A careless mistake, a vengeful classmate, and a wolf pack in danger. How far would you go to protect the truth?
The annual school scavenger hunt has kicked off, and Michael Vincent couldn’t be happier to be teamed-up with his crush, Nyah Morgan. But when a moment of carelessness places Michael and his entire wolf pack in danger, he risks losing a lot more than his friendship with the alpha’s daughter. ‘All for one’, his friends always say, but their shifter motto won’t be enough to undo this grave mistake.
This prequel novella is set five years before the events of Bound and can be read before or after the five books of the Turning Moon Bound, Released, Haunted, Torn, and Tormented.
Welcome to Turning Moon, a contemporary world where wolves, vampires, and witches defy prejudices, join forces, and fall in love. The heroines are feisty, the heroes gutsy, and the villains heinous.
Julie Embleton is a dark fantasy author from Dublin, Ireland. She writes tenacious, kick-ass females who can rescue themselves (thanks very much), gutsy heroes with tender hearts, and heinous villains who thrive on chaos. Her stories weave suspense, romance, and magick—mostly with happy endings, though she’s not above the occasional cliffhanger. Born and raised in Ireland, Julie lives by the shores of the moody Irish Sea, north of County Dublin. When not writing, she’s often found with her second great love: tarot. Julie doesn’t just write about magick—she lives it, working as a professional tarot reader and guiding others in her holistic mindfulness practice. If you’re curious, you can explore more about her other passions at creativesoultarot.com Julie's dark fantasy books transport readers to moody, magical worlds filled with strong characters and supernatural intrigue. Join her Readers Lounge for exclusive updates, sneak peeks, and all things fantasy at julieembleton.com
Paranormal fantasy author Julie Embleton just released Turning Moon: A Novella, which focuses on the wolf pack from Blackwater Ridge readers fell in love with in the first book in her Turning Moon series, Bound. This novella centers on wolf shifters Nyah Morgan, Blake Creedon, and my favorite shifter, Michael Vincent — the main character in book two of the series, Released. We meet the trio as teenagers, and hooray for me, the storyline is delivered through Michael’s point-of-view.
Unsurprisingly, Embleton’s superb writing pulls you into the storyline from the beginning, and we begin to see the dynamics between Nyah, Blake, and Michael that will eventually inform their relationships as adults. Nyah is strong-willed and a force to be reckoned with, carrying herself with the class, confidence, and duty one would expect in the daughter of an Alpha wolf. Blake’s nature as a wingman when trouble arises — or to keep his best friend Michael in check — is not found solely in his actions but in his language: “I’ve got you, brother,” “Listen to me, brother,” “Breathe, brother, breathe.”
Then there’s Michael…Readers will find the passion and determination they witnessed in Released. He’s intelligent, strong, and strategic — and still takes a couple of wild teenage boy risks. Had I attended high school with Michael, I would have crushed on him mightily (from afar). As Michael leads the charge to win an unsanctioned scavenger hunt and best the jerky captain of the football team, drama unfolds as critical secrets threaten to be revealed.
What I loved: Readers of the Turning Moon series will discover some delightful Easter eggs the author sprinkled in as connections to future storylines. However, Embleton crafted them in such a way that if you have not yet read any of the Turning Moon books, they are not at all spoilers. No, these little nods are gifts to her Turning Moon fans.
Also, readers are introduced to Alpha Morgan, a lovely and bittersweet opportunity. Harper Morgan dearly loves his daughter, and his reflections on her future — and those of the male shifters dedicated to keeping her safe — will twist your heart. But only a tiny bit. (And it’s worth it.)
The ending is completely satisfying. Although Turning Moon: A Novella was published after the five books in the author’s wolf shifter series (vampires join in halfway through) were written, the prequel’s storyline flows naturally and is an excellent launchpad for those getting ready to read Bound. The novella is perfect for readers familiar with the series and also for new readers just entering Embleton’s world of shifters, vampires, and even a few witches. Grab a copy now. It’s a book you’ll devour in one sitting.
I have read every single book written so far by Julie Embleton and loved each one. So, when Amazon sent me an email informing me that she’d released a prequel novella to her Turning Moon shifter series, I hit the buy button instantly.
Set five years before the first book in the series, it tells the story of teenage shifters Michael, Blake, and Nyah who are suddenly faced with a potentially disastrous situation that could mean exposure for the whole pack. It’s a quick read, perfect for a lunch break, and made me laugh out loud in places. Should it be read before the series? Ideally maybe yes. But I enjoyed seeing the seedlings of the series plot sprout and the origins of things I knew were yet to come.
As ever, Embleton creates a believable community of wolf shifters that is vivid and real. These people could be your neighbours and I dearly wish they were. An easy five stars for lovers of shifter books and werewolf tales and YA teenage high school angst.
This novella is a prequel to my favorite wolf series, Turning Moon by @julieembletonauthor. It’s humerus, gripping at times and I was immediately immersed. Omce my old brain adjusted to the 5 year time warp, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I had to keep reminding myself that Nyah and her gang were high schoolers in this flashback story.
It felt strange going back 5 years before the series began and seeing the main characters as teenagers. It tied incidental pieces of the series together setting the stage for what’s to come; while not giving away anything. It was like finding a lost puzzle piece.
This novella can be read before or after the series. I enjoyed an “ahha” moment…!
This is a charming, coming of age, shifter novella - prequel to the amazing Turning Moon series. Here we see the formation of powerful relationships and loyalties between Michael, Blake and Nyah which develop and deepen throughout the series. We have carefree fun with the teens, but layered in are the darker issues which we encounter in the series. I loved it and devoured it in one go.
I had one more book to read in the Turning Moon series and it was this novella. A very entertaining read with a tale focussed on Michael and Blake as young wolves, negotiating the challenges of balancing life in school with those of being werewolves. The author has a very readable style which has made the whole series a joy to read. Can thoroughly recommend this novella and the all of the others.
The novella Turning Moon is a prequel to the wonderful Turning Moon series. Set five years before the start of the series, we meet some of Embleton’s beloved characters as seniors in high school, forging the bonds which are the backbone of the books. If you are unfamiliar with the series, this is a great read on its own, but why limit yourself? Grab them all!
A fun, page-turner of a prequel to the Turning Moon Series that has made me want to read all of the books again. Julie Embleton writes with a gripping style, bring the reader’s emotions to the surface. You’ll fall in love with the main characters and despise the antagonists.
I loved this whole series so when I found out that there was a novella set in the past I got myself a copy quicker than a quick thing! The Turning Moon series is one of my favourite series' and the novella did not disappoint. Everything about it was perfect.
TURNING MOON is a novella set five years before the first book in the series, BOUND. It is a character-driven story that introduces Michael Vincent and Nyah Morgan for the first time. This quick and fun read is perfect to enjoy with a cup of coffee. It's a satisfying addition to the series and will leave you wanting to read more.
This is perfect for anyone who loves contemporary stories with werewolves, vampires, and witches. It features strong and feisty heroines, gorgeous heroes, and heinous villains.
Be prepared to want to sink your teeth into the whole series!