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Lesser-Bred #1
Stained
Since they began getting each other into and out of trouble at age six, Mike Zimmer and Alex Jackson have been best friends. Now 20-year-old college roommates, they have distinctly different outlooks and personalities, but the friendship remains rock solid. That is, until Alex notices behavior changes in Mike – restlessness, eating pounds of food without gaining weight, and a sex drive bordering on insane, even for Mike, the campus stud.
When a spring break camping trip takes a bizarre and violent turn, Alex realizes his lifelong friend is a Lesser-Bred – a human carrying genes of the Kin…the dragons that inhabit the world in human-shaped bodies right alongside humans. And Mike is starting to Shift, taking on Kin behavior, instincts, and bloodlust. Alex finds himself torn between loyalty and self-preservation, and Mike is torn between dreading life and fearing death. Mike’s metamorphosis puts them on separate paths, but leaves them connected in ways they can’t fully understand.
When a spring break camping trip takes a bizarre and violent turn, Alex realizes his lifelong friend is a Lesser-Bred – a human carrying genes of the Kin…the dragons that inhabit the world in human-shaped bodies right alongside humans. And Mike is starting to Shift, taking on Kin behavior, instincts, and bloodlust. Alex finds himself torn between loyalty and self-preservation, and Mike is torn between dreading life and fearing death. Mike’s metamorphosis puts them on separate paths, but leaves them connected in ways they can’t fully understand.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2011
7 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Adrienne Wilder
50 books1,790 followersGeorgia born and bred, I am an artist, a writer, and a general pain in the ass.
I spend most of my days working on my next book or bettering my art.
Writing is my identity and I love every minute of it. It's work, lots of work (sometimes I work 12+ hours a day and I never get a vacation) but I don't regret doing it.
I currently share my house with a myriad of dogs, a few cats, a saltwater aquarium filled with coral and fish, as well as my partner who's great at giving hugs when the day's been rough.
And of course, my editor and PA, who helps me keep life reasonably organized. At least so I won't walk out the door without wearing pants.
I spend most of my days working on my next book or bettering my art.
Writing is my identity and I love every minute of it. It's work, lots of work (sometimes I work 12+ hours a day and I never get a vacation) but I don't regret doing it.
I currently share my house with a myriad of dogs, a few cats, a saltwater aquarium filled with coral and fish, as well as my partner who's great at giving hugs when the day's been rough.
And of course, my editor and PA, who helps me keep life reasonably organized. At least so I won't walk out the door without wearing pants.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 5, 2014
Suck a Duck!
This is not an ending point! Who does this? This isn't just a cliffhanger--it's practically mid-scene! Aargh!!!
So, other than the crapola drop point this was pretty awesome. Fun. With blood, sex and violence. Yum. Biting. Lots of good biting. Unexpected twist in the storyline with Alex and Mike. Mike's challenges, well, they kinda suck big time. Poor guy. Alex, what is going on?
Clearly this is a two-part book and not Book 1 And Book 2. Aggravated by that deception. Really annoyed. If you're going to do a serial be upfront about it. I expected a series with individual stories in each one, not a continued adventure, see Book 2.
Jumping onto Book 2, ASAP.
This is not an ending point! Who does this? This isn't just a cliffhanger--it's practically mid-scene! Aargh!!!
So, other than the crapola drop point this was pretty awesome. Fun. With blood, sex and violence. Yum. Biting. Lots of good biting. Unexpected twist in the storyline with Alex and Mike. Mike's challenges, well, they kinda suck big time. Poor guy. Alex, what is going on?
Clearly this is a two-part book and not Book 1 And Book 2. Aggravated by that deception. Really annoyed. If you're going to do a serial be upfront about it. I expected a series with individual stories in each one, not a continued adventure, see Book 2.
Jumping onto Book 2, ASAP.
July 7, 2014
I'm not sure where this story is going yet but I'm definitely hooked enough to keep going.
January 31, 2012
I came to this story after reading all of the five books in the Darwin's Theory series, but I wish I had been prepared for the fact that this is just the beginning of a new series rather than a stand-alone. I deliberately waited and got all of Darwn's Theory in one go so that I didn't have to wait for new chapters and handle cliff-hangers, especially the type of cliff-hangers that Ms Wilder specialises in.
The story is excellent - more than excellent, it's incredibly engrossing - but for me it is let down by the fact that it is merely an instalment in a bigger story, something is not made clear in any of the blurb I have found. I wish I had visited Goodreads before I bought it because I can see that others have warned about just this, but unfortunately I didn't - finished Darwin and wanted more so bought Lesser Bred immediately - If I had known it was just the first part, I wouldn't have bought it. YET.
The world building is, as always intricate and in-depth, although reading other stories regarding the Kin and Lesser Breds will very much assist you in understanding what's going on. Some of the story comes across as incredibly gory; there is an 'attempted' rape which people should be warned about as it could possibly be a trigger for some - Ms Wilder handles this scene extremely well, getting across the feelings of terror, anger and afterward revulsion and shame with such empathy that it brings tears to the eye. She also manages to make Mike a sympathetic character when it would be easy to see him as a monster or as simply a vehicle to talk more about the Lesser Breds and the Kin. You almost NEED to know what happens to him and Alex which is what made the ending so incredibly frustrating - just when you would normally be getting into the nitty gritty 'middle' section if you like, there comes an abrupt end which is not a end. I actually did scream in frustration.
I hate like hell giving this only a 3 star review but the story isn't finished, and with what I have to date I don't have a choice. It reels you in, winds you up, and then leaves you hanging - like sex without a climax, that first cup of coffee in the morning full of flavour only to find that it's decaf. With warning that it's merely the beginning, I would imagine this is an exciting start to a new series. Without it, just too frustrating for words.
Upgraded to 4 stars now second part available and has been read.
The story is excellent - more than excellent, it's incredibly engrossing - but for me it is let down by the fact that it is merely an instalment in a bigger story, something is not made clear in any of the blurb I have found. I wish I had visited Goodreads before I bought it because I can see that others have warned about just this, but unfortunately I didn't - finished Darwin and wanted more so bought Lesser Bred immediately - If I had known it was just the first part, I wouldn't have bought it. YET.
The world building is, as always intricate and in-depth, although reading other stories regarding the Kin and Lesser Breds will very much assist you in understanding what's going on. Some of the story comes across as incredibly gory; there is an 'attempted' rape which people should be warned about as it could possibly be a trigger for some - Ms Wilder handles this scene extremely well, getting across the feelings of terror, anger and afterward revulsion and shame with such empathy that it brings tears to the eye. She also manages to make Mike a sympathetic character when it would be easy to see him as a monster or as simply a vehicle to talk more about the Lesser Breds and the Kin. You almost NEED to know what happens to him and Alex which is what made the ending so incredibly frustrating - just when you would normally be getting into the nitty gritty 'middle' section if you like, there comes an abrupt end which is not a end. I actually did scream in frustration.
I hate like hell giving this only a 3 star review but the story isn't finished, and with what I have to date I don't have a choice. It reels you in, winds you up, and then leaves you hanging - like sex without a climax, that first cup of coffee in the morning full of flavour only to find that it's decaf. With warning that it's merely the beginning, I would imagine this is an exciting start to a new series. Without it, just too frustrating for words.
Upgraded to 4 stars now second part available and has been read.
September 4, 2011
Such a wonderful complex world Adrienne Wilder has created. This is the 7th book I have read set in this world, and for me, each book has more to explore, than the previous. This is not a book that should be read without having read Blood Bonds or Darwin's Theory novella series previously, as without the context provided by those books, much of this novel would be confusing and senselessly violent. This is definitely not a novel for the squeamish either. It is also the first book in yet another series too, although there appears to be some overlap with other novels, with the reappearance of at least one character. Having said that though, I loved this novel!
Two young men, Matt and Alex, best friends since the age of six, are brutally thrust into a violently different world they never thought would touch them. Neither of them are prepared for the new realities that face them, where death, violence and senseless lust are barely a heartbeat away. Both Matt and Alex have to not only struggle to survive this new world, but are forced to accept changes in their relationships, to each other and to those around them.
The novel ends when both young men are just coming to understand and accept that their lives will be forever different, with no idea what the future might hold. Definitely frustrating as I really, really want to know what the future holds for Alex and Matt... :)
Two young men, Matt and Alex, best friends since the age of six, are brutally thrust into a violently different world they never thought would touch them. Neither of them are prepared for the new realities that face them, where death, violence and senseless lust are barely a heartbeat away. Both Matt and Alex have to not only struggle to survive this new world, but are forced to accept changes in their relationships, to each other and to those around them.
The novel ends when both young men are just coming to understand and accept that their lives will be forever different, with no idea what the future might hold. Definitely frustrating as I really, really want to know what the future holds for Alex and Matt... :)
May 31, 2015
3.75 stars
This book almost reads more like a horror story. The incident in the woods was rather terrifying. The story was well written, but could have used tighter editing. Not fond of the head hopping although I understand its importance to the development of the characters and story. It was obvious, to me anyway, that this book and its sequel were actually one book that was split up. The ending was quite abrupt.
As an avid mm romance and gay fiction reader, I am wildly disappointed that this one involved two straight main characters. I had to skip over the mf sex bits, which squicked me out. And almost ruined the story for me.
Still, I'm a huge Gray Zone universe fan. Recommended! I am now reading the second book, which picks up 12 years later.
This book almost reads more like a horror story. The incident in the woods was rather terrifying. The story was well written, but could have used tighter editing. Not fond of the head hopping although I understand its importance to the development of the characters and story. It was obvious, to me anyway, that this book and its sequel were actually one book that was split up. The ending was quite abrupt.
As an avid mm romance and gay fiction reader, I am wildly disappointed that this one involved two straight main characters. I had to skip over the mf sex bits, which squicked me out. And almost ruined the story for me.
Still, I'm a huge Gray Zone universe fan. Recommended! I am now reading the second book, which picks up 12 years later.
December 21, 2012
Adrienne Wilder has come up with a truly original world. I've enjoyed every book set in this universe. This one though was really a double Kleenex read. Highly recommend
August 15, 2011
Alex and Mike start their spring break adventure off with common goals. They are picking up their girlfriends and going on a weekend camping trip. Tension begins to run high as Mike’s behavior starts rapidly changing and he begins to start scaring his friends. Mike doesn’t understand what’s going on. No matter how much food he consumes he can’t sate his hunger. That is not the only hunger that he cannot sate. After Mike flees the campsite, Alex finds him in the woods and what he sees scares him. Mike has started becoming a Lesser Bred. His body is covered in the very telling Stains, stains that mark him as having Kin DNA. Kin are Dragons, dragons that must feed on flesh and blood, and metaphysical energy. Most of society does not live peacefully with the Kin or the idea of one having any amount of Kin DNA in them.
I loved how Wilder took her readers through two different aspects of what becoming Lesser Bred means. Mike struggles to adjust to a life that he has never even experienced from afar, while Alex watches his best friend lose his humanity. Alex and Mike are just friends, but they’re both having thoughts and feelings for one another that neither one of them are comfortable with. While I would not define this book as a romance there is love, and plenty of hot erotic sex, but these are never together. (Remember at the beginning of the review I mentioned girlfriends, this is where the sex comes in.)
***this is a dark book, a forced sexual encounter ALMOST happens***
I loved how Wilder took her readers through two different aspects of what becoming Lesser Bred means. Mike struggles to adjust to a life that he has never even experienced from afar, while Alex watches his best friend lose his humanity. Alex and Mike are just friends, but they’re both having thoughts and feelings for one another that neither one of them are comfortable with. While I would not define this book as a romance there is love, and plenty of hot erotic sex, but these are never together. (Remember at the beginning of the review I mentioned girlfriends, this is where the sex comes in.)
***this is a dark book, a forced sexual encounter ALMOST happens***
August 5, 2014
What kind of an ending is that? I need the next one!
July 27, 2017
This book often shows up in M/M recommendations, which is surprising given the sheer amount of pussy in the story. Even once I got over the straight sex, I was disappointed to find the story didn't have a lot going for it. The dialog was bad, with lots of character purposefully holding back information because the other party "wouldn't understand" (I'm taking about every conversation after Mike's becoming, creating a lot of trite, meaningless conflict. Also, the ending was awful. It's not even a cliffhanger, the story just stops.
March 13, 2019
This was recommended to me as a m/m romance, but it's not that. Yes there is m/m sex and something similar to a romance, but this is more in the fantasy/horror/thriller realm than romance. The author does a great job portraying the transformation of Mike in this story. This bro becomes a beast and that beast has needs he doesn't understand. Great story. Great suspense. It kept me turning pages.
Wow, does this need a good editor. If you get pulled out of the story by typos and poor grammar you will have a hard time with this one.
Wow, does this need a good editor. If you get pulled out of the story by typos and poor grammar you will have a hard time with this one.
October 26, 2024
kinda grossed out
Super violent. Incredibly bloody. Tons of gore. Impossible to explain lineage of the two MC’s. Women aren’t equally appreciated except in theory. It’s okay? It could really be something with a good editor. Meh….
Super violent. Incredibly bloody. Tons of gore. Impossible to explain lineage of the two MC’s. Women aren’t equally appreciated except in theory. It’s okay? It could really be something with a good editor. Meh….
March 18, 2017
Great series. Hot, sad, emotional fantasy. Dragons are incredible. m/m
January 25, 2018
I'm intrigued.
August 15, 2011
I became acquainted with Adrienne Wilder's work just this year and there is something about it that hits me in just the right spot. She hooks you immediately with a great voice and interesting relationships between the characters. Then, as I was getting drawn into the story, the surprises started to come fast and furious and I was drawn into the world of the Kin in Atlanta's "Dens".
There is so much emotion in this story: fear, longing, helplessness, bravery, and loyalty. What I really like about this author is the way she takes the emotions and struggles we all face in real life and plays them out against this backdrop of a fantasy world that makes it all that much more poignant.
Definitely give this book a try. I really enjoy this authors voice, characters, and the fascinating world she's created. This is series book so there is more to the story to come!
There is so much emotion in this story: fear, longing, helplessness, bravery, and loyalty. What I really like about this author is the way she takes the emotions and struggles we all face in real life and plays them out against this backdrop of a fantasy world that makes it all that much more poignant.
Definitely give this book a try. I really enjoy this authors voice, characters, and the fascinating world she's created. This is series book so there is more to the story to come!
March 11, 2014
I really tried to like this book.
The first half was not what I have expected, but it got better from the middle.
I personally like it bloody and therefor I enjoyed the created world.
After reading the Darwins Theory books first I simply can´t stop myself from comparing them with this story.
In comparison to these books I can´t give this one more than 3 stars.
The first half was not what I have expected, but it got better from the middle.
I personally like it bloody and therefor I enjoyed the created world.
After reading the Darwins Theory books first I simply can´t stop myself from comparing them with this story.
In comparison to these books I can´t give this one more than 3 stars.
August 4, 2012
This is another excellent addition to the wonder Kin (Dragon) world Ms. Wilder has created. I am very happy the second book is out so I don't have to wait! That was a pretty good cliff-hanger there at the end.
August 16, 2011
I can't believe where it ended!!! Waiting for book 2 with baited breath!
April 29, 2012
A very good book that is hard to put down. Be warned though that it does end in a cliff hanger.
April 29, 2012
Минус одна звездочка за наглое распиливание книжки пополам. Это не отдельная книга серии, это часть первой книги.
July 10, 2014
That story plot was from my point of view horrible.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews