My Thoughts on the Book:
I have to admit that I watched the first episodes of the "Bitten" series before reading the book, which was a HUGE mistake. Please, if you want to read the book, start neutrally. It took me at least half of the time to finally get the characters, their appearance and mimicry from the series out of my head. I don't know why the people in the TV series took such an unsympathetic, grim Clay who doesn't correspond to the image in the book at all. The book-Clay is nice, cheeky, likeable with blonde curls, a Southern States accent and he smiles, he smiles constantly and makes jokes. And yes, of course, he is also temperamental and explosive with fist-thick fits of anger - but it seems to me that these last aspects of his character were completely and utterly written onto the series-Clay, and the rest they forgot/changed. No idea why. So I liked this Clay here, even though his constant "Darling" really got on my nerves. ;)

And what can I say about Elena... *chokes* We two will probably never be friends, not in a million years. She was selfish, self-centered, disloyal, unfaithful, annoying, suffering, shifted the blame onto others, was stubborn, unyielding, explosive, narrow-minded and so much more... Maybe she once briefly offered help or was nice to Jeremy, but oh, I didn't like her throughout the whole book because she was constantly just whining or blaming others for everything in the world and the thing with Clay, my God, how much longer did she need until she recognized the truth? *grml* :D

And if the main character doesn't work for me, the plot can't save much either, which was quite interesting at times here but couldn't captivate me throughout. The same goes for the writing style, which was normal. For me, the whole book, which I really wanted to give a chance, was a disappointment. But probably only because I love her "Darkest Power" series around Chloe and Derek and wished for the same magic and excitement here. But that wasn't the case, so I can only recommend it to real hardcore Armstrong fans, only conditionally to everyone else.

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A reluctant werewolf - the only female in existence - finds herself unexpectedly dragged into the complex and deadly pack politics. As she navigates this dangerous world, she must also figure out where her future truly lies - in the human world she once knew, or in the supernatural one that now surrounds her.

The series opener, Bitten, initially gave the impression of being a rather standard paranormal romance. However, I couldn't help but feel that Clay's reputation as the baddest-of-the-bad was more a matter of talk than actual show. It was only after I finished reading that I discovered this was Kelley Armstrong's debut novel - and I have to say, it was not bad at all! In fact, it was good enough that I immediately added the rest of the series to my to-be-read list.

Since I've already read Armstrong's Cainsville series and really liked it, I have a fairly good idea of what to expect from this new series. I'm looking forward to seeing how Armstrong weaves her magic and takes us on another exciting supernatural adventure.

I couldn't bring myself to finish this book. It wasn't because the writing was subpar or the plot uninteresting. In fact, I really couldn't make that judgment as I never got far enough into it. But up until a certain point, it seemed to be going okay. The real issue for me was the characters. Clayton, in particular, is perhaps the most unappealing and revolting love interest I've encountered in a book thus far. Am I alone in finding their first sex scene uncomfortably rapey? I'm well aware that their relationship is complex, but I simply couldn't stand him. I always stop reading after that scene, disgusted by how it's presented. Just like in 50 Shades, a woman's attraction or physical reaction to a man forcing her seems to make everything okay, when in reality, it most definitely isn't. Knowing from friends that the book was going to center around their dynamic, I just couldn't continue. It embodies everything I loathe in a romance - a first love who shatters the female character's life with some terrible, life-altering decision that she can't reverse, and yet she still ends up with him. How is that acceptable? It just means she's trapped, unable to move forward or break free from the influence of the man who, in many ways, destroyed all her hopes and dreams.

Elena starts off decently, and I do truly understand the conflict within her due to her tumultuous past. Maybe it's just a bit too tumultuous, as it adheres to a lot of tropes that, perhaps after Armstrong used them, have become clichés. But I didn't feel enough sympathy for her to keep reading the story. My mild liking of her wasn't sufficient to counteract my hatred of Clay and my dislike of her when she's in Clay's presence. She's a'strong' character, but not strong enough to摆脱 the influence of both the pack and her former lover. Since the pack is all male, I found that aspect a bit discomforting. Jeremy treats Elena's attempt to break away from the pack and the life she's been coerced into with indulgence, as if it's a childish tantrum. And ultimately, he is proven right, which is something I really wouldn't have been able to endure. So I simply put the book down and moved on.

Very conflicting feeling here.

Here are some of my thoughts:

I'm just gonna outright say it. I don't like the protagonist, which is such a disappointment because my friend recommended me this book for the exact reason that it has a strong protagonist. LOL. I just find her so frustrating. Yes, I totally feel for her for her past – it is damn sad and terrifying. However, the narrative didn't work for me in this case as it comes off more detached than emotional, especially in regards to sensitive topics like sexual abuse. There's no doubt the protagonist suffers from her trauma and lonely past, but again, it's hard for me to truly connect with her due to the narration. This rarely happens to me when I read a book, especially if it's in 1st-person POV, but I guess I just don't click well with the author's style. As for the actual reasons why I don't like the protagonist: she's hot-blooded, contrary, and a cheater.

I see why she is conflicted with both guys. One is safe, nice, and leads you to the life you've always imagined. The other is risky and unpredictable. I get it and I think the author does do well characterizing both of these characters. I like them both.

I just did not like how Elena handled it. She is so wishy-washy and hypocritical, as she lies to everyone and herself, from beginning to end. I mean, sure, she is learning through this – I respect that. But it just got too much because it was ongoing and with her bad temper, it was even more irritating. She hates Clayton one second, has sex with him another second. Then, she hates him again, has sex with him again, and accuses him of murder. Has sex with him again. It's just all back-and-forth with her. And while cheating on her boyfriend. Geez. Then she says she's going back to her “normal life with her normal boyfriend.” And then blah blah blah. It's a whole cycle of her refusing her feelings for Clayton and pushing him over. I mean… Like, he already waited for 10 years for her to come back to him, so it's a bitttt too much.

I like Jeremy. He's a father figure.

Nick is chill too. Hope he gets his own book.

The paranormal world created by Armstrong is darker than some other paranormal books I've read. It has a more “realistic” edge to it. I have to say I didn't love it, but I am curious still. If I continue this series, I can't wait to explore the world some more and especially new main characters.

I think Armstrong is trying to cultivate a “strong female protagonist” among the patriarchal paranormal world she has created. It is tough to swallow because of some of the blatantly patriarchal notions in this world. Hopefully, there would be a lot of developments on the female characters in the later books to counteract this.

Overall, 2 stars (maybe 1.5). I didn't like the protagonist. The plot/world-building is somewhat interesting, but debatable.

Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)

Happy/satisfying ending? Happy, but not the last book.

Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level? Other things to note? Yes, yes, medium.

Tears-worthy? Sad stuff. Did not cry (perhaps because of the detached narration that I personally perceived).

Humor? Not really.

What age level would be appropriate? Mature audience. Sex scenes. Sensitive topics, such as sexual abuse, prostitution, etc.

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My friend recommended this to me. Supposed to have a strong, awesome female protagonist, so I'm excited

4/5 Stars

I initially had a rather lukewarm attitude towards this book. It seemed to plod along, and the progression of the story was sluggish. However, around the halfway mark, something remarkable happened. I began to develop a genuine interest in the characters. Their personalities started to shine through, and I found myself invested in their fates. The direction in which the story was headed also became more captivating.

Now, I'm not entirely certain when I'll reach for the next installment in the series. But one thing is for sure - I know that I have a desire to continue on with it. I'm curious to see how the characters will evolve and what new adventures await them. Despite its slow start, this book has managed to win me over and leave me eager for more.

Overall, it's a solid read that has the potential to become even better as the series progresses. I'm looking forward to seeing where it takes me.

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I won't go over the story line in my review as it can be read in the synopsis. What I will say is that, although some may be shocked by my three-star rating, I didn't enjoy it as much as others seem to have.

I believe detail in books is great. It provides an insight into the scene's surroundings and the finer details of the characters (like the yummy *sigh* Clay). However, I think Kelly Armstrong went a bit too far. There were parts in the book where things were described so graphically that it went on for pages.

I loved Kelly Armstrong's other series and had high hopes for Bitten. But there just wasn't enough of Clay and Elena. A couple of quickies in places other than a bedroom weren't sufficient. And while the author could spend five pages describing a room, it only took half a paragraph for a descriptive sex scene. So, on a scale of pants down, I give it a 2.

There was, however, a lot of action if you like that sort of thing. I prefer one or two major action scenes. Rest assured, there is more than that in this book.

I was glad she got rid of Phillip. L.O.S.E.R ALERT. How much more *gag* lovey-dovey *gag* could he get!

Although it took over half the book for things to really get going, I don't think I'll be continuing with this series.

1/8/2014 UPDATE

I finally completed this freakin' book! Yes, indeed, I managed to read it all on my third attempt! At this moment, I feel f*cking proud!



The most peculiar thing is that I didn't despise it. One might assume that since I had already attempted to read the book twice and failed to finish it either time, I would loathe it. However, that wasn't the case. The writing was quite decent. The characters, although not exactly mind-blowing, were interesting. And the plot was rather original for its genre.

Here, I must admit that I read it mainly because I had watched the show and liked it. I have a penchant for crappy TV shows, so don't judge me.

I don't think I'll be reading the second book anytime soon, but the mere fact that I finished this one makes me extremely happy! I'll increase my rating to 2.5.

18/2/2014 UPDATE

Out of all the amazing PNR (Paranormal Romance) and UF (Urban Fantasy) series available, this is the one that gets to be transformed into a TV show??

Edit 19/4/2023

(bold italics in brackets is me commenting on my old review):

(so i reread this book and it has some issuessss bro... why was my child self fully obsessed with it... anyway...)

This book is filled to the brim with angsty romance (a lil too angsty to be honest. sometimes that male lead gotta back it up and cool his jets.), paranormal beings, death, bargains, pride, and tricks. It is one of my favorite Kelley Armstrong books and one that I'll treasure forever! (not so sure about that treasuring forever stuff but hmm alright.)

(the rest of this review will be newly written by me.)

Look. I can understand why my 15-year-old self was obsessed with this book. It has some very overprotective male vibes, and some okay smut, and the characters are quite cool. However, there are also some iffy bits. There is some CNC type stuff which is just meh, and some special snowflake syndrome. You know what I mean. So I'm not sure what to rate this. I might lower it to 4 stars and think about it for a while.

Honestly, this book is really addictive and highly entertaining. I had a great deal of fun while reading it - in fact, I could hardly put it down. But it's also just trashy. So I guess read it if you're looking for some good old paranormal romance trash!

#41 Bitten by Kelley Armstrong

Rating: 4 out of 5
Pages: 436

This book is like indulging in a bag of potato chips. It may not be overly filling or nutritious, but it's an absolute blast. Once you start reading, it's incredibly difficult to put down. I've already devoured the author's third and fourth books, Dime Store Magic and Industrial Magic, and I must admit that I wish I had begun at the very start with Bitten.

Here's a note to myself: always read a series in order! No matter when you come across the books at the used bookstore, resist the urge to jump in the middle. Wait until you can start from the beginning; otherwise, you're truly missing out.

Bitten is quite unique. There are numerous books featuring strong female witches, demon-fighters, or vampire slayers as protagonists. However, not many have a heroine who is a genuine werewolf. In fact, Elena is more of an antihero. She's not the nicest person, which is precisely why I like her! She's funny, grumpy, sarcastic, and has no qualms about tearing apart rapists or pedophiles. She also has a couple of rather steamy love scenes (in human form, don't worry). Neither the love scenes nor the violence is overly graphic. I'd say this series would be suitable for a 14 or 15-year-old, considering they see far worse on TV. However, parents should use their own judgment when it comes to their kids.

What I appreciate most about this book is Armstrong's sensible take on werewolves. Their need to Change is a biological function, either genetic or contracted by being bitten. As one character aptly puts it, it's "about as much fun as having a bowel movement" (though the actual vocabulary is more PG-13).

There's no need for silver bullets either. Armstrong's werewolves can be killed in any way that would kill any other living creature, such as with knives, regular bullets, or being run over by a truck. They don't magically revert to human form after death. A dead werewolf is simply roadkill. And human predators, like the aforementioned rapists and pedophiles, are far more terrifying than anything supernatural.

All in all, it's a highly entertaining read. I'm now in the mood to open another bag of chips and immediately dive into Stolen, the next book in the series.

Thank god for #rollbackweek! It marks the start of my adventure into the Women of the Otherworld series by Kelley Armstrong. Indeed, I'm aware that I'm late to the party. This book was released in 2001, and that's why I'm so grateful to #rollbackweek. Otherwise, I'm afraid I might have missed this gem.

This book encompasses all the elements I adore about Urban Fantasy. It features a tough-as-nails heroine and a male counterpart that I can't wait to explore further. Additionally, it has a plethora of other characters that I'm eager to learn more about, while also introducing us to a new world filled with the occasional werewolf.

I'm not suggesting that this book introduces anything revolutionary to the UF genre. Given that it was written 15 years ago, perhaps it did. Nevertheless, whether others have been inspired by Armstrong or not, I've read numerous UF novels with a similar setup. However, Bitten never failed to captivate me. In fact, I found it extremely difficult to put down. Armstrong has crafted an action-packed and intriguing story that will leave you eagerly reaching for the next book to discover what unfolds. As a romance enthusiast, I was also delighted to find an element of romance in the book. Yet, I was equally glad to see that it didn't overshadow the main storyline.

If you're seeking an action-packed and exciting UF novel with a touch of romance, I highly recommend picking up this book. Although, chances are you may have already done so, as I'm a bit behind the times!

Out of all the shifter books I have read, this one has to be the absolute best. I was beginning to think that shifters might not be my cup of tea, but boy, can Kelly Armstrong write! I had some concerns about this series initially because I wasn't overly fond of her young adult series. However, I can now definitely say that I will be continuing with the Women of the Otherworld series. I am highly addicted to Elena and Clay.

We have Elena, the only female werewolf in existence. Long ago, she fell in love and got engaged to Clay, the love of her life. But while meeting with Jeremy, the Alpha of the pack Clay is in, Clay turned into a wolf and bit Elena, thus transforming her into one. And Elena was never the same again. Now, Elena gets called back to the pack to help solve a problem that could pose a danger to all werewolves, including her.

I absolutely adored this book. I loved Elena and Clay. They are like the perfect couple ever! While Elena is back for a while trying to solve this problem for the pack, Clay is making good use of this time to win her back. I know we get glimpses into the future regarding what happened to them concerning the bite and all that she went through when she was bitten. But I was a little disappointed to learn that we didn't get anything about how Elena and Clay first met and what led up to the engagement and bite. However, I then found out that there is a book about that, so yay! I can't wait for it.

I also loved everyone in the pack. The pack Alpha, Jeremy, is very kind yet cold at the same time. I understand that being an alpha requires maintaining control and sometimes being cold as it's a huge responsibility, but wow. I think Jeremy is a wonderful alpha, and I really hope we get to learn more about him as the series progresses. He has a kindness towards Elena where you can see him as a father figure for her. We also have Nick, Antonio, Logan, and the whole gang. I loved the pack. They're like such a great family together.

In the book, Elena is still having trouble coming to terms with being a werewolf, and I loved seeing her deal with that, figure out who she is, and by the end of the book, finally accept everything. She has come a long way. My favorite part of the book is definitely Elena and Clay, and I just have to say I WANT MORE! I can't wait to read book two in the series, Stolen, and find out what happens next in the Women of the Otherworld Series. If you're a big-time shifter fan, you will devour this book. I highly recommend it to any urban fantasy fan.

More of my reviews at Mystifying Paranormal Reviews

This one has been around for a while. It was recommended to me sometime last year. I noticed that kiwiria loved it and remembered that I had it, so I thought I should get onto it sooner rather than later. To be honest, the fact that it's about werewolves initially put me off. I greatly enjoyed Kerri Arthur's Riley Jensen Guardian series (the main character is a werewolf), and Kresley Cole has some wonderful lycanthrope characters whom I love. But generally, werewolves don't hold the same attraction for me as vampires do. Well, I really should re-think that now.

Elena Michaels is an orphan with a horrible past. Since her parents died in a car accident when she was little, she has endured a series of foster families and abusive foster fathers. Meeting and falling in love with Clay, an esteemed anthropologist doing a stint of teaching at the University of Toronto, was the first time she could be more herself. He was the first person she could be honest and open with. That is, until she is bitten by a werewolf and becomes the first female werewolf ever, forced into a life she did not want, with the Pack.
Ten years later, she is carving out a human life for herself in Toronto as a journalist. She lives with her boyfriend Philip and forces herself not to Change until she can't help it. When she does, she goes out in the early hours of the morning and chases security guards in the car parks and rabbits in the ravines. Her attempt at fitting in with humans comes to a jarring halt when the Pack leader, Jeremy, asks her to return to Stonehaven in New York State. There is a killer on the loose in the town, obviously a non-Pack werewolf, a mutt, leaving mutilated bodies on Pack territory and bringing the police to their doorstep.
Returning to Stonehaven, Elena finds herself falling back into old patterns without fear of exposure or judgment. She still yearns to be human, or at least to fit in with the human world. But the situation is becoming more threatening and her Pack-brothers are losing their lives. And the enemy wants her.
While the Prologue was necessary for setting up the main character and narrator, Elena, and it worked well written in the present tense, giving it that timeless quality, I found it a bit boring at first and was worried I wouldn't be able to get through the book. However, it wasn't long before I was completely riveted.
I think it comes down to Elena herself. She is tough, bitchy at times, and smart. Yet she has this aloof, lonely quality that adds a touch of vulnerability and really made me feel for her without being told to. The way she describes her past and how she dealt with it, the way she over-thinks her way through the world of humans, constantly concentrating and thinking, "what would a human do?" (even though she used to be human, she's not anymore), is really engaging.
Then there's her relationship with Clay, which is what really drives the whole story. Clay is an interesting character with at least three noticeable sides: cold killer; eager, childlike boy with a wealth of feeling; and borderline genius. He is moody but predictable, dangerous and lethal but oh so loving and loveable. I just loved the fact that he wasn't easy to sum up, that he was complicated.
More than that, though, the plot was exciting. And even though, after the prologue, the rest of the book is written in the past tense, it still has that "now" feeling where the narrator, Elena, isn't giving hints as to what happened later, but narrates as if she has no idea either. That gives the story a great deal of suspense and tension.
For a debut novel, this is an extremely good novel. The writing quality is very high, the character development is wonderful, the plot is absorbing and never boring. The moments of humour are very adult and speak to a level of intelligence that most popular fiction aims below. It is an intelligent, mature book that is very hard to put down. And I'm very keen to read the second book featuring Elena, Stolen.