Book Shelf: Trial by Fire (Raised by Wolves #2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

There can only be one alpha.

Bryn is finally settling into her position as alpha of the Cedar Ridge Pack—or at least, her own version of what it means to be alpha when you’re a human leading a band of werewolves. Then she finds a teenage boy bleeding on her front porch. Before collapsing, he tells her his name is Lucas, he’s a Were, and Bryn’s protection is his only hope.

But Lucas isn’t part of Bryn’s pack, and she has no right to claim another alpha’s Were. With threats—old and new—looming, and danger closing in from all sides, Bryn will have to accept what her guardian Callum knew all along. To be alpha, she will have to give in to her own animal instincts and become less human. And, she’s going to have to do it alone.

Bryn faces both the costs, and the rewards, of love and loyalty, in this thrilling sequel to Raised by Wolves.

Blurb from Goodreads.....


Review:

This was a fantastic follow up to Raised by Wolves. Jennifer Lynn Barnes continues to create magic and builds on her world in this story. The first book was brilliant and this book really cemented this series as one of the best werewolf ones out there in my opinion. There’s such a great sense of pack dynamic and a unique type of family within this series and it’s impossible not to love the characters and get lost in the story.
The storyline of this book was understated and yet powerful at the same time. There weren’t a lot of things going on, but the adrenaline and excitement pumped throughout the book as the story continued.

This series has an incredible range of characters and the interaction and dynamic they all have with one other is a highlight in the series. As a werewolf pack they’re all so tied to one another and that love and care that they have for each other really seeps through the pages. They all care so deeply for one another and would often die for one another; it’s so beautiful to see.
All the characters in this series continue to entertain me and make me feel for them. Bryn, Chase, Devon, Lake, Ali, Callum and all the younger ones are all wonderful in their own right. The sense of friendship and family really adds to the book and makes it all that much more of a great read.

Bryn is honestly a great heroine to follow. She has personally and depth and she truly cares about those in her life and those around her. Even if someone isn’t a part of her pack, she still tries to do right by them and this really shows the kind of character she is. Unlike a lot of the main characters you see nowadays, Bryn constantly puts others above herself. Almost everything she does is for someone else. I love the relationships she has with those around her. From her relationship with Chase, to the one she has with Ali, as well as Dev, Lake and Callum are all completely different and yet essential to who she is and what these relationships make her.
Of course I love her relationship with Chase. They’re so sweet together and just keep getting better with each book, but the relationship Bryn has with Ali continues to be a stand out for me. Bryn has so much going for her that helps her survive in this werewolf world that Ali doesn’t have and yet she puts all her weaknesses aside for her adopted daughter. Really the “adopted” part has no place within their relationship; Bryn her daughter, blood or no blood and I think it’s so beautiful how Ali will do anything to protect and help her daughter.

Towards the end this book was explosive, as things came to light and the story began to wind down. I think the world and the characters within it are changing and growing and will continue to do so in future books. Personally, I can’t wait to see what happens next and am looking forward to more stories with Bryn and the rest of the Cedar Ride Pack!


Rating: **** stars
Recommend: Yes
Did I Buy, Borrow or is it an ARC: ARC from Pan Macmillan (Thanks guys!)
Recommend Buy or Borrow: Buy
Ebook or Actual Book: Actual Book
Cover: I really like it
Read sequel/continue with series: Oh, yes.

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