NOTE: This review was originally published on Red Adept Reviews on April 19, 2011.
Overall: 4 1/4 stars
Plot/Storyline: 3 3/4 stars
Savannah Henderson, a high school junior in Bonita Springs, Florida, wanted one thing - to be a champion fencer with her saber. When she met Aaron Sloan, a fencing coach, it looked like she might really reach her goal under his expert tutelage. Aaron's son Luke, a "hawt dood" in teenage girl talk, was an added bonus for the smitten Savannah.
But Aaron and Luke were not exactly what they appeared to be, as Savannah learned when she was attacked by a monstrous wolf-like creature. To her dismay, she was now marked for death because of her association with Aaron and Luke. Only afterward did Savannah learn the shocking truth about Aaron and his family.
The story was tagged as "paranormal romance." As with any paranormal story, it required a certain degree of suspension of disbelief from a reader. I had no problem with that. I did have a problem with the storyline, however, since it included an incident involving Savannah's mother when she was pregnant with Savannah. This had a major impact on the story and on Savannah's relationship with Aaron's family, but the coincidence was a bit too convenient for me. Nevertheless, it did add an unexpected and interesting twist to the story.
The author ended the story in a satisfying manner, although with Savannah's future not firmly set, it appeared that a sequel could be in store.
The book's title, Children of the Lost Moon, referred to a (fictional) ancient myth, but to say much more would be a spoiler.
Characters: 4 1/2 stars
Savannah and her best friend Taylor were inseparable buddies. They weren't exactly typical teenage girls, however. Savannah was determined to be a champion fencer, while Taylor is more into boys and a successful singing career with a rock band.
Aaron's family members and extended family were very close, much more so than most families. Aaron's word was law, which Savannah had to learn the hard way.
"Pops" was obviously a respected and much-loved member of Aaron's extended family, but he was much older and very different from the others. How he had become involved with the family was very much of interest to Savannah, and she wondered if she would share his fate.
Roxy, Savannah's pet African Grey parrot, added some nice comic relief with her bantering and wisecracks. She was fine as long as she got plenty of her favorite red grapes and pizza!
Writing style: 4 1/2 stars
The story was narrated in the first person by Savannah. The dialogues seemed realistic and natural for a teenage girl. There were some well written action scenes, some of them brutal and scary but not overly descriptive, so the book is suitable for all ages except very young children.
Editing: 4 1/2 stars
Editing was very good, although I noticed a few typos.
