Customer Reviews

Rapture Untamed (Feral Warriors)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Jag is the Feral Warrior with bad attitude who is always stirring up trouble with his brother warriors. Olivia is not one of the elite shifting Ferals, but a Guardian for their magical race. Olivia becomes the target for Jag's nasty mouth when she and her team arrive to help the Feral Warriors to track down daemons preying on the local humans. Jag doesn't see Olivia as a fellow warrior, but as a potential bedmate - just another in a long string - but Olivia has a secret, a curse, but one which makes her more than capable of holding her own against their evil enemies.

I've really enjoyed the past Feral warrior stories, but I have to say that this one was really mixed for me. I love it when bad boys go good, but initially I had a hard time with Jag. He's a real jerk when he verbally harassed and embarrassed Olivia in front of their comrades and Jag was not above using any means - I'd say fair or foul, but it's mostly foul - to manipulate Olivia into his bed. And when he discovered Olivia's secret, Jag was quick to use the info as black mail to achieve that end. I found this initial hook-up between the pair to be somewhat disturbing, it came pretty close to crossing the line into forced sex and didn't make it there only because Olivia was still aroused by the coerced seduction and Jag didn't actually make the final move until Olivia - which I thought was out of character - begged. I also didn't like that Jag introduced something hurtful, or demeaning into almost all of the `love scenes' - including attempting to get Olivia to `do it' with him while he was furry. We're supposed to forgive Jag since his rejection of intimacy is a form of self punishment for the crime in his past, and because Olivia was perceptive enough to 'know' what he's doing, but it took Jag way past jerkdom and it made it exceedingly hard to root for his redemption.

Now for the good. The story does improve when Jag finally faces his past and realized that, instead of pushing Olivia away, he wanted to keep her forever. And though the transition from 'nasty' Jag to `good' Jag is a bit clunky -- the action packed ending and the redeemed Jag make the last third of the book pretty good. I also really enjoyed the setup for Kougar's book and cameos by past pairs were fun too.

Let me just start out by saying I love the Feral Warriors series so far, but this one with Jag and Olivia kinda creeped me out. I was really looking forward to Jag's story to find out what was behind all his hateful ways towards everyone, only to be disappointed in how his story went and his nasty self continued to the point of just being creepy. **SPOILER** What was with the part with him wanting to have sex with Olivia in his animal form and trying to make her a sex slave in order to keep her secrets? CREEPY! I was disappointed in Olivia's character because she was portrayed as such a strong, independent person that it was hard for me to believe that she would just buckle under to Jag and his demands as easily as she did without some sort of refusal. She just didn't strike me as the type that would except that degrading fate that Jag was dealing out to her as her only option to keep her secret safe. I pictured her calling his bluff and kicking his a@* and maybe in the heat of the fight come together; but never just doing what he says because of fear. There was other options she could have took with out putting herself in that situation. Even with an attraction between the two of them this storyline just went a little too weird.

I loved this series. I actually just read the first book in the series "Desire Untamed" Monday and finished "Rapture Untamed" last night. I think all the book fit wanderfully together and made a great contribution to the paranormal world. I did notice the reading order wasn't anywhere easily accessable so here it is:
1. Desire Untamed
2.Obsession Untamed
3. Passion Untamed
4. Rapture Untamed

Oh and if you like shifters you should check out the Shelly Laurenston/G.A Aiken those books are great to.

Originally posted at: [...]

This action filled, dramatic and intense book is not for the faint of heart or stomach because the hero and heroine not only fight beings that fight dirty but their relationship is far from sweet.

I've read other books in the Feral Warriors series by Ms. Palmer and I'm telling you, I have experienced a roller coaster of emotions that have left a lasting impression. Sometimes they are so intense I simply have to walk away but I always come back because I simply have to know. Will they survive the impossible? How in the world can their love be strong enough to weather the brutality these tortured heroes and heroines have had to live through. The writing is always tight, with all their emotions - fear and hope - all brought to life in vivid imagery. I'm still reeling in shock from reading Rapture Untamed. I am almost in tears as I write this. Sure these are fictional characters but this is the fourth book in the series and even though every one has gripped my heartstrings and played the most melancholy tune I've ever had the privilege of hearing, this book totally got to me. It has a happily ever after that really is as sweet as it could be considering Jag's personality. But it also proved that Ms. Palmer doesn't let a happily ever after get in the way of telling a good story. Or of making me very antsy, enough where I am demanding the next book, pronto. I can't begin to express my feelings at this point in time but I'm still horrified for the characters.

Jag is short for Jaguar which is what his animal is. The word `jag' is also symbolic of his heart because it has a jagged tear in it that's festered for centuries. In the other books, he came across as a taunting jerk. And no, a reader does not need to read the previous ones to get into this story. It has its own strengths and will prove to a reader that Jag is a jerk just the same, until he meets the one woman who can reach the darkness inside and make him face it. Olivia gives him sass and a few well aimed punches to get her point across, and he needs that as much as he needs her.

As for this book being a standalone read, it is. However that being said, having read Obsession Untamed made the ending of Rapture Untamed that much more poignant and shocking. I guess that's why it affected me so much, because I had read Tighe's story before. Ms. Palmer has completely and unequivocally insured that her next book is going to be an auto-buy for me. It's been awhile since I've been this passionate about a book and this series has earned my fandom.

Olivia is the tortured heroine who has secrets and fears just as volatile as Jag's. Her talent is an amazing concept and the author did an excellent job of getting a reader into her head and heart. Right from the get-go Ms. Palmer had me sympathizing with her plight and impressed with her courage and determination. Love allowed her to survive and love will eventually give her the reason to live and to fight harder. I enjoyed her `take no prisoners' attitude and that she can hold her own against Jag. In fact, she gave it right back to him. She's no wimp, she's the whip.

I will caution readers to the darkness in this story. It has violence, drama and some very intense scenes between Jag and Olivia that may make some sensitive readers wince. Personally, I found it true to character and if their `courting' and relationship encounters had been done in any other manner, it would have undermined both the inner conflict and the ultimate expression of their love when the time came. Okay, sure, reading it got me a bit hyper but Olivia is not written as a weak or ineffectual personality. She's aware at all times and understands where it's all coming from, if not where it's going. Underlying it all is respect for the integrity of the characters and without that, their growth would not have been believable. Add to that a hint of mischief and humor during one of their physical interludes and it brings a healthy dose of insight as to how their relationship will eventually be once all the external and internal conflicts are resolved. Well, at least in relation to Jag and Olivia's own personal lives, not to the world at large.

Rapture Untamed had me in its grip as soon as the sixth page of the prologue, and it never let go. This book has everything a paranormal romantic suspense reader could wish for and then some. Get ready for the book of the year because Rapture Untamed has everything in it to keep you on the edge of your seat with anticipation, thrills, suspense and action. The bad guys are really bad and the good guys have to be as tough or more in order to save the day. The rocky relationship between Jag and Olivia was powerful and potent and the happily ever after solid and heartfelt. Ms. Palmer has a winner with this one.

I couldn't ask for a better reading experience, except to get ahold of the next book and find out what happens next with my new favorite alpha guys.

I did not find this story at all creepy.What I did find was two warriors who needed each other.To me it was a great story with class.If the author wanted to she could have made Jag a hell of alot meaner and she could have made it where Jag did take Olivia in his cat state from someone who has read alot of shifter books would know. And make it where he did all kinds of bad things to Olivia.But the author didn't. All in all it was a story about two warriors who needed a friend someone to help them get over there past. A good read.

One of the problems I have with series writing is that the later installments often become too bogged down with details from previous installments. Rapture Untamed was an impulse supermarket buy (it was either this or the oreos). I purchased it knowing that it was part of a series that I had never read and by an author that I'm unfamiliar with. In other words, my expectations were not high. I was pleasantly surprised. Palmer did a good job of bringing series newbies up to speed without too much confusion, though I did feel a little lost in places. But, once I figured out the who's who and why of the story, it was a fairly good read. Palmer's writing style seems effortless (which is a definite plus when you're grappling with so many "whos" and "whys"). The plot seemed a little weak, but the characters were strong and well drawn. I got the sense while reading the book that the alpha male, Jag, was probably a character that series readers really REALLY wanted to read more about. Overall the book is fairly typical for paranormal series writing (character driven, weak plot, steamy sex...). But, this one was a fun, easy read and I don't regret not getting the Oreos, so I'd give it 4 stars for entertainment value alone.

This book was crude with its graphic and unsettling sex scenes and language. Jag was a major jerk who absolutely disgusted me with the way he spoke to or about women (Delaney and Olivia). Most sex scenes had Jag overpowering Olivia, using her as some sort of sex slave. Isn't that rape? Olivia does, however, submit to him in the end, begging for him to do it which seemed completely unbelievable for her character. I mean, gimme a break. Ugh! What a complete mess of a book. I kept reading, hoping that there would be something redeemable about the story but there wasn't. I wish I could get those hours back. Complete and utter rubbish!

I love this series of books. This one has ended up being my favorite of all. Jag has always appeared very rough.... however, this book really shows how he really is.

Two immortal races battle the Daemon's for dominance of earth, The Mage, or magic ones, and the Therian's, the mighty shape-shifters. Five thousand years ago, all Therian's were capable of accessing their animal natures. All could shift. Desperate to imprison Satanan and his Daemon horde, the Therian's combined forces with their enemy, the Mage. In order to do this both races were forced to contribute most of their power. When the battle was over only one Therian from each of the ancient animal lines still retained the strength and ability to shift. Now only nine men, the Feral Warriors, are all that stand between the world and Satanan's latest plan to escape. With the leader of the Mage infected with a powerful dark spirit, they fear that Satanan now has control of him. Stealing the souls of his own people, these soulless inhabitants are looking for a way to free Satanan and his army. As this new threat strengthens, the Ferals are being pulled in too many directions to be affective. Lyon, the leader of the Warriors has decided to ask for help from the British Guard, an elite group of highly trained Therian fighting units.

Now finally with a purpose in her life Olivia isn't going to let anything stand in her way. After surviving a vicious attack at the hands of the draden, remnants of the powerful Daemons, she now possesses a deadly ability that she must keep hidden, particularly from the Feral Warriors. Olivia has been a member of the elite Therian Guard for more than three hundred years, but this is the first time working with the Ferals. Nothing was going to stand in her way and ruin this for her. All the Ferals were strong and overpowering, but only one drew her attention, the Feral Warrior, Jag. He simply annoyed her. Yet as hard as she tried, she couldn't ignore the raw sexuality that emanated from him.

Jag has never been accused of being charming, a jerk yes. Jag knew he was a jerk, even the other Feral Warriors knew it, and considering the way he and Olivia first met, she now knew it too. From the moment Jag first saw Olivia he wanted her, regardless of the less then stellar way they met, or the fact that she wanted nothing whatsoever do with him. So maybe for Jag it's a good thing he's a jerk, because no matter what he had to do, Olivia was going to submit to him in all ways.

Rapture Untamed is a perfect title for this book. There is nothing tame in this book, actually at times it's even a bit disturbing. Pamela Palmer has taken a big chance in the direction she takes with the two main characters. Some may find it a bit offensive how Jag is portrayed, and is his treatment of Olivia; some will find they can't turn the pages quick enough. I was at times both. "Jag" is a perfect name for the lead hero in this story, and not because his animal is a jaguar (if you get my drift). Throughout most of the story you are going to think of Jag as thoughtless, and vulgar, and believe me he is. However, as his character develops you will begin to see that this is a shield he uses to keep everyone from getting close to him. As to why, you are going to have to read the book. Olivia's character is put between a rock and a hard place as she tries to deflect the attraction she feels for Jag. That attraction is going to be her downfall and her salvation.

If you have enjoyed the other books in this series you are going to be blown away with this one. This is one trip you are not going to want to miss, be prepared for volatile sex scenes, explosive action, and characters that are downright "feral". I appalled that Pamela Palmer did not shy away in her portrayal of this story. She had to know that she was going to shock some of her readers, but also had to know there was no other way to write it. That takes courage.

An absolute awesome edition to the feral warriors collection. I have read all of them so far and loved them all. This one however was my absolute favorite. This book clearly stands alone and is a breathtaking story that isn't for the light hearted.
It shows how not every story has to be a fairytale to end up good. Jag is a real man, and sometimes real men are very, very naughty. So, it goes without saying that this book isnt for "I only like prince charming types". Real women understand that sometimes men are very cruel, mean and bad, but that doesn't mean they dont have a soft heart deep inside. Jag is a one in a million type of man, he dosen't buy into the typical manly sterotype, he's cruel, hard and loving. And this is exactly what drew me. Pamela wrote this story taking a huge chance by making Jag the way he was, which is what makes the story so unique and diffrent. It was made for us "real women" who can handle any type of man you throw at us.

Awesome story, great plots and one smoking love story. It will make you laugh, cry, even mad and sweat with lust.