Book Review: Alpha Attacked (Big City Lycans, #1) by Ashlyn Chase
I dove into Alpha Attacked with a mix of intrigue and skepticism. Werewolves, romance, and a medical angle—what’s not to love? Ashlyn Chase’s reputation for creating fiery worlds and fierce characters pulled me in. But what unfolded was a rollercoaster of dark themes and ethical quandaries that left me utterly confounded.
The story begins with Maeve, an ER doctor who finds herself operating on Griffin, a bullet-ridden alpha werewolf, in a rather absurd sequence where he insists she continue operating without anesthesia. This absurdity is just the start. The relationship dynamics between Maeve and Griffin are incredibly troubling, as Maeve initially views him as a possible criminal. Yet when she learns of his violent tendencies, including torture and murder, she surprisingly seems to accept these actions without much internal conflict. It left me pondering why a healer would find romance with someone who operates outside the law, leaving me almost speechless at their chaotic relationship.
Chase’s world-building hinted at the potential for depth—Griffin runs a legal marijuana dispensary; however, the writing often felt disjointed, leaving critical elements unexplored. Griffin’s motivations as a vigilante and Maeve’s shocking acceptance of his brutality lacked the nuanced examination such heavy topics deserve. The pacing fluctuated between gripping and baffling, as births of tension were often eclipsed by ludicrous plot contrivances that begged belief.
The inner monologues of Griffin occasionally hinted at introspection regarding his violent choices, but they never seemed to bear weight. "He’s like Dexter, but with better hair," Maeve quips about Griffin, a chilling statement that highlights the intersection of romance and moral blindness that permeates the narrative.
The tonal shifts were dizzying—one moment Griffin is tender with Maeve, the next he’s reveling in the act of torture. This juxtaposition left me grappling with how Chase intended readers to perceive her characters. Are they anti-heroes whose charm can override their actions? Or are they simply a reflection of a deliberately chaotic world?
Despite these significant missteps, I found myself engaged in parts and often astonished by the audacity of the plot. The idea of a grimoire and a family history steeped in secrecy infused a sprinkle of mystery into the narrative.
Readers who enjoy dark, unconventional romance paired with action and a smattering of supernatural elements might find Alpha Attacked an exhilarating ride. However, for those looking for tender love stories or nuanced explorations of morality, this book may not resonate deeply.
In the end, my experience with Alpha Attacked was perplexing. What could have been a thrilling dive into the world of werewolves and romance turned into a perplexing maze of violence, ethics, and trauma. It’s a ride, for sure, but one that requires a strong stomach and a willingness to accept the clustering dark corners of the human—and werewolf—psyche. If nothing else, it’ll give you plenty to ponder long after the last page is turned.
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