Not for lovers of book one
CWs for gaslighting, cheating and self mutilation
High angst
Lack of communication/miscommunications galore
A lot of time apart
Barely a PNR based plot
Dual POV
Mpreg/eggpreg on page, not MCs
The plot is very painful and I was very angry at the main characters often. That beautiful couple painstakingly built in the first book was destroyed. As was I, honestly. Dean and Silas spend more time apart than together; and when they are together/near one another Silas is downright awful to Dean but nice to everyone else... even though book 1 made it a point to inform us that Silas trusted no one until Dean worked his way into Silas' heart. I'm all for throwing away the script when it comes to shifters and ABO but ugh, this was not for me. Established mates mistreating and cheating on mates is apparently where I draw the line.
There are a lot of great plot points in this book which were never expanded on due to the destruction of the romance being the central focus. Things that could have been built on but were basically filler (and therefore hectic) since demolishing romance was apparently the prime focus here. Add to that a random plot point thrown in at the end so Silas would have an excuse for being a selfish, careless @sshole and it's obvious this author is more concerned with forcing angst into a relationship than trying to work out an actual plot built on action and magic. Even the "evil dagger" is a half forgotten joke.
Silas is horrible to Dean, the pack is horrible to Dean, Dean is horrible to himself. Silas acts so horribly nonstop yet Dean is always the bad guy. I was disgusted.
As pack Alpha, it is Dean's job to take care of everyone. At the beginning, he struggles to find a solution to his problem with Silas and does something Silas deems "unforgivable" even though Silas poses an actual danger to others. Honestly, I think Dean did great with what little resources, time, and knowledge he had. Unfortunately, Silas is just plain MEAN. Not evil, but mean (though the author seems to think they're synonymous). He refuses to acknowledge his behaviors and continuously blames Dean, ignoring the fact that Dean had to protect the entire pack. Ummm Dean never wanted a pack to begin with but did his best once responsible for one, then it's used against him? Add to that the fact that the pack is angry with Dean because they all suddenly love Silas once he's gone?!? Friends of Dean are suddenly treating him poorly because somehow mistreating your pack Alpha is acceptable when you're secure enough to know he won't kick you out of the pack.
I was rooting for this COUPLE and their pack. It's obvious the author favors Silas, though. The word "sexy" was used to describe Silas often whereas Dean was portrayed as a self loathing doormat. Not a single attempt at having a balanced or romantic relationship was demonstrated. Show me, don't tell me. Does Silas even say I love you to Dean ever? This is not a healthy relationship nor is it one of those toxic relationships I find exciting in a passionate way. It's just toxic and dark.
I will not be reading anything else from this author nor will I be recommending any of her books from now on.
It's obvious the A..R..C.. reviews for this book are not labeled nor from the author's established fan base.