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Lycanaeris #1
The Altered
Twenty years ago the UK’s water supply was contaminated with an experimental pathogen, Lycanaeris, causing widespread panic across the nation. Terrorism was suspected but never proven, and when nothing happened--no epidemic, no unexplained illnesses--the whole episode was written off as an elaborate hoax. But Lycanaeris was selective. Only those of a certain age, and with a specific gene in their DNA were infected. Time would reveal the pathogen’s true nature, when those susceptible grew up Altered. Daniel is one of thousands forced to hide his altered status by living a quiet life. He’s not like the others, though. Daniel can’t help looking so distinctive or being able to see every altered for what they really are. To those abducting altereds, that skill makes him valuable. For Jordan, shifting from human to wolf means living under the radar to avoid unwanted attention. Meeting Daniel complicates matters. Daniel’s existence is a threat to Jordan and his friends, but Jordan can’t seem to shake the strange connection between them. When danger threatens, there’s little time for Daniel and Jordan to work out their feelings before lives are at stake.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2015
25 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
Annabelle Jacobs
52 books404 followersAnnabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with her three rowdy children, and two cats.
An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They're usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.
An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They're usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
May 11, 2022
Interesting premise and worldbuilding. I liked the different take on the shapeshifter angle, with the . I also appreciated how the author approached the “mates” aspect, It struck a good balance between the typical possessive shifter relationship and a healthy relationship, and it was good to have both aspects all at once without having to give the book a pass because it’s fiction.
That said, I once again have problems with the way this author deals with the relationship development. I was told Jordan and Daniel got to know each other, but I didn’t see them forge a connection, aside from when So I didn’t fully believe in their relationship when the
I could’ve done without the and I also didn’t like how some things were alluded to and never elaborated on, like the references to Maybe these questions will be answered in the following books, but given that they’re not about the same couple, it makes this book feel a little incomplete.
That said, I once again have problems with the way this author deals with the relationship development. I was told Jordan and Daniel got to know each other, but I didn’t see them forge a connection, aside from when So I didn’t fully believe in their relationship when the
I could’ve done without the and I also didn’t like how some things were alluded to and never elaborated on, like the references to Maybe these questions will be answered in the following books, but given that they’re not about the same couple, it makes this book feel a little incomplete.
July 1, 2015
This is my second shifter book by Jacobs and I am pleased to say, I clearly see the growth and depth between the two books.
The first book, The Choosing, I read a few years ago left me disappointed with the superficial shifting. I have read an assortment of shifter books over the years and I prefer those with a strong link into what/why/how they shift. While I can appreciate the ease of ‘*blink* human to animal *blink*’ I crave the actual shift.
I want to know how the shift affects them.
I want to experience the change along with them.
I wanna feel it. Combined with the alpha (MINE) men, this is why I read PNR.
This time? I got it!
The story-line was distinctive, attentive and fresh. After their water was polluted with a foreign pathogen, adolescents either experienced ‘the change’ around puberty or they didn’t. Initially it wasn’t anything to be feared, until ‘altered’ children began to disappear for experimentation for a secret operation to create the perfect solider. Whoa, that’s scary.
Time moves a decade after the infection occurred and the shifters are living in hiding and most of them are in their mid-twenties. In addition to those altered (allowing them the ability to shift into a wolf), seers were also produced. A seer simply has the vision to detect altereds and determine the extent of their shifiting abilities. Most shifters only possess part of the enhancements but few were gifted (or cursed) with full shifiting capabilities.
Jordan and Daniel have an instant connection. Lightning bolts arc from across the room. BOOM. I love knock-you-off-your-ass greetings. Of course neither of them believe in mates and attempt to fight their magnetism from the get go. Stubborn silly boys! Not only are Jordan and Daniel easy to love, but the rest of their chosen families are playful and intriguing. I’m especially curious about Jordan’s second’s twin brother Sam. Sam has been favoring his canine side for the past eight years and refuses to shift back to human. Until he meets Ash and he may have found a reason to return to his two-legged form.
Action packed, highly strung sexual tension, and fierce pack loyalties- it’s got it all.
Occasionally it was rather tell-y, but it wasn’t distracting enough to bother me. I am rather discouraged when we are told something is going to happen….then it happens, but again this was sporadic enough to dismiss. And some of the dialogue was a touch immature for the boy’s age. However, when it came down to it- none of this held much water because I couldn’t put it down.
With this bright idea, vivid shifting, and fun-loving characters I can confidently say I will be back for the upcoming sequel.
*4 awesome-altering-alphas stars*
The first book, The Choosing, I read a few years ago left me disappointed with the superficial shifting. I have read an assortment of shifter books over the years and I prefer those with a strong link into what/why/how they shift. While I can appreciate the ease of ‘*blink* human to animal *blink*’ I crave the actual shift.
I want to know how the shift affects them.
I want to experience the change along with them.
I wanna feel it. Combined with the alpha (MINE) men, this is why I read PNR.
This time? I got it!
The story-line was distinctive, attentive and fresh. After their water was polluted with a foreign pathogen, adolescents either experienced ‘the change’ around puberty or they didn’t. Initially it wasn’t anything to be feared, until ‘altered’ children began to disappear for experimentation for a secret operation to create the perfect solider. Whoa, that’s scary.
Time moves a decade after the infection occurred and the shifters are living in hiding and most of them are in their mid-twenties. In addition to those altered (allowing them the ability to shift into a wolf), seers were also produced. A seer simply has the vision to detect altereds and determine the extent of their shifiting abilities. Most shifters only possess part of the enhancements but few were gifted (or cursed) with full shifiting capabilities.
Jordan and Daniel have an instant connection. Lightning bolts arc from across the room. BOOM. I love knock-you-off-your-ass greetings. Of course neither of them believe in mates and attempt to fight their magnetism from the get go. Stubborn silly boys! Not only are Jordan and Daniel easy to love, but the rest of their chosen families are playful and intriguing. I’m especially curious about Jordan’s second’s twin brother Sam. Sam has been favoring his canine side for the past eight years and refuses to shift back to human. Until he meets Ash and he may have found a reason to return to his two-legged form.
Action packed, highly strung sexual tension, and fierce pack loyalties- it’s got it all.
Occasionally it was rather tell-y, but it wasn’t distracting enough to bother me. I am rather discouraged when we are told something is going to happen….then it happens, but again this was sporadic enough to dismiss. And some of the dialogue was a touch immature for the boy’s age. However, when it came down to it- none of this held much water because I couldn’t put it down.
With this bright idea, vivid shifting, and fun-loving characters I can confidently say I will be back for the upcoming sequel.
*4 awesome-altering-alphas stars*
April 27, 2015
This book was freaking amazing! And you know what, I don't often read paranormal/dystopian books because I find them hard to lose myself in that world. But the blurb for Altered sounded so good, I was intrigued, and I decided it's worth a try. It's one of the best decisions I've made because this book rocked my world.
The pathogen that was used to contaminate the water was initially created for military purposes, and while I know it's not real, it's not a far stretch of the imagination to believe it's something that could happen in our world in the future. Or maybe this book was written so well, I found myself totally submerged into a new world, where everything and anything is possible. Or maybe I'm just losing my mind, but who the hell cares, the point is, I LIVED (loved too) this book! The people affected by the pathogen were altered in some form or another. Some people like Jordan could shift into wolves completely, others only partially, like Matt, but they all became stronger and healed faster. Others affected by the pathogen became seers, like Daniel, able to see each altered for what they really were.
Seers were in danger from humans as well as from altereds, because for humans they were a commodity used in order to find and abduct altereds for experiments, torture and re-creation related testings. The altereds hate seers because they're a danger to all altereds if captured by humans, they're the only ones who could identify an altered from a normal human on sight.
Matt and Daniel are best friends since they were kids, and the fact that one became a seer and one altered after exposure to the pathogen infected water made no difference to them. They're still best friends, only now Matt is very protective of Daniel and they both have to be careful not to stand out in a crowd. But a great evening in a pub where Daniel and Matt met their friends for drinks turns their lives upside down.
Daniel has worked hard to hide any reaction he might have at seeing an altered; he managed to control his heart rate, nervousness and anything that could give his surprise or distress away. But none of that works when he sees Jordan for the first time. The instant tug of awareness and chemistry takes Daniel by surprise, and the fact that Jordan is the first altered Daniel met who can turn into a wolf completely makes it impossible for Daniel to hide his reactions.
I loved the chemistry between Daniel and Jordan, it was there from the beginning, and I couldn't wait for them to land in a bed. It took a while for that to happen, because this book is not 80% sex, which is a great thing! The sex was hot but what I loved most was the connection they developed and the friendship they started before they had sex. Jordan's friends weren't too fond of Daniel at first for obvious reasons, but they got over that, and I liked how Jordan insisted on his own friends to meet and be civil with Daniel's friends, Matt and Ash (Ash is 100% human). They were all so different from each other but they made it work somehow and Daniel proved he could be trusted as a seer.
Ash and Sam, now I didn't see those two coming, not even a little bit. I love being surprised while reading a book, and that happened more than once during this book, which made me a happy, totally engaged reader. I'm now desperately hoping for Sam and Ash to have a book, because this wasn't their story and so they were not the focus. But I need to know more about them, Sam's story alone is worth to be told. And now that Ash became an altered as well, their story HAS TO BE WRITTEN!!!
The plot was great, the execution was perfect, and what I assumed was going to happen ..... it went the opposite way. Really, any time I thought for sure I knew what was going to happen next, I was proven wrong. And I loved it! There's no mushy, sappy, cheesy romance in this book like I've come to expect from virtually all shifter books out there; there's attraction and danger, a strong chemistry and a relationship that progresses from friendship to more and it eventually becomes love, but not overnight. And best of all there's a true HEA, sweet and lovely that put a gigantic smile on my face. RECOMMENDED!!!
The pathogen that was used to contaminate the water was initially created for military purposes, and while I know it's not real, it's not a far stretch of the imagination to believe it's something that could happen in our world in the future. Or maybe this book was written so well, I found myself totally submerged into a new world, where everything and anything is possible. Or maybe I'm just losing my mind, but who the hell cares, the point is, I LIVED (loved too) this book! The people affected by the pathogen were altered in some form or another. Some people like Jordan could shift into wolves completely, others only partially, like Matt, but they all became stronger and healed faster. Others affected by the pathogen became seers, like Daniel, able to see each altered for what they really were.
Seers were in danger from humans as well as from altereds, because for humans they were a commodity used in order to find and abduct altereds for experiments, torture and re-creation related testings. The altereds hate seers because they're a danger to all altereds if captured by humans, they're the only ones who could identify an altered from a normal human on sight.
Matt and Daniel are best friends since they were kids, and the fact that one became a seer and one altered after exposure to the pathogen infected water made no difference to them. They're still best friends, only now Matt is very protective of Daniel and they both have to be careful not to stand out in a crowd. But a great evening in a pub where Daniel and Matt met their friends for drinks turns their lives upside down.
Daniel has worked hard to hide any reaction he might have at seeing an altered; he managed to control his heart rate, nervousness and anything that could give his surprise or distress away. But none of that works when he sees Jordan for the first time. The instant tug of awareness and chemistry takes Daniel by surprise, and the fact that Jordan is the first altered Daniel met who can turn into a wolf completely makes it impossible for Daniel to hide his reactions.
I loved the chemistry between Daniel and Jordan, it was there from the beginning, and I couldn't wait for them to land in a bed. It took a while for that to happen, because this book is not 80% sex, which is a great thing! The sex was hot but what I loved most was the connection they developed and the friendship they started before they had sex. Jordan's friends weren't too fond of Daniel at first for obvious reasons, but they got over that, and I liked how Jordan insisted on his own friends to meet and be civil with Daniel's friends, Matt and Ash (Ash is 100% human). They were all so different from each other but they made it work somehow and Daniel proved he could be trusted as a seer.
Ash and Sam, now I didn't see those two coming, not even a little bit. I love being surprised while reading a book, and that happened more than once during this book, which made me a happy, totally engaged reader. I'm now desperately hoping for Sam and Ash to have a book, because this wasn't their story and so they were not the focus. But I need to know more about them, Sam's story alone is worth to be told. And now that Ash became an altered as well, their story HAS TO BE WRITTEN!!!
The plot was great, the execution was perfect, and what I assumed was going to happen ..... it went the opposite way. Really, any time I thought for sure I knew what was going to happen next, I was proven wrong. And I loved it! There's no mushy, sappy, cheesy romance in this book like I've come to expect from virtually all shifter books out there; there's attraction and danger, a strong chemistry and a relationship that progresses from friendship to more and it eventually becomes love, but not overnight. And best of all there's a true HEA, sweet and lovely that put a gigantic smile on my face. RECOMMENDED!!!
November 29, 2021
2.5 stars
Meh. Too much telling, not enough showing and just meh
Meh. Too much telling, not enough showing and just meh
January 21, 2019
*3,75 stars*
This freebie fell into my lap recently, and I have to say I really enjoyed it.
The scenario and world building did tickle my fancy, and I certainly liked 'I can take care of myself' Daniel and big, strong and brooding Jordan.
They are a first generation of humans who have been altered in some way or form by a chemical that was released into the water many years before.
But while Jordan is a wolf shifter, Daniel is a seer (which means he can see who is a shifter and who isn't) which makes him equally hated by the shifters (seers have been known to betray them) and humans (because seers are still 'altered').
The dilemma of Daniel's position is well thought out and the heart of the plot which, although totally enjoyable, is also a bit predicable. Not that I minded! And I loved all the heat that came with mating and Jordan letting his wolf out.
And it's really funny to see how the mating bond draws Daniel and Jordan together, even though they don't like each other to start with.
Despite the drama of the last 20 percent, I would call this relatively angst-free. There is some tension and some worrying moments, but I never really fretted over the MCs (or any of their friends!)
A very entertaining and easy read!
This freebie fell into my lap recently, and I have to say I really enjoyed it.
The scenario and world building did tickle my fancy, and I certainly liked 'I can take care of myself' Daniel and big, strong and brooding Jordan.
They are a first generation of humans who have been altered in some way or form by a chemical that was released into the water many years before.
But while Jordan is a wolf shifter, Daniel is a seer (which means he can see who is a shifter and who isn't) which makes him equally hated by the shifters (seers have been known to betray them) and humans (because seers are still 'altered').
The dilemma of Daniel's position is well thought out and the heart of the plot which, although totally enjoyable, is also a bit predicable. Not that I minded! And I loved all the heat that came with mating and Jordan letting his wolf out.
And it's really funny to see how the mating bond draws Daniel and Jordan together, even though they don't like each other to start with.
Despite the drama of the last 20 percent, I would call this relatively angst-free. There is some tension and some worrying moments, but I never really fretted over the MCs (or any of their friends!)
A very entertaining and easy read!
March 10, 2016
DNF @ 54%
This was pretty good - interesting set-up and world and I was keen to see where the story would go. Likeable characters and I enjoyed the sample - although did worry a bit that this would be insta-love.
But I got to 54% and found myself putting it down for a bit and I'm not feeling any real need to restart it. I did try to pick it back up and read some more but by this point I felt disconnected from what was going on. I would have liked to know how things worked out but really I would have expected more to have happened by over halfway through the book - and apart from the events from the original sample that I read, I can't even think of anything much more that has happened since then apart from a few bits and bobs and the day to day details of Daniel and Jordan getting to know each other.
I MAY read again at some point in the future and finish off, but when there are so many books on my TBR pile, I will have to DNF this for now.
This was pretty good - interesting set-up and world and I was keen to see where the story would go. Likeable characters and I enjoyed the sample - although did worry a bit that this would be insta-love.
But I got to 54% and found myself putting it down for a bit and I'm not feeling any real need to restart it. I did try to pick it back up and read some more but by this point I felt disconnected from what was going on. I would have liked to know how things worked out but really I would have expected more to have happened by over halfway through the book - and apart from the events from the original sample that I read, I can't even think of anything much more that has happened since then apart from a few bits and bobs and the day to day details of Daniel and Jordan getting to know each other.
I MAY read again at some point in the future and finish off, but when there are so many books on my TBR pile, I will have to DNF this for now.
June 6, 2015
The idea for this book is really exciting, there is so much scope for future stories and is really well written. I felt part of it, I was there in the middle of it all and I was completely immersed in the characters and plot.
The characters themselves are well thought out and executed, also extremely likeable. Their relationships are complex and develop throughout the book.
The dialogue flows and it had me hooked from the very beginning.
I also liked reading an English author who has set the book in England.
I really enjoyed reading this book but I was slightly disappointed in the ending, it felt rushed and not fully explained.
This was my first Annabelle Jacobs book but it certainly won't be the last.
The characters themselves are well thought out and executed, also extremely likeable. Their relationships are complex and develop throughout the book.
The dialogue flows and it had me hooked from the very beginning.
I also liked reading an English author who has set the book in England.
I really enjoyed reading this book but I was slightly disappointed in the ending, it felt rushed and not fully explained.
This was my first Annabelle Jacobs book but it certainly won't be the last.
July 25, 2017
a solid 4 stars!!
the world-building and development around the shifters was really interesting, quite different from other shifter books out there. the characters and relationships were also pretty realistic, and they didn't make me want to tear my hair out, which is surprising considering i don't usually like the concept of mates in paranormal fiction.
the next one is about sam and ash and i am SO READY
the world-building and development around the shifters was really interesting, quite different from other shifter books out there. the characters and relationships were also pretty realistic, and they didn't make me want to tear my hair out, which is surprising considering i don't usually like the concept of mates in paranormal fiction.
the next one is about sam and ash and i am SO READY
April 24, 2017
3.5 stars rounded up
Paranormal romance is one of my favourite genres because in my mind it allows me to enjoy everything I like about contemporary romance plus the things that usually make me cringe in it.
Here we have the usual insta everything: lust, love, trust, friendship, mates. You name it and it's present in this story. But contrary to what happens when I read that in contemporary, I am more than able to get behind it in paranormal novels. And I totally eat it up.
It's no secret I love shifter books. Shifters are my kryptonite. And sometimes that backfires because I feel I've read it all. So I have to hand it to Jacobs for actually managing to deliver an original spin on the very trite theme of werewolves who are hunted for what they are. Jacobs' take on werewolves, particularly how the Lycan gene came to be and how the inner society works was completely new to me. It felt innovative to read about werewolves again.
I liked all the characters, with the exception of Kiera, which is a fucking shame seeing as she is basically the only woman to appear in the entirety of the book, but I have a problem with her attitude. She's pushy to the extreme and then completely acquiesces to everything, just like that. But, other than that, I enjoyed every character of the newly formed pack. Matt is the bomb. And I can't wait to read Sam's and Ash's story. And all of this, while also truly enjoying the developing relationship between Jordan and Daniel. Again, major kudos to Jacobs for actually delivering a romance- centred story while at the same time introducing a paranormal world.
I did have some qualms about certain things. Action-scenes are not Jacobs' strong suit. Certain issues get resolved too easily and there's some contrived cheesiness that sneaks up on us here and there. Plus, I'm still not totally clear I understood everything that happened with the original gene that triggered the Lycan shifts.
Finally, I can say that I finished the book highly entertained and totally looking forward to the next book. Both a rare occurrence for me as of lately. This is the first time this year that I don't regret buying a whole series from the start. So: yeeeeeeeiii.
Paranormal romance is one of my favourite genres because in my mind it allows me to enjoy everything I like about contemporary romance plus the things that usually make me cringe in it.
Here we have the usual insta everything: lust, love, trust, friendship, mates. You name it and it's present in this story. But contrary to what happens when I read that in contemporary, I am more than able to get behind it in paranormal novels. And I totally eat it up.
It's no secret I love shifter books. Shifters are my kryptonite. And sometimes that backfires because I feel I've read it all. So I have to hand it to Jacobs for actually managing to deliver an original spin on the very trite theme of werewolves who are hunted for what they are. Jacobs' take on werewolves, particularly how the Lycan gene came to be and how the inner society works was completely new to me. It felt innovative to read about werewolves again.
I liked all the characters, with the exception of Kiera, which is a fucking shame seeing as she is basically the only woman to appear in the entirety of the book, but I have a problem with her attitude. She's pushy to the extreme and then completely acquiesces to everything, just like that. But, other than that, I enjoyed every character of the newly formed pack. Matt is the bomb. And I can't wait to read Sam's and Ash's story. And all of this, while also truly enjoying the developing relationship between Jordan and Daniel. Again, major kudos to Jacobs for actually delivering a romance- centred story while at the same time introducing a paranormal world.
I did have some qualms about certain things. Action-scenes are not Jacobs' strong suit. Certain issues get resolved too easily and there's some contrived cheesiness that sneaks up on us here and there. Plus, I'm still not totally clear I understood everything that happened with the original gene that triggered the Lycan shifts.
Finally, I can say that I finished the book highly entertained and totally looking forward to the next book. Both a rare occurrence for me as of lately. This is the first time this year that I don't regret buying a whole series from the start. So: yeeeeeeeiii.
September 15, 2015
I loved this book. It was an interesting way of 'shifters' being created, and also 'the seer'. The characters were beautifully written. I am looking forward to reading more from her. I only brought this on Saturday after talking to the author. I started to read it on the Tuesday morning and finished by the afternoon. I couldn't put it down.
October 9, 2019
Logré resucitar mi kindle y ando desempolvando cosas que tenía descargadas vaya uno a saber desde cuándo. Y este libro es un ejemplo de por qué abandoné el género este hace algunos años. Previsible, monocorde, repetitivo. Van dos estrellitas porque al menos es el primero y había cierta novedad en el desarrollo del universo y los personajes.
May 4, 2015
4.5* I do love a good shifter story and this is one with a difference. Annabelle Jacobs has created another fabulous tale and I can't wait to see where this series takes us....hopefully with some Ash and Sam :)
April 11, 2015
I can't wait for the second book!! This was awesome!! I want me some Sam and Ash!!
October 18, 2015
M/M urban werewolf story with dystopian feel. I liked this - though it had a touch of insta-love.
The backstory and world-building was better than the actual love story.
The backstory and world-building was better than the actual love story.
May 7, 2015
The concept of a virus causing humans to become shapeshifters is not a new idea, but in Annabelle Jacobs' story this virus is leaked into the drinking water of ordinary people - by scientists. Twenty years after the widespread panic this caused we witness how Lycanaeris has affected certain members of the population - The Altered.
Daniel shares a flat with two friends; Ash, who is 'normal' and Matt who is part-shifter. Daniel is a "seer" who doesn't really fit into human society because of his 'gift', but is not accepted by The Altereds because he can be used against them by the government. It is this threat which puts Daniel on Jordan's radar.
Jordan is a full shifter; strong, sexy and loyal to the members of his pack. Jordan doesn't believe in the idea that Altereds can have mates until his need to mark and protect Daniel overwhelms him. Annabelle Jacobs makes it clear that both men are completely turned on by each other, but she builds the sense of expectation for that moment, instead focusing on building her characters and that element of trust between both sets of friends, which is vital to their survival as the story develops. I like the fact that in concentrating so much on these characters, Annabelle Jacobs sets in motion Sam and Ash's relationship, which I cannot wait to see explored in the sequel.
As The Altered continues, Annabelle Jacobs puts the romance aside and we uncover more about Lycanaeris and the aims of the scientists behind its creation. The story becomes tense and dangerous as we wonder which of the protagonists will survive.
I totally loved The Altered and particularly how Annabelle Jacobs layers her story, completely absorbing us into an urban fantasy version of London. If you haven't read this yet . . then you should!
Daniel shares a flat with two friends; Ash, who is 'normal' and Matt who is part-shifter. Daniel is a "seer" who doesn't really fit into human society because of his 'gift', but is not accepted by The Altereds because he can be used against them by the government. It is this threat which puts Daniel on Jordan's radar.
Jordan is a full shifter; strong, sexy and loyal to the members of his pack. Jordan doesn't believe in the idea that Altereds can have mates until his need to mark and protect Daniel overwhelms him. Annabelle Jacobs makes it clear that both men are completely turned on by each other, but she builds the sense of expectation for that moment, instead focusing on building her characters and that element of trust between both sets of friends, which is vital to their survival as the story develops. I like the fact that in concentrating so much on these characters, Annabelle Jacobs sets in motion Sam and Ash's relationship, which I cannot wait to see explored in the sequel.
As The Altered continues, Annabelle Jacobs puts the romance aside and we uncover more about Lycanaeris and the aims of the scientists behind its creation. The story becomes tense and dangerous as we wonder which of the protagonists will survive.
I totally loved The Altered and particularly how Annabelle Jacobs layers her story, completely absorbing us into an urban fantasy version of London. If you haven't read this yet . . then you should!
February 9, 2016
Wow. This is a fantastic read. I cannot recommend it enough. I've wanted to read it for a while now and I was so sucked into the story I read the whole thing in almost one go.
Loved the characters. I haven't read that many shifter books and I really loved the dynamic between Jordan and Daniel. So excited to read Sam and Ash's story--if I didn't know they had a story I would have been so disappointed! ;)
Kudos!
Loved the characters. I haven't read that many shifter books and I really loved the dynamic between Jordan and Daniel. So excited to read Sam and Ash's story--if I didn't know they had a story I would have been so disappointed! ;)
Kudos!
February 27, 2016
Slightly better than most mm shifter fare
Even though it had an ambitious foundation and some good bones, I thought the execution of the story was clumsy and underwhelming. It story lacked sufficient world building and character development, and the prose never pulled me in and made me want to stay.
Even though it had an ambitious foundation and some good bones, I thought the execution of the story was clumsy and underwhelming. It story lacked sufficient world building and character development, and the prose never pulled me in and made me want to stay.
March 4, 2016
2.5
Начало было многообещающим, но в итоге вышло скучно.
П.С. Сумасшедшие ученые со своими экспериментами совсем не моя тема.
Начало было многообещающим, но в итоге вышло скучно.
П.С. Сумасшедшие ученые со своими экспериментами совсем не моя тема.
March 26, 2021
It was neither here nor there - not really original, but fun if you're in the mood for a shifter story. 2.5 stars rounded up.
April 23, 2015
I found this book surprisingly readable--surprisingly for me because I have a really low bar for paranormal/shifter stories these days. It's sometimes hard to find ones that feel fresh, you know? This one didn't break much new ground, but it had some interesting things in it.
A) It's British! So, some slang, etc.
B) Shifters (of "Altereds") were created via a chemical pathogen, changing some, but not all, and creating new ways for people to be discriminated against. (Altereds are feared for being different.)
The worldbuilding was okay--interesting, although it seemed that this chemical poisoning was only done in the UK, and you would think it would be strange globally if one country suddenly had shifters running around. (Like, imagine if someone poisoned the water in Seattle, changing 15% of the population into full or partial shifters. Would this make Seattle more fun to visit?)
Stuff like that. I stopped asking questions though and just went with the flow.
Some of the shifter sensing and feeling reminded me a little of the shifter rules in Kaje Harper's Hidden Wolves series (starting with Unacceptable Risk) except without any of the pack laws/dynamics.
At a little over 200 pages, it was a pretty quick read. The main romance was pretty good; I dug the friendships that the characters had, and I even liked the developing secondary couple. (Sometimes those annoy me since it's like we're moving on to book 2 before book 1 is done, but this time I didn't mind.)
Will I go on to book 2? Yeah, I'll check it out. See what happens next.
This made me also interested in checking out the author's fantasy trilogy that starts with Capture. It had been on my TBR list for a while, and this one was enjoyable enough to help push those up the list.
So, if you LOVE paranormal and shifter stories, this could work for you. Hard to say though because I feel like we have our own lines and limits with shifter stories (especially for all ye gorging on Teen Wolf fics.) I found this overall a fun book to read on vacation and it kept me interested until the end.
A) It's British! So, some slang, etc.
B) Shifters (of "Altereds") were created via a chemical pathogen, changing some, but not all, and creating new ways for people to be discriminated against. (Altereds are feared for being different.)
The worldbuilding was okay--interesting, although it seemed that this chemical poisoning was only done in the UK, and you would think it would be strange globally if one country suddenly had shifters running around. (Like, imagine if someone poisoned the water in Seattle, changing 15% of the population into full or partial shifters. Would this make Seattle more fun to visit?)
Stuff like that. I stopped asking questions though and just went with the flow.
Some of the shifter sensing and feeling reminded me a little of the shifter rules in Kaje Harper's Hidden Wolves series (starting with Unacceptable Risk) except without any of the pack laws/dynamics.
At a little over 200 pages, it was a pretty quick read. The main romance was pretty good; I dug the friendships that the characters had, and I even liked the developing secondary couple. (Sometimes those annoy me since it's like we're moving on to book 2 before book 1 is done, but this time I didn't mind.)
Will I go on to book 2? Yeah, I'll check it out. See what happens next.
This made me also interested in checking out the author's fantasy trilogy that starts with Capture. It had been on my TBR list for a while, and this one was enjoyable enough to help push those up the list.
So, if you LOVE paranormal and shifter stories, this could work for you. Hard to say though because I feel like we have our own lines and limits with shifter stories (especially for all ye gorging on Teen Wolf fics.) I found this overall a fun book to read on vacation and it kept me interested until the end.
October 25, 2015
Reviewed at The Blogger Girls
4.5 stars
Decades ago a pathogen was released into UK’s water, infecting certain individual’s DNA and making them altereds, giving them abilities to shift either completely or certain parts of their body into wolves. Daniel was altered but instead of being able to shift, he’s a seer, about to look into any altered’s eyes and see their altered state. When he meets Jordan, an altered who can fully shift into a wolf, he feels an instant connection with him that scares and intrigues him. But seers are hunted by both humans and altereds because of how dangerous they can be and Jordan’s not sure if being around Daniel is smart… but he just can’t forget the man. But when danger strikes, will their connection be enough to get them out of trouble?
Oh, man! I absolutely ADORED this book! I’m such a sucker for stories that revolve around viruses that strike the world and affect a portion of the population so when I read the blurb for this one, I KNEW I had to get my hands on it. And can I just say that I’m so glad I did! It was interesting to see the different altereds and how Daniel could ‘see’ them. But the characters really made this story enjoyable. Daniel finds it hard to trust anyone except his roommates and just wants to be normal. Jordan doesn’t know what to think when he meets Daniel. He doesn’t trust him at first but he can’t avoid the draw he has to the man. I found them very hot together but I also loved that they had such great friends who were scared of what the two being together would mean.
My only issue was that there was a lot of foreshadowing. Normally I don’t have an issue with this if its in small doses but unfortunately it was used too excessively for my tastes.
In the end, I absolutely loved this book. It was right up my alley and fit my mood perfectly. I loved the whole ‘altered’ angle and that there were different types of altereds. I also loved the chemistry between Daniel and Jordan and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series…. at least I’m hoping there will be a second book!!!
4.5 stars
Decades ago a pathogen was released into UK’s water, infecting certain individual’s DNA and making them altereds, giving them abilities to shift either completely or certain parts of their body into wolves. Daniel was altered but instead of being able to shift, he’s a seer, about to look into any altered’s eyes and see their altered state. When he meets Jordan, an altered who can fully shift into a wolf, he feels an instant connection with him that scares and intrigues him. But seers are hunted by both humans and altereds because of how dangerous they can be and Jordan’s not sure if being around Daniel is smart… but he just can’t forget the man. But when danger strikes, will their connection be enough to get them out of trouble?
Oh, man! I absolutely ADORED this book! I’m such a sucker for stories that revolve around viruses that strike the world and affect a portion of the population so when I read the blurb for this one, I KNEW I had to get my hands on it. And can I just say that I’m so glad I did! It was interesting to see the different altereds and how Daniel could ‘see’ them. But the characters really made this story enjoyable. Daniel finds it hard to trust anyone except his roommates and just wants to be normal. Jordan doesn’t know what to think when he meets Daniel. He doesn’t trust him at first but he can’t avoid the draw he has to the man. I found them very hot together but I also loved that they had such great friends who were scared of what the two being together would mean.
My only issue was that there was a lot of foreshadowing. Normally I don’t have an issue with this if its in small doses but unfortunately it was used too excessively for my tastes.
In the end, I absolutely loved this book. It was right up my alley and fit my mood perfectly. I loved the whole ‘altered’ angle and that there were different types of altereds. I also loved the chemistry between Daniel and Jordan and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series…. at least I’m hoping there will be a second book!!!
April 8, 2015
I had the privilege of reading this book prior to the release and I have to say it was a delight!!!
I loved Jacobs’ previous novels, not only because they are captivating and hot, but also because I'm a huge fan of fantasy, magic, magical realism and shifters and there is just NOT enough of these themes in the m/m section! Enter: Annabelle Jacobs! :)
“Altered” is a shifter story, but not a conventional one. A military experiment gone wrong combined with a terrorist attack led to water being contaminated with a substance that “altered” some of the youngsters into werewolves (or half-werewolves) and some others into “seers” (those who can detect the shifters). Altered ones aren’t safe in a society that wants to use them as a weapon, so they hide.
I loved the constant state of threat in this story, typical for a dystopian novels. No one is safe and no one can be trusted. Daniel who is a seer has to hide both: from the government and from other shifters who see him as a potential enemy. It makes his friendship with Matt, a half-shifter, and Ash, a homeless sweet human boy, very unusual.
Even more unusual is his sudden (and reciprocated ;) attraction to a full shifter—Jordan whom he meets while… being beaten up outside of a club. Jordan and his pack really can’t risk being in any relationship to a seer. And both Daniel and Jordan certainly don’t believe in something as ridiculous as “mates”;)
This book reads like a great movie: with fast plot, mystery, action and hot, hot romance. I couldn’t put it down!
I’ve fallen in love not only with Daniel, who is brave and loyal and so NORMAL in the weird, dangerous world, and Jordan, who is a hot, strong and beautiful alpha male, but also with the other characters, especially Ash (my heart wept for this shy, silent boy!) and mysterious beautiful wolf, Sam.
Will Jordan’s pack and Daniel’s friends come to an agreement and will they avoid the danger of being captured? And more importantly—will Daniel and Jordan give each other a chance?
Only one way to find out: GO AND READ “Altered”!!!
I loved Jacobs’ previous novels, not only because they are captivating and hot, but also because I'm a huge fan of fantasy, magic, magical realism and shifters and there is just NOT enough of these themes in the m/m section! Enter: Annabelle Jacobs! :)
“Altered” is a shifter story, but not a conventional one. A military experiment gone wrong combined with a terrorist attack led to water being contaminated with a substance that “altered” some of the youngsters into werewolves (or half-werewolves) and some others into “seers” (those who can detect the shifters). Altered ones aren’t safe in a society that wants to use them as a weapon, so they hide.
I loved the constant state of threat in this story, typical for a dystopian novels. No one is safe and no one can be trusted. Daniel who is a seer has to hide both: from the government and from other shifters who see him as a potential enemy. It makes his friendship with Matt, a half-shifter, and Ash, a homeless sweet human boy, very unusual.
Even more unusual is his sudden (and reciprocated ;) attraction to a full shifter—Jordan whom he meets while… being beaten up outside of a club. Jordan and his pack really can’t risk being in any relationship to a seer. And both Daniel and Jordan certainly don’t believe in something as ridiculous as “mates”;)
This book reads like a great movie: with fast plot, mystery, action and hot, hot romance. I couldn’t put it down!
I’ve fallen in love not only with Daniel, who is brave and loyal and so NORMAL in the weird, dangerous world, and Jordan, who is a hot, strong and beautiful alpha male, but also with the other characters, especially Ash (my heart wept for this shy, silent boy!) and mysterious beautiful wolf, Sam.
Will Jordan’s pack and Daniel’s friends come to an agreement and will they avoid the danger of being captured? And more importantly—will Daniel and Jordan give each other a chance?
Only one way to find out: GO AND READ “Altered”!!!
August 31, 2021
Interesting take on the shifter genre
Having read Bitten by Mistake from this author I decided to give this series a go and thoroughly enjoyed it.
It's not normally a genre I read, Kendall McKenna's Tameness of the Wolf being an obvious exception, but this was set in the UK and had an interesting base cause premise for the lycanthropy which interested me.
Daniel is a seer, changed by the same pathogen which created the altered/shifters but also an outsider, he can see any altered's true form even when they appear wholly human and in the wrong hands he could be a dangerous tool.
Jordan is an altered, able to fully shift into wolf form, and he feels an odd connection with Daniel the first time they meet.
Their relationship may develop quickly but it's not quite instant love and the whole idea of bonds and finding your life mate is something seen as a rumour or theoretical possibility.
However the fledgling connection between the two men becomes vital when Jordan is kidnapped by an insane man trying to start up the super soldier Lycanaeris project again.
There's low level sexy in this book and a lot happens off page but the world building is superb, as are the fully fleshed out secondary characters.
It's also great to have a dystopian fantasy set in the UK for a change.
Having read Bitten by Mistake from this author I decided to give this series a go and thoroughly enjoyed it.
It's not normally a genre I read, Kendall McKenna's Tameness of the Wolf being an obvious exception, but this was set in the UK and had an interesting base cause premise for the lycanthropy which interested me.
Daniel is a seer, changed by the same pathogen which created the altered/shifters but also an outsider, he can see any altered's true form even when they appear wholly human and in the wrong hands he could be a dangerous tool.
Jordan is an altered, able to fully shift into wolf form, and he feels an odd connection with Daniel the first time they meet.
Their relationship may develop quickly but it's not quite instant love and the whole idea of bonds and finding your life mate is something seen as a rumour or theoretical possibility.
However the fledgling connection between the two men becomes vital when Jordan is kidnapped by an insane man trying to start up the super soldier Lycanaeris project again.
There's low level sexy in this book and a lot happens off page but the world building is superb, as are the fully fleshed out secondary characters.
It's also great to have a dystopian fantasy set in the UK for a change.
April 17, 2015
Not having read many shifter stories before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’m pleased to say I enjoyed it immensely. The Altered is a great read and I can highly recommend it.
The Altered is a fast-paced, well-written novel with lovable main characters. In Annabelle Jacob’s ‘altered’ version of reality, shifters, half-shifters and seers live and work among humans. They live in fear and protect their own, but attempt to blend into the crowd and avoid detection from unscrupulous people who want to capture them and use them for their own ulterior motives.
Much of the focus of the plot is on Jordan and Daniel’s developing relationship and this was my favourite part of the story. I liked the interaction between the shifter and the seer from the start and found their scenes together amusing at times, but also very hot. I loved that Jordan wanted to mark Daniel with his scent and bared his fangs and claws when they made out or when he was being jealous or protective. I also liked when Matt was involved and tried to protect Daniel or decided to wind Jordan up.
I’m looking forward to reading The Altered 2 in the hope that we get more of Jordan and Daniel together, plus also to discover Sam’s backstory and see what happens with him and Ash.
The Altered is a fast-paced, well-written novel with lovable main characters. In Annabelle Jacob’s ‘altered’ version of reality, shifters, half-shifters and seers live and work among humans. They live in fear and protect their own, but attempt to blend into the crowd and avoid detection from unscrupulous people who want to capture them and use them for their own ulterior motives.
Much of the focus of the plot is on Jordan and Daniel’s developing relationship and this was my favourite part of the story. I liked the interaction between the shifter and the seer from the start and found their scenes together amusing at times, but also very hot. I loved that Jordan wanted to mark Daniel with his scent and bared his fangs and claws when they made out or when he was being jealous or protective. I also liked when Matt was involved and tried to protect Daniel or decided to wind Jordan up.
I’m looking forward to reading The Altered 2 in the hope that we get more of Jordan and Daniel together, plus also to discover Sam’s backstory and see what happens with him and Ash.
January 11, 2017
When you finish a book do you ever think, What to I say about it? I mean its kind of ...silly to just say I liked it and rate it or HATE IT, don't ya think? Sometimes the thoughts just flow and sometimes its a struggle.
Why am I saying this? Cus this one is a struggle for me. I liked the book and am going to read the next two but other than that I just don't know. I kind of would like to know a little more background about the group(s) but the base framework is fairly clear with the pathogen being released and years later some kids found out they really HAD been affected. Wish there had been more information on 'SEERS'... Daniel said that he would 'see' what an altered could do like a flash and then he didn't see it again. So how is that helpful to those that want to capture him? Can he really remember EVERYone he's seen if its just the once, especially if it's been years between seeing them?
So....... I liked it and am going to continue the series... take it as you will.
Why am I saying this? Cus this one is a struggle for me. I liked the book and am going to read the next two but other than that I just don't know. I kind of would like to know a little more background about the group(s) but the base framework is fairly clear with the pathogen being released and years later some kids found out they really HAD been affected. Wish there had been more information on 'SEERS'... Daniel said that he would 'see' what an altered could do like a flash and then he didn't see it again. So how is that helpful to those that want to capture him? Can he really remember EVERYone he's seen if its just the once, especially if it's been years between seeing them?
So....... I liked it and am going to continue the series... take it as you will.
April 9, 2015
Both Daniel and Jordan never believed in mates, but there’s a pull between them that’s way too strong to ignore. It practically forces them together. That doesn’t mean it’s easy for them. There are misunderstandings, jealousy, and close friends that don’t like strangers in their middle (and have a good reason for that).
Jason and Daniel have to overcome a lot of obstacles, on top of being hunted for what they are. They need to stand together, convince their friends that neither of them is dangerous and fight for their lives.
Starting with the first scene, the book took me in and didn’t let me go. In addition, the sex was hot, just enough roughness and shifter in it to be erotic beyond everything. But this book has much more to offer than that. Read it.
I’ll be waiting impatiently for the second book.
5 ***** Stars out of 5
*I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review*
Jason and Daniel have to overcome a lot of obstacles, on top of being hunted for what they are. They need to stand together, convince their friends that neither of them is dangerous and fight for their lives.
Starting with the first scene, the book took me in and didn’t let me go. In addition, the sex was hot, just enough roughness and shifter in it to be erotic beyond everything. But this book has much more to offer than that. Read it.
I’ll be waiting impatiently for the second book.
5 ***** Stars out of 5
*I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review*
January 23, 2019
Well, it's not terrible, plus I got to read it free. But it's by far not the best shifter romance I've read, either. The reasons are several. For one, the prose is full of unnecessary words. To the point where I was skimming or I'd have had to bail. For another, denial of reality, particularly when the denial and reasons are repeated many times, gets really old. The lack of action in crisis makes me think this author doesn't watch or read much action media. The bad guy monologued. Which isn't terrible generally, but we already KNEW most of that, so I was bored. The worry Daniel leaves London with isn't addressed in the Epilogue. There's more, but you get the gist. It's readable. But there are flaws, the worst one being boring stuff that'll make readers leave. Or skim, as I did.
April 25, 2015
For my honest and true view of this book, please read …MORE
Goodreads TOS-compliant review (I think, let me know when they tell us what the rules are):
"The book I just read is about two (or three) lovely people, written in beautiful language, by a very good and prolific author. I liked it very, very much.
It is for sale on Amazon.”
DISCLAIMER: My reviews now all have this pretty face, so that all and everyone on Goodreads can stay happy and beatific. I’ll let you know if I change my mind. See the real review above for my thoughts on this book.
Goodreads TOS-compliant review (I think, let me know when they tell us what the rules are):
"The book I just read is about two (or three) lovely people, written in beautiful language, by a very good and prolific author. I liked it very, very much.
It is for sale on Amazon.”
DISCLAIMER: My reviews now all have this pretty face, so that all and everyone on Goodreads can stay happy and beatific. I’ll let you know if I change my mind. See the real review above for my thoughts on this book.
September 11, 2015
This was great; I love seeing shifter stories that pull away from the norm. I thought the characters were interesting and I enjoyed all the different personalities. I did feel sorry for Daniel, though, as he truly doesn't belong to any one group. That made it mean more when Jordan was still determined to help him in spite if the risk to him and his friends, however. At least I thought so. I already have the sequel and look forward to reading more in this world, especially since we get to learn more about Sam and Ash. I can definitely see myself reading this again in the future.
April 17, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Loved the Britishness of it too - "bollocks" and "Wanker" all make an appearance. There also aren't many shifters books set in the UK so I loved that that Annabelle based it here.
The story was original and a completely different to any shifter book Ive read before. Loved the two MC's Jordan & Daniel although Sam & Ash kinda shone too.
Can't wait for the next :)
The story was original and a completely different to any shifter book Ive read before. Loved the two MC's Jordan & Daniel although Sam & Ash kinda shone too.
Can't wait for the next :)
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