Reviews

Driven by Kelley Armstrong

rayy's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging hopeful reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

cathepsut's review against another edition

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5.0

Engaging plot, well written, great level of suspense. Longish novella of 230 pages, so it gets right down to the nitty-gritty, which is a pretty dark tale of some gruesome murders.

The world building could be better. I only read the first four books of the series and it's been a while. So I know who Elena and Clay are and remember the Cabal. The rest is hazy. Armstrong does not give many explanations, so if you don't know the series, you might be a little in the dark.

Regardless, it was hard to put this down, it makes me want to re-start the Otherworld series. There is a lot of pretty meh writing in Urban Fantasy, this is anything but.

I received this free copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review, thank you!

brittanybwrites's review against another edition

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4.0

So this is my third Kelley Armstrong book I've read, and I have to say, this one was a bit of an eyeopener, though when it comes to werewolf books, I shouldn't be. Mostly because of the fact that Malcolm, a man I know is dangerous, is let back into the pack. I thought he was too unstable for it, but I guess not because he's back in, but Elena's keeping him at arm's length as the Pack helps Davis Cain, a werewolf who fond his family skinned and castrated.

So he, Elena, Clay and the rest of the Pack starts to find out who killed the Cains and why, and it turns out that two dumb Cains (well one, actually) raped and killed a girl, which turned out to be a necromancer's daughter.

Oy vey.

So of course the Pack had to stop the killing of the Cains by finding one of the rouge werewolves that works for the mercenaries and get the information out of him, and then go out and find the killers (after Clay kills one of the Cains that they were looking for.) I got worried for a moment because of the Malcolm factor, but I did relish it when Clay knocked some sense into Malcolm's fat head, because he needs it.

In fact, I never really liked Malcolm in the book because he thought he knew everything, and he kept trying to one-up Elena, but to me, he needed that asswhuppin' (that's what I'm gonna call it because it's what he deserves) and I think he knows now who's the Alpha and how the Pack works not that Elena's the Alpha.

silver_star08's review against another edition

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4.0

What happens when Elena, as Alpha, has to decide whether to allow Malcolm Danvers back into the Pack or execute him? What about when mutt, Davis Cain calls the Pack for help after finding his uncle & cousins murdered?

oliviagwynne's review against another edition

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4.0

I always love the Otherworld stories. Such great characters, so many stories interconnected. It is so hard to leave this world now that the series is over. Hopefully not forever

tazian's review against another edition

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3.0

Really more like 2.5 stars. The writing just wasn't too my taste.

amym84's review against another edition

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4.0

In Driven Elena has to deal with letting Malcolm Danvers back into the Pack knowing what a sociopath he is. Elena knows that Malcolm's actions have effected everyone within the pack in a most negative way and she hates that this decision is even put before her and the Pack. But after much discussion with Jeremy and Clay, Elena concedes.

Elena is determined to use Malcolm to the fullest of his capabilities. He may be an older wolf, but he knows how to fight and he's ruthless. That's why when Davis Cain comes to the Pack for help, Elena makes sure Malcolm will accompany them as they search for the person or persons who killed at least two Cain wolves in a most cruel and horrible way.

I love that Kelley Armstrong has continued on with The Otherworld series in various novellas even after the main series ended.

Elena and the Pack have always been my favorite in Armstrong's series. Every time I get to go back and read more about Elena, Clay, Jeremy, Nick, the twins, etc. it feels like reading about old friends. Each time I read a new story in this world, I love the depth that Armstrong is still able to add to these characters after about fifteen years.

I haven't been able to read all of the novellas released, but Armstrong's writing is so strong that it really doesn't matter. I think having a good general understanding of the characters in this series goes a long way to being able to enjoy any story put out in this world, but it is in no way required. There was a lot of information in Driven that I immediately recognized as events that have taken place in a previous novel or novella some of which I hadn't read, but I was still able to follow along with no problem. I think it's because the core characters and feelings are all that matters and Armstrong's understanding of her characters and their actions is great enough that even people who haven't read any of the books would find enjoyment in this novella.

I think if you are already a fan of this series you won't be disappointed with Driven, and if you're new to the series hopefully picking up this novella will inspire you to go back and be properly introduced to Elena and Company.

*Arc provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

book_grinch's review against another edition

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4.0




Arc provided by Subterranean Press through Netgalley

Release Date: January 31rt 2016

Continuing my Kelley Armstrong phase _ fifth book in a row but who is counting?_ I was more than willing to start reading this arc.
I don't know what I was expecting _ probably just another short that took place in the Otherworld series _, but I definitely got more than I was expecting...

Let me explain: I've read all the books in the "Women of the Otherworld" series and I've mourned its end, so I wasn't expecting to find out that "the thing" has actually carried on since I've stopped reading it.
This time directed at a more exclusive number of readers...

Yes, from the novels that I've read in the latest Armstrong anthology_some of them also previously edited by Subterranean Press_, it means that this story will probably ONE DAY also be edited in a more generalized way, but until then most Kelley Armstrong fans will probably be stuck waiting.

So, this story, was it worth the read?
Most definitely yes.
Elena and Clay's twins are now nine years old. Karl and Hope are on kid number two. Jeremy and Jaime continue together...
...oh and Malcolm is back. -_-

Okay, and this is where things get tricky, because most events in this book would make much more sense if I had read the previous Subterranean Press volume untitled "Brazen" _ which I didn't, because TIME is scarce, also because I didn't know that the time-line in these stories was that strict!

So reading this, I found out that a certain womaniser character has actually settled down, and that Malcolm _ yes, the big Bad Wolf _ is trying to get back in the Pack.

The story?
Gruesome as it can get: this time a certain clan of werewolf's is being targeted, and Elena faces one of her biggest challenges as alpha.
It was also nice to see that fatherhood has been good to Clayton: he definitely feels more humane that he did in the initial volumes of the series.
The writing is fluid and to the point as ever, so if you're a fan of the series you're probably going to love this as well.

glennisleblanc's review against another edition

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4.0

I’ve read all the books and I have this one on order from the publisher. I was able to get a review copy of this and for the new reader this isn’t where you want to start. This is mostly a direct sequel to the events in Forsaken since Malcolm is in it. David Cain has contacted the Pack since someone is hunting his family and killing them while in werewolf form. Elena decides that even though the mystery group is killing mutts she will take on the problem with the Pack to find out who is targeting the mutts and why. Malcolm is brought along as part of the group hunting and most of the story is his reintegration back into the pack.

Digital review copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley

sathaz's review against another edition

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3.0

meh @ the cains. just give me an entire book about the twins and their adventures feat the American wolf pack. the author is planning a sequel about them when they are teenagers, right? RIGHT?!
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