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The Primogenitor Saga #1
Smilodon
A hapless hiker. A rogue cougar. An outcome no one expected.
Wyatt took a dead-end job in his hometown for two reasons: hiking, and being close to his family. When trekking over the trails he loves, he comes face to face with a cougar he cannot avoid.
As the pre-eminent hunter for the Shifter Nations of North America, Gabrielle isn't surprised when the Shifter Council calls her. A rogue cougar has been killing hikers. The job: put the beast down, and do it fast. She has never failed a hunt.
The trail leads her to the site of a fierce, bloody battle. She finds a wounded hiker, a dead cougar, and one inescapable conclusion.
There's a new cat in town.
Wyatt took a dead-end job in his hometown for two reasons: hiking, and being close to his family. When trekking over the trails he loves, he comes face to face with a cougar he cannot avoid.
As the pre-eminent hunter for the Shifter Nations of North America, Gabrielle isn't surprised when the Shifter Council calls her. A rogue cougar has been killing hikers. The job: put the beast down, and do it fast. She has never failed a hunt.
The trail leads her to the site of a fierce, bloody battle. She finds a wounded hiker, a dead cougar, and one inescapable conclusion.
There's a new cat in town.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2021
401 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
About the author
Robert M. Kerns
26 books151 followersRobert M. Kerns (or Rob if you ever meet him in person) is a geek, and he claims that label proudly. Most of his geekiness revolves around Information Technology (IT), having over fifteen years in the industry; within IT, he especially prefers Servers and Networks, and he often makes the claim that his residence has a better data infrastructure than some businesses.
Beyond IT, Rob enjoys Science Fiction and Fantasy of (almost) all stripes. He is a voracious reader, with his favorite books too numerous to list.
Rob has been writing for over twenty years, and "Awakening" is his debut novel.
Beyond IT, Rob enjoys Science Fiction and Fantasy of (almost) all stripes. He is a voracious reader, with his favorite books too numerous to list.
Rob has been writing for over twenty years, and "Awakening" is his debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
March 19, 2021
Rating 4.0 stars
Interesting. Not too complex but a good read. MC is out for a hike when he is attacked by a mountain lion. He is able to kill the creature with his grandfathers knife but is severely injured in the process. Turns out the mountain lion was a rogue shifter and now the MC is a shifter as well. The knife that his grandfather gave him was special. His grandfather is actually one of the strongest magic user in the world, but the MC never knew that since he did not have any magical ability himself, he was kept in the dark. During his first change everyone is shocked to learn that he isn't a mountain lion like the one that bit him but he is a Smilodon. He is a primogenitor which is a much more powerful version of the feline shifter. The MC spends time dealing with learning how to be a shifter, an alpha and all the rules of their society. He also now knows that his family are magic users. The shifters and the magi have never had a good relationship, so maybe this will help things. There is a part about kidnapped children that wasn't very well developed. Overall I liked the characters but the story was pretty simple.
Interesting. Not too complex but a good read. MC is out for a hike when he is attacked by a mountain lion. He is able to kill the creature with his grandfathers knife but is severely injured in the process. Turns out the mountain lion was a rogue shifter and now the MC is a shifter as well. The knife that his grandfather gave him was special. His grandfather is actually one of the strongest magic user in the world, but the MC never knew that since he did not have any magical ability himself, he was kept in the dark. During his first change everyone is shocked to learn that he isn't a mountain lion like the one that bit him but he is a Smilodon. He is a primogenitor which is a much more powerful version of the feline shifter. The MC spends time dealing with learning how to be a shifter, an alpha and all the rules of their society. He also now knows that his family are magic users. The shifters and the magi have never had a good relationship, so maybe this will help things. There is a part about kidnapped children that wasn't very well developed. Overall I liked the characters but the story was pretty simple.
March 4, 2021
Great start to a new series
Robert is on my list of fave authors. This series is a great start. Personally i wish he'd finish other series first but he seems to have caught the multiple ongoing series bug. I reckon some authors do this to avoid boredom or keep the literary juices flowing. Whatever works i suppose. Still none of his genres repeat. The worlds he creates are also great. He doesnt write a 'bad' story, so whatever you get will be pretty cool. Read it! I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy it
Robert is on my list of fave authors. This series is a great start. Personally i wish he'd finish other series first but he seems to have caught the multiple ongoing series bug. I reckon some authors do this to avoid boredom or keep the literary juices flowing. Whatever works i suppose. Still none of his genres repeat. The worlds he creates are also great. He doesnt write a 'bad' story, so whatever you get will be pretty cool. Read it! I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy it
April 30, 2021
This is the abbreviated Valens Legacy with a few changes and no sex
Regular guy gets bit by a shifter to become the most powerful shifter of them all. There is a shaky truce with the magic users, there are government agencies that know about the magical world, oh and the MC is the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy. what is this missing? ...oh yeah all the ladies want him.
It would be easier to point out where this is not The Valens Legacy. The MC is a saber-tooth, not a Lion. The shifters are not slaves of the mages but still viewed second class citizens. The mages don't seem as ruthlessly evil, ah yeah.. and there is no sex and little to no humor.
Where The Valens Legacy took several books to build plot and develop characters, this one just rushes through. The pacing is wonky. There are stretches where nothing much happens and then Wham! our guy is the alpha of the town. Later that afternoon he is on the shifter council. the next day he's the leader of a combat strike team. Not bad for his first 5 days as a werecat. The MC is emotionally flat. He seems totally unsurprised, even unimpressed by his initiation into the supernatural world. He was supposed to be unaware that the rest his family has magical powers that were kept secret from him. -yet doesn't so much as raise an eyebrow to learn that there are werewolves, let alone that he is one of them.
If you thought that the porn content of the valens legacy ruined everything, you might like this better, but this has a lot less going on in almost every other department as well.
Still I enjoyed it as a kind of "Kelvin timeline" -alternate reality kind of thing. And who can resist looking through the magic mirror at the path not taken.
Regular guy gets bit by a shifter to become the most powerful shifter of them all. There is a shaky truce with the magic users, there are government agencies that know about the magical world, oh and the MC is the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy. what is this missing? ...oh yeah all the ladies want him.
It would be easier to point out where this is not The Valens Legacy. The MC is a saber-tooth, not a Lion. The shifters are not slaves of the mages but still viewed second class citizens. The mages don't seem as ruthlessly evil, ah yeah.. and there is no sex and little to no humor.
Where The Valens Legacy took several books to build plot and develop characters, this one just rushes through. The pacing is wonky. There are stretches where nothing much happens and then Wham! our guy is the alpha of the town. Later that afternoon he is on the shifter council. the next day he's the leader of a combat strike team. Not bad for his first 5 days as a werecat. The MC is emotionally flat. He seems totally unsurprised, even unimpressed by his initiation into the supernatural world. He was supposed to be unaware that the rest his family has magical powers that were kept secret from him. -yet doesn't so much as raise an eyebrow to learn that there are werewolves, let alone that he is one of them.
If you thought that the porn content of the valens legacy ruined everything, you might like this better, but this has a lot less going on in almost every other department as well.
Still I enjoyed it as a kind of "Kelvin timeline" -alternate reality kind of thing. And who can resist looking through the magic mirror at the path not taken.
April 20, 2021
I had hopes for this book. Sadly, it quickly became a standard power fantasy. Wyatt becomes a Smilodon, a primogenitor shifter. Despite these special people never being defeated in fights, he finds no lack of testosterone maddened men that step up to die by his reluctant hands. Just as the most beautiful women fall instantly in lust.
There are some strange or unrealistic elements as well. For example, Wyatt's Sister is put in charge of bringing down a kidnapping operation, despite having no experience... okay. But then she starts talking like she's part of Seal-Team Six. And at times Wyatt's inner dialogue is overly formal, like an Oxford professor of classics.
It's a rough book and yet, at the core, there's really nothing special. It's been done before and better.
There are some strange or unrealistic elements as well. For example, Wyatt's Sister is put in charge of bringing down a kidnapping operation, despite having no experience... okay. But then she starts talking like she's part of Seal-Team Six. And at times Wyatt's inner dialogue is overly formal, like an Oxford professor of classics.
It's a rough book and yet, at the core, there's really nothing special. It's been done before and better.
October 17, 2021
Nicely written but it took me a couple of months to end this book.
December 26, 2021
Super fun to facepalm
Wyatt was just hiking in the woods when suddenly a very aggressive, and very smart cougar attacks him. Luckily enough, a hunter had been dispatched to take care of said cougar. So, while mauled, he makes it out alive. But that's just the beginning because that wasn't just any cougar. And what he becomes is definitely not anything seen in the North American woods for over thousands of years.
Spoilers ahead.
This started with such promise. A fairly energetic IT geek, with hidden family abilities- as they seemed to have skipped him over, and his new ability to become a prehistoric killer kitty. But suddenly he's all rage and using the same bully tactics he's consistently denounced. Hate someone using their alpha ability to bring people to heel? Well, it's totally different if you do it. Right? Hate the constant fighting and death challenges of shifter society? Engage in 3 within a week. It's ok. He very quickly became the very thing he mocked and stood up to. And then, it had to become a true male fantasy, and his shifter form decided that he needs a pride of females. So, of course they get along, are ok with sharing, and start chasing him. There's even the obligatory bikini scene. There's a background plot of children being kidnapped but, in true land-in-their-lap style that all gets taken down without much fuss. No mention if they'll hunt down the rest of the ring, the kids previously kidnapped and sold, or why shifter and magical kids were able to be taken in the first place. Seriously. Shifters live in towns of mostly shifters. All those powerful noses and not a one sniffed out human kidnappers? They can smell magic, so spells wouldn't deter them. But how did they hold 600 kids, more than half with fangs and claws and magic abilities? Doesn't matter, look over here at the many women flirting with Wyatt and competing for his attention. I don't think I'll be paying for the others. Especially as his harem is going to grow, he's still a pouting bully- albeit a bully in charge now, and he's clearly not going to change his behavior because he was just told he's the golden child of legend.
Literally everything just came up roses for him. He's a Gary Sue.
*Become not just a shifter, but the most powerful one ever.
*Come from a magical family. Learn that magics don't become shifters, but it's different, because it's him. Oh, and he's going to get magic, now, too.
*Don't want to become leader because you barely know how to be a shifter? Here, become alpha.
How was he, a literally 5 day old shifter, allowed out into the human world? Can't control his shift. Now had anger issues and a voice in his head, and a lot more muscles and claws to boot. But sure, let him wander about without his guide. It's not like they're trying to stay secret or anything. Oh, the amount of facepalms should have left a dent in my head. I only made it through the whole book because I kept waiting to see if his character grew, became something worth fighting for. Who lets a shifter only 2 weeks post change lead a freaking battalion of hundreds?? Ok, ok, I think I'm done ranting. For now. Maybe.
PS: I love polys, RH and harem reads. Love is love, and as long as everyone consents, it's all good. So him with several women wouldn't bother me. My issue is it's a wet dream scenario. He isn't a great guy. He isn't a beacon of generosity. He takes everything as his due. He doesn't love them, care for them in any way beyond friendship- if that for the short length he's known them. He just simply accepts that he's powerful and that sexy powerful ladies want to be his, and bam, they are. They even start off snarling at each other over him before becoming great friends and making plans to vet any other women who want to join the pride.
Wyatt was just hiking in the woods when suddenly a very aggressive, and very smart cougar attacks him. Luckily enough, a hunter had been dispatched to take care of said cougar. So, while mauled, he makes it out alive. But that's just the beginning because that wasn't just any cougar. And what he becomes is definitely not anything seen in the North American woods for over thousands of years.
Spoilers ahead.
This started with such promise. A fairly energetic IT geek, with hidden family abilities- as they seemed to have skipped him over, and his new ability to become a prehistoric killer kitty. But suddenly he's all rage and using the same bully tactics he's consistently denounced. Hate someone using their alpha ability to bring people to heel? Well, it's totally different if you do it. Right? Hate the constant fighting and death challenges of shifter society? Engage in 3 within a week. It's ok. He very quickly became the very thing he mocked and stood up to. And then, it had to become a true male fantasy, and his shifter form decided that he needs a pride of females. So, of course they get along, are ok with sharing, and start chasing him. There's even the obligatory bikini scene. There's a background plot of children being kidnapped but, in true land-in-their-lap style that all gets taken down without much fuss. No mention if they'll hunt down the rest of the ring, the kids previously kidnapped and sold, or why shifter and magical kids were able to be taken in the first place. Seriously. Shifters live in towns of mostly shifters. All those powerful noses and not a one sniffed out human kidnappers? They can smell magic, so spells wouldn't deter them. But how did they hold 600 kids, more than half with fangs and claws and magic abilities? Doesn't matter, look over here at the many women flirting with Wyatt and competing for his attention. I don't think I'll be paying for the others. Especially as his harem is going to grow, he's still a pouting bully- albeit a bully in charge now, and he's clearly not going to change his behavior because he was just told he's the golden child of legend.
Literally everything just came up roses for him. He's a Gary Sue.
*Become not just a shifter, but the most powerful one ever.
*Come from a magical family. Learn that magics don't become shifters, but it's different, because it's him. Oh, and he's going to get magic, now, too.
*Don't want to become leader because you barely know how to be a shifter? Here, become alpha.
How was he, a literally 5 day old shifter, allowed out into the human world? Can't control his shift. Now had anger issues and a voice in his head, and a lot more muscles and claws to boot. But sure, let him wander about without his guide. It's not like they're trying to stay secret or anything. Oh, the amount of facepalms should have left a dent in my head. I only made it through the whole book because I kept waiting to see if his character grew, became something worth fighting for. Who lets a shifter only 2 weeks post change lead a freaking battalion of hundreds?? Ok, ok, I think I'm done ranting. For now. Maybe.
PS: I love polys, RH and harem reads. Love is love, and as long as everyone consents, it's all good. So him with several women wouldn't bother me. My issue is it's a wet dream scenario. He isn't a great guy. He isn't a beacon of generosity. He takes everything as his due. He doesn't love them, care for them in any way beyond friendship- if that for the short length he's known them. He just simply accepts that he's powerful and that sexy powerful ladies want to be his, and bam, they are. They even start off snarling at each other over him before becoming great friends and making plans to vet any other women who want to join the pride.
March 7, 2021
Let me be clear- I am a big fan of Robert Kerns. I started with the Cole & Srexx books, enjoyed them quite a bit, but didn't really consider them any more than I do the hundreds of other, similar series I had read. Then I read the Vushaar books. Instantly, I was a FAN. I am a long-time sci-fi AND fantasy buff (just because you're a fan of one doesn't always mean you're a fan of the other, despite what the literature classification moguls would have you believe...) and this was some classic old-school style fantasy, which was a nice break from the litrpg trend. (I like litrpg too, depending on quality, but the recent glut is getting old)
Now he's stepping into the "Urban Fantasy" realm, and it's off to a good start. The pacing is almost too fast in the first book, and I think he could have slowed down for some world-building and exposition, in a few spots, but my impression is the pacing is supposed to be non-stop for the main character, as well, with us as readers being taken for the ride. So I can live with it, but I hope he fleshes things out a bit in the next book, which I am eagerly awaiting.
Overall an excellent first book in a new series. Write faster, Rob!
Now he's stepping into the "Urban Fantasy" realm, and it's off to a good start. The pacing is almost too fast in the first book, and I think he could have slowed down for some world-building and exposition, in a few spots, but my impression is the pacing is supposed to be non-stop for the main character, as well, with us as readers being taken for the ride. So I can live with it, but I hope he fleshes things out a bit in the next book, which I am eagerly awaiting.
Overall an excellent first book in a new series. Write faster, Rob!
March 26, 2021
Overall a good read. I've seen this sort of story done better and (in some cases MUCH) worse, so this one was well on the better side of that distribution.
Shifting viewpoints was generally well executed, but I have a vague sense of it not coming together 100% which leaves the book at (still respectable) 4 stars. If the blurb catches your fancy this one most likely won't disappoint.
One quibble: the sabre-toothed cats are (at least when I was following this sort of thing) generally seen by evolutionary biologists as an over-specialised evolutionary dead-end, so the choice as an ubercat is a little sloppy to my mind. However, those teeth are pretty flashy so I'm sure this didn't occur to most people.
Shifting viewpoints was generally well executed, but I have a vague sense of it not coming together 100% which leaves the book at (still respectable) 4 stars. If the blurb catches your fancy this one most likely won't disappoint.
One quibble: the sabre-toothed cats are (at least when I was following this sort of thing) generally seen by evolutionary biologists as an over-specialised evolutionary dead-end, so the choice as an ubercat is a little sloppy to my mind. However, those teeth are pretty flashy so I'm sure this didn't occur to most people.
August 25, 2023
Fresh ideas and wonderful world building
I can't wait to read more of this series. I read it in one sitting because it wouldn't let me go. I loved all the characters he introduced and I am eager to read more about them: their adventures, their development as people and leaders, and how they will track down and triumph over an evil organization that kidnaps and sells children to order. Awesome! Thank you for so engaging my imagination that I was happily out of lockdown for hours. Please write more quickly and well, Mr. Kerns.
I can't wait to read more of this series. I read it in one sitting because it wouldn't let me go. I loved all the characters he introduced and I am eager to read more about them: their adventures, their development as people and leaders, and how they will track down and triumph over an evil organization that kidnaps and sells children to order. Awesome! Thank you for so engaging my imagination that I was happily out of lockdown for hours. Please write more quickly and well, Mr. Kerns.
July 17, 2021
Uneventful and bland
The story never cashes in on any of the supposed suspense and any explanation is either brief or very conveniently presented. The MC is all powerful all smart ,all humble, all kind all bland. There is more suspense in where’s Waldo. I would have loved a shifter book from the males perspective that didn’t make feel as if it was written for a 5 year old.
The story never cashes in on any of the supposed suspense and any explanation is either brief or very conveniently presented. The MC is all powerful all smart ,all humble, all kind all bland. There is more suspense in where’s Waldo. I would have loved a shifter book from the males perspective that didn’t make feel as if it was written for a 5 year old.
April 3, 2022
Awe-some. Just awesome. I love this author.
July 18, 2023
Engaging introduction to a shifter society. I enjoyed the banter, layered society, and action. The prophecy was mentioned once and then ignored, which seemed strange. It looks like it's building up to be a harem story (one guy, multiple girls) in later books, though there is little romance in this one at all.
March 26, 2021
A great read, wonderful star for a series.
April 9, 2021
Smilodon : by Robert M Kerns. My review.
Smilodon is one of the best "Shifter' books I have read in a long time. Whilst on a hike Wyatt a member of the Magi's premier family albeit without powers is attacked and nearly killed by a Rouge shifter in the form of a Cougar, with the aid of an knife passed to him by his grandfather he is able to kill his attacker before succumbing to his wounds. He wakes to find himself in the care of the Shifter community and is told that he is now a shifter, how that will track with his Magi history nobody knows. When the change does come it is startling as Wyatt is an extremely rare primogenitor in fact the only feline Primogenitor ever.... A Smilodon! Before he has a moment to adjust he is thrown in to a case of kidnapped children from Shifter, Magi and human world's ..
The author has done a wonderful job of carving out a space in this already full genre, taking some of the Shifter tropes and running with them while turning others on their head. The story is fast paced leaving the reader to keep up, just as Wyatt is left to adjust quickly to his new brutal world, the action sequences are incredibly savage and brutal, fast and bone crunching. The character development considering the multiple cast is really well handled and the world building especially in the latter half of the book is well realised. All in all this is a fantastic read and I am very much looking forward to book two.
Smilodon is one of the best "Shifter' books I have read in a long time. Whilst on a hike Wyatt a member of the Magi's premier family albeit without powers is attacked and nearly killed by a Rouge shifter in the form of a Cougar, with the aid of an knife passed to him by his grandfather he is able to kill his attacker before succumbing to his wounds. He wakes to find himself in the care of the Shifter community and is told that he is now a shifter, how that will track with his Magi history nobody knows. When the change does come it is startling as Wyatt is an extremely rare primogenitor in fact the only feline Primogenitor ever.... A Smilodon! Before he has a moment to adjust he is thrown in to a case of kidnapped children from Shifter, Magi and human world's ..
The author has done a wonderful job of carving out a space in this already full genre, taking some of the Shifter tropes and running with them while turning others on their head. The story is fast paced leaving the reader to keep up, just as Wyatt is left to adjust quickly to his new brutal world, the action sequences are incredibly savage and brutal, fast and bone crunching. The character development considering the multiple cast is really well handled and the world building especially in the latter half of the book is well realised. All in all this is a fantastic read and I am very much looking forward to book two.
May 3, 2022
3 Forget This Moment At Your Peril Stars
Smilodon is the first book in The Primogenitor Saga by Robert M. Kerns.
I find myself at a distinct disadvantage while trying to articulate what exactly about this literary work is not clicking for me... The simple answer would be the rushed nature of the writing. It definitely feels as if the story ended too soon, but there's also the way in which the story never seemed to settle in any one place for us, the reader, or Wyatt, as the protag, to fully catalog everything happening. All in all, there's a noticeable disconnect to the story itself. While I obviously finished the book, it's hard to feel resolved at all.
The author left many unanswered questions. I don't believe either the shifter society or magi society was explained in any detail. The combined wholeness presented in this book doesn't come across as fully 'fleshed out'.. Even when referencing the relationship of the US government in concert with the Shifter Council or other governing bodies representing different species or groups within the supernatural community is still fairly bare-bones. I would honestly appreciate more depth in understanding the more relevant, wider aspects of these concepts in relation to this books world building.
That's before even touching on the emotional or more personal aspects of this plot. Such as Gabrielle and Karleen's possible relationship with Wyatt. Or him having ample time to explore what his new persona and shifter side means before having focused on the plot. Perhaps this is a spinoff of another series, and that could be the case since all evidence (lack of detailing into important governance and rules) supports that theory.
This is a good introduction to a new series, I'm hoping the next books will touch further on what was left unexplained here. That would resolve my dissatisfaction with the work. I enjoyed and felt I would be willing to learn more about these characters. That is a mark in the approval column for me, the characters individually felt fully developed, and I can't wait to further explore their intricacies.
Smilodon is the first book in The Primogenitor Saga by Robert M. Kerns.
I find myself at a distinct disadvantage while trying to articulate what exactly about this literary work is not clicking for me... The simple answer would be the rushed nature of the writing. It definitely feels as if the story ended too soon, but there's also the way in which the story never seemed to settle in any one place for us, the reader, or Wyatt, as the protag, to fully catalog everything happening. All in all, there's a noticeable disconnect to the story itself. While I obviously finished the book, it's hard to feel resolved at all.
The author left many unanswered questions. I don't believe either the shifter society or magi society was explained in any detail. The combined wholeness presented in this book doesn't come across as fully 'fleshed out'.. Even when referencing the relationship of the US government in concert with the Shifter Council or other governing bodies representing different species or groups within the supernatural community is still fairly bare-bones. I would honestly appreciate more depth in understanding the more relevant, wider aspects of these concepts in relation to this books world building.
That's before even touching on the emotional or more personal aspects of this plot. Such as Gabrielle and Karleen's possible relationship with Wyatt. Or him having ample time to explore what his new persona and shifter side means before having focused on the plot. Perhaps this is a spinoff of another series, and that could be the case since all evidence (lack of detailing into important governance and rules) supports that theory.
This is a good introduction to a new series, I'm hoping the next books will touch further on what was left unexplained here. That would resolve my dissatisfaction with the work. I enjoyed and felt I would be willing to learn more about these characters. That is a mark in the approval column for me, the characters individually felt fully developed, and I can't wait to further explore their intricacies.
May 31, 2021
This book is good, but there are some problems. The story telling is very abrupt and it feels like there is another book hiding between first and second act. Main character takes these major changes in stride like it is nothing and at the same time has thoughts like he doesn't believe in himself. And this does not change during the "action scenes".
Also the short story of Wyatt turning into a were-smilodon is described in great detail at the start but short version is repeated every time a new character is introduced (even minor ones) and every time is the same reaction. It is not badly written these parts but having this kind of "expleining the same thing over and over" seven or more times is a bit too much.
Also the main character himself has kind of mod swings that are sometimes very apparent and have no explanation. Most of the time he acts humble and kind and then at one moment acts merciless and bloodthirsty
All in all this book looks very much like a power fantasy with most events structured to hammer in the fact that Wyatt is so much more than everyone else, even flipping his personality around to make him look either badass or the best it's gonna get.
This would be a very good young adoult book if the romances were less... blatant (not a great word).
Not great, not terrible.
Also the short story of Wyatt turning into a were-smilodon is described in great detail at the start but short version is repeated every time a new character is introduced (even minor ones) and every time is the same reaction. It is not badly written these parts but having this kind of "expleining the same thing over and over" seven or more times is a bit too much.
Also the main character himself has kind of mod swings that are sometimes very apparent and have no explanation. Most of the time he acts humble and kind and then at one moment acts merciless and bloodthirsty
All in all this book looks very much like a power fantasy with most events structured to hammer in the fact that Wyatt is so much more than everyone else, even flipping his personality around to make him look either badass or the best it's gonna get.
This would be a very good young adoult book if the romances were less... blatant (not a great word).
Not great, not terrible.
December 26, 2021
This is a passable urban fantasy. You have the supernatural society (shifters, magis, etc) living hidden alongside humans. Wyatt servers as the reader's view into this world since he is freshly turned and learning about this at the same time we are.
A word of warning, there are POV shifts a plenty. You get at least 6 different pov views in this book.
I thought Wyatt would be the main protagonist for this series, but the blurb for Roc, book 2, has me concerned this series will have rotating main protagonists.
A word of warning, there are POV shifts a plenty. You get at least 6 different pov views in this book.
I thought Wyatt would be the main protagonist for this series, but the blurb for Roc, book 2, has me concerned this series will have rotating main protagonists.
July 1, 2022
Really didn't like this one. So full of tropes, it reads like bad fan fiction. Is it supposed to be like Twilight for men? I had to keep reading it to see if it was going to be as bad as I thought it would be, but it only got worse. I honestly don't know how anyone has given this more than one star. I would give it no stars if I could.
June 11, 2021
I started reading it on 29 April 2021 but I stopped around early May before catching up and finishing the rest on 11 June 2021. Things went downhill from here after finishing the rest. All I can think is: HAREM
Jokes aside, this is my thoughts on both this and the whole shapeshifting subgenre in fantasy.
I can say that the premise of a Smilodon (or sabre-toothed cat/tiger) shapeshifter is probably something no-one came up with - until now, I guess? This is good, because usually shapeshifters are always wolves and there really needs to be something that isn’t generic werewolf story 101.
Most shifter novels are very clichéd, unfortunately this also fell into the hole of clichés that all shifter novels have scraped to death. This is probably why I will never pick up a book cover with a muscular, bust male on the front, because it often ends up with either: HAREM (doing allcaps on the word is dubiously funny at least) or some male power gain kind of stuff. Honestly, I don’t like these kinds of covers. I’m a fan of book cover illustrations more than photoshopped chads with hot women on the cover. They look good to see while the latter you can throw it away like an ordinary pulp magazine from the 1930s.
Hence, this is the exception to the rule. This is what marketing a book should do: don’t tell off directly. Honestly, this helped me get around.
Want to know some of the clichés from contemporary stories about werewolves or shapeshifters? Well first, there’s a position called an Alpha in this story. And like always, shapeshifters, whether be wolves or even felines, have some form of organisation or pack behind it. For god’s sake, I wish other authors would subvert this cliché by making them more isolated or at least make it not so generic.
Okay, okay, you want my take on the story so… It is somewhat flat because the main protagonist, Wyatt, just keeps budging on not being powerful yet ends up miraculuously as the most powerful shapeshifting chad on the go after tearing down a male. But I enjoyed it as a dumb story. If I were to rewrite it though, he’d be best off having to go through a mental breakdown, maybe have him get a lot less control over his body than a born shifter. Maybe make him kill the elk character out of nowhere and having to face both the Magi and the Shifter Council or some sort. Also, take out the harem part. It works better without it.
Overall, I don’t even know why this is highly rated and so popular on Amazon. I’m putting it at 3.8, so rounding it to four out of five stars here, for the idea of a Smilodon shifter and being a fun read. Had it not been that idea, it would be slightly lower.
Jokes aside, this is my thoughts on both this and the whole shapeshifting subgenre in fantasy.
I can say that the premise of a Smilodon (or sabre-toothed cat/tiger) shapeshifter is probably something no-one came up with - until now, I guess? This is good, because usually shapeshifters are always wolves and there really needs to be something that isn’t generic werewolf story 101.
Most shifter novels are very clichéd, unfortunately this also fell into the hole of clichés that all shifter novels have scraped to death. This is probably why I will never pick up a book cover with a muscular, bust male on the front, because it often ends up with either: HAREM (doing allcaps on the word is dubiously funny at least) or some male power gain kind of stuff. Honestly, I don’t like these kinds of covers. I’m a fan of book cover illustrations more than photoshopped chads with hot women on the cover. They look good to see while the latter you can throw it away like an ordinary pulp magazine from the 1930s.
Hence, this is the exception to the rule. This is what marketing a book should do: don’t tell off directly. Honestly, this helped me get around.
Want to know some of the clichés from contemporary stories about werewolves or shapeshifters? Well first, there’s a position called an Alpha in this story. And like always, shapeshifters, whether be wolves or even felines, have some form of organisation or pack behind it. For god’s sake, I wish other authors would subvert this cliché by making them more isolated or at least make it not so generic.
Okay, okay, you want my take on the story so… It is somewhat flat because the main protagonist, Wyatt, just keeps budging on not being powerful yet ends up miraculuously as the most powerful shapeshifting chad on the go after tearing down a male. But I enjoyed it as a dumb story. If I were to rewrite it though, he’d be best off having to go through a mental breakdown, maybe have him get a lot less control over his body than a born shifter. Maybe make him kill the elk character out of nowhere and having to face both the Magi and the Shifter Council or some sort. Also, take out the harem part. It works better without it.
Overall, I don’t even know why this is highly rated and so popular on Amazon. I’m putting it at 3.8, so rounding it to four out of five stars here, for the idea of a Smilodon shifter and being a fun read. Had it not been that idea, it would be slightly lower.
June 26, 2023
This book had potential, but didn't even try to live up to the expectation that was set up in the first few chapters. What went wrong with it, you might ask? Where do I even start?
The main character, Wyatt, is the blatant Gary Sue: he's confident to the point of not having any negative traits he's at least aware of, and forget about him wanting to change for the better. He's the same person at the end of the book that he was at the beginning, personality wise (well, maybe more confidently annoying?). He went from being just an IT guy, whose human life we don't know anything about, to being the most powerful shifter, and an alpha to boot, within days of being turned. Everyone is in awe with him for no reaon other than the pot luck that brought him to be the strongest feline shifter out there - because who needs personality, right? He's the strongest one out there who wins all the fights that are thrown his way, and he has no shock to the system of having became a shifter, he didn't seem to be even interested enoguh to pepper everyone with questions about his now new life, being angry that others haven't told him this or that. He's a "babe magnet" for no reason whatsoever, with women wanting him for...what, his domineering alpha qualities? And sure, every woman who wants Wyatt just gets along with each other perfectly fine, because...just because, right?
"There is tension between the Magi and the Shifters!" we're told. And then we're shown that both parties just work together without any hitches whatsoever! Tension? What tension? Everyone seemed to be getting on like a house on fire, unless they have had some sort of beef with Wyatt himself for...what, being an overpowered cat?
The fights were far too easy for Wyatt, as were any other obstacles that were written in the book. It was super easy for everyone to achieve what they wanted to do; there was no tension in anything for anyone. Found yourself in a tight spot? Oh, here you go, something that you've had on you but we haven't been told about. You became an all-powerful shifter? You're not gonna be confused about it at all. Need to get to this particular place? Well, here's just one person guarding it, and you're just going to send them to sleep.
The writing style was a bit simple in the sense that there was no showing whatsoever - we've been told everything. A character is mad? We're told they're frowning. A character doesn't know something? Let the other character calmly explain it, even when things need to be done right now, because the urgency can wait.
If this was a first draft, it wouldn't be too bad. But it needs A LOT to be done with it to make the story so much better.
The main character, Wyatt, is the blatant Gary Sue: he's confident to the point of not having any negative traits he's at least aware of, and forget about him wanting to change for the better. He's the same person at the end of the book that he was at the beginning, personality wise (well, maybe more confidently annoying?). He went from being just an IT guy, whose human life we don't know anything about, to being the most powerful shifter, and an alpha to boot, within days of being turned. Everyone is in awe with him for no reaon other than the pot luck that brought him to be the strongest feline shifter out there - because who needs personality, right? He's the strongest one out there who wins all the fights that are thrown his way, and he has no shock to the system of having became a shifter, he didn't seem to be even interested enoguh to pepper everyone with questions about his now new life, being angry that others haven't told him this or that. He's a "babe magnet" for no reason whatsoever, with women wanting him for...what, his domineering alpha qualities? And sure, every woman who wants Wyatt just gets along with each other perfectly fine, because...just because, right?
"There is tension between the Magi and the Shifters!" we're told. And then we're shown that both parties just work together without any hitches whatsoever! Tension? What tension? Everyone seemed to be getting on like a house on fire, unless they have had some sort of beef with Wyatt himself for...what, being an overpowered cat?
The fights were far too easy for Wyatt, as were any other obstacles that were written in the book. It was super easy for everyone to achieve what they wanted to do; there was no tension in anything for anyone. Found yourself in a tight spot? Oh, here you go, something that you've had on you but we haven't been told about. You became an all-powerful shifter? You're not gonna be confused about it at all. Need to get to this particular place? Well, here's just one person guarding it, and you're just going to send them to sleep.
The writing style was a bit simple in the sense that there was no showing whatsoever - we've been told everything. A character is mad? We're told they're frowning. A character doesn't know something? Let the other character calmly explain it, even when things need to be done right now, because the urgency can wait.
If this was a first draft, it wouldn't be too bad. But it needs A LOT to be done with it to make the story so much better.
April 8, 2021
Kerns offers a nice twist on the werecreature with his idea that every once in a while a shifter comes into existence not as a modern creature but as an ancient ancestral creature such as a dire wolf or a sabretooth tiger. Let’s face it, that’s fun. Add to it a fairly well-developed world of secret magi and shifters and others working with the government (secretly) through treaties to keep normal humans living in blissful ignorance and you have a decent set up for an urban fantasy series. Further add a good plot with decent action and you have the makings of a winner.
The biggest problem with the series seems to be increasingly popular today. Traditionally, the lycanthrope is a creature of tremendous passion and a major part of the struggle is for the newly cursed to try and control his or her animal form. This novel was set up beautifully to focus on this problem and then ignored it completely. Shifting in and out of animal form is as easy and inconsequential as taking on or off one’s clothes. The shifter society is actually quite brutal, but it’s not clear why as the animal aspects of the shifter do little more than talk to the human aspect of the same being. As a result, this book often felt more like a superhero novel than a book about shape changers and I really don’t understand why the author chose to go this route. He had a great story to tell—a really decent guy descended from magi gets turned into one of the most powerful shifters in existence and must learn to control his new form and bridge two worlds. Without the struggle for control, nothing in this novel actually felt like a challenge or even a difficulty for our hero.
Also, the author tells the story from many points of views (third person) except Wyatt’s which he told in the first person. I’m not sure why he chose to tell Wyatt’s in the first person. I didn’t feel these scenes were either as well written or as powerful as the others, and the stepping into first person always felt jarring after the other scenes.
The biggest problem with the series seems to be increasingly popular today. Traditionally, the lycanthrope is a creature of tremendous passion and a major part of the struggle is for the newly cursed to try and control his or her animal form. This novel was set up beautifully to focus on this problem and then ignored it completely. Shifting in and out of animal form is as easy and inconsequential as taking on or off one’s clothes. The shifter society is actually quite brutal, but it’s not clear why as the animal aspects of the shifter do little more than talk to the human aspect of the same being. As a result, this book often felt more like a superhero novel than a book about shape changers and I really don’t understand why the author chose to go this route. He had a great story to tell—a really decent guy descended from magi gets turned into one of the most powerful shifters in existence and must learn to control his new form and bridge two worlds. Without the struggle for control, nothing in this novel actually felt like a challenge or even a difficulty for our hero.
Also, the author tells the story from many points of views (third person) except Wyatt’s which he told in the first person. I’m not sure why he chose to tell Wyatt’s in the first person. I didn’t feel these scenes were either as well written or as powerful as the others, and the stepping into first person always felt jarring after the other scenes.
May 28, 2023
The good:
The world-building is at least kinda interesting, I like the idea of shapeshifter stories in general, and the idea of a shape changer turning into a smilodon was awesome.
The bad:
The story is so cringe worthingly clich'e, predictable, and ridiculous that I don't even need to read the rest of the story as I already know whats going to happen in it. Honestly this felt more like a bad fanfiction written by teenager than an actual published story, as it legit ticked all the same common stereotypical gary/mary sue plot points/tropes to me to the point it almost feels more like a parody of those bad fanfics of anything.
Also the alpha/omega shit made me cringe, sorry but any story that uses that extremely outdated terminology, and isn't old pre 2010 book ( or an omegaverse fanfic) make my eyes roll so hard they might as well pop out of my head at that point. As that is now considered not only very outdated, but a big fat myth now as there is no such thing as ' alpha male ' period.
Overall:
Sorry but this story is reallllly not for me, it might entertain some easily amused person somewhere but I personally give it a big fat thumbs down personally, and why I DNF it halfway through the story.
The world-building is at least kinda interesting, I like the idea of shapeshifter stories in general, and the idea of a shape changer turning into a smilodon was awesome.
The bad:
The story is so cringe worthingly clich'e, predictable, and ridiculous that I don't even need to read the rest of the story as I already know whats going to happen in it. Honestly this felt more like a bad fanfiction written by teenager than an actual published story, as it legit ticked all the same common stereotypical gary/mary sue plot points/tropes to me to the point it almost feels more like a parody of those bad fanfics of anything.
Also the alpha/omega shit made me cringe, sorry but any story that uses that extremely outdated terminology, and isn't old pre 2010 book ( or an omegaverse fanfic) make my eyes roll so hard they might as well pop out of my head at that point. As that is now considered not only very outdated, but a big fat myth now as there is no such thing as ' alpha male ' period.
Overall:
Sorry but this story is reallllly not for me, it might entertain some easily amused person somewhere but I personally give it a big fat thumbs down personally, and why I DNF it halfway through the story.
April 13, 2021
Better than expected
Urban Fantasy
With a rather abrupt entry into the shifter world, Wyatt Magnusson is inducted by way of surviving an attempt to kill him. Thereafter, it is coming to terms with the changes survival brings. Exceptionally well edited. My only issue was the first time Wyatt contacted his family, and I thought it was long-distance scurrying when subsequent encounters were more clear it was teleportation. Otherwise, the story was good and decently paced.
This book had no sex between characters, but it clearly indicates harem relationships will involved with future Wyatt stories, though no indication whether it will be fade to black (ftb) or not. The next book also appears to be focused on a new MC within the same milieu. The author simply avoid the stickiness of personal relationships by saying "she is his lover" and leave it at that. One book not enough to judge a series by.
This is a mix of first- and third-person narratives, so that's something else to consider. I'm interested in book 2, but this also works as a standalone urban fantasy tale.
Urban Fantasy
With a rather abrupt entry into the shifter world, Wyatt Magnusson is inducted by way of surviving an attempt to kill him. Thereafter, it is coming to terms with the changes survival brings. Exceptionally well edited. My only issue was the first time Wyatt contacted his family, and I thought it was long-distance scurrying when subsequent encounters were more clear it was teleportation. Otherwise, the story was good and decently paced.
This book had no sex between characters, but it clearly indicates harem relationships will involved with future Wyatt stories, though no indication whether it will be fade to black (ftb) or not. The next book also appears to be focused on a new MC within the same milieu. The author simply avoid the stickiness of personal relationships by saying "she is his lover" and leave it at that. One book not enough to judge a series by.
This is a mix of first- and third-person narratives, so that's something else to consider. I'm interested in book 2, but this also works as a standalone urban fantasy tale.
December 13, 2021
This one was a somewhat hard to put down novel, everything goes along in the plot at a fair speed and takes you for a pleasant ride. I'm not a big fantasy reader, and magic-based stories are not my usual cup of tea, but this one proved to be the exception to the rule. I think because he creates his magical world and its occupants as an integral part of the real world. Yes, you have shapeshifters and magicians but they wear jeans, drive pickups, and eat at the diner, like ordinary folks.
There are plot holes and other weaknesses but didn't mind them in the middle of the fun romp the book is. The characters are especially engaging, and the ideas put forth bout the alternate supernatural societies coexisting with the normal humans are well thought out.
Basically, I enjoyed it, even more as it was a free download of course this is to get you to buy the follow-ups which I am likely to do once I've caught up with my other reading.
There are plot holes and other weaknesses but didn't mind them in the middle of the fun romp the book is. The characters are especially engaging, and the ideas put forth bout the alternate supernatural societies coexisting with the normal humans are well thought out.
Basically, I enjoyed it, even more as it was a free download of course this is to get you to buy the follow-ups which I am likely to do once I've caught up with my other reading.
June 4, 2022
Excellent action, interesting paranormal world, believable characters
I enjoyed the action and the interesting variety of characters, as well as the unique presentation of shifter and Magi realities. Step by step a plausible paranormal world is revealed, with its surprising enmeshment with the human world.
I enjoyed the POVs of the main characters, especially Connor's, Gabrielle's and Karleen's. Learning who they are was fun and interesting: the twins Connor and Vicki, Connor discovering his animal self and the shifter world, Gabrielle and Alistair running Precious for the townspeople, Gabrielle introducing Connor to life as a shifter, Gabrielle and Karleen teaming up, the disbelieving FBI agents.
The kidnapping of two shifter children and one Magi child bring the shifter and Magi groups to work together, which reveals abilities and how the two groups organize themselves. The additional surprises and action are even more engrossing.
I enjoyed the action and the interesting variety of characters, as well as the unique presentation of shifter and Magi realities. Step by step a plausible paranormal world is revealed, with its surprising enmeshment with the human world.
I enjoyed the POVs of the main characters, especially Connor's, Gabrielle's and Karleen's. Learning who they are was fun and interesting: the twins Connor and Vicki, Connor discovering his animal self and the shifter world, Gabrielle and Alistair running Precious for the townspeople, Gabrielle introducing Connor to life as a shifter, Gabrielle and Karleen teaming up, the disbelieving FBI agents.
The kidnapping of two shifter children and one Magi child bring the shifter and Magi groups to work together, which reveals abilities and how the two groups organize themselves. The additional surprises and action are even more engrossing.
March 29, 2021
Grabbed my attention before reading!
When I saw this book and read the overview I wanted to start it immediately. Just something about the story grabbed my attention and desire to read. It did not disappoint in my reading pleasure. My only regret or complainant is that it wasn’t longer! I wanted more story but glad to see another on the way. Also was not aware of a prequel. I will have to do some more purchases. I am happy to help a full time author that feeds my reading habit. Yes it is a habit since I have been late too many times because got into reading something! Definitely will be checking into more by this author and more importantly looking for next book is this saga!
When I saw this book and read the overview I wanted to start it immediately. Just something about the story grabbed my attention and desire to read. It did not disappoint in my reading pleasure. My only regret or complainant is that it wasn’t longer! I wanted more story but glad to see another on the way. Also was not aware of a prequel. I will have to do some more purchases. I am happy to help a full time author that feeds my reading habit. Yes it is a habit since I have been late too many times because got into reading something! Definitely will be checking into more by this author and more importantly looking for next book is this saga!
August 23, 2021
Enjoyable urban fantasy
I really like Urban fantasies and this one is right up to the top of my list of favorites. I like the way the characters are portrayed and it seems the characters are real in the way that they react and act. I also like the main character he is somewhat pragmatic and he tries to do the right thing in the best he can. It has a really slow burning romance in this first book and there's no sex only action and adventure and challenges for the main character. I really enjoyed this book I could not put it down I read it cover to cover without stopping maybe I should have gotten a little bit of sleep oh well I plan on reading the next book once it comes out.
I really like Urban fantasies and this one is right up to the top of my list of favorites. I like the way the characters are portrayed and it seems the characters are real in the way that they react and act. I also like the main character he is somewhat pragmatic and he tries to do the right thing in the best he can. It has a really slow burning romance in this first book and there's no sex only action and adventure and challenges for the main character. I really enjoyed this book I could not put it down I read it cover to cover without stopping maybe I should have gotten a little bit of sleep oh well I plan on reading the next book once it comes out.
July 27, 2024
Mc
The book favors bad guys over children as the bad guys are winning over shifters and mages. The storie is interesting but as readers always do.we get emotionally involved with the characters ,the children and what happens to.the children to me is the biggest disatisfaction is the author plays with the childrens lives . that is what I.dislike about this story. The children are used ,they Have , no name ........to continue the story of child stealers and probably child molesters. I enjoy stories about shifters and magical people and lifestyles but using stolen children to.continue the.storie . At some pojnt,hopefully it may be written that the bad guys are caught . This is not fantasy because this stuff happens every day in America and worse.
The book favors bad guys over children as the bad guys are winning over shifters and mages. The storie is interesting but as readers always do.we get emotionally involved with the characters ,the children and what happens to.the children to me is the biggest disatisfaction is the author plays with the childrens lives . that is what I.dislike about this story. The children are used ,they Have , no name ........to continue the story of child stealers and probably child molesters. I enjoy stories about shifters and magical people and lifestyles but using stolen children to.continue the.storie . At some pojnt,hopefully it may be written that the bad guys are caught . This is not fantasy because this stuff happens every day in America and worse.
March 9, 2021
Wonderful series start
Nothing new here but still enjoyable. MC thrust into world of supernatural and learns his is unknowingly been part of it. This book sets up the foundation of what could be a lengthy series. The MC is OP working the normal shifter society but is seemed there is more going on than meets the eye. Even the supernatural powers are unaware of some things... And they take children. This story is a coming to Jesus type as the MC must learn how to navagate his new society... And protect it. I enjoyed the story and the budding romance there there was no harem in this book it's coming . Looking forward to the next book.
Nothing new here but still enjoyable. MC thrust into world of supernatural and learns his is unknowingly been part of it. This book sets up the foundation of what could be a lengthy series. The MC is OP working the normal shifter society but is seemed there is more going on than meets the eye. Even the supernatural powers are unaware of some things... And they take children. This story is a coming to Jesus type as the MC must learn how to navagate his new society... And protect it. I enjoyed the story and the budding romance there there was no harem in this book it's coming . Looking forward to the next book.
June 3, 2021
An amazon story. I could put the book down even if was early in the morning.Wyatt 's life change when he met a cougar in the woods. It was life or death but Wyatt won but at what expense. He became a shifter but what a shifter. He became a Smilodon. His sister is a magi and his grandparents were very proud of him. Unfortunately he became the local Alpha which is against his grain but he has to accept the responsibility . However challenges continue to pile up with the latest being a child abduction ring. What can he do to help the children.Mags and shifters need to work together but can the 2 sides effectively merge to fight this evil.
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