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Lycanthrope #1

Lycanthrope

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Natalia Bane—the willful, out-cast non-wolf.
Jameson Brand—the witty, handsome new-comer.
Blake Heathers—the bulky, brooding neighbor-boy.
A new love. A love unrequited. A love undeserving.


Having been shunned by her peers, finding a mate is the last thing on Natalia’s mind, even with the Claiming Ceremony just around the corner. When Jameson arrives from a foreign territory, her world is turned on its side—but hers isn’t the only one.
Natalia is then faced with her father’s demand—leave Kneaden and never return. The two Lycans vying for her attention—good or bad—are only complicating matters.
In an unpredictable turn of events, the trio are thrust together, and Natalia might learn that she’s different in more ways than one.

389 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 31, 2021

12 people are currently reading
263 people want to read

About the author

Olivia Rose

9 books270 followers
Independently published, codependently caffeinated. Author of Fantasy and Romance. Lover of all media. Born and raised New Englander with a fondness for swear words and movie quotes.

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5 stars
44 (27%)
4 stars
69 (43%)
3 stars
31 (19%)
2 stars
15 (9%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Soph.
63 reviews7 followers
January 2, 2022
“𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅, 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝑪𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇!”

Yes girl! Great debut novel from @itsorose Lycanthorpe.

This book was released on 31st December and I devoured it in one day!

🐺 Another Spoilerish Free Review 🐺

First and foremost I have to congratulate Olivia on her debut novel. It’s great! The plot was really engaging, drew me in straight away and was fast paced which I needed after a hefty book like EotV 😅

I loved the multiple POVs and the character development of Natalia was astonishing.

We know the typical strong female MCs in fantasy books don’t we; however none quite like Natalia. Natalia is the sort of person (Lycan) I’d want to be friends with. Going from a quiet, bullied girl to an adventurous, outspoken and strong woman was wondrous to behold.

The Lycan males, offt! Well, all I can say with spoiling it too much is I loved how it was all flipped on its head. This is the first book I’ve read with a love triangle trope. It’s so easy to be on one guys side cheering for them and then it aaaaaaaaall change but in my opinion Jay can suck it. I felt he was toxic as hell.

The world building was good. Would have loved a map 🤭

The plot took some very unexpected twists and the book literally ended with a BANG! Love a good cliffhanger and it’s the first book in a soon to be series and I think the author left the book in a really good spot to pick the story up again.

I would have liked a little more spice. There was a few ‘fade to black’ scenarios which was fine as it kept the story rolling.

Overall, great debut novel! Easy to read, entertaining, the ending was nerve wracking and exciting.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Profile Image for Kimberly Burgess.
129 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2022
Congratulations Olivia on your debut novel!

I was excited to read this story -but loved that it was fast paced so I ultimately couldn't put it down!

The Lycan culture and world building was so expansive, and the witty dialogue built a fantastic paranormal fantasy. However, the epic plot twists and Natalia's character development really make the story stand out!

There are a multitude of quote-worthy lines, but my favorite one truly sums up Natalia's development in finding her worth within her story:

"I am not your child, I am not your property, and I will not be claimed by anyone other than myself!"

That CLIFFHANGER was wild, and I will be pre-ordering book 2 as soon as possible! Until then, I will be waiting impatiently to see what happens next in this Lycanthrope series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for kim_is_bookish.
608 reviews32 followers
January 3, 2022
I had a bit of a hard time with the first 30% of the book, which I would call the world building part! It took me some time to get used to the wording and vocabulary of the world itself and the way the characters speak! Once I got used to it, I really enjoyed the story! It’s really original and not your basic/common PNR world! And the plot is full of mystery! I am very excited to read the rest of Natalia’s story! I went in thinking it was a standalone… learned along the way it wasn’t… so beware it does finish on a cliffhanger!!!
Profile Image for Vivienne.
7 reviews
August 4, 2022
I went into this book because I love Olivia’s Instagram; her humour is genius. I was hesitant because I’m not a huge werewolf fan…

Well, I am now. This book surprised me. The story was well developed, and the characters captivated me from the beginning. I can not wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Mel.
267 reviews3 followers
May 20, 2022
Okay so this book gave me some serious Twilight vibes, but in the best way. The setting at first was very "Forks, Washington" which was great because it's probably one of the most soothing settings to me. I adored the addition of other cities and places with more fantastical and magical feels to them. It complimented the story and plot well.

Our main character, Natalia, is an outcast who has just accepted her place in the world without question. Even though that place kinda sucks. She's hard headed and strong willed and can take WAY more physical and emotional damage than she should have to. Jameson is one of our male leads and I alternatively loved and really disliked him. Blake, another of our male leads, managed similar reactions from me. (Spoiler free review so I will say no more on them) The other side characters were also well written and fit their roles well without feeling forced.

I am glad there is another one because I was just getting incredibly invested in the next move Natalia was going to make on her path to finding out who she truly is when the book just... Ended. I turned the page prepared for more and it was over. Felt like I got slapped, I was so shocked.

I had some issues with some editing errors (wrong word use mostly, and a few incorrect pronoun uses) but this is something I've realized happens even with books from large publishing companies and I just have a habit of finding them. There was less than a handful and it didn't pull me out of the narrative enough to matter.
Profile Image for Alessa.
300 reviews76 followers
May 15, 2022
This is such a great debut!
It's a quick and fun read and a great mix of paranormal romance and fantasy!
I love Natalia, she's a great MC, and her relationship with Jameson is so cute.
Surprisingly, I also really enjoyed the love triangle-like situation. Blake's feelings for Natalia reminded me of Cardan in The Cruel Prince, but in a non-toxic way lol.
The beginning was a bit too school-heavy for my liking, but that's just personal preference. I also wasn't a fan of the many dream sequences, but other than that, this was thoroughly enjoyable.

I can't wait to see where this story is headed and I think there is some amazing worldbuilding to come!
12 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2022
I really tried to like this book. Unfortunately I had to DNF. The writing is cumbersome and not a smooth read. While I typically love descriptive scenes, it almost felt overdone at times and definitely hindered the progression of the story. Dialogue was awkward at times (what teen 16-18Yo says shall in normal conversation?). There were errors like describing a MC as "vain" but spelled "vein". As someone that has made a large following on Instagram for being a tough reviewer, I felt there would be more time and effort dedicated on this book. It read like a first draft and much of the excess wasn't edited out.
5 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this debut novel and look forward to reading the next book.

The world building wasn't an info dump and it came about naturally in the story. The characters were relatable, though I know they are 18 or older sometimes it was hard to not feel like they were 16 or older. I know there isn't actually much difference between 16-18 year olds, but still. It almost felt like high school but also semi-functional adults.

Overall it was an enjoyable read that I finished in a day. A bit of a low stakes, high reward read. Would recommend.



Spoiler................

I didn't love the love triangle that is being set up. I also didn't love how fast Nat and Jay became a serious item. I get that the species has an "insta-love" feature but that was hard for me to get past with the main characters.
Profile Image for Kelly McElroy.
52 reviews2 followers
January 17, 2022
Ready for more

Finished quickly and was hooked from the beginning.
The characters were great and the story drew me in immediately. I’m excited to learn more about this world and how Natalia finds out who she really is and where she came from. I feel like she will be the ugly duckling that turns how to be an amazing swan! Can’t wait for more!!!
Profile Image for Amy.
958 reviews50 followers
January 20, 2022
This was a really great debut novel. The characters were well written, the world building was detailed and interesting, and there was just enough angst and intrigue in the plot. I look forward to reading the sequel to find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Crystal.
9 reviews
January 27, 2022
Great world building and good storyline

Slow burn romance with some triangle going on. Loved the points of view and the beginning of a new telling for fantasy races. Can't wait for the next.
6 reviews
January 28, 2022
Well, well, well. You got me. I just CAN'T wait for the next book.
If you like the Twilight or Crave series, that's a big chance you'll like this one. Just wait until the second book is among us, you'll thank me later
Profile Image for Chey.
66 reviews
April 1, 2022
Not exactly 4 stars but definitely more than 3.

I thought it got a bit slow at some points, and I’m not sure I liked the pov it was written in but overall the story was interesting and I enjoyed the characters. It was a good time, there were moments I was internally begging for more!

For the record I’m Team Blake and I’m not sorry.
Profile Image for Charlotte Mae.
27 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2022
I don’t usually go for books about werewolves and vampires (in this case Lycans and Vampyres) but this one was really good! I had a hard time ever putting it down and didn’t get stuck in a slump or bored in the middle like I do with so many books.
Profile Image for nispero.
2 reviews
January 18, 2022
loved it. waiting for the sequel. please dont break my heart, olivia - the cliffhanger was intense enough
Profile Image for Brittany.
73 reviews16 followers
January 1, 2022
4.5/5 ⭐️
I absolutely loved the world, the characters and the anticipation of how this story is going to develop. I highly recommend this story if you want to get lost in a YA lycan romance that is a great read with strong characters and multiple POV.
Profile Image for Caitlin O'Neill.
379 reviews12 followers
January 20, 2022
The idea for the book was good but it was poorly executed and not much really happened. I almost gave up on it a few times because the significant number of typos and errors really took away a lot and the story wasnt making up for it, but it did eventually get slightly better. The characters are bland and the plot is weak and then the book just stops...
Profile Image for Raquel.
316 reviews12 followers
January 16, 2022
So I pre-ordered this one back in December (it's available on Amazon now) cause I found the author on Insta and loved her fun, quirky reels. Then found out she had a book coming out and wanted to support her! This is Olivia Rose's debut novel. This is a fun supernatural read and a great setup for more to come in the Lycan world.
*
It's a coming of age story as Natalia Bane is in her last days of school and near the Lycan ceremony of The Claiming - it usually changes Lycans lives and determines their futures by finding a mate. Natalia believes she will be exempt from this as she has had no mating interest from her peers and has a rather large defect that has left her as an outcast. However, there may be some interest after all...
*
There are three characters you read perspectives from - Natalia, Blake Heathers and Jameson Brand. One of them was written as abit of a villain but becomes a more complex part of the story that I wasn't expecting!! This was one of my favourite surprises.
*
I enjoyed the 2nd part of the story alot- there were some fun group scenes and some low key steam scenes. I am very interested to see how the story keeps playing out and how the supernatural aspects affect it.
*
I loved that Natalia was able to use other skills when she was needed later on in the story, as the 1st part of the story leaves her to believe she isn't very useful. I can't wait for what's in store for Natalia in the next book!!
Profile Image for Katy Sigmon.
15 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2022
Brilliant

A beautiful, captivating, explosive introduction to a rich and fiery world. I cannot wait for what comes next. These characters rank right along with my all time favorites. I will be waiting for more from the Renaih Kingdom with as much anticipation as I feel for the next ACOTAR installment. Perfect character tension, rich and exciting world-building, genius cliff hangers. I can’t wait for what’s next from Olivia Rose.
Profile Image for Jen Farias.
37 reviews
February 10, 2022
The end. Help me, because I didn't realize it was a series and the next book is not here yet. I love how the protag grows. She is so strong and her family sucks. If you want to read a book that will leave you emotionally vulnerable and tense with desire, this is it.
Profile Image for Emma.
24 reviews
March 25, 2022
Absolutely phenomenal! I had to force myself to put down this book to actually adult. But I definitely did not want to.

If you're looking for a new world to step into - read this book!!!! The world building was such a breath of fresh air. It was so detailed that it was easy to fall into the setting, the world, the plot, and the characters lives. The author did an amazing job building up the characters as well as the plot.

I originally downloaded a sample of this book on my kindle and ended up buying the full book after the first chapter. I was hooked instantly!

Can't wait for the second one!
Profile Image for Kelz.
27 reviews
February 2, 2022
Very good introduction to the characters and world of this series. Love the writing style and can't wait to see what's coming from this series and author.
Profile Image for Victoria tuttle.
6 reviews
March 31, 2022
Loved it til the end. She had no reason to act that way with Jameson sorry to say after everything he helped her with. She should have talked to him….
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dez.
127 reviews5 followers
April 19, 2022
🐺 Werewolves
🔮 Paranormal
💘 Fated Mates
⚠️ Love Triangle
“I am a Lycan.” -Natalia Bane
I was very excited to give this awesome debut novel a read once I subscribed to Kindle Unlimited. I loved @itsorose's content on Instagram, so I was eager to read some of her writing!

First and foremost, I loved the various character POVs - it was such a complex story with so many emotions and motivations, so having the opportunity to read each character's perspective was awesome and really made the experience worthwhile.



I thoroughly enjoyed the love triangle in the story, especially with the added drama of the fated mates trope. It was done well when wrapped in the lore Olivia created for the story, and it saved the book from becoming too "Twilighty". (Admittedly, there were several parts in the book that had me drawing parallels between the two series. While the author clearly was inspired by the relationships in other paranormal romances, it definitely was not enough for me to set it down and cry "clone".) Olivia's world of Lycanthropy is a refreshing take, and it made me jealous not to be a part of it! In the end, who wouldn't want two Lycans who are Called to you? This in particular made the "fade to black" scenes especially frustrating, and I'm hoping there will be more spice in the next book!

Now that I've finished, kudos are in order for the author - Lycanthrope was an engaging and exciting world to be drawn into. All in all, loved the cliffhanger and I look forward to the next installment of this series!

Note: As much as I loved the world Olivia built, it would be amazing if we could get a map. I found myself confused and distracted a few times when trying to figure out the geography of the regions and races mentioned.
Profile Image for Morgan Lynn.
44 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2022
Natalia goes from having no one like her to suddenly warring with 2 different mates.

Lycanthrope - 3⭐️
Olivia Rose

Natalia is a Lycan. She lives in the Lycan community and goes to school with all the other Lycan kids. Except, Natalia is missing the gene that allows her to mutate into the lycan form. Everyone hates her, even her parents.

James is an exchange student from another Lycan community. The moment he lays eyes on Natalia, he feels as if he is Called to her.

Blake has know Natalia for years and even lives across the street from her. Not to mention he is probably one of her biggest bullies.

Follow the story as Natalia, James, and Blake near their Claiming ceremony that can greatly impact all of their futures.

I decided to read this after seeing it here on booksta and I have to say I was slightly disappointed. And that very well could be it just didn't meet my expectations. Don't get me wrong I still enjoyed it! But I probably won't be reading the sequel.

This is a Young Adult (maybe New Adult but pushing it) about self discovery and new love. I felt that parts were very predictable and overworked the love triangle angle.
Profile Image for Courtney Simons.
34 reviews
March 11, 2023
I am taking it back to a 5⭐ read that o read the WEEK it came out. I was so excited for this release and it did NOT disappoint.

See the ranking below

World building⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lycan culture⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Community⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Character development⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


✊🏻 Women's empowerment, we don't need no man. I loved this so much.

But that cliff hanger?! COME ON!!! (Honestly it was so good... I can't wait to reread this one) truly. If you love fantasy. Shifters. This. Is. Your. Next. Read.
55 reviews1 follower
Read
February 9, 2022
There were parts that I like between Natalia and Jameson but overall it had a disjointed vibe for me. I liked the settings a lot. The love triangle was a bizarre series of events to me, both boys did incredibly rude things to her at some point. Had its good moments. Might have just been that third person is not my favorite narration.
Profile Image for chaosofbooks.
31 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2023
Natalia, is a girl born to lycan parents, she herself does not possess the lycangene. Because she can’t turn into a lycan and has no special gift. She is bullied and shunned from the day this was revealed, especially her main bully Blake. Who beats her up on a regular basis. In comes a few lycans from up north, who are way more accepting of literally everything. From gay marriages, to anything out of the ordinary. Natalia meets Jameson, one of the northern lycans, they both have an instant attraction to each other.

And then shit hits the fan… read yourself to find out;)

I enjoyed this book, there was a few times where my mind drifted to other things, but overall mostly it kept my interest. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series. The ending was quite explosive (literally).
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews