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Northern Shifters #2
Feral
Even among shifters, Ethan is a rare breed. So rare, he's spent the last eight years in hiding.
Bram's life as pack omega isn't easy. Setting Ethan free could be a death sentence for both of them, for Bram's pack doesn't take betrayal lightly.
Bram's life as pack omega isn't easy. Setting Ethan free could be a death sentence for both of them, for Bram's pack doesn't take betrayal lightly.
252 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2009
10 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Joely Skye
15 books150 followersJoely Skye has written for more years than she can remember. Her latest writing passion is romance and shapeshifters. She lives with her husband and two children in Canada.
To learn more about Joely Skye, please visit www.joelyskye.com or her Yahoo Group.
She also writes as Jorrie Spencer (www.jorriespencer.com).
To learn more about Joely Skye, please visit www.joelyskye.com or her Yahoo Group.
She also writes as Jorrie Spencer (www.jorriespencer.com).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
May 27, 2012
Loved it. No instalove, no gratuitous sex, no angst due to miscommunication between the MCs.
Just an Omega wolf who was treated like dirt by his alpha...so much so that he believed he was useless. And a rare cougar who it seems everyone just wants to hunt down. The poor guy just wants to be left alone.
They needed each other. They grew to love each other slowly and i felt the honest caring between them.
For a shifter book, which aren't my favorite mm, i loved it. Onto book 3, Lynx.
Just an Omega wolf who was treated like dirt by his alpha...so much so that he believed he was useless. And a rare cougar who it seems everyone just wants to hunt down. The poor guy just wants to be left alone.
They needed each other. They grew to love each other slowly and i felt the honest caring between them.
For a shifter book, which aren't my favorite mm, i loved it. Onto book 3, Lynx.
September 24, 2015
[meh, an okay in between book with lots of sexual tension...Not really a masterpiece but it was alright...]
July 10, 2018
Just an average werewolf story
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 6/10
PROS:
- The shifting process is different here than I remember it being described in any other shifter story. The characters don’t just effortlessly change from one form to the other. It takes a huge toll on their bodies, and I thought that was fun to see the author explore.
- Ethan’s struggle between functioning as a human and functioning as a cougar is written well. And it’s interesting that Bram is the more powerful partner when in human form but Ethan is more powerful when shifted. It gives a new angle to the shifter story.
- The plot goes a direction I didn’t expect it to go toward the end. (see CONS below also)
CONS:
- I found the writing just a bit off at times, like the rhythm was jerky or something. The sentence structure and/or the word choice is just a little awkward sometimes.
- The ending felt anticlimactic to me. There are several confrontations or obstacles that are navigated very easily, and the whole thing is over with quickly.
Overall comments: I got the sense that I was reading a book in a series rather than a standalone novel, and when I did a bit of research, I learned that this *is* a book in a series… and I’ve read the first one, Marked. (Clearly it didn’t make much of an impact on me, as will be the case with this one, I’m sure.) I wrote a review for the first one, even--and I thought the same thing back then, about 8 years ago, as I thought this time about the awkwardness of the writing.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 6/10
PROS:
- The shifting process is different here than I remember it being described in any other shifter story. The characters don’t just effortlessly change from one form to the other. It takes a huge toll on their bodies, and I thought that was fun to see the author explore.
- Ethan’s struggle between functioning as a human and functioning as a cougar is written well. And it’s interesting that Bram is the more powerful partner when in human form but Ethan is more powerful when shifted. It gives a new angle to the shifter story.
- The plot goes a direction I didn’t expect it to go toward the end. (see CONS below also)
CONS:
- I found the writing just a bit off at times, like the rhythm was jerky or something. The sentence structure and/or the word choice is just a little awkward sometimes.
- The ending felt anticlimactic to me. There are several confrontations or obstacles that are navigated very easily, and the whole thing is over with quickly.
Overall comments: I got the sense that I was reading a book in a series rather than a standalone novel, and when I did a bit of research, I learned that this *is* a book in a series… and I’ve read the first one, Marked. (Clearly it didn’t make much of an impact on me, as will be the case with this one, I’m sure.) I wrote a review for the first one, even--and I thought the same thing back then, about 8 years ago, as I thought this time about the awkwardness of the writing.
August 15, 2009
Having read several of the author’s books, I can say Feral is one of the better offerings. The engaging and sympathetic characters are the focus while the action taking place is a distant second to the growing relationship and emotional connection. This is definitely a character driven story and allows easy resolution to the various problems that come up, keeping the focus on Ethan and Bram. The writing is thankfully concise without much exaggeration or embellishment keeping the drama and angst to a very relatable and believable level, even considering the paranormal setting.
The plot is interesting in that the capture and eventual escape of Ethan takes the first third of the book, even though the escape is actually simple and very easy. The story focuses on Bram and Ethan’s connection and interaction, creating a strong dynamic between the men which survives their time apart after Ethan’s escape with Bram’s help. The next part of the story focuses on Ethan’s new life and finding Bram then as the two adjusts to each other, while worrying about outside forces. The actual time Bram and Ethan are together is very minimal – one week while Ethan is captive and one week when Ethan finds Bram after being apart for several months. Yet the story focuses on those short times making them seem longer than they actually are.
Ethan is an appealing character with his yearning for companionship yet knowledge of betrayal every time he gives in. Ethan’s mind refers to himself in two unique and distinct parts talking about “his human self” and “his cat”. It’s not until the second half of the book when Ethan is readjusting to being a human again that he blends to two parts of himself and simply is Ethan again. Ethan struggles not only with awkward interaction with other people but also with the knowledge he has very few skills and is illiterate. Combined with eight years living as a cougar, Ethan has some adjustment issues. He attaches to Bram perhaps as the first kind human and perhaps due to the common ground of feeling lost and betrayed.
Bram is a similar figure with his struggles within his pack and need for companionship. Bram is the pack omega, which in this particular world is an appointed position of weakness rather than an inherent personality type. Bram has a lot of anger that he suppresses and accepts abuse and negligence as his due. Bram’s actions in helping Ethan escape are a rare show of strength from the usually obedient man, even knowing it means he must live without the pack he needs and wants no matter how badly he is treated. Bram’s slow acceptance of Ethan once they are reunited is lovely as any fans of angst driven characters will sympathize with Bram’s internal conflicts.
Their relationship is an interesting one without either man really emerging as dominant. Both men have fears, problems, unexpected strengths and weaknesses. Each had subtly and complexity to their characters which kept either man from becoming a stereotype or typical. Their connection was sweet, slightly dramatic and angst filled but never too outrageous or over the top. The action scenes were thrown in to keep the conflict from being solely between the men but each external problem was handled very simply from the escape to Ethan’s new life and even the end resolution was over in a blink.
There are some secondary characters, some that appear from other books in this same world and some that are supposed to be a main influence, such as Trey and Doug. However, no character eclipses Bram and Ethan and the other characters are not given any weight except to progress the external drama. Due to the ease and simplicity of the conflict, this story could have been better by focusing on what the author really wanted – the main characters and their relationship. The writing was tight and although the pace was not even with several jarring moments (such as the first penetration scene which came out of nowhere); the book was an easy and quick read. Not the best book ever but certainly not the worst.
The plot is interesting in that the capture and eventual escape of Ethan takes the first third of the book, even though the escape is actually simple and very easy. The story focuses on Bram and Ethan’s connection and interaction, creating a strong dynamic between the men which survives their time apart after Ethan’s escape with Bram’s help. The next part of the story focuses on Ethan’s new life and finding Bram then as the two adjusts to each other, while worrying about outside forces. The actual time Bram and Ethan are together is very minimal – one week while Ethan is captive and one week when Ethan finds Bram after being apart for several months. Yet the story focuses on those short times making them seem longer than they actually are.
Ethan is an appealing character with his yearning for companionship yet knowledge of betrayal every time he gives in. Ethan’s mind refers to himself in two unique and distinct parts talking about “his human self” and “his cat”. It’s not until the second half of the book when Ethan is readjusting to being a human again that he blends to two parts of himself and simply is Ethan again. Ethan struggles not only with awkward interaction with other people but also with the knowledge he has very few skills and is illiterate. Combined with eight years living as a cougar, Ethan has some adjustment issues. He attaches to Bram perhaps as the first kind human and perhaps due to the common ground of feeling lost and betrayed.
Bram is a similar figure with his struggles within his pack and need for companionship. Bram is the pack omega, which in this particular world is an appointed position of weakness rather than an inherent personality type. Bram has a lot of anger that he suppresses and accepts abuse and negligence as his due. Bram’s actions in helping Ethan escape are a rare show of strength from the usually obedient man, even knowing it means he must live without the pack he needs and wants no matter how badly he is treated. Bram’s slow acceptance of Ethan once they are reunited is lovely as any fans of angst driven characters will sympathize with Bram’s internal conflicts.
Their relationship is an interesting one without either man really emerging as dominant. Both men have fears, problems, unexpected strengths and weaknesses. Each had subtly and complexity to their characters which kept either man from becoming a stereotype or typical. Their connection was sweet, slightly dramatic and angst filled but never too outrageous or over the top. The action scenes were thrown in to keep the conflict from being solely between the men but each external problem was handled very simply from the escape to Ethan’s new life and even the end resolution was over in a blink.
There are some secondary characters, some that appear from other books in this same world and some that are supposed to be a main influence, such as Trey and Doug. However, no character eclipses Bram and Ethan and the other characters are not given any weight except to progress the external drama. Due to the ease and simplicity of the conflict, this story could have been better by focusing on what the author really wanted – the main characters and their relationship. The writing was tight and although the pace was not even with several jarring moments (such as the first penetration scene which came out of nowhere); the book was an easy and quick read. Not the best book ever but certainly not the worst.
January 13, 2013
This turned out to be a very good story. I really thought for awhile that I was going to have to mark it as a 3 star because the chemistry between Ethan and Bram was lacking and I really wondered if they were going to be the MC's or if someone else was going to be introduced.
Ethan, a cougar shifter, is captured and held by werewolves and held in their compound apparently to study feral cat shifters. Ethan had been feral for 8 years before capture and Bram, the pack's omega, finally caused Ethan's shift by constantly providing him with human touch. Ultimately Bram helps him escape and Bram himself leaves the compound to run as a feral wolf, fearing he'd be killed if found. Once this part of the story ended, and Ethan started to live as a human, the story began to get more interesting and the relationship began to develop.
Without going into detailed spoilers, the crux of the story is the developing relationship and the threat that hangs over their heads from the former pack alpha Doug. Bram had overpowered Doug to get Ethan out and knew that somehow Doug would find a way to get even. It was a good story overall and I'll definitely read it again in the future.
Ethan, a cougar shifter, is captured and held by werewolves and held in their compound apparently to study feral cat shifters. Ethan had been feral for 8 years before capture and Bram, the pack's omega, finally caused Ethan's shift by constantly providing him with human touch. Ultimately Bram helps him escape and Bram himself leaves the compound to run as a feral wolf, fearing he'd be killed if found. Once this part of the story ended, and Ethan started to live as a human, the story began to get more interesting and the relationship began to develop.
Without going into detailed spoilers, the crux of the story is the developing relationship and the threat that hangs over their heads from the former pack alpha Doug. Bram had overpowered Doug to get Ethan out and knew that somehow Doug would find a way to get even. It was a good story overall and I'll definitely read it again in the future.
October 3, 2015
I love Joely Skye. She just hits the right mixture of danger, mystery, love, insecurity, angst, and hurt/comfort. This is another typical shifter story but it's done so well that I have to force myself to not buy everything in the series and read it all right away. I want to savor them.
I love the cougar. I love how broken both MCs are, how and why. There was way too much sex but at least it had the purpose of showing them coming out of their shells. And it was hot.
I was disappointed that one thing never happened:
I love the cougar. I love how broken both MCs are, how and why. There was way too much sex but at least it had the purpose of showing them coming out of their shells. And it was hot.
I was disappointed that one thing never happened:
January 24, 2010
I really liked this story about Bram (a werewolf) and Ethan (a lonely werecougar). It had a good plot, great characters and some unusual elements that leave me hoping there will be a sequel.
Bram has faced suppression and abuse from his pack alpha Doug for years. They capture Ethan, who has stayed in cat form for eight years. Doug says he wants to avoid him being hunted down and killed and insists it's necessary to make him stay in his human for to achieve this. Bram is supposed to help and quickly forms a bond of friendship with Ethan. When htey finally flee all hell breaks loose and theyhave to call in help from an old friend to try and stay safe.
I loved the interactions between Bram and Ethan, both wounded in their own way but helping each other heal.
Bram has faced suppression and abuse from his pack alpha Doug for years. They capture Ethan, who has stayed in cat form for eight years. Doug says he wants to avoid him being hunted down and killed and insists it's necessary to make him stay in his human for to achieve this. Bram is supposed to help and quickly forms a bond of friendship with Ethan. When htey finally flee all hell breaks loose and theyhave to call in help from an old friend to try and stay safe.
I loved the interactions between Bram and Ethan, both wounded in their own way but helping each other heal.
December 17, 2009
First half of this story is good -- Ethan, a cougar shifter, is caught by werewolves pack. Bram, an omega in the pack, has a job to tame him. Bram develops a kindred feeling to Ethan and he helps Ethan escape. I like this first part. How the two bonded inside the "cage" room. But after both escape, I feel like the story slowing down to a point where I think, "Get ON with it, please!". There are more questions than answers, like WHY the wolves pack is so interested in Ethan, what is the relation with Lila, the wolf who died, who seemed to be Ethan foster mother. Instead the story drags on how Bram wants to teach Ethan how to read? HUH?? It's a nice premise but the execution could be better.
November 23, 2011
I wasn't sure I was liking the beginning of this book. I kept thinking it wasn't as good as the first one, but as it went on, it defititely got better. First you feel bad for Ethan, then you feel bad for Bram, then Ethan, then Bram and back and forth it goes. First one is taking care of the other having to coax the animal or human side out, then they swap places and it is the opposite charachter doing the same thing to the other. In the end, I totally felt they belonged together and were meant for each other. I'm looking forward to the next segment in this series.
December 16, 2015
Personal rating: 3.25 stars
I liked it slightly less than book 1.
I liked it slightly less than book 1.
July 25, 2025
Ethan is cougar shifter, he is captured by wolf shifter pack and Bram is assigned as his caretaker. Bram is the omega of the pack, he is docile, submissive and does what his alpha tells him. He is not mindless, he knows kidnapping Ethan is wrong. I liked Ethan's slow seduction of Mark, in the holding cell and later. Of course Ethan escapes and they are separated, but eventually are reunited. Watching Mark open up to Ethan was sweet. Majority of the story was Ethan and Mark together, trying to work out their relationship. A little action peppered in to tie up loss ends.
This was unexpected surprise.
This was unexpected surprise.
October 3, 2018
I bought this way back in 2010 from Barnes & Noble online & loved it but when I tried to read it again just now all the pages were blank!!! It’s one thing to unpublish a book but if people have already bought it they should be able to keep and read their copy. This happened to all of this author’s books on Nook. I’m so sad this was one of my favorite shifter books & it really got me into the genre. But I can’t recommend buying a book that will just show blank pages.
October 4, 2023
was not funny :( i wanted laughs :(
September 30, 2024
This book was amazing. The character development was great and the story was both beautiful and believable. You can't help but root for Bram and Ethan.
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March 2, 2010Joely Skye's shapeshifter are not the usual strong men and women of the paranormal romances, more often than not they are renegade shapeshifters, with a troubled past and with a lot of behavioral issues.
In Feral we have two example of them; Ethan is a shapeshifter cougar and one of the last of his breed. Ethan's past is not so clear, from clue here and there, we can understand that he lost his mother when he was still a child and managed to become an adult living more or less on the streets. Apparently Ethan was a cute boy and sought the help of older man, he bartered his body for a warm meal and a place where to stay; Ethan was wise even then, and he only chose nice men, who didn't treat him. At some point, it's not clear how and when, he began a relationship with a female werewolf, even her older than Ethan, a former friend of his long lost mother. Actually I didn't understand if it was a sexual relationship or not, but for sure it was a close bond, and Lila, the woman, was killed by her pack for this reason, and that same pack tortured Ethan before he managed to escape. After that traumatic experience, Ethan chose his animal side and now it's 8 years that he is prowling the woods as a cougar.
He is not bothering noone, but Doug, an Alpha male of a wolf pack has some hidden reasons (also them not quite clear), to hunt down and capture "feral" shifters. Ethan is his last prey and he manages to take him captive with the help of Bram. Bram is a werewolf of the same pack that previously tortured Ethan, but he was only a 16 years old boy back then, and an outcast himself. He doesn't agree with his Alpha's idea, but Bram is an omega inside the pack and so the last who can say something in the matter. Plus Bram is gay, and he has not a mate: the Alpha Male, Doug, uses him like a boy toy, and Bram's quite submissive nature let him doing so.
They are an odd couple these two: Ethan a lonely man for nature, who thinks at sex more like barter money than something connected to feelings, and Bram, an animal pack till his core, who sees sex like the only moment when he is allowed to feel something. It will be not simple for them to connect on a common ground, and I don't feel like Bram will overcome all his inner issues... or maybe he has nothing to overcome since being a submissive is his true nature. Anyway, Ethan doesn't want and will not take on the role of Alpha for Bram, he will only allow Bram to be his fellow companion during the path.
The story is part of a common universe, but it's not strictly connected to the other books, you can read it as a stand-alone book without problem. The author writes M/M romance in this universe with the name of Joely Skye, and het romance with the name of Jorrie Spencer. Most of the supporting characters in the book are previously appeared in other books, and so if the reader questions about them, he can probably find some answers reading the previous novels, but still I have the feeling that both Ethan than Bram's past was not fully developed or explained. Great part of Ethan and Bram's problems are legacy of their upbringing and so I wouldn't have minded to have a bit more of an insight on it.
The nice aspect of the book is that it's quite "touchy" feeling, there is a lot of nuzzling and cuddling, and hugs and comfort... it allows the reader to "feel" the characters, above all to feel their fragility.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1605045578/?...
In Feral we have two example of them; Ethan is a shapeshifter cougar and one of the last of his breed. Ethan's past is not so clear, from clue here and there, we can understand that he lost his mother when he was still a child and managed to become an adult living more or less on the streets. Apparently Ethan was a cute boy and sought the help of older man, he bartered his body for a warm meal and a place where to stay; Ethan was wise even then, and he only chose nice men, who didn't treat him. At some point, it's not clear how and when, he began a relationship with a female werewolf, even her older than Ethan, a former friend of his long lost mother. Actually I didn't understand if it was a sexual relationship or not, but for sure it was a close bond, and Lila, the woman, was killed by her pack for this reason, and that same pack tortured Ethan before he managed to escape. After that traumatic experience, Ethan chose his animal side and now it's 8 years that he is prowling the woods as a cougar.
He is not bothering noone, but Doug, an Alpha male of a wolf pack has some hidden reasons (also them not quite clear), to hunt down and capture "feral" shifters. Ethan is his last prey and he manages to take him captive with the help of Bram. Bram is a werewolf of the same pack that previously tortured Ethan, but he was only a 16 years old boy back then, and an outcast himself. He doesn't agree with his Alpha's idea, but Bram is an omega inside the pack and so the last who can say something in the matter. Plus Bram is gay, and he has not a mate: the Alpha Male, Doug, uses him like a boy toy, and Bram's quite submissive nature let him doing so.
They are an odd couple these two: Ethan a lonely man for nature, who thinks at sex more like barter money than something connected to feelings, and Bram, an animal pack till his core, who sees sex like the only moment when he is allowed to feel something. It will be not simple for them to connect on a common ground, and I don't feel like Bram will overcome all his inner issues... or maybe he has nothing to overcome since being a submissive is his true nature. Anyway, Ethan doesn't want and will not take on the role of Alpha for Bram, he will only allow Bram to be his fellow companion during the path.
The story is part of a common universe, but it's not strictly connected to the other books, you can read it as a stand-alone book without problem. The author writes M/M romance in this universe with the name of Joely Skye, and het romance with the name of Jorrie Spencer. Most of the supporting characters in the book are previously appeared in other books, and so if the reader questions about them, he can probably find some answers reading the previous novels, but still I have the feeling that both Ethan than Bram's past was not fully developed or explained. Great part of Ethan and Bram's problems are legacy of their upbringing and so I wouldn't have minded to have a bit more of an insight on it.
The nice aspect of the book is that it's quite "touchy" feeling, there is a lot of nuzzling and cuddling, and hugs and comfort... it allows the reader to "feel" the characters, above all to feel their fragility.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1605045578/?...
October 6, 2009
I'm still not a fan of e-books, but when it's not available in book form I guess I don't have a choice. I'm also not normally a fan of were/shape shifting, but I read the excerpt and liked it enough that I thought I'd give it a try and I'm glad I did.
Ethan is a rare were-cat (cougar) who years ago had been caught and repeatedly tortured by a wolf pack for consorting with an even rarer she-wolf (it seems nearly all shifters are male). It's a little unclear what "consorting" means. Generally speaking it would imply sex, but the she-wolf in question was apparently more of a mother figure so I'm not sure if Skye intended for there to be a slightly incestuous angle or not. I don't think she did, in which case a less ambiguous word should have been used to describe the relationship.
Anyway. Ethan eventually escaped and the story opens with him having remained in his cougar form for nearly a decade and once again on the run from a bunch of werewolves. The torture from last time was so horrific that he'd rather die than be recaptured but a tranquilizer dart prevents him from reaching the cliff he'd been running for.
When he wakes he's been forced back into human form because Bram, one of the wolves who was chasing him, is holding him tightly and physical contact makes it harder to stay in cat form and harder to shift once the change to human has been made.
As it turns out, it's the same pack that had held him captive before, but this time they're attempting to civilize him again because when shifters stay in animal form for too long they can go feral and become dangerous not only to other weres but to the oblivious human population as well.
Bram, the low man on the totem pole, ends up doing most of the physical contact (mostly restraint but some kissing and fumbling around) and eventually a bond forms between Ethan and Bram just about the time Bram figures out that civilizing Ethan isn't the only thing on his alpha, Doug's, agenda.
I think one of the reasons this works for me when so much of the werewolf/shifter stuff doesn't, even in urban fantasy, is that despite the fact that despite the fact that Bram is an Omega (a term that goes unexplained for far too long, by the way) I actually don't get the sense from any of the characters that their individual identities are secondary and they're submissive to a pack or pack leader. The group think and dismissal of individual personalities and will is what really bothers me about most were stories. Bram doesn't even come off as particularly submissive, although I think that's what an Omega is supposed to be. He doesn't like confrontation, but that's not the same thing.
I really like Ethan and Bram. I think they compliment each other well and it was good to see that they both had their strengths and weaknesses.
The world is an interesting one, too, and I may check out the other stories set there.
Ethan is a rare were-cat (cougar) who years ago had been caught and repeatedly tortured by a wolf pack for consorting with an even rarer she-wolf (it seems nearly all shifters are male). It's a little unclear what "consorting" means. Generally speaking it would imply sex, but the she-wolf in question was apparently more of a mother figure so I'm not sure if Skye intended for there to be a slightly incestuous angle or not. I don't think she did, in which case a less ambiguous word should have been used to describe the relationship.
Anyway. Ethan eventually escaped and the story opens with him having remained in his cougar form for nearly a decade and once again on the run from a bunch of werewolves. The torture from last time was so horrific that he'd rather die than be recaptured but a tranquilizer dart prevents him from reaching the cliff he'd been running for.
When he wakes he's been forced back into human form because Bram, one of the wolves who was chasing him, is holding him tightly and physical contact makes it harder to stay in cat form and harder to shift once the change to human has been made.
As it turns out, it's the same pack that had held him captive before, but this time they're attempting to civilize him again because when shifters stay in animal form for too long they can go feral and become dangerous not only to other weres but to the oblivious human population as well.
Bram, the low man on the totem pole, ends up doing most of the physical contact (mostly restraint but some kissing and fumbling around) and eventually a bond forms between Ethan and Bram just about the time Bram figures out that civilizing Ethan isn't the only thing on his alpha, Doug's, agenda.
I think one of the reasons this works for me when so much of the werewolf/shifter stuff doesn't, even in urban fantasy, is that despite the fact that despite the fact that Bram is an Omega (a term that goes unexplained for far too long, by the way) I actually don't get the sense from any of the characters that their individual identities are secondary and they're submissive to a pack or pack leader. The group think and dismissal of individual personalities and will is what really bothers me about most were stories. Bram doesn't even come off as particularly submissive, although I think that's what an Omega is supposed to be. He doesn't like confrontation, but that's not the same thing.
I really like Ethan and Bram. I think they compliment each other well and it was good to see that they both had their strengths and weaknesses.
The world is an interesting one, too, and I may check out the other stories set there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2012
Shifters. As in shapeshifters. Or, more commonly, weres. In any case, this book is a homoerotic relationship between two shifters of different species. Meet Ethan, a cougar shifter, and Bram, a wolf shifter. As the synopsis goes, Ethan finds himself captured by Bram's pack and confined in a room. Bram becomes his babysitter, delivering his food and making sure nothing happens. And other duties.
It's pretty commonplace that when two individuals are stuck in each other's company for an extended period of time, their initial relationship changes. For Ethan and Bram, they grow closer - even though it is forbidden for them to do so.
Bram is the pack's omega (i.e. bottom of the totem pole), so he is obligated to follow the alpha's (Doug) orders to the T. The relationship Bram has with Doug is a complicated one thanks to certain events in the past. However, this complication doesn't seem to be portrayed as smoothly as a reader might hope. I had a problem with connecting with the characters. The fluidity of their conversation and their interactions with each other seemed forced and awkward.
The wolves' feelings for each other didn't seem genuine, and I had a hard time connecting with either man. Bram especially was hard to sympathize with. I didn't feel like I could reach into his head and empathize with his actions.
As for Ethan, I could partially sympathize with him, but he too lacked enough depth for me to get really involved with his side of the story. The characters as a whole seemed too two-dimensional and shallowly developed. While the plot itself is interesting and had kicked off to a thrilling start, I didn't feel overly compelled to finish the book in one sitting like I might others.
I might have enjoyed the story better if I had a better understanding of the dynamics of either shifter species, and why it was so important to break through these psychological defenses. Or how.
And when it came to the sex... it seemed dry. It wasn't personal enough for my liking, or erotic enough to make me wonder if I should be sitting with a box of tissues at my side. It wasn't so much the description as the method it was told that turned me off. In combination with flat characters, I struggled to find it emotionally drawing. I was overly tempted to just skip it entirely.
I wouldn't recommend this as an 'introductory' book into the genre of gay erotica. But it might still appeal to someone who wants to pass the time with a bit of guy love when there's nothing else to read.
Overall: 2.5 out of 5
It's pretty commonplace that when two individuals are stuck in each other's company for an extended period of time, their initial relationship changes. For Ethan and Bram, they grow closer - even though it is forbidden for them to do so.
Bram is the pack's omega (i.e. bottom of the totem pole), so he is obligated to follow the alpha's (Doug) orders to the T. The relationship Bram has with Doug is a complicated one thanks to certain events in the past. However, this complication doesn't seem to be portrayed as smoothly as a reader might hope. I had a problem with connecting with the characters. The fluidity of their conversation and their interactions with each other seemed forced and awkward.
The wolves' feelings for each other didn't seem genuine, and I had a hard time connecting with either man. Bram especially was hard to sympathize with. I didn't feel like I could reach into his head and empathize with his actions.
As for Ethan, I could partially sympathize with him, but he too lacked enough depth for me to get really involved with his side of the story. The characters as a whole seemed too two-dimensional and shallowly developed. While the plot itself is interesting and had kicked off to a thrilling start, I didn't feel overly compelled to finish the book in one sitting like I might others.
I might have enjoyed the story better if I had a better understanding of the dynamics of either shifter species, and why it was so important to break through these psychological defenses. Or how.
And when it came to the sex... it seemed dry. It wasn't personal enough for my liking, or erotic enough to make me wonder if I should be sitting with a box of tissues at my side. It wasn't so much the description as the method it was told that turned me off. In combination with flat characters, I struggled to find it emotionally drawing. I was overly tempted to just skip it entirely.
I wouldn't recommend this as an 'introductory' book into the genre of gay erotica. But it might still appeal to someone who wants to pass the time with a bit of guy love when there's nothing else to read.
Overall: 2.5 out of 5
January 19, 2013
This book is interesting/weird. It's actually quite deep, which I find to be rather unusual for a shifter m/m book, but also a pleasant surprise.
The dynamics of the book are surprisingly well-written. The author actually takes to time to explore the implications of the whole "feral" business and such.
I can definitely see some parallels between the whole pack dynamics thing and how that might be a sort of allegory for certain real-life situations, which adds a whole new layer of depth.
And also, these characters actually appear to have real personalities beyond the superficial basics, which is, again, quite unusual - at least for me to find - in a shifter book.
Actually, I think this book is on par with Blacque/Bleu, although I rather like this one better because it's not as relatively sex-centric (that's not to say that Blacque/Bleu was only book-porn. I only mean that this one developed a fascinating set of world-creation-based-circumstances/dynamics that were generally explored more, while Blacque/Bleu focused more on the character dynamics.)
I have problems with the speaking subvocally thing because yeah, while there's artistic license, that's something that's just not physiologically possible for humans. Or cougars. I fail to see how cougars would be able to read neurological impulses and/or minute movements in the larynx and tongue.
It was weird because I kept feeling like there was this whole entire serial backstory that I'd missed and/or skipped over. I mean, enough is revealed that I had an idea of what had happened Before, but still weird. I mean, there are parts that are still really weirdly incongruous and parts that seem neglected, but...I dunno.
Sometimes it can get a little too much angst-inundation, though.
Actually, I think it's fairly clear I'm a little confused as to what to think about this book. It seems good, but I still feel like I'm missing something quite major.
Oh, yeah. And before I forget again. Just sayin', but I really wanted Ethan to bottom... Or is it that I wanted Bram to top? Either way, different intentions, same result...ish... (But it didn't happen...)
The dynamics of the book are surprisingly well-written. The author actually takes to time to explore the implications of the whole "feral" business and such.
I can definitely see some parallels between the whole pack dynamics thing and how that might be a sort of allegory for certain real-life situations, which adds a whole new layer of depth.
And also, these characters actually appear to have real personalities beyond the superficial basics, which is, again, quite unusual - at least for me to find - in a shifter book.
Actually, I think this book is on par with Blacque/Bleu, although I rather like this one better because it's not as relatively sex-centric (that's not to say that Blacque/Bleu was only book-porn. I only mean that this one developed a fascinating set of world-creation-based-circumstances/dynamics that were generally explored more, while Blacque/Bleu focused more on the character dynamics.)
I have problems with the speaking subvocally thing because yeah, while there's artistic license, that's something that's just not physiologically possible for humans. Or cougars. I fail to see how cougars would be able to read neurological impulses and/or minute movements in the larynx and tongue.
It was weird because I kept feeling like there was this whole entire serial backstory that I'd missed and/or skipped over. I mean, enough is revealed that I had an idea of what had happened Before, but still weird. I mean, there are parts that are still really weirdly incongruous and parts that seem neglected, but...I dunno.
Sometimes it can get a little too much angst-inundation, though.
Actually, I think it's fairly clear I'm a little confused as to what to think about this book. It seems good, but I still feel like I'm missing something quite major.
Oh, yeah. And before I forget again. Just sayin', but I really wanted Ethan to bottom... Or is it that I wanted Bram to top? Either way, different intentions, same result...ish... (But it didn't happen...)
July 25, 2011
I liked this book. The first half may have been a little better because it had more suspense and drama, and the way the characters met and connected was definitely interesting to read. I enjoyed the second half as well but it had more of a nice leisurely feel to it. While there was a bit of drama and climax at the end, it's wasn't really super suspenseful or surprising how things worked out. Now to be fair, when PNR usually goes back and forth and someone gets kidnapped or almost killed and there is all this buildup, I bitch because I just want them to be together and be happy damn it! So in the spirit of not being a hypocrite, I will say that while this didn't have that little something that makes my heart rate pick-up (we're speaking with respect to non-sexy scenes of course) and nearly gives me an ulcer with anticipation... I still enjoyed the read and was never bored. I won't rush out to buy them but I will definitely check out more of Skye's books at some point.
And by the way... I read this book in the series first and don't feel like I missed anything by going out of order (although I plan to go back eventually to read 'Marked'). Liam does appear as a minor character in this but no big spoilers for book number one that I could tell.
And by the way... I read this book in the series first and don't feel like I missed anything by going out of order (although I plan to go back eventually to read 'Marked'). Liam does appear as a minor character in this but no big spoilers for book number one that I could tell.
October 31, 2011
I feel the opposite of most people about this book: I didn't care for the beginning, but fell in love with the rest of it. I will say, though, that much of the action in the plot seemed resolved offstage independently of the MCs, which was a little annoying. If you're going to whip us up into a tizzy with dramatic tension, don't have a random hero swoop in and declare everything fixed.
But anyway, I absolutely loved Bram and Ethan kind of grew on me. They spend most of this book being insufferably adorable ... which probably makes this book a bad choice if you're looking for something dark and BDSM, but frankly I loved it :D I especially liked how their emotions didn't really start to develop until AFTER Ethan was freed and they reunited of their own free will. It avoided the sick Stockholm feeling a lot of these type of books give me and made the inevitable happy ending just that much sweeter :D
But anyway, I absolutely loved Bram and Ethan kind of grew on me. They spend most of this book being insufferably adorable ... which probably makes this book a bad choice if you're looking for something dark and BDSM, but frankly I loved it :D I especially liked how their emotions didn't really start to develop until AFTER Ethan was freed and they reunited of their own free will. It avoided the sick Stockholm feeling a lot of these type of books give me and made the inevitable happy ending just that much sweeter :D
August 12, 2015
Enjoyed the original take on shifters: the way their human forms make them vulnerable, not just physically, but by craving emotional contact with other humans. Ethan has been hiding for eight years from a pack of werewolves, and he has forced himself to stay in his cougar form for that time. Finally captured at the start of the book, he fears shifting to human because it will make him susceptible to manipulation.
The nature of shifters (both wolf and cougar), pack dynamics, and the relationship between Bram and Ethan were all interesting. The plot had a dull stretch for the middle third where very little happened and questions remained unanswered. After the climax and epilog, there were still things unexplained. Given the length of the book, I felt more could have been resolved for the reader.
The book kept my interest and was in general well-written. 3.5 stars.
The nature of shifters (both wolf and cougar), pack dynamics, and the relationship between Bram and Ethan were all interesting. The plot had a dull stretch for the middle third where very little happened and questions remained unanswered. After the climax and epilog, there were still things unexplained. Given the length of the book, I felt more could have been resolved for the reader.
The book kept my interest and was in general well-written. 3.5 stars.
December 21, 2011
This series just keeps getting better and better. Feral, book two in the Shifters series continues in its excellent werewolf/shifter stories. In this installment we meet Ethan, a cougar shifter, who is just having a tough time with a pack of werewolves. This is an action packed story that moves along at a fast pace and keep the reader on the edge of their seat. In addition to the action there is plenty of man-on-man romance and some very steamy sex.
This book has it all. I look forward to reading the next book, Lynx. I give Feral four stars.
November 21, 2011
For some reason, no matter how many times I have to refresh my memory, I can't get any of these books straight. I have them all confused in my head. This latest one, while I liked it - I couldn't keep Bram and Ethan straight. I guess because they were both such victims it was hard to distinguish. Trey is still a man of mystery for me. I keep reading these because I want each little puzzle piece to figure out the big picture. I recommend this book to be read with all the others, one right after another. Otherwise, it is confusing for the first bit trying to recall how this fits in the world Ms. Skye has created.
September 24, 2013
*sigh*
This book took me a while to finally click with. Not sure why, I really liked book 1 and I usually like paranormal books but there was just something about this one that didn't work for me.
I liked the fact that this was an interspecies story line...Cougar & Wolf..there's bound to be some angst between them! Ethan & Bram were great together too...hot, loving and sweet. I loved all the nuzzling :) So your probably thinking why only 3 stars and I just can't place my finger on it. When it takes me almost 3 days to read, I know I'm not loving it.
I will finish the series tho...I'm really curious about Trey.
This book took me a while to finally click with. Not sure why, I really liked book 1 and I usually like paranormal books but there was just something about this one that didn't work for me.
I liked the fact that this was an interspecies story line...Cougar & Wolf..there's bound to be some angst between them! Ethan & Bram were great together too...hot, loving and sweet. I loved all the nuzzling :) So your probably thinking why only 3 stars and I just can't place my finger on it. When it takes me almost 3 days to read, I know I'm not loving it.
I will finish the series tho...I'm really curious about Trey.
March 10, 2011
The book starts up with an exciting chase and it drew me in instantly.
I was worried, since I've read the reviews before reading the book, that once the captivity part was over the story would slow down and it'll soon turn boring. However I found the rest of the book just as interesting.
My only two problems were: how fast and easily the threats were eliminated, (nobody but the bad guy got hurt and all was well) and that the book was lacking in descriptions, especially descriptions about the two main characters.
All in all, I think it was a decent read.
I was worried, since I've read the reviews before reading the book, that once the captivity part was over the story would slow down and it'll soon turn boring. However I found the rest of the book just as interesting.
My only two problems were: how fast and easily the threats were eliminated, (nobody but the bad guy got hurt and all was well) and that the book was lacking in descriptions, especially descriptions about the two main characters.
All in all, I think it was a decent read.
April 11, 2011
This was a decent read, I know for some it wouldn't be as engrossing as it was for me but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book was good enough that when it concluded I was disappointed because I could have handled another couple of hundred pages of the story. The smutty portions weren't the best I've ever read, and certainly there were issues around the intimacy/urgency of the sex acts that I found unrealistic based on the rest of the character development occurring.
The were-creature aspect of the story was well told and enjoyable.
The were-creature aspect of the story was well told and enjoyable.
April 12, 2013
For some reason I didn't really care for this story. I can't put my finger on what in particular. I liked Ethan at the beginning, but then as the book went on, he was just okay. I never really cared for Bram. I didn't understand his relationship with Doug.
Something about the read seemed predictable yet the author tried to make it complex and didn't explain things well enough. Plus I didn't buy Trey not killing Doug when he took over as alpha. At the very least I think he would have banished him far far away.
Sad to say, but I doubt I will read any more books in the series.
Something about the read seemed predictable yet the author tried to make it complex and didn't explain things well enough. Plus I didn't buy Trey not killing Doug when he took over as alpha. At the very least I think he would have banished him far far away.
Sad to say, but I doubt I will read any more books in the series.
January 28, 2013
A very different and deep look into the psyche of shifters. This book took two shifters with emotional damage and showed them trying to heal each other. Their methods were unusual and caring. This was not your usual alpha story. Maybe they were not even alphas. I, the reader, was fully involved in their struggles and love story. The author wove a web that would not let the reader go. Both of the main characters captured my heart making for a rewarding reading experience. This was far and above the ordinary m/m shifter offering.
June 9, 2014
June 1st to June 8th 2014
This is another one of those books I found late. In fact it's book 2 in the Northern Shifters. I loved book 1 in this series but this book just never took off. I don't know what happened....the characters weren't that bad it's just like the book never had a hook. It just never really caught my interest. I almost didn't finish it. I have a rule if I start to read it I have to finish it. I almost broke my own rule. This was the hardest book I ever had to finish. I hope book 3 is better......
This is another one of those books I found late. In fact it's book 2 in the Northern Shifters. I loved book 1 in this series but this book just never took off. I don't know what happened....the characters weren't that bad it's just like the book never had a hook. It just never really caught my interest. I almost didn't finish it. I have a rule if I start to read it I have to finish it. I almost broke my own rule. This was the hardest book I ever had to finish. I hope book 3 is better......
January 18, 2010
I needed to read something along the lines of Twilight but for an older crowd and one writtten with LGBT characters. I read several on my Amazon Kindle and found the books by Joely Skye to have a more sophisticated writing style. Her characters are more fleshed out and while there are sex scenes in the book they play a part in the character development.
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