First, a little information about the book up for review today:
Title: Moon Crossed (Crescent Hunter Series Episode One)
Author: Bella Roccaforte
Genre: Older YA/NA Paranormal
Length (print): ~ 85 pages
Buy Link: Amazon Kindle $0.99
Blurb:Claire O'Conlan is a hunter, her kind were created to protect humans from feral werewolves. She's desperate to find a cure for the moon-touch. Until she does, the hunt won't stop.
Despite being raised among supernatural creatures, Claire is determined to make college as normal as possible. But childhood habits die hard. She can't seem to stay away from the wolf-borne, and worse, she's falling in love with Cole Jackson, the big bad wolf.
Claire can't resist the undeniable fire Cole ignites within her. They are falling headlong into a forbidden love affair. Hunter and wolf, a dangerous combination inciting war between factions, action from the council and the biggest risk of all, Claire fulfilling her duty and being the hunter that kills Cole.
Will Claire find the cure? Or will their love end in tragedy?
**Will not appear in review elsewhere. I freaking LOVE the cover for this book. Regina Wamba of Mae I Design outdid herself with the visuals and type treatments. Grand slam. Well done, ladies.**
Let's get on to the review!
I snagged this book on Amazon when it released. I was excited to check out this serial because I find I enjoy stories of werewolves on rampages. Plus, the cover drew me right in. Talk about being excited when I found it next on my Kindle, waiting to be devoured. I blew through it in about two days, but that's reading a couple pages here and a couple pages there, perfect for the reader with a busy lifestyle. Anyway, moving on to the important stuff!
From a Reader's Perspective:
Because this was the first episode in a serial series, I didn't expect a lot of emotional turmoil or to get to the point that I connected with any of the characters. But, I have to say, I like Claire. She's one tough nut to crack, but she's also beautifully flawed. Despite the fact that her friends could turn into something she'll end up having to kill, she has no problem hanging out with them. Out of all the boys, I like Trevor best. He's rough around the edges, but you can tell he has a real brotherly compassion for Claire.
There were a couple of words that are certainly suited for tweens rather than teens, but they didn't bother me. That's just a note for those of you easily offended by that kind of thing. If you're squeamish about sex, don't be; there's none in this episode.
It's a well-paced starter with a ton of setup for what's certainly to come. There's humor, battles of wits, and snarky girl moments that didn't leave me groaning. You won't hate on the MC for being annoyingly juvenile.
From an Editor's Perspective:
Needs tweaks here and there. Commas need tending to, dialogue tags vs action tags, and word confusions top the list.
Rating:
1 Star for a tough MC that wasn't irritating or perfect
1 Star for creating a great pack of secondary characters
1 Star for leaving me tense for episode two
1 Star for pacing, using dialogue to great success, and nice emotional punches
.5 Star for plot and writing style
-.5 Star for comma, dialogue tag, and word confusion errors
Overall, 4.5 out of 5 stars! I round up when clicking, so you'll see a five. Recommended if you're looking for something quick, paranormal, and episodic that leaves you wanting more.
What are your thoughts? Read it? Plan to?
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
I also read this when it first came out, and I have read the entire book as it were. Everything you stated here, I felt as well. Except for the comma business as I am not a writer. Claire is the kind of girl I'd have yearned for in school, but would be too nervous to approach. Her world is just the right amount of mystery with a touch of the fear of the unknown to keep me coming back for more. I hope you get a chance to finish reading the entire story. It's well worth the time.
ReplyDeleteI have since read the whole series. :) Glad to know I'm not alone in my thoughts and opinions. I was heartbroken at the end. Claire is so strong. No way could I have done what she did. Welcome to the blog, and thanks for the comment!
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