The only thing worse than hiding from werewolves is living among them.No wonder I kept some secrets, broke a few rules…and implicated my werewolf protector in the process. Oops.To make matters worse, the stealer of my dead mother’s magic has set his sights on my sister a second time. As the child’s powers fade, so does her vitality until death looms on the horizon.Can I learn to harness the … on the horizon.
Can I learn to harness the power of the pack — and squash my individuality — before my sister’s life is entirely sucked away from her? And, with my recent blunders causing upheaval in the werewolf world, will my former protector be willing to help us if I choose to ask?
This second book in Aimee Easterling’s “nailbiting” and “explosive” urban fantasy series follows Wolf’s Bane.
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„Shadow Wolf”, the second installment in the “Moon Marked Series” by Aimee Easterling, continues the story of Mai Fairchild, shifter kitsune, and her sister Kira in their quest to come to terms with their own heritage.
Kira is slowly fading as a result of her former decisions, and Mai is struggling to find her place into the pack. Gunner’s help has its boundaries, after all he has to abide by the Alpha’s rules, his own brother. Kira kitsune/trickster nature does not make the situation any easier and to aggravate it even more, their mother’s killer is prowling on Kira again, while “mom-dearest-spirit” advice causes more hassle than deliverance. The events somersault into each other in a web of twists and turns that force the reader’s attention until the very emotional end.
Aimee Easterling is undoubtedly an alpha writer when it comes to shifter stories and has the uncanny talent to create characters that are always relatable and possess a distinct personality with a mix of human weakness and animal instincts traits that makes them instantly recognizable. Mai’s is an intriguing character, they are not many kitsunes out there, and surely not so very good interpreted in UF. A very successful sequel in a fantastic series, that for highest entertainment should be read in chronological order.
Lots of action, mystery and adventure in this one. Mia and Gunner are still fighting for custody of Kira. Adding to an already stressful situation Kira suddenly falls deathly ill and they have to figure out what’s going on and how to help her. Their search for the cure leads Mia and Kira on a journey that may just help them figure out the answers to some of their other questions. There’s danger around every corner and loyalties are called into question as each bit of truth is uncovered. I enjoyed the many twists and turns their journey takes. I got confused a little during one of the battle scenes but quickly caught on the further I got into it. The ending had me feeling lots of different emotions. I’m still holding out hope that Mia and Gunner will find a way to be together. Can’t wait to see what the next book has in store for them. (4.5)
Make sure you’ve read the first book in the series to really understand and enjoy this one. The second book picks up a little bit after the ending of the first with Mai and Kira settling into life within the werewolf pack. But Kira is mysteriously getting sicker and Mai is resisting accepting pack life. And to further complicate matters, Ransom returns and demands Gunner and his little pack return to the clan for a gathering. Mai’s search for a solution to Kira’s illness leads her right back to the pack and the one she believes is behind everything. But nothing is easy and things aren’t as they seem. Strange dreams and malevolent magic surround this pack. The story was gripping and the twists and revelations made for an enthralling read that surprised me in the end. I can’t wait to see what happens in the finale!
Audio version review:
The narrator really brought this story to life. The different voices for Mai, Kira, and Gunner are perfect for each character.
Two foxes with werewolves, no way, impossible. They just don’t mix! Sisters Stephanie and Kira had some magic and needed a place to stay and the werewolf pack leader decided they could stay with the pack. Lots of things start happening. This continuing series just keeps going and going. Good storytelling, good book.
Shadow Wolf is book 2 of the Moon Marked series. Like book one it had me hooked from beginning to end. I found it suspenseful and full of adventure. The story is well written with great characters! I love Mai and her sister Kira and following them on their journey to keep together and seeing their strength grow. I also love Gunner and his growing relationship with Mai. I can’t wait to read book 3 and highly recommend this series!!! (I received this as an arc copy and am leaving a voluntary honest review.)
Some authors just know how to do shifter urban fantasy perfectly. I hunt these authors out and treasure them whenever found. Aimee Easterling is most definitely among that rather elite group, and her Moon Marked series is a perfect example of why this is so. Her take on shifter mentality and the world-building she put into the series are both just perfect. I fell in love with its lead character, sassy but string fox shifter Mai Fairchild in Wolf’s Bane, the first book in the series. It was an excellent tale full of adventure and just the right amount of romance (see my separate review). I had intended to savor the remaining two books, Shadow Wolf (Book 2) and Fox Blood (Book 3) but once I started I found myself unable to stop and gobbled them up in one single sitting (which went far too long into the night). Mai is with the pack now but things are not easy for her or for Gunner. Her sister is at risk. The pack itself is at risk. Her disruptive impact is seemingly as feared. Trouble, twists and turns, adventure, excitement and romance all as promised and all done perfectly. Total addiction a definite risk. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. Both of these books definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that each book is most definitely “one to read”, and each is easy to highly recommend.
Great read. It fills my Patricia Briggs emptiness between her books. I want more details in the story; it goes by too quick.
I was blown away by all the action within this series. Mai and Kira are kitsune but Kira sold her star ball to help shelter and feed them before Gunner became involved in their lives. Mai doesn’t know how to be part of a pack but she owes Gunner and he and his small pack keep Kira and Mai safe. But something is weakening Kira and Mai see her Mother’s spirit and she sets out to find the Master who is controlling her Mother’s magic.
Those are just the highlights of what happens within this story. So many emotions are conveyed that makes it seem so real. I voluntarily read an advance copy and have not been compensated in any way. Judge it for yourself a paranormal romantic suspense story is your thing.
Mai is still unsure about being considered part of the Atwood wolf pack, but is grateful to Gunner for his help in keeping her sister in her custody. The Master is still wrecking havoc on humans and wolves. Mai and Gunner, as well as packmates loyal to him, are desperately trying to find the evil being before he completely drains Kira’s life.
Fascinating, unique, and well written characters who fight to keep friends and pack mates alive. Exciting, action packed plot with magic, shifters, and unexpected twists. Fantastic book, I loved it!
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
This book picked up shortly after Wolf’s Bane (Moon Marked Book 1) ended, and while it could be enjoyed on its own, it will make more sense if you read the series in order. As always, Aimee Easterling has produced a fun, suspenseful shifter story with an exciting plot. I love that this series adds kitsune to Ms. Easterling’s world of werewolves, blending her delightful take on shifters with magic.
This relatively quick read started with a great hook and effortlessly captured and held my interest. It was fast-paced with an exciting, action-filled plot that presented some unexpected twists as our heroine Mai struggled to track down a serial killer, recover her mother’s magic, protect her sister, and learn how to function as a member of a pack. The only downside is that some of the action scenes involve dreams and possession and I was sometimes confused about what was happening and who was responsible.
I really like the characters in this series. Mai is strong but vulnerable, relatable and easy to cheer on. Her sister Kira is adorable, and I loved Gunner and his pack. Even Kira’s social worker was fun, although I’m not sure her responses to certain situations were believable.
Because I’ve come to care about these characters, I am very much looking forward to the final book in this series, which is expected in January 2019. This book has a satisfying ending though, so don’t be afraid of cliffhangers. Some readers may have been frustrated with how the first book ended, but this book resolves most of the open plot threads.
I volunteered to review an advanced reader copy of this book provided to me by the author. The version I read was neatly formatted and had few typos that I can recall. If you like urban fantasy or paranormal mystery/suspense with a hint of romance, give this series a try.
AN ABSOLUTELY EXCITING TALE!!!
Wow. Talk about power plays. This is one exciting, pulse racing, heart pounding, nailbiting, page turning tale that captivates from the start. All the twists and turns, ups and downs, along with a few glitches here and there make for one enjoyable experience. You get action packed, hard hitting, fast paced, thrilling rollercoaster ride of emotions and events. The scenes are so descriptive and detailed it’s easy to picture each scenario as it plays off one another perfectly. The characters are well developed and believable. Their personalities are unique with qualities that balance as it pulls this little treasure together beautifully. Aimee did an excellent job bringing this read to life flawlessly. Fantastic job Aimee, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.