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Rylie Gresham has survived becoming a werewolf, going crazy from silver poisoning, and being hunted by her fiance's family. But that was nothing compared to the challenge Rylie faces now: being pregnant...with twins. And it definitely doesn't help that her fiance's brother has declared himself the father, either.
The brothers, Seth and Abel, are at each other's throat over Rylie, even as the twins are fast approaching term. But it may be too late for all of them. The government has revealed the existence of werewolves, threatening everything that Rylie holds dear. And the evil werewolf Cain is preparing for his final act of revenge: destroying the pack and stealing Rylie's children.
The brothers, Seth and Abel, are at each other's throat over Rylie, even as the twins are fast approaching term. But it may be too late for all of them. The government has revealed the existence of werewolves, threatening everything that Rylie holds dear. And the evil werewolf Cain is preparing for his final act of revenge: destroying the pack and stealing Rylie's children.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2013
117 people are currently reading
991 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Reine
114 books2,007 followersHi everyone! My name is Sara, and I write urban fantasy and paranormal novels as SM Reine. I collect swords, cat hair, and typewriters (which I do use for writing!). It's a good day when those three things have nothing to do with each other.
If you would like to know the instant my next book is available, you should enlist in my Army of Evil! We have a wicked cool secret handshake, but you'll have to sign up to learn it. ;) Check it out -- http://smarturl.it/armyofevil
If you would like to know the instant my next book is available, you should enlist in my Army of Evil! We have a wicked cool secret handshake, but you'll have to sign up to learn it. ;) Check it out -- http://smarturl.it/armyofevil
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 6, 2013
I am not kidding IN THE LEAST when I say that this was one intense ride. There's treachery and backstabbing and frontstabbing and side-clawing. Okay, I might have made that last one up. That's what happens when you get carried away by emotion and the constant drain of an adrenaline rush. And this book? It brings the adrenaline.
No fooling, this was an excellent ending to Rylie's story. Her pregnancy throws a few kinks in her already chaotic life and she has to think of both her pack and her babies when she makes decisions. She's being hunted by some very bad people - namely Cain - and he's all about the trickery and lies. She has a junior werewolf who thinks he'd be a better leader than she would (with some of her wishy-washiness, this might be true, but the wolf in question doesn't have the Alpha ability to call forth the wolves when it's not their changing time and that's kinda a big selling point for me) and Seth and Abel are still at odds over where Rylie's heart lies.
The thing is, I don't think Rylie knew who she would pick until it was forced on her. As frustrating as that was at times, I totally understood. She loved and needed them both in her lives for very different reasons. And being a hormonal mess with the babies? Didn't help the choosing process.
There was a whole lot I enjoyed in this installment. It tied up all the story nicely while still leaving some things in the dark. And now I'm eyeballing books 6 & 7 because I want it all. *collapses*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
No fooling, this was an excellent ending to Rylie's story. Her pregnancy throws a few kinks in her already chaotic life and she has to think of both her pack and her babies when she makes decisions. She's being hunted by some very bad people - namely Cain - and he's all about the trickery and lies. She has a junior werewolf who thinks he'd be a better leader than she would (with some of her wishy-washiness, this might be true, but the wolf in question doesn't have the Alpha ability to call forth the wolves when it's not their changing time and that's kinda a big selling point for me) and Seth and Abel are still at odds over where Rylie's heart lies.
The thing is, I don't think Rylie knew who she would pick until it was forced on her. As frustrating as that was at times, I totally understood. She loved and needed them both in her lives for very different reasons. And being a hormonal mess with the babies? Didn't help the choosing process.
There was a whole lot I enjoyed in this installment. It tied up all the story nicely while still leaving some things in the dark. And now I'm eyeballing books 6 & 7 because I want it all. *collapses*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
May 20, 2016
Omg so good
What a wonderful series, I am loving it. One more book to go, in the series. This book was longer than all the first ones in the series, I am very happy about that. I hope the next book is long also.
What a wonderful series, I am loving it. One more book to go, in the series. This book was longer than all the first ones in the series, I am very happy about that. I hope the next book is long also.
December 12, 2023
Now THIS is what I'm talking about!!!! Finally, after being disappointed with the previous 4 books due to their shortness, is a full-length story. And my god, does it take you on a breathtaking, fast-paced, thrilling journey.
I'm not going to write any spoilers so it's just a short review but this was an epic finale to the series. I know from reading the Author's Note at the end that she hasn't yet finished with these guys and I for one am "over the Moon" about that. I just hope that they are full-length novels, not novellas, as this is where these books shine.
These books are definite keepers, to be read and enjoyed over again for many more Moons to come. Absolutely brilliant and definitely recommended.
* Verified Purchase ~ February 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 2, 2013
I'm not going to write any spoilers so it's just a short review but this was an epic finale to the series. I know from reading the Author's Note at the end that she hasn't yet finished with these guys and I for one am "over the Moon" about that. I just hope that they are full-length novels, not novellas, as this is where these books shine.
These books are definite keepers, to be read and enjoyed over again for many more Moons to come. Absolutely brilliant and definitely recommended.
* Verified Purchase ~ February 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 2, 2013
November 12, 2014
When it comes to books in this series, or any other book by this author I could ramble on and on and on… It’s pretty much guaranteed that if I pick up a book by S.M. Reine, it won’t get put down unless I absolutely have no choice. Darkmoon was definitely no exception. I think out of all the books in the Seasons of the Moon: Cain Chronicles series, this one is my favorite.
Darkmoon starts where Red Rose Moon left off. In total and utter chaos… both physical and emotional. I’m not even really sure where to start. Up until this series I really didn’t like Abel. He’s grown on me though and in this book my heart broke for all three of them. I know that a lot of readers don’t like love triangles. I can take or leave them, depending on how they’re written. I guess it’s no surprise that I’m going to tell you that S.M. Reine writes it well. Rylie’s love for both Seth and Abel is beyond complicated. Her human heart chose Seth, but her wolf chose Abel. There’s a lot more to it than that, but that’s the ‘cliff notes’ version.
I think one of the things that I liked most about Darkmoon was that it’s now obvious that the ground is being laid for Reine’s Seasons of the Moon and Descent series to become intertwined. James played a prominent role in Darkmoon and I loved the interactions he had with the characters. It just reinforced the fact that once I’m finished playing catch up with this series and Descent, I’m going to have to start the Ascension series all over again.
Darkmoon was also the longest book in the Cain Chronicles so far. A lot happened. A lot that I saw coming and a lot that I didn’t expect. There were twists and turns and hints to the future that I now wonder if I would have picked up on if I had read the books in order. Hind sight is 20/20 so I doubt it. The stakes are higher, more lives are in danger and new threats are revealed. And for the record, S.M. Reine has no problem at all breaking her characters in two – and taking her readers down right along with them.
Of Wings and Wolves is next and I’m extremely glad that I have it ready and waiting. There’s still a lot to settle and the next book promises to fill in the blanks. I can’t really tell you what blanks those are, but I can tell you (again) that if you haven’t picked this series up yet, you really need to fix that.
Darkmoon starts where Red Rose Moon left off. In total and utter chaos… both physical and emotional. I’m not even really sure where to start. Up until this series I really didn’t like Abel. He’s grown on me though and in this book my heart broke for all three of them. I know that a lot of readers don’t like love triangles. I can take or leave them, depending on how they’re written. I guess it’s no surprise that I’m going to tell you that S.M. Reine writes it well. Rylie’s love for both Seth and Abel is beyond complicated. Her human heart chose Seth, but her wolf chose Abel. There’s a lot more to it than that, but that’s the ‘cliff notes’ version.
I think one of the things that I liked most about Darkmoon was that it’s now obvious that the ground is being laid for Reine’s Seasons of the Moon and Descent series to become intertwined. James played a prominent role in Darkmoon and I loved the interactions he had with the characters. It just reinforced the fact that once I’m finished playing catch up with this series and Descent, I’m going to have to start the Ascension series all over again.
Darkmoon was also the longest book in the Cain Chronicles so far. A lot happened. A lot that I saw coming and a lot that I didn’t expect. There were twists and turns and hints to the future that I now wonder if I would have picked up on if I had read the books in order. Hind sight is 20/20 so I doubt it. The stakes are higher, more lives are in danger and new threats are revealed. And for the record, S.M. Reine has no problem at all breaking her characters in two – and taking her readers down right along with them.
Of Wings and Wolves is next and I’m extremely glad that I have it ready and waiting. There’s still a lot to settle and the next book promises to fill in the blanks. I can’t really tell you what blanks those are, but I can tell you (again) that if you haven’t picked this series up yet, you really need to fix that.
January 15, 2013
The last installment in the lives of Rylie, Seth and Abel has come to a close and it feels like saying goodbye to old friends after following their journey for so long. While some of the twists and turns in the book were not what I expected, I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome although for a moment there I was holding my breath towards the end. The growth and level of understanding between Rylie, Seth and Abel is evident in the last book and the progression has been realistic and not based on the usual formula you tend to see in a lot of books of this genre which has kept me engaged throughout the series. I would have liked to known what happened to Rylie's babies once they were born and how they grew up but that will be a book for the future I am sure.
I have loved reading this series and Sara has been amazing by making her readers feel as if they have "hitched a ride on her coat-tails" so to speak. We have been involved in coming up with names for some of her characters and suggestions for story lines though the final decision has always been up to Sara. It was such a wonderful experience as I became so invested in the characters and the outcome of their individual journey's so thank you Sara for making this series so captivating and enjoyable. I look forward to reading anything you care to write in the future and would highly recommend this series to those of you that have not yet discovered it.
I have loved reading this series and Sara has been amazing by making her readers feel as if they have "hitched a ride on her coat-tails" so to speak. We have been involved in coming up with names for some of her characters and suggestions for story lines though the final decision has always been up to Sara. It was such a wonderful experience as I became so invested in the characters and the outcome of their individual journey's so thank you Sara for making this series so captivating and enjoyable. I look forward to reading anything you care to write in the future and would highly recommend this series to those of you that have not yet discovered it.
January 24, 2013
I started reading this series over Thanksgiving Break, and just got sucked in. Even though supernatural stuff like witches and demons I steer clear of because I don't like messing with that information, SM presents it more as informative, and helps the reader not feel like they are dibbling in something they don't believe in. (whether she believes in it or not she doesn't force it on you).
I had no idea where this book was going to take us, and I have to say I'm disappointed. I was appalled in the last book when it was revealed to us that Abel and Rylie "mated", and maybe I couldn't get past the fact that she wasn't in control of herself as her wolf, and vice versa. It still felt like she was raped, and it never rested easy with me. I also, did not like who she chose in the end. My heart never lept for himl, my heart was never for him. In fact, at the end when something horrible happened to him, I was hoping he would stay that way, and was relieved.
I gave this book 3 stars because her writing still pulled me in, and she is talented, but that is all. If I wasn't feeling generous to acknowledge that, it would have gotten a 1 star rating.
I had no idea where this book was going to take us, and I have to say I'm disappointed. I was appalled in the last book when it was revealed to us that Abel and Rylie "mated", and maybe I couldn't get past the fact that she wasn't in control of herself as her wolf, and vice versa. It still felt like she was raped, and it never rested easy with me. I also, did not like who she chose in the end. My heart never lept for himl, my heart was never for him. In fact, at the end when something horrible happened to him, I was hoping he would stay that way, and was relieved.
I gave this book 3 stars because her writing still pulled me in, and she is talented, but that is all. If I wasn't feeling generous to acknowledge that, it would have gotten a 1 star rating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2021
I love that the characters all fit their ages so wonderfully. Even though Rylie still has a lot going on, she acts like a young twenty-something, as does Levi, who wants to be a boss dude. I can just picture the sweaty posturing of a young man still working out his hormones and growth spurts. Abel and Seth are well balanced, and every time I lean one way, it's because I learn something new about the character and not just that Rylie's feeling passionate at the moment. I loved, loved, loved that James is there to help. I know many readers were so angry with him at the end of The Descent series, but I still liked him, especially since we got to know him as a boy, too. The violent descriptions, as always, are fantastic, though they never put me in squeamish territory, which I appreciate. Just visceral, like how the werewolves basically explode out of their human skin if they transform with Rylie's help. LOVE IT.
May 16, 2020
It was as I expected with few surprises all the way to a typical romance HEA. I finished on one evening by skimming liberally. To me there was so much irrelevant detail. I just wanted to hear about the action and resolution. The self-aware dream was a bit unbelievable to me as well. How many people do you know question whether they are dreaming while doing so?
Typos: "I'd already bought them a week before, and they were already feeling tight." (The first already should be "just.") My Aunt Rachel has made it pretty clear what she thought of her my mother's character flaws." (if you have a noun, you don't also need a pronoun.) It's Daylight Saving Time, not Savings. "...same talent with locks as Connor and I" (should be me).
Typos: "I'd already bought them a week before, and they were already feeling tight." (The first already should be "just.") My Aunt Rachel has made it pretty clear what she thought of her my mother's character flaws." (if you have a noun, you don't also need a pronoun.) It's Daylight Saving Time, not Savings. "...same talent with locks as Connor and I" (should be me).
August 15, 2019
I absolutely love S.M. Reine. She knows exactly how to get you entrapped in her books. I have read all of her books several times and each time, I just can't get enough. I find myself in my own little fantasy world of battles, gore, and love. I recommend her books to everyone!! I even have my fifteen-year-old daughter hooked on them!!!!
August 15, 2019
My heart was in my mouth so much of the time whilst reading this. Hoping that they would all be ok & make it through alive. As for who was the father of the baby I changed my mind a few times & was gutted in a way how things turned out.
June 17, 2025
Lowk this one ate so hard compared to the recent ones but also POOR SETH the whole time thing is also sending me so hard but 10/10 enjoyed this also the final battle was more fleshed out and acc tragic finally
March 14, 2018
Excellent
Great read. Action from start to finish . Had me on the edge till the end . I would totally recommend
Great read. Action from start to finish . Had me on the edge till the end . I would totally recommend
August 19, 2018
Just about the best of the series.
January 21, 2019
Surprise
Every time I get sad the story is ending you come up with one more. Can't wait to get started on the next book.
Every time I get sad the story is ending you come up with one more. Can't wait to get started on the next book.
January 25, 2019
Loved it def keeps u guessing.
July 27, 2023
Good ending!!
Read
May 4, 2024Darkmoon: The Cain Chronicles
I liked everything about the series. The characters, and the storyline was well worth reading. I would love to read more books liked this.
I liked everything about the series. The characters, and the storyline was well worth reading. I would love to read more books liked this.
February 8, 2013
Where to begin with this awesome ending to the series. I just couldn’t stop reading it, and I loved every moment of this book. S.M. Reine knows how to make people love her werewolves. The ending was a total shocker, and I never saw it coming. At least it is a (sorta) happy ending.
The setting, of course, took place at the Gashham ranch, where it was a werewolf sanctuary for a while now.
The plot was amazing, and I’m glad the author decide to make this volume the longest one, instead of four parts. It made me enjoy the book all that much more. Rylie is becoming more pregnant by the day, and she’s only 19. Not only that, but the government has begun a crack down on demons, angels and Werewolves, no longer treating them like normal beings. Who, may you ask, is behind this? Well, none other then Cain, the half brother of Abel and Seth. If that’s not stressful enough for Rylie, there is the added bonus of having to make her final decision on who she wants to be with, because of course she can’t have both brothers. We also get to meet a few new characters who help Rylie and the pack. It left me guessing about who they really are, and wanting to learn more about them.
Rylie has grown over the time between 'The Cain Saga' and the 'Season of the Moon' series. She grown from a normal teenage girl, to a werewolf, to the 19-year-old Alpha of a pack, and now a soon to be mother. She is strong and brave, and in this book you kind of see a side to her which you haven’t seen since she was a human. That is her scared side. Scared of what’s going to happen when she gives birth. Although, any first time mom, especialy a young mom, would be scary for anyone. With her being pregnant, she can’t deal with normal pack stuff, like acting like an Alpha. The stress for her would be too much. She is told to let someone else handle the pack, and I don't blame her at all for being angry at the order. She finally picks a brother, which I'm glad about, but come on! She dragged those two along for almost the whole 'Cain Saga'. I wanted to slap her and tell her pick already, and stop leading them by the chain (dog joke for werewolves haha!).
Seth gave me one surprise after another. First, I find out he isn’t all what I pictured him to be. Second, how stupid can you get for thinking everything would be fine in your relationship, only coming home once in a while and only staying in the bedroom with your girlfriend. Third, you so had it coming with your brother wanting to snatch your girlfriend away. Besides all that, he is really a great character. He too has grown since I’ve read about him in the 'Season of the Moon' series. He has become a better hunter, and even found a new liking for the werewolves. He also has a kind heart, so when it was time for him to choose between Rylie being with him, or letting her make her own choices, he let her make her own choice. I was happy with which ever choice she made. All in all, a great guy, and hopefully he has a happy ending soon.
Abel is a great character and I’ve grown to like him a lot more in 'The Cain Saga' then in the 'Season of the Moon' series. He has more of a role in this series too, being a wolf and Alpha. Abel is tough when he needs to be, and despite being an Alpha, he tends to be alone most of the time. He is also a very nervous type of father. It was funny when I read how he freaked out, not knowing what to do when Rylie started having contractions, and he ran off wanting to get help right away. He got help, but it left him feeling bad about leaving Rylie. He was about to let her go, which pissed me off. If I could, I would tell him to fight for her and forget about your mistakes, because they’re nothing if you love her enough. I almost freaked out at the end, when I thought the worst. I’m glad Rylie was there for him.
Levi caught my attention a while back when (SPOILER!!), I found out he was gay. I had always thought of him as a kind, quiet werewolf. He's proved that he’s far from it. All throughout 'The Cain Saga', he has been after Rylie’s pack, wanting to own it. I can see why, when the one person he loved had to leave because he had to care for another werewolf who was in trouble. That was no reason to treat so many pack members badly though. He tries to get back together with Tate, after finally meeting him after all this time. I was all for Levi and Tate getting back together, though I hated how dimwitted Tate turn out to be. Tate ended up going something bad, that effected the entire pack, and he thought that everything would turn out fine. I hope that Levi can have his own short story, maybe his own spin-off series. (Hint, hint).
The setting, of course, took place at the Gashham ranch, where it was a werewolf sanctuary for a while now.
The plot was amazing, and I’m glad the author decide to make this volume the longest one, instead of four parts. It made me enjoy the book all that much more. Rylie is becoming more pregnant by the day, and she’s only 19. Not only that, but the government has begun a crack down on demons, angels and Werewolves, no longer treating them like normal beings. Who, may you ask, is behind this? Well, none other then Cain, the half brother of Abel and Seth. If that’s not stressful enough for Rylie, there is the added bonus of having to make her final decision on who she wants to be with, because of course she can’t have both brothers. We also get to meet a few new characters who help Rylie and the pack. It left me guessing about who they really are, and wanting to learn more about them.
Rylie has grown over the time between 'The Cain Saga' and the 'Season of the Moon' series. She grown from a normal teenage girl, to a werewolf, to the 19-year-old Alpha of a pack, and now a soon to be mother. She is strong and brave, and in this book you kind of see a side to her which you haven’t seen since she was a human. That is her scared side. Scared of what’s going to happen when she gives birth. Although, any first time mom, especialy a young mom, would be scary for anyone. With her being pregnant, she can’t deal with normal pack stuff, like acting like an Alpha. The stress for her would be too much. She is told to let someone else handle the pack, and I don't blame her at all for being angry at the order. She finally picks a brother, which I'm glad about, but come on! She dragged those two along for almost the whole 'Cain Saga'. I wanted to slap her and tell her pick already, and stop leading them by the chain (dog joke for werewolves haha!).
Seth gave me one surprise after another. First, I find out he isn’t all what I pictured him to be. Second, how stupid can you get for thinking everything would be fine in your relationship, only coming home once in a while and only staying in the bedroom with your girlfriend. Third, you so had it coming with your brother wanting to snatch your girlfriend away. Besides all that, he is really a great character. He too has grown since I’ve read about him in the 'Season of the Moon' series. He has become a better hunter, and even found a new liking for the werewolves. He also has a kind heart, so when it was time for him to choose between Rylie being with him, or letting her make her own choices, he let her make her own choice. I was happy with which ever choice she made. All in all, a great guy, and hopefully he has a happy ending soon.
Abel is a great character and I’ve grown to like him a lot more in 'The Cain Saga' then in the 'Season of the Moon' series. He has more of a role in this series too, being a wolf and Alpha. Abel is tough when he needs to be, and despite being an Alpha, he tends to be alone most of the time. He is also a very nervous type of father. It was funny when I read how he freaked out, not knowing what to do when Rylie started having contractions, and he ran off wanting to get help right away. He got help, but it left him feeling bad about leaving Rylie. He was about to let her go, which pissed me off. If I could, I would tell him to fight for her and forget about your mistakes, because they’re nothing if you love her enough. I almost freaked out at the end, when I thought the worst. I’m glad Rylie was there for him.
Levi caught my attention a while back when (SPOILER!!), I found out he was gay. I had always thought of him as a kind, quiet werewolf. He's proved that he’s far from it. All throughout 'The Cain Saga', he has been after Rylie’s pack, wanting to own it. I can see why, when the one person he loved had to leave because he had to care for another werewolf who was in trouble. That was no reason to treat so many pack members badly though. He tries to get back together with Tate, after finally meeting him after all this time. I was all for Levi and Tate getting back together, though I hated how dimwitted Tate turn out to be. Tate ended up going something bad, that effected the entire pack, and he thought that everything would turn out fine. I hope that Levi can have his own short story, maybe his own spin-off series. (Hint, hint).
August 26, 2013
With "Darkmoon" author SM Reine wraps up the major storylines left over from "Seasons of the moon", for example what happened to Tate after Rylie, driven close to madness by silver poisoning, killed his mother, and it marks the end to the story of Cain, Seth and Abel’s brother.
She finally solves the love-triangle we saw build up since, I believe it’s been in "Long night moon" where we first saw Seth’s brother Abel begin to find respect for Rylie and realize his true feelings for her. Which is one of the parts that has been a prime selling point to me, that Sara didn’t go with the usual love/lust at first sight scenario so typically found in Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance. And the ease with which Rylie and Abel act around each other, flirt with each other, is always a narrative highlight of the story where you can’t help but feel the chemistry, the unadulterated love, between those two characters … add to this the emotional tension of Rylie’s feelings of guilt over falling for, and very possibly bearing the children of her fiancé’s brother and this story becomes all one could be looking for in a romance and some more.
We haven’t talked about the action yet, of which there’s plenty. Cain, thought to be imprisoned by the Union, is back and effectively having the new formed Office of Preternatural Affairs (OPA) at his beck and call, which aims to succeed where the Union couldn’t, in purging the werewolf threat (along with other supernatural nasties) from American soil for once and all. Though, Cain has naturally his own plans, and getting his hands on Rylie’s children is part of them.
Rylie’s pregnancy is a main focus of this story, and honestly I think I learned more about that along the way than I ever cared for to know, which in addition to the above mentioned solving of the love triangle situation puts Darkmoon firmly in Paranormal Romance territory, and due to the inevitable mention of sex that comes with for one the genre or for other the topic, I would say that at this point the series crosses from YA over into New Adult territory as well.
None the less I would dare call it the best instalment, yet.
Reine delivers a fittingly mature story for her matured characters, although with aunt Gwyn still milling around as a Zombie there’s also ample opportunity for her trademark mix of family relations and humour.
I only would have wished to see more of side character Brody who with his gentlemanly cowboy ways is kind of a secret hero of the story.
She finally solves the love-triangle we saw build up since, I believe it’s been in "Long night moon" where we first saw Seth’s brother Abel begin to find respect for Rylie and realize his true feelings for her. Which is one of the parts that has been a prime selling point to me, that Sara didn’t go with the usual love/lust at first sight scenario so typically found in Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance. And the ease with which Rylie and Abel act around each other, flirt with each other, is always a narrative highlight of the story where you can’t help but feel the chemistry, the unadulterated love, between those two characters … add to this the emotional tension of Rylie’s feelings of guilt over falling for, and very possibly bearing the children of her fiancé’s brother and this story becomes all one could be looking for in a romance and some more.
We haven’t talked about the action yet, of which there’s plenty. Cain, thought to be imprisoned by the Union, is back and effectively having the new formed Office of Preternatural Affairs (OPA) at his beck and call, which aims to succeed where the Union couldn’t, in purging the werewolf threat (along with other supernatural nasties) from American soil for once and all. Though, Cain has naturally his own plans, and getting his hands on Rylie’s children is part of them.
Rylie’s pregnancy is a main focus of this story, and honestly I think I learned more about that along the way than I ever cared for to know, which in addition to the above mentioned solving of the love triangle situation puts Darkmoon firmly in Paranormal Romance territory, and due to the inevitable mention of sex that comes with for one the genre or for other the topic, I would say that at this point the series crosses from YA over into New Adult territory as well.
None the less I would dare call it the best instalment, yet.
Reine delivers a fittingly mature story for her matured characters, although with aunt Gwyn still milling around as a Zombie there’s also ample opportunity for her trademark mix of family relations and humour.
I only would have wished to see more of side character Brody who with his gentlemanly cowboy ways is kind of a secret hero of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2013
I have to admit, I love the series, but I really did not like the ending of this book. I am a huge fan of this author and the Descent Series and prefer it to The Cain Chronicles. Possibly because I am an older reader and not really a fan of Y/A. However, I read the series in preparation for the new Ascension Series. I finished the book very late last night, drawn into the action. However, by the end I was really upset. I guess the ending rings true to the characters since I was becoming more annoyed with the selfish actions and behavior of Riley. Riley and Able deserve each other. Seth would have been way to good for her. What I found really frustrating though, is that I was actually more interested in Seth having a happy ever after than I was for Riley. To me, Seth is the hero of this series. Seth is the one who put his own interests above all to save the pack. He was the one to take actions to protect Riley. All Able did was run away. Looking at who is Alpha, I would say the guy who was actually not the werewolf - Seth. My heart absolutely broke for Seth as the story advanced. I could tell he was going to be the one to get hurt. I wanted him to leave, but instead, he sacrifices his happiness for Riley and Able.
And here in lies my issue with this book - I felt lost at the end. I did not feel happy for Riley and Able, instead I felt a huge sadness for Seth's loss. Therefore, I feel no closure to this series, no resolution for Seth. While the ending of the Descent Series was highly emotional and heart wrenching, it was also believable and satisfying. It was not the typical happy ever after, but it was emotionally charged, and it left me mourning for what both the heroine and hero had lost. It was a sad, but honest end. With the Cain Chronicles, I really ended up not caring for the heroine, and being left feeling really emotionally raw for who I see to be the hero, Seth.
I look forward to the Ascension Series, and hope that it is not in the Y/A genre, but true to the grit and passion of the Descent Series.
And here in lies my issue with this book - I felt lost at the end. I did not feel happy for Riley and Able, instead I felt a huge sadness for Seth's loss. Therefore, I feel no closure to this series, no resolution for Seth. While the ending of the Descent Series was highly emotional and heart wrenching, it was also believable and satisfying. It was not the typical happy ever after, but it was emotionally charged, and it left me mourning for what both the heroine and hero had lost. It was a sad, but honest end. With the Cain Chronicles, I really ended up not caring for the heroine, and being left feeling really emotionally raw for who I see to be the hero, Seth.
I look forward to the Ascension Series, and hope that it is not in the Y/A genre, but true to the grit and passion of the Descent Series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2013
This last installment in the Cain Chronicles was definitely bittersweet. It was significantly longer than the other books, so we got a really big dose of plot and characters. I know the that love triangle stretched out 5 (or more) books and that Rylie should have really made a decision before the end of this book, but I'm happy with how the relationships fell into place.
James was a great surprise character in this book, too! I loves me some James, so that was a definite plus. He was his usual magical bad ass self, with a bunch of pride and this Brianna chick attached to him now. I am so eager to see where that storyline goes! Give me more!
Back to the main storyline of this book, as I said while reviewing this previous books, I'm not a huge fan of pregnancy storylines. I always worry that the character will change too much and I'll end up stuck with some mother who I don't even recognize as the main character I loved. I should have trusted S.M. Reine to deliver a good amount of twists and turns to the last book. I was also happy that we got back some old characters that helped to make me remember the old Rylie. That, of course, made me also remember the old Seth. Poor Seth -- he gets really beat up in this one (as, I guess, he always does).
Overall, I'm both happy and sad that the series ended the way it did. I hope we get a lot of spinoff books out of this so we get to see where life takes all the supporting characters (and Rylie, too!).
James was a great surprise character in this book, too! I loves me some James, so that was a definite plus. He was his usual magical bad ass self, with a bunch of pride and this Brianna chick attached to him now. I am so eager to see where that storyline goes! Give me more!
Back to the main storyline of this book, as I said while reviewing this previous books, I'm not a huge fan of pregnancy storylines. I always worry that the character will change too much and I'll end up stuck with some mother who I don't even recognize as the main character I loved. I should have trusted S.M. Reine to deliver a good amount of twists and turns to the last book. I was also happy that we got back some old characters that helped to make me remember the old Rylie. That, of course, made me also remember the old Seth. Poor Seth -- he gets really beat up in this one (as, I guess, he always does).
Overall, I'm both happy and sad that the series ended the way it did. I hope we get a lot of spinoff books out of this so we get to see where life takes all the supporting characters (and Rylie, too!).
November 12, 2015
Cain has been taken into custody by Yasir so life should be peaceful now shouldn't it? Not if you're Rylie Gresham it's not.... Seth's been away at college and Rylie and Abel have become much closer whilst running the werewolf sanctuary on Aunt Gwyneth's ranch. Just when everyone thinks they can live in peace, a new enemy emerges as well as an old one returning. The existence of werewolves goes public and a new government department is set up to control the werewolf population. What they don't realise is that the paranormal world consists of more than just werewolves.
Rylie is forced to choose between Seth and Abel and just when she decides who it is she really wants to be with, her choice is taken away from her when the paternity of her baby is questioned. Levi continues in his endeavour to take over the pack and Scott suffers an horrendous injury. We learn that Cain is not just a mad werewolf acting alone and that he is, in fact, the head of a rather dubious organisation that seems to have its fingers in several pies.
This was my favourite book in the series so far and I read it in just one sitting. There are some bittersweet moments which are gut wrenching and it didn't end how I expected it would.
Rylie is forced to choose between Seth and Abel and just when she decides who it is she really wants to be with, her choice is taken away from her when the paternity of her baby is questioned. Levi continues in his endeavour to take over the pack and Scott suffers an horrendous injury. We learn that Cain is not just a mad werewolf acting alone and that he is, in fact, the head of a rather dubious organisation that seems to have its fingers in several pies.
This was my favourite book in the series so far and I read it in just one sitting. There are some bittersweet moments which are gut wrenching and it didn't end how I expected it would.
January 27, 2015
This book series is an easy read but full of exciting twists and turns. I was hoping while reading book 3 that Rylie would pick Abel. Having said that, I find I pick a "camp" and stick to it, but this time it was different. The author really allowed you into Rylie's heart and mind. The reader really understood why she was so torn. While Seth and Abel are brothers, they are very different and offer Rylie a much different path. Seth is smart and rational although a tad parental or maybe controlling. He wants to protect Rylie but he ends up stifling her growth as a women and Alpha. While Abel is all heat, passion and possession, but yet he lets Rylie grow. Therefore, I was rooting for him but I would have been okay if it had been Seth she chose. However, in this book, It was all team Abel for me. At one point, I thought it was not going to go that way but OMG the last roller coaster chapters had me biting the insides of my mouth. What a great way to wrap up the series. I know there is a spin off series, which I am starting now. I just hope we get this couple to experience a tad bit of peace. I am a hopeless romantic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2013
So so happy that Rylie and Abel are together at the end of this book. I really loved this book right up until the end. I was ecstatic that Cain was killed because he has been messing around in their lives for far too long. I feel bad for Seth but ultimately I think Rylie made the right choice to be with Abel. It was really obvious especially once you consider all the time that Seth spent away from them. The only reason that this book didn't get a 5 star rating was because of the ending. A) I'm not happy that the babies got left behind in Haven without their parents its stupid. B) The fact that they just show up out of no where in the end is driving me crazy. I feel like this is nothing more than a way to drag out a series and I just wanted a happy ending with Rylie and Abel and their children in Haven. So it only gets 4 stars and I will NOT be reading the next installment because I'm not into dragging a series out past it's prime.
January 14, 2014
Not many books throw the main character into the action pregnant with twins. Even worse, whose babies are they? Poor Alpha Rylie has found herself in this weird predicament. I love that the rivals for her love and progeny are brothers who have love for each other, often to their own detriment. And will these twins be pups or human? So many questions yet so much to do!
Meanwhile, Rylie's aunt is now a zombie. And Cain, the rotten apple from Abel and Seth's mother, is raising--well, Cain! Add to all that the care of a pack and Rylie's got trouble!
This was another quick exciting read that had me up til the early morning. I had to know what was going to happen, and the action didn't quit until that last page. No, it wasn't a cliffhanger. Even so, I have made myself not read the next book until I write this so I won't be confused again. SO--Read this series after Summer of the Moon series and enjoy!!
Meanwhile, Rylie's aunt is now a zombie. And Cain, the rotten apple from Abel and Seth's mother, is raising--well, Cain! Add to all that the care of a pack and Rylie's got trouble!
This was another quick exciting read that had me up til the early morning. I had to know what was going to happen, and the action didn't quit until that last page. No, it wasn't a cliffhanger. Even so, I have made myself not read the next book until I write this so I won't be confused again. SO--Read this series after Summer of the Moon series and enjoy!!
Read
August 15, 2013An interesting continuation of this story. The ending really surprised me, and then got me all kinds of excited for the next book. From what I understand it's not the same series, but a new one, but I'm not sure. My only issue is that at some point, one of there werewolves is explaining how they were turned, and they say it was their sister. Then Rylie says sorry about your girlfriend... I feel this was something missed in the editing process. But aside from this, I wasn't distracted by any grammar errors and I was able to enjoy the continuation of this story!
January 18, 2013
Wow. That's really all I can say after that ending. I was not expecting that, I actually thought the real surprise of the book had been ruined in the description by telling us she was having twins, but nope. So glad that it looks like Rylie is growing up, my only complaint about her has been that she's not the best of alphas, she's not a very strong leader, but then she's a teenage girl. Children will make you grow up. Can't wait for more!!
December 2, 2014
This whole series of books was just amazing. I couldn't put the books down I just read them all from Six Summer Moon to Darkmoon, one after another.
S.M Rein did a great job on these books. I would totally recommend them to everyone who wants to read a good gripping book with lots of plot twists throughout and amazing characters!
S.M Rein did a great job on these books. I would totally recommend them to everyone who wants to read a good gripping book with lots of plot twists throughout and amazing characters!
July 21, 2014
I would if gone 5 stars but I'm VERY disappointed in Rylies choice she betrays Seth and Chooses is smart alic grumpy disrispectful brother !!! ggrr I'm so anoyid sorry SM I did love the books before thus one but its just really REALLY Not right Rylie and Seth should of had a Happy Ending together and riden of into the sunset !!!:( I'm VERY disapointed :(
December 29, 2015
I don't know why I liked this series. I like Abel however, I really don't know him. He is annoying and I didn't feel a real connection. I felt bad for Seth he did everything and more for Rylie. Rylie is a bitch. She is clueless and didn't do anything interesting or badass. She was just there to fuck and push the babies out.I skimmed the ending.
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