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dallasreeves's review
5.0
This might be favorite book of this series, but I do love them all pretty equally. I found this one to be very special and the ending is both tragic and awe inspiring.
kim_brockway_gatehouse's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. My heartbeats have returned to normal, I've dried the tears from my cheeks and I've managed to get my thoughts together. You can read my full review on my WordPress blog, Flora's Musings...
So, what did I like about it?
I am already a fan of [a:Maria Vale|16799466|Maria Vale|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1503354433p2/16799466.jpg]’s writing style; her stories are very easy to read and feel graceful and full bodied. The books in this series are unlike any I've read before; I think that her stories are intelligent and feel well researched and I really enjoy her prose - the way she weaves known wolf behaviours, Norse mythology and archaic languages into her tales are inspirational. [b:Forever Wolf|40597253|Forever Wolf (The Legend of All Wolves, #3)|Maria Vale|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1538456996s/40597253.jpg|63046492] is a unique treasure.
[b:Forever Wolf|40597253|Forever Wolf (The Legend of All Wolves, #3)|Maria Vale|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1538456996s/40597253.jpg|63046492] is told from first person point of view by our main female lead, Varya Timursdottir, who is a werewolf from a long dead pack that inhabited an island the Arctic sea and has earned her position of Alpha Shielder of the 12th Echelon of the Great North Pack since being taken in by them when she was younger. 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; Varya was all of these and more, despite her feelings of still being an outsider she is definitely loyal to the Pack and she’s got plenty of gumption as well as a cool wit (albeit unknowingly), a big heart and has a fierce fighting spirit.
I love the concept that the werewolves in this series 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 and I really enjoyed watching how this variance was played out in this book.
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, Varya’s inner dialogue and the growth of Eyulf and Varya’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 but keep reading one more page to find out to find out what would happen next. 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 the series could be left there, however, I’m hoping that Ms Vale has more stories to share with us about the Great North Pack.
So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
I rated this book 5stars because I wouldn’t change a thing; even the more harsh aspects of this story that are harder to read, played an important role to the overall appreciation of the book.
So, basically what I’m saying is...
I really loved this book. [b:Forever Wolf|40597253|Forever Wolf (The Legend of All Wolves, #3)|Maria Vale|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1538456996s/40597253.jpg|63046492] has everything that I look for in a 5 star story; adventure, some mystery, action, great characters, a little humour and even a sprinkling of romance.
Due to the violence and sexual content, I’d recommend this book to adults who are not offended by content of this nature who enjoy urban fantasy adventures centred on relationships – both family and romantic – with some darker themes.
This series is a unique spin on werewolf tales and feels so much more believable than the majority of paranormal romances, I am completely invested in the Great North Pack and the characters I've met so far. The Legend of all Wolves series is an unexpected find and I can’t recommend the books enough.
I received an ARC of this book from the publishers, Sourcebook Casablanca through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review
So, what did I like about it?
I am already a fan of [a:Maria Vale|16799466|Maria Vale|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1503354433p2/16799466.jpg]’s writing style; her stories are very easy to read and feel graceful and full bodied. The books in this series are unlike any I've read before; I think that her stories are intelligent and feel well researched and I really enjoy her prose - the way she weaves known wolf behaviours, Norse mythology and archaic languages into her tales are inspirational. [b:Forever Wolf|40597253|Forever Wolf (The Legend of All Wolves, #3)|Maria Vale|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1538456996s/40597253.jpg|63046492] is a unique treasure.
[b:Forever Wolf|40597253|Forever Wolf (The Legend of All Wolves, #3)|Maria Vale|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1538456996s/40597253.jpg|63046492] is told from first person point of view by our main female lead, Varya Timursdottir, who is a werewolf from a long dead pack that inhabited an island the Arctic sea and has earned her position of Alpha Shielder of the 12th Echelon of the Great North Pack since being taken in by them when she was younger. 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; Varya was all of these and more, despite her feelings of still being an outsider she is definitely loyal to the Pack and she’s got plenty of gumption as well as a cool wit (albeit unknowingly), a big heart and has a fierce fighting spirit.
I love the concept that the werewolves in this series 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 and I really enjoyed watching how this variance was played out in this book.
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, Varya’s inner dialogue and the growth of Eyulf and Varya’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 but keep reading one more page to find out to find out what would happen next. 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 the series could be left there, however, I’m hoping that Ms Vale has more stories to share with us about the Great North Pack.
So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
I rated this book 5stars because I wouldn’t change a thing; even the more harsh aspects of this story that are harder to read, played an important role to the overall appreciation of the book.
So, basically what I’m saying is...
I really loved this book. [b:Forever Wolf|40597253|Forever Wolf (The Legend of All Wolves, #3)|Maria Vale|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1538456996s/40597253.jpg|63046492] has everything that I look for in a 5 star story; adventure, some mystery, action, great characters, a little humour and even a sprinkling of romance.
Due to the violence and sexual content, I’d recommend this book to adults who are not offended by content of this nature who enjoy urban fantasy adventures centred on relationships – both family and romantic – with some darker themes.
This series is a unique spin on werewolf tales and feels so much more believable than the majority of paranormal romances, I am completely invested in the Great North Pack and the characters I've met so far. The Legend of all Wolves series is an unexpected find and I can’t recommend the books enough.
I received an ARC of this book from the publishers, Sourcebook Casablanca through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review
blodeuedd's review against another edition
3.0
This one was different from the previous two, in those there were some romance, but here, well it is had to explain. She does meet someone, but it feels like they connect on a whole other level. And it is perfect in the end.
Varya is a shielder. No one likes her, but they fear her. At the same time these wolves are having problems. Stupid humans who trespass and shoot them while they are in wolf form (like hello, I am way more scared of bears and wolves). For people have always feared wolves. But Varya protects her people are all costs She was one tough wolf.
Then she finds a wounded stranger, alone wolf who does not know what he is. Eyulf. And she feels something she has never felt with anyone.
But most of this story is them trying to stay alive. Humans are encroaching on their land, shifters are after them. And there is infighting, because not everyone appreciate living like this anymore. For the moon to hold that much sway on you.
Oh it was good, but also bittersweet. I wonder how they will make it, it is hard being a wolf in a man's world. I need to know more, I need one more book. And I read the premise right now, seems to be about the alpha.
Great narration. All the feels. I was there in the great north with them all
Varya is a shielder. No one likes her, but they fear her. At the same time these wolves are having problems. Stupid humans who trespass and shoot them while they are in wolf form (like hello, I am way more scared of bears and wolves). For people have always feared wolves. But Varya protects her people are all costs She was one tough wolf.
Then she finds a wounded stranger, alone wolf who does not know what he is. Eyulf. And she feels something she has never felt with anyone.
But most of this story is them trying to stay alive. Humans are encroaching on their land, shifters are after them. And there is infighting, because not everyone appreciate living like this anymore. For the moon to hold that much sway on you.
Oh it was good, but also bittersweet. I wonder how they will make it, it is hard being a wolf in a man's world. I need to know more, I need one more book. And I read the premise right now, seems to be about the alpha.
Great narration. All the feels. I was there in the great north with them all
timitra's review
4.0
Awesome read!
Forever Wolf was a wonderful read. I love the emotions and intensity packed into these books. While I enjoyed this one I'm conflicted about the ending. I'm not sure exactly how I feel but I will most certainly be reading the next book in the series. I'm hooked on this series and definitely recommend them.
Forever Wolf was a wonderful read. I love the emotions and intensity packed into these books. While I enjoyed this one I'm conflicted about the ending. I'm not sure exactly how I feel but I will most certainly be reading the next book in the series. I'm hooked on this series and definitely recommend them.
bibliophile90's review against another edition
5.0
”How could anyone think his eyes were a curse? Blue and green. The promise of heaven and earth.”
I tried to read this book last year but couldn't fully get into it, plus I read a couple of spoilers about the ending which made me even more hesitant to pick it up. However, after receiving an ARC of the next book I knew I had to read Forever Wold because there is a plot that continues throughout the series, and in my opinion I would've missed a part of the storyline if I skipped this book. I am so happy I decided to give this book another chance because I ended up loving it. It first took me some time to get familiar with the terms and hierarchy the pack used. But this didn't lessen my enjoyment of the story.
“Wolves are physical. Our stories are written on our skin. And you are the story I want written on my body.”
In Forever Wolf we are following Varya who comes across as very cold and emotionless. She lives to protect the pack and is extremely loyal. I first couldn't connect to her but further down the story my heart went out to her. Even though she is part of the pack, she is still very lonely. However, when she comes across the injured Eyulf she starts to feel new things and the ice around her heart begins to thaw. These two were so beautiful together and it really warmed my heart seeing them interact and open up to each other. I was prepared for the ending but it didn't make me hurt less. But in a way I thought it was very fitting and original, and I was okay with it. I really love all the characters and the pack dynamics, and I look forward to seeing what will happen next. I hope the next book isn't the last one, because I want to see this pack thrive and finally live a peaceful life.
katleap's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
I really really enjoyed this series. It focuses on pack and how the individual contributes.
This is the third book and it focus on Varya. She was on the fringes of the second book. Varya is the female alpha pair of the 12th. She know the rules keep the pack safe. Her former pack that she was driven from as a teenager taught her that. When Varya discovers an other arctic wolf, wounded and starving, she saves him instead of turning him in. As the turmoil with the shifters and the changes in the pack itself worsen, Eyulf becomes Varya's safe place.
I really learned to like Varya. She is so straight forward and Eyulf nudges her slowly into trust. I adored these two. The ending with the pack was very satisfactory. Quicksilver continues to make me the most happy. Arthur was awesome.
I really really enjoyed this series. It focuses on pack and how the individual contributes.
This is the third book and it focus on Varya. She was on the fringes of the second book. Varya is the female alpha pair of the 12th. She know the rules keep the pack safe. Her former pack that she was driven from as a teenager taught her that. When Varya discovers an other arctic wolf, wounded and starving, she saves him instead of turning him in. As the turmoil with the shifters and the changes in the pack itself worsen, Eyulf becomes Varya's safe place.
I really learned to like Varya. She is so straight forward and Eyulf nudges her slowly into trust. I adored these two. The ending with the pack was very satisfactory. Quicksilver continues to make me the most happy. Arthur was awesome.
kblincoln's review
4.0
I started reading Vale's shifters-in-modern-Canadian-wilderness world back in 2018 with main characters Silver & Tiberius. Each of her books features the POV of a new wolf couple (mainly the female half) and has a kind of abstract, stream-of-consciousness kind of feel to it, that I think fits with the wolf/wild version of the heroine.
In this case, the heroine is Varya, a shielder and pseudo-mate of one of the Alphas of the Great Northern Pack after John is killed and Evie takes over. She has a tragic past-- cast out of her original (Siberian? Northern Russia? The actual modern world in Vale's books are always so amorphous and vague) pack due to her own actions, but she's found place in the Great Northern and loves the often difficult pack Homelands despite an indifferent relationship with her Alpha and somewhat contentious relationship with the pack Deemer/Law-speaker.
Then she finds a wounded wolf with one green eye and one blue, and based on her knowledge of pack lore knows the Great Northern will never accept him. However, she cares for him.
Meanwhile, the Shifters, fronted by enemy August Leveraux, are encroaching as hunters on pack territory again, and August has an ominous plan involving the female members of the pack, and the pack Deemer is being shifty-- not in a good way.
Varya will have to decide how much she's willing to endure to save her beloved pack when it might mean sacrificing the only wolf she's ever felt drawn to.
The fun thing about Vale's wolves is that their way of life is very rooted in sometimes brutal, but interesting to read, patterns of behavior that seem more rooted in animal kingdom behaviors than human (marking each other on the cheek, casual attitude about nudity sex, unflinching physical punishment etc). Her liberal use of West Saxon? old English (a la Beowulf) that serves as the wolves' traditional language also adds an other-worldly feeling to the story.
These books are more about emotions and remembered backhistory than focused on plot, but as I like the character-building that results, I'm all good. Just sometimes I find myself having to re-read paragraphs because important action is kind of skipped over or referenced after happening.
Watch out, Vale isn't afraid of major damage (physical/emotional) to main characters, and this one made me sad at the end.
The next couple she set up includes another former-enemy Shifter and Evie, the uber-alpha so I'll definitely go on to read that one soonish.
In this case, the heroine is Varya, a shielder and pseudo-mate of one of the Alphas of the Great Northern Pack after John is killed and Evie takes over. She has a tragic past-- cast out of her original (Siberian? Northern Russia? The actual modern world in Vale's books are always so amorphous and vague) pack due to her own actions, but she's found place in the Great Northern and loves the often difficult pack Homelands despite an indifferent relationship with her Alpha and somewhat contentious relationship with the pack Deemer/Law-speaker.
Then she finds a wounded wolf with one green eye and one blue, and based on her knowledge of pack lore knows the Great Northern will never accept him. However, she cares for him.
Meanwhile, the Shifters, fronted by enemy August Leveraux, are encroaching as hunters on pack territory again, and August has an ominous plan involving the female members of the pack, and the pack Deemer is being shifty-- not in a good way.
Varya will have to decide how much she's willing to endure to save her beloved pack when it might mean sacrificing the only wolf she's ever felt drawn to.
The fun thing about Vale's wolves is that their way of life is very rooted in sometimes brutal, but interesting to read, patterns of behavior that seem more rooted in animal kingdom behaviors than human (marking each other on the cheek, casual attitude about nudity sex, unflinching physical punishment etc). Her liberal use of West Saxon? old English (a la Beowulf) that serves as the wolves' traditional language also adds an other-worldly feeling to the story.
These books are more about emotions and remembered backhistory than focused on plot, but as I like the character-building that results, I'm all good. Just sometimes I find myself having to re-read paragraphs because important action is kind of skipped over or referenced after happening.
Watch out, Vale isn't afraid of major damage (physical/emotional) to main characters, and this one made me sad at the end.
The next couple she set up includes another former-enemy Shifter and Evie, the uber-alpha so I'll definitely go on to read that one soonish.
jessiebwriting's review
5.0
I just love this series! The twist this author has on the legend of wolves that can appear human is one I've never come across before and I love the lore written here. And Varya's story is gripping. Seeing her learn to appreciate more than just honor and duty, and to open up more to others was so enjoyable. Also, this series always has my stomach in knots over the tension, and this book was no different. And this ending nearly made me cry! Such a beautiful, terrifying edge of your seat story here! My only criticism is that there was so much of Varya but not nearly enough Eyulf. His role seemed both immensely important and yet incredibly small at times. I loved what we got of him, just would've loved a little more.