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Alpha (Shifters #6)

by Rachel Vincent (Goodreads Author)

4.36 of 5 stars 4.36 · rating details · 7,408 ratings · 687 reviews

The unscrupulous new Council chair has charged Jace, Marc and me with trespassing, kidnapping, murder and treason. Yeah, we've been busy. But now it's time to take justice into our own hands. We must avenge my brother's death and carve out the rot at the heart of the Council.It's not going to be easy, and loss seems unavoidable, but I have promised to protect my Pride, no...more

Mass Market Paperback, 472 pages

Published October 1st 2010 by Mira (first published September 28th 2010)

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Aug 03, 2012 AH rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: were, shifters, zzread-april-2011, babr-reviews

While I was reading this series, I often thought about Greg Sanders, Faythe’s father and Alpha of his Pride. I wondered about his decision to train Faythe as his successor. Was it a sound decision? What leadership skills did he see in Faythe? Throughout most of the series, Faythe’s decisions often seemed misguided and impulsive. I know many readers were put off by her attitude and some did not continue reading this excellent series.

In Alpha, Faythe begins to shine. I understood Greg’s choice of...more
While I was reading this series, I often thought about Greg Sanders, Faythe’s father and Alpha of his Pride. I wondered about his decision to train Faythe as his successor. Was it a sound decision? What leadership skills did he see in Faythe? Throughout most of the series, Faythe’s decisions often seemed misguided and impulsive. I know many readers were put off by her attitude and some did not continue reading this excellent series.

In Alpha, Faythe begins to shine. I understood Greg’s choice of leader and Faythe was the logical successor. Yes, Faythe still made some stupid, angsty choices in her love life – we’ll get to that later – but she fought with determination for her Pride and for the benefit of all werecats, Pride or Strays.

I loved many things about this book but the father-daughter moments were my favorites. I was touched when Faythe confessed to her father and spoke to him about her relationship woes. Greg helped Faythe understand the repercussions of her decision.

Faythe’s relationship triangle angst drove me bonkers. I’m not really a fan of the love triangle. I love Marc. Jace always struck me as a bit of an opportunist. (Now you all know which side I’m on). I hated how Faythe strung both men along, putting her decision off. This aspect of the book really bothered me because Faythe’s inability to choose made her seem weak and immature. Faythe’s father said it best:

”You have to choose. You cannot make decisions for the rest of them if you can’t make this one for yourself.”

I enjoyed the inclusion of the Thunderbirds in this book. Faythe’s negotiation with the Thunderbirds was a highlight for me. It provided some insight into the Thunderbirds mystical culture.

Alpha is an intense read. It is filled with action and a lot of violence. At times, the grief and sadness made me go through a lot of tissues. At times, it felt as if Faythe and the Pride would not be able to overcome their obstacles. I felt frustration and despair as Cal continued with his dirty tricks, staying one step ahead of Faythe. I did find the violence level quite high with Faythe getting beaten almost to the point of death. For a society that values its females of childbearing age, I really was surprised how many times Faythe was attacked or beaten.

I’m sad that the series is over. It ended well. All the right decisions were made. I wish there was more. Maybe Ms. Vincent could write about some of the other werecats? A book about the Thunderbirds would be interesting, or maybe Kellar?

Favorite quote: "This place is like a scary, furry soap opera."

Update 8/3/12 - We've highlighted this series in our Sucker for a Series feature on Badass Book Reviews. Check it out!
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Oct 18, 2010 I ♥ Bookie Nookie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: species-weres-and-shifters, genre-pnr-uf, 2010-read-in, zz-reviewed, i-love-this-old, a-series

I am so sad that this series is over. This was really a great end to a wonderful series. Although I wasn't mad about who she ended up with, I wasn't totally thrilled about it either--but I always knew that's how it would be...

There were so many loose ends to tie up that I wasn't sure how they would all get addressed, but they did. I am really keeping my fingers crossed that there might be a spinoff series with Jace as Alpha of his mother's pride--there is sure to be tons of drama with that famil...more

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Mar 31, 2011 Mrs.Norman rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: shifter-series, kindy-ipad, favorites, re-reads, lycans-shifters-etc, kick-ass-heroine, rachel-vincent, love-triangles

“What…? What…? What…?” But she couldn’t complete the thought. “She keeps saying that,” Kaci said, sinking onto the couch on my other side. “Pound her on the back, and she may actually finish a sentence." Was that hilarious or what?! Tehee!!
****Contains spoilers of previous books***

All I can say is WOW!! What a great series!! This was my first series predominately about shifters and I loved it! The love triangle between Marc/Faythe/Jace was something else. What annoyed me in this series was the...more

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Dec 09, 2011 Cf rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Overall, I enjoyed the series not enough to re-read it but still a nice read. I was not emotionally attached to the heroine. So I did not care how the story ended or who she chose for a mate.

I am not happy with the ending but I can live with it. I do believe the right man was chose but I wished he could have walked away from her to start his own life. I would have loved to continue with his journey of accepting himself as a stray, ALPHA of his own pride, and a husband/father with another tabby....more

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Mika Yep, I totally agree with your review. *SPOILER ahead*
Okay, Marc never had my vote since the beginning. He was a sexist pig in the first book. Later i...more
Apr 14, 2011 11:24pm

cibele Bravo! I liked this series, but the way she treated Marc and how she thought about her cheating put me off constantly. Yes, you love the other guy and...more
Jun 29, 2011 07:22am

May 26, 2011 Francesca the Fierce ~Eyelet Ecstasy~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: series-shifters, genre-urban-fantasy, books-read-2011, read-audio-books, werewolves-shifters

This review was posted at Under The Covers.

What an amazing ending to this series!!! This book was excellent! Coming from someone who struggled a bit through the first 2 books, and was encouraged to continue (a little) with the third!

Ms. Vincent has done a great job with world-building throughout this series, the plots of each book are always interesting, keep you on your toes, and they've been laid out so well, it's almost like watching a movie!

The characters are all great! I was never a Faythe...more

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Oct 23, 2010 Joanne rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult-urban-fantasy

Power, revenge, and justice - prepare yourself for the final battle! In the final chapter of "The Shifters Series", Faythe and her Pride must fight a tyrannical werecat intent on taking over the territorial council, and the south-central Pride in particular. It's down to Faythe to take on the role of Alpha before she feels completely ready for the job. Forced to rise to the occasion, Faythe must balance experience, advice, and the urge for vengeance. She must also finally choose between Marc and...more Power, revenge, and justice - prepare yourself for the final battle! In the final chapter of "The Shifters Series", Faythe and her Pride must fight a tyrannical werecat intent on taking over the territorial council, and the south-central Pride in particular. It's down to Faythe to take on the role of Alpha before she feels completely ready for the job. Forced to rise to the occasion, Faythe must balance experience, advice, and the urge for vengeance. She must also finally choose between Marc and Jace...No decisions will be is easy, and not everyone will survive this epic fight to the death. From Amazon UK

As the final book in the Shifters series, I was really looking forward to reading Alpha yet not at the same time. I'd get to find out all the answers to the questions left over from previous books, but I'd also have to say goodbye to Faythe, Marc, Jace, and everyone else. Now I've finished it, I can only say this: what an amazing way to end the series!

All those ends get tied up; we find out who ends up being the head of the territorial council, we find out who Faythe chooses between Marc and Jace, and we find out the outcome of the war. And I can't tell you how amazing it is! I actually think "amazing" is a bit of an understatement.

What I loved most about this book is the politics. Alpha is as action packed as all the other books in the series, but it also has a lot of decision making, organising, strategising, and a lot of Faythe having to use her head. But it's not all plain sailing. Vincent drops stumbling block after stumbling block in Faythe's path, causing her to re-think, re-group, restart. Faythe's strength in such impossible situations is incredible, especially when you consider the emotional turmoil she's also under.

Marc and Jace find it difficult to wait for Faythe to make her mind up over who she wants, and what's so difficult is she loves them both so much. There are a few times throughout the novel when one or the other's reactions to certain events made me think I knew who Faythe would end up choosing, but then wonder if they were just red-herrings, so I was never really sure who would end up being Faythe's guy. I won't say whether I was happy or not with who she ended up choosing, because that may give it away, but I will say it was emotional and heart-wrenching to read Faythe try and make a decision.

There were a few other emotional events throughout the book that would have left me in floods of tears if it weren't for the fact that I was at work at the time and couldn't be unprofessional. No-one writes such excruciating scenes like Vincent. The agony that these characters go through emotionally is just so raw, it's literally painful to read.

The action in this book is just phenomenal. Really. The war is just terrifying in that everything is happening so fast in so many places, you don't know who's hurt, who's dead, who's alive. Having read the previous books in the series, I know that violence and gore are to be expected, but Alpha takes it to a completely new level. I didn't think I could be shocked by the violence that I read, or by the actions of some of the disgustingly evil antagonists, but I was, time and time again.

But now it's finished. I closed the book feeling extremely happy with how the story ended, but so, so sad that that was it. That there would be no more from Faythe and her family. I get so emotionally involved in books, and in this series especially, that I actually feel that friends have died. I finished reading right before going to bed, and I laid there not sleeping for ages, not being able to get the story out of my head. As sad as it may sound, I miss them all already.

This is not a book to be missed! It might possibly be my favourite of the series. Vincent has far surpassed my expectations, and my awe of her has no limit, it seems. An incredible finale from an incredible author. I seriously cannot wait to see what adult series Vincent brings us next.

From Once Upon a Bookcase - YA book blog.(less)

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Oct 06, 2010 Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, paranormal, shapeshifters

Had to think about how to rate this one. I absolutely loved the first 90% of the book. It reduced me to bawling several times. Unfortunately the ending fell apart and left me with no hope (knowing this is the final book in the series).

Yes I feel she choose the wrong tom. If you are lucky enough to be in love with two men at the same time you don't choose the one that demands it be about him and doesn't care about your happiness...that tends to lead to a jealous-filled future not a hopeful one.

T...more

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Jan 30, 2011 Cindi rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: PNR lovers, Shifter fans

Well, Faythe's story has come to an end with this book, and I have to say it was a wild ride! I started this series thinking, no, knowing that she was self-absorbed and challenging her Pride's way of life and out to prove herself;Faythe was aggravating to read about in book one. But Vincent's writing style is powerful and immersing so I had no desire to quit and was very happy to see that she brought Faythe along so realistically and well. Faythe eventually acknowledged how much she loved and re...more Well, Faythe's story has come to an end with this book, and I have to say it was a wild ride! I started this series thinking, no, knowing that she was self-absorbed and challenging her Pride's way of life and out to prove herself;Faythe was aggravating to read about in book one. But Vincent's writing style is powerful and immersing so I had no desire to quit and was very happy to see that she brought Faythe along so realistically and well. Faythe eventually acknowledged how much she loved and respected her family, even when they wanted to make her something she didn't want to be. She began to understand the dynamics between her Alpha father and her docile-appearing mother, and see that mom was in no way the subservient that she had perceived. Faythe had run from Marc, a Stray shifter taken in by her Pride and who had loved her since the day they met, but grown to realize that true love would allow them to work out their differences. There is always fighting going on in these books - and Faythe learns to hold her own as an Enforcer for her Pride. Her personal growth puts her in training to become the Alpha after her father steps down, and so she becomes much, much closer to her father and respects him even more.

I knew that in a book called "Alpha", I would see Faythe arrive at the pinnacle she has strived for and in the position she has been training for. I knew that Vincent's thrill-ride story would have me on pins and needles, and my immersion into her world would be emotionally exhausting. Worse,I knew that something would happen to Faythe's dad to thrust her into leadership. I had no idea that this ride would wring me out emotionally to the extent it did, though. As I posted while reading, I was brought to tears several times and also caught myself mindlessly and fervently crunching peanuts during the Pride clashes with Montanna Alpha and all-around bad guy, Calvin Malone and his gang of chauvanistic shifters. This was war, plain and simple, and many were lost. Through all of that, Faythe struggled with her love for two men, Marc and Jace, and knowing that she had to choose between them and when she did, her whole world would change - their whole world would change - as well.

I haven't given a book 5 stars in a very, very long time; I reserve that for what I call "life-changing" stories. While this book won't physically change my life, the series and its character development changed THEIRS, and I won't forget it. I will remember that you can grow, change and develop yourself into what you most want to be, but the road there may be so rocky you want to quit. Outside factors may drive you back and hurt you; there will be loss. But, like Faythe, you can push yourself back up and keep at it. You can act the part that you are afraid you are not capable of yet and others will see you as you really are: strong, faithful, loving and Alpha.(less)

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Sep 25, 2010 Marissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: series, shifters, urban-fantasy, favorites, love-triangle

It is going to be damn hard to review this book without spoilers, but here goes nothing.
This was, without a doubt, the most amazing rollercoaster ride of emotions I have ever been on. From anger to anxiety, fear to hatred, joy to love, pain to healing, and everything in between… It was all there and in spades. I must first say I balled my eyes out at least three times and felt my heart break at least six, so be prepared. Yes, you read that right. At least six times. Three of those were for each...more It is going to be damn hard to review this book without spoilers, but here goes nothing.
This was, without a doubt, the most amazing rollercoaster ride of emotions I have ever been on. From anger to anxiety, fear to hatred, joy to love, pain to healing, and everything in between… It was all there and in spades. I must first say I balled my eyes out at least three times and felt my heart break at least six, so be prepared. Yes, you read that right. At least six times. Three of those were for each Faythe, Marc and Jace.

Obviously, the love triangle will be a major concern with most readers. As I know it was a huge reason why I tried reading into every little tidbit that concerned the trio. This was probably the only situation I had some small bits of concern. Again, not much I can say without spoilers, but I was happy, disappointed, resolved, and then happy again. You do not know how bad I want to comment on the finality of this triangle, but I fear it may be the main result everyone is waiting on.
This isn't giving anything away, but I loved it nonetheless. "..there's never been anyone for me but you. Not in my bed, not in my life, and not in my heart. And there never will be."

I felt every emotion and action Faythe was experiencing and wanted all the revenge & bloodshed, love & comfort she deserved with every single turn of the page. You cannot believe how great I felt when the blood finally started to spill, but none of it was without consequences. Just as every action demands recompense in some way, it is not always in the form we would like. As it is proven repeatedly throughout this entire series, though none more than in this final book.

Hope. Finally, there are great things to look forward to. I mean, there was so much hope in the end that I cannot help but be greedy and wish there were another 2+ books to continue with all the possibilities they could encompass. But alas, we will have to figure out the details of how this world continues on our own. (Barring some miracle Rachel announces she will continue in a spin-off!) However, I say the hope is enough to keep me feeling great about the final words splayed out over the last pages.
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Oct 01, 2010 Erika Badass rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: oct-10-release

My head hurts. So much emotional drama. That's right DRAMA. For gods sake Faythe. At about 75% reading I was thinking MAKE A DAM DECISION! I thought that multiple times while reading this book.
I ran the emotional gammet. I cried a bit. Teared a bit, had little anxiety attacks. I felt what Faythe felt. There is a lot of grief in this book. I'm glad it's over.
I'm glad she chose who she did.

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Mar 10, 2011 Cat Russell (Addicted2Heroines) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: highly-recommend, favorites

First I want to share one of the sexiest moments in literary history . .

"This isn't about you...."

"Well, it should be!" he shouted, and I flinched. Everything I do is about you, and I want the reverse to be true, too." I wiped more tears, my throat aching with words that would only make this worse.
"What, you need a reminder? That's what he was doing, right? And now you smell like him. You probably taste like him. You should taste like me..."

He was on me before I could even catch my breath..."

*F...more

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May 26, 2012 Mika rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-with-stupid-annoying-heroines, disappointing-end-to-series, cheating-heroines, tstl-heroine

Okay, overall this series was really good considering that the heroine was a real bitch from beginning to end. My feelings towards Faythe changed with every book. (view spoiler)...more

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Apr 17, 2013 Angie (Mind Malfunction) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, favorites

Alpha is book #6 in the Shifters series by Rachel Vincent. I loved this book. I laughed, I cried, I screamed, I cried, I yelled some more, and cried harder. This was an emotional roller coaster and I've never loved and hated a heroine more than during this book. The Faythe, Marc, Jace love triangle was far from enjoyable - actually, aside from the violent scenes of claws ripping through flesh, nothing could have been more painful or gruesome. Having said that, it was intensely entertaining to re...more

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Dec 24, 2012 Book Chick City rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, urban-fantasy, all-hallows-eve-2010

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Reviewed by Laura for Book Chick City. Rating 9/10 on the blog.

**Warning this book contains a few spoilers for previous books in the series. If you haven't read them yet I recommend heading down to your nearest book shop, you won't regret it!**

I think it's fair to say that 'Alpha' is probably my most anticipated book of the year. I've been desperate to know how it all ends. So when the lovely Book Chick City offered me an early copy for review, I jumped up and down in excitement. Any other books...more

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Oct 17, 2010 Cynthia rated it 1 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Well, that was disappointing. I'm honestly sorry that I ever read that first book (which I got free somehow?). I remember being annoyed at the spelling of the main character's name, "Faythe." I should have stopped then.

The way the plot wound up, for the most part, had no real surprises. Anybody who has followed the series has to have figured out what was going to happen by now. It's been foreshadowed - heck, shouted from the rooftops.

No, my disappointment is in the way the damned romance thing w...more

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Oct 30, 2011 Timipre `~`Blahzin Phyre`~` rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, adult, favorites, just-shifters

I loved this book! From the title I could already predict the tragedy that was going to happen but it still hurt so bad when it happened. Faythe and her family really went through hell in this book. From Malone and his allies scheming and hurting the to losing family members to losing the Pride. Faythe's mother was so strong. She really was the family's backbone. Faythe was great too. Her dedication to her Pride was so admirable. Her relationship with Marc and Jace was a great drama to watch unr...more

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May 01, 2013 Levian rated it 5 of 5 stars

Alpha picked up after the events in Shift (2010). before any war was launched, a vote was arranged for a new council for all the Prides. Malone was determined to be the new leader, which strings he pulled in more than 1 direction behind everyone's back. Faythe suffered loss in this book like never before, including her father, her Pride, her house n her love. Marc, who promised their Alpha, Faythe's father, to help her take care of the Pride after his death, walked out on her when she couldn't d...more

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Feb 09, 2013 Booknut rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-love-dearly, can-t-get-enough-of, ethics-and-society, favorites, heartwarming, heartbreak-and-loss, romantic-book-challenge, shifters, strong-heroine, tearjerkers

WERECAT PARTY AT MY PLACE!!

And here's to the new bad-ass female Alpha - who was victorious over her enemies, avenged the death of those she loved, remained steadfast and true and proved that women can look good, be intelligent AND kick ass!

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Jan 04, 2013 Rebecca rated it 4 of 5 stars

More like 3.5 really.

As I was reading Alpha, this song's lyrics came to mind:

I would march across the desert to defeat my enemy
And I would lie here in the trenches with your picture next to me
And when I told you it's forever, then it's how its gonna be
Don't, won't let him just take the place of me (No..)

Does he really know you like I know you, all the little things?
Does he really love you, like I love you, how can he compete?
If he makes me fight for you, die for you, would he do the same?...more

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Jul 13, 2012 Tara Day rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Couldn't get enough of it! This was the book that took me the least amount of time to read. I read it whenever I had the chance and thought about it constantly whenever I wasn't reading it. I just had to see what was coming for Faythe - and a lot of things did.

To be honest, I was expecting her father to die. The title of the book itself and all of the events leading up to this final book led me to believe that way beyond the first page. Faythe was destined to become the Alpha and there was only...more Couldn't get enough of it! This was the book that took me the least amount of time to read. I read it whenever I had the chance and thought about it constantly whenever I wasn't reading it. I just had to see what was coming for Faythe - and a lot of things did.

To be honest, I was expecting her father to die. The title of the book itself and all of the events leading up to this final book led me to believe that way beyond the first page. Faythe was destined to become the Alpha and there was only one way for her to do that. His murder at the hands of Colin Dean was the way I wasn't expecting it, however. I expected Malone to come up with some kind of legally legit way to somehow assassinate him in the midst of all the charges he charged the trio with. But I enjoyed the idea that Colin Dean was eviscerated in the end and left for nothing but shame. I almost wish that Faythe would have given him to the Thunderbirds so they'd have at least one person to eat.

I liked that Ryan was involved in the story and made his final sacrifice, the only thing he'd ever done towards the Pride. I especially like that Michael's wife, Holly, is the first human (besides Andrew) who knows about the werecats. I loved Elias Keller's reentrance - and the more I read details on his physical description, the more I loved him since he greatly began to remind me of Hagrid. A gentle yet fierce giant, ready to help and assist in the final battle. I liked how some of the Strays came together to help in the battle as well.

I enjoyed this series very much. The character is likeable, funny, savvy, and generally comes off as fearless. I like how Faythe is unpredictable and fight for what she wants, regardless of the rules or the consequences. In Alpha, it is reinstated that most werecats are very sensitive to touch, as both a show of not only intimacy and comfort, but also as a lifeline. That's one of my favorite things about the series - that feelings don't always have to be expressed through words. And the author elaborates very well on how not being able to touch either Marc and Jace during their own personal war affects her outlook on other things.

To be honest, I was dreading reaching the end of the book because I was afraid the author was going to kill off Jace, therefore leaving Faythe with a simple choice: Marc. But then when she didn't, I realized it was for the better. No one wants a relationship where the partner was sort of "forced" to be with them due to the death of the other option. Although I have always preferred Jace to Marc for various reasons, I knew the better choice for Faythe was Marc.

I adored how every book led readers to new options - limitless now that the series is over. So many things are left unsaid - but yet there is still a happy ending. Marc and Faythe are to marry, Malone's place will need to be filled, the other Alphas must accept Faythe as the Alpha, Kaci and Manx must plan out new destinies, and so much prospect is held for the South-Central Pride to begin anew. Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with the series and would gladly recommend it to any fan of the shapeshifter and/or romance genre. (less)

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May 10, 2012 Holly rated it 5 of 5 stars

They are all finally in Montana for the voting of the new council leader, Malone's push to kick out Faythe's dad and to basically have his own dictatorship. Of course things continually go his way using his underhanded techniques and sneaky behind the scenes moves. Even though they had decided to 'give peace a chance' they know that they will probably still be going to war with Malone and dealing with casualties. Everyone starts aligning themselves with certain prides, and its splitting up famil...more

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Apr 23, 2012 natercopia rated it 2 of 5 stars

The last book didn't really give a satisfaction end to the series. I felt like the ending was rushed and Vincent was too tired to come up with an epic battle at the end. No, not even the appearance of Keller and a new bear could redeem the ending.

With so much whining throughout the book about Faythe's screwed up relationship, you would have thought she would make a bloody decision (even if she decided to drop both of them, it's still a decision right?) to end the misery of both toms. If the auth...more

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Apr 07, 2012 Fern rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

This whole series came as a surprise to me i've been reading this genre for about a year now and have discovered many wonderful authors. Rachel Vincent was one I always meant to get round to reading but wasn't sure about the whole werecat thing. I couldn't have been more wrong this series had me on the edge of my seat reading all 6 books in just over a week. I laughed, I felt for the characters every step of the way, hell I wanted to be a werecat just to be part of their world.
This book was an e...more

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Feb 02, 2012 Suzan rated it 4 of 5 stars

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

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Jan 02, 2012 Felicia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-read, audiobook, audible-purchase-2009-to-2011

Read for Fun!
BBA Group Series Read (December 2011)

Audiobook Rating 4.50
Overall Rating 4.25
Story Rating 5.00 (Alpha Part of the Story) 3.00 (Triangle Part of the Story)
Character Rating 5.00 (Alpha Part of the Story) 2.75 (Triangle Part of the Story)

NOTE: This review will contain spoilers if you haven't read up to book 5 in the series. Alpha can be broken down into what I Loved and what I Didn't Like---there really was no in-between for me.

What I Loved: Get your hankies out because if you are not...more Read for Fun!
BBA Group Series Read (December 2011)

Audiobook Rating 4.50
Overall Rating 4.25
Story Rating 5.00 (Alpha Part of the Story) 3.00 (Triangle Part of the Story)
Character Rating 5.00 (Alpha Part of the Story) 2.75 (Triangle Part of the Story)

NOTE: This review will contain spoilers if you haven't read up to book 5 in the series. Alpha can be broken down into what I Loved and what I Didn't Like---there really was no in-between for me.

What I Loved: Get your hankies out because if you are not a bawling mess by the end of Alpha, you need to talk to the Grinch about small hearts. There were so many moments, especially with Faythe's family, that just broke your heart into tiny little pieces. Rachel Vincent did an excellent job of balancing these moments with great political intrigue, a kick *ss war (that has been coming for the whole series), and a wonderful "brand new world" type of attitude that makes you stand up and cheer. In this aspect, Alpha delivered on all cylinders! I was sad to see it end but so hopeful for the Prides that we have gotten to know and love.

What I Did Not Like: Not since Book 1 (Stray) have there been moments when I just absolutely could not stand Faythe! The triangle almost killed this book for me. I am not a fan of them and Alpha is a great example of what I can't stand. Faythe was so indecisive and selfish where Marc and Jace were concerned that I thought they both deserved better by the end of the series. I just wasn't pleased with this storyline at all. That being said, the triangle dislike is a personal thing and I know there are people who loved that part of the story.

Overall: This series is one not to miss. Even with all my problems with Faythe, the writing and heart-wrenching, gut-clenching moments were so beautifully written that they should not be skipped. While reading the series you will go through every emotion: hate, love, fear, grief, sadness, shame, and fury. I am not sure how Rachel Vincent managed to pack all that in within 6 books but she did. If you haven't read these, I encourage you to do so. If you are like me, stick with it even if Stray doesn't "hook" you. I wasn't a huge fan of Stray but in the grand scheme of things, it works well with the series. You need to see how far Faythe comes and just how far she still needs to go!(less)

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Nov 02, 2011 PM rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is a series I love a lot but in one particular aspect, I very much dislike. I loved the authors writing style and the way the storyline unfolded. It is just the kind I like, with a story that develops throughout the series and a main heroine whose love life we follow. It should have been just perfect for me and it was, up until the rival lover took over the last 3 books. The way she went for the rival and betrayed the love of her life was not believable and I grew very tired of the rival. T...more

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Sep 28, 2011 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

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

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Sep 22, 2011 Kale rated it 4 of 5 stars

Tensions are running high for Faythe and her beaus in Rachel Vincent's sixth and final edition of her shifters series. And let me tell you all hell breaks loose in Alpha. Malone, again finds a way to weasel out of punishment for his crimes, and come out on top... of the council. Marc, and Jace's lives are in the balance, and Faythe is in jeopardy of loosing her claws. The South Central Pride is being backed into a corner and ready to erupt.

Like the title and cover art suggests we follow Faythe...more

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Aug 09, 2011 Crystal rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am so sad that I finished this series. Definitely something I would read again, and I would be beyond happy if Vincent wrote a Jace spin off. It was one of the best reads I'd read in a while, and while I loved Vincent's Soul Screamers series, this was better.

SPOILERS
Faythe is a badass chick and I loved that through all the ass kicking she didn't cry until she had to make a choice between Jace and Mark, or when her family died. To me I liked that she was mouthy and immature, that she didn't wa...more

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Jul 26, 2011 WynterAngel Zsun rated it 1 of 5 stars

By the time I made it to Alpha I figured after 4 books I deserved to know what happened at least. She sorta just wrote. It felt like she didn't think about the reader at all during this book. She started killing off her characters. I really didn't understand why she found herself uninspired or not creative enough not to have to kill off a ton of her characters in this book, but it was really senseless and sorta useless. How does she become Alpha, hmmmm? Do you really even have to guess? No, beca...more By the time I made it to Alpha I figured after 4 books I deserved to know what happened at least. She sorta just wrote. It felt like she didn't think about the reader at all during this book. She started killing off her characters. I really didn't understand why she found herself uninspired or not creative enough not to have to kill off a ton of her characters in this book, but it was really senseless and sorta useless. How does she become Alpha, hmmmm? Do you really even have to guess? No, because you already know. Save the suspense cause she didn't even come up with some creative clever way to do it either. She bam! The introduction of the guns was a stupid move as well seeing as you really have no knowledge about guns that much is clear.

The epic wild love triangle who will she choose Marc or Jace? Ummm no real fanfare. No awesome declaration of love or even adoration. Just oooo ok. You promised me a showdown of some sort not a surrender. The crybaby I love you Faythe that she put in there for someone totally not the reader was more filler than anything. Did you really think he wasn't coming back?

The war? No even thrilling. At 1 point she sitting by herself in the woods describing her little girl with her first period feelings not even concentrating on the war that is enfolding in front of her. She although did spare me how many nails she broke in the small amount of action she did see in the "battle" if you can call it that.

The bloodlust scene her the Sander's home was the most interesting thing in this whole book.

She ends the book almost as strange as she started it with not a shred of contemplation for the readers that stuck with her throughout 6 books. That trudged through the mindless blabbering and the silly little girl crush on someone not her boyfriend. She constant coddling and the massive amounts of girl power unrealized that became this series.

All the promises left unkept in this book were the most sad part of the months that she wastes of the readers life while trying hard to get through these books. Had she kept those promises and actually thought about the story the characters and the readers this book could of been epic.

We will now remember Rachel Vincent as the Amy Winehouse of the author community. Seeing as you're still alive you should give all that paid for this series of books their money back along with a sincere apology. Your editor and your publisher should do the samething.

After this series of books I will not pick up another book written by her. Sorry hon your time is not more valuable than mine.(less)

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About Rachel Vincent

[Note: Though Rachel's blog entries are cross posted here, she does not frequent Goodreads. The best ways to contact her are FB, Twitter, or her Wordpress blog. PLEASE DO NOT SEND HER MESSAGES HERE. SHE DOES NOT CHECK THEM.]

A resident of San Antonio, Rachel Vincent has a BA in English and an overactive imagination, and consistently finds the latter to be more practical. She shares her workspace wi...more

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Quotes from Alpha

“I don’t want to love him—this would be so much simpler if I didn’t. But I do.
He’s funny, and passionate, and strong, and he believes in me more than I even believe in myself. When he looks at me, I feel like I could take on the whole world and come out standing tall. I like myself better when I’m with him, because of how he sees me. He makes me feel beautiful and powerful, like I’m the most important thing in the world, and I don’t know how to walk away from that. I don’t know how to walk away from him.” — 199 people liked it

“You’re a bitch."

"Yeah, I’m thinking of having that put on some business cards.” — 191 people liked it

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Alpha (Shifters #6)

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