At first, the premise of the story seemed rather interesting. It had a somewhat captivating plot and a few exciting character dynamics that initially piqued my interest. However, as the story progressed, I found myself increasingly disappointed.

Nothing really seemed to lead anywhere. The events felt disjointed and lacking in a clear direction. I couldn't seem to find it in myself to care about any of it. Everything quickly became not only boring but also repetitive, which made it a real struggle to get through. Additionally, I wasn't a fan of the writing style. It felt平淡 and didn't draw me in as much as I would have liked.

Furthermore, I simply couldn't connect with the main characters. The main character, in particular, came across as unnecessarily combative, whiny, and overall, a rather unlikable person. I genuinely couldn't stand her behavior and attitude.

The romance in the story was also a major let-down. The two characters had absolutely no chemistry whatsoever. All they did was fight or engage in physical intimacy, which made the relationship seem insanely shallow and extremely annoying.

Finally, when it came to the actual story, I had a hard time rooting for "The Pack." The way they treated "mutts" was completely unjust. They discriminated against them simply because of the place they were born, treating them like second-class citizens. This was discrimination in the highest degree, and it made me feel that a revolution against The Pack was more than justified. As a result, I couldn't bring myself to hope for The Pack's victory. That definitely wasn't the kind of happy ending I was looking for.

This book really confused me to some extent.

Is 'The Pack' the sole pack in North America? If that's the case, then why are there merely seven members available to deal with the threat and no other members are even mentioned?

If Jeremy is such an outstanding Alpha just because of his analytical skills, why doesn't he come up with even a single good plan throughout the entire book and constantly forgets to explicitly prohibit certain actions?

And precisely why was Elena bitten? Clay is the only character that has intrigued me thus far, while the others are just mediocre.

I'll likely give this series one more shot with the next book to see if it gets any better.

Perhaps there are more details and explanations that will clarify these confusing points and make the story more engaging and satisfying.

I'm hoping that the next installment will offer a more in-depth exploration of the characters and the pack's dynamics, as well as a more coherent and exciting plot.

Only time will tell if this series can live up to my expectations.

This was truly an entertaining read.

Even though I didn't anticipate it to be as NSFW as it was, I still found myself really enjoying it.

I'm not awarding it a full 4 stars for a couple of reasons. Firstly, being a fan of the TV show, I have to say that TV Elena is far less whiny, immature, and annoying compared to book Elena. Not to mention that Laura Vandervoort and her stunning face in the TV adaptation really make a significant difference.

Secondly, the pacing of the book seemed a bit off in some parts. It felt like it was rushing through certain points, while dragging in others.

Overall, however, it was a good read. I really liked how closely it resembled the TV show.

The story had its engaging moments and kept me hooked throughout.

Despite its flaws, I would still recommend it to fans of the TV show or those who are interested in this type of supernatural romance.

ACTUAL RATINGS 3.5/5

Idealistically, I would have read it in English, but that would have taken me an eternity.

This story is truly very imaginative and dark, taking the reader into a world that is both captivating and a bit eerie.

The world building within it is really quite great. The author has crafted a detailed and unique setting that feels almost tangible. Every corner of this world seems to have its own history and secrets, waiting to be discovered.

Moreover, I absolutely loved the romance aspect of it. The relationship between the characters is developed in a way that is both tender and intense. It adds an extra layer of depth and emotion to the story, making the reader truly invested in the outcome of their love.

Overall, this is a story that combines great world building with a compelling romance, all within a dark and imaginative framework. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories that push the boundaries of the imagination.

Reviewed by: Rabid Reads

I completed listening to this audiobook several weeks ago and have been delaying writing my review ever since. It's not because I lack the words, but rather, how can one critique their all-time favorite werewolf novel without becoming the biggest, squealing fan girl? Moreover, there's the added pressure of reviewing a story that I've been raving about and recommending to everyone who'll listen since the first time I read it. I've come to the conclusion that it's impossible, so I'll just start typing and see where it takes me!

The characters in the Women of the Otherworld series, especially those of the North American werewolf pack, are among the most lifelike in paranormal fiction. Their distinct personalities, histories, and preternatural traits are so extensive and tangible that you'll soon find yourself thinking like a wolf. Kelley Armstrong's talent for getting inside their heads, both human and animal, is truly remarkable. Many shifter novels make the error of not fully utilizing their were-characters, but that's definitely not the case here. This book oozes "wolf". Reading Bitten is like being right in the middle of the best National Geographic documentary ever made. But instead of just watching, you get to experience it firsthand through the eyes of a werewolf.

Back in 2001 when this book was first released, I wasn't a big fan of Urban Fantasy. However, it's safe to say that Armstrong is one of the authors responsible for bringing this genre to the forefront and shaping it into what it is today. I see elements of Elena in so many of the newer heroines, and there's a reason for that. She's strong, fiercely independent, and a natural leader. I love reading from her perspective. Her snark and wit are unmistakable and shine through in Kelley's writing. The audiobook enhances this aspect even more! I thought the characters in Bitten were vivid when I read it the first time, but listening to the story is a completely different experience. I felt like I was actually there! Literally!

Besides the obvious werewolf drama, there are many underlying themes in this book. Elena is struggling to maintain her humanity, Jeremy is learning what it means to be a true alpha, and Clay, well... He may seem simple-minded on the surface, but read Armstrong's anthologies and you'll quickly realize that couldn't be further from the truth. There's also an undercurrent of sexism in Bitten. Werewolf society hasn't exactly evolved with the times; they still believe that women are only good for making babies and following orders. Fortunately, Elena is just the girl to give all these wolves a reality check! Now that I'm going back and rereading this series, I'm realizing how interconnected the overall story really is. Questions that I never knew I had the first time around are resurfacing and being answered.

The plot is brilliant, the pacing is excellent, and the writing is phenomenal. As a werewolf enthusiast, I've often considered writing my own book to do justice to my wolfish friends, but who am I kidding? Bitten is that book. I couldn't write a better story even if I tried. I officially crown Kelley Armstrong as the queen of the wolves! I will never, ever tire of this book. Ever.

Trigger warnings: murder, graphic descriptions of hunting/wounds/murder victims, death of a friend, cheating, child abuse, child sexual abuse, dubious consent.

12/8/2017
On rereading this book after a five-year gap, I find myself compelled to bump it down from 5 stars to 4 stars. Does it truly deserve 4 stars? Perhaps not. However, I have been devouring and rereading this series for such a long time that it holds a special and cherished place within my heart. Although I can now clearly recognize that this book, along with the relationship between Elena and Clay, is deeply and profoundly flawed, and at times, frankly quite messed up, I still find myself completely and utterly sucked into the story.

What I previously said about loving the relationship between Elena and Clay... Well, oof. Girl, noooo. I mean, by the end of the book, when Elena has worked through her issues and actually comes to terms with the fact that she is a werewolf, sure, it has a certain appeal. But for approximately 90% of the book? NOPE. There is some incredibly dubious consent involved. For instance, he wins a card game, and suddenly she HAS to go into the woods with him? And then he ties her up?? And then she's all "It was easier just to not fight him," and ultimately, she's into it. But seriously, what the fuck, y'all. When you factor in the way that Elena became a werewolf and all the extremely messed up stuff that comes along with that, this relationship? It is far from healthy.

And yet, despite how incredibly fucked up their relationship is and how much it dominates the story, I still adore the idea of the only female werewolf in the world holding her own against all the male werewolves, rescuing herself multiple times, and generally giving zero fucks about all their ridiculous dick measuring contests. So... yeah. I have these mixed and complex feelings about this book that somehow, in a strange way, translate into really liking it?? I don't even know, you guys.

3/6/2012
Plot summary: Elena Michaels is a werewolf. In fact, she is the only female werewolf, to be precise. About a year ago, she abandoned her Pack (and her lover, Clayton) in pursuit of a normal life in Toronto. When the Pack finds themselves in trouble and calls for her help, she reluctantly returns to rural New York. Can she handle being around Clayton - the man who turned her into a werewolf - once again? Can the Pack identify who is responsible for leaving bodies on their doorstep? And can Elena manage to return to her life and her boyfriend in Toronto unscathed?

Thoughts: I have read this book approximately 20 times now. I am captivated by the conflict that Elena experiences between her "normal self" and her "wolf self." I am also enamored with the relationship between Clay and Elena (yes, Clay can be a bit of a dick, but when it comes to his Pack, his loyalty and love know no bounds). I love all the characters within the Pack. The story is fast-paced, highly entertaining, humorous, and action-packed. It serves as a great start to a truly fantastic series. If you have a penchant for urban fantasy, it is most definitely worth the read.

*2019 re-read/update*

After almost a decade and having read countless shifter books, my opinion remains steadfast. Ms. Armstrong crafts the most realistic and intricately nuanced werewolves in the entire publishing landscape. This hasn't changed. However, on this reread, Elena's character grated on me even more than before. Good grief, it's high time she got over herself already!! Nevertheless, the 4-star rating persists after all these years.

4.5/5.0

In today's saturated market of paranormal/werewolf literature, "Bitten" manages the near-impossible by uncovering a unique twist. Armstrong achieves this not so much through the plot but rather in the relationships of the werewolves. Their personalities and very natures are penned with such profound depth and understanding that the reader not only feels sympathy but truly grasps them.

I absolutely adore how the wolf nature surfaces even when in human form. Clay and Nick playfully nuzzle Elena's neck, wrestle, and nip her ears, and then all pile together and fall asleep. Or the way Clay waits at the gate all day long when he knows Elena is coming home, just like a puppy or a devoted mate. The animal nature is not diluted in the slightest. We also witness the utterly remorseless killing, the instincts to hunt, tease, or chase prey - all natural and inherent in the wolf world. These two natures are interwoven so exquisitely that this alone would place the book far above the plethora of Lupin-related tales. Fortunately, the story itself is also captivating.

Clay has now joined my shortlist of all-time favorite heroes. He坚信 Elena is his lifelong mate and never strays from this path, despite Elena's refusal to forgive or accept him due to his actions in making her his. He has spent the past 10 years faithfully waiting for her to love and accept him again. Elena is the sole reason this story doesn't earn a 5-star rating from me. She absolutely refuses to embrace her life and treats Clay with such contempt that I struggle to view her sympathetically. I can understand her anger and frustration, but at some point, one must move on and get on with it, for goodness sake!

If Armstrong's other works are as skillfully written and engaging as this one, I eagerly anticipate uncovering more!

Pure entertainment is a concept that has gained significant popularity in recent years. It refers to activities, media, or experiences that are solely focused on providing enjoyment and amusement without any specific educational or practical purpose.

Entertainment can take many forms, such as watching movies, listening to music, playing video games, or attending live performances. These activities allow people to relax, unwind, and escape from the stresses of daily life.

One of the main benefits of pure entertainment is that it can improve our mental health and well-being. By engaging in enjoyable activities, we can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and increase our feelings of happiness and contentment.

Moreover, pure entertainment can also enhance our social skills and relationships. When we watch movies or attend live performances with friends or family, we can share the experience and bond over our共同 interests.

In conclusion, pure entertainment is an important part of our lives. It allows us to have fun, relax, and connect with others, while also improving our mental health and well-being. So, the next time you're looking for something to do, don't be afraid to indulge in some pure entertainment!

My Thoughts
I have had this book sitting on my virtual shelves for what seems like years! I can't believe I waited so long to finally get around to reading it. I am a huge fan of Kelley Armstrong's writing, so I had high expectations for this one, and it definitely did not disappoint.

I absolutely loved getting to know Elena and the rest of her pack. The story was filled with excitement from start to finish. There were so many twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I listened to the audiobook version, and I have to say that the narrator did a fantastic job. They really brought the characters and the story to life.

Book source: Purchased
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves paranormal romance or urban fantasy. It's a great read that will keep you entertained from beginning to end. I can't wait to read more from Kelley Armstrong.

Forse spoiler, ma è una storia così assurda e brutta che non vi perdete niente se pure non l'avete letto.

Quanto è brutto questo libro da uno a 'tanto'? TANTISSIMO. OLTREMODO. VERSO L'INFINITO E OLTRE. Il libro è una porcheria aberrante. Non capisco perché io lo possegga in primo luogo (cartaceo. Rendo la disperazione??), perché abbia deciso di leggerlo e soprattutto perché abbia deciso di arrivare alla fine nonostante il BIG NO che trasudava già dal prologo.

La storia parte in modo esasperatamente lento. Io poi dico ma l'originalità della storia DOV'E', DI GRAZIA? Li chiamiamo licantropi invece di vampiri, ambientiamo la storia in Canada e non in America. Creiamo una protagonista cazzuta invece che una rincoglionita rara. Ma vabbè ci siamo, il libro è inconsistente, stupido e idiota proprio come tutti gli altri che ho letto sul genere.

Il primo grande problema è una protagonista nell'ordine: deficiente, cretina, rincoglionita, squallida e così antipatica che i pollici ti prudono da morire. La scena idilliaca della storia si apre con lei - lupo mannaro - che vive e lavora a Toronto con il suo fidanzato. Ma Elena viene richiamata dal Branco per una questione urgente.

Indovinate qui chi c'è? È il suo ex fidanzato fighissimo (e licantropo). Una volta nella tenuta, Elena: metterà tante corna al povero Philip. Dopo aver sfiancato il lettore con molte frasi, i due si lasciano sopraffare e fanno sesso come due animali. Dopo il fattaccio, la baldracca se ne esce con una spiegazione assurda.

Forse più della cosa in sé, del tradimento avvenuto senza il minimo rimorso o pensiero, la cosa che più mi ha disgustato e inferocito è il modo in cui lei si senta nel giusto e di come non abbia fatto nulla di male. Elena è orfana dall'età di cinque anni. Passa di famiglia adottiva di famiglia adottiva e tutte sono così composte.

Tra l'altro loro essendo lupi hanno un ottimo olfatto e riescono a seguire la pista di altri lupi. Ma quando invece la Armstrong vuole inserire un po' di suspense, tutto ad un tratto il fiuto non funziona più. La parte finale, quella della resa dei conti, serve a qualcosa? Alla fine della manfrina, dopo che Elena si è autoconvinta e ha provato a convincere gli altri, capisce che era tutta una bugia. Peccato, avrei preferito che fosse Philip a mandarla a quel paese. *Le ultime sessanta pagine le ho lette con la forza della disperazione saltando qualche paragrafo, non mi vergogno ad ammetterlo :D

I asked my GR friends to provide me with books they loved as part of a personal pick it for me challenge. This one was provided to me by AH.

I wavered over my grade for this for a while. For most of the book, I was pretty confident that I'd grade it four stars. But toward the end, something happened, a finally! moment of admission, that made me so happy I wondered if I should bump my grade up. I had to figure out if I could really justify (to myself) adding another star just because I was thrilled that the heroine had finally been brutally honest with herself and us, the readers. I finally decided that no, it was a great moment, but it was still just a strong four-star read to me.

The beginning of this book was written in an extremely odd, distancing manner. I strongly felt that I was being told the story by Elena instead of watching Elena's story unfold. Luckily, the style switched as soon as the prologue was over. I don't know if I could have gotten as into the story as I did if it had continued in the same style.

This book was...fascinating and frustrating and repulsive all at once. It's a combination you wouldn't think would work together, but this author managed to pull it off. You'll see what I mean by each description as I continue.

The otherness that the werewolves displayed in this book is not a characteristic I'm used to seeing in the books I read. A lot of the time, vampires and werewolves and other supernatural creatures are portrayed as regular people with special abilities. Very rarely do you see an animal, more monster than human, peeking through their eyes. Sometimes I enjoy that style, but sometimes it can be frustrating. How can they be so much more than regular humans and not feel the slightest bit superior? I really find that unbelievable, especially the really old ones. I find the attitude displayed here more believable, even though it was kind of off-putting at times.

The biological facts about werewolves we learned were very interesting. I wonder why the werewolf trait is inherited that way? I wasn't really impressed with the werewolf view of women. Sex or dinner, and possibly both. Nice. If I was Elena, I wouldn't want to stick around with them either. I was curious about how Clay overcame his inbred disdain toward humans and women enough to get to know Elena well enough to fall in love with her. Did she pick up on his snobbery when she first met him?

It was very frustrating to have so few facts about their past relationship. I felt like I was stumbling around in the dark and couldn't catch my bearings. Anytime Clay tried to talk with Elena and explain his actions, she shut him down. She freely admitted (to herself at least) that she didn't ever want to understand his point of view. She didn't want to forgive and forget.

Elena was a complex character. She was so frustrating, but I found her fascinating too. I didn't like her a lot of the time, but I was compelled to read about her until I understood what made her tick. I was really surprised about her attitude toward her body. Well, I was surprised about a lot of her views, but her view of the use of her body was especially startling considering her childhood. The pragmatic ability to use her body as currency and not be upset by it is one I'm just not very used to. Also, her rationalizing and her lack of guilt over cheating on her boyfriend was pretty distasteful to me. I'm not a fan of cheating, and even though I liked Elena better with Clay, I still felt horrible for Philip. Even though I was extremely turned off by Elena's cheating, and it is cheating, I was hooked by the strong writing and the compelling story being told.

Elena's most irritating habit was her ability to rationalize anything she didn't want to face. She avoided issues she didn't want to face, and the ones she couldn't avoid, she rationalized. If I was frustrated by her, I don't know how the other people in the story avoided shaking sense into her. But, just when I was about to give up on Elena as a hopeless case, something big happened. An event so harsh that Elena finally was honest with herself, and us, and admitted her true feelings about everything. They didn't just revolve around Clay and Philip, it also involved her view of herself as a human and her using her werewolf status as an excuse to avoid her true self. It was awesome! Finally I got to see a raw, unfiltered view into the core of Elena. It's not always a nice place, but it's a place I'd like to spend more time in. If you read the book and get frustrated, hold out hope! There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Before I finish this review, I have to discuss Clay a little. He was one of my favorite characters. Just like Elena, he wasn't a perfect character. He did something extremely wrong to Elena, and while he wants forgiveness, I can't help but feel he's ultimately satisfied with what he has wrought. The fact that Clay was more wolf than human was an interesting take. His actions and reasoning skills definitely fit the bill for more animal instinct than human rational. I felt so bad for him though. Elena left, and he just thought it was another one of their breaks. He has a singular ability to ignore the truth if he doesn't want to hear it. When I saw the presents, my heart broke for him.

I do, however, wonder how Clay was able to attract human Elena. He does not resemble any human male, and he has a really hard time faking it. Did she never sense anything different about him? Once again, it would help if we were able to get more specific information about their past relationship...

One last thing: I thought the ending with Philip was a cop out. I didn't like that Elena never had to deal with any real blame. She hated Clay for hiding the truth from her, but she never seemed to realize that she was doing the same thing. It was really irritating.

I recommend this book if you're looking for something different than the usual fare. I'd also recommend it if you like a little more monster than man.

Thanks AH, it was great!!!