Oracle's Moon (A Novel of the Elder Races) [Mass Market Paperback]

Thea Harrison (Author)

Book Description

Release date: March 6, 2012 | Series: A Novel of the Elder Races (Book 4)

When Grace Andreas's sister, Petra, and her husband are both killed, Grace inherits the Power and responsibilities of the Oracle of Louisville, as well as her sister's two young children--neither of which she is prepared for. Then Khalil, Demonkind and Djinn Prince of House Marid, decides to make himself a part of the household both as guardian and counterpoint to Grace's impudence towards the Elder Races.

Editorial Reviews

Review

[Harrison] is fast becoming a major star of paranormal romance Romantic Times --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Thea Harrison is the pen name for author Teddy Harrison. Thea has travelled extensively, having lived in England and explored Europe for several years. She has graduate degrees in Philanthropic Studies and Library Information Science, but her first love has always been writing fiction. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Berkley; Original edition (March 6, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425246590
• ISBN-13: 978-0425246597
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (67 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #192,566 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Thea Harrison resides in Colorado. She wrote her first book, a romance, when she was nineteen and had sixteen romances published under the name Amanda Carpenter.

She took a break from writing to collect a couple of graduate degrees and a grown child. Her graduate degrees are in Philanthropic Studies and Library Information Science, but her first love has always been writing fiction. She's back with her paranormal Elder Races series. You can check out her website at: www.theaharrison.com, and also follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

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#42 in Books > Romance > Fantasy & Futuristic

#42 in Books > Romance > Fantasy & Futuristic

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Reminded Me Why I Love The Elder Races March 6, 2012

By Jess

Format:Kindle Edition

Grace Andreas comes from a long line of Oracles, women descended from the original Oracle of Delphi, but she never expected to have the Power fall to her. After all, Grace's sister, Petra, was the one who inherited it from their Grandmother. But when Petra and her husband are killed in an accident that left Grace badly injured, the Power and obligations of the Oracle are not the only burdens that fall on her doorstep, as Grace is given guardianship of Petra's two small children.

Khalil is a Djinn Prince of the House of Marid -- the oldest and most powerful of Djinn Houses. In repayment of a debt owed to the powerful vampiress, Carling, Khalil soon comes face to face with the new Oracle, and is completely taken aback by her lack of deference towards beings of great Power.

Overwhelmed by grief, debt, and the sudden and unexpected role of parenthood, Grace is struggling to balance family life with her newly acquired burden of Power. The last thing she needs, or wants, is a cocky Djinn meddling in her affairs.

But when it becomes apparent that Grace and the children are in danger, it isn't long before it becomes apparent that Khalil is exactly the sort of protector that her family needs -- and perhaps even the type of man that she wants...

I've had a bit of a crush on Khalil ever since he first appeared in the last book, Serpent's Kiss, and had been desperately hoping that he and Grace would get a book together. Sexy, incredibly powerful, a bit of a mystery (especially since he's the first "non-wyr" hero to feature in the series), he's also got the whole "tortured hero" thing in regards to his daughter.... He's arrogant, bossy, and powerful, yet he also has a very obvious soft spot for children, without turning into some sappy squishy weakling, which I loved.

Grace is easily my favorite heroine in the series as well. Human, with only minor psychic powers before having inherited the mantle of "Oracle", Grace is the easiest heroine in the series for me to relate to. While she's not a wilting flower, she's not some incredible, ancient, kick-butt action star either. Instead, she's just a young woman who has been forced to put her life on hold to take care of her niece and nephew, try to pay the mortgage, grieve for her sister and brother-in-law, and still maintain the dignity and level of service required of the Oracle. She's not perfect, and she doesn't try to be, and I think that's one of the reasons I loved her so much.

In short, this was actually my favorite book of the series, and considering how I fangirled all over Dragon Bound, that should definitely tell you something. The chemistry between Khalil and Grace was absolutely wonderful, and both characters were beautifully developed on their own. While I think some readers may feel as though the main external conflict was not on as large a scale as those of the previous novels, but I personally felt that the "smaller" conflict fit well with these particular characters.

An unbelievably solid 5/5 Stars, and recommended for old fans of the series and newcomers alike.

{Full Review available on The Romanceaholic. I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review} Read more ›

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 stars. Favorite book in this series since Dragon Bound March 6, 2012

By Stephanie G

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Grace Andreas has never wanted to get mixed up with the happenings or creatures of the Elder Races. When her older sister is killed, Grace not only is given the responsibility of taking care of her two small children but also the Power that has now made her the Oracle. But Grace has received some unexpected, and unwanted, help from a Djinn. Khalil is one of the most powerful beings of the Demonkind and he has made it his business to protect the children and Grace from an unknown threat that's after her whether she likes the idea or not.

I found Grace to be a fantastic heroine. Despite being young herself and suffering from physical pain that she received in the car crashed that killed her sister, Grace treats Chloe and Max like they're her own. Even with her financial problems, she's able to make ends meet while trying to figure out how to also be the Oracle she's expected to be. There's a lot of unwanted responsibilities placed on her shoulders and I think a lesser person would have crumbled under the pressure. I loved that she was resourceful and strong and I was impressed that despite how independent she is, she knew when it was time to accept help from Khalil.

Khalil has no secret agenda when it comes to Grace and the kids. He has a fondness for children and just wants to make sure they're safe. He's somewhat taken back that Grace does not willingly accept his assistance right away and learns even with someone as powerful as himself, he needs to follow rules and negotiate if there's something he doesn't like. Khalil is everything there is to like in a hero. Handsome, strong, honorable and has a presence that comes off of the pages and like Grace, he knew when it was time to stand his ground and when it was time to be flexible. Nothing not to like about the male....

Grace and Khalil's relationship isn't hot and heavy from the start. A foundation of trust and understanding is first built between the two before romantic feelings came into play. Even then, I found their relationship to be more sweet and emotionally substantial than something that relied heavily on their physical chemistry. Sure, a little more heat between them would have been nice but their love for each other and the children felt genuine and I was more than satisfied with that.

Grace is learning what it means to have the Power of the Oracle and uncovers where it all came from. I honestly didn't care about any of this. It was all well written of course, it was just more of a personal preference so I skimmed over most of these parts. With the exception of a still unclear yet startling vision she had for my series favorite, the great beast Dragos Cuelebre, nothing all that important to the series happens in this book. It was more about Grace and Khalil's developing relationship and I can't say I would have wanted it any other way.

I have enjoyed the other books in the Elder Races series but this is my favorite book since Dragon Bound. Grace has a certain vigor and determination to her that I instantly respected and I loved Khalil's willingness to adapt for the sake of adorable children who had him wrapped around their little fingers. As far as I'm concerned, the next book in the series, which will be Dragos and Pia's, cannot be released soon enough. This has quickly become one of my favorite paranormal romance series and if you're interested in starting it, I HIGHLY suggest going back to book one. Read more ›

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars #4's the best so far March 7, 2012

By Wife of the Bibliophile

Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Absolutely my favorite of the series so far. There was no "OMG, your my mate" in this one, which I appreciated. Though the courtship was fast between them, I got more of a sense of "I love you" between them, not just a need to claim their mate. It developed and their eyes were opened to each other and their affection grew along with the desire.

I really loved the parts where Khalil called in all the favors of the other Djinn to do some rather crazy stuff for him. And his gentleness with the kids was amazing. He's a great father for them! He's also probably my favorite guy so far in the series, too.

I also see that this book is probably the turning point of the series as a whole with the big revelation that is made in it and I also see that there will probably be more concerning Grace and Khalil - which I seriously look forward to! I can't wait for the next book to find out where this awesome series goes! November needs to get here already so I can get my hands on "Lord's Fall"!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Truly sweet even if not up to Dragon Bound quality May 1, 2012

By K. D. Davie

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Fourth in the Elder Races paranormal romance series. This one only peripherally involves Dragos Cuelebre. The couple focus is on Grace Andreas, the Oracle, and Prince Khalil, a Djinn of the House Marid. This particular story is based in Louisville.

My Take
In terms of a deserving person getting what they deserve, this story does abound in them. However, there were too many quirks to make this as enjoyable as the earlier stories (the first one, Dragon Bound (Elder Races, #1), still holds the record for best and most interesting). Harrison's obsession with the Oracle's moon would have been of greater interest if we'd ever learned just why it was so important. Instead, there are tiny hints and implications and my best guess is that it's sort of like a full moon for shifters. At one point, Harrison says it's a Powerful time for prophecies. Anybody got any better ideas??

I can't believe the witches in Louisville are so self-centered and short-sighted! I do not blame Grace for her later actions one tiny bit. Louisville doesn't deserve her.

Ohhh, I just love how Khalil thinks of the kids as baby birds. Trusting, singing, chirping. How he reconsiders the Djinn belief about tiny human
lives.

And this is just too romantic...
"I started counting time for you.
I want to change who I am for you. ...
I did not know I needed grace until I met you"

It was interesting how Harrison created the interaction between Grace and Khalil. On his side, life is all about the bargain and keeping one's word and he's not one bit torn about the advantages Grace is giving him with her lack of bargaining skills. He believes she needs "to learn to pay better attention......[to her]...bargaining and negotiation...skills. But he does feel a bit of compassion, just enough to help her along the way. On the whole, the storyline is good, but the execution of it is a bit juvenile.

It's too funny how rude Grace is to all these powerful beings who are coming around to her front door. Julian, Cuelebre, Khalil. Then Grace uses
that rudeness, that power to confront the Oracle herself. A power play that changes everything for Grace. That answers so many questions.
As much as I love that Grace has taken the power unto herself, it was just too easy. Too simplistic. It takes away from the lovely interactions between Grace and Khalil as she teaches him about family, about friendship, about love. Then there was that whole moon episode. Sure, I can understand Grace freaking out, but, oh, man, did she have to go on and on and on about it??

The Story
It's not her fault. Dammit, it is not Grace's fault. That damn Djinn simply showed up with everyone else. And now he won't leave! AND, he keeps interfering with the children. Turning into a cat, then a doggie big enough for the kids to ride. Who knows what he'll do next. However Khalil has already given his word that the children will be safe and he is not leaving. The condition in which these children are forced to live. The neglect of their aunt. It is simply impossible for Khalil to leave these defenseless children to this woman.

Talk about miscommunication.

Then there's Grace's situation as Oracle and the only remaining adult member of the family. Grace was in that car accident with her sister and her husband and has only recently been released from a long stay in the hospital. The family fortunes have dwindled horribly low and Grace has no idea how to care for the children, pay the bills, get a job, deal with her physical and emotional pains. And play Oracle. The witch community is only grudgingly stepping up to help. And petitioners to the Oracle have forgotten what they owe.

Grace will take advantage of Khalil's presence as he takes advantage of her, but as time goes on, he becomes curious about this woman as he comes to learn more about her and her situation. It's the children that pull these two completely different people together as Khalil learns more about humans and Grace learns about Djinn. And, shockingly, Khalil begins to call in the favors that are owed him as his "family" builds around him.

Meanwhile, Grace is "calling in" truths. Small incidents are coming into the open and revealing a different tale about the past. The blast reveals many more new truths that will affect the rest of Grace's life. And her encounter with Phaedra reveals a new power for the Oracle, one that will have more far-reaching effects on Grace, her family, and the Djinn.

The Characters
Grace Andreas is the Oracle. A position she inherited when her sister and brother-in-law (Petra and Niko) were killed in a car crash just a few months ago. Leaving behind two sweet babies, Chloe and Max. Katherine and John were Petra's friends and they help care for the children.

Khalil Bane-of-Her-Existence is a Djinn, a prince of the House Marid. A very important Djinn and he is disgusted with this human. Neglectful, untidy...she doesn't deserve such beautiful children. Phaedra is Khalil's only child. A damaged child thanks to her mother Lethe's torture. The love he would lavish on his daughter can be rerouted to these poor children. He also comes down very hard on Rune and Carling for their poor manners and lack of honor (as a result of events in Serpent's Kiss (Elder Races, #3)); he also gets dating advice from Rune. Ebrahim is the first to benefit when Grace heals Atefen. Soren, the First Councillor of the Elder Council is Khalil's father.

Janice and Therese are two of the snarky witches who grumble about having to help the Oracle as per their "contract". Isalynn LeFevre is the Head of the witches' demesne and a U.S. senator. Archer Harrow is the witches' councillor on the Elder Tribunal. Jaydon Guthrie is organizing the quarterly Saturday work days when witches come to her place and help with chores and projects. A millionaire lawyer, he is also the head of one of the oldest covens in the demesne. Brandon Miller is supervising the workday. It seems he's busy supervising other, more under-the-table projects as well and he's part of the Humanist Party along with Therese, an anti-Elder Races group, which supports Guthrie. Olivia, a reference librarian for the Ex Libris Library, is the only nice witch who is helping.

Julian Regillus is the Vampyre Nightkind King. He and his right-hand man, Xavier del Torro, are rather insistent that Grace tell them what the Oracle said to Carling (see Serpent's Kiss (Elder Races, #3))). Dragos Cuelebre also shows up at her door, but she does have something for him.

The Cover
The cover is all reds and pinks with a giant full moon in the background and a built young man posing in his fitted black T-shirt.

Well, this story is about the Oracle and Harrison does go on about it being an Oracle's Moon, although she more implies that it's significant. But the incident to which Petra and her grandmother are referring doesn't feel related to this moon. All this buildup to what is admittedly a pretty important event, but what it has to do with the moon...I dunno. Maybe it really is important and Harrison is simply using words to tell us, not creating the tension or drama needed to really hammer its importance home. Read more ›