Prince of Wolves

This was so completely and utterly awful that I want to give it zero stars! I only read the first Twilight because I thought it was so awful but this makes that look like a classic. There is no plot beyond alpha male finds his alpha female in the most stereotypical, mind-numbing way and, although only 230 pages, seemed an endless read. The teens acted like toddlers in speech and I'd say "action" except nothing happens. I also HATE this whole trend of making cool, scary creatures into brooding, lovesick imbeciles. Ugh! It fulfilled a difficult prompt for a reading challenge that I historically have trouble finding books for so I stuck it through to the end. If this prompt comes up again, I'm just skipping it.

Gag. This has got to be one of the worst books I've ever read. I have not finished it yet and don't know if I will. But it got fairly high reviews on Amazon, so I figure if the writing is absolutely horrid, perhaps the plot is OK, right? Certainly it didn't get 4/5 stars for the writing. I'm all about the plot. I can tolerate a poorly written book with an excellent plot. So far the plot is mediocre at best.

So... what's wrong with this book? First of all, the grammar. Yes, when you get an ebook that's not also a printed book, you expect the grammar to be sub-par. I don't know what's up with these people, especially the ones that sell a few books and have some spare cash, that they don't bother to actually hire an editor to make their show more book look a little professional, but whatever. But of the ebooks-with-no-editor I've read, this is definitely the worst, in terms of grammar, etc.

Second, the author breaks all the rules of writing. Take a major one: Show don't tell. There is a majorly LOT of telling in this book. Here's a few examples: "Jacque couldn't help but blush, for two reasons: one he had called her skin beautiful, I mean come on who wouldn't blush at that, right? And two, the way he commented about the markings seemed very possessive, like they tied her to him in some way and for some weird, messed up reason Jacque like that." (sic!) Sounds like a commentary on the story, instead of actually telling the story.

Here's another one: "To Fane's satisfaction, dinner was pleasant, easy, there was at no time when he felt the conversation was forced or awkward." Sic, again. Ignoring the sloppy grammar, I don't want a commentary on the meal. If you must mention it, show the ease with which they dined together, don't tell me that they did. Actually, shortly thereafter, there was some showing, like with Jacque easily picking food off his plate.

Next is the dialogue. There's a trio of friends who are the center of this story. They banter and joke and come up with much-less-than-witty remarks. CONSTANTLY. They sound like idiots, not real people.

Actually, none of the people feel very real. There's no attraction to any of the characters. I haven't found the main love interest (Fane) very attractive. He's apparently a hottie, but that alone isn't really that interesting. And he's bonded to Jacque, but he bonded before he even met her... not sure that that's very attractive. A stranger coming up and saying, "I'm a supernatural being and before I even met you I felt the pull to you. You are my soul mate. You are mine. There is no escaping destiny. Mua ha ha ha ha!" (OK, that didn't happen, but you get my gist... maybe.)

And, of course, all the superfluous words. I was a full-time, professional editor for two years. I wouldn't say I was the best editor out there, but I do know a thing or two. I could seriously very easily remove 1/4 of this book without losing a thing. Actually, gaining a lot. There are so many sentences in this book that have no point and add nothing to the story. Seriously needs tightening up.

Then, there's the plot. So this Romanian exchange student moves in next door. Turns out he's a werewolf. And he instantly bonds with the girl next door. And has the ability to psychically talk to her. Yeah. "Random hot dude I just met in my head. Let's freak out for a little bit and then... well, I guess I'm OK with it. I'll just have conversations with freako stalker dude who's very possessive of girl he's never met!" The girl has no problem with a guy she's barely met in her head. She's met him once and he's telling her her bathing suit is too skimpy, reading her mind and demanding to know about her ex-boyfriend, claiming she's his "luna." OK, so this story maybe could work. But the actions of the people are totally unbelievable. So the dude's met his once-in-a-lifetime soulmate. Lovely. But he doesn't think maybe he should get to know her like a normal person instead of invading her head and her private thoughts??? And she thinks this is perfectly normal???

I've read about people who compare Edward (of Twilight fame) to a creepo stalker. Though I'm not a huge Twilight fan, I've never totally agreed. While I can see the comparison, I don't really feel it. This book? This guy just jumps into her mind and starts calling her "his." Creepy! And her friends don't seem to care. All they care about is that the guy is hot. "Oh, my best friend is hearing things! Let's not call a doctor. Nope. Oh, it's hottie across the street. Let's not bother figuring out who he is--maybe he's a serial murderer?--let's send her on a date and maybe they'll have hot sex!"

There's something about this book that makes me want to keep coming back and criticizing it. Final thing: This highly demeaning to women worldview. So, this werewolf (not previously mentioned) apparently randomly claims the star of the book, Jacque, as his mate. He doesn't bother to tell her, or even meet her, when doing this. Bizarre, yes? Anyway, when competition comes along, they decide to have a fight to the death over her, which I guess is the way of werewolves. Whoever the victor is can take the girl over his shoulder, caveman style. While Jacque's friends are determined to protect her if the wrong guy wins, nobody seems to have much problem with fighting-to-the-death-so-you-can-claim-the-girl-without-her-sayso. Like, it's pretty much accepted that if you kill the competition, you kidnap whatever chick you'd like. Then there's the whole macho pack leader. Sure, he's got control issues. But he makes an edict "you will bond with my son on this day." And Jacque thinks, "I'm not sure I'm ready for this." And he freaks, his son freaks, his wife freaks. In the end she says: "I was saying sorry for the two-year-old fit I threw, apparently I didn't get them all out of my system as a child. I want to bond with Fane, I will bond with him right now." It's like someone in an abusive relationship--it's all your fault and then she's begging to come back to the abusive relationship. If she doesn't want to bond with a dude right away, if she doesn't want some stranger as her "alpha", then she has every right to do so and shouldn't be guilt-tripped into doing so.

I could go on and on. Not sure how much further I'll go in the book, but I'm astounded that it got 4/5 stars on Amazon. I'm still reading it at the moment, so may revise my review in the future.

One final note: I always hate giving books poor reviews and ratings because I know there's an author out there who may read my review. I know I certainly would read the poorly rated reviews of my books. I've never given a book such a scathing review, so I feel like I must have a note to the author. If the author is reading this, I just want to say that I know that books take a lot of work. I really respect you for your hard work in hammering out a book. I truly do. It takes persistence and work. And truly? What makes a writer? A writer writes. So many people call themselves writers and DON'T WRITE. How are they going to improve their craft if they don't write? You are ahead of the game already.

But just like anything, writing takes practice and expertise. Most people's first, second, third, even sometimes their tenth books are pretty much no good. Good writers generally have to slog through a lot of bad books to create their first good book. I feel like this book is one of those "previous books" that should not have been published but nonetheless provide a valuable stepping stone to a book that is at last publishable (self-publishing on Amazon does not equate with "publishable"). Additionally, I totally understand the draw of Amazon's easy-to-publish ebooks. If I had the worst book in the world and thought I could make a few hundred dollars on Amazon, I'd totally consider it. Please continue to work hard and create books. You show promise and I hope that one day you will publish an excellent book. I wish you all the best.

Addendum: I keep seeing this book on Amazon, so I occasionally pause to ponder it. As much fault as I found in this book, on further thought, I think it has a lot going for it. This is the only book for which I've apologized to the author for a poor review. And I think the reason for this, which I've only recently realized, is that the author has a great voice. Much honing of the craft is needed, but I think the author shows great promise. show less

Although I thought this book was cute, I think it would be great aimed towards the younger YA crowd - not middle school (all that talk about mating) but more like early highschool

because Fane was just cheesy. His constant slipping into speaking Romanian instead of English and having to interpret what he said just got pretentious. Yay, we know you can speak another language...just stop!

and, right from the get go, I just had a tough time with Jacque... First thing she can hear him in her head and she...is pretty okay with it. And she tells her friends?!?! And they....are pretty okay with it too.
It just all felt so ridiculous...

but I think a younger crowd would like the cheesy, the constant slang "dat" and "who spit in your pizza" and show more "holy pig tails"...just silly things that grated on my nerves I don't think a younger teen would get annoyed with....

all in all, cute but just not for me show less

This author is not kidding around, the story takes off quickly, it's BAM, right in your face. There is no beating around the bush, no secrets, no lies or no I have to stay away from you to keep you safe. The only secrets was a big one Jacque's mother Lilly has been keeping from her, but that was also addressed quickly too. It really was refreshing to not have to deal with the moping and pining or he's so dreamy that I can't focus and i'm tripping over my own foot. Mostly every question was answered early on in the book and I wondered what more can there be to story but I wasn't disappointed, it just got more interesting.

Jacque Pierce is a character with strength, determination, wit and a wicked sense of humor to boot. She deals with show more the new unusual direction her life seems to be heading, with her unflinching sarcasm. I like that this female protagonist didn't seem to have low self-esteem but she wasn't shallow either, she never once berated her looks.

Jacque has hit the jackpot in the best friends department, with unabashed Jen and always thoughtful Sally at her side she can deal with anything. Jen says whatever pops in her head, her many facetious remarks continually shocks her friends every time she opens her mouth. Sally is more reserved but she holds her own with the other girls, she tends to be Jen's filter but it's always already too late. I also liked Jen's many not no nice nicknames for Fane.

I liked the way Fane Lupei was introduced into the story, it wasn't overly dreamy or swoony. The point was instantly made that Jaque was is one true mate and he didn't hesitate in letting her know it(no beating around the bush here). And Fane and Jacque weren't shy in telling each other they think the other was hot or beautiful. Fane is the guy you would want to take home to meet the 'rents, he was polite, respectful and charming. He wears his heart on his sleeves. He's so endearing, I love the little pet names he and Jacque have for each other, while her's were funny his were adorable.

Overall this book was very surprising, a really interesting twist on a familiar concept. Good first book from the author. Can't wait to see what's the next for the characters.

P.S. I really loved the board game scene of Fane's first visit to Jacque's home. It was so funny you have to read for yourself to see (lol). All due to Jen I should say or Fane since he had the honors of picking the game. show less

Jacqueline Pierce and her two best friends, Jen and Sally, are preparing for their senior year of high school. Jacque had recently abruptly broken up with her boyfriend of two years, Trent. One moment he's crazy in love and the next, he says he doesn't want to see her anymore. He was the love of her life and she feels as if she will forever be heartbroken.

Then Jacque's neighbor, the Henry's have decided to have a foreign exchange student for a year. Little did they know that his stay will turn Jacque's world upside down. You see, not only is Fane Lupei a drop dead gorgeous seventeen year old from Romania, but he only has eyes for Jacque. Not only that, but Fane is next in line to be Alpha of the Romanian Canus Lupis. Yes, you read it show more correctly, the hottie is a werewolf!

This was a quick, action packed read. I loved the soul mate inference for werewolves, I thought it made the story that much more romantic. My favorite character was definitely Jen, the things that came out of that girl's mouth were just so off the wall funny. The closeness of Jacque and her friends was just so beautiful and realistic, I could actually picture it. I also enjoyed the way the story was written. It was so down to earth, it was like being a fly on the wall instead of reading a book. This was an awesome werewolf novel, that was also a fun read. If you like light reads or werewolves, this is a great story for you! show less

When I started reading it I was about to go to sleep. I said to myself that I would read a chapter or two to see what the book is about. I ended up reading the whole book and I did not get to sleep even a little and I was like a walking zombie in the morning. I do not regret it though. The book was great and I loved every single page I turned as well as all the characters. For me thats rare since I usually dont pay much attention to the second characters. But in this case I loved Sally, Jen and I liked very much Lilly, the Henrys and Fanes pack. This is one of the best YA book I have ever read. It sucked me inside it and I coundn't (nor wanted) to get out. It is definitely a worth reading series and I highly recommend to all of you to show more read it. show less

3 1/2 stars


I read the book mainly because it was about wolves and it was a free deal on Amazon. The Story line was quite good and in my opinion a bit unique and different from the usual urban fantasy lit. It was easy written, you can read it without much thinking. It is what i call a fluffy book.
However: like some other readers, the author switches back and forth between POV's. I usually have to re-read that paragraph to make sure i did not miss anything.
This book is about 17 year olds with cell phones etc, so i assume it plays in fairly recent times. I really dont know many, or any for that matter, 17 year olds that listen to Willie Nelsen or Lynard Skynard. Get a bit more with the times. I cringed every time those teenagers listened show more to their favorite music and....again.... really? Willie Nelson?
Also there was was too much yapping and gabbing going on between the characters. I dont mind banter between characters ,and Jen and Sally were certainly refreshing , but that much yapping, can only be called space filler. There were lots of times i skimmed over pages and pages.
Next, i believe the beginning of the story line would have been more believable if the events in the book were spaced out to several weeks or months and not mere 5 days.
i understand, that it is the whole wolf, romanian, old-fashioned thing, but no one, except for characters in dime novels talks like that.
These were my main complaints about the book.
I found Jacque a bit "out there' but Sally and Jen were delightful.

I wish i could give 1/2 stars. So i am able to only give 3 stars, I t would be more like 3 1/2 stars. Will i continue on the series? Sure why not, but i will not be rushing through like with some other series i have started. show less