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Moonlit Awakening
Moonlit Awakening is a dark fantasy romance novel perfect for readers who love popular romantasy books. It blends dangerous werewolves, fated mates, and forbidden love in a world where survival depends on passion, loyalty, and power.
This novel is set in a brutal world where werewolves wage a deadly battle, locked in a never-ending struggle for survival. The story follows a young woman on her journey of her self-discovery.
FATED TO LOVE, DESTINED TO HOWL
Freya uncovers her true identity as a member of the long lost pack, in Lycomoria. Hidden for her own safety during the Great War, she learns from the Moon Goddess that she has dormant elemental abilities and must find her mate, locate a witch, and reclaim her legacy.
Freya embraces her new identity and, along the way, meets a charming but dangerous figure. Their intense connection is complicated by his possessive nature and dark past, forcing Freya to confront her feelings and face many risks.
Will Freya be able to embody her true identity and complete her quest before everything she holds dear is destroyed?
Will she find her mate, or will he find her first?
Morally Gray MMC
Dark-themed romance
Possessive Alpha
Enemies-to-lovers
Found family
This novel includes nature illustrations in every chapter. There are a total of eight scene illustrations that captures important scened.
This novel is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Carissa Broadbent, and Raven Kennedy. It blends dark romance, dangerous werewolves, and fated mates in a world where survival depends on love, loyalty, and power.
In a world where love is dangerous and survival is brutal, can destiny be trusted?
This novel is set in a brutal world where werewolves wage a deadly battle, locked in a never-ending struggle for survival. The story follows a young woman on her journey of her self-discovery.
FATED TO LOVE, DESTINED TO HOWL
Freya uncovers her true identity as a member of the long lost pack, in Lycomoria. Hidden for her own safety during the Great War, she learns from the Moon Goddess that she has dormant elemental abilities and must find her mate, locate a witch, and reclaim her legacy.
Freya embraces her new identity and, along the way, meets a charming but dangerous figure. Their intense connection is complicated by his possessive nature and dark past, forcing Freya to confront her feelings and face many risks.
Will Freya be able to embody her true identity and complete her quest before everything she holds dear is destroyed?
Will she find her mate, or will he find her first?
Morally Gray MMC
Dark-themed romance
Possessive Alpha
Enemies-to-lovers
Found family
This novel includes nature illustrations in every chapter. There are a total of eight scene illustrations that captures important scened.
This novel is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Carissa Broadbent, and Raven Kennedy. It blends dark romance, dangerous werewolves, and fated mates in a world where survival depends on love, loyalty, and power.
In a world where love is dangerous and survival is brutal, can destiny be trusted?
783 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2025
3 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Emile Sodyte
2 books29 followersEmile Sodyte started writing during her first pregnancy, which called for a project that could easily scale with the commitments of a new mother.
Keeping with her project throughout maternity and a second pregnancy, she finished her debut novel, Moonlit Awakening, approximately two years later.
Falling in love with the works of J.K. Rowling as a child, she transitioned from intense fanfiction, including Manacled, through Jane Austen, into dark fantasy romance.
Dedicated to her craft, she has read just about every dark romance book there is, and her love of reading is second only to the love for her two boys, her dog, and her husband.
Keeping with her project throughout maternity and a second pregnancy, she finished her debut novel, Moonlit Awakening, approximately two years later.
Falling in love with the works of J.K. Rowling as a child, she transitioned from intense fanfiction, including Manacled, through Jane Austen, into dark fantasy romance.
Dedicated to her craft, she has read just about every dark romance book there is, and her love of reading is second only to the love for her two boys, her dog, and her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 5, 2025
Well, I won’t lie — Daemon could’ve made a few more appearances 👀👀
The story and the worldbuilding were really interesting — so much attention to detail, especially in the wolf world. I really liked this version and the whole magic system.
The book is definitely thick, but I read most of it in just a few days when I had more free time — so the writing style is pleasant and easy to get into.
However, from around 30% in, I struggled a bit to connect with the FMC — especially with her decisions and her whole self-discovery journey. There were a few moments when I honestly wanted to shake her a little so she’d snap out of it faster 😅
Also, I have to give special praise to the physical copy — you can feel how much love was poured into it. The art inside, the seasonal chapter dividers… it’s such a beautiful book.
Amazing job, Emile — what a wonderful debut!
The story and the worldbuilding were really interesting — so much attention to detail, especially in the wolf world. I really liked this version and the whole magic system.
The book is definitely thick, but I read most of it in just a few days when I had more free time — so the writing style is pleasant and easy to get into.
However, from around 30% in, I struggled a bit to connect with the FMC — especially with her decisions and her whole self-discovery journey. There were a few moments when I honestly wanted to shake her a little so she’d snap out of it faster 😅
Also, I have to give special praise to the physical copy — you can feel how much love was poured into it. The art inside, the seasonal chapter dividers… it’s such a beautiful book.
Amazing job, Emile — what a wonderful debut!
October 23, 2025
I received this book as an arc and it is my opinion of it. If your like a book that pulls on your emotional heart strings, is slow burn, has multiple twists and turns, and is a wolf shifter romance in a fantasy world. Then you will love this book.
I was kind of worried because this arc was pretty big but it was oh so good. This arc was action pack and I loved every bit of it.
Tropes include:
Touch her & ☠️
Small town
Revenge plot
MFM
Twin brothers
Secrets
Dark romance
Why choose
Age gap
Single mum
Workplace romance
I was kind of worried because this arc was pretty big but it was oh so good. This arc was action pack and I loved every bit of it.
Tropes include:
Touch her & ☠️
Small town
Revenge plot
MFM
Twin brothers
Secrets
Dark romance
Why choose
Age gap
Single mum
Workplace romance
November 10, 2025
3.5 ☆ Some things to note about this read: 1. It's long, but don't let it scare you away from reading it. 2. Please read your trigger warnings. 3. This book is heavily illustrated and is in the Print Replica Format, so it may not be compatible with your device. This means special font formatting isn’t available. I can read it on my tablet and in my kindle app on my android phone. My paperwhite kindle is not compatible.
Be aware this a dark, paranormal romantasy, which follows, Freya, the heir of a lost werewolf pack with dormant, magical abilities. Her story features:
*self-discovery
*magic
*morally gray, possessive alpha hero *enemies-to-lovers
*fated mates
There are so many good things about this book, such as the world building, the FMC, Freya, the twists and turns, and how it ended....cliffhanger.
On the other end of the spectrum.... the story lagged for a bit in the middle, but so did another popular read. There are also issues with consent and sexual assault in the story, so again check your trigger warnings before starting. I'm hoping that with some good, honest editing, book two will shine.
Be aware this a dark, paranormal romantasy, which follows, Freya, the heir of a lost werewolf pack with dormant, magical abilities. Her story features:
*self-discovery
*magic
*morally gray, possessive alpha hero *enemies-to-lovers
*fated mates
There are so many good things about this book, such as the world building, the FMC, Freya, the twists and turns, and how it ended....cliffhanger.
On the other end of the spectrum.... the story lagged for a bit in the middle, but so did another popular read. There are also issues with consent and sexual assault in the story, so again check your trigger warnings before starting. I'm hoping that with some good, honest editing, book two will shine.
October 24, 2025
Orphaned Freya has spent her life feeling like an outsider. Haunted by visions of mysterious yellow eyes and now pursued by a stranger to whom she owes a blood debt, she escapes to Lycomoria — the land of werewolves.
An encounter with the Moon Goddess reveals the truth of Freya’s identity and propels her into a cryptic quest filled with serpent-like creatures, half-trolls, witches, and danger at every turn.
Emile pours her heart into Moonlit Awakening, delivering a sweeping 750+ page debut brimming with self-discovery, life-and-death stakes, mystery, betrayal, friendship, grief, tangled emotions, and a relentless search for truth.
Freya, our fierce yet conflicted FMC, must navigate a disorienting new world while coming to terms with who she truly is. Emile crafts wonderfully complex and messy characters — full of intrigue and half-truths — who reveal themselves layer by layer (in more ways than one!). Her world-building is rich, immersive, and impressively detailed.
A word of caution: don’t expect a tidy resolution. This book ends on a cliffhanger that will leave you reeling — and desperate for book two.
While the story is captivating, I found the prose occasionally wordy and repetitive. I suspect this may stem from English not being the author’s first language, but such issues should have been caught by the proofreaders — who, in my view, let Emile down.
These concerns affected my final rating, which I’ve set at 4 stars. However, if Emile revises and reprints the book with these improvements, I’d happily raise my rating to 4.5 or even 4.75 stars.
Please don’t let my critiques deter you — Moonlit Awakening is an absolute must-read. For a debut novel, it’s a remarkable achievement, and I’m genuinely blown away. I just don’t know how I’ll survive the wait for book two!
I’m leaving this review voluntarily, and all opinions are my own, but I would like to thank Beth and the Wings and Words ARC Community for the free ARC of this book.
An encounter with the Moon Goddess reveals the truth of Freya’s identity and propels her into a cryptic quest filled with serpent-like creatures, half-trolls, witches, and danger at every turn.
Emile pours her heart into Moonlit Awakening, delivering a sweeping 750+ page debut brimming with self-discovery, life-and-death stakes, mystery, betrayal, friendship, grief, tangled emotions, and a relentless search for truth.
Freya, our fierce yet conflicted FMC, must navigate a disorienting new world while coming to terms with who she truly is. Emile crafts wonderfully complex and messy characters — full of intrigue and half-truths — who reveal themselves layer by layer (in more ways than one!). Her world-building is rich, immersive, and impressively detailed.
A word of caution: don’t expect a tidy resolution. This book ends on a cliffhanger that will leave you reeling — and desperate for book two.
While the story is captivating, I found the prose occasionally wordy and repetitive. I suspect this may stem from English not being the author’s first language, but such issues should have been caught by the proofreaders — who, in my view, let Emile down.
These concerns affected my final rating, which I’ve set at 4 stars. However, if Emile revises and reprints the book with these improvements, I’d happily raise my rating to 4.5 or even 4.75 stars.
Please don’t let my critiques deter you — Moonlit Awakening is an absolute must-read. For a debut novel, it’s a remarkable achievement, and I’m genuinely blown away. I just don’t know how I’ll survive the wait for book two!
I’m leaving this review voluntarily, and all opinions are my own, but I would like to thank Beth and the Wings and Words ARC Community for the free ARC of this book.
November 5, 2025
“Moonlit Awakening” gives us an intoxicating blend of magic, danger, and desire. Emile Sodyte skillfully weaves a tale that immerses you in a world of werewolves, witchcraft, and the compelling notion of fated mates.
Freya, begins her journey as an unassuming girl who discovers her true identity as the hidden heir of a lost werewolf pack. This revelation sets her on a path of self discovery, as she learns to embrace her long dormant powers and her destiny. Freya is a compelling character, balancing vulnerability with an inner strength that grows as the story unfolds.
The romance in this novel is magnetic, characterized by a delicious enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Freya's chemistry with the morally gray hero, who possesses a dark past and an irresistible charm, ignites a passionate connection that kept me on the edge of my seat.
The possessive alpha romance adds an extra layer of tension, making the slow burn all the more satisfying. The exploration of love, loyalty, and power within their relationship is beautifully written, as both characters face their inner demons while also battling external threats.
The author’s world building shines, it’s richly laced with werewolf lore and magical elements. The lore is thoughtfully developed, providing a vivid backdrop against which Freya’s and her mate's story unfolds.
The stakes are high, and the dangers they face are palpable, which keeps the story gripping.
The plot is well paced, striking a balance between action packed moments and character development. As Freya confronts both personal and external challenges, we are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The tension builds steadily to a thrilling climax, leaving us eagerly anticipating what’s next in her journey.
“Moonlit Awakening” is a blend of dark romance, intense passion, and magical intrigue. The author crafts a tale that firmly roots love in a world where it can often lead to peril, raising questions about fate and choice.
If you're a fan of books that combine heart stopping romance with well developed fantasy elements, this is a must read that will remain with you long after the final page is turned.
Destiny may be dangerous, but Freya’s journey is an exhilarating adventure you won’t want to miss!
🦋
*copy supplied for review by Wings&Words
Freya, begins her journey as an unassuming girl who discovers her true identity as the hidden heir of a lost werewolf pack. This revelation sets her on a path of self discovery, as she learns to embrace her long dormant powers and her destiny. Freya is a compelling character, balancing vulnerability with an inner strength that grows as the story unfolds.
The romance in this novel is magnetic, characterized by a delicious enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Freya's chemistry with the morally gray hero, who possesses a dark past and an irresistible charm, ignites a passionate connection that kept me on the edge of my seat.
The possessive alpha romance adds an extra layer of tension, making the slow burn all the more satisfying. The exploration of love, loyalty, and power within their relationship is beautifully written, as both characters face their inner demons while also battling external threats.
The author’s world building shines, it’s richly laced with werewolf lore and magical elements. The lore is thoughtfully developed, providing a vivid backdrop against which Freya’s and her mate's story unfolds.
The stakes are high, and the dangers they face are palpable, which keeps the story gripping.
The plot is well paced, striking a balance between action packed moments and character development. As Freya confronts both personal and external challenges, we are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The tension builds steadily to a thrilling climax, leaving us eagerly anticipating what’s next in her journey.
“Moonlit Awakening” is a blend of dark romance, intense passion, and magical intrigue. The author crafts a tale that firmly roots love in a world where it can often lead to peril, raising questions about fate and choice.
If you're a fan of books that combine heart stopping romance with well developed fantasy elements, this is a must read that will remain with you long after the final page is turned.
Destiny may be dangerous, but Freya’s journey is an exhilarating adventure you won’t want to miss!
🦋
*copy supplied for review by Wings&Words
November 4, 2025
3.5 stars for this fabulous read! I adored the world building, the various packs and creatures and lore that ran throughout. The characters were scrappy, witty, had depth and were super twisty. The whole premise of the story is fabulous. Lost daughter of a long lost pack, with hidden abilities and power untold! It gave me first ACOTAR book vibes! IYKYK, but without the wimpy pathetic FMC.
My struggle with this read that kept it from being a 5 star read is that it's probably got a hundred pages or so of repetitive narratives that I just don't think are necessary and could be edited out, alongside some wording in the first half of the book didn't let the book flow and felt quite choppy.
The second half of the book is fabulous and you can tell the author had maybe more confidence or experience if it took a few years? As the flow and the language was not an issue in the second part.
I'd definitely recommend this read to all my shifter lovers out there and I will absolutely be picking up book two to see where the story leads for the characters!
A huge thank you to Wings & Words and Emilie for receiving my review copy!
My struggle with this read that kept it from being a 5 star read is that it's probably got a hundred pages or so of repetitive narratives that I just don't think are necessary and could be edited out, alongside some wording in the first half of the book didn't let the book flow and felt quite choppy.
The second half of the book is fabulous and you can tell the author had maybe more confidence or experience if it took a few years? As the flow and the language was not an issue in the second part.
I'd definitely recommend this read to all my shifter lovers out there and I will absolutely be picking up book two to see where the story leads for the characters!
A huge thank you to Wings & Words and Emilie for receiving my review copy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2025
This book was everything I hoped it would be, and more. Even though it’s over 750 pages, it never feels long because something is always happening. The story flows smoothly without losing its pace, and the world is so well built that it’s easy to get completely drawn in. The characters feel real, and I like how their relationships develop, both the good and the messy parts. There’s just the right balance between darkness, tension, and romance, and a few scenes really stuck with me afterwards. It’s the kind of book that keeps you entertained but also makes you want more. I honestly can’t wait for the next one.
The review is voluntary.
Thank you so much Emile and the Wings & Words community for letting me be a part of the team. ❤️🌺
The review is voluntary.
Thank you so much Emile and the Wings & Words community for letting me be a part of the team. ❤️🌺
November 3, 2025
absolutely loved this book Freya is my favourite what this girl has been through and how she comes out stronger this book has you hooked from the start and I love how the whole book draws you in hope there will be a book 2
October 27, 2025
4.5 rating
Moonlit Awakening by Emile Sodyte is a darkly enchanting start to what promises to be an unforgettable fantasy romance series. The story follows Freya, who believes she’s just an ordinary human until her inner wolf begins to awaken. Not only does she discover her true nature, but she also learns she’s the last of a rare kind, making her journey all the more compelling.
The worldbuilding is rich with werewolves, witches, giants, and dark magic, creating a vivid backdrop for Freya’s transformation. The tension between her and her mysterious stalker-turned-love-interest adds a thrilling mix of fear, attraction, and fate, perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers and fated mates tropes.
The first quarter is a slow burn, but once the story picks up, it’s impossible to put down. By the time I reached the end, I was desperate for book two. If you love dark romance with fantasy twists and high emotional stakes, this is definitely a must-read!
Moonlit Awakening by Emile Sodyte is a darkly enchanting start to what promises to be an unforgettable fantasy romance series. The story follows Freya, who believes she’s just an ordinary human until her inner wolf begins to awaken. Not only does she discover her true nature, but she also learns she’s the last of a rare kind, making her journey all the more compelling.
The worldbuilding is rich with werewolves, witches, giants, and dark magic, creating a vivid backdrop for Freya’s transformation. The tension between her and her mysterious stalker-turned-love-interest adds a thrilling mix of fear, attraction, and fate, perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers and fated mates tropes.
The first quarter is a slow burn, but once the story picks up, it’s impossible to put down. By the time I reached the end, I was desperate for book two. If you love dark romance with fantasy twists and high emotional stakes, this is definitely a must-read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2025
10 stars for me.
I... 🤯🫣.. i dont even know where to start with MLA. Gezz.
The book is HUGE (good thing) the cover is to die for, beautifully amazing. All the illstrations in the book are so beautiful.
First of this is not youre typical shifter romance. Nu uhhh. This is full blown shifter meets magics meeting witches and celestal godesses. It takes the whole shifter experience to a new level!
Also.. THE TWISTS in this story, corrr. I was speaking to the lovely Emile while i was coming close to the end and surprised the shit out of not only her but myself when i actually guessed one of the twists 🤯🤣 (which im not writing to spoil for you all lol)
anyways... back to the beginning.
Following the mfc Freya and her life at the beginning. You really get a dislike for the others *shifters* but who knows if that will eventually change for you personally.
Shit eventually hits the fan in true fantasy chaos and our fmc ends up with not just 1 but 2 love interests. Which for being werewolf shifter for me set a new pace down from the "your mine fated mate whohaaa" even though i love that! This was such a good twist of difference..
The love hate relationships between the FMC and her 2 love interests was entertaining in a way, as it really put the proper depiction on relationships. Not everything is rosey and smells of happiness, relationships are tough and full of love/hate/dislike on occassions. This book is so indepth that there is alot of 'reading between the lines' and hints given throughout to keep you guessing and help you possibly work out the answer - your own personal puzzle so to speak.
I really was enjoying Cayden until i started clicking onto things and how much of a d*ck he was. Overall aside from fmc Freya, Ava & Ethan were my favourites.... and Daemon kind of was growning on me but didnt have me until almost the very end.
Sign me up for book 2 already! Emile MLA was amazing. Well done ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I... 🤯🫣.. i dont even know where to start with MLA. Gezz.
The book is HUGE (good thing) the cover is to die for, beautifully amazing. All the illstrations in the book are so beautiful.
First of this is not youre typical shifter romance. Nu uhhh. This is full blown shifter meets magics meeting witches and celestal godesses. It takes the whole shifter experience to a new level!
Also.. THE TWISTS in this story, corrr. I was speaking to the lovely Emile while i was coming close to the end and surprised the shit out of not only her but myself when i actually guessed one of the twists 🤯🤣 (which im not writing to spoil for you all lol)
anyways... back to the beginning.
Following the mfc Freya and her life at the beginning. You really get a dislike for the others *shifters* but who knows if that will eventually change for you personally.
Shit eventually hits the fan in true fantasy chaos and our fmc ends up with not just 1 but 2 love interests. Which for being werewolf shifter for me set a new pace down from the "your mine fated mate whohaaa" even though i love that! This was such a good twist of difference..
The love hate relationships between the FMC and her 2 love interests was entertaining in a way, as it really put the proper depiction on relationships. Not everything is rosey and smells of happiness, relationships are tough and full of love/hate/dislike on occassions. This book is so indepth that there is alot of 'reading between the lines' and hints given throughout to keep you guessing and help you possibly work out the answer - your own personal puzzle so to speak.
I really was enjoying Cayden until i started clicking onto things and how much of a d*ck he was. Overall aside from fmc Freya, Ava & Ethan were my favourites.... and Daemon kind of was growning on me but didnt have me until almost the very end.
Sign me up for book 2 already! Emile MLA was amazing. Well done ❤️❤️❤️❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2025
Where to even start this book was amazing so many twists and turns unexpected situations I'm obsessed with daemon and his little bird I would highly recommend this book is well worth the read and the art work was just mind blowing I can't wait for book 2
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5-Star Review: Moonlit Awakening by Emile Sodyte
Emile Sodyte’s Moonlit Awakening is a breathtaking and immersive fantasy that masterfully blends high-stakes adventure, emotional depth, and a richly imagined world where wolves reign supreme over humans. Freya’s journey from vulnerability to power is gripping, inspiring, and unforgettable.
From the haunting Starlight Meadows festival to her transformation into a white-furred werewolf, every twist in Freya’s story is laced with danger, mystery, and magic. The tension with Alpha Daemon Ravenhood—her stalker turned mate—is electric, dark, and utterly addictive. Their enemies-to-lovers arc is one of the most compelling I’ve read.
Sodyte’s world-building is phenomenal, introducing poisonous creatures, ancient spells, divine intervention from the Moon Goddess, and a heroine whose destiny is anything but ordinary. The relationships—especially with Jaxenia, Ethan, and Ava—add emotional weight and complexity to the story. The battles, betrayals, and sacrifices kept me on edge, and the ending left me breathless.
This book devoured me. I’m desperate for the sequel. If you love supernatural fantasy with fierce heroines, brooding alphas, and epic world-building, Moonlit Awakening is a must-read.
Emile Sodyte’s Moonlit Awakening is a breathtaking and immersive fantasy that masterfully blends high-stakes adventure, emotional depth, and a richly imagined world where wolves reign supreme over humans. Freya’s journey from vulnerability to power is gripping, inspiring, and unforgettable.
From the haunting Starlight Meadows festival to her transformation into a white-furred werewolf, every twist in Freya’s story is laced with danger, mystery, and magic. The tension with Alpha Daemon Ravenhood—her stalker turned mate—is electric, dark, and utterly addictive. Their enemies-to-lovers arc is one of the most compelling I’ve read.
Sodyte’s world-building is phenomenal, introducing poisonous creatures, ancient spells, divine intervention from the Moon Goddess, and a heroine whose destiny is anything but ordinary. The relationships—especially with Jaxenia, Ethan, and Ava—add emotional weight and complexity to the story. The battles, betrayals, and sacrifices kept me on edge, and the ending left me breathless.
This book devoured me. I’m desperate for the sequel. If you love supernatural fantasy with fierce heroines, brooding alphas, and epic world-building, Moonlit Awakening is a must-read.
October 21, 2025
Honestly had high hopes for this read, and my God did it not only meet my expectations but surpassed them! I cannot begin to explain the hold this book has you in while reading. The tension throughout, alongside the mystery and thrill. It was a journey and one so worth taking. I simply cannot wait for book number 2.
October 12, 2025
This book will keep you guessing and wanting more well I want more forbidden love fated mates a dark romance where Freya is out to protect her friends she’s got a magic that gets awakened along her journey and from the moment she leaves home she’s facing threats in a world of alpha males and one sounds hot as hell I won’t say who he is because you have to read this book for your self to understand who I’m referring too I found this book very attractive and found myself needing to read more I’m guessing all sorts of things guessing where the story line might take me i honestly can’t wait for book 2
November 3, 2025
A huge thank you to Wings & Words and Emile Sodyte for the opportunity to read this book!
⸻
My Thoughts
I’m honestly a bit torn on this one. I feel like I’ve read a completely different book to everyone else. Fresh off finishing, my rating sits somewhere between a 2.5 and 3.5, so I’m splitting the difference at a 3. There’s a lot of potential here but also a lot that didn’t quite land for me.
⚠️ Important Note
Please check your triggers before reading. This world contains a significant amount of SA and 🍇 there are also moments that feel like questionable consent between the MMC and FMC. It’s not a light read and readers should go in fully aware of that.
⸻
What didn’t work for me:
• Editing and pacing: If there was an editing or proofreading process it unfortunately didn’t do the author justice. The story is unnecessarily long and could be much stronger with some trimming. I think this could have been sub 500 pages which would make it punchier and more impactful.
• The FMC’s character arc: I adored her in the beginning! She was fierce, capable and had that spark I love in a heroine. Unfortunately once Cayden entered the picture she suddenly felt more naïve and had the same arguments over and over (“but I can help”, “but I want to help”, “but… but… but…”). She regained her strength near the end but the middle stretch dragged for me. In addition she tried to make decisions for Ava which just wasn’t ok, it wasn’t her business.
• Questionable actions: Without spoiling too much I don’t understand why she allowed that to go down with Cayden when she clearly didn’t want it. Why didn’t Daemon intervene as he had before? Maybe I missed something but it left me unsettled.
• Romance (or lack thereof): There’s spice and relationships but not much actual romance or emotional connection.
⸻
What I enjoyed:
• The world-building: In a genre overflowing with werewolf tropes this world felt genuinely unique. That’s no small feat! I loved the fantasy setting and all that came with it.
• Freya (early and late): I loved her strength, independence and resilience in the first and last quarters. When she’s in her element she absolutely shines.
• The reveals and twists: I loved all the twists, turns, betrayals and discoveries! I called who Daemon was to Freya the moment the hands appeared (IYKYK) and was feral in that moment! (Though at that point I did think the FMC and MMCs dynamic would have gone another way, there’s a lot of touch her and 💀 vibes but he also directs violence to her which I didn’t enjoy). I also predicted some of the plot points like Freya’s true nature and who Cayden wasn’t to her but it was still fun seeing them play out.
• The final stretch: The last 20 pages? Fantastic. The cliffhanger hooked me and I’m genuinely curious to see where book two goes. I suspect we’ll finally get more of the romance that was missing here.
⸻
Final Thoughts
Moonlit Awakening has a fascinating world and moments of brilliance but it’s weighed down by editing issues, uneven character development and some uncomfortable content. Still the ending left me intrigued enough to consider picking up the sequel, cautiously hopeful for more romance and refinement next time.
⸻
My Thoughts
I’m honestly a bit torn on this one. I feel like I’ve read a completely different book to everyone else. Fresh off finishing, my rating sits somewhere between a 2.5 and 3.5, so I’m splitting the difference at a 3. There’s a lot of potential here but also a lot that didn’t quite land for me.
⚠️ Important Note
Please check your triggers before reading. This world contains a significant amount of SA and 🍇 there are also moments that feel like questionable consent between the MMC and FMC. It’s not a light read and readers should go in fully aware of that.
⸻
What didn’t work for me:
• Editing and pacing: If there was an editing or proofreading process it unfortunately didn’t do the author justice. The story is unnecessarily long and could be much stronger with some trimming. I think this could have been sub 500 pages which would make it punchier and more impactful.
• The FMC’s character arc: I adored her in the beginning! She was fierce, capable and had that spark I love in a heroine. Unfortunately once Cayden entered the picture she suddenly felt more naïve and had the same arguments over and over (“but I can help”, “but I want to help”, “but… but… but…”). She regained her strength near the end but the middle stretch dragged for me. In addition she tried to make decisions for Ava which just wasn’t ok, it wasn’t her business.
• Questionable actions: Without spoiling too much I don’t understand why she allowed that to go down with Cayden when she clearly didn’t want it. Why didn’t Daemon intervene as he had before? Maybe I missed something but it left me unsettled.
• Romance (or lack thereof): There’s spice and relationships but not much actual romance or emotional connection.
⸻
What I enjoyed:
• The world-building: In a genre overflowing with werewolf tropes this world felt genuinely unique. That’s no small feat! I loved the fantasy setting and all that came with it.
• Freya (early and late): I loved her strength, independence and resilience in the first and last quarters. When she’s in her element she absolutely shines.
• The reveals and twists: I loved all the twists, turns, betrayals and discoveries! I called who Daemon was to Freya the moment the hands appeared (IYKYK) and was feral in that moment! (Though at that point I did think the FMC and MMCs dynamic would have gone another way, there’s a lot of touch her and 💀 vibes but he also directs violence to her which I didn’t enjoy). I also predicted some of the plot points like Freya’s true nature and who Cayden wasn’t to her but it was still fun seeing them play out.
• The final stretch: The last 20 pages? Fantastic. The cliffhanger hooked me and I’m genuinely curious to see where book two goes. I suspect we’ll finally get more of the romance that was missing here.
⸻
Final Thoughts
Moonlit Awakening has a fascinating world and moments of brilliance but it’s weighed down by editing issues, uneven character development and some uncomfortable content. Still the ending left me intrigued enough to consider picking up the sequel, cautiously hopeful for more romance and refinement next time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2025
To start with the illustrations in the book are beautiful!
Humans live in the Banished Vale, fighting just to survive. To be a human is seen to be weak in a world filled with of magical creatures dominated by werewolves.
Freya is the FMC - living in Oakheart in the Banished Vale, she has been stabbed 15 times in 6 months, she steals coins (tax offerings) to survive, & for some reason she has the ability to heal faster than other humans & hasn’t succumbed to her dangerous injuries.
Freya has a werewolf admirer/stalker who calls her ‘little bird’ - he turns out to be the an incredibly important wolf…
Everything changes as she enters Lycamoria.
I love the fantasy creature & magical elements of this book.
The Moon Goddess comes to her & starts her on her journey to discover who she really is which I thought was going to be so interesting but Freya ends up in a pack where she is controlled at every turn even though she doesn’t see it until later on.
The MMC, Daemon, was mysterious, alluring & a character I wanted to know everything about from the minute he’s introduced but the secondary male character irked me & I just wanted more of Daemon. I also understood why Emile Sodyte did this though once I’d read the entirety of the story. It was necessary to the plot.
There was so much to this story, at times I felt a little overwhelmed with all the information & happenings in the book, but once you get past that, the story is really interesting & the way the whole world works is fascinating… even the cliff hanger ending was intense (in a good way).
Humans live in the Banished Vale, fighting just to survive. To be a human is seen to be weak in a world filled with of magical creatures dominated by werewolves.
Freya is the FMC - living in Oakheart in the Banished Vale, she has been stabbed 15 times in 6 months, she steals coins (tax offerings) to survive, & for some reason she has the ability to heal faster than other humans & hasn’t succumbed to her dangerous injuries.
Freya has a werewolf admirer/stalker who calls her ‘little bird’ - he turns out to be the an incredibly important wolf…
Everything changes as she enters Lycamoria.
I love the fantasy creature & magical elements of this book.
The Moon Goddess comes to her & starts her on her journey to discover who she really is which I thought was going to be so interesting but Freya ends up in a pack where she is controlled at every turn even though she doesn’t see it until later on.
The MMC, Daemon, was mysterious, alluring & a character I wanted to know everything about from the minute he’s introduced but the secondary male character irked me & I just wanted more of Daemon. I also understood why Emile Sodyte did this though once I’d read the entirety of the story. It was necessary to the plot.
There was so much to this story, at times I felt a little overwhelmed with all the information & happenings in the book, but once you get past that, the story is really interesting & the way the whole world works is fascinating… even the cliff hanger ending was intense (in a good way).
May 16, 2025
I happened to get an early copy of this amazing book.
I am so happy I found Emile on Tiktok and only because of that I signed up to read the ARC, the final version of the Moonlit Awakening, before the release day.
I am so freaking happy I had the chance to read it. From the very first pages it was captivating. At first I thought the guy will be the main guy we fall in love with but I was wrong and so happy how the story turned out to be. Considering it's Emile's very first written piece, I would say it's rather well written and easy to follow the story. The story must get all the TIKTOK hype. It is not an ordinary story about werewolves. It's so much more.
It is not too descriptive. Although some of the chapters were dragging, but in the end it all made sense why those chapters had to be written. After all, it is a fantasy romance, heavy on fantasy with a focus on dark romance themes. So world-building is a must.
The story is about a young human woman named Freya who lives in the human territories. She's 25, and that was also one of the reasons I continued reading. I am sick and tired of reading romantasy stories with MFC being 19.
The whole human population is under the oppression of werewolves. What I liked was that we got to see also other species, not just werewolves. The story is built in the sense that it could have a few spin-offs within a story. I hope the author will tell us more about Ava. I fell in love with this side character from the very beginning.
So the story follows Freya, written in first person and her life under the oppression of the werewolves that are the main controlling species above all. So she starts to experience some headaches and that's when she starts seeing yellow eyes. I'm not going to spoil it but that's where the story unfolds, around those yellow eyes.
She meets two Alpha males, one of them she loves and the other she hates. In general, the main story follows Freya's self-discovery, finding her family, who she is, and finding her way around this werewolf world.
There's lots of action, enjoyed every bit of dialogues, I liked that we don't get all the info dump about the characters from the very begining we meet them. You get to figure it out for yourself. Characters are well written, each and every one of them have a backstory, the plot was amazing and keeping your eyes open. I did't want to stop. Emile managed to finish every chapter with cliffhanger, some of the days I was up late at night just wanting to read more. And the plot twists. OMG! I could have never thought it would take such a turn.
I love dark-themed books where the villain is a shadow daddy and that's why I choose to read books with these amazing men. I've added him to my list of book boyfriends! I so look forward to getting a physical copy because I heard there will be many illustrations. I hope there will be someday some fanmade character art, because he deserves it.
Even though in the beginning the number of pages frightened me a bit. It almost 800 pages, I feel the book finished way too soon. I didn't even realize I had closed the last page of the book, and my reaction was, "What the actual f*ck?" I need book two." I want more of that sexy man. I crave more of his presence.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is into romantasy with dark themes. Yup, there are also quite a few scenes of smut, but please do read the trigger warnings. The story is not a beautiful prince and princess love story. There's a lot of alpha possessiveness and definitely no equality. LOOOVE IT !!
GRAB THIS BOOK! You won't regret it!
I am so happy I found Emile on Tiktok and only because of that I signed up to read the ARC, the final version of the Moonlit Awakening, before the release day.
I am so freaking happy I had the chance to read it. From the very first pages it was captivating. At first I thought the guy will be the main guy we fall in love with but I was wrong and so happy how the story turned out to be. Considering it's Emile's very first written piece, I would say it's rather well written and easy to follow the story. The story must get all the TIKTOK hype. It is not an ordinary story about werewolves. It's so much more.
It is not too descriptive. Although some of the chapters were dragging, but in the end it all made sense why those chapters had to be written. After all, it is a fantasy romance, heavy on fantasy with a focus on dark romance themes. So world-building is a must.
The story is about a young human woman named Freya who lives in the human territories. She's 25, and that was also one of the reasons I continued reading. I am sick and tired of reading romantasy stories with MFC being 19.
The whole human population is under the oppression of werewolves. What I liked was that we got to see also other species, not just werewolves. The story is built in the sense that it could have a few spin-offs within a story. I hope the author will tell us more about Ava. I fell in love with this side character from the very beginning.
So the story follows Freya, written in first person and her life under the oppression of the werewolves that are the main controlling species above all. So she starts to experience some headaches and that's when she starts seeing yellow eyes. I'm not going to spoil it but that's where the story unfolds, around those yellow eyes.
She meets two Alpha males, one of them she loves and the other she hates. In general, the main story follows Freya's self-discovery, finding her family, who she is, and finding her way around this werewolf world.
There's lots of action, enjoyed every bit of dialogues, I liked that we don't get all the info dump about the characters from the very begining we meet them. You get to figure it out for yourself. Characters are well written, each and every one of them have a backstory, the plot was amazing and keeping your eyes open. I did't want to stop. Emile managed to finish every chapter with cliffhanger, some of the days I was up late at night just wanting to read more. And the plot twists. OMG! I could have never thought it would take such a turn.
I love dark-themed books where the villain is a shadow daddy and that's why I choose to read books with these amazing men. I've added him to my list of book boyfriends! I so look forward to getting a physical copy because I heard there will be many illustrations. I hope there will be someday some fanmade character art, because he deserves it.
Even though in the beginning the number of pages frightened me a bit. It almost 800 pages, I feel the book finished way too soon. I didn't even realize I had closed the last page of the book, and my reaction was, "What the actual f*ck?" I need book two." I want more of that sexy man. I crave more of his presence.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is into romantasy with dark themes. Yup, there are also quite a few scenes of smut, but please do read the trigger warnings. The story is not a beautiful prince and princess love story. There's a lot of alpha possessiveness and definitely no equality. LOOOVE IT !!
GRAB THIS BOOK! You won't regret it!
May 11, 2025
I’m so happy I had the chance to receive an early copy of this book - thank you, Emile. I wish you all the success in the world!
Now, let’s talk about the book.
This fantasy series introduces us to a world ruled by werewolves, where humans live under their oppression. Our main female character, Freya, is a mortal woman forced to leave her loved ones behind due to looming danger. Her mission is not only to escape punishment but also to protect her friends. However, as she leaves her home, she doesn’t just face new threats, she awakens a hidden magic within herself. A transformation occurs, and Freya changes in more ways than one.
And of course, we have our male lead - Daemon. From the very beginning, he intrigued me. Cloaked in mystery until the final pages, he kept me curious. That said, I wish there had been more scenes with him. I couldn’t get enough!
Now, here’s where I get a bit grumpy…the author decided to introduce another male character, and honestly, I couldn’t stand him, he just rubbed me the wrong way. Unfortunately, there were quite a few chapters centered around him, which didn’t help my case.
The story itself took me by surprise. I was absolutely convinced that once Freya left home, she would set off on a journey of self-discovery and adventure. But nope, she ends up in a territory ruled by the very man I didn’t like, living under male dominance. Not what I expected.
I’ll be honest some chapters dragged a little. Certain parts felt overloaded with information, and I did find my attention slipping. If it were up to me, I’d probably delete a few chapters.
But the last 100 pages? Wow. Absolutely gripping!
And the ending... Let me just say, it had me ready to throw my kindle out the window. Just when I finally got the perfect couple reunion I’d been waiting for - bam! It ended. Now I’m left impatiently waiting for book two.
For a debut novel, this is a solid start! I’d rate it around 3.7 or a generous 4 stars with potential for more!
Now, let’s talk about the book.
This fantasy series introduces us to a world ruled by werewolves, where humans live under their oppression. Our main female character, Freya, is a mortal woman forced to leave her loved ones behind due to looming danger. Her mission is not only to escape punishment but also to protect her friends. However, as she leaves her home, she doesn’t just face new threats, she awakens a hidden magic within herself. A transformation occurs, and Freya changes in more ways than one.
And of course, we have our male lead - Daemon. From the very beginning, he intrigued me. Cloaked in mystery until the final pages, he kept me curious. That said, I wish there had been more scenes with him. I couldn’t get enough!
Now, here’s where I get a bit grumpy…the author decided to introduce another male character, and honestly, I couldn’t stand him, he just rubbed me the wrong way. Unfortunately, there were quite a few chapters centered around him, which didn’t help my case.
The story itself took me by surprise. I was absolutely convinced that once Freya left home, she would set off on a journey of self-discovery and adventure. But nope, she ends up in a territory ruled by the very man I didn’t like, living under male dominance. Not what I expected.
I’ll be honest some chapters dragged a little. Certain parts felt overloaded with information, and I did find my attention slipping. If it were up to me, I’d probably delete a few chapters.
But the last 100 pages? Wow. Absolutely gripping!
And the ending... Let me just say, it had me ready to throw my kindle out the window. Just when I finally got the perfect couple reunion I’d been waiting for - bam! It ended. Now I’m left impatiently waiting for book two.
For a debut novel, this is a solid start! I’d rate it around 3.7 or a generous 4 stars with potential for more!
October 10, 2025
From the very first page, Moonlit Awakening by Emile Sodyte swept me off my feet and plunged me into a raw, moonlit world where danger and desire dance in the shadows. A true journey of finding ones self and the power that lays within! This debut dark romantasy is every bit as haunting, beautiful, and addictive as I hoped it would be.
Emiles prose is vivid and emotionally charged she literally paints the forests, the feral nights, and the inner turmoil of her characters with a rich, almost musical cadence. The world of werewolves and the primal politics she builds feels alive, brutal at times yes! but also pulsing with mystery and longing.
At the heart of Moonlit Awakening is a young woman caught in a battle that tests her strength, her heart, and her very soul. Her journey from fear to power trying to find herself is so well written that I felt every breath she took. The love interests are complex, dangerous, driven by secrets adding tension and heat, making every interaction crackle with stakes both emotional and literal.
What I loved most:
Character depth: Each carries haunted pasts, fierce loyalties, and vulnerable flaws. I loved that i felt like inpersonally knew these characters!
Atmosphere & worldbuilding: The world is dark, immersive, and richly layered. You feel the weight of moonlit nights, the howl of the wind, the primal pulse of the wolf pack.
Emotional stakes: This isn’t a romance for comfort, it’s a romance with claws. There’s pain, sacrifice, and moments that made me gasp and literally want to cry!
Pacing & tension: Emile balances action, intrigue, and quiet introspection beautifully. There is seldom a dull moment.
In short: Moonlit Awakening is a stunning debut. If you love your romances dark, your fantasy fierce, and your characters raw, this book is unforgettable. I can’t wait for the next book that ending has me in a chokehold!!
**Highly recommended.**
Emiles prose is vivid and emotionally charged she literally paints the forests, the feral nights, and the inner turmoil of her characters with a rich, almost musical cadence. The world of werewolves and the primal politics she builds feels alive, brutal at times yes! but also pulsing with mystery and longing.
At the heart of Moonlit Awakening is a young woman caught in a battle that tests her strength, her heart, and her very soul. Her journey from fear to power trying to find herself is so well written that I felt every breath she took. The love interests are complex, dangerous, driven by secrets adding tension and heat, making every interaction crackle with stakes both emotional and literal.
What I loved most:
Character depth: Each carries haunted pasts, fierce loyalties, and vulnerable flaws. I loved that i felt like inpersonally knew these characters!
Atmosphere & worldbuilding: The world is dark, immersive, and richly layered. You feel the weight of moonlit nights, the howl of the wind, the primal pulse of the wolf pack.
Emotional stakes: This isn’t a romance for comfort, it’s a romance with claws. There’s pain, sacrifice, and moments that made me gasp and literally want to cry!
Pacing & tension: Emile balances action, intrigue, and quiet introspection beautifully. There is seldom a dull moment.
In short: Moonlit Awakening is a stunning debut. If you love your romances dark, your fantasy fierce, and your characters raw, this book is unforgettable. I can’t wait for the next book that ending has me in a chokehold!!
**Highly recommended.**
October 2, 2025
I don't know why no one is talking about this book.
It needs so much more attention than it currently has.
I found Emile on TikTok and watched her journey while she wrote her book and finally when she was done I though I will give it a try. I usually don't read dark Romantasy books or in general any fantasy related books, but I'm sorry to say this, but that's it I am stuck. I can't sleep, I can't eat, my life is ruined.
The world building was amazing and beautiful and no wonder she once said in her videos she wanted to find a place to escape and it was indeed a book where it really helped to escape.
The character building was also very extensive, every each of them was so important to the story, even in the beginning I though why so many different characters, but they were all needed. Freya as a MFC was beautiful, searching for herself, strong and a fucking badass. Just loved reading from her POV and what the hell. How dare you finish the book like that. I honestly really need a 2nd book and you better write it faster. The tension the desire between the two MMC and MFC was just so strong and you just wanted only them.
The book is dark and at the same time beautiful, and strong subjects taken into account where you can sometimes see yourself in relationships where at the same time you dont want to be in but also you have to be in them. It reminded of my own last relationship. I really enjoyed every bit of it, the slowburn between the characters, the tention the dialogues were just simply well written. English isn't Emile's first language and damn it was so well written.
I didn't feel that there were any long descriptions or anything that would put me off, in fact it was so immersive and so
It needs so much more attention than it currently has.
I found Emile on TikTok and watched her journey while she wrote her book and finally when she was done I though I will give it a try. I usually don't read dark Romantasy books or in general any fantasy related books, but I'm sorry to say this, but that's it I am stuck. I can't sleep, I can't eat, my life is ruined.
The world building was amazing and beautiful and no wonder she once said in her videos she wanted to find a place to escape and it was indeed a book where it really helped to escape.
The character building was also very extensive, every each of them was so important to the story, even in the beginning I though why so many different characters, but they were all needed. Freya as a MFC was beautiful, searching for herself, strong and a fucking badass. Just loved reading from her POV and what the hell. How dare you finish the book like that. I honestly really need a 2nd book and you better write it faster. The tension the desire between the two MMC and MFC was just so strong and you just wanted only them.
The book is dark and at the same time beautiful, and strong subjects taken into account where you can sometimes see yourself in relationships where at the same time you dont want to be in but also you have to be in them. It reminded of my own last relationship. I really enjoyed every bit of it, the slowburn between the characters, the tention the dialogues were just simply well written. English isn't Emile's first language and damn it was so well written.
I didn't feel that there were any long descriptions or anything that would put me off, in fact it was so immersive and so
September 27, 2025
Wow!
Don’t let the size of this book intimidate you—it’s absolutely worth it. The artwork inside is stunning, and from the very first page I was completely swept into the story. I devoured it in just two days!
The plot is gripping, full of unexpected twists, and the characters are written so well that they stay with you long after finishing. Freya is an incredible FMC—strong, beautiful, and resilient. I adored her, even if there were moments I wanted to jump into the story and shake her a little 😉. Her journey is far from easy, filled with sorrow, betrayal, deception, and pain, but she rises to meet every challenge.
And then there’s Daemon (why are all the hot MMCs named Daemon? 🔥). He’s the ultimate shadow daddy, and I loved him from the very beginning. I just knew there was more to him than what he let on, and I was right. The tension and chemistry between him and Freya were off the charts.
Let’s talk side characters:
• Cayden = alpha-hole alert 🚨. My gut said nope, and it was right.
• Ethan broke my heart.
• Jax? Certified bitch 😁.
• Violet’s twist at the end? Did not see that coming.
• Rhoden and Violet’s short-lived friendship ? Tears.
• Oraya and Freya’s friendship? I feel there’s more brewing 👀.
If you love wolf-shifter romance packed with plot, twists, slow burn tension, and unforgettable characters, this book is for you. Just be warned—it ends on a cliffhanger, and now I desperately need the next one!
4.5 ⭐️ 1🌶️
Don’t let the size of this book intimidate you—it’s absolutely worth it. The artwork inside is stunning, and from the very first page I was completely swept into the story. I devoured it in just two days!
The plot is gripping, full of unexpected twists, and the characters are written so well that they stay with you long after finishing. Freya is an incredible FMC—strong, beautiful, and resilient. I adored her, even if there were moments I wanted to jump into the story and shake her a little 😉. Her journey is far from easy, filled with sorrow, betrayal, deception, and pain, but she rises to meet every challenge.
And then there’s Daemon (why are all the hot MMCs named Daemon? 🔥). He’s the ultimate shadow daddy, and I loved him from the very beginning. I just knew there was more to him than what he let on, and I was right. The tension and chemistry between him and Freya were off the charts.
Let’s talk side characters:
• Cayden = alpha-hole alert 🚨. My gut said nope, and it was right.
• Ethan broke my heart.
• Jax? Certified bitch 😁.
• Violet’s twist at the end? Did not see that coming.
• Rhoden and Violet’s short-lived friendship ? Tears.
• Oraya and Freya’s friendship? I feel there’s more brewing 👀.
If you love wolf-shifter romance packed with plot, twists, slow burn tension, and unforgettable characters, this book is for you. Just be warned—it ends on a cliffhanger, and now I desperately need the next one!
4.5 ⭐️ 1🌶️
October 9, 2025
A Spellbinding, Emotional Rollercoaster!
Moonlit Awakening by Emile Sodyte completely enchanted me from start to finish. Be warned—this is no quick read. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to settle in with: grab a cozy blanket, make yourself a cup of tea, and prepare to disappear into its world. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
⚠️ Trigger Warning
Before diving in, please note that this story explores some intense and potentially triggering topics. A few scenes were genuinely hard for me to read—coming from a personal background with abuse, I had to take a few pauses. I strongly recommend checking the official trigger warnings before starting, just to make sure you’re emotionally prepared.
Emile Sodyte’s storytelling is phenomenal. The writing pulled my emotions in every direction. I kept asking myself, “Do we like him? Can we trust him? Is he actually the villain?” The tension and uncertainty were delicious, and I loved that nothing about the story was predictable. Every twist felt purposeful and earned, keeping me on edge right up until the final page.
And that ending... oh my goodness. That cliffhanger wrecked me in the best possible way. I was not prepared to be left hanging right when everything exploded! Now I’m desparate to read Book 2.
If you love emotional, immersive fantasy with unpredictable twists and rich character development, I can’t recommend Moonlit Awakening enough. You’ll be hooked from the very first page.
Moonlit Awakening by Emile Sodyte completely enchanted me from start to finish. Be warned—this is no quick read. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to settle in with: grab a cozy blanket, make yourself a cup of tea, and prepare to disappear into its world. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
⚠️ Trigger Warning
Before diving in, please note that this story explores some intense and potentially triggering topics. A few scenes were genuinely hard for me to read—coming from a personal background with abuse, I had to take a few pauses. I strongly recommend checking the official trigger warnings before starting, just to make sure you’re emotionally prepared.
Emile Sodyte’s storytelling is phenomenal. The writing pulled my emotions in every direction. I kept asking myself, “Do we like him? Can we trust him? Is he actually the villain?” The tension and uncertainty were delicious, and I loved that nothing about the story was predictable. Every twist felt purposeful and earned, keeping me on edge right up until the final page.
And that ending... oh my goodness. That cliffhanger wrecked me in the best possible way. I was not prepared to be left hanging right when everything exploded! Now I’m desparate to read Book 2.
If you love emotional, immersive fantasy with unpredictable twists and rich character development, I can’t recommend Moonlit Awakening enough. You’ll be hooked from the very first page.
October 13, 2025
Wow! I loved this book for so many reasons! The first one was the illustrations throughout the book that helped me visualise the characters - the art work was stunning!
This shifter, angsty romance was so beautifully written that it will leave in an emotional wreck!
The love and hate switching between the 2 MMC’s will leave your head wobbling. (In the best possible way of course).
The FMC has been living in the human world blissfully unaware what bloodline she has coursing through her veins, until one day they are woken up by the moon goddess. This takes on a self discovery journey full of action, betrayal, lust, hate, forced proximity and so much more.
The beginning of the book starts off slower because of the intricate detail the author has put into the world building (there is also a map)! But it really kicks up a notch as soon as the FMC leaves the human lands, where it’s survival of the fittest.
This book doesn’t contain huge amounts of smut, but when those scenes kick in it’s jaw dropping. There are some traumatic subjects in this book so please check your trigger warnings before reading.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, so I’m hoping the follow up will be out soon! I read this on my kindle, but I am going to buy a physical copy because of the illustrations through the book.
This shifter, angsty romance was so beautifully written that it will leave in an emotional wreck!
The love and hate switching between the 2 MMC’s will leave your head wobbling. (In the best possible way of course).
The FMC has been living in the human world blissfully unaware what bloodline she has coursing through her veins, until one day they are woken up by the moon goddess. This takes on a self discovery journey full of action, betrayal, lust, hate, forced proximity and so much more.
The beginning of the book starts off slower because of the intricate detail the author has put into the world building (there is also a map)! But it really kicks up a notch as soon as the FMC leaves the human lands, where it’s survival of the fittest.
This book doesn’t contain huge amounts of smut, but when those scenes kick in it’s jaw dropping. There are some traumatic subjects in this book so please check your trigger warnings before reading.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, so I’m hoping the follow up will be out soon! I read this on my kindle, but I am going to buy a physical copy because of the illustrations through the book.
February 25, 2026
Maybe a 3.5 ⭐
I am conflicted. I loved the world building where Emile managed to create such a unique blend of wolf shifters, magic and human culture. The FMC Freya is a badass, independent 25 year old – so no longer an immature fmc!
The story is dark and have a lot of dark moments. Check your triggers, especially in regards to SA and 🍇. Also the MMC Daemon is morally black and is often crossing some boundaries and blurring the lines with Freya. That was hard for me to read and I feel a lot of grovelling needs to happen in book 2!
I liked where the story goes and many of the plot twists. The ending was very good and sets up nicely for book 2.
However this really needs better editing and proofreading and I feel like Emile got a bad deal. It takes me out of the story too often but with a decent editor and fixing some grammar and language issues (stemming from English being a second language) this book would be a 4 star for me!
Some of the dialogue has an unnatural progression and often seems to only be there to let us readers obtain information.
There are also continuity errors – too many. But that is not the fault of Emile who has written a very good debut novel with unique world building, enthralling stories and characters and sets up the story well for a series.
The artwork that Emile herself has done also adds such a beautiful layer to the story!
I am conflicted. I loved the world building where Emile managed to create such a unique blend of wolf shifters, magic and human culture. The FMC Freya is a badass, independent 25 year old – so no longer an immature fmc!
The story is dark and have a lot of dark moments. Check your triggers, especially in regards to SA and 🍇. Also the MMC Daemon is morally black and is often crossing some boundaries and blurring the lines with Freya. That was hard for me to read and I feel a lot of grovelling needs to happen in book 2!
I liked where the story goes and many of the plot twists. The ending was very good and sets up nicely for book 2.
However this really needs better editing and proofreading and I feel like Emile got a bad deal. It takes me out of the story too often but with a decent editor and fixing some grammar and language issues (stemming from English being a second language) this book would be a 4 star for me!
Some of the dialogue has an unnatural progression and often seems to only be there to let us readers obtain information.
There are also continuity errors – too many. But that is not the fault of Emile who has written a very good debut novel with unique world building, enthralling stories and characters and sets up the story well for a series.
The artwork that Emile herself has done also adds such a beautiful layer to the story!
July 31, 2025
OMG this book was such a ride 😮💨🐺
Okay so lets talk Why? Freya?? Total badass in the making. I was hooked from the start when she finds out she’s part of this legendary werewolf pack. Hidden away during the great war and she had to unlock her powers, find her mate, AND deal with some morally gray, hot, overpossessive slightly dangerous guy who may or may not ruin her life?? Yes please. 👀
The romance is def dark and intense, with major enemies-to-lovers energy. The MMC is possessive, but in that “ugh fine I’ll allow it” kind of way 😂. Loved the found family bits too — gave the story some warmth in all the drama.
And can we talk about the illustrations?? SO cool. And they actually help bring the scenes to life, especially if you're a visual reader like me.
If you're into dark romance, werewolves, elemental powers, and very chaotic love interests who have no chill… you’ll literally fly through this. Definitely has that binge-worthy, “just one more chapter” feel. P.S it has spice ❤️
I wish I could give 10/10. The ending completely ruined me but in a good way, because I need book two 😂. Please Emile write the second book faster.
Okay so lets talk Why? Freya?? Total badass in the making. I was hooked from the start when she finds out she’s part of this legendary werewolf pack. Hidden away during the great war and she had to unlock her powers, find her mate, AND deal with some morally gray, hot, overpossessive slightly dangerous guy who may or may not ruin her life?? Yes please. 👀
The romance is def dark and intense, with major enemies-to-lovers energy. The MMC is possessive, but in that “ugh fine I’ll allow it” kind of way 😂. Loved the found family bits too — gave the story some warmth in all the drama.
And can we talk about the illustrations?? SO cool. And they actually help bring the scenes to life, especially if you're a visual reader like me.
If you're into dark romance, werewolves, elemental powers, and very chaotic love interests who have no chill… you’ll literally fly through this. Definitely has that binge-worthy, “just one more chapter” feel. P.S it has spice ❤️
I wish I could give 10/10. The ending completely ruined me but in a good way, because I need book two 😂. Please Emile write the second book faster.
September 10, 2025
Wow, this book completely exceeded my expectations. I bought this book directly from Emile and my god it arrives with so many cute things, a cool bookmark and a newspaper that it was so fun to read before I started the book. I’m so glad I picked this book! I thought it would be a light and fun read, but it turned out to be so much more. The story was engaging, full of unexpected twists, and the world was well detailed. I also loved the illustrations. They added so much to the story and made it even more immersive. The author balanced action, drama, and romance perfectly without overdoing any part.
The characters felt real and relatable. I laughed at their clever and stupid moments, and even cried during emotional scenes. The romance developed perfectly, slowly but intensely, and everything felt authentic and satisfying. I especially loved that the story was not entirely predictable. It kept me in focus until the very last page.
Overall, this book is a true gem. It has heart, tension, romance, and beautiful illustrations, making it an experience I will not forget. Definitely one of those books I will want to return to in the future and recommend my friends.
The characters felt real and relatable. I laughed at their clever and stupid moments, and even cried during emotional scenes. The romance developed perfectly, slowly but intensely, and everything felt authentic and satisfying. I especially loved that the story was not entirely predictable. It kept me in focus until the very last page.
Overall, this book is a true gem. It has heart, tension, romance, and beautiful illustrations, making it an experience I will not forget. Definitely one of those books I will want to return to in the future and recommend my friends.
December 12, 2025
I was lucky enough to be apart of the ARC team for this, so thank you for the opportunity.
Moonlit Awakening is a Wolf shifter, romance, fantasy with sprinkles of dark. I was so excited for this read, the cover is beautiful and the synopsis drew me in, however I was left disappointed. I felt that style and appearance was the main focus rather than substance. Firstly the E-Book was not readable unless it was used on a phone, tablet or a specific kindle, not only is this not accessible but it also forces you into buying the physical. Alongside this, I also felt that the story didn't flow and was very disjointed, as well as repetitive, making it hard to read.
Now the bases of the plot was great, it gave me major ACOTAR vibes (which who doesn't love), the characters had a good basis. but I do feel that the main FMC kept switching between two personalities (strong independent woman/timid and weak) which did grate on me at times. However the other characters had a good base. Emile definitely has a nack for world building and writing great scenes, I just feel certain things could have been done differently.
Moonlit Awakening is a Wolf shifter, romance, fantasy with sprinkles of dark. I was so excited for this read, the cover is beautiful and the synopsis drew me in, however I was left disappointed. I felt that style and appearance was the main focus rather than substance. Firstly the E-Book was not readable unless it was used on a phone, tablet or a specific kindle, not only is this not accessible but it also forces you into buying the physical. Alongside this, I also felt that the story didn't flow and was very disjointed, as well as repetitive, making it hard to read.
Now the bases of the plot was great, it gave me major ACOTAR vibes (which who doesn't love), the characters had a good basis. but I do feel that the main FMC kept switching between two personalities (strong independent woman/timid and weak) which did grate on me at times. However the other characters had a good base. Emile definitely has a nack for world building and writing great scenes, I just feel certain things could have been done differently.
March 26, 2026
Oh my… what an incredible book! I can’t even begin to explain how much I loved it. I laughed, gasped, shouted, and sighed my way through every single page.
This is the first book in the series and the author’s debut—which honestly makes it even more impressive.
From the very beginning, I felt completely drawn into a magical world filled with vivid characters and unexpected plot twists 😏 The story just clicked for me instantly.
Freya, the female main character, completely stole my heart. I loved following her journey, discovering secrets alongside her, and experiencing the magic of the world Emile created. I was on the edge of my seat until the very last page.
I won’t go into the plot (I’ll let the tropes speak for themselves below), but here’s what you need to know:
👉 If you don’t pick up this book, you’re seriously missing out on some unforgettable emotions and experiences.
Trust me—this one is worth it. 🖤
Tropes you’ll love:
- dark romantasy
- fated mates
- over-possessive alpha
- found family
- wolf shifter
- enemies to lovers
- “touch her and d*e”
- “who did this to you?”
- slow burn
This is the first book in the series and the author’s debut—which honestly makes it even more impressive.
From the very beginning, I felt completely drawn into a magical world filled with vivid characters and unexpected plot twists 😏 The story just clicked for me instantly.
Freya, the female main character, completely stole my heart. I loved following her journey, discovering secrets alongside her, and experiencing the magic of the world Emile created. I was on the edge of my seat until the very last page.
I won’t go into the plot (I’ll let the tropes speak for themselves below), but here’s what you need to know:
👉 If you don’t pick up this book, you’re seriously missing out on some unforgettable emotions and experiences.
Trust me—this one is worth it. 🖤
Tropes you’ll love:
- dark romantasy
- fated mates
- over-possessive alpha
- found family
- wolf shifter
- enemies to lovers
- “touch her and d*e”
- “who did this to you?”
- slow burn
March 27, 2026
I loved spending time with the FMC Freya, joining her on her quest and search for answers. This is a thick book so that means that we really get to know the characters and spend a lot of time in this world. We get to join her in finding her identity and wolf. I really liked this connection between human and wolf identity. It’s not like the other werewolf books I’ve read and that makes it unique and fresh.
I am a sucker for werewolf books and the topic of mates. Once again we see the two different males, the sweet, perfect male who in his eager to protect instead controls and belittles her. And the other dark, vicious male who gives her a choice. The book ends on a (for me) high note - I wanted to scream WHAT!!! And then I WANT MORE! NOW!! The backstory and history is complex. We meet both witches, magical creatures and half giants. And I love it all!
The book is also beautifully made with gorgeous illustration both in each chapter and also treats continually in the story. I like the choice of font. And as a whole I can not stop recommending this one! The story is wonderful and I can’t wait to read book two. I need more of Daemon!
I am a sucker for werewolf books and the topic of mates. Once again we see the two different males, the sweet, perfect male who in his eager to protect instead controls and belittles her. And the other dark, vicious male who gives her a choice. The book ends on a (for me) high note - I wanted to scream WHAT!!! And then I WANT MORE! NOW!! The backstory and history is complex. We meet both witches, magical creatures and half giants. And I love it all!
The book is also beautifully made with gorgeous illustration both in each chapter and also treats continually in the story. I like the choice of font. And as a whole I can not stop recommending this one! The story is wonderful and I can’t wait to read book two. I need more of Daemon!
May 11, 2025
4.5⭐
"Moonlit Awakening" by Emile Sodyte is a captivating tale of self-discovery, love, and survival in a brutal world where werewolves fight for dominance. Freya, a young woman with a hidden past, embarks on a journey to uncover her true identity as a Valley Howler and harness her dormant elemental abilities.
The story masterfully weaves together morally gray characters, dark themes, and an enemies-to-lovers romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The world-building is impressive, with a richly detailed landscape of pack territories and politics.
While it took some time to get fully invested, the twists and turns had me hooked. Freya's character development is noteworthy, and her interactions with Daemon (a.k.a. "Shadow Daddy") are particularly compelling. The only character who didn't quite win me over was Cayden.
Overall, "Moonlit Awakening" is an engaging read with a strong female lead and intriguing plot. With a rating of 4.5 stars, I'd definitely recommend it to fans of dark romance and fantasy.
"Moonlit Awakening" by Emile Sodyte is a captivating tale of self-discovery, love, and survival in a brutal world where werewolves fight for dominance. Freya, a young woman with a hidden past, embarks on a journey to uncover her true identity as a Valley Howler and harness her dormant elemental abilities.
The story masterfully weaves together morally gray characters, dark themes, and an enemies-to-lovers romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The world-building is impressive, with a richly detailed landscape of pack territories and politics.
While it took some time to get fully invested, the twists and turns had me hooked. Freya's character development is noteworthy, and her interactions with Daemon (a.k.a. "Shadow Daddy") are particularly compelling. The only character who didn't quite win me over was Cayden.
Overall, "Moonlit Awakening" is an engaging read with a strong female lead and intriguing plot. With a rating of 4.5 stars, I'd definitely recommend it to fans of dark romance and fantasy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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