SHIFTER PLANET is a nice start to what I'm hoping will be a new series by D. B. Reynolds. There's a bit of sci-fi at the beginning. Amanda and her space research group arrive at a planet known as Harp. There is a cute shout-out to the original Star Trek, as the name of her space ship is the James T. Once she arrives on the planet, SHIFTER PLANET goes into the mysterious shifter part of the story. The story is very good, and the world building is well done. SHIFTER PLANET is better than 90-percent of the shifter stories being written, in my opinion, and different.

Amanda is a strong heroine, stubborn and resourceful when she finds herself battling her way back to civilization after a practice mission goes wrong. She even saves the life of the hero, Rhodry, and more than once. However, Amanda is not without her faults. She shows a bit of tunnel vision about her wants and needs as compared to the general good of the planet, and she is a bit selfish. After she is fully immersed into the challenge required for her to join the planet's protection guild, she begins to grow as a character; showing more depth of character and maturity.

I enjoyed the story, and unlike many books I read, I did not rush to the end but slowed down to savor the nuances of the story and the plot. SHIFTER PLANET is not perfect, but it was exciting and action packed; more than enough to make me want to read more in this world. It's obvious that a lot of work went into the wordbuilding, the storyline, and the unique setting.

The only real nit I have is that I really don't care for the title of the book. SHIFTER PLANET would be fine for the series name, but as a book title, not so much. It's just not very original. This is another exciting read, however, and a very nice complement to Reynold's excellent Vampires in America series.

Book Summary

Specialist Amanda Sumner is one of the first to make contact on the Earth-like planet Harp and discovers she's the only Earthling, who can hear the trees sing in the strange forest. Determined to remain and learn more of the planet's secrets, Amanda sets out to become part of the elite Guild there...

But there is a secret involving some Guild members-one that could get her killed.

Shifter Rhodry de Mendoza wants the Earthlings off his planet before they destroy it--even if that means denying what he feels for the fierce and lovely Amanda. The pair is thrown together in what becomes a fight for their lives. And they might just lose everything-including each other-in their battle for the right to live in peace.