BEA'S BOOK NOOK "I can't imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once." C. S. Lewis “If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.” ― Oscar Wilde

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Bea Reviews Forsaken by Kelley Armstrong

Publisher: Subterranean Press
Series: Otherworld Stories 13.4
Format Read: hardcover
Source: owned by the reviewer
Release Date: January 31, 2015
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | Barnes & Noble | Subterranean Press
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Three years after being named Alpha of the North American pack, Elena Michaels is in London battling for respect from the British pack. When it becomes apparent she won’t get it, she heads home, expecting a much-needed rest on her family vacation, only to discover a battle brewing of a very different kind.

One of her eight-year-old twins has disappeared, and all evidence points to Malcolm Danvers. It seems as if the psychotic former Pack member they’ve been tracking for the past year has brought the fight to them, setting the bait he knows Elena can’t afford to ignore.



Number one New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong returns to her much-loved Otherworld with this powerful novella detailing the latest trials and travails of a fan-favorite character, a working mother who happens to lead the werewolves of North America.

Bea's Thoughts:

It's no secret that I love Kelley's Otherworld books and universe. Her take on supernaturals is original, her characters strong and vivid, and she mixes mysteries into her stories, which is always a plus for me. I purchased this in both Kindle and print as Kelley is an author whose books I like to have in every possible format.

If you don't like children in your stories, you might want to skip this one as Elena and Clay's twins are an important part of the story. They're precocious and yet believable, both funny and obnoxious. I enjoyed them and their interactions with each other and their family, which includes the whole pack.

Elena was not one of my favorite characters initially. I sort of liked her but she wasn't a favorite. Over the years though she has changed and grown and now I like her a lot. Armstrong has a knack for writing compelling characters and they don't stay static, they evolve. Elena is mature yet snarky, thoughtful and reasonable yet stubborn, independent yet able to accept help. The problem is that as Alpha, she has to be careful about being seen to accept help. Alphas of other packs around the world are having trouble accepting that she is really the American Alpha; women werewolves are unusual and they have an easier time believing that her husband and mate, Clayton, with his bloodthirsty reputation, is the real power. I enjoyed seeing the difficulties and how Elena handled. She's calmer and more level-headed than she used to be.

The story itself was a little convoluted at times and I wasn't entirely happy with the resolution but it was a good story with a Machiavellian villain. Darn it, I wish he'd die already, mumble grumble. Maybe in a future story. Overall, I enjoyed the story including the close-up at werewolf politics and pack politics.  


10 comments:

  1. Armstrong is an author I really want to read after seeing some of your reviews. I love that she creates characters that really evolve and the kids come off as actual kids. Great review!

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    1. Thanks! She is a good writer and writes in different genres so you're bound to find a title you like.

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  2. Your reviews frequently make me want to read the author, and I'm definitely going to have to do that. Well, when I have time! Her characters seem to be emotionally-engaging, which is a huge thing for me when it comes to characters. The plot is also interesting, and it would be fun for adults and children alike.

    Excellent review!
    http://www.triskelereviews.com/

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    1. Well, that's nice to hear! :)

      I wouldn't suggest this book for kids but Kelley does write MG and YA stories that would be appropriate.

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  3. I love the idea of this young adult author writing adult fiction. i haven't read anything by her in years. I'll have to get my hands on this one! :)

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    1. Other way around actually; she was writing for adult audiences yeas before she added MA & YA to her repertoire.

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  4. I need to re-read Kelley Armstrong, I did some years ago and I remember a "meh" feeling, confirmed by the series Bitten and its whiny heroin. But hey, authors deserve second chances ;)

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    1. Elena, in the books, did start out as whiny but she's changed and matured, thank goodness!

      Now the TV series, that's crap in my not so humble opinion. Forget the show and enjoy the books.

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  5. I need to get to the beginning of the series and start with Elena. :)

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  6. It is always good when you wish villain dead. This is another series I am determined to get to :) Great review Bea

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Thanks for taking the time to comment. I enjoy hearing from my readers. Let's talk!