The Shifters of 2040 (Shifter Evolutions, #3) by Ami Blackwelder

Apr 27, 2011 Hira rated it 4 of 5 stars

I feel like it is my duty to begin my review by saying that although I enjoy books with paranormal elements, I am usually a skeptic about them. Also, amongst paranormal books, I usually stick to "vampires", and the occassional "werewolf" story. "Shape shifters" have never been a priority of mine. And yet, despite my hesitations, and my hang-ups, author Ami Blackwelder has exceeded whatever expectations I had from this book.

Set in the year 2040, as the title suggests, the story is situated in Al...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 27, 2012 Everybookhasasoul rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011, for-review, kindle

I don't normally read books with paranormal elements but this year I have decided to try genres outside my comfort zone and this book did not disappoint.

It was obvious to me as a reader that the author is passionate about what she is writing about and to me this helps to made the novel more enjoyable. I feel that all the characters were well thought out and written with such passion that they jumped from the page.

The only flaw I have with this novel is at times there is a lot of species and ch...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 30, 2011 Read2review rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-for-read-2-review

** For the full review please check out www.read2review.com **

Ami Blackwelder has written the first five books in the ‘Shifter Evolutions’ series with book 6 expected in 2012. The series is about an alien race of shifters that invades Earth in 2020 and their journey on Earth. The SCN are against the shifters and want to rid the Earth of them.

The Shifters of 2040 is the 3rd book in the series. Under Blackwelder’s recommendation I took this book as a standalone book and it totally worked. There w...more

like · see review

Sep 05, 2011 Marlene rated it 4 of 5 stars

SHIFTERS OF 2040
Ami Blackwelder

Melissa Marn, a scientist for the SCM (Shifters Counterinsurgency Military), is overworked and having second thoughts about some of her research. After a one night stand with a man, who turns out to be a shifter, Melissa discovers that she is pregnant. Melissa, now, has some very tough decisions to face. Because she works for the organization that is trying to exterminate the shifters, an alien race, Melissa is in greater danger than an ordinary person of being dis...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 15, 2011 Jodie Lee rated it 3 of 5 stars

The Shifters Of 2040 by Ami Blackwelder is a sci-fi with a paranormal element to it. It is set in America in 2040 and tells the story of the fight between humans and the shifters that invaded the planet around 20 years earlier. The book tells the story from both sides and there’s even a romance side to the storyline which I liked.

To be honest this is not the usual type of book I go for but once I got around to reading it I couldn’t stop! Seriously I was hooked from the first paragraph onwards,...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 24, 2011 Beverly rated it 4 of 5 stars

My thoughts:
The characters in this book stand out as what drives the story. They are creatively developed and offer a whole new look at shifters. Ami's shifters vary in many ways from what you think of when you hear shifter. These have the ability to assimilate a variety of forms from human to more than one animal, but each has a dominate form that they can easily shift into. Their original form is more of an energy than an actual creature. The children - hybrids - are limited in that they each...more My thoughts:
The characters in this book stand out as what drives the story. They are creatively developed and offer a whole new look at shifters. Ami's shifters vary in many ways from what you think of when you hear shifter. These have the ability to assimilate a variety of forms from human to more than one animal, but each has a dominate form that they can easily shift into. Their original form is more of an energy than an actual creature. The children - hybrids - are limited in that they each have one animal they can shift into and remain in human form until later in life. I enjoyed the descriptions, she is very detailed. It was interesting to me that they had different colored skin that had mottled colors as well. I liked how she ties the story theme into modern prejudices that we still face even today.
The military link is frightening - a thing of nightmares and as a reader I pray is just science fiction. The control of the high up military personnel is terrifying. I found my heart going out to Bruce in his attempts to get Melissa to break free of the hold of both the military and her father. At the same time I found myself both angry with and feeling sorry for Melissa. Sorry that her very identity and sense of self worth were so tied into her work and her father's opinion, and angry that she couldn't seem to dredge up the self confidence to stand up for what she truly believed in and wanted.
This is an incredible story of the unwillingness of the human race to accept another group of beings because of their own fear and the shifters differences, and the struggle of the shifters to coexist and survive in a world where they are persecuted, hunted, and tortured.
This is the story of choices, consequences, desire, fear, hatred, power, control, passion, love, and sacrifice. The emotional intensity of the characters as they deal with their lives is amazing. The theme that children are the future is paramount in this story.
This was my first Ami Blackwelder shifter read and I can't wait to read the rest of the series! My only question now is: Do I start with the past and read 2020 or do I look to the future and read 2060? Don't miss the rest of The Shifter Evolutions series! (less)

1 like · like · see review

May 30, 2011 Donna rated it 5 of 5 stars

In 2020, the earth is invaded by an alien species that had the ability to briefly morph into animals or humans. However, as time passed, these “shifters” have hybridized. Now part shifter and part human, these hybrids can pass for humans longer and without notice, therefore infiltrating the population.

Jump ahead two decades and enter Melissa Marn and Bruce Wilder, a couple of scientists in charge of a DNA investigation of these “shifters.” Melissa and Bruce work tirelessly for the SCM, or Shifte...more In 2020, the earth is invaded by an alien species that had the ability to briefly morph into animals or humans. However, as time passed, these “shifters” have hybridized. Now part shifter and part human, these hybrids can pass for humans longer and without notice, therefore infiltrating the population.

Jump ahead two decades and enter Melissa Marn and Bruce Wilder, a couple of scientists in charge of a DNA investigation of these “shifters.” Melissa and Bruce work tirelessly for the SCM, or Shifter-Contingency Military, an organization that aims to rid the planet of the shifters.

After a difficult day at the lab, Melissa heads off to a bar and ends up spending one torrid night with a sexy stranger who turns out to be the one thing she has worked to purge the world of—a shifter.

Problems arise when Melissa finds that she is pregnant, despite the fact she had previously undergone a procedure to keep her from ever conceiving a child, at the urging of her controlling father (Melissa’s mother died in childbirth and he does not want Melissa to suffer the same fate).

The real conflict of the novel centers on Melissa’s alliance to the SCM and to unborn alien-child. She must try to figure out a way to protect her child, while also protecting herself.

My little summary does not do this wonderfully constructed plot justice. Set in the frigid beauty of Alaska, Ami does an awesome job of creating a believable futuristic, fantasy world where, just like the world in which we live, is awash in prejudice and too much governmental power.

Ami brings a lot of life to her heroine, Melissa. Her inner turmoil is evident, but not overdone. Her personality is multi-dimensional and there were a few times when I thought she was a little annoying—I kept asking “why doesn’t this girl stand up against these assholes?” Overall, it works well, as I don’t enjoy over-the-top protagonists, anyway. They just aren’t as believable and interesting.

The complex characters are among the strongest points of the book–from the villain, Colonel Raul, a sadistic piece of work who gets off on tormenting shifters during experimentation, to Bruce Wilder, Melissa’s co-worker and (not so) secret admirer.

There are also interesting subplots, especially the one following hybrid-shifter, Diamond and her love for Keenan, a soldier who has been trained to kill shifters.

This book is action-packed and Ami’s talent for vivid description and strong, flowing prose is showcased throughout. Highly recommended for fans of science fiction of even paranormal young adult.(less)

1 like · like · see review

May 02, 2011 Leslie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: action, book-reviews, fiction, futuristic-science-fiction, paranormal, romance, science-fiction-fantasy, suspense

Article first published as Book Review:The Shifters of 2040 by Ami Rebecca Blackwelder on Blogcritics.

In an interesting futuristic Science Fiction novel set in the beautiful backdrop of Alaska, a species of alien that had infiltrated the earth have now begun hybridization. While throughout most of the states these aliens have allegedly been eradicated, the pockets found in Alaska appear to be some of the last of the species. Known as shifters for their ability to change form, they are hunted ex...more Article first published as Book Review:The Shifters of 2040 by Ami Rebecca Blackwelder on Blogcritics.

In an interesting futuristic Science Fiction novel set in the beautiful backdrop of Alaska, a species of alien that had infiltrated the earth have now begun hybridization. While throughout most of the states these aliens have allegedly been eradicated, the pockets found in Alaska appear to be some of the last of the species. Known as shifters for their ability to change form, they are hunted exhaustedly by the Shifter Counterinsurgency Military, known as SCM. The SCM have set up a scientific community to study the changes and stay abreast of the possibilities. Dr.’s Melissa Marn and Bruce Wilder are the scientists in charge of the DNA investigation. Colonel Raul is the military voice behind the scenes pushing for the information.

There is something unhealthy about his excitement in the investigation; he enjoys the pain exhibited by the shifter during experimentation. Melissa believes he is trying to find a way to use their abilities for himself. She finds him distasteful and vindictive. He is not someone she finds she can trust. Her other problem with the whole situation is her father is also a part of the SCM, and his expectations for her are very clear. Her mother died while she was still quite young and she is in thrall to her father and his machinations of her.

In The Shifters of 2040, Ami Rebecca Blackwelder has brought us a new species of alien and given us a remarkable wilderness in which to place them. In Ami’s rendition, we find the aliens to be a very non confrontational and peaceful group, and yet they are pursued and persecuted for science. While there have been some incidents where humans were killed, in every incident it appeared as though the killing happened in self-defense. Yet Colonel Raul has twisted the facts to keep hysteria high, and to be able to continue into his own nefarious schemes. The hybridization however really is happening, the Shifters are looking for a way to survive the hostility, and find that if they can alter their DNA they will have a better chance to live. Mating with human women seems to be one of the most likely possibilities.

Bclackwelder has built a race of aliens that tug at you and capture your imagination. They are interesting and yet just different enough to cause a bit of caution. As usual when differences of the nature that are described in her story, the human race react with either welcome or in this case with caution, fear, and hostility. The few that take the time to know them are enthralled, but it is such a small faction as to be nonexistent.

In Melissa, Ami has given us a protagonist that certainly creates feeling. I at times liked her but many times did not. She has excuses for every nefarious thing she does that is requested, and does not stand up for what she actually believes to be right. She refuses to change the status quo, although she does not agree with the experimentation and basic murder of a species. The perfect foil for her own demons is Bruce Wilder. Bruce finds himself in love with Melissa. He is working hard at separating her from the job that is creating such a burden. He does not understand how she can continue what is asked of her in good conscious, and continuously works at her to understand the wrongness of the orders.

Children of the Shifters are not immune to the treatment, they are also poked and prodded, looking for more answers, and when Melissa finds an answer to some of the questions of DNA, she finally reacts in a more human way. What has she found that she is now hiding? Will she be able to separate herself from the military faction, or will she continue and damage her own psyche with the experimentation that continues?

If you love science fiction, you will enjoy this book. It is the second of a series and yet written to stand on its own. The series looks interesting and I am looking forward to what comes next with this small group of Shifters, the few left that are struggling for life. This is a thought provoking book and makes you think about differences and how others are often treated based off fear and lack of understanding.

The Shifters of 2040 is a fast-paced read, full of action and characters you can care about. Blackwelder has done a great job on her characters and world.

This book was received as a free download from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material. (less)

1 like · like · see review

Jan 30, 2011 Nora rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Shifters of 2040
By
Ami Blackwelder

I was not familiar with the work of Ami Blackwelder until I read this book. Although my main genre of read is paranormal, my interest is mainly with vampires/werewolves. I have not read much about shape shifters but was open to it. I found I was a bit lost in the beginning but of no fault of Ami's because when I read a book that is not in my realm of interest, it takes me a bit to get off the ground with the book.

I was greatly impressed by Ami's imagination a...more The Shifters of 2040
By
Ami Blackwelder

I was not familiar with the work of Ami Blackwelder until I read this book. Although my main genre of read is paranormal, my interest is mainly with vampires/werewolves. I have not read much about shape shifters but was open to it. I found I was a bit lost in the beginning but of no fault of Ami's because when I read a book that is not in my realm of interest, it takes me a bit to get off the ground with the book.

I was greatly impressed by Ami's imagination and creativity in The Shifters of 2040 and due to this, the book not only held my interest but became a 'can't hardly wait', page turner. I tried to put myself into the story and ask the question, " could something like this really come to pass?" Well, logic tells us no, but for me, I like to look beyond the 'norm' and 'logic' life has to offer and push the envelope. In doing so, I find life to be a lot more interesting.

"The shifters winced whenever their ﬂuid bodies met with the water-jelly, as if an electrical surge shocked their systems. Though able to transform into any animal form on earth, in their alien form, Melissa could make out a soft malleable cylinder tube inside their shadowy frames from top to bottom. The cylinders directed currents of what appeared to be photons, at least to the scientists who studied the captive shifters, and the structure mimicked the shape of plant seedlings in growth. Encompassing the cylinder, a protective layer of jelly-skin, grey in color, felt like the insides of an oyster to the touch. This protective layer, as malleable as the cylinder, seemed to serve no real function other than to provide security for the cylinder and allow them to camouflage with their surroundings. The tubes of photons glowed intermittently as they spit off shards of light. The studies conducted on their design revealed the tubes also offered nourishment to the alien species by way of chlorophyll infused into the cylinder tube, converting light into sugar for energy, much like the plants on Earth. The studies concluded that Earth made a suitable abode for the life forms because of the plentiful supply of H2O and nearby sun." (excerpt from book) We think of aliens as being little green men with big eyes, but in The Shifters, they are described as really having no form until they came to earth and became shape shifters, taking on the form of a human or animal.
Melissa, wanting to take a break from the lab where she worked as a scientist, running tests on the aliens who invaded earth over 20 ago, goes to a bar for a drink. She meets a man and decides to take him home with her, insisting they not know each others names. To her horror she discovers after having had the most memorable sex ever, the man starts flickering and losing his human form. She takes out a gun and chases him out of her home. She doesn't realize it, but her whole life is about to change forever due to that one night of passion. Her worst nightmare is about to come true. The species that comes from a human and alien is called a hybrid and that is what the aliens are striving for in order to keep their kind alive. But Melissa has to hide her pregnancy from SCM and her father most of all. What would he do to her and/or her babies if he knew?

I would recommend this book and give it five stars. I once again want to give Ami Blackwelder a lot of praise and credit for her imagination, creativity, and realism in The Shifters of 2040. I will be looking forward to more from her.

*****five stars

Reviewed by

Nora Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/(less)

1 like · like · see review

Nov 22, 2010 Helen Smith rated it 4 of 5 stars

In this vividly-imagined future world, alien shape-shifters have invaded earth and martial law has been declared in America to deal with the threat they pose to its inhabitants. But are they a threat - or are they the ones who are misunderstood, mistreated and suffering unnecessarily at the hands of the indigenous population?

We follow the stories of an American woman scientist who carries out research on the shape-shifters; the shifters themselves; and the cloned marines who have been created t...more

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 10, 2010 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Just going to state this straight up: If you haven't read The Hunted of 2060, you can still read this before you read that one. Because hint hint it's a prequel! But this review is going to have really bad spoilers to 2060.

The Shifters of 2040 is a really great prequel to The Hunted of 2060 by Ami Blackwelder! It brings you more background into the original book in the series, and helps you understand more about the reasons Melissa gave up April and Arquet and who Bruce really is, which wasn't r...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jun 13, 2011 Lisa Richards rated it 4 of 5 stars

While I read several reviews that referred to this series as paranormal, it is definitely more sci-fi than PR. Luckily, I enjoy both. Paranormal to me is vampires, werewolves and other types of shifters, basically characters that I don’t believe exist. Now aliens from other planets, I’m more open to the possibility of them, so why couldn’t they be shape shifters?

I do admit to being a bit overwhelmed with all the information presented at the beginning of the story. I think the glossary would hav...more While I read several reviews that referred to this series as paranormal, it is definitely more sci-fi than PR. Luckily, I enjoy both. Paranormal to me is vampires, werewolves and other types of shifters, basically characters that I don’t believe exist. Now aliens from other planets, I’m more open to the possibility of them, so why couldn’t they be shape shifters?

I do admit to being a bit overwhelmed with all the information presented at the beginning of the story. I think the glossary would have been a better fit at the back of the book rather than in the beginning. The massive list of alien characters was a bit overwhelming too but it always takes me a bit to settle into the first book of a series anyway. While the first book was not exactly an easy read, it was a fast paced exciting read and once I got about a 100 pages into it was unable to put it down. At this point, the book really took off for me.

One thing that bothered me was the level of total distrust and bias against the aliens. As this takes place a mere 25+ years in the future, I didn’t quite buy the pretty much government control of individuals and their loss of rights. I expect the prequels to this book will satisfy some of those questions though. While I’m one who HAS TO read a series in chronological order as I don’t want to learn a single detail till the timing is right, I love that this series is written Circular in time and after beginning with The Shifters of 2040, you can chose to read the past or the future. Awesome concept!

Blackwelder’s aliens were remarkable. They were fascinating and quickly grabbed your attention and horror to their hardships and persecution by the human population. This takes place in Alaska and the descriptions of the areas had me picturing the forests and wilderness with no problem at all. If you are in the mood for a great sci-fi read don’t hesitate to pick up this series. It will entertain you for hours and best of all there are already 3 books out with the rest to follow shortly. Nothing than I love better than to find a great series that I don’t have to wait a year between books for.
(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 07, 2011 Linda Bsss rated it 5 of 5 stars

In 2020 An Alien Race Came To Earth And It Was The Start Of A Global War, Scientist, Melissa Marn's Job Was To Experiment On The Captured Aliens And Find A Way To Defeat Them. Once She Lost Her Mom. She Lost More Than Her Dad Being In The Military, She Lost His Affection As Well. Colonel Marn Only Knew The Shifter Counteringinsurgency Military And Had Made It Her Life As Well Even Dictated That She Get Her Tubes Tied! Melissa Only Wanted Some Down Time, Alone In A Bar Where No One Knew Her. A Ta...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 06, 2010 Steve Morris rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is fresh energetic writing from a young American author on the way up.

Recently written as a prequel to Ami Blackwelder's "The Hunted of 2060", "The Shifters of 2040" Kindle edition builds on the former's clever scenario.
This time, things are further improved by the addition of a helpful glossary, character list and photos.
Again set in the future, "2040" in fact deals with some serious themes which might relate to the older, rather than younger teen.
From its electric-blue cover and typic...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 13, 2012 Christina (Ensconced in YA) rated it 3 of 5 stars

I won this book from librarything's member giveaways in exchange for an honest review.

The Shifters of 2040 is part of a bigger series about shifters who have come to our planet, but works as a stand alone. I have not read any other books in this series. As far as I can tell, these alien shifters were never given a chance to co-habit peacefully and were considered an enemy from day one. Since then, they've been hunted down like animals, tortured, and experimented on by the military. We follow sev...more I won this book from librarything's member giveaways in exchange for an honest review.

The Shifters of 2040 is part of a bigger series about shifters who have come to our planet, but works as a stand alone. I have not read any other books in this series. As far as I can tell, these alien shifters were never given a chance to co-habit peacefully and were considered an enemy from day one. Since then, they've been hunted down like animals, tortured, and experimented on by the military. We follow several Shifters, a researcher named Melissa who finds herself torn ethically, and an interesting character named Keenan, who plays a large role in the later half of the book. I will speak no more of him, as to not give away his secrets.

There are many great things about this book. The biggest strength is Ami Blackwelder's vast imagination. She has created a new alien species who has very interesting powers and characteristics. She elaborates on different scientific discoveries. Every time I thought I was going to put down the book for good, she inserted a different twist. I'll be honest. I wasn't thrilled by the way this was written; a lot of the dialogue and prose was choppy and hard to follow. Her characters seemed very two dimensional in the way they were described (there was a lot of telling instead of showing), in particular Melissa, who I did not find very likeable. There are way too many characters and I couldn't tell any of them apart (especially the shifters) except for a select few that we see more of in the book. I was about a third through and seriously contemplated stopping reading entirely.

There is a section in the book where things change. There is an evil character whose sinister plot starts to be revealed. The ethical issues of what happens next was intriguing. To me, this is where the book really started. Once Keenan was introduced, I was hooked and stayed around until the end. I still had difficulties with the way the book was written, but I almost feel if the book had started here rather than where it did, I would have been grabbed from the start.

Overall, while it was choppy and hard to read in many places, the book is highly imaginative and has a lot of potential.(less)

like · see review

Feb 19, 2011 Darcia Helle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks, fiction, sci-fi-fantasy, indie

This is not a light read. While fantasy, the subject matter is all too real and often dark. An alien species called the Shifters have invaded earth. Rather than taking the time to get to know these foreign beings, all governments want them destroyed. I couldn't help but make comparisons to current immigration issues here in the U.S. Blackwelder holds a mirror up to society and gives us a look at our reflection. Prejudice and intolerance stare back at us.

While the issues in this book might make...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 05, 2010 Jess Scott rated it 5 of 5 stars

What stands out to me with Ms. Blackwelder's work is her passion for nature/the environment. This is very clear from the rendering of the themes and setting/descriptions in the book. There's something very real and genuine which comes across to the reader, which I have always appreciated (nothing worse than something gimmicky/fake!!).

The author's style of PNR (paranormal romance) features several twists throughout the plot too (don't want to mention too many spoilers), and I like how the concept...more

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 29, 2010 Ami Blackwelder rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author)

Praise for The Hunted of 2060:

‘This is a very well structured piece of writing. I very much like how you create the opening atmosphere using a good range of strong sensory descriptions. Very powerful! Also what is very good is the suspense you build by what you don’t tell. this sets up the storyline so very well. You build a very credible character in April. Great narrative, great dialogue, great book!’ -Famlavan

‘The pitch is great and the writing solid. The imagery is touchable with fluid narra...more Praise for The Hunted of 2060:

‘This is a very well structured piece of writing. I very much like how you create the opening atmosphere using a good range of strong sensory descriptions. Very powerful! Also what is very good is the suspense you build by what you don’t tell. this sets up the storyline so very well. You build a very credible character in April. Great narrative, great dialogue, great book!’ -Famlavan

‘The pitch is great and the writing solid. The imagery is touchable with fluid narrative. The secret is well revealed and I liked the fact it came as a surprise to the character too. You can almost feel there is another world shivering in the background waiting to pounce.’ -Owen Quinn

‘Wow. This is a good story. I like the way you hint in chapter one that something big is wrong with April but then take your time revealing that - makes this a suspenseful read. It also makes April a sympathetic character, because she's as in the dark as much as your reader in the beginning. Well done.’ -Burgio

‘Such an interesting idea! That and you've set it in an amazing location. You write very well and I really love your style. It drew me in right away. I find the changes coming over April very intriguing, it makes me want to read on and find out what is happening. All the little details of life in this future world seem real too; so good job with your descriptions. I really enjoyed this.’ -Missy

‘This is really well written and draws the reader in right from the first sentence! Very entertaining style of writing which I love! ‘-Liz

‘Cleverly plotted and well thought-out sci-fi thriller. Characterization and dialogue all work well and the setting is very believable.’-Jim Darcy

‘I found the premise excellent and the story does not let it down. April is in a quandary as she tries to outdistance whatever changes are taking place within her. Her need for meat and hunger for comfort, the hearing and memory capabilities are finally understood as she meets her twin in ch 4. This is paced well with enough tension and narrative to flesh April and the surroundings of 2060 out nicely. The beast within is taking control, and she must learn how to accept her situation as she morphs into the hunted.’ -Suzannah Burke
(less)

like · see review

Mar 09, 2012 Becca {{Lady Kilt Chaser}} rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-owned, paranormal

*Note: This series was actually started in the middle with The Shifters of 2040 and she left it to the reader to choose which way to go, past or future. I prefer to read in order so I started from the VERY beginning with The Invasion of 2020*

As usual, I LOVED it. Unfortunately life got in the way and I wasn't able to read as quickly as I would have liked or read the ending quite the way I normally would have. I plan on re-reading this one again someday. But that does not matter Ami did it again...more

like · see review

Mar 17, 2011 Literary rated it 4 of 5 stars

Cover

The cover lets you know that the "shifters" are, apparently, human-like creatures. With the face in blue on the cover, it makes you wonder if that's the color of the shifter's skin or is it night at this moment in time ... ???

Plot

It was set in a futuristic Alaska, but it wasn't overdone. You could actually imagine that this will be what our future will turn into. Believability, when writing anything futuristic, is an important factor. Yes, there are fantasy novels that delve into worlds tha...more Cover

The cover lets you know that the "shifters" are, apparently, human-like creatures. With the face in blue on the cover, it makes you wonder if that's the color of the shifter's skin or is it night at this moment in time ... ???

Plot

It was set in a futuristic Alaska, but it wasn't overdone. You could actually imagine that this will be what our future will turn into. Believability, when writing anything futuristic, is an important factor. Yes, there are fantasy novels that delve into worlds that we know will never exist, but I like the element of futuristic fantasy that seems attainable.

Characters

Melissa is very dedicated to the military and her job as a scientist. However, she allows that to stop her from living her life for herself. From what I can tell, this would be one boring chick to try and get to know in real life. What she does outside of work and home (besides the occasional trip to a bar once in a blue moon) is beyond me.

Bruce seems to have a balance between work and play. As a matter of fact, he has tried to draw Melissa out of her work shell once or twice, but she wouldn't allow herself to be drawn out. Bruce seems to be the patient type ... almost to the point of exasperation ... Love can be a many splendor thing, but it's also blind as a fruit bat! =)

Brendan is Melissa's babies daddy, to put it simply. The man has an animal magnetism that Melissa felt herself drawn to the one and only time I read about her getting out and going somewhere! He is a shifter and is very protective over those he's drawn to and loves. He would do anything, even risk his life, for the people he cares for.

Overall

This was a well written story with a lot of wonder and charm. The interactions between the characters were realistic and extremely believable. The entire plot was cohesive from beginning to end and left plenty of room for prequels and sequels. I would recommend this series to those who enjoy a little sci-fi with a little fantasy thrown in with some military while adding a dash of romanticism.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Mar 15, 2011 Lillie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, for-review, i-own, nook-books, received-for-promotion, received-from-author, review-copy, series, book-or-blog-tour

See the full review at: Read My Mind

My Review:
Ami Blackwelder has created a rich and enthralling world in THE SHIFTERS OF 2040. Also, a deadly and frightening one for the alien race of shifters that had come to the planet Earth in 2020. Her novel explores deeper themes of the human spirit and what we are capable of, when we allow total fear and prejudice to control our actions.

There are a multitude of characters in which the reader is allowed to experience their life and point of view. Though i...more

1 like · like · see review

May 27, 2011 WildAboutBones rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read4bbpr-review

This is the third in the Shifter Evolutions paranormal futuristic sci-fi series. While each book can be read separately or in series order, the author suggests starting with this book because it has the most information about the shifter and hybrid race. The other books take place either in the past or the future. Blackwelder does a very good job of providing an overall glossary/encyclopedic overview of the shifter race before the story begins.

This is a heart-wrenching story about what happens...more This is the third in the Shifter Evolutions paranormal futuristic sci-fi series. While each book can be read separately or in series order, the author suggests starting with this book because it has the most information about the shifter and hybrid race. The other books take place either in the past or the future. Blackwelder does a very good job of providing an overall glossary/encyclopedic overview of the shifter race before the story begins.

This is a heart-wrenching story about what happens when aliens land and start to interact with humans and of course the military gets involved. In typical "shoot first ask questions later" fashion the military have decimated the alien population. Unbeknownst to the military, the shifter males have impregnated human females for the past 20 years so there are now hybrid shifters. This is the story of a small band of remaining shifters in Alaska 20 years after arriving on Earth. It is also a story about one such human female who is impregnated and her attempts to keep the knowledge from the military while learning all she can about the new species.

Melissa, the human female lead, is a military research scientist. Unlike her research assistant, she is military minded and wants to see the shifter race wiped out but she can't help being awed by their genetic makeup. She is definitely an "experiments first, humanity second" kind of gal but she's not totally conscienceless. And she can't help being drawn to Brendan.

Brendan, the shifter male lead, just wants to survive and see his babies born and safe as do the others of his race. He finds himself drawn to and loving Melissa.

Keenan and Diamond - a forbidden romance that might just get Diamond's family killed.

Upon finishing the story you have no qualms about labeling the humans the bad guys in this. As usual, fear of the unknown makes idiots and monsters of mankind.

Not having read books one and two of the series, I wasn't lost but did have some questions that I wonder if were answered there. The writing style is a bit unusual but I was quickly drawn in and broke out in tears a couple of times, which shows that the characters are so believable as to incite sympathy and caring. Once I started reading this I couldn't put it down. This is not what paranormal romance or urban fantasy fans are used to but I think they could enjoy the book.
(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 14, 2012 Tanja rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shifters 2040 is a fresh new spin on an old story. In the 3rd book of the Shifter Saga we see Humans and shifters 15 years into a war. We discovered the alien race we named the shifters. Ruled by fear of the unknown, we waged war against the alien species that invaded our planet.

In a desire to defeat our enemies, we sought to learn all we could about the shifters. We experimented to learn their secrets. But with all things fueled by fear, the experimentation went too far. Leading to the questio...more

like · see review

Dec 08, 2010 Imogen Rose rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is the prequel to The Hunted of 2060 which followed the coming of age of nineteen-year-old Alaskan student April into her shifter characteristics, her reunion with her sister (whom she was separated from since early childhood), and the start of a romance between April and the mysterious Arken. This prequel takes us back 20 years to the time when April was conceived. It fleshes out those early times and we learn more about her human mother and her shifter father, and details of the sepa...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 29, 2011 Lauren Murphy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: scifi

The Shifters of 2040 is the first to be released of a six part story. Chronologically, it is the third book however the prequels are yet to be released. I think this is a great concept- you can choose whether to read the future or the past – very cool!

The Shifters of 2040, introduces the main (human) characters Melissa Marn and Dr Bruce Wilder who are both scientists who conduct experiments on (shape) shifters. They are employed by the SCM (Shifter-Contingency Military) which aim to eradicate th...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 05, 2012 Kyanara Night rated it 3 of 5 stars

You can view my review by clicking on the link below.
http://kyanarasmadreviews.blogspot.co...

1 like · like · see review

Dec 08, 2010 Jess Scott rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What stands out to me with Ms. Blackwelder's work is her passion for nature/the environment. This is very clear from the rendering of the themes and setting/descriptions in the book. There's something very real and genuine which comes across to the reader, which I have always appreciated (nothing worse than something gimmicky/fake!!).

The author's style of PNR (paranormal romance) features several twists throughout the plot too (don't want to mention too many spoilers), and I like how the concept...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 26, 2013 Ashley rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: library-thing

I received this book through a LibraryThing member giveaway from the author, Ami Blackwelder. Thank you!

So far, this is my favorite of the series. I liked the story line the best and it seemed the most polished as far as the writing goes. One of the things I liked most about this book was that the characters were all developed well. When good or bad things happened to them it really made me feel excited or mad, one could relate to them, and their history was fairly well described. I also enjoyed...more

like · see review

Mar 01, 2011 B.K. Walker rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: shifter-challenge

The Shifters of 2040 by Ami Blackwelder was gripping and brilliant.

Melissa Marn was a scientist working for the SCM. Shifters posed a threat to the military and it was her duty to test the captured shifters to find out how they worked. Melissa and Bruce put in many man hours, testing shifters and cloning soldiers at the demands of the new General Raul.

When they bring in children that seem more human than not, the stress builds. Melissa takes one night to just forget - about work, demands on her...more The Shifters of 2040 by Ami Blackwelder was gripping and brilliant.

Melissa Marn was a scientist working for the SCM. Shifters posed a threat to the military and it was her duty to test the captured shifters to find out how they worked. Melissa and Bruce put in many man hours, testing shifters and cloning soldiers at the demands of the new General Raul.

When they bring in children that seem more human than not, the stress builds. Melissa takes one night to just forget - about work, demands on her, who she is. After a mug of beer and meeting a new fellow, she allows herself a night of pleasure, only to find out he's a shifter. It was unacceptable and the very thing she was helping to destroy. How could this happen?

Weeks later she finds herself pregnant. Determined to keep it hidden, she plans for adoption after being unable to abort, her love growing for what was inside of her.

Meanwhile, Brenden, the shifter and father to Melissa's baby keeps a close watch on her. It had been his plan all along to help save his species. The Shifters already knew they could create a hybrid, by mating with a human. The Hybrids were more human-like and better able to save them, giving them a chance at survival.

When Melissa has the twins and takes them to an orphanage, Brenden and the other shifters plan to not chance the safety of the shifter babies to human hands and the war begins, blood is shed.

Blackwelder did such a magnificent job with The Shifters of 2040. I could only imagine how hard it may have been to write this story, as it was actually the first in the series but written second to the first introduction of The Hunters of 2060.

I did get a better understanding of The Hunters and the entire story was moving. I found myself mad at Melissa, loving Melissa, and I absolutely loved Brenden and Keenan. Keenan is one of the cloned soldiers, and technically #13. What they never expected after successfully cloning was that the clones might have free will. Even though they were brainwashed to hate, capture or kill shifters, Keenan finds his own way, even falling in love with Diamond, a shifter.

Colonel Raul, well I just wanted to strangle him myself. He was completely driven by hate and it so clouded his mind.

All in all, this title was well written, the characters were likeable, or hateable, and it was a pleasure to see how Ami's grown in her writing since The Hunters of 2060.

I give this title ***** (5) Stars and I cannot wait for The Hybrids of 2050. ~BK Walker(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jan 20, 2011 Monique rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Futuristic, Sci-Fi Lovers Only

Recommended to Monique by: referred by the author

Shelves: sci-fi-fantasy

* Contains sprinkles of a spoiler here and there, but, not too much *

Read per author's request....

Okay, I was given an e-copy of this book by the author herself which was really cool of her to share with me...And I've been behind trying to read so many things at the same time....So here are my thoughts...I have not read the first book in this series so I kind of felt out of the loop when I began this story...While the author gives detailed descriptions of what all of the different characters ar...more * Contains sprinkles of a spoiler here and there, but, not too much *

Read per author's request....

Okay, I was given an e-copy of this book by the author herself which was really cool of her to share with me...And I've been behind trying to read so many things at the same time....So here are my thoughts...I have not read the first book in this series so I kind of felt out of the loop when I began this story...While the author gives detailed descriptions of what all of the different characters are and what their "species identification" is I still felt pretty lost throughout the first 22 pgs...I was like whoa, there's a lot going on here hybrids, clones, experimentation who's Melissa, who's Bruce...etc...What are these things that she is experimenting on..And then I got to the bar scene where Melissa first comes into contact with what we think is a handsome young man...And then from there the story developed more...I probably would recommend that anyone who reads this should attempt the first book first...

I don't want to put spoilers into this interview so I have to keep this light...It wasn't my kind of book...I read sci-fi and fantasy, but, at heart I am mostly a paranormal romance girl...Fantasy can get way too out there for me sometimes...My thoughts to anyone who reads this review is if you are into futuristic, sci-fi filled with several types of alien hybrid, shifter, mutant, clone characters, and how human beings are responding to these beings inhabiting the earth you can possibly think of with a very brutal telling, than you will love this book...I think, personally, I'm a little to romantic and sensitive for this type of book, it is definately not for the faint of heart...And a lot of the content made me very uncomfortable while trying to read it...Especially the detailing of Melissa's pregnancy...But, it has dahes of romance here and there, but, just a lot going on...My thinking was this type of book should be for those who like, "The Host," by: Stepanie Meyer, but, way darker and much more visceral...I wish Ms. Blackwell much success with her novels and hopes that she finds a good true sci-fi base to take her books to the top...(less)

1 like · like · see review

title link	preview: The Shifters of 2040
avg rating	preview: The Shifters of 2040 Goodreads rating: 4.15 (61 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9597597-the-shifters-of-2040?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1334702989l/9597597.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9597597-the-shifters-of-2040?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Shifters of 2040 by Ami Blackwelder[/url]

The Shifters of 2040 (Shifter Evolutions #3)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (6)

Videos About This Book

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Ami Blackwelder

Books by Ami Blackwelder

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About The Shifters of 2040