10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
4.5 stars - This 'Moon' has more Myth, Magic and a Marvelous Mystery Man, January 2, 2008
Despite her own magical heritage, part-Cherokee chief of police Grace was the no-nonsense skeptic in the previous Nightcreature novel,
Hidden Moon (A Nightcreature Novel, Book 7). But having lived through encounters with killer werewolves and cursed gypsies, Grace found that `seeing is believing'. So when an unusually large number of elderly citizens in her Georgia town start passing away after a weird storm under the magical Thunder Moon, Grace's instincts tell her that there is something out of the ordinary behind the deaths.
I liked Grace in the last book and I like her even better here. Grace is not only a skilled modern warrior in her law enforcement roll, but she has powers associated with her Cherokee heritage that make her a force not be underestimated. Grace is a strong and believable heroine and she is not self-conscious about pursuing what she wants, when amidst her investigation, she finds herself drawn to the gorgeous newcomer to town, Ian Walker. Ian, also shares Grace's Cherokee heritage, but while Grace denied the more mystical portions of her heritage while growing up to appease her father, Ian embraced his. Ian is not only a conventional doctor but is also medicine-man using homeopathics and magic to treat his patients. Ian is also very intriguing and multilayered with his warrior's eagle feather and both a hidden power and the scars of his painful past visible in his soulful gaze. Using the first person narrative style, author Handeland, gives us an intimate view into Grace's intense attraction to Ian. Seeing Ian only from Grace's eyes preserves an element of mystery around him that only adds to his appeal. We have the pleasure of discovering Ian's secrets as Grace does.
In Thunder Moon, Handeland brings back old supporting characters, Medical examiner Doc, Grace's lifelong friend Mayor Claire, and former cursed gypsy Malachi from the last book are part of Grace's support system and help her brainstorm and research the supernatural and alien possibilities for the killer. There is also a brief off-screen appearance by Dr. Elise Hanover, a reoccurring character in many of the other books. While Handeland takes advantage of the cast from the last book, Thunder Moon works pretty well as a stand alone read, but it is definitely more fun if you've read the last book so that you know Doc, Grace, Claire and Malachi.
Thunder Moon is book eight in the series, but Handeland's books continue to explore more of the fascinating legends which bring her Nightcreature world to life and keep her books on my must read list. There is a video trailer for the book on Handeland's website by Circle of Seven the same production company that does Christine Feehan's. Check it out!
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Suspense, strong yet fragile characters...Great Book!!, January 9, 2008
It has never been a secret that I love this series of books. The Native American legends which are cleverly used throughout and the strong female lead protagonists are but a few of the really great aspects of these books.
Thunder Moon delivers all that we have come to expect of a Lori Handeland book and leaves me hungry for the next installment in the series without short-changing the story in any way. Each book is an adventure of its own and I look forward to every one of them which I usually order before it is even available for sale.
Such a strong, well written series should not be forced to die by a publisher who clearly has no clue what this would mean to the fans and fanatics. If after reading this latest installment in the series, you feel as strongly as I do then please take the time to e-mail the publisher and tell them so.
IF we don't speak our minds now then it will be too late. Ms. Handeland's Nightcreature novels have been kicked to the curb.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Lori never disappoints!, January 14, 2008
I never know what to expect with Lori Handeland's books. She always keeps me guessing. I can never figure out if someone is a werewolf. Sometimes I think it will be the main male character but then it turns out not to be. Then I'll think it's not the main male character, and he will be. I just never know with her. That is why I lover her books. She always keeps me on my toes. From what I've read in another review, it sounds like this is the last of the Nightcreature series. I hope I read that wrong, because her books are wonderful and I always look forward to her next book in this series.
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