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Alphas of Ravenstone #1
Omega's Shadow
Ordinary guy by day and protector of the city by night, Chris hides his true self from everyone. Even the omega he’s fallen for. But when Julian becomes the target of a dangerous shifter, Chris must risk it all to save him.
Being an omega should define Julian’s life. In truth, it’s barely a footnote. He’s long abandoned his dream of being swept off his feet by an alpha. Instead, he devotes his life to his little café and the people who frequent it. Especially Chris, the handsome social worker who’s oblivious to Julian’s flirting.
Chris is juggling three identities—community worker, wealthy bachelor, and alpha shifter. There’s no room in his life for love, not with the secrets he’s hiding. And then there’s Julian, the omega of his dreams. If he knew Chris was really the Raven Wolf, so-called menace of the city, he’d run a mile.
When Julian is attacked on his walk home and saved by a huge wolf, his whole world changes. Chris steps up to help keep him safe, and Julian acquires a shadow in the form of the Raven Wolf. And now he’s got another problem—he’s falling for both of them.
Omega’s Shadow is a m/m shifter romance and the first book in the Alphas of Ravenstone series. It contains mpreg (though it’s more of a focus in later books), mature themes, and scenes not suitable for readers under the age of eighteen.
Being an omega should define Julian’s life. In truth, it’s barely a footnote. He’s long abandoned his dream of being swept off his feet by an alpha. Instead, he devotes his life to his little café and the people who frequent it. Especially Chris, the handsome social worker who’s oblivious to Julian’s flirting.
Chris is juggling three identities—community worker, wealthy bachelor, and alpha shifter. There’s no room in his life for love, not with the secrets he’s hiding. And then there’s Julian, the omega of his dreams. If he knew Chris was really the Raven Wolf, so-called menace of the city, he’d run a mile.
When Julian is attacked on his walk home and saved by a huge wolf, his whole world changes. Chris steps up to help keep him safe, and Julian acquires a shadow in the form of the Raven Wolf. And now he’s got another problem—he’s falling for both of them.
Omega’s Shadow is a m/m shifter romance and the first book in the Alphas of Ravenstone series. It contains mpreg (though it’s more of a focus in later books), mature themes, and scenes not suitable for readers under the age of eighteen.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2022
146 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Claire Cullen
63 books644 followersClaire Cullen is an author and aspiring baker. Since she was a toddler, she has loved making up stories. Getting them down on paper proved a challenge in the early years when her preferred medium was finger puppets. She moved on to pen and paper, and later to keyboards, and hasn't looked back since, except for occasional bouts of nostalgia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 5, 2023
Steam : 3/5
Love Triangle : No
Age recommended : 16+
Cheating : No
Happy ending : Yes
I truly like most of Claire Cullen books, they always have a plot, action, and something to take. This book was fun, it's a typical Claire Cullen book but with less plot than the usual. This book is actually a 3.5 but I think I would feel bad to give it a 4 because she was much better books.
Love Triangle : No
Age recommended : 16+
Cheating : No
Happy ending : Yes
I truly like most of Claire Cullen books, they always have a plot, action, and something to take. This book was fun, it's a typical Claire Cullen book but with less plot than the usual. This book is actually a 3.5 but I think I would feel bad to give it a 4 because she was much better books.
December 31, 2022
The good
+ Mutual pining
+ Chris trying to woo Julian
+ Cuddles
+ Wolf cuddles
+ Julian making a nest for himself and his wolf friend to cuddle
+ Chris trying to use dog language instead of wolf language to make Julian understand him better (like wagging his tail)
+ Ollie and Gabe. They were great friends to the MCs
+ Chris providing all the blankets and pillows for Julian to make them a nice nest
+ Open communication about what they want for their future in terms of marriage and children
The neutral
o Chris fell for the bad guy's obvious distractions again and again, and he always showed up just a tiny bit too late to save Julian before any damage was done. Dramatic, but predictable
The bad
- Whenever Chris thought about how he was going to end his relationship with Julian, he only thought about his own heart getting broken. He didn't consider what it would do to Julian
- It was really obvious (to me) who the bad guy was, and it was hard to accept that the characters didn't figure it out
Wolf Shifter Batman. Would recommend.
+ Mutual pining
+ Chris trying to woo Julian
+ Cuddles
+ Wolf cuddles
+ Julian making a nest for himself and his wolf friend to cuddle
+ Chris trying to use dog language instead of wolf language to make Julian understand him better (like wagging his tail)
+ Ollie and Gabe. They were great friends to the MCs
+ Chris providing all the blankets and pillows for Julian to make them a nice nest
+ Open communication about what they want for their future in terms of marriage and children
The neutral
o Chris fell for the bad guy's obvious distractions again and again, and he always showed up just a tiny bit too late to save Julian before any damage was done. Dramatic, but predictable
The bad
- Whenever Chris thought about how he was going to end his relationship with Julian, he only thought about his own heart getting broken. He didn't consider what it would do to Julian
- It was really obvious (to me) who the bad guy was, and it was hard to accept that the characters didn't figure it out
Wolf Shifter Batman. Would recommend.
January 3, 2023
3.5
This was a new world and I love it. I love the interesting world these characters live in. It was more of a shifter/city oppression more than just an omega one. The characters were cool. Total friend to more. These two are a great part In both their work and personal lives. There was mild angst but they finally got to the love. The writing was good as it usually is with this author. The mild suspense was a great part of this story also. The smexy could have been better. This author normally writes fire scenes and this one didn’t meet the normal standards. Love Olli, and Gabe. Can’t wait for their stories. New to my reviews this year is the diversity rating. The diversity rating for this book is 0 this book want diverse which is why it didn’t get a better rating. This is a start of a series and there is a minor plot in the back ground so I’d recommend reading this book first.
This was a new world and I love it. I love the interesting world these characters live in. It was more of a shifter/city oppression more than just an omega one. The characters were cool. Total friend to more. These two are a great part In both their work and personal lives. There was mild angst but they finally got to the love. The writing was good as it usually is with this author. The mild suspense was a great part of this story also. The smexy could have been better. This author normally writes fire scenes and this one didn’t meet the normal standards. Love Olli, and Gabe. Can’t wait for their stories. New to my reviews this year is the diversity rating. The diversity rating for this book is 0 this book want diverse which is why it didn’t get a better rating. This is a start of a series and there is a minor plot in the back ground so I’d recommend reading this book first.
January 16, 2023
This is an enjoyable start to a new omegaverse story. Julian is an omega who is restricted by his health to a certain town, as he will die if he leaves it for any length of time. Living his new life, he opens a cafe that also caters to serving meals to persons with a low income. At work, he becomes attracted to one of his best customers, Chris. He knows Chris as a community worker who connects at-risk persons with shelters, food, and employment until they get back on their feet. Julian doesn't realize that Chris is also a very wealthy man. Chris is also keeping a secret that he is a wolf shifter who protects the city while patrolling in his animal form in the evening.
The town is under threat from a panther shifter who has been stalking and killing his victims. Then, Julian becomes the panther's next target. Chris must do all that he can, in both his forms, to protect Julian. This book has danger, intrigue, excitement, passion, and a mated love.
The town is under threat from a panther shifter who has been stalking and killing his victims. Then, Julian becomes the panther's next target. Chris must do all that he can, in both his forms, to protect Julian. This book has danger, intrigue, excitement, passion, and a mated love.
April 14, 2023
New to me author, and what an introduction!!!
Couldn't put this one down, it grabbed me from the first page. I loved that the story was different from the usual Alpha/Omega story, with more of a superhero/super villain feel to it. I can't wait for book 2!
I don't usually click this much with an author. In fact I've read four of her books back to back and I NEVER do this as I usually need to have a change of book genre/author/style between each book in a series, even with authors I love. But I just can't get enough of this author!
Highly Highly Recommended!
Couldn't put this one down, it grabbed me from the first page. I loved that the story was different from the usual Alpha/Omega story, with more of a superhero/super villain feel to it. I can't wait for book 2!
I don't usually click this much with an author. In fact I've read four of her books back to back and I NEVER do this as I usually need to have a change of book genre/author/style between each book in a series, even with authors I love. But I just can't get enough of this author!
Highly Highly Recommended!
January 8, 2023
Great start to a new series
A totally new take on alpha-omega and shifters in general. Chris and Julian are great together, and while many of their issues are from not talking, at least the reasons made sense in context.
Looking forward to learning more about Ravenstone and reading Ollie’s book. I have read many of Claire Cullen’s books, all are good, and some great, especially the Stormshield series. Ravenstone promises to be equally great. Highly recommended.
A totally new take on alpha-omega and shifters in general. Chris and Julian are great together, and while many of their issues are from not talking, at least the reasons made sense in context.
Looking forward to learning more about Ravenstone and reading Ollie’s book. I have read many of Claire Cullen’s books, all are good, and some great, especially the Stormshield series. Ravenstone promises to be equally great. Highly recommended.
January 22, 2023
This was too much of a slow burn for my liking, it could have definitely been shorter since there were boring, reptitive mundane stuff throughout the chapters. That said, I did enjoy it, especially thanks to the cast of characters. There s this family/great friendships aspect to the series that I truly enjoy. It s obvious who Olli s mate is so I m looking forward to his story & Gabe s as well.
December 31, 2022
Hm, I liked the plot, but something was still missing. The romance between Chris and Julian was sweet and light, but the chemistry, between them was to bland.
December 30, 2022
Excellent story, I'm excited for the series! Another new amazing series from Ms Cullen! Julian, thought he got away from his hometown, Ravenstone with the opportunity to attend college. Then he found with the diagnosis of a near fatal debilitating disease that not only was he omega, but he can never leave Ravenstone. He made the best of his circumstances and returned home working to help the underserved and doing what he can to help the less fortunate. Ollie, his roommate does what he can to help, when he can. We meet The Raven Wolf who may/not be a vigilante or a bad guy. Chris, AKA The Raven Wolf works triple duty in Ravenstone. He's social worker, Raven Wolf and Philanthropist. The Panther stalks omegas and Julian is his next target. Gabe works in law enforcement and works with Chris, both are shifters and both are guardians of Ravenstone. Who is the Panther? What's up with not being able to leave Ravenstone? Can Chris handle the secrets he's carrying and approach Julian? Julian likes his wolf protector and he likes Chris, how will he handle the reveal? Is the Panther the only danger? Excellent story. Interesting new world. Great supporting characters! Looking forward to every new story. Well done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
January 5, 20232.5 stars
BUT
it's my fault
as I went into this expecting a ridiculous batman retelling and
- it did do well on that front
- messed up Gotham-vibes
- wealthy corrupt capitalists and darkness all around
However,
- Cullen's writing hasn't clicked with me in the past
- I hate the hidden identity trope and this one has it TWICE
- I dislike mysteries (and this wasn't even one as I knew who the panther was the entire time)
Also:
- these characters only had chemistry when Chris was in his wolf form
- and they felt flat: ooh look at us, and how perfect we are saving the world one person at a time, always being self-sacrificing
AARGH:
It was on the tip of his tongue to come clean, to lay it out with all honesty (p.175) JUST DO IT!
Self-sacrificing arsehole: "But I had to walk away. He didn't see any other choice. Julian would never be safe with him..." (p. 192)
NSFW infos:
Alpha tops
Omega bottoms
at first there are condoms, then there is a contraceptive shot, then there is the most boring heat - like as cold as my heating when it's on moon-mode heat...
BUT
it's my fault
as I went into this expecting a ridiculous batman retelling and
- it did do well on that front
- messed up Gotham-vibes
- wealthy corrupt capitalists and darkness all around
However,
- Cullen's writing hasn't clicked with me in the past
- I hate the hidden identity trope and this one has it TWICE
- I dislike mysteries (and this wasn't even one as I knew who the panther was the entire time)
Also:
- these characters only had chemistry when Chris was in his wolf form
- and they felt flat: ooh look at us, and how perfect we are saving the world one person at a time, always being self-sacrificing
AARGH:
It was on the tip of his tongue to come clean, to lay it out with all honesty (p.175) JUST DO IT!
Self-sacrificing arsehole: "But I had to walk away. He didn't see any other choice. Julian would never be safe with him..." (p. 192)
NSFW infos:
Alpha tops
Omega bottoms
at first there are condoms, then there is a contraceptive shot, then there is the most boring heat - like as cold as my heating when it's on moon-mode heat...
June 30, 2025
this started as 4 stars, then got to 3 and by the end I just wished for it to end.
I have strange relationship with this author's works. one I didn't like, one I loved. then I got to this one all exited, but it was bad.
the identity of panter was obvious from first meeting. writing was nondescript so I didn't know how characters/places looked like. MCs say they like/love each other but mostly don't act like it. story was wandering from one direction to another, info was thrown here and there, but nothing felt important.
why is there even omegaverse if omegas live their all lives and don't know they are omegas?
oh and when mcs had intimacy omega was like "he isn't what I want but I can pretend that he is." I think it was because he wanted an alpha, but didn't know Chris is alpha? why did he even want an alpha? omegas and alphas in this story have nothing unique to them, they are just regular people. (alphas can be shifters I guess? but not all of them?)
meh. in conclusion, I didn't enjoy this book. can't recommend it.
I have strange relationship with this author's works. one I didn't like, one I loved. then I got to this one all exited, but it was bad.
the identity of panter was obvious from first meeting. writing was nondescript so I didn't know how characters/places looked like. MCs say they like/love each other but mostly don't act like it. story was wandering from one direction to another, info was thrown here and there, but nothing felt important.
why is there even omegaverse if omegas live their all lives and don't know they are omegas?
oh and when mcs had intimacy omega was like "he isn't what I want but I can pretend that he is." I think it was because he wanted an alpha, but didn't know Chris is alpha? why did he even want an alpha? omegas and alphas in this story have nothing unique to them, they are just regular people. (alphas can be shifters I guess? but not all of them?)
meh. in conclusion, I didn't enjoy this book. can't recommend it.
January 2, 2023
I was really looking forward to this new series by one of my favorite authors but unfortunately it was only an okay read for me. Omega's Shadow is an interesting and different take on shifters but because there is very little world building I felt a bit lost for a lot of the book. I also had a very difficult time connecting with the characters and this took away some of my enjoyment of the story. Julian and Chris are dealing with a lot and even as their relationship evolves Chris is still keeping secrets that could push Julian away. The obstacles they face may be insurmountable and even the help and support of their friends may not be enough to keep them together. I wish that there was more background information on both of the MC's as well and I hope that the next book will clear up some of my confusion about this intriguing world. The secondary characters are great and I can't wait to read Ollie's story.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
January 1, 2023
Here's the thing. I love Claire Cullen's writing. The angst hurts so good and I never fail to get entirely too emotional while reading. I could do without all the pregnancy garbage (look, I hate it in hetero romance, too. it's just a me-thing). Thinking about continuing this series maybe even more than the Lost Omegas series. Ravenstone as a "we can't leave" sort of place is such a weird and interesting concept and seems perfect for some wild stories.
(so of course I go and realize the book has only been out for about a week. look, when the rest of the series is out, I'll come back to it for sure.)
(so of course I go and realize the book has only been out for about a week. look, when the rest of the series is out, I'll come back to it for sure.)
January 20, 2023
LONG JOURNEY!!
This is going to be another hit for CLAIRE CULLEN. This is the beginning of a new series and it's going to be INCREDIBLE. This has the Alpha and Omega storyline but with a intriguing twist. Ravenstone is a place where the shifters can't leave. Julian carries the Omega trait. Not much is known as the book begins, it is more understood by the end. Chris is an Alpha with many secretive sides. I loved the flow of this Book and how these characters learned together. Oh and there's a killer beast stalking the town. This Book is many things and EXCELLENT is just one. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!
This is going to be another hit for CLAIRE CULLEN. This is the beginning of a new series and it's going to be INCREDIBLE. This has the Alpha and Omega storyline but with a intriguing twist. Ravenstone is a place where the shifters can't leave. Julian carries the Omega trait. Not much is known as the book begins, it is more understood by the end. Chris is an Alpha with many secretive sides. I loved the flow of this Book and how these characters learned together. Oh and there's a killer beast stalking the town. This Book is many things and EXCELLENT is just one. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!
February 26, 2024
Sería 3.5 es sorprendente como una historia sencilla de alpha y omega la autora logra llevarla de una manera bien estructurada, los puntos importantes de la historia no se pierden, un poco predecible en el villano pero se compensa con el manejo de la historia de amor, algo más que me gustó es que tiene contenido y para ser de este generó no basa su relevancia en el spicy, ya que es casi nulo, así que vienes por eso este libro no es para ti, si quieres un libro de entretenimiento qué no pretende ser una obra maestra si no simplemente entretener este es el libro para ti.
June 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. Julian had left Ravenstone to go to college but got really sick until a doctor at a hospital recognized that he was an omega from Ravenstone and leaving there was killing him. He had to return when he opened a cafe and helped feed people in need. Chris is a community worker, secretly a very rich alpha, who helped omegas find somewhere to live and a job to get them off the street. Chris and Julian have a secret crush on each other and it isn't until Julian is stalked and attacked by a panther that they get their HEA. This is a must-read.
January 27, 2023
Omega Numbers
Julian, omega, had tried to leave Ravenstone before and it had almost killed him, so he was forced to return. Chris, had three different lives, civil servant, wolf, millionaire. He only showed Julian the civil servant, that is until Julian as attacked by another shifter. His wolf protected Julian, but Julian didn't know it. Omega's in their city out numbered the alpha's. Julian and Chris had a lot to learn about one another.
Julian, omega, had tried to leave Ravenstone before and it had almost killed him, so he was forced to return. Chris, had three different lives, civil servant, wolf, millionaire. He only showed Julian the civil servant, that is until Julian as attacked by another shifter. His wolf protected Julian, but Julian didn't know it. Omega's in their city out numbered the alpha's. Julian and Chris had a lot to learn about one another.
February 21, 2023
super cute
This story was filled with all the things you want in a MM romance! Hero’s, steam, clueless love, kind ferocious shifters, betrayal and the desire to read more! The world building is good but i wish i understood a little more background on the omega gene approach the author took, but other then that this book was still hard to put down once i picked it up. I do recommend this book!
This story was filled with all the things you want in a MM romance! Hero’s, steam, clueless love, kind ferocious shifters, betrayal and the desire to read more! The world building is good but i wish i understood a little more background on the omega gene approach the author took, but other then that this book was still hard to put down once i picked it up. I do recommend this book!
August 8, 2023
Batman meets shifters
3 stars!
I usually enjoy this author's work but the blurb for this story sounded less than stellar to me. Batman meets shifters, it ended up being very Batman meets shifters and I just don't LOVE that. I found this story to be INCREDIBLY predictable and while sometimes that is ok I just hate it in a mystery.
I am curious enough to read book 2. I'm hoping Ollie is the MC and I'm hoping for some more information on a shifter who hasn't been identified!
3 stars!
I usually enjoy this author's work but the blurb for this story sounded less than stellar to me. Batman meets shifters, it ended up being very Batman meets shifters and I just don't LOVE that. I found this story to be INCREDIBLY predictable and while sometimes that is ok I just hate it in a mystery.
I am curious enough to read book 2. I'm hoping Ollie is the MC and I'm hoping for some more information on a shifter who hasn't been identified!
January 3, 2023
Great plot and love story
I loved almost everything about this book.
Except - the omega main character was touted as being strong and tough - but cried and panicked A LOT.
The only other thing - why put the pregnancy at the end of the book, the very end?
I'm hoping the next book in this series shows more pregnancy and baby/family time.
Definitely a good read.
I loved almost everything about this book.
Except - the omega main character was touted as being strong and tough - but cried and panicked A LOT.
The only other thing - why put the pregnancy at the end of the book, the very end?
I'm hoping the next book in this series shows more pregnancy and baby/family time.
Definitely a good read.
Read
January 17, 2023The best parts of the book for me were when Julian interacted with the wolf. It was sweet. Guessing who the villain was a no brainer. It will be interesting finding out who the leopard is.
Good bit of worldbuilding. Ravenstone is a dystopian nightmare in the Hollows, another whole world in the Meadows. Quick, interesting read.
Good bit of worldbuilding. Ravenstone is a dystopian nightmare in the Hollows, another whole world in the Meadows. Quick, interesting read.
January 25, 2023
invested in fabulous new series!
I adore this new series, the town is an ominous place but the characters are so interesting. The main characters are even more lovable from Ollie, Julian, Gabriel and Chris.
Make sure you get the prequel Omega’s Knight by signing up for her emails.
I adore this new series, the town is an ominous place but the characters are so interesting. The main characters are even more lovable from Ollie, Julian, Gabriel and Chris.
Make sure you get the prequel Omega’s Knight by signing up for her emails.
February 23, 2023
Very enjoyable
Ms. Cullen always knows how to tell a shifter story with panache. She never puts in gratuitous sex just to fill up a few pages. Her alphas aren't nasty a holes who mistreat their omegas. I wish more authors would learn to do that. This book is definitely worth the read.
Ms. Cullen always knows how to tell a shifter story with panache. She never puts in gratuitous sex just to fill up a few pages. Her alphas aren't nasty a holes who mistreat their omegas. I wish more authors would learn to do that. This book is definitely worth the read.
January 10, 2023
very enjoyable
A very enjoyable shifter story. It’s well written and the characters are great. There’s a lot of towing and frowing with the characters but they get together in the end
A very enjoyable shifter story. It’s well written and the characters are great. There’s a lot of towing and frowing with the characters but they get together in the end
January 26, 2023
Great start to a new series. I liked the world building; it was so unique in that shifters are considered dangerous. Great character development and am looking forward to Ollie's story. Recommend reading.
February 27, 2023
Wonderful
I really enjoyed entering the world of Ravenstone. Watching the relationship between Chris and Julian grow was sweet, frustrating and swoon worthy. I hope we get to see what happens with Ollie and Gabe next! This is a great light read.
I really enjoyed entering the world of Ravenstone. Watching the relationship between Chris and Julian grow was sweet, frustrating and swoon worthy. I hope we get to see what happens with Ollie and Gabe next! This is a great light read.
May 16, 2023
If Batman was a shifter…
Claire is my favorite gay romance writer so I was excited to try this new series.
The setting is unique for her books, and honestly gives the feel of Gotham from Batman.
I really loved it!
Claire is my favorite gay romance writer so I was excited to try this new series.
The setting is unique for her books, and honestly gives the feel of Gotham from Batman.
I really loved it!
August 8, 2024
I feel like I have read this...I think I enjoyed reading it and I even went ahead to look for the second book and found a third.....I know I read this though.. Well 3.5 stars cause if it were remarkable, I would have remembered it very well...
January 3, 2023
With a killer on the loose, all omegan's are in his sights. Ouch once attacked now, Poor sweet helpful Julian finds himself in the sights of both notorious beasts of Ravenstone.
With everyone corrupted, a few take it into their hands to help, Chris has a secret that only a few know about, but is he willing to be sacrifice it all and be ousted to Julian in order to save him.
If the chemistry in this new series is any thing going forward, be ready for a hilarious omega with his steamy fantasy man come true. This is going to be another amazing story line of Ravenstone. Thank you for arc read,I voluntarily give this book an honest review.
With everyone corrupted, a few take it into their hands to help, Chris has a secret that only a few know about, but is he willing to be sacrifice it all and be ousted to Julian in order to save him.
If the chemistry in this new series is any thing going forward, be ready for a hilarious omega with his steamy fantasy man come true. This is going to be another amazing story line of Ravenstone. Thank you for arc read,I voluntarily give this book an honest review.
January 1, 2023
It was an easy going story plot
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews