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adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I was expecting this book to follow the same pattern as the previous ones in focusing on the relationship between Kelly and Robbie and them getting together. It does not do that. In fact, it starts after they're already mated. This really shouldn't be tagged as a romance, it's much more about pack bonds and friendship. It's the next part of the overarching story, as told from Robbie's perspective, rather than the story of him and Kelly. The overall tone is much more tense, but that is broken up somewhat with the banter this group has become known for. Parts are hilarious, others are absolutely devastating. It's fairly introspective on the subject of identity and finding where you belong, a lesson in willpower to continue going, to cling to what might be, even when everything's stacked against you, even when you're not sure you want to. It's about love and bonds of choice, family, and pack, even when you're mad, even when you don't understand. It's an excellent story, but the first book is still my favorite in this series by far. Even so, it was impossible to put down and moves quickly.
There's a time jump between Book 2 and 3, and it never fully goes back for flashbacks to that time, unlike the previous books. At the start of this book, Robbie has been away from the Bennetts for 13 monthsHe's the second to Alpha Hughes, and has had his memories stolen from him by Robert Livingstone. The magic mind manipulation eventually begins to fracture somewhat, enough for him to run. He's reunited with the Bennett pack about 25% into the book, and it's a slow process of regaining trust on both sides. He and Kelly are mated, but Kelly is asexual and their romantic relationship is a more minor subplot since Robbie doesn't remember. It's more grief and loss and blue. Which is fine and it's a very compelling story, I just wasn't expecting it. It gets pretty dark. Robert Livingstone starts using wolf children to attack them. After the big battle of the book, Robbie does get his memories back and we get to see some snippets of his past with Kelly, which is really rewarding, but also very short.
There's a time jump between Book 2 and 3, and it never fully goes back for flashbacks to that time, unlike the previous books. At the start of this book, Robbie has been away from the Bennetts for 13 months