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bookishmadness's review against another edition
4.0
What it's about: A teenage tiger-shifter - plus a bit of swoony romance on the side!
What I thought: I really enjoyed this one! I haven't read a lot of shifter books, but a tiger-shifter is completely different to anything I have heard of! The 'caller of shadows' is a cool new idea too! There is a lot of action, a lot of fun and a lot of guts in this story!
the good: Where do I even start? Caleb - Hello swoon-worthy hero! Oh yes, Caleb is all that! The romance between him and Dez is so cute! Plus Dez is a seriously butt-kicking characters! Man has she got some guts! She isn't afraid to say what she thinks, despite being told otherwise. She has fierce love for her family, and growing up out of the otherkin world, she has no prejudice towards the other tribes! The supporting characters make up a quirky superhero team, once at each other's throats but by the end, working together.
the bad: I felt some parts of the story bored me slightly, and I was waiting to get to the next good part.
Rating: 4 bookstacks
What I thought: I really enjoyed this one! I haven't read a lot of shifter books, but a tiger-shifter is completely different to anything I have heard of! The 'caller of shadows' is a cool new idea too! There is a lot of action, a lot of fun and a lot of guts in this story!
the good: Where do I even start? Caleb - Hello swoon-worthy hero! Oh yes, Caleb is all that! The romance between him and Dez is so cute! Plus Dez is a seriously butt-kicking characters! Man has she got some guts! She isn't afraid to say what she thinks, despite being told otherwise. She has fierce love for her family, and growing up out of the otherkin world, she has no prejudice towards the other tribes! The supporting characters make up a quirky superhero team, once at each other's throats but by the end, working together.
the bad: I felt some parts of the story bored me slightly, and I was waiting to get to the next good part.
Rating: 4 bookstacks
charms1976's review against another edition
2.0
With a book that starts out with a bang, the reader would expect it to be amazing throughout the rest of the story. Unfortunately, while the story could have been amazing, it turned out to be just okay for me.
While I enjoyed the fact that this book focused on a female shifter trying to embrace her powers, for me that was the only thing that really seemed to set this book apart from others. The characters were bland, with no real substance and emotion. The characters seemed to roll with the punches and not express shock, denial or anything else before moving straight to acceptance of the weird things that happen. It felt like they had limited emotions and were afraid to feel anything more.
As other reviewers have mentioned -- and I agree on this -- the romance in this book is instant love and not believable. If anything, the only emotion that came from it was forced and lacking of any real spark. While the only saving grace of this book was the action, it wasn't enough to make me want to run out and buy the next book in the series on release day. This is one of those books that just left me with an okay feeling by the last page.
While I enjoyed the fact that this book focused on a female shifter trying to embrace her powers, for me that was the only thing that really seemed to set this book apart from others. The characters were bland, with no real substance and emotion. The characters seemed to roll with the punches and not express shock, denial or anything else before moving straight to acceptance of the weird things that happen. It felt like they had limited emotions and were afraid to feel anything more.
As other reviewers have mentioned -- and I agree on this -- the romance in this book is instant love and not believable. If anything, the only emotion that came from it was forced and lacking of any real spark. While the only saving grace of this book was the action, it wasn't enough to make me want to run out and buy the next book in the series on release day. This is one of those books that just left me with an okay feeling by the last page.
katelin00's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted to A Bookworm's Confessions
I really enjoyed this book. The only reason I didn't give it five is because I have some issues with certain scenes. It took me a couple tries to get into this book but once I did I found myself enjoying it and finished it quickly.
In this book we have Desdemona, aka Dez, who is an otherkin. She's a shifter and can shift into a tiger. This is quite obvious once you look at the cover. We get thrown into the world almost immediately. At the end of chapter 1 Dez transforms into her tiger. In chapter 2 she wakes up in a cage somewhere in the desert. In a cage next to her we meet Caleb. Caleb is otherkin also but he is not a shifter. He is a caller of shadow. Basically there is another world called the Othersphere and it "casts its shadow into our world. Not a shadow of darkness, but a power shadow, a vibration" (33). Callers can actually call forth the shadow of the shifters or send them away, forcing them into or out of their animal form. This makes the shifters hate the callers because they can control their transformations.
The enemy of the otherkin is the Tribunal. They think all otherkin are demons and are extremely religious. They can use shadow too but they use it to get rid of shadow. The callers that are part of the Tribunal are titled objurers. Basically they're a bunch of hypocrites. The Tribunal has killed thousands of shifters and callers. Now there are only five shifter tribes left. Bears, cats, birds, wolves, and rats. Before there were shifters of all different animals but they were killed off by the Tribunal. Of course, all the shifters hate each other and are neophobic. They formed a council with a representative for each tribe but that only does so much. There is little they can do when all they want to fight.
After Dez returns home and is attacked again by the Tribunal, she shifts back to her tiger-self and that's when her adoptive mother and Richard, her mother's husband, find out about Dez being a shifter. Her parents go into hiding while Dez heads off with Caleb to a super secret school somewhere hidden. Once there, they have to go through a test to prove that they are worthy to be taught at the school.
The school is for shifters, not callers, so Caleb is a little on the outside. The teacher, Morfael, is also a caller and teaches the shifters the everything the shifters need to know. Dez is an outsider at first and Caleb is unwelcome. The prejudice between the callers and the other shifters is extremely obvious. It's sad really.
There is something special about Dez and even at the end of the book we don't really know what's going on with her or what she truly is. But because she was never raised around other shifters, she does not have the prejudice that they all have. She is able to bring everyone together and become friends. This is something that never happens.
What I liked about this book is the completely different take on shapeshifters and the idea of another world that casts its shadows into ours. The idea is clever and one that I haven't heard of before. I enjoyed Dez's character and her strength in trying to get everyone to work together and not hate each other. She doesn't give up and she has a fierce need to protect the people she loves.
What I didn't like was some of the writing and reactions. Dez finds out about this other world and she's not as freaked out as I think she should be. If I had changed into a tiger and then kidnapped and shoved into a cage, I think I'd be freaking out more than she actually was. Sometimes the writing seemed rushed. Despite these issues I really enjoyed this book.
I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys shapeshifter books and want a different take on a fantasy world. The topic of shapeshifters has been used many times and I like that this book used it and changed it into something completely different than anything I was expecting.
I really enjoyed this book. The only reason I didn't give it five is because I have some issues with certain scenes. It took me a couple tries to get into this book but once I did I found myself enjoying it and finished it quickly.
In this book we have Desdemona, aka Dez, who is an otherkin. She's a shifter and can shift into a tiger. This is quite obvious once you look at the cover. We get thrown into the world almost immediately. At the end of chapter 1 Dez transforms into her tiger. In chapter 2 she wakes up in a cage somewhere in the desert. In a cage next to her we meet Caleb. Caleb is otherkin also but he is not a shifter. He is a caller of shadow. Basically there is another world called the Othersphere and it "casts its shadow into our world. Not a shadow of darkness, but a power shadow, a vibration" (33). Callers can actually call forth the shadow of the shifters or send them away, forcing them into or out of their animal form. This makes the shifters hate the callers because they can control their transformations.
The enemy of the otherkin is the Tribunal. They think all otherkin are demons and are extremely religious. They can use shadow too but they use it to get rid of shadow. The callers that are part of the Tribunal are titled objurers. Basically they're a bunch of hypocrites. The Tribunal has killed thousands of shifters and callers. Now there are only five shifter tribes left. Bears, cats, birds, wolves, and rats. Before there were shifters of all different animals but they were killed off by the Tribunal. Of course, all the shifters hate each other and are neophobic. They formed a council with a representative for each tribe but that only does so much. There is little they can do when all they want to fight.
After Dez returns home and is attacked again by the Tribunal, she shifts back to her tiger-self and that's when her adoptive mother and Richard, her mother's husband, find out about Dez being a shifter. Her parents go into hiding while Dez heads off with Caleb to a super secret school somewhere hidden. Once there, they have to go through a test to prove that they are worthy to be taught at the school.
The school is for shifters, not callers, so Caleb is a little on the outside. The teacher, Morfael, is also a caller and teaches the shifters the everything the shifters need to know. Dez is an outsider at first and Caleb is unwelcome. The prejudice between the callers and the other shifters is extremely obvious. It's sad really.
There is something special about Dez and even at the end of the book we don't really know what's going on with her or what she truly is. But because she was never raised around other shifters, she does not have the prejudice that they all have. She is able to bring everyone together and become friends. This is something that never happens.
What I liked about this book is the completely different take on shapeshifters and the idea of another world that casts its shadows into ours. The idea is clever and one that I haven't heard of before. I enjoyed Dez's character and her strength in trying to get everyone to work together and not hate each other. She doesn't give up and she has a fierce need to protect the people she loves.
What I didn't like was some of the writing and reactions. Dez finds out about this other world and she's not as freaked out as I think she should be. If I had changed into a tiger and then kidnapped and shoved into a cage, I think I'd be freaking out more than she actually was. Sometimes the writing seemed rushed. Despite these issues I really enjoyed this book.
I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys shapeshifter books and want a different take on a fantasy world. The topic of shapeshifters has been used many times and I like that this book used it and changed it into something completely different than anything I was expecting.
vikcs's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
fictionalkate's review against another edition
2.0
This book starts with a bang.
Dez gets asked out on her first date, finds out she can shift into a tiger, gets kidnapped, shifts for the second time and manages to escape her abductors with the boy from the cage alongside in tow. All in the first couple of pages.
And the fast paced story just continues along at breakneck speed.
The action and suspense create a very exciting story where at times it seems as if you blink and you would miss a lot of important stuff that happens. For me it was a bit too much action and not enough explanation. I would have loved to have a bit more detail into a lot of the events and perhaps a but more forethought into the consequences. It’s fantastic that the characters are so spontaneous but there were times when I couldn’t quite work out why they were doing the things they were doing – and I’m not entirely sure that the characters understood it either.
I didn’t like how the romance unfolded in this novel. As with everything else, it just happened too quickly with no explanation why or any growth. It was only as I reached the end of the novel that I really started to feel that either Dez or Caleb even really knew who the other person was and it just wasn’t happening for the sake of having a romance sub-plot.
This book was an interesting and enjoyable read but I just felt that I would have enjoyed it more had the pace been slowed down a little and instead of all the action scenes there was a bit more discussion. About the characters, the concept of the Shadows, and about the relationships between the characters – not just that of Dez and Caleb but also those between Dez and the minor characters, and between the minor characters themselves.
Dez gets asked out on her first date, finds out she can shift into a tiger, gets kidnapped, shifts for the second time and manages to escape her abductors with the boy from the cage alongside in tow. All in the first couple of pages.
And the fast paced story just continues along at breakneck speed.
The action and suspense create a very exciting story where at times it seems as if you blink and you would miss a lot of important stuff that happens. For me it was a bit too much action and not enough explanation. I would have loved to have a bit more detail into a lot of the events and perhaps a but more forethought into the consequences. It’s fantastic that the characters are so spontaneous but there were times when I couldn’t quite work out why they were doing the things they were doing – and I’m not entirely sure that the characters understood it either.
I didn’t like how the romance unfolded in this novel. As with everything else, it just happened too quickly with no explanation why or any growth. It was only as I reached the end of the novel that I really started to feel that either Dez or Caleb even really knew who the other person was and it just wasn’t happening for the sake of having a romance sub-plot.
This book was an interesting and enjoyable read but I just felt that I would have enjoyed it more had the pace been slowed down a little and instead of all the action scenes there was a bit more discussion. About the characters, the concept of the Shadows, and about the relationships between the characters – not just that of Dez and Caleb but also those between Dez and the minor characters, and between the minor characters themselves.
tartbarbie's review against another edition
4.0
Dez isn't the popular girl but when she is approached by a popular boy she’s excited till he touches her back brace and she freaks out. Since she was fourteen she’s had to wear a brace because of the curvature of her spine, forcing Dez to wear baggy clothes to hide it. After the boy at school feels her brace Dez is in a moon lashing out in anger at the brace which forces her to shift into a tiger but its short lived when she’s hit with a tranquilizer dart.
Dez wakes up in a silver cage in a building wrapped in a hospital gown with no idea how she got here. There is a handsome boy in the cage nearby who knows why they are in cages and when the chance comes to escape she takes him with her. After freeing Chase from the cage the pair head for her home so she can let her mom know that she’s ok. After all she went missing, so she’s sure she’s worried. Upon arriving home she plays it off as if it’s nothing but her freedom is short lived when they return for her and she’s forced to shift. Thankfully they all get away her parents head into hiding while Dez and Chase head for the school.
When Dez and Chase arrive at the school for shifters where they will be safe each is tested to see where their loyalties lie and after a brutal council they are allowed to stay out the year. However Chase doesn't plan on staying that long since he’s not a shifter but a caller. The shifters don’t work well together it’s unheard of outside the school they stick to their tribe even though they sit on a council. It’s at the new school that Dez learns to control her shift learning to use her other senses but danger looms not to far away and when they are all put to the test the students risk it all for one of their own.
I've been dying to check out this book since I first saw the cover and I’m not sure why I didn't before this. I've always been a fan of shapeshifters, so of course I was drawn to this story. I like the concept that they are born not made, which isn't super common, plus when they shift it’s smooth like water. The story is filled with intense action from start to finish keeping me on the edge of my seat but with little twists of young love tossed about to create a perfect mix. The characters are easy to connect with Dez is fun to read about as she learns the truth about herself. I really like the idea of Chase and Dez he’s kind of perfect for her, they both are intelligent, strong and each has their own issues. Otherkin has some great supporting characters at the school that are very memorable it’s very reminiscent of a typical high school on a whole new level. The story gives a conclusion but leaves the reader wanting more. I can't wait to see what happens next for Dez and Chase.
Dez wakes up in a silver cage in a building wrapped in a hospital gown with no idea how she got here. There is a handsome boy in the cage nearby who knows why they are in cages and when the chance comes to escape she takes him with her. After freeing Chase from the cage the pair head for her home so she can let her mom know that she’s ok. After all she went missing, so she’s sure she’s worried. Upon arriving home she plays it off as if it’s nothing but her freedom is short lived when they return for her and she’s forced to shift. Thankfully they all get away her parents head into hiding while Dez and Chase head for the school.
When Dez and Chase arrive at the school for shifters where they will be safe each is tested to see where their loyalties lie and after a brutal council they are allowed to stay out the year. However Chase doesn't plan on staying that long since he’s not a shifter but a caller. The shifters don’t work well together it’s unheard of outside the school they stick to their tribe even though they sit on a council. It’s at the new school that Dez learns to control her shift learning to use her other senses but danger looms not to far away and when they are all put to the test the students risk it all for one of their own.
I've been dying to check out this book since I first saw the cover and I’m not sure why I didn't before this. I've always been a fan of shapeshifters, so of course I was drawn to this story. I like the concept that they are born not made, which isn't super common, plus when they shift it’s smooth like water. The story is filled with intense action from start to finish keeping me on the edge of my seat but with little twists of young love tossed about to create a perfect mix. The characters are easy to connect with Dez is fun to read about as she learns the truth about herself. I really like the idea of Chase and Dez he’s kind of perfect for her, they both are intelligent, strong and each has their own issues. Otherkin has some great supporting characters at the school that are very memorable it’s very reminiscent of a typical high school on a whole new level. The story gives a conclusion but leaves the reader wanting more. I can't wait to see what happens next for Dez and Chase.
jj7twin's review against another edition
3.0
The writing was good although it took time for more action to actually happen than most book. Humdrums is still not my favorite word none magical/shifter people. Totally guessed after the second mention of the old man at the orphanage who it was. Kinda feels like there's too much going on with Dez and her shifting as well as personal life or it's so obvious it's annoying not sure. Liked the characters but have no investment in them. Don't feel like reading the next book but I didn't hate the book. As I said before it's just not for me although it was a decent read if you want to start a new teen series.
catladylover94's review against another edition
good first book, cant wait to read the 2nd one
aprilk's review against another edition
5.0
Desdemona a.k.a Dez lives a normal teenage life. Until one night in a fit of rage over the back brace she has had to wear for the past two years, she transforms and realizes she is anything but normal. But before she even realizes what is happening to her, she is kidnapped and wakes up in a cage next to a mysterious and sexy guy named Caleb. Through him she discovers things not only about herself but also about this world and worlds beyond that she never thought possible.
This book was amazing! Nina Berry creates a world unlike any other,with a thin veil between this world and another and the amazing people here closer to it than anyone else,that enables them to have these amazing abilities. I loved that there wasn't just shapeshifters in this book but also callers and objurers as well. It made for a thrilling adventure of suspense and action. But I think my favorite things about this story were the amazing connection between Caleb and Dez and also Dez learning to truly find and except herself. Otherkin is enthralling from beginning to end making for a quick pace with lots of variety from adventure, love, action, and suspense to feed any reading appetite.
** Original review posted on my blog at bookhoardermom.blogspot.com **
This book was amazing! Nina Berry creates a world unlike any other,with a thin veil between this world and another and the amazing people here closer to it than anyone else,that enables them to have these amazing abilities. I loved that there wasn't just shapeshifters in this book but also callers and objurers as well. It made for a thrilling adventure of suspense and action. But I think my favorite things about this story were the amazing connection between Caleb and Dez and also Dez learning to truly find and except herself. Otherkin is enthralling from beginning to end making for a quick pace with lots of variety from adventure, love, action, and suspense to feed any reading appetite.
** Original review posted on my blog at bookhoardermom.blogspot.com **