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Rise of the Howling Shadowborns #1
Shifter Syndicate
The ultimate punishment for protecting a Shadowborn is death...
Plagued by the memories of my slain pack, I disappear into a shadowy survival, rejected by a universe that has never wanted or accepted me — Selene Bleu, one of the few surviving Shadowborns.
As an orphaned pup, my life should have remained as it has been for the last fourteen years. But it all burns to hell the night of the Howling Ceremony, and I'm left in a pit of forsaken shifters — rejected by my newly found mate and awaiting death at the hands of the Four Alphas of Shifter Syndicate.
Instead, I’m unexpectedly chosen by Alpha Asher of the North Syndicate and whisked to an underground world where darkness thrives. The only problems now are my defiance, inability to follow rules, and my growing desire to slip into Alpha Asher's chambers.
But those issues can be costly because I've learned one important thing:
At Shifter Syndicate, you obey the rules or face the howling consequences.
All the same, I will rise against the odds and follow the flaming force of revenge to salvation.
Or die trying…
Shifter Syndicate is a full-length (174,000 word) Dark Paranormal Romance. Book One of the trilogy is filled with humor, action, suspense, steam, a tough heroine, and an antihero alpha. It's recommended for 18+ audiences due to language and sexual instances.
If you enjoy books by Jaymin Eve, Shannon Mayer, Kelly St. Clare, Leia Stone, Jen L. Grey, and Everly Frost, then turn the page to this thrilling, dangerous adventure in the world of Shadowborns. You won't regret it.
Plagued by the memories of my slain pack, I disappear into a shadowy survival, rejected by a universe that has never wanted or accepted me — Selene Bleu, one of the few surviving Shadowborns.
As an orphaned pup, my life should have remained as it has been for the last fourteen years. But it all burns to hell the night of the Howling Ceremony, and I'm left in a pit of forsaken shifters — rejected by my newly found mate and awaiting death at the hands of the Four Alphas of Shifter Syndicate.
Instead, I’m unexpectedly chosen by Alpha Asher of the North Syndicate and whisked to an underground world where darkness thrives. The only problems now are my defiance, inability to follow rules, and my growing desire to slip into Alpha Asher's chambers.
But those issues can be costly because I've learned one important thing:
At Shifter Syndicate, you obey the rules or face the howling consequences.
All the same, I will rise against the odds and follow the flaming force of revenge to salvation.
Or die trying…
Shifter Syndicate is a full-length (174,000 word) Dark Paranormal Romance. Book One of the trilogy is filled with humor, action, suspense, steam, a tough heroine, and an antihero alpha. It's recommended for 18+ audiences due to language and sexual instances.
If you enjoy books by Jaymin Eve, Shannon Mayer, Kelly St. Clare, Leia Stone, Jen L. Grey, and Everly Frost, then turn the page to this thrilling, dangerous adventure in the world of Shadowborns. You won't regret it.
812 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2021
692 people are currently reading
880 people want to read
About the author
Avery Stone
48 books207 followersAvery Stone is the new pen name of USA Today Bestselling Author, Avery Song.
With multiple bestselling series, Avery Stone's mission is to broaden her storytelling in the realms of Paranormal Romance, YA -New Adult Academy Romance, and Dark Shifter Romance.
Be prepared for sassy, powerful heroines, detailed world-building, and addictive adventure as you fall in love with her creations.
With multiple bestselling series, Avery Stone's mission is to broaden her storytelling in the realms of Paranormal Romance, YA -New Adult Academy Romance, and Dark Shifter Romance.
Be prepared for sassy, powerful heroines, detailed world-building, and addictive adventure as you fall in love with her creations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
April 3, 2021
Teenage read
I couldn't get past a even a few pages. I was excited when I seen how long this book was! But I can see why it's this long, it's a ton of inner monologue and fast information. I think the biggest problem for me is our heroine. It's like reading about a teenager. She talks about going on job interviews and being qualified for these said jobs, but she won't dress the part? She wears short shorts with it all hanging out? She's pretty much ur cliché character, big booty, big breast. She talks about how she loves winter because she can wear her short pajamas? And when it's summer she sleeps naked. None of this is relevant. She goes on more about the complicating story of both her wolves, training with her guardian, and then about her vibrator. This is literally 6% in. If your a teenager this might be a book for you.
I couldn't get past a even a few pages. I was excited when I seen how long this book was! But I can see why it's this long, it's a ton of inner monologue and fast information. I think the biggest problem for me is our heroine. It's like reading about a teenager. She talks about going on job interviews and being qualified for these said jobs, but she won't dress the part? She wears short shorts with it all hanging out? She's pretty much ur cliché character, big booty, big breast. She talks about how she loves winter because she can wear her short pajamas? And when it's summer she sleeps naked. None of this is relevant. She goes on more about the complicating story of both her wolves, training with her guardian, and then about her vibrator. This is literally 6% in. If your a teenager this might be a book for you.
May 22, 2021
I really struggled to get into the writing. It is sooooo wordy and melodramatic. Here’s where I finally gave up: “... Felt the agony I’d carried in my heart and buried within the safety of my soul as I walked upon the soil of unfairness.” Then a little later: “I wished that he’d gotten to watch me slip out of the cocoon that displayed all my flaws in the form of shiny white threads, revealing a glowed-up version of myself as I slipped out of that barricade of inconsistency and spread my wings with the heightened confidence I sought to project”. What the hell am I even reading here? It’s like this the whole way through the book. Half the time she’s talking about how awesome she is, and the rest she’s bemoaning her existence. There is a different world but you can’t really call it world building because we get little to no information about it. Just little tidbits here and there, usually as flashbacks. There seems to be a library with loads of important information in there but we kept being told that she’s not allowed to go in there until she gets a ‘promotion’. Why? Why can’t we learn about this world along with her? I got to the end of the book and still have no clue how this world works or where everyone fits into it.
March 28, 2021
Avery Stone's debut novel came running out of the gate, and the action, intrigue, romance, and fantasy in this story will have your blood pumping and your heart racing in no time. Selene Bleu is a forbidden race of wolf shifter known as a Shadowborn. After her entire pack is slain, she's whisked away by Guardian, who trains her for her inevitable return to the shifter world one day. After a harrowing experience, she's thrown into Shifter Syndicate with no real knowledge of how this new world works. And what happens after the doors are opened to her is nothing short of fantastic. The action sequences are exciting, the flirty romance threatens to explode from the constant tension, and the friendships formed are strong and lasting. I really enjoyed Bleu's take me as I am attitude, as well as her resilience and selflessness. Alpha Asher was the perfect grumbly, but attentive Alpha. And Kenzo was a personal favorite of mine. Overall, I loved this story and can't wait to see what comes next from Avery Stone.
April 23, 2021
Pleasant surprise
Not sure what I was expecting when I picked this up but by the end I was definitely wishing there was more. It will be a very long wait till ou
Not sure what I was expecting when I picked this up but by the end I was definitely wishing there was more. It will be a very long wait till ou
July 18, 2023
Spoilers.
This book had some interesting world building I’ll give it that. The idea of a howling shadowborne and the different types of shifters present was nice. However, the information was just regurgitated onto the page in a mess of words. I found it could be very confusing and took multiple reads of the paragraphs to understand. The fight scenes were also really hard to follow and tbh I ended up skipping it until I got to the conclusion of the fight.
She is described as being unfriendly and therefore struggles to make friends or even tolerate them. And yet as soon as she is thrown into this new world she is making plenty of friends and seems to be very friendly and fun to be around, if a little annoying (except to bullies of course). What’s with the personality change?
I think it’s very important to have an emotional aspect to characters for you to really connect with the book and I loved that the male lead Alpha Asher also had his moments. However, she ended up crying over anything and her internal monologues were pages long. The first fight with the red dusk at the syndicate was 23 pages long. Not the whole fight but the part where she realises she can’t win and the internal monologues start. Shoot me now 😩.
Then that confrontation with Ashers Ex?!?
"Simple, really. Your ex-mate pulled your Shadowling into a temporary black cube of forbidden dark fae magic. By the looks of it, this was a given ability blessed upon her in exchange for her immortality, and it allows her to pull any target into the cube for a short period of time and essentially kill them with a slap. In your pup's case, she was slapped twice, which sent her body into shock upon return because of the spiritual damage done”
Kill with a slap? It just sounds so ridiculous 🤦🏼♀️. Not to mention just another reason to get Bleu in another life and death situation which she always seems to be in.
Overall I found the book more dull and cringe than exciting. This review is saying a lot for me because I read a lot of YA/NA fantasy books and not all are that great. And yet I’ve never felt the need to review them.
This book had some interesting world building I’ll give it that. The idea of a howling shadowborne and the different types of shifters present was nice. However, the information was just regurgitated onto the page in a mess of words. I found it could be very confusing and took multiple reads of the paragraphs to understand. The fight scenes were also really hard to follow and tbh I ended up skipping it until I got to the conclusion of the fight.
She is described as being unfriendly and therefore struggles to make friends or even tolerate them. And yet as soon as she is thrown into this new world she is making plenty of friends and seems to be very friendly and fun to be around, if a little annoying (except to bullies of course). What’s with the personality change?
I think it’s very important to have an emotional aspect to characters for you to really connect with the book and I loved that the male lead Alpha Asher also had his moments. However, she ended up crying over anything and her internal monologues were pages long. The first fight with the red dusk at the syndicate was 23 pages long. Not the whole fight but the part where she realises she can’t win and the internal monologues start. Shoot me now 😩.
Then that confrontation with Ashers Ex?!?
"Simple, really. Your ex-mate pulled your Shadowling into a temporary black cube of forbidden dark fae magic. By the looks of it, this was a given ability blessed upon her in exchange for her immortality, and it allows her to pull any target into the cube for a short period of time and essentially kill them with a slap. In your pup's case, she was slapped twice, which sent her body into shock upon return because of the spiritual damage done”
Kill with a slap? It just sounds so ridiculous 🤦🏼♀️. Not to mention just another reason to get Bleu in another life and death situation which she always seems to be in.
Overall I found the book more dull and cringe than exciting. This review is saying a lot for me because I read a lot of YA/NA fantasy books and not all are that great. And yet I’ve never felt the need to review them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2021
This author has been teasing us for so long that they were going to write MF. So the wait is over and I can say if you love wolf shifters, you don't want to miss this book. Selene's story is like many of others. She been protected by her guardian and trained to face anything.
Until she whisked out of her home and taken by an Alpha to a new rich world. This new expanded world of her's brings a lot to the table and plenty of entertainment in true Song fashion
It's an interesting new world and I do hope that Stone expands this world through other characters as one couple isn't enough.
Until she whisked out of her home and taken by an Alpha to a new rich world. This new expanded world of her's brings a lot to the table and plenty of entertainment in true Song fashion
It's an interesting new world and I do hope that Stone expands this world through other characters as one couple isn't enough.
July 15, 2021
I tried so hard to get into this book. The fact the author had to describe the heroine as a "pick me" girl and not like other girls was pushing me. Add in the repeat references to her body type... like yes thank you. She's curvy and loves to show it off. I really don't need multiple adjectives to describe her ass. Lastly, the constant need to swear nonstop. Usually this doesn't bother me, but when it's just filler words as thoughts... it's just bad writing.
April 27, 2021
This was so insanely good! We’re pulled into Selene’s story from the first page and you immediately just NEED to know what has happened to her in her past. We get bits along the way but more and more is revealed until the end of book one when we get huge chunks of her past! But they’re doozy’s but holy crap I was excited to see how Selene would handle everything. Needless to say? Like a friggin champ!
I adored the characters, they were diverse, funny, and highly entertaining!
The storyline was amaze balls and I could NOT stop reading. Especially where Selene and Asher were concerned *fans self* whew.
I highly recommend this book. I cannot wait to pick up book 2, the wait will be tough!
I adored the characters, they were diverse, funny, and highly entertaining!
The storyline was amaze balls and I could NOT stop reading. Especially where Selene and Asher were concerned *fans self* whew.
I highly recommend this book. I cannot wait to pick up book 2, the wait will be tough!
April 23, 2021
Oh my holy moly!!!
Man I don’t even know where to start! This book is huge- and I’m not just talking about the amount of pages. This is a whole new level of awesome in the paranormal world of magic and shifters and their politics and inner workings. Selene and Asher may be your main characters- which I have absolutely adored watching them peel back the layers- but you’ve got so many amazing secondary characters!! Friends, enemies, new powers, new rules, new mates. All I can say is my world has been rocked and this is one of the best damn books I’ve read in a long time!! I probably should have waited a few days to write this review to collect my thoughts, but it’s left me so hyped up that I just couldn’t!!! Please please gimme book 2 faster!!!!
Man I don’t even know where to start! This book is huge- and I’m not just talking about the amount of pages. This is a whole new level of awesome in the paranormal world of magic and shifters and their politics and inner workings. Selene and Asher may be your main characters- which I have absolutely adored watching them peel back the layers- but you’ve got so many amazing secondary characters!! Friends, enemies, new powers, new rules, new mates. All I can say is my world has been rocked and this is one of the best damn books I’ve read in a long time!! I probably should have waited a few days to write this review to collect my thoughts, but it’s left me so hyped up that I just couldn’t!!! Please please gimme book 2 faster!!!!
April 4, 2021
Intriguing- rejected mate romance and so much more
This is an intriguing and lengthy rejected mate romance, but it’s so much more there is such a large world here that I really enjoyed.
The second book looks like where this story really start to shine.
That being said there are about 5 or 6 confusing scenes where stuff happens in some sections that caused me to reread them a few times to see if I missed something.
However, I also love the interactions she has with her friends cinder, Princess Leia, the fae wolf, astra and others just wish a few more scenes with them.
I have preordered the next book.
This is an intriguing and lengthy rejected mate romance, but it’s so much more there is such a large world here that I really enjoyed.
The second book looks like where this story really start to shine.
That being said there are about 5 or 6 confusing scenes where stuff happens in some sections that caused me to reread them a few times to see if I missed something.
However, I also love the interactions she has with her friends cinder, Princess Leia, the fae wolf, astra and others just wish a few more scenes with them.
I have preordered the next book.
April 6, 2021
Wow what a book. This book takes you on a long journey through so many twists and turns that you can't put it down. With many sad parts, funny parts and some crazy action parts, this book definitely packs a wicked ride.
With the wicked strong female character in Selene who no matter what gets thrown her way shows what a bad ass she can be. And when Alpha Asher comes into play we get a great story unfold, as she finds more out about herself and so much more.
After everything that happened in this book I really can't wait to see what happens in the next book. Totally recommend
With the wicked strong female character in Selene who no matter what gets thrown her way shows what a bad ass she can be. And when Alpha Asher comes into play we get a great story unfold, as she finds more out about herself and so much more.
After everything that happened in this book I really can't wait to see what happens in the next book. Totally recommend
April 3, 2021
OMG I am in love!!! This is one fantastic debut book! Selene is one incredible female lead character. She lost her pack at a young age and has been raised by a Guardian to keep her safe as well as trained. When she turns twenty her shifter powers kick in with hers being quite rare. This sets things up for one doozy of a story that will keep you totally enthralled as it all plays out. A total must read!!! I cannot wait for book two!. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
April 15, 2021
DNF
There was so much explanation. I couldn’t take it. I like it when the author shows you the world and the info slowly through conversation or observation. Not a full monologue that goes for five pages. Then a short come back to reality only to have another 8 pages of description.
This is my preference only. As I did not finish I can not comment on the actual story. Could be amazing. It just wasn’t for me.
There was so much explanation. I couldn’t take it. I like it when the author shows you the world and the info slowly through conversation or observation. Not a full monologue that goes for five pages. Then a short come back to reality only to have another 8 pages of description.
This is my preference only. As I did not finish I can not comment on the actual story. Could be amazing. It just wasn’t for me.
January 8, 2023
Different world
This was definitely a different world building. Bleu has went through a lot in life and just when you think can she catch a break it finally starts for her and things from the past come back to help her navigate life. That cliff hanger was good. Now need to see what happens next
This was definitely a different world building. Bleu has went through a lot in life and just when you think can she catch a break it finally starts for her and things from the past come back to help her navigate life. That cliff hanger was good. Now need to see what happens next
April 2, 2021
what an amazing beginning into a new series!! ... love Bleu and her passion for, well, everything ... she's not afraid to speak her mind or protect those she loves ... and that ending!!! ... cannot wait for book 2!
April 2, 2021
Trying to lift my jaw off the floor!!!
Okay okay okay.. Hold the hell up! What did I just read??!!!! Like for real what the hell!!! This book was a mind f*%^! Like one moment I was cheer on Blue the next I was crying my eyes out, then I was horny as hell, then I was screaming in rage, then back to happy, horny, sad. Round and round it went! Until the END! THAT FUCKEN END!!! 🤯🤯🤩😍😱😳
For real you have to read this book! If you like shifter books this is so different than your used to! I will admit the first couple chapters were a little hard(but I think I was to tired) the author threw a lot of information at you. But get through that and hot damn you won’t be disappointed!!!!
Okay okay okay.. Hold the hell up! What did I just read??!!!! Like for real what the hell!!! This book was a mind f*%^! Like one moment I was cheer on Blue the next I was crying my eyes out, then I was horny as hell, then I was screaming in rage, then back to happy, horny, sad. Round and round it went! Until the END! THAT FUCKEN END!!! 🤯🤯🤩😍😱😳
For real you have to read this book! If you like shifter books this is so different than your used to! I will admit the first couple chapters were a little hard(but I think I was to tired) the author threw a lot of information at you. But get through that and hot damn you won’t be disappointed!!!!
April 18, 2021
Too wordy..
The plot was good but the execution was a bit painful to read. Too much information telling about the Shifter Syndicate and how the mc had a rough background. Reading this was more like being in class and being taught about something. It was too wordy and too much self dialogue The mc acted like a 10 year old. Cried a lot, repeatedly almost gets killed, and was told as badass but yet not at times.
There was a lot of flash backs when the mc was 5. This was weird when the mc talks like she was an adult at 5 year old. The romance was really slow almost non existence surprisingly with this author like just kissing only. The story was about 70% information dumped and 30% with an actual showing or storyline.
The storyline was interesting though and hopefully the next book will have less information telling. The ending was good so here's to hoping the next book gets better.
The plot was good but the execution was a bit painful to read. Too much information telling about the Shifter Syndicate and how the mc had a rough background. Reading this was more like being in class and being taught about something. It was too wordy and too much self dialogue The mc acted like a 10 year old. Cried a lot, repeatedly almost gets killed, and was told as badass but yet not at times.
There was a lot of flash backs when the mc was 5. This was weird when the mc talks like she was an adult at 5 year old. The romance was really slow almost non existence surprisingly with this author like just kissing only. The story was about 70% information dumped and 30% with an actual showing or storyline.
The storyline was interesting though and hopefully the next book will have less information telling. The ending was good so here's to hoping the next book gets better.
June 14, 2021
It's been a long time since a book made me cry. I loved this book, the fmc, and how this world Avery Stone created works. Can't wait for the second one
April 2, 2021
Shifter Syndicate
Such an incredibly intense journey! Welcome to Selene Bleu’s world. A world that was built on the blood and pain of those she lost!
But rather than making Selene a nervous and shaking mess, her Guardian has made sure that Selene is a strong and capable and confident woman who knows the power her body holds.
As with any great book, this new world isn’t without chaos and deception. Usually I will think to myself....called it! I just knew what was going to happen next.
But with this book, every page I turned and every revelation that was skillfully revealed was a complete ‘what the what’ moment! 🤣
If you long for a book that will drag you in and help you shut out the rest of the world, then this is the book for YOU! Avery Stone will make you laugh....definitely will make you cry, and will make you want to throw your Kindle at the wall at certain moments....but she will not bore you! This is one HUGE journey!
For some authors this would be book one and 2...but Avery gave us all the goodness in one fantastic and epic book....with an epic ending that will have me anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!
One click this book now! You will need to re-read it again and again! It truly is that fantastic!
March 31, 2021
Never have I wanted more for the follow up book to be out right now!!!!! My mind is STILL spinning, heart racing, and I'm seriously thinking of going right back to page one for a complete re-read!! My word, does this first book under her pen name Avery Stone deliver!!!! I've ADORED each and every book by Avery 'Song', so was thrilled to read this new book/world under her other name... and it did
N O T disappoint!
What a rich, exciting world she's created. Filled with absolutely delicious characters! So much witty banter, adventure, mysteries, prophecy, surprise friends of worth, tragedy and heartbreak, and a few revelations along the way will keep the reader entranced. Such a fiery, unique, amazingly loyal main female character in Bleu will have you cheering every step of the way. The introduction to this world/characters will wet your appetite for sure, but be warned it will also leaving you desperately screaming for more!!! This reader gets the gyst this is just the tip of the iceberg for Bleu and those she holds dear!! I cannot wait to see what happens next!! If I could've given more than five stars I would have!! Get ready for a howling good time!!!!
N O T disappoint!
What a rich, exciting world she's created. Filled with absolutely delicious characters! So much witty banter, adventure, mysteries, prophecy, surprise friends of worth, tragedy and heartbreak, and a few revelations along the way will keep the reader entranced. Such a fiery, unique, amazingly loyal main female character in Bleu will have you cheering every step of the way. The introduction to this world/characters will wet your appetite for sure, but be warned it will also leaving you desperately screaming for more!!! This reader gets the gyst this is just the tip of the iceberg for Bleu and those she holds dear!! I cannot wait to see what happens next!! If I could've given more than five stars I would have!! Get ready for a howling good time!!!!
March 31, 2021
Bleu on Fire!!
Well if your looking for something that will tug at your emotions, laugh out loud and say yeah that’s my girl. You found the right book. OMG Bleu is something else. She is trouble and don’t even mean to be trouble, it just finds her. To some up her trouble is from the rejection of her mate. Then she meets her Prince Charming but he is no Prince Charming he is the Dark Knight. They bring out the best of each other. But my favorite side character are Kenzo her best friend who is a fae wolf and Alpha Azu who can laugh and cause a natural disaster. They just made the story even more complete with the things they do with Bleu. If only if Bleu could get batteries for bluey and things would be right in the world, maybe in the next book. I really love this book and can’t wait to see what happens in the next. It seems that when we got answers to some questions the book ended and more questions came up. Is book two ready yet.
Well if your looking for something that will tug at your emotions, laugh out loud and say yeah that’s my girl. You found the right book. OMG Bleu is something else. She is trouble and don’t even mean to be trouble, it just finds her. To some up her trouble is from the rejection of her mate. Then she meets her Prince Charming but he is no Prince Charming he is the Dark Knight. They bring out the best of each other. But my favorite side character are Kenzo her best friend who is a fae wolf and Alpha Azu who can laugh and cause a natural disaster. They just made the story even more complete with the things they do with Bleu. If only if Bleu could get batteries for bluey and things would be right in the world, maybe in the next book. I really love this book and can’t wait to see what happens in the next. It seems that when we got answers to some questions the book ended and more questions came up. Is book two ready yet.
April 20, 2022
nonsensical, horrible writing, no plot
Wow, I’m so confused how this book has any 5 star reviews. It is so poorly written it’s practically unreadable. The sentences are run-on. They are convoluted. They don’t even remotely convey ideas in an understandable manner. The word choices are often nonsensical and archaic. And, the grammar has issues.
Then, there’s the plot. Wow, the MC spends all her time agonizing over how people always put her down, but yet she really loves herself and is perfect. Yet in the next breath talks about how she can’t get a job because people won’t look beyond her short shorts, fishnets, lip ring, and blue hair. Gee, really? And don’t even get me started on the huge dedication to talking about her vibrator and complaining that her father, then her alpha wouldn’t buy her batteries for it. I cannot believe an adult wrote this drivel. I definitely don’t recommend wasting your time on it.
Wow, I’m so confused how this book has any 5 star reviews. It is so poorly written it’s practically unreadable. The sentences are run-on. They are convoluted. They don’t even remotely convey ideas in an understandable manner. The word choices are often nonsensical and archaic. And, the grammar has issues.
Then, there’s the plot. Wow, the MC spends all her time agonizing over how people always put her down, but yet she really loves herself and is perfect. Yet in the next breath talks about how she can’t get a job because people won’t look beyond her short shorts, fishnets, lip ring, and blue hair. Gee, really? And don’t even get me started on the huge dedication to talking about her vibrator and complaining that her father, then her alpha wouldn’t buy her batteries for it. I cannot believe an adult wrote this drivel. I definitely don’t recommend wasting your time on it.
May 16, 2021
It started off so good...
The first third of this book was so good. I was really enjoyed reading it and didn’t want to put it down. Then, things got weird and annoying. The heroine goes from being this tough quiet girl to a Chatty Cathy. A whole page long of dialogue in her head with her wolves, or dialogue between other characters. The author tried way to hard to be witty or write tounge in cheek humor but it just came off as annoying. So annoying, I would skip pages just so I wouldn’t get confused with all the bs monologues in her head. Such a disappointing end to a book with a lot of promise. Close to the end, I was hoping the heroine just got offed so she’d shut up. Any time she fought, all she did was faint anyways and have to be carried to bed 🤦🏼♀️. What an epic waste of time reading this was.
The first third of this book was so good. I was really enjoyed reading it and didn’t want to put it down. Then, things got weird and annoying. The heroine goes from being this tough quiet girl to a Chatty Cathy. A whole page long of dialogue in her head with her wolves, or dialogue between other characters. The author tried way to hard to be witty or write tounge in cheek humor but it just came off as annoying. So annoying, I would skip pages just so I wouldn’t get confused with all the bs monologues in her head. Such a disappointing end to a book with a lot of promise. Close to the end, I was hoping the heroine just got offed so she’d shut up. Any time she fought, all she did was faint anyways and have to be carried to bed 🤦🏼♀️. What an epic waste of time reading this was.
July 18, 2021
Word salad purple prose info dump
This writing style is just not for me. I can tell the author has an amazing world she is trying to build, but the execution is not doing it for me. I’m DNFing at 4%.
I wanted to get into this book so badly, but the 4% that I read was a rambling word salad of purple prose in an info dump of world building. Does that sound confusing? Then my point has been made. 👊🏽 I kept thinking, “Let me just get through this intro and I’ll pick up on the world when the writing levels out.” Sadly, it never leveled out.
I would love a great editor to get their hands on this book because the storyline sounds fabulous, but I think I’m in the minority. 🤷🏻♀️
This writing style is just not for me. I can tell the author has an amazing world she is trying to build, but the execution is not doing it for me. I’m DNFing at 4%.
I wanted to get into this book so badly, but the 4% that I read was a rambling word salad of purple prose in an info dump of world building. Does that sound confusing? Then my point has been made. 👊🏽 I kept thinking, “Let me just get through this intro and I’ll pick up on the world when the writing levels out.” Sadly, it never leveled out.
I would love a great editor to get their hands on this book because the storyline sounds fabulous, but I think I’m in the minority. 🤷🏻♀️
April 5, 2021
Simply amazing!
Avery Stone has put out an exceptionally wonderful story for her debut book. I found myself wanting to devour this book in one sitting but at the same time needing to read it slowly so I didn't miss a single thing. I am glad I took my time to because it made me appreciate the story and the characters so much more.
Selene's journey will have you smiling, laughing, angry, and even sad at some points. The ending will definitely catch you by surprise though and leave you wishing there was more to read. Pre-order the second book if you love Shifter Syndicate and the author just might push up the release date of the second book.
Avery Stone has put out an exceptionally wonderful story for her debut book. I found myself wanting to devour this book in one sitting but at the same time needing to read it slowly so I didn't miss a single thing. I am glad I took my time to because it made me appreciate the story and the characters so much more.
Selene's journey will have you smiling, laughing, angry, and even sad at some points. The ending will definitely catch you by surprise though and leave you wishing there was more to read. Pre-order the second book if you love Shifter Syndicate and the author just might push up the release date of the second book.
April 2, 2021
Loved it!
I must admit that I wasn’t quite sure if I’d like it at the beginning, the further on I read, the more Selene (Bleu), Asher, Kenzo, and the others drew me in. Bleu’s story isn’t new, but the author used the 800+ pages well, and was able to really dig into her emotions and motivations that had me invested in this young woman who is thrust into a seemingly callous and cruel world.
Can’t wait for the next book to see what becomes of the murders and the Machiavellian scheming going on in the High Council.
4 stars ⭐️
I must admit that I wasn’t quite sure if I’d like it at the beginning, the further on I read, the more Selene (Bleu), Asher, Kenzo, and the others drew me in. Bleu’s story isn’t new, but the author used the 800+ pages well, and was able to really dig into her emotions and motivations that had me invested in this young woman who is thrust into a seemingly callous and cruel world.
Can’t wait for the next book to see what becomes of the murders and the Machiavellian scheming going on in the High Council.
4 stars ⭐️
May 3, 2021
Amazing !!!
I loved this book!!! The main character is absolutely awesome !!! The plot and story is something I haven’t read before too! A must read
I loved this book!!! The main character is absolutely awesome !!! The plot and story is something I haven’t read before too! A must read
March 5, 2023
Boring
I really dont know what to review about this as I only reached 47% and had enough. The concept of the story was good but was far too wordy, and the worldbuilding wasnt great leaving me a little confused in places. It had great big holes in the story and was left wondering what the heck. The chemistry between the characters fell flat. I didnt feel connected to any of them; feel their emotions or lack thereof. Selene Bleu was very vain, cocky and loved to talk about her body and worthiness. Boring story.
I really dont know what to review about this as I only reached 47% and had enough. The concept of the story was good but was far too wordy, and the worldbuilding wasnt great leaving me a little confused in places. It had great big holes in the story and was left wondering what the heck. The chemistry between the characters fell flat. I didnt feel connected to any of them; feel their emotions or lack thereof. Selene Bleu was very vain, cocky and loved to talk about her body and worthiness. Boring story.
April 5, 2021
This is a new series and debute for one of my fave authors and let me tell you she really nailed it. This book is EVERYTHING, yes it's lengthy but when I say the details and explanations are superb yet NOT boring in the least bit. Selene keeps us entertained and really connected to her. The emotions are high and tensions is there. I cried, I laughed, I literally felt this book on a deeper level. Do not pass this rejected mate series up, so worth it!
April 23, 2021
The middle and the end outweigh the horrible beginning
I very nearly decided not to purchase this book after reading the sample, because the beginning is an absolute wreck. I detest it greatly. However, I chose to give this book a shot to improve and win me over and I’m so happy I did. After the mediocre start, to say the least, it became something worth reading. I laughed so much while reading this book and I look forward to read the next one when it’s released.
I very nearly decided not to purchase this book after reading the sample, because the beginning is an absolute wreck. I detest it greatly. However, I chose to give this book a shot to improve and win me over and I’m so happy I did. After the mediocre start, to say the least, it became something worth reading. I laughed so much while reading this book and I look forward to read the next one when it’s released.
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