What do you think?
Rate this book
Crimson Moon #5
Never Cry Werewolf
The last fight between the werewolf clans spilled onto the streets of New Orleans—and now the whole city’s on red alert. Martial law has gone into effect. Mediums, ghost hunters, and other supernatural pundits have taken over the media, swarming the Big Easy to expose the hard truth about lycanthropes. And to make matters worse, a beastly killer is clawing up humans…
Secret government operative Sasha Trudeau doesn’t like what she’s seeing—a series of brutal and bloody slayings that appear to be wolf-like attacks. It might be the work of a copy cat killer—vampire or Unseelie or some other enemy of the Seelie clan. But while Sasha races to find suspects and motives, the panic level is rising—and the city’s human population is clamoring for an all-out wolf hunt...
Secret government operative Sasha Trudeau doesn’t like what she’s seeing—a series of brutal and bloody slayings that appear to be wolf-like attacks. It might be the work of a copy cat killer—vampire or Unseelie or some other enemy of the Seelie clan. But while Sasha races to find suspects and motives, the panic level is rising—and the city’s human population is clamoring for an all-out wolf hunt...
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 30, 2010
16 people are currently reading
1228 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Banks
59 books1,264 followersA pseudonym used by Leslie Esdaile Banks, she also wrote under the names:
Leslie E. Banks
Leslie Esdaile
Leslie Esdaile Banks
Leslie Banks
Alexis Grant
L.A. Banks, a native Philadelphian, was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton undergraduate program. With many awards to her credit, Banks also held a masters of fine arts degree in film and media arts from Temple University. She lived in Philadelphia with her family until she passed away on the morning of August 2, 2011.
Visit L.A. Banks' page on the Macmillan website: http://us.macmillan.com/author/labanks
Leslie E. Banks
Leslie Esdaile
Leslie Esdaile Banks
Leslie Banks
Alexis Grant
L.A. Banks, a native Philadelphian, was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton undergraduate program. With many awards to her credit, Banks also held a masters of fine arts degree in film and media arts from Temple University. She lived in Philadelphia with her family until she passed away on the morning of August 2, 2011.
Visit L.A. Banks' page on the Macmillan website: http://us.macmillan.com/author/labanks
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 18, 2015
i really loved reading this book, the end was wonderful. it had many surprises which i really enjoyed.
the only problem i have with this book is some of it didn't make much sense to me. a lot of it was well written but some parts weren't. also it changes points of view to different characters which helps explain the story really well but sometimes you get confused about which character's point of view you are reading till later on. but other wise it was a fantastic book to read.
i'm excited about reading the next book especially when it comes to shotgun and crow :)
the only problem i have with this book is some of it didn't make much sense to me. a lot of it was well written but some parts weren't. also it changes points of view to different characters which helps explain the story really well but sometimes you get confused about which character's point of view you are reading till later on. but other wise it was a fantastic book to read.
i'm excited about reading the next book especially when it comes to shotgun and crow :)
May 11, 2020
The plot thicken as vampires continue to plot against the wolves.
There's chaos involved as many things happen all at once.
1. Change in the military leadership
2. Dangerous, supernatural alliance
3. Fear in the air
4. False accusations
This book is must read but highly recommended to read from the 1st book.
There's chaos involved as many things happen all at once.
1. Change in the military leadership
2. Dangerous, supernatural alliance
3. Fear in the air
4. False accusations
This book is must read but highly recommended to read from the 1st book.
December 1, 2024
If you're looking for a paranormal read, this series has it all. The female character is a bad a**. There is romance and a great storyline. The entire series had me hooked. It's not the traditional werewolf story, but it's still a good read
November 21, 2018
Couldn't get into this one.
July 5, 2021
Some predictable, kept my interest. 3.5.
March 18, 2022
Was a good book. Liked the fantasy of it.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
February 22, 2025
First time I have read this series and it was pretty good. Good plot and interesting characters.
February 12, 2017
NOTE: I started this book without any realisation that I was starting mid-series, and I'm going to be reviewing it that way.
I have no doubt that there are nuances that I missed while reading the book because I didn't realise I was starting mid-series until I was about half done with the book, but even then, the plot of this novel seemed to drag itself out, especially in the middle. I rarely say this, but this is one book that I feel could have been shorter - about 50 pages right in the middle of things would have done the trick nicely.
That said, I enjoyed sections of it. The concepts that the book introduces were interesting, and I'm intrigued enough that I want to know more about the wolves and their different variations, as well as the back story to Sir Rodney and Cerridwen.
One of the strongest assets Banks brings to this is her ability to write characters. Despite having a constrained view of things and no actual knowledge of the earlier books in the series, I found myself believing in the people and beings she'd created. Over here, I think her secondary and background characters benefit the most - Shogun, Amy, and Russell specifically, as well as Sir Rodney and Cerridwen. While Sasha and Hunter are intriguing, I'm missing too much context with their relationship to truly be drawn into them, which is not something that constrains my enjoyment of the other characters.
One thing that I did find rather jarring in the novel is the way that Banks shifts POV - while the constant shift allows the readers a more holistic view of the happenings, it also makes for awkward reading at times, when the shift is significant, because it jars you out of a well-established setting. Furthermore, there are occasions where the POV shift takes time to clarify the character that's being focused on, which again is quite jarring.
2/5 stars on this one for me - I would have given it 3 if it weren't for my biggest peeve with this book: the lack of indication that it's a book in the middle of series. Where other series make the fact that they're not standalone very prominent, this one doesn't - though there is a subtitle calling it 'S Crimson Moon Novel,' no where is it indicated that it's not book 1 of a series, but book 5. It assumes the reader knows that rest of the series exists, which spoils things for a new reader who picks up the book - and then realises that they're missing a lot of important context, which, robs the book of what I assume to important nuance, though it's still readable and enjoyable without that knowledge. Had I known, I would have looked for the first book in the series instead of getting the fifth, and future editions should make this status very clear at first glimpse.
I have no doubt that there are nuances that I missed while reading the book because I didn't realise I was starting mid-series until I was about half done with the book, but even then, the plot of this novel seemed to drag itself out, especially in the middle. I rarely say this, but this is one book that I feel could have been shorter - about 50 pages right in the middle of things would have done the trick nicely.
That said, I enjoyed sections of it. The concepts that the book introduces were interesting, and I'm intrigued enough that I want to know more about the wolves and their different variations, as well as the back story to Sir Rodney and Cerridwen.
One of the strongest assets Banks brings to this is her ability to write characters. Despite having a constrained view of things and no actual knowledge of the earlier books in the series, I found myself believing in the people and beings she'd created. Over here, I think her secondary and background characters benefit the most - Shogun, Amy, and Russell specifically, as well as Sir Rodney and Cerridwen. While Sasha and Hunter are intriguing, I'm missing too much context with their relationship to truly be drawn into them, which is not something that constrains my enjoyment of the other characters.
One thing that I did find rather jarring in the novel is the way that Banks shifts POV - while the constant shift allows the readers a more holistic view of the happenings, it also makes for awkward reading at times, when the shift is significant, because it jars you out of a well-established setting. Furthermore, there are occasions where the POV shift takes time to clarify the character that's being focused on, which again is quite jarring.
2/5 stars on this one for me - I would have given it 3 if it weren't for my biggest peeve with this book: the lack of indication that it's a book in the middle of series. Where other series make the fact that they're not standalone very prominent, this one doesn't - though there is a subtitle calling it 'S Crimson Moon Novel,' no where is it indicated that it's not book 1 of a series, but book 5. It assumes the reader knows that rest of the series exists, which spoils things for a new reader who picks up the book - and then realises that they're missing a lot of important context, which, robs the book of what I assume to important nuance, though it's still readable and enjoyable without that knowledge. Had I known, I would have looked for the first book in the series instead of getting the fifth, and future editions should make this status very clear at first glimpse.
August 11, 2021
Hm. I am really digging Max Hunter in this series, especially the stunt he did in chapter 4, regardless of an military rank--he was ready to whoop a$$ for his she-wolf, Sasha. Winter stepped in the spit game, and was a bit into that as well.
Clarissa lives, and in previous book #4, see how her love for Bradley spilled and he was feeling her too. We'll see how this love connection plays out in this book.
The opening was like a paranormal TV series to me, especially with Lady Sung Jok (check sp.) came on the scene and Elder Vamp; crossing paths and possibly working together. I'll see how this book in the series play out, but liking it so far while reading mostly on my phone during travels.
Clarissa lives, and in previous book #4, see how her love for Bradley spilled and he was feeling her too. We'll see how this love connection plays out in this book.
The opening was like a paranormal TV series to me, especially with Lady Sung Jok (check sp.) came on the scene and Elder Vamp; crossing paths and possibly working together. I'll see how this book in the series play out, but liking it so far while reading mostly on my phone during travels.
February 8, 2011
Previously Published on my blog: Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life
Series Review!
Series Rating = 4 Stars
*SPOILER FREE
I have never hidden my extreme love for Shifters, they are my favorite supernatural race followed by Vampires, taking a close second. The Crimson Moon series by L.A. Banks is all about the Shifter/Weres for me. Well, there are Vampires, Fae and a lot of other supernatural races, but for me is still all about the Shifters LOL.
Sasha Trudeau works for the government in a super secret team of Werewolves, working to eliminate terrorists. Well, they do have all the Werewolf ups, but they do not shift, because shifting means something went wrong. Means they have been taken by the rage and they need to be put down, so not shifting is good, right? When Sasha meets a man called Hunter claiming to be a Shadow Wolf, she realizes that the supernatural world is much more than she previously thought.
I LOVE L.A. Banks’ Crimson Series! I confess that I was bit overwhelmed and confused by the world building in the beginning, but after you get a grip on all the supernatural people and the different types of wolves, you get a chance to enjoy an awesome Urban Fantasy series with non-stop action and a great romance at it’s center.
There are the Shadow wolves {Native American origin} and there are the Werewolves {Asian origin}. The Shadow wolves are able to move through the shadows and Demon realms, but they need the protection of a special stone to keep from being attacked by Demon-infected wolves. Both Shadow Wolves and Werewolves can be infected and this one of the main problems that Sasha, Hunter and her team need to deal with. The mythology behind the shifter races is so unique in my opinion and one of my favorite things about this great series.
I love the cast of characters that make up this series. From Sasha’s team, to Hunter’s pack and including their allies the Fae, Crimson Moon is full of awesome characters that bring this amazing world L.A. Banks has created.
The Crimson Moon series is sure to please many Urban Fantasy fans out there and if you haven’t read it yet, you totally should! I can’t wait for the next installment in this brilliant series!
Series Review!
Series Rating = 4 Stars
*SPOILER FREE
I have never hidden my extreme love for Shifters, they are my favorite supernatural race followed by Vampires, taking a close second. The Crimson Moon series by L.A. Banks is all about the Shifter/Weres for me. Well, there are Vampires, Fae and a lot of other supernatural races, but for me is still all about the Shifters LOL.
Sasha Trudeau works for the government in a super secret team of Werewolves, working to eliminate terrorists. Well, they do have all the Werewolf ups, but they do not shift, because shifting means something went wrong. Means they have been taken by the rage and they need to be put down, so not shifting is good, right? When Sasha meets a man called Hunter claiming to be a Shadow Wolf, she realizes that the supernatural world is much more than she previously thought.
I LOVE L.A. Banks’ Crimson Series! I confess that I was bit overwhelmed and confused by the world building in the beginning, but after you get a grip on all the supernatural people and the different types of wolves, you get a chance to enjoy an awesome Urban Fantasy series with non-stop action and a great romance at it’s center.
There are the Shadow wolves {Native American origin} and there are the Werewolves {Asian origin}. The Shadow wolves are able to move through the shadows and Demon realms, but they need the protection of a special stone to keep from being attacked by Demon-infected wolves. Both Shadow Wolves and Werewolves can be infected and this one of the main problems that Sasha, Hunter and her team need to deal with. The mythology behind the shifter races is so unique in my opinion and one of my favorite things about this great series.
I love the cast of characters that make up this series. From Sasha’s team, to Hunter’s pack and including their allies the Fae, Crimson Moon is full of awesome characters that bring this amazing world L.A. Banks has created.
The Crimson Moon series is sure to please many Urban Fantasy fans out there and if you haven’t read it yet, you totally should! I can’t wait for the next installment in this brilliant series!
July 17, 2012
This book continues with the theme of Sasha trying to blend into the Shadow Wolf clan and be more of a team player as she struggles with the enforced isolation that being part of a secret project made up of a killing team of Black Ops specialists, while trying to hide her secret self, her wolf, from not only her companions but from her neighbors and her government. I enjoyed that it picked up from the previous book . Sasha is dealing with yet another supernatural in the city that seems to be a hotbed of weird activity, New Orleans.
I liked that this book, although dealing with the Shadow Wolf clan, did not delve as heavily into their traditions and norms as the previous one, but it still left me a little confused as to who is related to who and in what way.
I like Shogun – this book describes him in a general way, but shows him as a man (being?) of honor. He is a half brother to Hunter, as Crow is a half brother to Sasha.
Also, I liked the personal touches – the whole Crow sideline story was really good. As I have a tendency to read books out of order, as they appeal to me, I know where the overall story is going, and I like the way it presents here.
This book is a series of non-stop action, with the team, focused on Sasha, working with the supernatural and trying to contain the problems that have arisen. Here again we see the Lady Jung Suk, and get a little more about her. I really enjoyed this story in that regard, as one of the other stories has more detail that this one helps to clarify.
Overall if I have one issue with this series it is that you need to read all the books for the entire story to make sense. Each book ties together (a good thing) but certain parts do not make sense if you haven't read the previous ones (a bad thing).
Overall, this series does create a bad new picture of the idea of the werewolf!
I liked that this book, although dealing with the Shadow Wolf clan, did not delve as heavily into their traditions and norms as the previous one, but it still left me a little confused as to who is related to who and in what way.
I like Shogun – this book describes him in a general way, but shows him as a man (being?) of honor. He is a half brother to Hunter, as Crow is a half brother to Sasha.
Also, I liked the personal touches – the whole Crow sideline story was really good. As I have a tendency to read books out of order, as they appeal to me, I know where the overall story is going, and I like the way it presents here.
This book is a series of non-stop action, with the team, focused on Sasha, working with the supernatural and trying to contain the problems that have arisen. Here again we see the Lady Jung Suk, and get a little more about her. I really enjoyed this story in that regard, as one of the other stories has more detail that this one helps to clarify.
Overall if I have one issue with this series it is that you need to read all the books for the entire story to make sense. Each book ties together (a good thing) but certain parts do not make sense if you haven't read the previous ones (a bad thing).
Overall, this series does create a bad new picture of the idea of the werewolf!
April 9, 2015
When Sasha’s team gets caught in the middle of a huge New Orleans mess, Colonel Madison is assigned to take over. But he’s an arrogant SOB that has a chip on his shoulder about supernaturals. He hasn’t a clue about reality. Which means there’s a lot of military mix-up interaction in this story.
There’s also a lot of problems. The vampires are secretly working with the Unseelie (again) and Shogun’s aunt is still stirring up trouble. Plus there’s some demonic unknowns floating around.
Sasha and Hunter are doing a lot better, having gotten somethings settled between them. But he’s still struggling with how to deal with her human military duties and she still needs to decide what she really wants. I laugh at how Hunter tells her ‘No matter what you choose, I will never leave you. It’s your choice whenever you’re ready’. Then just a few hours later he’s basically forcing her to choose and goes off in a huff to rethink things. Typical man.
But it’s interesting how the two mentalities (human and shadow wolf) are so different. The explanations and examples given at various times are intriguing.
I really wish we had something like the magical evidence/testimony book. It would solve so many problems. And I think they all made the right decision at the end.
Quick Thoughts: 1)Only 1 more! Why do all the best series have to end too soon? LA Banks is still needed here to write us exciting stories.
Fave Scenes: the bar fight, Sasha and Madison’s confrontation in the jail, the cooler of green slime and Sasha briefing the Special Forces guys on supernaturals.
There’s also a lot of problems. The vampires are secretly working with the Unseelie (again) and Shogun’s aunt is still stirring up trouble. Plus there’s some demonic unknowns floating around.
Sasha and Hunter are doing a lot better, having gotten somethings settled between them. But he’s still struggling with how to deal with her human military duties and she still needs to decide what she really wants. I laugh at how Hunter tells her ‘No matter what you choose, I will never leave you. It’s your choice whenever you’re ready’. Then just a few hours later he’s basically forcing her to choose and goes off in a huff to rethink things. Typical man.
But it’s interesting how the two mentalities (human and shadow wolf) are so different. The explanations and examples given at various times are intriguing.
I really wish we had something like the magical evidence/testimony book. It would solve so many problems. And I think they all made the right decision at the end.
Quick Thoughts: 1)Only 1 more! Why do all the best series have to end too soon? LA Banks is still needed here to write us exciting stories.
Fave Scenes: the bar fight, Sasha and Madison’s confrontation in the jail, the cooler of green slime and Sasha briefing the Special Forces guys on supernaturals.
November 15, 2013
SUMMARY:
New York Times bestselling author L.A. Banks brings the war of the werewolves into the world of the humans. But who is the predator and who is the prey…? The last fight between the werewolf clans spilled onto the streets of New Orleans—and now the whole city’s on red alert. Martial law has gone into effect. Mediums, ghost hunters, and other supernatural pundits have taken over the media, swarming the Big Easy to expose the hard truth about lycanthropes. And to make matters worse, a beastly killer is clawing up humans… NEVER CRY WEREWOLF Secret government operative Sasha Trudeau doesn’t like what she’s seeing—a series of brutal and bloody slayings that appear to be wolf-like attacks. It might be the work of a copy cat killer—vampire or Unseelie or some other enemy of the Seelie clan. But while Sasha races to find suspects and motives, the panic level is rising—and the city’s human population is clamoring for an all-out wolf hunt… “The darkly thrilling Crimson Moon series…bursts with treachery and supernatural chills.” —Romantic Times BOOKreviews “An action-packed thrill ride!”—Sherrilyn Kenyon
June 29, 2010
There's more danger brewing in New Orleans as the Vampires want to be made whole after the wolves took action against them and cost them losses. The PCU is relieved after what was seen as the inability to contain the paranormals in New Orleans. A ego-driven human Colonel Madison is to lead an entirely human squad against the paranormals in New Orleans -completely: shoot and ask questions later.
The wolves have a fortnight to gather evidence to support their use of force against the vampires or the vampires will regain control and Cerridwen can replace Sir Rodney.
The vampires can't leave well enough alone and as will all bad guys, they try to work all of the angles. Will this ultimately backfire? Will Sasha, Hunter, and the rest of gang be able to gather all of the evidence they need to support their use of force? Will Lady Jung Suk reek havoc in New Orleans?
I certainly enjoyed this book. Lighter on the sex, heavier on the problem-solving. VERY eager for the next book in this series.
The wolves have a fortnight to gather evidence to support their use of force against the vampires or the vampires will regain control and Cerridwen can replace Sir Rodney.
The vampires can't leave well enough alone and as will all bad guys, they try to work all of the angles. Will this ultimately backfire? Will Sasha, Hunter, and the rest of gang be able to gather all of the evidence they need to support their use of force? Will Lady Jung Suk reek havoc in New Orleans?
I certainly enjoyed this book. Lighter on the sex, heavier on the problem-solving. VERY eager for the next book in this series.
June 2, 2011
Not really sure what to make of this one. It really seemed like it should have been part of the last book instead of a new installment. It probably would have made the last book to long though. Anyway, it starts right where the last one leaves off, giving Sasha and her team no break at all. The action never stops, and at times I was scratching my head like I was missing something and the whole demon/Russell Conway story line seemed like overkill. Overall its a good story, Shogun and Crow's paths seem to develop more and I can't wait to find out what happens with them. Sasha and Hunter finally become true mates and the team is on a whole new career path. This series really makes you wish to be a Shadow Wolf!
September 4, 2015
The plot in this fifth book of the Crimson Moon series was kind of dragging. There were times when the plot got interesting in the beginning and end, but then, it slacked in the middle. The endings to these are surprising as ever. Sasha's character is as always temperamental and that's what I like about this series ;)
June 20, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. I have enjoyed the Crimson Moon series. I like that Sasha is strong and womanly. I like that male characters seem to prize her and appreciate all of the skills and intelligence she brings to the table. The book was action packed and sensual. I'm very sorry that LA Bank's career was cut short. Thankfully she left us with great books to read and re-read.
March 7, 2011
I started out liking this series b/c it was different from her Vampire Huntress. However, now that that one has finished, this one is starting to devolve into that. Ugh. There is only so much blended spirituality that I can deal with.
July 8, 2011
Slow read. I infact took a break from it to read another book in the middle. Got through it finally and even though it seems like the story is progressing, it still was too slow and a tad bit boring.
May 13, 2011
I loved this book! So happy Sasha finally made her intentions known to Hunter can't wait to see how it ends
April 22, 2010
love this series!
June 3, 2010
Loved this! Crimson moon books never fail to keep you entertained!
August 17, 2010
Love this series
September 30, 2010
WAS GREAT!!! COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!!!
December 3, 2011
really good. Great characters, and twists. Intense in spots, and really feel for Sasha and the military bs she has to deal with and prove herself.
January 27, 2011
Pretty good. The last book seemed to be slowing in pace a bit, but this one picked back up.
July 5, 2011
Hunter deserves someone better than Sasha. Can we get another woman in the scenario competing for Hunter's affection. Let's see how Sasha reacts when she is no longer the center of attention.
January 2, 2013
Great author, great books, great series...I will miss her writing!
August 18, 2014
Extremely good read, can't wait for the next installment!
March 5, 2013
Loved the storyline. I just wish that someone would pick up this author's concept.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews