REVIEW: Driven by Kelley Armstrong

*Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a review*

Expected publication: January 31, 2016 

Driven is the latest Subterranean Press release of a novella in Armstrong's bestselling Otherworld series.  Technically 13.6 in the chronology, the story finds readers once again with newly minted alpha, Elena Michaels, as well as with fan favorite members of the Stonehaven Pack. Strongly tied to the events of Forsaken (13.5), Malcolm Danvers is once again a pack member; however, he has yet to prove his worth or trustworthiness.  When it becomes clear that an unknown group is targeting, torturing and killing members of the Cain mutt werewolves, Elena recruits Malcolm to join her and others to get to the bottom of these deaths before more violence occurs or their supernatural presence gets noticed by the mundane world.

What I liked...

Everything readers love about this series is back.  The character development remains consistent to what we've grown to expect. I've know Elena and Clay so long now that they feel like family.The tension created by Malcolm's arrival is deliciously tense.  I love that Elena's twins, Kate and Logan, unnerve him.  The story with him continues to build and I can't wait to see what is in store for the next entry.

The overall plot is very good.  The mystery and subsequent action are well thought out and keeps readers engaged. In fact, the story is so good, I wish the book was longer. Something else I really enjoyed was the hinting that readers of this series and the two related YA series (Darkest Powers and Darkness Rising) might finally see these converge into a cohesive story.

What I didn't like...

Part of the charm of this continuation of the Otherworld series is Armstrong's partnership with talented artists who render beautiful illustrations to support the narrative.  Unfortunately, the ARC did not include these pictures by Xaviere Daumarie which was a bit of a let down.  However, if they are as good as those in the previous novellas, then readers are in for an extra treat.

The only other aspect that I didn't like about Driven was that it was just too short! I adore the series and can never get enough.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars


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