Thursday, October 5, 2017

The Pack

The Pack (The Wanderers, #2)

The Pack is the sequel to The Wanderers and continues the story of a pack of shifters. They are pursued by hunters- covert agents who work for EOS, an organization that targets shifters and captures them for testing. This one picks up right after the first book, with Flo (a horse shifter) and her boyfriend Jett (a bear) on the run. The circus was taken down in the last one and they barely survived, and many of their friends didn't. As it stands they're just trying to survive and find a new pack- and safety. 

Some old faces pop up and the odds are against them but the pack seems to have come together, they're closer than ever, and whatever they decide they're going to face it together. I thought the bonds between pack members were a highlight, and there was more action in this one too.   

I would definitely recommend reading the first one prior to this however as there are a lot of names to keep straight. The cast is fairly large. I love the diversity of the shifters- you have cheetahs, lions, parrots and eagles- there's such a variety. The only real issue I have is something that bothered me in the first book also- the action scenes and the effectiveness of the shifters. Or lack of effectiveness- they just don't seem that formidable. At one point eight shifters go up against three humans and the shifters practically lose!  

I noted this in my review of The Wanderers, with the caveat that the protagonist is a teenager and most of the shifters are young, so I'm not expecting them to be master combatants, but when you have lions and a horse and whatnot, unleashing their anger, I would expect a bit more carnage. The hunters, granted, are trained for this, but still. Other than that, the only real issue I had is Flo and her constant worrying, she seems to be always wringing her hands about something. But again, they've been through a lot, have no home and are constantly on the run, so I can see that. 

This was a fast paced read- I like the short, punchy chapters- and I would love to continue learning more about these shifters and how they make their way in the world. I like that shifters are not common knowledge and that they live on the outskirts of society, having to constantly watch out for the EOS, never able to let their guard down. Flo and Jett have an awesome relationship, no angst or unnecessary drama, and you're never sure who you can trust, which was fun. I think this is the end of the line as it's just a two book series but I would happily read more. 

18 comments:

  1. Only 2 books! Awesome. Ok so yes you want more, but I am kind of tired of those series that are so long

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  2. I am glad you enjoyed this one, Greg! I have the The Wanderers on my wish list and will have to add this one to it as well. I am a sucker for shapeshifters. I don't think I've ever read a novel with a horse shapeshifter.

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    1. There were so many different ones, it was a first for me too. I'm used to werewolves or a coyote. :)

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  3. This does sound like a great series Greg, I hardly even read Paranormal books either, but your review does have me curious about the first book! Also you had me laughing when you said that eight shifters couldn't take on 3 humans! Great review as always Greg!

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    1. I know, I thought man you guys need to get it together lol. Seriously though they're pretty good- YA for sure but fun reads.

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  4. If you like shifters, you might like Always Gray in Winter by Mark Engels. It wasn't quite up my alley, but sounds like it would be up yours.

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  5. You always read books with the best titles. That's a shame there won't be more to the series. It's not often you only get 2 installments.

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    1. Ha ha thanks. It is a shame, kinda, cause I liked the pack dynamics, but ah well.

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  6. I can never decide if I want to read this series! I mean, I don't know if I like shifters? Which is probably something to decide before trying to read books about them. I think I almost like that they aren't very formidable, but I have no idea why. And Flo worrying, well, I'd probably be worried if I was being hunted so again, I could live with it. A duology is nice too- so much better than the series dragging things out with endless books and novellas. Glad that they were good though!

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    1. You know, it's tough. I liked it but I haven't seen a lot of people reading or reviewing, so maybe they fly under the radar? It's YA too where a lot of shifters are more PNR or UF? They're quick reads though, so there's that, if you're interested.

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  7. Aww the bonds between characters does like a great aspect of the book. I get what you're saying about the fights though. You'd think 8 animals could at least hold their own against 3 humans. But then, as you said, they're young and untrained and prob also scared while fighting? So they're thinking logical or keeping their cool the way trained fighters are. Glad you enjoyed this one!

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    1. Right? Eight shifters vs three humans?? Come on! But otherwise it was good. I liked the big varies cast and the fact that they all looked out for each other- and the sheer variety of shifters!!

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  8. I didn't play well with the first one. Glad you liked this one. Thanks for sharing your review. :)

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  9. Sounds like a god sequel and that's great the pack bonds were done so well. I like how there are so many different types of shifters, I always like seeing different shifter types. That does seem a bit weird how underpowered the animals are even when up against trained fighters. Great review!

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  10. I like the book cover. I'd be a bit wary of a book where humans can beat up shifters though!

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  11. This sounds great!! I'll have to snag the first book soon!

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  12. Thank for sharing this, Book cover is very beautiful !! http://aazae.com/

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