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mawmom's review
3.0
Laila Blake takes fantasy and mixes it with her version of the paranormal, with fae, witches, blaidyn (think wolf shifter)set in an older period in time the world in By the Light of the Moon is one unlike any I have ever read before.
By the Light of the Moon has an interesting storyline and characters that are quirky and unusual. Ms. Blake builds a world with magic and mystery with our heroine having odd behaviours ahd questionable parentage and our hero is an older character who is a breed I think was created by Ms. Blake.
When I first started to read By the Light of the Moon I had a hard time following exactly who everyone was and what role they were to play, I felt that perhaps a bit of backstory or character introduction could have helped this. Through many plot twists and turns as well as more than one "bad guy" we do have an unique love story that over all was a good read.
I recieved this book in exchange for my honest review.
By the Light of the Moon has an interesting storyline and characters that are quirky and unusual. Ms. Blake builds a world with magic and mystery with our heroine having odd behaviours ahd questionable parentage and our hero is an older character who is a breed I think was created by Ms. Blake.
When I first started to read By the Light of the Moon I had a hard time following exactly who everyone was and what role they were to play, I felt that perhaps a bit of backstory or character introduction could have helped this. Through many plot twists and turns as well as more than one "bad guy" we do have an unique love story that over all was a good read.
I recieved this book in exchange for my honest review.
crisveijk's review
4.0
So many people have tried Medieval fantasy, and the majority have fallen prey to a number of problems. It's a very difficult genre - the world can't be too big, but also can't be too small. The species in it, if there are any, have to have just the right amount of exposition. The characters must be developed and identifiable even to reads from another time and place.
Laila Blake accomplishes these gargantuan tasks and makes them look easy. She successfully creates a world with just enough information to keep readers on their toes, while simultaneously developing realistic, likable characters.
I've heard it said that erotica brings down a novel - makes it less complex, almost like having sex discredits the writer's skill. I really, really hope that is never said about this novel. Blake uses sex and sexuality as a means of character development, to push the novel along. It doesn't read as a book written specifically to turn people on - it reads as a great book that has that effect, and it's wonderfully done.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good, quick read and doesn't mind either Medieval fantasy or erotica. I myself finished it at 2:30 AM and couldn't put it down, so readers should plan for that if they can.
Laila Blake accomplishes these gargantuan tasks and makes them look easy. She successfully creates a world with just enough information to keep readers on their toes, while simultaneously developing realistic, likable characters.
I've heard it said that erotica brings down a novel - makes it less complex, almost like having sex discredits the writer's skill. I really, really hope that is never said about this novel. Blake uses sex and sexuality as a means of character development, to push the novel along. It doesn't read as a book written specifically to turn people on - it reads as a great book that has that effect, and it's wonderfully done.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good, quick read and doesn't mind either Medieval fantasy or erotica. I myself finished it at 2:30 AM and couldn't put it down, so readers should plan for that if they can.
ezichinny's review
3.0
This book started off kinda of sinister, but then we met a young lady named Moira Rochmond. She was a young girl that just didn’t fit in her environment. She had a free spirit and loved just being out in nature, contrary to her protective father’s preference of keeping her in doors. Moira was an heir to a huge fortune, so her father wanted to keep her safe from enemies and protect her virtue from fortune hunters.
When many guards had difficulty keeping up with Moira and her ability to slip the guards, her father hired a Blaidyn named Owain. Blaidyns were wolf shifters created by the Fae to serve as a warrior force since Fae don’t fight physically. The Blaidyns fell out of favor because they mated with humans diluting the magic in their blood, so now they were viewed as a weak version of the real thing.
Owain was able to let Moira be herself as much as he could and keep her safe, but he couldn’t protect her from the societal expectations. A lot of Lords wanted Moira for the fortune and lands she would inherit but one lord was more persistent that the rest. In addition, the Fae had an interest in Moira, so Moira became a pawn in a struggle she had no idea was going on. A final complication came as Owain fell in love with Moira. Each choice Moira would make would create a major conflict, but what would be best for Moira?
Well, this book was a mix of themes, specifically historical romance, medieval times and PNR. It was tenuous in my opinion. I liked the heroine a little because she was clueless and innocent, but I wish she had been a little more observant and involved. She was passive and reactive, but in all fairness, that was the behavior of a well groomed “lady”. I liked Moira with Owen but it felt more like teenagers than an adult passion. I also was conflicted about Maeve and her actions as well as Iris’ actions.
The writing was okay and the storyline has potential, but I would focus on creating a better emotional connection with the characters. I just wasn’t invested in Moira & Owain. I want to feel her more and also feel Maeve more. Overall, it was an satisfactory read.
When many guards had difficulty keeping up with Moira and her ability to slip the guards, her father hired a Blaidyn named Owain. Blaidyns were wolf shifters created by the Fae to serve as a warrior force since Fae don’t fight physically. The Blaidyns fell out of favor because they mated with humans diluting the magic in their blood, so now they were viewed as a weak version of the real thing.
Owain was able to let Moira be herself as much as he could and keep her safe, but he couldn’t protect her from the societal expectations. A lot of Lords wanted Moira for the fortune and lands she would inherit but one lord was more persistent that the rest. In addition, the Fae had an interest in Moira, so Moira became a pawn in a struggle she had no idea was going on. A final complication came as Owain fell in love with Moira. Each choice Moira would make would create a major conflict, but what would be best for Moira?
Well, this book was a mix of themes, specifically historical romance, medieval times and PNR. It was tenuous in my opinion. I liked the heroine a little because she was clueless and innocent, but I wish she had been a little more observant and involved. She was passive and reactive, but in all fairness, that was the behavior of a well groomed “lady”. I liked Moira with Owen but it felt more like teenagers than an adult passion. I also was conflicted about Maeve and her actions as well as Iris’ actions.
The writing was okay and the storyline has potential, but I would focus on creating a better emotional connection with the characters. I just wasn’t invested in Moira & Owain. I want to feel her more and also feel Maeve more. Overall, it was an satisfactory read.
sayitcharlie's review
3.0
There’s a reason why I don’t usually review historical romance. I usually find it hard to adjust in the setting. I am not familiar with the archaic words used and I find it hard to imagine the scene itself. All I can see in my mind are fluffy dresses and laces.
It wasn’t different while I was reading this book. I had a lot of questions and comments. I didn’t understand a lot of things. It might have helped if the author explained the strange characters when they were first mentioned. One of my questions was about Blaidyns. They were already mentioned as early as prologue but it wasn’t explained until this character named Brock had a lecture session with the lead character, Moira.
I was also very slow in understanding the connections between the characters. I was caught between guessing and just waiting for an explanation to come. I felt lost. It wasn’t the kind of lost you’d usually feel when you feel like the author is making you think about something that is will be proven wrong, which is kind of exciting. It’s the different kind of being in the dark and I don’t like it at all. It simply meant that I didn’t understand what the hell I was reading.
I also can’t find the significance of the Fae named Niamh and her Halla, Devali. That’s it? Devali was sent to find Maeve and tell her about what her mother thought about her? I expected more sinister motives behind this but it felt short.
I was also lost with the Fae world until Brock explained it. Unfortunately, it also felt short. I wish it was more elaborated and given more background than just the history.
What I liked about this book, are Moira and Owain. Other than the slight insta-love after the full moon, I liked them. Moira started as a girl who craves for freedom but instead of being sympathetic towards her, I felt irritated by her whining. The first time I appreciated her was when I she showed her intelligence during her lecture session.
Moira and Owain, no matter how cheesy Owain’s endearment is, was one of those couples you’d love to root for. They were obviously star-crossed, even if we acknowledge Moira’s true identity. I think I even like Owain more than her. He was what he was from the first time he was introduced in this book. He was loyal and protective and caring. Unfortunately, there was no description of how they looked except for the long hair Moira had.
This book has a lot of potential. I bit of changes would definitely make a vast improvement. I am looking forward to know more about Faes and of course, about Moira and Owain’s life after running away.
This copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my review in any way.
*This and other reviews can also be found on my blog*
It wasn’t different while I was reading this book. I had a lot of questions and comments. I didn’t understand a lot of things. It might have helped if the author explained the strange characters when they were first mentioned. One of my questions was about Blaidyns. They were already mentioned as early as prologue but it wasn’t explained until this character named Brock had a lecture session with the lead character, Moira.
I was also very slow in understanding the connections between the characters. I was caught between guessing and just waiting for an explanation to come. I felt lost. It wasn’t the kind of lost you’d usually feel when you feel like the author is making you think about something that is will be proven wrong, which is kind of exciting. It’s the different kind of being in the dark and I don’t like it at all. It simply meant that I didn’t understand what the hell I was reading.
I also can’t find the significance of the Fae named Niamh and her Halla, Devali. That’s it? Devali was sent to find Maeve and tell her about what her mother thought about her? I expected more sinister motives behind this but it felt short.
I was also lost with the Fae world until Brock explained it. Unfortunately, it also felt short. I wish it was more elaborated and given more background than just the history.
What I liked about this book, are Moira and Owain. Other than the slight insta-love after the full moon, I liked them. Moira started as a girl who craves for freedom but instead of being sympathetic towards her, I felt irritated by her whining. The first time I appreciated her was when I she showed her intelligence during her lecture session.
Moira and Owain, no matter how cheesy Owain’s endearment is, was one of those couples you’d love to root for. They were obviously star-crossed, even if we acknowledge Moira’s true identity. I think I even like Owain more than her. He was what he was from the first time he was introduced in this book. He was loyal and protective and caring. Unfortunately, there was no description of how they looked except for the long hair Moira had.
This book has a lot of potential. I bit of changes would definitely make a vast improvement. I am looking forward to know more about Faes and of course, about Moira and Owain’s life after running away.
This copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my review in any way.
*This and other reviews can also be found on my blog*
kate2440's review
3.0
I was asked by the author if I would like to review the first and second book in the Lakeside series which with it being a new adult book I jumped at the chance the only thing was it didn't grab me like most other new adult books have done...
The cover for this book is absolutely stunning. It is completely different to other covers that I have seen around especially for new adult books. I love the use of colours especially the hint of red as it makes the cover pop more than what it would have if there was no red. For the most part this cover looks like its been drawn rather than using actual models which makes a huge change. I love that the cover could be a scene from the actual story as it helps to visualise what is happening.
This was a hard book to get into as it was far too confusing I just felt lost for the most part of the book, it didn't help that there was a change in whose point of view we was reading from and sometimes that would happen when I wasn't expecting it too. It wasn't until close to the end when this started to unravel making it easier to follow and more entertaining. What I liked about this book was that we knew Owain was a werewolf from the very beginning as usually it takes most of the first book for something like that to come out in the open. There was a bit of mystery with the female lead with a few surprises that came out near the end which also came as a shock to her too. I didn't really feel the romance as it felt like it happened all of a sudden and then something happened that just went to show how unreal their feelings came across. There was parts where there seemed to be some chemistry coming across but it just wasn't sizzling. I really started to enjoy this book towards the end and was even going to make it a three star book but the ending didn't out way the rest of the book. There was a bit of a cliff hanger which has me intrigued by book two so I am a little more excited about book two than what I thought I would have been.
I wasn't a huge fan of most of the characters but I did grow to like some of them for them to do something that had me changing my mind. There was so many different characters that it was hard for me to keep up. What really bugging me about Moira was that I had no idea how old she was so I couldn't tell if she was acting her age or anything. She did come of a bit bratty at times but then there was times when I really felt sorry for her. Owain was one of the few characters that I liked pretty much constantly even if there was one thing that he did that I wasn't happy about.
Overall most of this book was hard to follow but by the end I enjoyed it enough to actually want to read the next book.
The cover for this book is absolutely stunning. It is completely different to other covers that I have seen around especially for new adult books. I love the use of colours especially the hint of red as it makes the cover pop more than what it would have if there was no red. For the most part this cover looks like its been drawn rather than using actual models which makes a huge change. I love that the cover could be a scene from the actual story as it helps to visualise what is happening.
This was a hard book to get into as it was far too confusing I just felt lost for the most part of the book, it didn't help that there was a change in whose point of view we was reading from and sometimes that would happen when I wasn't expecting it too. It wasn't until close to the end when this started to unravel making it easier to follow and more entertaining. What I liked about this book was that we knew Owain was a werewolf from the very beginning as usually it takes most of the first book for something like that to come out in the open. There was a bit of mystery with the female lead with a few surprises that came out near the end which also came as a shock to her too. I didn't really feel the romance as it felt like it happened all of a sudden and then something happened that just went to show how unreal their feelings came across. There was parts where there seemed to be some chemistry coming across but it just wasn't sizzling. I really started to enjoy this book towards the end and was even going to make it a three star book but the ending didn't out way the rest of the book. There was a bit of a cliff hanger which has me intrigued by book two so I am a little more excited about book two than what I thought I would have been.
I wasn't a huge fan of most of the characters but I did grow to like some of them for them to do something that had me changing my mind. There was so many different characters that it was hard for me to keep up. What really bugging me about Moira was that I had no idea how old she was so I couldn't tell if she was acting her age or anything. She did come of a bit bratty at times but then there was times when I really felt sorry for her. Owain was one of the few characters that I liked pretty much constantly even if there was one thing that he did that I wasn't happy about.
Overall most of this book was hard to follow but by the end I enjoyed it enough to actually want to read the next book.
cherie_amor's review
4.0
Lady Moira Rochmond is an eccentric young heiress who would prefer solitude and the beauty of nature over tending to her duties as the daughter of a lord. Her nightly walks, unhealthy sleep patterns, and odd behavior has fueled rumors that she may be afflicted with either a mental illness or a curse. Fearing for her safety and sanity, her father hires a mysterious Blaidyn creature to protect her.
The Blaidyn in question, Owain, is a wolf shapeshifter, created by the Fae. Owain was hoping for an easy retirement job, but what he gets is far from easy, and nothing he expected. Falling in love was never part of the plan, especially since the young beauty, Lady Moira's, hand has been promised to another.
As the story unfolds, it is clear that this will not be a simple romance. The first few chapters of the story are slow in pace, and a bit confusing, due to the many characters that are introduced at once. Thus, it took time for me to become emotionally invested, as each character struggled for the spotlight. But as the pace quickens, things smooth out, and Owain rises to the forefront... this is when things get interesting! Political scheming between characters, and even between races, is the best part of all. And the sinister plotting kept me intrigued -- perhaps even more than the romance!
Owain and Lady Moira are interesting characters. Moira is a free spirited, intelligent woman, who is also quiet, and a bit awkward; while Owain is dark, brooding, and handsome. He is easy to love in this story, with his inherently protective nature. However, the relationship was often overshadowed by the complexity of the storyline. I would have liked to see more effort given to exploring their feelings for one another, as I'm not a huge fan of instant love. Still, they were a good fit, and their union had a sweet appeal.
The book is very descriptive, and the imagery pulls you right in. The author's writing style makes it easy to follow along. I hope, through future books, we will get a more in-depth background on Blaidyn and the Fae history -- so much of the information given was barely touched on. Still, this is a potentially promising series, and I would love to read more!
To read more, visit www.moonrisebookblog.com
The Blaidyn in question, Owain, is a wolf shapeshifter, created by the Fae. Owain was hoping for an easy retirement job, but what he gets is far from easy, and nothing he expected. Falling in love was never part of the plan, especially since the young beauty, Lady Moira's, hand has been promised to another.
As the story unfolds, it is clear that this will not be a simple romance. The first few chapters of the story are slow in pace, and a bit confusing, due to the many characters that are introduced at once. Thus, it took time for me to become emotionally invested, as each character struggled for the spotlight. But as the pace quickens, things smooth out, and Owain rises to the forefront... this is when things get interesting! Political scheming between characters, and even between races, is the best part of all. And the sinister plotting kept me intrigued -- perhaps even more than the romance!
Owain and Lady Moira are interesting characters. Moira is a free spirited, intelligent woman, who is also quiet, and a bit awkward; while Owain is dark, brooding, and handsome. He is easy to love in this story, with his inherently protective nature. However, the relationship was often overshadowed by the complexity of the storyline. I would have liked to see more effort given to exploring their feelings for one another, as I'm not a huge fan of instant love. Still, they were a good fit, and their union had a sweet appeal.
The book is very descriptive, and the imagery pulls you right in. The author's writing style makes it easy to follow along. I hope, through future books, we will get a more in-depth background on Blaidyn and the Fae history -- so much of the information given was barely touched on. Still, this is a potentially promising series, and I would love to read more!
To read more, visit www.moonrisebookblog.com
becxreadz's review
2.0
I received “By the Light of the Moon” for review. I enjoy romances so I jump at the chance to review them. When I read the description for this story, I knew there were shifters involved so I was excited to read a new author’s take on the creatures. I thought the characters’ names were very unique yet pronounceable. Owain is a Blaidyn and I rather enjoyed his character. He doesn’t want to be a guard for a spoiled little rich girl but he takes on the responsibility anyway. I liked that Moira wasn’t that papered princess after all. She is a very free spirited young woman with a mind of her own. The story itself is original and well written with just a few errors toward the ending. My biggest problem came in the beginning when I was introduced to Fae creatures. I’ve never been a fan of Fae and they are difficult stories for me to get involved in. This story took me longer than normal to get through. The chemistry between Owain and Moira didn’t feel at all romantic to me. I felt more like he was caring for a child than loving a woman. I give “By the Light of the Moon” 2/5 stars. It wasn’t a bad story by any means but my own dislike of Faes hindered my enjoyment. If you are a reader who enjoys Fae stories you should give this one a shot.
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