A Review of Breaking Badger (Honey Badger Chronicles, #4)
OMG! As soon as I saw that Breaking Badger, the latest installment in Shelly Laurenston’s Honey Badger Chronicles, was released, I practically leaped out of my chair. I mean, who could resist the allure of honey badger shifters? They are practically superheroes in the animal kingdom, combining feistiness with a whole lot of heart. Having been a longtime fan of Laurenston’s work, I eagerly dove into this wild ride, and let me tell you, I was not disappointed!
This novel centers around Mads, a half-hyena, fully badass honey badger with a fierce love for basketball and a deeper drive for family. Mads is not just on the court; she’s entangled in a serious mission to save shifters from a sinister fighting trafficking ring. But when her path collides with the Black Malones—brothers seeking closure from their father’s murder—you know things are about to get complicated. Laurenston’s world-building is rich and vibrant, threading in humor and chaos as both groups wrestle with their opposing objectives.
The blend of action, humor, and heartfelt moments is something Laurenston excels at, and I found myself laughing out loud at the antics and banter amongst the characters. The camaraderie of Mads’ honey badger basketball team, who bring both teamwork and mischief to the table, made for delightful reading. Their goodwill effort of bringing danishes to the irritable tiger-shifters, only to encounter crankiness instead of gratitude, was pure chaos—but oh-so relatable!
Mads’ transition from a straightforward mission to navigating uncomfortable situations is exquisitely crafted. I loved seeing her character grow amid the challenges, making her relatable to anyone who’s ever had to push through uncertainty. Finn Malone, the cranky, self-absorbed tiger-shifter, brought a lovely balance to the story. There’s something oddly charming about the oblivious cat shifters who reluctantly find themselves in the mix with fierce females like Mads. The dynamic between them—a dangerous mix of mistrust and reluctant camaraderie—served as an intriguing backdrop for their budding friendship.
The pacing is tightly controlled, with Laurenston expertly balancing the high-octane action against moments of poignant introspection. The dialogue is snappy, a trademark of the author, who knows how to keep the reader thoroughly entertained. I couldn’t help but smile at Mads’ fierce loyalty to her grandmother and her teammates; family really is at the heart of this saga.
One particularly memorable quote summed it up: “You never want a honey badger to get uncomfortable.” This perfectly encapsulates the brand of humor that Laurenston delivers effortlessly throughout the book. Moments like these lingered with me long after I turned the last page, highlighting just how adept Laurenston is at blending comedy with serious themes.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Breaking Badger to anyone looking for a fresh, laugh-out-loud read that celebrates the strength of quirky characters among the chaos. If you love paranormal tales with strong female leads and family dynamics that are as complicated as they are humorous, you’ll fall head over heels for this series. And believe me, diving into the Honey Badger Chronicles is an experience you won’t want to miss.
I can’t wait for what’s next in this series! Here’s hoping we see more tales from the honey badger crew, the Black Malones, and maybe even some love stories for the ever-charming Jean-Louis Parker!
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Discover more about Breaking Badger (Honey Badger Chronicles, #4) on GoodReads >>