Review: Werecats Convergent by Mark J. Engels
“Identity, loyalty, and survival collide as Pawly is forced to choose between the life she hides and the people she loves.”
Welcome! Below you’ll find my review of Werecats Convergent by Mark J. Engels, including a quick overview, my thoughts on the story, and where to find the book.
About the Book
Werecats Convergent
By Mark J. Engels
Series: Forest Exiles Saga Book 2
Published by Independent Author on August 21, 2023
Genres: Contemporary Fantasy, Thrillers, Urban Fantasy
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 282
Defeated, conflicted, and on the run…
Born in an ethnic Chicago neighborhood following her family’s escape from Cold War-era Poland, were-lynx Pawly flees underground to protect her loved ones after genetically enhanced soldiers led by rogue scientist and rival werecat Mawro overrun her Navy unit in the Gulf of Oman.
Pawly’s family seeks her out in a desperate gambit to return to their ancestral homeland and reconcile with their estranged kinsmen. But when her human lover arrives to thwart Mawro’s plan to weaponize their feral bloodlust, Pawly must face a daunting choice: preserve her family secrets and risk her lover’s life or chance her true nature driving him away forever.
Werecats Convergent is the second installment of the Forest Exiles Saga featuring the modern-day remnant of an ancient clan of werecats, torn apart as militaries on three continents vie to exploit their deadly talents. Stories which fans of Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson franchise and Brad Magnarella’s Blue Wolf series can sink their teeth into!
Review at a Glance
| Genre: | Urban Fantasy / Shifters |
| Series: | Forest Exiles Saga, Book 2 |
| Themes: | Identity, loyalty, survival |
| My Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Quick Take: | A thoughtful, action-driven sequel that deepens the emotional and political stakes of the series. |
My Thoughts
Werecats Convergent, the second installment in Mark J. Engels’ Forest Exiles Saga, returns readers to a modern world shaped by ancient instincts and hidden power struggles. Blending action, mystery, and emotional tension, the novel builds confidently on the foundation laid in the first book while expanding both its scope and its emotional depth.
The story follows Pawly, a determined were-lynx who begins the novel defeated, conflicted, and on the run. Born into a Polish family that fled Cold War–era Poland, Pawly goes underground after genetically enhanced soldiers—led by rogue scientist and rival werecat Mawro—overrun her Navy unit in the Gulf of Oman. As her family attempts to reunite and return to their ancestral homeland, Pawly faces an impossible choice: protect her family’s closely guarded secrets and risk her lover’s life, or reveal her true nature and possibly lose him forever.
Engels weaves themes of family loyalty, identity, and love into a narrative shaped by genetic experimentation and geopolitical tension. Pawly’s internal struggle carries real emotional weight, grounding the high-stakes action in personal consequence. The tension isn’t just external—it’s rooted in who she is, who she loves, and what she’s willing to sacrifice.
Character development remains one of the novel’s strongest elements. Familiar faces from the first book return alongside new characters who are introduced with care and purpose. Rather than rushing these introductions, Engels allows relationships and motivations to unfold naturally, adding depth and texture to the story.
The novel’s structure also deserves note. Strategic flashbacks provide context for new readers, illuminating the history of the werecats and the forces shaping the present conflict. While these moments slightly slow the early pacing, they serve an important role and never feel extraneous.
As the story progresses, the pace tightens and momentum builds. By the midpoint, the narrative accelerates into a steady rhythm of action, revelation, and rising stakes. Twists arrive organically, keeping the story engaging without sacrificing clarity or emotional coherence. This balance between action and reflection gives the story room to breathe, making the stakes feel earned rather than rushed.
In Conclusion
Werecats Convergent is more than an action-driven urban fantasy sequel. It is a thoughtful exploration of identity, loyalty, and the cost of survival in a world where secrets can be just as dangerous as enemies. Mark J. Engels delivers a strong continuation of the Forest Exiles Saga—one that rewards returning readers while remaining accessible to newcomers.
Where to Find the Book
Add Werecats Convergent on Goodreads
Shop Werecats Convergent on Amazon
Prefer to shop local?
You can order this novel from Bookshop.org (supports independent bookstores).
Signed copies are available from Jasmine at Salient Books.
Meet the Author
About Mark J. Engels
Boyhood interests in trains and electronics fostered Mark J. Engels career as an electrical engineer, designing and commissioning signal and communications systems for railroads and rail transit agencies across the United States.
Along the way, Mark indulged his writing desire by authoring articles for rail and transit industry trade magazines. Coupled with Mark's long-time membership in anime, manga, and anthropomorphic fandoms, he took up writing genre fiction.
Growing up in Michigan, never far from his beloved Great Lakes, Mark and his wife today make their home in Wisconsin with their son and a dog who naps beside him, as he writes.
Mark is a member of Allied Authors of Wisconsin, one of the state's oldest writing collectives. He also belongs to the Furry Writer’s Guild, dedicated to supporting, informing, elevating, and promoting quality anthropomorphic fiction and its creators.
For more on Mark and his books, links to his social media, or to subscribe to his email list, please visit his website.
More reviews from the Forest Exiles series.
Werecats Emergent (Forest Exiles Saga Book 1) by Mark J. Engels
Werecats Resurgent (Forest Exiles Saga Book 3) by Mark J. Engels
Author Spotlight on Mark J. Engels
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Maybe I'm biased?
So glad you enjoyed, G! Thank you for reading. And for all your support.