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Shifter Squad Next Gen #1
Ink Cursed
Raised by a malevolent witch in an isolated cabin in the woods, Alex is being kept prisoner for her own good. A monster is trapped inside her and it desperately wants out. The enchantments that are tattooed on her body keep it contained, for now. As her eighteenth birthday approaches, Alex feels the beast growing stronger. So does the witch. They both know the spells won’t be enough to control her inner evil. Her captor plans to ensure the creature will never be free, but the teen finally rebels.
Escaping from captivity, Alex meets a wounded vampire and the girls decide to band together. They head to Denver and run into a team who work for the Shifter Squad. As the truth comes out about her origins, Alex wishes she could control her own life, but the spells are too insidious. Until she can find a way to dispel them, she’ll have to stay with the squad. She’ll be working with twin werewolves, a werecougar, a wereconstrictor and the extremely sexy new recruit, Jaxon Remington.
Jax seems strangely familiar from the first moment they meet. How can she possibly know him when she’s never seen him before? Is it possible he’s the mate she’s been dreaming about? If so, things are bound to be awkward, since it seems they’ll be working closely together.
Escaping from captivity, Alex meets a wounded vampire and the girls decide to band together. They head to Denver and run into a team who work for the Shifter Squad. As the truth comes out about her origins, Alex wishes she could control her own life, but the spells are too insidious. Until she can find a way to dispel them, she’ll have to stay with the squad. She’ll be working with twin werewolves, a werecougar, a wereconstrictor and the extremely sexy new recruit, Jaxon Remington.
Jax seems strangely familiar from the first moment they meet. How can she possibly know him when she’s never seen him before? Is it possible he’s the mate she’s been dreaming about? If so, things are bound to be awkward, since it seems they’ll be working closely together.
- GenresVampiresShapeshifters
367 pages, Kindle Edition
65 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Diem
119 books301 followersI began reading horror and paranormal books when most girls my age were still reading fairy stories. I always dreamed that one day I would be able to write stories that readers could become lost in.
The Mortis, Shifter Squad, Hellscourge and Fate's Warriors series are connected, but can be read as stand alone series. The overarching theme about Fate's chosen champions will come to an end with my fifth series; Loki's Exile.
My sixth series, Hunter Elite, begins a new saga with the seventh series, Half Fae Hunter, as a spin off.
Send me an email at subscribe@jcdiem.com if you would like to receive updates about pre-orders and new releases.
The Mortis, Shifter Squad, Hellscourge and Fate's Warriors series are connected, but can be read as stand alone series. The overarching theme about Fate's chosen champions will come to an end with my fifth series; Loki's Exile.
My sixth series, Hunter Elite, begins a new saga with the seventh series, Half Fae Hunter, as a spin off.
Send me an email at subscribe@jcdiem.com if you would like to receive updates about pre-orders and new releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 27, 2021
I dove straight into this when I got it and I’m disappointed. I’m disappointed that it was way to short for me and that I devoured this in less than 5 hrs.
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I received this arc in exchange for my honest review. When I say I’m obsessed with the Shifter Squad series, I really mean I am obsessed. I have lost count how often I have read this series. Out of all of Diems books this series is my all time favourite so getting to revisit this world was a dream come true. I absolutely loved how we got the snippets of the future from the previous series in this one in terms of the offspring for Lexi and reece. I gotta say however I wished they were in the book more but I’ve loved getting this new view.
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It’s look me awhile to warm up to Alex. I think that was more my expectation rather than the character herself. It was interesting seeing so much of Lexi in her but then seeing her in a completely different contrast also. It made for an interesting blend and for her character to be very compelling and engaging. I was enthralled by her by the end. Seeing her blossom through the book was great. Ive loved every moment. Jax, I mean what’s to say? He’s everything you want and more in a male character. Ive loved seeing their relationship take all these interesting turns and I am absolutely in swoon mode over him.
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An amazing plot and it’s very easy to follow along. An intricate and adventurous word that will have you engaged and transported with vivid detail and warp your sense of reality. Such amazing writing and a ride you won’t forget. Love it.
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I received this arc in exchange for my honest review. When I say I’m obsessed with the Shifter Squad series, I really mean I am obsessed. I have lost count how often I have read this series. Out of all of Diems books this series is my all time favourite so getting to revisit this world was a dream come true. I absolutely loved how we got the snippets of the future from the previous series in this one in terms of the offspring for Lexi and reece. I gotta say however I wished they were in the book more but I’ve loved getting this new view.
.
It’s look me awhile to warm up to Alex. I think that was more my expectation rather than the character herself. It was interesting seeing so much of Lexi in her but then seeing her in a completely different contrast also. It made for an interesting blend and for her character to be very compelling and engaging. I was enthralled by her by the end. Seeing her blossom through the book was great. Ive loved every moment. Jax, I mean what’s to say? He’s everything you want and more in a male character. Ive loved seeing their relationship take all these interesting turns and I am absolutely in swoon mode over him.
.
An amazing plot and it’s very easy to follow along. An intricate and adventurous word that will have you engaged and transported with vivid detail and warp your sense of reality. Such amazing writing and a ride you won’t forget. Love it.
January 24, 2022
…
This took me a while to get into if I’m being honest, it definitely started off slow.
However at around 12% it really picked up its pace and I didn’t want it to end.
I can’t wait to read book 2 now.
This took me a while to get into if I’m being honest, it definitely started off slow.
However at around 12% it really picked up its pace and I didn’t want it to end.
I can’t wait to read book 2 now.
Want to read
July 10, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (10/22/2021)! 🎁
July 26, 2021
First and foremost I received this advanced readers copy in exchange for my review. I will try to give my opinion on this book without giving to many spoilers.
Now that I have that out of the way let's begin. Alex is 17 yrs old never having gone to far from the cabin that she's lived at, because there's a barrier keeping her contained. Her keeper is a witch that apparently found her as a baby in the garbage. The witch tells Alex she has a monster inside her and due to this the witch puts enchanted tattoos on Alex throughout her life in order to contain the monster as best as is possible. As she nears her 18th birthday she feels the monster stirring and finds herself changing. She finds herself with a pet squirrel early on and makes friends with a vampire shortly after her first time shifting.
Throughout this book it kept me wanting to find out how she escapes, then how she will cope with the outside world. What even is she? The pace of the writing, the smooth details given to highlight the setting, and the well thought out characters were great for me. This book is an adventure that will work it's way into your life and you're not gonna want to put it down untill you get to the end.
This is book one, but it didn't leave off on a crazy cliffhanger which leaves open the chance for more story progression. This is a next gen shifter squad book so if you've read her series before you're going to enjoy diving back into this world. If you're new, buckle up and enjoy the ride. You aren't going to feel like you're missing details from her earlier work in order to catch up to the current storyline. However, if you enjoyed this book I'd suggest checking out the rest of her previous publications.
Now that I have that out of the way let's begin. Alex is 17 yrs old never having gone to far from the cabin that she's lived at, because there's a barrier keeping her contained. Her keeper is a witch that apparently found her as a baby in the garbage. The witch tells Alex she has a monster inside her and due to this the witch puts enchanted tattoos on Alex throughout her life in order to contain the monster as best as is possible. As she nears her 18th birthday she feels the monster stirring and finds herself changing. She finds herself with a pet squirrel early on and makes friends with a vampire shortly after her first time shifting.
Throughout this book it kept me wanting to find out how she escapes, then how she will cope with the outside world. What even is she? The pace of the writing, the smooth details given to highlight the setting, and the well thought out characters were great for me. This book is an adventure that will work it's way into your life and you're not gonna want to put it down untill you get to the end.
This is book one, but it didn't leave off on a crazy cliffhanger which leaves open the chance for more story progression. This is a next gen shifter squad book so if you've read her series before you're going to enjoy diving back into this world. If you're new, buckle up and enjoy the ride. You aren't going to feel like you're missing details from her earlier work in order to catch up to the current storyline. However, if you enjoyed this book I'd suggest checking out the rest of her previous publications.
August 4, 2021
I was so excited to see a new generation come forward, I had to reread this to make sure I didn’t miss anything.
To learn of Alex and her story was amazing, I had multiple theories running threw my head as to who she was and how she came to be in her situation. J.C did an amazing job with flash backs to child hood, to making characters click into place and truly belong. I for one am so excited and can not wait for the series to continue. IV read the first shifter squad series multiple times, and can not be happier to continue the series.
J.C has a way of pulling you into the story and making you feel like your on the team, the details are vivid you can watch it in your head like you are there. Thank you so so much
To learn of Alex and her story was amazing, I had multiple theories running threw my head as to who she was and how she came to be in her situation. J.C did an amazing job with flash backs to child hood, to making characters click into place and truly belong. I for one am so excited and can not wait for the series to continue. IV read the first shifter squad series multiple times, and can not be happier to continue the series.
J.C has a way of pulling you into the story and making you feel like your on the team, the details are vivid you can watch it in your head like you are there. Thank you so so much
August 10, 2021
Shifter Squad Next Gen series book 1.
Exciting things are coming as the next generation learn and grow with their skills.
Alex a young female unaware of the shifter she really is, who was raised by an evil witch Irene. Irene has kept Alex her prisoner in her cabin using spells keeping her captive and her inner beast dormant.
Jax a werewolf shifter who seems to invade her nightime visions. Becomes real when Alex escapes the cabin in the woods and flees.
The adventures and experiences seem surreal to Alex who has never left the confinements of the woods struggles to discover who she really is.
Exciting things are coming as the next generation learn and grow with their skills.
Alex a young female unaware of the shifter she really is, who was raised by an evil witch Irene. Irene has kept Alex her prisoner in her cabin using spells keeping her captive and her inner beast dormant.
Jax a werewolf shifter who seems to invade her nightime visions. Becomes real when Alex escapes the cabin in the woods and flees.
The adventures and experiences seem surreal to Alex who has never left the confinements of the woods struggles to discover who she really is.
July 26, 2021
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, I can’t even begin to explain how excited I was to know we were going to get to return to the world of the Shifter Squad. This was a wonderful first look into what has happened in the future after Lexi and the rest of the Shifter Squad saved their world!
I absolutely adore our main character Alex. She is a young woman that was raised in isolation by a cruel witch (I can’t wait for that witch to get what’s coming to her in the future!) and had spells cast on her since childhood to suppress her inner shifter/powers. I really like that she’s not an immediate badass from the beginning. I can’t wait to see how she fits in with the rest of the Next Gen. Shifter Squad in future books.
I also really love Yasmine!! I couldn’t have asked for a better friend for Alex than her. I love all the Next Gen. members of the Squad and I can’t wait to see how Alex and Jax’s relationship progresses in future books.
There’s so much that goes on that I don’t want to spoil. But, if you are a fan of ANY of JC Diem’s other series, you will definitely enjoy this one!
First of all, I can’t even begin to explain how excited I was to know we were going to get to return to the world of the Shifter Squad. This was a wonderful first look into what has happened in the future after Lexi and the rest of the Shifter Squad saved their world!
I absolutely adore our main character Alex. She is a young woman that was raised in isolation by a cruel witch (I can’t wait for that witch to get what’s coming to her in the future!) and had spells cast on her since childhood to suppress her inner shifter/powers. I really like that she’s not an immediate badass from the beginning. I can’t wait to see how she fits in with the rest of the Next Gen. Shifter Squad in future books.
I also really love Yasmine!! I couldn’t have asked for a better friend for Alex than her. I love all the Next Gen. members of the Squad and I can’t wait to see how Alex and Jax’s relationship progresses in future books.
There’s so much that goes on that I don’t want to spoil. But, if you are a fan of ANY of JC Diem’s other series, you will definitely enjoy this one!
July 27, 2021
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What a fantastic return to the Shifter Squad universe.
I found the start to be a bit slow, but well worth hanging in there for the big reveal of who the main character Alex is, and to meet the next-gen Shifter Squad.
If you are a fan of the Shifter Squad series you will enjoy the expansion of the universe and if you are a first-time reader buckle up you are in for a ride. You don't need to read the previous series to enjoy this book but it does provide a more thorough backstory.
Witches, were's, zombies, ghosts's and many more interesting monsters with many more to come.
Badass women and hot guys chasing down terrifying monsters. What more do you need.
And they thought fate was done with them, I think not? Or could it be someone new string the pot this time? I guess we will have to wait for book 2 to find out.
What a fantastic return to the Shifter Squad universe.
I found the start to be a bit slow, but well worth hanging in there for the big reveal of who the main character Alex is, and to meet the next-gen Shifter Squad.
If you are a fan of the Shifter Squad series you will enjoy the expansion of the universe and if you are a first-time reader buckle up you are in for a ride. You don't need to read the previous series to enjoy this book but it does provide a more thorough backstory.
Witches, were's, zombies, ghosts's and many more interesting monsters with many more to come.
Badass women and hot guys chasing down terrifying monsters. What more do you need.
And they thought fate was done with them, I think not? Or could it be someone new string the pot this time? I guess we will have to wait for book 2 to find out.
July 29, 2021
I received an ARC copy for an honest review.
Welcome back to the Shifter Squad Universe! Love, love, love this universe! I just about flipped my lid when I found out we get another series with the shifter squad. The book didn't disappoint.
For those who have already read the first shifter squad it is exciting to see some cameos of the previous characters. For those new to the series don't fret you can read this one without needing the others first to understand what is happening. (Although who doesn't love more books to read and love.)
The next gen squad is introduced to us and while the beginning took a bit to introduce any characters other than Alex it was worth it to keep reading. I can't wait for the next book and to see if and how Fate is meddling again.
Welcome back to the Shifter Squad Universe! Love, love, love this universe! I just about flipped my lid when I found out we get another series with the shifter squad. The book didn't disappoint.
For those who have already read the first shifter squad it is exciting to see some cameos of the previous characters. For those new to the series don't fret you can read this one without needing the others first to understand what is happening. (Although who doesn't love more books to read and love.)
The next gen squad is introduced to us and while the beginning took a bit to introduce any characters other than Alex it was worth it to keep reading. I can't wait for the next book and to see if and how Fate is meddling again.
August 4, 2021
I loved this book! It was a fresh start on a new spin off. I really enjoyed reading how happy the fmc became as the story opened up. The beginning was so harsh and detailed. The emotions written seem so flawlessly with every obstacle the fmc faces. I can’t wait to read more! I received a free advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. I hope you take a chance on this book, you won’t regret it!
February 23, 2022
Addictive
Wow where to begin. Held by a nasty witch for most of her life, our hybrid leading lady lives in fear. A chance encounter gives her the.opportunity to get out...but what's next? Other shifters, vampires and so many others make for a great mix of characters. Definitely an opening for what looks to be an addictive series...but does end on a slight cliffhanger...so going to see if there is a box set!!! ;-)
Wow where to begin. Held by a nasty witch for most of her life, our hybrid leading lady lives in fear. A chance encounter gives her the.opportunity to get out...but what's next? Other shifters, vampires and so many others make for a great mix of characters. Definitely an opening for what looks to be an addictive series...but does end on a slight cliffhanger...so going to see if there is a box set!!! ;-)
September 4, 2021
Good first installment, this is the offspring of the original shifter squad. If you have not read the original shifter squad books you might be a bit lost on the whose who. Was knocked out of the story with all the damn hyphenated names. Was quite slow read, and nothing really got resolved or should I say a side plot did not get resolved.
October 8, 2021
New generation of shifter squad
This was fantastic... Next generation of shifter squad and it picks up about 25 years after the original story with new characters and the original favorites.
This was fantastic... Next generation of shifter squad and it picks up about 25 years after the original story with new characters and the original favorites.
December 2, 2021
From the beginning, I got hooked the plot was good. it made me want to rescue Alex myself. When Jax came into the story I immediately wanted to know their future. I actually never read any of J.C Diem but this Series made me want to read the rest of the series this author has.
January 24, 2022
Ink Cursed
Holy shiznet!!! What a gr8 story. This story held me in it's grip til the end. This is not your typical shifter story. I'm looking forward to reading the next book. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
Holy shiznet!!! What a gr8 story. This story held me in it's grip til the end. This is not your typical shifter story. I'm looking forward to reading the next book. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
July 27, 2021
I received an ARC of this book and I was incredibly excited to read it. I was able to finish reading it within one day. This goes to show how enthralling JC’s writing is. I found this book to be a slow start to a series (compared to JC’s other series). The first half of the book was uneventful however the plot picked up towards the end of the book. Having read some other series by J C Diem I’m sure the future books are going to be incredibly action packed. I can’t wait to see the OG squad working with the Next Gen Squad. Would highly recommend everyone to read the Shifter Squad and Hellscourage series by J C Diem.
July 27, 2021
I received a free copy for an honest review.
When I heard the next generation of shifter squad was being released, I was excited and a bit surprised as I wasn't sure how this could work. Shifter squad is one of my all time favorites.
Next generation has not disappointed at all.
For those that have read shifter squad you will be transported back into the world once again, and you will fall in love with these new characters as well. I for one cannot wait till the 2nd book. J c diem has done it again and taken us into the shifter squad world.
You will not be disappointed with the start of this series.
When I heard the next generation of shifter squad was being released, I was excited and a bit surprised as I wasn't sure how this could work. Shifter squad is one of my all time favorites.
Next generation has not disappointed at all.
For those that have read shifter squad you will be transported back into the world once again, and you will fall in love with these new characters as well. I for one cannot wait till the 2nd book. J c diem has done it again and taken us into the shifter squad world.
You will not be disappointed with the start of this series.
Read
July 29, 2021Hello everyone! I was lucky enough to be able to be apart of the ARC team! This book had me hooked from the second i started reading it! I enjoyed all the characters new&known. I believed a few times made me tear up&I questioned a few things but hey I overall loved fell in love with this book! Words alone will never give this book enough credit! It's a really big toss up with person is now my top favorite Lexi from the older gen or Alex from the new gen💕 J.C. you are one very amazing author! I am impatiently awaiting the next book to this series and all other you come up with!
August 3, 2021
❤️💙
I discovered JC Diem through the shifter squad series. I absolutely loved it even though some parts rip your soul out. So I was super excited to learn we were going to get their kids books. I really enjoyed the 1st book. I do wish a little more happened in the book. But you do get to no about the characters and it’s a great start.
I discovered JC Diem through the shifter squad series. I absolutely loved it even though some parts rip your soul out. So I was super excited to learn we were going to get their kids books. I really enjoyed the 1st book. I do wish a little more happened in the book. But you do get to no about the characters and it’s a great start.
August 5, 2021
Ink cursed
The shifter squad series was one of my favorite books. To know that a second gen is coming out is beyond great! Can’t wait for book two because book one was so good!
The shifter squad series was one of my favorite books. To know that a second gen is coming out is beyond great! Can’t wait for book two because book one was so good!
August 7, 2021
Awesome!
I was thrilled to return to this world ! Great beginning to an engaging adventure. The new characters are an added mystery I can't wait to explore!
I was thrilled to return to this world ! Great beginning to an engaging adventure. The new characters are an added mystery I can't wait to explore!
November 9, 2021
necromancy shifters witches vampires
Oh yes and zombie squirrels. Trapped for years then finally free the journey back to her family is long and confusing
Oh yes and zombie squirrels. Trapped for years then finally free the journey back to her family is long and confusing
January 2, 2022
Yay!
I found another series to enjoy! I literally read this book and one day. Love the characters, love the conflict, and love the monster of the week format!
I found another series to enjoy! I literally read this book and one day. Love the characters, love the conflict, and love the monster of the week format!
June 21, 2022
Great read
Brilliant book well written and a great cast of characters and story line absolutely loved it I couldn't put it down
Brilliant book well written and a great cast of characters and story line absolutely loved it I couldn't put it down
July 12, 2022
Enjoying the series
July 26, 2021
A fan of all J C Diem books, I received a free copy of Ink Cursed the first book of the Shifter Squad Next Gen to review.
This book reintroduced me to some old friends and to the new generation of the PIA, there is also the mysterious appearance of a character from the Nox series to undoubtedly create some mischief. Alex, Yas and Emma are all bringing their own talents to complete the squad but is Fate involving herself again…
WOW - when is the next one due for release? I read this in one afternoon, I couldn’t put it down, and I can’t wait to find out what is going to happen in the next book!
This book reintroduced me to some old friends and to the new generation of the PIA, there is also the mysterious appearance of a character from the Nox series to undoubtedly create some mischief. Alex, Yas and Emma are all bringing their own talents to complete the squad but is Fate involving herself again…
WOW - when is the next one due for release? I read this in one afternoon, I couldn’t put it down, and I can’t wait to find out what is going to happen in the next book!
July 26, 2021
I revived a ARC copy in exchange for an honest review
What can I say if I didn’t work I would have read in one day lol
I was so excited to read this book and jumped at the chance every book j.c diem writes is worth reading and I wasn’t disappointed 😍
I love how the main character Alex is so normal at the start of the book ( except for the whole witch kidnapping/ tattoo thing lol ).
The other characters yas the vampire best friend I think was a perfect choice but omg Emma the squirrel I absolutely love and jax the fated mate I can’t wait to see how the relationship progresses through the series
What can I say if I didn’t work I would have read in one day lol
I was so excited to read this book and jumped at the chance every book j.c diem writes is worth reading and I wasn’t disappointed 😍
I love how the main character Alex is so normal at the start of the book ( except for the whole witch kidnapping/ tattoo thing lol ).
The other characters yas the vampire best friend I think was a perfect choice but omg Emma the squirrel I absolutely love and jax the fated mate I can’t wait to see how the relationship progresses through the series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2021
I also received this copy in exchange for a review, and I'm really thankful for that
This is one of the best books I've ever read! I'm just sad that it was so short, I mean, I read it in like 7 hours
I'm not gonna say much more, in case I spoil it, but if you liked the Shifter Squad series, you'll love this one too
This is one of the best books I've ever read! I'm just sad that it was so short, I mean, I read it in like 7 hours
I'm not gonna say much more, in case I spoil it, but if you liked the Shifter Squad series, you'll love this one too
July 30, 2021
I absolutely love diving back into the craziness of the Shifter Squad world! The Next Gen characters are just as engaging and I am already invested in the journey. I look forward to the next book
July 27, 2021
I received an ARC copy for an honest review.
I really liked the start of this next gen series. The beginning was a little slow but once you get to meet the rest of the squad it picks up. The relationship that Alex has with Emma and Yas is very unique and I will be staying tuned to see how that progresses. I can't wait for the next book to see what is going on with Alex and Jax.
I really liked the start of this next gen series. The beginning was a little slow but once you get to meet the rest of the squad it picks up. The relationship that Alex has with Emma and Yas is very unique and I will be staying tuned to see how that progresses. I can't wait for the next book to see what is going on with Alex and Jax.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews