In the year, 2456 prejudices still abound, amidst shape-shifters, humans, and Fey. Women of this world engage in wars, command armies, and rule over large regions, though by their side are men who entrust unwavering allegiance. Equally, these women hold dominion over their sexuality, and their men are more than pleased to oblige. Way of the Wolf: Northlanders Volume 1 entertains the reader with stories about self-governing women and the men they love.

She comes to the city in search of a warrior, instead discovers a man who becomes a trusted combatant and lover. In The Slave’s Price, Cassadara, a member of the House of Lochinvar enters the City of Stone to retrieve a warrior belonging to her Wolf Clan. This warrior will accompany her to the House of Yarishet, where she will negotiate a truce, while retrieving her people’s stolen talisman. The man kneeling in the mud does not resemble a warrior but assures loyal service if she frees him from bondage.

Mâkakao, a nobleman captured by the Dwarves when defending his House from the Orcs, makes ready for sale. He recognizes the female buyer from his erotic dreams, the same ones his Druid Priests warned against pursuing; claiming she is an abomination. Still, believing she is a token reward for his five years of abstinence Mâk secretly vows never to leave her side…if he survives the Dwarf’s curse.

As that story’s intrigue unfolds, it leads into A Rogue’s Virtue where on a mission for Lochinvar House a barbaric Northlander and a Talismar elf find what they have lacked all their lives…love. First, they must learn trust, giving of themselves freely without fear.

Head of Lochinvar’s security, Seanen never fits within the highborn people he guards; an illegitimate child and labeled a thief when he was four years old bars his ever mingling with them. For the House of Lindall lost its title and lands many years ago, through his father’s physical excesses. From afar, Yarwyn studies his regal muscular build, prevailing gaze, as she senses his emotions. She feels a man who isolates himself from those he serves. Still Yarwyn chooses Seanen to escort her to the Orc king’s castle to uncover the reason for their defiance against the Humans and Northlanders. Taking him as her lover is just a job perk.

While Yarwyn and Seanen fight Orcs, and Dark Elves this thrilling anthology continues as a female warrior heads A Sorcerer’s Seduction. Tranorva knows only about defending her House or taking over lands. When her mother, Lady Evalayna warns of changes once the Orc war finished, she understands the message as her time to take over leadership of Lochinvar House. Tranorva’s prayer for a different fate heard as she vanishes into a sensual world of submission and dominance.   

Élandine, Lochinvar House’s pet Mage, follows her trail to the Orc king’s castle where Tranorva’s army awaits her return. Without clue to her whereabouts, he seeks a vision from the Gods. Their price is high but Élandine pays without hesitation, bonding with Tranorva even to die when she does. The vision reveals her location in Élahandara, imprisoned by the Dark Priestess, Gendalaine.

An ancient grizzly bear smells his mate on the wind. It was a long time ago….the pain so fresh still, her scent familiar, recalling painful memories. A Warrior’ Pride closes this anthology as Lady Evalayna summons her children home. She fears facing a past long forgotten, and events coming to pass that will change her family forever.

After battling to retain her rightful place as High Priestess of Elahandara, Tranorva brings a gravely wounded Élandine home. The Gods instruct Lady Evalayna to take his body back to his place of birth. She summons her other children for the upcoming journey: Tyrell, Seanen, and Cassadara. Also answering her call is a man she believed dead for many years.

Having shamefully banished himself from the people he cherished, Roahr VinDall trusts it is too late to recover everything he has lost because of one Mage’s thoughtless act. Evalayna following him to his den makes the pain greater, fearing her disappointment at seeing what he has become. He has never refused her before now…can he be the warrior she remembers.

Way of the Wolf: Northlanders Volume 1 is a captivating, entertaining story, filled with stunning earthy characters that drive an action packed suspenseful plot. Originally, a four book series, Ms. Morgan merges them into one chronological anthology, which makes for one continuous gratifying read. The stories unfurl slowly handing over backgrounds and character details that keeps the reader engaged. The characters are real, showing strength when up against Orcs, Dwarves, and Dark Elves, although their compassion shines when romancing. The women carry most of the stories’ intrigue and action, though their strong male counterparts add wisdom, humor and spicy dialog, strengthening their stalwart personas. A little bondage adds a sizzling flare to the characters’ frequent unions, mostly the women taking an assertive role in assuring their pleasure. Yet, the men are not wallflowers, demanding that their needs be met too, which their partners never refuse them. This volume ends with a cliffhanger, continuing in Song of the Bear, Northlanders Volume 2.