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Moonlight Awakens: a sex-trafficking story
At only seventeen, Emma is used, abused, and discarded. She runs a thousand miles away from shame and judgment and falls into the arms of a stranger. One careless mistake, and she plummets into the hellish world of sex-trafficking. Her pimp takes everything from her, starting with her name. Deep in that darkness, Emma must find herself and find a way out. Her story is a tantalizing suspense that awakens hope.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2020
311 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 12, 2020
Captivating!
I started this book one evening and couldn't stop. I read the entire book without stopping and loved the story! I highly recommend this book.
I started this book one evening and couldn't stop. I read the entire book without stopping and loved the story! I highly recommend this book.
February 26, 2023
Good read shocking and graphic
June 13, 2023
This story shredded my heart
This story shredded my heart. I'm still thinking about it days later. I couldn't write a review right away because my emotions were so raw. It's powerful, realistic, horrifying, gripping, and--best of all--redemptive. You won't be able to put it down, and you won't be able to forget it. Hopefully you will also be spurred to take action. I have in small ways, but maybe they were massive ways. Now that I know the background, I hope and pray my efforts saved someone. I wept a lot while reading this story.
This story shredded my heart. I'm still thinking about it days later. I couldn't write a review right away because my emotions were so raw. It's powerful, realistic, horrifying, gripping, and--best of all--redemptive. You won't be able to put it down, and you won't be able to forget it. Hopefully you will also be spurred to take action. I have in small ways, but maybe they were massive ways. Now that I know the background, I hope and pray my efforts saved someone. I wept a lot while reading this story.
July 13, 2022
This is a book everyone should read. It's raw, but tasteful. Brutal, but honest. It's the lives of human trafficking victims through their eyes. It's also about one brave man who gets involves and helps these victims. Too many people think prostitutes do what they do because they want to. If that's what you think, read this book. I applaud Mr. Walker for putting this out there. A hard read, but a necessary read.
September 24, 2020
A true story of redemption and hope!
A true story of redemption and hope! This is just a glimpse into the despairing world of sex trafficking, but proof there are people who truly care and can make a difference in helping to restore and redeem.
A true story of redemption and hope! This is just a glimpse into the despairing world of sex trafficking, but proof there are people who truly care and can make a difference in helping to restore and redeem.
June 12, 2021
Fiction? Not really
I know in the opening credits, John wrote that this book was fiction but it was more like a collage of newspapers, tv, and first hand reports. Yes, sex trafficking is multi billion dollars for punks, gangs, organized crime, cartels and Bob down the street. Anywhere, anyway, anyone can be yanked off the streets of our towns and cities. Runaways who have noone and nothing are preyed on. God help the helpless. If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. Maybe if enough people report suspicious behaviors that just don't seem right, someday one life, then two are saved. Don't turn your heads and ignore. It is your business. It's someone's life. Thank you John Matthew Walker for a thought provoking story.
I know in the opening credits, John wrote that this book was fiction but it was more like a collage of newspapers, tv, and first hand reports. Yes, sex trafficking is multi billion dollars for punks, gangs, organized crime, cartels and Bob down the street. Anywhere, anyway, anyone can be yanked off the streets of our towns and cities. Runaways who have noone and nothing are preyed on. God help the helpless. If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. Maybe if enough people report suspicious behaviors that just don't seem right, someday one life, then two are saved. Don't turn your heads and ignore. It is your business. It's someone's life. Thank you John Matthew Walker for a thought provoking story.
April 20, 2021
So realistic...amazingly realistic....
These girls/women went thru so much. They had to bury their true selves just to manage from day to day and I could only imagine that's how do many stolen lives were. It namesake want to do something, anything...Because even though this might not be a true stories, there are real and true trafficking stories out there...and there are real people out there that need the help that only a keenly willing person can do...It's not enough to just read, it's a call to action!!!!
These girls/women went thru so much. They had to bury their true selves just to manage from day to day and I could only imagine that's how do many stolen lives were. It namesake want to do something, anything...Because even though this might not be a true stories, there are real and true trafficking stories out there...and there are real people out there that need the help that only a keenly willing person can do...It's not enough to just read, it's a call to action!!!!
May 13, 2021
Excellent read. I couldn't put it down. Could feel the powerlessness and fear and anxiety throughout .Very descriptive and emotional.
Would recommend it to anyone who's fallen into an abusive relationship and feel like they can't escape it.
Though it was fiction, it very well could of taken place in reality. Frightening.
Would recommend it to anyone who's fallen into an abusive relationship and feel like they can't escape it.
Though it was fiction, it very well could of taken place in reality. Frightening.
April 6, 2023
Heart wrenching story that goes straight to your heart. Thoroughly researched, this is an *edge of your seat* read. While some parts are difficult to digest, the characters are well developed invoking a range of emotions within each page. Beautifully written, this book will stay with you and may even prompt you to get involved to help the women living this horrendous life.
May 27, 2023
very good read
A very good story. It really opens your eyes to the horror of human trafficking and to the ones who are supposed to serve and protect but are as involved in this disgusting way of life as the scum that run it. Lots of twists and turns and very good descriptive writing.
A very good story. It really opens your eyes to the horror of human trafficking and to the ones who are supposed to serve and protect but are as involved in this disgusting way of life as the scum that run it. Lots of twists and turns and very good descriptive writing.
August 31, 2023
FANTASTIC story😊
This story was so moving, exciting, entertaining and interesting!!!. It is so sad😭 that other humans could treat another so horribly, but then again I guess their not human they are animals living off others pain and suffering!!!. John is a Fantastic storyteller and is a PHENOMENAL writer!!!.
This story was so moving, exciting, entertaining and interesting!!!. It is so sad😭 that other humans could treat another so horribly, but then again I guess their not human they are animals living off others pain and suffering!!!. John is a Fantastic storyteller and is a PHENOMENAL writer!!!.
June 21, 2024
Compasonate
I don't have words to thank you for writing this book. It is true. How people slave other people. Take then from their life at so young age. Others older in bad conditions in life teen with promises some times from people they know and think they can trust. I recommend this book,because we need to know how it happens and how to help. Thank you Mr Walker.
I don't have words to thank you for writing this book. It is true. How people slave other people. Take then from their life at so young age. Others older in bad conditions in life teen with promises some times from people they know and think they can trust. I recommend this book,because we need to know how it happens and how to help. Thank you Mr Walker.
October 2, 2025
3.5/5. About 3/4-ish into the book, the dynamic completely changed when Michael came into the picture. The events weren't quite what I was expecting and there were also a handful of spelling and grammatical errors that messed with the flow of reading. Nonetheless, sex-trafficking is a very real and disgusting thing...
December 12, 2020
So many misspellings! So many grammatical errors! So many writing mistakes it’s as though no one ever looked at it past a rough draft, just published it. And such a topic, how it could be made tedious and BORING is beyond me.
April 10, 2021
Moonlight Awakens⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a heartbreaking story & as much as we wish it didn't go on we need to be aware that it really does.The book is inspirational too as it shows you how with some belief & help people can get through even the worst of humanity.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a heartbreaking story & as much as we wish it didn't go on we need to be aware that it really does.The book is inspirational too as it shows you how with some belief & help people can get through even the worst of humanity.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 8, 2021
A good read.Pauline
A.book that is hard to put down, I am pleased that I read it. I wonder how many of them have troubles, I think that there must be a lot. I hope that the next time things will be better for her.
A.book that is hard to put down, I am pleased that I read it. I wonder how many of them have troubles, I think that there must be a lot. I hope that the next time things will be better for her.
July 15, 2023
Fascinating & True to Life
I loved the main character, Emma/Selene. She was very brave and a fighter and suffered alot; nevertheless, there were many twists and turns in the story and it was never boring. Great book!
I loved the main character, Emma/Selene. She was very brave and a fighter and suffered alot; nevertheless, there were many twists and turns in the story and it was never boring. Great book!
August 16, 2023
Excellent book and I would suggest all should read. I hope this author has another book I can read.
Seemed so true to life and not too exaggerated as many books like this do. What a fantastic ending also!
Seemed so true to life and not too exaggerated as many books like this do. What a fantastic ending also!
August 22, 2023
Couldn’t put down
Absolutely amazing read! Scary and uplifting all at once. I’m going to have my daughter read it. I think all girls should know to be careful but also that they will always be special no matter what happens.
Absolutely amazing read! Scary and uplifting all at once. I’m going to have my daughter read it. I think all girls should know to be careful but also that they will always be special no matter what happens.
October 17, 2022
Hard to put down
A very open and raw look at a world many choose not to believe exists under our noses, in our own towns and neighborhoods. A good read for teens and young women .
A very open and raw look at a world many choose not to believe exists under our noses, in our own towns and neighborhoods. A good read for teens and young women .
April 13, 2023
The author did an excellent job of explaining what was happening without going into great detail on such a sensitive subject.
Loved the overall story.
Loved the overall story.
May 26, 2023
Eye opening story!
This was quite the story. I’m sure it’s authentic. The whole sex-trafficking thing makes me sick. I can’t even imagine what these people go through.
This was quite the story. I’m sure it’s authentic. The whole sex-trafficking thing makes me sick. I can’t even imagine what these people go through.
August 25, 2023
Oh my!!!!
What an amazing book! Praises for Mr Walker for writing a book of this caliber and not using vulgarity! This is an amazing book. I certainly will be following him
What an amazing book! Praises for Mr Walker for writing a book of this caliber and not using vulgarity! This is an amazing book. I certainly will be following him
November 16, 2023
Sad to know that while this is a fictional book, the story is very real in this world. This was a very well written book
December 14, 2023
Harrowing and compelling
Sad story of a girl who had the odds against her from the beginning! Well written from her point of view and a lot of trigger warnings.
Sad story of a girl who had the odds against her from the beginning! Well written from her point of view and a lot of trigger warnings.
March 31, 2024
I'm crying sad and happy
Heartfelt and broken at the same time. Sex trafficking is to real for people to ignore. Thank you for sharing.
Heartfelt and broken at the same time. Sex trafficking is to real for people to ignore. Thank you for sharing.
January 28, 2026
3/4 stars. It was good, held my interest but by the end I had many unanswered questions and some “Solutions” seemed quick and easy. Overall it was good
October 28, 2020
In the format of a novel, John Walker, MD, has given us a look into the evil world of sex trafficking. While the descriptions are not pleasant, they are not graphic nor written seductively. Chapters are in the first person of the characters, leading us to see inside the person as well as what's happening. We all need to be informed about human trafficking, and Walker's book does just that by presenting the facts as well as stirring our resolve to do something to stop this spreading evil.
August 14, 2024
A very good story. It really opens your eyes to the horror of human trafficking and to the ones who are supposed to serve and protect but are as involved in this disgusting way of life as the scum that run it. Lots of twists and turns and very good descriptive writing.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews