There is something that I have found to be fairly rare in my book reading experiences lately: reading a book that is just solid storytelling pleasure. I found that in "Vengeance Moon" by Roland Lee. Much like the first installment in the series, "Vengeance Moon" is a witty, intense, paranormal adventure headed by an empathetic, witty, and very likeable kick-butt heroine. Madeline has been living with a curse on her cheek, a gift from her mother as she (and Madeline's father) died a violent death. Why would a mother who loved her daughter so much, place her daughter with a curse that forces Madeline to avenge her parent's murders? She must find and kill each of the three men responsible before the curse will lift. Unfortunately her attempts to finish the curse attracts the attention of police and Madeline is quickly arrested and sentenced. She is eventually sent to the Sister of Justice, a group that trains her for combat. She is given a task to complete and with agreeing to the task comes her freedom. Madeline must find the portal, an artifact that wields unimaginable power. She is to find it and return it to the Sisters. She is sent to Duivel MO to an area called the Borrows, where something evil is locked away from the rest of the town and magical creatures abound.

I was originally disappointed to learn that this book wasn't going to follow the same heroine as the first book "Viper Moon". I loved Cass and I thought she had the potential for many original future adventures. I can say after reading "Vengeance Moon" that I think the author made a strong decision by changing her narrator. Madeline is different from Cass but they are both great characters with somewhat different motivations. I loved how Madeline interacted with all the supernatural beings, including angel Michael. Michael was introduced in the first book and I liked him there as well but in this volume we get to know so much more about him and his background. I am not a fan of insta-love and that is my one and only gripe with this book. I will say it is really hard to have a one volume romance without some bit of insta-love creeping in. But, that said, the relationship was enjoyable. I really liked the addition of the Sisters of Justice as well. Eunice was a hoot! In fact, Roland weaves humor and quirkiness throughout her novels.

This book is just wonderful. It features wonderful characters in a wonderfully creepy setting faced with a wonderfully intense challenges. This is the type of book where I can forget everything and just savor each page. I didn't want this book to end and I was thrilled to see the author is working on a third installment. ( )