The Slow Death

Four Packs Trilogy, Book 1

By: BL Maxwell, Nic Starr

Narrated by: Guy Veryzer

Length: 5 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2022 BL Maxwell/Nic Starr (P)2022 BL Maxwell/Nic Starr

Not The Narrator for Me

The story was fine. It's an interesting concept. Listening to this narrator read this book was like my grandfather trying to talk me to completion which is not at the top of my list of things to do.

I wanted more

Zander (Alexander) and Marrok become unlikely Allie’s when a death is brought upon the East pack. Zander was to serve his brother but the cards of life had other ideas. Now Zander will have to face his father and push for help outside their pack to get the answers they need. Marrok was from the north pack and he knew things that the east pack needed to know also. Working together would be their only way. Or was it the only thing cause strife in the four packs.

Nice meeting you BL maxwell and Nic Starr and another hello to Guy. You all ou together gave me a world that had me wanting more.

Great Story

This story was different. I enjoyed it. It kept me very engaged. However, I tend to avoid books narrated by Guy Veryzer. He is not a bad narrator. I just feel that his voice does not suit a lot of the characters he narrated. I can't get into smexy times when it sounds like someone's elderly grandparent. Having said that, I really like this story and was kind of able to get past his voice. I even went so far as to get the next book. I just haven't listened to it yet.

I received this book for free and offered my unbiased review.

If only...

I had to bring the speech speed to a faster rate otherwise I'd still be listening and pulling my hair all at once. I didn't care much for the performance...at all, but the story was so good it hooked me from the get-go. I've enjoyed other Nic Starr's stories and this one didn't disappoint either.

loved it

I loved this book. Guy Veryzer really brings this story to life and makes you love the characters even more. Alexander Kingston soon to be alpha of the East territory. Not something that he wanted. A deadly blood disorder called the slow death. It is affecting his friend and he is mad at his father's stubbornness not to get help from the West territory. Marrok Blain is from the North territory and has extensive knowledge on the disease and is their to help his friend. Can Zander and Marrok beat the clock and save their friend? Will they find love with one another that could save one of them?

fantastic world building!!

Fantastic world building!! I felt like I fell down a rabbit hole. The story kept me engaged and entertained. I loved listening Marrok and Zander get to know one another! The men are from different packs and are looking to save a friend from rare disease. I definitely want more of this world with the complicated pack dynamics! Guy Veryzer is a new to me narrator. He did a good job but something about his voice didn't seem right for this story. I had read the ebook and heard deeper vocals in my mind. Overall, a fantastic!

Unusual circumstances

throws the two heros of the story together and in more than one way. TSD is a virus that is killing all of the wolves in four packs and two members race to save them all. That being said when I started this I was having a little issue with the narrator because he reminds me of a grandpa reading you the story and even giggled egg every time he cursed so I thought I wouldn't make it through but I stuck with it anyway which turned out to be a good thing. Grandpa can change into many different people so the grandpa voice was dropped whenever the characters were having a conversation or doing other activities which was a blessing. Stick with it I think you'll get over grandpa to.

Enjoyed the story, but not the audiobook narration

I received a code for the audiobook of this story, and while I enjoyed the story, I couldn't bear the audiobook narration. It was just too slow, dull and emotionless. I would have rather just read the book.

That said, I did really enjoy the story. The theme of four packs, frequently at odds, but all facing the same wasting disease, was intriguing and interesting. I enjoyed watching the MCs come together while seeking to help a common friend. I look forward to more in the series (this book ends with a HFN rather than an HEA, and the disease and pack tensions are still a factor), but I will pass on the audiobooks if they use the same narrator.

I received a code for a free copy of this audiobook via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

The Beginning

I found this book very interesting and it kept me engaged from the very beginning. Xander was thrust into the role as heir alpha when his brother died. Although he doesn’t feel that he is worthy let alone ready, he challenges his father and gains the title of Alpha of their pack. Marrok is the most knowledgeable about the disease, The Slow Death, that kills shifter wolves when they start shifting. His best friend, in Xander’s pack has it and Marrok offers to find his blood donor that will save his friend. That event throws both together, only for them to discover they are fated mates!

Both authors are superb in their writing but together they are unbelievable. Enjoy!

I received an ARC of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Great start

This was a wonderful book. A really great start to a new collaboration between two great authors. Really looking forward to the next book.