Sandy S.
3.75 stars--A SHIFTER CHRISTMAS CAROL by Jennifer Ashley focuses on one-time clan leader, and former Shiftertown leader Dylan Morrissey as he struggles to free the shifters from their segregated communities known as Shiftertowns. SOME BACKGROUND: Thousands of years in the past, the Fae created the shifters-a cross between beast and man-and in the ensuing time the Fae lost control and power over the battle creatures they had created for war. Approximately twenty years ago shifters were exposed to the human population. Out of fear, discrimination and specieism, the shifters were collared with Fae magic in the belief that it would control aggression; then they were forced into segregated communities known as Shiftertowns. There are several Shiftertowns located throughout America where shifters live in a relative but strained peace amongst their own kind. Told from third person perspective (Dylan Morrissey) A SHIFTER CHRISTMAS CAROL follows lion-shifter Dylan Morrissey as he forgoes the annual Yule celebration in an attempt to broker a deal with the blood-sucking humans known as the zilithal. Leaving family and friends behind, Dylan heads to the ‘sentient house’ in New Orleans where he will come face to face with his past, present and possible future as he battles to free the people he loves. What ensues is a ‘Christmas Carol’ style chain of events where the potential repercussions of Dylan’s actions could mean the death for them all. A SHIFTER CHRISTMAS CAROL is a fast paced, novella length story wherein Dylan Morrissey must come to terms with his one-man inability to save the Shifter race. From a feeling of hopelessness; his lack of attentiveness of his beloved Glory, to the possibility of losing everyone he loves, Dylan will soon realize that family and friendships mean the world and more. Definitely familiar in its’ presentation A SHIFTER CHRISTMAS CAROL is a ‘spirited’ and dramatic tale.
Angie J
I have loved all the Shifter Unbound books and this is a worthy addition. I like Dylan's ruthless streak and like Ben as a character too, although I'm a little sad he hasn't yet found a worthy mate but finding the right strong powderful female for him can't be rushed. Its nice to catch up with old friends especially around the holiday season. Thanks Jennifer, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Sharyn Mckee
A take on A Christmas Carol, where Dylan, the patriarch of these shifters, sees his past, present and future. Was worried this might be the last, but fortunately it is not. I love Ashley's shifter world.