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The Waking Moon Trilogy #1
The Waking Moon
Paulette's life is in shambles. Her sister is dead, her mother is a drunk, and she's been forced to transfer into a chaotic public school full of bullies. Things go from bad to worse when one night, while driving them home from dinner, her intoxicated mother hits and kills a teenage boy and is sent to jail. Now Paulette is truly alone. But when the teenage boy mysteriously comes back from the dead looking for Paulette, she finds herself face to face with the purest love on Earth. She struggles to keep the secret from her quirky, love-struck new friend, Rhodes, who lives and breathes rationality and science. But in the end, it's up to her to save them all from a dangerous underworld of power-hungry, undead teens who want to kill her, kidnap Rhodes, and claim the boy as their own.
278 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
10 people are currently reading
713 people want to read
About the author
T.J. McGuinn
2 books12 followersT.J. McGuinn is a city girl, a bookworm, a film buff, and a bird lover. She once traveled overland from Colorado to Chile and back, spent time with the Tarahumara Indians of Northern Mexico, and lost herself within the community of writers and artists in the Cuban provinces.
Though she will always be a gypsy boho at heart, she now lives a relatively predictable and parasite-free life in San Francisco with her husband and small son.
McGuinn's young adult novel, The Waking Moon, which garnered over a million reads in two months on Wattpad.com, is finally available as a Kindle Select ebook.
Though she will always be a gypsy boho at heart, she now lives a relatively predictable and parasite-free life in San Francisco with her husband and small son.
McGuinn's young adult novel, The Waking Moon, which garnered over a million reads in two months on Wattpad.com, is finally available as a Kindle Select ebook.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 14, 2017
I read this mainly because a friend recommended it to me and I can tell you this was way, way better than I thought it would be.
My first red flag was the fact that this was originally a Wattpad story. And I have no issues with fanfiction/online stories. But well, we all know Fifty Shades right? And then my second red flag was the god-awful 2012 cheesy cover. I thought this was a werewolf book because of that cover. (Spoiler alert: it's not)
But I did find myself enjoying it. The writing actually wasn't too bad (despite a few layout errors), and the supernatural element was something I'd never read about before.
But, I think it's safe to say that a lot of the people I follow/am friends with here on GR won't enjoy this. And to be fair, it's not what I would normally read either. But hey. I found myself pleasantly surprised.
My first red flag was the fact that this was originally a Wattpad story. And I have no issues with fanfiction/online stories. But well, we all know Fifty Shades right? And then my second red flag was the god-awful 2012 cheesy cover. I thought this was a werewolf book because of that cover. (Spoiler alert: it's not)
But I did find myself enjoying it. The writing actually wasn't too bad (despite a few layout errors), and the supernatural element was something I'd never read about before.
But, I think it's safe to say that a lot of the people I follow/am friends with here on GR won't enjoy this. And to be fair, it's not what I would normally read either. But hey. I found myself pleasantly surprised.
January 19, 2018
Very interesting book. The ending was quite emotional for me.
May 28, 2018
Unusual
Not the type of book I usually read. I try to remain open to all types of books. Try this book. A interesting read.
Not the type of book I usually read. I try to remain open to all types of books. Try this book. A interesting read.
August 13, 2016
I'm surprised I picked this book up, given this sentence in its blurb:
"Purest love?" Ugh.
But ya know what? It's not a bad read. Not awesome, but really good for the first few chapters. Paulette's plight, early in the book, is achingly realistic. Alcoholic mom, pleasant but ineffectual dad, the crushing grief of having lost her sister. Unnecessary, but understandable guilt in the wake of a car accident that claims a young man's life. Her voice, full of the usual self-aware, snarky tone, isn't original in YA, but it has enough earnest emotional availability to make her likeable.
Actually, absent the supernatural elements, this might have been a terrific tale.
But, oh, boy, howdy, when the magic arrives, it brings along just about every trope it can find. I mean, first, there's the love triangle between Paulette, the ethereally beautiful Jack (because no supernatural love interest is gonna be anything but angelic), and the all-too-human Rhodes. This is where I declare that I am thoroughly Team Rhodes. I've got a little banner and everything. Go, Rhodes!
That's because Rhodes is the kind of adorable guy that teenage girls never have the good sense to appreciate, especially when tempted with the aforementioned, exquisite boy, whose only personality can be described as "tortured" and "sensitive." Which, seriously, ladies, would get older than that forgotten box of baking soda in the back of the fridge. It's all well and sexy for a few years, when everything is well and sexy, but eventually Schmopey McSexyPants needs to stop moping and uh, get a job, or at least remember to put down the toilet seat. Do something, anything, besides mope!
Waking Moon sticks close to the YA paranormal playbook. Paulette's life sucks. Her sister died recently, she's been forced to change high schools, and her mom's an alcoholic. One night, on the way home from the pizza parlor, her mom, drunk and driving, hits and kills a young man.
Paulette is in the car with Mom. Immediately after the collision, Paulette hops out of the car and has one last significant "moment" with the dying boy. Who then shows up on her doorstep a few days later. Enter Jack, Mr. Gorgeous and too-good-to-be-true. Because they did a kind of Vulcan mind-meld when he was dying, he now knows and understands everything about her. So, perfect boyfriend. Snort! Way to obliterate all the delicious discovery of one another in a new relationship.
Meanwhile, her new school sucks, but she is befriended by Rhodes, a charming, and not-bad looking guy who has a taste for vintage clothing, old movies, and a quirky aversion to email and other modern communications. Rhodes is probably also a smidgen too perfect, but at least he's human and not inclined to turn to dust in the sun. And free of the need to suck the life force out of regular humans to sustain his unnatural life.
Yeah. Waking Moon gets filed under "vampires" because Jack and the other "Noirs," with their aversion to sunlight and parasitic lifestyle fit the bill. Hey, at least they don't sparkle. Jack, though, as per the formula, is a good Noir (the rest being evil, decadent Lost Boy types) and of course, hates what he has become.
So the cliche tally thus far: Young woman at a new high school is filled with requisite angst. Has an adoring male BF, but falls instantly, sacrificially (as in, "I'll die for him") in love with the gorgeous dead boy (vampire). Because, pulses? So overrated.
Given my flippant tone, one might assume I hated this book. The story, however, is enjoyable, with an almost original flavor until...the love triangle forms. I mean, ya know it's coming, but Paulette's burgeoning romances (or not) with Rhodes and Jack are kind of tantalizing until she decides to glom emotionally onto Jack, like a barnacle to a boat. The attraction is lightning fast, and turns an otherwise likable female protagonist into an asshole.
I mean, here's Rhodes doing all kind of things to help her out, and she's slinking off at the first opportunity to make goo-goo eyes at Jack. Who is like a male Barbie; pretty but empty.
The situation turns Paulette into a metaphorical Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde. She's an engaging character in scenes with Rhodes and a stereotypical moron in wuv with the vampire when with Jack.
I read to the end for the scenes with Rhodes.
The story, however, earned a two star rating when Paulette went into "I'll die for teh lurve" mode. Promulgating the notion to teenage girls that it's acceptable to literally or metaphorically throw yourself off a bridge for a guy you've only known a couple of days is just...not cool. Not cool at all.
But when the teenage boy mysteriously comes back from the dead looking for Paulette, she finds herself face to face with the purest love on Earth.
"Purest love?" Ugh.
But ya know what? It's not a bad read. Not awesome, but really good for the first few chapters. Paulette's plight, early in the book, is achingly realistic. Alcoholic mom, pleasant but ineffectual dad, the crushing grief of having lost her sister. Unnecessary, but understandable guilt in the wake of a car accident that claims a young man's life. Her voice, full of the usual self-aware, snarky tone, isn't original in YA, but it has enough earnest emotional availability to make her likeable.
Actually, absent the supernatural elements, this might have been a terrific tale.
But, oh, boy, howdy, when the magic arrives, it brings along just about every trope it can find. I mean, first, there's the love triangle between Paulette, the ethereally beautiful Jack (because no supernatural love interest is gonna be anything but angelic), and the all-too-human Rhodes. This is where I declare that I am thoroughly Team Rhodes. I've got a little banner and everything. Go, Rhodes!
That's because Rhodes is the kind of adorable guy that teenage girls never have the good sense to appreciate, especially when tempted with the aforementioned, exquisite boy, whose only personality can be described as "tortured" and "sensitive." Which, seriously, ladies, would get older than that forgotten box of baking soda in the back of the fridge. It's all well and sexy for a few years, when everything is well and sexy, but eventually Schmopey McSexyPants needs to stop moping and uh, get a job, or at least remember to put down the toilet seat. Do something, anything, besides mope!
Waking Moon sticks close to the YA paranormal playbook. Paulette's life sucks. Her sister died recently, she's been forced to change high schools, and her mom's an alcoholic. One night, on the way home from the pizza parlor, her mom, drunk and driving, hits and kills a young man.
Paulette is in the car with Mom. Immediately after the collision, Paulette hops out of the car and has one last significant "moment" with the dying boy. Who then shows up on her doorstep a few days later. Enter Jack, Mr. Gorgeous and too-good-to-be-true. Because they did a kind of Vulcan mind-meld when he was dying, he now knows and understands everything about her. So, perfect boyfriend. Snort! Way to obliterate all the delicious discovery of one another in a new relationship.
Meanwhile, her new school sucks, but she is befriended by Rhodes, a charming, and not-bad looking guy who has a taste for vintage clothing, old movies, and a quirky aversion to email and other modern communications. Rhodes is probably also a smidgen too perfect, but at least he's human and not inclined to turn to dust in the sun. And free of the need to suck the life force out of regular humans to sustain his unnatural life.
Yeah. Waking Moon gets filed under "vampires" because Jack and the other "Noirs," with their aversion to sunlight and parasitic lifestyle fit the bill. Hey, at least they don't sparkle. Jack, though, as per the formula, is a good Noir (the rest being evil, decadent Lost Boy types) and of course, hates what he has become.
So the cliche tally thus far: Young woman at a new high school is filled with requisite angst. Has an adoring male BF, but falls instantly, sacrificially (as in, "I'll die for him") in love with the gorgeous dead boy (vampire). Because, pulses? So overrated.
Given my flippant tone, one might assume I hated this book. The story, however, is enjoyable, with an almost original flavor until...the love triangle forms. I mean, ya know it's coming, but Paulette's burgeoning romances (or not) with Rhodes and Jack are kind of tantalizing until she decides to glom emotionally onto Jack, like a barnacle to a boat. The attraction is lightning fast, and turns an otherwise likable female protagonist into an asshole.
I mean, here's Rhodes doing all kind of things to help her out, and she's slinking off at the first opportunity to make goo-goo eyes at Jack. Who is like a male Barbie; pretty but empty.
The situation turns Paulette into a metaphorical Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde. She's an engaging character in scenes with Rhodes and a stereotypical moron in wuv with the vampire when with Jack.
I read to the end for the scenes with Rhodes.
The story, however, earned a two star rating when Paulette went into "I'll die for teh lurve" mode. Promulgating the notion to teenage girls that it's acceptable to literally or metaphorically throw yourself off a bridge for a guy you've only known a couple of days is just...not cool. Not cool at all.
June 29, 2013
It was amazing... untill the noirs came along. The begining fooled me to think the book was going to be about something completley different. I guess the noirs were okay, but they reminded me too much of vampires, and thus I couldn't stop comparing everything to Twilight.
It didn't make sense to me how Paulie could fall in love so quickly. Honestly, the whole triangle-drama between her, Rhodes and Jack felt too cliché (and I know 'cliché' itself is a very overused word, but in this case it really is). It felt werid for her to be ready to take her life for him, even though she knows absolutley NOTHING about this guy. Though I got to admit it made sense that she wanted to 'return him the favour', and it felt more realistic when she told us she actually didn't want to die.
I didn't like how Paulette was this 'special snowflake'-girl that, apparently, stood above the other girls because she wore superhero underwear and didn't care about clothes or make-up. Guess what? THAT DOESN'T MAKE YOU SPECIAL. A female who likes clothes and uses make-up is no less a woman, no less special, just because she likes things society expects her to like. She likes them because she genuinely do; and it's nothing wrong with that. What's wrong is Paulies attitude towards them - sure they were very mean, but Paulie was being very judgemental herself.
Also, the pace of this book is very fast, so I found myself confused at times that just ONE day had passed. This doesn't have to be a bad thing, just left me a little confunded sometimes, but I think it fits this book well.
Overall it was an okay book, nothing I would re-read, but I don't regret reading it either. A nice read when you don't have much else to do (or when you're procrastinating...).
It didn't make sense to me how Paulie could fall in love so quickly. Honestly, the whole triangle-drama between her, Rhodes and Jack felt too cliché (and I know 'cliché' itself is a very overused word, but in this case it really is). It felt werid for her to be ready to take her life for him, even though she knows absolutley NOTHING about this guy. Though I got to admit it made sense that she wanted to 'return him the favour', and it felt more realistic when she told us she actually didn't want to die.
I didn't like how Paulette was this 'special snowflake'-girl that, apparently, stood above the other girls because she wore superhero underwear and didn't care about clothes or make-up. Guess what? THAT DOESN'T MAKE YOU SPECIAL. A female who likes clothes and uses make-up is no less a woman, no less special, just because she likes things society expects her to like. She likes them because she genuinely do; and it's nothing wrong with that. What's wrong is Paulies attitude towards them - sure they were very mean, but Paulie was being very judgemental herself.
Also, the pace of this book is very fast, so I found myself confused at times that just ONE day had passed. This doesn't have to be a bad thing, just left me a little confunded sometimes, but I think it fits this book well.
Overall it was an okay book, nothing I would re-read, but I don't regret reading it either. A nice read when you don't have much else to do (or when you're procrastinating...).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2013
I liked this book very much. It was very original but still there were some cliches. There were some spelling mistakes here and there (they should be checked) yet I think this is great for a self-pubbed book and I really enjoyed reading it.
Paulie doesn't find herself at home in her new high school. She thinks it's full of pretty girls while she isn't (though men do seem to believe she's gorgeous) and those girls are mostly bullies.
She does make a friend though, Rhodes. He's very geeky, but he's extremely cool! I think he's my favorite character. Poor Rhodes falls for her, but he's got FZ (friend zone) labeled all over his face.
Paulie's mom's become an alcoholic since her older daughter died, hence she was fired from work (the school Paulie attended). One night, Paulie makes her feel guilty for that, and her mother drinks too much. On the way back home (after Paulie fails in taking the keys), she hits a boy. Paulie holds his hands while her mother calls 911, thinking he's the most gorgeous guy she's ever met. He dies.
But he won't be gone forever... since he'll come back from the dead, and he has a crush on her, which also means trouble from Paulie, as people like him are looking for him, and she becomes their target.
I won't tell more about this book, but I'm looking forward to the second installment (if there is one). The ending was quite bittersweet. Not what I would have expected, but if this is a trilogy, then things might change in the next books.
I want more!
Paulie doesn't find herself at home in her new high school. She thinks it's full of pretty girls while she isn't (though men do seem to believe she's gorgeous) and those girls are mostly bullies.
She does make a friend though, Rhodes. He's very geeky, but he's extremely cool! I think he's my favorite character. Poor Rhodes falls for her, but he's got FZ (friend zone) labeled all over his face.
Paulie's mom's become an alcoholic since her older daughter died, hence she was fired from work (the school Paulie attended). One night, Paulie makes her feel guilty for that, and her mother drinks too much. On the way back home (after Paulie fails in taking the keys), she hits a boy. Paulie holds his hands while her mother calls 911, thinking he's the most gorgeous guy she's ever met. He dies.
But he won't be gone forever... since he'll come back from the dead, and he has a crush on her, which also means trouble from Paulie, as people like him are looking for him, and she becomes their target.
I won't tell more about this book, but I'm looking forward to the second installment (if there is one). The ending was quite bittersweet. Not what I would have expected, but if this is a trilogy, then things might change in the next books.
I want more!
October 16, 2012
McGuinn presents a story with clean, crisp prose that draws you into the story from sentence one. Paulette is an interesting character, who is understandably downcast, based on the various problems she has to face. Life is rough, but she’s not so despondent as to be depressing or boring. I was definitely on her side.
The character I absolutely fell in love with, though, was the one friend she made in high school, Rhodes. He’s quirky and fun, and sticks up for Paulie. He’s kind to Paulie and though he’s fallen for her, he doesn’t push her too hard. He does make mistakes (at one point, jealousy rears its head), but he’s quick to back off and apologize for him. He even manages to respectfully help her out of her clothes, when she’s injured, which is tough thing to do when it’s someone you’re crushing on. He’s a character that I wish was real, cause I would love to have him be my friend in real life.
The super-haught dead boy (whose name I can’t remember) is rather generic and bland in comparison to Rhodes, who has so much personality. In fact, I didn’t quite get why she falls for him, except that there is an immediate emotional connection based on common tragedy.
The story overall held my interest the entire way through, and I found myself crying by the end. Definitely worth reading, and I hope I get to read more work by Weipert in the future.
The character I absolutely fell in love with, though, was the one friend she made in high school, Rhodes. He’s quirky and fun, and sticks up for Paulie. He’s kind to Paulie and though he’s fallen for her, he doesn’t push her too hard. He does make mistakes (at one point, jealousy rears its head), but he’s quick to back off and apologize for him. He even manages to respectfully help her out of her clothes, when she’s injured, which is tough thing to do when it’s someone you’re crushing on. He’s a character that I wish was real, cause I would love to have him be my friend in real life.
The super-haught dead boy (whose name I can’t remember) is rather generic and bland in comparison to Rhodes, who has so much personality. In fact, I didn’t quite get why she falls for him, except that there is an immediate emotional connection based on common tragedy.
The story overall held my interest the entire way through, and I found myself crying by the end. Definitely worth reading, and I hope I get to read more work by Weipert in the future.
November 24, 2013
The author doesn't waste anytime, or beat around the bush for the action which I really loved and appreciated! The ending I didn't really like, but I supposed it was sort of happy but I just didn't like it and I wish I could explain why but that would give it away. Rhodes he's adorable, but he's just not Jack, "I think we should, you know, hang out sometime. Maybe watch a movie at my house. My parents are pretty hands-off people." Jack I really did love him, "Jack's eyes widened. "Paulie," he whispered. "My God, I've been looking everywhere for you." And Sampson the wise old man sometimes has to put things in perspective for Paulie, "sweetheart, let me tell you something...you should fear the taxman. You should fear the policeman. You should fear the crazy man. But have no fear of the dead man. Especially this one, who is as smitten with you as a dopey puppy."
June 13, 2014
WOW!!!
That describes this story!
Great concept, great writing, great characters!
Paulie is a girl whose life has been turned upside down due to the death of her sister - new school, no friends, a heartbroken family. She meets Rhodes - super smart, eccentric, guy and become instant friends. Enter the event that changes lives, incredible Jack, and tons of turmoil and emotions.
I loved this story and couldn't put it down. I was so hoping for a different ending where a 2nd book would be involved, but there was closure and I was heartbroken in the end - but would read it again in a heart beat! Definitely will check out more of T.J. McGuinn's work..
That describes this story!
Great concept, great writing, great characters!
Paulie is a girl whose life has been turned upside down due to the death of her sister - new school, no friends, a heartbroken family. She meets Rhodes - super smart, eccentric, guy and become instant friends. Enter the event that changes lives, incredible Jack, and tons of turmoil and emotions.
I loved this story and couldn't put it down. I was so hoping for a different ending where a 2nd book would be involved, but there was closure and I was heartbroken in the end - but would read it again in a heart beat! Definitely will check out more of T.J. McGuinn's work..
December 4, 2013
I read more of this book than I wanted to because it had interesting characters and hooked me in the beginning. But I couldn't get past the huge amounts of violence, and it turns out the book is in the horror genre (which I can't handle). So I gave up, but feel a bit bad about giving the book two stars, since it's really my fault, not the book's.
December 6, 2013
2.5 stars. I would give it 4 stars for originality because it was so bizarre I don't think there is much out there like it. Unfortunately, it wasn't for me. I thought the book was pretty good up until they introduced the Noirs. After that I had a hard time getting into the story. I did think the ending made sense and wrapped it up ok but overall I felt meh about the whole thing.
August 12, 2014
I really enjoyed this novel by an author that is new to me. The plot was interesting with plenty of action and lots of emotional impact. Paulette, Rhodes, and Jack are all well-developed characters.
The book ends on a sad but ultimately hopeful note for the future and I anticipate reading other good work from this author.
The book ends on a sad but ultimately hopeful note for the future and I anticipate reading other good work from this author.
June 27, 2014
The waking moon is a really well written book.I found it to be well written and very nicely portrayed. The main character Paulette is a sad but strong personality in this book she really endured alot and she survived her ordeals . This really had me on the end he with each page I read! Great fight scenes and I really felt Paulette love for her hero! Read this!
September 7, 2014
This was different. I thought the beginning was well-done. I felt the Noirs were interesting - even with so many similarities to vampires. I liked Paulette too and feel her character was well-developed. However, there were also parts that left me a bit confused. Despite that, I'd like to continue to read the series.
November 29, 2013
It was enjoyable and I probably will read the next book in the series but I just couldn't buy Rhodes as one of the romantic interests. I totally thought he was gay. That said, an interesting story that kept me entertained for a few hours.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2013
This book has a very different take on the walking dead. If you really like vampire books you may not like this book. But if you have an open mind you will enjoy this book. I didn't like how suicide was made to look like no big deal. That just didn't go over well with me .
December 30, 2013
Really great book.
I really enjoyed this book, it had me interested from the beginning and continued to throw New twists throughout. The characters were great and I wanted to know more about them.
I really enjoyed this book, it had me interested from the beginning and continued to throw New twists throughout. The characters were great and I wanted to know more about them.
April 22, 2014
I find it hard to remember what was all about this book but while reading it I liked it.
A little different kind of supernatural beings with the appropriate love story but not the ending you might have expecting.
A little different kind of supernatural beings with the appropriate love story but not the ending you might have expecting.
November 15, 2013
Well that was cool! If was like a breath of fresh air reading something different. The ending was amazing and im glad it wasnt a soppy happily ever after. Fantastic :D
November 24, 2013
This was unbelievably Amazing. I have never read anything so..... there is a word I am looking for but can not seem to find
December 14, 2013
this book was amazing,but the ending pissed me off!
January 4, 2014
Intense
kept me on my feet and I couldn't put it down. I loved the unexpected ending.
I want to know more.
kept me on my feet and I couldn't put it down. I loved the unexpected ending.
I want to know more.
January 20, 2014
Such a wonderful story. Certainly recommend it for pretty much anyone. Will certainly be looking for more from this author. Well done!
September 11, 2016
I enjoyed this book. Great story and characters. A little sad but overall it was good.
March 17, 2014
I read this back when it was still on wattpad 2 years ago. I know Tj's edited it a bit since then, but I can't wait to go buy an actual paper copy of it to read, and post a more detailed review
April 10, 2016
There were parts that dragged slightly for me, and I felt a bit bored at times, but it was an okay read overall.
December 11, 2013
This was a unique book. Very weird and hard to describe. I give the write points for originality.
January 2, 2014
Interesting to read about Colorado Springs landmarks, streets, weather, etc. A quick easy read.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews