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katyanaish's review
3.0
This was ... ooookay. It was too heavy on the non-con sexual abuse to me, frankly, which I didn't expect from the blurb. I also didn't expect this to be some kind of omegaverse thing.
The characters also made some spectacularly dumb choices at various points -
But I tentatively am interested in the overall story. Like, what exactly is she? Why is the mate bond so weird with her? Why do the alpha elders seem to be happy to use her, but yet are so fucking against her?
But that said, there's a big weight of skepticism this book left me with, that the series is going to have to dig itself out of. Like, why is she such a fucking doormat? That's the biggest one. Why does she just do what the alphas say, like she owes them anything when they've made it abundantly clear that she's an outsider? Why does ANYONE, quite frankly, respect them and do what they say? We're told that they have fated mates, but that the alphas don't always allow them to be with their mate ... which ... wtf? Why would ANY shifter agree to follow someone who would dictate that? How can this be a norm thing (which it really comes across as, given how casually Jai says it to her). I don't understand her relationship to the pack. I don't understand her Nan and all the contradictory bullshit her Nan spouted, and I really don't understand how/why it seems like her Nan seems to have promised her or her babies to the pack, as if she's a prized cow/possession. I don't understand any of it, honestly. I'm giving it leeway because big story questions frequently play out across multiple books, but I don't like how much, in this book, I was like WTF?? And just had to extend some faith and move forward.
There's also a dark suspicion that on some level the pack was aware of or working with these scientists ... because they seem to have very casually sent her in there to be taken. And that makes me even more confused.
The characters also made some spectacularly dumb choices at various points -
Spoiler
when she knows, has seen in a shifter's mind, precisely how these assholes trap people and capture them ... why does she meander into such a fucking obvious trap?But I tentatively am interested in the overall story. Like, what exactly is she? Why is the mate bond so weird with her? Why do the alpha elders seem to be happy to use her, but yet are so fucking against her?
But that said, there's a big weight of skepticism this book left me with, that the series is going to have to dig itself out of. Like, why is she such a fucking doormat? That's the biggest one. Why does she just do what the alphas say, like she owes them anything when they've made it abundantly clear that she's an outsider? Why does ANYONE, quite frankly, respect them and do what they say? We're told that they have fated mates, but that the alphas don't always allow them to be with their mate ... which ... wtf? Why would ANY shifter agree to follow someone who would dictate that? How can this be a norm thing (which it really comes across as, given how casually Jai says it to her). I don't understand her relationship to the pack. I don't understand her Nan and all the contradictory bullshit her Nan spouted, and I really don't understand how/why it seems like her Nan seems to have promised her or her babies to the pack, as if she's a prized cow/possession. I don't understand any of it, honestly. I'm giving it leeway because big story questions frequently play out across multiple books, but I don't like how much, in this book, I was like WTF?? And just had to extend some faith and move forward.
There's also a dark suspicion that on some level the pack was aware of or working with these scientists ... because they seem to have very casually sent her in there to be taken. And that makes me even more confused.
angepants's review
5.0
A delicious take on omegaverse that is unlike anything else I've read. As always Sam Hall doesn't disappoint, a well crafted story that starts as an unrequited childhood sweethearts being pulled back together, that soon divulges into something far more sinister. Shannon is a wonderful MC, Tai is such a delicious man and then the other guys come on the scene and its all on. Fast paced and just really amazing to read. I loved it!
poppymonster's review
4.0
This book was dark AF with a lot of dubcon scenarios and rape from non main characters. This single POV novel was well written with a clear plot line. I appreciated that, although it was reverse harem, it hasn’t involved instalove. It has an omegaverse feel, but only has Alphas. This book was able to portray the complexities involved in a second chance relationship, even when driven by attraction.
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: Noncon/dubcon, captivity/imprisonment, torture
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: Noncon/dubcon, captivity/imprisonment, torture
moukinnokage's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
First off, Sam Hall did a GREAT job with her trigger warnings, and I was extremely grateful for the heads up. I was only able to skim most of it, but I like what I managed to read. It was dark, emotional and twisted, but also developed great starts to complex character interactions and relationships that pushed me to read the next book. Well done 👍🏻
greek_myth5's review against another edition
5.0
Holy shifters batman!
This book....I have no words to describe it properly I think. Amazing! Crazy Good! The shifter book I never I needed! Honestly this was an awesome read. There's so much going on in this book and the edge if your seat anxiety is a real emotion throughout the book.
We have Shannon who has been in love with Jai most of her life but she believed she'd never have. Somehow he manages to get the pack to assign him as Shannon's mate. But did they really? The old coots that run the pack are wily and shady. Their word is law and you bow down or get out. And poor Shannon is unwanted by them. She has a gift, one they fear but gets her captured by the new Capricorn Institute to be bred to other shifters. The other captives are also broken and forced to endure and survive. Shannon and Jai's future vision for themselves sadly goes down the drain. The ending leaves you wanting more and screaming why?!?!
I can't wait to find out what happens next because I'm all in with this story and these characters.
This book....I have no words to describe it properly I think. Amazing! Crazy Good! The shifter book I never I needed! Honestly this was an awesome read. There's so much going on in this book and the edge if your seat anxiety is a real emotion throughout the book.
We have Shannon who has been in love with Jai most of her life but she believed she'd never have. Somehow he manages to get the pack to assign him as Shannon's mate. But did they really? The old coots that run the pack are wily and shady. Their word is law and you bow down or get out. And poor Shannon is unwanted by them. She has a gift, one they fear but gets her captured by the new Capricorn Institute to be bred to other shifters. The other captives are also broken and forced to endure and survive. Shannon and Jai's future vision for themselves sadly goes down the drain. The ending leaves you wanting more and screaming why?!?!
I can't wait to find out what happens next because I'm all in with this story and these characters.
sunflower133's review against another edition
4.0
There’s a lot to say about this book.
I think it was written well and will be liked by the correct audience which is why I gave it 4 stars.
First warning, the ending is NOT going to make sense. It’s towards the end of chapter 36, they’ve put in chapter 38 called “simpler ending” that actually just adds in more details and thought processes so you know what’s going on. So keep that in mind.
Now this book wasn’t my kind of book but it was written well and will be appreciated by people who like this type. I wasn’t expecting there to be so much helplessness and being continuously forced into situations. I had to finish the book to know what happened otherwise I can’t stop feeling the characters’ despair. This book was also centred around pregnancy and the need to get a woman pregnant, not something that I like but that’s just me! The captivity part was written really well, I found the state of everyone (both captured and captees) written very well, it was believable and made you want to read more.
So if it interests you don’t be afraid to give it a go but be warned it can be quite heavy. The authors note at the beginning does a good job to warn you, I think they set it up really well.
I think it was written well and will be liked by the correct audience which is why I gave it 4 stars.
First warning, the ending is NOT going to make sense. It’s towards the end of chapter 36, they’ve put in chapter 38 called “simpler ending” that actually just adds in more details and thought processes so you know what’s going on. So keep that in mind.
Now this book wasn’t my kind of book but it was written well and will be appreciated by people who like this type. I wasn’t expecting there to be so much helplessness and being continuously forced into situations. I had to finish the book to know what happened otherwise I can’t stop feeling the characters’ despair. This book was also centred around pregnancy and the need to get a woman pregnant, not something that I like but that’s just me! The captivity part was written really well, I found the state of everyone (both captured and captees) written very well, it was believable and made you want to read more.
So if it interests you don’t be afraid to give it a go but be warned it can be quite heavy. The authors note at the beginning does a good job to warn you, I think they set it up really well.
mmegan19's review against another edition
4.0
Very Interesting
This book is very different from the other shifter books I’ve read, and it was cool to learn as the characters learned about the world, what being a mate meant, and learn what’s happening to the shifter community.
We leave the book with a lot of questions, so I’m interested to see them get answered in book 3!
This book is very different from the other shifter books I’ve read, and it was cool to learn as the characters learned about the world, what being a mate meant, and learn what’s happening to the shifter community.
We leave the book with a lot of questions, so I’m interested to see them get answered in book 3!
j_j_catcrazydragon's review
I should have read the negative reviews before I started this..
I got it free on Amazon AU, and loved the concept (minus the reverse harem story).
I know I normally end up not liking the reverse H story, too much sex that seems unrelated to the story, and not enough depth to the story.
But I just read a different author R.H., recommended by a G.R.'s friend, and really enjoyed it.
This came up as being enjoyed by the same readers, free, good concept maybe, why not?
Now I know.
I hate the whole, female can't resist her hormones, while the guy is smug and in control!
Male hypocrites who have no problem using their power to control if they think it appropriate. But if the female were to do the same, death sentence.
Passing judgement for being afraid, calling her a rabbit, while they literally have double figure predators to rely upon to protect each other. Her? An old woman and her granddaughter, than just the young woman.
Labelled an outsider, not good enough for one of theirs until they find a use for her that their own can't fulfil.
Other reviews say some of this changes later on, but not in any good way, and not soon enough for me to be able to grit my teeth until it does.
So, I could really vent some more, but pointless.
Those who enjoy this won't be interested in my words, those who don't, have plenty of others to read, telling 'em all they need to know.
I got it free on Amazon AU, and loved the concept (minus the reverse harem story).
I know I normally end up not liking the reverse H story, too much sex that seems unrelated to the story, and not enough depth to the story.
But I just read a different author R.H., recommended by a G.R.'s friend, and really enjoyed it.
This came up as being enjoyed by the same readers, free, good concept maybe, why not?
Now I know.
I hate the whole, female can't resist her hormones, while the guy is smug and in control!
Male hypocrites who have no problem using their power to control if they think it appropriate. But if the female were to do the same, death sentence.
Passing judgement for being afraid, calling her a rabbit, while they literally have double figure predators to rely upon to protect each other. Her? An old woman and her granddaughter, than just the young woman.
Labelled an outsider, not good enough for one of theirs until they find a use for her that their own can't fulfil.
Other reviews say some of this changes later on, but not in any good way, and not soon enough for me to be able to grit my teeth until it does.
So, I could really vent some more, but pointless.
Those who enjoy this won't be interested in my words, those who don't, have plenty of others to read, telling 'em all they need to know.
j4nck3's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0