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Torn
When fate makes a cruel move, do you surrender or fight?
The indomitable Johann Durand is missing. A deadly drug poisons the streets of London, and the hunters will only support his rescue if Tori takes responsibility for the vampire they all want ashed; his brother, Alexander.
Already suffering her own loss, Tori wants nothing to do with the brewing chaos, or either Durand brother. Fate’s cruel twist has torn her and Blake apart. Both face an impossible choice, and burdened by love, loyalty, and guilt, neither know which way to turn.
Surrender or fight, the choice is theirs, but when it comes to love, the right decision is often the hardest.
Torn is book four of the Turning Moon series, where friendship and love are both tested and discovered as supernatural beings join forces.
Trigger Warning: Pregnancy Loss.
The indomitable Johann Durand is missing. A deadly drug poisons the streets of London, and the hunters will only support his rescue if Tori takes responsibility for the vampire they all want ashed; his brother, Alexander.
Already suffering her own loss, Tori wants nothing to do with the brewing chaos, or either Durand brother. Fate’s cruel twist has torn her and Blake apart. Both face an impossible choice, and burdened by love, loyalty, and guilt, neither know which way to turn.
Surrender or fight, the choice is theirs, but when it comes to love, the right decision is often the hardest.
Torn is book four of the Turning Moon series, where friendship and love are both tested and discovered as supernatural beings join forces.
Trigger Warning: Pregnancy Loss.
ebook
Published October 8, 2021
6 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Julie Embleton
20 books77 followersJulie Embleton is a dark fantasy author from Dublin, Ireland. She writes tenacious, kick-ass females who can rescue themselves (thanks very much), gutsy heroes with tender hearts, and heinous villains who thrive on chaos. Her stories weave suspense, romance, and magick—mostly with happy endings, though she’s not above the occasional cliffhanger.
Born and raised in Ireland, Julie lives by the shores of the moody Irish Sea, north of County Dublin. When not writing, she’s often found with her second great love: tarot. Julie doesn’t just write about magick—she lives it, working as a professional tarot reader and guiding others in her holistic mindfulness practice. If you’re curious, you can explore more about her other passions at creativesoultarot.com
Julie's dark fantasy books transport readers to moody, magical worlds filled with strong characters and supernatural intrigue. Join her Readers Lounge for exclusive updates, sneak peeks, and all things fantasy at julieembleton.com
Born and raised in Ireland, Julie lives by the shores of the moody Irish Sea, north of County Dublin. When not writing, she’s often found with her second great love: tarot. Julie doesn’t just write about magick—she lives it, working as a professional tarot reader and guiding others in her holistic mindfulness practice. If you’re curious, you can explore more about her other passions at creativesoultarot.com
Julie's dark fantasy books transport readers to moody, magical worlds filled with strong characters and supernatural intrigue. Join her Readers Lounge for exclusive updates, sneak peeks, and all things fantasy at julieembleton.com
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 29, 2021
Book four of the excellent Turning Moon series, Torn continues the story of werewolf Blake and vampire Tori, and this review is going to be hard to write without dropping spoilers, but I’m going to try. Firstly, the author shocked me rigid with a major plot twist that initially left me confused and angry, but as I continued to read I started to catch glimmers of which way the story would go.
Beginning in the sleepy and safe wolf community of Cedars Close, the action quickly moves to the throbbing pace of London, where vampires and hunters fight an unseen war for domination of the murky underbelly of this historic city.
The thing that struck me the most about this book was how much the author’s writing had changed from the first three novels in the series. It was almost as if she had found a new voice and permitted herself to run with it. A darker, edgier, and grittier voice than before, it suited the tone and mood of this book to perfection.
Although this is book four of the series, and I don’t know how many books are planned in total, there is very much a “middle book” feel to it. In much the same way that The Empire Strikes Back is a bleaker film than the other two in the trilogy, so Torn has that sense of despair and helplessness, a darkest before dawn edge that I found myself responding to, scrolling the pages in a need to find out what happens next.
Consumed in one sitting, the ending left me staring at my kindle in disbelief that an author could do this to a reader and wondering how long it will be before the next book is released. A triumphant five stars and recommended to all who love tense and sophisticated reads.
Beginning in the sleepy and safe wolf community of Cedars Close, the action quickly moves to the throbbing pace of London, where vampires and hunters fight an unseen war for domination of the murky underbelly of this historic city.
The thing that struck me the most about this book was how much the author’s writing had changed from the first three novels in the series. It was almost as if she had found a new voice and permitted herself to run with it. A darker, edgier, and grittier voice than before, it suited the tone and mood of this book to perfection.
Although this is book four of the series, and I don’t know how many books are planned in total, there is very much a “middle book” feel to it. In much the same way that The Empire Strikes Back is a bleaker film than the other two in the trilogy, so Torn has that sense of despair and helplessness, a darkest before dawn edge that I found myself responding to, scrolling the pages in a need to find out what happens next.
Consumed in one sitting, the ending left me staring at my kindle in disbelief that an author could do this to a reader and wondering how long it will be before the next book is released. A triumphant five stars and recommended to all who love tense and sophisticated reads.
October 15, 2021
Tori and Blake, vampire and wolf, have fought for love amidst the pack idyll of Cedar Copse, forever stalked by the spectre of her sire, Alexander. But fate intervenes in the cruelest of ways, sending both into their own personal tailspin. Will love conquer all and will Tori make it out of danger undead?
Transposing the majority of the action to London breathes (or chokes) new life into the narrative, introducing the reader to Tori's family and the odd world of the hunters.
Characters sing, the narrative shifts along at a fair old pace, yet still has time to develop and capture the mind. Stakes are high, both in the action and the heart, and allegiances shift with every revelation.
Turning Moon is a wonderful series and it improves with each book. Oh, and that ending.
Easy 5 stars for the whole series.
Transposing the majority of the action to London breathes (or chokes) new life into the narrative, introducing the reader to Tori's family and the odd world of the hunters.
Characters sing, the narrative shifts along at a fair old pace, yet still has time to develop and capture the mind. Stakes are high, both in the action and the heart, and allegiances shift with every revelation.
Turning Moon is a wonderful series and it improves with each book. Oh, and that ending.
Easy 5 stars for the whole series.
December 7, 2021
“Torn” was my first by this author and although the book is fourth in the Turning Moon series, I was quickly engaged with plot and characters. “Torn” is the story of a love match between a vampire and a werewolf and how their relationship defies their expected destinies. Can love reign supreme when they are beckoned away by nature and old alliances? I found the vampires to be an interesting lot who can tell blood type by taste like seasoned sommeliers. It’s the wolves, however, in this story that entice me to read the other novels. I was drawn to their pack mentality with its sense of community and the way they champion one of their own in need of help. “Torn” is a long novel, nearly five hundred pages, but you don’t give that a thought because the book is so well-written that each chapter propels you to the next. The ending is powerful, and makes me crave the next in the series like a vampire craves AB+ in a champagne flute. Enjoyed it!!
July 16, 2022
Just when you think this series couldn’t get any better, it does!
“Torn: A suspenseful, dark paranormal shifter and vampire fantasy,” the fourth book in the Turning Moon series by Julie Embleton, continues the captivating tale of Tori, a vampire, and Blake Creedon, a wolf belonging to the Cedar Copse wolf pack. Their story really begins in book three of the series (Haunted), so this review of “Torn” will not dive too far into the weeds to avoid revealing the finer points found in “Haunted.”
The author is again at her best, creating characters we become more attached to as each page turns. Blake, already a favorite of mine, becomes even more endearing. I love his kindness. This time around, author Embleton has given him a difficult – actually, a horrible – decision to make, and even though I wanted Blake to choose in a particular way, I trusted the author. I decided that no matter the direction Embleton would go in the storyline, I was on board for it. And I was not disappointed. In fact, when the choice was made, it was a perfect fit for this installment. Again, I trusted the author to deliver the story in the way it *should* go.
A new, pivotal character was introduced in “Torn” – Emer – a wolf without a pack, a young woman struggling with her shapeshifting legacy. Bringing Emer into the world of the wolves introduced a significant dilemma – one that I didn’t want to be brought in because it upset the proverbial apple cart. But again, I trusted author Embleton. By the time Emer’s story deepens, and we see her world through her point of view, we are aching for her. We want her to feel love and acceptance. We are on her side. There are a couple of extremely poignant scenes with Emer when she is alone, afraid, and ashamed of who she is… I literally cried for her.
Julie Embleton creates characters you believe could exist next door – or at least in the next town over. It’s nearly impossible to not have an emotional response to her stories.
For me, “Torn” was full of surprises. For example, I did not expect to become a fan of vampire Alexander Durand, Tori’s maker and the man (vampire) she used to have a romantic relationship with decades prior. I had no idea I would be captivated and charmed by him. Maybe I was pulled into a spell – a vampire fascination? Any way you look at it, Alexander fast became one of my favorite characters in the Turning Moon series. Again, a surprise for me. He is a multi-layered character, and one you cannot second guess. Ruthless, intelligent, obsessive – yet able to show love and mercy. Once again, the paths followed by Embleton in this storyline work perfectly.
Tori’s unique – and difficult – relationship with Alexander is explored. There are memories shared about their past which further build on the complexity of these two characters. As a reader, I was easily caught up in the emotional turmoil each one experienced when the other is seemingly mortally wounded. (Even vampires can be destroyed, you know.)
From my perspective, this is Tori’s story all the way, but Embleton does not steal the spotlight from the wolves in her series. We are constantly reminded of the pack’s influence and strength – both as a whole and with individuals. Tori’s relationship – as a vampire – with Blake and the other wolves is so unique, so special. The friendship and love she finds with the Cedar Copse pack change the course of her life. And because of the bridge created by Tori’s and Blake’s relationship, perhaps a solid common ground between wolves and vampires will be available moving forward.
A reader returning to this series will find familiar faces such as lone wolf Graham, Tori’s longtime friend, as well as wolves from the Carter Plains pack, Nyah Morgan and her husband, Dean Carter. Of course, since Blake is from the Cedar Copse pack, Michael Vincent is present with non-wolf Genna Clancy. (Alpha wolf Michael still remains my favorite of all of Embleton’s characters, but admittedly, vampire Alexander is right up there, too.) There are new characters – such as the truly evil vampire, Haakin Eriksen.
A few more notes: I admire the balance author Embleton has struck with regard to sexiness. While not at all explicit, this series IS sexy. Embleton gives you just enough to let you fill in the blanks in your own head. There’s nothing wrong with more explicit details in a book, of course, but I think Embleton has found the right mix of what you see (when you read) and what you can imagine (if you want more) for her series.
Also, Embleton cracked the door open on future secrets – Alexander’s maker is referenced. Might he appear in later books?
I’ve noted this in previous reviews, and this has not changed: Embleton’s writing is smooth and exquisite. Never is there a speedbump in her words to rip you out of the story. Instead, you are mostly mesmerized by her words or a turn of phrase. Here’s an example: And it didn’t matter whether or not the ravaged organ beat. Hers was a lifeless lump of flesh, but heartache knifed it regardless, stabbed without relent.
Whew!
And. That. Ending I have already – along with other readers – pleaded with the author to release book five in the Turning Moon series. Oh, what a final chapter! The emotions: Elation! Shock! Horror!
AND… I will trust the author. Julie Embleton has proven to the reader over and over that she knows where this story is going – and it’s the right direction. We readers must simply follow her pen and prepare to be wow’ed again and again and again.
If you have not yet begun the Turning Moon series, pick up book one, “Bound.” It is an excellent beginning, with each new book in the series better than the last!
“Torn: A suspenseful, dark paranormal shifter and vampire fantasy,” the fourth book in the Turning Moon series by Julie Embleton, continues the captivating tale of Tori, a vampire, and Blake Creedon, a wolf belonging to the Cedar Copse wolf pack. Their story really begins in book three of the series (Haunted), so this review of “Torn” will not dive too far into the weeds to avoid revealing the finer points found in “Haunted.”
The author is again at her best, creating characters we become more attached to as each page turns. Blake, already a favorite of mine, becomes even more endearing. I love his kindness. This time around, author Embleton has given him a difficult – actually, a horrible – decision to make, and even though I wanted Blake to choose in a particular way, I trusted the author. I decided that no matter the direction Embleton would go in the storyline, I was on board for it. And I was not disappointed. In fact, when the choice was made, it was a perfect fit for this installment. Again, I trusted the author to deliver the story in the way it *should* go.
A new, pivotal character was introduced in “Torn” – Emer – a wolf without a pack, a young woman struggling with her shapeshifting legacy. Bringing Emer into the world of the wolves introduced a significant dilemma – one that I didn’t want to be brought in because it upset the proverbial apple cart. But again, I trusted author Embleton. By the time Emer’s story deepens, and we see her world through her point of view, we are aching for her. We want her to feel love and acceptance. We are on her side. There are a couple of extremely poignant scenes with Emer when she is alone, afraid, and ashamed of who she is… I literally cried for her.
Julie Embleton creates characters you believe could exist next door – or at least in the next town over. It’s nearly impossible to not have an emotional response to her stories.
For me, “Torn” was full of surprises. For example, I did not expect to become a fan of vampire Alexander Durand, Tori’s maker and the man (vampire) she used to have a romantic relationship with decades prior. I had no idea I would be captivated and charmed by him. Maybe I was pulled into a spell – a vampire fascination? Any way you look at it, Alexander fast became one of my favorite characters in the Turning Moon series. Again, a surprise for me. He is a multi-layered character, and one you cannot second guess. Ruthless, intelligent, obsessive – yet able to show love and mercy. Once again, the paths followed by Embleton in this storyline work perfectly.
Tori’s unique – and difficult – relationship with Alexander is explored. There are memories shared about their past which further build on the complexity of these two characters. As a reader, I was easily caught up in the emotional turmoil each one experienced when the other is seemingly mortally wounded. (Even vampires can be destroyed, you know.)
From my perspective, this is Tori’s story all the way, but Embleton does not steal the spotlight from the wolves in her series. We are constantly reminded of the pack’s influence and strength – both as a whole and with individuals. Tori’s relationship – as a vampire – with Blake and the other wolves is so unique, so special. The friendship and love she finds with the Cedar Copse pack change the course of her life. And because of the bridge created by Tori’s and Blake’s relationship, perhaps a solid common ground between wolves and vampires will be available moving forward.
A reader returning to this series will find familiar faces such as lone wolf Graham, Tori’s longtime friend, as well as wolves from the Carter Plains pack, Nyah Morgan and her husband, Dean Carter. Of course, since Blake is from the Cedar Copse pack, Michael Vincent is present with non-wolf Genna Clancy. (Alpha wolf Michael still remains my favorite of all of Embleton’s characters, but admittedly, vampire Alexander is right up there, too.) There are new characters – such as the truly evil vampire, Haakin Eriksen.
A few more notes: I admire the balance author Embleton has struck with regard to sexiness. While not at all explicit, this series IS sexy. Embleton gives you just enough to let you fill in the blanks in your own head. There’s nothing wrong with more explicit details in a book, of course, but I think Embleton has found the right mix of what you see (when you read) and what you can imagine (if you want more) for her series.
Also, Embleton cracked the door open on future secrets – Alexander’s maker is referenced. Might he appear in later books?
I’ve noted this in previous reviews, and this has not changed: Embleton’s writing is smooth and exquisite. Never is there a speedbump in her words to rip you out of the story. Instead, you are mostly mesmerized by her words or a turn of phrase. Here’s an example: And it didn’t matter whether or not the ravaged organ beat. Hers was a lifeless lump of flesh, but heartache knifed it regardless, stabbed without relent.
Whew!
And. That. Ending I have already – along with other readers – pleaded with the author to release book five in the Turning Moon series. Oh, what a final chapter! The emotions: Elation! Shock! Horror!
AND… I will trust the author. Julie Embleton has proven to the reader over and over that she knows where this story is going – and it’s the right direction. We readers must simply follow her pen and prepare to be wow’ed again and again and again.
If you have not yet begun the Turning Moon series, pick up book one, “Bound.” It is an excellent beginning, with each new book in the series better than the last!
November 20, 2021
I love The Turning Moon series. Torn had me torn…I don’t like cliffhangers; but this one just blew me away. I was taken aback. No, I was blindsided. Torn is different from the previous books. About 25% in there was a change in the writing style. The writing had a starkness, more of a grittier feel and tone that wasn’t present in the previous books. This took the story to a whole new level. I must say that I liked this raw side of Embleton’s writing.
The budding love between Tori and Blake was growing despite the uncertainty of the pack accepting a vampire amongst them. It’s one thing to bring a human into the pack; but quite another to even tolerate a vampire…a natural enemy. Then the worse possible thing that could have happened, happened. Choices had to be made. Tori made hers in the midst of an emotional crises by going back to a place in her past, London and its seedy underbelly.
This is where we see more of Tori and what happened before. I mean more than a century before. We also see more of Alexander. As hard as I tried and wanted to dislike Alexander, I found that I couldn’t.
The many threads of the story finally came together. I was amazed, thrilled and then shocked. I don’t know how many times I read chapter 54; but it didn’t change. Torn has this dark intensity and a blurring of the lines between good and evil making for a
side-blinding climax. It felt like a sucker punch right to the gut.
There are a couple of sidebars from Haunted, book 3 that I would love to know more about. Nick was last seen eyeing up Lola, a witch. Hmmm, talk about diversity. And what’s the deal with Joan Clancy, Genna’s mother? There’s something there, too. I’m betting she has more than a couple of secrets of her own.
So Turning Moon continues…
October 19, 2022
Review to follow soon!
August 28, 2022
Ah, I so wanted to get back with Tori and Alexander and learn a bit more about these two - I won't deny they've become my personal favourites in this whole series.
I was wondering how these two would be 'forced' back together, and to be honest, the author couldn't have done a better work, Tori's emotions were so relatable, it reminded me of a few times I went through the same kind of pain. Then meeting Alexander once more was just the proverbial cherry, he's one of my favourite vampires in literature, suave and smooth as only he can make it.
Also loved getting to know more about Edwin and his past as a hunter, as well as the Institute - gave me some Dark Academia vibes, all right, and boy, did I want to explore those halls and rooms and grounds! Andrew was just loveable, and I'm hoping to see more of him in the future, as I am hoping to learn a lot more about the Institute itself and its history, as well as Alexander's maker - got a feeling he's going to be very significant in the upcoming book!
I was rather thrown off by the Emer/Blake plotline and their POV's, as it distracted and took me away from Tori and Alexander, which were all I wanted to read about. Found this storyline a little unnecessary, for me it read a bit like filler, seeing the characters were dropped all of a sudden the moment the 'conflict' between them was resolved, leaving so much that begged to be explored - though not in this book. In fact, Emer's backstory being so rich and so full of secrets and mysteries, I would have much prefered the author to have given those two their own book where Emer's past and her entire characterisation could have been fully explored and developed, thus enriching both her and Blake. As it was, I failed to become much invested in them, and they deserved better.
The drug ring angle was something I liked a lot, too, it opens up room for so much, and so many twists can come from this, moving forward. That cliffhanger alone left me squealing and begging for more - I need to see how Alexander's gonna handle this one!
I was wondering how these two would be 'forced' back together, and to be honest, the author couldn't have done a better work, Tori's emotions were so relatable, it reminded me of a few times I went through the same kind of pain. Then meeting Alexander once more was just the proverbial cherry, he's one of my favourite vampires in literature, suave and smooth as only he can make it.
Also loved getting to know more about Edwin and his past as a hunter, as well as the Institute - gave me some Dark Academia vibes, all right, and boy, did I want to explore those halls and rooms and grounds! Andrew was just loveable, and I'm hoping to see more of him in the future, as I am hoping to learn a lot more about the Institute itself and its history, as well as Alexander's maker - got a feeling he's going to be very significant in the upcoming book!
I was rather thrown off by the Emer/Blake plotline and their POV's, as it distracted and took me away from Tori and Alexander, which were all I wanted to read about. Found this storyline a little unnecessary, for me it read a bit like filler, seeing the characters were dropped all of a sudden the moment the 'conflict' between them was resolved, leaving so much that begged to be explored - though not in this book. In fact, Emer's backstory being so rich and so full of secrets and mysteries, I would have much prefered the author to have given those two their own book where Emer's past and her entire characterisation could have been fully explored and developed, thus enriching both her and Blake. As it was, I failed to become much invested in them, and they deserved better.
The drug ring angle was something I liked a lot, too, it opens up room for so much, and so many twists can come from this, moving forward. That cliffhanger alone left me squealing and begging for more - I need to see how Alexander's gonna handle this one!
April 21, 2023
‘Torn’, the fourth in the Turning Moon Series, begins with a terrible dilemma for the two main characters, Werewolf Blake and Vampire Tori. Tori ends up fleeing to London, reluctantly in the company of one-time lover, Vampire Alexander. There she discovers secrets from her own past that will have huge implications for her future. Meanwhile Blake wrestles with a divided heart. Alexander put in a brief appearance in the previous book ‘Haunted’ and was such an amazingly charismatic character that I was desperate to find out more about him. 'Torn' didn’t disappoint in this regard for he takes a more prominent role in Tori’s life, though she’s doubtful and defiant. But terrible danger will fling them together, and what an ending! No spoilers, but I’ll just say it was a bolt from the blue that promises so much for the next, and sadly final, book in this wonderful series. Needless to say I immediately downloaded the next book ‘Tormented’ since I just had to find out what happens next.
October 9, 2021
Well, I am simply blown away by how good Torn was! As the the fourth book in the Turning Moon series, I thought I know exactly what I was getting, but I got so much more. In fact, I think this is the best book in this series. And that ending...! I'm not saying anything else for fear of spoilering, suffice it to say that I loved it!
September 24, 2023
I did not like the direction that this book was going. I was TORN!! However, by the last quarter of the book, I eased into the new twist. By the end, I was invested and eagerly awaiting the last book!!
April 25, 2025
Great book
I couldn't put this book down. All kinds. of twists and turns. Highly recommend this to anyone reading this series
I couldn't put this book down. All kinds. of twists and turns. Highly recommend this to anyone reading this series
July 9, 2025
4th book in series, a real nail biter!! Tragedies to rock even the strongest of them, love is tested, will love be lost, will it endure? Will friendship hold true or be torn asunder?
March 4, 2022
Another great read!
The Turning Moon series is where I first learned of and became enamored with the fierce bond of mated werewolves. So in Torn, when Blake struggled in choosing between his existing non-bonded relationship and that of one with his newly discovered mate, I was 100% team wolf bond! Blake, however, wasn’t so certain, and neither was his she-wolf. Meanwhile, his vampire girlfriend ran away from one problem only to find more! Embleton upped the ante on my favorite “will they or won’t they” trope while simultaneously delivering a fantastic story involving the not-so-human condition of werewolves and vampires. I recommend the entire series and look forward to the next book!
The Turning Moon series is where I first learned of and became enamored with the fierce bond of mated werewolves. So in Torn, when Blake struggled in choosing between his existing non-bonded relationship and that of one with his newly discovered mate, I was 100% team wolf bond! Blake, however, wasn’t so certain, and neither was his she-wolf. Meanwhile, his vampire girlfriend ran away from one problem only to find more! Embleton upped the ante on my favorite “will they or won’t they” trope while simultaneously delivering a fantastic story involving the not-so-human condition of werewolves and vampires. I recommend the entire series and look forward to the next book!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews