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A New War
Army Sergeant Cassie Higgins is ready to hang up her boots as she embarks on her final deployment to the Middle East, one she thought would be a simple farewell to war and danger. Petite yet fearless, her world is upended the moment she locks eyes with Bryce—an impossibly tall, muscular stranger with an allure she can't explain. When she discovers he’s a werewolf and her fated mate, Cassie's reality fractures, revealing a hidden realm of magic, mystery, and an ancient evil.
Unbeknownst to her - Cassie possesses something a rare pink aura, an energy source hunted by the sinister Moonlit Wanderer, a creature born from dark coven magic who killed her mother and stole her father years ago. Now, he’s back, hungry and obsessed for Cassie’s powerful essence.
After a deadly clash between the Wanderer and Bryce leaves chaos in their wake and soldiers dead, Cassie joins forces with her loyal Army comrades, Jack and Wigler. Their journey leads across war-ravaged sands of the Middle East to Germany, where Cassie unearths a hidden magical kingdom, her destiny as a bridge between worlds, a long-lost family, and secrets about herself that she never anticipated.
Amid enchanted forests and battles of blood and spell, Cassie and Bryce’s bond deepens, igniting a Romance as fierce as the fight they face. Wizard duels, werewolf skirmishes, and family betrayals twist through the pages as allies Tyson, Bryce’s brave brother; Serafina, a spellbinding witch; and an unexpected Moonlit Coven member whose allegiance might shift the tides of war.
As Cassie embraces her destiny, this gripping tale of love, legacy, and luminous power sets the stage for an epic trilogy. A New War builds to a harrowing climax as the Wanderer’s reign begins to crumble—but not before he leaves behind a darkness that threatens everything Cassie’s found.
Unbeknownst to her - Cassie possesses something a rare pink aura, an energy source hunted by the sinister Moonlit Wanderer, a creature born from dark coven magic who killed her mother and stole her father years ago. Now, he’s back, hungry and obsessed for Cassie’s powerful essence.
After a deadly clash between the Wanderer and Bryce leaves chaos in their wake and soldiers dead, Cassie joins forces with her loyal Army comrades, Jack and Wigler. Their journey leads across war-ravaged sands of the Middle East to Germany, where Cassie unearths a hidden magical kingdom, her destiny as a bridge between worlds, a long-lost family, and secrets about herself that she never anticipated.
Amid enchanted forests and battles of blood and spell, Cassie and Bryce’s bond deepens, igniting a Romance as fierce as the fight they face. Wizard duels, werewolf skirmishes, and family betrayals twist through the pages as allies Tyson, Bryce’s brave brother; Serafina, a spellbinding witch; and an unexpected Moonlit Coven member whose allegiance might shift the tides of war.
As Cassie embraces her destiny, this gripping tale of love, legacy, and luminous power sets the stage for an epic trilogy. A New War builds to a harrowing climax as the Wanderer’s reign begins to crumble—but not before he leaves behind a darkness that threatens everything Cassie’s found.
419 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 7, 2026
Well now, that was interesting!
There is so much happening in this book but in a good way. The pacing is very well done. Not slow or dragging but also it's not too fast where it feels rushed.
I thought it would be very much a military dystopian with a hint of supernatural. I was wrong lol. There is so much supernatural element and it kept me so intrigued. Witches, magic, wolf shifters, fairies etc.
It follows Cassie on her journey with the military and her specialist team when tragedy strikes, and she is forced to see the world for what it truly is. Magical, dangerous and wonderous!
Some of her team are not what they seem, a stranger she is drawn is more important than she could imagine and her family, well they are quite special and she isn't as alone in the world as she always thought she was.
There are so many POVs in this book I don't know how the author kept up with them all. So many POVs yet it's done so well, you don't feel like it's repetetive, yet you get to see the story from all different sides.
Oh and the banter between the characters is delicious! I'm looking forward to see what happens in book two.
There is so much happening in this book but in a good way. The pacing is very well done. Not slow or dragging but also it's not too fast where it feels rushed.
I thought it would be very much a military dystopian with a hint of supernatural. I was wrong lol. There is so much supernatural element and it kept me so intrigued. Witches, magic, wolf shifters, fairies etc.
It follows Cassie on her journey with the military and her specialist team when tragedy strikes, and she is forced to see the world for what it truly is. Magical, dangerous and wonderous!
Some of her team are not what they seem, a stranger she is drawn is more important than she could imagine and her family, well they are quite special and she isn't as alone in the world as she always thought she was.
There are so many POVs in this book I don't know how the author kept up with them all. So many POVs yet it's done so well, you don't feel like it's repetetive, yet you get to see the story from all different sides.
Oh and the banter between the characters is delicious! I'm looking forward to see what happens in book two.
July 12, 2026
I have heard so many good things about this book and they were all true.
I thought going in that this would be another military style story but boy was I wrong.
It has all the super natural elements that i love.
Wolves
Witches
Fairies
Oh and the Wanderer.....
I thoroughly enjoyed that she found her family and her home after so long.
But what I enjoyed the most was her coming into her powers. It was enthralling and entertaining, especially when she got upset and brought the house down.
Excited to see what book 2 has in store for Cassie and Bryce
I thought going in that this would be another military style story but boy was I wrong.
It has all the super natural elements that i love.
Wolves
Witches
Fairies
Oh and the Wanderer.....
I thoroughly enjoyed that she found her family and her home after so long.
But what I enjoyed the most was her coming into her powers. It was enthralling and entertaining, especially when she got upset and brought the house down.
Excited to see what book 2 has in store for Cassie and Bryce
December 11, 2025
I always said I wasn’t a fantasy reader…. 🤣
This book has definitely converted me and I’m HANGING out for book two!!!
The blend between two worlds is epic and actually makes you question if it could be real!
I was instantly sucked in with the storyline and the character development was done so beautifully!
Watching Cassie find herself within a world she’s never experienced nor known about, was thrilling!
We see Cassie go from someone who has been forced to be strong and independent in her normal life, to letting her guard down and showing a softer emotional side while she learns her gift and becomes an incredible power source!
C.K. Rider’s writing style was right up my alley and I feel so privileged to have been an ARC!
I feel like I’ve just experienced the first of many incredible books from this rising author!!!
Watch C.K. Rider take this world by storm!!
I’ll be waiting with a front row ticket!!! 💛💛💛
This book has definitely converted me and I’m HANGING out for book two!!!
The blend between two worlds is epic and actually makes you question if it could be real!
I was instantly sucked in with the storyline and the character development was done so beautifully!
Watching Cassie find herself within a world she’s never experienced nor known about, was thrilling!
We see Cassie go from someone who has been forced to be strong and independent in her normal life, to letting her guard down and showing a softer emotional side while she learns her gift and becomes an incredible power source!
C.K. Rider’s writing style was right up my alley and I feel so privileged to have been an ARC!
I feel like I’ve just experienced the first of many incredible books from this rising author!!!
Watch C.K. Rider take this world by storm!!
I’ll be waiting with a front row ticket!!! 💛💛💛
August 8, 2026
Well, this has some twists. And some turns, and some what the friggers. I was not entirely prepared for the fuckery, in this book, because holy cow, you have multiple povs, lots of them so you do need to keep track of that. And I like that, it's not a cliffhanger. Yes, it's only book 1 in 3 book trilogy, but I like the fact that it was a CU. Later, not a you're dangling off the cliff, and nobody's coming anytime soon to help you. That is a whole lot nicer. When it's a see you later, a style of ending. When it's a trilogy, I like that best. Yes, there is some things that are totally and completely unresolved. But that's what happens when it's a trilogy, I really like it. It was well done.
June 4, 2026
I love a wolf shifter story. This one was so good. I loved the twist to the shifter lore. C K Rider creating someone different. The Aura or halo was a really inspired storyline.
I really enjoyed the Army aspect. All fantasy/Romantasy have an aspect of military and war storyline but they have more of a medieval type feel to them. This is the first book that I have read that includes a modern day Military/Army storyline. I found that really refreshing.
I always love a found family trope. The family you have chosen for yourself. I'm an absolute sucker for it.
Our FMC, Cassie, is sassy, strong and a natural born leader, which makes sense as she is a Sargent in the Army, commands a platoon and is one of only a few females in the forces. These skills make even more sense when she finds out who she truly is.
The MMC, Bryce, her mate, yep! I'm here for him. Don't mind if I do. I love that strong, loyal, connected, protective, mind communication bond. Swoon.
But my favourite character is Wigler. Protective younger brother vibes, loyal and mainly chill. I love how excited he is to discover this new world that they have entered. He is so open to it and like a kid at Disneyland. It's infectious.
Add to that a villian who is kinda like a vampire (although vampires are mentioned later In the book, so he isn't one of them.) who feeds on life-force and halos are the ultimate high, witches, fairies, a castle and I'm completely sold.
I adored this book. It finished on a cliff hanger and the blurb for book 2 sounds AMAZING. I cannot wait!
Great debut novel!
I really enjoyed the Army aspect. All fantasy/Romantasy have an aspect of military and war storyline but they have more of a medieval type feel to them. This is the first book that I have read that includes a modern day Military/Army storyline. I found that really refreshing.
I always love a found family trope. The family you have chosen for yourself. I'm an absolute sucker for it.
Our FMC, Cassie, is sassy, strong and a natural born leader, which makes sense as she is a Sargent in the Army, commands a platoon and is one of only a few females in the forces. These skills make even more sense when she finds out who she truly is.
The MMC, Bryce, her mate, yep! I'm here for him. Don't mind if I do. I love that strong, loyal, connected, protective, mind communication bond. Swoon.
But my favourite character is Wigler. Protective younger brother vibes, loyal and mainly chill. I love how excited he is to discover this new world that they have entered. He is so open to it and like a kid at Disneyland. It's infectious.
Add to that a villian who is kinda like a vampire (although vampires are mentioned later In the book, so he isn't one of them.) who feeds on life-force and halos are the ultimate high, witches, fairies, a castle and I'm completely sold.
I adored this book. It finished on a cliff hanger and the blurb for book 2 sounds AMAZING. I cannot wait!
Great debut novel!
November 27, 2025
Solid 5⭐️ Review
✨📚 I am Unwell 📚✨
This book?? This BOOK.
It takes military life… actual boots on the ground, gritty, structured, hurry up and wait military life… and then just sprinkles in werewolves, witches, magic, etc, and somehow it WORKS?? It’s the most refreshing mashup I’ve read in forever. The military backdrop gives the story this wild authenticity, like you can practically feel the dust, hear the comms, and smell the adrenaline. And then… BAM… suddenly you’re knee deep in a world of auras, kingdoms, and creatures that should not exist but absolutely do.
Cassie. CASSIE. Our girl walks into what she fully expects to be her final deployment… and the universe goes lol, actually, plot twist. Her entire reality flips. She finds out who she really is.
This novel incorporates all the best parts of a fantasy and paranormal read in one place while keeping us grounded in reality (oh sweet Wigler).
Every chapter is like SURPRISE! You thought you knew? You don’t. The reveals were so gripping I swear I forgot how to blink. The twists?? constant. The pacing?? relentless in the best way.
The squad??? Elite behavior, the whole crew. each of them brings something different. Heart. Chaos. Loyalty. Banter. They make the story feel layered and alive, and the emotional beats hit RIGHT where they’re supposed to. You get that perfect mix of military, magic, found-family energy, emotional “oh no I’m feeling things” moments and stellar origin stories to boo.
Completely obsessed. Fully strapped in. Zero chill left. And this is only book one?? Of a TRILOGY?? I need book two immediately, I fear.
Thank you to the author for an amazing read!!!
✨📚 I am Unwell 📚✨
This book?? This BOOK.
It takes military life… actual boots on the ground, gritty, structured, hurry up and wait military life… and then just sprinkles in werewolves, witches, magic, etc, and somehow it WORKS?? It’s the most refreshing mashup I’ve read in forever. The military backdrop gives the story this wild authenticity, like you can practically feel the dust, hear the comms, and smell the adrenaline. And then… BAM… suddenly you’re knee deep in a world of auras, kingdoms, and creatures that should not exist but absolutely do.
Cassie. CASSIE. Our girl walks into what she fully expects to be her final deployment… and the universe goes lol, actually, plot twist. Her entire reality flips. She finds out who she really is.
This novel incorporates all the best parts of a fantasy and paranormal read in one place while keeping us grounded in reality (oh sweet Wigler).
Every chapter is like SURPRISE! You thought you knew? You don’t. The reveals were so gripping I swear I forgot how to blink. The twists?? constant. The pacing?? relentless in the best way.
The squad??? Elite behavior, the whole crew. each of them brings something different. Heart. Chaos. Loyalty. Banter. They make the story feel layered and alive, and the emotional beats hit RIGHT where they’re supposed to. You get that perfect mix of military, magic, found-family energy, emotional “oh no I’m feeling things” moments and stellar origin stories to boo.
Completely obsessed. Fully strapped in. Zero chill left. And this is only book one?? Of a TRILOGY?? I need book two immediately, I fear.
Thank you to the author for an amazing read!!!
January 25, 2026
A New War
By CK Rider
Published: 1st December 2025
Moonlit Trilogy Book 1
Debut Novel
Her aura is rare.
Her blood is haunted.
Her fate is anything but ordinary.
🐺What to expect 🐺
Military MFC
Fated mates
Found Family
Ancient Evil
Magic
Witches
Wolf shifters
Hidden kingdom
Multiple POVs
Awesome Characters!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
My review
Please give us book 2 now!!!…. I cannot wait to read more on Cassies Journey!
“No need to find the wolf warlock… I’ve been here the whole time”
Well let me step back a bit!
Cassie is our FMC, she maybe Petite yet she is Fearless. Cassie is on her last 6 months of deployment when things take an interesting turn.. A Journey that’s written in a way that keeps you turning the pages well into the night!
I mean, I was that engrossed into reading, A New War , that I didn’t even hear my guest, yelling out to me, when they arrived, OOPS!
“You were forged for me,” he whispers, eyes gleaming with something ancient and wrong. “And I will have you.”
It was just the right amount of everything form evil, magic, secrets, twists ,even the spice and the connections to the characters. What a great way this was all mixed into a fantasy book!
“Fuck, Halo … the sight of you is making me want to lose control.” “Well, dear wolf … you’ve got permission to lose all the control you want,”
I don’t want to say too much to spoil your reading experience! Give this a go, go in knowing barely anything you won’t be disappointed!
Book 2 will releasing mid year (2026)
By CK Rider
Published: 1st December 2025
Moonlit Trilogy Book 1
Debut Novel
Her aura is rare.
Her blood is haunted.
Her fate is anything but ordinary.
🐺What to expect 🐺
Military MFC
Fated mates
Found Family
Ancient Evil
Magic
Witches
Wolf shifters
Hidden kingdom
Multiple POVs
Awesome Characters!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
My review
Please give us book 2 now!!!…. I cannot wait to read more on Cassies Journey!
“No need to find the wolf warlock… I’ve been here the whole time”
Well let me step back a bit!
Cassie is our FMC, she maybe Petite yet she is Fearless. Cassie is on her last 6 months of deployment when things take an interesting turn.. A Journey that’s written in a way that keeps you turning the pages well into the night!
I mean, I was that engrossed into reading, A New War , that I didn’t even hear my guest, yelling out to me, when they arrived, OOPS!
“You were forged for me,” he whispers, eyes gleaming with something ancient and wrong. “And I will have you.”
It was just the right amount of everything form evil, magic, secrets, twists ,even the spice and the connections to the characters. What a great way this was all mixed into a fantasy book!
“Fuck, Halo … the sight of you is making me want to lose control.” “Well, dear wolf … you’ve got permission to lose all the control you want,”
I don’t want to say too much to spoil your reading experience! Give this a go, go in knowing barely anything you won’t be disappointed!
Book 2 will releasing mid year (2026)
November 13, 2025
The blend of military life with fantasy elements was such a refreshing twist. I loved the army backdrop, it grounded the story in a really authentic way while letting the magic, werewolves, witches, and hidden realms shine. The world-building is vivid, and so easy to fall into.
What really hooked me was Cassie’s journey. She steps into what should be her final deployment, only to have her entire reality shift as she uncovers who she truly is and where she comes from. The pink aura, the hidden kingdom, the connection to an ancient evil, every reveal was gripping. The twists and turns were constant, and the storytelling never let up.
The character dynamics were fantastic too. Bryce, Jack, Wigler and everyone else each added heart, tension, and depth to the adventure. The mix of military grit, magical battles, and emotional discovery made this feel like the start of something epic.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an ARC. I’m fully obsessed and cannot wait to see where the trilogy goes next.
What really hooked me was Cassie’s journey. She steps into what should be her final deployment, only to have her entire reality shift as she uncovers who she truly is and where she comes from. The pink aura, the hidden kingdom, the connection to an ancient evil, every reveal was gripping. The twists and turns were constant, and the storytelling never let up.
The character dynamics were fantastic too. Bryce, Jack, Wigler and everyone else each added heart, tension, and depth to the adventure. The mix of military grit, magical battles, and emotional discovery made this feel like the start of something epic.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an ARC. I’m fully obsessed and cannot wait to see where the trilogy goes next.
December 10, 2025
A New War is an exciting and imaginative start to the Moonlit Trilogy. C.K. Rider blends military grit, supernatural intrigue, and fated romance into a story that feels fresh and compelling from the first page. Cassie is a strong, relatable heroine whose journey from soldier to magic-wielding destiny-bearer is both thrilling and heartfelt.
With rich world-building, high-stakes danger, and a captivating bond between Cassie and Bryce, this book delivers action, emotion, and adventure in equal measure. A gripping paranormal tale that promises an epic trilogy ahead.
With rich world-building, high-stakes danger, and a captivating bond between Cassie and Bryce, this book delivers action, emotion, and adventure in equal measure. A gripping paranormal tale that promises an epic trilogy ahead.
April 27, 2026
Honestly…… the amount of trauma in this book should have these characters in therapy for MILLENIA. The way CK Writes is kind of like a home and away episode. You aren’t sure if the cliffhanger at the end of each CHAPTER matters but that alone is enough to get you to keep reading because what if something big is just on the next page?!?!?!?! And then before you know it, the book is finished and you are twiddling your thumbs waiting for the next one like a crack head waiting for their next fix.
January 16, 2026
Ma’am! The one liners in this book were top tier! The characters are so relatable!
The storyline flows beautifully! Never thought I’d be one for the Insta-love/mate troupe but this was done so expertly it wouldn’t be right done any other way!
10/10
I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE
The storyline flows beautifully! Never thought I’d be one for the Insta-love/mate troupe but this was done so expertly it wouldn’t be right done any other way!
10/10
I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE
December 1, 2025
This book was so good! It was full of romance, magic, mystery, and adventure! If you love werewolves and fated mates, this checks all the boxes! Seriously, do good!
January 27, 2026
I am… deceased🤏📚☠️.
I am sitting here clutching my kindle like it has betrayed me and also simultaneously would like to chuck it against a wall for the emotional damage I feel like I have suffered at C.K. Rider’s hands.
Cassie is the embodiment of immaculate beautiful badassery rolled into one weapon of chaos as she steps into a world she knows nothing about, and owns it. Also self discovery and vulnerability, written so well. Love her confidence mixed with longing of what could be.
Jack? Is the perfect silent guardian until he doesn’t need to be silent anymore, moving in slow motion until it is time to act. Love him. I was fearful he was going to be untrustworthy.
Bryce? Written like the perfect god he is intended to be, inviting you to want to wrap him into a warm fuzzy blanket and protect him at all costs at the same time because I mean *come on*
Wigler? He’s not just the token human- he is the cute, comic relief when things get heavy. He is the reader, reading the book gasping alongside of us with the perfect beat. He is perfect I love him. Don’t you dare harm a hair on his perfect head. I will riot.
I gasped, I giggled. I swore under my breath about 13 times, at this rich, charismatic character forward built world and I am chomping at the bit to be thrust back into it with the second instalment. And I cannot wait to sit down and re-read this just to torture myself again. 5/5✨✨✨✨✨
I am sitting here clutching my kindle like it has betrayed me and also simultaneously would like to chuck it against a wall for the emotional damage I feel like I have suffered at C.K. Rider’s hands.
Cassie is the embodiment of immaculate beautiful badassery rolled into one weapon of chaos as she steps into a world she knows nothing about, and owns it. Also self discovery and vulnerability, written so well. Love her confidence mixed with longing of what could be.
Jack? Is the perfect silent guardian until he doesn’t need to be silent anymore, moving in slow motion until it is time to act. Love him. I was fearful he was going to be untrustworthy.
Bryce? Written like the perfect god he is intended to be, inviting you to want to wrap him into a warm fuzzy blanket and protect him at all costs at the same time because I mean *come on*
Wigler? He’s not just the token human- he is the cute, comic relief when things get heavy. He is the reader, reading the book gasping alongside of us with the perfect beat. He is perfect I love him. Don’t you dare harm a hair on his perfect head. I will riot.
I gasped, I giggled. I swore under my breath about 13 times, at this rich, charismatic character forward built world and I am chomping at the bit to be thrust back into it with the second instalment. And I cannot wait to sit down and re-read this just to torture myself again. 5/5✨✨✨✨✨
June 29, 2026
Really looking forward to reading book 2
November 17, 2025
This book was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING😍😍
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Storyline⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
How many tears i cried💔💔💔💔💔
This book is everything I LOVE in a cross fantasy world, fated mates, and a strong FMC fantasy book. my jaw is still on the floor from how this book ended😭
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Storyline⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
How many tears i cried💔💔💔💔💔
This book is everything I LOVE in a cross fantasy world, fated mates, and a strong FMC fantasy book. my jaw is still on the floor from how this book ended😭
August 13, 2026
Ok, so this was my first wolf shifter romantasy - and I wasn't disappointed. I loved the strong FMC and the banter throughout the whole book. I found myself gasping, giggling and grinning from ear to ear. Having been to some of the places that the author writes about, I found myself taken back to them in my mind with how C.K. Rider described them - to the point where I swear I could smell it in the air and feel it on my skin. I just loved the MMC, but honestly, I adored one particular side character! I really hope he gets his own novella soon!
I will finish by saying..... the cliffhanger!!! OMG! I didn't know how to feel at the end! I need to know what happens next!
I will finish by saying..... the cliffhanger!!! OMG! I didn't know how to feel at the end! I need to know what happens next!
November 20, 2025
I loved the banter, shifter romance and it was a unique plot haven’t read with blending shifter romance, magic and military. For me though, insta love at the very beginning of the book isn’t my thing. If it’s yours you’d probably rate this higher. I also struggled that the FMC started as a badass but once she fell in love and realized there was magic/shifters/etc. she became more submissive and like she needed all the men side characters to take care of her.
April 30, 2026
Really loved this book! Cassie rocks, she is a strong FMC about to embark on what she believes is her last deployment in the army, instead she’s swept into an adventure of romance, magic and terror as she’s hunted by a dark force and mysteries of her past begin to unveil. Bryce has officially replaced “team Jacob” as my book boyfriend. His and Cassie’s chemistry was fire 🔥 fast burn and intense. Loved the military realism and the way the magic was blended into the story. Fun side characters (Wigler was gold! 🤣) and action packed plot kept the pages turning, every chapter left me wanting more. And after that ending? I’m counting the days until we have book two! Brilliant read and would definitely recommend!
November 17, 2025
I am a sucker for shifter romance and this one was so well written!!! it was an amazing read with the banter and it has a fated mates aspect I love !!!
July 6, 2026
DNFed after main character is described as putting some food in her mouth like the little piggy she is.
Awful.
Awful.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews