Friday, June 14, 2013

The Moonlight Trilogy 1: Blood Moon by Teri Harman


Just when you thought witches couldn't be any cooler, Teri Harman's debut has completely reinvented the modern concept of witches in a Young Adult Paranormal Fantasy novel that you will not soon forget.

Head's up, Beautiful Creatures - there's a NEW witch in town!

A hand slowly reaches out a crack in the window to feel the light sprinkles of rain. The hand, cemented with dirt, sweat, and blood, trembles like a withered leaf clinging to a dead branch. Although filthy, the hand emits a history of grace and elegance long lost to the evils of torture and imprisonment ...

From what Willa recalls, seeing this pitiful hand, and, eventually, the person connected to it, was the catalyst to the discovery of her true self. Willa is a witch, and it turns out that her boyfriend, Simon, is a witch, too. Soon after Willa first sees the reaching hand, Simon and her embark on a rescue mission, only to find themselves catapulted into the alluring, but dangerous world of witches and witchcraft. Answers to all of Willa and Simon's questions are now within reach, but they've also stepped into the middle of a deadly war where many will stop at nothing to control the magic of The Six Gifts.

Willia and Simon must now learn to harness their powers to protect their lives and the lives of their newfound friends before the blood moon arrives, or all will be lost.

About the Author:

TERI HARMAN has believed in all things wondrous and haunting since her childhood days of sitting in the highest tree branches reading Roald Dahl and running in the rain imagining stories of danger and romance. Currently, her bookshelf is overflowing, her laundry unfolded, and her three small children running mad while she pens bewitching novels. She also writes a bi-weekly book column for ksl.com, Utah's #1 news site, and hosts a monthly television segment for Studio 5, Utah's #1 lifestyle show.

Come share in the magic and chaos at teriharman.com.

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I'm not normally into witches, but then a story comes around that puts a spell on me. When the good folks at JollyFishPress invited me to read another of their ARCs, especially from an author I've cheered on for some time, how could I refuse? I couldn't. Here's my review:

From the first page, I knew Blood Moon would be one of those books that you want to cozy up with and savor the words ... not that I have a habit of getting cozy with books ... anyway, the language is rich and vibrate, enough so that I was compelled to read slow and absorb the details. It's also an emotional book, the kind that stirs the soul, gives excellent payoffs, and even has the potential to get readers hot and bothered, on occasion. Looks like you've met your match, Edward!

Team Simon ... FTW!

All the way to the last page, I was like, "how did I read that so fast? I thought I was taking my time!" Teri has a knack for drawing you into a story, as unconventional and welcoming as it is delivered. The fact that Blood Moon has more to it than witches is another plus, in my book: ghosts, brilliant antagonist pathologies, points of view from the main girl and guy (a growing trend that is ultra refreshing), and a few segments where the past and the future collide. The events that take place aren't always presented in sequential order, something I've heard writers "ought to" shy away from, but Teri, you took that rule and broke it over your knee, with enviable fineness, I might add.

For me, story is everything. You can have flaws constantly glaring at you, but if the story is told well, I have to see it to its conclusion. The story achieved this, thankfully, without said glaring flaws. This even depicts a scene with "love at first sight" that feels fresh and actually works! No corn or cheese added - okay, maybe a sprinkle or two. Not once did I question where I was and what I was looking at - the right amount of information to help me follow Willa and Simon's journey.

It's no small thing to say that Blood Moon is my favorite read of the year so far, and it may very well be JollyFish's finest release yet. This small publisher is making some impressive strides, or waves, in their case, so I'd keep my eyes on their coming releases. Congrats to Teri for giving witches a new light, one that will shine well into the next installment, and the next one, and whatever else comes after that.

Cosmic Cruller Rating:

The Moonlight Trilogy 1: Blood Moon is available now!

What do you think? Does this sound like something you could sink your teeth into? What's your favorite story/novel about witches?

I'm David, and those Dark Coven peeps give me the creeps!


12 comments:

  1. Blood Moon sounds like a very good book. I certainly like the cover. :D Best of lucks to Teri.

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  2. Awesome cover! Sounds cool too. Might have to check it out.

    -Matt

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  3. Wow! Sounds awesome, and I am rushing off to add it to my TBR right now :)

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  4. Sounds awesome! Thanks for the review. And best of luck to Teri!

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  5. It's always nice seeing an author take a new spin on something! Sounds good. My favourite witch story has gotta be Harry Potter so far.

    Allison (Geek Banter)

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  6. I'm not much of a witches person either, but with five Cosmic Crullers, I'm adding to TBR.

    Who needs Edward, bah! (My ManCard is suspended anyway:)

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  7. Love the description of that hand! Congrats to Teri.

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  8. I know Teri! (Well, her husband!) We were talking about Teri at Sunday dinner this past Sunday... how funny!

    Her work looks fabulous.

    And hope you're well, DPK! Feels like it's been an eternity!

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  9. Congrats to Mark and for the love of spam!!! Yum

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