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New Dawn #5
Wolf Queen
War is here. Fate wants blood, and only Katalina can stop it.
Nearly a year has passed since Katalina learned her true identity and mated with Dark Shadow alpha, Bass Evernight. She ignited the fire for change, but hatred doesn’t disappear with hope, and if the wolves of Dark Shadow and River Run want their hearts to remain whole, they’re going to have to fight for their new dawn of peace and love.
As war arrives at their door, love finds a way to spark within the darkness. Babies are born, mates are found, and a little orphaned boy finds his voice again.
The end is here. Lives will be lost, and one way or another, fate will have its blood.
Nearly a year has passed since Katalina learned her true identity and mated with Dark Shadow alpha, Bass Evernight. She ignited the fire for change, but hatred doesn’t disappear with hope, and if the wolves of Dark Shadow and River Run want their hearts to remain whole, they’re going to have to fight for their new dawn of peace and love.
As war arrives at their door, love finds a way to spark within the darkness. Babies are born, mates are found, and a little orphaned boy finds his voice again.
The end is here. Lives will be lost, and one way or another, fate will have its blood.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2020
29 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Rachel M. Raithby
18 books341 followersRachel M. Raithby started her writing career in 2013 and hasn’t looked back. She draws her inspiration from the many places she has lived and traveled, as well as from her love of the paranormal and thriller movies. She can often be found hiding out with a good book or writing more fast-paced and thrilling stories where love always conquers all. A Brit who has lived in many places, she now resides in a small town in New Zealand, with her dog, three cats and four children.
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May 25, 2020Chapter 1
Eva pounded down the road, trees blurring as she ran. Sweat coated her skin, her breath a heavy rasp as it rushed in and out of her lungs. With each step, Eva’s muscles screamed in protest, her mind becoming consumed with the effort to keep one foot in front of the other. Every day she jogged the route from her motel to the cult her little brother, Zac, had joined, and every day she chased to the point of complete exhaustion—for that one moment of peace when she was nothing but strained muscles and fiery breath.
It wasn’t a cult, of course, but cult sounded far saner in her head than a wolf pack. And the fact her little brother turned into a wolf was something she didn’t even want to think about. Every time he shifted in front of her, she was filled with equal parts awe and fear. It should have been an impossibility. It shouldn’t have been real, yet it was, leaving Eva with no choice but to learn to cope or risk losing her brother forever.
Her father had taken to the change far easier than Eva, or maybe he simply found his son turning into a wolf far simpler to handle than the death of his wife. Eva could only wish she had the same ability. Instead, she was consumed with the loss of her mother, the changes to her brother, and add to that the uncivil wolves they spent a lot of time with, Eva was hanging on by a thread.
A prickle of awareness slivered down her spine as the rumble of an engine filled her ears. Slowing her pace, Eva glanced over her shoulder to find a van coming up behind her. Cold fear washed over her skin, locking her legs, but as the van drove harmlessly on, Eva dragged in an uneasy breath, shaking her head at her jumpiness.
Paranoid much.
Bending over, she rested her hands on her knees, catching her breath as she mentally berated herself further. It took her a moment to register the soft thud of a door closing, and by the time Eva was straightening to her full height, the driver from the van had parked, climbed out, and was striding toward her.
Screaming, Eva turned and bolted into the trees that towered either side of the road. Her body protested, having already been pushed to its maximum, and even with the extra kick of adrenaline coursing through her system, Eva had no chance of outracing her pursuer. Her breath left her on a startled scream as she was lifted roughly from her feet. Kicking and yelling, Eva thrashed against her attacker’s hold as he yanked her toward the road and his van. She yelled behind the sweaty hand covering her nose and mouth, dug her nails into the arms forbidding her escape, and as he fumbled for the latch to open the door, Eva braced her feet against the van and kicked off, sending them crashing to the ground. The impact jarred through her body, grazing her elbows and tearing skin. Pushing past the pain, Eva scrambled to her feet and fled back into the forest.
“Help!” she cried. “Help me!” She wasn’t sure how far out from the wolf’s territory she was, but she screamed on instinct anyway, terror coating her tone. “Please, help me!”
“Come here, bitch,” the man yelled, chasing after her.
He was closing the space between them, crashing noisily through the trees. Catching her arm, he dragged her to a stop, his fingers pinching painfully into her skin.
“Get off me!” Eva shoved at his chest and lashed out at him, her nails leaving a bloody trail across his cheek.
Face twisting with rage, he slapped her, the impact sending her backward as it rattled through her skull, a wave of dizziness following. Eva swayed on her feet, her legs threatening to buckle as he tugged her sharply forward.
Her fight was leaving her, her vision blurry as she struggled to regain her footing. Eyes widening, Eva blinked rapidly as a shadow of a man appeared from the trees. There was no time to catch her breath and scream. One minute the man was pulling her, the next his eyes went wide, a gurgled rasp leaving him as a line of red seeped across his throat, the sharp tip of a claw tearing into his flesh.
Arms, gentle but strong, caught Eva as her knees gave out, and she was lifted from the ground, her hands coming to rest on a muscled chest. Eva’s sight focused enough to make out the features gazing down at her. John?
“Are you hurt?” John murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
“J-John? I—” She sucked in a breath, attempting to settle her galloping heart. “—fine. I’m… nothing serious.”
“Are you sure?” His fingers hovered over her already swelling cheek.
“Bruises and a few cuts. I’ll live,” she said more firmly.
As the adrenaline left her system and her heart rate calmed, Eva became very aware of the bare skin under her hand and the large muscles mere centimeters from her head.
Thank God he’s wearing jeans!
“You can put me down,” Eva mumbled, needing to put some distance between herself and John. Embarrassment was creeping slowly across her cheeks.
He froze, his gaze searching her face before a ghost of a smile lifted his lips. “You’re fine where you are.”
The words seemed to vibrate through his chest, erasing the last threads of fear clinging to Eva as her body reacted to the intensity in which he looked at her.
“John.”
A full grin took over his face. “Eva.”
“Put me down.”
His grip on her tightened momentarily, his startling yellow, wolf eyes dropping to her lips. For a moment, Eva thought he was going to kiss her. Her heart fluttered for far hotter, crazier reasons, and then he was placing her feet on the ground, his hand on her back the only contact between them, leaving Eva strangely empty.
“Did you run all the way from town?” he asked.
Eva nodded, struggling for speech. She couldn’t explain her body’s reaction to him. He’s a wolf, she reminded herself. Do not become attracted to a wolf.
Whistling low, John gave her an approving smile. “That’s a good distance.”
Eva shrugged, answering on automatic, “Running clears my head.”
He nodded. “And you’ve had a lot on your mind lately. I get it. Running helps me too. Only I prefer to do it on all fours.” Stepping away, John crouched over the man he’d killed. “What did this asshole want with you then?”
“Do you normally kill people?” Eva found herself asking. In her world, it was a crime, but he’d executed him without pause.
Looking up, John met her gaze with a frown. “He was trying to hurt you, Eva. What should I have done?”
“Called the police?” Even before she’d finished her sentence, Eva knew her answer was crazy.
“Getting the police involved tends to lead to the discovery of who we are, which never ends well. Besides, we’re at war. He probably mistook you for a wolf. Have you been running the same route?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Same time?” She nodded. “You’re not safe in town anymore, Eva. They’ve connected you to our pack.”
“How do you know this has to do with whatever is going on in your world? He could just be a random creep. We get those in my world, you know.”
John stood and closed the space between them, making Eva’s senses flare to life. “Your world, my world… your brother’s one of ours, Eva, which makes you one too.”
“I’ve a life to get back to,” Eva murmured. His close proximity sent her nerve endings misfiring. Everything about John was overpowering, including the emotions he awoke in her. They confused and frightened her and weren’t something she had the luxury to dwell over.
“Not anymore, you haven’t. You’re bound to pack lands until this whole mess is cleared up. Can’t have little Zackary’s sister coming to harm.” His finger brushed her arm, leaving goose bumps in their wake.
“Don’t touch me.” She forced herself to take a step back.
John smiled, smugness filling his gaze, disarming her further. “Why? Your body tells me you like it.”
“You know nothing about my body,” Eva ground out, crossing her arms to create a barrier between them.
His grin turned dangerous, causing butterflies to set flight in her tummy. “I’m a wolf, Eva. I can scent when you’re aroused.”
Her cheeks burned scarlet. “Take me back to my motel, John. I’m not talking about this.”
His expression faded to neutral. “No can do, sweetheart. Looks like you’re checking out.” Startling her, John lifted her into his arms. “Hold tight.”
Eva could do nothing but gasp as he took off, racing through the trees, his breathing not in the least labored despite holding her. She should have protested, she should have at least demanded he put her down, but the truth was, running in John’s arms was like flying, and for the first time, her mind was truly calm.
(ARC REVIEWERS WANTED - email rachelmraithby@gmail.com)
Eva pounded down the road, trees blurring as she ran. Sweat coated her skin, her breath a heavy rasp as it rushed in and out of her lungs. With each step, Eva’s muscles screamed in protest, her mind becoming consumed with the effort to keep one foot in front of the other. Every day she jogged the route from her motel to the cult her little brother, Zac, had joined, and every day she chased to the point of complete exhaustion—for that one moment of peace when she was nothing but strained muscles and fiery breath.
It wasn’t a cult, of course, but cult sounded far saner in her head than a wolf pack. And the fact her little brother turned into a wolf was something she didn’t even want to think about. Every time he shifted in front of her, she was filled with equal parts awe and fear. It should have been an impossibility. It shouldn’t have been real, yet it was, leaving Eva with no choice but to learn to cope or risk losing her brother forever.
Her father had taken to the change far easier than Eva, or maybe he simply found his son turning into a wolf far simpler to handle than the death of his wife. Eva could only wish she had the same ability. Instead, she was consumed with the loss of her mother, the changes to her brother, and add to that the uncivil wolves they spent a lot of time with, Eva was hanging on by a thread.
A prickle of awareness slivered down her spine as the rumble of an engine filled her ears. Slowing her pace, Eva glanced over her shoulder to find a van coming up behind her. Cold fear washed over her skin, locking her legs, but as the van drove harmlessly on, Eva dragged in an uneasy breath, shaking her head at her jumpiness.
Paranoid much.
Bending over, she rested her hands on her knees, catching her breath as she mentally berated herself further. It took her a moment to register the soft thud of a door closing, and by the time Eva was straightening to her full height, the driver from the van had parked, climbed out, and was striding toward her.
Screaming, Eva turned and bolted into the trees that towered either side of the road. Her body protested, having already been pushed to its maximum, and even with the extra kick of adrenaline coursing through her system, Eva had no chance of outracing her pursuer. Her breath left her on a startled scream as she was lifted roughly from her feet. Kicking and yelling, Eva thrashed against her attacker’s hold as he yanked her toward the road and his van. She yelled behind the sweaty hand covering her nose and mouth, dug her nails into the arms forbidding her escape, and as he fumbled for the latch to open the door, Eva braced her feet against the van and kicked off, sending them crashing to the ground. The impact jarred through her body, grazing her elbows and tearing skin. Pushing past the pain, Eva scrambled to her feet and fled back into the forest.
“Help!” she cried. “Help me!” She wasn’t sure how far out from the wolf’s territory she was, but she screamed on instinct anyway, terror coating her tone. “Please, help me!”
“Come here, bitch,” the man yelled, chasing after her.
He was closing the space between them, crashing noisily through the trees. Catching her arm, he dragged her to a stop, his fingers pinching painfully into her skin.
“Get off me!” Eva shoved at his chest and lashed out at him, her nails leaving a bloody trail across his cheek.
Face twisting with rage, he slapped her, the impact sending her backward as it rattled through her skull, a wave of dizziness following. Eva swayed on her feet, her legs threatening to buckle as he tugged her sharply forward.
Her fight was leaving her, her vision blurry as she struggled to regain her footing. Eyes widening, Eva blinked rapidly as a shadow of a man appeared from the trees. There was no time to catch her breath and scream. One minute the man was pulling her, the next his eyes went wide, a gurgled rasp leaving him as a line of red seeped across his throat, the sharp tip of a claw tearing into his flesh.
Arms, gentle but strong, caught Eva as her knees gave out, and she was lifted from the ground, her hands coming to rest on a muscled chest. Eva’s sight focused enough to make out the features gazing down at her. John?
“Are you hurt?” John murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
“J-John? I—” She sucked in a breath, attempting to settle her galloping heart. “—fine. I’m… nothing serious.”
“Are you sure?” His fingers hovered over her already swelling cheek.
“Bruises and a few cuts. I’ll live,” she said more firmly.
As the adrenaline left her system and her heart rate calmed, Eva became very aware of the bare skin under her hand and the large muscles mere centimeters from her head.
Thank God he’s wearing jeans!
“You can put me down,” Eva mumbled, needing to put some distance between herself and John. Embarrassment was creeping slowly across her cheeks.
He froze, his gaze searching her face before a ghost of a smile lifted his lips. “You’re fine where you are.”
The words seemed to vibrate through his chest, erasing the last threads of fear clinging to Eva as her body reacted to the intensity in which he looked at her.
“John.”
A full grin took over his face. “Eva.”
“Put me down.”
His grip on her tightened momentarily, his startling yellow, wolf eyes dropping to her lips. For a moment, Eva thought he was going to kiss her. Her heart fluttered for far hotter, crazier reasons, and then he was placing her feet on the ground, his hand on her back the only contact between them, leaving Eva strangely empty.
“Did you run all the way from town?” he asked.
Eva nodded, struggling for speech. She couldn’t explain her body’s reaction to him. He’s a wolf, she reminded herself. Do not become attracted to a wolf.
Whistling low, John gave her an approving smile. “That’s a good distance.”
Eva shrugged, answering on automatic, “Running clears my head.”
He nodded. “And you’ve had a lot on your mind lately. I get it. Running helps me too. Only I prefer to do it on all fours.” Stepping away, John crouched over the man he’d killed. “What did this asshole want with you then?”
“Do you normally kill people?” Eva found herself asking. In her world, it was a crime, but he’d executed him without pause.
Looking up, John met her gaze with a frown. “He was trying to hurt you, Eva. What should I have done?”
“Called the police?” Even before she’d finished her sentence, Eva knew her answer was crazy.
“Getting the police involved tends to lead to the discovery of who we are, which never ends well. Besides, we’re at war. He probably mistook you for a wolf. Have you been running the same route?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Same time?” She nodded. “You’re not safe in town anymore, Eva. They’ve connected you to our pack.”
“How do you know this has to do with whatever is going on in your world? He could just be a random creep. We get those in my world, you know.”
John stood and closed the space between them, making Eva’s senses flare to life. “Your world, my world… your brother’s one of ours, Eva, which makes you one too.”
“I’ve a life to get back to,” Eva murmured. His close proximity sent her nerve endings misfiring. Everything about John was overpowering, including the emotions he awoke in her. They confused and frightened her and weren’t something she had the luxury to dwell over.
“Not anymore, you haven’t. You’re bound to pack lands until this whole mess is cleared up. Can’t have little Zackary’s sister coming to harm.” His finger brushed her arm, leaving goose bumps in their wake.
“Don’t touch me.” She forced herself to take a step back.
John smiled, smugness filling his gaze, disarming her further. “Why? Your body tells me you like it.”
“You know nothing about my body,” Eva ground out, crossing her arms to create a barrier between them.
His grin turned dangerous, causing butterflies to set flight in her tummy. “I’m a wolf, Eva. I can scent when you’re aroused.”
Her cheeks burned scarlet. “Take me back to my motel, John. I’m not talking about this.”
His expression faded to neutral. “No can do, sweetheart. Looks like you’re checking out.” Startling her, John lifted her into his arms. “Hold tight.”
Eva could do nothing but gasp as he took off, racing through the trees, his breathing not in the least labored despite holding her. She should have protested, she should have at least demanded he put her down, but the truth was, running in John’s arms was like flying, and for the first time, her mind was truly calm.
(ARC REVIEWERS WANTED - email rachelmraithby@gmail.com)
May 22, 2020
Wolf Queen -New Dawn Series - Rachel Raithby
*** 5 Stars ***
I have truly loved this series.
Would really recommend reading them in order, this author has fully captured my imagination and transported me wholly into their beautiful world.
I'm not going to give any spoilers away, there's plenty of action, angst and drama to keep you going.
Whilst it's nice to know the end, I'm left feeling quite sad that the journey with these characters is now over. A great series which I highly recommend, a definite must for all shifter fans.
*** 5 Stars ***
I have truly loved this series.
Would really recommend reading them in order, this author has fully captured my imagination and transported me wholly into their beautiful world.
I'm not going to give any spoilers away, there's plenty of action, angst and drama to keep you going.
Whilst it's nice to know the end, I'm left feeling quite sad that the journey with these characters is now over. A great series which I highly recommend, a definite must for all shifter fans.
January 3, 2021
From the moment I started reading, I was hooked - to the final chapter, I really did't want it to end. The story brings one of my favourite series to a thrilling conclusion. I laughed, Cried, my heart was seriously on a rollercoaster of emotions and I shook my fist at the author a number of times. But in the end I have to say - Bravo! An Exceptional Five Star read.
The conclusion to the series meant that every page turned hurt me in the sense that I didn't want this world to end.
This series has been one of my favorites and to know that it was ending was something I couldn't deal with to be honest.
But in the end I did turn that last page, and was as happy as I could be, considering the books title.
War has casualties...and my heart was torn asunder.
Did I wish for an alternative ending where all the good guys get their hea...of course.
But I applaud Ms Raithby for being true to her characters and the story.
The conclusion to the series meant that every page turned hurt me in the sense that I didn't want this world to end.
This series has been one of my favorites and to know that it was ending was something I couldn't deal with to be honest.
But in the end I did turn that last page, and was as happy as I could be, considering the books title.
War has casualties...and my heart was torn asunder.
Did I wish for an alternative ending where all the good guys get their hea...of course.
But I applaud Ms Raithby for being true to her characters and the story.
June 28, 2021
Draw in
This series was amazing. Drawing me in till it’s way past my time to go to sleep or just sitting and reading chapter after chapter for hours. This would be great if turned into a show or movie series. I hope there is more in the future. I would love to see Eva home her skills and Marty with Nicos baby growing up together. Even see if Kat and Bass have children of their own.
This series was amazing. Drawing me in till it’s way past my time to go to sleep or just sitting and reading chapter after chapter for hours. This would be great if turned into a show or movie series. I hope there is more in the future. I would love to see Eva home her skills and Marty with Nicos baby growing up together. Even see if Kat and Bass have children of their own.
Read
February 11, 2023Finally finished my guilty pleasure series I started in middle school. Also was surprised to find the first time I’ve EVER seen my name out in the world with my different spelling?? Amazing, love
June 2, 2020
**4.5 Stars**
What an epic conclusion to a heart wrenching series! This has been five books in the making to get to this ending, but man was it so well done! Everything was wrapped up perfectly and I really could not ask for anything more from this series. Keep in mind that The New Dawn books should be read in order, so even though each book featured it's own couple falling in love, the underlying plot and overall conflict was the same. Do your self a favor and start with the first book, Winter Wolf and fall in love with Katalina and Bass and the romance that triggered it all. This review will be quick since I don't want to spoil anything and I just feel like this is something to be experienced instead of being told about.
That being said, I actually thought this was going to be told from Bass and Katalina's view points, but instead, a new couple Eva and John were introduced. Eva was a human dealing with loss and heartache and John was the strong stoic wolf who was more animal than man. I liked watching the two very different personalities come together, seeing John know the truth about his feelings but tiptoe around Eva so he doesn't scare her off and Eva learn to cope with her overwhelming feelings, both good and bad. I loved their relationship, but I was sad that this was not really a true Bass and Katalina story. This was a nice reunion overall though with all the characters from the previous books showing up to play a part in the war. There were a lot of different narrators to help make this a well rounded story and I loved seeing everyone again.
I really love all things werewolf and wolfy mating bonds and this series is the perfect paranormal romance series, full of romance and love, as well as action, suspense and hard choices.
What an epic conclusion to a heart wrenching series! This has been five books in the making to get to this ending, but man was it so well done! Everything was wrapped up perfectly and I really could not ask for anything more from this series. Keep in mind that The New Dawn books should be read in order, so even though each book featured it's own couple falling in love, the underlying plot and overall conflict was the same. Do your self a favor and start with the first book, Winter Wolf and fall in love with Katalina and Bass and the romance that triggered it all. This review will be quick since I don't want to spoil anything and I just feel like this is something to be experienced instead of being told about.
That being said, I actually thought this was going to be told from Bass and Katalina's view points, but instead, a new couple Eva and John were introduced. Eva was a human dealing with loss and heartache and John was the strong stoic wolf who was more animal than man. I liked watching the two very different personalities come together, seeing John know the truth about his feelings but tiptoe around Eva so he doesn't scare her off and Eva learn to cope with her overwhelming feelings, both good and bad. I loved their relationship, but I was sad that this was not really a true Bass and Katalina story. This was a nice reunion overall though with all the characters from the previous books showing up to play a part in the war. There were a lot of different narrators to help make this a well rounded story and I loved seeing everyone again.
I really love all things werewolf and wolfy mating bonds and this series is the perfect paranormal romance series, full of romance and love, as well as action, suspense and hard choices.
August 28, 2020
This book is an intense adventure that goes a mile a minute! This time
the romance is between Evaline & John. If you've read the other books in this series then you will remember Tim, the guy building all the homes on Dark Shadows territory. Evaline is Tim's daughter & Zachary's sister. Zachary was the changes teen wolf. Anyway this book was non-stop action. Poor Evaline or Eva for short, didn't know what to do with all the curveball that kept coming her way. Obviously people get hurt & some did because this book is about war. However, it's also about love, healing & moving on. Great ending to the series even though I don't want this series to end! I love these characters.
the romance is between Evaline & John. If you've read the other books in this series then you will remember Tim, the guy building all the homes on Dark Shadows territory. Evaline is Tim's daughter & Zachary's sister. Zachary was the changes teen wolf. Anyway this book was non-stop action. Poor Evaline or Eva for short, didn't know what to do with all the curveball that kept coming her way. Obviously people get hurt & some did because this book is about war. However, it's also about love, healing & moving on. Great ending to the series even though I don't want this series to end! I love these characters.
May 29, 2020
Noooo it can't be over...Tobie???
Omg I still don't know if Im emotionally able to discuss this book. I love love love series. This book is an emotionally roller coaster. Trust me you will need a box of tissues.. there is sadness but also happy moments
Omg I still don't know if Im emotionally able to discuss this book. I love love love series. This book is an emotionally roller coaster. Trust me you will need a box of tissues.. there is sadness but also happy moments
August 20, 2020
A week deserved ending
I completely loved this entire series and I'm satisfied with the way the story ended. It was nice the way all the books and stories connected in the end
I completely loved this entire series and I'm satisfied with the way the story ended. It was nice the way all the books and stories connected in the end
October 15, 2020
Fuuuuck
note to whoever is going to read this book, prepare some tissues cause things get sad.
note to whoever is going to read this book, prepare some tissues cause things get sad.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews