Hunter's Moon

The Witch Who Sang With Wolves #1

by Kat Bostick

It all started with a really bad date…

Mari Sowka is a bookworm, a chocolate-lover, and a witch. In theory, anyway. She possess magic like her mother, her grandmother, and all of the women that came before her, but she’s never been taught to use it. After the tragic and apparently magic related death of her mother, Mari’s father banned her from learning or practicing witchcraft of any kind. Resigned to her mundane fate, Mari does her best to settle into life as a young adult.

Except everything mundane about her life goes out the window when her date attacks her in a secluded park and Mari is rescued by a werewolf.

Cursed by a witch with rare and powerful magic, Jasper thought he was doomed to walk on four legs for as long as he lived before madness took him. His pack and much of his humanity are already lost when he comes across a young witch that smells of honeysuckle and home. One wolfish act of violence intertwines their fates, sending them on a journey across the state in search of a lost werewolf pack, fleeing a dangerous witch, and seeking the truth about Mari’s heritage.

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Slow Burn, Shapeshifters, Contemporary

631 pages

Published October 13, 2019

About the author

Writer, sometimes poet, and plant whisperer. Kat has always believed in magic, if only the kind that flies from fingertip to keyboard and then onto paper, enchanting a reader and giving them a brief respite from the mundane world.

Author of Hunter's Moon

Reviews

[juli✨]

𝗗𝗡𝗙 @𝟱𝟱%

❝I like you, Red.❞ She kissed his nose with velvet lips. ❝I wish I could keep you.❞
You can keep me. He told her. I’m going to keep you.

𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗥𝗘𝗖
— Wolf


Annnnd, my book slump strikes again… 😮‍💨

Honestly, take this DNF with a grain of salt, it's really a me thing. I've been in a weird reading mood lately. This is a book that I'll probably come back to someday…

[Sheena ☆ Book Sheenanigans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy shit. What a debut. I practically live, breathe, slept with this novel in my hands after being thrown in this whimsical world created by no other than Kat Bostick. From the get-go I was immediately enthralled by the witches, werewolves and supernatural elements that the author was able to bring to life with her impressive writing style that did a phenomenal job showcasing the lead characters Mari and Jasper inner turmoil and struggles, journey in reversing the witch’s curse and finding a place to call home. Moreso I’m surprised by how much I liked the relatable characters, especially the lead heroine who struggled with her own insecurities and constant back-and-forth with our daring wolf in which case I would have normally defer from but due to the nature of her unnatural or more like supernatural circumstances, I probably would have reacted the same way. And speaking of Mari and Jasper, I was smitten by their heartwarming connection and the bubbling romance that sweep me off my feet. The steady paced relationship between them built overtime and as a reader, it became more than difficult not to become invested in their relationship and hoping nothing but the best for them. So you’re now wondering if I’ll recommend this novel? Hell to the yeah! This is the perfect debut novel to read for this upcoming fall season and would highly recommend “Hunter’s Moon” of those who are ready to dive into a world filled with spellbinding witches and cursed werewolves. Needless to say, if this the direction the author plans on taking for the majority of her future releases, I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

[Violet Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

My gosh, that was good. Long, but really good. It was such a refreshing take on werewolves. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Courtney Saba · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one had its ups and downs.

The beginning and last 100 pages were pretty good. Enough to give 3 stars. But the rest was childish: the story itself and our main character, Mari, so it's really worth 2 stars.

Plus, this was Mary Sue at its highest level. Not a great trope to have.

Very little erotic moments, surprisingly. There was a romance, but it was very hot and cold, especially on Mari's side, very tame (no sex at all, just some kissing for the most part, so that might turn you off or on to this story), and the relationship and angst got exasperating after awhile.

Some of Jasper's inner thoughts and emotions viscerally hurt my insides tho. He was the main reason I didn't lower this to 1 star. I felt his character deeply. The author did a good job with him. Now, if only Mari was the same.

The worldbuilding wasn't detailed enough. The supporting characters were alright, but they fit a certain mold, if you understand what I mean, without much dimension.

The villain wasn't as dark as she was made out to be. Plus, the villain was still very vaguely depicted. I wanted more.

Really, I wanted more from this in general. A deeper dive into all the aspects of the story, while also not choosing the Mary Sue storyline and offering a bit more in terms of maturity and seriousness.

Would I reread this book? No.
Would I recommend it? No, there are better books about witches and werewolves out there.
Was I entertained? A small portion of me was, and that was because this story had soooo much potential for being brilliant, but it didn't live up to my high expectations and standards. Maybe it will for you, so remember to make your own judgment.

Happy reading, Goodreads fiends.

[Macie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would have been a 4 star if it wasn't so unnecessarily long. Way too much of the book is spent on Mari's inner repetitive monologue about how insecure she is (we get it gdi). Other than that, I loved Jasper's character. He was so understanding, playful, and kind. Mari was cool when she wasn't being so indecisive and hating on herself. I will probably read the sequel.

[Rachelle Rachelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the concept and story buuuuut omg way too much rambling about how insecure Mari is about herself. JUST STOP FOR THE LOVE OF GOD this book needed editing!!!!

[Ameenah · Rating 3 out of 5]

So…..(thoughts loading). I’m disappointed with this book -nothing new there! However, I really liked the first half? Half and a bit?

Obviously I’m a bit broken in the head because I’ve recently discovered I really like the whole human as animal trope, and the other MC having zero inhibitions of being vulnerable, because pets are stress relievers.

And before anyone side eyes me, I have a perfectly reasonable explanation! I love the relationship build up without all the sexual tension. I really like how open and honest the MCs usually are because they don’t have the need to feel judged, because, duh, animals don’t usually understand you! And just the whole innocent connection they usually have. I have plenty more reasons but explaining them is too long -and I’m too lazy.

Anyway, this book had a lot going for it it was on a 3.5★ trajectory(besides some dubiously unhygienic baking habits from the FMC) , until MC became human again and the author decided to spoil it!!!!

I’m so annoyed both characters went from cute companionship to unnecessary drama! Like,girl you knew he was human! So why are you drawing out this back and forth of ‘to be, or not to be’?! She literally put this poor guy through the wringer when it was obvious she loved him too! The author just wanted some last page drama, that just didn’t ring true, and felt like a completely contrived conflict to draw out a book, that should’ve ended soon after he became human.

And to top it all off the MMC turned out to be a total cheesy simp in his human form. I just couldn’t with him! He needed to get a life, and stop acting like a pathetic loser every time he spoke to, or about the FMC!

I’m thinking maybe 3★ is a bit generous considering what this book devolved into! But I’ll leave it at that, Without even getting into the whole special snowflakeness the FMC had!

[Jess4books · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nooo! I am stuck at 81% and think it will be a DNF. I just cannot stand all the wishy-washy, back-and-forth, selfish angst and stupidity of the FMC. I can’t do it. So disappointed as I really loved Moonshine, and I really wanted to love this one too. The first half was great, things were happening and Jasper and Mari were working towards a goal and working well together. Then they just stagnate as soon as he turns human. And it is soo many pages of blah blah blah ‘we don’t know each other, he’ll get sick of me, I can’t stay with this amazing pack that has taken me in and is exactly the place I should be as my magic is wolfish and they are wolves and they promised to help me learn… because I need a coven - even if the coven has an evil agenda and is full of witches/wizards who do the exact things I abhor.’ Yes. Brilliant. Ugh.
So anyway. I don’t think I can push through this.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This was a great book. I love the intensity and unique story line. And I love love love Jasper. 🤣

[Kourtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across Hunter’s Moon when I was browsing through Kindle Unlimited. The cover is what intrigued me at first but then I read the plot and I become very excited. This book sounded like it was right up my alley. Hunter’s Moon follows a lost witch named Mari and a cursed werewolf named Jasper. For Mari, her family is hiding the truth behind her magic and her heritage, leaving her to feel abandoned and grappling for the truth. For Jasper, a curse has left him trapped in a wolf’s body and each day he grows closer to losing his human self. He is alone, wandering the state of Minnesota without memory of himself or his former life. (TW) When Mari’s date and his friend attempt to rape Mari in the park, Jasper saves her by ripping her date and his friend to pieces. This event sets off the rest of the book where Mari and Jasper work together to find Jasper’s missing wolf pack and find out the truth about Mari’s magic.

I believe this was Kat Bostick’s debut novel and I have to say I was very impressed. I don’t usually read books that revolve around werewolves, mostly because I can’t stand the tropes that come along with them; the possessive alpha hero, the pack mansion with the fourteen bedrooms even though there is only six members in the pack, the whole “mate” crap, etc. But this book. . . this book didn’t have any of these things . . . in the first half at least.

The first half of the book was new and fresh. We had a witch who didn’t understand her magic – and not because she didn’t know she was a witch, like so many other books I have read – but because her family had deceived and lied to her. We had a wolf who was cursed to stay trapped in his wolf form. And a wolf Jasper was, he was not a wolf with a man’s intuition and feelings. He was violent, he liked playing rough, and he craved red meat (and the occasional chocolate chip cookie). He didn’t like the luxurious of human life, he despised riding in Mari’s car, hated being in her house, and even bit Mari on some occasions in self-defense, just like a true wild animal. Of course, Jasper is a werewolf, and this is a fantasy book, so there were limitations to his animal nature.

With the first half of the book behind me, I was reeling from all the crap that happened to poor Mari. She suffers some great losses and I loved how Jasper was able to comfort her, even in his wolf form. The first half introduced us to the villain of the story, and I was on the edge of my seat as Mari and Jasper took off in search of the missing pieces to their crazy lives. I also loved it when Jasper told Mari that when he changes forms, it hurts a lot, and it is not a quick process. I literally said, “Finally! A book that shows werewolf transforms as painful and slow” when I read that part because it should not be an easy thing for someone to completely change their human body into an animal's, regardless if its fiction. Then the second half came, and the tropes began.

I won’t go into too much detail because I don’t want to spoil things, but I was a little disappointed with how this book went from new and exciting to TYPICAL WERWOLF ROMANCE! Jasper become possessive of Mari, but she makes it clear that she is her own person and makes her own decisions. Jasper respects that and never demands that Mari stays and becomes "his", but he was a clingy, “I know I wet your panties” kind of werewolf. We also get the mansion in the woods with the fourteen bedrooms, the seemingly endless amount of money that is spent on five course breakfasts, and the “M” word. In my opinion, the good stuff starts near the 50% mark, so in order to keep from spoiling too much, I am going to leave my “second half of the book” review at that.

Overall, I enjoyed reading Hunter’s Moon. I could have done without some of the common werewolf tropes, but I think Kat Bostick did a wonderful job writing her debut novel. I am interested in reading the second book, and I would pick up more by Bostick in the future.

four stars
Date Read: December 20 – December 30

[Evita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Moonshine, so I it was high time for me to try another of her works even if a supernatural, witch-y romance isn't something I would normally pick up. The subject matter wasn't my favourite- the prancing in the Woods naked and all- but the reason I liked the authors writing in the first place really shined through. The beautiful prose got way too flowery at points for my taste. And that's just personal preference but I'm really not the interested in the whole "we are the moon daughters of mother earth" and that sort of approuch to witch craft. However I do think it's a pretty cool magic system.
I loved the beautiful setting of nature (clearly written from a place of love), and the small details that made up for a beautiful developing story, and of course a amazing slowburn relationship. I liked the book a lot more when it didn't have the "we need to safe the world stakes"; when it was contained, with a small set of characters and a simple goal. Find the pack, break the curse.I really liked that. I feel like the whole save the werewolves plot was meh.

For the relationship: I really liked the slowburn. The love interest being in wolf form for the first 40% of the book makes for a good slowburn that's for sure. (I guess if you ignore the weird sex dreams Jasper has about Mari)
Also I liked how absolutely head over heels Jasper was. I adore a whole "He adores the ground she walks on" man. BUT at the end their relationship just dragged. I get that Mari had some serieus comitment issues but it isn't fun to read about it for 300 pages where she just goes back and forth the ENTIRE time. Especially since it all comes from her side. Jasper is maybe a little clingy but he's basically perfect. He was just so perfectly understanding all the time. I think I would have enjoyed more flaws in him that effected their relationship. I love moonshine so much and the love interest basically has the same level of commitment issues and a lot of push and pull. I think the reason I enjoyed Liz and Joshua's relationship so much more is that it didn't drag like this book. Hunter's Moon is about 250 pages longer and I think that it is really to its detriment. The resolution was pretty good but it just all left a sour after taste. I really enjoyed the beginning but at the end I had to force myself to finish the book.

[The Glassed And The Furious · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think Kat Bostick is a very talented writer - I've come across "Moonshine" by pure coincidence and loved it, so, naturally, I had to look up other books she's written.
Now, I enjoyed the entire premise of the book. Werewolves, witches and all of that jazz are nothing new, so it's challenging to find an angle that hasn't been done to death and she definitely managed. This was a nice change. I also enjoyed her characters and the glimpses of the man inside the wolf. I think she managed to convey this struggle beautifully.
I also appreciate that her characters have depth and are far from perfect. They have flaws and insecurities, and they make mistakes and that's fine. However, I do have to say the major issue with this book is pacing.
On the one hand, there are far too many repetitive inner monologues about the same issues that are repeated over and over again. It got boring at some point and made me skip a few paragraphs here and there because of it.
On the other hand, this story is a slow slow sloooow burn, which is not bad, but I can totally see if some readers give up on this one. There just isn't that much story going on a lot of the times and yet, there's so much description and what I like to think of as page filler content. All those inner monologues and repetitive action don't move the plot along and at some point the characters are established enough that constant repetition is going to bore the reader. It also leads to the unexpected surprise effect, when the action does suddenly pick-up again. I certainly found myself lulled in an almost trance while reading, not expecting any action at all. And that's not really all that great with a story such as this.

But, I do have to say that even the boring, repetitive inner monologues were written beautifully, so there is that. Not the most exciting content, but definitely quality content.

[♔Ms. Devotee Reviews♔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A long and satisfying read

I'm really glad to see there's more! Once I started I couldn't put the book down so here I am, one in the morning 😂

I took a star away just for the almost manufactured FMC withdrawal from the MMC. She loved him as a wolf but spent a good chunk of the book back tracking said love. To make up for it, the FMC actually made smart decisions after acknowledging she was wrong which was nice.

[Betsy Harloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lover of all things moon related it's no wonder I was drawn to this book.

Kat's book jumps right into action and I was hooked. This was such a great story, I even found myself dreaming of wolves as I stayed up way too late and falling asleep while reading. I could not put this book down!

Love, magic, woods, mystery this book has it all.

I can't wait for her next book.

[mali · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was really good. Although it has a lot of pages it didn't feel drawn out. I love the fund family trope, I loved the teasing banter in this one and most of all I loved Jaspers devotion and pure love for Mari. Although it was a bit annoying how Mari's conflict was so drawn out it is realistic.
I'm definitely gonna follow this author's work with a keen eye. She wrote two of my favorite mmc's.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally got over my reading slump and tackled this book. I truly think this is one of the best stories regarding witches and werewolves. I struggled through some of the chapters around 70% because I felt like Mari’s inner turmoil was boring and too drawn out. The ending was sweet and I’m glad that it picked back up in the end!

[Jenna Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book

I really enjoyed this, it was wonderful and had such a happy ending. I don't usually read werewolf books but this one was a joy. I cried happy tears during moments of magic, and fell in love with Jasper.

[Terps2225 · Rating 2 out of 5]

So slow to develop and heroine was annoying. Almost did not finish

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing against the author but the FMC is TSTL and I just can't. Interesting premise though.

[Sonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went from really liking this book to really hating it so quickly. It was juvenile and forced conflict that went on for way too long r.