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Hunter's Moon #1
Hunter's Moon
Noah and Lupina are living in a marriage struck by a sudden onset of lycanthropy.
In order to spare her husband, Lupina sets out on a dangerous journey to satiate his ever growing hunger.
By a stroke of luck Noah musters what humanity he has left and leaves their sad lives behind, allowing Lupe to continue the life she should have had.
But fate won't allow them to part so easily.
In order to spare her husband, Lupina sets out on a dangerous journey to satiate his ever growing hunger.
By a stroke of luck Noah musters what humanity he has left and leaves their sad lives behind, allowing Lupe to continue the life she should have had.
But fate won't allow them to part so easily.
192 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2021
17 people are currently reading
720 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 1, 2024
This is an interesting read if you’re in the mood for a dark, gross, and gory werewolf story. I read it in a day and didn’t want to put it down.
This story jumps between several characters POV. The two main characters are Noah, a werewolf, and his wife Lupi. Their marriage fell apart after Noah turned into a werewolf and then terrorized her for 5 years straight in their cabin. He finally left her with enough money to start over somewhere else.
After that Noah gets lonely and changes a man named Jerry into a werewolf as well. That’s where the story really kicks off because Jerry is a real piece of work and wants to turn and terrorize as many people as possible.
Please be aware that this story is dark and gory, and it also has an unhappy ending.
I really enjoyed it. If it wasn’t for the ending I might have rated this 5 stars.
Also I wouldn’t necessarily classify this as a romance. If you want something super romantic or spicy, this isn’t it. It’s more of a toxic romance story.
This story jumps between several characters POV. The two main characters are Noah, a werewolf, and his wife Lupi. Their marriage fell apart after Noah turned into a werewolf and then terrorized her for 5 years straight in their cabin. He finally left her with enough money to start over somewhere else.
After that Noah gets lonely and changes a man named Jerry into a werewolf as well. That’s where the story really kicks off because Jerry is a real piece of work and wants to turn and terrorize as many people as possible.
Please be aware that this story is dark and gory, and it also has an unhappy ending.
I really enjoyed it. If it wasn’t for the ending I might have rated this 5 stars.
Also I wouldn’t necessarily classify this as a romance. If you want something super romantic or spicy, this isn’t it. It’s more of a toxic romance story.
December 8, 2024
I want to Thank V.J. Garland for the chance to read Hunter's Moon.
This book surprisingly I enjoyed like alot. And the reason I say this is because usually I'm not into wearwolf's and such but this surprised me.
I enjoyed how she added a bit of romance in the mix which I was rooting for Noah and Lupe and that ending...... 😪
I thought it was a great, quick to read, with exquisite detail. The character's are enjoyable and I appreciated the authors attention to details throughout the story.
Thank you again for reaching out and gifting me with a ebook copy!.
Very much a story I enjoyed!
This book surprisingly I enjoyed like alot. And the reason I say this is because usually I'm not into wearwolf's and such but this surprised me.
I enjoyed how she added a bit of romance in the mix which I was rooting for Noah and Lupe and that ending...... 😪
I thought it was a great, quick to read, with exquisite detail. The character's are enjoyable and I appreciated the authors attention to details throughout the story.
Thank you again for reaching out and gifting me with a ebook copy!.
Very much a story I enjoyed!
July 15, 2023
3⭐️
This book was very entertaining but I wouldn't qualify it as a fantasy romance more like horror. This story had a lot of gore and descriptive scenes! I didn't like that the writer didn't put a list of triggers in the beginning of the book and there was a lot of spelling/ grammar mistakes. Other than that the story has potential and I am curious to read book 2.
This book was very entertaining but I wouldn't qualify it as a fantasy romance more like horror. This story had a lot of gore and descriptive scenes! I didn't like that the writer didn't put a list of triggers in the beginning of the book and there was a lot of spelling/ grammar mistakes. Other than that the story has potential and I am curious to read book 2.
July 9, 2023
this is the worst book i have ever read. i saw a tiktok advertising this as vampire diaries vibes and honestly that is insulting to tvd. this book has clearly not been edited, at all. it lacks depth. everything is so flat and superficial. all of the characters are unlikable with zero redeeming qualities. the pacing is bad. there is zero spice with one weird scene where even the characters aren’t satisfied. the ending was rushed, poorly executed, and unsatisfying. save yourself the time, literally anything else on your tbr will be better than this.
September 6, 2023
Crazy Beautiful!!
This is everything I hoped and more! All though the ending was not what I wanted or expected, it was horribly good 😭 I absolutely loved multiple perspectives within the passing chapters! MUST READ!!!!
This is everything I hoped and more! All though the ending was not what I wanted or expected, it was horribly good 😭 I absolutely loved multiple perspectives within the passing chapters! MUST READ!!!!
October 11, 2024
Hunter's Moon is a mix of a paranormal werewolf romance novel and a super intensive, over the top, gross and gore filled werewolf tale. It's one of those novels that leaves you with very little to actually say, it's fast-paced and can be read in one sitting, and it's perfect for those early spooky season vibes. Even though it's essentially just a romance novel, which is a genre I don't particularly read, and even if the writing isn't the most graceful at times, it's still an enjoyable, delightful and extremely fun little novella to sink your teeth into. Surprisingly, I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would, and I honestly, picked it up more for the cover than anything else. It's entertaining and highly brutal, and it ticked a lot of the horror boxes I was looking for. Ultimately though, there's just not really anything to review about Hunter's Moon. It was just, perfectly fine.
I completely get that not every novel needs to be a massive commitment and that we can read just as a pastime, and that's what this book is. It's the perfect kind of novel for those seeking out reading purely for entertainment, for those looking for something that won't take days or weeks to finish, or maybe for those looking to dip their toes into a werewolf novel that doesn't take 100 pages of set-up to get to the action. Hunter's Moon proves that, sometimes, we can read simply to read. This could even be a case of wrong book, wrong reader. But, for me, I just need a little more substance to what I read - a fun time, nonetheless.
I completely get that not every novel needs to be a massive commitment and that we can read just as a pastime, and that's what this book is. It's the perfect kind of novel for those seeking out reading purely for entertainment, for those looking for something that won't take days or weeks to finish, or maybe for those looking to dip their toes into a werewolf novel that doesn't take 100 pages of set-up to get to the action. Hunter's Moon proves that, sometimes, we can read simply to read. This could even be a case of wrong book, wrong reader. But, for me, I just need a little more substance to what I read - a fun time, nonetheless.
October 14, 2023
2.5 stars
August 13, 2023
I am truly amazed by Vanessa J Garland she is truly amazing with her writing I ate this book up, it was very interesting to read, I read it in 2 hours this was one of my favorite books and I’m so excited to read the other two books in this trilogy, the cover is absolutely gorgeous I loved all the detail and design work, This is about a guy named Noah who is a werewolf and he’s with this girl named Lupina who is a human, They we’re together before he turned and one day he turned out of no where she did her best to help him and keep him fed at first her let in animals but eventually those weren’t enough so she ends up luring in people, but things took badly almost everyday for her fighting for her life, the guilt she had made her resent him but still love him, and finally he decides to leave her to let her try to have a normal life, He ends up meeting this guy who’s a truck driver and ends up turning him to have another werewolf friend little does he know the guy would be a powerful werewolf who disobeyes him, Lupina ends up having a decent life with someone named Jax until Noah comes back into her life all hell breaks loose and something terrible happens. I loved everything about this book the ending had me balling and I couldn’t get over it as soon as I finished this book I was on Amazon the 10 minutes later ordering the next two books all and all I rate this book 10/10 Vanessa is a truly Amazing writer and I’m so happy I found these books.
June 3, 2024
I don’t like to give spoilers but all I’m gonna see is this book is both amazing and earth shattering in one, everyone should read the hunters moons this is the 1st book and shout to my favorite author Vanessa because she truly is a masterpiece
September 29, 2023
This book had a lot of potential. I enjoyed it i just felt like we missed a lot with the time jumps. I did enjoy the differebt points of view throughout the book.
August 11, 2023
it wasn’t bad. very short and the writing is like HUGE. reminds me of a primary school novel. but if you like rogue werewolves then you’d enjoy the storyline. very quick read. good buffer between dense books. it was a kind of unusual pov layout. like it would very randomly jump povs and to someone you’ve never had before for like 5 pages and you won’t see them again. and some long ass chapters too
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 14, 2021*Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of the book from the author in exchange for a review*
Trigger Warnings:
•Graphic depictions of killing
•Crude sexual language
•What could be considered descriptions of abuse (from a werewolf)
•Stigmatized talk about STDs
•Fatphobic adjectives
•Slut shaming adjectives
•Vague homophobia
•Sex scenes
•Food talk and body depictions that could affect those with eating disorders
Summary:
Noah, having been a desparately bloodthirsty werewolf for about 5 years, finally leaves his wife Lupina, who had stayed by his side thoughout the change, but barely, as they never spoke anymore, and their relationship was strictly buisiness - she lured his victims in so he didn't turn on her.
After leaving, Noah finds himself on the road, working with an old trucker, who finds out about Noah's nature and asks to be turned. Noah makes the mistake of obliging.
Now Jerry, the new turn, begins to turn others, expanding their pack as they travel across the states, tension rising between Jerry and Noah as they disagree with how things should be handled.
In the meantime, Lupe rebuilds a life for herself in a small fishing town, where she befriends a neighbor who gives her much needed support as she comes back from the years of terror.
All that is threatened, however, when Noah's pack's bloody trail finds itself nearing where Lupe resides.
Review Notes:
(For a full extended review, check out my YouTube review in the coming weeks on youtube.com/AmberKaitlyn)
Conceptually, the plot of the book is very interesting, and the graphic depictions of gore gave me high hopes of a horror inspired novel, but that's not quite how it turned out.
The language used to talk about women was uncomfortable. Very crude and sexual, ocassionally fatphobic, with a lot of slut shaming.
There's a character who has an STD, and they way they talk about it feels very stigmatized. I think it was done to show how "gross" this character is, but there are less damaging ways to do so.
The story could have used a little more development, especially the friendship between Lupe and Jax, as it felt very rushed and a bit presumptuious on Jax's end.
There was a sex scene that was very abrupt and unexpected, and felt out of place.
The time blocking was odd, they could have stood to commit to a longer novel and fill in some of the blanks to give a little more substance.
The last chapter was supposed to be emotionally impactful, but we didn't get enough length and development for it to deliver. It was also written in a way that I had a hard time following what was happening, which was frustrating for the finale, especially since the rest of the book hadn't been that hard to follow.
Trigger Warnings:
•Graphic depictions of killing
•Crude sexual language
•What could be considered descriptions of abuse (from a werewolf)
•Stigmatized talk about STDs
•Fatphobic adjectives
•Slut shaming adjectives
•Vague homophobia
•Sex scenes
•Food talk and body depictions that could affect those with eating disorders
Summary:
Noah, having been a desparately bloodthirsty werewolf for about 5 years, finally leaves his wife Lupina, who had stayed by his side thoughout the change, but barely, as they never spoke anymore, and their relationship was strictly buisiness - she lured his victims in so he didn't turn on her.
After leaving, Noah finds himself on the road, working with an old trucker, who finds out about Noah's nature and asks to be turned. Noah makes the mistake of obliging.
Now Jerry, the new turn, begins to turn others, expanding their pack as they travel across the states, tension rising between Jerry and Noah as they disagree with how things should be handled.
In the meantime, Lupe rebuilds a life for herself in a small fishing town, where she befriends a neighbor who gives her much needed support as she comes back from the years of terror.
All that is threatened, however, when Noah's pack's bloody trail finds itself nearing where Lupe resides.
Review Notes:
(For a full extended review, check out my YouTube review in the coming weeks on youtube.com/AmberKaitlyn)
Conceptually, the plot of the book is very interesting, and the graphic depictions of gore gave me high hopes of a horror inspired novel, but that's not quite how it turned out.
The language used to talk about women was uncomfortable. Very crude and sexual, ocassionally fatphobic, with a lot of slut shaming.
There's a character who has an STD, and they way they talk about it feels very stigmatized. I think it was done to show how "gross" this character is, but there are less damaging ways to do so.
The story could have used a little more development, especially the friendship between Lupe and Jax, as it felt very rushed and a bit presumptuious on Jax's end.
There was a sex scene that was very abrupt and unexpected, and felt out of place.
The time blocking was odd, they could have stood to commit to a longer novel and fill in some of the blanks to give a little more substance.
The last chapter was supposed to be emotionally impactful, but we didn't get enough length and development for it to deliver. It was also written in a way that I had a hard time following what was happening, which was frustrating for the finale, especially since the rest of the book hadn't been that hard to follow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2022
I want to thank VJ Garland for sending me Hunters moon to read and review so I can get a basic background to review Jax Retribution that will be releasing on June 27th I highly recommend started this series. When you first start it hunters moon is a little slow. Noah is a firefighter that met his wife Lupina at a friends wedding, and they fall in love. Love at first sight. They got married and moved to a yellow cabin in the wilderness around the Washington/ Oregon area. Noah came home one night and started shifting into this terrible werewolf that had a hungry appetite. He would be forced to kill humans to satisfy this hunger. When in his wolf form the beast that took over Lupina would get caught in the crossfire and in an effort to save herself she started to help Noah. she would lock herself in the basement while the beast was present. She started to lure animals to their property line to keep the beast satisfied. Eventually when the animals wasn't enough she would loom humans to their land, she would later fill guilty in her role in the killings. It was her way of survival. a shift took place on their marriage and Noah decided to leave so Lupina could have the life she deserved because he still loved her after everything he had put her through. Soon after Noah started traveling he met an old trucker and became friends with him and later turned him into a werewolf. Over a six month time frame death and destruction would followed Noah and more individuals enter his band of friends. Some willing and some forced by the hands of Jerry. Jerry wanted to become the alpha of the group but however Noah was the safer bet. Survival of their group depending on Noah because he was the safer and smarter choice. In meantime Lupina was finding herself in the arms of a handsome doctor Jax who was head over hills in love with her. He understood that she had just come out of an abusive relationship and wanted to give her time to heal. What will happen to Lupina and Jax love story? Will Lupina tell Jax how she feels? Will Noah find retribution for the his past sins? Will Noah take out Jerry? Read this addicting werewolf series to find out. It grips you thru the pages and makes you ask more questions the further you get into it. The book contains graphic detail and there is blood and gore. You should be 18+ to read it. It’s a very quick read. V. J Garland would appreciate the support she can get. -Lacey Howard
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2023
hectic but also quite uninteresting
July 2, 2021
Werewolves!? This was quite an interesting read for me- a little out of my norm, but I did enjoy it! Usually, a story about werewolves is too cliche and cheesy for me, but that is not the case for Garland’s story at all.
Hunter’s Moon switches between the perspectives of multiple characters. In doing this, readers are able to see the emotion and pain that the characters experience. I would say most of my experience with werewolf stories is feeling the fear. That isn’t the case with this one. While there are definitely moments of fear, readers also experience other raw emotions that come with the events of the story. One of these being love--and who doesn’t love a good romance story!?!?
Merged review:
Werewolves!? This was quite an interesting read for me- a little out of my norm, but I did enjoy it! Usually, a story about werewolves is too cliche and cheesy for me, but that is not the case for Garland’s story at all.
Hunter’s Moon switches between the perspectives of multiple characters. In doing this, readers are able to see the emotion and pain that the characters experience. I would say most of my experience with werewolf stories is feeling the fear. That isn’t the case with this one. While there are definitely moments of fear, readers also experience other raw emotions that come with the events of the story. One of these being love--and who doesn’t love a good romance story!?!?
Hunter’s Moon switches between the perspectives of multiple characters. In doing this, readers are able to see the emotion and pain that the characters experience. I would say most of my experience with werewolf stories is feeling the fear. That isn’t the case with this one. While there are definitely moments of fear, readers also experience other raw emotions that come with the events of the story. One of these being love--and who doesn’t love a good romance story!?!?
Merged review:
Werewolves!? This was quite an interesting read for me- a little out of my norm, but I did enjoy it! Usually, a story about werewolves is too cliche and cheesy for me, but that is not the case for Garland’s story at all.
Hunter’s Moon switches between the perspectives of multiple characters. In doing this, readers are able to see the emotion and pain that the characters experience. I would say most of my experience with werewolf stories is feeling the fear. That isn’t the case with this one. While there are definitely moments of fear, readers also experience other raw emotions that come with the events of the story. One of these being love--and who doesn’t love a good romance story!?!?
September 24, 2021
Though I love books about wolf shifters, the classic horror werewolf has never intrigued me. Hunters Moon has changed my mind. This werewolf story was perfectly executed and had a very realistic feel. The descriptions of the scenery and settings made it feel like I was right beside the characters. Every scene had wonderfully vivid imagery.
Through the gruesome details of each character's POV it makes the reality of werewolves a posibility. The pain. The hunger. The instincts that take over during the change were so well written. It truely makes you feel bad for everything they go through, despite all the murders.
The storyline was excellent and tied things together in a shocker of a heartbreak for an ending. This story will give you all the feels. I loved Noah, Jax, and Lupina. Jerry I wanted to strangle, but he is horrible in a good way. The emotions in these characters is powerful and will grab your attention for sure.
I received an ARC copy of Hunter's Moon from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Through the gruesome details of each character's POV it makes the reality of werewolves a posibility. The pain. The hunger. The instincts that take over during the change were so well written. It truely makes you feel bad for everything they go through, despite all the murders.
The storyline was excellent and tied things together in a shocker of a heartbreak for an ending. This story will give you all the feels. I loved Noah, Jax, and Lupina. Jerry I wanted to strangle, but he is horrible in a good way. The emotions in these characters is powerful and will grab your attention for sure.
I received an ARC copy of Hunter's Moon from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2021
The writing here is phenomenal.
It is rich with descriptions that are deeply shocking and full of emotion.
Hunters moon is very original and beautifully carried out with a story line that immediately captivates and haunts you. I felt the pain Noah felt when he turned, I felt Lupina's heartbreak and relief. I wish we got to see more of their life before.
The author is raw and unrelenting in all the best ways! If this fell into the right hands it would be a visual masterpiece and rewrite werewolves from being the underdog of the vampire world. I especially liked that there were no vamps, this stands on its own magnificently.
I would have liked a longer book or at least ending.
I received and ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
It is rich with descriptions that are deeply shocking and full of emotion.
Hunters moon is very original and beautifully carried out with a story line that immediately captivates and haunts you. I felt the pain Noah felt when he turned, I felt Lupina's heartbreak and relief. I wish we got to see more of their life before.
The author is raw and unrelenting in all the best ways! If this fell into the right hands it would be a visual masterpiece and rewrite werewolves from being the underdog of the vampire world. I especially liked that there were no vamps, this stands on its own magnificently.
I would have liked a longer book or at least ending.
I received and ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
June 11, 2022
Normal I read the love story of werewolves this a different type of story. It about a man who is werewolves for who knows why. Where he try to find his place in the world and decide to try to be not so lonely. Where he let his wife go from a prison they both had been in for years. She goes on to rebuild her life and he is to only cross paths again. Did letting his past go help or destroy him. Can't wait for the next one.
July 1, 2021
This book was amazing, I never read a werewolf story before, but the synopsis was great and I just needed to know more. And I wasn’t disappointed. The plot was great. And I couldn’t decided if I was rooting for Noah and lupe or I was against them. This isn’t just a typical werewolf story, this one was better!
April 4, 2022
This is an incredible werewolf read! The world building is incredible and pulls you into the story, the storyline itself is gripping, emotional and captivates you from the very start. You find yourself rooting for Noah and Lupe as we follow their intense and enthralling journey of heartache, anguish and romance and I just couldn’t put it down!
December 26, 2023
This book was really good for the length of it! I think it was the perfect book if you need an easy read! I loved it and it kept me into it! I love the way it was incorporated into the new age and not your typical Werewolf story. And the story of Noah and lupe was, I can’t even describe it. The letters Lupe wrote I feel brought the whole book together! Over all and very good read!
January 15, 2026
This book pulled me in front the first paragraph. I couldn't get enough of it, there was a lot of did he... is she... going through my mind while reading. I didn't want to put it down. Highly recommended for your summer read list.
June 17, 2021
This is a great read. Keeps your interest and leaves you wanting more. It's so well written it's hard to decide whether Noah etc are villains or victims. Would definitely recommend especially if you want a great story but a quick read
July 11, 2021
Unlike any werewolf story I've ever seen. Very easy read and the pacing is exceptional. You'll feel every single emotion reading this book. Definitely worth the read. Would give it 6 stars if I could.
April 5, 2022
A different spin on the usual werewolf tales and is told from the viewpoints of various characters.
I was hooked on the first page and read it in one sitting. The ending blew me away, completely unexpected.
A must-read!
I was hooked on the first page and read it in one sitting. The ending blew me away, completely unexpected.
A must-read!
June 14, 2021
This is not your typical werewolf book. Noah and Lupe almost break your heart with their story and leave you unable to decide if your rooting for them or against them. Definitely worth reading :)
June 21, 2021
I did enjoy reading this book. I don't normally go for werewolves stories but this one was intense and good.
June 29, 2021
Hunter's Moon by VJ Garland is a tale of anguish, desperation, and love. Written in a way that puts you right in the thick of it, it's an intense read, with graphic language and high emotions.
May 16, 2024
The idea was good. There was potential.
The execution was terrible. The writing wasn't good. There was clearly no proofing at all...
A very small part of me wants to read Jax's story after the ending of this book but I cannot torture myself with this writing, sadly.
The execution was terrible. The writing wasn't good. There was clearly no proofing at all...
A very small part of me wants to read Jax's story after the ending of this book but I cannot torture myself with this writing, sadly.
August 23, 2025
Someone said this was a messed up version of The Vampire Diaries. They lied.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews