Review: Gray Moon Rising by S.M. Reine

Title: Gray Moon Rising
Author: S.M. Reine
Publisher: Red Idris Books
Publication date: June 25, 2012
Genre: YA, paranormal
Pages: 165 (ebook)
Source: From author for review
Series: Seasons of the Moon #4
1. Six Moon Summer (review)
2. All Hallows' Moon (review)
3. Long Night Moon (review)
4. Gray Moon Rising

**WARNING: SPOILERS**

Synopsis:
It’s been almost a year since Rylie Gresham was bitten by a werewolf on Gray Mountain. Now something is beckoning her back to the place she was attacked, along with every other werewolf in the world. But they aren’t the only ones heeding the call. A group of hunters notices them gathering and sees it as their chance to wipe out the entire species.

Seth is about to graduate high school when he learns of the final hunt. He secretly plans to save Rylie and his werewolf brother even though he has to play along with the hunters to do it. But Rylie doesn’t want to be saved. She’s already decided to solve her problems with a silver bullet if answers aren’t waiting on Gray Mountain.

One way or another, everything is about to end—whether it means Rylie’s liberation or the end of her life...

From Goodreads

When I started reading this book, it was kind of bittersweet. This has been a favourite series of mine since Sara first contacted me to review Six Moon Summer. I fell in love with her writing, her werewolves, and her characters from the beginning. Starting this book and knowing that it would be the end of the journey for Rylie made me feel a bit sad, because I didn’t want it to end.

Gray Moon Rising starts four months after the events at the end of Long Night Moon. Rylie’s been living at the sanctuary with Abel, Bekah, and Levi, under the close supervision of Scott. From chapter one, you can see the desperation that Rylie is feeling. After being a werewolf for a year, and seeing no improvement from being at the sanctuary, she’s starting to give up. She wants it to end: the guilt and pain of knowing she’s killed people and may very well do it again.

And then there’s the dreams. The dreams of Gray Mountain. Nightmares, really. These dreams put in motion the adventure of the whole story. Because when Bekah takes off after a full moon, the whole crew sets off for Gray Mountain, whether they’re supposed to or not (hint: Rylie is part of the “not” group, depending on who you ask). Meanwhile, Seth gets a visit from Eleanor and he ends up joining the Union, an army of men whose sole purpose is to rid the world of werewolves.

This book is just as action-packed as any before. We get the magic of the change, the mythology of the mountain, and the murderous urges of the scared. Once again, I love seeing the story from two different points of view: Rylie’s and Seth’s. Especially in this book, it’s so important in order to get the full story. It would seem too one-dimensional and much less exciting if we only saw one side.

I honestly don’t know what else I can say about this book without giving so much away. It’s a fantastic way to end the series. I am so happy with the way Sara brought everything together, especially by bringing it full circle and ending up back at the mountain. So although the ending was bittersweet, it was a good ending, and it’s a series I’ll cherish for a while to come.

Thanks to the author, Sara, for an ebook review copy!



P.S. Good news! Sara has decided to continue Rylie and Seth’s story with a new mini-series - Seasons of the Moon: The Cain Chronicles. It will consist of 4 episodes, and will involve reader interaction! So, Sara will be looking for YOUR input between episodes! Find more information about it here. And for the most up-to-date information, visit her Facebook page!

Teaser Tuesday (63)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme, hosted by MizB of Should be Reading.

Here's what you do:
Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two sentences from somewhere on that page
Share the title and author
Try not to include spoilers!

I've just started reading the final book in S.M. Reine's Seasons of the Moon series, Gray Moon Rising. This is my favourite self-published series, so here's a teaser from the prelude for you:

"Rylie! Don't do it!"

Seth scrambled over icy rocks, struggling to reach her at the peak.

A crack rang out as a rifle connected with the back of his skull. He collapsed at his mother's feet. Eleanor shouldered her gun again and aimed.

I'm literally just about to start this book, so I'm freaking out that Eleanor is back. I knew she would be, but she's a scary threat to Rylie and Seth and I don't want her near them!

If you haven't read this series, you seriously need to do so. Like, yesterday. Check out all my posts tagged "S.M. Reine" to see past reviews, teasers, and cover reveals. I'd suggest starting here.

Feel free to share your teasers with me. I'd love to see what you're reading!

Waiting on Wednesday (59)

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that showcases upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!





This week I'm waiting on two finale books that are due out this summer!

Gray Moon Rising (Seasons of the Moon #4) by S.M. Reine
Publication date: July 5, 2012

**WARNING: SPOILERS**

Synopsis:
It’s been almost a year since Rylie Gresham was bitten by a werewolf on Gray Mountain. Now something is beckoning her back to the place she was attacked, along with every other werewolf in the world. But they aren’t the only ones heeding the call. A group of hunters notices them gathering and sees it as their chance to wipe out the entire species.

Seth is about to graduate high school when he learns of the final hunt. He secretly plans to save Rylie and his werewolf brother even though he has to play along with the hunters to do it. But Rylie doesn’t want to be saved. She’s already decided to solve her problems with a silver bullet if answers aren’t waiting on Gray Mountain.

One way or another, everything is about to end—whether it means Rylie’s liberation or the end of her life...

From Goodreads

Why I want it: This is hands-down my favourite self-published series. Gray Moon Rising is the final book in the series, and I've been dying to read it. I want more Rylie and Seth!

Rivals and Retribution (13 to Life #5)
by Shannon Delany
Publication date: August 7, 2012

**WARNING: SPOILERS**

Synopsis:
In Rivals and Retribution, the fifth book in the 13 to Life series by Shannon Delany, Pietr and Jessie will find themselves caught in a pack war with a new breed of werewolves.

Jessie Gillmansen is in trouble again and she's in for the fight of her life--and Pietr's! With Marlaena’s dangerous wolf pack putting more pressure on the Rusakova family, change is inevitable and when it comes, it brings a heavy price that forces Alexi into action to save his youngest brother's heart, head, and life. In the stunning conclusion of this celebrated paranormal series two werewolf families fight for control of the small town of Junction, control of each other and--most elusive of all--control of themselves.

From Goodreads

Why I want it: Another final book. Shannon's werewolves are probably my favourite in YA literature. I can't wait to see how she's going to end Jessie and Pietr's story, as well as those of the rest of the characters.

What upcoming releases are you looking forward to?

Review: Long Night Moon by S.M. Reine

Title: Long Moon Summer
Author: S.M. Reine
Publisher: Red Idris Books
Publish date: March 2, 2012
Genre: YA, paranormal
Source: From author for review
Series: Seasons of the Moon #3
1. Six Moon Summer (review)
2. All Hallows' Moon (review)
3. Long Night Moon
4. Gray Moon Rising (expected pub Summer 2012)

**WARNING: SPOILERS**

Synopsis:
Something is killing innocent people around Rylie Gresham's town. The police think it's a wild animal, but she has other suspicions. There are new kids at school, and they have a lot in common with her: gold eyes, super strength, and a habit of turning furry. It seems Rylie's not the only werewolf around anymore.

It's up to Rylie and her werewolf-hunting boyfriend, Seth, to stop the killings. But saving lives doesn't come naturally to a monster, and territory battles could risk the life of her sickly aunt--not to mention her own. Rylie has no choice but to stand her ground, protect her home, and stop the murderers before anyone else gets hurt.

From Goodreads

Oh my goodness, the end of this one hurt my heart. I know that starting a review by talking about the ending is poor form, but, man, it made me sad! I’m so glad the next book is coming out this summer! No crazy year-long wait for the next one. Definitely a bonus of self-pubbed books.

Sara is one of my favourite self-published authors, and her take on werewolves is at the top of my list. One of my favourite things about her writing is how she describes the change from human to werewolf. Not only that, but even how she puts so much detail into the feelings inside Riley; how she can feel the werewolf stir inside of her based on the situation. Sara’s definitely a talented writer: she doesn’t just write these graphic scenes well, but she also puts so much emotion into her stories. In all of her books I’ve read, I always find myself feeling what the characters feel, and having an emotional connection to each of them. To me, that’s a good indicator of her abilities as a writer.

We saw more of Abel in this book. We got to know him a bit better as a person and he actually showed some emotion. Seth was a mixture of so many thoughts and worries that it made me sad and tired just thinking about what he had to shoulder. Then there were the new characters: Bekah and her brother, Levi, and Scott Whyte. I won’t say much about them (spoilers!), but lets just say they’re at the core of the issues in this book.

I already mentioned how the ending hurt my heart. The whole story was an emotional roller coaster ride. People dying, Riley forgetting things and sleeping too much, Abel acting strange and territorial, Aunt Gwyn getting sicker, Seth stuck between his feelings and his duty . . . I think this book was the most emotional out of them all, and I think it may be my favourite in the series, so far. I know that I’ll be holding my breath until the final book in the series, Gray Moon Rising, comes out in the summer!

Teaser Tuesday (41)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme, hosted by MizB of Should be Reading. Just do the following:

Grab your current read

Open to a random page

Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

DO NOT INCLUDE SPOILERS (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away, so that you don't ruin the book for others)

Share the title and author so that other participants can add the book to their TBR list is they like your teasers!

I'm reading the third book in my favourite self-published series right now. The book is called Long Night Moon, and it's written by the fabulous S.M. Reine. Here's my teaser:

The wolf rose in her gut at the smell of a challenger. Rylie's body seized, and she bowed her head against the strength of it.

It's not much, but as I'm reading book 3 in a series, I don't want to give you any spoilers. This one just came out on Friday and I'm really happy that I have an eARC so I could start it earlier than that. And I just finished it on Monday. Seriously, this is my favourite self-pubbed series.

Check out the acrostic I wrote for a Must Read Monday post, using the title of the first book, Six Moon Summer. You can also find my review for Six Moon Summer here, and for All Hallows' Moon (book 2) here.

Feel free to share your teasers. I'd love to see what you're reading!

Cover Reveal: Long Night Moon by S.M. Reine

I'm really excited that S.M. Reine asked me to be part of the cover reveal for her third book in the Seasons of the Moon series, Long Night Moon!

Publication date: March 2, 2012!

To help you compare, here are the covers to the first two books in the series. These two covers are actually fairly new as well.

I love this series. Sara self-publishes her novels on Amazon, and they're some of my favourite self-pubbed novels I've read. I definitely recommend you check them out!

Read my review of book 1, Six Moon Summer, here.
Read my review of book 2, All Hallows' Moon, here.
Add Long Moon Night to your Goodreads shelf here.
I also wrote an acrostic for Six Moon Summer, that you can read here.
Visit S.M. Reine here to buy her books!

What do you think of the cover?

Review: All Hallows' Moon by S.M. Reine

Title: All Hallows' Moon
Author: S.M. Reine
Publisher: Self published
Publish Date: September 9, 2011
Genre: YA, paranormal
Pages: 114 (ebook)
Source: From author for review
Series: Seasons of the Moon
1. Six Moon Summer (review)
2. All Hallows' Moon
3. Long Night Moon (Spring 2012)

**WARNING: Spoilers if you haven't read SIX MOON SUMMER yet!**

Synopsis:
Rylie survived becoming a werewolf at great cost. She moves to her aunt’s ranch in the hopes she can enroll in a new high school and quietly continue her life... with a few distinct changes. She transforms into a beast every new and full moon and struggles to control her murderous urges.

Without many werewolves left, it’s hard to stay in hiding. A family of hunters -- Eleanor, Abel, and Seth -- recognize the signs and follow Rylie to her new home. They want to stop her before she murders someone, and the only way to do it is with a silver bullet. Seth soon realizes the werewolf is Rylie, the one monster he failed to kill. Worse yet, he’s still in love with her.

Torn between family and love, Rylie struggles to reconcile her feelings and control the wolf within while Seth fights to do what’s right. But what is right-- obeying desire or duty?

From Goodreads

This book starts out with Rylie hitch-hiking her way to her aunt’s house where she will live, so she doesn’t have to worry about the wolf being stuck in a New York City apartment. Rylie is so very different now from the girl who was dropped off at summer camp three months prior. As can be expected, becoming a full-fledged werewolf has changed her in more ways than one. She’s tougher now, and she has ridiculous moods swings when the moons come. I can’t imagine what it was like for her to go through all of it alone.

One aspect of this book that I absolutely loved, was that we got more of a glimpse of Seth’s life in this one. We see his family, what kind of household he grew up in, even his ambitions for the future. I really like Seth as a character. He’s so conflicted between his loyalty to his family and his feelings for Rylie. I could really feel his pain as a reader, and I think that’s essential.

There were some great new characters in this book, from Seth’s brother Abel to Rylie’s new friend Tate. Even Seth’s mother Eleanor was interesting, but you have to discover her for yourself. Definitely not the typical mother figure. I like how Reine doesn’t take the safe road all the time when it comes to her characters. For example, Tate is a user and seller of marijuana. Personally, I don’t often see illegal drugs in YA fiction, as if authors are afraid to tackle such a taboo topic. But not Reine. She just puts it out there and it’s no big deal, which is great.

This book was definitely an emotional ride for Rylie and Seth, both individually and together. Along with that, there was a great deal of action. Just like the last book, Reine’s writing shines when she describes the change and during those intense fight scenes. Seriously, there’s one part that had me cringing in pain because of how well she described it... It still hurts to think about it.

A quick read that you can’t put down, ALL HALLOWS’ MOON is a great follow up to Reine’s wonderful debut! I can’t wait to see where she takes it next!

Visit S.M. Reine here.
Buy SIX MOON SUMMER, book 1 in the Seasons of the Moon series here.
ALL HALLOWS' MOON comes out on September 9, 2011!

Review: Six Moon Summer by S.M. Reine

Title: Six Moon Summer
Author: S.M. Reine
Publisher: self published
Publish Date: April 29, 2011
Genre: YA, paranormal
Pages: 126 (ebook)
Source: From author for review
Series: Seasons of the Moon
1. Six Moon Summer
2. All Hallows Moon (September 9, 2011)
3. Long Night Moon (Spring 2012)

Synopsis:
Rylie's been bitten.

She's changing.

And now she has three months to find a cure before becoming a werewolf... forever.

Rylie Gresham hates everything about summer camp: the food, the fresh air, the dumb activities, and the other girls in her cabin. But the worst part is probably being bitten by a werewolf. Being a teenager is hard enough, but now she's craving raw flesh and struggles with uncontrollable anger. If she doesn't figure out a way to stop the transformation, then at the end of summer, her life is worse than over. She'll be a monster.

From Goodreads

SIX MOON SUMMER was a lot more than what I expected it to be. The characters were great, the story was captivating, and it had an explosive ending. As soon as I finished it, I tweeted the author about how much I loved it and she offered to send me book 2, All Hallows Moon! I’m going to start it as soon as I finish this review :).

Rylie was a great main character, one that readers can relate to. She’s a city girl who has been shipped off to summer camp while her parents sort out their divorce. On top of that, she’s a vegetarian with only meat food options, and she’s being severely bullied. What I liked about Rylie was that, although she was a bit of a brat to begin with, when she found out that she’d been bitten by a werewolf, she didn’t deny it or freak out, she was just really confused. From that point, she does her best to figure out what’s going on with her and how she’s supposed to continue her life after camp, considering this new development.

Seth was her pocket book of answers, when he decided to show up. And even then, he would only give her bits of information at a time so she spent most of the summer trying to sneak out for transformations and trying to get info from Seth. I loved the mystery surrounding Seth. The big question was constantly: Why is he helping Rylie? That, along with other questions about who Seth really is, doesn’t get answered until the end of the story.

I liked Reine’s werewolves. Even after being bitten, Rylie isn’t condemned to be a werewolf forever. It’s only after the sixth moon (including new and full moons) that she will fully change. Although I had my suspicions about who the werewolf was that had bitten Rylie, there were also a few things I didn’t see coming. I like when that happens in the books I read. I really enjoyed Reine’s writing. Both her descriptions and dialogue were well done and kept me wanting to read. I have to say, I think her writing was at it’s best when she was describing the change. Check out this teaser to see what I mean. You can also watch the book trailer there.

I’m really happy that there’s a second book in this series, because I am definitely not done with Rylie, Seth, and S.M. Reine’s werewolves and writing. To read the first page, or buy yourself a copy for $2.99 USD, visit SixMoonSummer.com. I'm off to read ALL HALLOWS MOON!

Teaser Tuesday (27)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme, hosted by MizB of Should be Reading. Just do the following:

Grab your current read

Open to a random page

Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

DO NOT INCLUDE SPOILERS (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away, so that you don't ruin the book for others)

Share the title and author so that other participants can add the book to their TBR list is they like your teasers!

I'm currently reading Six Moon Summer, a self-published werewolf story by S.M. Reine. Here's my teaser:

This time, her fingers began to snap first. She dug her fingernails into her knee caps, gritting her teeth against the pain. When the claws began to bite into her skin, she clutched at the chains instead. Her claws made a metallic screech rubbing against them.




I have to say I'm really enjoying this story! Considering it's self-pubbed, I was worried about the writing/editing, but it's actually fairly well edited. Where I am now, there's lots of unanswered questions, so I can't wait to see what's going to happen.

As an added bonus (and because I haven't done this in a while), here's the book trailer for SIX MOON SUMMER!


Feel free to share your teasers with me! I'd love to see what you're reading.