Member Reviews
Elliott is an Arctic werewolf. He was part of the Brotherhood of the Midnight Sun 400 years ago but since that time he’s been by himself. He is currently working at a university and is shocked when he meets a woman, Jenny Piper, who is an Arctic werewolf as well. He’s attracted to her but he wants nothing to do with any werewolves or pack so tries to separate himself. That lasts less than 24 hours as the leader of the Brotherhood, Gunnar, shows up to let him know that the evil Siberian wolf they had put in jail 400 years earlier has escaped and wants revenge. Elliott wants to ignore it all but he can’t when the previously imprisoned wolf attacks not only him but also Jenny.
Soon Jenny, Elliott and Gunnar are off to fight the battle between good and evil but the evil runs much deeper than any of them believed and it might take a miracle for the Brotherhood to win this battle.
Ice Wolf is the first book in the Arctic Brotherhood series. The story was fast-paced and pretty action packed from the start of the book.
I liked Elliott despite the fact that he was pretty grumpy at the beginning of the book. He soon took his place as leader of the Brotherhood and it was just what he needed in order to deal with his PTSD resulting from being tortured 400 years before. He was a good leader and I felt he did a good job.
Jenny was a fighter and I really liked her. She had a sunny disposition despite her childhood horrors and I liked her positivity and strength. She got herself into a bit of a bind during the course of the book but didn’t end up needing the hero to rescue her – she did that herself. Go Jenny!
The story was a good one, no doubt. I wish that we could have gotten to know the other members of the Brotherhood a little better. I think I would be more interested in reading their stories if I had a bit more knowledge of who they are. Yes the Brotherhood worked together in this book but it was really focused on Elliott and Jenny. If you like Norse mythology this would be a good one to pick up. These definitely aren’t your average werewolves, that’s for sure.
Rating: 3 out of 5
This is a nice opener to a series that I'm sure will be filled with all that smoldering, sexy shifter chemistry and a continued battle between wolves. I enjoyed the build up and reflection of the past. Elliott had a lot of back history he needed to forgive himself for, and Jenny is a perfect partner for him.
I'm looking forward to seeing how this series unfolds.
“Do you even know I love you, Wilder? I’ve never said it. But can’t you feel it every time I look at you or touch you? Don’t you know I love every inch of you, even the parts that are hurt beyond repair?” – Jenny Piper
Wow!!! Just... WOW!!! Now that's a start to a series I'm dying to keep reading!
Elliott Wilder is part of a council of leaders. Leaders of the Arctic werewolves, that is. But he has long given up the responsibilities of his position, along with his furry nature, due to a tragic event a long time ago with Siberian werewolves. But now those same werewolves are back, and their leader is after the Arctic Brotherhood generally, and Elliott personally. Can Jenny Piper, a new member of the Brotherhood and an Arctic werewolf herself, get him to accept his past and his inner wolf now that his people need him?
I must say I enjoy shifter romances. But they're usually about shifter and a human, and yada yada yada. This one, however, was different. Elliott is a wolf who doesn't wish to walk on four legs anymore - and his soulmate, Jenny, is a wolf of the same kind, only she enjoys being one way too much. It's a combination I rarely see, and I can't say it didn't work out perfectly with the story.
The pace was a bit slow at first, but as soon as Santin kept adding pressure, things picked up really quickly. I loved every single one of the Brotherhood - even Samson the sexist - and I'm impressed by the fact that Godman wrote Jenny to be leader material, instead of simply a leader's mate. The "equality" message worked nicely, and it was subtle and fitting, without the complications of forcefully getting there - unlike many works of art and literature these days that seem to have lost all kinds of sense just for the sake of political correctness. Not to mention how shocked I was with a couple of plot twists - like the ones with Fenrir and Gunnar.
The only thing that irked me a bit were the lovemaking scenes. Oh, they were hot, no doubt about it. But poor Jenny had to deal with a lot of insecurities and self-doubt from Elliott before he gave in not only to her love, but also to his own desires. It didn't take too much out of the story's enjoyment, though, so I didn't count it in when I was rating the book.
I've also read Samson's book and I'll be reviewing it soon. Stay tuned for it!
***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***
Yea I have a thing about supernatural or paranormal books … to me they are thrilling and entertaining. Whether they are horror type or not, they take you out of this world and into another.
This begins with Gunner, the once leader of the “Brotherhood of the Midnight Sun,” trying to pull Elliott Wilder back into the the brotherhood for another fight. But Elliot wants the seclusion & anonymity he has being a college professor.
Problem with this simple idea? The Siberian Wolf that tortured them 400 yrs. before has broken free and he wants revenge. His 1st target is Elliot, until he see Elliot with Jenny Piper. Then also goes after her to hurt Elliot. But Gunner is with her trying to get her to join the Brotherhood when they are attacked. From there Elliot is in charge of the Brotherhood to bring down the Siberian Wolf, who is more than he appears to be.
The catch to this story is that the Siberian Wolf isn’t the main goal. What the Siberian Wolf released on to the world is far worse than he was. Can the Brotherhood bound together to defeat this new threat to the werewolves & mankind? Or will they be defeated wolf by wolf?
Ms. Godman created a unique world that draws you into the world where there are different types of werewolves & myths they belong to. Where they change is quick, in the blink of an eye (almost), and painless. Where they live in a society that doesn’t even know they exist.
I found the writing and telling of this story worth reading book two, Shadow Wolf.
Post goes live 13 JUNE
This was a nice surprise! I loved the different take on the lore for the different werewolf packs but especially loved the Artic wolves and their need for the midnight sun. It was nice to read a different paranormal romance where the cold and snow played such a big part of the story. I loved the change and could imagine them mushing on dog sleds through the artic. This particular incorporation of the Norse legends into the werewolf origins was something I hadn't read before. I had a great time following along as the mystery unfoled. The brotherhood was interesting and I liked the dynamics between the members. I loved Elliot and Jenny together. Of all of the characters, I liked Jenny the best. She was determined and strong willed. I loved that Gunnar chose her to replace him in the brotherhood. This was such an interesting world and fun to read. I can't wait to start book two.
Why I gave this book a 1 star rating
Might contain spoilers, so don’t read this if you don’t wanna know okay?
What was the point? I never go into a book wanting to hate it. It’s been a while since I read a paranormal romance and was in a mood for one. This one was receiving great early reviews and an eARC showed up in my inbox, so why not? The book and I started off on the right foot and it quickly went downhill from there. It had so much potential with it’s Norse mythology background, but not only was the story lacking the way things unfolded really hit the nail on that coffin. The background story was a bit confusing and I felt like we needed more information to grasp it.
Instalove and main characters. I felt like there was an instalove in this book. Okay, I get it, they are wolves and the whole mating this… but it was awkward and annoying and none of the romance clicked for me. Not too mention that I did not like Jenny. When they go on the mission to capture a really bad guy in NYC, she seemed to have failed to get the memo and stupidly get’s herself caught because she needed to go outside and think about her feelings for Wilder. Because she apparently could not do that from her hotel room. Yay for stupid female leads.
I thought this was a werewolf story and I guess it was, but not the way I remember or want my werewolves. They turned into wolves and I guess they are more in tune with being a wolf then human? Which honestly made some of their actions a bit weird. It was like watching human’s act like animals. It was super weird and awkward.
Wolf mountain a wolf /cringe
There is this bad guy right? Not 100% sure why he is bad, but he captured the brotherhood like 400 years ago and Wilder saved Gunners life, but Gunner lost his hand in the process. Santin is suppose to be this big bad guy who gives them lots of trouble and is immune to silver. He has escaped his prison and is coming for them. The first encounter was fun, there was a fight and it gave this book a chance. The final confrontation with Santin happened so quickly and easily, I was left more than a little annoyed. Like…for reals?
Everything that follows is just so convenient, what was even the point of setting something like this up only to have it be so anti-climatic.
So the brotherhood discovers that Santin released Fenrir, their most powerful ally. Again, the final confrontation lacked in everything.
They bring down the bad guy with no problems in front of millions of people and no one ever get’s in their way. So this god like creature get’s taken down by a pack of wolves who have not been together in 400 years but suddenly click?
Wilder wanting to put everyone in danger cause he cannot stop moping about Jenny.
Weird human’s being in animal heat.
Ugh, I just find that I have a hard time explaining. I just found it bad. It could have been better. There was so much potential and it faltered. Nothing lived up to it’s potential. The love story in this was annoying and too quick. The plot-line was convenient and underdeveloped and anticlimactic. You can read the spoiler of my annoyance below
View Spoiler »
Okay, I spent enough time wrapping my head around this review.
Ice Wolf is the first book in the Arctic Brotherhood series, and gives you a great book to begin with, to really get your interest going. Wilder is one of the Arctic Brotherhood, seven (and only seven) of the strongest and the bravest Arctic wolves. However, he has had nothing to do with his brothers for a long time, and hopes it will be even longer as he doesn't know if he has what it takes any longer. He has suffered with PTSD since the last time they got together, but I'm afraid that the bad guys don't consider things like that! Jenny is hoping to partner up with the elusive professor, and is shocked when she realises that he is an Arctic Wolf like her.
This book starts nicely, giving you a great introduction to Wilder's life, and then BOOM!!! It is action packed, fast paced, and full of the Brothers! Brilliant. Learning about all of them, and their abilities, made for engrossing reading, especially if you have a softness for Norse mythology. The story between Jenny and Wilder takes off too, running along nicely with the reason the brothers have reunited. I won't go into the details of the story, you've got the synopsis for that. However, I will say that this is very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow. This book is a page-turner, with action and steamy scenes to keep everyone happy. Definitely recommended for all shifter fans.
Ice Wolf starts off the Arctic Brotherhood series by author Jane Godman. I really liked this start of the series. There are very strong characters who bring issues to the table I can see being fleshed out in future books. I also like the lore and world building in this book. I want to know more, and I am very engaged. Always good signs in a series, this is my first time reading Ms. Godman but hopefully she continues with this series so it is not my last time reading her.
We have an introduction to the Arctic Wolves. They all protect the world from evil. But they suffered a very huge loss against evil. One that scars our main character of this book. He has to learn to trust himself and his abilities again and basically get back into the saddle and fight.
Wilder is a professor. He never has gotten over the defeat many many years ago. For him it is a fresh memory that tells him to stay out of the fight. He wants to be ordinary and normal. He cannot escape though who he is. He is a protector. His inner wolf keeps reminding him of that.
His personality is strong. I liked that he is gentle but fierce. Very tormented soul when we meet him.
Jenny is a wolf. She is a student. She is strong, sweet, almost carefree. Wilder needs that part of Jenny. He needs to remember to have a little fun once in while. Jenny is the kind of girl who will get what she wants, she is resourceful and will find a way.
She is also very kind, sweet, and fierce! I loved that she can rescue our hero. I love a kick butt heroine. Jenny is that.
Over all an amazing start to this series. If you love paranormal stories with hot heroes and kick butt heroines this is the story to pick up.
Five Shooting Stars
I always love a good shapeshifter book and this is it. Love, adventure, it has it all.
Great start to the Arctic Brotherhood series! Really enjoyed this, i'm a particular fan of supernatural stories and this is definitely one of the better ones.! It's a really interesting take, different to normal shifter stories and I loved the Norse mythology aspect. The relationship between Elliott and Jenny is fab, they've got excellent chemistry with some enjoyable banter! I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here!
If you are looking for your typical paranormal romance, with the emphasis on romance, this story might not be for you. It definitely wasn’t what I expected. Looking at the cover, and reading the blurb I thought this will be a hot read with some shifter steamy love making, alpha male, you know the usual stuff.
Ice Wolf is more about the background story, Norse mythology to be exact. There is definitely more action and character building than the actual romance, which boils down to a few hot moments and a rather predictable outcome. Like I said, not what I expected, but still thrilling and interesting.
The author managed to set the tone for the whole series, which, after devouring the first book, I cannot wait to read.
I received a free copy from NetGalley; this is my honest review.
This is a Steamy Wolf Shifters Fantasy Romantic Suspense.
Steamy: there are a lot of great sex scenes in this book.
Fantasy: over-the-top unrealistic, save the world kind of story.
Wolf Shifters: even though we didn't see them all in action, the author created a variety of wolf shifters, with assorted skills and weaknesses - interesting.
Rom Susp: lots of suspense, not many places to curl up and read in peace; no sirree; it's packed with action, it abounds in surprises, it has a satisfying HFN because the author is not done yet. There are a few events in the background that you just know cannot conclude like this.
All this said, the author has the ability to describe the surroundings and it makes the story more engaging since these are Artic wolves so they are bound to love the snow and hate where it's too warm. Hence the need to draw a picture for us.
If I would have the choice to add something it would be how the shifters fared during the long 400 years since they don't age and they probably had to move a lot...
Great editing, great story, great ending.
ICE WOLF suffers from having both too much information and not enough. It’s rare to want a book to cut back on the world building and just focus on the love story. Elliott Wilder is a member of the Arctic Brotherhood, an elite fighting team with only seven members. He’s tried to completely remove himself from the werewolf lifestyle. But when an old adversary escapes from prison, both he and newcomer Jenny Piper join the Brotherhood to stop the threat. ICE WOLF does twist some of the standard werewolf tropes but the pack’s a long bloody history ends up stealing too much focus. There’s not much to know about Jenny Piper but we do learn plenty about werewolf mythology.
We’re told quite a lot about the characters and their beliefs but it never feels earned. Elliott Wilder cut himself off from his pack because he developed PTSD after a vicious fight some 400 years ago. As a result he can’t sleep and has panic attacks if he even hears about werewolves in pop culture. This is brought up in the first chapter then never again. Throughout the novel Wilder has no problem jumping into fights or leading the pack. I guess all he really needed was a good lay.
There are only two named female characters in the book. Both end up kidnapped or imprisoned. Samson, another member of the Brotherhood, is introduced as a misogynist who, we’re supposed to assume, is a jerk with a heart of gold. Even though Samson is eventually awed and protective of Jenny, it’s difficult to forgive a male character who outright dismisses her abilities and belittles her, telling her she's only good enough for shopping.
Even though Jenny is a bit of a blank slate, there’s no denying the attraction between her and Elliott. The romance between Elliott and Jenny is sweet and the novel’s saving grace. The complicated mythology and backstory does pull too much focus from character development; but, if you’re into Norse mythology, you may enjoy the details that Jane Godman put into the novel.
I can admit that Shifter Romance is my first love in the reading world. It’s always been to me, my favourite.When I discover a new author in the genre, especially shifters I always cross my fingers and hope I will enjoy it.
In this case, I did enjoy! Elliot and Jenny make an intriguing couple.
I think if you enjoy PNR and like giving new authors you haven't read before a try, then this is the one you should give ago!
This was a good start to an interesting series. But first.....let's just admire that cover, shall we...sigh
Elliott Wilder, never referred to as Elliott, is an Arcic Wolf. He's hot as sin, with that amazing body and dreamy eyes and is old as hell. Yep, he's well over four hundred years old. Thank goodness he doesn't actually age. Four hundred years ago, Wilder was directly involved in taking down a Siberian Wolf who was out to destroy the Arctic race. Now, it seems as though he's escaped his prison and is out for revenge. Being a member of the Brotherhood, he had no choice but to join the crusade to bring him down again. Well...that and the fact that there was a new member who was sexy. Ok, and potentially his mate.
Jenny Piper was originally interested in teaming up with Wilder as a co-worker, as a human. She had no idea what she was getting in to when she finally met him face to face. It wasn't hard to figure out that they were both Arctic Wolves. But apparently Wilder had an issue accepting it. But why? After being thrown in to the Brotherhood, she starts to learn bits and pieces, putting the puzzle together. Thankfully her female alpha knows how to get what she wants.
Like I stated earlier, this is a nice opener to a series that I'm sure will be filled with animalistic chemistry and a continued battle between wolves. My only issue was that after building up to a couple of climactic scenes, I was left feeling a little disappointed at how easy the situation was dissolved. All in all, a good read that kept me interested throughout.
reviewed by Chris
DNF. Couldn't get into it. Read 40% but it just didn't keep my interest. Didn't read next one either.
Ice Wolf is the first book I have read by Jane Godman. The exciting beginning hooked me into the story even though I figured it would switch to the present soon. It is a clear good versus evil kind of story with a few twists thrown in for good measure. The idea of wolf shifters being from different areas with their different traits and physical appearances is not original but Ms. Godman gave this a fresh approach which I enjoyed.
The writing and plot is strong, I was liked the extra insight such as why seven is so important to the brotherhood. The fact that a shifter could suffer from PTSD like Elliot dies also gives this story a uniqueness I like. I had one but only one complaint. The danger, action, and character development were so well done that the abundance of sexual references and scenes between Eliot and Jenny seemed to take the focus away from the plot; it didn’t feel like romance to me. I understand that the characters had an animal nature but still they also had a human nature. Still it would not hinder me from reading more of this series. I sincerely hope all the others get their story, meaning I would buy and read their stories, too.
A different take on the wolf shifter genre. I was quite impressed with this book and I'm getting ready to start the second book. I liked Wilder a lot. To see his growth from loner wolf who didn't seem so sure of himself to a pretty decent alpha male was an exciting journey. I think it was Jenny believing in him to bring it out of him. Really happy with this book.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
I freely admit that Shifter Romance has become my first love in the reading world. It’s always a delight to me, personally, when I discover a new author in the genre, especially when her slant on the lore of shifters has such a unique touch to it. While I devoured both Ice Wolf and Shadow Wolf, I am certainly looking forward to more in this series, and from it’s author Jane Goodman.
Elliot is a wounded soul. In his long life he has faced many things, seen the worst that his kind can inflict upon both wolves and humanity. In today’s world he wold have been diagnosed with PTSD. He suffers from memories he cannot escape, and the knowledge that he was unable to completely save his leader from attack. Although the loss of the use of a hand is preferable to the loss of a life – but Elliot doesn’t see it that way, in his mind he failed. He now prefers his solitary world, his life as a professor and trying to live with his memories. Unfortunately his time in seclusion is about to end with the knowledge that the Arctic Brotherhood’s greatest enemy has returned… and he crosses paths with another professor, a woman who will change his life, a woman who he will fight his attraction for but would lay his life down for if need be.
Elliot and Jenny make an intriguing couple. She’s stronger than most think, and determined to fight against a common enemy while losing her heart to this wounded wolf. Elliot will emerge stronger than he believes possible, and discover that there is release from the memories in the arms of a woman he’s afraid to love but cannot escape.
This story is a unique look at shifters and their lore. Yet, it doesn’t take long to fall into the flow of the story and begin to care about what happens to these people who have been through so much. If you enjoy either Paranormal Romance or Shifter Romance, then Ice Wolf is a story that you’ll want to get your hands on. Fast paced, detailed and full of likable characters – and some very nasty ones as well – this is a universe that you can get caught up in quite easily. I would definitely recommend this story and the series.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Arctic werewolves could only shift or be killed during the light of the midnight son. The midnight son called to the arctic werewolves like the moon called to other werewolves. Gunner was the alpha of the arctic werewolves and Santin of the Siberian werewolves was the alpha and enemy of the Arctic wolves. Santin went after Gunner with a silver knife but Elliott jumped on his back and Gunner’s hand was the only thing affected. Elliott Wilder was a professor at the University of Alaska. Elliott knew his colleagues regarded him as an oddity. The fact is Elliott was a loner, eccentric person. Gunner sat in Elliott office. Elliott taught Arctic anthropology. Gunner had been Elliott’s mentor and Gunner told Elliott Santin was back and has threatened Elliott personally. Gunner said Santin will come after anyone Elliott cares for. Elliott said he had no family or friends so there was no one for Santin to hurt him with. Elliott felt guilty for turning Gunner down but he already had PTSD. He’d only know this the last fifty years. For three hundred and fifty years Elliott thought he was losing his mind. Seven- only seven Arctic werewolves- the bravest and the strongest alphas made up The Brotherhood. As Elliott was set to leave he heard his name being called, the woman was an Arctic werewolf and she was Jenny Piper- Professor J E Piper and she wanted to discuss a collaboration between their two departments. But she was three hours late. Then Elliott found he had a flat and Jenny offered to call a friend who would fix it and have it back to Elliott in the morning and she would give him a ride home tonight. Jenny gave Elliott the outline of her proposal they could share resources and expertise. But that would mean they share one afternoon a week for the next semester. Elliott already knew there was no way he was going to do a collaboration with Jenny. Jenny was determined about the collaboration and Professor Wilder was hot and she would get him to agree.jenny wondered what had happened to Professor Wilder as Arctic wolves were sociable not solitary. Jenny wasn’t alone by choice, she had barely made it to her teens before her family had been murdered by hunters. Gunner showed up at Jenny’s home. Before Elliott even got to his apartment Santin was there and barefoot meaning he was ready to shift. But Elliott could only shift with the midnight sun. There was a unique bond between Arctic werewolves. Elliott had almost forgotten what physical attraction felt like but he was definitely attracted to Jenny. His inner wolf was setting the pace and that seared Elliott. Then Gunner told jenny they would be going to meet with the Brotherhood. Jenny was never meant to be alone she craved the security and organization of a wolf pack. That is why she hadn’t hesitated when Gunner suggested she join the elite Brotherhood. It offered everything jenny had been missing: fellowship, belonging, loyalty, and a common purpose. It also appealed to Jenny’s warrior spirit. Three werewolves showed up at jenny’s , gunner and Jenny slowed them down long enough to leave. Then Elliott and Jenny were heading to Jotunheim. When at their hotel before meeting the Brotherhood the next day jenny wanted to go out and play in the snow. Finally Elliott joined her and then his control broke and he kissed Jenny as though he was branding her. He took Jenny back to the hotel room Elliott had tried to fight having sex with Jenny but he gave in. Besides Jenny pointed out that if they had sex as humans she wouldn’t get pregnant and they would not be mated for life. Jenny became Elliott’s obsession. Elliott no longer wanted to be part of the Brotherhood as the nightmares are already had were enough. Once Santin was dead he was walking away for good. Elliott and Jenny met up with the the other five members of the Brotherhood and went out to the compound. Santin had already been there and destroyed the generator and radio now Gunner could not contact them. Elliott knew better than to want forever he could barely take care of himself with his nightmares and all that his spirit was damaged for anything other than isolation and mediocrity. Elliott blamed himself for Gunner losing his hand but Gunner told him anyone would have paused for a minute and he got to Santin real fast even though Elliott knew he had a silver knife. Elliott found some of that guilt lift from his shoulders. Now to kill Santin.
This was an excellent story I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The plot was great. I loved that Gunner took some of the guilt from Elliot’s shoulders. There is plenty of action and intrigue in this story. I liked there was a Goddess that was the mother of all werewolves also. Jenny and Elliott were a beautiful couple I thought. I hated it when Jenny got hurt and almost died and the pain Elliott felt. All and all a great story. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I highly recommend.