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Yellowstone Shifters #1
Wild Rising
“My name is Sienna Wilder and up until about age 12, I thought I was human.”
From a young age, Sienna learned to control the savage creature that raged in her heart. Swearing never to unleash the puma again, she kept her head down, her emotions level, and she survived.
Inside though, she yearned to find a place where she could roam free. Landing her dream job as a park ranger at Yellowstone, Sienna thinks she’s finally found it, only to discover that she’s not the only one with a secret beast. Now, women are disappearing and no one is paying attention. Sienna must discover the truth or she may be next. Can she learn to trust her wild side in time to save herself and the others?
From a young age, Sienna learned to control the savage creature that raged in her heart. Swearing never to unleash the puma again, she kept her head down, her emotions level, and she survived.
Inside though, she yearned to find a place where she could roam free. Landing her dream job as a park ranger at Yellowstone, Sienna thinks she’s finally found it, only to discover that she’s not the only one with a secret beast. Now, women are disappearing and no one is paying attention. Sienna must discover the truth or she may be next. Can she learn to trust her wild side in time to save herself and the others?
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2021
60 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
K. Panikian
11 books91 followersNew indie author writing urban fantasy and paranormal fantasy page-turners!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 6, 2021
"Wild Rising" leaps out from the start with a fast-paced, tightly woven plot that will keep readers glued to the pages until the very end!
Read full review in the 2021 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 24, 2021
Wonderful story
This is the first book by this author. I loved it!! Sienna realizes she's a shifter when she is an adolescent and had to navigate its ins and outs on her own with no one to help her. Her boyfriend in College taught her more about the shifter world and that there was place she could be in neutral territory. She worked her whole adult life working to get a permanent job in Yellowstone.
While in Yellowstone Sienna learns more about the shifter world and that there are still rules she has to meet with the alphas that surround the park.
She navigates her new world meeting new friends that help her understand her puma better.
I loved the friendships she's made. I love the apparent chemistry between her and alpha August. I hope in the second book they get together. Her human side is attracted to Nick but i don't think they have the chemistry like her and August.
There was murder suspense in this book. Where Sienna follows her gut instinct and involves herself in the cases. If it wasn't for they might have been cold cases for longer.
This is an amazing read. Now off to get book 2, to see what happens next!!!
This is the first book by this author. I loved it!! Sienna realizes she's a shifter when she is an adolescent and had to navigate its ins and outs on her own with no one to help her. Her boyfriend in College taught her more about the shifter world and that there was place she could be in neutral territory. She worked her whole adult life working to get a permanent job in Yellowstone.
While in Yellowstone Sienna learns more about the shifter world and that there are still rules she has to meet with the alphas that surround the park.
She navigates her new world meeting new friends that help her understand her puma better.
I loved the friendships she's made. I love the apparent chemistry between her and alpha August. I hope in the second book they get together. Her human side is attracted to Nick but i don't think they have the chemistry like her and August.
There was murder suspense in this book. Where Sienna follows her gut instinct and involves herself in the cases. If it wasn't for they might have been cold cases for longer.
This is an amazing read. Now off to get book 2, to see what happens next!!!
August 9, 2021
I was really pleasantly surprised by this one. I liked Sienna and the other park shifters. I liked the world Panikian creates here, and I enjoyed the murder mysteries (though having two unrelated ones did dilute the plot a bit). I was also intrigued by the possible, future love interest. I can only imagine the series is going to be slow burn in the romance department. There is attraction here, sure, but not even the beginnings of a romance yet. So, don't go in expecting passion to leap off the page.
I did think that after a lifetime of dealing with fear and her beast Sienna sure overcame the issue with unbelievable ease. And I thought the possessive female betas warning off the new woman in town a little cliched. (Though having powerful, authoritative female betas was a plus in other ways.)
On a side note—just for FYI—I like the cover, but think it makes the book look YA/NA, like Sienna is an older teen. But she's a full-fledged park ranger. Her age isn't given, but to complete training and work in the field for a decade, I can only imagine her in her late twenties at least. I only mention it so people go in with appropriate expectations
All in all, I'd be happy to read the next book in the series when it comes out. In fact, if it was available yet, I probably would have continued right into it last night, when I finished Wild Rising.
I did think that after a lifetime of dealing with fear and her beast Sienna sure overcame the issue with unbelievable ease. And I thought the possessive female betas warning off the new woman in town a little cliched. (Though having powerful, authoritative female betas was a plus in other ways.)
On a side note—just for FYI—I like the cover, but think it makes the book look YA/NA, like Sienna is an older teen. But she's a full-fledged park ranger. Her age isn't given, but to complete training and work in the field for a decade, I can only imagine her in her late twenties at least. I only mention it so people go in with appropriate expectations
All in all, I'd be happy to read the next book in the series when it comes out. In fact, if it was available yet, I probably would have continued right into it last night, when I finished Wild Rising.
October 11, 2021
I will start this review by saying that I will be purchasing the next novel in the series to see how the characters develop. By the end of this novel, I was sufficiently invested to want to know what happens next.
Without revealing too much, the storyline focuses on a young woman who has yet to come to terms with her shapeshifting abilities and who finds herself trying to untangle a series of murders.
Other shapeshifter novels that I have read tend to focus on a few species. In K. Panikian's world it seems that humans can shift from any species―from ermine to the big predators. Whether this is a good or bad scope is in the eye of the reader.
I gave Panikian’s book a 4-star review, rather than 5, because I kept having the nagging feeling that it could have been much much better. For me, the pace was slow in the opening chapters and had I not been committed to doing a review, I might have put the novel aside. That would have been a pity for the pace picks up in the latter half of the book. The writer’s style is easy to read, and the novel is well edited.
Wild Rising by K. Panikian is well worth a read.
Without revealing too much, the storyline focuses on a young woman who has yet to come to terms with her shapeshifting abilities and who finds herself trying to untangle a series of murders.
Other shapeshifter novels that I have read tend to focus on a few species. In K. Panikian's world it seems that humans can shift from any species―from ermine to the big predators. Whether this is a good or bad scope is in the eye of the reader.
I gave Panikian’s book a 4-star review, rather than 5, because I kept having the nagging feeling that it could have been much much better. For me, the pace was slow in the opening chapters and had I not been committed to doing a review, I might have put the novel aside. That would have been a pity for the pace picks up in the latter half of the book. The writer’s style is easy to read, and the novel is well edited.
Wild Rising by K. Panikian is well worth a read.
December 31, 2022
This book popped up on booktok and I thought I’d give it a try. I enjoyed it. 3 and a half stars - I always round up to be fair.
I assumed, due to it being on Booktok, that it would be 🌶 or a RH, but it was neither. It’s slow burn.
It focuses more on the murder mysteries than it does on the romance. There are multiple side characters and friendships. The author throws in a few red herrings to distract the reader, and it worked for me to a point. I didn’t figure out who-dun-it before the reveal.
Yet, some of the red herrings were never resolved. Like a character who kept limping and injuring his leg. I think we were supposed to suspect him, but then the multiple leg injuries were ignored and never revisited.
The climax was a bit silly. A bit over the top. Some of the clues were also silly. This, combined with multiple love interests but no sign of a RH in the making and no 🌶 makes me wonder if this is really going to be one of those cozy mystery series with the permanent love triangle.
I like cozy mysteries but they are usually more obvious from the titles. Interesting that I can’t tell yet what the series is going to be when it grows up.
I do plan to read the next book. I’m hoping to see her relationship with one of her suitors develop more and that it’s not slow burn like a YA book would be. I guess we will see!
I assumed, due to it being on Booktok, that it would be 🌶 or a RH, but it was neither. It’s slow burn.
It focuses more on the murder mysteries than it does on the romance. There are multiple side characters and friendships. The author throws in a few red herrings to distract the reader, and it worked for me to a point. I didn’t figure out who-dun-it before the reveal.
Yet, some of the red herrings were never resolved. Like a character who kept limping and injuring his leg. I think we were supposed to suspect him, but then the multiple leg injuries were ignored and never revisited.
The climax was a bit silly. A bit over the top. Some of the clues were also silly. This, combined with multiple love interests but no sign of a RH in the making and no 🌶 makes me wonder if this is really going to be one of those cozy mystery series with the permanent love triangle.
I like cozy mysteries but they are usually more obvious from the titles. Interesting that I can’t tell yet what the series is going to be when it grows up.
I do plan to read the next book. I’m hoping to see her relationship with one of her suitors develop more and that it’s not slow burn like a YA book would be. I guess we will see!
July 28, 2021
Great Book
Sienna learned to control the beast within. She was constantly fighting with her puma and never let her out. She found her dream job at Yellowstone as a park ranger. She discovers many things about the world around her and herself. She needs to learn to trust herself and her beast. Can she save the women disappearing from the park?
Sienna was an unsure and standoffish character. As the story grows so does, she. She learns to trust those around her, but most importantly herself and her puma. She becomes a confident woman and learns her strengths. She learns the way of shifters in and out of the park and how to use that to her advantage.
I really enjoyed this book. The twists and turns throughout kept me reading and not wanting to put it down. Well written, easy to read story with a great plot. Can’t wait for the next in the series.
I received this book for an honest review.
Sienna learned to control the beast within. She was constantly fighting with her puma and never let her out. She found her dream job at Yellowstone as a park ranger. She discovers many things about the world around her and herself. She needs to learn to trust herself and her beast. Can she save the women disappearing from the park?
Sienna was an unsure and standoffish character. As the story grows so does, she. She learns to trust those around her, but most importantly herself and her puma. She becomes a confident woman and learns her strengths. She learns the way of shifters in and out of the park and how to use that to her advantage.
I really enjoyed this book. The twists and turns throughout kept me reading and not wanting to put it down. Well written, easy to read story with a great plot. Can’t wait for the next in the series.
I received this book for an honest review.
November 11, 2021
Suspense & Paranormal Fantasy all in one!
Wild Rising is an intriguing start to the Yellowstone Shifters series. This story is a mystery/suspense wrapped up as a paranormal fantasy. Sienna is a mix of human, puma shifter and “other” which she refers to as “The Beast”. She takes a job as a park ranger at Yellowstone National Park in the hopes that she can avoid pack politics. As soon as she starts her new job she finds herself thrust into a missing person’s case and dangerously close to the nearby pack alpha, August. This book is short but still packed with lots of good stuff! I liked Sienna and her struggle to connect with all the different sides of herself. I also liked the mystery aspect of the story. It wasn’t super obvious who the bad guy was and the ending to the suspense was good. Overall I liked the story and might continue with the series to see how Sienna and August grow as a couple...totally projecting my own hopes there!
Wild Rising is an intriguing start to the Yellowstone Shifters series. This story is a mystery/suspense wrapped up as a paranormal fantasy. Sienna is a mix of human, puma shifter and “other” which she refers to as “The Beast”. She takes a job as a park ranger at Yellowstone National Park in the hopes that she can avoid pack politics. As soon as she starts her new job she finds herself thrust into a missing person’s case and dangerously close to the nearby pack alpha, August. This book is short but still packed with lots of good stuff! I liked Sienna and her struggle to connect with all the different sides of herself. I also liked the mystery aspect of the story. It wasn’t super obvious who the bad guy was and the ending to the suspense was good. Overall I liked the story and might continue with the series to see how Sienna and August grow as a couple...totally projecting my own hopes there!
September 24, 2024
Sienna is a puma shifter who discovered her shifting power when she was young and alone. Shifting into a dangerous hybrid, she determines never to let it loose, holding herself in.
Getting her dream job as a park ranger at Yellowstone Park, where she believes she will be free of all alpha she is thrust into a different world that is not quite what she thought it would be.
There is a good mystery about missing staff workers which she gets involved in.
There is also the matter that she must meet with the local alpha of Jackson to submit to him to show his authority.
Sienna finally meets some other shifters and starts to learn about shifting and connecting with her puma.
This was a very interesting book with some interesting characters, beautiful descriptions of the park, mystery, some suspense, possible romance and good friendship.
I’m sure the second book will be just as good and I will find out shortly.
Getting her dream job as a park ranger at Yellowstone Park, where she believes she will be free of all alpha she is thrust into a different world that is not quite what she thought it would be.
There is a good mystery about missing staff workers which she gets involved in.
There is also the matter that she must meet with the local alpha of Jackson to submit to him to show his authority.
Sienna finally meets some other shifters and starts to learn about shifting and connecting with her puma.
This was a very interesting book with some interesting characters, beautiful descriptions of the park, mystery, some suspense, possible romance and good friendship.
I’m sure the second book will be just as good and I will find out shortly.
July 25, 2021
Loved this book from K. Panikian. My favourite genre is paranormal and i love to read a good shifter book.
Sienna is a young girl who has struggled with the beast inside her after waking up at 12 years old wondering what was happening to her. She has always hid this part of herself from others after her boyfriend left her on finding out about that side of her.
Upon arriving at Yellowstone, Sienna meets some great friends who encourage her to merge with her animal instead of battling with her, whilst Sienna is trying to do this she is also trying to figure out why females are going missing around the area and when a friend of hers goes missing it becomes personal.
K.Panikian has done a great job of drawing you in and having you hooked on the story, I couldn't put the book down and read it in a couple of hours. Would absolutely recommend you to download the book and get it read!!
Sienna is a young girl who has struggled with the beast inside her after waking up at 12 years old wondering what was happening to her. She has always hid this part of herself from others after her boyfriend left her on finding out about that side of her.
Upon arriving at Yellowstone, Sienna meets some great friends who encourage her to merge with her animal instead of battling with her, whilst Sienna is trying to do this she is also trying to figure out why females are going missing around the area and when a friend of hers goes missing it becomes personal.
K.Panikian has done a great job of drawing you in and having you hooked on the story, I couldn't put the book down and read it in a couple of hours. Would absolutely recommend you to download the book and get it read!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2021
Sum up of the book:
Sienna grew up not knowing who her family is. She thought she was normal till one day she shifted. She locked that part of herself up building mental barriers to keep the animal calm and scared to unleash it. She landed her dream job at Yellowstone park where its neutral territory with shifters. She notices a pattern of women coming up missing and decides to see if she can crack the case.
Review :
I love a good shifter book and this one was SO good. It had a little murder/ mystery mixed with shifter paranormal and I loved it ! This books as hard to put down. I loved Sienna as a character, she did have a bit of a sad upbringing but I was so happy at the friends she made. The side characters you meet definitely add to the book and Darcy is my favorite. I have to know how it plays out so I will be adding the second book to my list of books to read.
Sienna grew up not knowing who her family is. She thought she was normal till one day she shifted. She locked that part of herself up building mental barriers to keep the animal calm and scared to unleash it. She landed her dream job at Yellowstone park where its neutral territory with shifters. She notices a pattern of women coming up missing and decides to see if she can crack the case.
Review :
I love a good shifter book and this one was SO good. It had a little murder/ mystery mixed with shifter paranormal and I loved it ! This books as hard to put down. I loved Sienna as a character, she did have a bit of a sad upbringing but I was so happy at the friends she made. The side characters you meet definitely add to the book and Darcy is my favorite. I have to know how it plays out so I will be adding the second book to my list of books to read.
August 1, 2021
Trusting Her Inner Self . . .
Sienna Wilder was orphaned at a young age and never had anyone to guide her through how to work with her shifter half. She had to learn to control her beast by whatever means worked for her. It was a continuous battle, and she could never let her puma out to run for fear of losing control.
When she grew up, she got the best job ever at Yellowstone as a park ranger. She thought that would free her, but there were still issues to deal with. When women start disappearing from the park, Sienna needs to find out what’s going on. She will have to rely on her puma’s senses and start to trust this part of her. Can she find out who or what is kidnapping the women?
Sienna Wilder was orphaned at a young age and never had anyone to guide her through how to work with her shifter half. She had to learn to control her beast by whatever means worked for her. It was a continuous battle, and she could never let her puma out to run for fear of losing control.
When she grew up, she got the best job ever at Yellowstone as a park ranger. She thought that would free her, but there were still issues to deal with. When women start disappearing from the park, Sienna needs to find out what’s going on. She will have to rely on her puma’s senses and start to trust this part of her. Can she find out who or what is kidnapping the women?
August 2, 2021
I loved this work. It was a fantastic read and not solely focused on being a romance novel. There were hints of a possible romance but the focus was on the mystery and I loved it. I even loved that it ended on a cliffhanger and I can't wait to read the next one. The characters were fantastic and I look forward to getting to know them more and the new characters that come along with the next in the series. The plot had twists and turns, along with secrets waiting to be discovered. I can't resisting saying how excited I am for the next in the series yet again.
Five out of five stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Five out of five stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2022
Shifter mystery
I'm positive that this is inspired by CJ Box. While I haven't read his stuff, I know it's about a park ranger that solves mysteries. This is that plus shifters. There were way too many storylines in this book. It was like ADD on steroids, introduce a new storyline, drop it, introduce another storyline... Etc. And we only revisited like two of them. The mystery part was pretty lame, super predictable, with no satisfying resolution. I think this book had a lot of great potential, but our author needs to streamline their story telling. Skip this one. Two and a half stars to Wild Rising.
I'm positive that this is inspired by CJ Box. While I haven't read his stuff, I know it's about a park ranger that solves mysteries. This is that plus shifters. There were way too many storylines in this book. It was like ADD on steroids, introduce a new storyline, drop it, introduce another storyline... Etc. And we only revisited like two of them. The mystery part was pretty lame, super predictable, with no satisfying resolution. I think this book had a lot of great potential, but our author needs to streamline their story telling. Skip this one. Two and a half stars to Wild Rising.
November 15, 2021
HIGH INTENSITY HUNT FOR SELF AWARENESS
Taut drama of self discovery in which the heroine must reconcile the the three aspects of her shifter personality (human, puma and violent hybrid) in time to save her friend from a serial killer, and weave a co-existent future among the trio that she can embrace.
This is my first foray into a “Shifter” series. I’ve typically shied away from them because they always seemed bogged down by heavy handed Romeo and Juliet type plot elements. Fortunately for me, I chose wisely, and I am very happy to note this does not happen here. Yes there are some romantic entanglements, but they take a back seat to the greater themes of coping with isolation and loneliness, finding the courage to take your life in new directions, making new friends and facing your internal demons to achieve personal growth. Quite pleasantly, most of the heroine’s struggles are waged amidst the bucolic setting of Yellowstone National Park which is described with such loving confidence that it becomes its own character and makes you want to visit the place. The budding friendships are also utilized to make a slow dive into shifter society that keeps you steadily engaged without suffocating info dumps.
Enjoyable, fast-paced and a good place to try the water if, like me, this will be your first shifter novel.
Taut drama of self discovery in which the heroine must reconcile the the three aspects of her shifter personality (human, puma and violent hybrid) in time to save her friend from a serial killer, and weave a co-existent future among the trio that she can embrace.
This is my first foray into a “Shifter” series. I’ve typically shied away from them because they always seemed bogged down by heavy handed Romeo and Juliet type plot elements. Fortunately for me, I chose wisely, and I am very happy to note this does not happen here. Yes there are some romantic entanglements, but they take a back seat to the greater themes of coping with isolation and loneliness, finding the courage to take your life in new directions, making new friends and facing your internal demons to achieve personal growth. Quite pleasantly, most of the heroine’s struggles are waged amidst the bucolic setting of Yellowstone National Park which is described with such loving confidence that it becomes its own character and makes you want to visit the place. The budding friendships are also utilized to make a slow dive into shifter society that keeps you steadily engaged without suffocating info dumps.
Enjoyable, fast-paced and a good place to try the water if, like me, this will be your first shifter novel.
December 15, 2021
I am new to shifter novels but apparently there's a hole genre like this! I am looking forward to exploring more, if they are like this. Easy to read and very fun story. I really enjoyed how the reader learns right along with Sienna about what she is and what she can do with some twists and turns that I was not expecting. The setting in Yellowstone is beautiful, and I can really picture Sienna and her friends exploring their world. I especially loved August (!) and the heat between the characters felt real. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next! I recommend.
January 8, 2023
Wild Rising - Yellowstone Shifters #1 was amazing.. this was my first book by K.Panikian and I loved this book.... her/his storytelling kept me coming back when I HAD to set the book down. the cast of characters were so well created, to love, like, hate and wanna learn more about them.
I am reading the 2nd in this series and enjoying it immensely
I am reading the 2nd in this series and enjoying it immensely
January 12, 2023
I keep getting drawn into these shifter titles (thanks Instagram). But this one with Sienna as such a strong female lead just reminded me so strongly of Kelley Armstrong's shifter world. And I just dove right in. Immensely bingeable, read the first two in one night before I made myself stop. Enjoy.
July 31, 2021
Sienna is a well rounded character that is well developed. The storyline has a fantastic, unique plot that had me hooked. The writing is vivid and has a great flow. This is the first book I have read by K. Panikian but it will not be the last. I am excited for the next book.
Read
September 29, 2021a captivating fantasy story about shapeshifters set in Yellowstone National Park. I loved it and hope to read all the fiction this young author has produced. You will never look at a puma, lynx, bear, or badger the same way again once you have read this marvelous book!
October 27, 2021
Nancy Mew?
Reads like an adult version of the Nancy Drew books with paranormal elements thrown in. They're not carelessly thrown in though. They're part of the breadcrumbs leading us to something bigger.
Reads like an adult version of the Nancy Drew books with paranormal elements thrown in. They're not carelessly thrown in though. They're part of the breadcrumbs leading us to something bigger.
Read
February 12, 2022Great shifter read
I really enjoyed this book. Sienna is an amazing person and I'm so envious of her job. I'm looking forward to seeing how her different parts come together and what happens with August.
I really enjoyed this book. Sienna is an amazing person and I'm so envious of her job. I'm looking forward to seeing how her different parts come together and what happens with August.
July 31, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It's a different take on shifters, unique. I recommend this book
July 31, 2021
Wonderful shifter romance with action, suspense and a great female lead. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2021
New author for me. I was intrigued by a story set in Yellowstone. It did not disappoint. Interesting facts about the park and a great storyline. 🤓❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️📚
December 15, 2021
Interesting
A rather different and violent system for Shifters to have to endure. Poor Sienna is just trying to find answers and a safe place to live.
A rather different and violent system for Shifters to have to endure. Poor Sienna is just trying to find answers and a safe place to live.
January 10, 2022
Shape shifters genre isn't exactly my thing but I enjoy variety in my reading life, and I quite liked this book. Set in Yellowstone, so lots of descriptions of a place I have not yet been to.
April 24, 2022
A quick read
The plot was interesting and moved quickly. The setting was vivid. I felt the characters could have used some more fleshing out but it was overall a pleasant read.
The plot was interesting and moved quickly. The setting was vivid. I felt the characters could have used some more fleshing out but it was overall a pleasant read.
September 13, 2022
Yum!
What a crazy beautiful read! I couldn't put it down! Such a fun ride! The characters are wonderful and the mystery is well done!
What a crazy beautiful read! I couldn't put it down! Such a fun ride! The characters are wonderful and the mystery is well done!
November 30, 2023
Excellent
It was a really good read; lots of action and suspense. Cannot wait for the next book to continue the story!
It was a really good read; lots of action and suspense. Cannot wait for the next book to continue the story!
September 11, 2024
The first book in Yellowstone series was solid and fast paced. In overall a solid start.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews