Ties to the Blood Moon by Robin P. Waldrop

ORDER A COPY: TIES TO THE BLOOD MOON– edited version

Publisher: Self published
Publishing Date: November 1, 2011
EBook: 300 pages

Rating: 4 stars

Genevieve is a teenage girl who moves in with her aunt in Alaska after the death of her mother. Soon after her arrival she learns the things she was raised to believe only existed in fairytales are in fact a big part of her history. When it gets to be too much she seeks refuge in the arms of her new boyfriend, William, only to find out he’s not who she thought he was either.

When Genevieve Labreck goes to Alaska to live with her aunt after the death of her mother, she quickly learns that Alaska is very different than California. The kids are friendly but they are definitely hiding something from her. There is something odd about her new friend Luna and her twin brothers, and even the beautiful William, who makes her pulse race whenever he smiles at her, seems to be hiding something. But by then Gen starts to notice changes about herself as well, she needs some answers.

More odd things happen the night of the bonfire when her teacher tells the tale of the return of the Adlet Werewolf Princess who will finally return peace to the Adlets, the lycan and the vampires, and it becomes clear that there is more to Genevieve’s past than her Aunt has told her. With the help of her new friends, Gen goes on a trek to retrieve the Crest which has been hidden away, so that Gen may take her place as the Princess.

It won’t be an easy adventure since Zane, the leader of the lycan, wants to rule and force the lycan, werewolves and vampires to fight in his army to dominate the humans as well. He’ll do whatever necessary to get rid of Genevieve and take her place. Worse yet, it seems he is getting information from someone in the know.  Is Gen putting her faith in the wrong people, is the traitor one of her new friends, or worse, her new love, William?

This is one of those stories you need to stick with. The first overwhelming thought when you start the story will be “this is a cheap Twilight knockoff,” as I am sure any werewolf/vampire/new girl love triangle will now face from here on out. I had some issues with the characters, beside the “twilight” flashbacks, (including the picnic that William takes Gen to in the meadow full of flowers…hmmm, I’ve been here before…) The great love with William was really quick. Her friend Luna was hugging her one moment and then yelling at her or giving dirty looks the next. (I think they have pills for that.) There was also a part where they were waylaid on their adventure and were brought to a house where the gentlemen and his friends draw guns on Gen and her friends, and then seemed surprised when they turn into werewolves. There was never any real explanation of what these guys wanted if it wasn’t about distracting the werewolves from their quest. Left me more with a “WTF was that about” feeling? Especially considering the werewolves were supposed to be protecting her and she’s the only one going “something’s not right here,” and they’re going “no worries.”

So I did make a lot of noises and groaning when I started, but not enough to stop reading. As I kept reading the story did get better and as I moved past my feeling of twilight flashbacks and started to get into the story, I was truly enjoying it. Enough to be pissed off when the story ended I was left with a preview of book 2. There is no information yet as to when book 2 will be released.

I gave it four stars because after a rocky start, it did pick up and it is not a bad first novel.

Received an ARC from the author. Thank you.

Favorite Scene:

His eyes narrowed slightly as he gazed at me, like he was thinking. “I want to show you something.” He held out his hand gently taking hold of mine. “Come on.” We went outside and he placed his arm on the small of my back as we started climbing on the large rocks directly above the cave. When we neared the top it leveled off somewhat into a path.

“Close your eyes.” His voice was like velvet. Without even asking why, I just did it. For whatever reason I felt a connection to him unlike anything I had ever experienced. I couldn’t explain it, I just knew in my heart he wouldn’t let anything or anyone hurt me.

He took my hand and guided me a short distance. “Okay,” he whispered softly next to my ear. “Open them.”

The view before me took my breath away. We were standing on a large flat area of rock on the top fo the back side of the cave and above us the sky was a series or blue, red and green curtains of light, dancing and waving. The colors had made the sky into moving art, like a symphony but with light instead of sound.

We sat together. I was speechless as I watched, and I could feel William watching me as I peered at the lights. After a few minutes, I started rubbing the back of my neck. It ached from constantly looking up. William removed his jacked and laid it behind us, then gently pulled me back. His touch caused my stomach to swirl with butterflies.

I lay on my back with my knees bent, watching the colors change and move. William lay on his side with his head propped on his hand, staring at me. I tried to act like I didn’t notice, but I’m sure my trembling hands and quivering lip told him otherwise…

I felt completely intimidated by him. He was perfect in every way, something I could never be. I kept giving him sidelong glances, and every time he was still eyeing me. He must have noticed because he suddenly flashed that sexy smile of his again, revealing a dimple I didn’t recall seeing before. A burning flush flew over me, I promptly lowered my eyes and smiled.

He slowly inched closer until his face was right next to mine. My heart sped up until I thought a heart attack was eminent.

He placed his hand on my chin and softly turned my face toward him. His hand was like ice at first, but quickly started to warm up until it felt burning hot. His gaze danced back and forth between my lips and my eyes, and mine did the same. I wanted him closer to me, which made my heart ache. Somehow, I knew that nothing he did would get him close enough to satisfy me, and he would always leave me wanting more. It was as if a part of me physically needed William, and I had never felt that way about anyone before.

He inched his way closer, but just before our lips met, his expression turned hard and he quickly sat up.

“What…what is it?” I quickly sat up.

He creased his brow and pursed his lips. “Shh,” he said, not unkindly, cocking his head to the side. He paused briefly. “We should go.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me to my feet. “Come on,” he said with an urgency in his voice.