Lee Roland

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 show more 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. show less

It says UF romance on the side and it fits. Sure it is a kick-ass urban fantasy but it does have a bit more romance than other books, only a bit though. And another thing that surprised me was that this was a stand alone novel. The book ends, with a HEA none the less. Of course that does not mean it is the end. Nope evil is still around but it seems that the next book will have a new heroine.

But this book is about Cassandra. When she was 18 the Earth Mother came to her and said she was her show more huntress and would rescue kids. That is now what she does. To her help she has an earth mother priestess, Abby who has saved her broken body more than once. She also has three pets, two snakes and a cat. Why are they important? Well, they can kick ass and take numbers too.

The Earth Mother is a "pagan" demi-god who cares for the Earth and her children. Because in this city it is needed. There is The Darkness that has engulfed a part of the city and reigns there. There are monsters in the sewers and bad humans on the streets. What is amazing about this world is that people forget about that part of the city. They think a bog starts there and even people living there pretends there are no monsters, but they still know. You can't even see the place on maps.

And Cass, do not even get me started about how kick-ass she is. She is violent and she will not hesitate pulling the trigger or cracking a rib on a bad guy. She does everything is takes to save kids. She felt raw and real. A total bad-ass. Oh and I loved her relationship with her pets, snakes scare me to death but her pets were just wonderful and friendly.

The romance then, well there is this cop named Flynn who needs her to rescue his sister who has gone to the Barrows. And things will heat up. And then there is Michael, yes, I know, but the mysterious bad/good guy is just so irresistible. He is yummy.

When the book ended I felt sad, I am not used to getting results so quickly and I really liked this heroine. But I am sure the next one will carry the torch and kick more ass in the Barrows.

Conclusion:

A good start to an urban fantasy series. It has action, it has romance and a new exciting world. I'd recommend it. Hard to put down too.

rating:

Good show less

I feel like I'm constantly saying this but the cover is awesome and was what originally drew my eye to the book (shocking right? lol) The opening scene of VIPER MOON really did a fantastic job of grabbing me and keeping me anchored to the story. The book started with action and ended with action.

I enjoyed following Cassandra, she was easy to get to know and like. Phelan shows up at her door looking for her help in finding his missing 13 year old sister. Her starts out not really liking her show more but attracted to her all the same. They really work well together. There is also Micheal who is the owner of a club in the Barrows. He really likes Cassandra and she is attracted to him but she doesn't trust herself with him, nor does she trust him so she refuses to even consider him. It definitely makes for some awkward moments for the three when they are together. The world building was great, I liked all the different places that were described and imagining the Barrows was super easy. The book was fast paced. I enjoyed the fact that Cassandra was the Earth mothers Huntress, it was unique and well written. My biggest disappointment about the book is realizing at the end that the next book isn't going to be about Cassandra. I got to know her and got attached to her character and the excerpt for the next book doesn't look like it features her. Hey, maybe I'm wrong I do hope that I am. All in all I was very much entertained and enjoyed VIPER MOON. show less

I bought "Viper Moon" because I found it for a good price and I am slightly obsessed with paranormal and Urban Fantasy books. I don't know what made me read this book as soon as it arrived as I have a horrendously big TBR stack. I am so glad I did read it right away because I was shocked by how much I enjoyed the book, especially its vibrant and unforgettable characters.

This story takes place in Duivel Missouri. There is a portion of town called the Barrows. There is a part of the Barrows show more that no one seems to consciously notice. In fact, its almost impossible to find on a map. 'This" Barrows if full of seedy mob-like criminals, gangs and people-eating monsters. The Barrows is ruled by an entity called The Darkness. Only the Earth Mother keeps the evil of the Barrows from coming into the rest of Duivel and attacking people.

Cassandra Archer is called by the Earth Mother to rescue children, many of whom are found in the Barrows. Then one day a prominent citizen asks for help finding his son. And a local detective needs her to help find his younger sister. This leads to all kinds of excitement as the reader gets introduced to Cass, Flynn, and the supporting characters. Many of these characters are not black and white but made up of shades of gray. There isn't always a clear good or bad guy. I especially liked a character named Michael who is charming but you never really know what is going on with him. Cass is a wonderful, strong, heroine and she made it impossible to not root for her.

The plot was a little confusing at first until all the characters and backstories gelled together. Then it was non-stop action amid several different intriguing mysteries. The book was well written and kept my interest. I had a problem like I said, at the first part of the book and then again at the very end. The ending is most of the reason why I am rating this book as four stars rather than five.

Yes, several big mysteries are answered satisfactorily. We end the book knowing where Cass's professional and personal future is headed. But there is a big (like huge!) situation left unresolved. Which would be okay except it is apparently being resolved by an entire cast of different characters being introduced in the next book. I am certainly in love with this story enough to pick up the next book but because I loved these characters so much, I am truly disappointed Cass won't be the lead of future stories show less