REVIEW: The Rising Moon by Nilsa Rodriguez

Author: Nilsa Rodriguez

Pages: eBook

Genre: Young Adult - Paranormal

Publisher: Black Dove Publishing

AMAZON: The Rising Moon

Synopsis (Goodreads)

How many lives do you have to live to realize that love is stronger than time and death?

Orphaned at the age of five, Angelia (Lia) Lafosse was left with questions about whom and what she truly was. One thing was clear. Lia was different. Some might even say cursed.

With the help of her best friend, Ryan Woodruff, she begins to unlock the secrets of her families past and discover answers that prove more startling than she ever imagined. Not only was she a werewolf, but a reincarnation of the immortal werewolf, a werewolf with immense powers beyond any of her kind. A werewolf that if discovered by the Lobison’s to have returned, can jeopardize both Lia and those she love.

As destiny finds her love does too…and they couldn’t be more different. Torn between Lyle Ulric, the charming werewolf whose bloodline is as ancient and powerful as her own. And Adam Ambrose, the mysterious and alluring vampire who’s determined not to allow fate or anyone tear their love apart again.

Lia has to make a choice… Destiny or Love…Run or Fight…Live or Die

REVIEW: 3 out of 5 stars

I was recently given the opportunity to read Nilsa Rodriguez’s debut novel ‘The Rising Moon’ for a blog tour in which I participated in and found it to be an enjoyable read, I am a huge Werewolf and Shape-shifter fan so I was keen to see the direction in which Ms Rodriguez would take her story.

Angelia (Lia) Lafosse lost her parents at a young age and after being in and out of foster homes for most of her young life, she now lives with her surrogate father John, who after the death of his wife has turned to alcohol for solace.

Lia has always known she was different, she is a loner, an outcast amongst her peers; she is an interesting and complex character and definitely has her issues, her biggest being that those around her usually die.

When fellow student, Ryan Woodruff befriends her, she finds out more about her history and her past - she is a werewolf, with immense powers beyond any of her kind and a reincarnation of the last immortal werewolf, Zaria – which comes to explain the unusual dreams she has experienced on and off since she was a child.

With the recent death of the Ulric grand-mother, who are a family of Lobison's events are set in motion which places Lia and those around her in immense danger – people she believed to be her friends are now her enemy and out to destroy her for the abilities she holds including Ulric siblings, Emi and Lyle – although Lyle has fallen deeply in love with Lia.

I enjoyed the dark and mysterious feel The Rising Moon had; I liked the differences between the werewolves and the Lobison's and the history surrounding their feud. The action scenes were entertaining and detailed.

What I didn’t like: I think I would have liked to see less romance and more character development and information on the old legends and the abilities Lia had inherited – I don’t feel they were explored enough; the romance/s seemed to take over from the main storyline for me. There is actually a love square of sorts; it starts with Ryan, then to Lyle Ulric and finally Adam Ambrose.

Adam and Lia’s love felt very rushed, I felt there was more a connection between Lia and Ryan - the dialogue, his protective streak, and meeting the family etc. he seemed a better fit relationship wise for me. Adam and Lia sort of fell together due to a shared past, I didn’t feel any chemistry between them.

Ms Rodriguez has weaved a fascinating story, the history; supernatural beings, locations etc. were all vividly detailed and intriguing but I just felt the insta-love declarations to be a tad too much for me, I am hoping more of Lia's powers will be explored in upcoming installments. 

Obtained: Tour Host