Guardian's Bond

Rhenna Morgan has taken quite a unique take on a shifter series. In fact, it doesn't even feel like a shifter series. It's so much more.

The descendants of the clan have an option of accepting their destiny or refuse it and remain a singura, a human. They go on a quest where the keeper will offer them their companion and the magic that best suits them and signifies their clan house.

Eerikki, known as Priest since he was chosen as the High Priest by the keeper, is the hero in book 1. He is the one who guides the clan. He goes on the quests with them and trains them.

Kateri, known as Katy is the heroine and Priest's mate. She and her brother were not raised on the knowledge of the clan. Her father refused his quest and raised them as singura. when he and their mother were brutally murdered, their Nanna explained to them their heritage and brings them to Priest.

Draven is Priest's brother and the evil villain of the story. The keeper saw a darkness in Draven and gave the High Priest to Eerekki and ultimately what pushes Draven to attack the clan.

There is a lot to learn in this first book but it's not difficult to keep up. I love that this is so different from what I've read in a shifter series before. They do have mates in this series and it's instantly known by the male but not by the female. They have to earn their love and trust to accept the bond to form. It's the best of both worlds. You have instant love but a slow burn love as well.

Priest was a calm presence for an alpha persona. He was patient and protective but his possessiveness reared it's ugly head when provoked. Katy's father squelched her open mind when she was young and molded her into a scientific mind. Despite seeing the truth to this new knowledge, she still struggles to let go and accept.

Priest is determined to keep her hidden from his brother but she is ultimately what he needs to beat back the darkness.

I'm excited to see where the author will take us with this journey. There are so many possibilities and I look forward to the next book. ARC provided by NetGalley.

I love Rhenna Morgan's writing style and boy, she didn't disappoint with this first book in a new series. Priest has always known he was a shifter and high priest for his clan, leader of his people. He is ideally suited for the role. Katie has never had an inkling that she might be more than a mortal woman, so imagine her surprise and resistance to the idea that she might have some exceptional powers, comes from a powerful family who shunned their gifts, and a soul mate she's only just met. Really, all she wants to do is find the evil person who murdered her family. All Priest wants is for Katie to accept her gifts, and him.
Their relationship isn't easy, and Priest has his work cut out for him getting Katie to accept all that she is. To accept him. I loved the retelling of her journey to accept what is her birthright. Morgan has done an incredible job building this world and introducing us to the characters we'll come to love and learn more about in future books. I so enjoyed this book, I found myself missing the character once I finished the book. I am eagerly anticipating the next installment of the Ancient Ink series.