All must believe. Even you must doubt. Gabel, obsessed with finding the traitors in his growing kingdom, embarks on a ruthless campaign to stamp out every ember of rebellion. But his enemies have been waiting, and they have laid a trap for the IronMoon Alpha. The Moon watches it all, weaving these mortal machinations into Her Own cruel design. A design that will drive Gabel to the brink of his sanity, and Gianna to the edge of her loyalty and faith.
Merry is a dark sci-fi and fantasy author that currently lives in rural Alabama. She enjoys tormenting her main characters and doing excessive research to make sure unrealistic things are as realistic as possible.
When she's not writing, she enjoys coffee, vodka, painfully bad movies of all varieties, documentaries, coloring books, and knitting.
Well, some put this authors books in Romance and RWA insists that all Romance have happy endings. This particular series is written as though happy endings are bourgeois. You stand forewarned. After getting through this series, I don't want to pick up another new author (for me the ending was that bad).
Not young adult. Werewolf story over on Wattpad (with all the typical rampant sexism of some were tropes that the heroine fights against). The first book was fun, but when I finished the series was disappointed and wished I hadn't picked it up. She has gotten accolades and has a fan base, so definitely my taste here.
Also, promised myself to NEVER read another free book at Wattpad - response time is SLOW, you're forever waiting for the next page to load - it takes at least four times as long to read a book. I really wish she'd put up for sale copies at Amazon as well as woul have been worth the few dollars to not deal with Wattpad.
I could lie and say I didn't have to restrain myself from violently grinding out "buttercup" from my dictionary, but I won't. I also won't harp for too long, but suffice to say that (A) I despise pet names, (B) I think buttercup might be edging out "baby" for the worst one, and (C), you too will likely carry a grudge against all yellow flowers after reading this series.
Good god, I hate that word. But let's move on.
There's a lot to like about this werewolf series. Merry Ravenell is smart, talented at writing, and unafraid of tackling complicated plots and themes. I like how she bucks tradition and keeps you on your toes. If you start this book thinking you can predict what will happen, you'll probably be wrong. No one and nothing is safe. Which...is good as long as you're comfortable with heartbreak. While the first book could be read as a dark romance novel, you can't trust any conventional romance tropes to save you here. Happy endings are not guaranteed, and romance is not the biggest focus. I'd really struggle to categorize it as romance at all; it's moved away from that.
This story was originally posted for free on Wattpad. From my understanding, some things have been changed since its original publication (although I don't know what they are because I can't compare). There are two other books in this series that are still available for free reading on Wattpad, although I would strongly recommend waiting until she converts them to Amazon. She alluded to a lot of editing on book three, openly admitting that she lost control of the plot after this book. I would strongly agree. Book three on Wattpad still has a lot of what I like about her writing, but it's so messy and painful and off the rails.
For example:
And by the way: Ana. God damn, how I hate Ana. Let me speak of the ways.
I mention that only because you will find the end of this book unsatisfying. And if you seek redemption in book three, you will not find it. At least not if she keeps the same storylines she originally had. If I were you, I'd close off my heart and just dream up the ending you want.
Since I've already been burned, I will buy the next book when it's out on Amazon and skim to see if it's changed. Maybe it'll be for the better and I can come back here and reassure you. But as it stands, I couldn't really recommend continuing this series after book two if you have a soft heart.
It begins well, but somewhere it flounders off. In an attempt to stretch out the series (which actually feels pretty stretched out), a lot of plots and subplots were added that didn't go along well with the underlying storyline.
The background story kept changing, as if the author was trying to figure out the story as she went along (not always a bad sign), with no definite ending or direction in her mind. It didn't really work well.
It had its "oomph" moments, but those were pretty far apart.
OKAY first off, This book is great. I read this book in 2 days. I was so attached to this book. I would recommend it.
I will forever remember Hix. ANITA IS A BITCH LET ME TELL YOU I WAS SO PROUD OF GIANNA WHEN SHE ATTACKED HER. ALSO I DESPICE ARRON. Like dude back off for a while, the girl is going through some serious shit and doesn’t not need you sniffing her and hovering around her all the damn time. Let her breathe jeez.
I can’t wait to read Ice and Iron.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Her books are richly written. The worldbuilding is incredible. The characters stay true to their personalities but show consistent growth. The magic has great depth, being tied to the most ancient energies. The plot is highly interpersonal and political, filled with deceit and betrayal as well as deep faith and loyalty. Ravenell writes emotional by-plays so well that the reader feels the characters hurt. This is a great series.
I am in awe!!! I started the first book only 12 hours ago. Of course it didn't take me that long to finish but I had to sleep.😃 Iron Oracle broke my heart. I cried an ugly cry for Hix. On to the next...can not wait. Oh and decide for yourself if you like the books. Everyone's idea reading material isn't the same. I almost skipped reading these and that would've been a shame. And you never know you might actually like it.
Rarely do you find a book that grips you this tightly. I couldn’t put it down and could never have predicted where it took me. What a joyous ride and I can’t wait to continue with the next installment. I won’t ruin it with any spoilers. You need to read this book.
Merry Ravenell writes amazing novels. I am never sure how they will twist and turn, only that I can’t put her books down, and am always wishing for the next book as quickly as possible! Deep characters, wonderful plot, never want the story to end!
This was a great read. Fully focused on one strong woman figure and unsupported by others. Seldom do you see a strong character that is by right depended on only themself
One of the best PNRs out there. It has tension, action, angst. I would have loved less rumination and more dialogue/description, but the author manages to keep the stakes high, the action flowing and my interest fully engaged. Kudos.
I didn’t like this book as well as the first because I enjoy the relationship development between G and G. Aaron is a temptation I hope Gianna resists. I’m still hoping for a HEA with my faves G & G.
Wow this is such an awesome story, I must say book 2 was so interesting I was so engrossed in the story I couldn’t put it down wanted to know more and more, love the way the author has written it, very well written. Definitely a must read very intense and interesting.
So much political intrigue! This book offers some additional POVs that enhance the conflict and tension. The Moon continues to give hints but the final outcome is still elusive. Gianna is exhausted and battered but never loses her fight. Definitely need to read the next book.
This was awesome! That ending was spectacular and I cannot wait for the next book! The main characters are awesome! I hope Gabel and Gianna are able to win it all in the end!