Specialist Amanda Sumner is one of the first to make contact on the Earth-like planet Harp and discovers she’s the only Earthling, who can hear the trees sing in the strange forest. Determined to remain and learn more of the planet’s secrets, Amanda sets out to become part of the elite Guild there…
But there is a secret involving some Guild members–one that could get her killed.
Shifter … killed.
Shifter Rhodry de Mendoza wants the Earthlings off his planet before they destroy it—even if that means denying what he feels for the fierce and lovely Amanda. The pair is thrown together in what becomes a fight for their lives. And they might just lose everything–including each other–in their battle for the right to live in peace.
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Magnificent! Loved this unique plot and the world of Harp. Rhodry and Amanda were fantastic characters, with Amanda being a kick-ass heroine who was the perfect match to shifter Rhodry. Once I finished I immediately downloaded the second book.
Loved it, Great survival romance.
Lieutenant Amanda Sumner at 25, is a landing team specialist and is been chosen as part of a team to establish contact with a lost Earth colony. As soon as she hits the atmosphere she starts to hear whispers in her mind. It is clear, no one else hears them. When she reaches the planet’s surface the trees, known as the Green, are calling to her.
Rhodry Devlin de Mendoza at 35, is leader of the de Mendoza Clan, though he grew up with his widowed mother in his father’s clan among his many Devlin cousins. Being the strongest hunter in the guild, his grandfather chose him as successor, creating many enemies in his mother’s clan.
Rhodi has been summoned by the Ardrigh, the ruler of their people. While he is a respected Guild member, he is treated with suspicion in the city. His grandfather was a hard man, and a fierce defender of his clan. Rhodi wants nothing to with politics. With the Earth fleet discovering their colony after 500 years their secrets are in jeopardy. When he meets Amanda all he wants is her to be gone, no matter the attraction he feels.
When Amanda learns their secret. She challenges to join the Guild. The Green is calling her and only the Guild members have full access.
Amanda’s trial is rigged by those who want her to fail. Rhodi is betrayed. They have to rely on each other to.survive and bring the traitors to justice.
A fast paced,.survival adventure romance. A little steamy. Interesting world building. Loved Rhodi and Amanda’s story. Loved the Devlin cousins
D.B. Reynolds creates an amazing new world full of danger, excitement and mystery!
I’ve been a fan of the author for years and absolutely love her books. I can always count on Ms. Reynolds for an engaging and entertaining story and I was certainly not disappointed here.
SHIFTER PLANET blew me away. This story is a fantasy/paranormal/sci-fi mash-up of space travel, discovery and race of genetically altered beings who can shift into giant cats! It is a solid story with lots of detail and incredibly well-written. There’s also a little bit of romance as well. The chemistry between Amanda and Rhodry was subtle, yet powerful. I loved how their relationship was built and slowly developed throughout the story.
I also love the fact that D.B. Reynolds always writes strong female leads. Whether they are facing down a Vampire Lord or breaking traditional norms, every character has a core of steel and inner strength that encourages and inspires. Amanda was a brilliantly crafted and dynamic character. She owned her strengths and weaknesses, stayed true to herself and challenged Rhodry and every other male who thought her place should be in a royal court and not in the dangerous forest, where her heart continued to lead her. Amanda made the story.
If you’re expecting a Vampires in America type book, you will be disappointed. Although the Vampires in America series is extraordinary, SHIFTER PLANET is a uniquely different story with new characters and a fresh, original plot. I’d definitely recommend this and any books by D.B. Reynolds.
***I was gifted an eBook copy from the publisher via Net Galley in November 2015 in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
I hope there’s going to be another book.
It’s no secret that D.B.Reynolds is one of my very favourite authors, as her Vampires in America series have enthralled me from the moment I read Raphael and continued to be everything and more that Vampire lovers would expect. So when I realised that something new was on the horizon from this exceptionally talented author, it was obviously a no brainer that I would be chomping at the bit to get my hands on the book ASAP!
SHIFTER PLANET is a Sci Fi/Paranormal/Shifter story set far in the future; 4668 to be exact, and when an Earth Flagship searching for potential trade planets stumbles upon Harp and realises this supposedly uninhabited planet is very much populated, a landing crew is sent to investigate.
What they find are the descendants of a lost colony that crash-landed on a remote planet some 500 years earlier, and facing extinction used science and unique physiology to ensure their survival. But while the ruling body of Harp is outwardly welcoming of the Earthers, they have secrets that must be preserved at all costs to prevent becoming scientific lab rats.
While this is a Sci Fi novel of sorts, it’s not the primary focus of this story, however it does lay the foundation as to time and circumstance while concentrating on the shifter population, their original origins and how they have managed to survive.
One thing that will definitely appeal to many readers is Ms Reynolds preference for strong, resourceful and intelligent female leads, which perfectly describes Amanda Sumner. Amanda knows there is something special about Harp, and volunteers immediately when she realises a contingent will be left behind once the Flagship departs. Amanda has an affiliation with the flora of planet Harp, but chooses to keep it to herself and explore the meaning behind the peace and serenity she feels since she first set foot on the planet surface.
As an Aplha race, the shifters are bigger, stronger and very easy on the eyes, and Rhodry is no exception. Rhodry Devlin de Mendoza is a Clan Chief, living his life in the mountains of Harp and content to leave the city and politics to anybody else. So being summoned to the Capital on the whim of the current Ardrigh has set his patience on edge and has his inner cat clawing to escape the confines of civilisation. Add to this a human woman who awakens everything primal in his soul, Rhodry knows that his only course of action is to keep her at a distance and protect the secrets of the Shifters and the Guild.
However we all know that strong women are a determined lot and Amanda will not be stereotyped by anyone, not even some extremely hot, sexy and overprotective males. But as a result of bruised egos and an ultimate deception, what should have been a solo trial of survival, finds Amanda and Rhodry thrown together in a life and death situation, traveling though treacherous terrain, extreme elements and dangers you couldn’t imagine in your wildest dreams.
SHIFTER PLANET is a full-length novel of over 350 pages so readers are definitely getting value for money. With extensive world building, charismatic, strong, and fascinating characters the story kept me intrigued from start to finish and with the potential to discover so much more about this unusual society, I’m sure this is just the beginning for the inhabitants of Harp, with many more adventures to come.
There’s also a cute reference to our beloved Start Trek; Trekkies will notice it right off!!
Held my attention until the end
Page turner
Loved this book. The characters were great. Couldn’t put out down
I really enjoyed this book and was disappointed when I couldn’t find any sequels. The characters were great, I liked the world she built up. More original than most shifter stories.
So different! Really enjoyed the story & the characters!, especially loved Amanda’s character! Loved her strength & independence!
Loved the characters. Both lead characters are strong but show their soft sides. Good story line. Great danger episodes thru out the book made it very interesting and intertainting. Enjoyed it very much.
I read the description and decided to pick this one up. Good decision on my part. This one has a bunch of alpha male shifters and a great plot. The alpha part isn’t always my cup of tea. It can be over done to the point of my not bothering to finish. That’s where this book is different.
I loved the world the author created. I thought the plot well thought out. Plus, I’m a sucker for kick-butt women who know what they want and go get it.
I see there is another one in the series. Good. I stayed up far too late to finish this one. I’m going to be more careful with the next one. I’ll wait until the weekend so I can start it during the day and read the whole thing.
Looking for a good shifter novel with a hint of space romance? Give this one a try.
Trial of errors
What an absolutely amazing first experience with this author! I love the planet and the newest breed of shifters, and the way the author’s words make the trees come to life is fantastic. I fell in love with the characters and cheered them on through every hardship until they reached their HEA. This book is sure to become a favorite re-read and I can only hope that the author will write more stories about this wonderful planet.
Made me think because the idea was introduced that shifters could be considered “less than.” I’m in such awe of the very idea of shifters that I just find it interesting. I really liked the heroine because she didn’t always do what was politic but it was always passionate. Some of the alien lifeforms were very creative, and I enjoyed them. Fun book!
Loved the read. New author for me and very well developed story. Looked for additional stories to read by this author.