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The Honest Scrolls #1
Dead Moons Rising
Aydra Ravenspeak has lived peacefully in the kingdom of Magnice her entire life. She rules as Queen over the northeastern realm of Haerland with her loving brother, King Rhafian Sunfire, and her younger siblings. Their kingdom knows only prosperity, sanctuary, and peace. A loving home for all their people.
Of course, these are all lies.
When Aydra rides out to the Forest of Darkness for the rise of the Dead Moons, she is injured in the enemy king, Draven Greenwood’s, realm. What she learns whilst recovering there shatters the world she knows. She has been engulfed by lies within her own kingdom. Forced to smile and dine at banquet as nothing more than a trophy. Given a title no person ever intended on allowing her to use.
But the lies that throw her the most are those she was told about him.
Strangers arrive on their shores, and she’ll have to work with Draven to stop them from taking their lands. The secrets of her kingdom and Haerland begin to unravel, and Aydra is soon faced with an impossible decision as the war begins.
Of course, these are all lies.
When Aydra rides out to the Forest of Darkness for the rise of the Dead Moons, she is injured in the enemy king, Draven Greenwood’s, realm. What she learns whilst recovering there shatters the world she knows. She has been engulfed by lies within her own kingdom. Forced to smile and dine at banquet as nothing more than a trophy. Given a title no person ever intended on allowing her to use.
But the lies that throw her the most are those she was told about him.
Strangers arrive on their shores, and she’ll have to work with Draven to stop them from taking their lands. The secrets of her kingdom and Haerland begin to unravel, and Aydra is soon faced with an impossible decision as the war begins.
530 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2021
320 people are currently reading
9583 people want to read
About the author
Jack Whitney
12 books787 followersFemale Dark Adult Fantasy writer out of South Carolina, US
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
May 17, 2021
Buddy read with Jess <3
I am sorry about this review because I know writing books is hard. But this book hasn't seen an editor in it's life and it shows. This looks like a rough draft that got published by accident. I saw a review comparing this to ACOTAR, and that was one of the reasons I wanted to read this but the only thing these books have in common is that they are both books. There it just all stops. Has that person even read ACOTAR? I think we gave this a fair shot and overlooked SO much but after 50% it just stopped being interesting and I was so bored and annoyed I started skipping a lot of parts. For starters, this had so many mistakes and it just never ended:
- Horrible grammar
- The constant use of the wrong words (for example she/her are 100% the same thing apparently?)
- Sentences and words that just did not make sense at all (wtf is a food forest anyway, isn't a regular forest a source of food by default and is there also a non food forest then?).
- Descriptions of things that just didn't need to be written like it was penned down by somebody who lived 250 years ago
- Weird synonyms when it would have been just fine to use a common word
- Words that got repeated at least twice in two consecutive sentences.
I'm all for romance in the books I read but this is just a boring free for all sex fest that involved everybody and anybody. And when they're not having sex then it's like the author thought "Oh, RIGHT, I was going somewhere with this, and here is another little bit of info that doesn't advance the story at all but enough of that, let's describe in detail what the main character is wearing, yet again." You know, focus on the really important stuff. I think I know more about her wardrobe than about my own at this point.
I didn't connect with any of the characters because they were all basically the same horny bland extras with different names. Every other sentence somebody's core is mentioned and that thing does A LOT of things I've never heard about. Name it and it did it. It was weird, odd and just... well, completely stupid.
I tried, I really did and like I said: I wanted to overlook a lot. But it just kept on getting worse and worse.
I am sorry about this review because I know writing books is hard. But this book hasn't seen an editor in it's life and it shows. This looks like a rough draft that got published by accident. I saw a review comparing this to ACOTAR, and that was one of the reasons I wanted to read this but the only thing these books have in common is that they are both books. There it just all stops. Has that person even read ACOTAR? I think we gave this a fair shot and overlooked SO much but after 50% it just stopped being interesting and I was so bored and annoyed I started skipping a lot of parts. For starters, this had so many mistakes and it just never ended:
- Horrible grammar
- The constant use of the wrong words (for example she/her are 100% the same thing apparently?)
- Sentences and words that just did not make sense at all (wtf is a food forest anyway, isn't a regular forest a source of food by default and is there also a non food forest then?).
- Descriptions of things that just didn't need to be written like it was penned down by somebody who lived 250 years ago
- Weird synonyms when it would have been just fine to use a common word
- Words that got repeated at least twice in two consecutive sentences.
I'm all for romance in the books I read but this is just a boring free for all sex fest that involved everybody and anybody. And when they're not having sex then it's like the author thought "Oh, RIGHT, I was going somewhere with this, and here is another little bit of info that doesn't advance the story at all but enough of that, let's describe in detail what the main character is wearing, yet again." You know, focus on the really important stuff. I think I know more about her wardrobe than about my own at this point.
I didn't connect with any of the characters because they were all basically the same horny bland extras with different names. Every other sentence somebody's core is mentioned and that thing does A LOT of things I've never heard about. Name it and it did it. It was weird, odd and just... well, completely stupid.
I tried, I really did and like I said: I wanted to overlook a lot. But it just kept on getting worse and worse.
dnf
July 14, 2021dnf
i think she would’ve died if she didn’t keep mentioning her stark ginger hair
i think she would’ve died if she didn’t keep mentioning her stark ginger hair
May 23, 2021
I was lucky enough to receive this book as a beta reader and OMG, it's amazing. It's the next ACOTAR, seriously of you love morally grey characters, strong females, characters who tell it like it is, action, romance, smut, adventures, gorgeous world building and to be wrecked by a book then this book is for you!
March 20, 2021
This is a weird book to score. On the one hand it was COOL™. On the other hand, there was very little plot, extremely poor grammar in places and some very strange narrative choices.
Style over substance, definitely.
But I really loved the style.
Like, a lot.
I want more of Aydra, the killer queen who takes what she wants when she wants it. More of Lex, the most loyal friend, even when that loyalty means letting her friends go into danger. More of Draven, loving Aydra but letting her do what she needs to do and not slaying her enemies when she can do it herself. More of Nyssa and Dorian; more of Nadir; hell, more of Rhaif, a villain worthy of our hatred.
Most of all, I want to understand what the hell is going on in this world. There's a lot I don't understand. I'm hoping this will turn out to be a prequel to the real story, because we really need some explanation of how everything works. I found myself skipping back to the prologue more than once, hoping it would all click.
It's definitely supposed to be a mystery, there are certain reveals late in the book. But the truth was hidden in a way that made 500 pages really hard to get through. And the poor grammar did not help with that.
Mixed, but the parts, I enjoyed I really enjoyed. Definitely will keep an eye open for any sequels.
Style over substance, definitely.
But I really loved the style.
Like, a lot.
I want more of Aydra, the killer queen who takes what she wants when she wants it. More of Lex, the most loyal friend, even when that loyalty means letting her friends go into danger. More of Draven, loving Aydra but letting her do what she needs to do and not slaying her enemies when she can do it herself. More of Nyssa and Dorian; more of Nadir; hell, more of Rhaif, a villain worthy of our hatred.
Most of all, I want to understand what the hell is going on in this world. There's a lot I don't understand. I'm hoping this will turn out to be a prequel to the real story, because we really need some explanation of how everything works. I found myself skipping back to the prologue more than once, hoping it would all click.
It's definitely supposed to be a mystery, there are certain reveals late in the book. But the truth was hidden in a way that made 500 pages really hard to get through. And the poor grammar did not help with that.
Mixed, but the parts, I enjoyed I really enjoyed. Definitely will keep an eye open for any sequels.
October 21, 2021
Actual rating : 2.5🌟
It was an ok read. It started off pretty good, but lost me by the middle and by the end I wasn't that interested anymore.
I liked the worldbuilding, the battle scenes & our main character, Aydra, the brave and confident woman, with her "fck-you" attitude. I also liked Lex, that woman is just perfect.
This book is a Dark Adult High-Fantasy and I highly recommend you read the TW first, because there are some disturbing scenes and even tho I'm not a person who is triggered easily, I was still affected.
It was an ok read. It started off pretty good, but lost me by the middle and by the end I wasn't that interested anymore.
I liked the worldbuilding, the battle scenes & our main character, Aydra, the brave and confident woman, with her "fck-you" attitude. I also liked Lex, that woman is just perfect.
This book is a Dark Adult High-Fantasy and I highly recommend you read the TW first, because there are some disturbing scenes and even tho I'm not a person who is triggered easily, I was still affected.
dnf
August 24, 2023DNF on page 193 (38% in). I feel like I've read 10,000 pages. This book is somehow good but so unbearably slow. I actually can't believe I'm only 38% in. I wanted to keep reading this, and I might circle back someday, but I need to put this back on my shelf for now.
July 10, 2021
I would say this book is very good for a self published author. I loved the MC and her love interest so so much (and their spice so good man does jack know how to write a love scene) and the story line and overall plot was there. There could’ve been more focus on the threat in front of them instead of the MC making stupid decisions to go back home knowing her damn brother is gonna do some f*ck sh*t. Like come on. Then…..
The ending was a whole other level of wtf!!!
I give this book four stars for now but my anger for the ending may not subside. Props to jack for pulling something off no author would do and that I did NOT see coming whatsoever. But I have some serious trust issues now.
I did feel like some more editing of grammar and over descriptive paragraphs needs to be done but other than that I am interested in the rest of the series but I will be 10x more apprehensive next time as her plot twists are like a 100 knives to the heart.
Overall though I was on the edge of my seat and thought about this book every moment I wasn’t reading it!
The ending was a whole other level of wtf!!!
I give this book four stars for now but my anger for the ending may not subside. Props to jack for pulling something off no author would do and that I did NOT see coming whatsoever. But I have some serious trust issues now.
I did feel like some more editing of grammar and over descriptive paragraphs needs to be done but other than that I am interested in the rest of the series but I will be 10x more apprehensive next time as her plot twists are like a 100 knives to the heart.
Overall though I was on the edge of my seat and thought about this book every moment I wasn’t reading it!
March 15, 2021
This book......... put my soul at ease and disturbed it all at once.
I usually rely heavily on reviews but I had no idea what I was going into with this book. I'm almost glad that was the case because I don't think anyone could have translated the journey I would go on.
I suppose I'll break it down into parts as I've seen previous reviewers do
The world building: VAST. So vast in fact that you'll find yourself questioning things only to be answered in a page or two. The world you're thrown into is unique and ever-changing. One moment you are in the corridors of the castle, on your way to a banquet. The next, you're on your way through the dark forest full of creatures unlike any other I've had the pleasure of reading about. It's breath-taking.
Aydra Ravenspeak: A whole ass woman. One who doesn't rely on being a damnsel in distress or a frilly persona to catch the eye of men around her. She is wildly intelligent and confident in her prowess, basically everything I wish I could be. I really enjoyed living in her brain, it was refreshing and empowering to say the least. One of my new favorite female leads. Ever.
Draven Greenwood: What. A. Man. His intent towards being better than those before him and equal to the ones he loves made me love him immensely. He is a warrior worthy of every good thing that came his way. I quite enjoy the snark and sarcasm he is so accustomed too. He's been added to "fictional characters I shouldn't obsess over but will continue to anyways."
Side Characters: Lex. If anything, read this book for Lex. She will have you smirking and giggling before you know it.
This is one of my first reviews and I really don't want to say too much about the book because I enjoyed going in blind so I will just leave you with....... WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR GO READ IT
💖
I usually rely heavily on reviews but I had no idea what I was going into with this book. I'm almost glad that was the case because I don't think anyone could have translated the journey I would go on.
I suppose I'll break it down into parts as I've seen previous reviewers do
The world building: VAST. So vast in fact that you'll find yourself questioning things only to be answered in a page or two. The world you're thrown into is unique and ever-changing. One moment you are in the corridors of the castle, on your way to a banquet. The next, you're on your way through the dark forest full of creatures unlike any other I've had the pleasure of reading about. It's breath-taking.
Aydra Ravenspeak: A whole ass woman. One who doesn't rely on being a damnsel in distress or a frilly persona to catch the eye of men around her. She is wildly intelligent and confident in her prowess, basically everything I wish I could be. I really enjoyed living in her brain, it was refreshing and empowering to say the least. One of my new favorite female leads. Ever.
Draven Greenwood: What. A. Man. His intent towards being better than those before him and equal to the ones he loves made me love him immensely. He is a warrior worthy of every good thing that came his way. I quite enjoy the snark and sarcasm he is so accustomed too. He's been added to "fictional characters I shouldn't obsess over but will continue to anyways."
Side Characters: Lex. If anything, read this book for Lex. She will have you smirking and giggling before you know it.
This is one of my first reviews and I really don't want to say too much about the book because I enjoyed going in blind so I will just leave you with....... WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR GO READ IT
💖
March 19, 2023
Things I liked:
The world building is truly epic. Jack has been crafting Haerland for ten years and you can tell. It is intricate, well thought out and captivating. As with learning any new world it took me a bit and I went back and read some parts to be sure.
Aydra Ravenspeak. I adore her and want to channel her on a regular basis. Strong, smart, loves her people & overall badass.
Enemies to lover is my favorite trope always.
With that said - Draven. Perfection. He has depth, witty banter, morally grey character tendencies - overall swoon.
Lex. We all need a friend like Lex and her snark.
Too be honest I enjoyed all the characters and their background/developments.
Plot twists!
Self publishing is a HUGE project and bottom line is I am so thankful for Jack to have shared this story. You can tell she poured her heart and soul into this and has created a powerful and compelling adventure and I will be recommending this to everyone - especially fantasy lovers!
I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE!
March 5, 2022
What the fuck was that.
Someone say sike right now!!! I never should have read this. I should have known booktok would fuck me up like this. I knew I should have been more suspicious. I was curious and now look at me. On the floor, weepy and sleep deprived. What am I meant to do now? I can’t live like this?!!
I’m to emotionally invested in Aydra and Draven. I couldn’t give a shit about Nyssari and Dorians journey. Everyone can burn for all I care. For what they did to me and my favs. You know what. I am pretending this is a standalone. Anything more, or added will ruin it. Especially after that ending. No I’m not continuing with this series and I won’t forgive the author for my heartache.
I need a lie down and some water. I have a headache. I’m dehydrated from crying.
I might write a real review. I guess when I have the will to live.
Someone say sike right now!!! I never should have read this. I should have known booktok would fuck me up like this. I knew I should have been more suspicious. I was curious and now look at me. On the floor, weepy and sleep deprived. What am I meant to do now? I can’t live like this?!!
I’m to emotionally invested in Aydra and Draven. I couldn’t give a shit about Nyssari and Dorians journey. Everyone can burn for all I care. For what they did to me and my favs. You know what. I am pretending this is a standalone. Anything more, or added will ruin it. Especially after that ending. No I’m not continuing with this series and I won’t forgive the author for my heartache.
I need a lie down and some water. I have a headache. I’m dehydrated from crying.
I might write a real review. I guess when I have the will to live.
October 5, 2021
Spoiler...
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While this is a heart-wrenching romantic ending, it is not a happy one. It is a beautiful story of a strong, fierce woman (not girl) who never needed saving by a savior, but found a history-worthy love in her equal. Aydra and Draven is a love story I've longed to read for so long, and while their story is over, I look forward to Nyssa and Dorian's continuation. Also, rot Rhaif.
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While this is a heart-wrenching romantic ending, it is not a happy one. It is a beautiful story of a strong, fierce woman (not girl) who never needed saving by a savior, but found a history-worthy love in her equal. Aydra and Draven is a love story I've longed to read for so long, and while their story is over, I look forward to Nyssa and Dorian's continuation. Also, rot Rhaif.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2021
“You deserve nothing less than someone who would burn this entire kingdom to the ground for your salvation.“ 🔥
YALL. I have tried for days to think of words to write a review worthy enough for this masterpiece of a book, and words continue to fail me.
I discovered @jack.whitney.writer on Tik Tok and followed her IG page and quickly pre ordered the ebook, and then of course ordered the paperback because this cover is just screaming “take my picture!” This book grabbed my hand and took off running on one wild, heartbreaking, action-packed, steamy adventure. I still am processing everything. The ending made me go back and read it two or three times.
Swipe to see the book description.
This book is full of:
- Superior world building
- Morally grey men (gotta love it)
- Enemies to lovers
- Forbidden love
- ALL the flirtatious and sarcastic banter
- The STEAM (ACOSF was tame compared to this 😏🔥)
- Family love
- Devoted besties
- Betrayal
- Enemies you will hate hate hate
- Stabbing (duh)
- Amazing MC’s and well written side characters that I loved just as much
Trust me if you enjoyed books like The Bridge Kingdom, or Game of Thrones then this book is for you.
A reminder that this story is a DARK ADULT fantasy and there are some trigger warnings. Feel free to reach out to me if you would like to be aware of them.
@jack.whitney.writer, I absolutely loved this book and I cannot wait to see where the other SEVEN (Yes, seven) books take us! I need October to get here.
“It was for her,” he answered sharply. “Only her.” ❤️
YALL. I have tried for days to think of words to write a review worthy enough for this masterpiece of a book, and words continue to fail me.
I discovered @jack.whitney.writer on Tik Tok and followed her IG page and quickly pre ordered the ebook, and then of course ordered the paperback because this cover is just screaming “take my picture!” This book grabbed my hand and took off running on one wild, heartbreaking, action-packed, steamy adventure. I still am processing everything. The ending made me go back and read it two or three times.
Swipe to see the book description.
This book is full of:
- Superior world building
- Morally grey men (gotta love it)
- Enemies to lovers
- Forbidden love
- ALL the flirtatious and sarcastic banter
- The STEAM (ACOSF was tame compared to this 😏🔥)
- Family love
- Devoted besties
- Betrayal
- Enemies you will hate hate hate
- Stabbing (duh)
- Amazing MC’s and well written side characters that I loved just as much
Trust me if you enjoyed books like The Bridge Kingdom, or Game of Thrones then this book is for you.
A reminder that this story is a DARK ADULT fantasy and there are some trigger warnings. Feel free to reach out to me if you would like to be aware of them.
@jack.whitney.writer, I absolutely loved this book and I cannot wait to see where the other SEVEN (Yes, seven) books take us! I need October to get here.
“It was for her,” he answered sharply. “Only her.” ❤️
July 4, 2021
the writing was bad, the editing was bad, the plot was all
over the place and made little to no sense, but I liked the main characters, the magic / world had potential and the smut was good.
1.5⭐️ generously rounded up to 2⭐️
over the place and made little to no sense, but I liked the main characters, the magic / world had potential and the smut was good.
1.5⭐️ generously rounded up to 2⭐️
September 20, 2021
“ᴀʏᴅʀᴀ, ʏᴏᴜ… ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʀᴇ ᴍʏ ᴇǫᴜᴀʟ ᴄᴏʀᴇ. ᴍʏ ᴘᴀʀᴛɴᴇʀ. ᴍʏ ᴄᴏᴍғᴏʀᴛᴇᴅ ᴅᴀʀᴋɴᴇss ɪɴ ᴀ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ ᴏғ ᴅᴇᴀғᴇɴɪɴɢ ʟɪɢʜᴛ.”
☆★☆★
3.5/5☆
I adored this book. The reason I rated a little lower was because the narrative style was unfocused making it hard to track the thoughts and movements of competing characters at times, and that the worldbuilding, although excellent, was strangled by inklings of ambiguity and mystery. It made the story hard to follow as the plot thickened and the relationships between characters strengthened. It also needed a fresh set of eyes because confused sentences and poor grammar really let this book down for me. The plot also seemed a little slow for me especially with the copious amounts of worldbuilding going on - it made the book drag out a little too long before more of the craziness happened.
That being said, I thought the characters were all incredibly well done, all adorned with personality and flavour, which i loved. Aydra was the picture of defiance and strength as she openly displayed her beliefs and skills and dared to bargain for more than she was perceived to deserve. Despite trials and tribulations, her tenacity for making peace and her fueled spirit powered her to strive for love and freedom, and that made me love her even more. She was also incredibly badass and I loved how even though there are elements of female oppression, each of the female mains had drive and skill and the ability to hold their own.
Draven was a dream; his strength and demeanor as a beloved king was truly wonderful, especially paired with his vulnerability and ability to show emotion - something quite absent and unusual with these strong, buff, leading male characters, particularly in fantasy fiction. It was refreshing to see Draven cave to his emotions and not be written as almost void of feelings; I really respected that about him and it made his growing relationship with Aydra all the more beautiful. And the spice was delectable 👀
I think sometimes stories are only as good as the side characters and this book pretty much nailed it with how well Jack Whitney wrote her protagonists' companions. The Youngers, Dorian and Nyssa, were delightful addictions to the story, the pair of them as graceful as they are funny and I really enjoyed their moments of sibling rivalry as well as their relationship with Aydra.
LEX. THIS WOMAN. I cannot get over how much I am in love with this woman. I loved her friendship with Aydra, the way she fought to protect her as much as she fought against her. The level of trust and love between them was inspiring and I adored their banter, particularly when joined with talks of extra curricular activities 👀 their relationship was so comforting.
Nadir, Balandria, Lovi and Hagen were also favourites, and I am hoping to see more of them in the next book.
Each moment was raw and precious and the ending broke me because I loved the King and Queen too much! Still not sure how I feel about it. I do love when a book surprises you and ends differently to how to might expect it to, and I am definitely one for breaking common tropes, but why them?😭 I think they deserved a lot more, a damn lot more!
☆★☆★
3.5/5☆
I adored this book. The reason I rated a little lower was because the narrative style was unfocused making it hard to track the thoughts and movements of competing characters at times, and that the worldbuilding, although excellent, was strangled by inklings of ambiguity and mystery. It made the story hard to follow as the plot thickened and the relationships between characters strengthened. It also needed a fresh set of eyes because confused sentences and poor grammar really let this book down for me. The plot also seemed a little slow for me especially with the copious amounts of worldbuilding going on - it made the book drag out a little too long before more of the craziness happened.
That being said, I thought the characters were all incredibly well done, all adorned with personality and flavour, which i loved. Aydra was the picture of defiance and strength as she openly displayed her beliefs and skills and dared to bargain for more than she was perceived to deserve. Despite trials and tribulations, her tenacity for making peace and her fueled spirit powered her to strive for love and freedom, and that made me love her even more. She was also incredibly badass and I loved how even though there are elements of female oppression, each of the female mains had drive and skill and the ability to hold their own.
Draven was a dream; his strength and demeanor as a beloved king was truly wonderful, especially paired with his vulnerability and ability to show emotion - something quite absent and unusual with these strong, buff, leading male characters, particularly in fantasy fiction. It was refreshing to see Draven cave to his emotions and not be written as almost void of feelings; I really respected that about him and it made his growing relationship with Aydra all the more beautiful. And the spice was delectable 👀
I think sometimes stories are only as good as the side characters and this book pretty much nailed it with how well Jack Whitney wrote her protagonists' companions. The Youngers, Dorian and Nyssa, were delightful addictions to the story, the pair of them as graceful as they are funny and I really enjoyed their moments of sibling rivalry as well as their relationship with Aydra.
LEX. THIS WOMAN. I cannot get over how much I am in love with this woman. I loved her friendship with Aydra, the way she fought to protect her as much as she fought against her. The level of trust and love between them was inspiring and I adored their banter, particularly when joined with talks of extra curricular activities 👀 their relationship was so comforting.
Nadir, Balandria, Lovi and Hagen were also favourites, and I am hoping to see more of them in the next book.
Each moment was raw and precious and the ending broke me because I loved the King and Queen too much! Still not sure how I feel about it. I do love when a book surprises you and ends differently to how to might expect it to, and I am definitely one for breaking common tropes, but why them?😭 I think they deserved a lot more, a damn lot more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2021
Let me just say I absolutely love when people are brave enough to self publish. This was an amazing debut novel and it was very well done. The world building was fantastic and I am a sucker for a good enemies to lovers fantasy. I was emotionally invested in their love story and the ending was... heartbreaking and wonderful and definitely left me excited about the next chapter of this story.
All that being said there were a quite a few grammatical errors that definitely took me out of the story and some of the dialogue was a little stiff and oddly formal for no apparent reason. I also would have loved a little more information about Rhaif and his evolution into a- for lack of a better word- jackass. His story wasn’t as fleshed out as some of the other characters. It was enough that I couldn’t rate this 4 or 5 stars. However the story was great and I think this could be a wonderfully amazing series.
All that being said there were a quite a few grammatical errors that definitely took me out of the story and some of the dialogue was a little stiff and oddly formal for no apparent reason. I also would have loved a little more information about Rhaif and his evolution into a- for lack of a better word- jackass. His story wasn’t as fleshed out as some of the other characters. It was enough that I couldn’t rate this 4 or 5 stars. However the story was great and I think this could be a wonderfully amazing series.
June 5, 2021
this might be one of the best books I’ve read so far this year. possibly ever.
January 1, 2022
This book is so good! It destroyed me then put me back together and has destroyed me all over again 💔
I don't even know where to begin if I'm being honest. The world building is so impeccably done, it just sucked me in from the beginning making me forget that I was reading 📚
Aydra is a total badass with a hidden soft side that as a reader I loved exploring that with her. She knows exactly what she wants and will have no issue going straight for it. She cares immensely for her family and will do whatever she has to.
Draven oh boy where do I even start with this man. Now he, he is what dreams are made of, he empowers Aydra in the best way, is a strong a fearless leader of his people who will do anything to protect those he cares about.
The relationship between Aydra and Draven is beautifully heartbreaking, they are my new favourite couple 💜
There are side characters that I can't wait to read and learn more about in the next book, which I have an ARC for! Yay!! I'll be getting to that very very soon 🥰
I don't even know where to begin if I'm being honest. The world building is so impeccably done, it just sucked me in from the beginning making me forget that I was reading 📚
Aydra is a total badass with a hidden soft side that as a reader I loved exploring that with her. She knows exactly what she wants and will have no issue going straight for it. She cares immensely for her family and will do whatever she has to.
Draven oh boy where do I even start with this man. Now he, he is what dreams are made of, he empowers Aydra in the best way, is a strong a fearless leader of his people who will do anything to protect those he cares about.
The relationship between Aydra and Draven is beautifully heartbreaking, they are my new favourite couple 💜
There are side characters that I can't wait to read and learn more about in the next book, which I have an ARC for! Yay!! I'll be getting to that very very soon 🥰
May 13, 2021
4.5/5 - Saw this book recommended in a fan group for another series and I loved the teaser for the book so I went for it. It was definitely worth it and I am hooked for the series! Stayed up way too late reading this because I could not put it down. The world building is beautiful. Not going to lie it took me a minute to really understand everything but once the full picture was painted for me it was fantastic. This is the 1st book out of 8 (I think?) and I cannot wait to explore the rest of this world! The ending of this made me do a double take and re-read a few chapters...I couldn't accept what I read actually happened because I wasn't ready to say goodbye yet. Kept expecting a gotcha right at the end.
The only big complain I have is editing/grammar. There were some places where it really took me out of the story for a minute. If it wasn't for that this would have been a 5/5 for me. I really think if that is fixed in future books, this series will be a favorite of mine.
For me this book had a similar (albeit darker tone) feel to the TOG/ACOTAR or FBAA series. This is an adult dark fantasy so keep that in mind before picking it up. Lots of smut and some triggering things (ie sexual abuse)
The only big complain I have is editing/grammar. There were some places where it really took me out of the story for a minute. If it wasn't for that this would have been a 5/5 for me. I really think if that is fixed in future books, this series will be a favorite of mine.
For me this book had a similar (albeit darker tone) feel to the TOG/ACOTAR or FBAA series. This is an adult dark fantasy so keep that in mind before picking it up. Lots of smut and some triggering things (ie sexual abuse)
March 23, 2021
Jack has become a dear friend to me and so I was super excited to read her book again. I was lucky enough to beta read this book, but I think the second time reading it, it’s so much better than the first time. Jack added a lot of new things after the buried that made me fall in love with this book even more. And because I read this book already I got to see things that I didn’t see before such as foreshadowing and symbolism and other things. If you really like this book I definitely suggest that you re-read it because you will see things that you didn’t see before.
This book is the perfect enemies to lovers fantasy adult book. And I do say adult because this book deals with themes that can be triggering to some people such as abuse and sexual assault. Nevertheless I really loved this book. I feel like this book might be the next throne of glass just because how epic this world is and how epic the characters are. The romance was very heavy in this book it’s still had enough adventure and world building to make it an epic fantasy that could become a classic. It’s very much Lord of the rings Game of Thrones.
I fell in love with not only the main characters of this book but also the secondary characters. Aydra and Draven were super romantic and super sweet especially Draven. Aydra is such a bad ass and Draven is such a hottie. I also loved the youngers Nyssa and Dorian and I’m excited to see their journey in the second book because that relationship between them is so cute. I’m also excited to read more about Balandria and of course my main girl Lex!
If you love epic fantasy romance badass characters spice and just an amazing world I highly recommend this book!
This book is the perfect enemies to lovers fantasy adult book. And I do say adult because this book deals with themes that can be triggering to some people such as abuse and sexual assault. Nevertheless I really loved this book. I feel like this book might be the next throne of glass just because how epic this world is and how epic the characters are. The romance was very heavy in this book it’s still had enough adventure and world building to make it an epic fantasy that could become a classic. It’s very much Lord of the rings Game of Thrones.
I fell in love with not only the main characters of this book but also the secondary characters. Aydra and Draven were super romantic and super sweet especially Draven. Aydra is such a bad ass and Draven is such a hottie. I also loved the youngers Nyssa and Dorian and I’m excited to see their journey in the second book because that relationship between them is so cute. I’m also excited to read more about Balandria and of course my main girl Lex!
If you love epic fantasy romance badass characters spice and just an amazing world I highly recommend this book!
July 24, 2021
Dead Moons Rising (DMR) is the first in a series of 8 anticipated books from Jack L. Whitney. With excellent world building, badass female characters, delicous spice all mixed in with an alluring plot, it's hard to go wrong. The writing transports you directly into the world of Haerland and their powerful characters. This book had so many twists and turns and the ending left me actually speechless.
September 6, 2021
My heart is laid bare
Oh the tears! I have not cried over a book in a while and boy did I cry! This book tore out my soul! I could not put it down, stayed up all night so I could finish it in a little over a day! Read this book!
Oh the tears! I have not cried over a book in a while and boy did I cry! This book tore out my soul! I could not put it down, stayed up all night so I could finish it in a little over a day! Read this book!
April 2, 2021
WHAT THE HECK
I'd like to take a moment to thank Booktok for putting Jack's TikToks on my FYP. I don't know if I would've found her book this soon if Booktok hadn't happened. I loved the TikToks Jack was sharing and then I found her Instagram & was like, okay hold up, I need to find her book & I need to read it now...sadly I had to wait a month before it was release but it was SO Worth the wait. I'll like Jack's Instagram account below. DMR is an adult fantasy romance novel, so do not think this is a YA book. It is most definitely not. Jack's got a talent for writing EXTREMELY steamy smutty scenes. I was like, D**N, that's pretty freaking hot. Don't even get me started on Draven & Aydra. Like okay, yes, love that. Love that, oh and LOVE THAT. They are amazing together. I love their dynamic. But then again, who doesn't love a good enemies to lovers trope? Also, I will say this, I did 1000% want to throttle Aydra's brother. I wanted to yeet him off a cliff and hope he splatters to death. Sorry, is that too rude to say about a supposed King? I also enjoyed Lex, Balandria, Dorian (of course), Nyssa, Hagen, & can't forget Nadir. THAT ENDING THO. HOW CAN THAT BE. I REFUSE TO BELIEVE IT. NOPE. I NEED BOOK 2 ASAP. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE.
I'd like to take a moment to thank Booktok for putting Jack's TikToks on my FYP. I don't know if I would've found her book this soon if Booktok hadn't happened. I loved the TikToks Jack was sharing and then I found her Instagram & was like, okay hold up, I need to find her book & I need to read it now...sadly I had to wait a month before it was release but it was SO Worth the wait. I'll like Jack's Instagram account below. DMR is an adult fantasy romance novel, so do not think this is a YA book. It is most definitely not. Jack's got a talent for writing EXTREMELY steamy smutty scenes. I was like, D**N, that's pretty freaking hot. Don't even get me started on Draven & Aydra. Like okay, yes, love that. Love that, oh and LOVE THAT. They are amazing together. I love their dynamic. But then again, who doesn't love a good enemies to lovers trope? Also, I will say this, I did 1000% want to throttle Aydra's brother. I wanted to yeet him off a cliff and hope he splatters to death. Sorry, is that too rude to say about a supposed King? I also enjoyed Lex, Balandria, Dorian (of course), Nyssa, Hagen, & can't forget Nadir. THAT ENDING THO. HOW CAN THAT BE. I REFUSE TO BELIEVE IT. NOPE. I NEED BOOK 2 ASAP. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE.
September 21, 2021
1. There are some typographical errors but I can say that they weren’t as bad as I feared (typos OFTEN get me to dnf a book and here they were only a minor annoyance and hence the 4 stars instead of 5)
2. Yes. The ending will shock you and possibly make you mad BUT it honestly is the perfect ending for this part of the story. Kudos to the author for having the gall to pull it off.
If you want a fluff piece, don’t read this book. If you’re curious about what it feels like to have someone reach into your core, drag it from your body kicking and screaming, soothe it into acceptance and content and then stomp on it, kick it while it’s down and light it on fire......jump right in. To each his own!!
2. Yes. The ending will shock you and possibly make you mad BUT it honestly is the perfect ending for this part of the story. Kudos to the author for having the gall to pull it off.
If you want a fluff piece, don’t read this book. If you’re curious about what it feels like to have someone reach into your core, drag it from your body kicking and screaming, soothe it into acceptance and content and then stomp on it, kick it while it’s down and light it on fire......jump right in. To each his own!!
March 27, 2021
Holy shit. Ok. I need to process, I can’t. I just can’t. Jack, what have you done!? This wrecked me! I was and still am a mess.
An amazing story about love, loss and bad-assery, very different in a refreshing way. Some editorial and grammatical issues, but the story was so good that I disregarded those.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster. I had so many feelz.
I need the next book pronto! Like, I just can’t with myself right now.
Gaaaaahhhh what am I supposed to do now!!? 😭😭
I’m sorry, this review sucks, but my head and heart is over brimmed with emotions and I can’t put together sentences that would do the feelings (or the book) justice.
Just give me book numéro deux pretty, pretty please 🙏🏼🖤
An amazing story about love, loss and bad-assery, very different in a refreshing way. Some editorial and grammatical issues, but the story was so good that I disregarded those.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster. I had so many feelz.
I need the next book pronto! Like, I just can’t with myself right now.
Gaaaaahhhh what am I supposed to do now!!? 😭😭
I’m sorry, this review sucks, but my head and heart is over brimmed with emotions and I can’t put together sentences that would do the feelings (or the book) justice.
Just give me book numéro deux pretty, pretty please 🙏🏼🖤
October 2, 2021
Please read the trigger warnings before reading this! They include rape, incest, gore, death, and physical abuse.
Also, this is not a HEA.
Wow. Just...wow. I knew this was going to be rough. Its very obvious that its not going to end the way you want...but I still finished it.
It is still beyond worth it, this book is magical and breath taking. But it is not happy, expect for some small moments.
This book is raw.
I looke forward to the next. I hope the Youngers have learned.
Also, this is not a HEA.
Wow. Just...wow. I knew this was going to be rough. Its very obvious that its not going to end the way you want...but I still finished it.
It is still beyond worth it, this book is magical and breath taking. But it is not happy, expect for some small moments.
This book is raw.
I looke forward to the next. I hope the Youngers have learned.
August 9, 2021
Most of the time, I do not like women written by men. But Jack Whitney is the exception. This is his debut novel, I believe, which I found on TikTok and I loved it! It is slightly sinister (make sure to read triggers) but using those triggers as a plot device made it all worth it. Can't wait for the 2nd book!
March 30, 2022
Wow! I am in shock, i feel astonished right now! The ending was so worth everything, Aydra and Draven were really great Mc's and their journey was interesting. The book was a bit too slow for me, and too much fluff. I did enjoy it, and the side character really grabbed my heart, which makes it very fun to read the second book, and after that ending, welll I need book 2!
March 16, 2021
:)
This book was interesting and I enjoyed reading it. The characters were great and secondary characters/relationships really added to the story. There were alot of pieces at play in the plot and sometimes it was confusing. There were a few spelling issues/words used out of context. For example "whelps" instead of welts and "strangles" of hair instead of strands or tangles(?). I know self publishing can be extremely difficult and you don't always catch everything with editing but the multiple times these words were used took away from the story for me. I do look forward to reading the next book though!
This book was interesting and I enjoyed reading it. The characters were great and secondary characters/relationships really added to the story. There were alot of pieces at play in the plot and sometimes it was confusing. There were a few spelling issues/words used out of context. For example "whelps" instead of welts and "strangles" of hair instead of strands or tangles(?). I know self publishing can be extremely difficult and you don't always catch everything with editing but the multiple times these words were used took away from the story for me. I do look forward to reading the next book though!
April 5, 2021
Spicy adult fantasy, great fantasy world, dramatic unpredictable ending that I'm still recovering from. Not the clearest/ best plot ever but great characters and world building excited to see where it goes next.
Additionally really loved the open sexual relationships and use of sexuality and different sexual relationships incorporated with plot.
Additionally really loved the open sexual relationships and use of sexuality and different sexual relationships incorporated with plot.
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