Let me make one thing extremely clear: I have an absolute adoration for Kelley Armstrong as a writer. Her writing is truly phenomenal.

The only conceivable way any book with a werewolf as the main character could ever receive a 3-star rating is if she has penned it.

I have stated it in my review for Bitten and I will repeat it once more: I don't have a fondness for werewolves. In real life, I like dogs, and I like wolves too. But for some inexplicable reason, werewolves in books never hold any allure for me. Or perhaps I should say: main characters who are werewolves never manage to attract me. There are numerous side character werewolves that I truly enjoy, but having one as the main character... Somehow, I encounter a really hard time establishing a connection with them. You might be wondering why I even decided to pick up this series, and there are three reasons for that:

1. One of my closest friends has an intense love for this series.

2. I desire to give werewolves a fair chance.

3. As I mentioned earlier, I have a deep love for Kelley Armstrong.

Given the fact that this book is receiving a 3-star rating, you can understand that it was a decent werewolf book. I still don't feel that strongly connected to the werewolf characters, although I must admit that reading some of the short stories that preceded this one was really beneficial.

When it comes to the plot of this book, I have to state that in general, I'm not a fan of the entire concept of "capturing supernatural creatures who are used in a scientific experiment". I usually find those plots to be really dull because there is nothing more than our main character sitting in a cell, contemplating escape and probably attempting to seduce some guards to make it happen. However, Kelley Armstrong managed to make it work. There were sufficient other things happening that piqued my interest, enough other characters and events that transformed it into more than just 400 pages set in a prison cell. I also experienced some genuine emotions regarding Ty Winsloe, none of them positive, of course. When I first read the synopsis, I wasn't really looking forward to reading this book because I thought it would be boring (which is one of the reasons why I procrastinated reading this for such a long time), but I actually breezed through it quite quickly whenever I picked it up.

Another reason that compelled me to continue with this series is because I know that not every book is told from Elena's perspective. I'm really excited to pick up the next book, which is told from the point of view of a witch! I truly hope that I will feel more connected to that character, as she has shown some promise in this one. We shall see!

This is truly a difficult one to review.

I believe my opinion was skewed due to unmet expectations. Had I approached this book with no prior assumptions, I likely would have enjoyed it much more.

That's not to say I didn't enjoy it at all, but my opinion swayed back and forth throughout.

I ultimately settled on a four-star grade because the ending did improve, and once I was able to set aside my reasons for reading it immediately after "Bitten," I became engaged.

I'd say "Bitten" is a high four-star, while this one is a low four-star.

When "Bitten" ended, we left Clay and Elena on a hopeful note.

Nothing was truly resolved, but the promise of trying was there. I was excited to pick up this book and watch their relationship heal.

For me, that's half the fun of reading about a couple. I don't just want to see them together; I want to witness their journey and the strengthening of their bond.

When I started this book, I was shocked to discover that approximately six years had passed since the last one.

I was quite angry about it. All my expectations of watching them build their relationship crumbled.

I was surprised to see that even though Elena was still with the Pack and Clay, their relationship wasn't as deep as a six-year commitment would imply to me.

They were still in the same position, going nowhere. It was actually a bit sad for both of them.

I guess I didn't miss as much as I initially thought.

The beginning of this book was very slow. My attention kept wandering, and I had to force myself to focus.

The focus is no longer solely on the werewolves. For a significant portion of the first half, there is hardly any interaction among the werewolves.

The emphasis is on the new supernatural creatures we meet and the organization hunting them.

I did enjoy learning about the different groups, but what吸引 me most in the first book was the sense of "otherness" of the werewolves and their interactions.

I felt that aspect was toned down in this book. Yes, there were gruesome moments, but the mindset felt different.

Around page 200, the pace started to pick up for me. We were still focused only on Elena, but her personal demons began to surface.

It seemed her captivity and isolation had affected her deeply, breaking through her exterior.

We got to see her despair, insecurities, and depression. It was great to have that raw view.

I loved how Elena admitted she wasn't over her past and probably never would be.

When Elena was back with Clay, I found it extremely irritating that they never talked things through.

Their approach seems to be to ignore everything and move on. It drives me crazy.

You'll see how they resolved the issue of his betrayal 12 years ago and understand why I feel this way.

I don't understand how they could have been back together for the last 6 years and never sat down to discuss these matters.

I loved the glimpse we got of Clay's perspective (sort of). It added a nice dimension for that time period.

I loved Clay in this book. Even though we saw him infrequently, his presence was still felt.

I hear the next book is about Paige. I hope, for both her sake and mine, that she isn't as annoying in that book as she was in this.

I was on Clay's side regarding her and loved the nickname he gave her. Xavier and Adam seemed like interesting characters, and I hope to see more of them in the series.

DNF at 15%

There is actually nothing objectively wrong with this book. However, for some reason, I'm just not feeling it. I had been on the hunt for a really good paranormal romance to devour, but unfortunately, this particular one isn't captivating my interest in the slightest. I've only managed to read up to 15% of it, and that's about as far as I can go. As a result, I'm unable to give it a rating because I simply haven't read enough of it to form a proper opinion. It's a shame really, as I was hoping for something that would keep me on the edge of my seat and make me fall in love with the characters and the story. But alas, this wasn't the case. Maybe it's just not the right book for me at this time.

The second book presents a captivating narrative that delves into the introduction of other supernatural characters and their intricate connections with Elena's pack.

Here, humans are shown to be engaged in the controversial act of testing supernatural subjects. Tragically, Elena herself is kidnapped and becomes one of these unfortunate test subjects.

However, during her captivity, Elena demonstrates remarkable resourcefulness and determination. She manages to build alliances with some of the other supernatural beings, which prove to be crucial in her escape.

With the help of her newfound allies, Elena devises a plan to bring down the entire operation. Miraculously, their efforts are successful, and the leader of the operation finally faces the consequences of his actions, just as the subjects did during the cruel hunt.

But what exactly did it take for Elena to survive this harrowing ordeal? To find out, you'll have to read the book!

*** I absolutely love it when I have a day off and can binge read this exciting story with ease!

I must say that this one was a little bit of a letdown from the first book.

Honestly, I thought it was a sequel of sorts or at least a continuation of Elena’s story as laid out in Bitten.

While this book had Elena as our ever wry witted narrator, it was very much a set up for the other supernatural beings’ stories in the series.

As such, this isn’t going to be a favorite for me.

I freely admit that I enjoy vampires, witches, fey, demons & various other supernatural sorts in limited dose and have to be in the mood for them to really love them.

I keep them far & few between in my reading.

Still, this was not a bad read.

I did like the take on all of the other supernaturals even if I’m not inclined to actually read those books in this series.

I’m still all in for Elena & the Pack.

That said, I liked the beginning & Elena’s voice is still clear.

I did wish there was more with Clay & Jeremy but it was good to see how Elena fared when in isolation & under duress.

I admit that I didn’t really care much about the other non-Pack characters but I distinctly disliked Paige, so there’s that.

I don’t know how I feel about WInslow’s “fate” but I was certainly hoping for him to have a different end.

I’m going to read Broken next because that’s Elena & Pack centric & I have Frostbitten on my desk as well.

So my nonfangirling over this one has no bearing on my want to continue the series.

I’d recommend this one to anyone who is interested in the entire series spanning all the supernaturals but not to anyone looking for an intensive Elena/Clay story.

WrensReads Review:

So Stolen is the second installment of this truly remarkable series. It is exquisitely written and introduces crucial characters that will play significant roles in the upcoming books. Moreover, it presents other types of superhuman species, expanding the rich and diverse world-building.

That's right, dear readers. The werewolves are no longer the only supernatural beings in town.



For instance, there are Half Demons, whose father is a demon and mother is a human. They inherit superhuman powers from their not-so-nice dad. Then there are Witches, women endowed with magic, and Sorcerers, men with similar magical abilities. Shamans, on the other hand, have the power to deal with spirits.

Fortunately for us, the story is still narrated by our beloved female werewolf, Elena. The story begins with Elena and Jeremy meeting two women who claim to have evidence of werewolves' existence. They initially seem like believers, but it turns out they know intimate details about Elena and Jeremy's personal lives and their pack. It hits a little too close to home. They claim to be witches, but Elena is skeptical.

However, when she gets attacked, her doubts start to fade. They then attend a "meeting of the otherworldly-ins," but they suspect they are being set up. In reality, they simply don't want to face the fact that there are other supernatural beings out there and prefer to focus on themselves and their own ways. But Elena's troubles don't end there. She gets attacked... again and again.



This time, she is captured and taken to a scientific headquarters where they have other superhuman individuals and know all about her. It makes one wonder how everyone seems to know about her. Was there a newsletter that we missed? They want to learn everything more about her species and others like it. Obviously, this is not okay. Imagine being captured by a hunt-crazed, lust-driven lunatic, an unstable businesswoman, a science-driven madman, a teleporting cocky half-demon, and a bunch of other messed-up super people. It's a terrifying thought.

This is one of my favorite stories in the series. It's fascinating to see how humans react when they discover the supernatural world. In all honesty, this is exactly what would happen in real life because humans have an inherent fear and envy of anything that seems better than them. They would want to possess these powers for themselves to regain their status as the top dog. I absolutely love this series and Armstrong's writing. I can't seem to express my admiration enough without sounding like a creepy fan-stalker girl. But I'm not sorry. You must read these books. I SWEAR you won't be disappointed.

Stolen is Kelley Armstrong's second installment in the Women of the Otherworld Series. At first, I thought this book started off a bit slow. However, once the action kicked in, I was completely hooked and couldn't put the book down.

In Bitten, we were introduced to Elena and her fellow werewolves. In Stolen, we are introduced to a whole new cast of supernaturals, including witches, vampires, demons, voodoo practitioners, shamans, and more.

Someone is kidnapping supernaturals, and they are never heard from again. Elena, Jeremy, and Clay are invited to a "United Nations" for the supernatural world in an attempt to stop the kidnappings. Unfortunately for Elena, the council is unable to prevent her abduction.

Elena finds herself alone, cut off from the pack, and held captive for study. An unstable, megalomaniac man with money has decided it would be "fun" to study supernatural beings and, when the study is completed, to have a little hunt. Elena must draw on all her resources to find a way to protect herself physically, mentally, and emotionally. As the hunt draws closer, Elena struggles to free herself and the other captives.

Stolen is one huge adrenaline rush that can be truly addictive. As the story unfolds, it takes us deeper and deeper into the supernatural world. We learn about demons and their offspring among us. While werewolves have many advantages over other supernaturals, they are still vulnerable. Each supernatural has abilities that must be harnessed for survival. This blending of beings evolves into a partnership and friendship between groups that have never cooperated with each other before.

The supernaturals in Stolen are written with great care. Each being is unique and strong in its own way. Kelley Armstrong has created a world where everyone is a mixture of good and bad, and only a few are truly evil. Elena may be feral and a killer, but she is a moral sentient being. Her outrage at captivity allows the reader to identify deeply with her.

Werewolves have always considered themselves too strong to be held captive. Their experiences in Stolen show them just how vulnerable they are. Elena, Clay, and Jeremy are forced to rely on others, which is contrary to their nature.

I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in this series, "Dime Store Magic." I'm definitely hooked on this series. Kelley Armstrong has an extensive website at http://www.kelleyarmstrong.com/. On her website, there are two novellas from the Women of the Otherworld series.

I know I might have said this before, but truly, thank goodness for #rollbackweek! This month, I made the decision to carry on my exploration of Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld series by delving into the second book, Stolen. If you've read my review of the first book, Bitten, then you're aware that I was already quite enjoying this series. However, Stolen completely outshone the first book. It's no overstatement to say that I absolutely LOVED this book.

Stolen, much like its predecessor, is filled with action and has a rapid pace. But beyond that, Armstrong continues to expand the world she has crafted by introducing us to a plethora of other paranormal races. These include, but are not limited to, witches, demons, and vampires. Just like us, Elena, Clay, and the Pack were initially oblivious to the existence of these other supernatural species. So, we are introduced to this whole new world at the same pace as they are, ensuring that we don't experience an overwhelming amount of information all at once.
As exciting as it was to witness Armstrong's world expand and the Pack's reactions to it, what I truly adored about Stolen was the story itself. Elena has been captured by an eccentric and cruel billionaire - a human, of course - for malicious purposes. This plot line really compelled Elena to showcase her best qualities. She has to rely on all her cunning to survive because physical strength and agility, which she has always depended on, will only lead her to a dead end. Even though the storyline of Elena being in a locked room might seem clichéd, it never felt stagnant or dull. I couldn't wait to see what would unfold next, how she would cope both emotionally and physically. And because of this harrowing experience, I felt like I got to know and like her a great deal more by the end of the book.
But I also can't resist a touch of romance. And, of course, the dire situation that Elena is forced into makes her examine her feelings for Clay more closely than she might prefer and forces her to admit a few truths that she has been avoiding. I'm certain that in the upcoming books, we'll have more drama related to Elena and Clay, and I'm looking forward to that and seeing how their relationship continues to evolve.
I am truly in love with this series and can't wait to learn more about some of the new characters that Armstrong has introduced in this book. If, like me, you're behind and haven't started this series yet, then you need to pick it up immediately. I promise you won't be disappointed! Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤

“A guitar twanged from the far-off radio. Country music. Damn. They'd resorted to torture already.” This opening line immediately sets a tense and foreboding tone. The story then delves deeper into a complex and intense situation involving characters that the reader is already invested in. The psychology and horrors that unfold behind the doors are truly fascinating. Imagine being kidnapped by these men, especially after reading the troubling prologue. But as Elena and the readers discover, it's much more layered than just being kept in a cage and experimented on. Elena not only experiences the fear of that, but she also witnesses the different personalities and powers of those imprisoned. She has to figure out who to trust. She sees the struggles between the staff and realizes that they're all there for different gains. The story takes unexpected turns, with the game changing completely on her, forcing her to start all over again.

The lead up with the supes meeting is also interesting. No longer is the book just about a lone werewolf pack. We now get to meet unique witches, like Adam (whom I loved, he's so fascinating), and other critters. In the short time they're on page, we see a leveled and unique inner society for each supe group, especially the internal dynamic of the witches. I understand that the author was laying this out for future books that would concentrate on Paige's perspective.

As before, Clay and Elena's bond is a highlight. Their relationship is adorable, sweet, and feels completely natural, like a well-worn glove. Jeremy is always around when needed, popping out of bushes and random areas, which is almost comical. Unlike most supe societies that irritate me, the bonding of this pack works so well that it feels like a true family with genuine affection. The pacing of the story is excellent, building anticipation and keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. The horror of being caught, the fascinating time spent inside the prison, the saving wrap-up, and the finale battle that suits Elena's personality and feels true all contribute to making this a great read. Add in some working humor, and it gets even better. The only downside is that it's told through multiple POVs depending on which book, but I'm still tempted to try the others out.

Stolen is the second installment in the captivating Women of the Otherworld series.

While Bitten established the groundwork of Armstrong's enchanting world, it had a somewhat standalone feel. It is Stolen that truly gives the impression of being the first book in a series. Here, we expand beyond the realm of just werewolves and enter a whole new universe with an array of additional supernaturals - witches, shamans, half-demons, vampires, and surely more to come.

The story is once again narrated by Elena. It commences with Elena delving into the investigation of someone selling information about werewolves. However, her perception of the supernatural world is broadened when two witches inform her that supernaturals of all kinds are disappearing and warn her that the werewolves might be next. There is an interracial council attempting to uncover the truth behind this situation while ensuring that no one else vanishes, and the werewolves are invited to rejoin. But the human mastermind behind these kidnappings eventually gets his hands on Elena - and discovers what occurs when one messes with a werewolf.

This book may not possess the same impact as Bitten, yet it is quite good on its own. Elena remains her typical sarcastic and strong self, having decided to settle with the werewolf pack but still thinking with her human mind. We witness more of Elena and Clay - they left off in Bitten determined to be together, and in Stolen, they work on their relationship and grow closer towards the end when it finally dawns on them that they could have lost each other. Witches, vampires, and other supernaturals are introduced - some more memorable than others. Paige, a young witch who is thoroughly annoying, and Cassandra, the vampire who appears not to care about what is happening.

I do wish there were more interactions within the werewolf pack - that was what made Bitten so remarkable. Nevertheless, you will surely love the moments Clay and Elena share, especially towards the end. This book also sets the stage for the next one - Dime Store Magic - which I suspect will be narrated by Paige. I'm curious to see how that will play out, considering Paige really got on my nerves in this book, despite being proficient in her craft. So, go ahead and give this book a read.

Waouh!

Alors là, on rentre vraiment dans l'univers fascinant de Kelley Armstrong!

Cette histoire est tellement captivante que je l'aime jusqu'au bout.

Chaque page me plonge plus profondément dans son monde magique et intrigant.

J'ai hâte de continuer ma lecture et de découvrir les autres facettes de cet univers unique.

Kelley Armstrong a une façon de construire des histoires et des personnages qui me passionnent.

Je suis impatiente de voir où cette histoire va me mener et de découvrir les prochaines aventures dans son monde.

Hihi, je sais que je vais passer un bon moment en lisant les autres livres de cette auteur.

It took me a while to truly engage with this book. However, once I reached about the halfway point, I found myself completely hooked and couldn't put it down.

This is the second installment in a series, and I'm rather disappointed that I haven't read the first one yet. Elena, the world's sole female werewolf, discovers the existence of other supernatural beings. (I must admit, I struggle to understand her initial skepticism considering she is a werewolf herself!) Elena gets kidnapped and taken to a mysterious research facility. To be honest, the purpose of this facility isn't very clear. It is run by a complete psycho who seems to have rather disturbing intentions towards Elena, either wanting to rape or kill her, or perhaps both.

Fortunately, Elena manages to escape, and with the help of her supernatural friends, they take down the facility and rescue the other captives.

I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series. Although I've been informed that it will focus on a different character, Paige the witch, rather than Elena.

On a side note, Clay comes across as a creepy stalker character, and I firmly believe that Elena could do much better than him!