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The Banished Gods #2
The Moon
Held captive in her dreams by an evil god,
Celine Barrow’s life has become the stuff of nightmares.
Her only chance at salvation is a stranger who makes no promises, and leads her on a journey into the very darkness she thought she had escaped. As their forbidden romance grows, Celine discovers that it takes a monster to defeat a monster.
Fenrir has endured a lifetime of servitude, bound to a destiny ordained by the gods. Until he meets Celine, and the delicate human steals his heart. When the world shatters around them, and war looms on the horizon, Fen is forced to make the ultimate choice between love and fate.
Celine Barrow’s life has become the stuff of nightmares.
Her only chance at salvation is a stranger who makes no promises, and leads her on a journey into the very darkness she thought she had escaped. As their forbidden romance grows, Celine discovers that it takes a monster to defeat a monster.
Fenrir has endured a lifetime of servitude, bound to a destiny ordained by the gods. Until he meets Celine, and the delicate human steals his heart. When the world shatters around them, and war looms on the horizon, Fen is forced to make the ultimate choice between love and fate.
280 pages, ebook
Published August 1, 2019
67 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
L.A. McGinnis
119 books365 followersFueled by black coffee, ice cream and bad nineties music, L.A. McGinnis spends her days writing best-selling steamy fantasies filled with damaged heroes who long to be whole and smart, authentic heroines. A life-long fascination with storytelling inspired her to weave these contemporary tales of legendary fated mates where the princess never needs rescuing, but sometimes the hero does.
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April 19, 2020🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are Free on Amazon today (4/19/2020)! 🎁
July 23, 2019
Gods, Malevolence and Spice
L. A. McGinnis takes you on a delicious ride in Book Two of The Banished Gods series. Gods and mortals may not mix on paper, but Celine and Fen prove that theory is bunk. In the meantime, evil is finding a portal to the human realm and all hell will break loose, literally. McGinnis takes you on a wild ride while two souls find their match. Great read.
L. A. McGinnis takes you on a delicious ride in Book Two of The Banished Gods series. Gods and mortals may not mix on paper, but Celine and Fen prove that theory is bunk. In the meantime, evil is finding a portal to the human realm and all hell will break loose, literally. McGinnis takes you on a wild ride while two souls find their match. Great read.
July 31, 2019
I enjoyed this one more than book one which is saying a lot when I loved book 1 but The Moon was so much more. I loved the characters the storyline was amazing I seriously love stories with a lot of mythology and history and magic in them and The Moon just ticked so many boxes for me.
April 30, 2019
Oh. My. Gods. Loved it!
Not at all what I expected when I started reading. As in, somehow I didn't realize it was the second book in a series and felt a bit lost in the first chapter - yet it was billed to me as a standalone, so I forged on. And am so glad I did.
If you like mythology you've got to try this book, this series, this author - especially Norse mythology, of course, but if you have affinity for monstrous mythological creatures dragged kicking and screaming into our present day world you'll love The Moon. It reminded me a little of Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid series of books, as the Norse gods play large roles in making his main character's life chaotic... Hearne doesn't paint the Norse pantheon with as sympathetic brush strokes as McGinnis uses. She's using more of a Thor and Loki from the Avengers palette, which works just fine for me.
Fenrir, or Fen, has never been a likeable character in any mythological tales. He was created to kill demons and gods alike, and help bring about the end of the world. When we meet him in Chapter One, he's still not very warm or fuzzy, but his character's deep sense of yearning tugs at something inside the reader. An anti-hero for sure, and a hunky one at that. Chapter Two is more clear cut - the heroine's place and plight more well-defined and sympathetic from the start, although it's not clear at first who her tormentor might be.
Told in he said/she said third person, with the odd chapter from the points of view of other characters, the narrative barrels along at breakneck speed. And I know I said I had trouble getting into the story at first, but once I caught on and got hooked, man was I hooked. It's not a short or fast read, with dense beautiful lyrical language that makes you take a breath and re-read paragraphs at times because the author puts together such beautiful and haunting images.
Totally loved and totally recommend. I'm taking book one of vacation with me - and can't wait for the next one!
Not at all what I expected when I started reading. As in, somehow I didn't realize it was the second book in a series and felt a bit lost in the first chapter - yet it was billed to me as a standalone, so I forged on. And am so glad I did.
If you like mythology you've got to try this book, this series, this author - especially Norse mythology, of course, but if you have affinity for monstrous mythological creatures dragged kicking and screaming into our present day world you'll love The Moon. It reminded me a little of Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid series of books, as the Norse gods play large roles in making his main character's life chaotic... Hearne doesn't paint the Norse pantheon with as sympathetic brush strokes as McGinnis uses. She's using more of a Thor and Loki from the Avengers palette, which works just fine for me.
Fenrir, or Fen, has never been a likeable character in any mythological tales. He was created to kill demons and gods alike, and help bring about the end of the world. When we meet him in Chapter One, he's still not very warm or fuzzy, but his character's deep sense of yearning tugs at something inside the reader. An anti-hero for sure, and a hunky one at that. Chapter Two is more clear cut - the heroine's place and plight more well-defined and sympathetic from the start, although it's not clear at first who her tormentor might be.
Told in he said/she said third person, with the odd chapter from the points of view of other characters, the narrative barrels along at breakneck speed. And I know I said I had trouble getting into the story at first, but once I caught on and got hooked, man was I hooked. It's not a short or fast read, with dense beautiful lyrical language that makes you take a breath and re-read paragraphs at times because the author puts together such beautiful and haunting images.
Totally loved and totally recommend. I'm taking book one of vacation with me - and can't wait for the next one!
September 2, 2019
The Moon by L.A. McGinnis is the perfect follow up to the first book of her The Banished Gods Series. I was excited to discover this book follows right where the first book stops, but this time focusing on Fenrir…as well as the mortal he falls for, Celine. This book is action-packed and full of surprises. Just like in Queen of Swords, McGinnis creates beautiful imagery and makes the reader feel as though they are running through the Otherworld right along side the Wolf.
But what really drew me into this story was the relationship between Fenrir and Celine. I’m a sucker for a broken soul who finds the who the one who truly loves them for who they are. And this book creates such strong emotion and a hero and heroine who have both been dealt hard blows in their lives—blows that could have easily kept them down. I rooted for these two from the beginning, even when it seemed impossible for them to find their way to one another.
I strongly encourage anyone who loves a good fantasy to pick up this series. I love it when a novel not only hooks me, but has me reaching for the history books (aka google) to learn more about Norse mythology. The way McGinnis weaves this mythology with a modern-day story is spell bounding. I can’t wait to pick up the next book!
But what really drew me into this story was the relationship between Fenrir and Celine. I’m a sucker for a broken soul who finds the who the one who truly loves them for who they are. And this book creates such strong emotion and a hero and heroine who have both been dealt hard blows in their lives—blows that could have easily kept them down. I rooted for these two from the beginning, even when it seemed impossible for them to find their way to one another.
I strongly encourage anyone who loves a good fantasy to pick up this series. I love it when a novel not only hooks me, but has me reaching for the history books (aka google) to learn more about Norse mythology. The way McGinnis weaves this mythology with a modern-day story is spell bounding. I can’t wait to pick up the next book!
February 19, 2020
Celina is off the charts intelligent, offered a full rides cholarship at the University of Chicago. She also has an abusive past and is currently being used by the big bad Orobus.
Fenrir, son of Loki was born a killer and destined to end the world. He's lonely and restless and has been craving what his father has with Morgane. While visiting the Otherworld he comes across a living being that shouldn't be there, when he pulls her to safety he changes Celina. When he finds her in the real world his protective instincts kick in. She's both dangerous and valuable to their cause in fighting Orobus and he'll do anything to keep her alive.
While there is HEA in that Celina and Fenris fall in love, the ending is abrupt and leaves you dangling in other aspects of the story. I liked these two, still don't like Odin and was totally creeped out by the changes in Morgane's sister but it's all seeds to future stories in the series. Welcome to a new twist on Norse mythology.
If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
Fenrir, son of Loki was born a killer and destined to end the world. He's lonely and restless and has been craving what his father has with Morgane. While visiting the Otherworld he comes across a living being that shouldn't be there, when he pulls her to safety he changes Celina. When he finds her in the real world his protective instincts kick in. She's both dangerous and valuable to their cause in fighting Orobus and he'll do anything to keep her alive.
While there is HEA in that Celina and Fenris fall in love, the ending is abrupt and leaves you dangling in other aspects of the story. I liked these two, still don't like Odin and was totally creeped out by the changes in Morgane's sister but it's all seeds to future stories in the series. Welcome to a new twist on Norse mythology.
If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2020
An addictive series
Large, powerful vanished gods. Small, beautiful, fiercely intelligent women. I started this series with a review copy, and I'm now hooked and want to read the rest, as well as source material about the mythology within.
While not normally into shifter romance, one of the first werewolves is a deeply intriguing character, as is the mortal female he saves. The book seems sheathed in shadows, from the woman's past to their equally dark present.
The writing is sleek, randomly erotic, and lovely. An example:
"Odin might be arrogant, but at least the guy was connected. And whatever brand of magic the god wielded was still pretty righteous, even if he did sit on a prissy gold throne. A few seconds after the call, Fen landed with the grace of a cat on the white marble floor."
Large, powerful vanished gods. Small, beautiful, fiercely intelligent women. I started this series with a review copy, and I'm now hooked and want to read the rest, as well as source material about the mythology within.
While not normally into shifter romance, one of the first werewolves is a deeply intriguing character, as is the mortal female he saves. The book seems sheathed in shadows, from the woman's past to their equally dark present.
The writing is sleek, randomly erotic, and lovely. An example:
"Odin might be arrogant, but at least the guy was connected. And whatever brand of magic the god wielded was still pretty righteous, even if he did sit on a prissy gold throne. A few seconds after the call, Fen landed with the grace of a cat on the white marble floor."
May 30, 2022
I was excited to read "The Moon" after finishing book 1. This is Fenrir's story, whom we met in book 1. Celine is a new character.
I adored both of the characters. I was thrown after seeing the characters meet each other. It was beyond what I expected and set the bar high for what was to come.
At times, I could not believe there was any chance at any type of happy ending. But they pull it out in the end.
My favorite part is how Celine has seen Fenrir from the beginning. He is her hero. She doesn't see the monster others see and she helps him change his view as well. I was rooting for them the entire time.
I enjoyed seeing the world expand upon what came in book 1, and I am looking forward to book 3.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I adored both of the characters. I was thrown after seeing the characters meet each other. It was beyond what I expected and set the bar high for what was to come.
At times, I could not believe there was any chance at any type of happy ending. But they pull it out in the end.
My favorite part is how Celine has seen Fenrir from the beginning. He is her hero. She doesn't see the monster others see and she helps him change his view as well. I was rooting for them the entire time.
I enjoyed seeing the world expand upon what came in book 1, and I am looking forward to book 3.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 2, 2020
The second installment in The Banished Gods series brings us Fenrir & Celine’s story. The overall main arc that runs through the series is still ongoing, and I would caution anyone to read this series in order – as the story builds upon each book and you may get a bit lost, or at least not get the full background on this story if you go rogue and read out of order. The characters that we met in book one are all present, and there are a few new arrivals. Celine is an abnormally gifted student with a very dark and ugly past. When she sleeps, she is yanked into the Otherworld by a dark being whom overloads her mind with codes and symbols that she must write down as soon as she awakens. During one of these excursions – she meets Fen, a place he goes to try to keep his sanity – but when he finds a girl in this place, everything changes.
I loved this couple, maybe even more thank Loki and Morgane in book one – although they are here also. Celine is stronger than even she knows, and she holds a major key to this crisis, as long as Odin doesn’t kill her first. This is a group of warriors, and think along the lines of The Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian or the Black Dagger Brotherhood, as all the warriors live in the same compound and go out and fight the evil in the streets. There were a few grammar issues but they did not detract from the story. Easily recommended
4.5 Stars
I loved this couple, maybe even more thank Loki and Morgane in book one – although they are here also. Celine is stronger than even she knows, and she holds a major key to this crisis, as long as Odin doesn’t kill her first. This is a group of warriors, and think along the lines of The Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian or the Black Dagger Brotherhood, as all the warriors live in the same compound and go out and fight the evil in the streets. There were a few grammar issues but they did not detract from the story. Easily recommended
4.5 Stars
February 29, 2020
The Moon was such much better than I expected. It is built around a fantasy world that L.A. McGinnis portrays and writes so well. There is so much going on in the story, but her writing and detail makes it easy to follow. This is one of those books that once I started reading, I couldn't stop. I had to know what was going to happen.
I loved Celine and Fenrir together and the bond that forms between them. You could feel their connection throughout the story. I felt that there was a good balance between the romance, action, and mystery that this book contains.
Absolutely recommend this one if you love romance and fantasy.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.
I loved Celine and Fenrir together and the bond that forms between them. You could feel their connection throughout the story. I felt that there was a good balance between the romance, action, and mystery that this book contains.
Absolutely recommend this one if you love romance and fantasy.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.
April 2, 2020
***I received this ARC from Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review***
I loved this book. I sped right through it. It was fast-paced, exciting and didn't let me down. I don't like to write blurbs about the summary or whatnot because everyone else does that. The important thing you need to know is banished Norse gods, broken mortal, amnesia and heroics all intertwined with a somewhat believable (I mean, Norse gods, right?) love story with just enough spice.
I loved this book. I sped right through it. It was fast-paced, exciting and didn't let me down. I don't like to write blurbs about the summary or whatnot because everyone else does that. The important thing you need to know is banished Norse gods, broken mortal, amnesia and heroics all intertwined with a somewhat believable (I mean, Norse gods, right?) love story with just enough spice.
August 3, 2019
I wanted to read this book because I like stories featuring Norse mythology. In addition to that it has a strong resilient woman and a good plot. The romance is there but it doesn’t interrupt the flow of the story. This is the second book of an ongoing story so I’d recommend reading the books in order. The story doesn’t wrap up in this book but continues in book three.
July 11, 2020
This is book 2 in The Banished Gods Series and it is Celine and Fenrir's story.
Celine is captive to a god in her dreams and her life has become a nightmare, Fenrir becomes her only chance but their relationship is forbidden.I enjoyed the story line and the book is full of twists and turns, as well as action and romance. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Celine is captive to a god in her dreams and her life has become a nightmare, Fenrir becomes her only chance but their relationship is forbidden.I enjoyed the story line and the book is full of twists and turns, as well as action and romance. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 6, 2022
What a surprise reading!! The Moon is not what expected, it was better!!
In the story, we meet Celine who has been held captive in her dreams for years. When the God of Chaos comes calling will she be able to survive?
The story was easy to follow and quite enjoyable. Looking forward to reading more by this author in the future.
In the story, we meet Celine who has been held captive in her dreams for years. When the God of Chaos comes calling will she be able to survive?
The story was easy to follow and quite enjoyable. Looking forward to reading more by this author in the future.
May 20, 2022
The wolf and the moon
Fenrir may be a God, but he's not the wolf without the moon. Celine is the moon. She's tough, smart and capable. There's lots of action, lots of heat and enough mystery to keep you on your toes. This can be read standalone but each of the books is a piece of the bigger puzzle.
Fenrir may be a God, but he's not the wolf without the moon. Celine is the moon. She's tough, smart and capable. There's lots of action, lots of heat and enough mystery to keep you on your toes. This can be read standalone but each of the books is a piece of the bigger puzzle.
July 23, 2019
Good
This is good but I think you needed to read the first book. It's much using some key background and understanding. The story flows, the characters are good and it's a lovely Nguyen book.
This is good but I think you needed to read the first book. It's much using some key background and understanding. The story flows, the characters are good and it's a lovely Nguyen book.
July 26, 2019
Wolf's and Gods
It takes a lot to get into it. Then a bit to stay into it. I love "wolfs" and "mythology" but I had a hard time with this read!
It takes a lot to get into it. Then a bit to stay into it. I love "wolfs" and "mythology" but I had a hard time with this read!
March 27, 2020
Decent story. Needs editing.
January 3, 2023
Best series of books yet
I loved this book as much as I loved the first book. I'm also looking forward to reading the next book in the series and anything more from this author.
I loved this book as much as I loved the first book. I'm also looking forward to reading the next book in the series and anything more from this author.
January 6, 2020
The Moon offers a delectable second instalment to what seems to be a promising series. Encapsulating the intriguing relationship between Gods and Mortals, the novel plays on themes of evil and human nature. Another play on a mythological genre, that is definitely as effective as intended.
September 3, 2019
I adored Queen of Swords, the first book in L.A. McGinnis’ The Banished Gods series (separately reviewed) soooo much that I ran to get The Moon (Book Two) and The Priestess (Book Three) as soon as I could. It was worth doing, and I don’t even regret the massive all-in-one-sleepless-sitting of binge reading that followed as these two books were also (equally) incredibly good. Celine and Fenrir, Mir and Sydney, I can’t decide which leads had the better book but I’m happy to say they were both truly wonderful, with great writing, plots, world-building and characters. Read the publisher’s blurbs on these ad they do an good job summarizing without spoiling (and I’m trying to keep this review from getting too ling as I’m literally dictating it to my husband from my hospital bed). All that I really want to add is to simply note that each of these books is most definitely “one to read”, and each is easy to highly recommend.
October 8, 2019
Fen and Celine
This is the second book in the Banished Gods Series and a really good one. We have Fen finding a human named Celine in the Underworld. He saves her but has to find her because her memory has been wiped. Celine plays a big part in the monster wanting to destroy earth. Both Fen and Celine have suffered from other people’s actions and form a bond. She accepts him and his wolf. I loved the way Celine stood up to Odin too.
This is the second book in the Banished Gods Series and a really good one. We have Fen finding a human named Celine in the Underworld. He saves her but has to find her because her memory has been wiped. Celine plays a big part in the monster wanting to destroy earth. Both Fen and Celine have suffered from other people’s actions and form a bond. She accepts him and his wolf. I loved the way Celine stood up to Odin too.
September 19, 2019
This book was so much fun! Norse mythology (I'm Swedish) so this was such a home run for me.
This was apparently book two in a series so I feel like I have to read book one first, I was left out of the loop a lot because of this.
All and all a good read, highly recommended.
I received a free arc copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, my opinions are my own.
This was apparently book two in a series so I feel like I have to read book one first, I was left out of the loop a lot because of this.
All and all a good read, highly recommended.
I received a free arc copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, my opinions are my own.
August 29, 2019
I loved this just as much as the first one. So far a great series.
May 16, 2019
Book #2 but also can work as a stand alone. Norse mythology, monstrous creatures, absolutely loved the perspective on Fen!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews