Title: Wolf of the Northern Star
Author: SJ Himes
Series: The Wolfkin Saga, #2
Release Date: June 15th 2017
Genre: Gay Paranormal Shifter Romance
BLURB
Ghost, once known as the cub Luca, is finally home. Back among his kind and learning what it means to be both a man and a shaman, Ghost battles the expectations of his people, his family, and the pressures of a society that is both foreign and familiar. His power is greater than any seen before, dwarfing that of even the legendary Shaman Gray Shadow—and his union with Kane places him in the center of a controversy that rattles wolfkin society around the world.
Kane, greater alpha and Heir to Black Pine Clan, has finally defeated the traitor and murderer that destroyed the heart of Black Pine years before. Freed at last from guilt and pain, Kane has a new enemy to face: his own people. Placed on trial for violation of Law and blasphemy, Kane will have to fight to the death to preserve his bond with Ghost and keep his mate and people safe.
The soulbond between Ghost and Kane is forged by the creator and Goddess of the wolfkin. Usually, a sacred and treasured union that honors the pair and their clans, this soulbond is seen not as a gift, but a threat to eons of tradition and Clan Law.
The union of a Shaman and Alpha is anathema—but how to reconcile that belief when it is the wolfkin Goddess who forged it? Can Ghost and Kane save themselves, preserve their bond, and find a new future when the laws of the ancient past threaten to tear them apart?
*This book is part of a series and should not be read as a standalone. Prior books should be read to understand content. 104,000 words*
Find The Wolfkin Saga on Goodreads
EXCERPT
WotNS picks up right where the previous book left off. Kane facing the Tribunal for his mating to Ghost. The trials of Roman and Claire are also to be held right before Kane's. There are still missing Wolfkin from the Suarez family they need to find not to mention bringing down Simon Reamus. The action never seems to stop.
What I Loved: I adore Wolf and Kane, they are perfect together and I just couldn't get enough of them. Wolf is so sweet and innocent yet at the same time fierce and wise beyond his years. He's come into his shaman magic with a capability that most of the wolfkin can't fathom. Combined with Kane's natural born power and these two are unstoppable. It was exciting to see and I was incredibly anxious about how it would work out.
Their chemistry was off the charts and I couldn't get enough of these two together. Not only did they have a wonderful connection that was obvious from the very beginning. But they're fun too. Between their banter and their reactions and behaviors, it's easy to see why they would be mates.
I also loved the different characters we meet throughout the story. I was actually interested in their stories and didn't get that annoyed feeling when the book started focusing on them more than Wolf and Kane. There was so much going on and it was all tied together and as we get to put the pieces together we see how big it all is. There is room for many different stories and the world the author has created holds so much potential. It was exciting yet not overwhelming.
What I Liked: I don't want to spoil anything but I have to say I was very happy that certain characters got a second chance. They deserved it and it was sweet and I won't lie, I may have gotten misty eyed.
What I Didn't Like: again, not wanting to give away spoilers, there is a polyamorous relationship that forms. It's very instalove and I just didn't see how it could've come about. I don't mind triads but this one didn't feel natural.
There really isn't much I didn't like about this story. Honestly, I loved it and I think it was very well written. I found myself completely engrossed in the story and characters and didn't want to see it end. I anxiously await for the next book and to see more of these characters I've fallen in love with. I highly recommend this series!
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.***
“Where have you been? With your mate?” Glen asked, and Ghost grumbled.
“Been running around the mountain all night long, thinking. Being a man is hard. How do you do it?”
Glen snorted out a laugh. “Practice.” He nodded at the blanket, and Ghost sighed loudly.
Ghost sat up, wrapping the quilt about his hips. He threw himself back down almost immediately, and Glen found himself unable to resist the plaintive whine that came from his pretty lips. Glen was as straight as they came, but even he could acknowledge the sheer beauty of the human form of his wayward wolf. Ghost was beautiful, inside and out, and yet he had a shade of sadness hovering about his expressive silver eyes. He walked around the couch and paused as Ghost scrambled out of the way long enough for him to sit down. A bare second later he had an armful of lean youth and wiggling limbs.
Ghost curled up in his lap like he used to as a pup, though it was different now, as Ghost was not a wolf anymore. Glen heaved out a groan in complaint, but let Ghost hide under his chin and snuggle. He hugged the boy to his chest, and they both relaxed, adjusting easily enough to the new dynamic.
“What’s wrong?” Glen asked, and Ghost responded in a tiny voice.
“They put Kane in a cell in the woods yesterday. And they want to destroy our mate bond.”
Glen could recall only two times in his entire life he ever got angry enough to kill. Once was back in college when he tore a drunk frat boy off a cussing and furious redhead who then proceeded to wallop her attacker. The other time was when he rescued a malnourished wolf-hybrid from a careless and ignorant suburban family in the outskirts of Toronto, the poor thing starved near to death and skeletal thin. As he did then, he ran his hands over the back of a young wolf’s head, and said, “Everything is going to be okay.”
Glen managed to hold onto his temper, but it was a battle. The youngling needed a shoulder to cry on, a place to relax his guarded emotions, and Glen would be that safe place for him.
“I wanted to come home more than anything,” Ghost whispered, pressing his face into Glen’s chest. “But nothing good has come of it. They think me damaged, weak. Vulnerable.”
“We both know you are not damaged or weak. I don’t think I would have survived fifteen years locked away in the body of a wolf, deprived of any sense of self or family. You’re strong. And what do you mean nothing good has come from returning to your people? You have your man now, Kane. He’s your mate, no matter what those fools may say or think.”
“He’s in a cage, Glen. In the woods, alone, surrounded by alphas who wouldn’t hesitate to hurt him. I can feel him through our bond. He’s frustrated, and misses me. I haven’t seen him since they took him away yesterday We can’t talk because the alphas might be able to overhear us, but I can still feel him. It hurts not being with him.”
5 Stars!
WotNS picks up right where the previous book left off. Kane facing the Tribunal for his mating to Ghost. The trials of Roman and Claire are also to be held right before Kane's. There are still missing Wolfkin from the Suarez family they need to find not to mention bringing down Simon Reamus. The action never seems to stop.
What I Loved: I adore Wolf and Kane, they are perfect together and I just couldn't get enough of them. Wolf is so sweet and innocent yet at the same time fierce and wise beyond his years. He's come into his shaman magic with a capability that most of the wolfkin can't fathom. Combined with Kane's natural born power and these two are unstoppable. It was exciting to see and I was incredibly anxious about how it would work out.
Their chemistry was off the charts and I couldn't get enough of these two together. Not only did they have a wonderful connection that was obvious from the very beginning. But they're fun too. Between their banter and their reactions and behaviors, it's easy to see why they would be mates.
I also loved the different characters we meet throughout the story. I was actually interested in their stories and didn't get that annoyed feeling when the book started focusing on them more than Wolf and Kane. There was so much going on and it was all tied together and as we get to put the pieces together we see how big it all is. There is room for many different stories and the world the author has created holds so much potential. It was exciting yet not overwhelming.
What I Liked: I don't want to spoil anything but I have to say I was very happy that certain characters got a second chance. They deserved it and it was sweet and I won't lie, I may have gotten misty eyed.
What I Didn't Like: again, not wanting to give away spoilers, there is a polyamorous relationship that forms. It's very instalove and I just didn't see how it could've come about. I don't mind triads but this one didn't feel natural.
There really isn't much I didn't like about this story. Honestly, I loved it and I think it was very well written. I found myself completely engrossed in the story and characters and didn't want to see it end. I anxiously await for the next book and to see more of these characters I've fallen in love with. I highly recommend this series!
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.***
The Wolfkin Saga #1
Title: Wolves of Black Pine
Release Date: June 30th 2015
Genre: Paranormal, Shifters, MM Romance
BLURB
An ancient civilization long hidden from humanity is on the brink of chaos and war.
Peaceful for thousands of years, the wolfkin clans are mysteriously losing packmates, kidnapped and killed by unknown foes. Among the dead is Luca, youngest grandson of the two most powerful wolves in the Northern Clans, but he is forced into a half-life, hidden in the far northern wilds of Canada and cut off from his kind. Those who raised him have no idea the creature they harbor in their midst, and name him Ghost. He begins to lose himself over the long years, and though he barely recalls his true name, the one wolf he never forgets is Kane.
Heir to the wolfkin clan Black Pine, Kane is charged with hunting down the traitors who them to the humans. Years fly by, and more wolves are dying. He refuses to give up, and he vows to never again fail another of their kind, as he failed young Luca years before. His heart tells him Luca lives, but his mind tells him that it’s foolish hope, his guilt eating him alive.
Fate and magic change the course of their lives, and the two wolves long separated by the years find their paths intertwining, though the reunion does not come without cost...
150,000+ words, contains graphic sex between men, dubious consent, mentions of abuse. Contains gore and violence. Mature readers only.
Purchase: Amazon Universal **On SALE $2.99 until 5th July**
Okay, so I'm not going to give the typical synopsis of this story because the truth is, this is a long, very drawn out book. There is so much going on, so many characters (multiple POV's) and quite a few subplots surrounding the main plot. I'd never be able to do it justice.
Basically, this story is unlike traditional Shifter or Werewolf stories I am used to reading. There are different types of Alpha wolves, Betas and Shaman. Then all the other wolves who make up a pack (their distinction I have no clue about so they may be betas or something different). Greater Alphas have abilities that make them capable of leading packs or clans. Lesser Alphas are powerful but generally not leaders and follow Greater Alphas. Betas come in variety of strengths as well and some have abilities that although supremely rare, allow them to lead clans as well (Andromeda "The White Wolf" is an example of this). Then we have the humans, most know nothing of Wolfkin and don't bother them but there are others that do know and are cruelly killing and capturing them.
Kane is a Greater Alpha who possesses "the Voice" and is able to influence other wolves. He's extremely strong and powerful and other wolves are naturally drawn to him making him an ideal Clan leader. He is heir to the Black Pine Wolves' Alpha and will take over when it is time. Unfortunately, Caius. the current Clan Alpha wishes one of his sons would be his heir but he knows they are not capable.
Luca/Ghost was saved by his Grandfather at the age of 5 when most of his family was murdered in an attempted kidnapping by humans. Before his grandfather died he was able to get Luca to shift from boy to wolf in order to heal from his otherwise fatal injuries. Unfortunately, though, he dies before he is able to help Luca shift back. Lost and alone Luca is found by two wolf conservationists and taken to a Sanctuary far away from his clan. Unbeknownst to the humans that Luca (who they now refer to as Ghost) is really a Shifter, the couple cares for him for 15 years, coming to think of themselves as a family.
When trouble finds Ghost and his humans, they are able to escape and travel back to the place the first found him. There Ghost knows he will be able to find family and they will help them. Before long, Kane discovers Ghost and realizes he is Luca, the boy he's been searching for for 15 years.
Even more important, though, is the discovery that Kane and Ghost are Soulbonded Mates. Blessed by the goddess herself, Ghost and Kane are two powerful wolfkin who are fated to be together. Problem is, this is not condoned in their society and can be punishable by death.
Wow, there is so much to this story but if you are able to stick with it and take it all in, you won't be sorry. It's excellent, rich with vivid details that paint a beautiful picture of the world SJ Himes has created. It's full of characters that seem so real and you can't help but care for them because they truly drive the story.
Ghost and Kane are so perfect for one another. They have amazing chemistry and an undeniable connection. It's not even a question that they belong together and I loved that there wasn't really any angst surrounding that from either Kane or Ghost. They trusted one another fully and embraced their mating as well as each other.
It's hard to put this one down because you just have to know what is going to happen and figure out where it's all going. There are a lot of players on the court and they all have their own motives. I loved not knowing exactly where it was all going to go. I hate predictability and we didn't get that here thankfully. I'm glad I'll be able to immediately jump into book 2 because I'm not sure I'd be able to handle the wait.
Overall, I highly recommend this book, it's so worth it.
5 Stars!
Okay, so I'm not going to give the typical synopsis of this story because the truth is, this is a long, very drawn out book. There is so much going on, so many characters (multiple POV's) and quite a few subplots surrounding the main plot. I'd never be able to do it justice.
Basically, this story is unlike traditional Shifter or Werewolf stories I am used to reading. There are different types of Alpha wolves, Betas and Shaman. Then all the other wolves who make up a pack (their distinction I have no clue about so they may be betas or something different). Greater Alphas have abilities that make them capable of leading packs or clans. Lesser Alphas are powerful but generally not leaders and follow Greater Alphas. Betas come in variety of strengths as well and some have abilities that although supremely rare, allow them to lead clans as well (Andromeda "The White Wolf" is an example of this). Then we have the humans, most know nothing of Wolfkin and don't bother them but there are others that do know and are cruelly killing and capturing them.
Kane is a Greater Alpha who possesses "the Voice" and is able to influence other wolves. He's extremely strong and powerful and other wolves are naturally drawn to him making him an ideal Clan leader. He is heir to the Black Pine Wolves' Alpha and will take over when it is time. Unfortunately, Caius. the current Clan Alpha wishes one of his sons would be his heir but he knows they are not capable.
Luca/Ghost was saved by his Grandfather at the age of 5 when most of his family was murdered in an attempted kidnapping by humans. Before his grandfather died he was able to get Luca to shift from boy to wolf in order to heal from his otherwise fatal injuries. Unfortunately, though, he dies before he is able to help Luca shift back. Lost and alone Luca is found by two wolf conservationists and taken to a Sanctuary far away from his clan. Unbeknownst to the humans that Luca (who they now refer to as Ghost) is really a Shifter, the couple cares for him for 15 years, coming to think of themselves as a family.
When trouble finds Ghost and his humans, they are able to escape and travel back to the place the first found him. There Ghost knows he will be able to find family and they will help them. Before long, Kane discovers Ghost and realizes he is Luca, the boy he's been searching for for 15 years.
Even more important, though, is the discovery that Kane and Ghost are Soulbonded Mates. Blessed by the goddess herself, Ghost and Kane are two powerful wolfkin who are fated to be together. Problem is, this is not condoned in their society and can be punishable by death.
Wow, there is so much to this story but if you are able to stick with it and take it all in, you won't be sorry. It's excellent, rich with vivid details that paint a beautiful picture of the world SJ Himes has created. It's full of characters that seem so real and you can't help but care for them because they truly drive the story.
Ghost and Kane are so perfect for one another. They have amazing chemistry and an undeniable connection. It's not even a question that they belong together and I loved that there wasn't really any angst surrounding that from either Kane or Ghost. They trusted one another fully and embraced their mating as well as each other.
It's hard to put this one down because you just have to know what is going to happen and figure out where it's all going. There are a lot of players on the court and they all have their own motives. I loved not knowing exactly where it was all going to go. I hate predictability and we didn't get that here thankfully. I'm glad I'll be able to immediately jump into book 2 because I'm not sure I'd be able to handle the wait.
Overall, I highly recommend this book, it's so worth it.
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About the Author
I'm a self-employed writer who stresses out about the silliest things, like whether or not I got my dog the best kind of snack and the fact my kindle battery tends to die when I'm at the best part in a book. I write mainly gay romance, erotica, and urban fantasy, with ocasional forays into contemporary and paranormal. I love a book heavy on plot and character evolution, and throw in some magic, and that's perfection. My current series are: The Beacon Hill Sorcerer, Bred For Love (as Revella Hawthorne), and The Wolfkin Saga. My last two novels in the Beacon Hill Sorcerer won 3rd Place in the Gay Fantasy category for the 2016 Rainbow Awards.
I live in New Orleans, where the personalities are big and loud and so are the bugs! New Orleans is rich in cultural history, and the flavor and music of the City is impossible to hide. Before that, I lived all over the United States: Tampa, Western Massachusetts, Indianapolis, and on and on.... I'm a nomad, and I've yet to find a place that calls to me strongly enough to become home. My faithful travel companions are my dog Micah, the numerous voices in my head who insist they all get put on paper, and the wind at my back.
Great post. I love SJ Himes. colby69@verizon.net
ReplyDeleteCongrats and thanks for the excerpt, and the good reviews. The series sounds great. I myself am expecting a great weekend - celebrating my 1-yr wedding anniversary (also the anniv of SCOTUS decision). And we met in New Orleans, so you know I love that city, and the stories set in it. - Purple Reader,
ReplyDeleteTheWrote [at] aol [dot] com