Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: Out now
How we got this book: ARC from the author
If a tree falls in the forest, duck…
Life in isolation is the safest place for Chase Johnson, a crossbreed who doesn’t know which form he’ll assume next—cougar or wolf. Once a year, his unelected position as spokesman for the Yukon outcasts forces him to visit civilization. This time he runs across someone unexpected. She’s not his mate, but she pushes all the right buttons.
It’s taken years for Shelley Bradley to gather the courage to return to her home pack. In spite of being the lowest of the low—a shifter who can’t shift—she’s determined to make a place for herself as the Whitehorse locals’ new vet-slash-doctor.
There’s definite electricity between her and Chase, but sex with fellow shifters and the inherent mind games got old a long time ago. Ignoring him seems best. When he shows up at her office with a wound that won’t heal, she’s stuck—yet drawn to solve this medical mystery.
As they journey deep into outcast territory in search of answers, their powerful sexual attraction crumbles her resistance. But time is of the essence. If a cure can’t be found before his human and cougar succumb to his injury, he—and others like him—will die.
Warning: Contains a silver-tongued, hairy-chested, lean-muscled Alpha who’s got what it takes to lead in the wilderness and in the bedroom. Yeah, I know…not really much of a deterrent, is it? Throw in continuing territorial wars and a domestic cat. Stir and enjoy the chaos.
This blurb came from the author’s website here.
MinnChica: When you take on of my favorite authors and one of my favorite genres and mix them together, it’s almost always a recipe for success. I love that I can always count on Vivian Arend to deliver not only incredible books, but wonderful tidbits and teases for her fans. When I first heard she was going to be writing longer books set in the wolfie world, I couldn’t wait to see what she came up with, and the Takhini books are just fabulous. One of the things I loved most about Silver Mine was just how different our hero was from previous ones in the series. He was a reluctant alpha, and although he whined and complained about being in charge, he did it with the best intentions of EVERYONE in mind. I loved Chase. LOVED.
E: Arend always provides a wonderful story and great characterization. While she continues writing new books in the wolfie world about the only constant is that they have packs and Alpha’s. Her skill in continuing to keep things fresh and unusual is wonderful to see. Like MinnChica mentioned Chase did not fit the typical alpha mold and he was simply wonderful. He didn’t want the power or responsibility but when push came to shove he stepped up and did what was necessary. He has been acting as a kind of unofficial alpha by taking care of the link between civilization and the loners but never to the extent of banding a group of different species together. I think he might be my favorite alpha of Arend’s. Well until I read the next book or re-read a previous one.
MinnChica: I have to agree that Chase is one of my all-time favorites, and for me (the girl who loves her alpha’s to walk the line of alphahole, that’s saying something!), that speaks volumes about both Chase’s character and Arend’s ability to write him. While Chase somewhat stole the book IMO, Shelley was great in her own right. She was just as caring and loving as Chase for the people in his territory. She genuinely wanted to help everyone, and knew what it was like to be viewed as an outsider. She lived her whole life somewhat outside of the paranormal and normal worlds, not really feeling like she fit in either one, and because of that she was able to understand the outcasts in Chase’s territory, and connect to them in ways no one else could.
E: Shelley was also a great character. She certainly didn’t let Chase walk over her as she tried to find her spot as a veterinarian. I really felt for her because her full human sister, Caroline, fit into the pack and shifter world much better then she did. Since she was an outsider she was able to create a connection with the other misfits without them feeling patronized. I also liked how she didn’t let her fear of rejection keep her from following her calling and finding out about this new virus. I did find that I adored how her sister and put a lot of time and effort into ensuring that Shelly wasn’t mistreated when she came back although I think she has several levels of plans within plans.
MinnChica: I am with you in the love for Caroline! I adored everything about her, and I hope and pray that she gets the chance to end up with Evan, despite the fact that they don’t seem to be mates. There were actually quite a few secondary characters in this book that I enjoyed and can’t wait to see more of. I like the way that Arend is bridging the gap between the Takhini wolf pack which is organized and really relies so much on the town and 21st Century way of life, and the misfit group of Chase’s folks who are all recluses and enjoy their solidarity. I hope we get to see them coming together more often now that they seem to have a common ground between Caroline and Shelley.
E: YES! I have my fingers crossed regarding Caroline and Evan in future books *hint, hint*. I do really like how the gap is being bridged because they are an important part of the world. I also think the bears and their huge conclave are going to have a significant role in upcoming events. They have already interfered in previous books and I think it is only going to get worse. I also adored Jones, Shelley’s young protector. And I am pretty sure I know why he won’t change into human form *evil grin* just an example of Chase protecting what is his.
MinnChica: All in all I think this book is one of the best in the wolfie series to date. I loved not only the hero and heroine, but also all the secondary characters as well. Both Chase and Shelley were so great as individuals as well as a couple that I wanted the very best for them from the very start. I loved the fact that we stepped outside the normal shifter world and took a look at what life is like for the outsiders who don’t want to be in the normal pack structure. It added another wonderful dimension to the world, and I can’t wait to get back into the swing of things in Takhini.
I give Silver Mine an A-
E: Arend has created and continues to expand her wonderful wolfie world. I know I will always get a great story and memorable characters both main and supporting. I don’t know what they are going to do or what they will face which is part of the attraction to me. Chase and Shelley while quieter then many of Arend’s previous heroes and heroines easily hold their own. Their world isn’t perfect and everyone doesn’t neatly fit in but their impact is also noted not just ignored. I love the increasing complexity with the greater length stories in Takhini. And like MinnChica, I can’t wait for the next one.
I give Silver Mine an A
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I’ve been reading Viv’s wolfies since the first book came out, but I do think that other than the first, this is my favorite so far. Shelley and Chase were a great couple. I don’t know about Evan and Caroline, though. Hopefully Viv’s got something special planned for them, either individually or together, especially Evan. I love how he’s tough and caring, with just a touch of crazy.
@JenM: I will admit I am looking forward to whatever she does with with evan and Caroline. I have to admit that I like their current dynamic… I need to do a re-read I think.
Great joint review! This one sounds great 🙂
@Ames: Thanks :). We certainly enjoyed reading and then discussing it afterwards.