Trial by Fire (Raised by Wolves #2)

Title: Trial by Fire (Raised by Wolves #2)
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Rating: 4/5
Summary: There can only be one alpha. 

Bryn is finally settling into her position as alpha of the Cedar Ridge Pack—or at least, her own version of what it means to be alpha when you’re a human leading a band of werewolves. Then she finds a teenage boy bleeding on her front porch. Before collapsing, he tells her his name is Lucas, he’s a Were, and Bryn’s protection is his only hope.

But Lucas isn’t part of Bryn’s pack, and she has no right to claim another alpha’s Were.  With threats—old and new—looming, and danger closing in from all sides, Bryn will have to accept what her guardian Callum knew all along. To be alpha, she will have to give in to her own animal instincts and become less human. And, she’s going to have to do it alone.

Bryn faces both the costs, and the rewards, of love and loyalty, in this thrilling sequel to Raised by Wolves.

My Thoughts: "Trial by Fire" is an excellent sequel to the 'Raised by Wolves' series. This time Byrn is adjusting to her new role as Alpha of her pack. No sooner that she is out of school for Thanksgiving her first real challenge drops right into her backyard. Lucas a runaway were who was beaten nearly to death by his Alpha has come to Byrn seeking assylum. Unfortunately, she cannot grant it without the were's Alpha's permission and since that Alpha happens to be Byrn's nemesis, Shay; that option is not going to happen. So, Byrn informs Shay that she would not be returning his runnaway were until she investigates the reason he has trespassed on her land. This buys her a little time. 

Additionally, as if the situation with Lucas is not enough, there is a coven of psychics whose members have varying degrees of mental capabilities who have targeted Byrn unless she hands over Lucas as well. 

Byrn's former guardian and protector, Cullen, cannot assist her with her new found problems but sends her cryptic messages. There are plenty of twists and turns, surprises, humor, and emotional crisis. That is what makes this book such a great read. . 

Jennifer Lynn Barnes once again proves her writing excellence with this sequel. She is straight forward in her approach and has a flare for building with pazzazz the climax of storyline. My only criticism is that at times, considering the shelter background of Byrn it was hard to believe the maturity she often showed in this book. However, it did not deter from enjoyment of the read.