Compelled by Shawntelle Madison
Series: Coveted #3
Published by Indie
Published on: May 5, 2014
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Werewolves
Pages: 278
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Natalya Stravinsky is about to face her greatest challenge yet…
For the past five years, Natalya Stravinsky has dreamed of two things: to rejoin the South Toms River werewolf pack and to be reunited with Thorn Grantham. Fate may have brought the pack back into her life, but unless she journeys to Russia to save Thorn, the love she’s found may be lost again. For a stubborn werewolf like Natalya, no distance is too far, no magic spell too complex to master, because one way or another she will find a way to have everything she has ever wanted.
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I came into this novel anticipating that it would be a 5-star read; after a rocky start in book 1, this series really hit its stride with KEPT, and I expected more of the same from COMPELLED with the addition of a satisfying conclusion to Natalya Stravinsky’s journey. This finale definitely delivered on the action front with an all-out wizard vs. warlock war, and a race against time to save Thorn’s life. However, as far as trilogy endings go, it fell short of its mark. The secondary characters that I have grown to know and love were all but absent, the romance was minimal, and “alpha” Natalya just wasn’t very believable.
The opening chapters of this book were the most enjoyable in my opinion, because they were on trend with what I’ve come to expect from this series. Aggie and Nat are no longer sharing a house, and yet the heroine’s BFF continues to uphold her ex-roommate’s OCD tendencies by ensuring that the place is spotless. Tyler’s dwarf dinner date was hilarious; I loved how foreign their mate requirements were. “You must have a house underground, you are too tall, etc.” However, I wish there’d been a bit more recap on account of the last installment having been released eighteen months ago. I found myself having to re-read my review of KEPT to help fill-in the blanks.
For some unknown reason, the author decided to cast all of her beloved secondary characters aside in COMPELLED. Thorn, Aggie, and Nick have all played pivotal roles throughout this trilogy only to get the boot at the final hour. Stravinsky’s family and the South Toms River werewolf pack were also barely a blip on the radar, and although I liked the new personalities that Madison introduced in this installment, I wasn’t able to learn enough about them to really care about their fate. The explanation for Nick’s absence was tenuous at best, and Aggie’s disappearing act at the end of the story was obviously a set-up for her upcoming novella, but it kind of felt like the author was putting the cart before the horse in that she’s already planning her next book instead of finishing off this one properly.
The plot itself was a little too epic for my tastes, or maybe it was just the rushed way in which it was delivered. The focus shifts entirely away from the werewolves, and instead we see an influx of other supes like cyclops’, water demons, darklings, warlocks, etc. I found it all rather overwhelming to be honest, and the pathway to the ending was also entirely too convenient. Nat’s first attempt at travelling magically lands her on an island where four werewolf acolytes have been trapped for 400 hundred years, but they just so happen to be the key to winning the war. Then, they help her free some wizards that have been trapped for seven centuries, who in turn… well, you get the idea. It was like shooting fish in a barrel.
Natalya’s come a long way since COVETED, but the leap her character takes from KEPT to this latest installment was a bit of a stretch. I wish the author had further explored her struggles with her new alpha status and her OCD because it felt like she conquered both practically overnight. All this to say that aside from the bucket load of action, COMPELLED was a disappointing conclusion to Shawntelle Madison’s werewolf series.
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
Oh, sorry to hear this one was disappointing for you Carmel! I find sometimes with urban fantasy series later on they expand the world a little too much, making it feel very different to the start of the series. Lovely review though!
Jeann recently posted…The Break-Up Artist by Philip Siegel Review: Being bitter about relationships
I guess that’s just one of the downfalls of the genre. Oh well. 🙂
Yikes, Carmel. This doesn’t sound satisfying AT ALL. I’m glad the first few chapters were good. It does seem as if Ms. Madison rushed the story all around and was too concerned with setting up her next novel. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂
I’ve read one too many disappointing series finales this year. I’m starting to get mad. LOL
Oh no, so sad to hear that a lot of the beloved secondary characters didn’t come in like in the first.
This seems to be a recurring theme in my reads lately. *sigh*
That sounds very frustrating. I always appreciate an author who can make me love secondary characters. To just leave them out of the final book seems like a terrible choice!
No arguments here. 🙁
Awe that totally sucks when you expect to be amazing and then… Bleh… The cover is gorgeous though!! Great review Carmel 🙂
Chene Sterckx recently posted…Mini Book Review: The Crimson Spell (Charmed #3) by F Goldsborough & Constance M Burge
That cover when paired with werewolves made this book practically irresistible to me. Yup, I’m a sucker. LOL
I’ve only read the first in this series and wasn’t impressed…it’s good that the second one picked up but why would she ditch her secondary characters? Aw. Sorry for the disappointing ending. I hate when that happens!
Mary recently posted…Straight as an Arrow: SHIELD OF WINTER by Nalini Singh
I didn’t like book 1 either, but 2 was much better, and now a disappointing final installment. I’m starting to think that this author’s writing style might just not be for me.
Ohhh! This is a gorgeous cover! HA. And we agree 😉 I hate excessive recaping when binge reading and that’s why I hate reading multiple Jennifer Estep’s or Richelle Mead’s books in a row, but when there’s that much time bewteen books and fans’ reading time, it’s weird that the author doesn’t recap that much O.o Sorry the plot was a tad too rushed for your taste, Carmel. And well, it suchs that the secondaries don’t get much attention. In a final book, while still hoping for a good story for the MCs, most of us expect some final development and attention on the secondaries too. Eh, sorry this wasn’t exactly your cup of tea, Carmel. Great review!
Siiri recently posted…Review: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
Thanks! Unfortunately, they can’t ALL be 5 star reads. Luckily, I find negative reviews easier to write, so at least I save myself some time. 🙂
I love UF but I don’t think I’ve heard of this series yet. I hate recapping too, does anyone really start off a series on book 6???
Nereyda recently posted…Audiobook Review: Guy In Real by Steve Brezenoff!
I’m guilty of that with PNR, but never UF unless the author tells me a certain installment works as a stand-alone.
Oh no! I am so sad that this fell short for you. Nothing is more disappointing than that, especially when it is a series or trilogy you have been in love with up until now.
kindlemom1 recently posted…Blog Tour Book Review and Giveaway: Perfect Kind of Trouble by Chelsea Fine
Yup. You summed up how I feel in a nutshell.
I read the first book in the series and had a hard time connecting with Natalya’s OCD personality. I haven’t continued the series but did read Repossessed which takes place in the Coveted world and enjoyed it more. Sorry Compelled wasn’t as good as you expected Carmel, hope your next read is a great one!
Lori recently posted…Blitz Tour | A Day in the Life of Trixie Pristine by Laina Turner
The OCD thing got to me in book 1 too. I read her other werewolf novella series, but I’m not sold on it either, so I’m not sure where that leaves me. LOL
I do want to try this series one day
blodeuedd recently posted…Blood of the Demon – Diana Rowland
At least it’s only a trilogy! 🙂
Hm… sometimes things like that bother me and other times I can ignore the niggles that things are too easy. Might have to try it, but will probably library book it.
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Evening Stars (Blackberry Island #3) by Susan Mallery
I’m sure some readers will love it, but I’m a stickler for consistency, so this story’s 180 threw me.
Aww that’s too bad and I’m really sorry to see that the secondary characters didn’t get much of a part to play. The last installment is when you get to say goodbye to everyone you’ve grown to love not just the main characters 🙁
Traci recently posted…Coffee Shop Talks, #59
Exactly! I just don’t understand why an author would omit them in a series finale. URGH!
the dreaded comment fields aren’t saving my data anymore. CURSE YOU VOID OF NETSPACE making things take me seconds more of time!! I will conquer you yet!!
Ok onto my comments…
So yes – why the heck would you toss your main characters and give them the boot this far in. Od od choice.
I have to give it to the cover though – it doesn’t scream indie to me. Usually I can spy those indie covers a mile away.
Tabitha (Not Yet Read) recently posted…Review: Traitor’s Blade by Sebastien De Castell
The cover’s by Nathalia Suellen. I stalk her on FB, and try to read every book who’s cover she designs. Yeeaahh… that’s kinda weird, but she’s seriously talented!
It is such a BUMMER when ender books don’t pull through. 🙁 Step it up, authors! 😉
Christy recently posted…In the End by Demitria Lunetta
YES!!! That is all.
It sucks when a series ends in a sour note. I hope your next choice will be better, Carmel.
Joy (Joyousreads) recently posted…Gasp [Visions, #3] by Lisa McMann
Thanks! Me too, Joy.
Ya, I don’t care about this book. But, I saw on Twitter that today was the big day?
Congratulations on the wedding new blogging friend. Here is to many good years!
Nathan ( recently posted…Tough Traveling – Mentors
It was June 21st, but THANK YOU!! 🙂
I was quite disappointed by this one. it’s good in a whole but it’s like it’s another series and it was upsetting for me. So well I agree with you.
I read your review, so I feel your pain. LOL
Amen! You already know what I feel about this. I’m glad you and I are on the same page
Braine Talk Supe recently posted…Year 3.4: Captivating Bridge by Michelle Mankin + Press Release & Giveaway
Ha! Yes! I saw your review BEFORE I finished reading, and was like aaww, nuts! 🙁
Aw, that’s sad and disappointing to have an ending to a series not go as well or even better than previous books. And not to include well-loved secondary characters is a shame. It does sound like the action was all there, but the rest was not. Lovely cover though. Great review, Carmel 🙂
kim { Book Swoon } recently posted…Book Review: Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong
You win some and you lose some. *shrugs*
After all the blah reviews over Coveted, I steered clear of this series. Then I was seeing Kept around everywhere and wondered what the deal was. NOW I know! Total aha moment! Damn, you never see a second book being good. But the 1st and 3rd being disappointing… what the heck???
Of course Christy nailed it in her own stylish way 🙂 I’m going to protest more subtly and just avoid it all… I’ve got too much to read anyways. I’m still stuck in romance la-la land and can’t seem to dig my way out to read any UF anymore. I should shame myself and take a pick of UF shelf…
But that’s for another day and someone else’s blog. I’m babbling now!!!
Kristin recently posted…Review: Five Ways to Fall by K.A. Tucker
Okay, WTH is up with all the spam comments on our blogs these days?! That one right above me (NOT Kim) – WTF?!?!?! Down with Spam!!! I have to delete them daily!!! *runs in circles flailing arms*
I’m baffled by that one too. I don’t think I’ve ever read a trilogy where book 2 was the ONLY good installment.
And yeah, sorry about that. I was on vacay but am cleaning stuff up today!
I agree with the others, that cover is quite well-done. I usually don’t like covers where we have a body shot of someone, but the editing’s quite nice, and I like the blue scheme. It certainly gives off a Paranormal aura.
In any case, I’m sorry this was a disappointment overall. I know how it feels when it comes to mediocre reads… sometimes I feel like they’re worse than 1 stars, because you feel like it could’ve been good, but it just didn’t, and you can’t help but lament how much was lost.
If that makes sense. HAHA.
Faye D’Social Potato recently posted…ARC Review: In The End by Demitria Lunetta – RANT ALERT!
Euuh Faye, you do realize who you are talking too, right? That makes COMPLETE sense! LOL 😀
I’ve read opinions about the rushed delivery, so it’s clearly a turn in the story-telling style of the series. Though I am SO with you, total covergasm. This is one of those series I like the sound of by large, but still feel iffy about trying it out myself.
Livia recently posted…Night Owl by M. Pierce
I’m not sure what to tell ya… I don’t think this author’s writing style is for me.
Oh disappointing when that happens. Those covers are nice. Very eye catching. But think maybe not for me. Thanks for the heads up!
anna recently posted…Fair Play (It Happened at the Fair #2) by Deeanne Gist
Pretty on the outside… not so much on the inside. At least, from a trilogy finale perspective. o_O