this would have been much better as a short story. Perhaps in a compendium of shifter stories. This book was short on plot. There was quite a bit of discussion among the characters and quite a few descriptions, but neither of these furthered the plot. I don't feel like I've learned anything new of Maricara, and Kimber appears to be a spoiled child. I really enjoyed the previous two books, or I wouldn't have read this one. I was very disappointed. I'll be thinking twice before committing to the next book.