9
Oct192010
All Hallows Eve – BOOK REVIEW: ‘Alpha’ by Rachel Vincent
by Carolyn • Posted in 4.5 Star Reviews, All Hallows Eve 2010, Authors U-Z, Book Reviews, Mira UK, Rachel Vincent, Reviews by Laura
Title: Alpha (Shifters #6)
Author: Rachel Vincent
Publisher: Mira UK
Publication Date: October 2010
Paperback: 472 pages
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Review Copy
Reviewed by Laura
RATING: 9/10
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
YOU’VE GOT TO HAVE FAYTHE…
The unscrupulous new Council chair has charged Jace, Marc, and me with trespassing, kidnapping, murder, and treason. Yeah, we’ve been busy. But now it’s time to take justice into our own hands. We must avenge my brother’s death and carve out the rot at the heart of the Council.
It’s not going to be easy, and loss seems unavoidable, but I have promised to protect my Pride, no matter what. With a target on my back and Marc at my side, I’m heading for a final showdown that can–that will–change everything forever. A showdown I’m not sure I’m ready for.
But life never waits until you’re ready.
REVIEW:
**Warning this book contains a few spoilers for previous books in the series. If you haven’t read them yet I recommend heading down to your nearest book shop, you won’t regret it!**
I think it’s fair to say that ‘Alpha’ is probably my most anticipated book of the year. I’ve been desperate to know how it all ends. So when the lovely Book Chick City offered me an early copy for review, I jumped up and down in excitement. Any other books I was reading, momentarily forgotten.
The story takes off where ‘Shift’ ended. The Werecat council is in disarray, corrupted by the evil Calvin Malone. Three Prides alone stand against his malicious campaign for power. At the heart of rebellion is Faythe’s father and the South-Central Pride.
In a pre-emptive move, Calvin has charged Faythe and her two lovers with treason. While Faythe stands to be de-clawed, Marc and Jace are up for execution. They can no longer wait to move, civil war amongst the werecats is unavoidable, the outcome will inevitably be bloody, painful and tragic.
The fight has begun and with it lies the future of the South-Central pride and it’s time for Faythe to face her destiny.
The love triangle between Faythe, Marc and Jace continues with almost unbearable intensity. In fact, at one stage I almost couldn’t take it and found myself having to flick forwards to have just a tiny sneak at the end. I was terrified that Faythe was going to make the wrong choice.
About half way through the book, the tears threatened and if I’m honest I found myself sniffing more than a couple of times. Rachel Vincent’s writing style is captivating, and you get pulled into the story and the characters. You laugh, cry and rage with them as if you were part of the story itself. There were times when I wanted to smack Faythe over the head or at least give her a good shake. Then on other occasions I found myself furious at the hideous events. It’s the type of book that wrings you dry with emotion.
The novel pulls no punches, it is violent, painful and gut wrenching. But, at the same time it’s perfect. Rachel Vincent has ended it just the way you would like her to.
It’s one of those books you cannot bear to put down. I virtually inhaled the words, the pages spinning by so fast I barely had time to come up for air.
I have one comment in that I would of liked it to go on for a little bit longer, or at least have an epilogue. Things concluded a touch too quickly and a little too abruptly for my satisfaction. This reduced my rating from a ten out of ten, to a nine.
VERDICT:
A phenomenal end to what has now become one of my favourite urban fantasy series’. Rachel Vincent is an immensely talented writer, who is without a doubt one of my favourites. As much as I enjoyed this book, I cannot help feeling slightly sad that it’s all over. But, if like me, you have loved Faythe’s story, I don’t think you will be disappointed with its conclusion.
Make sure you come back later today as BCC has a fantastic guest post from the author herself, and another fab giveaway!
You can find out more about Rachel and her books here:
9 Comments
Please spoil it for me and tell who she chose lol I gave up on this series when she slept with Jace when Marc went missing :S
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OOh have never heard about this series, but I am buying it RIGHT NOW
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I know the series already finish with the ALPHA and I think it's a good time to read the whole series in one go!
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Thanks for the review Laura – I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. I *must* start this series soon, it sounds so good and I'm jealous when others talk about it. I have book 1 ready and waiting on my shelf so no excuses – other than there's SO many books to read! LOL
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I don't really think of black cats as either good/bad luck. I find them all cute. I don't have any cats, however my bother had 2 Viv had to get put down just over 2 years go. Robbie it still alive and kicking and as cute as ever. Them 2 pic's are adorable, I want them
Love Alpha, still hopefull for a spin off. I'll keep my fingers crossed
love Jenny (uk)
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I've just finished Alpha myself – and loved it!
This is definitely a series read if you haven't picked it up yet! Each book has it's own storyline but somehow the whole series is part of one storyline.
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@Camille lol, I can sort of understand why you gave up there – I was furious with Faythe too. I think I may have even shouted at the book lol. If you seriously want to know she choses message me on Twitter (@laurasummers) – I don't want to spoil it for anyone here
@Willa wow, this series is a treat – enjoy!!
@Darlyn yes it's a great time to read the series through!
@BookChickCity ooh Carolyn I do think you'll love this series, you must read it.
@Jenny I want a spin off too – fingers crossed
@Mel it's a great series isn't it. I totally agree with your comments
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Hi! I'm with you. I don't believe black cats are unlucky at all, even if they are associated with witches (and who among us is not a witch at some point…if the pointy hat fits…!) I myself have a black cat who looks mean and devilish, but who is the most loving and adoring pet a witch…er…person can have. I named him "Cookie" after the Oreo because he has a tiny white spot on the middle of his belly. BTW I love your books and recommend them to everyone who'll listen!
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****I think a couple of people on this comment feed are leaving their comments intended for Rachel and the giveaway. Please use the comment feed for the correct post (this is a book review not the interview). Thanks!****
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