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dallasreeves's review against another edition
5.0
This is the first book I picked off a library shelf when I got back into reading for fun (after graduate school). It’s my favorite series to date. I have all the books and I love them dearly. I read them over and I enjoy them more and more each time. I find the depth of the story and the characters (especially how they intersect) what really makes these books what they are. Maria has crafted a full world with a different take on werewolves that we didn’t know we needed and I love all the little snarky comments about eating carrion and how they perceive different human activities.
The relationship between the runt and the outsider leads to the ultimate romance in this first book and I was here for it. I couldn’t put the book down.
The relationship between the runt and the outsider leads to the ultimate romance in this first book and I was here for it. I couldn’t put the book down.
being_b's review against another edition
3.0
Definitely a more knowledgeable take on modern werewolves than is typical for paranormal romance-- in fact, I'd say the paranormal part was pretty good. The problem lies in the "romance," and more specifically in a POV character who is intentionally alien in thought process and outlook. This can be done very well, but I think it requires a very fine grasp of how to convey emotion in such a way that the reader can understand what is meaningful to the character, even if it isn't clear why. It's one situation where "telling" can actually complement "showing" because as readers it isn't always clear what a werewolf would feel in response to various situations.
Because the book is written in very limited third-person POV, but without much exploration of the POV character's feelings, the romance fell flat to me. I also didn't like our POV character much, mostly because I couldn't figure out what she did all day other than run around being a wolf. I like my characters to act rather than just react, and that didn't seem to happen here.
Because the book is written in very limited third-person POV, but without much exploration of the POV character's feelings, the romance fell flat to me. I also didn't like our POV character much, mostly because I couldn't figure out what she did all day other than run around being a wolf. I like my characters to act rather than just react, and that didn't seem to happen here.
jackiehorne's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 Strong debut paranormal romance set in a world where werewolves revile shifters, those who can choose whether or not to change when the moon is full. Excellent world building, an intriguing main character (a runt female werewolf who is barely hanging on to her position in the pack but who has deep reserves of inner strength), and a draw-you-in-premise make this a page-turner, although the surprise 3/4 of the way into the book is totally unexpected and undercuts the integrity of both of the romantic leads.
whatsmacksaid's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars--I loved the mythology and the careful and thoughtful blending of wolf and human characteristics and habits, but the twist came sort of out of left field and wasn't as compelling as the push and pull between the main characters' human/wild sides.
bibliotay's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
latoinombra's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
readerpants's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
I enjoyed Molly Molloy and the Angel of Death and was curious what that author's voice would be like in a pnr/shifter book... and the answer is, still that of a medievalist academic!
This was definitely one of those "yes, I have to read every book in this series one after another on Libby without stopping even though my brain feels a little like that was too many wolf romances to binge in a row" situations.
Highly recommended for fans of Nalini Singh who are in it for the worldbuilding and sprawling community/political/world situations, with much better steamy scenes and much less squicky power/gender dynamics. (Not dissing Nalini Singh - I love the trashy-tv-show epic worldbuilding vibes of the newer Psy-Changeling books, but the romances pretty never work for me.)
I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE to see some some queer rep or even just discussion of the existence of queer people and relationships. I think that could fit so well and so interestingly into this universe. And I mean... the epigraph for the last book is by Danez Smith? I bet the author could explore that in a way that would be fascinating and thoughtful.
tl;dr: 4.5 stars, a solid read!
This was definitely one of those "yes, I have to read every book in this series one after another on Libby without stopping even though my brain feels a little like that was too many wolf romances to binge in a row" situations.
Highly recommended for fans of Nalini Singh who are in it for the worldbuilding and sprawling community/political/world situations, with much better steamy scenes and much less squicky power/gender dynamics. (Not dissing Nalini Singh - I love the trashy-tv-show epic worldbuilding vibes of the newer Psy-Changeling books, but the romances pretty never work for me.)
I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE to see some some queer rep or even just discussion of the existence of queer people and relationships. I think that could fit so well and so interestingly into this universe. And I mean... the epigraph for the last book is by Danez Smith? I bet the author could explore that in a way that would be fascinating and thoughtful.
tl;dr: 4.5 stars, a solid read!
hermioneigh's review
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kim_brockway_gatehouse's review against another edition
5.0
I really loved this book. You can read my full review on my WordPress blog, Flora's Musings...
So, what did I like about it?
As a début author, I was very impressed with [a:Maria Vale|16799466|Maria Vale|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1503354433p2/16799466.jpg]’s writing style; it felt graceful, full bodied and very easy to read. I thought that the story itself was intelligent and felt well researched and I enjoyed her prose; the way she weaves known wolf behaviours, Norse mythology and archaic languages into her tale is inspiring. [b:The Last Wolf|35024099|The Last Wolf (The Legend of All Wolves, #1)|Maria Vale|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1512161455s/35024099.jpg|56310441] is an unexpected find.
I liked the way that Ms Vale used a prologue to give us a glimpse of the history of her werewolves, the world that they came from and the fundamental difference between werewolves and shapeshifters, before taking us to modern day America where The Great North pack lives.
[b:The Last Wolf|35024099|The Last Wolf (The Legend of All Wolves, #1)|Maria Vale|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1512161455s/35024099.jpg|56310441] is unlike any book I've read before; it is told from first person point of view by our main female lead, Quicksilver Nilsdottir, who is a werewolf but because she was born a runt and has a crippled leg, she is destined to be a nidling - a bond servant to the Alpha pair. Those of you who have read my reviews before will know that I enjoy a story more if the lead female character is intelligent, resilient and independent, i.e. able to stand on her own two feet, I wasn’t disappointed here; Silver (Sil) was all of these and more, despite her social position in her pack, she’s got gumption; a cool wit, loyalty, a big heart and has spirit.
I enjoyed the way that this werewolf story is told; beings that are born wolf cubs and have to learn how to wear a human “skin” and fit in with the human world rather than humans who have an animal beast within themselves, or animal spirit, a voice/presence in their head and a second being that they morph into that they resist and/or fight.
I was so involved in the story, that emotions came easily while reading it; I was on the edge of my seat during the fight scenes, full of horrified indignation at the blatant injustices, shed a few tears at the sad scenes, had a smile on my face with the subtle humour and a lump in my throat at the more romantic scenes. There are explicit sex scenes in this story but the way Ms Vale writes them, lending us the insights into the principles of wolf pack behaviour, Silver’s heart and the growth of Tiberius and Silver’s trust and feelings for each other, made it all the more heart-warming to read.
I enjoyed the twists and turns that Ms Vale sprinkled throughout her tale and liked the fact I wasn’t ever really sure how, or if, she would resolve things. I couldn’t help turning the page to find out to find out what would happen next. As a first in series, I was bracing myself for the inevitable cliffhanger, but I am happy to confirm that there is no life or death situation type cliffhanger at the end of this book. Woop!Woop! (‘cause you all know how I feel a about cliffhangers) and I’m looking forward to finding out where Ms Vale takes us in book 2.
...So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
No. I wouldn’t change a thing; even the more unpalatable, harsh aspects of this story that are harder to read, played an important role to the overall appreciation.
...So, basically what I’m saying is...
I really loved this book. [b:The Last Wolf|35024099|The Last Wolf (The Legend of All Wolves, #1)|Maria Vale|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1512161455s/35024099.jpg|56310441] has everything that I look for in a 5 star book; adventure, a bit of mystery, some action, great characters, a little humour and even a sprinkling of romance.
Due to the sexual content and violence, I’d rate this story 18+, which means I’d recommend this book to adults who are fans of paranormal fantasy stories featuring relationship drama – both family and romantic – with some darker themes.
I want you to know that I was lucky enough to be given a digital version of this book for free from the publisher (Sourcebooks Cassablanca) after making a request via Netgally.com in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is 6th February 2018.
So, what did I like about it?
As a début author, I was very impressed with [a:Maria Vale|16799466|Maria Vale|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1503354433p2/16799466.jpg]’s writing style; it felt graceful, full bodied and very easy to read. I thought that the story itself was intelligent and felt well researched and I enjoyed her prose; the way she weaves known wolf behaviours, Norse mythology and archaic languages into her tale is inspiring. [b:The Last Wolf|35024099|The Last Wolf (The Legend of All Wolves, #1)|Maria Vale|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1512161455s/35024099.jpg|56310441] is an unexpected find.
I liked the way that Ms Vale used a prologue to give us a glimpse of the history of her werewolves, the world that they came from and the fundamental difference between werewolves and shapeshifters, before taking us to modern day America where The Great North pack lives.
[b:The Last Wolf|35024099|The Last Wolf (The Legend of All Wolves, #1)|Maria Vale|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1512161455s/35024099.jpg|56310441] is unlike any book I've read before; it is told from first person point of view by our main female lead, Quicksilver Nilsdottir, who is a werewolf but because she was born a runt and has a crippled leg, she is destined to be a nidling - a bond servant to the Alpha pair. Those of you who have read my reviews before will know that I enjoy a story more if the lead female character is intelligent, resilient and independent, i.e. able to stand on her own two feet, I wasn’t disappointed here; Silver (Sil) was all of these and more, despite her social position in her pack, she’s got gumption; a cool wit, loyalty, a big heart and has spirit.
I enjoyed the way that this werewolf story is told; beings that are born wolf cubs and have to learn how to wear a human “skin” and fit in with the human world rather than humans who have an animal beast within themselves, or animal spirit, a voice/presence in their head and a second being that they morph into that they resist and/or fight.
I was so involved in the story, that emotions came easily while reading it; I was on the edge of my seat during the fight scenes, full of horrified indignation at the blatant injustices, shed a few tears at the sad scenes, had a smile on my face with the subtle humour and a lump in my throat at the more romantic scenes. There are explicit sex scenes in this story but the way Ms Vale writes them, lending us the insights into the principles of wolf pack behaviour, Silver’s heart and the growth of Tiberius and Silver’s trust and feelings for each other, made it all the more heart-warming to read.
I enjoyed the twists and turns that Ms Vale sprinkled throughout her tale and liked the fact I wasn’t ever really sure how, or if, she would resolve things. I couldn’t help turning the page to find out to find out what would happen next. As a first in series, I was bracing myself for the inevitable cliffhanger, but I am happy to confirm that there is no life or death situation type cliffhanger at the end of this book. Woop!Woop! (‘cause you all know how I feel a about cliffhangers) and I’m looking forward to finding out where Ms Vale takes us in book 2.
...So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
No. I wouldn’t change a thing; even the more unpalatable, harsh aspects of this story that are harder to read, played an important role to the overall appreciation.
...So, basically what I’m saying is...
I really loved this book. [b:The Last Wolf|35024099|The Last Wolf (The Legend of All Wolves, #1)|Maria Vale|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1512161455s/35024099.jpg|56310441] has everything that I look for in a 5 star book; adventure, a bit of mystery, some action, great characters, a little humour and even a sprinkling of romance.
Due to the sexual content and violence, I’d rate this story 18+, which means I’d recommend this book to adults who are fans of paranormal fantasy stories featuring relationship drama – both family and romantic – with some darker themes.
I want you to know that I was lucky enough to be given a digital version of this book for free from the publisher (Sourcebooks Cassablanca) after making a request via Netgally.com in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is 6th February 2018.
boggremlin's review against another edition
3.0
Billed as a paranormal romance, but offers excellent world-building and a heckavalot of Anglo Saxon, some of which I was able to manage without the in-text translations (Dr. Bart would be so...proud?).
Upending many fantasy tropes, no one is particularly chosen to save the world (it's astonishingly community-centric), and the male protagonist is the outsider. Vale does a good job of handling a massive amount of information in a first-person narrative, and the substantial grimness and violence are offset by occasional flashes of humor and tenderness.
Upending many fantasy tropes, no one is particularly chosen to save the world (it's astonishingly community-centric), and the male protagonist is the outsider. Vale does a good job of handling a massive amount of information in a first-person narrative, and the substantial grimness and violence are offset by occasional flashes of humor and tenderness.