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A Shifting Society #3
Destined to Lead
Rejected.
Banished.
Packless.
Alone.
When the love of my life rejects me, I'm desperate to escape the wilds. Even if it means fleeing to the human cities. Shifters grow up hearing horror stories about humans treating us as nothing more than a nuisance at best and easy sport at worst.
But if being rejected by my mate has taught me anything, it's that people lie, and I need to discover the truth of the world for myself.
When I catch the eye of two shifters, I gain a couple of sexy and unwanted stalkers. They follow me to the cities where nothing goes as planned, and I end up in a horror story of my own until a stranger comes to my rescue.
All of this is more than I bargained for, and three men?
Hello, complicated.
I may have lost my pack, but maybe I had to be a lone wolf to realize I need to build my own.
Banished.
Packless.
Alone.
When the love of my life rejects me, I'm desperate to escape the wilds. Even if it means fleeing to the human cities. Shifters grow up hearing horror stories about humans treating us as nothing more than a nuisance at best and easy sport at worst.
But if being rejected by my mate has taught me anything, it's that people lie, and I need to discover the truth of the world for myself.
When I catch the eye of two shifters, I gain a couple of sexy and unwanted stalkers. They follow me to the cities where nothing goes as planned, and I end up in a horror story of my own until a stranger comes to my rescue.
All of this is more than I bargained for, and three men?
Hello, complicated.
I may have lost my pack, but maybe I had to be a lone wolf to realize I need to build my own.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2021
105 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
January 19, 2023
4.4 stars.
This was really enjoyable.
I loved how easy it was to read.
There was some angstyness throughout but it was low level angst, and was worked through throughout, with the help of her mates.
I really liked all of the characters and their personalities. Wren was a total badass leader, and her mates were so supportive and uplifting and just, there for her in any capacity she needed them to be. It was great.
I loved the little bits of humor and playfulness sprinkled throughout the book.
The training, and fighting were the perfect level of excitement to keep everything interesting and moving at a good pace.
I just really liked it.
The plot was simple enough to go smoothly, but complex enough to be satisfyingly dangerous.
The sex was hot and I feel like we got a good amount of time with each of the men to actually feel equal and connected to them. Plus there was some light funishment, and bondage to spice it up, which was fun.
I’m looking forward to reading more in this series, and definitely more from this author.
This was really enjoyable.
I loved how easy it was to read.
There was some angstyness throughout but it was low level angst, and was worked through throughout, with the help of her mates.
I really liked all of the characters and their personalities. Wren was a total badass leader, and her mates were so supportive and uplifting and just, there for her in any capacity she needed them to be. It was great.
I loved the little bits of humor and playfulness sprinkled throughout the book.
The training, and fighting were the perfect level of excitement to keep everything interesting and moving at a good pace.
I just really liked it.
The plot was simple enough to go smoothly, but complex enough to be satisfyingly dangerous.
The sex was hot and I feel like we got a good amount of time with each of the men to actually feel equal and connected to them. Plus there was some light funishment, and bondage to spice it up, which was fun.
I’m looking forward to reading more in this series, and definitely more from this author.
March 25, 2021
I absolutely love Sterling Thomas’ books! This book and the series it’s part of is a shared universe of shifters/humans/mages. You don't need to read the other 2 books in the series but it does help fill in details of other characters- and honestly, why wouldn't you?!
Wren is a sassy, sparky, no-nonsense woman. She has all this power within her but when her intended mate turns his back on her and banished her from the pack, she finds herself all alone and on the run. That is until she stumbles upon the quaint little town called Haven. Wren meets 2 cat shifters that feel a pull for her, yet she still is in shock and finds herself being pulled to the city. After a horrible experience in the city, she then stumbles upon a mage. There she finally accepts her feelings and recognizes the pull for what it is.
The descriptions of the characters, cities, and pack dynamics are all so excellent. You really feel like you're in the story and can see everything happen as it gets told. The characters are brilliant! I love Wren’s character, her new pack, and the trials that they go through. The men are brilliant and their banter as a trio is hilarious!
I absolutely loved this book and would love to see more of this world and the wonderful people in it.
Wren is a sassy, sparky, no-nonsense woman. She has all this power within her but when her intended mate turns his back on her and banished her from the pack, she finds herself all alone and on the run. That is until she stumbles upon the quaint little town called Haven. Wren meets 2 cat shifters that feel a pull for her, yet she still is in shock and finds herself being pulled to the city. After a horrible experience in the city, she then stumbles upon a mage. There she finally accepts her feelings and recognizes the pull for what it is.
The descriptions of the characters, cities, and pack dynamics are all so excellent. You really feel like you're in the story and can see everything happen as it gets told. The characters are brilliant! I love Wren’s character, her new pack, and the trials that they go through. The men are brilliant and their banter as a trio is hilarious!
I absolutely loved this book and would love to see more of this world and the wonderful people in it.
March 29, 2021
I've loved both the previous Shifting Society books but each of those had a human female lead with shifter mates. This time the fmc is Wren, a wolf shifter, who has to learn how to survive after being rejected by her mate and exiled from her pack.
Wren is a total badass but still manages to have a softer side. She really grieves her childhood love and everything she has lost but doesn't become bitter.
The mates are a mix of personalities that manage to work together well....after a few bumps.
While each can be read as a standalone - read the other two, they are so good!
I really hope that more books are planned
Wren is a total badass but still manages to have a softer side. She really grieves her childhood love and everything she has lost but doesn't become bitter.
The mates are a mix of personalities that manage to work together well....after a few bumps.
While each can be read as a standalone - read the other two, they are so good!
I really hope that more books are planned
August 7, 2021
3 light hearted & predictable stars
I don’t usually read series out of order but this was a recommendation from a GR friend & Alice was absolutely correct in saying it’s ok to read as a standalone.
I liked the FMCS & the MMC(s) the world was easily deciphered & the story made for a light & fluffy read.
I don’t usually read series out of order but this was a recommendation from a GR friend & Alice was absolutely correct in saying it’s ok to read as a standalone.
I liked the FMCS & the MMC(s) the world was easily deciphered & the story made for a light & fluffy read.
March 29, 2021
Actual review 4.5*
Wren is probably my favourite FMC from this author to date. She's independent and takes no nonsense, but is able to express her emotions and not come off as super closed off and emotionally unavailable. A really beautiful mixture of heartbreak and loss, along with new love and female empowerment.
Truly a beautiful read. Highly recommend if you enjoy a woman who owns her business and does what she needs to do for her self.
Wren is probably my favourite FMC from this author to date. She's independent and takes no nonsense, but is able to express her emotions and not come off as super closed off and emotionally unavailable. A really beautiful mixture of heartbreak and loss, along with new love and female empowerment.
Truly a beautiful read. Highly recommend if you enjoy a woman who owns her business and does what she needs to do for her self.
March 31, 2021
absolutely love this series! ... love, hate, rejection, acceptance ... definitely on my "re-read list"
April 14, 2025
RH MMM (Panther, Lion & Mage)/Shifters, Vampires & Mages/Multi PoV
SYNOPSIS: This story is set in a world where there are supernaturals and humans who know about them but hate them. The FC, Wren, was brought up to take over from her father as Beta of the pack and is due to be mated with her childhood sweetheart in a few weeks. The story starts with the arrival of the alpha and his daughter from another pack who have come to celebrate their alliance. It is at the celebratory banquet that her proposed mate rejects her in favour of the daughter of the visiting pack and she is banished from her pack. Whilst fleeing she meets two cat shifters who turn out to be her fated mates and then, when she ventures into the city she meets her mage fated mate. The story takes a more dramatic turn when the FC discovers that her old pack want to invade human towns and cities and kill them and the FC tries to stop them.
Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🍆🍆🍆 There are some hot scenes, well written with a bit of dom action thrown in as well as one on one and group. There is no MM action, all the scenes are focussed around the FC
Overall this is a fun, quick read. There are an unfortunate amount of typos/editing issues but these don’t create too many issues. The story moves swiftly along with sufficient action to keep the story interesting. There are some scenes with fights and violence as well as drama but not real angst. The FC is strong and kick ass not afraid to stand up for herself and what she believes in and the MCs are strong and possessive but sweet and protective. The story is relatively superficial with no real depth or background building for the main characters or relationship building. As this involves fated mates there is insta love/attraction which leapfrogs any connection building between the MCs/FC.
The climactic ending comes on quickly and again, with no real lead up. Having said that it is still a fun romp with a big fight scene ending where the villains all get their comeuppance and a HEA.
In summary, if you are looking for a quick read with romance, some sex and action but which won’t drag you down into angst then this is the book for you.
SYNOPSIS: This story is set in a world where there are supernaturals and humans who know about them but hate them. The FC, Wren, was brought up to take over from her father as Beta of the pack and is due to be mated with her childhood sweetheart in a few weeks. The story starts with the arrival of the alpha and his daughter from another pack who have come to celebrate their alliance. It is at the celebratory banquet that her proposed mate rejects her in favour of the daughter of the visiting pack and she is banished from her pack. Whilst fleeing she meets two cat shifters who turn out to be her fated mates and then, when she ventures into the city she meets her mage fated mate. The story takes a more dramatic turn when the FC discovers that her old pack want to invade human towns and cities and kill them and the FC tries to stop them.
Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🍆🍆🍆 There are some hot scenes, well written with a bit of dom action thrown in as well as one on one and group. There is no MM action, all the scenes are focussed around the FC
Overall this is a fun, quick read. There are an unfortunate amount of typos/editing issues but these don’t create too many issues. The story moves swiftly along with sufficient action to keep the story interesting. There are some scenes with fights and violence as well as drama but not real angst. The FC is strong and kick ass not afraid to stand up for herself and what she believes in and the MCs are strong and possessive but sweet and protective. The story is relatively superficial with no real depth or background building for the main characters or relationship building. As this involves fated mates there is insta love/attraction which leapfrogs any connection building between the MCs/FC.
The climactic ending comes on quickly and again, with no real lead up. Having said that it is still a fun romp with a big fight scene ending where the villains all get their comeuppance and a HEA.
In summary, if you are looking for a quick read with romance, some sex and action but which won’t drag you down into angst then this is the book for you.
March 22, 2021
After the first book in this series I was a little hesitant to read more. Not so much because I didn't enjoy it, because I did, but because the first half of the first book was not that exciting and it took me a while to see the beauty of the book. However, when I got a change to read an ARC of this book I decided to just give it a chance. After all, I had only read one book by Thomas and judging an author based on only one book isn't fair, right?
And I'm so glad that I gave Thomas another chance! This book had a totally different main character and that actually made this story intriguing and interesting from the very start. Wren is a woman who knows what she wants. She can fight, she can plan, she knows how to play the game and she has a great tactical insight. She's in every way the Alpha her pack is not allowing her to be. And that means that in the book she constantly takes matters into her own hand. Yes, she takes risks, but it are calculated risks, and she learns from the things that go wrong.
I also felt that the plot of this story was a little better paced. Thomas really took her time to explain Wren's situation. We got to see how she lived, how her life was like and what she had to lose. Therefore it was easy to connect with her and to feel for her. I really loved how everything that happened between Wren and her pack came back and how Wren not only got a chance to get her revenge, but she also got the chance to proof that she's the best leader one could wish for.
On top of that I really love the world and worldbuilding in this series. Of course, the world is far from pretty. The stories the guys were telling and everything they'd been through were quite sickening and the time we spent in the bigger town wasn't very pleasant either, but that also makes it easier to appreciate the good and beautiful in this story. And there is good and beautiful in this story. Thomas really made sure, with a little help from her three guys, to balance the good and the bad perfectly.
And I'm so glad that I gave Thomas another chance! This book had a totally different main character and that actually made this story intriguing and interesting from the very start. Wren is a woman who knows what she wants. She can fight, she can plan, she knows how to play the game and she has a great tactical insight. She's in every way the Alpha her pack is not allowing her to be. And that means that in the book she constantly takes matters into her own hand. Yes, she takes risks, but it are calculated risks, and she learns from the things that go wrong.
I also felt that the plot of this story was a little better paced. Thomas really took her time to explain Wren's situation. We got to see how she lived, how her life was like and what she had to lose. Therefore it was easy to connect with her and to feel for her. I really loved how everything that happened between Wren and her pack came back and how Wren not only got a chance to get her revenge, but she also got the chance to proof that she's the best leader one could wish for.
On top of that I really love the world and worldbuilding in this series. Of course, the world is far from pretty. The stories the guys were telling and everything they'd been through were quite sickening and the time we spent in the bigger town wasn't very pleasant either, but that also makes it easier to appreciate the good and beautiful in this story. And there is good and beautiful in this story. Thomas really made sure, with a little help from her three guys, to balance the good and the bad perfectly.
March 30, 2021
This was an enjoyable read! I liked that it was a standalone but i would’ve liked it more if the draw out had been longer, like a duet. It wasn’t completely instalove (for her at least) but close.
I’m all about rejected mates but damn this one hurt. I totally knew there was a bigger reason for Bran’s rejection, and I wish she would’ve been able to question it initially. I know everything has a reason, but I really wanted Bran to be a part of her harem. Ten years of a relationship down the drain for something that he was trying to protect her from, which makes her moving on not as fun anymore.
I really liked her though, and i liked that she was an alpha female. Loved seeing the battle at the end, and her new mates were fun too.
Overall it was a good read!
I’m all about rejected mates but damn this one hurt. I totally knew there was a bigger reason for Bran’s rejection, and I wish she would’ve been able to question it initially. I know everything has a reason, but I really wanted Bran to be a part of her harem. Ten years of a relationship down the drain for something that he was trying to protect her from, which makes her moving on not as fun anymore.
I really liked her though, and i liked that she was an alpha female. Loved seeing the battle at the end, and her new mates were fun too.
Overall it was a good read!
April 6, 2021
Seriously addicted to this series - each book is a standalone and brilliant in its own right but together they are creating a really brilliant tapestry of books that is seriously addictive . I just freaking love this world.
Wren is rejected by her mate and banished by her pact
Alone , she has to find a way forward, a way to survive.
This is a story of self discovery for a beautifully sassy sexy woman who has a really endearing vulnerability which makes you just want her triumph in the face of adversity and boy does she!
Every book in this series which is shared between two authors just raises the bar higher and higher!
Wren is rejected by her mate and banished by her pact
Alone , she has to find a way forward, a way to survive.
This is a story of self discovery for a beautifully sassy sexy woman who has a really endearing vulnerability which makes you just want her triumph in the face of adversity and boy does she!
Every book in this series which is shared between two authors just raises the bar higher and higher!
April 5, 2021
This was such a great book. The characters are are all amazingly written who take you on a yo-yo ride of emotions. If this sounded like a good book to you then do yourself a favor and read it. It’s worth reading.
June 24, 2021
This was an Amazing story by Sterlin, she is a littery genius and i honestly have loved everything she wrote and cant wait for her next book.
February 20, 2022
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Whilst Destined to Lead is the third book in the dual-author A Shifting Society series, it can be read as a standalone.
One day is all it takes to blow Wren’s perfect life to pieces, when the “love of her life” publicly rejects her and effectively strips her of her beta-in-training duties by banishing her from their pack, thus beginning Wren’s journey of self discovery, setting her on the path to meet her three fated mates—Hale (lion shifter), Kieran (jaguar shifter), and Blaze (mage).
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Please Note: My brain was incapable of doing concise and organized when I wrote this review, so if the following section reads like an incoherent mess, that’s because it is.
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Overall, this was an enjoyable book. The town of Haven was really intriguing—I would love to read a book centered around the politics of the community, the people who live there and their stories, and how the opposing sentiments of the outside world affects them.
I liked that the FMC was more powerful than the men surrounding her—she was an alpha in everything except title—and that she never backed down from a dominance challenge, especially against her mates. It was a nice change of pace from the MMC using the FMC’s lust against her in order to get her submission. That being said, it gave me hope that Wren would be more dominant than her men when when it came to sex, so I was dissapointed when Kieran spouted the whole, "You think you need to be in control. That if you let someone else take over, shit will hit the fan,” the first time they actually have sex. *tired sigh* Disappointment with bedroom roles aside, I liked the MMCs. Blaze was my favorite with his sweet yet insecure self.
Mini-Rant Time: Despite liking Wren, she was a bitch when it came to Bran. Bran chose Wren’s safety over his own happiness, and did everything he could to protect her and her family, because he loved her. I'm not upset that Wren doesn’t take him back when she learns the truth. No, I’m upset that instead of acknowledging that the love she had for Bran was real—just not meant to be—Wren unnecessarily cheapens their history with her inner-monologue revelations that she “settled” for Bran, and that her heart stopped being his the moment she met her fated mates—you know, less than 48 hours since she claimed him to be the live of her life. So here’s Bran who sacrificed everything for Wren, only to have her basically say, “I have my fated mates now, I don’t need you anymore.”
Title: Destined to Lead
(A Shifting Society #3)
by Sterling Thomas
POV(s): Multiple—First Person
Interconnected Series: Yes
Standalone: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
Relationship: Reverse Harem
Genre(s): Urban Fantasy Romance
Triggers:
Tags/Tropes:
❖ Banished-from-Pack
❖ Fated-Mates
❖ Powerful-FMC
❖ Rejected-Mate
❖ Shifters-Mages
April 6, 2021
Destined to Lead is book three in A Shifting Society series. This book can be read as a standalone in this series, so you don’t have to read the first two books in this series. Though they do each touch on the characters are mentioned in other books, but not enough to where you’ll be confused as to what is going on.
Destined to Lead by Sterling Thomas focuses on Wren Abernathy. Wren has been groomed to become the next beta of the pack. She’s excited for this path that her life is taking, as she is also looking forward to mating the wolf that became her best friend from childhood. What Wren doesn’t expect is that when a visiting alpha and his daughter make a demand that will change her life forever. Instead of having a pack, Wren will be forced out when her best friend Bran rejects her as a mate. Now she’s forced to become a lone wolf, but it will end up being a blessing in disguise as this puts her on the path to find those she was always meant to be with.
I have to say that this story was the one that I was most excited to read as the author piqued my interest in previous books hinting at Wren’s unique story with her men. So this book easily became my favorite out of all the ones that I’ve read. I like that Wren is a strong female character without a ton of snark and attitude because of what she’s been through. She pushes things, and while I don’t always like that she refuses to yield to anyone (yes, including her mates) she’s not an insufferable type. My heart goes out to her when she’s forced out due to Bran, but I appreciate that things come full circle in due time.
There is really a lot going on in this book and I basically ate it up. Honestly, other than Wren always wanting to be “top dog”, my only other annoyance with this book is Kieran. I didn’t necessarily appreciate his attitude when things go a bit left and another mate appears on the scene. I know that shifters like to establish who the “alpha” of the pack is, but for me…it screamed more insecurity than anything else. I was really hoping that they would all be more or less equal since Wren essentially claims the alpha role for herself 9 out of 10 times.
I’m choosing to rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. This book is a really good book with an HEA to please most readers. There is a lot going on and we get a little bit of everything in this book with Wren and her men.
Destined to Lead by Sterling Thomas focuses on Wren Abernathy. Wren has been groomed to become the next beta of the pack. She’s excited for this path that her life is taking, as she is also looking forward to mating the wolf that became her best friend from childhood. What Wren doesn’t expect is that when a visiting alpha and his daughter make a demand that will change her life forever. Instead of having a pack, Wren will be forced out when her best friend Bran rejects her as a mate. Now she’s forced to become a lone wolf, but it will end up being a blessing in disguise as this puts her on the path to find those she was always meant to be with.
I have to say that this story was the one that I was most excited to read as the author piqued my interest in previous books hinting at Wren’s unique story with her men. So this book easily became my favorite out of all the ones that I’ve read. I like that Wren is a strong female character without a ton of snark and attitude because of what she’s been through. She pushes things, and while I don’t always like that she refuses to yield to anyone (yes, including her mates) she’s not an insufferable type. My heart goes out to her when she’s forced out due to Bran, but I appreciate that things come full circle in due time.
There is really a lot going on in this book and I basically ate it up. Honestly, other than Wren always wanting to be “top dog”, my only other annoyance with this book is Kieran. I didn’t necessarily appreciate his attitude when things go a bit left and another mate appears on the scene. I know that shifters like to establish who the “alpha” of the pack is, but for me…it screamed more insecurity than anything else. I was really hoping that they would all be more or less equal since Wren essentially claims the alpha role for herself 9 out of 10 times.
I’m choosing to rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. This book is a really good book with an HEA to please most readers. There is a lot going on and we get a little bit of everything in this book with Wren and her men.
April 4, 2021
I love this world! I think I've started all of the reviews in the series with a statement like this, but I can't help it. These books are so good - they are just the right type of happy but action-filled stories that you want to dive into.
This book was interesting as it's the first book in the series where we have a shifter FMC instead of a human, and we finally have a mage in the harem! This shift in leads allowed Sterling to flesh out an already awesome world with other viewpoints and experiences. I want more mages!!!
The FMC!
Wren is amazing! She's been brought up to be beta of the pack and doesn't let gender stereotypes get her down - she knows she's the strongest wolf! For plot reasons, she's banished and decides to make her own mind up about the world by travelling to the city. Along the way, she meets her guys, and they def have their work cut out for them to help her heal and get over the rejection of the world she was brought up in. Like I said before, Wren is amazing and has the strength to not only go on and find love but to also become a strong leader of a pack.
The Guys!
Blaze, Kieran, Hale - what a group of men! Each of them stand out on their own and are a piece of what Wren needs to heal and be the leader she's always been. I will be honest Blaze did steal my heart the most - but I'm here for mages and learning more about them in this society.
I really enjoyed how the guys all came together as a group too! With Hale and Kier being friends and brothers before Wren, it's good to see the friction and then acceptance of Blaze into the pack.
The Smut!
This book had more sexy scenes than some of the previous books - which I'm all for! I love how hot the individual and group scenes were.
This book was interesting as it's the first book in the series where we have a shifter FMC instead of a human, and we finally have a mage in the harem! This shift in leads allowed Sterling to flesh out an already awesome world with other viewpoints and experiences. I want more mages!!!
The FMC!
Wren is amazing! She's been brought up to be beta of the pack and doesn't let gender stereotypes get her down - she knows she's the strongest wolf! For plot reasons, she's banished and decides to make her own mind up about the world by travelling to the city. Along the way, she meets her guys, and they def have their work cut out for them to help her heal and get over the rejection of the world she was brought up in. Like I said before, Wren is amazing and has the strength to not only go on and find love but to also become a strong leader of a pack.
The Guys!
Blaze, Kieran, Hale - what a group of men! Each of them stand out on their own and are a piece of what Wren needs to heal and be the leader she's always been. I will be honest Blaze did steal my heart the most - but I'm here for mages and learning more about them in this society.
I really enjoyed how the guys all came together as a group too! With Hale and Kier being friends and brothers before Wren, it's good to see the friction and then acceptance of Blaze into the pack.
The Smut!
This book had more sexy scenes than some of the previous books - which I'm all for! I love how hot the individual and group scenes were.
August 6, 2021
I don't like rejected mates books because even when there's an acceptable reason for it, it still creates so much pain on both sides. And it's like so difficult because when the ex-mate finds their fated mate(s) but the other still harbours feelings, it feels like one of them got a shitty deal. I was really sad that Wren and Bran couldn't be together after all their history and all the love.
Having said that, I was glad that Wren gets three mates to help her get over her heartbreak and the pain of betrayal. And of course she got good guys, honorable and protective. I like how Hale and Keiran knew immediately and were goners for her from the get-go. I felt that the thing with Blaze happened too fast, although it was explained that mages also know when they meet their mates because their magic goes crazy. But Blaze and Wren opened up to each other almost the moment they met and she accepted him as a mate immediately, which seemed a little unbelievable, given that Wren had had such a difficult time accepting that Hale and Kieran were her mates.
I'm glad there wasn't a lot of jealousy or in-fighting in the harem, even though Kieran in particular had a hard time accepting Blaze at first. I also liked that Wren wasn't a damsel in distress. She could fight and was capable of defending herself, and her mates respected that and were proud of her abilities. This book was much better than book 1, which was also by Sterling Thomas. All the plot threads were nicely tied up and the questions finally answered.
Having said that, I was glad that Wren gets three mates to help her get over her heartbreak and the pain of betrayal. And of course she got good guys, honorable and protective. I like how Hale and Keiran knew immediately and were goners for her from the get-go. I felt that the thing with Blaze happened too fast, although it was explained that mages also know when they meet their mates because their magic goes crazy. But Blaze and Wren opened up to each other almost the moment they met and she accepted him as a mate immediately, which seemed a little unbelievable, given that Wren had had such a difficult time accepting that Hale and Kieran were her mates.
I'm glad there wasn't a lot of jealousy or in-fighting in the harem, even though Kieran in particular had a hard time accepting Blaze at first. I also liked that Wren wasn't a damsel in distress. She could fight and was capable of defending herself, and her mates respected that and were proud of her abilities. This book was much better than book 1, which was also by Sterling Thomas. All the plot threads were nicely tied up and the questions finally answered.
April 2, 2021
I think at the moment Destined to Lead is my favourite out of the A Shifting Society series. This time we are getting the story from a different perspective. Instead of a human ending up in the shifter world, this time we get a shifter wanting to discover if the stories about the cities are true after she is rejected by her mate and banished from her pack.
Wren I have to say is amazing and truly badass. She's been training her entire life to become the new beta of her pack and because of this, she knows how to fight and defend herself when needed. Even when she is rejected by her mate and banished, she tries so hard to keep herself together. But I liked the fact that she did have some weak moments before she pulled her mask back up.
The guys in this are interesting, we have Kieran and Hale, both delicious and cat shifters though Wren does love calling them something else. The last guy in the harem is Blaze, a mage from the city. It's interesting to see how the dynamics work between them all. Kieran and Hale have known each other forever, but they are unsure of Blaze because he's a mage but I loved seeing how they all came to trust each other.
There's an epic battle in this book and we get to see a few characters from some of the previous books in this series and that was a definite bonus for me. I'm intrigued to see who the character are for the next book and how their situation will pan out.
Wren I have to say is amazing and truly badass. She's been training her entire life to become the new beta of her pack and because of this, she knows how to fight and defend herself when needed. Even when she is rejected by her mate and banished, she tries so hard to keep herself together. But I liked the fact that she did have some weak moments before she pulled her mask back up.
The guys in this are interesting, we have Kieran and Hale, both delicious and cat shifters though Wren does love calling them something else. The last guy in the harem is Blaze, a mage from the city. It's interesting to see how the dynamics work between them all. Kieran and Hale have known each other forever, but they are unsure of Blaze because he's a mage but I loved seeing how they all came to trust each other.
There's an epic battle in this book and we get to see a few characters from some of the previous books in this series and that was a definite bonus for me. I'm intrigued to see who the character are for the next book and how their situation will pan out.
January 17, 2023
A common thread between these books is that the MMCs seem to just suddenly drop their tragic backstory with what feels like no real lead up to them. Kier confessing about the murder of his sister was just so sudden, you get no real feel for something traumatic beneath the surface through any of the interactions before this.
A tw for the sexual assault would have been nice too.
Honestly my biggest issue is with how the FMC treats Bran. Throughout the book she assumed the worst, then when it came to reconciling she was on his case about how he had underestimated her and how she hated that he didn't really know her, didn't include her in the decisions.
And these are valid! But she also didn't offer him the same courtesy. Not once did she think "Bran isn't power hungry, why is he doing this? Is he being forced to by the alphas?"
We hear from her very early on that Bran isn't interested in pack politics the way she is, that he prefers to let her take the lead. From all the evidence we're given, why the hell would she believe that Bran was making a power move? That he was power hungry?
I think the writers did him a disservice for the sake of the rejected mates trope.
Honestly I also don't understand why they can't have a romantic relationship alongside her fated mates. Considering the theme I got from the summary about how into choice the FMC is, the idea of her choosing her fated and the lover she had chosen for herself would have been very fitting.
A tw for the sexual assault would have been nice too.
Honestly my biggest issue is with how the FMC treats Bran. Throughout the book she assumed the worst, then when it came to reconciling she was on his case about how he had underestimated her and how she hated that he didn't really know her, didn't include her in the decisions.
And these are valid! But she also didn't offer him the same courtesy. Not once did she think "Bran isn't power hungry, why is he doing this? Is he being forced to by the alphas?"
We hear from her very early on that Bran isn't interested in pack politics the way she is, that he prefers to let her take the lead. From all the evidence we're given, why the hell would she believe that Bran was making a power move? That he was power hungry?
I think the writers did him a disservice for the sake of the rejected mates trope.
Honestly I also don't understand why they can't have a romantic relationship alongside her fated mates. Considering the theme I got from the summary about how into choice the FMC is, the idea of her choosing her fated and the lover she had chosen for herself would have been very fitting.
March 22, 2021
Sterling Thomas nailed it with this book. We follow Wern who rejected by her mate who is going to mate with the daughter of another Alpha and then he will become Alpha of his old pack and they will then have an alliance. Wren finds some trouble on her journey and proves to some rogue shifters she is definitely not a meek damsel. She then finds herself in a town called Haven and finds more trouble but handles it and ends up meeting Kieran and Hale who realize she is their fated mate. Wren still decides to visit the city and the guys end up following her. They get caught and confess they are her fated mates are is scared to be hurt again but gives them a chance. They see a vampire attack and get separated but Wren is saved by a mage from a rich human who is about to rape her. He saves her because if she killed him they would hunt her down and kill her. He takes her to his place qnd introduces himself as Blaze. Turns out he is also her fated. Alot of things are explained at the end but all I will.say is Wren kicks ass.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2021
Fantastic book, it’s very well written with such detail you honestly fall into the Blackwell pack and/or Haven.
The start of the book had me on the edge of my chair, loved the suspense and emotion. The twists throughout the whole book were fantastic and many very unexpected.
Wren is such a strong and powerful shifter, I love her kick butt attitude. I also enjoyed Lily’s character - although it was a small part I could honestly see a spin-off book about her in the future.
Kieran and Hale are hot AF large cat shifters, they are best friends and great guys.
Then comes Blaze, such an unexpected new character to pop up - excellent addition to the storyline, he adds lots of sizzle.
This book has some awesome fight scenes, the detail in the writing of these scenes were amazing - I could visibly see in my head the scene taking place.
Also loved how this book ties in with others in the series by including some previous characters.
Can’t wait to see what the next book in the series will be about... Lily..Bran... or a new character?
The start of the book had me on the edge of my chair, loved the suspense and emotion. The twists throughout the whole book were fantastic and many very unexpected.
Wren is such a strong and powerful shifter, I love her kick butt attitude. I also enjoyed Lily’s character - although it was a small part I could honestly see a spin-off book about her in the future.
Kieran and Hale are hot AF large cat shifters, they are best friends and great guys.
Then comes Blaze, such an unexpected new character to pop up - excellent addition to the storyline, he adds lots of sizzle.
This book has some awesome fight scenes, the detail in the writing of these scenes were amazing - I could visibly see in my head the scene taking place.
Also loved how this book ties in with others in the series by including some previous characters.
Can’t wait to see what the next book in the series will be about... Lily..Bran... or a new character?
March 29, 2021
I loved this book. Wren was such an easy character to like, she was feisty, loyal, funny but also humble, she made the perfect FMC for me.
Wren has it all, an adoring mate, great friends and is being trained as the next beta. All it takes is one night for it to all change. Rejected for the neighbouring Alphas daughter, she loses everything, forced to leave the only home she's ever known. Winding up in Haven shows her that maybe her pack needs to move with the times and modernise.
Wren is determined to find out what she wants and gains a couple of hunky stalkers nd a white knight along the way.
When the new community she's found need to club together against a common threat, Wren shows herself to be a natural leader.
This story just pulled me in, the writing was amazing and all the characters were just so easy to like. The joking between the main characters really helped show their relationship growing stronger.
If you enjoy PNR RH, then this is definitely a book you won't want to miss.
Wren has it all, an adoring mate, great friends and is being trained as the next beta. All it takes is one night for it to all change. Rejected for the neighbouring Alphas daughter, she loses everything, forced to leave the only home she's ever known. Winding up in Haven shows her that maybe her pack needs to move with the times and modernise.
Wren is determined to find out what she wants and gains a couple of hunky stalkers nd a white knight along the way.
When the new community she's found need to club together against a common threat, Wren shows herself to be a natural leader.
This story just pulled me in, the writing was amazing and all the characters were just so easy to like. The joking between the main characters really helped show their relationship growing stronger.
If you enjoy PNR RH, then this is definitely a book you won't want to miss.
April 22, 2022
A Shifting Society is an incredible shared world whose stories are all set in a fabulously created world and I loved every part of it! In this intriguing series, Sterling Thomas delivers back to back stories featuring amazing world development, dynamic diverse characters and well paced plots that are packed full of action, excitement and tons of hot steamy scenes and romances that ignite!!!
Destined to Lead features the incredible Wren, who is definitely one badass, sassy, kick butt and take names heroine! Rejected by her love, she soon finds herself alone and on her own in the world. Until she crosses path with two shifters and a mage and everything changes. This story will take you on a twisty, suspense filled journey and tons of action! I loved the character development in this one and how it just kept going!
Overall if you’re a fan of paranormal, shifter RH romances that are well developed and interconnect with each other—this is the series for you and the book to start with!
Destined to Lead features the incredible Wren, who is definitely one badass, sassy, kick butt and take names heroine! Rejected by her love, she soon finds herself alone and on her own in the world. Until she crosses path with two shifters and a mage and everything changes. This story will take you on a twisty, suspense filled journey and tons of action! I loved the character development in this one and how it just kept going!
Overall if you’re a fan of paranormal, shifter RH romances that are well developed and interconnect with each other—this is the series for you and the book to start with!
March 25, 2021
Really good
This was a rollercoaster of emotions for me, in the beginning I was honestly just hating where this story was heading. I couldn't understand wren being a complete stubborn idiotic fool. Her just wanting to risk her life doing something so ridiculous even though it was explained what would happen? I was at a total loss? I did want to stop reading then but I'm glad I didnt. As I read on I realized she had to, and it all started coming together. Her ex bran, ugh my heart hurt so bad for him. I was glad wren found her happiness with her loving mates. But bran! Ugh! I'm so torn over him, I really want more of a story for him. When we realize how sweet and how sad it all ended for him? I'm so torn guys! And I'm really happy how things turned out between wren and him, happy that there wasn't any ill will towards each other. Like I said, this was a rollercoaster and yet it all tied up beautifully at the end. But please give us a HEA for bran!!
This was a rollercoaster of emotions for me, in the beginning I was honestly just hating where this story was heading. I couldn't understand wren being a complete stubborn idiotic fool. Her just wanting to risk her life doing something so ridiculous even though it was explained what would happen? I was at a total loss? I did want to stop reading then but I'm glad I didnt. As I read on I realized she had to, and it all started coming together. Her ex bran, ugh my heart hurt so bad for him. I was glad wren found her happiness with her loving mates. But bran! Ugh! I'm so torn over him, I really want more of a story for him. When we realize how sweet and how sad it all ended for him? I'm so torn guys! And I'm really happy how things turned out between wren and him, happy that there wasn't any ill will towards each other. Like I said, this was a rollercoaster and yet it all tied up beautifully at the end. But please give us a HEA for bran!!
March 25, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "DESTINED TO LEAD"
Sterling Tomas has done an amazing job writing this very interesting, entertaining, intriguing, suspense filled series the story grabs you from beginning to end.
Wren's life takes a turn when the love of her life rejects her she was desperate to escape even if after all the horror stories she heard about humans treating Shifters as a nuisance or even for sport she beads to the city.
Wren wants to know the truth of the world on her way two hot Shifters stalk her to the city of Haven where things don't go well she finds out Kieran & Hale are her true mates their chemistry is steamy hot.
I definitely recommend to get this amazing book the story is well written the characters are well developed they pull you right into all chaos wow!!! what an ending I hope there's going to more books in this world you got to meet new characters so maybe there's more to come here's hoping.
Sterling Tomas has done an amazing job writing this very interesting, entertaining, intriguing, suspense filled series the story grabs you from beginning to end.
Wren's life takes a turn when the love of her life rejects her she was desperate to escape even if after all the horror stories she heard about humans treating Shifters as a nuisance or even for sport she beads to the city.
Wren wants to know the truth of the world on her way two hot Shifters stalk her to the city of Haven where things don't go well she finds out Kieran & Hale are her true mates their chemistry is steamy hot.
I definitely recommend to get this amazing book the story is well written the characters are well developed they pull you right into all chaos wow!!! what an ending I hope there's going to more books in this world you got to meet new characters so maybe there's more to come here's hoping.
March 29, 2021
Takes the reader on an emotional ride
Wren, beta in waiting for her pack, eagerly awaits her mating to her childhood friend turned lover but still has some hoops and time to go before that occurs. As the story progresses she s blindsided at a celebration, stumbles into a safe haven, and gains unwanted stalkers when she wants to explore the world beyond the wilds. Wren by Sterling Thomas takes the reader on an emotional ride in the first three chapters, continues at a steady pace through the middle, then slams a whole lot of growth towards the end. This world developed by Sterling Thomas and J. Kearston is thrilling, chilling, and willing to readers who love a great why choose paranormal romance read.
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription and I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
Wren, beta in waiting for her pack, eagerly awaits her mating to her childhood friend turned lover but still has some hoops and time to go before that occurs. As the story progresses she s blindsided at a celebration, stumbles into a safe haven, and gains unwanted stalkers when she wants to explore the world beyond the wilds. Wren by Sterling Thomas takes the reader on an emotional ride in the first three chapters, continues at a steady pace through the middle, then slams a whole lot of growth towards the end. This world developed by Sterling Thomas and J. Kearston is thrilling, chilling, and willing to readers who love a great why choose paranormal romance read.
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription and I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
April 2, 2021
The best book in this little series, one I enjoyed definitely the most.
Wren, groomed to be the future beta of the wolf pack, has her life destroyed in a few minutes - rejected, banished, unwanted, and on the run. Being an emotional wreck, she does not even recognize the fated bond at first - but the situation changes under the circumstances. Her life changes into one big adventure, with Wren carving her own path and finding a place she was destined to have.
I really liked Wren as the FMC, strong, independent, determined, stubborn, yet full of compassion and forgiving when justified. The banter with her mates and the development of their relationship is enjoyable to watch and easy to connect with. What I most appreciated though was how things with Bran were solved - it requires a mature personality to do what Wren did. I really enjoyed the book.
Wren, groomed to be the future beta of the wolf pack, has her life destroyed in a few minutes - rejected, banished, unwanted, and on the run. Being an emotional wreck, she does not even recognize the fated bond at first - but the situation changes under the circumstances. Her life changes into one big adventure, with Wren carving her own path and finding a place she was destined to have.
I really liked Wren as the FMC, strong, independent, determined, stubborn, yet full of compassion and forgiving when justified. The banter with her mates and the development of their relationship is enjoyable to watch and easy to connect with. What I most appreciated though was how things with Bran were solved - it requires a mature personality to do what Wren did. I really enjoyed the book.
November 28, 2021
My review is for the whole series. This world sucked me in immediately. The shifter traits are fairly standard but the back story amd world building about shifters was completely new and amazing to read. It took me till the third book to realize this series is co-written and every other book they switch authors. I was shocked, usually switching the authors changes the writing style enough that it ruins the story with inconsistencies. These books blend seamlessly together and quiet honestly it's the first co written series I've ever enjoyed. The world building is wonderful. The character building gives you a clear picture for each member of the harem. There were several laugh out loud hilarious moments. The waterfight being high on the list. I'm highly looking forward to the next two books.
April 3, 2021
Amazing novel in a shared world!
I have loved every novel in this shared world, and this is no exception!
With a simple yet effective (and totally awesome) plot, this story flows seamlessly, from the action to the romance and the steamy goodness, it all feels natural and right, which is no easy feat for an author.
The characters are awesome, and I love our FMC who is both emotionally strong and intelligent as well as physically strong (she kicks butt). I love how she deals with her crappy situation and turns it into a learning experience.
Obviously, the guys are awesome but to me, the FMC’s character is my favourite (which is rare) so kudos author for giving me an FMC I love more than her harem.
I love this world and hope to read more awesome stories from it.
I have loved every novel in this shared world, and this is no exception!
With a simple yet effective (and totally awesome) plot, this story flows seamlessly, from the action to the romance and the steamy goodness, it all feels natural and right, which is no easy feat for an author.
The characters are awesome, and I love our FMC who is both emotionally strong and intelligent as well as physically strong (she kicks butt). I love how she deals with her crappy situation and turns it into a learning experience.
Obviously, the guys are awesome but to me, the FMC’s character is my favourite (which is rare) so kudos author for giving me an FMC I love more than her harem.
I love this world and hope to read more awesome stories from it.
December 4, 2024
It was good
It was fine, my only real beef with the book is fmc's ex Bran. Spoiler Warning. He's blackmailed to reject her, humiliate her and force her off pack lands. Since he was blackmailed everyone just forgives him wtf?????? First of all when the ones you love are threatened you get everyone the hell out of dodge like he eventually does. If he had warned Wren I would have forgiven him but he blindsided her and was willing to throw her to the wolves, he claims it was to save her life but it was just as likely to kill her, he didn't do her any favors. He only left weeks later when he needed help to take down the bad guys and Wren was barely an after thought. So in conclusion f*** Bran I don't think he's a good guy he's a coward.
It was fine, my only real beef with the book is fmc's ex Bran. Spoiler Warning. He's blackmailed to reject her, humiliate her and force her off pack lands. Since he was blackmailed everyone just forgives him wtf?????? First of all when the ones you love are threatened you get everyone the hell out of dodge like he eventually does. If he had warned Wren I would have forgiven him but he blindsided her and was willing to throw her to the wolves, he claims it was to save her life but it was just as likely to kill her, he didn't do her any favors. He only left weeks later when he needed help to take down the bad guys and Wren was barely an after thought. So in conclusion f*** Bran I don't think he's a good guy he's a coward.
March 21, 2021
This is the third book in the A Shifting Society series. While the tenor of the book is different from its predecessors, it is no less a great read!
With one short speech Wren’s life is irrevocably changed. Left packless and running for her life, Wren doesn’t expect to meet people willing to show her kindness. Filled with a determination to find her place in the world Wren makes her way to the cities and learns the hard way that sometimes you just need to believe the stories.
Kieran and Hale know who Wren is and admire her spunkiness while fearing for her life. Will their worst nightmare come true or can they create something new from what once was?
With one short speech Wren’s life is irrevocably changed. Left packless and running for her life, Wren doesn’t expect to meet people willing to show her kindness. Filled with a determination to find her place in the world Wren makes her way to the cities and learns the hard way that sometimes you just need to believe the stories.
Kieran and Hale know who Wren is and admire her spunkiness while fearing for her life. Will their worst nightmare come true or can they create something new from what once was?
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