#BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “The Hunter’s Moon,” BY AUTHOR @BETHTRISSEL

• Title:  The Hunter’s Moon, Book One of the “Secret Warrior Series”
• Author: Beth Trissel
• File Size: 420 KB
• Print Length: 133 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN:
•  Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
• Publication Date: December 14, 2015
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, LLC
•  Language: English
• ASIN: B017OCROM8
• Formats:  Kindle
• Goodreads
• Genres: Fantasy, YA Fantasy, Paranormal, Mystery

*The author provided me with a copy of the book in exchange for a candid review which follows*

Running for their Lives!

Sixteen-year-old Morgan Daniel and her younger brother Jimmy are forced into hiding as members in a witness protection program while concealing themselves from a gang called the Panteras. Witnesses to a gang-style murder, Morgan and Jimmy attempt to live under the radar with the help of their aunt.

When the Panteras hunt them down once again, Morgan and Jimmy flee while Morgan drives her decrepit vehicle into the mountains of Virginia. Following the detailed instructions their aunt has given them in the event they are forced to run once again, their escape route leads them into unknown territory.

Desperate to survive and protect Jimmy, Morgan feels an overpowering urge to pull off the road at a specific gap in the forest even though the Panteras are in hot pursuit. Morgan crashes her ancient vehicle as the Panteras give chase with assault rifles at the ready. The kids run from their burning vehicle and hide in the woods.

Morgan Meets her True Destiny

Suddenly a black wolf emerges from the trees. Soon, another wolf appears. Morgan and Jimmy hear the sounds of fighting deep in the woods. Finally, all is silent.

When a young Native American man named Jackson appears, Morgan and Jimmy are plunged into solving the mystery surrounding an ancient prophecy that Morgan finds she is bound to. Her destiny is clear. On her seventeenth birthday, Morgan is forced to come to grips with her ancient blood curse as a she-werewolf!

Recommendation:

If you love fantasy and paranormal activity this book has it all. Mysterious ghostly beings, shape-shifters, witchcraft, ancient Native American creatures, including aliens from other planets all coalesce around a story steeped in age-old American history and primeval folklore. I was in reading heaven!

I am a huge fan of stories about werewolves and this was by far one of the best written and most interesting young adult tales I have ever read. The writing was sharp and clear with descriptions that you could see and feel.

Be prepared to slip into another world as you are introduced to the Warrior Clan of the Wapicoli, a group of Native American shape-shifters who live under the control of an old warrior and mystical being called Okema. It is then that Morgan learns the Wapicoli have a special connection to wolves. I especially loved the blending of Native American lore and mythology which was liberally sprinkled throughout the novel which gave the story a distinct link to the past.

I enjoyed all of the characters and could envision Morgan grappling with the reality of her blood heritage. The little brother Jimmy is a fascinating study of a young boy. Jimmy is in many ways gifted in all the things that Morgan is not. At times, I wondered if he was taking care of his sister instead of the other way around. Morgan is the typical teenage girl who is forced to accept her destiny. I loved the banter between the siblings.

All in all, this was a page-turner I did not want to end. Beth Trissel weaves her love of history, paranormal activity, and YA fantasy into a storyline that will haunt your thoughts every full moon. From what I could tell, I found a bit of the author between these pages as she shares her knowledge of gardening and her love for animals which she skillfully wove between the pages of this book.

For Beth Trissel, The Hunter’s Moon is the first in her series of YA paranormal suspense thrillers under the subtitle of the “Secret Warrior Series.” The next in the series is called, “Curse of the Moon,” which has a publication date of May 4, 2016. The book is available for pre-order now. It’s not quick enough for me!

Sorry, I have to run! These pre-order copies run out fast! There’s no time to lose!

My Rating:

Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 4.5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Meet Beth Trissel:

Married to my high school sweetheart, I live on a farm in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia surrounded by my children, grandbabies, and assorted animals. An avid gardener, my love of herbs and heirloom plants figures into my work.

The rich history of Virginia, the Native Americans and the people who journeyed here from far beyond her borders are at the heart of my inspiration. In addition to American settings, I also write historical and time travel romances set in the British Isles, YA fantasy romance, and nonfiction about gardening, herbal lore, and country life.

From the Author:

“The Secret Warrior Series was inspired by my love of history, fantasy, and fascination with the mountain people and Native Americans.  Living in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia surrounded by mountains veiled in mist and mystery lends itself well to creating the characters and setting for The Hunter’s Moon, and the stories that will follow as the series unfolds. Some of the characters and creatures are based on lore I’ve learned over the years. Others appeared to me, as characters have a way of doing.  A great deal of research and intuition went into writing The Hunter’s Moon. I hope you will enjoy it and the stories yet to come. Next in the series, Curse of the Moon.”

My blog is the happening place at https://bethtrissel.wordpress.com/ or her author website at BethTrissel.com

You can find Beth through her Twitter @BethTrissel or on Facebook at Author Beth Trissel.

Book Review by @ColleenChesebro of silverthreading.com