As a Suntouched Soul, the first born in generations, I've lived a life of privilege. With the guidance of the Elders, I'm on track to take over leadership of the wolf tribes. There's just one catch: I have to marry Corvin, a high-ranking male in our army, to attain the throne.
Problem is, I have no interest in Corvin—or any male for that matter. While the Elders plot my wedding, set for the next solar ascension, the panther tribes nip at our heels, causing strife and distracting me from my duties.
As if this wasn’t enough on my plate, I come across another Suntouched Soul while on a routine patrol in the woods. She’s badly hurt, near death, and it’s up to me to get her to the healers before it’s too late.
Mystery surrounds this gorgeous woman. Will I uncover her secrets before they end me?
AJ Mullican is a queer, neurospicy, multi-genre romance author who writes across a wide spectrum of tropes and romantic pairings. AJ loves love in all its varied forms, which is reflected in her writing. AJ firmly believes that “Variety in spice is life.” From “traditional” MF romance to queer and poly romantic pairings, throuples, quads (you get the idea!) there’s something for everyone in her work.
When she isn’t writing, AJ enjoys playing Final Fantasy XIV online and dabbling in sewing and resin crafting. She lives in southern Arizona with her husband and three cats, Rory, River, and Missy.
2.5 stars. An f/f fantasy/paranormal romance about a woman in a wolf shifter community who has fire powers that designate her to be the next ruler. Cara is in training for that position, but has to deal with her community's ongoing strife with the panther shifters. Complications ensue when she comes across another woman with the same sun/fire powers as she has.
This had some promise, but I don't know if the writing did all that it needed to do with the plot that was at hand. This is a 400-page plot stuffed into a 175-page package, and it shows. Some novellas I just want to be longer because I want to spend more time with the characters or I want more of a certain plot. But this NEEDED to be longer; at least, in my opinion. It just doesn't work as a novella; the lack of detail and substance is keenly felt. The beginning chapters did a good enough job of establishing the world, but everything that happened after Cara and Sable met was just too fast. The journey to the castle, the political scheming and upheaval, the journey away from the castle after everything happened... it felt like that should have all taken up so much time, and given us so many opportunities to really delve deeper into these characters. Especially the journey portions. They didn't need to be protracted, but we could have at least gotten some more character interaction, a slow organic building of the relationship. Instead it was pretty insta-lust. I guess it might turn out to be fated mates, which would explain how quickly their feelings progressed, but it just didn't work for me all the way. The writing was just okay, a little messy at times, and I really didn't like Cara as a character. I respect that she still has a lot of learning and growing to do, but a lot of her comments were a bit obnoxious.
As much as I didn't like her, I was still heartbroken and upset about events in the last quarter or so, and how it's affected her. I could see myself continuing the series, maybe? But not any time soon.
There was lots of things I enjoyed about the book and the whole story line concept, however for me it was spoilt with the main character Corvin. She came across to immature, selfish , self centered and to a degree I understood why, however her character defects wore thin on me.
Mullican is a very talented writer and I can see the version for the book they produced. I do look forward to reading book 2 to see character and author progression.
I don’t remember if there’s a warning or not, but the S Assault just really gave me the most bitter experience reading this. I get that it’s a real issue people face, it’s just not something I enjoy reading about as an empathetic reader. Really made me sick to think about and soured the whole rest of the story. This might he considered a spoiler, but I also feel it’s good to know to expect it.
*Actually maybe spoiler*
I also feel like the change in one of the characters, going from meek to suddenly headstrong didn’t quite make sense. We see a moment where they’re resolved, but that only makes sense for that moment, and even if we take that into consideration the changes don’t quite add up. It’s just strange. I feel like there was no real transition for it.
I’ll likely read the next book if it’s available because it hasn’t really concluded and that has to be mended. I’ll get to the end even if I have to skim read it.
I wish I hadn't read this book. It was a badly written book. The MC is 29 but acts like she is 18. Very immature. Very crappy leader. So many dumb situations and dumb actions. The character knows the other girl for three days and she is already trying to marry her. It's like insta love. Then she is betrayed because she doesn't know she is a panther? They are shapeshifters but it's like they can't smell or heal. Even the gay characters are like she should just marry the man. The world needed to be flushed out better and the characters were all pretty unlikable. The characters powers just fail according to the plot. And how can people just attack her in a palace full of guards any time?
I find it difficult to review books that are ‘to be continued’ because at this point I’ve only really read part of the story, so be prepared to get the 2nd book.
The day after finishing this book, I went online and got the 2nd book ‘Panthers' Reign’ so I think that in itself says something, about how compelling it is.
I’ve read a few books now by A.J. Mullican and their writing is exceptionally smooth and easy to read, this story is more fantasy romance/erotica and less monster smut than the others books I’ve read, but it was still a good read, and if you like your fantasy a bit on the steamy side that you will love this.
I really liked the love interest Sable. She is small and cute and has significant development in this book going from shy to outspoken. I thought Cara was crude, especially with her opening scene, but I liked the height distance between them.
An interesting book about 2 different species - it’s like humans ( black & white) . A woman is attacked by panthers and is saved by a woman and her guards. I’m enjoying the story.
Book 2 it is. Wow, with deadly suspence, trauma, true love! The book had me on edge. Finally getting the chance to read book 2. A 5🌟 and cant wait for our ladies to destroy their enemies.
I liked the shorter length, and it left me wanting more. I really enjoyed Cara's independence and assertiveness, and the cliffie made me sad for her. I hope she can revive her fighting spirit with Sable's help in the next book.
Good story so far. The MC is brutally raped and beat. The author does not go into detail but it is brought up multiple times. Other than that its kinda rushed story telling but still well written.