Fledgling (The Shapeshifter Chronicles, #1)

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Fledgling (The Shapeshifter Chronicles #1)

by Natasha Brown (Goodreads Author)

3.67 of 5 stars 3.67 · rating details · 202 ratings · 38 reviews

Set apart from other eighteen year olds, Ana Hughes knows she is different. A life threatening heart condition smothers her future and she yearns to feel normal. Her hopes are pinned on a fresh start in a remote town far from her native Colorado. Among the locker filled hallways in Clark Bend High, Ana keeps to the shadows, not wanting to draw attention to her violet tinge...more

Kindle Edition, 2nd edition, 297 pages

Published January 14th 2012 by Natasha S. Brown

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Mar 24, 2013 Maki Kotone rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm going to start this review with my biggest problem with this book. If you have a serious, life-threatening medical condition...DO NOT KEEP IT A SECRET. There are so many parts in this book where I wanted to bludgeon Ana for being reckless and not saying anything about how she can't do anything to elevate her heart rate. I understand her wanting to be "normal", but when "normal" can get you killed...it's just an incredibly stupid choice to make, and it frustrates me to no end when characters...more I'm going to start this review with my biggest problem with this book. If you have a serious, life-threatening medical condition...DO NOT KEEP IT A SECRET. There are so many parts in this book where I wanted to bludgeon Ana for being reckless and not saying anything about how she can't do anything to elevate her heart rate. I understand her wanting to be "normal", but when "normal" can get you killed...it's just an incredibly stupid choice to make, and it frustrates me to no end when characters do something like that.

But, maybe that's just me.

I wasn't overly impressed with the romance. It's sweet that Chance cares about Ana so much, and it was heartwarming that after she FINALLY told him something about her condition, he stepped up to take care of her rather than running away. But did it really need the "this is fate" element thrown in? Couldn't he just love her without all of those magical touch sparks, and the necklace? (The book gets brownie points for not throwing in an unneeded love triangle to try and create suspense, at least.)

The villain was also incredibly stereotypical. Greasy hair and acne...really? The idea of the villain in general though, the thought of there being those who would steal power instead of working towards it, was interesting.

Aside from the romantic one, I enjoyed the various relationships in the story. Ana with her family. Chance with his grandfather. These were strong, well-written relationships that didn't rely on "fate" to show that the characters really meant something to each other.

When Ana wasn't keeping her condition a secret and endangering her life, she was a very strong character. She grew stronger as the story progressed, and she stopped letting her condition rule her life. By that I don't mean that she started being more reckless, but she stopped thinking of all the things she couldn't do because of her heart, and instead focused on what she *could* do. Watching her mature as a character was incredibly satisfying, especially after her actions for the first half of the book.

I also liked the ending. The story didn't stop on a cliffhanger - while the plot isn't over, the story was very nicely concluded, with a very sweet moment between Chance and Ana.(less)

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Apr 02, 2013 Kathy Jo rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-for-bug

4.5 stars

Ana Hughes has had a pretty hard life. She was born with a heart defect and later was diagnosed with a heart disease. Her mom ends up losing her job and they have to move to Idaho for her new job. Ana has never know what it's like to live a "normal" life and when she meets Chance Morgan she decides that "normal" is exactly what she needs. She knows it won't last long and eventually she will have to tell him but she just can't bare to have another person walk out of her life because of h...more 4.5 stars

Ana Hughes has had a pretty hard life. She was born with a heart defect and later was diagnosed with a heart disease. Her mom ends up losing her job and they have to move to Idaho for her new job. Ana has never know what it's like to live a "normal" life and when she meets Chance Morgan she decides that "normal" is exactly what she needs. She knows it won't last long and eventually she will have to tell him but she just can't bare to have another person walk out of her life because of her condition. She waits until the last possible minute to tell him and just hopes that he won't walk away from her too.

Chance is drawn to Ana and instantly feels connected to her. He knows that she's special and from the moment he laid eyes on her, he just knew that he would always need and want her in his life. He feels complete with her. However, he has a secret of his own that he can't tell her nor does he really want to tell her because, just like her, he is afraid that she will walk away from him and never come back.

Due to circumstances beyond their control, their secrets come out and life as they know it has changed forever. They both know that they are soul mates and are meant to be together. They refuse to let anyone or anything that this crazy thing called life throws at them, get in their way of being together. They end up in a fight for their lives... literally!

When I came across Fledgling by Natasha Brown I automatically assumed that, because this was the 1st book in the Shapeshifter Chronicles, it was about werewolves. (I'm always on the look out for a good werewolf book that I can pass on to my niece. She loves them and at times I love to tease her about them! ;o) Hehe.) However, I was pleasantly surprised that this was actually NOT about werewolves but actual shapeshifters that can pretty much turn into any animal of their choosing. I enjoyed her twist of shapeshifters.

I have to admit that I was sucked in from the beginning and knew about half way through that I needed to grab the second book on the series because I would want to start it right away. This is definitely a series that I will be passing on to my niece! I know that she will enjoy it as much as I did! :o) (less)

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Mar 20, 2013 ♥¸.•*´Tanya`*•.¸♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: female, male, march-reading-challenge, paranormal, romance, young-adult, kindle

I purchased this as an ebook from Amazon.

When beginning the book due to its title Fledgling (The Shapeshifter Chronicles) I at first thought it was somewhat similar to werewolves etc however I couldn't of been more wrong.

The two main characters are Ana a young women who has serious health problems and Chance who is able to shapeshift into different animals due to his Navajo heritage.

I liked the that Chance's shapeshifter abilities are different to all the other stories that are currently availa...more

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Aug 13, 2012 Martha Bourke rated it 5 of 5 stars

There were so many things I loved about Natasha Brown's Fledgling. The author has a true talent for prose. She included some of the most stunning descriptions of setting I've ever read in a YA novel and I read a lot of YA. I was captivated by her lovely use of language. It added so much to an already enjoyable read.

The two main characters, Chance and Ana, truly fall in love the old fashioned way. I appreciated this because it's very unique for a YA Paranormal. Their romance is sweet. At first th...more

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Feb 23, 2012 Stacy Eaton rated it 4 of 5 stars

A lover of paranormal I am and while not normally a fan of Young Adult, I took a chance and read this book. I am happy to say, I am glad I took the chance.

A very solid written book with descriptions that allow you to perfectly see the scene in the writer's mind and feel the emotions of the characters as they move through their story. The characters were believable along with even the paranormal aspects. The plot was deep enough to very much satisfy my mind and kept me guessing as to exactly how...more

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Nov 19, 2012 Kelli rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: love-stories, werewolves-and-shifters

I really enjoyed this book. The romance between Chance and Ana was so sweet, and while they spent a lot of time together right from the start, they did not rush into anything which I appreciated. I found myself smiling at my screen all the time over cute things that happened between them. Also, huzzah for no love triangle in this book!

My only real complaint about this book was that sometimes I felt like I was reading a high school creative writing assignment. Not that the writing was juvenile or...more

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Mar 25, 2012 Shah Wharton rated it 3 of 5 stars

I am reading this for World Literary Cafe's MArch Read and Review.

My Review:

I do love all things paranormal, and although not usually an avid reader of YA, I have adored some. Either way, this sounded like a great choice to read for my first review for WLC.

Some major positives were:

Some beautifully written descriptions of scenic landscapes and wildlife, and some wonderfully explored emotive scenes. I cared about the characters and the relationships. I felt the urgency growing regarding several...more I am reading this for World Literary Cafe's MArch Read and Review.

My Review:

I do love all things paranormal, and although not usually an avid reader of YA, I have adored some. Either way, this sounded like a great choice to read for my first review for WLC.

Some major positives were:

Some beautifully written descriptions of scenic landscapes and wildlife, and some wonderfully explored emotive scenes. I cared about the characters and the relationships. I felt the urgency growing regarding several conflicts, through the end. I enjoyed the shape-shifting scenes, and action scenes were handled quite well, too.

I found the Native American aspects interesting and I much preferred YA aspects at this age, rather than younger: The main characters were eighteen.

There were few flaws with this novel, however:

It lost two points out of five for me (3/5) because I felt like I had to push myself to get through some parts of it. There was perhaps too much attention paid to areas like small talk and dressing and hearing what seemed to be filler telephone conversations (telling us the same as a character had already done); interactions which didn’t really need to be there.

These issues made areas of this novel drag, which was a shame, because I liked the concept and loved the characters.

Another area I should point out is in the last quarter. Here in particular, it changes between perspectives awkwardly and seemingly without any real purpose. The author then goes on to explain what happened after showing us using these different views: at one point, we see a scene from Chance’s perspective, then from his grandfathers. Although cumbersome, I learned something from it. But then Chance tells us what happened all over again.

Don’t get me wrong, overall I enjoyed the book and I’m really glad I read it in it’s entirety. I imagine the rest of the chronicles will continue the great storyline and include the characters I really came to care about (this author is superb at bringing out emotions in the reader) so I’d be interested in reading more. I feel sure that each book will tighten up regarding issues mentioned. (less)

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May 19, 2012 Stephanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: shifter

Shifters are one of my favourite things to read about, but I think this was the first with a native theme. It was a wonderful success. This is a heart warming story I will read again and again.

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Mar 15, 2012 Amy Manemann rated it 5 of 5 stars

Author Natasha Brown wrote an intriguing tale with her YA novel, Fledgling. Surviving her serious heart condition is the life Ana has ever known until her family moves to a new town and she meets Chance. Instantly drawn to his intense hazel eyes Ana easily falls under his spell, though is afraid to ruin their newfound relationship by revealing the seriousness of her heart condition. As Ana and Chance grow closer it soon becomes apparent that Chance is hiding a secret of his own, a secret that co...more

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Mar 31, 2013 Sally Hannoush rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was O.K. To be honest, I couldn't finish the book all the way (maybe 75%.) With that being said, what I did read I gave 3/5. I could see a lot more background build-up. The characters hide their secrets in order to act "normal" to each other and others. The female has heart problems and could die with too much activity and is heading for a heart-transplant. The male can shapeshift into many animal forms. I wish the parents could have been more parent-like. It felt unrealistic that the...more

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Mar 08, 2012 Andrea rated it 5 of 5 stars

When I had the opportunity to read a copy of "Fledgling," I thought it was going to be a teen romance with the main character having a heart defect; I had NO idea it was a fantasy! It was fantastic, and I'm looking forward to reading future books Brown writes in the series. Having a congenital heart defect myself, I definitely identified with Ana, and everything she was going through with her heart problem. Brown definitely has a good sense of what adolescents facing such problems must go throug...more

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Jan 07, 2013 Meghan rated it 3 of 5 stars

No funny Haha's in this one, but the story was innocent and sweet. It had one of the healthiest ya romances relationships I have read yet. You know the kind where they each still had their own lives and still care for their individual families and family members instead of the usual complete codependency garbage in most ya books. That was brilliant. It is totally tween friendly. I liked how the plot really took place outside of their school lives- you know, in their real lives, those things peop...more

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Mar 01, 2012 Rob Hughes rated it 5 of 5 stars

I usually am the one checking reviews to see how good a book is and I was amazed that not many people have reviewed such an awesome book.Fledgling is an amazing paranormal love story with sympathetic and unique characters.There is no fall in love in 5 seconds here its about two people who are different and get to know each other and slowly fall in love.Natasha Brown has created amazing characters who you will deeply care for and a unique story that you will want to read many times.This is my fir...more

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Apr 01, 2013 Rachel rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 18, 2012 Emerald Barnes rated it 5 of 5 stars

What can I say about this book besides that it was simply amazing?! The characters were so full of life, and each of them handled the circumstances they found themselves in with courage but also like typical teenagers.

I think this book was well written and very entertaining. Fans of YA should definitely pick up this book that follows Ana and Chance's discovery of one another and the love that grows between them. The fact that they both can overcome their differences from the world and make it w...more

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Nov 10, 2012 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was one of those surprises that comes along unexpectedly every now and then to make your day. Frankly, I started reading this book because it was written by a friend of mine and I thought I should.

I didn't expect to fall in love with the characters or to be unable to put it down. I read it straight through in one sitting and was a little sad when it was all over. The characters are unique and quirky, but very likable, and the plot moved along and stayed interesting enough that I was complet...more

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Jan 11, 2013 Julia rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: young or old

Recommended to Julia by: book blog from facebook

Incredible story! I have never read a book like Fledging before and don't think i will ever come across another story like it. Natasha Brown has a definite gift of writing. Every emotion the characters in this book feel - you feel them with them ( and I am usually not one that likes to "feel"). It's an amazing story that will grab you from the beginning, keep you till the end and leave you wanting more! But don't take my word for it. Read it and see for yourself, then share it, because Fledging,...more

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Apr 04, 2013 Katie(babs) rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This started out as a sweet young adult about a sick girl and the new boy who becomes her friend and the something more. It was ruined by the ridiculous supernatural elements with the boy who can shift into animals. I felt like the author started writing out one story and ended with another completely different story that just doesn't work.

A pass.

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Mar 21, 2013 ☆~Nels~ Death by reading~★ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ana has a life threatening heart condition, and only a few months to live.
So by doctors order they move, Ana tries to keep to herself, not wanting to hurt anyone including herself, that is until she meets Chance.

This book got me interested from the start.
Its a romance, and its clean!
its a fantasy,
its brilliant!

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May 09, 2013 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was worried at the start that it was going to be Twilight-ish (this keeps happening to me!) but I was gladly wrong. I really liked this book. It's filled with high school love and patent/child love, grandpa/grandson love, sacrifice, secrets and happy endings (mostly). Good read.

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Mar 22, 2013 Jennifer Williams rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: did-not-finish

I tried and tried but could not force myself to finish reading this book. The plot was good but I couldn't get past the writing style. I think it could have been edited a little heavier and been a really good book. Unfortunately, it wasn't.

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May 06, 2013 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I like paranormal..I like shape shifters...I like romance...this one kept me reading and interested in the characters, what was going to happen next...etc. Very good!

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Mar 18, 2013 Nic rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was okay... I don't really like insta-love, but this one was okay. Though, I couldn't feel the chemistry between Ana and Chance.

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Mar 09, 2012 Christopher rated it 3 of 5 stars

Young adult romance, with paranormal mix. Decent in plot and story of two people falling in love with each other in a refreshing way.

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Jun 08, 2012 Lburt rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-didn-t-finish, weres

The first half of this book was good. The last half when all the shape shifter started got really slow and I lost interest.

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Mar 12, 2012 Lisa rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult, weres-shifters, romance

I really liked the idea of this book but the story really dragged. With sharper editing, it would be a great read.

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Apr 11, 2013 Kathy Harrington rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: were, more-to-series

I liked this book. Natasha Brown had a new spin on the shape shifter angle. It was a nice change.

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Mar 08, 2012 Kilikina rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: didnt-finish

Blah...I can't do it. It sounded interesting, but I don't see myself finishing this one.

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Aug 05, 2012 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars

I cannot wait to read more. Looking forward to more Chance and Ana soon =)

1 like · like · see review

Mar 19, 2013 Marisa Valle rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, ya, supes

Enjoyed the story but it got a little repetitive at times.

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About Natasha Brown

Natasha Brown lives with her husband, two children and two dogs in Littleton, Colorado. She was inspired to write a story about a girl struggling with her heart condition, after her daughter was born with heart defects. “I like lead women who have the tenacity to carry on even in the face of adversity. Ana is a character I look up to- and I can’t wait to share with my readers where her character i...more

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Prodigy (The Shapeshifter Chronicles, #2)

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Fledgling (The Shapeshifter Chronicles #1)

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