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Second Nature
Mavis Corvid can't remember. Not who she is, not where she came from, noth. It's been six months. Now she's back on her feet and settling into a new life. She has an apartment, friends, a job working at garage for a grumpy boss, and an insatiable curiosity about werewolves.
No one knows why the wolves disclosed their existence to the world. As the first anniversary of their reveal approaches, a fight brews between two alphas that could threaten the rest of humanity unless Mavis can remember who she was. She knows she's not a werewolf, but she is something else.
When pushed from a balcony, Mavis' second nature asserts itself. She shifts to save her skin. Now she'll have to harness her strange abilities as she investigates her disappearance and what happened to the Aldwulf, the alpha of all alphas. However, the past is gone, and Mavis is not the same person she used to be.
No one knows why the wolves disclosed their existence to the world. As the first anniversary of their reveal approaches, a fight brews between two alphas that could threaten the rest of humanity unless Mavis can remember who she was. She knows she's not a werewolf, but she is something else.
When pushed from a balcony, Mavis' second nature asserts itself. She shifts to save her skin. Now she'll have to harness her strange abilities as she investigates her disappearance and what happened to the Aldwulf, the alpha of all alphas. However, the past is gone, and Mavis is not the same person she used to be.
312 pages, Paperback
Published February 2, 2022
1 person is currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Amber Boudreau
5 books27 followersHey there! I won't be accepting anymore GR friend requests because of Amazon's linked review policy. Please, it's not personal. You can still follow me on GR for updates, and I'd love to connect on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and my author website. See you around!
Amber Boudreau holds two degrees in Geology and works part-time for the state Geological Survey. In between household projects and parenting, she writes youth and adult fantasy. A native of Northwest Indiana, she currently lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband and two children. The Dragoneer is her debut novel.
Amber Boudreau holds two degrees in Geology and works part-time for the state Geological Survey. In between household projects and parenting, she writes youth and adult fantasy. A native of Northwest Indiana, she currently lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband and two children. The Dragoneer is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 24, 2022
5 stars★★★★★
**I was provided with an ARC from Netgalley and GenZ Publishing for an honest review**
This ARC review is also avaliable here on my blog ☀︎
☞ Trigger warnings: **contains spoilers**
Mavis is okay. She may have amnesia, and she did have to start her life over but she has a job, friends and a home. She doesn't need to know what happened or who she was before. She is fine with not knowing why no one is looking for her, or if she mattered to anyone before, because she has moved on and she is happy with what her life is now.
I love the fact that she has come to peace with not knowing who she was. She knows potentially no one is looking for her and yet she's happy. A sense of contentment is unheard of and I love that for her.
Unfortunately, not everyone is happy about her progress. Her past memories hold secrets that some want buried, and others unearthed. Mavis wants to just bake and go on hikes. She finds herself caught up with werewolf politics while juggeling the idea of who she was with who she is becoming to be.
Mavis stayed pretty calm during the times the people in her life overstepped boundaries. At one point I wanted her to yell and throw things when something so obtrusive happens, but I suspect she wanted information more than to overboil in emotion. I commend her but when she held back from asserting her rage, I was dissatisfied and longed for her to unleash it.
The Mystery:
"Marvis Corvid's day began with murder and it only got stranger from there"
I like the fact this is set in a place where werewolves have had their 'coming out' to the public, illuminating there are paranormal aspects to the world that everyone wasn’t aware of until now. Mavis isn't a werewolf but she feels compelled to help them solve this mystery. She doesn't want anyone to get hurt or die, not when her memories are the key to everything. Banking on an amnesiacs memories, especially within a short time frame was crazy and yet I had hoped she would find some weird solution to her memory disorder. I was juiced up on Mavis' confidence that I hardly noticed the idiocy of that plan. I think I kind of knew it would be a stretch but this is a fantasy book, and I have read more fantastical things. The mystery was fun but wasn't as compelling as I expected. I was more invested in Mavis' journey than whatever problem the werewolves had. I was reminded of Mercy Thompson series a little with the werewolves but I love that series so I was excited about the comparison. The ending plot twist (the last one not the climax one) was great and felt it paid off to the overarching question of this mystery. I am excited to see Mavis' journey with the werewolves in the next book and see if she is involved in another mystery.
The Romance
Mavis is the sunshine to Aitch's grump. Mavis is all smiles, and manners while Aitch communicates in grunts and glares. It should be a match made in heaven. Aitch feels pulled into two different directions, making Mavis a victim of his confusion. I want Mavis to have someone be all in. Aitch has one foot constantly out the door and Mavis needs someone willing to do whatever it takes to make it work. I hope the next book means they reconcile, maybe figure some things out because they are sooooo cute together and I love their banter and intense energy. I wouldn't be opposed to another love interest to kick Aitch into high gear, get grumpier and make everyone realise they are perfect for each other, but I would rather the relisation to come without a third party influence. Aitch needs to take the leap or find a solution that he refuses to look for and thats on him and his hard headedness. Mavis deserves better and I am glad she decides that too.
I am so excited to see Mavis' journey and what she does next. Aitch better watch out because Mavis doesn't come to play and her new sense of self is just starting to blossom and boy, oh boy, it will be magnificent to watch.
Would I recommend this book?
I would 100% recommend this book. It's a great New Adult Paranormal book!
Will I re-read this book?
If the sequel takes some time to come out I will want to re-read it but the romance is so cute that it's not a hardship to reread this book.
Read
August 16, 2022
Trigger & Content Warnings
Persecution for witchcraft
Panic attack
Amnesia
Depersonalisation
Dysphoria
Drugging
Blood & gore depiction
Body horror
Physical injuries & illness, including burns, anaphylaxis, and loss of limb
Dead bodies & body parts
Medical experimentation
Medical procedures & treatment
Hospitalisation & psychiatric hospitalisation
Grief & loss depiction
Death of friend
Death of brother
Death of son
Death of parent
Murder & attempted murder
Poisoning
Gun violence
Home invasion
Captivity & confinement
Disappearance of a loved one
Fire
Animal death & death of a pet
Animal illness & injury
Poverty
Persecution for witchcraft
Panic attack
Amnesia
Depersonalisation
Dysphoria
Drugging
Blood & gore depiction
Body horror
Physical injuries & illness, including burns, anaphylaxis, and loss of limb
Dead bodies & body parts
Medical experimentation
Medical procedures & treatment
Hospitalisation & psychiatric hospitalisation
Grief & loss depiction
Death of friend
Death of brother
Death of son
Death of parent
Murder & attempted murder
Poisoning
Gun violence
Home invasion
Captivity & confinement
Disappearance of a loved one
Fire
Animal death & death of a pet
Animal illness & injury
Poverty
March 29, 2022
SECOND NATURE was a fun read that kept me guessing all the way to the end. Just when I thought I was certain of the story line, Boudreau threw another twist into the mix. The characters are all quite complex,. The author creates a world in which werewolves are quite the norm.
Werewolves, on the verge of being exposed, decide to make themselves known on their own terms. SECOND NATURE is the aftermath of that revelation. As in real life, people fear what they do not understand. Neighbors begin to suspect neighbors. Meetings are held to determine how the community should handle the werewolves and what rights the werewolves should and should not have. The pack leader, or aldwulf, Gloin has disappeared. Mel, one of his most trusted associates, has also disappeared. It has been a year, and the sons of the aldwulf have completely different views of what the werewolves need. On one thing they do agree, someone needs to take over to lead the pack. However, there can only be one leader. For one brother to lead, the other must die.
Six months after waking up in a mental hospital unable to remember anything about who she is and unable to walk, Mavis has finally come to terms with not knowing her past. She can now walk, has her own apartment, and was able to find a job that she enjoys. She has a very small group of people she trusts. However, as Mavis learns more about the people in her life, her trust is tested. What she does know is that someone wants her dead. She just does not know why, and she cannot remember anything before the hospital no matter how hard she tries. When she shows up naked and dirty at her neighbor’s door, she still has almost as many questions as he does. The one thing she needs to know is how her waking up at the hospital is connected to Mel’s disappearance, and what any of it has to do with Gloin’s disappearance.
SECOND NATURE is not a difficult read once the reader understands the “natures” of the characters. Boudreau left the book open ended, which makes me wonder when we will see Mavis again. She is a strong protagonist, much stronger than even she realizes. It will be nice to see where she takes this new-found life.
Werewolves, on the verge of being exposed, decide to make themselves known on their own terms. SECOND NATURE is the aftermath of that revelation. As in real life, people fear what they do not understand. Neighbors begin to suspect neighbors. Meetings are held to determine how the community should handle the werewolves and what rights the werewolves should and should not have. The pack leader, or aldwulf, Gloin has disappeared. Mel, one of his most trusted associates, has also disappeared. It has been a year, and the sons of the aldwulf have completely different views of what the werewolves need. On one thing they do agree, someone needs to take over to lead the pack. However, there can only be one leader. For one brother to lead, the other must die.
Six months after waking up in a mental hospital unable to remember anything about who she is and unable to walk, Mavis has finally come to terms with not knowing her past. She can now walk, has her own apartment, and was able to find a job that she enjoys. She has a very small group of people she trusts. However, as Mavis learns more about the people in her life, her trust is tested. What she does know is that someone wants her dead. She just does not know why, and she cannot remember anything before the hospital no matter how hard she tries. When she shows up naked and dirty at her neighbor’s door, she still has almost as many questions as he does. The one thing she needs to know is how her waking up at the hospital is connected to Mel’s disappearance, and what any of it has to do with Gloin’s disappearance.
SECOND NATURE is not a difficult read once the reader understands the “natures” of the characters. Boudreau left the book open ended, which makes me wonder when we will see Mavis again. She is a strong protagonist, much stronger than even she realizes. It will be nice to see where she takes this new-found life.
July 24, 2022
Mavis has lost almost all of her memories. She has no idea who she is. If
she had family or friends. She does however have a strange fascination with
werewolves and an excellent chocolate chip cookie recipe.
In Second Nature Amber Boudreau has created a world where the human
population has recently learned that werewolves are real and that they live among
us. This revelation has startled neighbors both the accepting and of course those
opposed. The wolves have their own dilemma, dealing with being outed just as
their leader, the Aldwulf, disappears.
Because of her inquisitive nature and determination to discover the truth,
Mavis finds herself in the middle of the fight for dominance amongst the pack.
Can she discover who she is and her own power in time to save both the wolves
and humankind from a malicious alpha-wolf determined to become the new
leader?
Throw in a sprinkling of shapeshifters called two-natured and delight in
Boudreau’s fantasy world. I appreciated the explanations of the fantastical. It
made this world feel real in a way that many created places do not. One such
description is where magic resides. “It’s what you call the fugue. It’s not bad or
good, it just is. It’s a place where things end and things begin. Where things are
born.”
I was caught up in Mavis’ search for her past from the first sentence. The
supporting characters were all interesting personalities, many with hidden
abilities. I enjoyed the mystery. What happened to the Aldwulf? Who could be
trusted? Without memories could Mavis even trust herself?
I enjoyed the other characters’ reactions. In one scene Mavis arrives at her
friend’s door, bloodied and naked. She answers his question, “No I’m not a
werewolf.”
“Okay.” He cleared his throat. “You were saying.”
The matter of fact acceptance, yet hesitant overtones were a running
subplot. Who was two-natured, who was a werewolf and who was a human that
could be accepting kept an added tension throughout the novel.
Second Nature is a wonderful read. A beautifully written, enjoyable
fantasy. I recommend it to those who love both paranormal and mystery.
she had family or friends. She does however have a strange fascination with
werewolves and an excellent chocolate chip cookie recipe.
In Second Nature Amber Boudreau has created a world where the human
population has recently learned that werewolves are real and that they live among
us. This revelation has startled neighbors both the accepting and of course those
opposed. The wolves have their own dilemma, dealing with being outed just as
their leader, the Aldwulf, disappears.
Because of her inquisitive nature and determination to discover the truth,
Mavis finds herself in the middle of the fight for dominance amongst the pack.
Can she discover who she is and her own power in time to save both the wolves
and humankind from a malicious alpha-wolf determined to become the new
leader?
Throw in a sprinkling of shapeshifters called two-natured and delight in
Boudreau’s fantasy world. I appreciated the explanations of the fantastical. It
made this world feel real in a way that many created places do not. One such
description is where magic resides. “It’s what you call the fugue. It’s not bad or
good, it just is. It’s a place where things end and things begin. Where things are
born.”
I was caught up in Mavis’ search for her past from the first sentence. The
supporting characters were all interesting personalities, many with hidden
abilities. I enjoyed the mystery. What happened to the Aldwulf? Who could be
trusted? Without memories could Mavis even trust herself?
I enjoyed the other characters’ reactions. In one scene Mavis arrives at her
friend’s door, bloodied and naked. She answers his question, “No I’m not a
werewolf.”
“Okay.” He cleared his throat. “You were saying.”
The matter of fact acceptance, yet hesitant overtones were a running
subplot. Who was two-natured, who was a werewolf and who was a human that
could be accepting kept an added tension throughout the novel.
Second Nature is a wonderful read. A beautifully written, enjoyable
fantasy. I recommend it to those who love both paranormal and mystery.
January 29, 2022
This book really drew me in. At first, I wasn't sure what to make of Mavis, but she definitely grew on me.
Mavis has amnesia. She came awake in a hospital with no memory of her earlier years. While she remembers some basics of her "previous life" like how to make cookies or that she never learned to drive, the rest is a blank. After an extended stay under the care of an attentive doctor and mean nurse, she ended up renting a studio apartment in town with money she makes from a receptionist gig at a car repair place. Her boss is surly, but accommodating, and she's made some friends in town, but there's still something missing (other than her memory).
Through a bit of nosey behavior, some sleuthing, and some truly insane twist and turns, she ends up uncovering more than just her own information. With a world and story this big, it's clear that it couldn't wrap everything up in one installment. Still, I was sad that we end the book on a little bit of a "to be continued" setup. I want to know more about how Mavis lives with her new truth and where she goes next. I guess that's where book 2 will take us, though.
Mavis has amnesia. She came awake in a hospital with no memory of her earlier years. While she remembers some basics of her "previous life" like how to make cookies or that she never learned to drive, the rest is a blank. After an extended stay under the care of an attentive doctor and mean nurse, she ended up renting a studio apartment in town with money she makes from a receptionist gig at a car repair place. Her boss is surly, but accommodating, and she's made some friends in town, but there's still something missing (other than her memory).
Through a bit of nosey behavior, some sleuthing, and some truly insane twist and turns, she ends up uncovering more than just her own information. With a world and story this big, it's clear that it couldn't wrap everything up in one installment. Still, I was sad that we end the book on a little bit of a "to be continued" setup. I want to know more about how Mavis lives with her new truth and where she goes next. I guess that's where book 2 will take us, though.
February 19, 2022
Set in an alternate version world where werewolves not only exist but have revealed themselves to the public, this urban fantasy by Amber Boudreau is a great addition to the genre. The world-building is solid, the characters are relatable, and there is enough mystery here to keep the pages turning. (Who was Mavis before? What happened to the Alpha?)
After waking up six months ago without a clue, Mavis Corvid still can't remember who she is. She's gone on to choose a new name and quickly rebuilt a life for herself. She is a strong character who didn't spend time feeling sorry for herself when she couldn't remember the particulars of her former life. She just picked herself up and went on with some assistance from those around her. I thought it was unique that she wasn't stressed out that she couldn't remember and that she got to living as best she could. Boudreau also refrained from the typical shifter profile and constructed Mavis as a bird shifter or "two-natured". Deciding to have the main character transform into a magpie kept the shifter trope from feeling stagnant and overused.
The relationship between Aitch the garage owner and Mavis' boss, was rather humorous. He's a cantankerous thing but Mavis is unfazed and is as cheery as he is cranky. This isn't a completely romance-free urban fantasy but it doesn't overwhelm the plot. It's more of a will they/won't they type of romance that may be developed in future books but it nonetheless made for entertaining banter and heightened tension.
The ending certainly leaves the door open for a second novel or even the possibility of a series in this new world that I wouldn't be opposed to at all. I enjoyed Mavis coming into her own, learning about herself, and there was enough character growth to move on to a second novel. If you like your urban fantasy to be completely wrapped up at the end, this one may frustrate you a bit. There's a lot left unsaid and unanswered arranging it perfectly for a continuance. I'll definitely be keeping Boudreau on my radar for future releases.
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After waking up six months ago without a clue, Mavis Corvid still can't remember who she is. She's gone on to choose a new name and quickly rebuilt a life for herself. She is a strong character who didn't spend time feeling sorry for herself when she couldn't remember the particulars of her former life. She just picked herself up and went on with some assistance from those around her. I thought it was unique that she wasn't stressed out that she couldn't remember and that she got to living as best she could. Boudreau also refrained from the typical shifter profile and constructed Mavis as a bird shifter or "two-natured". Deciding to have the main character transform into a magpie kept the shifter trope from feeling stagnant and overused.
The relationship between Aitch the garage owner and Mavis' boss, was rather humorous. He's a cantankerous thing but Mavis is unfazed and is as cheery as he is cranky. This isn't a completely romance-free urban fantasy but it doesn't overwhelm the plot. It's more of a will they/won't they type of romance that may be developed in future books but it nonetheless made for entertaining banter and heightened tension.
The ending certainly leaves the door open for a second novel or even the possibility of a series in this new world that I wouldn't be opposed to at all. I enjoyed Mavis coming into her own, learning about herself, and there was enough character growth to move on to a second novel. If you like your urban fantasy to be completely wrapped up at the end, this one may frustrate you a bit. There's a lot left unsaid and unanswered arranging it perfectly for a continuance. I'll definitely be keeping Boudreau on my radar for future releases.
Website | Twitter | Pinterest
February 17, 2022
The second book of this author's that I have read, and sure to not be the last. I enjoyed the characters, the plotting/pacing, and there were several times I had to keep reading at the end of a chapter I had planned to stop at because something had happened that I needed to know more about. There were some moments that felt a little rushed or forced, where information was dropped and the reader just has to roll with it, but overall the story was interesting and kept me hooked throughout the book. My biggest gripe is probably character names, mostly because the name Gloin instantly made me think of dwarves and I had to fight that visualization the whole time I was reading. :)
February 7, 2022
This was an okay read. There was nothing wrong. There was nothing too spectacular to make it stand out from the crowd.
What I did like was being surprised at the baddie and also how the issue with Mavis’ amnesia came about and it’s emotional conclusion. I can’t say too much as I don’t want to spoil it.
It’s worth a read if you’re looking for a new author in the paranormal shifter genre.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What I did like was being surprised at the baddie and also how the issue with Mavis’ amnesia came about and it’s emotional conclusion. I can’t say too much as I don’t want to spoil it.
It’s worth a read if you’re looking for a new author in the paranormal shifter genre.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 27, 2022
Did somebody say werewolf? How about shapeshifter? In this wonderfully creative novel by Amber Boudreau, characters transform into surprising beings with such vivid detail that the reader can't help but be drawn into this world of otherness. The main character Mavis is kind-hearted, trusting, intelligent, and witty. Along the way, Mavis must discover her identity prior to waking up in a hospital with complete amnesia as well as solve a series of mysteries that landed her there. A great fantasy!
February 11, 2022
Once again Amber Boudreau has written a great fantasy novel that brings out the human nature of mythical creatures. I really enjoyed getting to know the clandestine world of werewolves (and others) that Boudreau created and the plot had enough of a mystery to keep me hooked. The ending definitely left me waiting for a sequel. Mavis Corvid’s story is not done and I cannot wait to follow this cast of characters in their next adventure!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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May 27, 2023Mavis has no memory of her past but somehow she’s drawn to werewolves, whose existence has recently become known to the public.
When Mavis is thrown off a balcony she inexplicably turns into a magpie. Now she must use that power to save the werewolves.
This is an intriguing and well-written story by Amber Boudreau. I highly recommend this book book for lovers of werewolf fantasies or shapeshifting stories.
When Mavis is thrown off a balcony she inexplicably turns into a magpie. Now she must use that power to save the werewolves.
This is an intriguing and well-written story by Amber Boudreau. I highly recommend this book book for lovers of werewolf fantasies or shapeshifting stories.
September 6, 2023
This was a delightful urban fantasy centered around Mavis Corvid, a girl who wakes up in a hospital with no memory of who she is, or how she got there. All she knows is that she's fascinated by werewolves. The story really takes off when she shape-shifts into a magpie, and discovers that werewolves are very real. I enjoyed Mavis as a character, and found all the shape-shifters and werewolves quite interesting. I would highly recommend this book, and look forward to the next book in the series.
October 3, 2022
Absolutely wonderful!
November 3, 2024
Nice second book by Amber Boudreau. Looking forward to any further adventures of Mavis Corvid. Book left enough hints and clues to keep me guessing, and have my own theory about her true nature.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews