What do you think?
Rate this book
Tainted Demons of Shifters Syndicate #1
Shadow Unleashed
When you’re fated to fall, rising up to howling glory is the last thing you’d ever expect.
My birth — like that of many Shadowborns — was a mistake. A demon hybrid of wolf and dusk, I started life as a dead shifter walking with little hope of survival. Every day death tries to claim me, but somehow I keep living, only to end up in the dangerous hidden depths of Shifter Syndicate. Just when I think that nothing can break me, Mother Moon gives me the ultimate a cynical mate who decides my hybrid blood is nothing but a disgrace to his very name.
Now I’m Rejected. Forbidden. Caged. I might as well throw in the towel.
Little do I know that an Alpha watches from the shadows. One who seeks revenge on the very man who discarded me like Alpha Cain of Tainted Demons Pack.
He wants to add me to his collection, a pack of lethal, cynical bastards who see me as more of a toy than an ally, but before that happens, I have a few conditions of my own. My best friend is coming along, I'll be trained and punished like the rest, and I get to keep my motorcycle.
Yeah. Priorities. Alliances are made and I'm embracing a new world of darkness, but there's one tiny problem.
I'm falling hard for my Alpha, and our connection may unleash the very shadows he's destined to rule.
Shadow Unleashed is a full-length (75,000 words) Dark Rejected Mates Romance. Book One is filled with action, suspense, steam, a tough heroine, and an antihero Alpha. Recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations.
My birth — like that of many Shadowborns — was a mistake. A demon hybrid of wolf and dusk, I started life as a dead shifter walking with little hope of survival. Every day death tries to claim me, but somehow I keep living, only to end up in the dangerous hidden depths of Shifter Syndicate. Just when I think that nothing can break me, Mother Moon gives me the ultimate a cynical mate who decides my hybrid blood is nothing but a disgrace to his very name.
Now I’m Rejected. Forbidden. Caged. I might as well throw in the towel.
Little do I know that an Alpha watches from the shadows. One who seeks revenge on the very man who discarded me like Alpha Cain of Tainted Demons Pack.
He wants to add me to his collection, a pack of lethal, cynical bastards who see me as more of a toy than an ally, but before that happens, I have a few conditions of my own. My best friend is coming along, I'll be trained and punished like the rest, and I get to keep my motorcycle.
Yeah. Priorities. Alliances are made and I'm embracing a new world of darkness, but there's one tiny problem.
I'm falling hard for my Alpha, and our connection may unleash the very shadows he's destined to rule.
Shadow Unleashed is a full-length (75,000 words) Dark Rejected Mates Romance. Book One is filled with action, suspense, steam, a tough heroine, and an antihero Alpha. Recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2021
225 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
Avery Stone
51 books208 followersAvery Stone is the new pen name of USA Today Bestselling Author, Avery Song.
With multiple bestselling series, Avery Stone's mission is to broaden her storytelling in the realms of Paranormal Romance, YA -New Adult Academy Romance, and Dark Shifter Romance.
Be prepared for sassy, powerful heroines, detailed world-building, and addictive adventure as you fall in love with her creations.
With multiple bestselling series, Avery Stone's mission is to broaden her storytelling in the realms of Paranormal Romance, YA -New Adult Academy Romance, and Dark Shifter Romance.
Be prepared for sassy, powerful heroines, detailed world-building, and addictive adventure as you fall in love with her creations.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
October 30, 2021
I love Avery and the worlds she creates are amazing however I found this a tough read. It felt like this book was providing the background (a lot of it!) for the actual story and so when it ended (and we are waiting for the next book)I felt like I was just understanding where we were up to and ready to proceed, so was left disappointed as felt like we had barely gotten into the actual story.
The worlds she creates a simply amazing and so complex. I’m looking forward to the next book to actually dive into the world more rather than just the background story.
The worlds she creates a simply amazing and so complex. I’m looking forward to the next book to actually dive into the world more rather than just the background story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2021
So of course the ending drops a bomb! The book was actually really great read. It has all the great elements: action, character development, mystery, some romance and best of all….consistency of the story line!!! I definitely recommend and I will be waiting!!
March 31, 2022
Theres way too many inner monologues in this book of Nova and all her other alters which some she has yet named. i feel like i’m missing all the miniscule details because she has all these personalities in her and you can’t keep up.
I liked that this had the world building; kinda like that in shifter’s syndicate but i liked Asher and Bleu better. But the inner monologues she has with herself is literally chaos, frantic and insane. I can’t help but be annoyed at her finishing this book.
I’m noticing this pattern with this author; with the heroine being absolutely concious of the conversation happening around her while she sleeps, this is the same in Bleu’s book. Can we please let the girls rest while they are sleeping/recovering? 🥴
I liked that this had the world building; kinda like that in shifter’s syndicate but i liked Asher and Bleu better. But the inner monologues she has with herself is literally chaos, frantic and insane. I can’t help but be annoyed at her finishing this book.
I’m noticing this pattern with this author; with the heroine being absolutely concious of the conversation happening around her while she sleeps, this is the same in Bleu’s book. Can we please let the girls rest while they are sleeping/recovering? 🥴
December 10, 2022
Triple threat hybrid (Dusk, Shadowborn, Shifter) Nova is in Asmodeus’ clutches again, though last time she couldn’t escape for two years, this time she’s buoyed by knowing her skillset and the fruition of a plan awaits. Despite his powers, Alpha Asmodeus can’t get what he wants from Nova and he’s determined to beat answers out of the mate he rejected.
Alpha Kane appears ready to help Nova though its for his own syndicate and he’s completely unaware of other plans he could get caught up in are in motion. Meanwhile, misogynist Asmodeus rearranges his guard by tossing Brooklyn out and she finds herself in Nova’s company just as they’re located by Asmodeus’ guards who’re there to take her back to him but she doesn’t intend to go into that good night without answers.
I confess, a bit of this outing felt like it started in the middle, some characters (particularly Nova and Kane) and situations (motorcycle, last minute save) were so familiar, I questioned if this was another POV for Shifter Syndicate. It isn’t. Nova has her own story to tell and ways to get a deed done. Contained within is action, slow romance, betrayal and nicely fitting pieces for this world.
Rating: 4.25stars
Alpha Kane appears ready to help Nova though its for his own syndicate and he’s completely unaware of other plans he could get caught up in are in motion. Meanwhile, misogynist Asmodeus rearranges his guard by tossing Brooklyn out and she finds herself in Nova’s company just as they’re located by Asmodeus’ guards who’re there to take her back to him but she doesn’t intend to go into that good night without answers.
I confess, a bit of this outing felt like it started in the middle, some characters (particularly Nova and Kane) and situations (motorcycle, last minute save) were so familiar, I questioned if this was another POV for Shifter Syndicate. It isn’t. Nova has her own story to tell and ways to get a deed done. Contained within is action, slow romance, betrayal and nicely fitting pieces for this world.
Rating: 4.25stars
October 29, 2021
Shadow Unleashed
I couldn’t wait to read this book of epicness! It was everything I hoped for and more! Enter into the world of Shadowborns with an added touch of crazy!
When Nova was born she was left orphaned and homeless, she knew that she had more than a touch of crazy going on, but her friends didn’t seem to mind. She struggled to find food and shelter, but when she met another orphan life didn’t seem so bad. Until she reached the age of 16, the next two years of Nova’s life irrevocably changed Nova, and some would say…not for the better.
Through all the ups and downs of her life Novacane has grown stronger and gained knowledge that others have no idea that she possesses.
If you enjoy an FMC who is slightly crazy and happily embraces it, who isn’t afraid to kick butt and doesn’t care to take names…then this is the book for you!
One click this book now! Then be prepared to be forget the outside world until you turn the last page.
October 28, 2021
This exciting new series takes place in the Tainted side of Shifter Syndicate.
Nova is a sassy, smart, recklessly brave shifter of immense power with a tragic backstory and a penchant for getting into trouble.
When she meets Alpha Cain, all bets are off as the chemistry between them is off the charts and the combined power of the two of them make a force that threatens those in power. A big no-no!
New, interesting side characters are so much fun to get to know, while familiar favorites are mentioned with the promise of interaction in the future, and I can wait for the worlds to collide!
As Nova begins to find out what she's truly capable of, loyalties are tested and new alliances are formed, making this first novel one entertain ride with so much potential of what's in the future. I am here for it!!
Nova is a sassy, smart, recklessly brave shifter of immense power with a tragic backstory and a penchant for getting into trouble.
When she meets Alpha Cain, all bets are off as the chemistry between them is off the charts and the combined power of the two of them make a force that threatens those in power. A big no-no!
New, interesting side characters are so much fun to get to know, while familiar favorites are mentioned with the promise of interaction in the future, and I can wait for the worlds to collide!
As Nova begins to find out what she's truly capable of, loyalties are tested and new alliances are formed, making this first novel one entertain ride with so much potential of what's in the future. I am here for it!!
July 3, 2022
Ok so I need nova in my life like asap! I love the characters avery creates not one of her books disappoints, she makes me wish all her female lead characters and I were best friends! Because you can relate to them and you feel every single one of there emotions, you grow to love them! This book got me in all my feels and the character development is on point as always, I love all the Characters even more and that ending oh my god it brought happy tears to my eyes! Nova is a concoction of bad assery and I can't wait to see where her and Alpha Cains journey goes next and all the other characters and I also can't wait to see nova and Bleu meet! Avery is just pure epicness that creates pure epicness! Definitely recommend this series and ofcourse all her other series as well! I promise it won't disappoint, happy reading!❤
November 13, 2022
Get out of writers and all three heads if fmc
This needs to be redone .Author advice Just because you thought this make a great movie where we do not have to read insane conversations and dropped past events from three minds into does not mean ..you should write books about it . Movie might have worked but this no.
This was insane .Made me insane to try to keep up with what who and why .who are the love interests ?? I can't tell you .Nobody valued her or them or whatever .
Honestly my main problem was the power she wielded yet we sit and allow men and women to just do whatever for some insane reason..As well as the stupid alpha to think he had power over her .
Nothing worse than seeing power then sitting forever in
Her mind kill some but stay there with nothing getting solved for no reason.
And three more books??? H e l l no .
This needs to be redone .Author advice Just because you thought this make a great movie where we do not have to read insane conversations and dropped past events from three minds into does not mean ..you should write books about it . Movie might have worked but this no.
This was insane .Made me insane to try to keep up with what who and why .who are the love interests ?? I can't tell you .Nobody valued her or them or whatever .
Honestly my main problem was the power she wielded yet we sit and allow men and women to just do whatever for some insane reason..As well as the stupid alpha to think he had power over her .
Nothing worse than seeing power then sitting forever in
Her mind kill some but stay there with nothing getting solved for no reason.
And three more books??? H e l l no .
July 1, 2022
Shadow Untamed
What???? What just happened???? This book was so unexpected and funny, and so, so very sad! I got all the feeels I look forward to with a new Avery book.
Nova once again finds herself fighting against the things that are hidden in the shadows. The chess master who thinks he knows all of Nova’s moves and has a way to still outmaneuver her and the few allies that she has managed to align herself with.
But no one is really ready for Novacane!!! As Nova finally comes to the realization that the only person/thing really stopping her from successfully growing into the woman she always wanted to be was herself.
Join Nova and Cain as they make a hulk move and smash everything down in order to rebuild a world that has constantly let them down!
November 10, 2021
So this book was filled with a lot of twists and turns. All of which was accompanied by an adventure that gets your heart racing. Nova is the type of character that has the reader invested in her thought process and rooting for her successes and dreading any fallout. One thing that is consistent with reading Avery Stone is that you can count on becoming attached to the characters in her books. This book has a storyline that is jampacked full of adrenaline laced choices and decisions. The curveballs and exciting roller coaster ride of emotions makes hunger for just one more page or just one more chapter. I can honestly tell you that this book is worth the price of admission.
June 6, 2022
Well what a depressing book. The main character has so much potential but is just a self flogging, pathetic wimp. Literally the most powerful hybrid yet wines on constantly to others and in her own head about how worthless she is. 90% of this book is her talking in her head with her other sides or herself about how crappy her life is. So boring nothing at all happens in this book, when something does it’s skimmed over quickly, so as another long boring and pathetic conversation can take place in her head. There’s a 2nd book?? Really why?? I was glad when this was over utterly soul sucking and draining.
October 28, 2021
Never a dull moment!!! 💖🔥
Prepare now for one thrilling adventure filled with oh so many twists and turns. Nova is a loyal, fierce, kick butt main character that had me cheering her on every step of the way. Her road is far from easy, and has mysteries unknown even to herself. There is so much action, suspense, paranormal craziness, intrigue, deception, snarky banter, off key singing and so much more within these pages. Trust me when I say book one will leave you desperate for MORE, MORE, MORE 😉.
Prepare now for one thrilling adventure filled with oh so many twists and turns. Nova is a loyal, fierce, kick butt main character that had me cheering her on every step of the way. Her road is far from easy, and has mysteries unknown even to herself. There is so much action, suspense, paranormal craziness, intrigue, deception, snarky banter, off key singing and so much more within these pages. Trust me when I say book one will leave you desperate for MORE, MORE, MORE 😉.
October 28, 2021
Shadow Unleashed was an incredible, action packed read!
Nova is a total bad @$$. She is smart, devious and and a triple threat. Nova is a demon hybrid of wolf and dusk. I loved her character and can’t wait to see what else is in store for her in the future.
This book was a real page turner as there is many plot twists that I really didn’t see coming. It was a great introduction to characters, enemies and allies as well as a few familiar names from other books. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Nova is a total bad @$$. She is smart, devious and and a triple threat. Nova is a demon hybrid of wolf and dusk. I loved her character and can’t wait to see what else is in store for her in the future.
This book was a real page turner as there is many plot twists that I really didn’t see coming. It was a great introduction to characters, enemies and allies as well as a few familiar names from other books. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
October 30, 2021
The twists. The turns. This book will leave you reeling as Nova enacts her long awaited revenge against someone that has betrayed her. Nova has gone through A LOT, and she is in every way, shape, and form a triple threat that will come into her power and annihilate her enemies. Book 2 can not come fast enough as I am anxious to get to know more about Nova, Alpha Cain, Brooke, and the Tainted Shifter Syndicate. I can't help but wonder who all will turn out to be allies, and who else is really working for the enemy.
October 31, 2021
This book start right in the action. I will admit I was a little confused from time to time but the overall story was amazing! Nova is a special kind of hybrid in a world where hybrids aren't treated fairly. Nova's backstory is tragic, having been orphaned, rejected by her fated mate at 16, imprisoned and tortured. This character takes her hits in strides. Playing like a chessboard she is always three steps ahead. The ending had me doing a double-take or read as I should say. It made me crave more!
October 31, 2021
Another amazing book by the wonderful Avery Stone.
My heart broke so many times hearing nova's story, but one thing that is certainly true for her is that revenge is a dish served stone cold. One of the best revenge plans I've read, and couldn't happen to a more deserving character. Definitely one of my favourites.
I cant wait till the next book to find out more about Brook, and the plans that have surrounded nova since her birth. I highly recommend this, and every book by this amazing author.
My heart broke so many times hearing nova's story, but one thing that is certainly true for her is that revenge is a dish served stone cold. One of the best revenge plans I've read, and couldn't happen to a more deserving character. Definitely one of my favourites.
I cant wait till the next book to find out more about Brook, and the plans that have surrounded nova since her birth. I highly recommend this, and every book by this amazing author.
November 3, 2021
Great book! I thought it was definitely different (given the three different voices/beings in Novas body). I thought Nova was a great character and I liked how she was extremely smart and patient in her motivations, she’s a “villain” of sorts but she’s justified given how her life turned out so far. She ultimately doesn’t want to be ruthless but she doesn’t have the issue getting shit done when it needs to be. Occasionally it was annoying about how she views herself yet it does make sense given how she was treated. Definitely will be reading the next book!
November 6, 2021
Okay
There was lots and lots of talking! Most of the book was a bunch of conversations. (Powerful conversations) The mind set of protagonist in the beginning didn't match one of the plot twist that happened... I don't want to give it away. So, I got confused a couple of times. However, it was still a good story though. I loved the demon and wolf. Sadly, I didn't understand what a dust was in this world. But I loved her craziness. Three beings inside of you can do that. If you like snarky women, demons/wolves, and an underdog that was meant to be queen, check out this book.
There was lots and lots of talking! Most of the book was a bunch of conversations. (Powerful conversations) The mind set of protagonist in the beginning didn't match one of the plot twist that happened... I don't want to give it away. So, I got confused a couple of times. However, it was still a good story though. I loved the demon and wolf. Sadly, I didn't understand what a dust was in this world. But I loved her craziness. Three beings inside of you can do that. If you like snarky women, demons/wolves, and an underdog that was meant to be queen, check out this book.
July 6, 2022
First of all I loved the recap, because lord knows with all the books I read sometimes I need a refresher to remind me of what I read and where things ended. As for this sequel, I love the characters and their chemistry as friends, lovers, even the relationships between the bad guys flow well. Of course Nova and Cain have scorching scenes. What I love even more is how relatable and hilarious these characters can be. I can't wait for Nova and Bleu to finally meet. I look forward to seeing what's next in this series and other books by Avery
July 7, 2022
Avery Stone has done it again. Another great addition to one of her newer storylines. I have yet to be disappointed in anything that she has written. She has a way of creating worlds that it is so easy to get immersed in.
This book was surprising to say the least with a sad spin on it too. I love the way the main characters develop throughout the entire series. This book was like being on a roller coaster of emotions and wicked surprises that the main characters have to deal with. This book was a great follow up book in this series. I can not wait to see what happens next.
This book was surprising to say the least with a sad spin on it too. I love the way the main characters develop throughout the entire series. This book was like being on a roller coaster of emotions and wicked surprises that the main characters have to deal with. This book was a great follow up book in this series. I can not wait to see what happens next.
July 9, 2022
Looking forward to the next adventure!
Somehow, I missed the first book to this interesting series, but that meant I got to read both books back to back. Woohoo! With all the series this author has going at a time, I am always amazed by her talent to always be true to each character, but to make each series unique in it's own way. I absolutely love this authors writing and I am always looking for her next book, which is why I was shocked that I actually missed one! As usual, I would absolutely recommend reading anything written by Ms. Stone/Song.
Somehow, I missed the first book to this interesting series, but that meant I got to read both books back to back. Woohoo! With all the series this author has going at a time, I am always amazed by her talent to always be true to each character, but to make each series unique in it's own way. I absolutely love this authors writing and I am always looking for her next book, which is why I was shocked that I actually missed one! As usual, I would absolutely recommend reading anything written by Ms. Stone/Song.
October 30, 2021
Just when I think I can't love one of Avery Stones main characters more, she writes another book and I have another favorite.
I ADORE Nova. She is an incredibly written character and has already shown so much growth (and hidden talents) in just this first book!
There were twists and turns that I just did not see coming in this book! I cannot wait to see where her path takes her and how she connects with others we have maybe seen elsewhere.
I ADORE Nova. She is an incredibly written character and has already shown so much growth (and hidden talents) in just this first book!
There were twists and turns that I just did not see coming in this book! I cannot wait to see where her path takes her and how she connects with others we have maybe seen elsewhere.
October 30, 2021
This author really does know how to get you addicted to whatever book you are reading at the time. Then leaving you with a freaking cliffhanger, which just means I am so freaking excited and anxious for the next book to come out. This one did not disappoint in the least. I absolutely love Nova so dang much. As well as Cain and can not wait to get to know more about him and their pack and hopefully all the friendships/ relationships along the way.
November 1, 2021
This book starts almost in the middle of a story and it took me a few chapters to understand what was going on. Once I got it, it sucked me in and holy crap are their tons of twists you don't see coming! This is not your predictable FMC goes through some hard knocks, then comes out on top! It is all about joy someone can act in once way be truly be a force to be reckoned with! I can't wait for the next book and to see how the stories overlap with Shifter Syndicat!
November 1, 2021
Nova is my kinda girl! If you like your FMC to come in with a fighting spirit and the goods to back it up, this one is for you. There is a lot of info in this book so make sure to clear off some time when you’re ready to start this baby up and dive into a whole new world. The storyline is complex and Nova’s background makes her more real and invests you as a reader into seeing her come into her own.
November 10, 2021
OMG this book is amazing!! I was dying to get my hands on it so I was thrilled when it hit my kindle. We meet Nova who is one kick butt FMC I must say. She is just full of surprises as the story plays out. This is a fast paced read that will keep you totally engrossed in what is going on from the beginning all the way to the cliff hanger ending. Made for a fabulous read. I cannot wait for book two. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
November 30, 2021
Nonsensical, confusing, desperate for an editor
Weird, stilted dialogue. Incredibly extra characters who acted and spoke like catty teens trying to impress someone. Disjointed conversations that lead nowhere and solve nothing.
I think there might be a book in here, but please, to the author - find an editor who knows what they're doing. There are so many long rambling diatribes and goofy uses of commas it's like trying to read a high school creative writing project.
Weird, stilted dialogue. Incredibly extra characters who acted and spoke like catty teens trying to impress someone. Disjointed conversations that lead nowhere and solve nothing.
I think there might be a book in here, but please, to the author - find an editor who knows what they're doing. There are so many long rambling diatribes and goofy uses of commas it's like trying to read a high school creative writing project.
December 10, 2021
Dnf quite early on - I feel bad that I didn't push through, there just seemed to be no plot / character development /action?
It felt like I had picked up the last book in a series and missed the part where the MC wasn't unstoppably powerful and intelligent. Also didn't love the writing style.
Maybe just not in the mood for it - which is disappointing since premise and cover really excited me. On to the next book!
It felt like I had picked up the last book in a series and missed the part where the MC wasn't unstoppably powerful and intelligent. Also didn't love the writing style.
Maybe just not in the mood for it - which is disappointing since premise and cover really excited me. On to the next book!
December 13, 2021
Loved it!
I want to be her when I grow up. It's so refreshing for a female main character handling herself after all the hits she's taken. It's ok to have vulnerabilities but they almost never pick them selves back up it's someone else. She picks her self up and leans on the stability being offered. That plot twist was devious and I can't wait to see what she'll dish out in the next book!
I want to be her when I grow up. It's so refreshing for a female main character handling herself after all the hits she's taken. It's ok to have vulnerabilities but they almost never pick them selves back up it's someone else. She picks her self up and leans on the stability being offered. That plot twist was devious and I can't wait to see what she'll dish out in the next book!
April 16, 2022
So normally really like Avery’s stories, if you have not read any of her previous Shift Syndicate books you will be lost. Needs an editor, or someone with at least a high school education to honestly fix the paragraph long sentence. By 50% in I could careless about Nova, her personality flip,flopped between 16 yo immature and a 20something badass..it was schizophrenic. Will put this author in bottom of list until she writes another series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews