions of wildlands make me experience. So, I can't wait for there to be more. Yes, I could quibble with the fact that you'd never see the (female) mate of a male alpha trying so desperately to support them in a manner that suggested he secretly needed it, thereby undermining all the strength he's supposed to have. I could, I certainly thought it. But I won't.
Having said all that, I enjoy this series because of the feels. Both the ones the romance evoke and the ones the descriptions of wildlands make me experience. So, I can't wait for there to be more. Yes, I could quibble with the fact that you'd never see the (female) mate of a male alpha trying so desperately to support them in a manner that suggested he secretly needed it, thereby undermining all the strength he's supposed to have. I could, I certainly thought it. But I won't.
August 19, 2020
Book Info
Paperback, 320 pages
Expected publication: August 25th 2020 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1492695211 (ISBN13: 9781492695219)
SeriesThe Legend of All Wolves #4
Other Editions (1)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Buy book from
Amazon B&N
In a world of danger and uncertainty, the Alpha has enough to worry about without him...
For Alpha Evie Kitwanasdottir, things are never easy. The Great North Pack has just survived a deadly attack. Evie is determined to do whatever is necessary to keep her Pack safe, especially from the four Shifters who are their prisoners.
Constantine lost his parents and his humanity on the same devastating day. He has been a thoughtless killer ever since. When Constantine is moved to live under Evie's watchful eye, he discovers that taking directions and having a purpose are not the same thing.
Each moment spent together brings new revelations to Constantine, who begins to understand the loneliness of being Alpha. He finds strength and direction in helping Evie, but there is no room for a small love in the Pack, so Constantine must work harder than ever to prove to Evie he is capable of a love big enough for the Great North Pack itself.
As Alpha of the Great North Pack Evie Kitwanasdottir she is a member but also stands alone as well being their comforter, leader and the one who keeps the oftentimes more unruly pack from losing its way.
As one of four former enemies Constantine proves to be more than Evie bargained for when she kept him, along with three of the other Shifters alive.
Not quite able to be fully trusted but not exactly an enemy any longer the large male proves to Evie there is more to her than just the Pack Alpha, she is also a female who is appreciated for herself as well.
When these two become allies against a common enemy things become even more complicated by Pack members whose actions cause internal strife that Evie finds to be
Thought provoking follow up to previous tale that did not push the same buttons as Forever Wolf but still proved to be excellent at keeping my attention and interest.
I did feel that Evie and Constantine had justice done to their romance as well as the Pack itself was given more of a role in this one than ever before.
Waiting for next story is getting harder.
Paperback, 320 pages
Expected publication: August 25th 2020 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1492695211 (ISBN13: 9781492695219)
SeriesThe Legend of All Wolves #4
Other Editions (1)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Buy book from
Amazon B&N
BOOK BLURB
In a world of danger and uncertainty, the Alpha has enough to worry about without him...
For Alpha Evie Kitwanasdottir, things are never easy. The Great North Pack has just survived a deadly attack. Evie is determined to do whatever is necessary to keep her Pack safe, especially from the four Shifters who are their prisoners.
Constantine lost his parents and his humanity on the same devastating day. He has been a thoughtless killer ever since. When Constantine is moved to live under Evie's watchful eye, he discovers that taking directions and having a purpose are not the same thing.
Each moment spent together brings new revelations to Constantine, who begins to understand the loneliness of being Alpha. He finds strength and direction in helping Evie, but there is no room for a small love in the Pack, so Constantine must work harder than ever to prove to Evie he is capable of a love big enough for the Great North Pack itself.
My Thoughts
As Alpha of the Great North Pack Evie Kitwanasdottir she is a member but also stands alone as well being their comforter, leader and the one who keeps the oftentimes more unruly pack from losing its way.
As one of four former enemies Constantine proves to be more than Evie bargained for when she kept him, along with three of the other Shifters alive.
Not quite able to be fully trusted but not exactly an enemy any longer the large male proves to Evie there is more to her than just the Pack Alpha, she is also a female who is appreciated for herself as well.
When these two become allies against a common enemy things become even more complicated by Pack members whose actions cause internal strife that Evie finds to be
Thought provoking follow up to previous tale that did not push the same buttons as Forever Wolf but still proved to be excellent at keeping my attention and interest.
I did feel that Evie and Constantine had justice done to their romance as well as the Pack itself was given more of a role in this one than ever before.
Waiting for next story is getting harder.
[EArc from Netgalley]
June 22, 2020
7/10: Good solid read, something to get your teeth into.
“In the forest dark and grim lives unspeakable things.”
It was wonderful being back in this world. Maria Vales’ werewolves (not werewolves) are beautifully brutal, majestic and fierce. This slightly different take on werewolf culture makes for an interesting read; one I am always happy to come back to, no matter my current reading fad.
This time around, we’re following Evie, the Great North Pack’s Alpha, and one of the Shifters, Constantine, from the last book. (Oh, don’t get me started on the last book, that one was heartbreaking).
Evie’s and Constantine’s love was not a heartbreaking love, (although it could have easily been one), but it still held me captive.
“Humans... There are so many of them, they can afford to have small loves. We can’t.”
The concept of Pack first, self last was a compelling one. And I eagerly looked forward to what Con could do to prove his worth to the Pack and still love Evie.
It took him a while to cotton onto that fact. But he finally got it.
“I love you enough, Evie, to not love you alone.”
This could have been a heartbreaking story. It really wasn’t. It could have been an action-packed one. And occasionally it was action-packed. It could have been extraordinary like the Forever Wolf book.
Unfortunately, this time, it didn’t quite hit extraordinary.
I still enjoyed it. I still read it quickly, eager to find out what happened next. I still loved the werewolf-not-werewolf culture and the beautifully descriptive language. I still love the world immensely.
“For three days out of thirty when the moon is full and her law is Iron, the Pack must be wild.”
I will eagerly read the next.
But it could have been just a little bit more.
More heartbreaking.
More extraordinary.
“Humans think that what is seen is all that is. That what is spoken is all that is said. But wolves know that life happens in the crowded spaces between what is seen and what is spoken.”
Maybe that is this book.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley for the ARC to review.
“In the forest dark and grim lives unspeakable things.”
It was wonderful being back in this world. Maria Vales’ werewolves (not werewolves) are beautifully brutal, majestic and fierce. This slightly different take on werewolf culture makes for an interesting read; one I am always happy to come back to, no matter my current reading fad.
This time around, we’re following Evie, the Great North Pack’s Alpha, and one of the Shifters, Constantine, from the last book. (Oh, don’t get me started on the last book, that one was heartbreaking).
Evie’s and Constantine’s love was not a heartbreaking love, (although it could have easily been one), but it still held me captive.
“Humans... There are so many of them, they can afford to have small loves. We can’t.”
The concept of Pack first, self last was a compelling one. And I eagerly looked forward to what Con could do to prove his worth to the Pack and still love Evie.
It took him a while to cotton onto that fact. But he finally got it.
“I love you enough, Evie, to not love you alone.”
This could have been a heartbreaking story. It really wasn’t. It could have been an action-packed one. And occasionally it was action-packed. It could have been extraordinary like the Forever Wolf book.
Unfortunately, this time, it didn’t quite hit extraordinary.
I still enjoyed it. I still read it quickly, eager to find out what happened next. I still loved the werewolf-not-werewolf culture and the beautifully descriptive language. I still love the world immensely.
“For three days out of thirty when the moon is full and her law is Iron, the Pack must be wild.”
I will eagerly read the next.
But it could have been just a little bit more.
More heartbreaking.
More extraordinary.
“Humans think that what is seen is all that is. That what is spoken is all that is said. But wolves know that life happens in the crowded spaces between what is seen and what is spoken.”
Maybe that is this book.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley for the ARC to review.
August 26, 2020
Maria Vale’s writing is gorgeous; she tells the story of wolves in a way I’ve never read before; her voice feels unique.
But when I recommend her books to a new reader I also feel like I need to give some kind of warning. Like: these are romances with HEAs *but* not every problem is overcome thanks to love.
In these books Pack & its strict laws give the characters a home, a way of life, a family, *&* can’t be ignored even when love is found.
In The Legend of All Wolves series Vale also puts a spin on “shifter romance”: the characters who transform into wolves identify as wolves, not humans who occasionally change into wolf form. When they appear human-like, they say they’re “in skin.”
Season of the Wolf, the fourth book in the series, focuses on widow Alpha Evie who gives all of herself to Pack & continues to shield them from humans & “shifters.” In Vale’s world, shifters are different from wolves like Evie & instead of cherishing the environment want to destroy it.
Constantine is a shifter captive of sorts in the Pack. A former killer for his shifter boss, Constantine initially hates the forest that is life for Evie.
But Constantine & Evie are drawn to each other (though honestly, I had to rely on faith that there was actually a way forward for them b/c Pack & its ways are everything.)
Vale is a stylist. Her writing isn’t delicate to me: it’s earthy & forceful & feels evocative of an outside world I don’t have the opportunity or senses to experience like this.
In this character-driven book, so much of the plot is about the little gestures—the ones that reveal Constantine’s feelings for Evie; his growing attachment to Pack members & the forest; how Evie shows her feelings for Constantine in the end.
Sometimes I loved it; at others, I wanted more.
Thanks to the author for taking such care with her books & crafting pnrs that leave me with things to chew on. Also for making me smile with wry references to things humans do—we are so often silly.
CW: murder; abuse of children
4.5⭐️. Season of the Wolf is available now. Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca & Netgalley for my complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.
But when I recommend her books to a new reader I also feel like I need to give some kind of warning. Like: these are romances with HEAs *but* not every problem is overcome thanks to love.
In these books Pack & its strict laws give the characters a home, a way of life, a family, *&* can’t be ignored even when love is found.
In The Legend of All Wolves series Vale also puts a spin on “shifter romance”: the characters who transform into wolves identify as wolves, not humans who occasionally change into wolf form. When they appear human-like, they say they’re “in skin.”
Season of the Wolf, the fourth book in the series, focuses on widow Alpha Evie who gives all of herself to Pack & continues to shield them from humans & “shifters.” In Vale’s world, shifters are different from wolves like Evie & instead of cherishing the environment want to destroy it.
Constantine is a shifter captive of sorts in the Pack. A former killer for his shifter boss, Constantine initially hates the forest that is life for Evie.
But Constantine & Evie are drawn to each other (though honestly, I had to rely on faith that there was actually a way forward for them b/c Pack & its ways are everything.)
Vale is a stylist. Her writing isn’t delicate to me: it’s earthy & forceful & feels evocative of an outside world I don’t have the opportunity or senses to experience like this.
In this character-driven book, so much of the plot is about the little gestures—the ones that reveal Constantine’s feelings for Evie; his growing attachment to Pack members & the forest; how Evie shows her feelings for Constantine in the end.
Sometimes I loved it; at others, I wanted more.
Thanks to the author for taking such care with her books & crafting pnrs that leave me with things to chew on. Also for making me smile with wry references to things humans do—we are so often silly.
CW: murder; abuse of children
4.5⭐️. Season of the Wolf is available now. Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca & Netgalley for my complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.
July 7, 2022
Constantine is a shifter and we know him as a morally grey 'bad' guy. Or at least he was with the bad guys in the previous books However, we know from previous actions that there is a lot more to him than meets the eye. Evie is THE Alpha of the Northwoods pack, left to lead after the death of her partner John by the shifters. When the last four remaining shifters are taken by the Northwoods pack, Constantine is assigned to Evie's pack.
Constantine is entranced by Evie but he has no idea, like no clue, about being a wolf. Raised as a human and punished horrifically once he came to live with August for shifting he finds the forest menacing and the wolves behaviour bewildering. However, he learns and slowly but surely falls in love with Evie, the one he can never have. Because the Alpha can never be with a betraying shifter.
This story, as with the rest of the series, gives us not werewolves or shifters per se who are human and occasionally become wolf. Even in 'skin', this pack is ALL wolf and I loved every cheek marking, rough and tumble, sleep-in-a-pile, sniff-your-neck, hunt-for-your-bacon, howl-together-every-sundown second of it!
Constantine is SUCH as good guy. He never stops caring for Magnus and Magnus's story? Gah, I wish he was getting his own book! Seeing him change and the care the pack had for him actually brought tears to my eyes. It was so beautiful! And Constantine's growth into his true self and how he grows to love the pack, as well as Evie, is a joy.
This series is not romantic in the sense of other shifter/werewolf stories. We have every behaviour firmly anchored in true wolf behaviour and see through the eyes of the wolves and its wondrous... It's such a breath of fresh air for this genre. I cannot WAIT for Julia and Arthur's book (the finale 😭😭😭)
I don't think this really works as a standalone, though it could still be enjoyed. However the story arc that has gone through the [previous novels, and how we know the other characters is so much more meaningful having read the series.
Really, read it - its amazing!
Constantine is entranced by Evie but he has no idea, like no clue, about being a wolf. Raised as a human and punished horrifically once he came to live with August for shifting he finds the forest menacing and the wolves behaviour bewildering. However, he learns and slowly but surely falls in love with Evie, the one he can never have. Because the Alpha can never be with a betraying shifter.
This story, as with the rest of the series, gives us not werewolves or shifters per se who are human and occasionally become wolf. Even in 'skin', this pack is ALL wolf and I loved every cheek marking, rough and tumble, sleep-in-a-pile, sniff-your-neck, hunt-for-your-bacon, howl-together-every-sundown second of it!
Constantine is SUCH as good guy. He never stops caring for Magnus and Magnus's story? Gah, I wish he was getting his own book! Seeing him change and the care the pack had for him actually brought tears to my eyes. It was so beautiful! And Constantine's growth into his true self and how he grows to love the pack, as well as Evie, is a joy.
This series is not romantic in the sense of other shifter/werewolf stories. We have every behaviour firmly anchored in true wolf behaviour and see through the eyes of the wolves and its wondrous... It's such a breath of fresh air for this genre. I cannot WAIT for Julia and Arthur's book (the finale 😭😭😭)
I don't think this really works as a standalone, though it could still be enjoyed. However the story arc that has gone through the [previous novels, and how we know the other characters is so much more meaningful having read the series.
Really, read it - its amazing!
August 25, 2020
5 Stars
Reviewed by Gemini
Season of the Wolf is the fourth book in Marie Vale’s The Legend of all Wolves series. I have read all of the previous books and highly recommend that you read them all in order if you really want to get the full scope of what it means to be part of this Pack. The level and intensity, emotion, and sense of family that these books represent are not like anything that I have ever read in other books paranormal or otherwise. Every book focuses on a couple where one of them is a member of the Great North Pack. If I have to explain to you what that is, then you understand why you have to read the series in its entirety to appreciate every little detail.
In this installment, we learn more than I thought we would ever learn about “The Alpha” previously known as Evie Kitwanasdottir. She is the leader of The Great North Pack and never does anything for herself. Her sole purpose is to protect The Pack even if she is lonely and tired. After The Pack comes under attack, she ends up bringing four shifters into the fold who in some way or the other played a role in the attack. In order to keep a watchful eye on all of them, she separates them among her most trusted Pack Leaders. Evie decides to keep the most dangerous one, Constantine under her command. What she doesn’t know is that Constantine is much less of a threat to her Pack and more of a threat to her heart. As Constantine observes the way Evie is pulled in all directions by The Pack, he realizes how much she sacrifices and how little she gets to be her own person. His admiration for her turns into something that he doesn’t expect. More importantly, as she lets down her walls, Evie notices what she has been missing.
I found Season of the Wolf to be a very authentic love story. In fact, I felt like it was much more personal and romantic than the other three books because the threat was much more in the background than other books. I really got to understand the complexity of Evie’s sacrifice as well as Constantine’s lack of a purpose. Evie and Constantine were two sides of a coin that were meant to be together. I’m not quite sure how Marie Vale will be able to top this one but I’m definitely looking forward to seeing her try.
**Received a copy from the publisher and reviewed voluntarily.**
Reviewed by Gemini
Season of the Wolf is the fourth book in Marie Vale’s The Legend of all Wolves series. I have read all of the previous books and highly recommend that you read them all in order if you really want to get the full scope of what it means to be part of this Pack. The level and intensity, emotion, and sense of family that these books represent are not like anything that I have ever read in other books paranormal or otherwise. Every book focuses on a couple where one of them is a member of the Great North Pack. If I have to explain to you what that is, then you understand why you have to read the series in its entirety to appreciate every little detail.
In this installment, we learn more than I thought we would ever learn about “The Alpha” previously known as Evie Kitwanasdottir. She is the leader of The Great North Pack and never does anything for herself. Her sole purpose is to protect The Pack even if she is lonely and tired. After The Pack comes under attack, she ends up bringing four shifters into the fold who in some way or the other played a role in the attack. In order to keep a watchful eye on all of them, she separates them among her most trusted Pack Leaders. Evie decides to keep the most dangerous one, Constantine under her command. What she doesn’t know is that Constantine is much less of a threat to her Pack and more of a threat to her heart. As Constantine observes the way Evie is pulled in all directions by The Pack, he realizes how much she sacrifices and how little she gets to be her own person. His admiration for her turns into something that he doesn’t expect. More importantly, as she lets down her walls, Evie notices what she has been missing.
I found Season of the Wolf to be a very authentic love story. In fact, I felt like it was much more personal and romantic than the other three books because the threat was much more in the background than other books. I really got to understand the complexity of Evie’s sacrifice as well as Constantine’s lack of a purpose. Evie and Constantine were two sides of a coin that were meant to be together. I’m not quite sure how Marie Vale will be able to top this one but I’m definitely looking forward to seeing her try.
**Received a copy from the publisher and reviewed voluntarily.**
April 5, 2021
My favourite of the series so far. This is the first time we’ve had alternating pov and it really worked to make me care deeply about both Constantine and Evie. Some thoughts:
-I really love her descriptions of the Homelands and how the series is following the seasons. This one is set in summer and Constantine describes it as: “so much green… it’s like we’ve been consumed by some enormous chlorophyll-sodden entity and are being squeezed through its entrails”
-I laughed multiple times: the practice prom, the pups, Sten and his mallet, (SWINE!!!), movie night
-I didn’t think I’d warm to Constantine, but I was thoroughly charmed. Being in his head really helped. I loved his care for Magnus, and loved seeing his growing respect, understanding and love for Evie
-Less plot than in previous books, but I didn’t mind because we got more romance and more Pack.
-I really love her descriptions of the Homelands and how the series is following the seasons. This one is set in summer and Constantine describes it as: “so much green… it’s like we’ve been consumed by some enormous chlorophyll-sodden entity and are being squeezed through its entrails”
-I laughed multiple times: the practice prom, the pups, Sten and his mallet, (SWINE!!!), movie night
-I didn’t think I’d warm to Constantine, but I was thoroughly charmed. Being in his head really helped. I loved his care for Magnus, and loved seeing his growing respect, understanding and love for Evie
-Less plot than in previous books, but I didn’t mind because we got more romance and more Pack.
December 15, 2025
Kind of an interesting take on werewolves vs shifters.
August 3, 2020
4.5 Stars
As I have said for every book so far in this series--such a unique twist on shifters. The author brings us a colorful world from the eye of the wolf. Not the human perspective--what it means to truly be wolf. Because her characters can shift, we hear the words in human tongue. But the author also gives us the experience of being wolf.
This story gives us an update on the Alpha. She has taken over after her mate's death. The pack has brought in prisoners from the last attack, who were raised as humans. Constantine was a ruthless killer for his deceased leader. He is not sure he fits in with this pack. But as time goes by and he spends more time with Alpha Evie, he learns what it means to be wolf. What it means to be pack. What it means to have purpose.
This one isn't a romance journey so much as a coming of age. Albeit Constantine isn't young, he hasn't truly lived his life until he accepts his animal half.
If you are looking for a truly fresh read, pick up this series. You will be inspired to protect the land. Protect nature and find your own sense of belonging with in it.
*Complementary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
As I have said for every book so far in this series--such a unique twist on shifters. The author brings us a colorful world from the eye of the wolf. Not the human perspective--what it means to truly be wolf. Because her characters can shift, we hear the words in human tongue. But the author also gives us the experience of being wolf.
This story gives us an update on the Alpha. She has taken over after her mate's death. The pack has brought in prisoners from the last attack, who were raised as humans. Constantine was a ruthless killer for his deceased leader. He is not sure he fits in with this pack. But as time goes by and he spends more time with Alpha Evie, he learns what it means to be wolf. What it means to be pack. What it means to have purpose.
This one isn't a romance journey so much as a coming of age. Albeit Constantine isn't young, he hasn't truly lived his life until he accepts his animal half.
If you are looking for a truly fresh read, pick up this series. You will be inspired to protect the land. Protect nature and find your own sense of belonging with in it.
*Complementary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
June 28, 2020
4.5 Stars
With each new story, Ms. Vale has continuously made me think about and see nature and animals differently. And I love them both and I love her takes on both. Her descriptions are smooth and choppy, earthy and heart pounding and cause an ache in my chest I only get with great writing. She has quickly turned into an auto buy author for me.
With each new story, Ms. Vale has continuously made me think about and see nature and animals differently. And I love them both and I love her takes on both. Her descriptions are smooth and choppy, earthy and heart pounding and cause an ache in my chest I only get with great writing. She has quickly turned into an auto buy author for me.
September 25, 2020
I never know what to expect from Maria Vale's Legend of All Wolves series, but I'm always thrilled with the result, and that's what makes them so compelling to read. This one stars Evie, the Alpha of the Great North pack trying to deal with the fallout of previous events (you can read this as a standalone but it will make more sense if you've read at least the previous book). Under her watchful eye is a man, Constantine, who should be an enemy but things are more complicated than they might seem at first glance. I loved having a strong female heroine and I find the author's worldbuilding fascinating and believable. These aren't your normal shifter type stories - they are visceral and raw, and it's clear that the characters are more wolf than human and they never quite blend in with the humans around them (but do the best job they can at keeping their pack safe, amid ever more challenging circumstances). I was very excited to get Evie's story after seeing her struggles in past stories, and also to have her get a happy ending with Constantine. All the stories in this series are entertaining, action filled tales with standalone romances and well worth the read.
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
February 9, 2021
Forever Wolf hurt my heart so much that I don't know if I'm ready for another book in that world. I haven't been able to re-read any, and not from a lack of the desire to.
After Reading:
This was slightly underwhelming. The relationship was excellent but the resolution in the end was too rushed. I would have liked to see the pack get over their barriers to see the Alpha with a Shifter.
After Reading:
This was slightly underwhelming. The relationship was excellent but the resolution in the end was too rushed. I would have liked to see the pack get over their barriers to see the Alpha with a Shifter.
September 3, 2020
What a fantastic addition to my favorite paranormal series! Maria Vale blew me away once more with her gorgeous prose and innovative world-building. Each chapter was a perfect jewel and together they created something beautiful. I continue to be astounded by what she’s created.
I’ve been curious about who Evie, the Alpha of the Great North, might be paired up with since we’re now a few books removed from the death of her mate. When I learned it was Constantine, I was initially surprised because the Shifter comes with a lot of baggage and the Pack is rightly untrusting of him and the other Shifters. But it made perfect sense once this story began. The series has explored what each species (wolf, human, Shifter) can learn from and the ways they misunderstand one another but this pairing choice made it all that much more explicit.
Evie is always mindful of how the Pack sees her and what they need from her. She doesn’t know how to interact with someone like Constantine who doesn’t need anything from her. She thinks he looks like the Green Man, protector of forests. But that doesn’t mean he’s a good choice for her. More importantly, she still can't fully divorce herself from the expectations of Alpha. She has to constantly be aware of the dynamics between everyone in the Pack and she can’t show any weakness, even when she's injured. This sets up quite the conundrum because breaking convention and choosing a Shifter could be seen as a huge weakness. The question became what the Pack would need to see from Constantine to believe he was a good enough mate for their Alpha.
This book marks the first use of alternating POV in the series and it’s used to great effect with Constantine’s flashbacks and making sense of where he is. He’s been going through the motions since his parents died when he was a kid. He's a husk of a person. Magnus gave him purpose but not much of one. The Great North presents him a big opportunity to figure out who he is and what he wants out of life. As he’s figuring out how to belong to Pack, he’s also figuring out what he might have to offer to Evie. They had such good sexual tension, resulting in an incredibly hot bathhouse scene.
This series really comes alive because of the small details. Like the toothpaste flavors (gross!) and blackfly season (yikes!) and someone's expression/demeanor before and after the Alpha marks their cheeks. But also the scene where Constantine learned how to be a wolf, which melted my whole heart. I loved watching him figure out how to shift, run, go after prey. Similarly, it was moving to watch Magnus when he went off into the forest with the other wolves. The Pack opens up the world to the Shifters and it was quite emotional, especially since we know how much August took away from them.
The secondary characters continue to shine. Sig had me laughing out loud frequently, which added some levity to a more serious plot. I fell head over heels for Sten and can’t wait to read his story. Plus, appearances from Leonora, Julia and Arthur had me thinking about sequel bait. Even the Pack members I think less of added to the story, although maybe in ways they would not appreciate themselves.
One thing I love about this series is it’s focused on both the couple’s HEA and the Pack’s HEA. This installment is more individualistic because Evie's whole being is about the Pack's HEA, whereas her own HEA required some level of interiority. It’s more focused on what separates Evie and Constantine (Alphas can't have what they want!) than a threat against the Pack. The exterior threats are more of a low level hum. We're aware they're there but there's not much urgency behind them until closer to the end and even then those things will matter more in the next book.
As with the previous books, the story ended abruptly. Normally I want more resolution but it makes sense with this series. Nothing is tied up with a bow when you're dealing with Pack. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Character notes: Evie is described as having deep ochre skin but no race or ethnicity given. She was born in a different Pack before she became a part of Great North. Constantine is white. This is set in New York.
CW: hero’s parents died of murder-suicide when he was 9, ligature marks/scars, descriptions of wolves hunting prey, attempted murder, murder, past death of spouse, secondary character was abused as a child, secondary character dying due to not being able to change into a wolf but they are saved, side character with a limp, secondary character is blind in one eye, secondary character is punished with Clifrung (clawing), reference to minor character dying in childbirth
Disclosure: I received an advanced copy from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve been curious about who Evie, the Alpha of the Great North, might be paired up with since we’re now a few books removed from the death of her mate. When I learned it was Constantine, I was initially surprised because the Shifter comes with a lot of baggage and the Pack is rightly untrusting of him and the other Shifters. But it made perfect sense once this story began. The series has explored what each species (wolf, human, Shifter) can learn from and the ways they misunderstand one another but this pairing choice made it all that much more explicit.
Evie is always mindful of how the Pack sees her and what they need from her. She doesn’t know how to interact with someone like Constantine who doesn’t need anything from her. She thinks he looks like the Green Man, protector of forests. But that doesn’t mean he’s a good choice for her. More importantly, she still can't fully divorce herself from the expectations of Alpha. She has to constantly be aware of the dynamics between everyone in the Pack and she can’t show any weakness, even when she's injured. This sets up quite the conundrum because breaking convention and choosing a Shifter could be seen as a huge weakness. The question became what the Pack would need to see from Constantine to believe he was a good enough mate for their Alpha.
This book marks the first use of alternating POV in the series and it’s used to great effect with Constantine’s flashbacks and making sense of where he is. He’s been going through the motions since his parents died when he was a kid. He's a husk of a person. Magnus gave him purpose but not much of one. The Great North presents him a big opportunity to figure out who he is and what he wants out of life. As he’s figuring out how to belong to Pack, he’s also figuring out what he might have to offer to Evie. They had such good sexual tension, resulting in an incredibly hot bathhouse scene.
This series really comes alive because of the small details. Like the toothpaste flavors (gross!) and blackfly season (yikes!) and someone's expression/demeanor before and after the Alpha marks their cheeks. But also the scene where Constantine learned how to be a wolf, which melted my whole heart. I loved watching him figure out how to shift, run, go after prey. Similarly, it was moving to watch Magnus when he went off into the forest with the other wolves. The Pack opens up the world to the Shifters and it was quite emotional, especially since we know how much August took away from them.
The secondary characters continue to shine. Sig had me laughing out loud frequently, which added some levity to a more serious plot. I fell head over heels for Sten and can’t wait to read his story. Plus, appearances from Leonora, Julia and Arthur had me thinking about sequel bait. Even the Pack members I think less of added to the story, although maybe in ways they would not appreciate themselves.
One thing I love about this series is it’s focused on both the couple’s HEA and the Pack’s HEA. This installment is more individualistic because Evie's whole being is about the Pack's HEA, whereas her own HEA required some level of interiority. It’s more focused on what separates Evie and Constantine (Alphas can't have what they want!) than a threat against the Pack. The exterior threats are more of a low level hum. We're aware they're there but there's not much urgency behind them until closer to the end and even then those things will matter more in the next book.
As with the previous books, the story ended abruptly. Normally I want more resolution but it makes sense with this series. Nothing is tied up with a bow when you're dealing with Pack. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Character notes: Evie is described as having deep ochre skin but no race or ethnicity given. She was born in a different Pack before she became a part of Great North. Constantine is white. This is set in New York.
CW: hero’s parents died of murder-suicide when he was 9, ligature marks/scars, descriptions of wolves hunting prey, attempted murder, murder, past death of spouse, secondary character was abused as a child, secondary character dying due to not being able to change into a wolf but they are saved, side character with a limp, secondary character is blind in one eye, secondary character is punished with Clifrung (clawing), reference to minor character dying in childbirth
Disclosure: I received an advanced copy from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2020
There are very few series that I read in this genre that I read and have to remind myself that they are fiction. This is one of them. Maria weaves such a seamless and believable story that I am quite sure that it is entirely possible it is actual truth.
This is one of those series that has just enough romance for me, but that it is that story itself that drives the book, if that makes sense. This novel is plot driven and not romance driven, but the romance is absolutely a big part of the story.
I am talking in circles. Ignore that. But this book, don't ignore this book, it is everything. I want more in this world.
December 18, 2023
This book was good but it was honestly mellow the entire time and there wasn’t really a problem to the extent of the last book in this series. I love Constantine he is too good. I’m mad the author didn’t go farther into Magnus and his friendship it’s like they started together and Magnus almost left his friendship for something better. I wish the book had so much more of him and Constantine figuring it out together. But it was good. I love Julia and Arthur and am SO excited for their book. And I was thrilled to see Varya in a sense was still in the series too. 3.6 stars it was good Maria Vale is amazing
February 18, 2021
I’m still not over the last book but, this was definitely a nice change of pace and scenery... that being said, I’m very nervous for the next book (there better be a next book) because the way this one ends, it seems that it is being set up a certain way.... but I did really enjoy this book and I loved Evie’s prospective! Seeing her struggle between being Alpha and also trying to be Evie... it made me love her all the more.
July 12, 2020
It seems like the end but maybe not. The author takes their time with the story of Erie and Constantine. She explores pack and wolf culture, giving insight into wolves that do not exist in some other books, in this rarity shifter who blends more with humans, and shifter that is more wolf come together to save their friends and families. Salvation finds love and passion amidst the pages. It is a stand alone within the series but you will want to read the other books to get the full picture.
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