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Wolf Moon Rising #1
Black Moon
An apple a day won’t keep this doctor away.
Linden Grove has always known that he’s not destined to be the next pack alpha. That position belonged to his brother Aspen—but then Aspen left the pack to join the military. When the unthinkable happens and the pack is left rudderless, someone has to step up and take care of it. Can a doctor go from “do no harm” to defending his own with his teeth and claws?
Colt Doherty is used to a certain kind of life. Glittering, picturesque, and . . . empty. As the youngest child of the country’s only werewolf senator, Colt has grown up in the spotlight, and he’s all too used to knot-headed alphas taking credit for the work of others, especially omegas like himself. When his editor sends him to write a story on the Grove pack, though, he finds something completely unexpected: Linden Grove in his unpolished perfection, as shiny and sweet as the apples his pack are known for.
A Grove pack omega has been kidnapped, and someone has to step up. The pack needs Linden to fill his father’s shoes, but no wolf can stand on his own. To save the day, sheltered Colt has to drop the politics and become the action hero he never thought an omega could be.
Black Moon is an 90k word standalone novel featuring one fiery journalist, one doctor with an obsession for hand knit sweaters, and the sweetest apple pies on the whole eastern seaboard, all bundled up in a non-mpreg A/B/O universe.
Linden Grove has always known that he’s not destined to be the next pack alpha. That position belonged to his brother Aspen—but then Aspen left the pack to join the military. When the unthinkable happens and the pack is left rudderless, someone has to step up and take care of it. Can a doctor go from “do no harm” to defending his own with his teeth and claws?
Colt Doherty is used to a certain kind of life. Glittering, picturesque, and . . . empty. As the youngest child of the country’s only werewolf senator, Colt has grown up in the spotlight, and he’s all too used to knot-headed alphas taking credit for the work of others, especially omegas like himself. When his editor sends him to write a story on the Grove pack, though, he finds something completely unexpected: Linden Grove in his unpolished perfection, as shiny and sweet as the apples his pack are known for.
A Grove pack omega has been kidnapped, and someone has to step up. The pack needs Linden to fill his father’s shoes, but no wolf can stand on his own. To save the day, sheltered Colt has to drop the politics and become the action hero he never thought an omega could be.
Black Moon is an 90k word standalone novel featuring one fiery journalist, one doctor with an obsession for hand knit sweaters, and the sweetest apple pies on the whole eastern seaboard, all bundled up in a non-mpreg A/B/O universe.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2021
273 people are currently reading
1064 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
February 15, 2025
This book is free on Amazon (Canada) today (02/15/2025). 🙂
✅ 2 POVs
✅ Shifters / ABO
✅ Characters
✅ Romance MM
✅ Pace
✅ World-building
✅(🆗) Plot
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: mention of abuse, kidnapping, and death of loved one
3.5 stars
Colt is an omega journalist who finally gets invited to visit one of the rural packs in his area, after months of asking permission to visit so he can write an article about their way of life. Omegas have been suffering from The Condition for years now, a mysterious illness that nobody really understands. Still, for some reason, the Grove pack is dealing with it amazingly well, having had no casualties lately, and all of their omegas are in relatively good shape. This sparked envy and jealousy in a neighbor pack because they have no omega left, and one of the Grove pack omegas has been abducted because of that. The alpha even died during the rescue mission they attempted, but failed. Colt arrives in the middle of this crisis and finds himself wanting to help as best as he can, even though he doesn’t know this pack at all.
At first, the plot is centered around the pack’s effort to save their stolen omega, Brook. There is also some mild politics involved when a younger alpha is vying for the pack’s alpha position, but it’s clear from the start that he is no match for Linden, and that the pack rallies behind Linden, even though he doesn’t think he has what it takes to be a pack alpha, because he doesn’t fit with his father’s idea of what an alpha should be.
The pace slowed in the second half though. While the first part of the book was about retrieving the missing omega, once that was done, it was simply about the pack going on with their lives and wondering who would be the next alpha… even though it was obvious who would be. On the other hand, this allowed for more room to be given to the relationship’s development, which is good because I don’t like it when romances are rushed and feel like insta-love.
Colt is an omega in a family of alphas. His dad is a big-shot politician, and his image is everything to him. Colt spent his life being told how he should act and feel, to fit in the mold his father made for him, so it’s a relief for him to be able to spend time away from his family and to be himself without feeling judged for it. He has spunk and is not a meek omega waiting for an alpha to defend him, and I liked that he and Linden were acting as equals, despite both their fathers’ views on the role of alphas and omegas.
Linden defies the alpha stereotype at every turn. He is not the biggest or the most muscular, and he is a doctor who prefers to find peaceful solutions instead of fighting. He became a doctor for the pack, even though nobody thought it was truly necessary, and slowly showed the pack that maybe he was needed after all. That being said, he will not hesitate to fight and get violent to protect his pack. He reminded me of Quinn in Alice Winters’ Winsford Shifters series. They have a similar vibe that inspires respect, even though they do not fit the preconceived idea of what a pack alpha should be, and how they should act.
The romance between Colt and Linden was well done, sweet, and not too rushed, as is sometimes the case with shifters because of the whole “mate” concept. There is some smut between them and I can't find a specific thing that I didn't like about them or their relationship. That being said, they are not a favorite couple of mine, and I will probably forget about them soon, even though they are cute and seem to have a healthy relationship going on there.
Overall, while this wasn’t my favorite shifter/ABO book, it was engaging and interesting enough for me to read it quickly. The main characters are sweet, cute, and so easy to love, and the secondary characters are interesting, I really liked Claudia, Skye, Brook, and Zeke, and I am curious to see what will happen to Brook, and I want him to get his HEA. Sadly though, his book is only the 3rd one in this series, and the next book is about new characters, so I am not in a hurry to read it… I might get to it eventually, I am still undecided. I am hoping that the plot of the second book will be a little more elaborate though, because the weaker plot in this book is what made me give it 3.5 stars instead of 4 stars.
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✅ 2 POVs
✅ Shifters / ABO
✅ Characters
✅ Romance MM
✅ Pace
✅ World-building
✅(🆗) Plot
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: mention of abuse, kidnapping, and death of loved one
3.5 stars
Colt is an omega journalist who finally gets invited to visit one of the rural packs in his area, after months of asking permission to visit so he can write an article about their way of life. Omegas have been suffering from The Condition for years now, a mysterious illness that nobody really understands. Still, for some reason, the Grove pack is dealing with it amazingly well, having had no casualties lately, and all of their omegas are in relatively good shape. This sparked envy and jealousy in a neighbor pack because they have no omega left, and one of the Grove pack omegas has been abducted because of that. The alpha even died during the rescue mission they attempted, but failed. Colt arrives in the middle of this crisis and finds himself wanting to help as best as he can, even though he doesn’t know this pack at all.
At first, the plot is centered around the pack’s effort to save their stolen omega, Brook. There is also some mild politics involved when a younger alpha is vying for the pack’s alpha position, but it’s clear from the start that he is no match for Linden, and that the pack rallies behind Linden, even though he doesn’t think he has what it takes to be a pack alpha, because he doesn’t fit with his father’s idea of what an alpha should be.
The pace slowed in the second half though. While the first part of the book was about retrieving the missing omega, once that was done, it was simply about the pack going on with their lives and wondering who would be the next alpha… even though it was obvious who would be. On the other hand, this allowed for more room to be given to the relationship’s development, which is good because I don’t like it when romances are rushed and feel like insta-love.
Colt is an omega in a family of alphas. His dad is a big-shot politician, and his image is everything to him. Colt spent his life being told how he should act and feel, to fit in the mold his father made for him, so it’s a relief for him to be able to spend time away from his family and to be himself without feeling judged for it. He has spunk and is not a meek omega waiting for an alpha to defend him, and I liked that he and Linden were acting as equals, despite both their fathers’ views on the role of alphas and omegas.
Linden defies the alpha stereotype at every turn. He is not the biggest or the most muscular, and he is a doctor who prefers to find peaceful solutions instead of fighting. He became a doctor for the pack, even though nobody thought it was truly necessary, and slowly showed the pack that maybe he was needed after all. That being said, he will not hesitate to fight and get violent to protect his pack. He reminded me of Quinn in Alice Winters’ Winsford Shifters series. They have a similar vibe that inspires respect, even though they do not fit the preconceived idea of what a pack alpha should be, and how they should act.
The romance between Colt and Linden was well done, sweet, and not too rushed, as is sometimes the case with shifters because of the whole “mate” concept. There is some smut between them and I can't find a specific thing that I didn't like about them or their relationship. That being said, they are not a favorite couple of mine, and I will probably forget about them soon, even though they are cute and seem to have a healthy relationship going on there.
Overall, while this wasn’t my favorite shifter/ABO book, it was engaging and interesting enough for me to read it quickly. The main characters are sweet, cute, and so easy to love, and the secondary characters are interesting, I really liked Claudia, Skye, Brook, and Zeke, and I am curious to see what will happen to Brook, and I want him to get his HEA. Sadly though, his book is only the 3rd one in this series, and the next book is about new characters, so I am not in a hurry to read it… I might get to it eventually, I am still undecided. I am hoping that the plot of the second book will be a little more elaborate though, because the weaker plot in this book is what made me give it 3.5 stars instead of 4 stars.
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August 24, 2021
This is another new-to-me shifter series by Burns and Fawkes, one of my new favorite writing duos.
Black Moon is exciting (but not frantic) and fairly sexy (yes, there's heat fucking).
I loved the MCs: serious, mild-mannered Linden, an Alpha doctor who wants to serve his community, and Colt, the journalist son of a senator who, as an omega, enjoys his freedom and independence.
Linden wants Colt, but is worried Colt won't want to stay in a small town. Colt soon realizes Linden is not a typical Alpha and treats omegas as equals.
When Linden's father is killed, Linden is the obvious choice for pack Alpha, even though he feels ill prepared. But with the town rallying around him, his older brother still MIA, and Colt appointing himself as Linden's campaign manager (the scene at the pub with everyone not so subtly praising Linden's many talents is hilarious!), Linden realizes he needs to step up.
The story introduces many interesting secondary characters: Claudia, the smart and sassy omega married to an elementary school teacher; Skye, an omega with the Condition who is Linden's medical assistant at the clinic; Brooks who is kidnapped and brutalized by a feral Alpha; and Dante, the mysterious Alpha who helps Brook escape.
The MCs get their HEA, but the main plot point regarding what's causing the Condition killing omegas isn't resolved. This is fine because there are three more books in this series, which I'm going to read immediately.
Black Moon is exciting (but not frantic) and fairly sexy (yes, there's heat fucking).
I loved the MCs: serious, mild-mannered Linden, an Alpha doctor who wants to serve his community, and Colt, the journalist son of a senator who, as an omega, enjoys his freedom and independence.
Linden wants Colt, but is worried Colt won't want to stay in a small town. Colt soon realizes Linden is not a typical Alpha and treats omegas as equals.
When Linden's father is killed, Linden is the obvious choice for pack Alpha, even though he feels ill prepared. But with the town rallying around him, his older brother still MIA, and Colt appointing himself as Linden's campaign manager (the scene at the pub with everyone not so subtly praising Linden's many talents is hilarious!), Linden realizes he needs to step up.
The story introduces many interesting secondary characters: Claudia, the smart and sassy omega married to an elementary school teacher; Skye, an omega with the Condition who is Linden's medical assistant at the clinic; Brooks who is kidnapped and brutalized by a feral Alpha; and Dante, the mysterious Alpha who helps Brook escape.
The MCs get their HEA, but the main plot point regarding what's causing the Condition killing omegas isn't resolved. This is fine because there are three more books in this series, which I'm going to read immediately.
April 10, 2021
So good. This book is the introduction to Sam and Fawkes' new shifter series and I'm already intrigued by their take on an ABO omegaverse.
Here the setting is urban fantasy, with humans aware of werewolves but not much in the way of knowledge.
Most packs are left to themselves and the wolves are dealing with a mystery ailment which is killing or weakening omegas.
The plot for this book is an interesting one, given it involves an alpha who doesn't want to be pack leader and an omega who refuses to be subservient.
I loved Linden, he's as solid as the tree he's named after. Colby was a delight too, feisty but not obnoxious, he knows his own mind and is willing to stick up for himself.
I'm not going into the plot, it worked perfectly for me, fitting with both men's characters and for the world building which had gone on.
I'm intrigued and have SO MANY QUESTIONS so I'll be bugging the authors now until the next one is out 😁
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Here the setting is urban fantasy, with humans aware of werewolves but not much in the way of knowledge.
Most packs are left to themselves and the wolves are dealing with a mystery ailment which is killing or weakening omegas.
The plot for this book is an interesting one, given it involves an alpha who doesn't want to be pack leader and an omega who refuses to be subservient.
I loved Linden, he's as solid as the tree he's named after. Colby was a delight too, feisty but not obnoxious, he knows his own mind and is willing to stick up for himself.
I'm not going into the plot, it worked perfectly for me, fitting with both men's characters and for the world building which had gone on.
I'm intrigued and have SO MANY QUESTIONS so I'll be bugging the authors now until the next one is out 😁
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
August 24, 2021
Very middling for me. I probably won't continue with this series.
November 4, 2023
It was about time I re-read this book <3 I think I might start Brook and Aspen's one again now <333
----------------------------------------
4.5
Well, look at me, happily falling down the A/B/O rabbit hole: two-months-ago me would have been shocked. Needless to say, I'm becoming obsessed with this genre and I'm so happy I gave this series a chance because I just *know* this is my new literary addiction: plus, Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes have a huge backlist together, so I think I'll be a very satisfied reader for the forseeable future.
"Black Moon" was the perfect novel for me: angst-y and romantic, with a whole lot of found family vibes (A WHOLE LOT) and a small-town atmosphere that I adored. The two main characters were so lovely and so perfect for one another: Colt was snarky and serious and confident, but also so heartbreakingly insecure and worried that I literally wanted to hug him to death; Linden was, hands down, absolute perfection. I love a flawed and broken MC anytime, but sometimes you get that one character that is good and nice (and yeah, flawed and insecure too), who tries their best to make everybody happy and safe... I had heart-eyes for the whole book. I adored him. And I just loved that, although both MCs are quite unsure about the other's intentions for quite a bit of the book, they communicate a lot and the relationship drama was virtually non-existent. It made my stressed heart very happy.
I also adored the whole bunch of side characters: from Juniper and Rowan (I just know I'll be quite happy to sacrifice my soul for a book about him) to Claudia and Zeke and Skye and Brook (especially Brook: he broke my heart and now I'm so looking forward to reading about him a bit more).
I was quite surprised and so happy to discover that, although the romance was very prominent (especially in the second half of the book *swoons*), the story was very articulated and rich and not solely centred on the romance or relationship bit, with an interesting underlying plot about the mysterious Condition affecting most of the wolves' omegas.
I'm so looking forward to discovering more of Grovetown and its lovely, lovely characters.
----------------------------------------
4.5
Well, look at me, happily falling down the A/B/O rabbit hole: two-months-ago me would have been shocked. Needless to say, I'm becoming obsessed with this genre and I'm so happy I gave this series a chance because I just *know* this is my new literary addiction: plus, Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes have a huge backlist together, so I think I'll be a very satisfied reader for the forseeable future.
"Black Moon" was the perfect novel for me: angst-y and romantic, with a whole lot of found family vibes (A WHOLE LOT) and a small-town atmosphere that I adored. The two main characters were so lovely and so perfect for one another: Colt was snarky and serious and confident, but also so heartbreakingly insecure and worried that I literally wanted to hug him to death; Linden was, hands down, absolute perfection. I love a flawed and broken MC anytime, but sometimes you get that one character that is good and nice (and yeah, flawed and insecure too), who tries their best to make everybody happy and safe... I had heart-eyes for the whole book. I adored him. And I just loved that, although both MCs are quite unsure about the other's intentions for quite a bit of the book, they communicate a lot and the relationship drama was virtually non-existent. It made my stressed heart very happy.
I also adored the whole bunch of side characters: from Juniper and Rowan (I just know I'll be quite happy to sacrifice my soul for a book about him) to Claudia and Zeke and Skye and Brook (especially Brook: he broke my heart and now I'm so looking forward to reading about him a bit more).
I was quite surprised and so happy to discover that, although the romance was very prominent (especially in the second half of the book *swoons*), the story was very articulated and rich and not solely centred on the romance or relationship bit, with an interesting underlying plot about the mysterious Condition affecting most of the wolves' omegas.
I'm so looking forward to discovering more of Grovetown and its lovely, lovely characters.
March 13, 2025
I liked this. I liked this a lot! A WHOLE LOT!
July 17, 2021
Awesome introduction to a wonderful series!
Excellent world building, characters that draw you in till they really get you emotionally invested in their lives. Enjoyed this so much!
Excellent world building, characters that draw you in till they really get you emotionally invested in their lives. Enjoyed this so much!
dnf
August 22, 2022DNF 32%
What on earth made me think I could read an ABO story? A whole bunch of NO.
What on earth made me think I could read an ABO story? A whole bunch of NO.
April 11, 2021
Its no secret that I lurrrveee this writing duo. I do not think I've read a book by them I've not enjoyed especially when they write book series' so you bet your bum I was super excited to read this...ESPECIALLY after reading the blurb.
Linden was not your typical Alpha. For one, he wasn't a hulking, growling muscled a$$. He was sweet, thoughtful, kind, and so warm hearted I wanted to hug and never let go. Colt was also not your docile, non-confrontational omega. He was feisty to say the lease and gave as good as he got. Needless to say, this made their dynamic very interesting.
I loved the way the relationship was drama-free, considering there were so many instances it could've easily gone that route. Also, I enjoyed how Colt's family was handled even though I expected his dad to have received a stronger comeuppance than he did. Blame it on my innate pettiness... *shrugs*
So, by now you can tell I absolutely enjoyed this story and you'd be right.
However, although the Colt and Linden story was completed(more or less), I wished we were given an idea as to what direction the series was taking. Because of this, at the end, I was left with a myriad of unanswered questions. Such as
I know this is the first book in a series so obviously not everything can be answered but I would've appreciated some hints here and there honestly. Fortunately, knowing this duo, it will all be hopefully worked out in the subsequent books (fingers crossed).
So if you're looking for a very well-written shifter book that is the right mix of romance, great banter and a fast paced adventure to right wrongs and get loved ones back to where they truly belong, pick this one up, you won't be disappointed.
**eARC Graciously Provided in Exchange for an Honest , Unbiased Review **
Linden was not your typical Alpha. For one, he wasn't a hulking, growling muscled a$$. He was sweet, thoughtful, kind, and so warm hearted I wanted to hug and never let go. Colt was also not your docile, non-confrontational omega. He was feisty to say the lease and gave as good as he got. Needless to say, this made their dynamic very interesting.
I loved the way the relationship was drama-free, considering there were so many instances it could've easily gone that route. Also, I enjoyed how Colt's family was handled even though I expected his dad to have received a stronger comeuppance than he did. Blame it on my innate pettiness... *shrugs*
So, by now you can tell I absolutely enjoyed this story and you'd be right.
However, although the Colt and Linden story was completed(more or less), I wished we were given an idea as to what direction the series was taking. Because of this, at the end, I was left with a myriad of unanswered questions. Such as
I know this is the first book in a series so obviously not everything can be answered but I would've appreciated some hints here and there honestly. Fortunately, knowing this duo, it will all be hopefully worked out in the subsequent books (fingers crossed).
So if you're looking for a very well-written shifter book that is the right mix of romance, great banter and a fast paced adventure to right wrongs and get loved ones back to where they truly belong, pick this one up, you won't be disappointed.
**eARC Graciously Provided in Exchange for an Honest , Unbiased Review **
April 22, 2021
4.5 stars!
I adore ABO shifter books so when my favorite writing duo decided to write one I was alll over it. This book had everything that I personally look for in what I consider a good ABO book: well developed and interesting shifter politics, strong omegas who buck awful stereotypes, alphas who show their strength through more than just their claws, and, of course, some super steamy knotty scenes. I was hooked into the world from the very beginning, and I believe there are so many wonderful ways this series could be taken. There are a lot of unanswered questions, it is the first in the series after all, but there’s a strong romance HEA for two characters who absolutely deserve it. If you’re a fan of these types of stories, definitely pick this one up, you won’t regret it. Also, it’s ABO but no signs of Mpreg, so if that was making you hesitant no need to worry.
I adore ABO shifter books so when my favorite writing duo decided to write one I was alll over it. This book had everything that I personally look for in what I consider a good ABO book: well developed and interesting shifter politics, strong omegas who buck awful stereotypes, alphas who show their strength through more than just their claws, and, of course, some super steamy knotty scenes. I was hooked into the world from the very beginning, and I believe there are so many wonderful ways this series could be taken. There are a lot of unanswered questions, it is the first in the series after all, but there’s a strong romance HEA for two characters who absolutely deserve it. If you’re a fan of these types of stories, definitely pick this one up, you won’t regret it. Also, it’s ABO but no signs of Mpreg, so if that was making you hesitant no need to worry.
May 27, 2023
[3.75] while i think the number of pages could've been shaved down for a more compact plot (and ultimately, more impactful delicery), i enjoyed the world these new-to-me authors built. definitely not nearly as angsty as i was expecting given some of the included themes and plot devices - there was one particular instance of contrived relationship drama that even the MC acknowledged as dumb lol - but the situation around the Condition intrigues me 👀
April 6, 2022
In a rare turn of events, I have found new-to-me authors whose books I actually enjoyed *gasps*. I liked this book and it sets the tone for an action packed series filled with the sweetest romances. This story was a delightful balance of tender moments and character growth.
I am obviously on a shifter kick and I loved how unique the Grove pack was. Most stories take place with the pack on the fringes of society or hiding but in this world, the Grove pack thriving. First there was unconventional alpha, Linden, who has him moments, but 99% of the time he is the opposite of an alpha's typical demeanor. As a doctor, he's kind, soft-spoken, thoughtful, and thinks before he acts. Which is exactly what Colt needed. Colt finds himself invited to visit the Grove pack under false pretenses. Which he learns about over the course of the book, and then he soon finds himself falling for the town doctor.
As tension and attraction build between Colt and Linden, Colt learns to trust himself, relax, and rely on the quaint small town. Where as, Linden becomes the man and alpha he was truly meant to be. I loved the character growth in this story. Not only did each character mature, their relationship evolved as well. They went from almost enemies to the cutest of lovers. And when Colt's family showed up, it solidified the strength of their relationship. Not to mention the side plot of The Condition is a mystery that had me intrigued and will play out throughout the series. Simply to say, this book was an enjoyable read and I already started the next one in the series.
I am obviously on a shifter kick and I loved how unique the Grove pack was. Most stories take place with the pack on the fringes of society or hiding but in this world, the Grove pack thriving. First there was unconventional alpha, Linden, who has him moments, but 99% of the time he is the opposite of an alpha's typical demeanor. As a doctor, he's kind, soft-spoken, thoughtful, and thinks before he acts. Which is exactly what Colt needed. Colt finds himself invited to visit the Grove pack under false pretenses. Which he learns about over the course of the book, and then he soon finds himself falling for the town doctor.
As tension and attraction build between Colt and Linden, Colt learns to trust himself, relax, and rely on the quaint small town. Where as, Linden becomes the man and alpha he was truly meant to be. I loved the character growth in this story. Not only did each character mature, their relationship evolved as well. They went from almost enemies to the cutest of lovers. And when Colt's family showed up, it solidified the strength of their relationship. Not to mention the side plot of The Condition is a mystery that had me intrigued and will play out throughout the series. Simply to say, this book was an enjoyable read and I already started the next one in the series.
August 10, 2023
3,75 gwiazdki
Ciekawa dynamika stada, nietypowa alfa i trochę infantylna omega. Do tego trochę przemocy poza stroną i zbyt łatwe rozwiązania węzłów fabularnych. Widać, że autorka nie lubi krzywdzić swoich bohaterów. Przez to historia była trochę mdła, ale i tak czytało się ją dość przyjemnie.
Ciekawa dynamika stada, nietypowa alfa i trochę infantylna omega. Do tego trochę przemocy poza stroną i zbyt łatwe rozwiązania węzłów fabularnych. Widać, że autorka nie lubi krzywdzić swoich bohaterów. Przez to historia była trochę mdła, ale i tak czytało się ją dość przyjemnie.
October 6, 2024
I fucking love guilty pleasures and these types of book will always be mine 😭
I loved how sweet Linden was. Not your typical angry alpha but someone a little bit unsure of himself and charming as hell all the same. The freaking obsession with sweaterss? Pls 😭
Colt was all the fiery omega mc we can expect. I actually loved how easily they fit together and how I didn’t feel like it was truly all that rushed. Gaaaad I love them. Whatever. Vibes. 10/10 served its purpose of giving me a good time
I loved how sweet Linden was. Not your typical angry alpha but someone a little bit unsure of himself and charming as hell all the same. The freaking obsession with sweaterss? Pls 😭
Colt was all the fiery omega mc we can expect. I actually loved how easily they fit together and how I didn’t feel like it was truly all that rushed. Gaaaad I love them. Whatever. Vibes. 10/10 served its purpose of giving me a good time
April 22, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Black Moon is the first book in the new Wolf Moon Rising series by Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes. It features a non-mpreg omegaverse world and the authors give it a nice twist in the world building. We learn that about 20 years ago, omegas started being afflicted by what they call the Condition, a mysterious disorder that weakens and kills many omegas. No one knows why, or how to stop it, but it has left many packs decimated by the loss of their omegas.
This is a fairly long book and I think there was just not enough story to tell to fill all these pages. The first part of the book is pretty busy as we get the introduction to the characters, the pack, and the situation with the omegas. So a lot is happening at the start and it was a bit overwhelming meeting all these characters, particularly since many have similar names. But once things settle, the book keeps a pretty even pace throughout and much of the story seemed to be showcasing how nice and lovely Linden is as a man and a leader. And he totally is and I loved him, but that wasn’t really enough to carry such a long book.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Black Moon is the first book in the new Wolf Moon Rising series by Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes. It features a non-mpreg omegaverse world and the authors give it a nice twist in the world building. We learn that about 20 years ago, omegas started being afflicted by what they call the Condition, a mysterious disorder that weakens and kills many omegas. No one knows why, or how to stop it, but it has left many packs decimated by the loss of their omegas.
This is a fairly long book and I think there was just not enough story to tell to fill all these pages. The first part of the book is pretty busy as we get the introduction to the characters, the pack, and the situation with the omegas. So a lot is happening at the start and it was a bit overwhelming meeting all these characters, particularly since many have similar names. But once things settle, the book keeps a pretty even pace throughout and much of the story seemed to be showcasing how nice and lovely Linden is as a man and a leader. And he totally is and I loved him, but that wasn’t really enough to carry such a long book.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
August 28, 2021
3.5 rounded up
Something about this author/author combo right now is really working for me. The writing is decent, the characters are compelling, and the supernatural world is interesting. It's not particularly deep or super intricate, and there's certainly some parts that feel a bit shallow or don't quite make sense (Cole's accusing Linden of using him made absolute zero sense for the situation or his character and felt like a bit of forced ~conflict~ in an otherwise quite mature relationship) but overall I really enjoyed and these books are kind of exactly what I need right now. Engaging enough to keep me interested but not too deep or overwrought to get me overly invested. Already have the rest of the series on my KU. :D
Something about this author/author combo right now is really working for me. The writing is decent, the characters are compelling, and the supernatural world is interesting. It's not particularly deep or super intricate, and there's certainly some parts that feel a bit shallow or don't quite make sense (Cole's accusing Linden of using him made absolute zero sense for the situation or his character and felt like a bit of forced ~conflict~ in an otherwise quite mature relationship) but overall I really enjoyed and these books are kind of exactly what I need right now. Engaging enough to keep me interested but not too deep or overwrought to get me overly invested. Already have the rest of the series on my KU. :D
April 28, 2022
3.5 stars.
This one had a good pace and I liked the characters- ‘liked’ them, I didn’t ‘love’ them.
It was pretty chilled and an easy read. Definitely enjoyable and one that doesn’t hold too much angst but still keeps your interest.
3.5 stars xx
This one had a good pace and I liked the characters- ‘liked’ them, I didn’t ‘love’ them.
It was pretty chilled and an easy read. Definitely enjoyable and one that doesn’t hold too much angst but still keeps your interest.
3.5 stars xx
April 26, 2021
This story was such a nice surprise and I really enjoyed it. When I started reading this story I was not quite sure what to expect ... and essentially my expectations were completely wrong.
Linden is a modern Alpha and in a rural pack. in his eyes (through the eyes of his father who he sees as the typical Alpha) not really the best Alpha to lead a pack but his elder brother left the pack years ago.
Colt is a very contrary Omega who lived in the City for all his life and is a journalist who wants to write an article about the Condition, an illness which attacks only Omegas.
When they meet it is not under the best circumstances because both act under wrong assumptions but I really liked how they delt with that and how they acted. the way their relationship developed, was very well thought out and it just worked for me.
the story is really well developed and well done, although it is clear that there are open questions, which are left for the next book ... and I am really looking forward to it.
and I would like another book with Linden and Colt as there are open questions here as well but I also want one with Brook and maybe Aspen
All in all a great read for everyone who likes shapeshifters and romance (and knotting ;) )
An ARC was provided by "Gay romance reviews" in exchange for an honest review
Linden is a modern Alpha and in a rural pack. in his eyes (through the eyes of his father who he sees as the typical Alpha) not really the best Alpha to lead a pack but his elder brother left the pack years ago.
Colt is a very contrary Omega who lived in the City for all his life and is a journalist who wants to write an article about the Condition, an illness which attacks only Omegas.
When they meet it is not under the best circumstances because both act under wrong assumptions but I really liked how they delt with that and how they acted. the way their relationship developed, was very well thought out and it just worked for me.
the story is really well developed and well done, although it is clear that there are open questions, which are left for the next book ... and I am really looking forward to it.
and I would like another book with Linden and Colt as there are open questions here as well but I also want one with Brook and maybe Aspen
All in all a great read for everyone who likes shapeshifters and romance (and knotting ;) )
An ARC was provided by "Gay romance reviews" in exchange for an honest review
April 22, 2021
I’m already a huge fan of this writing duo, and I love paranormal creatures and the Alpha/Beta/Omega dynamic, so of course I was going to pick this one up! The story has a good setup and the majority of the world building is evident. The two main characters, Linden and Colt, are both likable and solid leads. The story itself for the most part is solid, and it does have a good supporting cast that easily lends itself to future stories in the series.
Linden and Colt are a good matchup, and strongly complement each other. They absolutely have that all-important physical chemistry (my oh my, their encounter during Colt’s heat…whew!), and the mate attraction is more subtle as it develops than demandingly overwhelming, which worked well for them.
There’s some drama in the first part of the book with a kidnapped omega from the pack (Brook, my heart broke for him!), and once that is handled and Colt’s heat has passed the story did seem to lag a bit as things began to focus more on pack politics and who was going to become the next pack Alpha. I was glad once a bit more drama cropped up to pull my attention more solidly into the story again in the last part of the book.
I did enjoy the story, and overall it was a 4-star read for me. Since I mentioned Colt’s heat earlier and the steaminess of that portion of the story, I’m sure you’re not surprised to know I recommend this for readers 18+ for the adult language and sexual content. I’m definitely looking forward to more in the series, and really want Brook to get his happy ending after everything he’s been through.
Linden and Colt are a good matchup, and strongly complement each other. They absolutely have that all-important physical chemistry (my oh my, their encounter during Colt’s heat…whew!), and the mate attraction is more subtle as it develops than demandingly overwhelming, which worked well for them.
There’s some drama in the first part of the book with a kidnapped omega from the pack (Brook, my heart broke for him!), and once that is handled and Colt’s heat has passed the story did seem to lag a bit as things began to focus more on pack politics and who was going to become the next pack Alpha. I was glad once a bit more drama cropped up to pull my attention more solidly into the story again in the last part of the book.
I did enjoy the story, and overall it was a 4-star read for me. Since I mentioned Colt’s heat earlier and the steaminess of that portion of the story, I’m sure you’re not surprised to know I recommend this for readers 18+ for the adult language and sexual content. I’m definitely looking forward to more in the series, and really want Brook to get his happy ending after everything he’s been through.
February 2, 2023
3.89 stars. For funsies. Cuz it’s not quite four stars but definitely not 3.5.
Anyway, here’s two things I’ve discovered while perusing a catalogue of (non-mpreg) A/B/O stories:
1. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY!!!! Can write a heat/knotting sex scene like Alessandra Hazard and Eliot Grayson. I am chasing that high and cannot find it. I’m having withdrawals. Alessandra Hazard got me to read books that feature mpreg for fuck sakes. What a thing to torture myself with to find a good sex scene
2. I forget what my second point was because I got really wrapped up in point number one.
Regardless, this was a pleasant and enjoyable story and I’m looking forward to reading the books. It’s missing the spark of amazingness but it’s worth the read and I loved the characters and the plot! Linden and Colt and all the secondary characters are wonderful and their love story is lovely. Good stuff!
I also feel like we all acknowledge the alpha/omega shit is an allegory for the patriarchy and all the misogyny right? It’s handled very well in this book and characters stand against the attitudes commonly held about women I mean omegas. I appreciated it a lot.
Anyway, here’s two things I’ve discovered while perusing a catalogue of (non-mpreg) A/B/O stories:
1. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY!!!! Can write a heat/knotting sex scene like Alessandra Hazard and Eliot Grayson. I am chasing that high and cannot find it. I’m having withdrawals. Alessandra Hazard got me to read books that feature mpreg for fuck sakes. What a thing to torture myself with to find a good sex scene
2. I forget what my second point was because I got really wrapped up in point number one.
Regardless, this was a pleasant and enjoyable story and I’m looking forward to reading the books. It’s missing the spark of amazingness but it’s worth the read and I loved the characters and the plot! Linden and Colt and all the secondary characters are wonderful and their love story is lovely. Good stuff!
I also feel like we all acknowledge the alpha/omega shit is an allegory for the patriarchy and all the misogyny right? It’s handled very well in this book and characters stand against the attitudes commonly held about women I mean omegas. I appreciated it a lot.
January 4, 2024
Don't know who I like more, Linden or Colt
In a world where werewolf alphas are arseholes, Linden is a sweet, jumper-wearing doctor who cares more about his pack than posturing. Colt is an omega who doesn't need anyone saving him, or talking over him.
Even though these misunderstanding plotlines happen like this, and I love them, I still find them frustrating. Of course they both want each other but instead of coming out and saying it, they keep making excuses to stay in each other's lives.
This, I believe, classifies as an absolute sweet romance story. Sure, there are some hard plotlines, like Linden's father being murdered, the kidnapping of the omega, and his mental state post-return. However, it's much less complicated than I thought. With how it usually goes, I kept expecting Skip, instead of toeing a line of being an arsehole, going past it and joining the Reid pack or something. Maybe he's just a bit simple and there's a story for him later on.
For a story about werewolves, this is more sweet natured (and I'm not just talking about Rowan's apple pies).
Definitely would recommend to anyone who just needs a break from all the heavy topics and instead wants a bit of sunshine to read about.
In a world where werewolf alphas are arseholes, Linden is a sweet, jumper-wearing doctor who cares more about his pack than posturing. Colt is an omega who doesn't need anyone saving him, or talking over him.
Even though these misunderstanding plotlines happen like this, and I love them, I still find them frustrating. Of course they both want each other but instead of coming out and saying it, they keep making excuses to stay in each other's lives.
This, I believe, classifies as an absolute sweet romance story. Sure, there are some hard plotlines, like Linden's father being murdered, the kidnapping of the omega, and his mental state post-return. However, it's much less complicated than I thought. With how it usually goes, I kept expecting Skip, instead of toeing a line of being an arsehole, going past it and joining the Reid pack or something. Maybe he's just a bit simple and there's a story for him later on.
For a story about werewolves, this is more sweet natured (and I'm not just talking about Rowan's apple pies).
Definitely would recommend to anyone who just needs a break from all the heavy topics and instead wants a bit of sunshine to read about.
April 24, 2021
Really enjoyed this alpha/omega shifter m/m romance!
This book really set up the series well, giving us a lot of world building, but still leaving a lot of questions to be answered down the road. I loved the main characters, Linden and Colby. I felt like Linden was such a steady, serious character and the more light hearted and passionate Colby was a perfect fit. I loved how their relationship grew slowly and the steamy parts were fantastic.
I liked the other characters as well, and am excited to see the series continue. I did think the violence seemed a bit intense for the overall tone of the story, but otherwise really enjoyed this book.
Definitely recommend this alpha/omega shifter romance for all m/m fans out there!
Thank you GRR for this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
This book really set up the series well, giving us a lot of world building, but still leaving a lot of questions to be answered down the road. I loved the main characters, Linden and Colby. I felt like Linden was such a steady, serious character and the more light hearted and passionate Colby was a perfect fit. I loved how their relationship grew slowly and the steamy parts were fantastic.
I liked the other characters as well, and am excited to see the series continue. I did think the violence seemed a bit intense for the overall tone of the story, but otherwise really enjoyed this book.
Definitely recommend this alpha/omega shifter romance for all m/m fans out there!
Thank you GRR for this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2021
This one is so hard to rate!!! I really enjoyed the characters and the overall plot so much, but there were pieces to the story that I just didn't quite feel right.
Linden and Cort were adorable together and their banter was so sweet. I adored Cort's POV and the 'voices' in his head.
The major premise of the story was dealing with a disease that attacks omegas and Cort is a journalist writing an article on Linden's pack and their omegas. After he arrived in town, this was never mentioned again, except in passing. It was one of the major plot points...
I also didn't understand how with the loss of omegas, the alphas were becoming emotional and rabid...doesn't seem realistic for a group that is meant to lead packs.
Linden and Cort were adorable together and their banter was so sweet. I adored Cort's POV and the 'voices' in his head.
The major premise of the story was dealing with a disease that attacks omegas and Cort is a journalist writing an article on Linden's pack and their omegas. After he arrived in town, this was never mentioned again, except in passing. It was one of the major plot points...
I also didn't understand how with the loss of omegas, the alphas were becoming emotional and rabid...doesn't seem realistic for a group that is meant to lead packs.
July 26, 2021
3.5-4 stars
Very much enjoyed that book, low relationship angst, but some good drama within the pack.
I can’t wait to see how it goes later in the series for Brooks, Skye and hopefully Rowans books!!
Overall this was a good start to a series and Michael Fell did a great job narrating.
Very much enjoyed that book, low relationship angst, but some good drama within the pack.
I can’t wait to see how it goes later in the series for Brooks, Skye and hopefully Rowans books!!
Overall this was a good start to a series and Michael Fell did a great job narrating.
February 19, 2022
That was surprisingly good😵. It was very sweet and Linden was what you'd call a typical 'good' protagonist so I wasn't sure I'd like it and while I did hope the fight at the end showed a little more badassery I enjoyed it.
September 27, 2022
Great story! I especially loved how omega Colt stood up against the alphas and their stereotyping. And Linden is going to be an awesome pack alpha. :)
Looking forward to reading more books of this series.
3.5 stars
Looking forward to reading more books of this series.
3.5 stars
April 26, 2021
this was so interesting.. sexy and fun... curious and kept me guessing.. i was interested in these 2 and their dynamic.. it is fun to have and their love was epic. i loved it.
Read
August 22, 2021A Joyfully Jay review.
Story: 3.5⭐️
Audio: 4⭐️
Dr. Linden Grove has been assured most of his life that as an alpha wolf, he’s pretty useless. He’s a doctor when shifters don’t need them; he’s thoughtful, practical, and almost pacifist by nature instead of the typical violent, fighting alpha. Basically, Linden is everything a pack leader is not. Content to quietly tend to the pack elderly, oversee the care of a young omega with the Condition, and never wanting nor expecting to lead the pack, Linden is perfectly fine with this assessment. Unfortunately, when the neighboring Reid pack kidnaps a Grove pack member and the rescue ends in tragedy, quite of few pack members look to Linden to lead, and having listened to his pack mates’ extreme dislike of the other alpha positioning himself to be leader, Linden reluctantly agrees to toss his hat into the political ring.
When reporter Colt Doherty receives permission to visit the Grove pack, he jumps at the opportunity. Having been trying for months to connect with rural packs that seem to be managing the Condition better than urban packs, the invitation couldn’t come at a better time. As the only omega child of the only wolf Senator in Congress and having only alpha siblings, Colt needs a break from his father’s constant demands, perpetual disappointment, and his alpha-heavy family’s suffocating, condescending alphaness. Expecting to write a simple story about some hick pack’s “weird traditions and backwards habits,” he’s surprised to find a pack in mourning and upheaval and the most progressive alpha he’s ever met.
Between the death of the pack leader; distress over his kidnapped friend and pack mate, Brook; and trying to figure out how to deal with the Reid pack, Linden is less than pleased (and a bit distrustful) to have a reporter in the middle of pack business, but soon learns that Colt is as compassionate as he is handsome and delicious smelling. For Colt, the uptight doctor with a love of sweater vests and wariness from the pack will not deter him from getting his story (and possibly another juicy scoop). Instead of finding a town full of backwards yokels, Colt finds a vibrant, warm community of (mostly) forward-thinking people whose omegas are simply equal pack members (not commodities), and despite himself, Colt feels more at home within this small, rural town (and in the arms of the swoony town doc) than he ever has with his own family. But with Colt’s life being back in D.C., their reluctance to admit to one another what they want, continued danger from the Reids, and pressure from Colt’s family, Linden and Colt’s rosy, apple-picking dreams may be squashed if the two can’t learn to trust in themselves and their own worthiness enough to overcome the obstacles in their way.
"Black Moon" is the first book in the Wolf Moon Rising series co-written by Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes. The series opener has a distracting combination of both solid and flimsy world building and development, but is still an overall good listen. I’ll be honest, the story and Colt had to grow on me. In Colt’s own words, he’s sharp and difficult, and he comes across as the arrogant, presumptuous, city slicker who hopes to benefit from a rural pack’s success with omega care while simultaneously doubtful he can learn anything from primitive, countrified rubes. Despite being snarky, opinionated, and a bit defensive and judgy, Colt’s a good person whose outer confidence is more hollow than he realizes. ‘Finding your inner worth’ is the main obstacle for both MCs (and unexpectedly the main plot point), the difference being that Linden is fully aware of his lack of self-assurance, while Colt comes slowly to the realization.
Linden lacks faith in himself in all areas of his life, even his worth as a physician. What’s endearing about him is that even as he questions his value and abilities, he’s still willing to push himself outside his comfort zone and improve any way he can. Colt’s awareness comes from moments of realization as he interacts with members of the Grove pack and “facts” about his uselessness that pop into his mind. Despite his lifelong attempts to prove his independence, capability, and value to his family, Colt has internalized the garbage alphas spout about omegas. As a couple, Linden’s almost painfully formal manner and Colt’s straightforward, yet teasing way with Linden make them adorable and oddly well-matched. Their individual growth and unexpected romance is the strongest aspect of the story, especially since there are several plot lines introduced that have less weight/development than I expected. Even the ever-present danger of the Reid pack turns out to be less tornado and more stiff breeze. And I know blurbs are meant to sell books, but “To save the day, sheltered Colt has to drop the politics and become the action hero he never thought an omega could be” is a bit much considering Colt isn’t sheltered, he DEFINITELY doesn’t drop politics, and if he’s an action hero then every person who’s done some self defense should be qualified to scream “Yippy-ki-ay” while running along the outside of Nakatomi Plaza.
While I appreciate the in-depth look at the MCs, trauma, and the many lovely personality traits of important secondary characters, the lack of follow through on plot points and/or presenting them as important when they’re more like background noise are examples of inconsistencies in the narratives that are also found in the world building. "Black Moon" takes place in an America where wolf shifters came out of hiding decades ago, and for twenty years, omega populations have been afflicted by a degenerative, often fatal disease known as the Condition, which seems to strike during times of hormonal imbalances/physically taxing times such as puberty, pregnancy, and childbirth. No one seems to know its etiology (origin or continuing cause) or how to cure it, although rural packs have larger numbers of healthy omegas, as well as ones living with the Condition. I love a good medical mystery, so I was disappointed that the only known medically trained shifter has done nothing but treat the disease. Until Colt’s arrival, it doesn’t seem to cross Linden’s mind to begin research into the condition or try to establish some connection with other packs. This is particularly odd to me as effects of the Condition are what motivated Linden to become a doctor and Linden apparently takes great pains to document every aspect of an affected pack mate’s treatment.
While unraveling the Condition is a great set-up for Colt’s arrival and an overarching series arc, the incongruity between what is and isn’t the same in the human world highlights the world building elements I find mismatched. For example, a shifter holds an office as high up as U.S. Senator and the story gives the impression that there are other wolves (some out as shifters, some not) involved in government, but there is no human or wolf governing body and law enforcement “leaves wolf problems to the wolves.” Considering the founder of the Grove pack came from a rich, landed family who upheld the same societal markers as humans, such as status, wealth, and primogeniture-based succession, having no centralized group or even a local council/loose alpha affiliation or something doesn’t fit with the other details to me. While I like Fawkes and Burns’ attempt to portray more modern cultural elements and how modern shifters struggle with urges from their wolves that don’t bow to progressive thinking or logic, I think creating specific details without comparable general ones weakens the story.
However, Michael Fell’s performance as narrator helped keep me engaged. His voice for Colt is spot on and manages to convey all the character’s sass, vulnerability, and fire. Linden’s voice is also well-matched to the character, but Fell doesn’t always take advantage of the opportunities first person POV gives in my opinion. Having access to the character’s inner thoughts usually provides a layer of distinction between how the character is perceived and who they are. Linden is perceived as somewhat remote and uptight, but has very strong feelings and reactions to situations that are muted when Fell continues to use Linden’s contemplative and distanced tone even when the narrative shows Linden isn’t holding back and/or is deeply affected. This isn’t overly disruptive; what is though are the weirdly placed and/or too long pauses. Generally, overly long pauses are present when a narrator’s pace too slow. But, the pacing here is fine; there’s just pauses in dialogue or between connected/related sentences that are as long as those between paragraph and some as long as section breaks. It’s the first time I had to speed up a book because the pause lengths made the sentences disjointed. However, I found that at around 1.6-1.8x speed, the pauses are much less noticeable and the quality of the character voices and performance are not distorted, allowing Fells’s engaging and enjoyable narration to take center stage.
Overall, I think "Black Moon" is an entertaining introduction to an interesting shifter world and culture that I think many readers of paranormal will enjoy, and that the quality of Fell’s portrayal of the Grove pack and Colt in particular can obscure that particular production issue (especially for listeners who don’t mind higher narration speeds).
Story: 3.5⭐️
Audio: 4⭐️
Dr. Linden Grove has been assured most of his life that as an alpha wolf, he’s pretty useless. He’s a doctor when shifters don’t need them; he’s thoughtful, practical, and almost pacifist by nature instead of the typical violent, fighting alpha. Basically, Linden is everything a pack leader is not. Content to quietly tend to the pack elderly, oversee the care of a young omega with the Condition, and never wanting nor expecting to lead the pack, Linden is perfectly fine with this assessment. Unfortunately, when the neighboring Reid pack kidnaps a Grove pack member and the rescue ends in tragedy, quite of few pack members look to Linden to lead, and having listened to his pack mates’ extreme dislike of the other alpha positioning himself to be leader, Linden reluctantly agrees to toss his hat into the political ring.
When reporter Colt Doherty receives permission to visit the Grove pack, he jumps at the opportunity. Having been trying for months to connect with rural packs that seem to be managing the Condition better than urban packs, the invitation couldn’t come at a better time. As the only omega child of the only wolf Senator in Congress and having only alpha siblings, Colt needs a break from his father’s constant demands, perpetual disappointment, and his alpha-heavy family’s suffocating, condescending alphaness. Expecting to write a simple story about some hick pack’s “weird traditions and backwards habits,” he’s surprised to find a pack in mourning and upheaval and the most progressive alpha he’s ever met.
Between the death of the pack leader; distress over his kidnapped friend and pack mate, Brook; and trying to figure out how to deal with the Reid pack, Linden is less than pleased (and a bit distrustful) to have a reporter in the middle of pack business, but soon learns that Colt is as compassionate as he is handsome and delicious smelling. For Colt, the uptight doctor with a love of sweater vests and wariness from the pack will not deter him from getting his story (and possibly another juicy scoop). Instead of finding a town full of backwards yokels, Colt finds a vibrant, warm community of (mostly) forward-thinking people whose omegas are simply equal pack members (not commodities), and despite himself, Colt feels more at home within this small, rural town (and in the arms of the swoony town doc) than he ever has with his own family. But with Colt’s life being back in D.C., their reluctance to admit to one another what they want, continued danger from the Reids, and pressure from Colt’s family, Linden and Colt’s rosy, apple-picking dreams may be squashed if the two can’t learn to trust in themselves and their own worthiness enough to overcome the obstacles in their way.
"Black Moon" is the first book in the Wolf Moon Rising series co-written by Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes. The series opener has a distracting combination of both solid and flimsy world building and development, but is still an overall good listen. I’ll be honest, the story and Colt had to grow on me. In Colt’s own words, he’s sharp and difficult, and he comes across as the arrogant, presumptuous, city slicker who hopes to benefit from a rural pack’s success with omega care while simultaneously doubtful he can learn anything from primitive, countrified rubes. Despite being snarky, opinionated, and a bit defensive and judgy, Colt’s a good person whose outer confidence is more hollow than he realizes. ‘Finding your inner worth’ is the main obstacle for both MCs (and unexpectedly the main plot point), the difference being that Linden is fully aware of his lack of self-assurance, while Colt comes slowly to the realization.
Linden lacks faith in himself in all areas of his life, even his worth as a physician. What’s endearing about him is that even as he questions his value and abilities, he’s still willing to push himself outside his comfort zone and improve any way he can. Colt’s awareness comes from moments of realization as he interacts with members of the Grove pack and “facts” about his uselessness that pop into his mind. Despite his lifelong attempts to prove his independence, capability, and value to his family, Colt has internalized the garbage alphas spout about omegas. As a couple, Linden’s almost painfully formal manner and Colt’s straightforward, yet teasing way with Linden make them adorable and oddly well-matched. Their individual growth and unexpected romance is the strongest aspect of the story, especially since there are several plot lines introduced that have less weight/development than I expected. Even the ever-present danger of the Reid pack turns out to be less tornado and more stiff breeze. And I know blurbs are meant to sell books, but “To save the day, sheltered Colt has to drop the politics and become the action hero he never thought an omega could be” is a bit much considering Colt isn’t sheltered, he DEFINITELY doesn’t drop politics, and if he’s an action hero then every person who’s done some self defense should be qualified to scream “Yippy-ki-ay” while running along the outside of Nakatomi Plaza.
While I appreciate the in-depth look at the MCs, trauma, and the many lovely personality traits of important secondary characters, the lack of follow through on plot points and/or presenting them as important when they’re more like background noise are examples of inconsistencies in the narratives that are also found in the world building. "Black Moon" takes place in an America where wolf shifters came out of hiding decades ago, and for twenty years, omega populations have been afflicted by a degenerative, often fatal disease known as the Condition, which seems to strike during times of hormonal imbalances/physically taxing times such as puberty, pregnancy, and childbirth. No one seems to know its etiology (origin or continuing cause) or how to cure it, although rural packs have larger numbers of healthy omegas, as well as ones living with the Condition. I love a good medical mystery, so I was disappointed that the only known medically trained shifter has done nothing but treat the disease. Until Colt’s arrival, it doesn’t seem to cross Linden’s mind to begin research into the condition or try to establish some connection with other packs. This is particularly odd to me as effects of the Condition are what motivated Linden to become a doctor and Linden apparently takes great pains to document every aspect of an affected pack mate’s treatment.
While unraveling the Condition is a great set-up for Colt’s arrival and an overarching series arc, the incongruity between what is and isn’t the same in the human world highlights the world building elements I find mismatched. For example, a shifter holds an office as high up as U.S. Senator and the story gives the impression that there are other wolves (some out as shifters, some not) involved in government, but there is no human or wolf governing body and law enforcement “leaves wolf problems to the wolves.” Considering the founder of the Grove pack came from a rich, landed family who upheld the same societal markers as humans, such as status, wealth, and primogeniture-based succession, having no centralized group or even a local council/loose alpha affiliation or something doesn’t fit with the other details to me. While I like Fawkes and Burns’ attempt to portray more modern cultural elements and how modern shifters struggle with urges from their wolves that don’t bow to progressive thinking or logic, I think creating specific details without comparable general ones weakens the story.
However, Michael Fell’s performance as narrator helped keep me engaged. His voice for Colt is spot on and manages to convey all the character’s sass, vulnerability, and fire. Linden’s voice is also well-matched to the character, but Fell doesn’t always take advantage of the opportunities first person POV gives in my opinion. Having access to the character’s inner thoughts usually provides a layer of distinction between how the character is perceived and who they are. Linden is perceived as somewhat remote and uptight, but has very strong feelings and reactions to situations that are muted when Fell continues to use Linden’s contemplative and distanced tone even when the narrative shows Linden isn’t holding back and/or is deeply affected. This isn’t overly disruptive; what is though are the weirdly placed and/or too long pauses. Generally, overly long pauses are present when a narrator’s pace too slow. But, the pacing here is fine; there’s just pauses in dialogue or between connected/related sentences that are as long as those between paragraph and some as long as section breaks. It’s the first time I had to speed up a book because the pause lengths made the sentences disjointed. However, I found that at around 1.6-1.8x speed, the pauses are much less noticeable and the quality of the character voices and performance are not distorted, allowing Fells’s engaging and enjoyable narration to take center stage.
Overall, I think "Black Moon" is an entertaining introduction to an interesting shifter world and culture that I think many readers of paranormal will enjoy, and that the quality of Fell’s portrayal of the Grove pack and Colt in particular can obscure that particular production issue (especially for listeners who don’t mind higher narration speeds).
dnf
April 27, 2021Well, that was a quick DNF at like 5%? I just couldn't with the world building at all.
a/b/o is an already pretty established trope, I'm fine with authors adding their own flourishes but this time it just went in an absolutely idiotic direction. The idea that Alphas are uncontrollable hormonal rage-machines without the soothing, domestic influence of an Omega just...doesn't work for me.
Especially when the author tries to then have it the other way too where the main characters are supposedly all about circumventing this set-up somehow.
I could also tell that the Alpha character is wet noodle from the little I glimpsed and I like 'em growly and masculine.
a/b/o is an already pretty established trope, I'm fine with authors adding their own flourishes but this time it just went in an absolutely idiotic direction. The idea that Alphas are uncontrollable hormonal rage-machines without the soothing, domestic influence of an Omega just...doesn't work for me.
Especially when the author tries to then have it the other way too where the main characters are supposedly all about circumventing this set-up somehow.
I could also tell that the Alpha character is wet noodle from the little I glimpsed and I like 'em growly and masculine.
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