Fledgling (The Shapeshifter Chronicles Book 1)

There were some spelling and grammatical errors that are always distracting in published work. Near the end the pace was very slow, too descriptive for that stage of the story. There were times the characterisation felt sketched in and not artfully shown through action or dialogue. It's clearly a book 1. With all of that said, it was a fun quick read, I will still think about the characters now I'm done. If you like the synopsis, read the book.

Normally I adore shapeshifter stories ,but this was just plain weird. The author seemed to have two story ideas that she didn't merge well. And on top of that the writing style was that of a beginner. Sorry to be so harsh but I would have liked more. Better luck next time

I love the Navaho ideas combined with the artistic descriptions of mountains, sky etc. very picture invoking.

I would have liked a little more action. All in all , very enjoyable. I read it in one sitting.

Certainly better than most of the Urban Fantasies that I have read in recent years. Author shows strong emotions with the Protagonist facing their own mortality so early in life, which is a satisfying break from 'non-stop action from start to finish'.

I came across this book while reading "The Seasons of the Moon" series. The book was suggested to me. I bought it on kindle and instantly fell in love! Chance is determined, talented, sweet and devoted. Ana is amazing too! Even with her condition she rushes to do what she feels is right. I loved their connection! It's a great book with amazing mythology. I enjoyed every minute! Can't wait for the next installment.

Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down. I love all the elements of this story and how eloquently it was written. The characters are likable and draw you in to this secret magical world where love and a sense of family exists. I'm excited for more!

I read a lot, and it is hard for me to find a book that is not self centered.
I'm so glad to have found an author who tells a great story from all points
not just in one person. I have just finished the first in series can't wait to start
the next one. It is great to find a wonderfull story teller that takes me on the
journey. I look forward to reading more of her work. Thank you

I liked the idea of the book but just couldn't keep reading about an adult relationship with a character described to be a young female child. Perhaps that makes me a prude, but it was uncomfortable enough for me to stop reading this book part-way.

This was an interesting story with characters who were very easy to relate to. The author did an excellent job of building the relationship between the two main characters, but the villain felt like an after-thought. It will be interesting to see how the next book delivers.

Would recommend.

There wasn't really any glaring flaw with this novel, it was just really hard for me to get through. I kept on stopping and then forcing myself to continue reading, which is rare for me.

One thing that did bother me was the narrative perspective. It seems a little confused, since it varies between omniscient and limited in strange ways, and at one point, we see a scene from one person's (Chance) vantage, then another's (his grandfather) without actually gaining new insight. It draws on too long.

I wouldn't recommend this novel, but I will definitely look into more works from the author, as she gains more experience.

Basically it's targeted at tween girls. If you're not in that demographic then I would not bother with it. I got through the first few chapters before I couldn't take it anymore. I think it was when the high school love interest popped up (ugh Twilight) that I realized this wasn't meant for me. Maybe it gets better but my time is limited.

The story line was ok....This writer used words that just put me off..She used words sauntered thudded,darted, ,meandered. Lumbered,,,and when people they talked they smirked the story was about a shape shifter...and a girl with heart problems very slow story

I would give it a 2 and a half stars.

Very slow paced kind of story. Ana constantly talks about night sky and stargazing. And Chance talks about hiking with grandfather a lot. We get it. Move on.

The dialogues are so articulate it's bordering on annoying. And all the talk about their relationship after just one week was troubling to me. It sounded like they were adults who spent years together not just a couple of teenagers.

I felt no emotion in their words. Even when the author describes hot touches and fast heartbeat I didn't feel anything from them. Everything was too passive for me.

Although it was interesting to read about shapeshifting abilities I didn't really see the point of it in this story. Healing Ana felt like something random. And that Markus guy just dropped in without warning all menacing for no reason but some story Chance's grandfather told.

At the end of the book I was questioning what the storyline of this book was.

Alas, I was persevering through this book until about halfway through when the main character suddenly made a dramatic and shocking reversal in position on a major topic in the book upon which the author had spent the first full half of the book deeply entrenching the main character, and the main character made this rapid reversal in no more than a paragraph or two of deliberation. This shocking reversal I found to be illogical and downright ridiculous. I could not continue.

Besides that, I could not help thinking of "Twilight" as I was reading this, and kept wondering if the author was doing it on purpose, trying to jump on the "Twilight" wagon. Up until I quit reading, I found the story predictable. Although the author tried to add some depth and tension with the main character's health condition, the sadly classic position of helpless female and big, strong, magical male protector felt unoriginal and uninteresting.

There are some ideas here that could have been developed down more interesting paths, but this book did not do it for me.

Copycat Twilight. New girl in town, loner boy, get together. Each feeling accepted then the truth forces reconsideration. She with a bad heart and he a mystical shapeshifter. Also enemies. Sacrifice and ending leading to another adventure for the two high schoolers.

This book had so many unimportant scenes I found myself skipping whole chapters because I just couldn't stand the conversations that went on ad nauseam! It focused way too much on the lead girls heart health and hardly anything to do with shapeshifting until just about 65% of the way through!

I was looking for a filler book while waiting on another book to read and I stumbled across this.
It is fun. I do like the story. But it is definitely for a younger audience. Like 13 and up. So I got my filler.

I realize this review will sound inane. This read is perfect for an eleven year old girl. There are few conflicts in this book, and each is overblown and exaggerated to the point that it is actually frustrating to read. I attempted this book because it was so different from what I normally read, and I was sorely disappointed. You can literally see every twist in this book a myriad of pages before said twist actually occurs. It makes for quite the boring read, but if you want to feel good when two individuals fit every stereotypical characteristic of their role with almost no deviation, I would highly recommend this book.

I couldn't get past the first few chapters. My question: how can an author devote so much time and effort to a book and not care enough to have it professionally edited? I'm not talking only about copyediting (spelling and grammar), although that is certainly needed here. I also mean editing for consistency, ambiguity, usage, and structure. Good editing can make an author a much better writer, too. This book is apparently meant for 14-year-olds who don't care about such things. [Rant over]

I almost didn't read this book through. The writing style was very wooden, and the word choice was weirdly skewed, making the book almost boring. By the third chapter, I was really tired of reading how every part of Ana was delicate or fragile--just because she had a heart condition didn't mean every part of her was made of spun glass. In addition, all the characters did a lot of "darting" about, which is appropriate for hummingbirds, but not people. I could see it working as a particular trait applied to a specific character, but it got to the point where I felt like the author had a limited list of "active verbs" and "descriptive adjectives" that she was referring to and couldn't seem to break the rut. Beyond the obvious repetition of certain verbs and adjectives (which by their very nature should have been used sparingly), there were several other places in the book, where I felt like the words chosen didn't quite fit the sentence structure or the character's voice. I'm not sure how this could happen, but I suspect that either the author was trying to write at a vocabulary level that didn't quite match her actual word knowledge or an editor tried to clean up her manuscript by changing some of the words. A word of advice, if you don't understand a word well enough to use it correctly in a sentence, choose a different word. Dictionary mining can be very dangerous for a writer and can have the added disadvantage of teaching young readers the wrong definition or use for words they are just learning. Write at your comfortable vocabulary level or you won't sound right to an educated reader.

In addition to the word choice issues, I also took issue with the pace of this story. It seemed like the author wrote mostly about inconsequential details instead of using the daily actions and interactions of the characters to get inside the POV character's head so the reader could discover who each of them really was. It was just a bunch of characters walking through random scenes with stilted and mostly unimportant dialogue that made me want to skim instead of read every word. But as soon as I skimmed, I'd miss an important transition that was dealt with in a single sentence tacked onto the end of a boring inconsequential paragraph. I was constantly backtracking when I realized the characters had left the dinner table (one or two sentences after they sat down to eat) and gone outside, when I had skimmed ahead and missed the transition. Almost every page had one of those buried transitions, so I was getting dizzy paging back to see what I missed because I got so bored with unimportant details that I skimmed on almost every page. I felt like the author didn't really get inside her characters' heads, so the reader was kept at a distance in all of the actions and interactions, which made everything the characters did seemingly unimportant and trivial.

If I set aside my disaffection with the actual words of the story, I can say that overall the actual plot wasn't bad, but developed kind of slow at the beginning. I'm not sure why the author wasted a POV on Chance when she didn't make his experiences and secrets known to the reader until Ana discovered them. What was the point of giving his perspective if he couldn't let the reader in on his secrets (which BTW is a good way to build dramatic irony--i.e., the reader knows more than the protagonist)? From the blurb on the book and the series title, I already knew that Chance was a shapeshifter, so there was no reason to conceal it from the reader until Ana found out, especially when some of the early scenes are from his POV. It's no shock to the reader that the fox and the owl were Chance (which is why I don't even feel like mentioning it here is in any way a spoiler), so it would have made sense for some of his POV scenes to be of him watching her and giving his motivation for doing so (beyond criminal voyeurism or obsession). Added to that, the instant attraction/love between Chance and Ana was just weird.

Even though the first book is set up to require a sequel and the author helpfully included the first chapter of the next book to hook me into buying the rest of the series, I simply can't read further. I skimmed the sample chapter and can't see that the major issues I have with book 1 are fixed in the later books, so I'm stopping where I am.

I first thought of giving it three stars but then thought oh well, I really did not like it. The story was awfully predictable and unexciting. For the first half nothing really happened, plot-wise. Except for the occasional stalking as Chance watches Ana in her room at night (creepy if you ask me) We just basically read about the characters living out their day to day lives I forced myself to read on to the end. I will not be reading any more in this series. Hmm it was a free book what can I say...

I found I very much enjoyed this book, but felt that some parts towards the end were slightly unrealistic (manly some dialogue seemed to not flow, and some wouldn't even be there if this happened in real life). Then, I wanted Ana to be a shapeshifter too, and felt the author led the facts and necklace problem on as a way to set up Ana to be a shapeshifter. In that way it was misleading.

Ana and Chase's story was very inspiring. With Anna going through heart defects and Chase with a hidden family history these two characters come together sharing each other's lives while tangling them together.
Learning about the Navajo history is very intriguing to me. I wish that the author got a little more into their history. Feeling that I was left with more questions than answers about the things that Chase was going through. With his grandfather keeping things from him I felt like the author was keeping things from her readers. I do feel that some things were answered while Chase was having flashback memories that belonged to his grandfather.
The author did a great job of laying out Chase's and Ana's story. That she intertwined Ana's and Chase's lives together but yet kept their secrets apart from one another at the right spots and timing during the story. This book was laid out very well and was written and read very smoothly. As a reader the author did a very good job of keeping my interest throughout the book.

The heart, both as physical necessity and symbol of love, plays a central role in this beautiful story. Teenage Ana's heart is failing, as the doctor tells her at the beginning of the book. Although physically weak Ana is encouraged by her loving mother and sister to lead as normal a life as possible. Ana's small family is powered by love and by the fear of losing her, a situation expertly described by Natasha Brown. All the characters really came alive for me. I felt as if I knew them, sharing their disappointment as Ana's condition continues to deteriorate. And then...... well...I dare not spoil the plot, or even hint at what happens. This book is the first in 'The Shapeshifter Chronicles' which is a clue. Let's just say that as described by Natasha Brown what occurs seems completely possible. The descriptions of the natural world are so powerful that I could see the stars in Ana's special place and imagine the birds in flight and the animals moving through the undergrowth.
Really loved this 'Fledgling'.

When I had the opportunity to read a copy of "Fledgling," I thought it was going to be a teen romance with the main character having a heart defect; I had NO idea it was a fantasy! It was fantastic, and I'm looking forward to reading future books Brown writes in the series. Having a congenital heart defect myself, I definitely identified with Ana, and everything she was going through with her heart problem. Brown definitely has a good sense of what adolescents facing such problems must go through on a daily basis.

The other half of the story, Chance, was a huge and welcome surprise. You'll have to read the book for yourself to see what I mean. But his character was incredible, and the relationship between Chance and Ana was inspiring.

Review by Andrea Buginsky, author of "The Chosen" and "My Open Heart."

A lover of paranormal I am and while not normally a fan of Young Adult, I took a chance and read this book. I am happy to say, I am glad I took the chance.

A very solid written book with descriptions that allow you to perfectly see the scene in the writer's mind and feel the emotions of the characters as they move through their story. The characters were believable along with even the paranormal aspects. The plot was deep enough to very much satisfy my mind and kept me guessing as to exactly how it would end.

While this book runs the lines of young adult, it is more of a cross over as the characters are becoming adults and the story will continue into their future. I also enjoyed the Native American ties to this book, as I have been a lover of that history for many years.

I look forward to seeing what Ms. Brown brings to us in the next installment of the Chronicles.

I do love all things paranormal, and although not usually an avid reader of YA, I have adored some. Either way, this sounded like a great choice to read for my first review for WLC.

Some major positives were:

Some beautifully written descriptions of scenic landscapes and wildlife, and some wonderfully explored emotive scenes. I cared about the characters and the relationships. I felt the urgency growing regarding several conflicts, through to the end. I enjoyed the shape-shifting scenes, and action scenes were handed well, too.

I found the Native American aspects really interesting to explore. The main characters were also eighteen, a much better age than the usual 16-17 year olds of YA, at least for me.

There were a few flaws with this novel:

It lost two points out of five for me (3.5/5) because I felt like I had to push myself to get through some parts of it. There was perhaps too much attention paid to areas like small talk and dressing and hearing what seemed to be filler telephone conversations (telling us the same as a character had already done); interactions which didn't really need to be there.

These issues made areas of this novel drag, which was a shame because I liked the concept and loved the characters. In the last quarter in particular, it changes between perspectives awkwardly and seemingly without any real purpose. The author then goes on to explain what happened after showing us using these different views: at one point, we see a scene from Chance's perspective, then from his grandfathers. Although cumbersome, I learned something from it. But then Chance tells us what happened all over again.

Don't get me wrong, overall I enjoyed the book and I'm really glad I read it in it's entirety. I imagine the rest of the chronicles will continue the great storyline and include the characters I really came to care about (this author is superb at bringing out emotions in the reader), so I'd be interested in reading more. I feel sure that each book will improve regarding the issues I've mentioned, as her skills evolve.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Finding Esta: #1 The Supes Series (Urban Fantasy Paranormal & Mystery) by Shah Wharton

The relationship created by Natasha Brown in 'Fledgling', between Chance and Ana is very realistic, not like those created by authors set to Stephanie Meyer and LJ Smith. Relationship develops a reasonable rate, not too quick, not too fast, as the story progresses. However the relationship is very exciting in the beginning but lags slightly as the book advances, until the critical moments arrive.

Ana is a lovely character and highlights, how difficult it is doing normal things (that we take for granted) can be, for those with heart problems and other difficulties.

Chance's character does not fully develop until the end but this encourages the reader to read on and find out more about him.

The supporting characters create a feel of normality and emphasise the problems that families with children who have medical difficulties face.

Without giving too much away, the supernatural element of the novel is very good and obviously well thought out. Although the idea is not entirely original, Brown has done well to make it her own.

The atmosphere created by Brown out this book is commendable. It is as though a kind of warmth is seeping through the pages.

Imogen for Worm's Magical Library of Books

I found the book to be a light and enjoyable YA novel. I especially liked the way the author managed to keep me guessing. Just when I thought I'd read the climax of the story, something new came along. If you're looking for a quick and enjoyable read, this is the book for you. Good job.

Author Natasha Brown wrote an intriguing tale with her YA novel, Fledgling. Surviving her serious heart condition is the life Ana has ever known until her family moves to a new town and she meets Chance. Instantly drawn to his intense hazel eyes Ana easily falls under his spell, though is afraid to ruin their newfound relationship by revealing the seriousness of her heart condition. As Ana and Chance grow closer it soon becomes apparent that Chance is hiding a secret of his own, a secret that could make or break the love that has grown between them.

This first edition of the Shapeshifter Series captured the essence of young love and left you wanting for more. I'll look forward to the next edition of the Shapeshifter Series.

Ms Brown has done a wonderful job developing the story as the reader is introduced to the characters. The friendship that grows and the understanding of what each other is going through is well done. I think it would be a little more realistic if there was some conflict as he characters adjust to the information the learn about each other. Ana's heart condition and Chance's shifting.

All in all it is a very good basis for the first book of the series.

Ana has a severe heart condition so her family has to move. In a new state she meets Chance who has a secret he cannot tell anyone. Ana feels like she wants a normal life so she keeps her health conditions a secret. Great read when they both get together it's awesome. Need to read

It is a book about beginnings. It speaks about a new start for Ana as she battles her weakened heart as well as the changes to her health situation. New Beginnings for Chance as he must live with the situation and preoccupations of the death of his grandfather as well as adjusting to the continuing developments of his relationship between him and Ana.

Fledgling is a very well rounded story bringing contemporary issues to the paranormal table. It had me reading for hours with its wonderful characters and enchanting world-building. This is on my 'to read often' pile and have done so at least three times!

When I began reading this book it seemed oddly familiar even though I never read it. Then it hit me. I was reading Twilight all over again! This book is so much like Twilight that it is almost plagerism.

The main character, Ana, moves to a new place, drives an old vehicle in much need of a pant job that she is embarrassed to drive, is the shy type, doesn't think she's pretty even though she is, doesn't want to get invloved with boys. Sound like Bella yet?

The other main character, Chance, is a boy who doesn't want friends, doesn't want to get invloved with the girl but he can't help himself. There's even a scene where they are in the classroom together and he can smell her from across the room! Edward! Except Chance is Navajo and can shapeshift. Jacob.

I got all this from just a few chapters. I'm afraid to read anymore of this book as I can't stand Twilight and this is just a plagerisd version with shapeshifters (also in Twilight) instead of vampires. There are some differences enough to make it different, but not enough for me. Perhaps I will continue to read it at some point, but at it's current stage it is not holding my interest in the least. If I do read the rest I will update a full review of the book.