My pack is dying.After being hunted down by ghostly shadow wolves, we’re on the brink of extinction. As one of the rare Moon Callers, wolves who imbue warriors with lunar power, I was meant to protect our pack...but I failed.When a shadow wolf nearly kills me, a powerful new pack sees its chance to strike.They call it rescue. I call it servitude.They say they desperately need a Moon Caller of their own, and I’m not given a choice. I can either stay of my own free will, or I can serve in chains.But the shadow wolves threaten us all. And if I want to preserve what’s left of my family… I’ll have to be an ally to my enemies.Pack Captive is the first book in a medium-burn, fantasy shifter romance series. This book is intended for 18+ readers.
Cate is a USA Today Bestselling Author who loves all things passionate and paranormal with a side of horror. She lives in the South with her family and pets, and loves every kind of coffee, horror and fantasy movies, and cats. Reading is her favorite hobby when she’s not writing.
Taming of the Shrew is my least favourite Shakespeare and this is certainly a derivative interpretation of that material.
The fmc here is a country bumpkin. A yokel. She is a total know-nothing, literally walking around gawping. Although the author gives minor lip service to the idea that Ayla has any choices at all, she then goes out of her way to say that while Ayla isn’t a prostitute, quid-pro-quo a foundational aspect of the book and it’s Ayla’s responsibility to service the male characters in all ways and in all things. First, the male characters use Ayla’s pack against her to coerce her into conformity. Then, adding injury to insult, the men also collar her like a dog and keep her tied up. And, finally, they imprison her to force her into sex. This author swears that the manipulation and abuse are meant to show how much the male characters care. It’s excellent gas lighting. Ayla isn’t permitted a single moment of privacy. If she doesn’t instantly obey, without question, the male characters assert that she is directly responsible for every bad thing that has ever happened in the past or will happen in the future.
From a technical standpoint, the author misspells the names of her own characters.
I didn't have high hopes, the summary did not endear me to the story at all, but it was somehow highly rated. So I said, "why not?". I have Kindle Unlimited so it costs me nothing but my time.
Then I started reading and there are...no words. Especially since this could have been so much better if they had given her any kind of choices instead of taking the high handed "my way or the highway" route. I think the author was trying to endear you to Ryden by giving chapters from his POV explaining why he was being an asshole but all it did was piss me off and hate all the characters. He gives her no reasoning for anything and just expects her to go along with everything he says. He goes on and on in his head about how it's all to protect her and the shackle around her ankle is the only thing that would let him help her if she were captured by the enemy but tells her jack shit while "feeling guilty". Then use your words jackass. There was also practically no world building here. Not only are the relationships exceedingly shallow there is no clue as to how the world works other than dark wolves killing packs and special Callers who are always female and can give their pack a power boost. It was so bad I can't believe I finished it, I think I just wanted to see how bad it could get.
Ryden and his pack take Ayla prisoner because she is a Caller and can power up a pack. They accept what is left of her pack into their ranks and say they are taking her back for training and she isn't a prisoner, she just can't leave. Makes sense. Their only two current Callers are an elderly woman and a young girl. They literally put a pretty shackle on her ankle that causes her pain if she tries to get too far away from Ryden and then they bind her hands behind her back to make it so much better. This means Calian has to hand feed her and when he ties her hands in front of her the next time he says it's a reward for her good behavior. Let the brainwashing begin!
"To a Caller with the right training, they would've seen it as an opportunity to help every wolf. I'd only seen it as enslavement." This line right here pissed me off to no end. It literally is enslavement. They bound you and dragged you to their home with no explanation and no choices. She would have gone with them willingly if they had taken two seconds to talk to her about her pack and how they want to help, but no, that would have been too much work. Best to go the caveman route and truss her up.
Almost immediately she decides to stop being angry and fighting them at all despite feeling betrayed, sad, and helpless. They constantly expect her to be horrible because the one other Caller they used to have named Tyra was a terrible person yet no one wants to tell her what happened. She gets back from her first day of training and Rylan starts groping her and she's ecstatic about it. One orgasm later and she's giving him a blowjob. He kidnapped you two fucking days ago, you know NOTHING about him, the city he took you to, or anyone else there.
Then they give her a special outfit for the ritual since she's of mating age and they need a breeder to produce more Callers so they're showing off her body. She goes along with this like it's no big deal. Then after the battle she can tell they're holding something back and not telling her even after all their BS about how she was made to be part of their pack with how brightly their runes were glowing.
After she is attacked in the bathhouse Calian comes onto her and she decides now is the time to have sex with him? It was implied she had never been with anyone yet she just climbs on up and goes straight for it? A few pages ago she was fuming because she knew he wasn't telling her the truth but we can forget all that for a few minutes in bed with someone she doesn't really know. On top of that she accepts being mated to him because "he took off the shackle". Also, why is it with these shifter books even if both are shifters she hardly ever bites him back? The male always bites her to mark her but she never marks him back.
Days after officially mating to Calian she has sex with Ryden. This book never talked about the stance on multiple mates and she didn't talk about it with Calian. How is this normal? I've read reverse harem before, but it's always talked about - the main character doesn't just jump into bed with another while her mate is off taking care of people.
So fricken perfect. One of my most favorite tropes and this was perfect. I love Cate's writing and storytelling, the world building is spot on. Love it!!
What I liked: Cate Corvin is amazing when it comes to making new worlds and immersing us in them. This world is not like any werewolf fantasy I've read before. I definitely wanted to learn more about the tribes and the magic. The 2nd wolf had a great character arc with the protagonist and really grew on me.
What I disliked: the beginning has a lot of that cheesy "I hate them but for some reason they are so hot" every time they think about what's wrong it's gotta be followed with some version of this. It comes across so cheesy and immature. Not a fan. Let attraction grow naturally as they have experiences together. You don't have to force it in the first 3 chapters. Also I don't know if they lost their editor but there were soo many typos or sentences missing words. It really stood out since none of their other books, I've read, have ever had such bad editing.
Over all I'll be reading the next one. Cates 2nd book in a series is always better than the first since they always spend a lot of time setting foundation and introducing the characters/world. Looking forward to learning more about the moon rituals and ghosts.
DNF for me surprisingly. I hated the main character, she was treated like trash and constantly talked down on, and she took it. She had legitimate reasons for being upset but was gaslit by EVERYONE. Hated every character except Merikh. I just can’t stand it and I had to stop. I’m so surprised because I love almost every Cate Corvin book, but this isn’t for me. It’s like a constant redemption arc but the FMC hasn’t done anything to warrant it, and is constantly apologizing for it. Basically, anything bad that has happened or anything that is going to happen is somehow her fault. Everyone blames the way that they treat her on the fact that they’ve had a rough past, but her rough life and the fact she’s buried almost every loved one doesn’t allow her the same courtesy??
I zoomed right through this book! Cate Corvin writes some of my favorite books and I'm never disappointed by anything she has released. This book in particular has a really unique take on wolf shifters. I loved the idea of Moon Callers in how they help support and strengthen the pack. This is similar to how some omega wolves are viewed in other wolf books, but Corvin made the Moon Callers really stand out by how much they are really capable of. Not only do they support, but they have so much individual power. Not everything has been revealed in this book, but I have a feeling that the FMC, Ayla, is going to pack a serious punch once she gets a handle on her powers. Her abilities now seem to only touch the surface of what is to be expected.
I really loved Ayla's character. She has some grit to her, has overcome so much hardship and heartache, yet still is able to remain selfless and devotes herself to others. She's not strong physically, yet, but she makes up for that with her strength of mind and desire to help her pack.
With that being said, I can't say that I am a huge fan of Ryden's pack. They are extremely judgemental, quickly switching from being wary of Ayla, to being amazed by her Moon Caller skills, then despising her the next day. It seems like they are easy to believe rumors before knowing if they are true and only seem to somewhat accept Ayla or respect her in some way when she shows how beneficial she is to the pack's strength. It's a bit exhausting and I really hope that they get some sense knocked into them, especially when they see that she wasn't what they were accusing her of being. I feel like the pack is like a groveling boyfriend; they have a lot to make up for in my opinion. Ayla already accepts them as hers and it's sad that they can't do the same even after seeing what she is capable of as part of their pack.
After reading this book, I can't wait to see what Corvin does with the rest of this series. The next book in this series should be amazing! I've loved what I read so far. I'm a fan of all of the characters, especially Ayla and Merikh, and the battle between dark and light sounds like it will be an adventurous one with tons of possible outcomes as the story continues. Can the power of the moon overpower the void?
When a massive and powerful pack of wolves swoop in and save Ayla and the last remaining members of her pack from a brutal end at the mouths of the shadow wolves, she learns this new pack has ulterior motives for saving them. The alpha explains to her that his pack is in desperate need of a Moon Caller—a wolf priestess who has the ability to harness the moon’s power and use it to strengthen her pack’. Whether Ayla likes it or not, as one of the last remaining Callers in existence, the job is hers and the alpha will not take no for an answer.
Despite the rocky start, Ayla takes to her position and life with the new pack quickly, but the shadow wolves start attacking again and more frequently. As some of the pack starts turning against her, Ayla learns of Pack Azura’s past, and the nefarious plans of the shadow wolves alpha has for Callers like herself.
Overall I really loved Pack Captive and thought Ayla was an amazing FMC. She’s an all around badass, who was willing to sacrifice herself to save her pack. That selflessness continues as she is forced to accept her new position in the pack that saved her, not that she’s really given much choice anyway.
I really enjoyed watching her grow into powers and herself with the new pack, despite some of them turning against her and distrusting her over stupid gossip—looking at you Sorana 😠! Plus the whole throuple business with Ryden and Calian, and how they each brought out different sides of Ayla.
I do wish the relationship pacing was a little bit slower, but there’s so much that happens in this book that I understand why it’s a bit rushed. I’m really looking forward to continuing the series and see how it plays out, especially after that ending!
I really, really enjoyed this book and am so glad I was chosen to do an ARC review.
It's not often these days that I begin and finish a book on the same day, but I couldn't put this one down. I already like Cate Corvin's work and was really looking forward to this one, so I'm so glad I got to read it early.
We've got a very feisty heroine, but who is also broken from trying so hard to defend her pack. She thinks of herself as a failure for being unable to do so. When another pack comes and saves the day at the last minute, despite the way she gets treated, she sucks it up and tells her pack members that they can be trusted if it means that her pack gets to stay alive. I felt bad for her because she was so angry over being essentially kidnapped, but she did what was best for her pack.
After being brought to the new pack's city, Ayla is still feeling resentful towards Ryden and Calian, but she begins to learn that she's stronger than she ever knew and now she has more people to protect. Not all of the pack is happy with her presence, especially since Ryden is treating her special. Things do begin to move in the right direction, though and she gets closer to them both. However, they aren't the only ones. A top member of the shadow wolves also calls to her.
There's some mystery and a nice surprise ending. There's some hot moments and some sweet moments once all of the characters get over themselves a bit. The ending might not do Ayla any favors for a while, though. I'm looking forward to seeing how she'll navigate that as I'm pretty sure that Ryden and Calian will be feeling pretty betrayed and the wolves that were already against her will be doubling down on that.
Different in a great way! Finished in 2 days! Really enjoyed this take on the relationship between the moon and its connection to the Wolves. The FMC is a Caller, who soaks up the lunar pier and can imbue this into her pack. It’s original in its concept adding something extra to the wolf shifter trope - making it an interesting read. There’s a big bad in Fenris and the Shadow Wolves although there’s a feeling throughout the book that there’s more going on! Alya, the FMC, is a great balance of humility and determination. She’s been placed in some sad situations that have really knocked her confidence abs made her feel like a failure, but this book really sees her come into her own and understand her place in the new pack. Ryden is the alpha of the new pack who capture Alya and, bless him- his hearts in the right place but he does not go about things the best way! Leading to a some terse exchanges. Calian is the stoic second. He relates to Alya but there’s some rockiness to overcome - trust is a key factor for them. Then there’s Merikh the kinda, sorta baddie …. Yeah read it and you’ll see 😉 The heat in this is 🔥🔥🔥 *fanning self*, it does happen quite quickly but there’s a fated mates element to it so it works! Ermmm that little bombshell at the end though?!?! 😍😍 can’t wait to see what that creates in the next book!!
It took me a minute to get started on Pack Captive because I was riding the high from a different book and I wasn’t ready to come down from it. Book Hangovers are real, y’all. BUT I am SO SO glad I read this book! It was exactly what I needed! I love a good Why Choose story. And sometimes I’m really into paranormal. And this was both of those! I love books where someone realizes the have more power than they were aware of in the beginning. Ayla basically was special and I loved her. Ryden and Calian were so drooly. Ugh. I loved them. I gravitated to Merikh from the get go. There’s just something about a bad bad boy that I fall for. Lol. I absolutely loved this book! Which is not surprising because I love Cate Corvin but I truly wasn’t ready to be done with the book I read before this. Pack Captive wasn’t even remotely same as the book I was dropping from. Haha. And it picked me right back up!! It ended on a cliffhanger and it had me sucked in from the start. I don’t know how I’m going to be patient while waiting for the next book! I guess I’ll go re-read this book again!! I definitely recommend this series. It’s fire, y’all.
Well when Cate Corvin writes a book, you do not want to miss it. So here we have Pack Captive and let me just say, I was not disappointed. So we just jump right into the story with some action. Ayla is a moon caller and she is trying to save her pack. However things are not looking good. Then here comes Cailen and Ryden who show up and help her. Only to turn around and shackle her. This is not good for Ayla, she does not know what to think of this. She goes with them to a new pack and she goes to training to become a better moon caller. While she is there, she feels like they are keeping secrets from her. She learns a bit more about herself too. She also meets Merikh who was locked up until after he met her. Then things start happening and she is trying to find out and keep the guys from hurting Merikh. Well things are not looking good because people are thinking she is behind all this. How can she make them trust her. Well she gets put to the test real quick and we find out some interesting news. Then we get slammed with a cliffy. Like it was huge and now I can' wait to find out what is going to happen.
This was a great paranormal romance that I thought was was unique, riveting and captivating. I'll admit I was a little lost right at the beginning, but it quickly explained itself. After that I was taken on an extremely awesome journey. Ayla and the elders and cubs are what's left of her pack, and during their final stand against the Shadow Wolves, another clan comes in to fight them away. They take Ayla and her clan to their home soon Ayla can learn how to be a better Moon Caller and discovers that she is also a Spirit Caller, which was thought to have not existed in generations. She also meets the Alpha, Ryden, and his second, Calian, with whom she has bonded with and could be so possible mattress.
With these two men at her side (and possibly Merikh??) they are determined to take Fenris and his shadow Wolves down.
I really liked the romance in the book. I like Ryden and Calian both, but I have a feeling that Merikh will end up stealing my heart. I can't wait to read what happens next!!
I read this book as part of an ARC and, unsurprisingly, I loved it! I am a huge fan of Cate's books and this one is one of her best.
Ayla is trying to do what's best for her pack, despite being left without the training to do so. When she and her people are captured by Pack Azura, she reluctantly complies because her people need safety. The Alpha, Ryden, and his second, Calian, are almost immediately drawn to her and introduce her to the kind of pack life she'd never dreamed about. Of course, danger is drawing closer and closer to Pack Azura and even within the pack there are those who resent Ayla's presence. The book ends with... not quite a cliffhanger, but it stops at a pivotal moment.
If you like medium burn reverse harems with a strong FMC, then you'll enjoy this book. The story kept me hooked and I loved the characters. I've been reading a lot of enemies to lovers/bully romances and this book was a fantastic palate cleanser. I'm really excited to see where the story goes!
This was one of my better reads this month. Maybe even this year. Yes, there were one or two glaring errors but otherwise it was near perfect for me. I liked the lines. The dialogue. Really hit right. And the SEX.
Started off cheesy enough, got better once they got to Lykos. I liked the characters and watching them build on each other. Pretty simple and basic and easy, nice storyline to follow. I love Merikh. He’s so weird lol
If I had to nitpick this book, it would probably be the way the wolves treated her and got away with it. Seems like armor plot to get the bully over it but that’s me. Also, got a little annoying with the way they hated on Merikh. Even AFTER the truth was revealed. Like really? Really?
I almost regret reading this when the rest of the series isn’t out yet, I was that into it.
Wow! This book was not what I expected but everything I wanted!!! 👏👏👏 I have read MANY wolf shifter books, this was nothing like them! It shattered my expectations! The whole story is so unique and different. I truly loved all of the characters and the way that they interacted. The fated mates aspect of the story was also very different than any I've read. It wasn't insta love, the guys actually had to work to prove theirselves. I really found that refreshing! There were definitely some steamy scenes also! 🔥 I'm excited to see where this story goes! That ending has me very curious as to what will happen. I kind of seen that coming but then again, I didn't? Idk but I do know I can't wait for the next book! 🙌
Ayla is a moon caller and the protector of her pack. A pack that is dying. The enemy shadow wolves nearly take her life, but she and her pack are saved by a larger, stronger pack. But does she have a choice to join them or not? Is this new pack their savior?
This is an amazingly unique and captivating story. The world building and visuals are outstanding and the characters are incredible! I honestly could not put this book down! The action, the secrets, the discoveries, the intrigue, the steam, I loved it all! I simply cannot wait for the next book!
If you love shifters and unique and vivid storylines then you do not want to miss out on this one! I highly recommend it and consider it a Must Read!
Pack captive is full on action from start to finish. Ayla (FMC) is a moon caller which means that she has the ability to help strength a pack. When Ryden and Calian come to her packs aid it doesn't go to plan and she ends up being their captive. A new pack, distrust and finding her feet as well as protecting what is left of her old pack is everything Ayla has to contend with in this book. It's a lot but what I loved about Ayla was her resilience and her strength of character especially with everything she goes through. I can't wait to see how things play out for her in the next book because this one was a damn fine read. I just loved it
Wow! What an intriguing new series by Cate Corvin! Ayla is unique and no push over FMC. Not only is she moon blessed but she is spirit blessed as well. Her mother didn't train her as she should have been trained. When the shadow wolves are about to basically kill her and annihilate her pack they are saved by one of the largest remaining packs. The alpha and his second both want to claim her, but so does Bloodfang, and her touch changes him. Omfg! I like Bloodfang so much! I love this fresh take on shifters. Great world building! I really can't wait for the next book!
Wow! This was a great read. Ayla has been held back living in her pack cut off from the rest of the world. She doesn’t know it but there is more to her than just performing rituals and drawing down a minimum amount of power. I was mad at the new pack for taking her and treating her like a dog on a leash. I also think she may have jumped in too quick with Calian. I’m still not over all the secrets. That ending was epic. I can’t wait for the next book!
Oh my word! What a fantastic start to what is promising to be another absolutely amazing series by the ever so talented Cate Corvin. I am so invested in this story. I absolutely love the character growth we have already begun to see in Ayla, and she is a really interesting character, I quite like her. I love the concept of this story, it's unique, complex and really well explained. I am enjoying how Aylas relationships are developing alongside her growth, Its really fun and entertaining! This is a well written well paced story that truly kepted me engrossed all the way through!
Pack Captive is a refreshing new take on a shifter romance. It includes everything you love from your usual shifter romance reads such as steamy bits, and a budding relationship with an "enemy" . It also provides a different take on the true villain. Every aspect drew me quickly into this story and has left me ready for more. I have so many questions! I'm especially excited to see how Ayla continues to progress into the bad*** wolf she is!
I enjoyed this book from the very first word and once I started reading there was no putting it down no matter what needed to be done. It moves along at a really great pace, making for an easy and enjoyable read. It has amazing characters that you want to know and you cannot help but fall in love with and a story that grabs you and keeps you reading till the end. This book is a must read, no doubt about it.
Cate Corvin has done it again! Once again she has built a world you are immediately sucked into and captured in. Once I started this I couldn't put it down! Ayla is a strong female lead that is over her head and not respected as she should be and when part of the harem swoops in.... Ayla is going to fight everything for her pack. A selfless, strong lead and (unfortunately) a cliffhanger that leaves you begging for the next book NOW! Take the time and devour this book, you won't be disappointed!
HOLY SMOKES!!! This is one of the best books I have read in 2021 for sure! I love all of this authors work but this one blew me out of the water with how amazing it was.
Ayla is exactly the type of FMC that I love to read about. She is bad@$s and takes no crap! She was willing to give herself up to save her pack!
The men are all growls and amazing. They care about Ayla and you can tell they are all in 100%!
Fantastic! This book held my attention from the very first page and never let go. Ayla has been sheltered her enter life within her pack and she knows nothing of the outside world or herself. She is more than she seems and needs to find out for herself while trying to survive the unknowns. Plenty of ups and downs to keep you on your toes while you turn the pages in suspense. Absolutely fabulous! Cannot wait for the next book! 💜🖤
Long time Cate Corvin reader here! Always super excited to get my hands on my ARC. What I love most about her books is that her heroines are generally these kick-ass ladies and I'm so glad that Ayla is no different. She's tough, protective of her people, sweet, and maybe just a bit too curious for her own good.
Anyway, werewolves in general are pretty hot. The alpha males in this story are the best! Worth reading for those guys alone!
I loved the book, the characters, the world (which, honestly, could have used a little more fleshing out so we understood exactly where we were), but I'm a little concerned that the story ends here, on a horri le cliffhanger, since the other books aren't showing up on Amazon even tho there are (broken) links to their pre-order. I would love to continue the series and really hope there's more to come.
This book is AMAZING! I stayed up way too late reading it because I could not put it down. Ayla is such a cool main character and I really like the way she thinks. This is a unique take on werewolves and I am into it! I finished it five minutes ago and I’m already impatient because I need to know what happens next.