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Hunter's Moon #1
Running from the Night
One need not die to know the pleasures of blood. Vampires stalk the nighttime streets of Vancouver. The best way to shorten your lifespan? Stumble across a feeding vampire. When Jelani witnesses something he shouldn't, his life becomes one escape from death after another. With no safe place to hide, and allies no different than enemies, Jelani takes refuge in the sun's light, while using his wits to survive the night.
322 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2012
3 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Ramon Terrell
25 books48 followersI have two addictions: Books, video games, and potatoes, (okay, that's three) but they are all well managed. *grin*
I am a writer who loves to write, and thinks about writing when I am not writing. When I am writing, the world around me fades into a dim background. :)
A native of Carson, California, I have found my love in Vancouver, BC and don't plan on leaving. :)
I am a writer who loves to write, and thinks about writing when I am not writing. When I am writing, the world around me fades into a dim background. :)
A native of Carson, California, I have found my love in Vancouver, BC and don't plan on leaving. :)
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 9, 2017
Here is my usual caveat! I met Ramon Terrell at a convention. He's a fellow writer, a nice fellow and a friend. I try not to let that influence a review, but I like to be transparent about such things.
Okay, it's a book about vampires in Vancouver, Canada. The cover blurbs give that away so it's not a spoiler.
If you like vampire tales, and stories that are action oriented, I think this will be your cup of tea. In some ways, it's written like an action movie is scripted. Small surprise in that, since the author is also an actor. It's a familiar sort of pacing and I think it works very well for this story. Be prepared that this is the first book in a series, so not every one of the protagonists problems will be solved at the end.
You know who is going to really enjoy this books? People who live in Vancouver or know the city well, and like vampire tales. I think we all get a kick out of reading a book or watching a movie set in our home towns. If you out for a stroll at night in Vancouver, you may find yourself thinking, "Hey, wasn't this where they first encountered the blood suckers?"
Okay, it's a book about vampires in Vancouver, Canada. The cover blurbs give that away so it's not a spoiler.
If you like vampire tales, and stories that are action oriented, I think this will be your cup of tea. In some ways, it's written like an action movie is scripted. Small surprise in that, since the author is also an actor. It's a familiar sort of pacing and I think it works very well for this story. Be prepared that this is the first book in a series, so not every one of the protagonists problems will be solved at the end.
You know who is going to really enjoy this books? People who live in Vancouver or know the city well, and like vampire tales. I think we all get a kick out of reading a book or watching a movie set in our home towns. If you out for a stroll at night in Vancouver, you may find yourself thinking, "Hey, wasn't this where they first encountered the blood suckers?"
June 10, 2012
I don’t typically do Vampires. For that fact, neither does this author, but Running From the Night represents R.J. Terrells foray into the vampire realm. Following on the heels of his fantasy Trilogy Legend of Takashaniel, Mr. Terrell has once again brought us into a different world while leaving us simultaneously in the same world.
The characters were well developed, and as a reader I found myself concerned with their fates. The characters not only have to worry about vampires trying to kill them, but deal with real world issues such as girlfriends and spurned lovers. I found the character of Saaya’s background to be very interesting as well and look forward to finding out more about her.
There were some technical issues such as characters mirroring movements that at times were a bit distractive. It seemed to work in some scenes for example combat, and when they were involved in tai chi, but didn’t seem to carry over strongly into more mundane actions.
Overall though, I was really pulled into it and wanted to see more. I have a feeling that all hell is going to be unleashed, and I want ringside seats. For his first journey into Vampire stories, I’d say Mr. Terrell did very well indeed and I will definitely be waiting for the next installment.
The characters were well developed, and as a reader I found myself concerned with their fates. The characters not only have to worry about vampires trying to kill them, but deal with real world issues such as girlfriends and spurned lovers. I found the character of Saaya’s background to be very interesting as well and look forward to finding out more about her.
There were some technical issues such as characters mirroring movements that at times were a bit distractive. It seemed to work in some scenes for example combat, and when they were involved in tai chi, but didn’t seem to carry over strongly into more mundane actions.
Overall though, I was really pulled into it and wanted to see more. I have a feeling that all hell is going to be unleashed, and I want ringside seats. For his first journey into Vampire stories, I’d say Mr. Terrell did very well indeed and I will definitely be waiting for the next installment.
July 28, 2020
I really enjoyed the first half of this book. I enjoyed the world building, and the fact that the characters were actively trying to avoid being turned into a vampire. I haven’t come across too many stories that have that. I like how the vampires thought differently than the humans, although after the halfway point, that difference became more and more apparent, and harder for me to wrap my head around.
Saaya grated on my nerves more and more throughout the story. She’s super powerful, but she decided to save these two humans because of mere...curiosity? She doesn’t even know why. She hints at the strength Jelani has, but won’t expound on it. At the same time, she seems attracted to him, but not. She seems like a plot device. Jelani is being attacked? No problem, she’ll swoop in and save him. It feels like she has no weaknesses, which in turn can create a weak character. Not to mention her brother, but I don’t know much about him other than the fact he’s super strong.
I believe Jelani is the main character (or meant to be), but the story gave me the impression that he and the other humans are ants compared to the vampires, and that there’s nothing they can do to better their situation. They’ll either be killed or turned to keep the vampire world a secret. The vampires are superior to the humans, and this is the way of the world.
The perspective of the book slowly shifts from a lot of Jelani, to less Jelani and more vampire perspectives the further you get in the book. I didn’t really like this. I liked seeing the underdog try to keep himself and his friends safe, and I felt like the book would have been better if it didn’t have the additional vampire perspectives (because they are superior and have no objective other than to kill Jelani and friends). Jelani could have been built up more as a character, and could have grown more, especially if he didn’t have Saaya to hold his hand and protect him through the book.
I like that Jelani is able to eventually fight back successfully and kill a vampire because it shows character progression, but it happens at the end of the book. Saaya is there as well. It just heightens the impression I have that Jelani is an ant compared to the vampires. He slowly becomes a secondary character, with the vampires transitioning to be the primary characters.
One thing that was a little annoying the more it happened was the way Saaya would prove what she was to the humans. Oh, look, I’m suddenly in front of you. Nope, now I’m behind you! Super speed for the win!
Anyway, those are my rambling thoughts about this book. I really enjoyed the first half of the book, but the second half was much harder to get through. Oh, and I don’t understand the point of the first chapter. A character named Larry was introduced, and he was hunted by vampires and killed. He died the very next chapter. In my opinion, it would have been better to not include his perspective because he only appears once in the entire book.
Saaya grated on my nerves more and more throughout the story. She’s super powerful, but she decided to save these two humans because of mere...curiosity? She doesn’t even know why. She hints at the strength Jelani has, but won’t expound on it. At the same time, she seems attracted to him, but not. She seems like a plot device. Jelani is being attacked? No problem, she’ll swoop in and save him. It feels like she has no weaknesses, which in turn can create a weak character. Not to mention her brother, but I don’t know much about him other than the fact he’s super strong.
I believe Jelani is the main character (or meant to be), but the story gave me the impression that he and the other humans are ants compared to the vampires, and that there’s nothing they can do to better their situation. They’ll either be killed or turned to keep the vampire world a secret. The vampires are superior to the humans, and this is the way of the world.
The perspective of the book slowly shifts from a lot of Jelani, to less Jelani and more vampire perspectives the further you get in the book. I didn’t really like this. I liked seeing the underdog try to keep himself and his friends safe, and I felt like the book would have been better if it didn’t have the additional vampire perspectives (because they are superior and have no objective other than to kill Jelani and friends). Jelani could have been built up more as a character, and could have grown more, especially if he didn’t have Saaya to hold his hand and protect him through the book.
I like that Jelani is able to eventually fight back successfully and kill a vampire because it shows character progression, but it happens at the end of the book. Saaya is there as well. It just heightens the impression I have that Jelani is an ant compared to the vampires. He slowly becomes a secondary character, with the vampires transitioning to be the primary characters.
One thing that was a little annoying the more it happened was the way Saaya would prove what she was to the humans. Oh, look, I’m suddenly in front of you. Nope, now I’m behind you! Super speed for the win!
Anyway, those are my rambling thoughts about this book. I really enjoyed the first half of the book, but the second half was much harder to get through. Oh, and I don’t understand the point of the first chapter. A character named Larry was introduced, and he was hunted by vampires and killed. He died the very next chapter. In my opinion, it would have been better to not include his perspective because he only appears once in the entire book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2020
Intriguing
This vampire novel is different from most I have read. The story truly centers on the main character and his life. I wish I could see this as a graphic novel. I have a serious case of second-man syndrome with Daniel... I am planning to check out the next installment.
This vampire novel is different from most I have read. The story truly centers on the main character and his life. I wish I could see this as a graphic novel. I have a serious case of second-man syndrome with Daniel... I am planning to check out the next installment.
June 4, 2018
Picked this up after a Robin Hobb review but couldn't stand the frat boy sexism.
August 22, 2013
I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.
Running From The Night by R.J. Terrell is the first book in a fantasy series. This set up novel was better and more complete as a story than many series of late. Although I had a hard time getting into this novel, it was well written. This vampire story is a lot different from the other vampire stories I've read before. I think it will appeal more to men. Aside from being written by a man, it is written from the male main character's point of view.
The story really picks up about half way through the book when the vampire action ramps up. I enjoyed the vampire characters significantly more than the human characters. The main character, Jelani, is the target of some powerful vampires and yet his big dilemma is which girl to pursue. He is also becoming the obsession of a 1/2 vampire named Saya. Thankfully, Saya's interest in Jelani ends up saving his bacon more than once.
The Hunter's Moon Series is worth the read.
***this review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews, please visit the fan site: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng***
Running From The Night by R.J. Terrell is the first book in a fantasy series. This set up novel was better and more complete as a story than many series of late. Although I had a hard time getting into this novel, it was well written. This vampire story is a lot different from the other vampire stories I've read before. I think it will appeal more to men. Aside from being written by a man, it is written from the male main character's point of view.
The story really picks up about half way through the book when the vampire action ramps up. I enjoyed the vampire characters significantly more than the human characters. The main character, Jelani, is the target of some powerful vampires and yet his big dilemma is which girl to pursue. He is also becoming the obsession of a 1/2 vampire named Saya. Thankfully, Saya's interest in Jelani ends up saving his bacon more than once.
The Hunter's Moon Series is worth the read.
***this review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews, please visit the fan site: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng***
October 16, 2013
First let me say, I don't do vampire books....... Running From the Night by Ramon Terrell knocked by socks off.
Not be a fan of Vampires, I got an education of the levels and types of Vampires.
Set in Vancouver, Canada the last thing Jalani expected to run into was a vampire. Unfortunately, he runs into not only 1 but 2 vampires feeding. He is saved only due to the interference of the mysterious Saaya and her brother.
Jalani unwittingly endangers his roommate and their girls friends. Once a human has witnessed the feeding of a vampire they have to be eliminated.
From the beginning, I felts a connection with the characters in the books. R.J. Terrell does a wonderful job of developing the characters in the book. I found myself very much concerned for their well being. Reading rapidly so I could turn the page and see if and how they survived.
Running from the Night leaves us with many unanswered questions. Mainly, the ultimate outcome of Jalani and his friends,
This is a must read vampire ...... says the person who doesn't read vampire stories until now.
Not be a fan of Vampires, I got an education of the levels and types of Vampires.
Set in Vancouver, Canada the last thing Jalani expected to run into was a vampire. Unfortunately, he runs into not only 1 but 2 vampires feeding. He is saved only due to the interference of the mysterious Saaya and her brother.
Jalani unwittingly endangers his roommate and their girls friends. Once a human has witnessed the feeding of a vampire they have to be eliminated.
From the beginning, I felts a connection with the characters in the books. R.J. Terrell does a wonderful job of developing the characters in the book. I found myself very much concerned for their well being. Reading rapidly so I could turn the page and see if and how they survived.
Running from the Night leaves us with many unanswered questions. Mainly, the ultimate outcome of Jalani and his friends,
This is a must read vampire ...... says the person who doesn't read vampire stories until now.
March 15, 2015
When opened "Running from the Night" I did not know what to expect. An avid reader I delved in with no expectations as one should with every book. As a huge fan of all things Vampire I was surprised to see it set in my city. An evening jog in Stanley Park, Vancouver leads to a series of pulse pounding encounters that leave Jelani, the main character, barely perturbed. I was curious and kept reading imagining I would be equally zen in the same situation. Over all the story isn't bad but it reads a bit like a screen play. I found I wished I knew more about the human characters, their personalities were ephemeral and i was unable to feel much empathy with them. The vampires incited my curiousity and I am willing to see where they end up in the next book. Overall it kept me engaged and curious . All in all I found it was an entertaining read.
April 26, 2015
I liked it.
Vampires have been done to death, but Mr. Terrell found a way to keep them interesting and invest them with some mystery. I have to say I found the main character, Jelani, hard to identify with, because Dear Lord does that man overthink and overanalyze ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING. And I'm a guy who has been accused of doing the same on more than one occasion. So coming from me, that's saying something. That said, I enjoyed the read, though by the end I found myself more interested in the goings-on with the vampire characters than with Jelani and his gang. I'll be interested to see where the rest of the series goes.
Vampires have been done to death, but Mr. Terrell found a way to keep them interesting and invest them with some mystery. I have to say I found the main character, Jelani, hard to identify with, because Dear Lord does that man overthink and overanalyze ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING. And I'm a guy who has been accused of doing the same on more than one occasion. So coming from me, that's saying something. That said, I enjoyed the read, though by the end I found myself more interested in the goings-on with the vampire characters than with Jelani and his gang. I'll be interested to see where the rest of the series goes.
January 21, 2017
Fantastic Fantasy
I picked this book up yesterday. It's one of the more interesting twists on the vampire genre that I've read. The characters are well written and the author gives you a great opportunity to know the key people, their motivations, thoughts and actions. I love the fact that this novel is filled with people of color! Representation matters.
The book was a fast read and there were many times that I didn't want to put it down. It's set up with a cliff hanger and I'm VERY eager to read the sequel...
I picked this book up yesterday. It's one of the more interesting twists on the vampire genre that I've read. The characters are well written and the author gives you a great opportunity to know the key people, their motivations, thoughts and actions. I love the fact that this novel is filled with people of color! Representation matters.
The book was a fast read and there were many times that I didn't want to put it down. It's set up with a cliff hanger and I'm VERY eager to read the sequel...
February 26, 2013
Over all i enjoyed the book. The vampire "world"was good. I liked the hierarchy created.
Three only thing that kinda bugged me was the Jalani and his woman woes. I mean the guy just discovered vampires are real and that they want Jalani dead, and the dude is rambling over which girl he likes more?? Really??? Lol
Three only thing that kinda bugged me was the Jalani and his woman woes. I mean the guy just discovered vampires are real and that they want Jalani dead, and the dude is rambling over which girl he likes more?? Really??? Lol
August 18, 2012
This book read like a fastpaced movie. Very clean contemporary storyline, well developed characters and a nice spin to the usual vampire tales. RJ Terrell has written a very good tale that weaves the literary background story of the vampires ala Anne Rice while keeping the story fastpaced and urban like an LA Banks novel. I'm buying the next installment today!
October 7, 2018
I picked this up at a Comic Convention and I'm glad I did. It was an enjoyable read. I will be reading the next in the series. There were a few editing mistakes that threw me out of the story a few times but I can get over that when I enjoy a story this much.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews