Apex Shifter

An Urban Fantasy Harem

By: Marcus Sloss

Narrated by: Jack Douglas, Alyssa Poon

Two worlds, a magical emblem, and a hunger to dominate the six species.

Marvin works three jobs, toiling to achieve his dream of flipping property. A strange man stalks him at his morning diner job, becoming a regular. When he follows him home from his night shift, Marvin knows something isn't right. The next day, he is offered a magical device. The emblem confirms that the paranormal is real, that people can partially shift into animals, and that Marvin isn't normal.

As his life enters a whirlwind adventure, Marvin has to adapt to becoming something more than he ever imagines: an Apex Shifter. Thankfully, he is not alone, and there's a team of beauties eager to coalesce around him.

Warning: Violence, action, and nontraditional relationships.

©2021 Marcus Sloss (P)2021 Royal Guard Publishing

Alyssa Poon is a treasure

I quickly want to say the story has so much potential, but shifts (see what I did there?) the focus of what is & where is the story going and/or trying to be - multiple times - though this may get cleared up as it evolves in future volumes. Or not. I can't really tell because the ending was kind of abrupt relative to the build up. It's almost as if someone dared the author to include as many genres as possible and then he got bored at the end, tied some things up and called it good. The narrator's do make the ride fun, and in particular I must highlight Alyssa Poon doing a fantastic job. During steamy scenes especially. Felt like I needed a cigarette after a few of them, and I don't smoke. Are they necessary to the story? No. But Alyssa makes them worth not skipping over, and I have to give a shout out for her enthusiasm. Some of these scenes are extended and detailed, so don't pop this one in to listen to over the car speakers on a family road trip. Or work commute.
In summary, if you like the genre(s?) it's worth a read for filler while waiting for the next installment of a favorite series. And for Alyssa. I'm going to search for more of her work now...

Apex Shifter

Introduction:
Greetings, fellow beings of HowlStrom and beyond. I am Kiba Snowpaw, the Alpha Ice Wolf of our icy realm. As someone who has been gaming all my life, I've come across many tales, but none have intrigued me as much as "Apex Shifter" by Marcus Sloss. Allow me to share my thoughts on this captivating tale.

Basic Plot Summary:
Marvin, a hardworking individual, finds himself entangled in a world of magic, shapeshifting, and paranormal entities. A mysterious emblem reveals to him the existence of the paranormal, and he discovers that he is not just an ordinary man but something much more powerful and feared. As he embarks on this whirlwind adventure, he is surrounded by a team of enchanting allies.

Analysis/Evaluation:
The story masterfully blends urban fantasy with elements of shapeshifting, creating a unique narrative that stands out in the genre. The author's portrayal of Marvin's transformation from an ordinary man to a powerful entity is both thrilling and relatable.

Characters:
Marvin, the protagonist, is a well-developed character whose journey from a mundane life to a world of magic is compelling. The supporting characters add depth to the story, each with their unique personalities and roles that contribute to the overall narrative.

Structure:
The pacing of the story is well-balanced, with moments of intense action interspersed with character development and world-building. The author's writing style is engaging, drawing readers into the world of "Apex Shifter."

Impact:
The tale resonates with themes of self-discovery, power, and the unknown. It serves as a reminder that there's more to our world than meets the eye and that everyone has the potential for greatness within them.

Hook and Thesis:
The introduction of the mysterious emblem and Marvin's discovery of his unique abilities serves as a powerful hook, drawing readers into the story. The underlying thesis revolves around the exploration of one's true potential and the challenges that come with newfound power.

Praise and Critique:
The story is commendable for its unique blend of genres and well-developed characters. However, some reviews suggest that the book could benefit from better editing, with minor issues in sentence structure and formation. Despite these critiques, the overall narrative remains strong and engaging.

Evaluation:
"Apex Shifter" is a captivating tale that offers a fresh perspective on the urban fantasy genre. While there are areas for improvement, the story's strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a must-read for fans of fantasy and shapeshifting narratives.

Comparison:
While many stories delve into the world of shapeshifters and magic, "Apex Shifter" stands out for its unique blend of urban fantasy elements. It offers a fresh take on familiar themes, setting it apart from other tales in the genre.

Conclusion:
In the icy realms of HowlStrom, tales of magic and adventure are cherished. "Apex Shifter" by Marcus Sloss is one such tale that has left a lasting impression on me. With its engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and unique blend of genres, it is a story that will resonate with readers for years to come. I, Kiba Snowpaw, the Alpha Ice Wolf, highly recommend this tale to all who seek a thrilling adventure.

May the icy winds of HowlStrom guide your path.

When are the other 2

I hope books 2 and 3 will be set to audiobook soon. Don't leave me hanging.

Excellently done!!

Loved this story and the entire premise from beginning to end. Very well done and eagerly await the next!!

it's very good

I very much enjoyed this book I liked the world building so much more about it all the characters are pretty enjoyable and you can feel their growth as time goes on overall I would give this eight blowies out of 10 plus two swords

ok this was good

no really it was good yes it's a harem book but it was really good shifter story also

Great series start!

I've listened to quite a bit of Sloss's work, and if he keeps writing this series like he's done here in book 1, this series will be my favorite of his work. Right up there with "A Man's Word."
Marvin and his sexy love interest take a token-made portal to another world and become an extremely rare breed of shapeshifters in a world of shapeshifters and their human slaves. But they do get to go back and forth through the portal they can make between worlds.
Will he and his harem and followers be able to change their part of this strange world for the better before they are killed by monsters or the "powers-that-be?"
I spent good money on this and was not disappointed.
5 big stars!

l loved it ❤️

Wow! thats it? when will we get book 2? i want to know what happens next.

Freaking awesome!

I expect nothing less from Marcus’s books. What a great book and start to a new series. I highly recommend giving it a shot. Awesome book!

Shifter Fun. with a twist.

This one was pretty good. I liked the story. The run through of an OP over worked NYC average to some guy. the adventurs are brought to life by the narration and the twisty epilog brings it all together. the shag spots were ok and I'm grateful for the female reader those parts would have been bad with out her. I'd recommend this this title. and narrators to like minded folks.