Book Review: Alpha Erased (Alpha Girl, #9) by Aileen Erin
From the moment the cover of Alpha Erased was unveiled, I was hooked. The vibrant colors and intriguing design drew me in, sparking my curiosity about the world Aileen Erin has meticulously crafted over the course of this series. As a fan of supernatural tales, the premise of a young woman torn between her witch and werewolf heritage, leading an alliance against darker forces, felt irresistible. I anticipated a wild ride filled with tension, bravery, and emotional depth—which is exactly what I hoped for when diving into this latest installment.
At the heart of Alpha Erased is Tessa, a twenty-one-year-old who juggles the complexities of leadership within The 13, a supernatural alliance. After an unexpected skirmish, she faces the ultimate sacrifice to save her brother, leading to a gripping narrative of desperation and heartache. The initial pages deliver a sense of urgency, with Tessa’s mate, Dastien, desperately searching for her after she vanishes. The tension mounts as we witness his struggle with the loss of their connection—their bond turns eerily silent, and it’s Dastien’s journey to find her that forms much of the novel’s initial arc.
However, while the emotional stakes are high, I found parts of the narrative to drag, especially in Dastien’s self-reflection. Erin’s tendency for repetition, although intended to showcase his obsession and anguish, became a bit tiresome. I often felt like I was reading the same sentiment expressed in slightly different ways—something that detracted from the pacing and vitality of the plot. For instance, phrases like “She looked like a stranger staring at me, but she wasn’t” resonated with me at first, but with frequent recurrences, they began to lose their impact, leading to a disconnect in my reading experience.
When Tessa and Dastien finally reunite, the emotional weight shifts significantly. The moment is powerful—filled with hope, sadness, and uncertainty—as Tessa struggles with the changes inflicted upon her. This is where Erin’s creativity shines, revealing unique magical elements that impact Tessa’s identity. Dastien’s determination to rescue her and the duel between his persistent love and her altered self is beautifully portrayed, capturing the essence of devotion.
Interspersed with humor and vibrant secondary characters, such as the witty fey, Van, and the resourceful magic user, Samantha, the story finds moments of relief and connection. Their interactions kept the narrative engaging and provided a balance to the otherwise heavy themes. One quote that made me chuckle was: “Right. So, maybe don’t growl at me. Or at least don’t bite me, okay? I’ve got enough problems to worry about without being all furry and s***.” These lighthearted exchanges reminded me that even in the darkest of times, humor can bond us.
While Alpha Erased is not quite the standout I anticipated from a USA Today Bestselling author in her ninth series entry, it still offers a compelling exploration of love, struggle, and identity. Erin’s work captures the innate chaos of a supernatural world while delving into deeper emotional conflicts.
I would recommend this book to fans of urban fantasy who appreciate character-driven narratives. It’s a tale of resilience and love that, despite its pacing issues, fluently expresses the messiness of human (and supernatural) experiences. I’m glad I took this journey with Tessa and Dastien, and I look forward to seeing where Aileen Erin takes us next!
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