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The Alpha #1
The Alpha: Protect. Procreate. Prevail.
I was just a nerd for crying out loud. A college student just doing his best to survive.
I can’t be a werewolf. I have midterms next week.
But apparently fate has plans for me, because one day I was just Jesse Rafe, and the next day I’m The Alpha, the legendary were shifter who is meant to impregnate every possible shifter species omega female and rule the world.
If I don’t get killed by another alpha first, of course.
I can’t be a werewolf. I have midterms next week.
But apparently fate has plans for me, because one day I was just Jesse Rafe, and the next day I’m The Alpha, the legendary were shifter who is meant to impregnate every possible shifter species omega female and rule the world.
If I don’t get killed by another alpha first, of course.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2021
625 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Eric Vall
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
August 14, 2021
The irony is that it's a Beta male self insert fantasy
Aside from the smut, the book reads like it was written for sheltered adolescent boys. It's ridiculously cringe and juvenile and the MC is the worst part. The story itself would be fine if it wasn't for the horribly clunky dialogue and the moronic MC that talks and acts like a prepubescent boy. If you read this genre, you know what this is. Another neckbeard insert.... Might as well make the cover a bottle of mountain dew sitting next to a fedora.
Aside from the smut, the book reads like it was written for sheltered adolescent boys. It's ridiculously cringe and juvenile and the MC is the worst part. The story itself would be fine if it wasn't for the horribly clunky dialogue and the moronic MC that talks and acts like a prepubescent boy. If you read this genre, you know what this is. Another neckbeard insert.... Might as well make the cover a bottle of mountain dew sitting next to a fedora.
July 1, 2021
Disjointed pacing, constant "oh" surprises, and dumb MC.
OK. First, I'm overall a fan of Eric Vall. I often look forward to his books. I appreciate that he is trying to break the tension and give a more casual "thrill ride" feel to his latest books. I also appreciate his trying to maximize the "wow" factor vicariously. I even appreciate not always having the brightest Main Character.
However, the pacing gets too disjointed sometimes. In this book during the final arc the flow gets interupted almost every 20 sentences with some interjection that feels completley unrelated. It's jarring and breaks the immersion. They either need to be shorter, the same tone as the prevuous paragraphs, or less frequent. Most likely a combination of the above. Some high tension moments fealt needlessly drawn out but that could have just been all the interruptions.
The story was also filled with a BUNCH of surprised characters. Even when it didn't make sense for them to be surprised. Sometimes it felt like the MC was extra dumb just so he could be surprised again at something he already knew.
Which brings us to the dumb MC. He frequently doesn't see what's right in front of him, even having explicitly discussed it previously. I get him being overwhelmed with new information. That's fine. But there's times it doesn't make any sense for him not to get it. Honestly I could have easily put up with just two of these issues, but all together it was too much.
The pacing is extra jarring sometimes, though. Especially when the story's really picking up. You can get an entire monologue pondering about how hot his girlfriend is and how lucky he is IN THE MIDDLE of a high tension moment. During the final fight sequence the MC can't help but get distracted by his own awesomeness.
"I raised my hands to my eyes and watched with fascination as my nails stretched and sharpened"
That's a quote from AFTER he's confronted the antagonist and the fight is starting. Though maybe it's just cuz he's dumb. I could take him being a little slower or overloaded mentally if everyone else didn't treat him like a genius all the time.
Overall the book gets a three. Without these issues the story could easily be a 4 or a 5. Even if they were just "toned down" so it's a flavor of the writing and not an impediment to the reader it would be good.
OK. First, I'm overall a fan of Eric Vall. I often look forward to his books. I appreciate that he is trying to break the tension and give a more casual "thrill ride" feel to his latest books. I also appreciate his trying to maximize the "wow" factor vicariously. I even appreciate not always having the brightest Main Character.
However, the pacing gets too disjointed sometimes. In this book during the final arc the flow gets interupted almost every 20 sentences with some interjection that feels completley unrelated. It's jarring and breaks the immersion. They either need to be shorter, the same tone as the prevuous paragraphs, or less frequent. Most likely a combination of the above. Some high tension moments fealt needlessly drawn out but that could have just been all the interruptions.
The story was also filled with a BUNCH of surprised characters. Even when it didn't make sense for them to be surprised. Sometimes it felt like the MC was extra dumb just so he could be surprised again at something he already knew.
Which brings us to the dumb MC. He frequently doesn't see what's right in front of him, even having explicitly discussed it previously. I get him being overwhelmed with new information. That's fine. But there's times it doesn't make any sense for him not to get it. Honestly I could have easily put up with just two of these issues, but all together it was too much.
The pacing is extra jarring sometimes, though. Especially when the story's really picking up. You can get an entire monologue pondering about how hot his girlfriend is and how lucky he is IN THE MIDDLE of a high tension moment. During the final fight sequence the MC can't help but get distracted by his own awesomeness.
"I raised my hands to my eyes and watched with fascination as my nails stretched and sharpened"
That's a quote from AFTER he's confronted the antagonist and the fight is starting. Though maybe it's just cuz he's dumb. I could take him being a little slower or overloaded mentally if everyone else didn't treat him like a genius all the time.
Overall the book gets a three. Without these issues the story could easily be a 4 or a 5. Even if they were just "toned down" so it's a flavor of the writing and not an impediment to the reader it would be good.
June 14, 2021
I don't know that a single part was written well
There are more holes in this story than a sieve. It felt like any subject the author tried to write about he was getting his information from a cartoon or something. Much like "The Dictator".
Is the MC in Alpha? Because he gets treated like a beta, and allows it. Do sents not get washed out in the rain? If so why? And don't even get me started on the ridiculous fight scenes. Or really anything at all in the book.
I was not even able to finish. At a certain point I just couldn't take it anymore. I kept trying to push on thinking it would get better. Nope.
I would only recommend this book to people that don't read very much. Nor have a basic understanding of just about anything. You have to be very forgiving to enjoy this.
There are more holes in this story than a sieve. It felt like any subject the author tried to write about he was getting his information from a cartoon or something. Much like "The Dictator".
Is the MC in Alpha? Because he gets treated like a beta, and allows it. Do sents not get washed out in the rain? If so why? And don't even get me started on the ridiculous fight scenes. Or really anything at all in the book.
I was not even able to finish. At a certain point I just couldn't take it anymore. I kept trying to push on thinking it would get better. Nope.
I would only recommend this book to people that don't read very much. Nor have a basic understanding of just about anything. You have to be very forgiving to enjoy this.
June 14, 2021
Not Valls best
So seems like an interesting premise. Obviously another Harem novel based on urban Fantasy. Could have been a good book in my opinion but there were a lot of flaws. The MC is an idiot plain and simple. Thick headed and slow on the uptake is not what is needed in an Alpha. Also the whole knotting thing is a bit over the top. I understand the Alpha, Jessie, is new but he doesn't seem to want to embrace his new reality with any critical thinking only emotions and overly sappy love. Why would he engage another alpha without knowing how to shift. Stupid. This made the book and story seemed rushed and not well thought out. Quite disappointing as the author usually has good books. Don't know if I will read the next book.
So seems like an interesting premise. Obviously another Harem novel based on urban Fantasy. Could have been a good book in my opinion but there were a lot of flaws. The MC is an idiot plain and simple. Thick headed and slow on the uptake is not what is needed in an Alpha. Also the whole knotting thing is a bit over the top. I understand the Alpha, Jessie, is new but he doesn't seem to want to embrace his new reality with any critical thinking only emotions and overly sappy love. Why would he engage another alpha without knowing how to shift. Stupid. This made the book and story seemed rushed and not well thought out. Quite disappointing as the author usually has good books. Don't know if I will read the next book.
August 14, 2021
Good lord, this was on Amazon's Amazon Hot New Releases.
LMFAO who buys this crap?
LMFAO who buys this crap?
January 24, 2022
I... I... just... what the fuck. Almost as bad as something from Robin Hobb.
September 22, 2021
eh, decent story but lack of major needed details
It’s a pretty good book oversell but some of the details are just left out due to the lack of depth ness that I think the author has, and other times like for example SPOILER ALERT(kinda ig): at the end Benji was eating breakfast with them, but supposedly lives in a whole different house so why is he there? Also lack of explanation of background side characters, John I think his name was…. Where was he? Also what does benji look like? Is he buff? Like you wrote a pretty good book but just left out simple details that’s other authors are sure to pick up on, 3 ⭐️
It’s a pretty good book oversell but some of the details are just left out due to the lack of depth ness that I think the author has, and other times like for example SPOILER ALERT(kinda ig): at the end Benji was eating breakfast with them, but supposedly lives in a whole different house so why is he there? Also lack of explanation of background side characters, John I think his name was…. Where was he? Also what does benji look like? Is he buff? Like you wrote a pretty good book but just left out simple details that’s other authors are sure to pick up on, 3 ⭐️
February 2, 2022
Obviously I went into this book with my eyes open, knowing that it wasn't going to be some kind of literary masterpiece but a bit of trashy fun. But truthfully, I'd hoped it would be better than the badly written sophomoric nonsense you can find for free by the bucketload on Wattpad.
It wasn't.
The main character, Jesse, is a nauseating dweeb who acts, thinks and talks like a wet blanket but is inexplicably the object of everyone's adoration after realising he's a wolf. He's essentially every teenage boy's urban fantasy self-insert. His mate, Nikita (who I refer to as his 'mate' because that's what she is after only a few pages of being introduced) is an empty vessel who exists to do nothing but be sexy and tell Jesse how amazing he is.
The prose varies between bland and ridiculous. Even the spice is utterly lacking in any sort of flavour or creativity and reads like it was written by an eighteen-year-old virgin. I couldn't even countenance reading the next book in the series because I can't imagine in what way it wouldn't just be the same book over again.
It seems almost unfair to level so much criticism at a book that is quite clearly marketed to a lowest common demoninator, but trust me when I say that the cover art is the most impressive thing about these books.
It wasn't.
The main character, Jesse, is a nauseating dweeb who acts, thinks and talks like a wet blanket but is inexplicably the object of everyone's adoration after realising he's a wolf. He's essentially every teenage boy's urban fantasy self-insert. His mate, Nikita (who I refer to as his 'mate' because that's what she is after only a few pages of being introduced) is an empty vessel who exists to do nothing but be sexy and tell Jesse how amazing he is.
The prose varies between bland and ridiculous. Even the spice is utterly lacking in any sort of flavour or creativity and reads like it was written by an eighteen-year-old virgin. I couldn't even countenance reading the next book in the series because I can't imagine in what way it wouldn't just be the same book over again.
It seems almost unfair to level so much criticism at a book that is quite clearly marketed to a lowest common demoninator, but trust me when I say that the cover art is the most impressive thing about these books.
May 31, 2021
A interesting take on an urban fantasy
I like how the story was written about a guy who seemed ordinary. He seems somewhat smart but he was still a bit naive. The poor main character had so many things happening to him that he was caught up in his emotions and had a hard time realizing what was going on half the time. His reactions to situations made sense but I can't help but feeling a little frustrated that he was not catching on to what was going on when it seems so obvious to me but then again that was just because of him being blindsided by situations and his emotions. The main character has very strong support characters in his life for which if it wasn't for them I don't think he would have made it through the story. So for me I like having a story with strong characters not just the main character. As the story progressed towards the end he finally started coming into his own and acting like a true alpha. I see much potential in the story and would like to see where it goes and see what he encounters. I hope this story hits a hundred reviews then the author promises to write the second book would love to read it soon.
I like how the story was written about a guy who seemed ordinary. He seems somewhat smart but he was still a bit naive. The poor main character had so many things happening to him that he was caught up in his emotions and had a hard time realizing what was going on half the time. His reactions to situations made sense but I can't help but feeling a little frustrated that he was not catching on to what was going on when it seems so obvious to me but then again that was just because of him being blindsided by situations and his emotions. The main character has very strong support characters in his life for which if it wasn't for them I don't think he would have made it through the story. So for me I like having a story with strong characters not just the main character. As the story progressed towards the end he finally started coming into his own and acting like a true alpha. I see much potential in the story and would like to see where it goes and see what he encounters. I hope this story hits a hundred reviews then the author promises to write the second book would love to read it soon.
May 31, 2021
Wow! Really enjoyed The Alpha
When I first realized what this story was about I couldn’t help but think “Oh Geez, another Alpha werewolf story?” This is the third such story type I’d encountered - the first was a highly successful series that I totally enjoyed - fast-paced, plenty of action and positive energy. The second was just the opposite - filled with negative energy, and SO plodding my review said it felt like ‘I’d boarded an extremely slow train to nowhere.’ Ugh.
Then I discovered The Alpha by this author - someone who’s work I very much enjoy. I was a little dubious, but dived in, and SO glad I did. The Alpha is an excellent story, focused entirely on shape shifters. Though shape shifters are supernatural, there are no mages, witches, or any mention of magic in this episode. I kinda like that, as I always felt that magical beings and objects were there mainly as a shortcut to achieve an outcome. I liked how The Alpha at times seemed to exude electric intensity during battles, yet even the mundane tasks like character introductions or providing backstory were very interesting.
Highly recommend this book - and anything from this author.
When I first realized what this story was about I couldn’t help but think “Oh Geez, another Alpha werewolf story?” This is the third such story type I’d encountered - the first was a highly successful series that I totally enjoyed - fast-paced, plenty of action and positive energy. The second was just the opposite - filled with negative energy, and SO plodding my review said it felt like ‘I’d boarded an extremely slow train to nowhere.’ Ugh.
Then I discovered The Alpha by this author - someone who’s work I very much enjoy. I was a little dubious, but dived in, and SO glad I did. The Alpha is an excellent story, focused entirely on shape shifters. Though shape shifters are supernatural, there are no mages, witches, or any mention of magic in this episode. I kinda like that, as I always felt that magical beings and objects were there mainly as a shortcut to achieve an outcome. I liked how The Alpha at times seemed to exude electric intensity during battles, yet even the mundane tasks like character introductions or providing backstory were very interesting.
Highly recommend this book - and anything from this author.
June 4, 2021
Not sure how I feel about this one
While I can say I enjoyed the book they have a bad habit of glossing over some aspects, simply taking things a bit too far in stride in for what feels like expediency. Revelations come to light and then are simply accepted within a few pages. Points where they could have explored some physical and emotional conflicts deeper for more impact fall a little flat with how they’re over faster than the adult scenes. Overall it leaves me with the impression as though it’s trying to be a raunchy novel and an action adventure but explores neither enough to satisfy.
While I can say I enjoyed the book they have a bad habit of glossing over some aspects, simply taking things a bit too far in stride in for what feels like expediency. Revelations come to light and then are simply accepted within a few pages. Points where they could have explored some physical and emotional conflicts deeper for more impact fall a little flat with how they’re over faster than the adult scenes. Overall it leaves me with the impression as though it’s trying to be a raunchy novel and an action adventure but explores neither enough to satisfy.
June 30, 2021
Fun Read…
The author does a great job of keeping the protagonist relatable & compelling for the reader. However, the side characters are a little lifeless. It would be more interesting to see them meld their hobbies & goals into a single shared future. Otherwise the Omegas become more like trophies instead of people.
For those who may wonder, 3/5 ⭐️ stars ⭐️ means it is a great read for those who are interested in the genre, think do I. The last two should be reserved for those that attract readers new to the genre, feel do I… such as Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter. It is just a matter of giving the characters & story greater depth, so that they feel more real.
The author does a great job of keeping the protagonist relatable & compelling for the reader. However, the side characters are a little lifeless. It would be more interesting to see them meld their hobbies & goals into a single shared future. Otherwise the Omegas become more like trophies instead of people.
For those who may wonder, 3/5 ⭐️ stars ⭐️ means it is a great read for those who are interested in the genre, think do I. The last two should be reserved for those that attract readers new to the genre, feel do I… such as Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter. It is just a matter of giving the characters & story greater depth, so that they feel more real.
June 12, 2021
It's a trap
It's a trap the sample seems good but in the next chapter he blows of the problem of his instrument left at a triple murder Sean, possible footig of I's first translation in to a werewolf at the store, not to mention he seems to never of herd of alphys, betas when he plays dnd for Gods sake the chapter he then gose to school a giant his gardens wishes you know the one that's been a werewolf longer then hes been alive an hes support to be smart for f n sake
It's a trap the sample seems good but in the next chapter he blows of the problem of his instrument left at a triple murder Sean, possible footig of I's first translation in to a werewolf at the store, not to mention he seems to never of herd of alphys, betas when he plays dnd for Gods sake the chapter he then gose to school a giant his gardens wishes you know the one that's been a werewolf longer then hes been alive an hes support to be smart for f n sake
October 23, 2021
Not the worst in this genre, but pretty close
Oh my god. Take every cheesy cliche you can think of, toss it in a blender and you've got this book. The fawning over Jesse inspires violent regurgitation. The final fight - at death's door, but remembers the look of his love in bed, and finds the strength to fight on. Barf. I am glad this was a KU title so I didn't waste money on it, but I sure wasted my time.
Oh my god. Take every cheesy cliche you can think of, toss it in a blender and you've got this book. The fawning over Jesse inspires violent regurgitation. The final fight - at death's door, but remembers the look of his love in bed, and finds the strength to fight on. Barf. I am glad this was a KU title so I didn't waste money on it, but I sure wasted my time.
November 10, 2021
Not Eric's best work at all. This was so painfully derivative of books of this genre, whether the story telling improves in following books I dont know. This one was just too predictable and cliche, if books could be stereotypical low budget B movies this is it.
Eric, what happened buddy I love your work and this was just... sigh.
Eric, what happened buddy I love your work and this was just... sigh.
November 7, 2021
Decent
Great concept but the pacing is abysmal, could definitely have used more filler or something to spread it out more I think. Just jumped from one thing to another. Again great concept and looking forward to reading the others, just a warning about the pacing.
Great concept but the pacing is abysmal, could definitely have used more filler or something to spread it out more I think. Just jumped from one thing to another. Again great concept and looking forward to reading the others, just a warning about the pacing.
January 12, 2022
Inspiring & Encouraging for 14 year old news Boys lol!
Yep. One day a status-less nerd, the next a powerful werewolf killer who attracts hot chicks who want nothing more than to submit sexually & have his babies. Oh Yeah! What could be a better fantasy?
Yep. One day a status-less nerd, the next a powerful werewolf killer who attracts hot chicks who want nothing more than to submit sexually & have his babies. Oh Yeah! What could be a better fantasy?
June 1, 2021
Crazy great shifter story
A late bloomer, so to speak, but he jumps in head first and owns it. I look forward to seeing where this story goes in book 2!!
A late bloomer, so to speak, but he jumps in head first and owns it. I look forward to seeing where this story goes in book 2!!
January 23, 2022
it’s an okay story
The only thing that killed this story, for me, were the amount of typos. There was just so many that it became a bit of a distraction.
The only thing that killed this story, for me, were the amount of typos. There was just so many that it became a bit of a distraction.
January 31, 2022
Von den schriftlichen Reviews hat dieses Buch nur sehr schlechte Bewertungen auf Goodreads, aber an Sternen allgemein ist es mit einem Rating von 4,29 bei 960 abgegeben Stimmen richtig gut. So etwas verwirrt mich und ich weiß nicht recht wie das zu Stande kommt. Aber egal, da mein Geschmack eh teilweise eher ausgefallen ist, habe ich mir das Hörbuch gekauft. Ich wollte etwas einfaches, lockeres und erotisches Lesen. Und das habe ich alles bekommen.
Inhaltlich finde ich es wirklich interessant. Ein nerdiger Collegestudent verwandelt sich plötzlich in einen Wolf bzw. Wolfsmenschen, als er eine Kassiererin beschützen will. Das darauf folgende Blutbad zeigt einem dann sehr schnell, dass dieses Buch eben nicht nur auf Erotik, sondern auch auf Action ausgelegt ist. Da ich viel in diesen Genres unterwegs bin, erkannte ich schnell, dass dieses Buch ein typische Männer „Rom“antasy-Titel mit Action und Erotik, der etwas eher wenig auf die Romance schiene geht. Ich kann solche Bücher aber auch sehr genießen, vor allem wenn ich in der Stimmung für sehr geradlinige, erotische Stories bin, bei denen man nicht nachdenken und ein nur genießen kann. Die Erotik ist zwar ohne viele Schörkel und man wird gleich im ersten Teil darauf hingewiesen, dass Jesse natürlich ein ganz besonderer Alpha ist und sehr viele Omega beglücken wird und das natürlich gar kein Problem für die Omegas ist. Typisch Männer-Erotik eben. Aber wie gesagt, wenn die Mischung ansonsten stimmt kann ich auch als Frau sowas genießen.
In diesem Band bindet sich Jesse auch gleich an eine Omega. Dieses Beziehung wird, auch wenn sie hauptsächlich um Sex geht und darum auch noch schnell Schwanger zu werden, nicht nur oberflächlich. Man merkt das Nicky etwas ganz besonderes für Jesse ist und genau das hat mich dann auch am Ball gehalten und ich hoffe, ich werde dann, wenn die anderen Partnerinnen dazukommen werden, nicht abgeschreckt werde.
Noch ist es wie eine Teeny/Young Adult Story. Es erinnert mich sehr an die Serie Teen Wolf nur halt mit dem Erotik-Thema.
Der Schreibstil ist allerdings sehr einfach und da kann ich den Unwillen der ReviewSchreiben nachvollziehen. Hier gibt es nicht viel Finesse, alles läuft linear ab und Konflikte werden viel zu einfach gelöst. Die Nebenchaktere bleiben eher flach und es gibt viel Plotholes. Dinge die anfangs super wichtig waren, werden im Laufe des Buches nicht mehr erwähnt. Niemand reagiert auf die verstümmelten Leichen, die es hier so im Laufe der Zeit gibt, Jesse hat nicht wirklich ein Problem mit seiner neuen Stellung, obwohl sie komplett das Gegenteil zu seinem vorherigen Leben darstellt. Nebencharaktere ändern ihre Meinung plötzlich ohne, dass man es wirklich nachvollziehen kann und was mich am meisten stört ist dass Nicky seit sie Jesse kennt, nur noch schwanger werden will. Man erfährt nicht warum sie eigentlich aufs College geht und nur sehr wenig von ihrer Vergangenheit. Leichen werden einfach mal so liegen gelassen in einem Haus, dass man später übernehmen will und dieses „Jesse muss viele Alphas töten, um den großen Frieden herzustellen zwischen den verschiedenen Shifter“ finde ich auch sehr bedenklich. Es wird ja sicher auch genug Alphas geben, die sich um ihr Pack vernünftig kümmern, eigentlich müssten sie ja von Natur aus als Alphas darauf programmiert sein ihr Pack zu beschützen. Jesse kann doch nicht der einzige vorbildliche Alpha sein. Daher weiß ich nicht, ob die Story mir in den Folgenbänden wirklich noch so gefallen wird. Ich bin gespannt.
Die Hörbuchfassung kann ich nicht empfehlen. Vor allem Nicky wird so naiv vorgelesen und gerade in den erotischen Szenen hat mir das doch einen faden Beigeschmack gegeben. Ich denke ich werde dann auf die Ebooks umsteigen.
Story 4,0/5
(an sich die Idee mit dem „TheAlpha“ ist interessant)
Charaktere 3,6/5
(Nebencharaktere bleiben sehr blass)
Schreibstil 3,0/5
(sehr linear und einfach)
Lesegefühl 3,4/5
(etwas gedämpft durch die Sprecherwahl und die Plot-Holes)
Erotik 4,6/5
(deutliche Männerfantasy aber ich mochte es)
Gesamt 4,0/5
(ich werde definitiv weiterlesen)
Inhaltlich finde ich es wirklich interessant. Ein nerdiger Collegestudent verwandelt sich plötzlich in einen Wolf bzw. Wolfsmenschen, als er eine Kassiererin beschützen will. Das darauf folgende Blutbad zeigt einem dann sehr schnell, dass dieses Buch eben nicht nur auf Erotik, sondern auch auf Action ausgelegt ist. Da ich viel in diesen Genres unterwegs bin, erkannte ich schnell, dass dieses Buch ein typische Männer „Rom“antasy-Titel mit Action und Erotik, der etwas eher wenig auf die Romance schiene geht. Ich kann solche Bücher aber auch sehr genießen, vor allem wenn ich in der Stimmung für sehr geradlinige, erotische Stories bin, bei denen man nicht nachdenken und ein nur genießen kann. Die Erotik ist zwar ohne viele Schörkel und man wird gleich im ersten Teil darauf hingewiesen, dass Jesse natürlich ein ganz besonderer Alpha ist und sehr viele Omega beglücken wird und das natürlich gar kein Problem für die Omegas ist. Typisch Männer-Erotik eben. Aber wie gesagt, wenn die Mischung ansonsten stimmt kann ich auch als Frau sowas genießen.
In diesem Band bindet sich Jesse auch gleich an eine Omega. Dieses Beziehung wird, auch wenn sie hauptsächlich um Sex geht und darum auch noch schnell Schwanger zu werden, nicht nur oberflächlich. Man merkt das Nicky etwas ganz besonderes für Jesse ist und genau das hat mich dann auch am Ball gehalten und ich hoffe, ich werde dann, wenn die anderen Partnerinnen dazukommen werden, nicht abgeschreckt werde.
Noch ist es wie eine Teeny/Young Adult Story. Es erinnert mich sehr an die Serie Teen Wolf nur halt mit dem Erotik-Thema.
Der Schreibstil ist allerdings sehr einfach und da kann ich den Unwillen der ReviewSchreiben nachvollziehen. Hier gibt es nicht viel Finesse, alles läuft linear ab und Konflikte werden viel zu einfach gelöst. Die Nebenchaktere bleiben eher flach und es gibt viel Plotholes. Dinge die anfangs super wichtig waren, werden im Laufe des Buches nicht mehr erwähnt. Niemand reagiert auf die verstümmelten Leichen, die es hier so im Laufe der Zeit gibt, Jesse hat nicht wirklich ein Problem mit seiner neuen Stellung, obwohl sie komplett das Gegenteil zu seinem vorherigen Leben darstellt. Nebencharaktere ändern ihre Meinung plötzlich ohne, dass man es wirklich nachvollziehen kann und was mich am meisten stört ist dass Nicky seit sie Jesse kennt, nur noch schwanger werden will. Man erfährt nicht warum sie eigentlich aufs College geht und nur sehr wenig von ihrer Vergangenheit. Leichen werden einfach mal so liegen gelassen in einem Haus, dass man später übernehmen will und dieses „Jesse muss viele Alphas töten, um den großen Frieden herzustellen zwischen den verschiedenen Shifter“ finde ich auch sehr bedenklich. Es wird ja sicher auch genug Alphas geben, die sich um ihr Pack vernünftig kümmern, eigentlich müssten sie ja von Natur aus als Alphas darauf programmiert sein ihr Pack zu beschützen. Jesse kann doch nicht der einzige vorbildliche Alpha sein. Daher weiß ich nicht, ob die Story mir in den Folgenbänden wirklich noch so gefallen wird. Ich bin gespannt.
Die Hörbuchfassung kann ich nicht empfehlen. Vor allem Nicky wird so naiv vorgelesen und gerade in den erotischen Szenen hat mir das doch einen faden Beigeschmack gegeben. Ich denke ich werde dann auf die Ebooks umsteigen.
Story 4,0/5
(an sich die Idee mit dem „TheAlpha“ ist interessant)
Charaktere 3,6/5
(Nebencharaktere bleiben sehr blass)
Schreibstil 3,0/5
(sehr linear und einfach)
Lesegefühl 3,4/5
(etwas gedämpft durch die Sprecherwahl und die Plot-Holes)
Erotik 4,6/5
(deutliche Männerfantasy aber ich mochte es)
Gesamt 4,0/5
(ich werde definitiv weiterlesen)
January 30, 2023
“The Alpha” is a beast of a harem adventure from Eric Vall. Our hero, Jesse Rafe, is just an average college guy. He likes to hang out and play Dungeons & Dragons with his friends, and his most prized possession is his violin. He’s not the kind of guy one might expect to be the alpha of anything, let alone the Alpha of everything.
But when he gets caught in the middle of a convenience-store robbery, Jesse finds new strength he never knew he had. And that’s not a metaphor. He literally gets stronger, by hulking out into a big mamma-jamma of a werewolf and murdering all the bad guys. Dang, dude. This book goes from zero to sixty in chapter one!
Vall does a great job with the “zero to hero” angle of this story as we follow an ordinary man who is thrust into extraordinary circumstances and forced to adapt to survive. And it’s not just his survival on the line, but the survival of those he loves. Because when you’re the legendary capital-A Alpha who is destined to bring peace to the long-feuding shifter tribes, everyone is gunning for you. Well, not gunning so much as claw-and-toothing, but you get the idea.
As the Alpha, Jesse accumulates power by finding and mating with special shifter females known as omegas. Surprisingly for a haremlit story, Jesse only finds one of them in this first book. But what an omega he finds! Nikita is a drop-dead gorgeous girl who is physically unable to resist giving her entire heart and body to the newly minted Alpha. And the sexytimes abound!
If you’re looking to scratch that shifter-lore haremlit itch, “The Alpha” has the claws you’re looking for.
But when he gets caught in the middle of a convenience-store robbery, Jesse finds new strength he never knew he had. And that’s not a metaphor. He literally gets stronger, by hulking out into a big mamma-jamma of a werewolf and murdering all the bad guys. Dang, dude. This book goes from zero to sixty in chapter one!
Vall does a great job with the “zero to hero” angle of this story as we follow an ordinary man who is thrust into extraordinary circumstances and forced to adapt to survive. And it’s not just his survival on the line, but the survival of those he loves. Because when you’re the legendary capital-A Alpha who is destined to bring peace to the long-feuding shifter tribes, everyone is gunning for you. Well, not gunning so much as claw-and-toothing, but you get the idea.
As the Alpha, Jesse accumulates power by finding and mating with special shifter females known as omegas. Surprisingly for a haremlit story, Jesse only finds one of them in this first book. But what an omega he finds! Nikita is a drop-dead gorgeous girl who is physically unable to resist giving her entire heart and body to the newly minted Alpha. And the sexytimes abound!
If you’re looking to scratch that shifter-lore haremlit itch, “The Alpha” has the claws you’re looking for.
May 24, 2022
I had a tough time finishing this one. The MC is an idiot and a wimp, who just happens to get his crazy powerful ability because mom and dad were powerful. Then has the nerve to rage against the rich for inheriting money from their parents with no effort of their own... I guess he doesn't see the irony there. At no point in this book was he truly heroic or impressive, and even spends most of one chapter scurrying around his college campus trying to avoid the supposed bad guys and runs away terrified in the end.
I might try one more of these just to see if it gets any better, but not soon. I need to read a few good stories first to help remove the memory of this mess.
I might try one more of these just to see if it gets any better, but not soon. I need to read a few good stories first to help remove the memory of this mess.
September 27, 2021
An enjoyable read but left me strangely weirded out
Similar premise to some other “were” novels where the MC suddenly has an ability, and it’s not just a normal ability it’s over the top. It’s never explained why nobody is looking for the MC after the messy beginnings of the novel, although it could be explained later in the series. For some reason the last part of the book did not resonate with me (pointless deaths, or the pack mentality displayed by the betas.. not sure exactly what it was), and left me with the odd experience of enjoying the book, but leaving me feeling flat about reading the next book. Maybe it was his sudden enthusiasm to become The Alpha instead of his initial goal of protecting his mate, and now he wants to find more omegas, and kill other Alphas.
Similar premise to some other “were” novels where the MC suddenly has an ability, and it’s not just a normal ability it’s over the top. It’s never explained why nobody is looking for the MC after the messy beginnings of the novel, although it could be explained later in the series. For some reason the last part of the book did not resonate with me (pointless deaths, or the pack mentality displayed by the betas.. not sure exactly what it was), and left me with the odd experience of enjoying the book, but leaving me feeling flat about reading the next book. Maybe it was his sudden enthusiasm to become The Alpha instead of his initial goal of protecting his mate, and now he wants to find more omegas, and kill other Alphas.
August 27, 2021
Learn to be The Alpha
Jess is just a kid trying to do his best in college, but then life throws him a curve ball. He finds out that he can change from human to werewolf, but not just a wolf, an Alpha. Thats the leader of a pack, then he learns that he is the legendary werewolf called The Alpha because he can mate with other shifters other than wolves.
Challenges follow and he needs to protect his pack. He has to kill or be killed!
Fun read and I'm looking forward to seeing more.
Read in 2 days
Jess is just a kid trying to do his best in college, but then life throws him a curve ball. He finds out that he can change from human to werewolf, but not just a wolf, an Alpha. Thats the leader of a pack, then he learns that he is the legendary werewolf called The Alpha because he can mate with other shifters other than wolves.
Challenges follow and he needs to protect his pack. He has to kill or be killed!
Fun read and I'm looking forward to seeing more.
Read in 2 days
May 29, 2022
First, go into it knowing the genre...if you don't like it, don't bother. And I'll say this about the whole series. You're either going to like it or you won't. I love the story, so I'm able to overlook the MC being less than the most intelligent if you get me, and the few strange aspects (in the love making for example) As a warning, If you intend on going the audiobook direction, try to listen, if you can, to the original narrators or wait for the third. The second are currently being re-recorded due to bad narrating. You will thank me later.
October 25, 2023
I'm in shock how much I enjoyed this book
I was a bit skeptical at first but the reading was smooth the story moved at a great pace and felt realistic at some points and the charactors developed nicely. I am looking forward to reading this series I enjoyed book one and consumed it quickly I recommend this series for anyone looking for a quick one day read with good story and great charactors
I was a bit skeptical at first but the reading was smooth the story moved at a great pace and felt realistic at some points and the charactors developed nicely. I am looking forward to reading this series I enjoyed book one and consumed it quickly I recommend this series for anyone looking for a quick one day read with good story and great charactors
April 24, 2025
Jesse, in a moment of extreme stress, werewolf’s out. From there he learns he is an Alpha wolf who gains his powers from mating (and claiming) Omega wolves. This process is impossible to stop once one of them gets a whiff of the other’s scent. From here Jesse mates with Nakita, and learns that she isn’t a wolf, and he is The Alpha chosen one to unite all were creatures. Pretty straight forward harem book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2021
Absolutely fascinating!
An urban shifter fantasy, and an action packed one at that.
This book is fascinating! Unusual, but fun filled and exciting that I didn't want to put it down.
The construction of pride and packs and the roles of Omega amongst shifter society is interesting.
Look forward to seeing where this series goes
An urban shifter fantasy, and an action packed one at that.
This book is fascinating! Unusual, but fun filled and exciting that I didn't want to put it down.
The construction of pride and packs and the roles of Omega amongst shifter society is interesting.
Look forward to seeing where this series goes
May 31, 2021
A great start to a new series
Eric Vall does it again. A new series and this time it's about werewolves and shape shifters. No dragons in this one, but dang its good. One of those books you can't put down until it's finished. The world building and character development is amazing and what you expect from Mr Vall. I am loving it already and now await book 2 with baited breath.
Eric Vall does it again. A new series and this time it's about werewolves and shape shifters. No dragons in this one, but dang its good. One of those books you can't put down until it's finished. The world building and character development is amazing and what you expect from Mr Vall. I am loving it already and now await book 2 with baited breath.
May 31, 2021
Cant wait for book 2.
Loved the teen wolf vibe it started off with and then got darker quickly. Couldnt stop reading. Wasnt sure how Mr Vall could ever top Summoner and Dragon Conjurer but this has had me so enthralled that it may be on the level of those other series'. Cant wait for book 2. Great Job!!!!
Loved the teen wolf vibe it started off with and then got darker quickly. Couldnt stop reading. Wasnt sure how Mr Vall could ever top Summoner and Dragon Conjurer but this has had me so enthralled that it may be on the level of those other series'. Cant wait for book 2. Great Job!!!!
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