What do you think?
Rate this book
Wolf of Choice
An impossible truth discovered. A perilous journey ahead. A deadly decision to be made.
Almost sixteen, Elita White is finally at Lupine Academy where she belongs and ready to Shift for the first time when a devastating discovery turns her whole life upside down. Distressed but determined, she scrambles to uncover the truth, only to inadvertently unleash devastation on her Pack.
Far from her new home, Elita is faced with a decision that will change not only her own destiny, but the fate of the world. That is, if she can make it out alive…
Wolf of Choice is the first novel in The Shifters and Sorceresses Trilogy, a young adult epic fantasy series.
Almost sixteen, Elita White is finally at Lupine Academy where she belongs and ready to Shift for the first time when a devastating discovery turns her whole life upside down. Distressed but determined, she scrambles to uncover the truth, only to inadvertently unleash devastation on her Pack.
Far from her new home, Elita is faced with a decision that will change not only her own destiny, but the fate of the world. That is, if she can make it out alive…
Wolf of Choice is the first novel in The Shifters and Sorceresses Trilogy, a young adult epic fantasy series.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2020
2 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Shay Laurent
7 books26 followersShay is a fantasy author who lives in south-western Sydney with her partner, three young princesses, and two pretty kitties. Aside from getting all the cuddles, her life mostly involves psychology, writing, and photography—not necessarily in that order.
Long before Shay started writing, she fell in love with all things fantasy. She thrives on escaping into the magic and mayhem of other authors, and spinning the tales that run wild in her mind in her own books.
If you sign up to Shay’s newsletter at www.shaylaurent.com you can get a free exclusive copy of her 48,000-word urban fantasy novella Haunted By Legacy. You can also connect with her on Instagram @slaurentauthor.
Long before Shay started writing, she fell in love with all things fantasy. She thrives on escaping into the magic and mayhem of other authors, and spinning the tales that run wild in her mind in her own books.
If you sign up to Shay’s newsletter at www.shaylaurent.com you can get a free exclusive copy of her 48,000-word urban fantasy novella Haunted By Legacy. You can also connect with her on Instagram @slaurentauthor.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 15, 2020
Thanks so much to the author for sending me an e-book of this ❤
Wolf of Choice follows the story of Elita,a (soon to be) 16 year old Shifter. A shifter is a person who can turn into a wolf once he reaches the age of 16. After convincing her father to let her enter Lupine Academy,she discovers a truth about her life. Soon,she finds out that there's a prophecy involving her and her choice will change not only her life but also the world.
First of all, that cover is gorgeous. Look at it.
Secondly, this book had an interesting plot. The writing made it easier to read and the pacing was neither fast nor slow: it was just as it should have.
The problem with this book is the characters, specifically the main one, Elita. From the beginning,we can see that she is determined and excited to enter the academy because that's where she belongs.So far,okay. She and her friend(possible love story?),Dom,are the only ones, excluding her parents and teacher,who are aware of this discovery and what it means. Again,okay so far. In the meantime, Elita has also another friend,Harper.However,Harper has no idea of what's going on with Elita. Dom and Elita decide to leave the Academy and search something (Don't wanna spoil anything important. I'm a spoiler friendly person ❤). Still,Harper has NO idea of what's going on,where they've gone,why did they leave. At one point Elita even says I just hoped I’d be able to keep Harper and make even more
Girl, how do you expect to keep her as a friend if you haven't told her the most important thing of your life? And yes I understand maybe she doesn't trust her enough because it's hasn't been a while since she entered the academy but what about Dom? He knows everything about her,why not Harper?
Another thing is that Elita dislikes for no IMPORTANT reason a character we meet later in the book,Alessia, though thankfully these feelings for her are eradicated soon. Alessia saves Elita and Dom's asses after an attack AND helps them with their mission.
I gritted my teeth at being given instructions from some random girl I didn’t even know. Bro,she just saved you,you should have washed her feet instead of thinking like that.
This dislike towards Alessia probably comes from Dom's reaction when he sees her. He probably likes her,Elita gets jealous and decides to get annoyed at Alessia instead of Dom. Alessia literally doesn't even care about Dom but I guess it's easier to hate her instead of him. Thankfully,though,as I mentioned,this doesn't last for long.
Lastly, I wanted to mention some errors I noticed like and make decisions and the like until she turns eighteen or The was a Sorceress and she was casting again.
This world certainly has the potential to develop and I hope the next ones will be even better than this one.
Wolf of Choice follows the story of Elita,a (soon to be) 16 year old Shifter. A shifter is a person who can turn into a wolf once he reaches the age of 16. After convincing her father to let her enter Lupine Academy,she discovers a truth about her life. Soon,she finds out that there's a prophecy involving her and her choice will change not only her life but also the world.
First of all, that cover is gorgeous. Look at it.
Secondly, this book had an interesting plot. The writing made it easier to read and the pacing was neither fast nor slow: it was just as it should have.
The problem with this book is the characters, specifically the main one, Elita. From the beginning,we can see that she is determined and excited to enter the academy because that's where she belongs.So far,okay. She and her friend(possible love story?),Dom,are the only ones, excluding her parents and teacher,who are aware of this discovery and what it means. Again,okay so far. In the meantime, Elita has also another friend,Harper.However,Harper has no idea of what's going on with Elita. Dom and Elita decide to leave the Academy and search something (Don't wanna spoil anything important. I'm a spoiler friendly person ❤). Still,Harper has NO idea of what's going on,where they've gone,why did they leave. At one point Elita even says I just hoped I’d be able to keep Harper and make even more
Girl, how do you expect to keep her as a friend if you haven't told her the most important thing of your life? And yes I understand maybe she doesn't trust her enough because it's hasn't been a while since she entered the academy but what about Dom? He knows everything about her,why not Harper?
Another thing is that Elita dislikes for no IMPORTANT reason a character we meet later in the book,Alessia, though thankfully these feelings for her are eradicated soon. Alessia saves Elita and Dom's asses after an attack AND helps them with their mission.
I gritted my teeth at being given instructions from some random girl I didn’t even know. Bro,she just saved you,you should have washed her feet instead of thinking like that.
This dislike towards Alessia probably comes from Dom's reaction when he sees her. He probably likes her,Elita gets jealous and decides to get annoyed at Alessia instead of Dom. Alessia literally doesn't even care about Dom but I guess it's easier to hate her instead of him. Thankfully,though,as I mentioned,this doesn't last for long.
Lastly, I wanted to mention some errors I noticed like and make decisions and the like until she turns eighteen or The was a Sorceress and she was casting again.
This world certainly has the potential to develop and I hope the next ones will be even better than this one.
April 11, 2020
Wolf of Choice is the first book in the Shifters and Sorceresses trilogy, written by Shay Laurent. I'm grateful that the author sent me an e-arc of Wolf of Choice. This didn't affect my review.
Elita White is a wolf shifter of almost 16 years old. She lives among humans with her father, separated from the wolf packs. Because wolf shifters make their first shift when they turn 16, all shifter kids go to the Academy in the year they turn 16. Elita has been begging her father to let her go to the Academy, but he wouldn't budge. But with help from Miss Stone, Elita finally managed to convince her father to let her go. However, almost immediately after Elita arrives at the Lupine Academy, she discovers a truth about her life and leaves the Academy to go on an other adventure.
Okay. Let's start with the positive things about Wolf of Choice. First of all, it somehow managed to grip me at about 2/3 of the book. I don't know how, because I often thought of DNF'ing this book. I just had to know how it would end.
Second of all, THAT CLIFFHANGER. It was very well written and unexpected. That's all I can and will say, I don't want to spoil it.
And finally, the cover. It is absolutely STUNNING. I think it's one of the best covers I've ever seen.
And now we're on to the things that weren't so good in Wolf of Choice.
Let's start with the world building. It was practically non-existent and left me with so many questions. At first I thought I was reading an urban fantasy. The only 'special' thing in the world was the existence of shifters and sorceresses and their own world. But there was no mention of phones and the characters travelled by foot or horse. Neither was there background information about the world they were living in. So even now, after finishing the book, I still don't know what world I have to picture when reading it.
Okay, the next thing that bothered me throughout this book was: Why do the sorceresses and shifters hate each other that much? Okay, the Crones made one big pack into three by causing distress and several deaths, but what about the sorceresses created by the Ladies of the Light? They work with the shifters to keep peace, but they are still considered enemies. Why?
And now the characters. Elita seems OBSESSED with what people think of her. It influences the way she acts and reacts to everything. In a contemporary book, I wouldn't make such a big deal about this. But COME ON Elita, you have bigger issues here!
Elita made a friend at the Academy: Dom. Dom seems like a nice kid. He's the son of the Beta, which means that his father has quite a lot of responsibility. He helps and supports Elita during her first weeks at the Academy as the nice kid he is. But when Elita leaves the Academy, he comes along with barely any hesitation, even though it's the worst timing possible. Seriously dude, what are you thinking?
I believe there are quite a lot of people who will enjoy reading Wolf of Choice. It's a short, easy read with a fast pace. It just wasn't my cup of tea. According to me, the story could have been much better with 150 extra pages to lower the pace and give some extra information about the world. I truly hope Shay Laurent will do this in the next book of the trilogy, which I will definitely read because of that DAMN CLIFFHANGER
2.5 stars
Next read: Red Moon, by Sein Ares
Elita White is a wolf shifter of almost 16 years old. She lives among humans with her father, separated from the wolf packs. Because wolf shifters make their first shift when they turn 16, all shifter kids go to the Academy in the year they turn 16. Elita has been begging her father to let her go to the Academy, but he wouldn't budge. But with help from Miss Stone, Elita finally managed to convince her father to let her go. However, almost immediately after Elita arrives at the Lupine Academy, she discovers a truth about her life and leaves the Academy to go on an other adventure.
Okay. Let's start with the positive things about Wolf of Choice. First of all, it somehow managed to grip me at about 2/3 of the book. I don't know how, because I often thought of DNF'ing this book. I just had to know how it would end.
Second of all, THAT CLIFFHANGER. It was very well written and unexpected. That's all I can and will say, I don't want to spoil it.
And finally, the cover. It is absolutely STUNNING. I think it's one of the best covers I've ever seen.
And now we're on to the things that weren't so good in Wolf of Choice.
Let's start with the world building. It was practically non-existent and left me with so many questions. At first I thought I was reading an urban fantasy. The only 'special' thing in the world was the existence of shifters and sorceresses and their own world. But there was no mention of phones and the characters travelled by foot or horse. Neither was there background information about the world they were living in. So even now, after finishing the book, I still don't know what world I have to picture when reading it.
Okay, the next thing that bothered me throughout this book was: Why do the sorceresses and shifters hate each other that much? Okay, the Crones made one big pack into three by causing distress and several deaths, but what about the sorceresses created by the Ladies of the Light? They work with the shifters to keep peace, but they are still considered enemies. Why?
And now the characters. Elita seems OBSESSED with what people think of her. It influences the way she acts and reacts to everything. In a contemporary book, I wouldn't make such a big deal about this. But COME ON Elita, you have bigger issues here!
Elita made a friend at the Academy: Dom. Dom seems like a nice kid. He's the son of the Beta, which means that his father has quite a lot of responsibility. He helps and supports Elita during her first weeks at the Academy as the nice kid he is. But when Elita leaves the Academy, he comes along with barely any hesitation, even though it's the worst timing possible. Seriously dude, what are you thinking?
I believe there are quite a lot of people who will enjoy reading Wolf of Choice. It's a short, easy read with a fast pace. It just wasn't my cup of tea. According to me, the story could have been much better with 150 extra pages to lower the pace and give some extra information about the world. I truly hope Shay Laurent will do this in the next book of the trilogy, which I will definitely read because of that DAMN CLIFFHANGER
2.5 stars
Next read: Red Moon, by Sein Ares
March 11, 2020
This is an excellent fantasy novel about a young shifter who has an interesting past(don't want to give too much away!!!). If you like fantasy style novels set in another magical world you will love this!
April 21, 2020
I’m giving this book a 2.5, so I rounded up to 3 stars.
I don’t know really where to start. I did enjoy the story but the first half was really uneventful. I felt a bit bored while reading it and I don’t know if I like the main character. She has been training in weaponry and seems like she could be a badass. But instead she’s kind of annoying and is always crying. She’s instantly dependent on Dom and how in the world did they become friends so fast. That felt a little unrealistic, not the timing but more the instant trust.
I like Dom’s character but I don’t get all the blushing between them.
The story does take a massive step up when the adventure actually begins. I did enjoy that but the teasing about whether those two would get together or not is killing me. Alessia is the coolest character. She is the badass I was waiting for.
The ending is a bit disappointing, not because of the writing or the story, I just don’t enjoy cliff hangers. Especially when I’m sitting on the edge thinking my favourite character will die.
There were quite a few spelling and grammar mistakes, everyone’s human, so I know that will happen but there were just too many. Like I said, the first half kind of disappointed me which sucks because the opening scene had me whooping at a lycanthropy story. Just a bit bummed but still super intrigued at what happens next. I especially want to know if the family will be reunited and if the prophecy will come true.
Not my favourite but still a good read ☺️
I don’t know really where to start. I did enjoy the story but the first half was really uneventful. I felt a bit bored while reading it and I don’t know if I like the main character. She has been training in weaponry and seems like she could be a badass. But instead she’s kind of annoying and is always crying. She’s instantly dependent on Dom and how in the world did they become friends so fast. That felt a little unrealistic, not the timing but more the instant trust.
I like Dom’s character but I don’t get all the blushing between them.
The story does take a massive step up when the adventure actually begins. I did enjoy that but the teasing about whether those two would get together or not is killing me. Alessia is the coolest character. She is the badass I was waiting for.
The ending is a bit disappointing, not because of the writing or the story, I just don’t enjoy cliff hangers. Especially when I’m sitting on the edge thinking my favourite character will die.
There were quite a few spelling and grammar mistakes, everyone’s human, so I know that will happen but there were just too many. Like I said, the first half kind of disappointed me which sucks because the opening scene had me whooping at a lycanthropy story. Just a bit bummed but still super intrigued at what happens next. I especially want to know if the family will be reunited and if the prophecy will come true.
Not my favourite but still a good read ☺️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2020
Shay Laurent has laid the foundations for a rich fantasy world with her debut novel Wolf of Choice. The star of the story is heroine Elita White, and as we are join her on her adventures from her home to a shapeshifting academy and beyond, we watch Elita as she makes friends and enemies in the way of ordinary teenagers as well as a child chosen by fate to be special. I very quickly became invested in her relationship with Dom and her pursuit of truth, and can't wait to read the next instalment.
March 18, 2020
I requested a review copy of this book after the blurb caught my attention. I have not been paid for this review.
This is a fast paced book that follows Elita, a shifter who has yet to experience the change. She is finally allowed to attend an academy for shifters after being somewhat isolated from regular pack life after her dad loses her mother when she was still very young.
During the story, she finds out more about both where she comes from and herself as the action ramps up following an attack on the school.
The main character seems pretty well fleshed out and the story flows well, all be it a little fast in places.
I'm looking forward to seeing where book 2 takes Elita and her friend Dom.
This is a fast paced book that follows Elita, a shifter who has yet to experience the change. She is finally allowed to attend an academy for shifters after being somewhat isolated from regular pack life after her dad loses her mother when she was still very young.
During the story, she finds out more about both where she comes from and herself as the action ramps up following an attack on the school.
The main character seems pretty well fleshed out and the story flows well, all be it a little fast in places.
I'm looking forward to seeing where book 2 takes Elita and her friend Dom.
March 23, 2025
Epic fantasy? Een sub genre die ik nog moest ontdekken!
Elita mag eindelijk naar de academie voor shifters. Ze is opgegroeid met alleen haar vader die haar alles heeft geleerd wat ze nodig heeft. Ze kan niet wachten want wanneer ze 17 wordt zal ze voor het eerst moeten kunnen veranderen in een "weerwolf." Eenmaal op de academie komt ze toch achter geheimen die haar mee sleuren in een wereld vol magie en shifters.
Gelukkig hoeft Elita dit niet alleen te doen en krijgt ze hulp van de lieve Dom en de stoere Alessia.
Een leuke fantasy voor tussendoor die eindigt met een spannende cliffhanger. Het boek heeft duidelijk YA als doelgroep en is dan ook iets jonger geschreven. Elita groeit goed in haar rol en ik vind Dom een cutie.
Zeker een aanrader als je van Epic Fantasy en YA houd!
Elita mag eindelijk naar de academie voor shifters. Ze is opgegroeid met alleen haar vader die haar alles heeft geleerd wat ze nodig heeft. Ze kan niet wachten want wanneer ze 17 wordt zal ze voor het eerst moeten kunnen veranderen in een "weerwolf." Eenmaal op de academie komt ze toch achter geheimen die haar mee sleuren in een wereld vol magie en shifters.
Gelukkig hoeft Elita dit niet alleen te doen en krijgt ze hulp van de lieve Dom en de stoere Alessia.
Een leuke fantasy voor tussendoor die eindigt met een spannende cliffhanger. Het boek heeft duidelijk YA als doelgroep en is dan ook iets jonger geschreven. Elita groeit goed in haar rol en ik vind Dom een cutie.
Zeker een aanrader als je van Epic Fantasy en YA houd!
July 20, 2025
As if turning 16 doesn’t suck enough, Elita had some BIG family secrets dropped on her and she finds herself at The Academy west from everything she has ever know while she navigates her first shift, and finding herself place in the pack. In addition to a sorcery identity crisis. Just what every girl needs!!
Don is that adorable Labrador boy we all need when we are dramatic and angsty. He is always up to do something that’s not exactly in the rules and is supportive and loyal without hesitation. If Elita needs him, he is there!! Adventure, world building, wolf shifters AND magic, this book has it all and I can see that the next book will build on from this well laid foundation.
Miss Shay Laurent, girl! What is that cliff hanger you left us on??? Why would you do that!
Don is that adorable Labrador boy we all need when we are dramatic and angsty. He is always up to do something that’s not exactly in the rules and is supportive and loyal without hesitation. If Elita needs him, he is there!! Adventure, world building, wolf shifters AND magic, this book has it all and I can see that the next book will build on from this well laid foundation.
Miss Shay Laurent, girl! What is that cliff hanger you left us on??? Why would you do that!
March 27, 2020
I received an ARC of Wolf Of Choice.
Wolf Of Choice has an awesome premise and super cool worldbuilding. The plot moved at a steady clip without feeling rushed, and the twists just kept coming. Every character felt distinct.
At times it read more like urban than high fantasy, which is fine but not my personal favorite if I'm not expecting it. The ending broke my heart just a little. 😭
Overall, it was a fun read. Thanks Shay Laurent for sharing your story! I look forward to finding out what happens next.
Wolf Of Choice has an awesome premise and super cool worldbuilding. The plot moved at a steady clip without feeling rushed, and the twists just kept coming. Every character felt distinct.
At times it read more like urban than high fantasy, which is fine but not my personal favorite if I'm not expecting it. The ending broke my heart just a little. 😭
Overall, it was a fun read. Thanks Shay Laurent for sharing your story! I look forward to finding out what happens next.
April 7, 2020
After her mother disappears when she is three, Elital is raised alone by her Wolf/Shifter father. Elita longs to go to the Academy where she can meet other shifters and learn about her Pack. Her father eventually lets her go, and it is at the academy where she learns about her mother and meets Dom. Great world building and Elita is a strong female character. Some parts could have been fleshed out a bit more, but overall a really good start to this series. And with the cliffhanger ending I can’t wait to read the next one! I received an advance copy for my honest review.
March 18, 2020
I liked it. I don’t think everything was seamless, mainly the library attack, but it all fit and flowed well. It intrigued me and I read most of the book in less than a day. The cliffhanger was great. I’m excited for book two. I love the characters and the whole story reminds me of how I felt when I first started writing, in a very positive way.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2020
Warning: huge cliffhanger at the end! This book is low on the romance, but heavy on the character and works building as well as action. I can’t wait to see what happens with Dom and Elita with their relationship as well as Elita’s relationship with other key characters in the next book!
Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2020
This is a beautiful coming of age novel that has all the great things of a YA story. The plot was explosive and enticing, the characters had depth and relatabiliy and the writing was beautifully done to describe the scenes in great detail. I really loved this book. It was a fantastic escape and any lovers of YA romance fantasy, this book is exactly what you'll be looking for.
March 31, 2020
Not a bad book at all. A slower read than what I prefer, but enjoyable nonetheless. The character and world building is solid. The suspense is something you can feel. The mystery and conflict between factions is well done. I love the FMC and her sidekick on her journey. Just well done!
March 25, 2020
This was an amazing start to a new series! I am dying for more. Ended in a cliffhanger. Come read about wolf shifters and sorcerers.
June 3, 2020
The basic premise was good, but I struggled through it. There were too many holes in the story where I just didn't understand why they made those choices.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews