Product Details
- Paperback: 298 pages
- Publisher: Vanguard Press (July 30, 2010)
- ISBN-10: 1843866560
- ISBN-13: 978-1843866565
- Available on: Amazon / The Book Depository
Caia Ribeiro has lived a life of isolation and mystery since the death of her parents, and separation from her lykan pack at the age of seven. Returning ten years later under the supervision of the pack's young leader, Lucien, Caia finds herself seduced by pack life and her enigmatic guardian. But when strange happenings lead to near exposure of their world, Caia begins to realize Lucien and the Elders have been keeping unforgivable secrets, leaving Caia to come to terms with her dark and unique heritage.
Scarcely given time to adjust to her new reality, the war she believed stormed only on distant shores, crashes on her doorstep, forcing Caia to put aside her conflict with Lucien, in order to save them all from an old enemy and his relentless pursuit.
Have you ever felt like you don't want to stop reading a certain book? Well, that happens to me when I read Lunarmorte by Sam Young. It's a story about werewolves, whose origins are said to be related to Greek gods. The characters in this book are well-described, and they really shine with their respective personalities.
I'll get on with the good parts first. Because of the werewolves' relationship to the Gods, I believe, the author inserted a few funny phrases which are, in truth, refreshing and hilarious. Notable examples are "Holy Artemis!", "What the Hades!" and "Goddess knows where". Caia's docile manner and even temper makes her a lovable character, although her emotions may vary depending on the situation and condition.
As Caia is separated from her pack at a tender age, and when she returns 10 years later, she feels out of place and don't belong. That's why the male Alpha, Lucien orders for a pack running which is sort of a symbol that she is accepted and welcomed into the pack. I think the author has written this part brilliantly, and her efforts of making the wolves' movement and temperament life-like paid off.
Caia's ability to control water also intrigues me. I wonder who she actually is, but I know the answers will be revealed, sooner or later, when someone finally decides to tell her about it. And when the truth is uncovered, I was both shocked and surprised. No, I didn't see that coming!
Apart from that, the interactions between Caia and the other lycans are well-written. The scenes are mostly enjoyable and interesting; I don't mind reading about Caia and Lucien all day long. Sebastian, who is secretly in love with Caia also earns my approval. He is kind, warm and supportive of Caia even when the others oppose her. He is willing to do anything for her, and that includes surrendering his own life, even though he knows Caia will never be able to love him like a soulmate. Read this passage:
I almost cried reading this part, you know. He was terribly wounded at that time, and he wanted to make sure of Caia's answer.
I loved the book from the beginning until the end, but I spotted some things that can't be left unsaid. First of all, spelling and punctuation errors. I noticed quite a lot of them throughout the whole book, and to be honest, they really got on my nerves. I can't help questioning the editor's professionalism. This stellar novel has been marred by these imperfections, and I'm unhappy about that.
At the front part of the book, I was quite confused when the author didn't explain who are the characters and kept using third-person pronouns in a certain passage. I kept wondering who 'he' is, who Lars is and what the Hades are they talking about:
There is one more thing. I'm not entirely sure that this book is suitable for younger teens, because there is a mild sex scene between Caia and Lucien from page 219 - 222. I would recommend parental guidance for teens aged 17 and below.
I'll get on with the good parts first. Because of the werewolves' relationship to the Gods, I believe, the author inserted a few funny phrases which are, in truth, refreshing and hilarious. Notable examples are "Holy Artemis!", "What the Hades!" and "Goddess knows where". Caia's docile manner and even temper makes her a lovable character, although her emotions may vary depending on the situation and condition.
As Caia is separated from her pack at a tender age, and when she returns 10 years later, she feels out of place and don't belong. That's why the male Alpha, Lucien orders for a pack running which is sort of a symbol that she is accepted and welcomed into the pack. I think the author has written this part brilliantly, and her efforts of making the wolves' movement and temperament life-like paid off.
Caia's ability to control water also intrigues me. I wonder who she actually is, but I know the answers will be revealed, sooner or later, when someone finally decides to tell her about it. And when the truth is uncovered, I was both shocked and surprised. No, I didn't see that coming!
Apart from that, the interactions between Caia and the other lycans are well-written. The scenes are mostly enjoyable and interesting; I don't mind reading about Caia and Lucien all day long. Sebastian, who is secretly in love with Caia also earns my approval. He is kind, warm and supportive of Caia even when the others oppose her. He is willing to do anything for her, and that includes surrendering his own life, even though he knows Caia will never be able to love him like a soulmate. Read this passage:
"Cy,"he whispered and her eyes caught his again. "I love you, Cy."
"Don't," she choked on her tears. "You're going to be OK."
He smirked, "I love you anyway."
"I love you too," she whispered.
"That's good."
A deep silence settled on the truck and Caia began to shake with exhaustion and fear.
"Like a friend, Cy?" Sebastian whispered suddenly and then winced.
"What?"
"Love me like a friend. You?"
She nodded, unable to lie to him even now. But his eyes never dimmed, "That's enough for me."
I almost cried reading this part, you know. He was terribly wounded at that time, and he wanted to make sure of Caia's answer.
I loved the book from the beginning until the end, but I spotted some things that can't be left unsaid. First of all, spelling and punctuation errors. I noticed quite a lot of them throughout the whole book, and to be honest, they really got on my nerves. I can't help questioning the editor's professionalism. This stellar novel has been marred by these imperfections, and I'm unhappy about that.
At the front part of the book, I was quite confused when the author didn't explain who are the characters and kept using third-person pronouns in a certain passage. I kept wondering who 'he' is, who Lars is and what the Hades are they talking about:
“The door was thrown open, his tall, gangly assistant almost falling into the room in his hurry to get to him.
“The spell!” he heaved, as he lunged at him, out of breath.
“You’ve been running?” he asked him incredulously, following the trail of sweat that trickled down his assistant’s forehead.
He nodded, bending over, his hands braced on his knees as he tried to regain composure. “I…I…I still…haven’t haaaa…mastered the communication spell you gave me.” He gulped for air again, wheezing as he flopped down beside him.
“Well obviously you rushed with a purpose. Spit it out, Lars.”
Lars turned to him now, his eyes bright with excitement. “The protection spell is down. She’s unprotected.”
His eyes blazed with the news. “You’re certain?”
“Positive. I’ve been on Marion duty for two years. Her protection spell on the girl has been dropped.”
His smile of triumph was slow and predatory. “Do you know what this means?”
“It’s time?”
“Activate our agent.”
--- page 23, Lunarmorte by Sam Young
There is one more thing. I'm not entirely sure that this book is suitable for younger teens, because there is a mild sex scene between Caia and Lucien from page 219 - 222. I would recommend parental guidance for teens aged 17 and below.
To sum things up, Lunarmorte is an enjoyable debut which will enthrall readers with its stunning plot and unexpected twists. Highly recommend to fans of Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer and Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs.
Pros: Intriguing premise, action-packed, romantic, excellent storyline
Cons: Spelling errors, confusing passages without an exact character
Rating:
Pros: Intriguing premise, action-packed, romantic, excellent storyline
Cons: Spelling errors, confusing passages without an exact character
Rating:
You can visit Sam's blog HERE.
- 3.5 stars 
H. A. Goodman
