It was an okay book with a few flaws and an enjoyable read. It was a little rushed and the characters need more depth.

5/5

I absolutely loved this book.

Aspen Wolfe is a cop in Boston and a shapeshifter, only she didn't know that until she is in need of her abilities to help save the shapeshifter population. Aspen needs to work close to Dr. Tora Madigan to take the shapeshifters to the sanctuary Tora oversees. When facing annihilation shapeshifters come together to protect the sanctuary and the last of its kind.

This book was a very good surprise and I really hope the sequel (it needs to have a sequel) comes out soon.

There is action, comedy, drama and of course romance. The whole story line was well thought out, engaging and thrilling. Not to mention sexy.

Amazing book. One I have already recommended and will continue doing.


I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Mixed feelings about this book. The basic premise of the story is good, and it uses this tale of shapeshifters to explore very topical ideas such as fear of those who are different, xenophobia and racial supremacy.
Mild spoilers: The story starts off at a good pace but unfortunately thing escalate way too fast. Not just in terms of events, but there is a very unrealistic power escalation too. One hidden shapeshifter suddenly becomes many, and then one becomes uber-powerful, almost god-like, and then very quickly it all escalates again. for me, it just doesn't work. Maybe a lot more background is needed. The writing is solid but maybe, and this is a recurrent complaint, it is over edited to keep to a target word count and so a lot of background is missing. This wasn't a terrible read, so a middling of the road three stars here.

I always enjoy a fantasy component in my fiction reading and this book was no exception. Throughout I truly enjoyed the characters and their lives.

I wish I could say that I liked this book, but I really didn't. It wasn't bad enough not to finish it. It definitely had some good parts but overall it was just not a good book.

The plot has lots of potential but is rushed and should have more details. There is little to no world-building, just because it takes place in our world doesn't mean it doesn't need background info.

All problems are too easily solved. Solutions don't always make sense. Character deaths do not drive the plot forward, but the characters are just killed off without good reason. The MC trusts way too easily. Other characters are very flat, the only two people with a proper personality are Tora and Aspen.

I love shifter books, I really do, but this one was just one big miss after another. Yes, I did finish it in one day, but that doesn't mean it was so good. It just means I had a lot of time on my hands, the book is easily written and quite short. I always try to remain positive and give useful criticism, but I can't do that with this book. The only thing that was fun were Aspen's jokes. That's not enough for me to like a book. This book gets two stars from me.

The plot is overall paced very nicely and the narration is very believable. Some parts were a bit slower than others, but it was still an enjoyable read.

Shapeshifters. Human supremacists. Humor. Romance. Spider-Man earmuffs. Got your attention? Good. There’s all that and more in the book.

I wasn’t planning on reading Endangered but then I read Lex’s mostly disappointed review and it made me want to give it a try (that’s the effect of a good negative review), and I have no regrets.

Aspen is a Boston beat cop and a smartass. She has just brought a young shapeshifter to the hospital when the gorgeous doctor taking care of the girl informs them the government has ordered the extermination of all shapeshifters, or Shrouds Tora, the doctor, reveals herself to be a Shroud too and helps them escape to Aspen’s adoptive father’s (yet another Shroud) house. With other Shrouds, they all flee to a sanctuary Tara’s father has created, having foreseen this very situation. In the meantime Aspen finds out she herself is not only a shapeshifter but a Myriad, the most powerful and gifted kind of Shroud.

What I liked most about this novel was it’s tone, mostly linked to Aspen’s sense of humor and the banter between the characters in times of danger. There’s a Star Wars feel in that, it kinda reminded me of quips between Princess Leia and Han Solo.

Most of what I didn’t like or felt could have been dealt better with is mentioned in Lex’s review: a few inconsistencies, the romance which goes way too fast from two people not standing each other to them being in love, the rushed ending... But the rhythm, the humor, the interesting and endearing characters were enough to keep me hooked and I’m really hoping there’s a sequel not too long from now.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

DNF at 25% for me-not-you-but-only-kinda reasons.

I'll just say that first of all, I adored the main-main protagonist (we get the love interest's POV too, but I didn't feel like she was as immediately or as deeply developed). Weird people who know they're weird and not only roll with it but actually turn it to their advantage and are in traditionally serious jobs are the children of my heart, and Aspen definitely fit this bill. I also liked the rapport and banter she has with Oscar and Skye (although occasionally the humor did go a bit over the top and seem out of place).

Unfortunately, I just could not buy the plot. I really, really love urban fantasy when its done well. In Endangered, the worldbuilding and grounding - and even the reader's introduction into the fact that this is a supernatural world were very abrupt and shaky. In the opening pages, it felt like the author was setting up a world that is normal on the surface and the supernatural beings live in secret in the background. I was settling in for Aspen to have an initiation into the secret world arc. But then suddenly, with what seemed to me like very little clues, Aspen deduces that Skye is a shapeshifter.

After that, it felt like one random thing after another just kept happening. I also felt like the explanation for why Aspen knew so little about Shroud society (after being so perceptive about Skye) didn't hold up. How could she live with Shrouds her whole life (both her parents and Oscar) and not know the handshake thing? It just didn't seem plausible to me.

With the very fast paced plot that seemed like one curve ball after another and the misplaced humor (which was good, don't get me wrong, just...misplaced) I would almost have wanted to see this as a cheeky spoof, rather than trying to be a serious, fate-of-the-world kind of story.

I kind of love shapeshifters. Throw in a romance and here I come running. Endangered by Michelle Larkin is a delightful novel with some heavy moments but enough lightheartedness to keep you thoroughly entertained.

The book begins by introducing us to our main character a fun-loving sugar addicted Boston police officer named Aspen Wolfe. Aspen is out on a call involving a teen runaway that is standing on the edge of a bridge moments away from committing suicide. Aspen uses her charm, wit, and resourcefulness to talk the young woman, Skye, to go for pancakes instead of making a perilous leap.

Skye and Aspen have an immediate connection. Similar backgrounds and childhoods bond the teen and the officer in a quick and unexpected way. Aspen convinces Skye to seek medical attention and that brings in Dr. Tora Madigan, our other main. A no-nonsense serious lady that immediately gets under Officer Wolfe's skin. Let the sparks fly, these two are going to drive each other crazy til they finally admit the attraction. Their interactions are furthered by an evil US President that has just signed an emergency call to action where shapeshifters can be terminated for a bounty. These ladies face imminent death and must hide and begin a revolution to make the American people aware of their plight. The shapeshifters are in serious trouble and these three ladies and their band of friends have to help make the world see that they are friends, not foes.

This one I believe is setting up a series, there is a lot of background info given but still, some pretty big question marks linger. You are left wanting more, which has its good points and bad. A lot of info comes at you fast and I think the book would have been much better if more chapters were used to explain the history of the shapeshifters Larkin was unveiling. A good book none the less. 3 stars

Aspen Wolfe lives in a world very like our own, but with shapeshifters in it. She has no idea she is one of them, a Shroud, and a very special one at that. When the government orders the extermination of the shroud population, Aspen finds herself on the run and discovers a community that needs her as much as she needs them. Dr Tora Madigan runs a sanctuary for shrouds in hiding and her operation is forced into top gear as her people face annihilation. There is a spark between them, but they need to concentrate on saving their people first.

This was a very impressive novel. It was a skilfully crafted story and one does not have to look too far to see parallels in today’s America. The shroud characters were believable and well thought out. We find out about them as Aspen does. We see that they are just like everyone else and deserve the same rights and respect. Their fight for survival was thrilling. I loved it. I can certainly see room for more of this particular story if Ms Larkin would be so kind as to make it into a series. Highly recommended.

I was given this ARC for review.

As usual, I read this without bothering to read the blurb beyond ‘Boston beat cop Aspen’ and it was a surprise; in a good way. Set in a world where Shrouds (shapeshifters) are hated by humans, more specifically the government, and in constant fear for their lives, Aspen comes across a young girl about to commit suicide. Having talked Skye off the ledge Aspen feels a strange, familiar bond with her but it’s not until she gets her to the hospital to have her checked out that things start falling into place. While they’re there a massive attack is launched to take out all Shrouds and Aspen is left to rely on the beautiful doctor, Tora, and Skye for an escape.

Aspen is a flippant, tongue-in-cheek sugar addict and I found her antics just took the edge off this becoming a serious paranormal novel. The sense of fun and humour is what I enjoyed most about the novel with lots of one-liners like this:

“Are we talking superhero abilities? Or is it more like I wake up one morning to discover I have a hidden talent for knitting?”

Tora is a good counter-balance for Aspen with her all-business attitude. She’s lived under threat for so long that her stiffness is understandable. I quite liked the alternative concept around the shape-shifters and that they had a whole lot of magic thrown in with them too. There are some holes in the story that could have done with some more in-depth discovery and unpacking. If you’re hoping for a more serious shifter novel, this probably isn’t it. It’s a fun and fairly light read with humour, some flirting and no explicit content to speak of.

Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

Endangered was a book that left me a little torn between liking it very much and not really giving a s***. But let’s start at the beginning. We are thrown right into the story and from there on walk with Aspen as her life as she knew it is slowly (or not so slowly) falling apart and she finds herself in a role she could never have assumed. So far so captivating.

Aspen was a character I liked from the very beginning. She’s a chocolate addict (who can’t relate to that?), sassy and really funny (though a certain doctor thinks otherwise). So she has everything I like in my kick-ass heroines. I like irony and sarcasm in characters and dialogues and Michelle Larkin offers both generously.
But there was also a sore point I had with the book up until the end. Although Aspen was not the only character I liked, I somehow felt very indifferent about their fates. At the end of the book there were four characters (including Aspen) I had an emotional investment in (out of perhaps 15-20? Just counting positive connoted characters). The others could all have died and apart from me not liking positive characters dying in general, I wouldn’t have minded. That’s so not me (because normally I need a lot of reading pauses, a bunch of chocolate and a bag to breath in when there’s even a slight possibility of a character dying).

I think it was somehow because the story was a little bit too fast-paced for my liking and I didn’t get enough time to really connect to the characters beside the main cast (which took a while too). The book is not that long and the story progresses fast and has a lot to cover, so obviously there wasn’t much space to cover all of the many side characters. But up until the end I couldn’t even really say which side character was which, because they were more or less interchangeable, which I personally don’t like. Some more distinct charactertraits (that are really shown to us) might have worked miracles. But maybe that’s just me being my character-driven reader-self. So that accounts for the loss of 1.5 stars.

And another star gets lost because of minor but more than once happening inconsistencies. Another review already pointed out the mysterious knowledge of the bad guys about some things the whole main cast just got to know like five minutes earlier. Also sometimes I really had the feeling characters acted just the way they did because the plot dictated it, read: slightly unbelievable. A few sentences of explaining could have helped to smooth some of these over.

So 2.5 stars rounded up to 3. Overall the book was an enjoyable read and I hope we get to see more of some of the sidelined characters in the next installment without the inconsistencies. And of course also from our maybe or maybe not reformed chocolate addict. ;)


Many Thanks to the Publisher for providing me an ARC via NetGalley.

honestly didn't like this one. I love myself some urban fantasy with shape shifters, but some of the story choices were off to me. There's a lot of jumping around in the plot in the form of some strange time jumps and really abrupt scene endings. It made it really hard to swallow. I also was turned off by the magic system - and yes that does mean the shifting itself. It didn't make much sense, and really only came about to help move a long a very gimpy plot. I even enjoyed some of the ways that Larkin plays around with shifter tropes and world building, but there were way too many inconsistencies to make it feel organic.

I did enjoy the two leads, and some of the ideas that Larkin was working with. Tora and Aspen(great name) are two distinct personalities that would actually butt heads. Aspen is a bit of a loner and can't stop with the quips, even in super serious situations, and I understand why Tora would get so frustrated with her at the beginning. Aspen is fully capable of taking things seriously, but is afraid to look vulnerable, so she relies on her often times questionable sense of humor. So, for a woman who puts so much pressure on herself to keep people alive, I could see where Aspen would just make Tora so angry at points. But they are able to find a middle ground and learn from the other, which is the core of the book. It's done very well.

Overall, if you're looking for a romance between people who don't like each other, but then learn from each other with some play into urban fantasies. If you are looking for a solid romantic urban fantasy, this isn't it. There's some good stuff in here, and I hope it gets smoothed out in potential sequels, but I am not holding my breath.

2.75 Stars. This was a bummer. Actually I’m super disappointed. Not only am I a huge paranormal/urban fantasy fan, but last year I picked Larkin as one of the new authors to watch because her debut Mercy was pure entertainment. I was really looking forward to this so I’m totally bummed. I do want to point out most of the early reviews on this book are much more positive than mine. I read a ton of paranormal/urban fantasy, I have rated or reviewed over 400 mainstream and lesfic paranormal/UF books since I’ve been on Goodreads. The only other early reviewer that really had issues with this book and actually DNF’d it, I happened to know is a reader who reads as much UF as I do. Therefore, my Spidey senses are wondering if this means that this book would appeal more towards the light urban fantasy fan or the newer UF reader and not really the hardcore UF fan.

While Larkin kept my attention and kept me reading, I was shaking my head from almost the beginning. I think to put urban fantasy and believability in the same sentence sounds pretty dumb, but I need some good old logic in my UF stories. For example, and I don’t think this is any more spoilerish than what is on the book blurb, but feel free to skip if you are worried. Anyway, after a clash with the “bad guys” where no bad guy witnesses who saw the main character were left alive… all of sudden the bad guys know the name of the main character and that she is “special”. The main herself doesn’t even know she is “special” until she is told after the clash with the bad guys, while in whole new setting so no bad guys could hear. Therefore how did the bad guys know about her and her specialness? This kind of stuff just drives me nuts, as it feel so inconsistent to the believability of the story.

After only a few chapters in we have a version of the “Luke I am your father” type of mic drop family moment followed up instantly by a “you’re the chosen one” moment, which I mentioned above as the “special” moment. I felt like yelling slow down, take a breath. We don’t need this info dumping page filled with two giant surprises when I’m still trying to figure out the first dad part. (view spoiler) This happens in paranormal and urban fantasy way too much where everyone knows everything except for the main character. So she’s running around saying what, what, what the hell is going on? And when an author chooses to just vomit it all out in a big info drop, well it’s just a big disappointment for me.

Is there a romance? Not much of one. It started with two people picking, fighting and teasing, and instead of just having it slowly progress, Larkin pressed the FF button right at the end, and all of the sudden the possibility of a mate is being thrown around. It seems pretty clear Larkin wants to make this into a series or at least one more book so it’s a shame that she didn’t let the romance build more organically like waiting for the next book.

I do have to give Larkin props for her setting of Vermont (even though most of the book is underground). And also the fact that Larkin used some real places including one of Vermont’s baby cities that I’m moving to in a few months, which never gets a shout-out in books. Also her geography when using real places was actual correct so YAY for an author who actually took the few mins to research and make sure it was correct. I’m constantly surprised by how often that doesn’t happen. So instead of the 2.50 star rating I was going to leave, I’m now giving this a 2.75.

Will I read the second? After my review my answer may shock you. I’m leaning towards yes, as of now. Larkin is still a new author that has already shone her potential. I’m not ready to give up on that after only one not so good book. I’m hoping with the info dumps about the twist/surprises out of the way, and the world already pretty much established, that she will be in a better groove with less inconsistencies. If you don’t read a lot of UF you might enjoy this more than I did. If you are a hardcore UF fan, you might find some issues to pick on.

This is the first Shapeshifter book I have read in the last couple of years and it certainly won't be the last.

Aspen is a cop that works for Boston PD. Later she finds out she is a Myriad (top shapeshifter) and knew nothing about it. Tora is a Doctor and also a shapeshifter.

I was engrossed in this book from the very beginning. I loved Aspen from the beginning. I also loved Skye from the beginning (kid she saves). Tora took me a little time to get to like. The pace was just about right. I enjoyed the story line and loved the secondary characters, especially Oscar. The book was well written and keeps you turning page after page. I have a feeling that this may turn into a series, only time will tell.

If you like paranormal books, then this one is for you

I received an ARC copy of the book from the Publisher via Netgalley.

Thank you to Netgalley for an Arc of this book. Unfortunately this was a DNF for me. Did not like the authors writing style.

When X-Men meet Twilight the outcome is this wholly enjoyable paranormal fantasy. Grab this book, suspend disbelief and cosy in for feel-good impossibilities.

The world has humans and a species known as Shrouds, who are shapeshifters. Then there are the super-blessed, but now extinct Myriads – basically a higher-level Shroud who can shapeshift into any animal and have other unknown powers too. Aspen Wolfe is a part of Boston’s finest with a sugar/chocolate addiction. She is trying to talk down a teenagers literally from the ledge and unbeknownst to both of them, at the same time the President has given orders for the extermination of all Shrouds.

With this, we are flung full throttle into the fantasy world created by the author. The teenager, Skye, is a Shroud. In the hospital she is treated by Dr. Tora Madigan, who is not only a Shroud by also the leader of a whole lot of them. Aspen, with her quick tongue and irreverent sense of humour, turns out to be a Myriad – the last known one, whom all Shrouds are automatically sworn to protect. Aspen has no clue about this world and it is on Tora to teach her.

The book is super fun. We love the chemistry between the two MCs. In this instalment of what promises to be a series, the romance isn’t the focus but there is enough to keep us happy. The book ended abruptly at the start of what promised to be a very steamy scene…hopefully the next one starts off from there.

Definitely recommended.

Review of ‘Endangered’ by Michelle Larkin

Aspen Wolfe is a Boston cop with a tragic past until adopted as a teenager. She meets Dr. Tora Madigan when taking a teen to the ER after a shift. Aloof and always serious, Tora and Aspen bump heads as the President of the United States declares war on the Shrouds (shapeshifters) living amongst humans. Suddenly, Aspen is thrown into uncertainty as she discovers she is not a human but a Shroud. Tora realizes Aspen is the most important Shroud in existence and the only one capable of saving them all. The two Shrouds must find a way to escape and make it to the sanctuary before they are hunted by the government. There, a new alliance is formed to fight back against the unjust war.

I’ve become a Larkin fan, even with her very short career. I was looking forward to this book since I enjoyed the previous two. They were action thrillers with some paranormal/fantasy in them. This one is definitely more on the fantasy realm. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy it as much as her other two. This one deserves two ratings in my opinion: the first two thirds were a 5 star for me while the last part of the book limped along to a 3 star review. I believe the problem was rushing through some parts. This is clearly the first book in a series as the story has only partial closure. Ms Larkin has left the main conflict out there to develop and I must say, she put herself in a difficult spot to achieve it. I will read the next book to find out.

I very much enjoyed the majority of the story. When the first shapeshifting happened, it created this anticipation of who would be a Shroud and which animal they would turn into (every Shroud has an animal identity). The conflict between humans and Shrouds was heart breaking and powerful. I will not go into politics, but I’ll say, some history themes tend to repeat themselves. The initial banter between Tora and Aspen was great. Loved the sarcasm the author injected in all the character interactions.

On the other hand, some parts were rushed. The romance was great with the give and take of the mains, only to rush into something that was just unsatisfying. I honestly would have preferred that nothing happened until the next book. The new formed alliances were also easily achieved all things considered. It just seems for all the groundwork laid on the first part of the story, the last part unraveled quickly and left me uninspired.

Overall an interesting story with potential for sequels. 3.75 stars

ARC generously provided to me by BSB via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.


This was entertaining read.

Aspen is a cop who just learn that she is a shapeshifter who is forced to run or be hunted.

Dr. Tora is also a shapeshifter who oversees undergound sanctuary.

When they meet they learn that Aspen is a rare shapeshifter called Myriad which mean she can turn into any animal and though they thought they were extinct Aspen find herself in the middle of battle with the human race to keep their kind alive.

I like Aspen she was hilarious with her candy addiction. I like that Tora and Aspen have great chemistry as Tora tries to fight the pull she feels for Aspen as she tries to teach her how to use her gifts.

It was funny action packed I hope this is a series because I want to learn what going to happen next and dive more into the romance between Aspen and Tora and all the other strong secondary characters.

I'm not the biggest paranormal romance reader but the synopsis of the book really drew me in so I figured why not give it a read. The book sucks you right in from the start. Aspen is a beat cop who helps Skye, an orphan, realize life is worth living. They then meet Tora and all hell breaks lose.

So when reading this book I imagine Rozzoli and Isles characters. Don't know why but they really do fit with the dialogue and interactions not just with each other but all the characters. That being said I liked the book but it was too fast paced. In the span of two days, maybe 3, the government mobilized and launched an attack. I don't know when this book takes place but it takes me over 3 hours to get my drivers license picture taken. That's how fast government works...they take forever!!!! On top of that the days seemed endless. I know this is going to be series and lots was not answered but I feel things were skipped over in favor of fun and witty banter. I liked the banter but sometimes it felt out of place.

Overall, I did enjoy the read. I loved character interaction. I would have liked a bit more backstory, not a ton just little more. I would also like to know what happened to the Senate and the HoR the the President was able to do what he did. I give this one 3.5* and I look forward to the next one. Oh and by the way, this one really isn't a romance it's more like foreplay.

*ARC proved by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review by me :)***