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Descendant (The Shift Chronicles Book 1) Kindle Edition

by S.M. Gaither (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 1,245 ratings
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My name is Alexandra Layton. Or I thought it was, at least.

I thought my family was pretty normal.

Wrong again.

I thought my father dying a mysterious death was the worst thing that was going to happen to me during my summer vacation.

But yeah, you guessed it: Wrong. Again.

Here’s what I do know: Werewolf bites are freaking painful. Finding out your entire life has been a lie is more painful. Trying to piece together the truth when you’re suddenly surrounded by weird strangers who all claim they want to ‘help’ you? That’s painfully near impossible.

But if I’m going to protect what’s left of my family—which I absolutely am—then I don’t have a choice but to embrace the sudden absurdness that is my life.

It will mean learning to harness strange new powers.

Learning to trust some of those weird strangers—including Kael, a werewolf who’s equal parts secrets, sarcasm, and sinfully good looks.

And ultimately, it will mean accepting the truth about my family and the role they’ve played in a centuries-long war within the shifter world. The role I'm supposed to play. Because the magic tied to my bloodline could save the entire human world…

Or it could unleash a monstrous force unlike anything it’s ever seen.

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  1. Book 1 of 4
    The Shift Chronicles
  2. Print length
    338 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    June 2, 2011
  6. File size
    2398 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
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  10. See all details
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Total Price: $11.97
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Editorial Reviews

Review

What readers are saying...
"Rarely do I enjoy a young adult series the way I did this one...this truly is one of those series that you think about for years." (Carrie, Amazon Reviewer)
"I actually had to add a shelf for this book. I have NEVER read a book solely about werewolves/lycans but I was pleasantly surprised. I loved it!" (Goodreads Reviewer)
"I highly recommend this series. The character development is wonderful and the storyline keeps you wanting more. A fun read!" (JDabbs, Amazon Reviewer)
"This book was a surprising find.... It absolutely blew me away with how completely it pulled me into the story." (Michelle, Goodreads Reviewer)

From the Author

**This is a newly revised edition, released in April 2018**
20,000 copies sold throughout the series. Over 15 million pages read in Kindle Unlimited. Hundreds of five star ratings on Goodreads. Constantly Amazon bestsellers in YA Urban Fantasy, YA Myths and Legends, YA Paranormal Romance, and various other categories for over 5 years! Start reading today and see why readers are saying "...these are some of the best werewolf books I've ever read, hands down."
Descendant is the first book of the Shift Chronicles World, an ongoing series comprised of multiple storylines that feature shared elements, but with different main characters every few books or so. Alex's main storyline concludes with book four, Ascendant.

Currently available books:1.) Descendant2.) Syndrome 3.) Sacrifice4.) Ascendant5.) Blood and Wolf6.) Silver and Shadow7.) Flame and Fury (coming soon!)

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00546E0LK
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ ; 2nd edition (June 2, 2011)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 2, 2011
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2398 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 338 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 1,245 ratings

About the authors

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  1. S.M. Gaither

    S.M. Gaither

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    I write fantasy that's (usually) epic and (sometimes) spicy.

    Learn more about me and my books at www.smgaitherbooks.com and www.marrlands.com

    See more on the author's page
  2. Eva Truesdale

    Eva Truesdale

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    When I'm not doing writerly stuff, I enjoy taking leisurely walks through graveyards, fighting crime, and having deep, profound conversations with my dog. I also drink an obscene amount of coffee, and I'm training to become a cage fighter. (But one of those last things isn't true.)

    Please note: Eva Truesdale is a pen name that I'm officially in the process of retiring. I've come out of my shell and I now write under my real name (or at least a variation of it)! Be sure to check out S.M. Gaither if you want to keep up with my future authorly ventures.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
1,245 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Amista
5.0 out of 5 stars WOW!!!
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2018
Verified Purchase
Wow, this book was amazing!!! I literally could not put it down, I read it in a few hours.

Right from the beginning, the writing style really pulled me in. It was like the character was actually talking to me, instead of me just reading a book.

And the actual plot, very well done. The author takes a common story, werewolves, and totally makes it her own. She did a fabulous job of building this world where werewolves and lycans are at war. Some of the actions of the characters were a little predictable, but so well done it didn't matter.

The last half of the book had me up on my feet, pacing as I read the story. It was very exciting and suspenseful.

I tend to read a lot of free books, and don't bother to pay for books. But this one will definitely have me buying the rest of the series.
9 people found this helpful
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Sarah K
4.0 out of 5 stars Really Loved this book!!
Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2012
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I was really surprised by this book, despite the book not having any romance in it at all it was really good. I stayed up late to finish the book and didn't get to sleep till 4 in the morning, that's how much I was into this book. I just hope that the second book will be just as good as the first.

The characters are great, I don't see any flaw with them. Alex our main heroine is such a strong character, she doesn't let anything bother her. She's strong and knows how to deal with things on her own, not wanting to except help unless she really needs too. She would do anything for her sister and mother and that means to become something she never expect was real. Instead of taking the cure to stop her from becoming a werewolf she embraces the werewolf inside her so that she can help protect her family instead of being protected by someone else. Kael is sexy but that's beside the point, he's hard to get along with and he loves to be a smart ass and talks back to people. He's mostly a loner but does stay around his pack not leaving. Despite his bad personalty he does protect Alex and sometimes he's nice to her but other times he pushes her away. As for the side characters, they all do their parts well I love each of the side characters though I do fine Eli strange because he's describe as young but acts much older which I find so interesting.

There is no romance in this book but you did see some chemistry between Alex and Kael. You see how they love to annoy each other and how they love to get under each others skin. I just hope they get together in the next book and actually have some kissing scenes, that is if they can stop annoying each other long enough to get that far hehe.

The plot for this story is interesting and Alex is the center around the whole story. What makes this different from most werewolf books is that there is also lycans in this novel. lycans and Werewolves aren't the same, the difference is that lycans can't harm humans and they can't turn people into Werewolves. Werewolves can harm humans and can turn humans into Werewolves. The reason for this is that there was a curse put onto Lycans so that they couldn't hurt humans no more. The werewolves were created by by a lycan which you will learn more about in the book.

I do love this series and I'm excited to read the next book which is coming out in the spring. I do suggest for everyone to pick this book up when you have the chance, it's only .99cents on amazon.
5 people found this helpful
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Scarolet Ellis
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful start to a new series.
Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2019
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Descendant by S.M. Gaither is a wonderful story to read. This is book number one and a wonderful start to a brand new series that I have fallen in love with. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves shifters in their stories they are reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5 people found this helpful
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Erika Parker
3.0 out of 5 stars Good but poorly written
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2016
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Alex is a 16 year old girl who life gets turned upside down when her father dies. She learns that not only was his death not an accident but what killed him and is now after her its not human. There are two races, werewolves and Lycans. Both enemy's to each other and Alex is stuck right in the middle of It.
I had a hard time reading through this book. The story line was okay but I felt like it was poorly written. The story felt childish and I found myself reading pages but not paying attention to it. I kept telling myself to just finish the book and I don't like having to say that when I am reading. I know first books are not always the best and each book gets better so I am hoping if I get the next book it will be better. I don't want to give up just yet because I think the story has potential.
9 people found this helpful
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Carrie Phillips
5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth reading!!!
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2017
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Rarely do I enjoy a young adult series the way I did this one!! Our Alex starts out as your typical some what irritating teen but by the end of this series her soul is a wise old one . The journey thru all four books brings chuckles,angst ,hope,a love story,a villain who isn't actually evil but a hero who wasn't strong enough on his own and hells own hounds to a end that will bring some tears both of sorrow and joy. This truly is one of those series that you think about for years not just hours like most. Great characters that have real issues the type you can connect to and feel for as you read their story. I suggest you take the trip I did with Alex,Kael,and all the others who make this a truly amazing visit into another world!
4 people found this helpful
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Jessica
4.0 out of 5 stars 3.5
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2022
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The second half of the book was interesting and fast paced and engaging. The first half was vague and arguments and no answers.

The thing that bothers me most is the lack of growth or softening or arc from the main character. She's just angry and rude constantly. And she loves her sister but isn't really acting like it. And her relationship with her mom isn't quite developed. She never listens or wiser people.

I just wanted more from her.
It's an engaging shifter book. With a few good twists. And a nice bad boy interest.
One person found this helpful
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Wigglit
5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book, EXCELLENT for the price.
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2012
Verified Purchase
This was a great read for the price. I have paid way more for books that are not half as good. I am really becoming addicted to these 99 cent kindle books. The authors are new and fresh with really great material. I have probably read 30 or so recently and I have to say, I have only found one that I did not like. I read the reviews before I purchase and usually disregard the grumpy reviewers who complain about " the way that they speak" or " the horrible editing"...... please this is YA and teenagers speak like these ladies write. Also an error every now and then is just that, an ERROR....get over it, it's 99 cents.

Sorry, got that out of my system. I loved this book. I can't wait for the next one to come out. Keep on writing....PLEASE
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Eliane Chevalier
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
Reviewed in Canada on October 24, 2019
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A captivating book from the first chapter to the last book! You cant help how this world consumes you. The characters will make you love, laugh, cry even scream at times all the You cant help but fall in love with Alex and Kael!
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Kindle-Kunde
5.0 out of 5 stars Okay
Reviewed in Germany on August 22, 2020
Verified Purchase
Das Buch ist gut geschrieben, aber die Geschichte ist nicht so mein Fall.
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Swetta
5.0 out of 5 stars Can't put it down
Reviewed in India on March 20, 2019
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Werewolves are such a common species to write on that I have stopped reading werewolves as a whole but thank God I did not pass up a chance to read this.

A very well written book, this story hooks and reels you in from page 1 and does not let you loose even once you've read it. The plot, characters and story line were very developed and presented. Though predictable in a couple of places the book packs a punch and I read it in a very short time.

All in all a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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Louise Bilby
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 10, 2019
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I enjoyed the book. A few twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Good plot line that kept me entertained. I think a tween could maybe read this, I don't remember any bad language or any other content that I wouldn't like a youngster to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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Katdragon2010
5.0 out of 5 stars Engrossing
Reviewed in Australia on August 12, 2018
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had a complicated storyline and well developed characters. After her father's funeral, Alex found out that everything she believed about herself and her life was a lie. Now that her father was gone, she was the last of her family line. This put her in a bad situation as someone needed her to do something, but it would cause chaos if she did. They were willing to go to any length to have things their way.
One person found this helpful
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