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The Searching Ceremonies #2
United We Mend
Sequel to Divided We Stand. Six months have gone by, Stiles is slowly recovering from his injuries, and the Searching Ceremony is about to happen. This time it's Cora who brings someone home, but he might not be what he seems...
Teen Wolf - Sterek
147,363 Words complete
Fanart: http://archiveofourown.org/works/940329
Teen Wolf - Sterek
147,363 Words complete
Fanart: http://archiveofourown.org/works/940329
278 pages, ebook
First published March 27, 2014
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 3, 2016
Well, shit.
I finished the series. What am I gonna read now?
Good point. I'll read more STEREK.
Alright, anyway, this book is just a plain good read. As with the first book (Divided We Stand) I had some issues with the adults in the story (see Lilia and Meep's reviews for an explanation) and the Sterek relationship does take a back seat to the main plot (though I could still feel the love between them so it's not completely invisible, just less front and center)---oh, also! The idiot boyfriend, aka The Dudebro. I really would've liked to see that guy suffer more.
Where was I? Oh yes, in spite of all that I had a difficult time tearing myself away from the story. It's compulsively readable and I just want more, more, more about Stiles, Derek, Peter and Isaac. KouriArashi knows how to tell a compelling story, that's for sure.
October 22, 2015
2nd read: 22-10-2015
This was good. Not as good as the first part, but still good.
Stiles tries to recover from the brain damage, solve mysteries and keep up his good grades at school, while being a denmaker. He and Derek have an estabilished relationship, which is really nice. There's a lot of mystery solving and informations about pack dynamics.
There's also Isaac and a scarf...
which Cora gave him, because of reasons. Yup. I liked it.
This was good. Not as good as the first part, but still good.
Stiles tries to recover from the brain damage, solve mysteries and keep up his good grades at school, while being a denmaker. He and Derek have an estabilished relationship, which is really nice. There's a lot of mystery solving and informations about pack dynamics.
There's also Isaac and a scarf...
which Cora gave him, because of reasons. Yup. I liked it.
July 10, 2015
I read this through and was totally caught up with the story line, but in the end I did not like it nearly as much as the first part. A lot of the Stiles part of the story is how he overworks himself trying to be "den-maker' and "left hand" and solve cold crimes and go to high school, all while struggling to recover from very serious neurological and physical injuries. It's no surprise that he gets in way over his head, but what bothered me was how obtuse everyone around him seemed. There's an imbalance to the story when the piling on of Stiles' amazing accomplishments effectively makes his family look unforgivably blind or uncaring--it's great that Stiles loves to take care of everyone but who takes care of him? Given his history, I expected more effective efforts to protect him than people managed.
Unfortunately this obtuseness seemed to extend to the other most vulnerable characters, namely Cora and Isaac. The adults seem bizarrely willing to wait and see on Cora, leaving it up to Stiles to figure things out. I had to just suspend disbelief about the entire Isaac plot line, else end up hating Talia and the sheriff, which I don't think was the author's intention.
On the flip side, as in the first part I really like this author's take on Derek, though I was disappointed that the story didn't cover much new ground about him or his relationship with Stiles. The obnoxious boyfriend was very well-done, as was Stiles' mystery solving. I'm finding that I generally like Isaac storylines, and was definitely engaged by everything to do with him. Again, I really liked Peter here, and was happy to see him get a big role.
Bottom line: those who liked the first part will probably want to read this one as well. As I indicated above, I plowed right through this, I just didn't like it as much as the first part.
Unfortunately this obtuseness seemed to extend to the other most vulnerable characters, namely Cora and Isaac. The adults seem bizarrely willing to wait and see on Cora, leaving it up to Stiles to figure things out. I had to just suspend disbelief about the entire Isaac plot line, else end up hating Talia and the sheriff, which I don't think was the author's intention.
On the flip side, as in the first part I really like this author's take on Derek, though I was disappointed that the story didn't cover much new ground about him or his relationship with Stiles. The obnoxious boyfriend was very well-done, as was Stiles' mystery solving. I'm finding that I generally like Isaac storylines, and was definitely engaged by everything to do with him. Again, I really liked Peter here, and was happy to see him get a big role.
Bottom line: those who liked the first part will probably want to read this one as well. As I indicated above, I plowed right through this, I just didn't like it as much as the first part.
August 4, 2022
4.5 Stars
True, this fic is about Cora and her searching/finding her mate and the crazy drama that revolves around said event. However, the crux and heart of the story is still all about Stiles. Just because they defeated the baddie in the first story, doesn't mean they're out of danger. Despite the unrealistic expectations and responsibilities laid at Stiles's feet, you've got to give him props because he steps up beautifully and of course saves the day again. This brilliantly showcases his smarts, stubbornness, dedication and love for his family.
Again like its predecessor, this continues to have great characterizations of the supporting cast while interspersing the plot with familiar canon lore.
-Scott is still the best friend ever.
-Derek remains the very swoony, supportive, perfect mate. I loved every single one of his and Stiles's interactions
-Peter is a calculating, badass mastermind; his story arc particularly heartbreaking.
-And of course the Sheriff is awesome.
This may be long to some and low on the smex for many, but the love and feels are still there. I seriously could read this ad nauseam and I look forward to when the author is finished with the next chapter in this well thought out, alternate Sterek universe.
Thanks Meags for reading along with me!!
True, this fic is about Cora and her searching/finding her mate and the crazy drama that revolves around said event. However, the crux and heart of the story is still all about Stiles. Just because they defeated the baddie in the first story, doesn't mean they're out of danger. Despite the unrealistic expectations and responsibilities laid at Stiles's feet, you've got to give him props because he steps up beautifully and of course saves the day again. This brilliantly showcases his smarts, stubbornness, dedication and love for his family.
Again like its predecessor, this continues to have great characterizations of the supporting cast while interspersing the plot with familiar canon lore.
-Scott is still the best friend ever.
-Derek remains the very swoony, supportive, perfect mate. I loved every single one of his and Stiles's interactions
-Peter is a calculating, badass mastermind; his story arc particularly heartbreaking.
-And of course the Sheriff is awesome.
This may be long to some and low on the smex for many, but the love and feels are still there. I seriously could read this ad nauseam and I look forward to when the author is finished with the next chapter in this well thought out, alternate Sterek universe.
Thanks Meags for reading along with me!!
August 22, 2019
Re-read August 2019
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Re-read June 2018
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Re-read September 2017
5 stars from me! I'm really enjoying this series! Thank the sterek gods I still have one more to read! :D
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Re-read June 2018
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Re-read September 2017
5 stars from me! I'm really enjoying this series! Thank the sterek gods I still have one more to read! :D
February 5, 2015
Yay! I finished! And I liked it!
This was a long fic. But as I said with the first part, it was good. I think it was good that I waited so long to read this after reading part one because then I don't compare them so much.
KouriArashi is a good writer. Their stories (at least the ones I've read so far) are always complete. They have a beginning, a middle and an end. They don't tend to run into the 'I-don't-know-where-I'm-going-with-this-so-I'll-just-keep-writing-until-I-can't-any-more' issue. Their stories don't seem to get away from them. It's like reading an honest-to-goodness, published story.
I like that.
Derek and Stiles are in an established relationship. It was nice to just see them together and be confident in their roles with each other. I like how the story focused on the mystery and pack dynamics rather than relationship angst.
The story may have meandered a bit in the latter half but I was never bored. And by the time I was feeling like I was ready to be done reading I was at 98% so, win!
Good plot. Good mystery. Good characters.
Read it.
Shout out to my fellow Pack mates Rosa and Pher! Thanks for reading this with me! ♥
January 31, 2015
(Read some time ago)
It's good, very readable and I enjoy KouriArashi's writing (that's an easy 5star); unfortunately I can't say I liked this story as much as the first part. Lilia says it all far better than me in her review
Peter is by far the most interesting character, Derek though a really good protrayal fades too much into the background for the love interest.
As much as I love Stiles I found him too much, homemaker/left hand/detective/... - true Wonder-Stiles! the roles were interesting as was the plot and detecting, but the boy did EVERYTHING all the adults are completely useless by comparison. I doubt they could make toast! The Sheriff, Alpha Talia, everyone bowed to Stiles, they were all far too passive and willing to let obviously wrong things be.
Still lots of good things going for it and it's well worth a read.
It's good, very readable and I enjoy KouriArashi's writing (that's an easy 5star); unfortunately I can't say I liked this story as much as the first part. Lilia says it all far better than me in her review
Peter is by far the most interesting character, Derek though a really good protrayal fades too much into the background for the love interest.
As much as I love Stiles I found him too much, homemaker/left hand/detective/... - true Wonder-Stiles! the roles were interesting as was the plot and detecting, but the boy did EVERYTHING all the adults are completely useless by comparison. I doubt they could make toast! The Sheriff, Alpha Talia, everyone bowed to Stiles, they were all far too passive and willing to let obviously wrong things be.
Still lots of good things going for it and it's well worth a read.
January 4, 2016
5 Stars
I went on a major ramble of reverential proportions during my review for book one, and I could quite easily start waxing poetic about all the things I love in this offering, but I’ll keep it simple and just say that I enjoyed it even more than its predecessor.
I have so much respect for KouriArashi and the world she’s created within this series. Her narrative is intelligent and captivating, and her interpretations of these beloved characters are brilliantly fleshed out.
I may have read this for the Sterek action--and the boys are awesome once again--but this story was owned by Isaac, Tom and Peter.
“Oh please,” Peter says. “Do you honestly think I’m stupid enough to leave fingerprints at a crime scene?”
“No,” Tom says evenly, “but I also think ‘I’m too experienced with crime to leave evidence’ is not a great alibi.”
Hanging out for a completed part 3!
Thanks for the BR, R!
I went on a major ramble of reverential proportions during my review for book one, and I could quite easily start waxing poetic about all the things I love in this offering, but I’ll keep it simple and just say that I enjoyed it even more than its predecessor.
I have so much respect for KouriArashi and the world she’s created within this series. Her narrative is intelligent and captivating, and her interpretations of these beloved characters are brilliantly fleshed out.
I may have read this for the Sterek action--and the boys are awesome once again--but this story was owned by Isaac, Tom and Peter.
“Oh please,” Peter says. “Do you honestly think I’m stupid enough to leave fingerprints at a crime scene?”
“No,” Tom says evenly, “but I also think ‘I’m too experienced with crime to leave evidence’ is not a great alibi.”
Hanging out for a completed part 3!
Thanks for the BR, R!
January 2, 2016
This was quite a bit slower than Divided We Stand, but KouriArashi does a really good job with the world building.
Stiles dealing with the Aphasia was interesting, and I liked that KouriArashi didn't just automatically heal him.
I liked seeing the Sheriff's and Peter's interactions. But, ultimately I felt the lack of much of what made Divided so wonderful.
I felt like Derek was missing in this one...even though he's there throughout, it felt like he wasn't really present.
I also could have done with less Cora, dudebro and Isaac. Frankly, that whole part got really boring to me after a while.
Ultimately though, KouriArashi writes it so well that I stuck out the more boring parts and got rewarded in the end for staying with it.
Stiles dealing with the Aphasia was interesting, and I liked that KouriArashi didn't just automatically heal him.
I liked seeing the Sheriff's and Peter's interactions. But, ultimately I felt the lack of much of what made Divided so wonderful.
I felt like Derek was missing in this one...even though he's there throughout, it felt like he wasn't really present.
I also could have done with less Cora, dudebro and Isaac. Frankly, that whole part got really boring to me after a while.
Ultimately though, KouriArashi writes it so well that I stuck out the more boring parts and got rewarded in the end for staying with it.
November 8, 2023
Re-read October 2023
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I somehow always stopped reading this series after the first book and I honestly don't know why. I guess I always figured the rest would be a letdown?
But this book certaintly wasn't! It was absolutely wonderful. I really liked reading more about Stiles, Derek, and the rest of the pack.
There was a nice mystery to keeps things intersting and we got more people joining the pack.
I will definitely read the other books.
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I somehow always stopped reading this series after the first book and I honestly don't know why. I guess I always figured the rest would be a letdown?
But this book certaintly wasn't! It was absolutely wonderful. I really liked reading more about Stiles, Derek, and the rest of the pack.
There was a nice mystery to keeps things intersting and we got more people joining the pack.
I will definitely read the other books.
June 22, 2015
very nearly 150k of suuuuuuuuuuuper-earnest discussions.
also, meal-planning.
also, a love potion subplot.
zzzzz
also, meal-planning.
also, a love potion subplot.
zzzzz
August 29, 2015
Aaawwww. I loved it. More Stiles being awesome. Moving on to the next book.
July 1, 2016
So I spent a good deal of this fic kind of bored to be honest. There is A LOT of repetition and every single little thing is described in detail and that made for a very long book with not enough plot but I really do love this world. I also love the lack of angst and relationship problems that Derek and Stiles had. They are a mated couple and working through the aftermath of 'Divided We Stand'. There is no major complications or misunderstandings thrown in to make for the dramaz, they actually communicate and discuss their issues. Here Cora and Peter and some cold cases create the dramaz and Stiles and Derek are just super in love and there were even a few smexy times! Don't let the blurb fool you, the majority of this is in Stiles or Derek POV so totally a Sterek.
It was overly long and it wasn't mega exciting but it was a comfortable read and I am totally reading the next one.
March 10, 2023
Still great and it was wonderful to see these characters again. Some parts dragged a bit, and even though I like all the mysteries I skimmed some longer info dump bits to get to the more character related parts.
I wouldn’t have minded a little more Cora and Isaac, especially in the second half and once things settled, but hopefully next book will follow up with them some more. I love Stiles and Derek in this and they’re adorbs but I don’t so much need their sex scenes anymore.
Stiles and Peters connection is so sweet and I’m glad they talked more about that and Peter’s maybe healing a little. I will say there’s one inconsistency that’s bothering me
Buuuuuut anywho… onto book 3!
I wouldn’t have minded a little more Cora and Isaac, especially in the second half and once things settled, but hopefully next book will follow up with them some more. I love Stiles and Derek in this and they’re adorbs but I don’t so much need their sex scenes anymore.
Stiles and Peters connection is so sweet and I’m glad they talked more about that and Peter’s maybe healing a little. I will say there’s one inconsistency that’s bothering me
Buuuuuut anywho… onto book 3!
February 5, 2015
Review soon.
July 1, 2019
4.5 Stars, rounded up to 5 (usually I round down, but it’s really good Sterek, so I allow myself to round up).
I admit, I am a Sterek junkie. This book was started and finished back in 2016, but I didn’t get around to writing a review. So I tried skimming it and got caught up in it that I had to actually read every word. I do love KouriArashi’s writing and the different personalities she has given to the Teen Wolf characters. In reading this for a second time, I was confronted constantly that I had forgot much of the first book and even though I remembered enough I realized I needed to reread ‘Divided We Stand’. KA has really created a whole universe that is based on Stiles primarily and then Derek, Tom (Stiles’ father and she renamed him because the only Johns she knows are douchebags), the rest of Derek’s family, Scott and Melissa. The first book is all about Stiles and Derek getting together thru a colossal human manufactured screw up of the werewolf “searching” (for one’s mate) ceremony. Thus the Divided title. The second book is about the next years ceremony and that Cora has supposedly found her mate, but its not really the case. Thus the “mending”, but fortunately the “united” is truly united where the whole pack is truly united as well as including Tom and Scott’s mom Melissa.
I have read all three books and have a very good impression even if I don’t remember all the details. At this second reading, I now see her genius for “planting seeds” for future developments, ever so slyly, never direct.
Sometimes I read Sterek just for the fluff. I read KA’s work for the plot, development, world building, angst and yes even the sap that she sometimes includes. If you want some good Sterek, this is it.
I admit, I am a Sterek junkie. This book was started and finished back in 2016, but I didn’t get around to writing a review. So I tried skimming it and got caught up in it that I had to actually read every word. I do love KouriArashi’s writing and the different personalities she has given to the Teen Wolf characters. In reading this for a second time, I was confronted constantly that I had forgot much of the first book and even though I remembered enough I realized I needed to reread ‘Divided We Stand’. KA has really created a whole universe that is based on Stiles primarily and then Derek, Tom (Stiles’ father and she renamed him because the only Johns she knows are douchebags), the rest of Derek’s family, Scott and Melissa. The first book is all about Stiles and Derek getting together thru a colossal human manufactured screw up of the werewolf “searching” (for one’s mate) ceremony. Thus the Divided title. The second book is about the next years ceremony and that Cora has supposedly found her mate, but its not really the case. Thus the “mending”, but fortunately the “united” is truly united where the whole pack is truly united as well as including Tom and Scott’s mom Melissa.
I have read all three books and have a very good impression even if I don’t remember all the details. At this second reading, I now see her genius for “planting seeds” for future developments, ever so slyly, never direct.
Sometimes I read Sterek just for the fluff. I read KA’s work for the plot, development, world building, angst and yes even the sap that she sometimes includes. If you want some good Sterek, this is it.
December 15, 2015
3.5
I enjoyed United We Mend even more than Divided We Stand, it could be because Peter is more prominent in this. :)
I enjoyed United We Mend even more than Divided We Stand, it could be because Peter is more prominent in this. :)
January 28, 2017
I like this series, its not just the charakters and its not just a romance story, the mystery part is really interesting, I like that the characters have depth but mainly the plot is interesting and is not focused on relatonships only.
May 1, 2017
1st. read: 9/14-16/14
November 25, 2014
sometimes, just sometimes, this gets a bit rambly, abit repetitive. But great Sterek.
September 27, 2017
I have a really hard time picturing this guy as Derek. He's just not surly enough. Stiles works for me, yes, but I just have to go with Derek just being this random great guy and leave it at that.
Funny! My very human one-year-old granddaughter thinks the dog toys are for her own amusement including as chew toys.
Cool they acknowledge that it isn't easy to break into a computer and they don't have anyone just figuring out a password after a couple of tries.
I like that the interrelationships aren't black and white, that they don't all just get along.
This is kind of boring. It's much the same over and over with nothing much happening.
It's making me nervous how close Tom and Talia are. Aaron hasn't even been in it I don't think.
Although I'd prefer to see more of the Sterek relationship, I don't mind the heterosexual storyline which is unlike how I usually feel.
Good peril, hospital scenes.
They watch an awful lot of TV.
Too slow moving.
Funny! My very human one-year-old granddaughter thinks the dog toys are for her own amusement including as chew toys.
Cool they acknowledge that it isn't easy to break into a computer and they don't have anyone just figuring out a password after a couple of tries.
I like that the interrelationships aren't black and white, that they don't all just get along.
This is kind of boring. It's much the same over and over with nothing much happening.
It's making me nervous how close Tom and Talia are. Aaron hasn't even been in it I don't think.
Although I'd prefer to see more of the Sterek relationship, I don't mind the heterosexual storyline which is unlike how I usually feel.
Good peril, hospital scenes.
They watch an awful lot of TV.
Too slow moving.
June 11, 2017
Isaac!!
That is all
That is all
April 28, 2020
I have no words. This is just one of the fan fictions we have in this fandom, that is written as professionally as any published books you could buy. It's awesome. Just read it
July 26, 2024
2021: 5 stars
2024: 4 stars
2024: 4 stars
September 3, 2015
Second part of The Searching Ceremonies series basically ended up the same way as the first one, review-wise.
The only difference is that my suspicion that I read it already (which I had while reading the first part as well) was proved with undeniable evidence (such as remembering quite a big part of it with surprising details and then the avalanche followed, lmao).
What I gotta hand to the series is I always get transfixed when Stiles gets to the solving parts of the story. Like...magic. No kidding. And Peter. In original I always thought he´s such a creeper (and he is, we all know it). But here? Hes such an amazing character to study, watch, get to know him - and willingly.
On the other hand...maaaan, was I stuck at some parts of the story! I mean...I don´t know if it was because I was mesmerized by Stiles solving something or either Peter doing something and then everything else just kinda felt like a black hole or dunno, really.
But to sum it up? Am I wholly sold on this? Nope, no. Am I gonna read the third part? Hell yeah, at least to get to remind myself how this all ended. Because, really, I can´t leave this version of Peter left unknown.
The only difference is that my suspicion that I read it already (which I had while reading the first part as well) was proved with undeniable evidence (such as remembering quite a big part of it with surprising details and then the avalanche followed, lmao).
What I gotta hand to the series is I always get transfixed when Stiles gets to the solving parts of the story. Like...magic. No kidding. And Peter. In original I always thought he´s such a creeper (and he is, we all know it). But here? Hes such an amazing character to study, watch, get to know him - and willingly.
On the other hand...maaaan, was I stuck at some parts of the story! I mean...I don´t know if it was because I was mesmerized by Stiles solving something or either Peter doing something and then everything else just kinda felt like a black hole or dunno, really.
But to sum it up? Am I wholly sold on this? Nope, no. Am I gonna read the third part? Hell yeah, at least to get to remind myself how this all ended. Because, really, I can´t leave this version of Peter left unknown.
July 19, 2017
I’m wavering on my review for this one, between 4 and 5 stars. As much as I loved the first one, this one was even better! Lots of mystery and misdirection. I love a smart plot that dares to ask the tough questions instead of playing dumb. I also liked that the cell phone crutch a lot of stories employ-the ‘opps it doesn’t work, now what’ excuse wasn’t used. Our hero manages to use it several times to enhance his investigations which I appreciated. There was a more settled feel in this fic between Stiles and Derek, the focus was on the mysteries but I enjoyed it so much I didn’t mind. I loved Cora and Isaac, I loved all the Peter moments-good and bad, and of course the Sherriff is awesome. It’s a rollercoaster ride from start to finish and I just as the last one, I found this engrossing as well. This was well done and best of all-free!
August 27, 2023
I love the first story but this one left me empty. I struggled to actually find the Sterek in the story. I was bored most of the time. Stiles had more time with his dad, Issac, Talia and Peter than he did with Derek. I will say I wish TW did more time with Issac's story then they did. Issac went from being horribly abused to a werewolf with no problems. It was glossed over on the show which of course was more about Scott.
Overall this will probably never be a reread for me. I need more snarky Stiles and broody Derek in my stories.
Overall this will probably never be a reread for me. I need more snarky Stiles and broody Derek in my stories.
June 7, 2016
Loving this series!! The author,she just knows how to spin a tale!
On to the next book
On to the next book
August 9, 2015
3.5 Stars! Overall I enjoyed the first story more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews