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Rising
A lone wolf. A lonely merman. And a place to call home, if they can get there.
Kicked out of his pack as a kid, Jace has always considered himself a solitary wolf. He’s happy to help the Eden pack rescue wolves and other shifters, but he’s not ready to give up his life as a thief. Until he breaks into a mansion to steal a priceless watch and finds something far more intriguing—a merman.
Robin has lost everything that matters to him. Trapped in an opulent prison with his would-be savior, he can’t see a way out. And then one night, a wolf appears. But this wolf is far more than he seems, and Robin is thrown headfirst into a world he never dreamed existed. A world that he and Jace could be a part of. But first, they have some kids to save.
Rising is the third book of the Wolf Born trilogy. It’s a m/m shifter romance (no mpreg) featuring a stubborn thief, a captive merman, kids in peril, and a happy ending. There are some difficult themes and scenes, and Rising is not suitable for readers under the age of eighteen.
Kicked out of his pack as a kid, Jace has always considered himself a solitary wolf. He’s happy to help the Eden pack rescue wolves and other shifters, but he’s not ready to give up his life as a thief. Until he breaks into a mansion to steal a priceless watch and finds something far more intriguing—a merman.
Robin has lost everything that matters to him. Trapped in an opulent prison with his would-be savior, he can’t see a way out. And then one night, a wolf appears. But this wolf is far more than he seems, and Robin is thrown headfirst into a world he never dreamed existed. A world that he and Jace could be a part of. But first, they have some kids to save.
Rising is the third book of the Wolf Born trilogy. It’s a m/m shifter romance (no mpreg) featuring a stubborn thief, a captive merman, kids in peril, and a happy ending. There are some difficult themes and scenes, and Rising is not suitable for readers under the age of eighteen.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2021
43 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Claire Cullen
63 books644 followersClaire Cullen is an author and aspiring baker. Since she was a toddler, she has loved making up stories. Getting them down on paper proved a challenge in the early years when her preferred medium was finger puppets. She moved on to pen and paper, and later to keyboards, and hasn't looked back since, except for occasional bouts of nostalgia.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 16, 2021
Robin’s story was very interesting especially because he was turned just like Ramona. He wasn’t kidnapped randomly and made into a merman. His creepy stalker had him kidnapped and turned. That creep had way too much money and time on his hands.
Jace was such a confident and powerful personality and I loved their dynamic. I liked how quickly they realized they wanted each other and how Jace was willing to wait for Robin to get comfortable with him.
I was also so shocked by how brave Robin was. We meet him as a man that accepted that he was forever trapped with the monster that made him into a merman. Then he becomes a strong man who is willing to put himself in danger to help others, not once but twice. And we see him protect himself.
It was nice that in all three books the new wolfs were able to protect themselves and their mates. That they weren’t helpless in the face of cruelty. That they wanted to help and fight even if they might not win. I love well rounded characters that have purpose and this series didn’t disappoint.
Jace was such a confident and powerful personality and I loved their dynamic. I liked how quickly they realized they wanted each other and how Jace was willing to wait for Robin to get comfortable with him.
I was also so shocked by how brave Robin was. We meet him as a man that accepted that he was forever trapped with the monster that made him into a merman. Then he becomes a strong man who is willing to put himself in danger to help others, not once but twice. And we see him protect himself.
It was nice that in all three books the new wolfs were able to protect themselves and their mates. That they weren’t helpless in the face of cruelty. That they wanted to help and fight even if they might not win. I love well rounded characters that have purpose and this series didn’t disappoint.
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February 3, 2021Disclaimer: this was supposed to be a review. It probably is not. It mostly devolved into an almost short essay on... well, I guess you can read on and see? It does, actually, have everything to do with the book (unfortunately for the book).
First: the positives.
In no specific order.
I liked how they handled trauma. I liked the concept of Eden and the organization behind it (even though the enemies, the white coats and hunters, sounded pretty rudimentary and unoriginal/ archetypical). I liked how the plot shifted focus. The ending was probably good for the series overall but I didn't care that much, not having read it from the beginning.
And it's a shifter story so I feel like it should get some brownie points for not including the "Mate!!" trope. And not being of the Omegaverse. Glad some people still do these.
In a way, the beginning (and like the later part towards the end) was pretty novel after what the blurb said. Tried to, anyway. Instead of the rescue-e throwing himself into the arms of a handsome stranger, they... sorry, won't spoiler but let's say it was not that clishe.
The bad:
What was problematic/not liked was the differences between the two guys - the two MCs. Is it wrong of me to call this type of arrangement too heteronormative? Just because one of them can and will cry and is more shy and doesn't come of as strong and speaks nicely and softly? Am I just perpetuating the same patterns I am disliking here and ascribing him stereotypical features I dislike, deciding what he can't or cannot do? (by saying girls cry ergo he's the "woman" in the relationship)
Because: backstory (skip if you need to)
I am kind of, to be honest (and I do not want to admit it too much but), I kind of stopped reading M/F romances. I read them - but so little compared to MM that I feel I have some issues. But it was not like I decided to. When I think about it, I have, in fact, a very specific reason why those books actually Stopped working for me - not the other way around. And the reason for this, if I was to use an umbrella term, was genre roles. Or maybe the portrayal of female characters as opposed to male ones.
I was increasingly unhappy when the female character(s) was being constricted to those horrendous "female" boxes: she was dismissed/insulted/ignored, she was soft and had to wait for some guy to actually get something accomplished, especially fighting the bad guys and rescuing efforts, she could be a badass but if she was, it made her into a "cold bitch" and she probably hated/could not handle babies, if she wanted babies or did not or had them, that was a whole heap of issues on its own that everyone had an opinion about and generally just the whole situation surrounding the main but also side female characters made me so mad and sad and depressed I kind of started to avoid them - and my mind supplied an "easy" solution - if I feel guy/woman relationships are problematic, getting two guys will solve this!
Which is where we arrive at the current issue, which is basically: did it? Did reading about two guys instead of "complicating" things by having a woman in the mix solve my reservations and complaints about toxic gender roles? Because sometimes I feel it definitely did not - it just turned them around: having two starkly different main protagonist that very much resembles those gender roles - with the same pitfalls and annoying habits like the hetero relationships, simply giving one of them a male body. Because if my new awareness of gender and sexuality taught me anything, it's that gender is fluid and it's not something people decide so creating a character and slapping a "he" on it - that actually does not make him a guy.
That is what it feels like. Because yes, guys are allowed to cry but if only one of them does it?! Yes, guys don't always have to be superb fighters but if one half of the couple is a werewolf who can and does fight and sneak and steals and the other one has a swim in the lake and gets carried around because he's suddenly tired? When one is literary a lone wolf who fights against the mad scientists and the other was a pre-school teacher who adores kids? One of them cooking, the other being "hopeless" in the kitchen? One of them killing, the other being too nice to contemplate the idea? Tell me I am imagining the heteronormativity, I dare you.
And let's not even mention the issues about bed activities (because assuming the whole "the one who is "catching" is the female, cause females take it) as I would be much happier if only there was at least some conversation about those roles instead of automatically getting into not just certain positions but mindsets - one passive and taking it, being taken care of, the other one actively controlling the situation and taking care of him. There is "bottom" and there is assuming (both of them) he's gonna take it. Like, never heard of switching? Not even trying it out? Not even thinking about such an option? That smells of some very traditional and ancient customs insulting to both. Next, he's going to close his eyes and do his husbandly duties, why doesn't he?!
I am ALL for getting rid of some toxic masculinity perceptions and ways of thinking and in a way this point in time is a bit sensitive about these issues - many people still subscribe to such values and that sometimes makes other people, me definitely, more sensitive and defensive about it.
So WherE is the line?
Where the heck (why is hell a cuss word, by the way? we have it too and the only reason I could think of why it should be bad is religion, that says hell is the Worst so invoking it is bad and that is a silly reason) - but what the heck is the right balance between "equality" and "heteronormativity"?? How to allow characters to get rid of toxic gender roles without simply twisting them? The line seems so hard to define in this ever-changing climate when we are still on the rise towards trying to find that equality in the first place and that is certainly colouring our/my perception of the issue even further.
What does it mean in practice? I so dislike books I picked for a Specific reason just for them to turn around and DO the SAME thing.
And you know what? It's as if the book wanted ti that way! Because the Female Guy (sorry, mermen) was quite happy portraying the story like a fairy tale and him getting rescued by a prince. Maybe I am a little too cynical and dislike the very traditional/cliche gender roles from most fairy tales but did we come into the 21st century and tried/try to teach little girls they are not in fact supposed to learn to cook and clean so one day they can be rescued from the boredom of their existence by the handsome businesses men that would give them 2,5 kids and a house to take care of so they can live HEA - just to pass on this fantasy to queer people so we can shove them into those female/male roles (cause obviously having two male males in a relationship is too complicated to comprehend, however, can we tell them apart, right?).
Okay, inequality/sexism/heteronormativity rant over.
It wasn't like a rule of thumb. The book had some nicer spots.
But overall, I am not sure I am happy with it and was certainly expecting something better.
First: the positives.
In no specific order.
I liked how they handled trauma. I liked the concept of Eden and the organization behind it (even though the enemies, the white coats and hunters, sounded pretty rudimentary and unoriginal/ archetypical). I liked how the plot shifted focus. The ending was probably good for the series overall but I didn't care that much, not having read it from the beginning.
And it's a shifter story so I feel like it should get some brownie points for not including the "Mate!!" trope. And not being of the Omegaverse. Glad some people still do these.
In a way, the beginning (and like the later part towards the end) was pretty novel after what the blurb said. Tried to, anyway. Instead of the rescue-e throwing himself into the arms of a handsome stranger, they... sorry, won't spoiler but let's say it was not that clishe.
The bad:
What was problematic/not liked was the differences between the two guys - the two MCs. Is it wrong of me to call this type of arrangement too heteronormative? Just because one of them can and will cry and is more shy and doesn't come of as strong and speaks nicely and softly? Am I just perpetuating the same patterns I am disliking here and ascribing him stereotypical features I dislike, deciding what he can't or cannot do? (by saying girls cry ergo he's the "woman" in the relationship)
Because: backstory (skip if you need to)
I am kind of, to be honest (and I do not want to admit it too much but), I kind of stopped reading M/F romances. I read them - but so little compared to MM that I feel I have some issues. But it was not like I decided to. When I think about it, I have, in fact, a very specific reason why those books actually Stopped working for me - not the other way around. And the reason for this, if I was to use an umbrella term, was genre roles. Or maybe the portrayal of female characters as opposed to male ones.
I was increasingly unhappy when the female character(s) was being constricted to those horrendous "female" boxes: she was dismissed/insulted/ignored, she was soft and had to wait for some guy to actually get something accomplished, especially fighting the bad guys and rescuing efforts, she could be a badass but if she was, it made her into a "cold bitch" and she probably hated/could not handle babies, if she wanted babies or did not or had them, that was a whole heap of issues on its own that everyone had an opinion about and generally just the whole situation surrounding the main but also side female characters made me so mad and sad and depressed I kind of started to avoid them - and my mind supplied an "easy" solution - if I feel guy/woman relationships are problematic, getting two guys will solve this!
Which is where we arrive at the current issue, which is basically: did it? Did reading about two guys instead of "complicating" things by having a woman in the mix solve my reservations and complaints about toxic gender roles? Because sometimes I feel it definitely did not - it just turned them around: having two starkly different main protagonist that very much resembles those gender roles - with the same pitfalls and annoying habits like the hetero relationships, simply giving one of them a male body. Because if my new awareness of gender and sexuality taught me anything, it's that gender is fluid and it's not something people decide so creating a character and slapping a "he" on it - that actually does not make him a guy.
That is what it feels like. Because yes, guys are allowed to cry but if only one of them does it?! Yes, guys don't always have to be superb fighters but if one half of the couple is a werewolf who can and does fight and sneak and steals and the other one has a swim in the lake and gets carried around because he's suddenly tired? When one is literary a lone wolf who fights against the mad scientists and the other was a pre-school teacher who adores kids? One of them cooking, the other being "hopeless" in the kitchen? One of them killing, the other being too nice to contemplate the idea? Tell me I am imagining the heteronormativity, I dare you.
And let's not even mention the issues about bed activities (because assuming the whole "the one who is "catching" is the female, cause females take it) as I would be much happier if only there was at least some conversation about those roles instead of automatically getting into not just certain positions but mindsets - one passive and taking it, being taken care of, the other one actively controlling the situation and taking care of him. There is "bottom" and there is assuming (both of them) he's gonna take it. Like, never heard of switching? Not even trying it out? Not even thinking about such an option? That smells of some very traditional and ancient customs insulting to both. Next, he's going to close his eyes and do his husbandly duties, why doesn't he?!
I am ALL for getting rid of some toxic masculinity perceptions and ways of thinking and in a way this point in time is a bit sensitive about these issues - many people still subscribe to such values and that sometimes makes other people, me definitely, more sensitive and defensive about it.
So WherE is the line?
Where the heck (why is hell a cuss word, by the way? we have it too and the only reason I could think of why it should be bad is religion, that says hell is the Worst so invoking it is bad and that is a silly reason) - but what the heck is the right balance between "equality" and "heteronormativity"?? How to allow characters to get rid of toxic gender roles without simply twisting them? The line seems so hard to define in this ever-changing climate when we are still on the rise towards trying to find that equality in the first place and that is certainly colouring our/my perception of the issue even further.
What does it mean in practice? I so dislike books I picked for a Specific reason just for them to turn around and DO the SAME thing.
And you know what? It's as if the book wanted ti that way! Because the Female Guy (sorry, mermen) was quite happy portraying the story like a fairy tale and him getting rescued by a prince. Maybe I am a little too cynical and dislike the very traditional/cliche gender roles from most fairy tales but did we come into the 21st century and tried/try to teach little girls they are not in fact supposed to learn to cook and clean so one day they can be rescued from the boredom of their existence by the handsome businesses men that would give them 2,5 kids and a house to take care of so they can live HEA - just to pass on this fantasy to queer people so we can shove them into those female/male roles (cause obviously having two male males in a relationship is too complicated to comprehend, however, can we tell them apart, right?).
Okay, inequality/sexism/heteronormativity rant over.
It wasn't like a rule of thumb. The book had some nicer spots.
But overall, I am not sure I am happy with it and was certainly expecting something better.
February 15, 2021
The biggest theft in your career turns out to be your mate!
What a stunning conclusion to the Wolf Born saga! I have been waiting for this book, it does not disappoint. Claire had created a wondrous world filled with intriguing characters. Old friends welcomed me back into their lives. New heroes arose, and enemies were taken down. Evil White Coats, hunters, and collectors have to be dealt with. There are born wolves, new wolves, and a unique pack that offers sanctuary. Did I mention merpeople? The action is non- stop. There are children and adults to rescue. There are wolves in need of the safety of a pack; a pack that needs them just as much. Yes, there are steamy scenes. There are adorable kids. And two lost men find the meaning of Family, together. You will love this book. Please, read the previous books in order. You will be glad you did.
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.
What a stunning conclusion to the Wolf Born saga! I have been waiting for this book, it does not disappoint. Claire had created a wondrous world filled with intriguing characters. Old friends welcomed me back into their lives. New heroes arose, and enemies were taken down. Evil White Coats, hunters, and collectors have to be dealt with. There are born wolves, new wolves, and a unique pack that offers sanctuary. Did I mention merpeople? The action is non- stop. There are children and adults to rescue. There are wolves in need of the safety of a pack; a pack that needs them just as much. Yes, there are steamy scenes. There are adorable kids. And two lost men find the meaning of Family, together. You will love this book. Please, read the previous books in order. You will be glad you did.
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.
January 27, 2021
This is an amazing addition to the Wolf Born series and while I am sad that it is the last book I love that it neatly wraps up the series. Rising is well written, emotional, sweet, gritty, the characters are wonderful, there are a lot of cute kids and the ending is perfect. Robin and Jace are both a little bit broken but they are exactly what the other needs. I love how their relationship evolves and how the residents of Eden do everything they can to help them as well as the others that they help rescue. Robin has a difficult time adjusting to his new life but luckily Jace is with him every step of the way and he does everything he can to support and care for him. The secondary characters add so much to this story and I wish that we could see more of everyone in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
January 31, 2021
REWARDING
This is such a GREAT story. Jace is about to acquire his greatest treasure. Robin's world hasn't made sense since awakening in a lab. Meeting Jace was his most memorable. Eden is a place for others to rest their heads and unload their travel weary burdens. Jace helped get people there, he never wanted to stay until he found Robin. He knew Robin would only be safe there. Their journey is exciting and filled with many twists and turns. Always unlimited adventures with the WOLF BORN, but always a happily ever after. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS FANTASTIC SERIES!!!!
This is such a GREAT story. Jace is about to acquire his greatest treasure. Robin's world hasn't made sense since awakening in a lab. Meeting Jace was his most memorable. Eden is a place for others to rest their heads and unload their travel weary burdens. Jace helped get people there, he never wanted to stay until he found Robin. He knew Robin would only be safe there. Their journey is exciting and filled with many twists and turns. Always unlimited adventures with the WOLF BORN, but always a happily ever after. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS FANTASTIC SERIES!!!!
January 30, 2021
An excellent conclusion!
I enjoyed this concluding volume a lot. First off, I’m very glad the author went back to deal with Jace, because I liked him even in the first book, and wanted to see him find his mate.
One of the things that was really good was the fact that after being rescued, everything wasn’t rosy all of a sudden for Robin. He needed to adjust, to recover mentally as well as physically.
I also appreciated the attention to pack dynamics. Good book!
I enjoyed this concluding volume a lot. First off, I’m very glad the author went back to deal with Jace, because I liked him even in the first book, and wanted to see him find his mate.
One of the things that was really good was the fact that after being rescued, everything wasn’t rosy all of a sudden for Robin. He needed to adjust, to recover mentally as well as physically.
I also appreciated the attention to pack dynamics. Good book!
February 18, 2021
Being really afraid distorts life
I really enjoy Claire Cullen’s books but this one really struck me during this time of Covid-19. Maybe I’m reading into it but reading Robin’s story made me think how afraid most of us are and how it manifests itself in our actions or inactions.
Fabulous story as always! Jace is amazing but Robin is so strong regardless of his extreme and real fears!!!
I really enjoy Claire Cullen’s books but this one really struck me during this time of Covid-19. Maybe I’m reading into it but reading Robin’s story made me think how afraid most of us are and how it manifests itself in our actions or inactions.
Fabulous story as always! Jace is amazing but Robin is so strong regardless of his extreme and real fears!!!
January 25, 2021
Rising by Claire Cullen is the third book of the Wolf Born trilogy. Suspense and mystery, action, steam, and the love of pack and found family. This story is full of interesting characters and entertaining scenes. This definitely had me feeling the feels and wanting a HEA. Loved it!
January 26, 2021
Definitely the best book of the series and, while it wraps everything up nicely, it definitely leaves room for a spinoff series if the author chooses at a later date. As always, with Claire Cullen's books, my favorite thing is the babies - sooo many babies!
January 28, 2021
Good Addition to the Series
Ms. Cullen crafts a good story, and this serves to tie together the three books in this series. Good character development continues in this last book and the storyline works to leave the reader satisfied and feeling promise for Eden’s future.
Ms. Cullen crafts a good story, and this serves to tie together the three books in this series. Good character development continues in this last book and the storyline works to leave the reader satisfied and feeling promise for Eden’s future.
April 25, 2021
Amazing!
This series by Claire Cullen is just incredible. Her characters grabbed me the second I started reading and the integration of the previous characters make it a wonderful reunion. I had a seriously hard time putting this book down to sleep!! Highly recommended
This series by Claire Cullen is just incredible. Her characters grabbed me the second I started reading and the integration of the previous characters make it a wonderful reunion. I had a seriously hard time putting this book down to sleep!! Highly recommended
January 19, 2023
This was a darker series than Siren’s Cove. Shifters are being made, hunted and consumed by humans and this details how they fight against that. I didn’t feel like the romances were as developed as the other siren based series and the ending of the throughline was not as satisfying.
January 28, 2021
From lab to life
There is so much to enjoy, but there were times my heart raced. Always good and evil, love and hate. Good wins in the end.
There is so much to enjoy, but there were times my heart raced. Always good and evil, love and hate. Good wins in the end.
January 31, 2021
Shifters +kids
This book has two of my favorite things to read, hurt/comfort and saving kids. I’m really interested in where this series goes next.
This book has two of my favorite things to read, hurt/comfort and saving kids. I’m really interested in where this series goes next.
February 23, 2021
Geat end to series.
I am sad for it to end. Loved all the stories ad the concept. It was well written and the characters well plotted. I recommend to all.
I am sad for it to end. Loved all the stories ad the concept. It was well written and the characters well plotted. I recommend to all.
June 16, 2021
A good series
A good read
I wasn't sure at first but you soon got behind the character and you wanted to see where it took you
A good read
I wasn't sure at first but you soon got behind the character and you wanted to see where it took you
March 31, 2022
Claire Cullen is becoming a one click author for me. I don't know how she does it. Anyway, mermen are one of my weaknesses and I was totally caught.
November 3, 2025
I loved this book I'm so sad it was removed
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews