Elena is a werewolf, and she holds the distinction of being the only female werewolf in the world at that time. She was turned into a werewolf against her will and without her knowledge by someone very close to her. Driven by madness and an inability to forgive, she attempts to flee her pack in search of her place in the human world.

When she finally believes she has settled into her human ("normal") life, the pack calls upon her for help, and she simply cannot say "no." Upon her return, she confronts her past and ultimately realizes what she truly wants and needs.

I am a huge enthusiast of the currently popular urban fantasy genre, and I firmly believe that "Bitten" is one of the superior books within this genre. It commences a bit slowly, but it gains significant momentum in the latter part of the book when the werewolf world is gradually unveiled. Armstrong is exceptionally adept at constructing a completely believable mythology. In fact, by the conclusion of the book, the werewolves felt entirely real to me. This story is rich in romance, mystery, and action, but above all, it is a book about self-discovery.

Needless to say, I will persist in reading the remainder of the books in the "Women of the Otherworld" series, even though this book can be read as a stand-alone novel with no loose ends or cliff-hangers.

P.S. Due to the recently uncovered additional evidence of Clay's fabulousness (specifically, his being a virgin hero), I am upgrading this book from 4 to 5 stars.

I truly relished reading "Bitten".

Elena Michaels, the sole female werewolf in existence, was bitten and betrayed by her former fiancé Clay. She endeavors to lead a normal life in Toronto with her human boyfriend.

Called back to the pack to assist in handling a Mutts issue, Elena hopes it can all be resolved within a couple of days so she can return to her ordinary life. However, upon arriving at Stonehaven, she discovers herself submerged in the werewolf way of life and seemingly falling once more for Clay. Elena copes with all that comes her way while dealing with the Mutts who are murdering humans.

Elena is an excellent character to read about. She is strong and intelligent yet vulnerable in numerous aspects. She interacts well with the pack and isn't afraid to admit her own flaws. Clearly, she doesn't want to admit that she enjoys life as a werewolf, at least when it's just the pack.

I came to really like Clay. He is a charming bad boy who has eyes only for Elena. The pack leader, the always calm Jeremy, is a great character but he has his own vulnerabilities. I also liked the other pack members, who all seemed like a believable group that complemented each other extremely well.

The details provided on pack and werewolf behavior were skillfully integrated into the story and served to enhance my enjoyment of the plot rather than detract from it. I found the general werewolf view of women as either sex or dinner rather challenging, but the Pack's attitude towards Elena was clearly much more respectful and equal.

I really enjoyed "Bitten" and am eagerly looking forward to reading more of Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld series.

My review was published on my blog. If you'd like to check it out, visit: http://magicfaeriesparanormalreview.blogspot.com/2010/08/review-bitten-by-kelly-armstrong.html

I am almost incoherent with rage at certain parts of this book. Generally, I have a great appreciation for Kelly Armstrong's work. However, this particular installment just pushed me over the edge and made me completely crazy. It seems like a rape fantasy that has spun out of control.

Ten years ago, Clay Danvers was in a relationship with Elena Michaels. He bit her and transformed her into a werewolf without seeking her permission. Elena constantly runs away and then comes back to him. Isn't this a classic case of Stockholm syndrome?

In this book, there is a scene where Elena and Clay are playing around in the woods. Suddenly, Clay ties her up and strips her naked. He claims that he will stop if she says no, but she is unable to do so.

This sends a truly terrible message to young women. It normalizes and romanticizes a situation that is clearly inappropriate and even dangerous. It makes me extremely disappointed and concerned about the potential impact this could have on its readers.

Elena has her life in Toronto, far away from the Pack. However, being a lone wolf in a big city is extremely difficult, especially when you have to hide it from the person you live with. But when she is called back to the Pack to help with the threats they are facing, she knows it's time to make a decision. It's not just the loneliness of living as a werewolf woman in a big city that made her flee, but also her childhood dream of having a normal family with a normal man. But will she really be able to suppress all her instincts to live as a "normal" person? Will she be able to help the Pack and return to her life in the city? How will she choose between Phillip and Clay?

This book has been on my to-read list for many years because it was the origin of the TV series that I really liked at the time. And as usually happens, the differences between the book and the TV series are quite significant. Although our protagonist is spoiled, bad-tempered, resentful, and childish, she has moments of clarity where she seems to accept herself as she is.

Now, as for this series of books, I find the universe very interesting. I want to know more about the Pack and the problems they will face. Additionally, I want to know if they will add new members and how the (somewhat toxic) relationship between Elena and Clay will develop. But I don't think I will continue it at this moment. However, it is certain that in the future, I will pick it up again with more calm.

This story will always hold a special place in my heart as it kindled my almost obsessive fascination with werewolves. Clay, with his sexy charm, adorable southern accent, and fierce protectiveness, is and will always be the only wolf for me ;) He could chase me through the woods all night long, and I wouldn't mind one bit.

Elena, the sole female werewolf, is a strong and independent heroine. She attempts to distance herself from the pack, longing for a normal human life. Living far from Stonehaven with her boyfriend, Philip, her life as a werewolf is a closely guarded secret.

However, it doesn't take long before she is compelled to return to Stonehaven and back into Clay's life. I fell in love with Clay the moment he sat in front of Stonehaven's gate, eagerly awaiting Elena's return. Throughout most of the book, Elena struggles with her feelings for him, but Clay's pursuit is unwavering. His stubbornness is just one of the many traits that make him so endearing.

Some reviewers have criticized the ease with which Elena cheats on her boyfriend. While I don't condone her actions, I can understand her inner turmoil. She is living a double life, desiring the normalcy she has built with Philip while also needing the life she has with Clay and the pack. Her feelings for Clay are a complex mix of love and anger, but the love is undeniably present. Elena doesn't just leave Stonehaven to escape the forced life of a werewolf but also to flee her emotions for Clay. She has always loved him and always will.

Apart from the romantic aspect, we have Karl Marsten, a truly delightful villain. He is devious and conniving yet manages to be friendly and somewhat likable. He is one of my favorite "bad guys." I adore almost every character in this book.

I must admit that I attempted to continue Armstrong's Otherworld series, but I couldn't fully engage with the books that didn't feature Elena and Clay. Her stories centered more on magic just didn't appeal to me. If you feel the same, you can simply skip to the books featuring the werewolves without missing out on much. In any case, I highly recommend this book to everyone.

"Uh-uh. We've played this game before. I hide. You never seek. I'm a bit slow on the uptake, but I'm beginning to sense a pattern."

This book was truly AMAZING.

I loved every single minute of reading it and I simply can't wait to start the next one in the series.

Typically, I don't really have a great fondness for werewolf stories. For the most part, I have a preference for vampire tales. However, this particular story managed to change my mind on so many different levels. It was just great.

I adored watching the relationship between Clay and Elena develop and grow. Their connection was captivating and full of depth. I also loved learning more about the Pack and the dynamics within it.

Elena and Clay's snarky attitudes added an extra layer of charm to the story. It made their interactions all the more entertaining.

Kelley Armstrong is truly a master at creating a world that you can be completely sucked right into. Her writing is so vivid and engaging that you feel as if you are actually a part of the story.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good supernatural romance or just a great story in general.

Almost nothing about this book worked for me.

Well, okay, I'll admit that I was slightly amused that Elena lived in Toronto. It's a Canadian thing, and perhaps that's why it caught my attention for a moment.

But here's the thing, I think there's a fair bit of perversity in me. Sometimes, my compulsion to finish a book gets stronger when I really don't like it, and this is one of those times.

The book is compelling enough in terms of its writing mechanics. The problem lies in the plot.

Maybe I'm a terrible person for thinking this, but I believe some things are unforgivable. Biting a person, taking away all of their life choices, and making them a werewolf without their consent is one of those things. As soon as it was confirmed that Clay was the one who'd done this to Elena without her permission, I knew this book wasn't going to work for me. I didn't like him even before that was confirmed.

Elena was a young woman who'd been broken by the world countless times. She finally thought she'd found a good guy, and then he does this to her? And he never seems to understand how wrong his actions were. I may have missed it, but I didn't get the impression that Clay felt any real remorse for what he did, other than regretting it because it made Elena angry with him. He's just absolutely terrible.

Adding to that, he doesn't understand why humans shouldn't be killed. I really have trouble with the whole plotline because of this. I'm sorry, but him saving Phillip (the third point in an annoying love triangle) just because he knew Elena would be hurt, and for no other reason, isn't enough for me.

Apparently, there are no female werewolves, so they have no real place in werewolf society. I felt like the whole thing was inherently sexist. I'm really not a fan of how the werewolves were portrayed. There are several issues here. The inherent sexism was a big problem for me. With only 7 wolves in the pack, the cast of characters isn't extensive, and I could have used a few more, especially if this is supposed to be a major battle. Also, I didn't like how a pack member was introduced as a particular friend of Elena's only to be made into cannon fodder. And that whole decision to order Clay and Elena back to Toronto and live with Philip in the apartment? Really, Jeremy? It's not only what stupid high school students do in a horror movie, but it's also terribly insensitive and unjustifiable.

Then, instead of resolving the hateful "I bit you without your consent" issue in a meaningful way, Elena realizes the depth of her feelings because Clay gets kidnapped. On top of the stupid sexism issues, they resolve the conflict with a kidnapping plot! There are minor points for having the guy be kidnapped and in need of the assist, but otherwise, it's just ugh.

The romance in this book is terrible. The relationship is even worse. Clay knew Elena wanted kids and a family, but he just decides to take away all her options. Now that she's a werewolf, she pretty much has to marry a werewolf if she wants a family. Clay has essentially ensured that he is her only option. "I panicked" is not a valid excuse. Elena acknowledging that the pack was now her family, but having mixed feelings about it because it wasn't her choice, doesn't make it okay. This whole thing just feels like her bending to his will because he gave her no other choice.

I'm not a fan at all. I'm mildly curious about some of the others in this series, but I don't think I can handle any more of Elena as the protagonist. If I decide to read more, can I skip #2? Does anyone know?

2015 Reading Challenge - A Book made into a TV show/movie

You know when you don't really expect to like a book based on the fact that you're prejudiced to its contents? For example, thanks to Twilight, I am completely Team Vampire (and I'm terribly ashamed at having brought Twilight up, trust me). So anything Werewolf-ish automatically sets off some inner resentment. Knowing this book was about werewolves just made me go 'blegh!'.

But I was suddenly determined to give it a chance, and so I did. Oh. My. God. FANTASTIC. I was utterly absorbed by this book from the first page. The characters playing out on the pages before me completely mesmerised me. As I neared the final page, I was mentally crying, torn between needing to finish and wanting it to last forever and ever.

This book is thrilling, entertaining, hilarious (it had me in hysterics!), steamy, sexy, tragic... it's honestly just a rollercoaster of adjectives. Elena is the most amusing narrator I've come across in a long time, whether she means to be or not. She is truly a unique voice and I wished that Armstrong had continued the series from Elena's point of view because I'm IN LOVE with her. Really, even when I wanted to strangle her for stupidity, I loved her. I could say that about Clay, too (GOD, I loved Clay, even when I hated him). These are those rare types of characters you never want to let go once you've found them.

Honestly, I could ramble for ages but I'm trying to contain myself. Trust me, if you have any doubts about reading this, just push past them and give this book a go. You can't go wrong. It's a book that will surprise you, draw you in, and keep you entertained from start to finish. Don't let your initial prejudices stop you from experiencing this amazing story.

Elena Michaels is, without a doubt, the most idiotic and annoying main character I have ever come across.

It's bad enough that she conforms to the stereotypical urban fantasy heroine mold, constantly hating being "different" and continuously striving to be "normal". But on top of that, she is just plain stupid.

Throughout the entire book, she swears on her life that she doesn't love Clay, her ex-fiance who turned her into a werewolf. Yet, she spends all her time cuddling up with him and being in his company, despite repeatedly stating how much she cares about her human boyfriend back home.

And whenever Clay attempts to have a serious conversation about them getting back together, she completely shuts him out, shouts at him for no apparent reason, and refuses to listen to a single word he says.

If the story had not centered around Elena Michaels, the book might have been passable. However, since it did, it was truly awful.

Full review: http://persyandarty.blogspot.com/2012...

I really wanted to relish and enjoy this particular thing. However, to be completely honest, I just ended up feeling bored.

It wasn't that it was a bad book by any means. In fact, I quite liked the writing style. But still, deep down, I just don't think it was something that appealed to me on a personal level.

I have this feeling that I'm currently going through a bit of a slump. It's really frustrating because no matter what I pick up to read or engage with, nothing seems to pique my interest. I keep hoping that the next thing I try will be the one to break this cycle and reignite my passion for reading and exploration. But so far, it's been a bit of a disappointment.

The plot of this story earns a solid 4 stars. It is engaging and keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. The characters are truly remarkable, deserving a 4.5-star rating. They are well-developed, with unique personalities and motives that make them highly relatable. The writing style is also excellent, receiving a 4.5-star score. The author's use of language is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture in the reader's mind. The sexiness factor of the story is rated at 4 stars, adding an extra layer of allure. However, the ending could have been stronger, only managing a 3.5-star rating. It felt a bit rushed and left some loose ends. Overall, taking all these aspects into consideration, the story receives an average rating of 4.1 stars. It is a great read that has many strengths, but also has some areas that could be improved upon.

Extremely well written, Bitten is truly one of the best werewolf novels in the Urban Fantasy genre at present, especially from a female perspective.

Narrated in the first person voice, it begins with the heroine, Elena Michaels, residing in Toronto and striving to maintain a normal existence, far away from her "pack". Elena has the unique distinction of being one of the few werewolves "created" - that is, she was bitten and turned rather than born as one. Moreover, there aren't many female werewolves as the gene is inherited from male to male.

When she receives a message from her pack leader, she is wary. If she responds, she knows they will draw her back in, and more than anything, she desires to have a normal life once again. However, when the boys back home don't respond to her return calls, she is concerned enough to leave her live-in boyfriend and go investigate.

Upon arriving at the isolated pack compound, she is relieved to find that her two main concerns, the pack leader Jeremey and his number 1, Clayton, are all right. Still, she is eager to get out of there even though it's the last thing these two men want or will allow.

Jeremy, for one, has a problem that he believes only Elena can assist with. A mutt is on the loose - a rogue werewolf belonging to no pack - and he is apparently killing close to their home turf. Since they have been living peaceably with their neighbors for years and have been left relatively alone, this is the last thing they need. Elena's old job for the pack was keeping tabs on the mutts, which is why the pack leader needs her so desperately.

Clay has his own self-serving motives for wanting Elena to stay - she's his mate and he's tired of her running away from it - even though she has a valid reason for not wanting anything to do with him. How it all unfolds, as well as what occurs when Clay and Elena return to Toronto, makes the book even more thrilling in my opinion!

Armstrong has clearly dedicated a great deal of time to research in order to infuse as much authenticity into the world of werewolves she has created. The core of these characters is their animal nature and most of the time they are unapologetic about it - I think that's really cool. Because of this, the novel feels fresh while still maintaining a dark, sexy allure.

It's a great read if you enjoy the paranormal romance/urban fantasy genre!