Customer Rating: 

When this book arrived I couldn't wait to read it, and started it even though I was half-way through 'dead to the world' (Charlaine Harris). For a while it was difficult to decide which to read, but in the end Shift won hands down.

The book started pretty much where the previous book (Prey) left off, with Ethan (Faythe's brother) recently deceased at the hands of a fellow Alpha - Malone, and Faythe's father - Alpha of their pride, about to start a war against Malone.

However, after stalling her father with regards to the strike on the other pride, Faythe's home is attacked by thunderbirds - giant shape-shifting birds with giant wingspans, who are under the impression (coutesy of Malone) that Faythe's pride is responsible for the killing of one of their males called Finn.

Things quickly esculate as first Kaci is abducted and rescued, two male cats are killed and another two seriously injured, and then Faythe and Kaci are both kidnapped and taken to the thunderbirds roost. Faythe then manages to convince the thunderbirds to call a halt to the attack on her pride, to give her time to find evidence that her pride did not kill Finn, and is given 48 hours, after which Kaci will be killed.

Faythe then must risk life and limb - litterally - in order to get the evidence that the thunderbirds will accept, and return in time to save Kaci's life, and those of the rest of her pride, held captive in their own home by the thunderbird flight. On top of that, Faythe is also keeping her slip with Jace a secret from her boyfriend Marc, who is once again asking her to marry him, causing things to be strained when Faythe, Jace, and Marc must work together in confined quarters.

Overall the book was fast-paced and exciting, with both the threat to the pride and Faythe's own love-triangle mess going on. I can certainly say that I am very much looking forward to the next installment - Alpha, which is the last book in the series, when Faythe will have to make the choice between Marc and Jace and live with the consequences of that choice, even if it means that one will have to leave the pride, with neither having anywhere else to go.

Customer Rating: 

Since reading 'Stray' (book 1) I've been hooked on this series and the characters. As the previous in the series was fairly static - revolving around Faythe's trial in the cabin, 'Shift' features a welcome return to the ranch. the book is completely action-filled, moving from one drama to another fight and featuring various twists that stop it becoming repetitive or boring in any way.

The characters are as vibrant as ever, with Jace rising to main character status in this book. There is something about Faythe that a reader cannot help but like. In theory she isn't the perfect protagonist, but i think the realistic nature of her character, she makes mistakes and stands up for her beliefs (alongside being kick-ass) is actually refreshing amongst the typical can-do-no-wrong hero/heroine that many fantasy novels feature. The only critisim about Rachel Vincent's series is that perhaps she has too many significant characters with very bold and stand-out personalities (Think Faythe's brothers, enforcers, Marc, parents alongside the other Alpha's and other pride cats/strays that we've been introduced to), although this does still work and doesnt distract from the story - there just always seems to be a lot going on, be it the action or family drama.

As other reviewers have perfectly described the plot I won't bore you by talking about it, other than that this book was as gripping as the rest, perhaps more so than the previous (to those who found it a bit lacking as I did). Vincent effortlessly manages to make a completely unknown and unrealistic world seem plausible, as the best fantasy can and should, and that is the biggest praise I can give to her. Its a great book, really it is. Anyone who is a fan of Armstrong, or even wants to grow up from the Twilight world should really take a look at this series.

Customer Rating: 

This is one of those books you can barely stand to put down. Secretly sneaking pages between tasks in the hope that no one will notice your obsession.

It is book five in Rachel Vincent's Shifter series following Faythe Sanders. So if you haven't read any before I'd recommend you start with the first: 'Stray' and read through. But this is hardly a hardship as they're all fantastic. In fact, I find myself envying you your first read!

The series is set in the patriarchal world of werecats, where very few female shifters survive, and the feminist movement seems to have been completely bypassed. Women are prized commodities for breeding and raising children. Faythe is unwed and the first ever female to be allowed, despite many protests, to become an enforcer.

But, as Shift begins it's no longer about what Faythe wants from her life, but how her pride can survive. Riding on their grief and anger from the death of her brother in the previous novel, it seems that civil war among the werecats is both inevitable and unavoidable.

The plot's as turbulent as a hand-glider in a hurricane, the action catapulting to life from the very first chapter along with your heart rate.

Rachel Vincent isn't afraid to hold back, this isn't the type of book you can sit back and relax because you know your favourite character is going to be OK. As Vincent's unafraid to do what's right for the narrative, even if it's not necessarily what you want to happen. Making the book an addictive, adrenalin rush of a page turner.

The relationship between Faythe & her lover Marc still sizzles and the love triangle between Faythe, Marc & Jace moves from painful to gut wrenching. There are times I can barely stand it and find myself reading between half closed fingers, wondering just how Faythe is going to mess things up this time. Unable to bear the consequences.

With the Pride's situation escalating out of control, and their future in the balance Faythe has to put her personal problems to one side and make some very difficult decisions. As danger comes not only from the treacherous Calvin, but the arrival of a new species: Thunderbirds, which it would seem the werecats are no match for when it comes to battle.

The introduction of the Thunderbirds was a bit of a sidestep of the narrative I hadn't expected and I wasn't sure what to make of it at first, but it adds an interesting twist to the story.

Faythe is wilful, brave, impetuous, rash and at times immature but you can't help but experience the exhilaration, desperation and pain with her.

The series is coming to a close with the next and last book 'Alpha' and if it were out next week (which sadly it isn't) it wouldn't be soon enough for me. This is a brilliant book that I'd recommend you go and read this now if you haven't already...

Customer Rating: 

This is the 5th book in the Shifters series so it is very difficult to review without giving spoilers for previous books. If you're new to the series I strongly recommend you don't read this review as this series really should be read in order - why not check out the reviews for Stray instead. This is my favorite Urban Fantasy series though so I'd definitely recommend you check it out!

This book continues the story just a couple of weeks after the ending of Prey - Faythe and the rest of her Pride are still devestated by the loss of an important Pride member and are preparing to go to war to get their revenge and stop Calvin Malone's attempt to take over the Pride Council. But attack comes in an unexpected form when they are set upon by the Thunderbirds - a Flight of bird shifters who are determined to destroy the Pride. The Pride have no idea why they are under attack and they are at a major disadvantage when their enemy can fly - they can't afford to lose more members if they are going to have a chance in the upcoming war. When the Thunderbirds manage to kidnap Kaci it falls to Faythe to discover what they want and to figure out a way to rescue her.

I have been a massive fan of the Shifters series ever since I read Stray but with each book I've been amazed that it has managed to be better than the last. Shift didn't disappoint and I was drawn into Faythe's world from the very first page. I love the way Faythe's character has grown throughout the series - she still has flaws and makes mistakes but she is truely starting to show her full potential.

Shift is action packed from the word go and kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page. I really didn't know how the book was going to end and there were some great twists that I wasn't expecting. I have no idea how the relationship issues between Faythe, Marc & Jace will be resolved after the events of the last book. I feel for each of the characters and just can't see a way to give all three of them a happy ending.

The style of Rachel Vincent's writing has created an absorbing world that hooks you from the moment you pick up the book. I don't think I've ever felt so emotionally invested in the outcome of a series before and for that reason I am both longing for and dreading the final book Alpha. I'm sure Rachel will manage to surpass my expectations but I really don't want my journey with Faythe, Marc & the Pride to come to an end. If you haven't tried this series yet then I really recommend you go out and get a copy of Stray today - I'm sure you'll be as hooked as I am.

Customer Rating: 

My friend gave me the first book (stray) to read and I was not sure I would enjoy reading about werecats.....I love these books and even cried reading this book (which I never do!) The characters really are interesting and I can't wait for the sixth book in September (Alpha) but wonder if it will be the last????;-(