The Darkest Side of the Moon

The Dark Series #1

by M.C. Ryder

You, Nadine Drexel, just want to make it through High School. You don't have your future mapped out. You are just taking it one day at a time. You don't follow the crowd. You go your own path. You know who you are and no one is going to change you. That is until the mysterious new student Vinson Weber bumps into your life. All the girls fawn over him, including your best friend, Camille. You're not charmed by his rude and arrogant manner. You're the only one who notices there is something more than meets the eye. Something is off. Something potentially dangerous. Can you keep your friend from getting caught in the crossfire?

401 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2022

About the author

Award-winning author M. C. Ryder has been composing stories, poems, and lyrics from the beginning of time when reading became a hobby. The sky is the limit but enjoys exploring off the beaten path both figuratively and literally. Resides in the Keystone State with a clowder of felines who rule the house. Enjoys long trail walks during the cozy tinge of Autumn, appreciates music with deep lyrical meaning, and relishes in reading a variety of genres.

Reviews

[Lauren Head · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the overall concept of this book. However the way it was written as in to make the reader feel like the MFC with the use of “you” made it more confusing than it truly needed to be. I was also a bit confused after part 3 and basically through the end. Things just didn’t seem to flow like they should to me. I loved how the MFC was strong though. I am definitely a sucker for a strong MFC. I am ever grateful to have had the chance to arc read this book!

[Twins Reading Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE DARKEST SIDE OF THE MOON is a fascinating and nail-biting werewolf and shifter fiction! Told in the second person, it creeps into your skin like a whispered prophecy, like the uncanny silence before thunder. The second-person perspective is uncommon, but here it rattles with purpose, taking you into a haunting high school corridor where every glance is weighted and every shadow could bite back. If you like fast-paced young adult paranormal romance, your heart will race as you devour this first in series, and at the end, you'll want to join this pack of werewolves!!
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The friendships here feel like fragile glass, full of light and shattering points. Nadine and Camille's relationship is filled with familiarity, their laughing, tension, and small acts of kindness, but when Vinson arrives, everything changes. Camille becomes fascinated by him, but Nadine detects something darker beneath his too-perfect grin. The tension was mind-blowing, it's the sensitive anguish of being the only one who sees clearly in a world that refuses to see. This novel understands what it means to lose someone piece by piece while still holding out a hand. The Author M. C. Ryder's approach of treachery and deceit is painful and stunningly detailed. Although the yearning and distance, a quiet kind of loyalty clings above it all!
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Ryder does not limit himself to dark romance or smart banter, though there is much of both. This story is a supernatural spectacular featuring werewolves, vampires, and a prophecy with serious consequences. The author brilliantly mixes horror and humour, and her supernatural universe never overtakes the story's heart, but instead feeds it. As Nadine is thrown into a fate she did not choose, you feel every pulse of doubt, pain of yearning, and spark of dread. Vinson is the kind of boy who makes you feel bad about yourself for falling for him! Dangerous. Cold. Then suddenly, not. Their chemistry is compelling, full of secrets and tender moments that make you rethink all you think you understand about him!
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The Darkest Side of the Moon is a visceral experience. It's magnificent and frightening, fascinating and visceral, meticulously crafted and packed with youthful wrath, hope, and longing. This is about power, destiny, and what it means to be rewritten by the truth! Nadine's development is spectacular, she's stubborn, vulnerable, and fearless in ways she doesn't realise. If you enjoy stories that unfold and ignite, then M. C. Ryder's powerful, heartbreaking, and curiously proprioceptive novel is one to keep close!

[The Tattered Spine · Rating 4 out of 5]

M. C. Ryder delivers a gripping and atmospheric read that blends dark tension with thought-provoking themes. The story unfolds with a steady intensity, drawing you in through its haunting tone and layered storytelling. The prose is sharp yet immersive, creating vivid imagery that lingers long after you put the book down.

What stands out most is Ryder’s ability to balance suspense with emotional depth. The narrative feels both unsettling and intimate, exploring shadows of the human experience while keeping you on edge. The pacing builds naturally, with moments of quiet reflection contrasted against high-stakes tension, ensuring the reader remains fully engaged.

This book is not just a journey into darkness—it’s also a mirror, reflecting on resilience, fear, and the choices that define us. Readers who enjoy moody, evocative writing paired with a compelling and layered storyline will find this novel hard to forget.

[Koushiki Das · Rating 4 out of 5]

First thing first, the overall concept is something that I normally like. All the mystical creatures like vampires, werewolves; who can resist them right? At least I can’t!
Initially, it was about high school students and everyone loves to live high school memories over and over. When the plot started it took me off guard honestly, because before starting off the book I did not know what the book is about. Gradually it all started to set in the mind and the characters are portrayed very real-life like. Very, relatable.
I was devouring the story, even though many people probably will disagree because of the writing style. It is written from a third person perspective, and designed to make the reader feel as if they are the main character. It might be a difficult one at first, for some people, but it grows on you once you are few chapters in, and in our Bengali literature it is a very common writing style. Hence, I took no time to get used to it.
However, I would like to mention that, from third section onwards, where it tells the story of the heroine planning the war, I felt it has been dragged too much at some point. Some parts of the story were hard to understand because the context was given later. The present and past mixture and some name coming in the middle and then at the last chapter is too complicated to comprehend at once. This approach is probably good for a web series but will probably not be welcomed by many readers. We readers love a good context.

Overall it is a good story to read. I won’t rate it 5/5 because of the web series like pattern, but it’s a good 4/5.

I received a free copy of this book via Warrington Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read. From the very first page I could not put it down. The twist and turns kept me on the edge od my seat. I am impatiently waiting for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Warrington Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[4 The Love Of Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was my first time reading a book from author M. C. Ryder. I really liked the suspense, plot twist, and Nadine’s character development. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Warrington Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Meghan McClendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Warrington Publishing for the copy of this book. This is the first book I have read that was in second person narrative that I liked. It was a totally engaging (I mean vampires and werewolves what more can you ask for) coming of age story that was very well done.

[Prashant Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

M.C. Ryder brings to us a fantastic young-adult genre novel in the form of The Darkest side of the moon which kind of gives me the vibes of anime, it starts like a regular high school Romance novel but as the story unfolds the twists are mind blowing and the character development over time and the world expansion was so awesome and intriguing.

Getting to the story, the story revolves around Nadine Drexel, a high school girl who is trying to just go through her high school life until she meets Vinson Weber, a new student that has taken attention of every girl in the school, but when she gets involved with him she gets to know about the biggest secret of his.

I would have told you the secret but it will kind of spoil your fun, the synopsis that I have given till now may give you the vibe of a normal romantic novel, but there is more to the eye than it seems. Just to hope you up the story further explores Vampires and werewolves and a prophecy is revealed.  Now it's up to Nadine if she is willing to be part of this prophecy and help the world or just act ignorant?

Honestly, this story kept me reading till the end, every time I kept down the book I had a curiosity to know what will happen next. The world development is fantastic, I have consumed many contents on vampires and werewolves but this one wins at keeping me intrigued.

This will be a good read for the lovers of young-adult, fantasy genre lovers, and if you're too a fan of vampires and werewolves this will be a fun read for you.

[Readers Choice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading young adult paranormal stories. Recently I got my hands on M.C. Ryder's book "The Darkest Side of the Moon." It is a captivating story that hooked my attention from the first page itself. 

Nadine is a typical teenager who just wants to be done with high school. She is with no future plans, and a kinda girl who doesn't go with the flow. Her best friend is Camille Epler. Nadine couldn't believe it when Camille just fawned over some guy she just met. Many girls at the school were vowing for Vinson Weber's attention. Camille was also into him but Vinson was amazed by Nadine who didn't show the slightest interest in him. 

Nadine has recently been observing bruises on her arms. Why is she getting them?

“There is a prophecy that the monarch of vampires will meet his doom to the one marked by the Dragon’s Eye.”

Will this lead to a feud between vampires and man-wolves? Those who love reading paranormal stories should get their hands on this book. The author has used lucid language and I enjoyed reading this story. The narration is smooth and the story is easy to follow. The cover of the book is nice and the title is suitable.

Looking forward to reading more books by the author in the future.

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Darkest Side of the Moon written by the author M.C. Ryder is the first installment in The Dark Book Series. Nadine Drexel is an interesting character. She wants the high school to be over but she doesn't have any plans for the future. Nadine's best friend is Camille. When a new student Vinson Weber joined their class, all the girls were after him including Camille. 

Camille found Vinson quite attractive. She thinks that she won't get a chance with Vinson as so many girls are trying to get his attention. Nadine didn't give a chance to Vinson at first and thinks that he is rude and arrogant. Nadine has been having bruises on her arms without bumping into anyone.

Nadine's parents got into an argument. Her father asked for divorce. At work, someone has been stealing blood and Nadine's father doesn't have an idea who is behind it and why. Read this story to know what happens next.

Those who enjoy reading Young Adult fantasy stories should get their hands on this one. The plot of the story is interesting and the characters are written well. The story is well paced and you would enjoy it till the last page. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book it is sooooooooooooooooooooooooo good and features a ginger cat named Leo which just adds to the story he is so cute and just lights up the story and ones to come lol spoiler alert. This author is amazing and is a great story teller. It keeps you reading and wanting more, it is for sure a page turner and keeps you wanting more and more and more. I love all the books featured by this author and will continue to buy from them time and time again. This story is also amazing because it was written in second-person narrative which was completely awesome what a way to write a story you go author lol. I hope they write many many many more because I am hooked by these books and this author. This is a young adult listing but it is for everyone I promise you that because I am very old and I loved it so much and everyone is a kid at heart, but who can't relate to their childhood days ok enough said lol.

[bookhaven__ · Rating 5 out of 5]

M.C. Ryder's "The Darkest Side of the Moon" is the first book in The Dark Book series. Camille Epler and Nadine Drexel are best friends from the past six years. When Vinson Weber aka Vince joined high school, the girls were attracted to him. Even Camille was totally into Vince and finds that Vince is a charmer. Nadine was immune to the charms of Vince. She thinks Vince is arrogant.

Nadine and Vince had a class assignment together. Will they bond with each other? Why has Vince joined the high school and who he actually is? 

There are some dark secrets in the story and you would be glad to meet some paranormal characters. The author has done great work in this book. The story is well paced and I wasn't bored anytime while reading it. The characters are written well. It would be great to have my hands on the next book in the series soon. Those who enjoy stories involving vampires and werewolves would be delighted to read this paranormal fiction.

Rating 4.5/5

[Jessica Clayton · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a poorly written and poorly edited book. After the first few chapters, I was wondering why my library even had this title on the shelf. Is the author a local self published teenager? The writing was immature, even for a cheesy YA fantasy vampire novel. There was a stakeout that was supposed to have lasted an entire school day and in the scene it seemed like 15 minutes. When a character went to touch up her massacre instead of mascara, I almost stopped. However, what really put me over the edge was when I had read 3/4s of the book already and didn’t even care how it ended. Do yourself a favor and grab any other book off the shelf.

[Amanda Frye · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing i noticed was that this was written in one POV. In this POV the book used you. This writing took me a little while to get used to. This story included werewolves and vampires. This was not you usual book. I wanted to know what would happen next. Great book for the YA age group.

I received a free copy of this book via Warrington Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carolyn Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to read this book as an ARC. I am voluntarily giving my review. This book was great from start to finish. With vampires and werewolves fighting against each other for the greater good. The FMC -Nadine was a strong and very powerful character. The ending was crazy and unexpected.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture yourself as an ordinary teenage girl trying to navigate your way through high school, only to find yourself entangled with the most popular boy on campus. This scenario may seem like the perfect beginning to a romantic story, but there’s a twist – the boy holds secrets that have been passed down through his ancestors and could impact not just his life and yours but the entire universe. Would you be willing to explore a world far more significant than you ever imagined? Would you be willing to fulfill an age-old prophecy that centers around you? Are you willing to risk everything you’ve ever known for a greater purpose?

M.C. Ryder’s The Darkest Side of the Moon takes readers on a thrilling journey from the mundane world of high school to a darker, more sinister realm of fantasy, delivering a compelling coming-of-age narrative. At first glance, the novel introduces stereotypical characters that fit in the high school scene we all know, but as the plot thickens, readers soon discover that there’s a much larger world out there, one that includes vampires and werewolves. Moreover, the feud between these two factions transcends the world they’ve carefully constructed to hide their true identities.

Ryder’s writing style is refreshingly new and innovative. The author’s decision to refer to the female protagonist, Nadine Drexel, as “You” throughout the book was a bold move, but it paid off well. This approach allowed readers to immerse themselves in the character’s journey, feeling as though they were experiencing it firsthand. Additionally, the short chapters that end after each scene make the story more manageable for readers to digest. It serves as an avenue to delve into the character’s inner thoughts, enabling the audience to sympathize with even the most significant antagonist in the narrative. This is a great book to kick off a trilogy; the author’s decision to end the story will undoubtedly leave readers eager to read the sequel.

If you are a fan of the Twilight saga, then you will love The Darkest Side of the Moon. This novel is an excellent starting point for teenagers who want to delve into the world of book series. Overall, Ryder’s ability to transform a clichéd setting into a thrilling and captivating story is impressive, and I look forward to reading more in this series.

[Michelle Clarke · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first adventure with 3rd person and I must say, it was intriguring. It was a decent read, but I feel I have read better teenage/ya novels. Nadine came across as unlikable and a bit bratty. The vampire prophecy makes me cringe and doesnt seem worth the hype. Not to mention its way too fast paced. There's no chance to let the action or consquences of said action breathe. Overall though, not a bad book.I have just read better.

I received a free copy of this book via Warrington Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[glee book adventures · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the 1st in the "The Dark" series. Camille and Nadine are best friends. When vinson joined the high school, all the girls are swooning. Though Nadine does think he gives off arrogant vibes. Will Nadine find her destiny? Who really is Vince and what role does he play in her life?

This book is written in 2nd person, to make the reader feel like they were the MC was confusing and murky. The plot was hopeful, yet the flow got a little murky and pace was fast. If you like YA, vampire prophecy, amd Werewolf's...this read may be for you!

[Angiewagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a werewolf/shifter kind of girl, and this book did not disappoint.
I felt like I was sitting around a campfire listening to scary stories.
And we are all cheering and rooting Nadine on.
Will she figure out that Vinson is something different?
Well written and fun to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Warrington Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
💖Vampire
💖Werewolf
💖Shapeshifter
💖Fantasy
💖Supernatural

[Eliza Mila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do enjoy a good vampire novel and this delivered beyond my expectations! So many mysterious turns and treachery twists that unravels you don't always see coming. I like how the book was set up with 3 parts turning from a light read to a dark read. And that ending... I'm still not over it! A roller coaster of emotions.

[Brittany Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Darkest Side of the Moon by M. C. Ryder is an excellent paranormal adventure romance. The story is entertaining, interesting, enjoyable, romantic, mysterious, has dark elements, adventurous, and funny. If you like twilight you will like this.

I received a free copy of this book via Warrington Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sierra · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept was great, but the second person writing style wasn’t for me.

[M.C. Ryder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Team Vince or Team Marc?