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First Full Moon
More secrets. More lies. I'm going to die.
She wanted a car for her sixteenth birthday, not magical powers…
Candy McGregor is a teenager living in Sequim Falls, a small East Coast town, where the McGregors own just about everything. While her grandmother grooms her to run the family business, Candy dreams of a life where she’s known as more than just a last name. When her birthday dinner with the family turns into a horror show, Candy discovers the McGregors aren’t so much blessed as they are cursed.
At midnight on her sixteenth birthday, Candy inherits both the ability to do magic and the destiny to become a wolf with the next full moon. But there is hope for a life that doesn’t require being chained up once a month. If Candy can undo the original spell that created the curse, she can rid the world of werewolves and remain a witch.
There's just one really big problem; not everyone hates being a wolf.
With time running out, Candy must take on dark forces that will do anything to stop her. Will she break the curse or surrender to the power that comes with being a wolf?
She wanted a car for her sixteenth birthday, not magical powers…
Candy McGregor is a teenager living in Sequim Falls, a small East Coast town, where the McGregors own just about everything. While her grandmother grooms her to run the family business, Candy dreams of a life where she’s known as more than just a last name. When her birthday dinner with the family turns into a horror show, Candy discovers the McGregors aren’t so much blessed as they are cursed.
At midnight on her sixteenth birthday, Candy inherits both the ability to do magic and the destiny to become a wolf with the next full moon. But there is hope for a life that doesn’t require being chained up once a month. If Candy can undo the original spell that created the curse, she can rid the world of werewolves and remain a witch.
There's just one really big problem; not everyone hates being a wolf.
With time running out, Candy must take on dark forces that will do anything to stop her. Will she break the curse or surrender to the power that comes with being a wolf?
- GenresFantasy
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2018
6 people are currently reading
604 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 19, 2018
Candy McGregor is close with her family but the secrets are kept even closer. The family are rich with money but darkened with tainted magic. Around her sixteenth birthday, hidden truths become deadly. Every full moon the family get together for a meal. Candy and her cousins are the best of friends. This full moon they will need each other more than ever.
Being a wolf isn't the fantasy it's made out to be and if Candy wants to hold onto her magic she must break the curse. There's an evil family feud and a romance Candy didn't know existed. The first full moon is just the beginning and the story will continue. It does end with a cliffhanger, but I enjoyed this book and looking forward to the next instalment. Book 2, Blue Moon will be out early 2019.
5 stars out of 5. First full moon is available with Kindle Unlimited. I have joined the blog tour for this book my date is 7th November 2018.
http://chaptersthroughlife.blogspot.c...
Being a wolf isn't the fantasy it's made out to be and if Candy wants to hold onto her magic she must break the curse. There's an evil family feud and a romance Candy didn't know existed. The first full moon is just the beginning and the story will continue. It does end with a cliffhanger, but I enjoyed this book and looking forward to the next instalment. Book 2, Blue Moon will be out early 2019.
5 stars out of 5. First full moon is available with Kindle Unlimited. I have joined the blog tour for this book my date is 7th November 2018.
http://chaptersthroughlife.blogspot.c...
September 1, 2019
To good for words
Fast paced, tremendously intriguing. This book had me at go and didn’t let me go until the last page. Superb writing and storytelling from Author MICHELLE ALSTEAD. I can’t wait to begin the next book, this one ended with a cliffhanger. The characters are believable, passionate, people I feel
I’ve come to know and have an invested interest in what happens to them, they all have great personalities and are quite different from each other.
Some SERIOUS secrets come to light one night, in a very peculiar and scary way, for the teenage cousins, whom are all very close. They come from a very rich family, who’s business is pharmaceuticals. Deep dark secrets are deeply entwined in this family and have been for hundreds of years.
Excellent book, I can’t wait to read the next one.
Fast paced, tremendously intriguing. This book had me at go and didn’t let me go until the last page. Superb writing and storytelling from Author MICHELLE ALSTEAD. I can’t wait to begin the next book, this one ended with a cliffhanger. The characters are believable, passionate, people I feel
I’ve come to know and have an invested interest in what happens to them, they all have great personalities and are quite different from each other.
Some SERIOUS secrets come to light one night, in a very peculiar and scary way, for the teenage cousins, whom are all very close. They come from a very rich family, who’s business is pharmaceuticals. Deep dark secrets are deeply entwined in this family and have been for hundreds of years.
Excellent book, I can’t wait to read the next one.
November 7, 2018
I enjoyed First Full Moon, it took a lot of references from Buffy and Vampire Diaries. It was lightly written and really fit the YA category. The storytelling takes the first perspective of Darby Candice McGregor as she uncovered layers and layers of secret about her own family. Candice's perspective was light but thorough, and was fun to follow through.
The magical system was so much fun to decipher, in this book, magic is heavily connected with nature and in every magic doing there must be a price for it. The history and folklores that the author incorporated to describe the background of McGregor were also great, although I was missing the background of the witches coven. Perhaps it would be explained on the second book, but I think it'd be nice if there was some prelude. As in the background of all creatures and the system each had taken as adaptation. During my reading, sometimes I got confuse on how McGregor families are related to other wolves and witches clans.
I also found that the story was too fast. TOOOO FAST. I honestly think there were too many things happening in this book, and though readers could still keep up, there were no breaks. No intermesso at the middle of the events. No calm before the storm, just the rain and storm and storm again. Does that make sense? I'd like it better if there was an intermesso, such as some light-hearted conversations between the characters, getting to know each other more.
Lastly, I'd like to comment that the main character accepted this "out of the ordinary" reality too quick. She accepted her destiny, her burden to break the curse TOO FAST. Much more readers would appreciate the mental turmoil happening inside the main character and then see whether the character chooses the right or bad choice. This would make the character more human and readers would be able to relate more to them since it would show their thought processes, their battle of selflessness and what the character truly wants.
Despite the things I commented, I enjoyed this book. This is a great book for fans of Buffy, Vampire Diaries, Twilight, and any books about werewolves and witches.
The magical system was so much fun to decipher, in this book, magic is heavily connected with nature and in every magic doing there must be a price for it. The history and folklores that the author incorporated to describe the background of McGregor were also great, although I was missing the background of the witches coven. Perhaps it would be explained on the second book, but I think it'd be nice if there was some prelude. As in the background of all creatures and the system each had taken as adaptation. During my reading, sometimes I got confuse on how McGregor families are related to other wolves and witches clans.
I also found that the story was too fast. TOOOO FAST. I honestly think there were too many things happening in this book, and though readers could still keep up, there were no breaks. No intermesso at the middle of the events. No calm before the storm, just the rain and storm and storm again. Does that make sense? I'd like it better if there was an intermesso, such as some light-hearted conversations between the characters, getting to know each other more.
Lastly, I'd like to comment that the main character accepted this "out of the ordinary" reality too quick. She accepted her destiny, her burden to break the curse TOO FAST. Much more readers would appreciate the mental turmoil happening inside the main character and then see whether the character chooses the right or bad choice. This would make the character more human and readers would be able to relate more to them since it would show their thought processes, their battle of selflessness and what the character truly wants.
Despite the things I commented, I enjoyed this book. This is a great book for fans of Buffy, Vampire Diaries, Twilight, and any books about werewolves and witches.
September 14, 2018
Michelle Alstead’s First Full Moon is a supernatural YA thriller with some familiar elements. Candy McGregor is a well-to-do teen who’s trying to please. Her family’s pharmaceutical empire, which enables the McGregors to own most of Sequim Falls, feels like a bit of a curse—plenty of expectations and obligations. Candy longs to be on her own, away from familial pressures.
But the family has dark secrets, and the hidden curse that Candy faces is far more catastrophic than she imagines. Turning sixteen, she inherits the ability to do magic—and the fear of what she’ll turn into at the next full moon. The McGregors are werewolves. If she can break the spell that created the curse, she’ll keep her magic and save her family. If she fails, she’ll lose her powers and spend the rest of her life dreading each and every full moon.
Candy’s internal conflicts aren’t her only obstacle—not everyone shares her aversion to lycanthropy.
Alstead’s prose is clean and uncluttered, and her sense of voice is spot-on, a welcome gateway to her characters. Though elements of the book have a surface familiarity, the author’s deft weave of the supernatural with universal coming-of-age themes is extraordinary. The meaning of family, love, and responsibility are examined through a plot that never slows down, from the opening horror show to the brutal climax.
But the family has dark secrets, and the hidden curse that Candy faces is far more catastrophic than she imagines. Turning sixteen, she inherits the ability to do magic—and the fear of what she’ll turn into at the next full moon. The McGregors are werewolves. If she can break the spell that created the curse, she’ll keep her magic and save her family. If she fails, she’ll lose her powers and spend the rest of her life dreading each and every full moon.
Candy’s internal conflicts aren’t her only obstacle—not everyone shares her aversion to lycanthropy.
Alstead’s prose is clean and uncluttered, and her sense of voice is spot-on, a welcome gateway to her characters. Though elements of the book have a surface familiarity, the author’s deft weave of the supernatural with universal coming-of-age themes is extraordinary. The meaning of family, love, and responsibility are examined through a plot that never slows down, from the opening horror show to the brutal climax.
August 29, 2019
I wanted so badly to like First Full Moon by Michelle Alstead. The book was right on the cusp of being something great, but it tumbled into a poorly edited jumble instead. I can't tell you how many dozens of times I ran across sentences that had missing words. Although I finished the book, I can't say that I liked it.
The book read like a teen tv drama series, and not in a good way. There were a lot of characters, most of them irrelevant to the plot, a lot of over-the-top situations - like, A LOT - and the pace of the narrative moved so quickly that half of the time I was struggling to even following what was going on. This book alone could have easily been slowed down and split up into several books in and of itself.
Although the plot was interesting, and overall well developed, the story lacked a sense of depth because everything was pushed from scene to scene without any space to breathe. I got the vague notion that the family was rich, their company vast, etc, etc, but none of it felt real. It was all something talked about, but not really shown unless a limo needed to crash or an army needed to be called upon.
Nothing was grounding the story. Nothing real. In the end, even though I read through the book from beginning to end, I really wanted to put it down almost immediately. I didn't care what happened to the characters because everything just felt like fluff. I have zero interest in continuing with the series. If you are a young teen looking for a dramatic paranormal book with witches and werewolves, you might like this. If you're looking for something you can sink into and connect with, this isn't going to be it.
The book read like a teen tv drama series, and not in a good way. There were a lot of characters, most of them irrelevant to the plot, a lot of over-the-top situations - like, A LOT - and the pace of the narrative moved so quickly that half of the time I was struggling to even following what was going on. This book alone could have easily been slowed down and split up into several books in and of itself.
Although the plot was interesting, and overall well developed, the story lacked a sense of depth because everything was pushed from scene to scene without any space to breathe. I got the vague notion that the family was rich, their company vast, etc, etc, but none of it felt real. It was all something talked about, but not really shown unless a limo needed to crash or an army needed to be called upon.
Nothing was grounding the story. Nothing real. In the end, even though I read through the book from beginning to end, I really wanted to put it down almost immediately. I didn't care what happened to the characters because everything just felt like fluff. I have zero interest in continuing with the series. If you are a young teen looking for a dramatic paranormal book with witches and werewolves, you might like this. If you're looking for something you can sink into and connect with, this isn't going to be it.
October 7, 2018
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December 7, 2018
Best Book EVERRRR!!!
This book is absolutely amazing I was dragged in to each page as I turned them! And can not stress how excited I am to read book number 2
This book is absolutely amazing I was dragged in to each page as I turned them! And can not stress how excited I am to read book number 2
October 29, 2018
This was unique. I don't think I've read a world where magical beings can become a whole different species, but this one does!
Right away, we are thrown into a magical system when a young girls's life and family is about to take a dramatic turn. The plot leaves us clues to where the story will go, that something is off as she gets closer to her 16th birthday, but I wasn't ready for all those plot twists.
The reality of the curse falls upon her and it's a fight for survival as she has to dodge some gruesome horrors, so if you like blood, this book will satisfy those cravings!
And this book leaves on a huge cliffhanger!
I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars. The plot is quick and keeps the pace easy to read. This is a story surrounding the value of family and the dark secrets they have kept hush from her. Everyone is very vague when it comes to answering her questions, so you'll be left guessing with her until the very end!
I recommend this one if you are looking for a twist to the classic paranormal, Halloween creatures. There's even some romance thrown in that will bring this supernatural story into a lighter side
Right away, we are thrown into a magical system when a young girls's life and family is about to take a dramatic turn. The plot leaves us clues to where the story will go, that something is off as she gets closer to her 16th birthday, but I wasn't ready for all those plot twists.
The reality of the curse falls upon her and it's a fight for survival as she has to dodge some gruesome horrors, so if you like blood, this book will satisfy those cravings!
And this book leaves on a huge cliffhanger!
I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars. The plot is quick and keeps the pace easy to read. This is a story surrounding the value of family and the dark secrets they have kept hush from her. Everyone is very vague when it comes to answering her questions, so you'll be left guessing with her until the very end!
I recommend this one if you are looking for a twist to the classic paranormal, Halloween creatures. There's even some romance thrown in that will bring this supernatural story into a lighter side
November 14, 2018
First Full Moon has a mix of young adult and fantasy. Candy prepares to go to one of her family’s mansion for a dinner. The family dinner was expecting to be great, but it was bad. Mostly it is because of the full moon. What Candy does not know that she will have a magical powers by the time she turns sixteen years old.
This is an interesting read. The story contains full of magic, mystery, and sometimes romance. There are a few parts in this book that I do not like, but I am not going to mention them here for now. Towards the end, I notice that there is a cliffhanger. So that means the second book is coming soon (or later). I enjoy First Full Moon because the plot is good as well as the writing. It reminds me of Full Moon series, but magical things. I am looking forward to read the second book to see what is happening with the characters. Good job!
This is an interesting read. The story contains full of magic, mystery, and sometimes romance. There are a few parts in this book that I do not like, but I am not going to mention them here for now. Towards the end, I notice that there is a cliffhanger. So that means the second book is coming soon (or later). I enjoy First Full Moon because the plot is good as well as the writing. It reminds me of Full Moon series, but magical things. I am looking forward to read the second book to see what is happening with the characters. Good job!
November 21, 2018
Candy is a witch--but she is also much more. On her sixteenth birthday, her powers mature and so does the family curse. The curse is something she despises, and she works against unseen forces to break free and remain solely a witch. Her struggles and triumphs move this novel to its conclusion. I received this book as part of the Goodreads Giveaway program.
November 29, 2018
Fun read with developed characters and a well thought out plot. I liked the way the characters were put together as they challenged each other. The steamy level was nice and the dialogue was fun. It was an enjoyable story and I look forward to reading more in this world and from this author.
November 21, 2018
Kept my interest throughout
December 2, 2018
Goodreads giveaway....
Nice new twist on wolves and witches. Quick fun read, interesting characters and a strong storyline. Gotta go read the others!
Nice new twist on wolves and witches. Quick fun read, interesting characters and a strong storyline. Gotta go read the others!
August 2, 2019
I enjoyed the premise but the 2nd half felt very rushed only to have a cliffhanger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2019
Waste of my time.
February 9, 2019
I received this e-book free through Goodreads First Read.
A unique and fun read.
A unique and fun read.
May 16, 2023
Amazing -- until it just dwindles into nothing. A disappointment.
August 11, 2024
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this the idea for this supernatural story. Candy is turning sixteen and with this means she is to inherit the ability to used magic. (Yay! Magic!) Sadly, it also means the she will have to face the family curse on the next full moon. Unless she can find a way to break the curse, she will lose her magic and be stuck with it each full moon after.
This was a very interesting twist on the usual werewolf and witch stuff that I normally read. I enjoyed going deeper into the secrets of the McGregor family and getting to follow Candy through her journey of discovery. I do have to give Candy some props because she definitely handled this much better than I would have. I am a VERY impatient person and would have lost it with not being able to get clear answers.
While is does have its sweet moments this story doesn’t shy away from touching a darker side. I am left needing to know what happens next (can I have book 2 now??). This is a wonderful YA supernatural read that I recommend to any interest in the genre.
I really enjoyed this the idea for this supernatural story. Candy is turning sixteen and with this means she is to inherit the ability to used magic. (Yay! Magic!) Sadly, it also means the she will have to face the family curse on the next full moon. Unless she can find a way to break the curse, she will lose her magic and be stuck with it each full moon after.
This was a very interesting twist on the usual werewolf and witch stuff that I normally read. I enjoyed going deeper into the secrets of the McGregor family and getting to follow Candy through her journey of discovery. I do have to give Candy some props because she definitely handled this much better than I would have. I am a VERY impatient person and would have lost it with not being able to get clear answers.
While is does have its sweet moments this story doesn’t shy away from touching a darker side. I am left needing to know what happens next (can I have book 2 now??). This is a wonderful YA supernatural read that I recommend to any interest in the genre.
March 2, 2020
I received this in a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an unbiased review. The author’s command of pacing seems promising though characterization seemed to alternate between the nicely done (cousins) and the formulaic (Ryan, Claire). The plot seemed about average,
Negatives: syntax, grammar, sometimes missed-it-by-that-much word choices are frustrating for the reader and suggest excessive haste! Yet overall- promising work.
Negatives: syntax, grammar, sometimes missed-it-by-that-much word choices are frustrating for the reader and suggest excessive haste! Yet overall- promising work.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews