What do you think?
Rate this book
Ancients Rising #5
Ancient Retribution
A dragon princess once lost…
Juniper hunts down the most dangerous criminals on her black ops missions—and she’s good at it. A dragon shifter who was raised by wolves, she doesn’t know her birth clan and gave up trying to find them a hundred years ago. Since The Fall, when rogue dragons razed half the planet, she’s spent her days hunting down supernaturals who think they can escape justice, delivering her own. During a dangerous mission, she falls into the claws of a sexy warrior dragon adjusting to the modern world—and from the start she knows she’s in trouble.
Is now found…
Dragon shifter warrior Zephyr doesn’t fit into this new world. He doesn’t feel like he fits in anywhere—until he meets Juniper and her crew. He knows from the moment he sees the sexy and brave female dragon that they’re destined to be together. Unfortunately, life just got a whole lot more complicated. Not only are they in the fight of their lives against an overwhelming enemy force, but she’s royalty and her long-lost clan has come to bring her home. Even as they fight side by side to save hundreds of humans, he knows that winning her heart will be the hardest and most pivotal battle he’s ever waged. Juniper doesn’t want to get mated, doesn’t trust anyone with her heart—but this is one battle Zephyr will never stop fighting.
Juniper hunts down the most dangerous criminals on her black ops missions—and she’s good at it. A dragon shifter who was raised by wolves, she doesn’t know her birth clan and gave up trying to find them a hundred years ago. Since The Fall, when rogue dragons razed half the planet, she’s spent her days hunting down supernaturals who think they can escape justice, delivering her own. During a dangerous mission, she falls into the claws of a sexy warrior dragon adjusting to the modern world—and from the start she knows she’s in trouble.
Is now found…
Dragon shifter warrior Zephyr doesn’t fit into this new world. He doesn’t feel like he fits in anywhere—until he meets Juniper and her crew. He knows from the moment he sees the sexy and brave female dragon that they’re destined to be together. Unfortunately, life just got a whole lot more complicated. Not only are they in the fight of their lives against an overwhelming enemy force, but she’s royalty and her long-lost clan has come to bring her home. Even as they fight side by side to save hundreds of humans, he knows that winning her heart will be the hardest and most pivotal battle he’s ever waged. Juniper doesn’t want to get mated, doesn’t trust anyone with her heart—but this is one battle Zephyr will never stop fighting.
300 pages, ebook
First published March 22, 2022
79 people are currently reading
3265 people want to read
About the author
Katie Reus
164 books3,244 followersKatie Reus® is the USA Today bestselling author of the Endgame trilogy, the MacArthur Family series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom's stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn't always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
March 20, 2022
Ancient Retribution by Katie Reus
Ancient’s Rising book #5. Post apocalyptic Paranormal romance with dragon shifters. Can be read as stand-alone but better as part of the series.
Juniper is a dragon shifter. She and her crew are investigating who is kidnapping women for the slave trade and then will shut them down. She helps dragon shifter warrior Zephyr close a hell gate and he joins them in their search.
Most of the story is in New Orleans which is being rebuilt after the Fall. It’s tense and fast moving and exciting. Many of the characters from prior books are peripheral including King and Aurora and dragonling Hunter. I’m not sure why I love Hunter so much. Maybe because he seems like a lovable puppy. Sure, the size of an elephant but playful all the same.
Juniper has trauma in her past and has always held herself apart from her adopted family. She is forced to confront a lot of emotional issues here but she’s smart I really liked her strength of character.
For fans of the author, find at least on Easter Egg.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I have also purchased a copy to keep.
Ancient’s Rising book #5. Post apocalyptic Paranormal romance with dragon shifters. Can be read as stand-alone but better as part of the series.
Juniper is a dragon shifter. She and her crew are investigating who is kidnapping women for the slave trade and then will shut them down. She helps dragon shifter warrior Zephyr close a hell gate and he joins them in their search.
Most of the story is in New Orleans which is being rebuilt after the Fall. It’s tense and fast moving and exciting. Many of the characters from prior books are peripheral including King and Aurora and dragonling Hunter. I’m not sure why I love Hunter so much. Maybe because he seems like a lovable puppy. Sure, the size of an elephant but playful all the same.
Juniper has trauma in her past and has always held herself apart from her adopted family. She is forced to confront a lot of emotional issues here but she’s smart I really liked her strength of character.
For fans of the author, find at least on Easter Egg.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I have also purchased a copy to keep.
February 25, 2022
I’m loving this series and I really enjoyed this one.
Zephyr finally finds his mate and she’s amazing. A born leader and warrior. Juniper is a dragon shifter raised by wolves. She has wonderful adoptive parents and a fabulous crew. Together they battle the evil in this world.
But Juniper’s past haunts her when it comes to her relationship with Zephyr. She feels casual is all she has to offer. Luckily Zephyr has other ideas. But the romance has to wait (and simmer) as they tackle a human trafficking ring.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley.
Zephyr finally finds his mate and she’s amazing. A born leader and warrior. Juniper is a dragon shifter raised by wolves. She has wonderful adoptive parents and a fabulous crew. Together they battle the evil in this world.
But Juniper’s past haunts her when it comes to her relationship with Zephyr. She feels casual is all she has to offer. Luckily Zephyr has other ideas. But the romance has to wait (and simmer) as they tackle a human trafficking ring.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley.
March 13, 2022
This couple were fire together…literally. I love dragon shifters and Juniper and Zephyr were great together.
As a black ops leader, Juniper was one tough dragon. Despite her ability to kick tail and take names, she carried within her the sense of never being good enough. Going into a relationship with Zephyr stirred up all her insecurities and had her counting down the clock until he’d realize she wasn’t worth his time.
Zephyr, on the other hand, took a risk that actually shocked me initially. But it was truly a great plan and definitely got his point across. I was thrilled with his protective, possessive ways and was alpha enough to find it arousing when Juniper stepped into her tough girl role and handed out orders.
This had plenty of action and adventure with lots of fights and battles between right and wrong. It also has some intense chemistry between the hero and heroine with some moments that were so hot, it felt like my Kindle was singed. Definitely a great addition to the series!
Multi POV
Safe
Triggers
As a black ops leader, Juniper was one tough dragon. Despite her ability to kick tail and take names, she carried within her the sense of never being good enough. Going into a relationship with Zephyr stirred up all her insecurities and had her counting down the clock until he’d realize she wasn’t worth his time.
Zephyr, on the other hand, took a risk that actually shocked me initially. But it was truly a great plan and definitely got his point across. I was thrilled with his protective, possessive ways and was alpha enough to find it arousing when Juniper stepped into her tough girl role and handed out orders.
This had plenty of action and adventure with lots of fights and battles between right and wrong. It also has some intense chemistry between the hero and heroine with some moments that were so hot, it felt like my Kindle was singed. Definitely a great addition to the series!
Multi POV
Safe
Triggers
March 9, 2022
Ancients Rising has quickly become one of my favorite paranormal romance series. I love the characters, the immersive world-building, the intrigue, the action, and the epic love stories. Ancient Retribution is Zephyr and Juniper’s story. Both Juniper and Zephyr have unique backstories, and I liked learning more about each of them. Juniper is part of an operative group that hunts dangerous and wanted paranormals, which is how her path crosses with Zephyr. When they start working together against an unknown enemy, Juniper and Zephyr can’t deny the attraction between them, but can Zephyr convince Juniper, who refuses to risk her heart to anyone, to take a chance on them?
Juniper and Zephyr are such fantastic characters! I love that Juniper is as much a warrior as Zephyr. She is a leader – strong, brave, and in control, and she is very much the alpha of her group. She is a total badass, and Zephyr admires her for it. Zephyr loves seeing her lead and has no problem following her orders, which is unusual considering he is a protective alpha warrior. I love that he has so much trust and faith in her and that he finds purpose when he’s with her and her team. On top of the mission they’re involved in, Juniper also learns more about her history and what happened to her when she was a child, and she is shocked by some of the revelations. Because of her past, Juniper isn’t interested in love and commitment, which proves difficult as her feelings for Zephyr strengthen. She goes through so much throughout the book, and her story is layered and interesting.
Zephyr’s story is really interesting too. New to this world, Zephyr doesn’t always feel like he fits in even though he has been reunited with his brothers. When he is with Juniper and her team, he finally gains a sense of belonging. Juniper and her team are a wonderful unit, and they are more like family than friends. I love how they bring Zephyr into their fold so easily. I think they see very quickly that Zephyr is a strong, capable, and honorable man, and he is a major asset to their team.
There are many amazing relationships explored in this book – friendships, family bonds, new and old allies, budding romances, and more. Of course, Juniper and Zephyr’s love story is my favorite. Juniper and Zephyr have amazing chemistry from the beginning, and even though Juniper resists her feelings, their connection is undeniable. They are a fantastic team, and there is so much sexual tension between them, you can cut it with a knife. The looks they give each other and the sizzling heat between the two belie the conflicted feelings and fear of anything but a casual fling. I think they’re one of my favorite couples of the series!
Like the other books, this story introduces some new characters while spotlighting others that we’ve seen in previous books. All of the characters are dynamic and layered, and their stories are so interesting. I like that we get to see how relationships from the first four books are progressing, whether other pairs end up together, and if a few will finally reveal their true feelings. And Juniper’s special ops group is amazing! I hope we get some of their stories in future books because I’m really interested in learning more about each of them. I also want to learn more about Juniper’s family, as well as King’s family. The introduction of several different realms opens up so many unique and intriguing possibilities, and I’m excited to see more of them. I think that’s part of the awesomeness that is this series – each book has a great conclusion, but I am always eager to learn more about the characters, the overarching plot, and the ever-changing and growing world.
King’s territory is the main setting of the story and series, and if I ever had to live in a paranormal world, I would choose this one! Along with the swoon-tastic shifters, there are super adorable baby dragons! I so need a baby dragon like these!! They are the best – fun and sweet and fierce! I also love King’s vision for his territory and this new world where humans and supernaturals coexist. He has lofty goals, but he is determined to create a safe, equitable, and better place for everyone. It’s such a fascinating world, and I love how Reus continues to expand upon it and detail it as the series progresses.
Like its predecessors, Ancient Retribution is fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with swoon-worthy romances. I would definitely recommend it to lovers of paranormal romance, and I’m so thankful to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Juniper and Zephyr are such fantastic characters! I love that Juniper is as much a warrior as Zephyr. She is a leader – strong, brave, and in control, and she is very much the alpha of her group. She is a total badass, and Zephyr admires her for it. Zephyr loves seeing her lead and has no problem following her orders, which is unusual considering he is a protective alpha warrior. I love that he has so much trust and faith in her and that he finds purpose when he’s with her and her team. On top of the mission they’re involved in, Juniper also learns more about her history and what happened to her when she was a child, and she is shocked by some of the revelations. Because of her past, Juniper isn’t interested in love and commitment, which proves difficult as her feelings for Zephyr strengthen. She goes through so much throughout the book, and her story is layered and interesting.
Zephyr’s story is really interesting too. New to this world, Zephyr doesn’t always feel like he fits in even though he has been reunited with his brothers. When he is with Juniper and her team, he finally gains a sense of belonging. Juniper and her team are a wonderful unit, and they are more like family than friends. I love how they bring Zephyr into their fold so easily. I think they see very quickly that Zephyr is a strong, capable, and honorable man, and he is a major asset to their team.
There are many amazing relationships explored in this book – friendships, family bonds, new and old allies, budding romances, and more. Of course, Juniper and Zephyr’s love story is my favorite. Juniper and Zephyr have amazing chemistry from the beginning, and even though Juniper resists her feelings, their connection is undeniable. They are a fantastic team, and there is so much sexual tension between them, you can cut it with a knife. The looks they give each other and the sizzling heat between the two belie the conflicted feelings and fear of anything but a casual fling. I think they’re one of my favorite couples of the series!
Like the other books, this story introduces some new characters while spotlighting others that we’ve seen in previous books. All of the characters are dynamic and layered, and their stories are so interesting. I like that we get to see how relationships from the first four books are progressing, whether other pairs end up together, and if a few will finally reveal their true feelings. And Juniper’s special ops group is amazing! I hope we get some of their stories in future books because I’m really interested in learning more about each of them. I also want to learn more about Juniper’s family, as well as King’s family. The introduction of several different realms opens up so many unique and intriguing possibilities, and I’m excited to see more of them. I think that’s part of the awesomeness that is this series – each book has a great conclusion, but I am always eager to learn more about the characters, the overarching plot, and the ever-changing and growing world.
King’s territory is the main setting of the story and series, and if I ever had to live in a paranormal world, I would choose this one! Along with the swoon-tastic shifters, there are super adorable baby dragons! I so need a baby dragon like these!! They are the best – fun and sweet and fierce! I also love King’s vision for his territory and this new world where humans and supernaturals coexist. He has lofty goals, but he is determined to create a safe, equitable, and better place for everyone. It’s such a fascinating world, and I love how Reus continues to expand upon it and detail it as the series progresses.
Like its predecessors, Ancient Retribution is fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with swoon-worthy romances. I would definitely recommend it to lovers of paranormal romance, and I’m so thankful to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
March 6, 2022
This is my favorite world this author has written because there is just so much to love. First, dragon shifters are my favorite and they have actual dragons, not shifters, as well. I also love that you get every kind of supernatural in this series. I love King's territory and how all these different supernatural races work together for the greater good. Plus we get a new realm of dragons to love with the addition of the heroine, Juniper.
Her story was intriguing and I love that she was a warrior. Zephyr, the hero, is just as much of a draw to this story as well. I like how strong he was and he still had no problem following Juniper's lead. Just because a female can be Alpha, doesn't mean the male is submissive. These two were the perfect example of that.
The beginning was a bit slow but it does ramp up as the story progresses. I actually would have loved more time with Juniper and her long lost family as well. They were super intriguing. I hope maybe we can get a book based of her sister to give us more of that world. Either way, I'll read any and all books in this world!
Her story was intriguing and I love that she was a warrior. Zephyr, the hero, is just as much of a draw to this story as well. I like how strong he was and he still had no problem following Juniper's lead. Just because a female can be Alpha, doesn't mean the male is submissive. These two were the perfect example of that.
The beginning was a bit slow but it does ramp up as the story progresses. I actually would have loved more time with Juniper and her long lost family as well. They were super intriguing. I hope maybe we can get a book based of her sister to give us more of that world. Either way, I'll read any and all books in this world!
July 20, 2022
Juniper and her friends are out making sure that the most dangerous of supernaturals are brought to justice. While out of one of their missions they come across another dragon shifter and help him close a door that should not be open. Juniper is also a dragon shifter who was given up when she was younger and she has no idea which clan she belongs to. She's never felt a pull to a male dragon like she does to this new guy.
Zephyr was away for a long time and is just getting used to being around his brothers again. So when he comes across Juniper and her friends while he's trying to help keep everyone safe, he's feeling a pull to her like he's never felt before. But Juniper and her friends don't trust him right away.
Zephyr goes back to where Juniper and her friends live and asks if he can join them in fighting the dangerous criminals. He wants to join the group so he can be closer to her while they get to know one another better.
When new people show up to speak to Juniper, she gets the surprise of her life. That storyline was incredible. I won't say to much because I don't want to spoil anything for anyone but it brought a tear to my eyes more than once.
I really liked watching Zephyr and Juniper get to know each other better and fall hard for each other. They really needed one another so it was great to see their relationship come together. I've really been enjoying this series and am excited to see who will get their story next. There are so many characters to choose from so it will be a surprise.
Zephyr was away for a long time and is just getting used to being around his brothers again. So when he comes across Juniper and her friends while he's trying to help keep everyone safe, he's feeling a pull to her like he's never felt before. But Juniper and her friends don't trust him right away.
Zephyr goes back to where Juniper and her friends live and asks if he can join them in fighting the dangerous criminals. He wants to join the group so he can be closer to her while they get to know one another better.
When new people show up to speak to Juniper, she gets the surprise of her life. That storyline was incredible. I won't say to much because I don't want to spoil anything for anyone but it brought a tear to my eyes more than once.
I really liked watching Zephyr and Juniper get to know each other better and fall hard for each other. They really needed one another so it was great to see their relationship come together. I've really been enjoying this series and am excited to see who will get their story next. There are so many characters to choose from so it will be a surprise.
March 22, 2022
Ancient Retribution is book 5 in the Ancients Rising series and my favorite so far. Now while I have enjoyed this series, I thought this book was fantastic from beginning to end. Zephry and Juniper were perfect for each other and while Juniper struggled a little with her feelings, Zephry knew pretty quickly that she was his mate. I loved all the new characters introduced as well as old favorites. Overall, this addition was full of action, love and friendship. I can't wait for more.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.***
***I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.***
March 6, 2022
Series: Ancients Rising #5
Rating: 5 stars - I loved it!
Juniper is part of a black ops group that hunts down dangerous paranormal criminals. During her recent mission, she rescues a sexy dragon warrior who is determined to help her finish her mission.
I adored these two! Juniper was such a badass heroine and I loved her dragon abilities. She was smart, sexy, and dangerous, all my favorite characteristics in a heroine. Zephyr was a protective alpha male but he had no problems letting Juniper lead and fight. I loved how supportive he was of Juniper. He is constantly telling her how wonderful and dangerous she is, and it was just perfect.
This story was very action packed. Juniper and her black ops group/adopted family are hunting down human traffickers and it involves a lot of battles with various supernatural creatures. I really enjoyed the mixture of action and romance in this. It was just the perfect blend for me.
This book also had wonderful side characters. I adored all of Juniper’s group, especially Hyacinth. I really hope we get books with them falling in love because I would love to learn more about them. Also, Juniper’s family was fascinating. I loved how unique her dragon clan is and how deadly their abilities are. I do hope the Nova clan will appear in future books because I really want to know more about them now.
Overall, this was a wonderful couple and a wonderful addition to the series. I love this post-apocalyptic world and the characters within it. With each book this world just keeps getting better, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book.
Trigger Warnings: human trafficking, death of children
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 5 stars - I loved it!
Juniper is part of a black ops group that hunts down dangerous paranormal criminals. During her recent mission, she rescues a sexy dragon warrior who is determined to help her finish her mission.
I adored these two! Juniper was such a badass heroine and I loved her dragon abilities. She was smart, sexy, and dangerous, all my favorite characteristics in a heroine. Zephyr was a protective alpha male but he had no problems letting Juniper lead and fight. I loved how supportive he was of Juniper. He is constantly telling her how wonderful and dangerous she is, and it was just perfect.
This story was very action packed. Juniper and her black ops group/adopted family are hunting down human traffickers and it involves a lot of battles with various supernatural creatures. I really enjoyed the mixture of action and romance in this. It was just the perfect blend for me.
This book also had wonderful side characters. I adored all of Juniper’s group, especially Hyacinth. I really hope we get books with them falling in love because I would love to learn more about them. Also, Juniper’s family was fascinating. I loved how unique her dragon clan is and how deadly their abilities are. I do hope the Nova clan will appear in future books because I really want to know more about them now.
Overall, this was a wonderful couple and a wonderful addition to the series. I love this post-apocalyptic world and the characters within it. With each book this world just keeps getting better, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book.
Trigger Warnings: human trafficking, death of children
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
April 13, 2022
The fifth book in Ancient Rising, Ancient Retribution is a well written paranormal romance. The characters are compelling and the interaction captivating, and the story powerful and well delivered. This story and series is definitely a keeper and one I highly recommend to readers of this genre.
March 13, 2022
This is book five in The Ancients Rising Series and it is Juniper and Zephyr's story and omg it is definitely a must read. Wow I really don't know what to say about this book as I have so many feelings and emotions going on but I will say that it is absolutely amazing, addictive, keeps you on the edge of your seat and takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Juniper is a black ops soldier, warrior, strong, dedicated to justice, rave, takes charge and she is a born leader but her past is something that she has no memory of and even though she was raised by wolf clan parent's who would do anything for her she still feels like she doesn't belong or fit in anywhere. Zephyr has been reunited with his brother's after freeing himself after being held captive and even though he is happy for his brother's who have all found there mate's he still feels like a outsider and doesn't seem to fit in anywhere but he is patient, fierce, loyal, a great soldier and committed to the cause. When Juniper and Zephyr meet the attraction and chemistry between them is so hot and intense that I thought that my kindle would catch on fire and I also loved how Zephyr wasn't afraid to let and follow Juniper's lead even though he is a true alpha in every single way and that says a lot for the person he is and his character. I absolutely loved them together as they really were a force of nature to be redone with and you find yourself hoping that they could put aside all the differences, issues and trust because they definitely deserve to be together and get the happy ending that they both deserve. I absolutely loved this book and I can't recommend it enough and even though they are standalone Book once you have read one you will want to read them all as every book is absolutely amazing and so addictive.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
March 14, 2022
This series just keeps getting more intriguing. Katie goes back to her special ops strength in this book and combines it with paranormal dragons making a fascinating read. There is hunting down human trafficker's, visits from old favorite characters from her Darkness series, and ancient dragons. It opens new realms and expands the world she's created. This is just candy to this reader's heart. I was kept enthralled from start to finish.
Juniper is a dragon raised by wolves. At 12 she woke unable to remember her past and in a strange world. She was found by a pair of healers, wolf mates who took her in and claimed her as their child. As she grew up she discovered August McGuire who was in charge of a special ops wing of the government. He was introduced to us in the Darkness series. She still works with him in ops even after the world was almost destroyed. Now she has her own team of agents, still under August, tracking down and bringing to justice paranormal who traffic and abuse others. She and her team follow leads until they arrive in New Orleans and King. She finds herself drawn to Zephyr, also a dragon, who is in New Orleans with his brothers.
Zephyr is an ancient dragon who's recently awakened from hibernation to discover the world has radically changed. He's settled with his much younger brothers trying to learn this new world and struggling to fit in. When he meets Juniper the puzzle pieces start to fall into place. He slips in to become one of her team. This was such a delight to see these two strong individuals use their strengths to find and bring down the trafficker's. Juniper also is reunited with her birth family and finds out her powers and heritage.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Juniper is a dragon raised by wolves. At 12 she woke unable to remember her past and in a strange world. She was found by a pair of healers, wolf mates who took her in and claimed her as their child. As she grew up she discovered August McGuire who was in charge of a special ops wing of the government. He was introduced to us in the Darkness series. She still works with him in ops even after the world was almost destroyed. Now she has her own team of agents, still under August, tracking down and bringing to justice paranormal who traffic and abuse others. She and her team follow leads until they arrive in New Orleans and King. She finds herself drawn to Zephyr, also a dragon, who is in New Orleans with his brothers.
Zephyr is an ancient dragon who's recently awakened from hibernation to discover the world has radically changed. He's settled with his much younger brothers trying to learn this new world and struggling to fit in. When he meets Juniper the puzzle pieces start to fall into place. He slips in to become one of her team. This was such a delight to see these two strong individuals use their strengths to find and bring down the trafficker's. Juniper also is reunited with her birth family and finds out her powers and heritage.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 26, 2022
Juniper is a dragon shifter, adopted by a pair of wolves as a child she has no memories of her biological parents or where she came from. She now works as Spec-Ops for August, tracking down supernaturals who prey on others. Her latest hunt is for a group of vampires who are abducting humans and sending them into a Hell Realm. Whilst on a mission she and her team encounter Zephyr, a dragon shifter who has only just escaped from a Hell realm himself after being trapped there by a sorcerer. It happens, insta-lust, but Zephyr isn't interested in a one-night stand, he's playing for keeps.
As Juniper and her team track down the vampires in an attempt to uncover their leader, Juniper meets an ancient and powerful dragon who claims to be her grandmother and that Juniper is a princess from another realm.
Sorry to say this, but I'm bored of dragon shifters, bored of insta-love, bored of seeing someone and having the mating bond manifest itself, especially bored of shifters with 'thick' everything. Are none of them shy, willowy, or with long thin fingers (please also spare me from digits FFS).
I'll be honest I've been in another book downer having given several favourite authors and series very mediocre ratings recently but this just felt a bit tired and by rote to me.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
As Juniper and her team track down the vampires in an attempt to uncover their leader, Juniper meets an ancient and powerful dragon who claims to be her grandmother and that Juniper is a princess from another realm.
Sorry to say this, but I'm bored of dragon shifters, bored of insta-love, bored of seeing someone and having the mating bond manifest itself, especially bored of shifters with 'thick' everything. Are none of them shy, willowy, or with long thin fingers (please also spare me from digits FFS).
I'll be honest I've been in another book downer having given several favourite authors and series very mediocre ratings recently but this just felt a bit tired and by rote to me.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
March 7, 2022
Zephyr is an ancient dragon shifter who was in hibernation during The Fall; an event in which certain dragon clans attacked cities all over the world in the hopes of taking control while annihilating humanity. His three brothers have all found their mates and settled down to live happy lives. Although Zephyr is incredibly happy for his family he doesn't quite feel like he fits in to this new world until he meets Juniper.
Juniper is a dragon shifter who has no memories of her childhood prior to living with her adoptive mother and father who happen to be wolves. Her parents were incredibly understanding and willing to do anything for Juniper, even if that meant switching clans to stop the abuse Juniper was experiencing from the other children. Her childhood might not have been perfect but she never had any desire to learn who her birth parents were. Juniper and her friends are now members of a Black Ops team fighting against supernaturals who want to do harm to others. Their current mission is to uncover a human trafficking ring. Their search brings them to New Orleans and right to Zephyr's door step.
I continue to be blown away by this series. I enjoy the premise and the world Reus has developed post apocalyptic event. All of the main characters are incredibly mindful of creating a world that is better than it was prior to the dragon attack. There is a great amount of compassion and a desire to treat one another with respect regardless whether you are a vampire, shifter, or demon. Juniper is a strong female character with a unique background. I loved revisiting characters from the first four stories and I look forward to the next installment.
Juniper is a dragon shifter who has no memories of her childhood prior to living with her adoptive mother and father who happen to be wolves. Her parents were incredibly understanding and willing to do anything for Juniper, even if that meant switching clans to stop the abuse Juniper was experiencing from the other children. Her childhood might not have been perfect but she never had any desire to learn who her birth parents were. Juniper and her friends are now members of a Black Ops team fighting against supernaturals who want to do harm to others. Their current mission is to uncover a human trafficking ring. Their search brings them to New Orleans and right to Zephyr's door step.
I continue to be blown away by this series. I enjoy the premise and the world Reus has developed post apocalyptic event. All of the main characters are incredibly mindful of creating a world that is better than it was prior to the dragon attack. There is a great amount of compassion and a desire to treat one another with respect regardless whether you are a vampire, shifter, or demon. Juniper is a strong female character with a unique background. I loved revisiting characters from the first four stories and I look forward to the next installment.
May 19, 2022
Oh so excellent!
I love the dragons. They are such incredible fighters and have the best personalities. Juniper is fantastic! I think she will be a very interesting dragon to follow in the future.
I love the dragons. They are such incredible fighters and have the best personalities. Juniper is fantastic! I think she will be a very interesting dragon to follow in the future.
March 9, 2022
This latest edition in the Ancients Rising series packs a lot into just 1 book. Our main characters are Zephyr, the assumed dead dragon brother of Mikael from book 2 and Juniper, a dragon shifter he shows up with in the end of book 4. I liked Zephyr a lot. He's patient, committed and capable. Juniper was a bit meh. She has issues and she spends a lot of time without confidence and whining. It didn't align with her leader mentality.
Juniper's history was a lot. We get to spend a lot of time exploring it. So much that Zephyr is really a side character in her story. Very little focus is on him. No time is spent on his history or feelings about his own family. We get a teeny tiny side romance, but its nothing like the Darkness series where the book split time on the couples. Not sure where this series can go next.
Juniper's history was a lot. We get to spend a lot of time exploring it. So much that Zephyr is really a side character in her story. Very little focus is on him. No time is spent on his history or feelings about his own family. We get a teeny tiny side romance, but its nothing like the Darkness series where the book split time on the couples. Not sure where this series can go next.
August 26, 2025
This is one of my comfort reads.
March 12, 2022
🐉 Ancient Retribution 🐉
Ancients Rising Book 5
✒️ Katie Reus
https://www.facebook.com/katiereusauthor
Release Date 03/22/2022
Publisher KR Press, LLC
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GYM3J35/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
A dragon princess once lost… Juniper hunts down the most dangerous criminals on her black ops missions—and she’s good at it. A dragon shifter who was raised by wolves, she doesn’t know her birth clan and gave up trying to find them a hundred years ago. Since The Fall, when rogue dragons razed half the planet, she’s spent her days hunting down supernaturals who think they can escape justice, delivering her own. During a dangerous mission, she falls into the claws of a sexy warrior dragon adjusting to the modern world—and from the start she knows she’s in trouble. Is now found… Dragon shifter warrior Zephyr doesn’t fit into this new world. He doesn’t feel like he fits in anywhere—until he meets Juniper and her crew. He knows from the moment he sees the sexy and brave female dragon that they’re destined to be together. Unfortunately, life just got a whole lot more complicated. Not only are they in the fight of their lives against an overwhelming enemy force, but she’s royalty and her long-lost clan has come to bring her home. Even as they fight side by side to save hundreds of humans, he knows that winning her heart will be the hardest and most pivotal battle he’s ever waged. Juniper doesn’t want to get mated, doesn’t trust anyone with her heart—but this is one battle Zephyr will never stop fighting. Author note: Though part of a series, this book may be read as a stand-alone, complete with HEA.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will her fear of abandonment hold her back from a relationship which could be more …
After King’s story, I wondered who would be next as most of the first introduced characters were now mated.
Yet there are still so many potentials with both old and now new characters. I hope if this series is coming to a close, that there will be a sequel to offer them all their own HEA.
Zephyr appeared in the previous books, he was the estranged brother, separated from his kin for centuries to only find when he freed himself from the hell realm he was imprisoned in that his clan has be decimated. So he is still adjusting to his new reality, but feeling an outsider.
Juniper found with her adopted family an equilibrium but it never erased the perception to have been unwanted and left behind. Why she protects herself by never allowing anyone in outside her close knitted clan. So when a dragon setting off all the warning signals, she tries to keep him at arm’s length. But he is no man to be deterred without a fight.
I loved them together, Zephyr is so accepting of Juniper, in awe of her strength and resilience. A perfect partner if she would be willing to open her heart to someone outside her family.
But as they face threats plus her past knocking at the door, she will have to make choice, to weight her decision to live alone or not.
Zephyr is one hell of a companion, accepting Juniper as she is, but refusing to bend to her edict when it means he would have to give her up, he is patient to let her come to him at her own pace.
Can wait to read more about all those protagonists left unmatched.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen foreplays and lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CbBBEimg...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #shifterromance #bookblog #romanceauthor #paranormalromance #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #dragonromance
Ancients Rising Book 5
✒️ Katie Reus
https://www.facebook.com/katiereusauthor
Release Date 03/22/2022
Publisher KR Press, LLC
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GYM3J35/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
A dragon princess once lost… Juniper hunts down the most dangerous criminals on her black ops missions—and she’s good at it. A dragon shifter who was raised by wolves, she doesn’t know her birth clan and gave up trying to find them a hundred years ago. Since The Fall, when rogue dragons razed half the planet, she’s spent her days hunting down supernaturals who think they can escape justice, delivering her own. During a dangerous mission, she falls into the claws of a sexy warrior dragon adjusting to the modern world—and from the start she knows she’s in trouble. Is now found… Dragon shifter warrior Zephyr doesn’t fit into this new world. He doesn’t feel like he fits in anywhere—until he meets Juniper and her crew. He knows from the moment he sees the sexy and brave female dragon that they’re destined to be together. Unfortunately, life just got a whole lot more complicated. Not only are they in the fight of their lives against an overwhelming enemy force, but she’s royalty and her long-lost clan has come to bring her home. Even as they fight side by side to save hundreds of humans, he knows that winning her heart will be the hardest and most pivotal battle he’s ever waged. Juniper doesn’t want to get mated, doesn’t trust anyone with her heart—but this is one battle Zephyr will never stop fighting. Author note: Though part of a series, this book may be read as a stand-alone, complete with HEA.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will her fear of abandonment hold her back from a relationship which could be more …
After King’s story, I wondered who would be next as most of the first introduced characters were now mated.
Yet there are still so many potentials with both old and now new characters. I hope if this series is coming to a close, that there will be a sequel to offer them all their own HEA.
Zephyr appeared in the previous books, he was the estranged brother, separated from his kin for centuries to only find when he freed himself from the hell realm he was imprisoned in that his clan has be decimated. So he is still adjusting to his new reality, but feeling an outsider.
Juniper found with her adopted family an equilibrium but it never erased the perception to have been unwanted and left behind. Why she protects herself by never allowing anyone in outside her close knitted clan. So when a dragon setting off all the warning signals, she tries to keep him at arm’s length. But he is no man to be deterred without a fight.
I loved them together, Zephyr is so accepting of Juniper, in awe of her strength and resilience. A perfect partner if she would be willing to open her heart to someone outside her family.
But as they face threats plus her past knocking at the door, she will have to make choice, to weight her decision to live alone or not.
Zephyr is one hell of a companion, accepting Juniper as she is, but refusing to bend to her edict when it means he would have to give her up, he is patient to let her come to him at her own pace.
Can wait to read more about all those protagonists left unmatched.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen foreplays and lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CbBBEimg...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #shifterromance #bookblog #romanceauthor #paranormalromance #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #dragonromance
March 20, 2022
4.5 stars--ANCIENT RETRIBUTION is the fifth instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult ANCIENT RISINGS paranormal/fantasy romance series. This is ancient dragon shifter Zephyr, and Black Ops dragon shifter Juniper’s story line. ANCIENT RETRIBUTION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
SOME BACKGROUND: Months earlier, several dragons rose from their sleep, and in the aftermath destroyed much of the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, in an apocalyptic showdown known as The Fall, but in doing so revealed the existence of the supernatural world to humankind. Ancients Rising focuses on the recovery of the city, and the group of supernaturals and dragons who have come to call New Orleans their home.
Told from several third person perspectives including Zephyr and Juniper ANCIENTS RETRIBUTION focuses on the hunt for a group of vampires trafficking human women. Upon his escape from the H*ll dimension, an injured Zephyr is rescued by Black Ops dragon shifter Juniper, and Zephyr knows immediately our heroine is his mate but Juniper and her crew are on the search for the being responsible for opening the gates to the H*ll dimension, gates that are the portals between H*ll and Earth. With a number of human female missing or dead, Juniper and her team are tasked with uncovering the truth, a team that now includes our story line hero. As Juniper and Zephyr track down the people responsible for the missing and murdered women, Juniper’s past comes full circle, when our heroine comes face to face with the family she has never known. What ensues is the slow building love and relationship betwee Juniper and Zephyr, and the potential fall-out as Juniper’s past, present and future collide, revealing a betrayal at the very heart of murder and greed.
Zephyr is a powerful ancient, and a male who has finally found the mate to his heart but Juniper is a Black Ops warrior, whose past is shrouded in mystery, a past that reveals Juniper’s royal lineage, and a possible bloody ascension to the throne. Juniper never expected to find a mate, having spent most of her life living and raised by a pack of wolves, but falling for Zephyr was a struggle in the face of not knowing the truth about her own powers, or what happened or why.
The relationship between Zephyr and Juniper begins when Juniper and her team ‘rescue’ and help heal our story line hero. Zephyr and Juniper are immediately attracted to one another, but Juniper struggles with the idea of mating, and the reality of the unknown about her history and her past. Zephyr knows Juniper is his mate, and bides his time hoping to seduce the woman with whom he will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters most of whom we have met in previous instalments. We are introduced to the family that raised Juniper, and her newly found biological family, a family that has been searching for Juniper for over one-hundred and twenty-five years.
ANCIENT RETRIBUTION is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, search and rescue, retribution and love. The fast paced premise is engaging, tragic, detailed and dramatic; the romance is edgy and captivating; the characters are energetic, powerful and animated.
www.thereadingcafe.com
SOME BACKGROUND: Months earlier, several dragons rose from their sleep, and in the aftermath destroyed much of the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, in an apocalyptic showdown known as The Fall, but in doing so revealed the existence of the supernatural world to humankind. Ancients Rising focuses on the recovery of the city, and the group of supernaturals and dragons who have come to call New Orleans their home.
Told from several third person perspectives including Zephyr and Juniper ANCIENTS RETRIBUTION focuses on the hunt for a group of vampires trafficking human women. Upon his escape from the H*ll dimension, an injured Zephyr is rescued by Black Ops dragon shifter Juniper, and Zephyr knows immediately our heroine is his mate but Juniper and her crew are on the search for the being responsible for opening the gates to the H*ll dimension, gates that are the portals between H*ll and Earth. With a number of human female missing or dead, Juniper and her team are tasked with uncovering the truth, a team that now includes our story line hero. As Juniper and Zephyr track down the people responsible for the missing and murdered women, Juniper’s past comes full circle, when our heroine comes face to face with the family she has never known. What ensues is the slow building love and relationship betwee Juniper and Zephyr, and the potential fall-out as Juniper’s past, present and future collide, revealing a betrayal at the very heart of murder and greed.
Zephyr is a powerful ancient, and a male who has finally found the mate to his heart but Juniper is a Black Ops warrior, whose past is shrouded in mystery, a past that reveals Juniper’s royal lineage, and a possible bloody ascension to the throne. Juniper never expected to find a mate, having spent most of her life living and raised by a pack of wolves, but falling for Zephyr was a struggle in the face of not knowing the truth about her own powers, or what happened or why.
The relationship between Zephyr and Juniper begins when Juniper and her team ‘rescue’ and help heal our story line hero. Zephyr and Juniper are immediately attracted to one another, but Juniper struggles with the idea of mating, and the reality of the unknown about her history and her past. Zephyr knows Juniper is his mate, and bides his time hoping to seduce the woman with whom he will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters most of whom we have met in previous instalments. We are introduced to the family that raised Juniper, and her newly found biological family, a family that has been searching for Juniper for over one-hundred and twenty-five years.
ANCIENT RETRIBUTION is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, search and rescue, retribution and love. The fast paced premise is engaging, tragic, detailed and dramatic; the romance is edgy and captivating; the characters are energetic, powerful and animated.
www.thereadingcafe.com
April 4, 2022
In Katie Reus’ Ancient Retribution, Ancients Rising #5, a lost dragon princess finds her mate and lost clan while tracking missing humans and battling an unknown, treacherous enemy. I loved the development of the relationship between Zephyr and Juniper. Juniper being a fantastic fighter and leader and all-around badass goes without saying. But I loved Zephyr’s character. Zephyr is all in on Juniper from the moment they meet. He respects her so much and never undermines her leadership. Despite being an alpha male, there’s not one moment when he’s at all bothered by her being in charge. He becomes her partner, offering her support, caring for her, and meeting her needs—first. I loved all that and how sexy he finds her being in control and the leader of the crew, his leader. Juniper and Zephyr have fiery chemistry. And their interactions and relationship are intense, sexy, and steamy, but also sweet, even though she tries to resist him and their connection at every turn because of trust issues and fear.
Juniper leads her black ops crew on missions hunting dangerous criminals. Raised by wolves, she’s a dragon shifter who doesn’t know her birth clan—something she gave up on discovering a century ago. Since rogue dragons destroyed half the planet in the Fall, she’s focused on her missions and hunting down supernaturals, ensuring they don’t escape justice. During a treacherous mission, she meets dragon shifter warrior Zephyr. They join forces to track missing humans and the ones responsible. Until meeting Juniper and her crew, Zephyr doesn’t feel like he fits in anywhere, especially in this new world. Adjusting to life after being trapped in a hell dimension hasn’t been easy. But from the moment he sees her, he knows he fits with Juniper, his destined mate. Zephyr’s set on winning her heart, even knowing it will be his most formidable challenge because she doesn’t trust anyone with her heart and doesn’t want to get mated. Zephyr cannot lose this battle, so he won’t give in or ever stop fighting to win her. He’s up against Juniper’s stubbornness, a long-lost clan who has come to bring their lost dragon princess home, and an enemy with endless resources.
Reus’s descriptive and thrilling action scenes, intriguing suspense plot, and deft world-building and character development make this another exciting read in her Ancients Rising series. But how she takes an issue—found families, estranged families, kidnapping, organ theft, human trafficking, etc.—giving it a supernatural spin makes her stories fascinating and gives them added depth. She brilliantly does so here. My only complaint is that the villains lacked sufficient development to match their threat level and inflicted harm. Likewise, while Reus nicely plants seeds connected with Juniper’s separation from her clan, the resolution of this central plot point was dealt with too quickly, as though there wasn’t enough time to resolve it in the detail it deserved.
Action-packed, suspenseful, and steamy, Ancient Retribution is an entertaining and intriguing paranormal romance.
Advanced review copy provided by KR Press LLC via Netgalley for review.
Juniper leads her black ops crew on missions hunting dangerous criminals. Raised by wolves, she’s a dragon shifter who doesn’t know her birth clan—something she gave up on discovering a century ago. Since rogue dragons destroyed half the planet in the Fall, she’s focused on her missions and hunting down supernaturals, ensuring they don’t escape justice. During a treacherous mission, she meets dragon shifter warrior Zephyr. They join forces to track missing humans and the ones responsible. Until meeting Juniper and her crew, Zephyr doesn’t feel like he fits in anywhere, especially in this new world. Adjusting to life after being trapped in a hell dimension hasn’t been easy. But from the moment he sees her, he knows he fits with Juniper, his destined mate. Zephyr’s set on winning her heart, even knowing it will be his most formidable challenge because she doesn’t trust anyone with her heart and doesn’t want to get mated. Zephyr cannot lose this battle, so he won’t give in or ever stop fighting to win her. He’s up against Juniper’s stubbornness, a long-lost clan who has come to bring their lost dragon princess home, and an enemy with endless resources.
Reus’s descriptive and thrilling action scenes, intriguing suspense plot, and deft world-building and character development make this another exciting read in her Ancients Rising series. But how she takes an issue—found families, estranged families, kidnapping, organ theft, human trafficking, etc.—giving it a supernatural spin makes her stories fascinating and gives them added depth. She brilliantly does so here. My only complaint is that the villains lacked sufficient development to match their threat level and inflicted harm. Likewise, while Reus nicely plants seeds connected with Juniper’s separation from her clan, the resolution of this central plot point was dealt with too quickly, as though there wasn’t enough time to resolve it in the detail it deserved.
Action-packed, suspenseful, and steamy, Ancient Retribution is an entertaining and intriguing paranormal romance.
Advanced review copy provided by KR Press LLC via Netgalley for review.
January 19, 2026
Comparing this one to the rest of the series, it definitely doesn’t hit the same. I understand that this was an introduction to new characters and settings that needed to be established in order to set up the next couple of books, however it felt like such a nothing burger of a book. Zephyr was sidelined in favour of heavily focusing on Juniper and her crew, which is fair, however it really sucks because his character had a lot of potential, and there could’ve been better tension and romance between him and Juniper because of that.
It would’ve been so interesting to see Zephyr struggling with adapting to life outside of the Hell realm he was stuck in for a really long time, and the difficult feelings he would’ve had from losing time with his brothers, who had presumed him dead, and trying to bond with them. I think it would’ve also been interesting if Juniper was also jealous of Zephyr, as she was a dragon raised by wolves and had complicated feelings about that. I think Zephyr and Juniper could’ve also both struggled to be normal people instead of being just warriors, and could’ve bonded about it.
I’m quite disappointed in how empty and rushed the main problem of the story was. Compared to previous entries in the series, this was such a non-problem. I mean King literally was hunted down by a virtually unstoppable bad guy who poisoned him with a very specific fatal and specific poison, and Aurora literally killed them both and later resurrected both of them with her phoenix powers. Hell, Mikael was also almost killed by the evil bad guy who Zephyr was fighting. In this one, it was just like a team effort to save people and there was no tension or problem that ended up bringing the main characters closer together and strengthening their relationship. There wasn’t any chapters that focused on the bad guys, and everything occurred in the background instead of being front and centre like in the other books, and there wasn’t a huge sense of urgency that built up tension and made you nervous for the characters. The tension between Juniper and Zephyr felt forced, not natural, and honestly there wasn’t enough yearning either. They got their happily ever after, but it felt like the author was running too close to the page count and realized that she needed to give them a happily ever after ending that tied up every single loose end ever brought up in the book. Juniper literally went from “I don’t want to ever be mated” to getting married in under 300 pages. Come on man.
It would’ve been so interesting to see Zephyr struggling with adapting to life outside of the Hell realm he was stuck in for a really long time, and the difficult feelings he would’ve had from losing time with his brothers, who had presumed him dead, and trying to bond with them. I think it would’ve also been interesting if Juniper was also jealous of Zephyr, as she was a dragon raised by wolves and had complicated feelings about that. I think Zephyr and Juniper could’ve also both struggled to be normal people instead of being just warriors, and could’ve bonded about it.
I’m quite disappointed in how empty and rushed the main problem of the story was. Compared to previous entries in the series, this was such a non-problem. I mean King literally was hunted down by a virtually unstoppable bad guy who poisoned him with a very specific fatal and specific poison, and Aurora literally killed them both and later resurrected both of them with her phoenix powers. Hell, Mikael was also almost killed by the evil bad guy who Zephyr was fighting. In this one, it was just like a team effort to save people and there was no tension or problem that ended up bringing the main characters closer together and strengthening their relationship. There wasn’t any chapters that focused on the bad guys, and everything occurred in the background instead of being front and centre like in the other books, and there wasn’t a huge sense of urgency that built up tension and made you nervous for the characters. The tension between Juniper and Zephyr felt forced, not natural, and honestly there wasn’t enough yearning either. They got their happily ever after, but it felt like the author was running too close to the page count and realized that she needed to give them a happily ever after ending that tied up every single loose end ever brought up in the book. Juniper literally went from “I don’t want to ever be mated” to getting married in under 300 pages. Come on man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2022
Juniper is a dragon shifter who has given up trying to find her birth clan. She was adopted by a wolf pack as a child and though she doesn’t know her dragon roots, she has loving parents and good friends around her. She has black ops skills that keep her busy in the magical world, and her latest mission has her in close proximity to an ancient dragon who is just getting used to the modern world.
Zephyr has reunited with his brothers in New Orleans, but feels out of place after their differing experiences. He finds himself attracted to Juniper and will do whatever he needs to help her while she is in New Orleans. As he inserts himself into her mission, he also works to convince her that forever with him is a good bet.
These characters were a great compliment to each other. Juniper is strong, independent, and fierce. She is used to making her own decisions and keeping herself from connecting too deeply with anyone new. When she discovers a tie to her long lost family, she has some decisions to make about her future and just how much to let her new family (and Zephyr) into her life. Zephyr’s struggles to feel like he belongs seem to lessen when he is near Juniper, but she isn’t interested in taking a mate, so convincing her to do otherwise is a challenge he is up for. I love that he recognized her strength and just wanted to help her be the best she could without taking away her power.
I love this world and the way all the magical creatures are interconnected. The world building is strong and offers so many different avenues for this series to continue to entertain. There are several side romances building and there is always room for improvement in the city as rebuilding continues. Katie Reus has once again given readers a storyline that fits into her Ancients Rising world, keeps the series arc moving forward, continually expands the character pool, and thoroughly entertains and delights.
Follow Me: Blog: Reviews by Tammy & Kim (Rachel and Jay) | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Zephyr has reunited with his brothers in New Orleans, but feels out of place after their differing experiences. He finds himself attracted to Juniper and will do whatever he needs to help her while she is in New Orleans. As he inserts himself into her mission, he also works to convince her that forever with him is a good bet.
These characters were a great compliment to each other. Juniper is strong, independent, and fierce. She is used to making her own decisions and keeping herself from connecting too deeply with anyone new. When she discovers a tie to her long lost family, she has some decisions to make about her future and just how much to let her new family (and Zephyr) into her life. Zephyr’s struggles to feel like he belongs seem to lessen when he is near Juniper, but she isn’t interested in taking a mate, so convincing her to do otherwise is a challenge he is up for. I love that he recognized her strength and just wanted to help her be the best she could without taking away her power.
I love this world and the way all the magical creatures are interconnected. The world building is strong and offers so many different avenues for this series to continue to entertain. There are several side romances building and there is always room for improvement in the city as rebuilding continues. Katie Reus has once again given readers a storyline that fits into her Ancients Rising world, keeps the series arc moving forward, continually expands the character pool, and thoroughly entertains and delights.
April 3, 2022
Katie Reus always delivers, and Ancient Retribution is no exception. Zephyr and Juniper's story, like the previous ones in the series, is a lovely blend of humor, heart, and heat. Both dragons, Z and J have a lot of raw power between them, and, as is the way with dragon shifters, the bigger they are, the harder they fall. I'm a sucker for the trope.
Juniper was raised by wolves, who found her abandoned when she was a child. Since then, she has become a black ops operative, working with her wolf- and jaguar- shifter brothers and a female vampire friend to bring down any and all threats to supernaturals and humans alike. They run into Zephyr while on such an op, and Zephyr immediately feels the mating bond. Juniper does too, but abandonment issues have her holding him at arms length. Zephyr joins their team as they pursue supernatural human traffickers in the New Orleans territory and beyond. When Juniper's forgotten past suddenly finds her, a wrench is thrown into the works. Juniper suffers a sight identity crisis, though none of it adversely affects her ability to bring the bad guys down.
The missing star is due to the plot having a slight identity crisis of its own. Though there is definitely a romance element, Z and J's mating is pretty much a foregone conclusion; there are no real roadblocks that threaten the relationship. Juniper's past is also clearly important, but in many ways, it is secondary to the trafficking storyline (Juniper is too much of a professional to let personal issues distract her from an op). However, the trafficking storyline by itself doesn't present much of a challenge either. There's enough going on between the three subplots to make the book very enjoyable, but it's hard not to feel a little disappointed at the end simply because everything was just a little too easy.
This criticism isn't enough to put me off this wonderful supernatural series or the author though, not by a long shot. Reus' characters are just so delightful and her supernatural worlds so well developed that any future novels will push to the top of my to-read pile.
I received an ARC of the book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
Juniper was raised by wolves, who found her abandoned when she was a child. Since then, she has become a black ops operative, working with her wolf- and jaguar- shifter brothers and a female vampire friend to bring down any and all threats to supernaturals and humans alike. They run into Zephyr while on such an op, and Zephyr immediately feels the mating bond. Juniper does too, but abandonment issues have her holding him at arms length. Zephyr joins their team as they pursue supernatural human traffickers in the New Orleans territory and beyond. When Juniper's forgotten past suddenly finds her, a wrench is thrown into the works. Juniper suffers a sight identity crisis, though none of it adversely affects her ability to bring the bad guys down.
The missing star is due to the plot having a slight identity crisis of its own. Though there is definitely a romance element, Z and J's mating is pretty much a foregone conclusion; there are no real roadblocks that threaten the relationship. Juniper's past is also clearly important, but in many ways, it is secondary to the trafficking storyline (Juniper is too much of a professional to let personal issues distract her from an op). However, the trafficking storyline by itself doesn't present much of a challenge either. There's enough going on between the three subplots to make the book very enjoyable, but it's hard not to feel a little disappointed at the end simply because everything was just a little too easy.
This criticism isn't enough to put me off this wonderful supernatural series or the author though, not by a long shot. Reus' characters are just so delightful and her supernatural worlds so well developed that any future novels will push to the top of my to-read pile.
I received an ARC of the book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
March 8, 2022
Juniper is a dragon who has no memories of her own clan and was raised by a wolf clan. She now is involved in black ops with her team and assists another dragon while en route to King's territory.
Zephyr has not been out of the hell realm very long but has been reunited with his brothers in King's territory, but still feels like an outsider. She helps him during a mission and sparks his interest. He knows what he wants and is determined to win her over...and not just for a casual interlude.
But Juniper is impulsive, brave, stubborn, independent-minded, guarded, and likes to be in control. She has trust and abandonment issues. Not only are there important rescue jobs to finish, but her past seems to be coming to find her...and it is something that she never imagined.
But Zephyr seems to be finding his place at her side whether she wants him there or not. He strives to be her champion, partner, and protector if needed, but also knows she is a fierce warrior and leader on her own. I loved their dynamic.
There are also some subplots of romances going on between sidekicks and I enjoyed those as well. I love that these books are full of all kinds of supes mating...dragons, vamps, wolves, jaguars, witches, phoenixes, etc. It keeps it interesting. And there is always action going on as well.
Follow Me: Blog: Reviews by Tammy & Kim (Rachel and Jay) | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Zephyr has not been out of the hell realm very long but has been reunited with his brothers in King's territory, but still feels like an outsider. She helps him during a mission and sparks his interest. He knows what he wants and is determined to win her over...and not just for a casual interlude.
But Juniper is impulsive, brave, stubborn, independent-minded, guarded, and likes to be in control. She has trust and abandonment issues. Not only are there important rescue jobs to finish, but her past seems to be coming to find her...and it is something that she never imagined.
But Zephyr seems to be finding his place at her side whether she wants him there or not. He strives to be her champion, partner, and protector if needed, but also knows she is a fierce warrior and leader on her own. I loved their dynamic.
There are also some subplots of romances going on between sidekicks and I enjoyed those as well. I love that these books are full of all kinds of supes mating...dragons, vamps, wolves, jaguars, witches, phoenixes, etc. It keeps it interesting. And there is always action going on as well.
March 2, 2022
I just simply love this series, heck, I love all of Ms Reus' books, but this series has something special. It just keeps getting better and better with each book and Ms Reus has this great way of portraying the men in her books as these over protective, possessive heroes who would do anything for their females, who themselves certainly are no wallflowers.
Juniper is working black ops with her team to stop supernaturals who abuse humans. When on one of such missions she meets Zephyr while he is trying to close the gate to a Hell Realm. When he finds out they have the same goal and hunt the same people he decides to join them.
Zephyr immediately knows she's his mate, but Juniper comes with baggage. She was abandoned by her biological family and found and raises by a lovely wolf family. Unbeknownst to her though, her biological family never stopped looking for her and when they do contact her, she's really confused.
While all this is going on the attraction between Juniper and Zephyr is of the charts. Juniper however doesn't want to commit fully and Zephyr only wants something serious. It was great to see how he won her over bit by bit, while still fighting to save all the humans in time.
As said, this series just keeps getting better and better and I'm already looking forward to Ren and Grace's story that will hopefully be next and please, please, pretty please Ms Reus, can you give Christian and Alex a story too??😍
This ARC was kindly given to me by the author via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. Thank you ever so much!!
Juniper is working black ops with her team to stop supernaturals who abuse humans. When on one of such missions she meets Zephyr while he is trying to close the gate to a Hell Realm. When he finds out they have the same goal and hunt the same people he decides to join them.
Zephyr immediately knows she's his mate, but Juniper comes with baggage. She was abandoned by her biological family and found and raises by a lovely wolf family. Unbeknownst to her though, her biological family never stopped looking for her and when they do contact her, she's really confused.
While all this is going on the attraction between Juniper and Zephyr is of the charts. Juniper however doesn't want to commit fully and Zephyr only wants something serious. It was great to see how he won her over bit by bit, while still fighting to save all the humans in time.
As said, this series just keeps getting better and better and I'm already looking forward to Ren and Grace's story that will hopefully be next and please, please, pretty please Ms Reus, can you give Christian and Alex a story too??😍
This ARC was kindly given to me by the author via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. Thank you ever so much!!
Read
March 22, 2022Juniper is a dragon shifter abandoned as a young girl in Russia and found by wolf shifters who took her in as their own. Years later she’s working special operations mainly against paranormal offenders after the apocalyptic dragon uprising that outed supernatural beings to humanity and changed the world order. Zephyr is another dragon shifter who, after years trapped in hell, has been reunited with his brothers in New Orleans. While he’s happy to be back with his family something is holding him back from feeling that he completely belongs. When he meets Juniper while on a mission he realises she is who he needs
The fifth book in the Ancients Rising series and I have to say I’m loving the introduction of new worlds, in this case the Nova realm where dragons dwell in a matriarchal society and I hoping we’ll be hearing more about this other world in future books . There are lots of familiar characters and some new ones that I’m sure will appear in future books. It’s a bit of slow burn romance as the hero and heroine don’t immediately jump into bed but that’s not due to any lack of chemistry between them. There is a lot of sexual tension building up and scorching looks going on. The plot itself is fantastic, fast paced and full of action as Juniper, Zephyr and their team hunt down the vampire traffickers leading to a dramatic finale. My one niggle with this book would be the conclusion to the subplot involving the mystery of who Juniper really is. It just seemed a bit rushed and anticlimactic for me.
The fifth book in the Ancients Rising series and I have to say I’m loving the introduction of new worlds, in this case the Nova realm where dragons dwell in a matriarchal society and I hoping we’ll be hearing more about this other world in future books . There are lots of familiar characters and some new ones that I’m sure will appear in future books. It’s a bit of slow burn romance as the hero and heroine don’t immediately jump into bed but that’s not due to any lack of chemistry between them. There is a lot of sexual tension building up and scorching looks going on. The plot itself is fantastic, fast paced and full of action as Juniper, Zephyr and their team hunt down the vampire traffickers leading to a dramatic finale. My one niggle with this book would be the conclusion to the subplot involving the mystery of who Juniper really is. It just seemed a bit rushed and anticlimactic for me.
March 13, 2022
Juniper and her little found-family of shifters are part of a Black Ops agency that has been policing Supernaturals for decades. Since the Fall their lives have just got way busier! Now on a mission with King's territory in NOLA they have to add in a new team member - Zephyr.
Zephyr had no intention on finding his forever but Fate stepped in and plonked Juniper in his path. She may be down for a quick, one-off encounter but he's determined that they are forever. Can his cunning plan to quietly and determinedly dismantle her walls work? All whilst tracking down a scummy trafficker?
Juniper is refreshingly take-charge. Her group, and Zephyr, fall in line with her orders - she is most definitely boss lady. There is no misogyny with her team and Zephyr just wants her safe and with him - he doesn't care what kind of trouble his bada&& mate gets into. He just wants to be beside her.
Juniper's childhood abandonment and subsequent adoption have obviously made her the dragon she is. She just wants to know where all these "extra" powers that she has come from. Zephyr's long imprisonment in another dimension has caused a rift with his family. They all still love each other but his brothers moved on and grew up without him and he feels superfluous to requirements.
I am a sucker for found families and this doesn't disappoint. I love that this crazy little apocalyptic world is expanding! Roll on book 6!
Zephyr had no intention on finding his forever but Fate stepped in and plonked Juniper in his path. She may be down for a quick, one-off encounter but he's determined that they are forever. Can his cunning plan to quietly and determinedly dismantle her walls work? All whilst tracking down a scummy trafficker?
Juniper is refreshingly take-charge. Her group, and Zephyr, fall in line with her orders - she is most definitely boss lady. There is no misogyny with her team and Zephyr just wants her safe and with him - he doesn't care what kind of trouble his bada&& mate gets into. He just wants to be beside her.
Juniper's childhood abandonment and subsequent adoption have obviously made her the dragon she is. She just wants to know where all these "extra" powers that she has come from. Zephyr's long imprisonment in another dimension has caused a rift with his family. They all still love each other but his brothers moved on and grew up without him and he feels superfluous to requirements.
I am a sucker for found families and this doesn't disappoint. I love that this crazy little apocalyptic world is expanding! Roll on book 6!
March 21, 2022
What a delight to find out that book four in the Ancients Rising Series was not the last one. So glad that the series continues with Ancient Retribution (Ancients Rising #5) by Katie Reus. A clearer picture of the entire US is given after The Fall with Juniper’s and Zephyr’s story. Much of the focus on the series has been on the rebuilding of New Orleans. I like how it branched out some in this book along with other realms coming into play too.
The setting of the series is part of the overarching theme but it does not control the storylines as some other paranormal series that I have read do. By that I mean that the author does not draw out conflicts or have villains who continue to dominate the plots for many books or only have the overarching theme. Problems arise, battles are fought and solutions are found. In the next book a new problem arises. I really enjoy this kind of series and especially have loved this ones.
Juniper has no idea where she came from or who her biological parents are when Zephyr meets her. She has found family that is stronger than many. Zephyr understands this since he has also suffered losses in his life. Together they make a terrific duo. Theirs is one amazing story. If you enjoy paranormal stories you will love Ancient Retribution.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The setting of the series is part of the overarching theme but it does not control the storylines as some other paranormal series that I have read do. By that I mean that the author does not draw out conflicts or have villains who continue to dominate the plots for many books or only have the overarching theme. Problems arise, battles are fought and solutions are found. In the next book a new problem arises. I really enjoy this kind of series and especially have loved this ones.
Juniper has no idea where she came from or who her biological parents are when Zephyr meets her. She has found family that is stronger than many. Zephyr understands this since he has also suffered losses in his life. Together they make a terrific duo. Theirs is one amazing story. If you enjoy paranormal stories you will love Ancient Retribution.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 6, 2025
🇫🇷French & English reviews🇬🇧
📖Genre & Tropes📖 : romance paranormal x dragons x New Orleans x mates x royalty x suspens-ish plot x badass heroine & hero x touch her & die x spicy
Une romance paranormale que j’ai dévoré
Après avoir lu Ancient Warlord, je me suis dit que j’allais relire toute la série … Et j’ai réalisé que je n’avais pas lu tous les tomes !! SACRILÈGE !
Et j’ai adoré lire l’histoire de Juniper, la voir douter face à son passé et sa famille retrouvée mais aussi voir Zephyr qui fait tout pour la conquérir, sans se laisser abattre ><
Bref, une romance paranormale avec des dragons badass que j’ai dévoré ! Pour ceux qui veulent des romances légères pleines de magie et de dragons, je recommande !
PS : j’adore tellement Hunter =D
⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐
A paranormal romance that I devoured
After reading Ancient Warlord, I told myself I would reread the entire series … And I realized I hadn't read all the books !! SHAME ON ME !
And I loved reading Juniper's story, seeing her full of doubts about her past and her rediscovered family, but also seeing Zephyr do everything to win her over, without giving up ><
In short, a paranormal romance with badass dragons that I devoured ! For those who want light romances full of magic and dragons, I recommend it !
PS: I love Hunter so much =D
📖Genre & Tropes📖 : romance paranormal x dragons x New Orleans x mates x royalty x suspens-ish plot x badass heroine & hero x touch her & die x spicy
Une romance paranormale que j’ai dévoré
Après avoir lu Ancient Warlord, je me suis dit que j’allais relire toute la série … Et j’ai réalisé que je n’avais pas lu tous les tomes !! SACRILÈGE !
Et j’ai adoré lire l’histoire de Juniper, la voir douter face à son passé et sa famille retrouvée mais aussi voir Zephyr qui fait tout pour la conquérir, sans se laisser abattre ><
Bref, une romance paranormale avec des dragons badass que j’ai dévoré ! Pour ceux qui veulent des romances légères pleines de magie et de dragons, je recommande !
PS : j’adore tellement Hunter =D
⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐
A paranormal romance that I devoured
After reading Ancient Warlord, I told myself I would reread the entire series … And I realized I hadn't read all the books !! SHAME ON ME !
And I loved reading Juniper's story, seeing her full of doubts about her past and her rediscovered family, but also seeing Zephyr do everything to win her over, without giving up ><
In short, a paranormal romance with badass dragons that I devoured ! For those who want light romances full of magic and dragons, I recommend it !
PS: I love Hunter so much =D
April 3, 2023
It was ok but jam-packed and lack of depth. I love most Katie Reus books but this book had so much going on but didn't go deep on anything. MC was in a hell realm for 1,000 years and his friends were killed, he killed those who killed his friends and that's it. That's how he told it and nothing more was said. FMC is leader of a Black Ops team and all he can think about, even during a mission, is screwing the new guy (who is her mate) and constantly telling you how hot he is. Really? You can't focus on saving people's lives without mentioning how much you want to f*ck the new member of your team? Professionally FMC can handle things but personally she runs from anything that is overwhelming.
The final twist was out of nowhere with no explanation of how? People were killed off-screen with only a passing mention. It was just too much story, little romance and insta-love with constant hesitation by FMC.
Both narrators for this series were just bad. Jim Frangione added nothing to this book except reading the words on paper. He didn't even try for a softer voice when doing FMC and didn't change his voice when he was doing the side characters. MC had a strange accent but that was it. I read the first three books in this series and they were good but this would not be worth an Audible credit. Luckily, I listened to it through Hoopla.
The final twist was out of nowhere with no explanation of how? People were killed off-screen with only a passing mention. It was just too much story, little romance and insta-love with constant hesitation by FMC.
Both narrators for this series were just bad. Jim Frangione added nothing to this book except reading the words on paper. He didn't even try for a softer voice when doing FMC and didn't change his voice when he was doing the side characters. MC had a strange accent but that was it. I read the first three books in this series and they were good but this would not be worth an Audible credit. Luckily, I listened to it through Hoopla.
March 7, 2022
I have been enjoying the heck out of this series. Shifters, Vampires, and Dragons oh my! We met both the main characters before - but not together. Both Zephyr and Juniper have difficult pasts. Zephyr was trapped in a hell realm (that sounds just delightful) for thousands of years away from his family. Juniper has no memory of her early childhood - before she was found by her wolf-parents. They have both become fierce warriors - and Juniper is a strong leader of her black ops team - which is a true found family for her.
I loved that Zephyr never waivered in his pursuit of Juniper. Juniper isn't sure she wants a mate or a serious relationship. But Zephyr doesn't back away - he just gives her space to learn him and see how serious he really is. Even in the midst of the human trafficking they are trying to stop - he's steady, solid, and and exactly what she needs. I just could not get enough of it!
Overall - I definitely recommend this series. You have a LOT of characters to keep track of - but they are all pretty awesome so its worth it. But seriously Katie Reus - can you please make Christian and Axel's book next - pretty please? I'm dying over here.
I receive this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
I loved that Zephyr never waivered in his pursuit of Juniper. Juniper isn't sure she wants a mate or a serious relationship. But Zephyr doesn't back away - he just gives her space to learn him and see how serious he really is. Even in the midst of the human trafficking they are trying to stop - he's steady, solid, and and exactly what she needs. I just could not get enough of it!
Overall - I definitely recommend this series. You have a LOT of characters to keep track of - but they are all pretty awesome so its worth it. But seriously Katie Reus - can you please make Christian and Axel's book next - pretty please? I'm dying over here.
I receive this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews