Roth (Shapeling Trilogy) [Paperback]

Shapeling Trilogy: Roth: Book One: Protector is fantasy romance novel (without the stereotypical sex scenes). It follows the story of Roth, who is a member of the Shapeling species and can shapeshift into a wide-variety of animals, and Rainey, a human woman that is in charge of a scientific experiment with the potential to change the world. They are introduced to each other when Roth's ruling council assigns him to guard Rainey and Rainey's dad hires Roth to be her bodyguard. Rainey objects at the presence of another bodyguard and sparks ensue.

The editing quality of this book is good. The formatting is professional looking and comes complete with a copyright page and a dedication page. There are some typos throughout the book (one missing word and a few wrong words, such as using the word make instead of take) and the occasional error with missing or additional quotation marks. However, while they are certainly noticeable, they do not pull the reader out of the flow of the story.

The plot was clearly well-thought out and planned. The glimpses of Roth's Shapeling society were intriguing and leave the reader looking forward to learning more about it in the last two books of the trilogy. Shifting from one event to another was a little abrupt, with no real transitions from any of event to any other event. The fact that this book is about an heiress on the verge of a scientific breakthrough who requires protection, however, means that this lack of transitions actually fits the book.

The characters were also rich and thoroughly developed. Roth, as both a bodyguard and a Shapeling, is a strong man with a strong personality. It fits and works well with the plot and his role within the story. The author does a good job of keeping his actions and personality consistent throughout the story. Rainey is stubborn and, surprising for her role as a scientist, narrow-minded. She also has a high degree of focus. Her personality allows her to stand-up to Roth, but at times makes her seem young and naive. The personal growth of the characters, much like the plot, makes some abrupt jumps forward and, while it does not actually detract from the story, leaves the reader wishing just a little more time was spent in transitioning the characters. This is also true of the relationship between Roth and Rainey.

The descriptions in the book--especially those of locations--were thorough and provided a good picture in the reader's mind. It was simple to imagine where the characters were, what was happening to them, and what they looked like. Some of the locations seemed too good to be real and it was nice that the author added a note about their actual existence at the beginning of the book.
The author's writing style was easy to read and made for an enjoyable escape. The book moved along at a good pace, without actually feeling rushed, and told a lot of story in a concise manner. When the book finally draws to a close, the reader is left eager to know what happens to Roth and Rainey and ready to move on to the second book in the series.

I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys books such as Christine Feehan's Carpathian novels.

[...]

I do not usually write reviews. heroine was supposedly a 28yr old curvy but plainly dressed spoiled 'genius' who lived with her father and worked for his company. The father hired a 'bodyguard', Roth. Father hoped that 'Roth's' looks would make daughter dress better?! Roth proceeds to take over her life from embarrassing her in front of other employees to undermining her authority at work. of course, her brainiac father allows a bodyguard he just hired to transport his US daughter to EGYPT where she allowed herself to get bossed AND manhandled (and not in a pleasant way...) even more. Stockholm syndrome anyone? Herione's biggest fault-not moving out and getting a job elsewhere. I did not care for ANY of the characters in this book, which is a real shame as the whole concept of the 'shaper' race appealed. new author for me, very hesitant about reading anything else.

First of all, I love the cover art on this book! It is outstanding.

Second of all, I throughly enjoyed this book. Roth's character is the strong alpha male type. He is physically strong with lots of wonderful 'protective' qualities. He wants nothing more than to be a Shapeling Master. But at the same time you get the sense he is trying to protect his heart. Now Rainey, she is a total rich kid, silver spoon, and all that, and smart to boot. But none of this gives her what she really wants which is freedom to just "be".

As I read, I thought I knew what to expect. I thought I had it all figured out. I can't say what I mean without ruining the mystery but the closer I got to the end the more I felt like I was reading a Sherlock Holmes novel! No way could I have figured out the ending without the author just laying it out for me. It took my by complete surprise.

All I have to say is I can't wait to see what happens in book number two. Thanks Verna Clay for a great read!