Weekend Reads: Pack of Dawn and Destiny Trilogy by K. M. Shea (Rachel)

The third novel in the Pack of Dawn and Destiny trilogy dropped about a month ago and I snatched it up as a treat after a very hard week of challenges. K. M. Shea did not disappoint in the least. Her urban fantasy Magiford series (Hall of Blood and Mercy, Court of Midnight and Deception, and now Pack of Dawn and Destiny) have been bright lights in the urban fantasy landscape in recent years. Taking tropes classic to the genre, she has added her own spin and plenty of humor. The combination makes them healthier and much more enjoyable for her readers.

The heroine, Pip, doesn’t feel like she fits in with the pack despite growing up with them. As a hunter, her skills are traditionally focused on hunting and bringing down werewolves. But as an adopted member of the pack, she does the exact opposite of this, except for during training sessions when she takes the role of adversary and prey. I love how Pip holds her own without being vicious or vindictive. And the way she grows gradually into the role she eventually takes is so beautifully done that I can’t help appreciating the journey.

Unlike the trend in this genre, Greyson’s role as the alpha does not involve fighting for preeminence in his pack. Instead, his role as alpha involves mostly taking care of the pack, training them, providing for them, and defending them. Which also affects how he approaches his fated mate bond with Pip. He is respectful of the fact she needs to make her own choice about whether to accept the bond not. Working hard not to pressure her, he gives her space while still seeking her out and supporting her needs.

I love Shea’s books because they are frequently about finding belonging. Working through our roles in life is a vital process that we can all relate to. The journey to find a sense of belonging that almost all of us traverse is integral to many of her books. The Pack of Dawn and Destiny trilogy beautifully presents that theme. It also focuses on Pip’s found family, how finding one’s place and role can lead to personal growth. And all of that is in addition to a sweet romance as Greyson finds his fated mate and she learns to accept his trust and care. Throw in action, plots against the pack, and plenty of humor, and this series becomes one of K. M. Shea’s best works. I can’t wait for the next one.

Do you know of any other healthy fated mate books?

Hunted by K. M. Shea (Rachel)

 A werewolf hunter living among werewolves makes for an interesting premise,
and K. M. Shea doesn’t disappoint.

Phillipa (Pip) Sabre was born a hunter, which is a supernatural species of human that has special magical attributes. Pip’s magic manifests in speed, quick healing, invulnerability to most contagions, and the ability to detect the position and approach of any werewolf (to name a few). Through an accident that killed both of her parents while she was still young, Pip needed a home. Her adoption by two werewolves brought her into the pack, but despite their acceptance, she didn’t feel like one of them.

Her lack of fur is only the beginning of the differences. In spite of them, though, she loves her pack and takes part in pack life to the best of her ability. It is a good life despite the aggressive cuddling sessions and the fact none of the males see her as anything other than a puppy thanks to her special Hunter pheromones.

However, when her pack is attacked and framed when wolves in surrounding packs go feral, she is ready to work on the problem with the pack although the process puts her in frequent interaction with the pack alpha, Greyson. He is the one pack member she wishes most to avoid. First, he is annoying, and second, she objects to how he came into power, resulting in the leaving of the previous alpha and his family.

If you like werewolves that break the mold with healthy pack dynamics, respectful relationships, fun interactions, and no bullying, this series is perfect for you. Shea delivers with humor, warm relationships, gentle romance, and the perfect mix of fun and intrigue. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, United!

Weekend Reads: The Werewolf of Whitechapel by Suzannah Rowntree (Sarah)

 

Gaslamp fantasy, most commonly set in the Regency, Edwardian, or Victorian eras of our world or in a secondary world with a similar feel, weaves the supernatural alongside everyday life, often with a Gothic flare. It’s a fantasy sub-genre I love (so much so that I’m currently working on a gaslamp mystery series), and I’ve enjoyed discovering some new or new-to-me authors in this category recently. In the past, I’d read several of Suzannah Rowntree’s fairy tale retellings, and when I saw the announcement for The Werewolf of Whitechapel, the first book in the Miss Sharp’s Monsters series, I immediately picked it up and found within a satisfying story.

The Werewolf of Whitechapel provides an intriguing alternate history by offering an interesting theory: what if Victorian-era Europe had been ruled by monsters? Werewolves, vampires, and sirens compose the royal bloodlines of Europe, with England standing as the lone exception. 

Our protagonist, one Liz Sharp, remembers nothing of her past, but has received specialized training from Saint Boltoph’s to protect members of the royal family from anarchists who may rebel against the rule of these monsters. By virtue of becoming a lady’s maid/bodyguard to Princess May of England, Miss Sharp will find herself interfacing with the royal families, and therefore surrounded by the monsters she loathes—the sort of monsters who left her scarred and also imparted to her preternatural abilities.  

When Miss Sharp’s dearest friend meets an untimely end, the precarious position of the everyday citizen in this world becomes abundantly clear. Miss Sharp is confident that a werewolf murdered her friend—and indeed, evidence supports it, but no one will pursue this line of investigation. After all, who can hold those in power accountable?

The murder of her friend pulls Miss Sharp into the mystery surrounding not only her death, but others, and of course, into danger as well.  Accustomed to independence and self-reliance, Miss Sharp must learn to work with unexpected allies or else she may find herself in over her head. I’ve always appreciated tales of unlikely friendships, and the unfolding relationships between very different individuals enhances the story. The way the world-building unfolds makes for a compelling tale, and the voice suits the era well. If you enjoy gaslamp fantasy or mysteries with mystical monsters, definitely give this one a try!

Are you familiar with the gaslamp subgenre? Do you have any favorite tales in this category?