Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: The Slow Death
SERIES: Four Packs Trilogy
AUTHOR: Nic Starr/BL Maxwell
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 165 pages
RELEASE DATE: January 26, 2022
BLURB:
Caught in the fallout of a rare disease, and members of opposing packs, Zander and Marrok’s future as fated mates hangs in the balance.
Alexander Kingston wasn’t destined to lead the East Territory pack, but fate had other ideas. Becoming the next Alpha in his dead brother’s place and managing his father’s expectations is a challenge, one that’s only getting harder with time. When his father, the Alpha is reluctant to accept outside assistance when one of their own is afflicted with a deadly blood disorder, Zander must take a stand against his father or lose another pack member to The Slow Death.
Marrok Blain is part of the North Territory pack. With his unique knowledge of The Slow Death, the debilitating progressive disorder that slowly kills with every shift, he offers help, knowing he’ll be met with resistance from his friend’s pack. What he doesn’t expect is the overwhelming pull to the stubborn yet undeniably gorgeous son of the East Territory Alpha.
Four packs coexisting with rising tensions, and a genetic disorder that reminds them of the common thread that connects them all. Zander and Marrok are the key to an uneasy alliance, or all the packs will suffer. Especially Zander, who discovers he’s got one more deadly fight to face. #ReluctantAlpha #FatedMates #Shifters #Supernatural #MMRomance #EnemiesToLovers
REVIEW:
When Marrok’s friend from another pack is diagnosed with ‘The Slow Death’, Marrok is determined to do whatever it takes to save him. Unfortunately, his concern overrides his mouth when dealing with the rival pack Alpha – causing tension. Yet during the conflict, he meets Zander, whose effect on Marrok sends a visceral jolt to his soul and physical being. Regardless of the pull between them, they have a friend to save.
Recently, I’ve found myself drawn to shifter and paranormal stories. I’m not sure whether it’s a subconscious thing due to COVID and the need to get far away from reality or something else. Despite this story having a potentially deadly medical component, I am a fan of just about anything written by Nic Starr, so when I saw this collaboration piece with BL Maxwell – my interest was piqued.
The Slow Death is told in the third person, past tense from the viewpoints of Marrok and Zander. It’s not a long novel, but it contains some super imagery that gave me a good sense of small, out-of-the-way towns surrounded by hills and forests. Angst and dramatic scenes are not drawn out, which will suit some readers, although I prefer a bit more oomph. Nevertheless, what there is, shows pack dynamics, solidarity, and dissension where needed.
As the blurb says, Zander wasn’t meant to be an Alpha, but destiny had other ideas. Therefore, he fights feelings of being second best against an imposing Alpha father and doing what is right for his pack. He is a conscientious individual who is more than he believes. His emergence into the person he was meant to be was a lovely process to witness, especially when given meaningful support. Marrok was my favorite character. He’s not afraid to speak his mind and fight for what’s right, no matter what lies in his path. He’s a fated mate with a chore of iron – marvelous.
This is the first novel in the Four Packs trilogy and is a scene setter with an arc. While this specific arc concludes, threads remain for future endeavors. I found The Slow Death to be a well-written, organized story with some steamy bits. And while I maintained a mildly fluctuating heart rate throughout, it was a good foundation for everything to come.
RATING: 
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