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Crimson Moon #2
Bite the Bullet
Sasha Trudeau considers herself a soldier first and a werewolf second. But while her secret government-sanctioned task-force faces its greatest challenge so far, Sasha faces something much more primal: the undeniable pull of the moon―and her own desires. With rogue wolves savaging both the human and paranormal worlds, Sasha's team of elite operatives has one job: destroy the rogues and isolate the deadly toxin that's poisoned their blood. But the challenge is far more complicated than Sasha could have imagined. Soon she is thrust into a full-scale supernatural war for supremacy―and the only man left who Sasha can turn to might be the biggest danger to her of all. . .and in more ways than one.
349 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2008
53 people are currently reading
1313 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Banks
59 books1,263 followersA pseudonym used by Leslie Esdaile Banks, she also wrote under the names:
Leslie E. Banks
Leslie Esdaile
Leslie Esdaile Banks
Leslie Banks
Alexis Grant
L.A. Banks, a native Philadelphian, was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton undergraduate program. With many awards to her credit, Banks also held a masters of fine arts degree in film and media arts from Temple University. She lived in Philadelphia with her family until she passed away on the morning of August 2, 2011.
Visit L.A. Banks' page on the Macmillan website: http://us.macmillan.com/author/labanks
Leslie E. Banks
Leslie Esdaile
Leslie Esdaile Banks
Leslie Banks
Alexis Grant
L.A. Banks, a native Philadelphian, was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton undergraduate program. With many awards to her credit, Banks also held a masters of fine arts degree in film and media arts from Temple University. She lived in Philadelphia with her family until she passed away on the morning of August 2, 2011.
Visit L.A. Banks' page on the Macmillan website: http://us.macmillan.com/author/labanks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
August 15, 2008
I'm really hoping I would have enjoyed "Bite the Bullet" by L.A Banks more if I had read "Bad Blood", her first book in this Crimson Moon series. I think there were several pieces of critical information that I didn't have since I didn't read the first book, so there were several times where an event seemed to come totally out of left field for me. And a couple of characters referenced events that were (apparently) in the first book and based their actions off of those events, which left me floundering.
I should also confess that I never really got into Banks' 'Vampire Huntress' series. I tried to read two of them and couldn't finish either one. I did manage to finish this one, but will probably not pick up the first nor any upcoming books from this series. It just didn't 'grab' me.
Sasha is trying to adjust to her life as a werewolf and the probable mate to Hunter, one of her fellow soldiers. She's having alot of psychological difficulty giving up the control that she's accustomed to. But she learns that when the she-wolf heat hits...there's pretty much no fighting it.
Hunter knows that Sasha is his Alpha-female mate. He would love to give her all the time and space she needs to come to this conclusion on her own. Unfortunately, there's a paranormal species summit in less than a week, someone's trying to destroy the werewolf pact, and he's been re-infected with a toxin that causes Shadow wolves to go hulky and wacko and possibly become stuck in their uber-wolf form!
Lots of action, magic, and excitement. If you're an L.A. Banks fan AND you've read "Bad Blood", I predict that you'll want to pick up a copy of "Bite the Bullet" as well.
I should also confess that I never really got into Banks' 'Vampire Huntress' series. I tried to read two of them and couldn't finish either one. I did manage to finish this one, but will probably not pick up the first nor any upcoming books from this series. It just didn't 'grab' me.
Sasha is trying to adjust to her life as a werewolf and the probable mate to Hunter, one of her fellow soldiers. She's having alot of psychological difficulty giving up the control that she's accustomed to. But she learns that when the she-wolf heat hits...there's pretty much no fighting it.
Hunter knows that Sasha is his Alpha-female mate. He would love to give her all the time and space she needs to come to this conclusion on her own. Unfortunately, there's a paranormal species summit in less than a week, someone's trying to destroy the werewolf pact, and he's been re-infected with a toxin that causes Shadow wolves to go hulky and wacko and possibly become stuck in their uber-wolf form!
Lots of action, magic, and excitement. If you're an L.A. Banks fan AND you've read "Bad Blood", I predict that you'll want to pick up a copy of "Bite the Bullet" as well.
February 29, 2020
It was a enjoyable read but it is not my favorite paranormal plot. ^^
I do appreciate how the story continues in from the previous book. The plot is consistent with one theme.
I do appreciate how the story continues in from the previous book. The plot is consistent with one theme.
April 11, 2021
Her writing style reminds me of her first series, Vamp one, Sasha is something else but not as hot and firm as my girl in the Minion novel. She cares about Hunter, her were-mate, and her militant boys as well as this infected wolves, vamps, even Faes (fairies) are added to this one.
I borrowed a copy from work library to read the series. I am taking a lot longer than anticipated.
I borrowed a copy from work library to read the series. I am taking a lot longer than anticipated.
October 13, 2018
Pretty good series so far. This book was ACTION PACKED! Sasha is a military badass shadow wolf, Hunter is a shadow wolf alpha. Lots of ass kicking and taking no prisoners, oh aaaand they’re a sexy couple. What’s not to like?
April 28, 2012
“You know some times you just have to sit still and listen to the trees.”
― L.A. Banks, Bite the Bullet
I'm still not quite thralled enough to want to continue the series, but I will because I have the next book in hand. Although this story rocked right along, there was too much "war" going on and not enough romance and getting to the story. I like my paranormal story lines, but this one comes at you from so many directions and factions (werewolves, Shadow wolves, demon wolves, vampires and fae) that you really don't have time to get into any of the characters except for the few you met in the first book.
Crossing my fingers that the next in the series works better for me.
― L.A. Banks, Bite the Bullet
I'm still not quite thralled enough to want to continue the series, but I will because I have the next book in hand. Although this story rocked right along, there was too much "war" going on and not enough romance and getting to the story. I like my paranormal story lines, but this one comes at you from so many directions and factions (werewolves, Shadow wolves, demon wolves, vampires and fae) that you really don't have time to get into any of the characters except for the few you met in the first book.
Crossing my fingers that the next in the series works better for me.
November 11, 2018
I finished it is the only good thing to say. The sex scenes were over the top smut. There were 2 different types of wolves who were people but changed into wolves at the full moon but only 1 group were werewolves. There were dragons, vampires, fae and other mystical creatures that were hinted at but not full introduced. There was some secret military operation & some type of experiment by the vampires as well. Too much going on, not enough explaining & the smut. I will not read another in this series
June 15, 2019
This is an awesome read. If you love the blending of cultures then you’ll love this series. There are heart wrenching decisions made throughout this story. You follow Sasha and her mate Hunter as they race to make the UCE conference while battling demon infected shadow wolves, demon infected werewolves, and unscrupulous vampires. This story grips you almost from the start. It is a pretty steady paced book and really starts ramping up towards the end.
December 1, 2024
If you're looking for a paranormal read, this series has it all. The female character is a bad a**. There is romance and a great storyline. The entire series had me hooked. It's not the traditional werewolf story, but it's still a good read
January 27, 2018
Seemed more fiction than romance but a good story
February 4, 2018
very well thought out book her characters are very engrossing and pull you into the story
February 11, 2019
A good series. I prefer this series over her vampire huntress. Worth the read
July 31, 2019
did not finish
May 18, 2025
Riveting
Love!!😍. L.A.Banks delivered another masterpiece for sure. These books reels you in and places you in the moments. Can’t get enough…
Love!!😍. L.A.Banks delivered another masterpiece for sure. These books reels you in and places you in the moments. Can’t get enough…
January 12, 2010
What I learned from this book was to never judge a book by its cover blurbs.
I picked this one up at the public library because I needed a werewolf story to fill a reading challenge item for the Paranormal Romance group here on Goodreads. I’ve seen L. A. Banks works at bookstores before, know that she published romances under the name Lee Ann Banks which I’ve read and thought no worse than the average. So I thought, O. K., it’s the library. No risk, no cost, I’ll give it a shot.
This novel is book 2 of the Crimson Moon series. The first think I did not like about the story was that there are too many unexplained references to book 1. Then I stopped reading to find out what happens next and started to think, “Why am I not enjoying this?”
The setting is some of the most beautiful country on our continent, and the author doesn’t spend any time describing it other than to refer to terrain encountered as the protagonists travel. I know there’s trees and snow. In Angels Fall, Nora Roberts had me visualizing the mountain reflected in the lake. L. A. Banks either does not have the gift for description or does not have the wisdom to use it, probably both.
The sex scenes are boring. They also do not serve to move the relationship between the characters forward. The hero has issues and was keeping secrets from the heroine. The author did not spend any time revealing how either of the characters felt about this, before or after the big secret came out.
We learn little about what the characters think or feel, and next to nothing about their history and what motivates their actions. They seem about as deep and clear as a mud puddle.
If the plot were not so action-packed, I would not have gotten past the first chapter. The plot continuations from book one are not well explained. I find there are too many cardboard characters listed who have little to do with moving the action forward. The subplots are convoluted and the author does little to nothing to tie them in to the main plot.
I had to abandon reading this book on page 112, with the introduction of yet more unrelated characters. Goodness knows what got me that far, habit, I guess. This book stinks…I don’t think it would have made it out of the slush pile at a publisher had the author not been previously published. The folks at St. Martin’s House ought to be ashamed of themselves for letting this one out, I’ll certainly look askance at anything else they offer if this is what they think represents their works. The editor must have failed high school English. If I were the author’s agent, I’d think seriously about becoming a garbage collector, oh, wait, you already are! Thank goodness this was a library book, had I purchased it, I would have preferred to have spent my money on an undercooked liver supper delivered 55 minutes after ordering and I’d have overtipped the waiter.
No risk? No cost? No, there was none at all, unless one counts a wasted evening. I’m glad I picked up some knitting books while I was at the library, the trip wasn’t a total waste.
I picked this one up at the public library because I needed a werewolf story to fill a reading challenge item for the Paranormal Romance group here on Goodreads. I’ve seen L. A. Banks works at bookstores before, know that she published romances under the name Lee Ann Banks which I’ve read and thought no worse than the average. So I thought, O. K., it’s the library. No risk, no cost, I’ll give it a shot.
This novel is book 2 of the Crimson Moon series. The first think I did not like about the story was that there are too many unexplained references to book 1. Then I stopped reading to find out what happens next and started to think, “Why am I not enjoying this?”
The setting is some of the most beautiful country on our continent, and the author doesn’t spend any time describing it other than to refer to terrain encountered as the protagonists travel. I know there’s trees and snow. In Angels Fall, Nora Roberts had me visualizing the mountain reflected in the lake. L. A. Banks either does not have the gift for description or does not have the wisdom to use it, probably both.
The sex scenes are boring. They also do not serve to move the relationship between the characters forward. The hero has issues and was keeping secrets from the heroine. The author did not spend any time revealing how either of the characters felt about this, before or after the big secret came out.
We learn little about what the characters think or feel, and next to nothing about their history and what motivates their actions. They seem about as deep and clear as a mud puddle.
If the plot were not so action-packed, I would not have gotten past the first chapter. The plot continuations from book one are not well explained. I find there are too many cardboard characters listed who have little to do with moving the action forward. The subplots are convoluted and the author does little to nothing to tie them in to the main plot.
I had to abandon reading this book on page 112, with the introduction of yet more unrelated characters. Goodness knows what got me that far, habit, I guess. This book stinks…I don’t think it would have made it out of the slush pile at a publisher had the author not been previously published. The folks at St. Martin’s House ought to be ashamed of themselves for letting this one out, I’ll certainly look askance at anything else they offer if this is what they think represents their works. The editor must have failed high school English. If I were the author’s agent, I’d think seriously about becoming a garbage collector, oh, wait, you already are! Thank goodness this was a library book, had I purchased it, I would have preferred to have spent my money on an undercooked liver supper delivered 55 minutes after ordering and I’d have overtipped the waiter.
No risk? No cost? No, there was none at all, unless one counts a wasted evening. I’m glad I picked up some knitting books while I was at the library, the trip wasn’t a total waste.
February 11, 2011
Bite the Bullet is the second book in the Crimson Moon series by L.A. Banks.
I loved this book. What could I say, but it compelled me to finish it, I hated it when I had to put it down and actually do something around the house or cook, or whatever. It just pulled me through, there was never a good stopping place, I just kept wanting to read more and more. I could relate to Sasha's conflict between her miltary up-bringing and the shadow Clan way of life, bewteen the old world ways of the clan and the modern day, free thinking of today. I could relate to Max's desire to preserve everything old world and the old ways and the safe, honest envirnoment he thought he knew. I copuld relate to the tension between them, and the interaction with the others.
The story of Sasha, the miltary agent who found out in book one, she is werewolf, only of the shadow wolf variety continues, along with her helper, Max Hunter, a pure shadow wolf with a little infected werewolf DNA from an incident at birth. Near the end of the book, Shogun, that we met briefly in book one, who is the catalist that allows Sasha to learn the truth about herself, reappears, and hints at a bigger role in the next book, or at least it feels that way to me. Will have to get started on that thrid book to know for sure. There is also trouble from Sasha and Max from the get go, and it seems like it never gets resolved, which, given that there is another book, should only be common sense.
In this book, we get to see more of Woods and Fisher, from Sasha's miltary team, and Clarissa, Bradley and Williams that we only briefly met in book one, but that were in the lab at NORAD with the team all the time, they play a much bigger role in this book. And I for one, really hope that they continue to play a large role and that we get some more character development i nthe next book for them. I think that would be a fun side story to add in.
This book takes us to places, in the modern day world. We visit New Orleans not long after Katrina, yet the world is full of things that humans have no concept of, the myths and legends from childhood, well they are all real, live stories, they aren't fiction anymore. We travel with the Shadow wolf clan, we meet werewolve clans, we learn of Fae and Dragons, of Nymps and Sprites, of Vampires and everything else you have ever heard of, but never thought were real, they are real in this book.
This book differs greatly from the hoards of Vampire loving books on the market in the recent years. These Vampires remind me more of the LeStat version from Anne Rice, the old world, elgantly born, rich and snooty type that have no problem double-crossing anyone and everyone to get what they want. I loved it. The Vanpires were not made out to be the heros, the ones that have been wronged but we should embrace. In fact, all the Vamps in this book have a slightly French accent, and a haughty air about them, and for some reason I could just really see that. It seemed more natural to me to think of them this way, as back-stabbing, double-dealing, better-than-you type.
I loved this book. What could I say, but it compelled me to finish it, I hated it when I had to put it down and actually do something around the house or cook, or whatever. It just pulled me through, there was never a good stopping place, I just kept wanting to read more and more. I could relate to Sasha's conflict between her miltary up-bringing and the shadow Clan way of life, bewteen the old world ways of the clan and the modern day, free thinking of today. I could relate to Max's desire to preserve everything old world and the old ways and the safe, honest envirnoment he thought he knew. I copuld relate to the tension between them, and the interaction with the others.
The story of Sasha, the miltary agent who found out in book one, she is werewolf, only of the shadow wolf variety continues, along with her helper, Max Hunter, a pure shadow wolf with a little infected werewolf DNA from an incident at birth. Near the end of the book, Shogun, that we met briefly in book one, who is the catalist that allows Sasha to learn the truth about herself, reappears, and hints at a bigger role in the next book, or at least it feels that way to me. Will have to get started on that thrid book to know for sure. There is also trouble from Sasha and Max from the get go, and it seems like it never gets resolved, which, given that there is another book, should only be common sense.
In this book, we get to see more of Woods and Fisher, from Sasha's miltary team, and Clarissa, Bradley and Williams that we only briefly met in book one, but that were in the lab at NORAD with the team all the time, they play a much bigger role in this book. And I for one, really hope that they continue to play a large role and that we get some more character development i nthe next book for them. I think that would be a fun side story to add in.
This book takes us to places, in the modern day world. We visit New Orleans not long after Katrina, yet the world is full of things that humans have no concept of, the myths and legends from childhood, well they are all real, live stories, they aren't fiction anymore. We travel with the Shadow wolf clan, we meet werewolve clans, we learn of Fae and Dragons, of Nymps and Sprites, of Vampires and everything else you have ever heard of, but never thought were real, they are real in this book.
This book differs greatly from the hoards of Vampire loving books on the market in the recent years. These Vampires remind me more of the LeStat version from Anne Rice, the old world, elgantly born, rich and snooty type that have no problem double-crossing anyone and everyone to get what they want. I loved it. The Vanpires were not made out to be the heros, the ones that have been wronged but we should embrace. In fact, all the Vamps in this book have a slightly French accent, and a haughty air about them, and for some reason I could just really see that. It seemed more natural to me to think of them this way, as back-stabbing, double-dealing, better-than-you type.
October 31, 2009
I'm happy to start off by saying I'm no longer as confused about things in Sasha's world when I first started out. It seems after I swallowed the "big bite" of information thrown into Bad Blood, I was able to follow the story better. Sasha and Hunter are continuing their mission to hunt down the infected Shadow wolves that betrayed them. It's imperative that the team cut the wolves off before reaching New Orleans where the a paranormal species summit will be held.
To complicate things more Sasha is in"heat". Hitting her fast and hard, she tries to juggle her increased attraction to Hunter while trying to stay calm. Hunter on the other hand isn't doing so well. Not only is Sasha's menstrual cycle making him go crazy, but his dormant infected werewolf side comes tumbling out. The fear of losing Hunter to the "dark side" is a tangible thing.
Sasha's tech team gets more of the spotlight in book two as they are assaulted by a pack of infected Shadow wolves. The scenes are fast-paced and action packed but never fear, the team has a full arsenal at their disposal. It sort of struck me as slightly unrealistic with however, I'm used to L.A. Banks' characters toting the big guns. I gotta say some of the action scenes were maybe a little too fast-paced for me. I did have some trouble following a little of the battle scenes but, again, that may be because it went by so quickly.
I think Banks did a great job with the book's vampire bad guys. Etienne and Francois are two of the most devious creatures I've come across. Their conniving schemes were well played out and it was so easy to dislike them. Another thing I loved seeing was a return from Shogun. I love Hunter, he's a great guy and he sounds way hot. But I don't know, I just have a thing for the Asian werewolf clan leader. I can definitely see a love triangle coming out of this because even though Sasha obviously cares a lot about Hunter, she's still not prepared for total commitment.
The epilogue is where I found the only big problem. This is where Sasha and Hunter finally make it to the Conference and also where Banks allows all of the other paranormal entities to come out. I would have liked to have seen so much more out of the meeting and the guests that attended. However, even though it was short and a bit rushed through I did really like it. Reading about the different paranormals and the politics involved was a really nice touch. Like I said, I just wish Banks had expanded it more because it was such a great scene to work with.
Overall I was pleased with book two. With my confusion safely driven away I was able to enjoy the characters more and the story as well. If you liked Bad Blood you'll definitely want to pick this one up!
To complicate things more Sasha is in"heat". Hitting her fast and hard, she tries to juggle her increased attraction to Hunter while trying to stay calm. Hunter on the other hand isn't doing so well. Not only is Sasha's menstrual cycle making him go crazy, but his dormant infected werewolf side comes tumbling out. The fear of losing Hunter to the "dark side" is a tangible thing.
Sasha's tech team gets more of the spotlight in book two as they are assaulted by a pack of infected Shadow wolves. The scenes are fast-paced and action packed but never fear, the team has a full arsenal at their disposal. It sort of struck me as slightly unrealistic with however, I'm used to L.A. Banks' characters toting the big guns. I gotta say some of the action scenes were maybe a little too fast-paced for me. I did have some trouble following a little of the battle scenes but, again, that may be because it went by so quickly.
I think Banks did a great job with the book's vampire bad guys. Etienne and Francois are two of the most devious creatures I've come across. Their conniving schemes were well played out and it was so easy to dislike them. Another thing I loved seeing was a return from Shogun. I love Hunter, he's a great guy and he sounds way hot. But I don't know, I just have a thing for the Asian werewolf clan leader. I can definitely see a love triangle coming out of this because even though Sasha obviously cares a lot about Hunter, she's still not prepared for total commitment.
The epilogue is where I found the only big problem. This is where Sasha and Hunter finally make it to the Conference and also where Banks allows all of the other paranormal entities to come out. I would have liked to have seen so much more out of the meeting and the guests that attended. However, even though it was short and a bit rushed through I did really like it. Reading about the different paranormals and the politics involved was a really nice touch. Like I said, I just wish Banks had expanded it more because it was such a great scene to work with.
Overall I was pleased with book two. With my confusion safely driven away I was able to enjoy the characters more and the story as well. If you liked Bad Blood you'll definitely want to pick this one up!
February 8, 2011
Previously Published on my blog: Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life
Series Review!
Series Rating = 4 Stars
*SPOILER FREE
I have never hidden my extreme love for Shifters, they are my favorite supernatural race followed by Vampires, taking a close second. The Crimson Moon series by L.A. Banks is all about the Shifter/Weres for me. Well, there are Vampires, Fae and a lot of other supernatural races, but for me is still all about the Shifters LOL.
Sasha Trudeau works for the government in a super secret team of Werewolves, working to eliminate terrorists. Well, they do have all the Werewolf ups, but they do not shift, because shifting means something went wrong. Means they have been taken by the rage and they need to be put down, so not shifting is good, right? When Sasha meets a man called Hunter claiming to be a Shadow Wolf, she realizes that the supernatural world is much more than she previously thought.
I LOVE L.A. Banks’ Crimson Series! I confess that I was bit overwhelmed and confused by the world building in the beginning, but after you get a grip on all the supernatural people and the different types of wolves, you get a chance to enjoy an awesome Urban Fantasy series with non-stop action and a great romance at it’s center.
There are the Shadow wolves {Native American origin} and there are the Werewolves {Asian origin}. The Shadow wolves are able to move through the shadows and Demon realms, but they need the protection of a special stone to keep from being attacked by Demon-infected wolves. Both Shadow Wolves and Werewolves can be infected and this one of the main problems that Sasha, Hunter and her team need to deal with. The mythology behind the shifter races is so unique in my opinion and one of my favorite things about this great series.
I love the cast of characters that make up this series. From Sasha’s team, to Hunter’s pack and including their allies the Fae, Crimson Moon is full of awesome characters that bring this amazing world L.A. Banks has created.
The Crimson Moon series is sure to please many Urban Fantasy fans out there and if you haven’t read it yet, you totally should! I can’t wait for the next installment in this brilliant series!
Series Review!
Series Rating = 4 Stars
*SPOILER FREE
I have never hidden my extreme love for Shifters, they are my favorite supernatural race followed by Vampires, taking a close second. The Crimson Moon series by L.A. Banks is all about the Shifter/Weres for me. Well, there are Vampires, Fae and a lot of other supernatural races, but for me is still all about the Shifters LOL.
Sasha Trudeau works for the government in a super secret team of Werewolves, working to eliminate terrorists. Well, they do have all the Werewolf ups, but they do not shift, because shifting means something went wrong. Means they have been taken by the rage and they need to be put down, so not shifting is good, right? When Sasha meets a man called Hunter claiming to be a Shadow Wolf, she realizes that the supernatural world is much more than she previously thought.
I LOVE L.A. Banks’ Crimson Series! I confess that I was bit overwhelmed and confused by the world building in the beginning, but after you get a grip on all the supernatural people and the different types of wolves, you get a chance to enjoy an awesome Urban Fantasy series with non-stop action and a great romance at it’s center.
There are the Shadow wolves {Native American origin} and there are the Werewolves {Asian origin}. The Shadow wolves are able to move through the shadows and Demon realms, but they need the protection of a special stone to keep from being attacked by Demon-infected wolves. Both Shadow Wolves and Werewolves can be infected and this one of the main problems that Sasha, Hunter and her team need to deal with. The mythology behind the shifter races is so unique in my opinion and one of my favorite things about this great series.
I love the cast of characters that make up this series. From Sasha’s team, to Hunter’s pack and including their allies the Fae, Crimson Moon is full of awesome characters that bring this amazing world L.A. Banks has created.
The Crimson Moon series is sure to please many Urban Fantasy fans out there and if you haven’t read it yet, you totally should! I can’t wait for the next installment in this brilliant series!
March 30, 2015
Before I get into anything, I want to say I do like the series. I have high hopes for it and hope it goes well. That’s why I’m trying so hard to make sense of the action, storyline.
I hate the first few books in a series where the guy and girl are starting to get together then something comes up that starts to tear them apart, or keep them apart for a few books, then a few books later, when they work it out and can really be together either then break up or the series ends.
I wish authors would stop wasting books that the couple can be together and concentrate on the story action. I know this is only the second in the series, but I can see it happening. There’s enough bad possibilities to solve without the couple problem.
That being said, while I am rooting for Sasha and Hunter, I just don’t feel the connection. It’s just words. And to tell the truth it distracts from the story. I’m having a hard enough time keeping track of what type of wolf is who and doing what. And now this prophecy is coming in confusing the relationship issues.
Sasha keeps saying that she’s having a hard time coordinating between her shadow wolf and human military lives, but I think she’s doing great. There’s a few things that she messes up on due to her not knowing the nuances of the culture, but her military training actually helps. I think she’s going to make an excellent she-shadow Alpha. Now if only she and Hunter can work things out. She needs to stop fighting their mate connection and he needs to stop moaning and groaning about his fate and defeat it.
I love the Clarissa, Winters, Bradley team. They work well together, are great backup for Sasha’s A-team and are really interesting characters. And even though I normally love vamps, I am sooo glad the vamps in this book can what they deserved.
Quick Thoughts: 1)Anyone else think that the girl on the front cover pic looks like the bottom half of Jolie?
2)That two-step hypodermic bullet that developed is a cool idea. I bet the government really has something like that, if not they should.
Fave Scenes: Sasha’s first shadow hunt/run, Tag payback, Sasha standing up to Barbara, the shadow wolf guard ‘dog’ in the hospital and the arrival of the dragons.
I hate the first few books in a series where the guy and girl are starting to get together then something comes up that starts to tear them apart, or keep them apart for a few books, then a few books later, when they work it out and can really be together either then break up or the series ends.
I wish authors would stop wasting books that the couple can be together and concentrate on the story action. I know this is only the second in the series, but I can see it happening. There’s enough bad possibilities to solve without the couple problem.
That being said, while I am rooting for Sasha and Hunter, I just don’t feel the connection. It’s just words. And to tell the truth it distracts from the story. I’m having a hard enough time keeping track of what type of wolf is who and doing what. And now this prophecy is coming in confusing the relationship issues.
Sasha keeps saying that she’s having a hard time coordinating between her shadow wolf and human military lives, but I think she’s doing great. There’s a few things that she messes up on due to her not knowing the nuances of the culture, but her military training actually helps. I think she’s going to make an excellent she-shadow Alpha. Now if only she and Hunter can work things out. She needs to stop fighting their mate connection and he needs to stop moaning and groaning about his fate and defeat it.
I love the Clarissa, Winters, Bradley team. They work well together, are great backup for Sasha’s A-team and are really interesting characters. And even though I normally love vamps, I am sooo glad the vamps in this book can what they deserved.
Quick Thoughts: 1)Anyone else think that the girl on the front cover pic looks like the bottom half of Jolie?
2)That two-step hypodermic bullet that developed is a cool idea. I bet the government really has something like that, if not they should.
Fave Scenes: Sasha’s first shadow hunt/run, Tag payback, Sasha standing up to Barbara, the shadow wolf guard ‘dog’ in the hospital and the arrival of the dragons.
February 20, 2015
I'm hooked, Sasha Rocks....
I have to admit that I haven't read any of Banks' Vampire Huntress books, and wasn't captured by her 'shorts' when I've come across her in anthologies, but I am fully hooked on the Crimson Moon series. The special ops/supernatural mix, just speaks to me, and Sasha is a terrific lead -- a tough yet sexy warrior with tactical smarts.
Back from the first book is Sasha's love interest, Hunter who has shown her the Shadow Wolf side of her nature. Sasha is a bit challenged by her first `full moon heat' but she is coming to terms with her wolf self now that she now longer has to worry about becoming one of the demon infected monstrosities that she has been forced to kill in the past - she stills bears some emotional scars from having to kill her infected former captain and pack leader. Elements of the conspiracy exposed in the last book carry forward into the story here and the Shadow Wolves addicted to demon virus are a challenging enemy and provide for battles and action packed moments. But some of the best moments of the book are when Sasha's using her brain as the weapon, especially when she scores a tactical 'hit' against the scheming vamps.
The element of Sasha's having to deal with her first 'heat' as a werewolf adds some steamy moments to the story, but the real emotion comes from Hunter's struggle - he's dealing with his third flare-up of the demon taint he's carried since birth - and Sasha may have to do the unthinkable and 'put him down' should he succumb. I absolutely loved Hunter, and the whole Native American-ish culture of the Shadow Wolves -- I hope we don't lose him. But Bank's is keeping us on pins and needles by bringing back the Shogun the leader of the other non-tainted werewolf faction. There's is definitely still an attraction there and Sasha hasn't fully committed to Hunter, even if he does survive, but so far I am still rooting for Hunter.
I can't even begin to do this book justice here. It has it all- a smart action pact story, great characters, some steam and some tugging of the heartstrings. I am anxiously anticipating the next book, Undead on Arrival (Crimson Moon, Book 3), is it March yet?
I have to admit that I haven't read any of Banks' Vampire Huntress books, and wasn't captured by her 'shorts' when I've come across her in anthologies, but I am fully hooked on the Crimson Moon series. The special ops/supernatural mix, just speaks to me, and Sasha is a terrific lead -- a tough yet sexy warrior with tactical smarts.
Back from the first book is Sasha's love interest, Hunter who has shown her the Shadow Wolf side of her nature. Sasha is a bit challenged by her first `full moon heat' but she is coming to terms with her wolf self now that she now longer has to worry about becoming one of the demon infected monstrosities that she has been forced to kill in the past - she stills bears some emotional scars from having to kill her infected former captain and pack leader. Elements of the conspiracy exposed in the last book carry forward into the story here and the Shadow Wolves addicted to demon virus are a challenging enemy and provide for battles and action packed moments. But some of the best moments of the book are when Sasha's using her brain as the weapon, especially when she scores a tactical 'hit' against the scheming vamps.
The element of Sasha's having to deal with her first 'heat' as a werewolf adds some steamy moments to the story, but the real emotion comes from Hunter's struggle - he's dealing with his third flare-up of the demon taint he's carried since birth - and Sasha may have to do the unthinkable and 'put him down' should he succumb. I absolutely loved Hunter, and the whole Native American-ish culture of the Shadow Wolves -- I hope we don't lose him. But Bank's is keeping us on pins and needles by bringing back the Shogun the leader of the other non-tainted werewolf faction. There's is definitely still an attraction there and Sasha hasn't fully committed to Hunter, even if he does survive, but so far I am still rooting for Hunter.
I can't even begin to do this book justice here. It has it all- a smart action pact story, great characters, some steam and some tugging of the heartstrings. I am anxiously anticipating the next book, Undead on Arrival (Crimson Moon, Book 3), is it March yet?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2010
Bite the Bullet is book 2 in L. A. Banks' Crimson Moon shadow wolf series. Sasha Trudeau, a formidable soldier for the United States, discovered she is a shadow wolf by partnering up with Max Hunter the Alpha of the Northwestern Shadow Clan. Sasha is still learning what it means to be a shadow wolf and is now dealing with a full moon and the mating heat. The problem of infected shadow wolves grows more dire everyday. With the UCE conference of supernatural beings meeting in New Orleans, Sasha must dispose of the infected wolf threat before an all out war between supernaturals occurs.
I had a little bit of trouble with this second installment of the Crimson Moon series. I liked the first book well enough and thought this was an interesting series with good characters. However, upon reading Bite the Bullet, the biggest change I noticed was Sasha. Her personality has taken a turn for the worst. She has become very angry and it's like she has a really bad case of PMS. True, she has good reason to be angry, given the fact that her hormones are all out of whack and there are some seriously scary, infected wolf creatures eating people. Still, her bad attitude got old real fast.
Aside from Sasha's own personal issues, Max is dealing with some of his own. He has been infected and is afraid he will turn into one of the "seriously scary" people eaters. The thing that really surprised me about this book is the amount of gore. Banks does not shy away from the gross stuff and some of it is rather horrific. I have to remind myself that this isn't a paranormal romance, but instead urban fantasy. Although, this book does end on a positive note.
I think I would like this series better, if I could relate a little more to Sasha. Unfortunately, I don't have much in common with her. For those of you who enjoy very strong female leads, she is a strong woman having gained much of her personality through the military. She is logical, orderly and is not afraid to make tough decisions when she has too. I personally would like to see a softer side to her and maybe future books will allow for it. I do plan on reading the third book Undead on Arrival which releases this month, just to see how it stacks up.
I had a little bit of trouble with this second installment of the Crimson Moon series. I liked the first book well enough and thought this was an interesting series with good characters. However, upon reading Bite the Bullet, the biggest change I noticed was Sasha. Her personality has taken a turn for the worst. She has become very angry and it's like she has a really bad case of PMS. True, she has good reason to be angry, given the fact that her hormones are all out of whack and there are some seriously scary, infected wolf creatures eating people. Still, her bad attitude got old real fast.
Aside from Sasha's own personal issues, Max is dealing with some of his own. He has been infected and is afraid he will turn into one of the "seriously scary" people eaters. The thing that really surprised me about this book is the amount of gore. Banks does not shy away from the gross stuff and some of it is rather horrific. I have to remind myself that this isn't a paranormal romance, but instead urban fantasy. Although, this book does end on a positive note.
I think I would like this series better, if I could relate a little more to Sasha. Unfortunately, I don't have much in common with her. For those of you who enjoy very strong female leads, she is a strong woman having gained much of her personality through the military. She is logical, orderly and is not afraid to make tough decisions when she has too. I personally would like to see a softer side to her and maybe future books will allow for it. I do plan on reading the third book Undead on Arrival which releases this month, just to see how it stacks up.
April 14, 2019
Kick-ass, action-packed, and drama-packed. If you’re in the mood for gun-totin’ shapeshifters and elite trained operatives, rouge werewolves, a supernatural war fought on multiple planes, and drama between lovers, then pick up one of the Crimson Moon series today. This was my first foray into this world, of course it’s the latest book, so I did have a bit of catch-up to play, but the author explained previous events fairly well while maintaining the plot and not making the series history feel like an information dump.
Sasha Trudeau is an elite, highly trained operative bent on saving both the human and supernatural worlds. She’s also mated with Max Hunter, the Alpha of a werewolf pack, making her an important figure in a world where the rules are very different than what she’s used to. Her team was ambushed while on their last mission; only Sasha and two of her men survived. Their mission was to find and destroy anyone who has been infected with a deadly toxin that poisons the blood of any shapeshifter. What she doesn’t know is that the man she loves was infected with this toxin as an infant. At each major stage in his life, his good wolf side and bad wolf side have to fight an internal battle for supremacy. As Sasha struggles to trust Max and her mate bond with him, Max is struggling to control the outbreak of another battle within – right when Sasha needs to rely on him the most as a no-holds-barred, all-out war for supernatural supremacy breaks out. Max fights his inner demons while Sasha and Max’s grandfather fight to keep him safe and alive on the eve of battle. Meanwhile, the vampires are taunting the misguided werewolves who are now addicted to the toxin like it’s the latest new high-inducing drug. It’s the rogues versus the pack, as many packs come together to battle this new evil, with Sasha, her trained operatives, Max, and his grandfather right in the middle.
My favorite part: Sasha really knows how to fight. Readers of the Laurell K. Hamilton Anita Blake series will appreciate a woman who can use her weapons well.
Sasha Trudeau is an elite, highly trained operative bent on saving both the human and supernatural worlds. She’s also mated with Max Hunter, the Alpha of a werewolf pack, making her an important figure in a world where the rules are very different than what she’s used to. Her team was ambushed while on their last mission; only Sasha and two of her men survived. Their mission was to find and destroy anyone who has been infected with a deadly toxin that poisons the blood of any shapeshifter. What she doesn’t know is that the man she loves was infected with this toxin as an infant. At each major stage in his life, his good wolf side and bad wolf side have to fight an internal battle for supremacy. As Sasha struggles to trust Max and her mate bond with him, Max is struggling to control the outbreak of another battle within – right when Sasha needs to rely on him the most as a no-holds-barred, all-out war for supernatural supremacy breaks out. Max fights his inner demons while Sasha and Max’s grandfather fight to keep him safe and alive on the eve of battle. Meanwhile, the vampires are taunting the misguided werewolves who are now addicted to the toxin like it’s the latest new high-inducing drug. It’s the rogues versus the pack, as many packs come together to battle this new evil, with Sasha, her trained operatives, Max, and his grandfather right in the middle.
My favorite part: Sasha really knows how to fight. Readers of the Laurell K. Hamilton Anita Blake series will appreciate a woman who can use her weapons well.
August 16, 2014
I don't really know what to say about this one. I really like the premises of the story! I do! In the first book I thought things were overexplained because it was the first book of the series and we had to understand what's going on. In this one, I still had that feeling, which I'm not happy about.
I really forced myself to finish this book because, well, at times it was just boring.
I felt so bad for Hunter, I really thought there was a bad ending coming there, so I'm glad that was avoided. I really enjoyed seeing him in wolf form at the hospital, when she had to act as if he was a dog, hilarious!
I do not like Shogun. Just something about him. I hope he doesn't become more of a contender for Sasha's affections. She should just chose Hunter as her mate and call it done.
I didn't like Sasha that much in this book, or better description would be, I had no connection with her. Was it because she was in heat?
I'm not sure yet if the problems I had with this book are because of the author's style of writing, but I'll probably eventually get to book 3 in this series.
I really forced myself to finish this book because, well, at times it was just boring.
I felt so bad for Hunter, I really thought there was a bad ending coming there, so I'm glad that was avoided. I really enjoyed seeing him in wolf form at the hospital, when she had to act as if he was a dog, hilarious!
I do not like Shogun. Just something about him. I hope he doesn't become more of a contender for Sasha's affections. She should just chose Hunter as her mate and call it done.
I didn't like Sasha that much in this book, or better description would be, I had no connection with her. Was it because she was in heat?
I'm not sure yet if the problems I had with this book are because of the author's style of writing, but I'll probably eventually get to book 3 in this series.
June 23, 2011
The second book of the Crimson Moon series, “Bite the Bullet” by L.A Banks, is just as good as the first one.
In this book we have the development of Sasha’s story who works for the government in a secret team. The world building is kind of strange in this series, with many different kinds of shifters (Shadow wolves, Werewolves, demon infected wolves) and the reader has to be very careful while reading the book.
Sasha has her usual problems but in this book we can see Max Hunter’s problems too. Max is her boyfriend and he has been infected with the demon virus since his birth. Now, the situation is worst and he is afraid that he’ll become one of the monsters as well.
Sasha is strong and logical as always. She is very capable and her military training is pretty obvious. She can make difficult decisions and she’s not the typical female lead character because we can’t see her in any time like a damsel in distress. In this book she’s more angry that the first and I’m not sure that I like this change much.
This series so far has very well written secondary characters like Sasha’s team and Hunter’s pack. The storyline is pretty good and the fans of urban fantasy will enjoy it.
In this book we have the development of Sasha’s story who works for the government in a secret team. The world building is kind of strange in this series, with many different kinds of shifters (Shadow wolves, Werewolves, demon infected wolves) and the reader has to be very careful while reading the book.
Sasha has her usual problems but in this book we can see Max Hunter’s problems too. Max is her boyfriend and he has been infected with the demon virus since his birth. Now, the situation is worst and he is afraid that he’ll become one of the monsters as well.
Sasha is strong and logical as always. She is very capable and her military training is pretty obvious. She can make difficult decisions and she’s not the typical female lead character because we can’t see her in any time like a damsel in distress. In this book she’s more angry that the first and I’m not sure that I like this change much.
This series so far has very well written secondary characters like Sasha’s team and Hunter’s pack. The storyline is pretty good and the fans of urban fantasy will enjoy it.
December 11, 2009
Bite the Bullet, starts off with Captain Sasha Trudeau going into heat, and basically having alot od control issues, as well split alliance issues. Her life mate Max Hunter leader of the North American shadow wolves. He's 6'5, 220 pd of hotness and his the perfect balance to her. He also has the really bad demon virus in his system that could lead a more problems in the book.Anywho horniess and insurrection leads to more problems within the plot. In this book we see more interest in this becoming a trimance, the in which a character Sasha met in the 1st book coming more into play towards the end. All in all, I like Bite the Bullet alot. Its a good sequel to Bad Blood, and in effect you can't wait to sink into the book. Once you start reading, you may finish in one sitting. All in all if you like action and parnormal then this series is the perfect marriage. (Trying to give the gist without giving to much away tell if i suceeded.)
May 10, 2015
This sequel gave a well informative insight in exposing Sasha to the outside world and not being couped up in government activites. The storyline progressed at a fair pace, which gave both the mystery and fantasy I was looking for. In the end, I felt like the author was throwing things in the book. So many terms (describing a paranormal creature) are thrown into the story that it's hard to keep track of, for example, the difference between a Shadow wolf and a Demon wolf. Other than throwing in paranomial creatures left and right, I saw this sequel to be more of understanding the Shadow wolves and the world Sasha never got a chance to know. There was some development of her relationship with Max Hunter(aka, knowing about his history and clan)
April 18, 2020
Although I am a fan of books set in the military (ish) world, I fail to see where the rogue soldier that is Sasha Trudeau fits into that. True, she was manipulated from the very beginning, but her inability to function outside a strict structure, or within it for that matter, strikes me as off.
I didn't feel that this book had enough character interaction where we could learn about what the characters think or feel, what their history with each other is, and what their motivations are to take the actions they do. It seemed as if it was more about making the horror part of weres more noticeable and less about making the team a team, and the mated pair a working couple.
Note - for relevancy, I served on active duty.
I didn't feel that this book had enough character interaction where we could learn about what the characters think or feel, what their history with each other is, and what their motivations are to take the actions they do. It seemed as if it was more about making the horror part of weres more noticeable and less about making the team a team, and the mated pair a working couple.
Note - for relevancy, I served on active duty.
March 27, 2012
The second installment in the Crimson Moon series grabs hold of you and takes you on a non-stop roller coaster ride. Loved the story and Banks world of shadow wolves and werewolves. The only issue and the reason it ended up with a four and not five star rating was an inconsistency in the story. Sasha kills a demon infested werewolf thinking it was Hunter, then later is relieved when she realizes there were two monsters in the woods, so what did she do dream killing the first one. Something was off, here. Should have been relieved that it wasn't Hunter that killed the people and attacked her. Anyway, otherwise the story was really action packed enjoyable read.
November 18, 2020
The qualms that I had with the previous book, Bad Blood, remain unaddressed so far. The relationship between the lead couple doesn't seem to be about more than sex. And get this, the guy has some dark secret, which he of course chooses to keep to himself. Until that is, it endangers his mate. And the woman, well, she's in heat so sex and anger are the only two things on her mind.
New characters are introduced all the time and they either add nothing to the overall plot or muddle up even more. What's even worse is the development of a love triangle -- I had hoped that would taper off but no, it's happening! Does it get better as we go? Should I even bother?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2009
Pretty good second book in the series. It had been a little while since I read the first one, so it took me a minute to get back into the story. For some reason, I keep getting this book confused with Brigg's Alpha and Omega series.
I thought this book reminded me more of Banks' writing style - more so than the first one. I have to say that I didn't like Hunter going dark, which is different for me. I usually like when the good guy goes bad, but with Hunter it just didn't feel natural. I'm hoping we work this out in the next book.
I thought this book reminded me more of Banks' writing style - more so than the first one. I have to say that I didn't like Hunter going dark, which is different for me. I usually like when the good guy goes bad, but with Hunter it just didn't feel natural. I'm hoping we work this out in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2010
I'm having a problem getting into this series. Love the storyline, however; having a problem w/ the lead Sasha. I understand she's a strong alpha female but her unwillingness to truly mate Hunter is leaving a bad taste in my mouth. She's just kinda leaving him hanging out there.
After reading the 3rd book, I was even more frustrated w/ her. I'm hoping the 4th book will wrap up some of my frustrations w/ this lead character and I can leave a more positive review.
After reading the 3rd book, I was even more frustrated w/ her. I'm hoping the 4th book will wrap up some of my frustrations w/ this lead character and I can leave a more positive review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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