Full Blooded by Amanda Carlson Series: Jessica McClain #1
on 9/11/12
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Format: Audiobook
Source: ARC, Author
Add to your Goodreads TBR Pile
Born the only female in an all male race, Jessica McClain isn’t just different—she’s feared.
After living under the radar for the last twenty-six years, Jessica is thrust unexpectedly into her first change, a full ten years late. She wakes up and finds she’s in the middle of a storm. Now that she’s become the only female full-blooded werewolf in town, the supernatural world is already clamoring to take a bite out of her and her new Pack must rise up and protect her.
But not everyone is on board. The werewolf Rights of Laws is missing text and the superstitious werewolves think that Jessica means an end to their race. It doesn’t help when Jessica begins to realize she’s more. She can change partway and hold her form, and speak directly to her wolf. But the biggest complication by far is that her alpha father can't control her like he can the rest of his wolves.
When a mercenary who’s been hired by the vampires shows up to extract information about the newly turned werewolf only days after her change, they find themselves smack in the middle of a war and there's no choice but to run together. When it’s up to Jessica to negotiate her release against her father’s direct orders, she chooses to take an offer for help instead. In exchange, Jessica must now swear an oath she may end up repaying with her life.
Interest in Book
I started talking to the author on Twitter, and next thing I know, I have the opportunity to review her book. I had not yet heard of this series, and I am so happy that I know of it now. I love Shifter and Were books, and well, with a lone female wolf who is feared by the supernatural community, I was definitely game to find out what is so special about Jessica McClain.
World-Building
The book opens up with a bang as Jessica is woken up out of a dead sleep when her body endures its first shift into wolf form. This comes as a serious surprise to her, for many reasons. Firstly, she should not even be alive, as females born to weres never, ever occur. Secondly, a shifting female? Say what? She is an anomaly that has sparked much interest and fear since her birth, and with a pesky prophecy hanging over her head, let’s just say that Jessica’s life is now on the fast road to danger and hardship.
This book set up the world quite nicely. The Pack dynamics and politics were very interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed the brotherhood and camaraderie between the members. Other supernatural beasties are prevalent in this world, such as witches, vampires and other were animals. Vampires play a pivotal role leading up to the next book, and they were creepy to experience. Definitely not your shimmering type.
Characters
Jessica McClain is the daughter of the North American Pack Alpha, Callum McClain. Pretty much the baddest bad ass of his kind. Her brother, Tyler, is as dedicated to her and her father, and their relationships were endearing and heartfelt. Jessica has been living as an alias for the past seven years so she could live a normal human life away from the pack. Unfortunately for her and the rest of the supernatural community, her first shift has put into motion some serious treachery and a supernatural showdown is imminent. I enjoyed Jessica’s character development. She is a fierce chic who does not back down due to possessing boobs instead of balls. She is a courageous as they come, though her new found powers and abilities are not quite known to her, or anyone else, which puts her in serious danger.
Packmates James and Danny, as well as best friend and business mate, Nick, are rocksauce. Danny is adorable with his accent and confidence. He has some of the best lines of the books, most of them aimed at Jessica’s buxom chest or tight ass. James is Callum’s second and a powerful, rockhard, sexy beast! His devotion and dedication to his pack and protecting Jessica are evident in his bold actions. And Nick is just fun and always there when Jessica needs him. Her only gal pal, a witch named Marcy, also delivers some light commentary and has a great personality.
And then we have Rourke. *rawr* Rourke is a deadly mercenary who ends up in town, seeking an audience with Jessica. After a series of events, Jessica finds herself alone with Rourke as they flee to safety deep in the Ozarks. Some revelations are had and some battles are fought. Rourke is an ancient werecat of some kind, though no one who has seen his were form has lived to tell about it. His raw energy is enough to light up the night sky and he is about the size of a boulder. I am hoping that we get to witness his cat form. The guess Jessica made about his were-form has me SO intrigued! That would ROCK!
Lasting Impressions
I was really impressed with this book! It reminded me of Rachel Vincent’s Shifter series, which is a mega favorite of mine. I really love reading about Pack life and experiencing the harsh politics and extreme dedication among pack mates. Plus, there is an uber strong female lead who is trying to figure out her role in the world. I also loved the inner monologue Jessica had with her Wolf. It was humorous as hell watching the two as they got to know one another. And the author made me giggle profusely anytime Jessica’s Latina neighbor, Juanita, made an appearance. Her thick Spanish accent was hilarious to read. The romance is minimal with a few damn sexy scenes, but the romance is the numero uno catalyst for book two, Hot Blooded! All in all, a fab start to a UF series!
If you love weres, pack life and politics, sexy, strong characters and great action, put this one on your TBR!
Giveaway
Amanda Carlson is pretty awesome. So awesome, in fact, that she is offering up one signed ARC to a lucky someone. And it’s international! GOOD LUCK!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
- Must be 16 or older.
- Open Worldwide.
- Ends 9/9.
- Will be shipped by author.
- Winner must respond to email with mailing address within 48 hours of receiving email or new winner will be chosen.
© 2012 – 2013, Smash Attack Reads. All rights reserved.
| Leave a Reply | |
|
|
|
I’m a huge fan of Rachel Vincent’s Shifters and if Amanda Carlson wrote something similar I”m going to read it, – there are not that many UF series about female shifters, and I love reading them!
Thank you for a wonderful giveaway!
Agreed! And I hope you enjoy it. Wicked entertaining.
Thanks for the awesome review and giveaway! I read Full blooded, the novella, and that definitely made me wanted to read Blooded
I still need to read the novella! You should definitely continue the series. Damn awesome.
This book sounds awesome!! I love the shifter/werewolf genre and reading about all these sexy males…sign me up!! Thanks for the post and the giveaway!!
Damn sexy males, but not a lot of sex. Just a sprinkle, but the sexy males are front & center!
I’m interested in this book, because first, I love the cover. Look badass! Then , I read many good reviews about this one, so I really want to read it. Beside, paranormal is my favorite and I also love story about shifter
Yes, shifter stories are some of my favs, too.
How did I not hear about this book before?! Looks like I every time I stop by your blog I learns something new! It looks and sounds pretty awesome – love strong female leads and minimal amount of romance ( Bloodtose killed me with the love triangle!), and I definitely love to see the interactions between characters and dynamics of their relationships! Thanks for bringing this one to my attention sweetie!
Well I am happy to hear that!
This is an adult UF, btw! I still haven’t read Bloodrose. SO scared. I don’t want to lose some of those characters. heh.
I have been seeing this book everywhere and hearing really good things about it. I like strong woman characters, it draws me to a lot of books. I like the cover. Thanks for the chance.
My book buddy got me an ARC of this when she went to AADNOLA. Other than briefly looking through all the swag I got, I didn’t really pay much attention to what the book was about. Sad, I know. You totally had me at “it reminded me of Rachel Vincent’s Shifter series”. You know how much I lurve me some Shifters. I think I need to move this up on my TBR list. Great review, Smash!!
I know you will love it. I have no doubts.
I crazy loved this book!
Of course! You and I see eye to eye on most books.
The world-building sounds great. I like that there will be so many different paranormal creatures in it.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on this book aat BEA and, I have to say, I really enjoyed it! It is a biit like the SHIFTERS series, which is a great comparison because that series rocks. I think there’s another book coming out in this series in April (maybe?). I can’t wait to read it!
Wasn’t it fantastic? Do you think these series are similar? Love them both. Definitely looking forward to Hot Blooded!
So glad to hear your positive review Smash! I just requested this on Netgalley yesterday *crosses fingers*
I also had a chance to hear Amanda speak on a few panels at AAD about this series. I can’t wait to read it.
I would have loved to meet Amanda and hear her panels! I think you really enjoy this one.
The book sounds great – and thanks for the giveaway!
Good luck!
It does sound awesome.
Oh, it is.
Second comment answers the question–werewolves ‘nough said.
A lone female – how fabulous!! FULL BLOODED looks like an amazing read.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Oh yea! The only female were in the world. Woot!
You know me. Me & shifters are like *crosses fingers* that, especially weres.
Ohhh yea. This one will please you, I’m sure of it.
I’m totally sold!! I saw the book around before but I was like, “eh”. But after your rocking review, I so want this!!
I think I may have been one of the lone readers disappointed with Kelly Armstrong’s Bitten and I put down Stolen. I love shifters and strong heroines all the characters in this series sound out of the page awesome. It kind of reminds me of the team surrounding Cat from Night Huntress, a bunch of fun, protective guys.
Yes, I want… yep, added to Goodreads
Thanks for the giveaway!!
I really want to read this book!! Thanks for the great review and the giveaway.
Jessica seems interesting but I’m loving the sound of those men
This would be a new author for me, sounds good! tWarner419@aol.com
I have a weakness for werewolves. Any time there’s a book about them, I check it out, so this one is on my wishlist.
I’ve been trying new authors this summer and this would add one more for me to try!!!
I have been hearing so much about this series lately from several bloggers that I trust, including you. Plus I have fallen for the Riley Jensen series recently so anything that has a badass chick who happens to be a werewolf is right up my alley, or so I found out a few months ago!
Thanks for the awesome giveaway and review!
I think this sounds like a unique take on the werewolf mythology so I’m looking forward to reading Full Blooded.
Thanks for the giveaway! I entered the Rafflecopter as Tasnim S
I’m interested in this book because I LOVE UF and I LOVE wolves 
So I’m pretty sure I’m gonna fall in love wityh this book! I also loved the novella, Blooded 
I hope I win!!
tasnim-sheikh AT hotmail DOT com
I’ve read the novella and loved it, so I have high hopes for this one!!
I love the cover and the Full Blooded sounds great. I absolutely love shifters. Thx for giveaway.
What DOESN’T interest me about this book, would be a better question(!). Lol – I love virtually all things wolf and I’m always on the lookout for a good, strong female wolf in fiction! And if there’s interesting pack dynamics, sexiness, witty dialogue, lovable inner monologues, and some other interestingly-portrayed creatures too? — all the better!!!
I’ve had my eye on this book for a little while now, so it was delightful to come across this here with such an insightful review. And such a lovely giveaway opportunity as well! So many thanks for that!! This book just sounds so much like it could be exactly what I’ve been looking for! I can’t wait to read it, first chance I get.
I am dying to read this one!!!
Mainly because I love shifters and alpha males and books with kick ass heroines in them.
I’m also a huge fan of Rachel Vincent’s Shifter series, so I’m hoping I will like this as well.
I’m always interested in reading something new!
[...] I LOVED Full Blooded and really REALLY hope that all of the winners love it just as much. It was a great start to a fun, action-packed urban fantasy series, with a strong heroine, a smoldering love interest, lots of political crazy and tons of interesting creatures! [...]
[...] reviews Full Blooded by Amanda Carlson + Giveaway! – ENDS [...]