I literally could not put Shift (Shifters, Book 5) down until the last word of the last sentence in the last scene. As always, you are kept guessing all the way throughout the book--until that last word--and then you are astounded because of the final revelation. Rachel Vincent is an enormously talented author who has established herself in the top ranks of urban fantasy writers with this series.

The book begins with our heroes planning a counteroffensive against Malone for the loss the Sanders family faced in Prey and the threat to Greg Sanders' position on the Territorial Council. Suddenly Thunderbirds, humans who shift between bird and human forms, descend on the ranch and unsuccessfully attempt to carry away Kaci, the young tabby being sheltered by the South-Central Pride. The Thunderbirds claim that a young cock--male Thunderbird--was killed by a member of the South-Central Pride in a hunting dispute near the Pride's western border. Faythe immediately sees the hand of Malone in the claim. How would Thunderbirds, who don't identify by scent, know that the Pride member who killed their youngster was a member of the South-Central Pride. During the course of the dispute two toms are killed and two others severely injured. Faythe is on a quest to find out who is responsible for triggering events that resulted in three deaths and seeking justice for all of the deceased including that of the Thunderbird youth.

The conclusion of the Shifters series is the next book, Alpha (Shifters, Book 6), to be published September 28, 2010. I plan on reading it immediately when it comes out even if I have to set another book aside. Will Faythe achieve justice for South-Central Pride, will Greg Sanders maintain his position, who will Faythe choose as her mate, will Faythe survive, will her brother Owen mate with the tabby he is wooing, what will become of Kaci? I am eagerly awaiting the regrettably final book in the Shifters series.