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Fallen Gods #3

Blood of the Moon

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Successful in her quest, Flowridia returns to Staelash for a joyous affair—the long awaited wedding of Marielle and Zorlaeus, an event promising to seal her kingdom and Nox’Kartha as allies. But the price of Ayla’s return, and the sacrifice it demands, weighs heavily on her heart. To do nothing means to live a life of loneliness, but to act would condemn her eternal soul.

Meanwhile, Etolié wades through the cesspool of politics, yet drowns in a loneliness she cannot voice in words. The news of Khastra’s new position in Nox’Kartha forces her to confront a few harsh truths of her past, as well as her place in her dearest friend’s life, if she has a place at all.

For Flowridia’s mission to be complete, she must make allies of enemies—including enemies thought dead. And Etolié finds herself at the center of a murderous conspiracy, yet to speak the truth would condemn the one she loves the most.

Kingdoms clash, betrayal is nigh, and the bounds of love are tested in the third installment of Fallen Gods.

335 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2019

47 people are currently reading
654 people want to read

About the author

S.D. Simper

22 books872 followers
SD Simper is a bestselling horror author, award-winner of fantasy romance, and understands that the true secret to writing great villains is living with cats. She and her wife share a home with four cats, a Great Dane, and innumerable bookshelves.

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5 stars
458 (66%)
4 stars
175 (25%)
3 stars
40 (5%)
2 stars
13 (1%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for lov2laf.
714 reviews1,106 followers
July 12, 2019
Of the three books in the series so far, this is my least favorite. That said, I still love this world by S.D. Simper and highly recommend it.

Unfortunately, it's been nine months since I took a gander at the first book and I was a little lost having to remind myself who was who and recall all of the details because there are SO MANY. Have I mentioned how rich book one is in events and characters? Well, it is. And it's one of the reasons you should read the entire series because it's great...but, I digress.

Simper doesn't offer little summary references for those of us with amnesia so when I ran into a character we've met previously from the first book I was really trying to catch up. I wish there was a page or two at the beginning: "Previously in Fallen Gods..."

Anyway, this read offers a journey to Flowridia's dark side and it's a nail biter. Watching a beloved character that is pure and light embrace a wicked self is reaaaally uncomfortable. And that's where Simper excels, making highly nuanced and multi-layered characters that are all very distinct from each other and true to themselves and their motivations. I LOVE THIS STUFF.

Like the previous books in the series, there are plenty of good twists and I was left to wonder who I was really rooting for.

Also, this author has a great talent for landing a joke in the most unexpected of places either in dialogue or by a certain character's physical actions. It's not easy to do and I always appreciate it.

Why didn't I love it as much as the others?

Admittedly, the first half of the book was less spellbinding than the last. I have little time to read these days so I would go a chapter here and there and wasn't all that compelled to read it all quickly. The second half though I read into the night so I could finish it in one go. I had to find out what would happen and there was no way I was putting the book down.

And something about it felt a little more...clunky? Is that the right word? It didn't have as much finesse as the first two books to me. And that partly could be because of the amnesia I mentioned above. Still, though, the writing is strong overall.

This was a good book but I felt like it was really a teeing up for the all-hell-that's-going-to-break-loose in book four and I. CANNOT. WAIT. I will be there.

What does this offer? A dark, dark, stuck in a cave with no light kind of dark, f/f fantasy with a plethora of characters, action, and ongoing political drama that is complex and a lot of fun. If you haven't done so already, get this series. It's so worth it.

Profile Image for JulesGP.
647 reviews230 followers
February 15, 2022
The Fallen Gods series has lead me down a storyline of chaos and violence. I don’t know how to feel at this point because Blood of the Moon had me shaking at the end.

The beginning of Book 3 establishes more of the politics and posturing of the monarchs. There is a royal wedding and it’s here that Flowridia starts down an inevitable path. Although her affair with and the dark past of Ayla still loom under Flowridia’s skin, she does contemplate other possibilities. Loving hearts reach out to her and she recognizes there’s life beyond her past relationship with a monster and the haunting of her evil mother. Time has passed and her grief over Ayla has dulled enough for her to accept another woman’s, a good woman’s, affection. What comes next is not for the faint hearted.

Watching Flowridia become what she’s always feared, witnessing as she creates havoc in tiny deceitful increments, a butchering implemented by a thousand tiny cuts, is devastating to read. In the past, Flowridia could always convince herself, just as she had others that she is an honorable person trapped in vile circumstances, doing what she has to do to survive. Now, there’s no turning back. What she does shamelessly, selfishly, damning all consequences is hard to read. Not just because of the horrific scenes but to see the devolution of a character that you viewed one way and then reveals as something else feels like a terrible betrayal.

My heart was shattered, is broken.

And yet, I’m enthralled by the author’s work. She never lets up and although there are times when I wanted to stop reading, I simply could not bring myself to look away. Onward I march to Book 4.
Profile Image for AnnMaree Of Oz.
1,510 reviews131 followers
February 18, 2022
The plot thickens and distorts in Book 3, on Kindle Unlimited.

Flowridia's quest to get back her love is still ongoing, but does she have what it takes to do the unthinkable? Could she live with herself with what she has to do?

There's a lot of action, and also a lot from our favourite side-characters that have become main characters in their own right, Etolie and Khastra, and all the other kingdoms rulers and figure-heads, trying to play at politics with their allegiances. While a major threat to them all, still looms.

More magics and corruption abounds, and the price to pay for getting what you want may be too high. Especially if it means sacrifice, actual human ones at that.

Many characters are working their own agendas, and it's twisted, dark, and yet relatable, too. Good people doing bad things for the right reasons. Bad people doing slivers of good for love. Love itself being a confusing mess of emotional and physicality where even Angels and Demons struggle with it.

Truly a heart rendering story, filled with so much angst, but in the best ways. So many interesting discussions to be had! And thoughts to think on. These books will leave you utterly mind-bended.
Profile Image for Netgyrl (Laura).
625 reviews217 followers
September 12, 2021
4 Stars but I want to give it 1 star for torturing me thru 80% of the book wondering what what gonna happen to Lara. Damn.

This series is dark and just keeps on keeping on in that direction. I will confess it took me awhile to finish this one cuz of my distress over Lara. I kept reading trusting the author not to force me to break my kindle over my knee by the end. Thank you SD Simper, my kindle is still on one piece, but still.... daaaaark.

On to the next book!
Profile Image for Lady Olenna.
844 reviews63 followers
September 1, 2024
5 Stars

My heart is too bruised to even write anything resembling a real review. One thing’s for sure. I am untethered. My mind and heart unable to contain all the raw emotions Blood of the Moon conjured by its wicked and sweet words.

I love and hate Fantasy books. Love it because it has the capacity to coax real and deep emotions from me. Hate it because (see above).
1 review
June 23, 2019
There aren't many books that have so much power. Power to make you cry, power to make you feel happy, power to make you laugh out loud while simultanously being horrified. This book sucks you in and won't leave you alone long after finishing it. It makes you feel so many conflicting emotions that should have no right to exist at the same time.

So hats off to Simper, the Fallen Gods series continues to be one hell of an amazing experience and cannot be recommended enough!
Profile Image for Claudie ☾.
547 reviews186 followers
April 10, 2021
I loved this third volume! But I swear, if this story gets any more intense, I might die from emotion overload. The action barely let up here, and when it did, we were immediately assaulted with delicious angst without a single moment of respite. For me, these books are impossible to put down. I foresee a great deal of suffering in my future, waiting for the fifth book (but that’s what I get for thinking this series was complete).

Flowridia’s character development over these three books has been simply spectacular. She continues to amaze me with her strength in the face of all that’s happened to her. I don’t think the naïve girl she’d been at the beginning of this epic journey would recognize the woman she was forced to become — but that was the price of getting her heart’s desire.

Though the cost of her return was extremely high Ayla is finally back!!! New and improved, and more powerful than ever before, the better to tear all of Flowridia’s enemies to pieces…

I should also mention that I absolutely adore the new couple, Etolié and Khastra, even though their difficult situation breaks my heart. What can I say, I’m a sucker for tragic love, and these two are just lovely. Hope to see more of them in the next book.
Profile Image for Whitney.
89 reviews8 followers
September 20, 2020
So hungover from this series. What I’ve come to love about Simpers writing, is her ability to make my emotions war against each other. Usually it’s very clear what I want from the characters, but with this, I found I just couldn’t decide. Instead of hating that, it became more exciting!

This third installment splits its attention between Flowridia and Etolie’s storyline which I’m not mad about, it just left me wanting more from the both of them. It also goes more into the history of the gods involved and I had to draw a diagram to better see how they were all intersected.

Fully stoked to finish this series!
Profile Image for emily.
899 reviews166 followers
August 12, 2021
hum, idk i liked this one less than the first two. i think, generally, that was mostly because of spoiler shit, re: ayla and lara, so, spoilers!

like, i GET that the themes of this series seems to be like, monsterosity and love and redemption? and like, how to become a monster or unbecome one, etc. but that isn't actually super clear in the narrative, at least to me. like, is the main theme of this story ACTUALLY flowridia's story about becoming a monster herself? or is it about the love between her and ayla? idk. i'mmmm pretty mad about the lara of it all and if you're gonna write a story about a girl becoming a monster, at least own it. make her BE the monster.

i think me not buying into flowra and ayla's love story might be the main disconect, for me. i get it, it's kinda like a hades/persephone dynamic (usually, a theme i love!!) but i think in the earlier stages of them falling in love in the first book, it... didn't quite do it enough for me to buy into it, two books later. i say all of this knowing FULL WELL that i will be reading the next books in the series, because i do like this world and i DO love stories about monster girls, and i absolutely want to know what happens and like the characters so i don't want this to feel entierly negative, i liked a lot of things about it, unfortunetly, the main bag isn't quite working for me, but, who knows, maybe that will change with the next book.

(also, just because i'm very confused, and read the first sea and stars book before reading these ones, which series is first in the timeline of the world?? because in those books, Khastra works and lives in Solvira, and in these they mention that happening previously for her. so, do they come before these ones? do these ones come first? i've googled and i cannot find that answer anywhere).
Profile Image for Elizabeth Davis.
60 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2021
1) I hated the ending, 2) I hated Flowridia by the end, 3) Lara deserves so much better
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Victoria.
527 reviews82 followers
April 25, 2021
Gee... What an intense read. I feel like my heart is going to explode several times; it made me feeling conflicted in so many ways I don’t even know where to start. While I’m not sure when the 5th book in this series will be released, I decided not to read the 4th book for now, or else I’m going to die from the emotional ride.
Profile Image for Ferne.
5 reviews
December 19, 2021
im so happy i want to kill myself this is everything i want in a book i want to scream and shatter a window i feel elated i feel untouchable i am going to stab someone. Seriously tho s.d. simper is absolutely amazing and i cant wait to go further insane as i read the next books in this series
Profile Image for Trefoil.
469 reviews15 followers
March 29, 2022
This only took two months for me to read because I've been dealing with very dry eyes since January, but they're a lot better and I just couldn't wait to pick this up again to finish.

There were quite a number of scenes that just tore at my heart . Lara for one..she was my favorite in this book.  Even though I knew it was going to happen early on in the book..everything still just broke my heart.

Also, a lot of death in this book. A LOT.  Quite dark and gruesome at times. Sometimes even ghoulish.

And finally Ayla. Character separation for long periods is a trope I don't like...two whole books ... even though I don't like Ayla much, literally the last time she was in this series was book 1 so even I'm glad she is back . It should be interesting and I look forward to the next book.

Also imperator Casivir wtf 😐

Loved reading from Etoile's point of view!

Now I'm worried about getting attached to any characters..because this is quite a dark fantasy  😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jamie (TheRebelliousReader).
6,891 reviews30 followers
December 11, 2022
4 stars. Whew, this one put me through it! Damn. This one was super dark but so good from beginning to end. The reveal wasn’t really a surprise and yet I was still looking like shocked Pikachu when it came out. So good. The lengths that Flowridia will go to get to Ayla is intense. She will hurt and step on whoever she needs to and I ain’t mad at it. Her character’s growth since book one to now has been such a ride.

I love that the world and politics of this series gets more and more developed with each installment. This series is fantastic and very well written. I liked how this one ended and I have no idea what to expect next but I’m excited to see where it goes.
Profile Image for J. Stone.
Author 1 book32 followers
June 22, 2019
I have been waiting and waiting for SD Simper to hurry up and release the next installment of this series. Blood of the Moon is everything I hoped it would be. In this novel, we continue the adventures of Flowridia as she continues her quest to restore her beloved, but we also get a more in-depth look at Etoile's story. The motivations of the characters, their stories, their perspectives, all of it is flawless. My heart was broken and revived on more than one occasion, and towards the end I literally could not put the book down until I had consumed every single word. Simper has a way of invoking the whole gamut of the emotional rainbow. The emotions of the players are palpable and touch you in a way very few novels can. I just can't say enough about this book. About this series in general. This is a series marketed towards the Lesfic community, but it appeals to ANYONE who wants a beautiful, elaborate, delicious fantasy story that you can lose yourself in and cheer for the characters (and jeer for the villains) every step of the way. I just love it. I can't wait for the next one. Absolutely terrific. Five stars!
Profile Image for bunn3h.
79 reviews
June 18, 2019
Wow

This book definitely delved into much darker territory than the previous two. I’m not a fan of multiple perspectives but it was nice to learn more about my favorite drunken celestial and side of Beefcake.

I don’t want to spoil anything by being too specific but there were bits that I thoroughly enjoyed and bits that I found myself wanting to gloss over. Mostly because I spent an entire second book waiting for a particular outcome only to be stymied through the third with a variety of things. :P

I will say that I don’t like Mereen and the Empress wasn’t particularly impressive outside of her family’s magical capabilities.

Eagerly awaiting the next book because once again I’ve been left teetering on the edge of my seat for more!!! *grumbles*
Profile Image for Jovi.
125 reviews3 followers
July 6, 2019
What a ride. This series is so good. Horrifying. Gut wrenching. Sexy and ultimately satisfying. Good? Evil? All just shades of grey. Think, Game of Thrones. Read it!
Profile Image for Brianna Silva.
Author 4 books116 followers
September 10, 2024
This is, in my opinion, the best book of the series so far. I am so invested in Flowridia's slow shift from naïve, innocent girl to a woman coming into her own strength and power... even if that growth is heading in a very dark and immoral direction!

Corruption arcs are difficult to write, and I think S.D. Simper made a lot of smart choices here. By introducing a new POV character in this book, we have someone else we can root for in the moments when Flowridia is not as likable, so we're not pulled out of the story emotionally. Also, . Simper rides that line carefully, allowing Flowridia to corrupt her morals step by step, keeping readers fascinated and invested without pushing things too far, too soon.

Sometimes, however, I didn't completely buy Flowridia's actions. I almost did, but not completely. I didn't understand why she felt so certain she would never fall in love again, that she had to do terrible things in order to bring her former lover back. Why couldn't she let go, and open herself up to the possibility that she might fall in love again one day? Especially when a very sweet prospect was right in front of her!!! I found myself mentally yelling at Flowridia a lot. But maybe that's what the author wanted me to do! If so, she was successful!

Anyway, I am officially invested in this series, and I'll be reading the next one, like, immediately.

(4.5 stars, rounded up)
Profile Image for nati.
91 reviews36 followers
July 25, 2023
i finished this in one sit. i didn't sleep at all. that's how obsessed about this series i am at the moment. this book was gutwrenching, to say the least, there's so much happening but here's what felt most important to me: flowra descent. her journey as she walks the path that leads to her becoming a monster was so well done, we get so much insight of her thoughts you can FEEL her anxiety and all of her questions and her hesitation, everything is just so raw and beautiful. however i will admit i feel bad for that one death okay. i felt it... deeply.
also!!! THE ANGST!!!!!!!!! between khastra and etolié!!!!!!!!!!! the flavour what the fuck i love them so much! friends to lovers is my favorite trope in the world and seeing them working things out slowly (painfully as well) fed me SO WELL i was Seated. their relationship is really beautiful and even though i suffered through the crazy amount of angst that dragged on for ages, which i loved, because you could really see the development happening, once it was over, their relationship became a breathe of fresh air in the middle of the madness of this book.
now ayla <3 i missed her a lot and she did not disappoint. her entrance??? she's insane that's my out of her mind absolute psychopath lesbian that i love very much.
i loved every page of this book and every storyline that unfolded, this was just as interesting and even darker than the previous two, this author has such a great talent she really just knows how to make everything fit and work i am so impressed by her work and so invested in this series i'm starting the next one right now.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Ann.
383 reviews7 followers
January 28, 2021
I haven’t been this emotionally hung over from a book in a while, and I’m here for it. I just ordered the fourth one so hopefully it will be here soon so I can continue this journey with these lovely characters. The journey they go on and split point of use was very important during this book. It was new because usually we don’t get to see what is going on with our lovely drunk fairy-esque god.

The emotional journeys for our characters were at an all time high. I could feel what they were feeling with every step of a choice being made. I am insanely invested in these characters. They’re real and important. The spectrum of good vs evil is a spectrum and I love seeing them find their way sliding across the scale depending on what needs to be done. Everyone has intentions and you can see them. I loved seeing more of characters that I knew I was going to love from book one. Even after some tough choices were made, I still hold them near and dear to my heart. This author does an amazing job creating a world and characters to fall in love with. So much is captured in these short pages, and to see how big the next book is going to be...welp. I’m definitely excited.
4 reviews
August 11, 2019
Just as beautifully written as the last two! I'm not going to lie- I was a little nervous by Flowridia's choices this book. Simper kept me wondering just how far our favorite flower child was willing to fall for Ayla. Etolie's story arch is probably the one that resonated with me the most. It was triggering at times, but I would say that her story and growth is probably the most inspiring subplot in the whole book.
I hate Murishani deeply, but him during the wedding is absolutely hilarious and the mental image of him "awaying" will never not make me laugh (read the book and you'll know the scene I'm talking about)
The whole thing is a trip and there are a lot of emotions to be felt. Like all her others, this is definitely not a story I would recommend for children, but for those who are willing to step into the dark a little, Simper continues to tell a compelling story and discuss hard topics in ways that are compelling and engaging. Would definitely recommend!
29 reviews
February 23, 2025
I have rifled through half of this series in about a week. Roughly. And I swear. Every. Single. Book. Gets better. Every book! It is currently 1:37 a.m. and I have been reading for at LEAST 5 hours straight. I have read this series like my life depends on it and this book. DAMN. This book did it steal my fucking heart. Out of them all, this book made me cry, not once but TWICE. It made me scream. It made me angry, and it made me sad, but God was worth it. The absolute joy this ending gave me. It was everything I had hoped for. EVERYTHING. The author of this book is absolutely God sent. She is FUCKING AMAZING. There is not enough words in this world to explain how amazing this book was. If you are reading this, maybe debating on getting it or reading this series. Please! By all the Gods do. You WILL NOT regret it. Unless you don't like gore.
Profile Image for Heather B. .
48 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2019
Wow! Gripping, edge of the seat, terror-laden intensity.


I could not put this book down. The continuation of Flowridia and Etolié’s story was packed with adventure and sorrow. I’ve said this before in my reviews for S.D Simper’s books, but she has a way with combat scenes and you just have to read them to know what I mean. I don’t want to put in any spoilers, but if you have read her pervious books from this series you will not be left wanting or searching for detail because its all there. You learn more about Etolié’s backstory and why she is the way she is. I think S.D. provoked so much emotion throughout this book, and that, my friend, is art. So, what are you waiting for? You won’t be disappointed!
Profile Image for Chelsea Roper.
17 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2021
I say this for all my reviews of her books... don't be fooled by the cover, this is not YA.

THIS BOOK. I mean this book took such an unexpected turn from the last two. I don't want to give anything away because it really is so unpredictable but it gets DARK. One of the things SD Simper does best is make me love characters and empathize... even when they probably don't deserve it. I find Flowridia's struggle with following her heart andddd doing what's right for the greater good very relatable.

We also get so much more of the outer characters that I have come to love with my whole heart. I can't wait until I'm done with the series so I can immediately read them again.

She also has another series, Sea and Stars that is just as incredible and is in the same universe so please check that out after!
Profile Image for Dani Lee.
341 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2022
This book is all over the place! Indeed a lot of them have Fallen here and I'm not only talking about the Gods.


3.5 stars
Profile Image for Sasha.
63 reviews1 follower
Read
December 13, 2025
this is a bit of an odd review for me to write, I don't usually DNF and I read the first two books in the series and quite enjoyed them, and I appreciated the ways this series and Sea and Stars held their loose connection given the massive time skip between the two.

I've made it partway through this one and it's definitely slower and maybe a little more disjointed than the first two. it's still good for sure but not as much as the first two. I think this in combination with where the plot direction is going and how much Flowridia is starting to grate on me is why it's a rare DNF @40% for me.

The series is good, though this is a weaker entry so far, the plot is good though a lot to keep track of but it's not for me
Profile Image for Janne Magalhaes.
221 reviews11 followers
May 4, 2022
I am so completely addicted to this saga..FALLEN GODS was a WONDERFUL discovery!!


Flowridia and her love for Ayla still moves me! And the ending... I'm really still amazed at how big and magnificent this universe is!


My heart broke for Lara.. I really liked her..


Khastra and Etolié was a nice surprise! I can say that I love the couple! Etolie is charming!


Odessa is as hateful as I imagined!

And Demitri.. I hope you are well!


Amazingly, I worry more about Mareen than Soliel.. I don't know why.. But the vampire seems more dangerous to me!

I'm looking forward to reading the last book! My heart is lost for this books!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews

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