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Sisters of the Sun #2
The Moon Witch
With The Sun Witch, Linda Winstead Jones invited readers into the world of the Fyne sisters, three witches coming to terms with their sorcery. Now, one must decide how far she is willing to go to stay true to herself.
Blessed and cursed—with the ability to see the past and future of anyone she touches, middle sister Juliet yearns to use her gift upon herself, if only to understand the terrifying nightmares that plague her. But her fears mean nothing when she is kidnapped by the Emperor's men.
All his life, Ryn has dreamed of a woman with flame-red hair and haunting beauty. He draws extraordinary strength and senses from the wolf-beast within him—and after years of hunting, he has found his life mate. Defeating Juliet's captors, Ryn whisks her away to his home, where his wild desire leads him to defy an ancient prophecy—and only Juliet's untapped powers can stave off the dark forces that threaten to destroy them both.
Blessed and cursed—with the ability to see the past and future of anyone she touches, middle sister Juliet yearns to use her gift upon herself, if only to understand the terrifying nightmares that plague her. But her fears mean nothing when she is kidnapped by the Emperor's men.
All his life, Ryn has dreamed of a woman with flame-red hair and haunting beauty. He draws extraordinary strength and senses from the wolf-beast within him—and after years of hunting, he has found his life mate. Defeating Juliet's captors, Ryn whisks her away to his home, where his wild desire leads him to defy an ancient prophecy—and only Juliet's untapped powers can stave off the dark forces that threaten to destroy them both.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 3, 2005
42 people are currently reading
868 people want to read
About the author
Linda Winstead Jones
166Ìýbooks366ÌýfollowersLinda Winstead Jones is the bestselling author of more than eighty romance novels and novellas across several sub-genres. She’s easily distracted (Look! A squirrel!) and writes the stories that speak to her in the moment. Paranormal. Romantic Suspense. Twisted Fairy Tales. Cowboys. Her books are for readers who want to escape from reality for a while, who don’t mind the occasional trip into another world for a laugh, a chill, the occasional heartwarming tear. Where will we go next?
More information can be found at lindawinsteadjones.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter, and at or .
More information can be found at lindawinsteadjones.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter, and at or .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 17, 2019
Potential spoilers ahead.
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.
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Main love interest kidnaps main character to bring her to his home, where she is to be his mate. He claims that they are fated to be lifelong mates. Furthermore, this is simply the way things are done in his country and among his people; they venture out when their mate calls to them, and they kidnap the human woman they find and bring her home. Somehow, none of the women have never asked to leave before.
Notably, the insensitivity in creating this culture is boggling. I suppose it doesn't matter much because we don't see almost any of these other characters, but I hate it. These women all presumably were already living lives in their country, had plans for their futures, and were their own people. In the world the author presents, it is customary for these women to be kidnapped (presumably the men carried them off without asking) and not only uprooted from the lives they were living, but never given the chance to return to those lives. In fact, we are told that they don't want to return to their lives. Once they get settled in their new home with their new mates, they are presumably happy. If this is really the culture the author has created, I despise reading such bullshit. Aside from the sexism, it's just not realistic. When people are taken away from their lives, it is natural that some of them will seek to return to the plans they had before and the life they were making for themselves. Overlooking this reality and the nature and psychology of such an act repeated throughout an entire culture is hopelessly short-sighted just for the sake of creating a culture. Why create a new race and culture unless you're going to make it interesting and do it well?
Now, I don't know how much of that is true about the entire culture. But it is certainly true of the main love interest. He kidnaps the main character quite against her will, literally carrying her over his shoulder off into the mountains. The only explanation he gives her is that she is destined to be his mate, and she will see. I realize that the author has created a scenario in which this is the truth-- the main character IS destined to be the love interest's lifelong mate-- but I found his treatment of her abhorrent. She was frightened, she was clearly being taken against her will, and she felt strongly that she had other plans (to go rescue her sisters). The love interest did not care, because ~*destiny*~. In my opinion, even if the destiny ultimately turned out to be true, the love interest was quite loathable and the story did not work for me. The main character had a life, from which she was torn away against her wishes; and she had plans, which she was prevented from completing simply because of a ~*destiny*~ that she could not see. (And because her love interest got in the way, and told her it was her destiny. That's the part that really gets me.)
Now, I know, ultimately at the end she makes plans to return to her sisters and follow through on her earlier plans, etc. But I think this is a piss poor execution of a character's goals and desires. The fact that Juliet is not allowed to make these decisions herself until the end of the story is infuriating and infantilizing.
Also, the love interest is easy to despise. He is described as being wonderfully handsome, but that is really not enough to make him a worthy character. The reason he is so despicable is because of his attitude and actions. Aside from never comforting the main character or assuaging her fears or explaining ANYTHING, he holds a strong and unswayable sexism. (Again, "it's just part of his culture," which is bullshit.) At the beginning, when he kidnaps the main character, he has planned out an entire future for them. He has built her a house in his country, and he will take her there, and she will bear him many sons, and she will raise them and keep the house and serve him and be obedient. But when the main character's true destiny is revealed, and it becomes apparent that she will be superior to him, and not subservient, he has a chapters-long sulk about it. The narrative explicitly says at one point that he could not bear to take orders from a woman. So there you go-- the main character, and apparently his entire culture, have no problem with one sex giving orders to the other, but it is intolerable when that situation is reversed.
I would have found the plot of this book interesting, but I was constantly distracted by the love interest's sexism and the bullshit plot device of "it is destiny and she will eventually accept it." There is no character development in a character passively coming to accept her destiny, not when she is grappling with the need to return to her sisters and the country the was kidnapped from. If we are meant to buy that she simply realized such things were not important to her anymore, then I don't, because the book ends with the main character re-asserting the importance of these issues. I think that this aspect of the book was especially sloppy, and it ruined every other part of the story for me.
.
.
.
Main love interest kidnaps main character to bring her to his home, where she is to be his mate. He claims that they are fated to be lifelong mates. Furthermore, this is simply the way things are done in his country and among his people; they venture out when their mate calls to them, and they kidnap the human woman they find and bring her home. Somehow, none of the women have never asked to leave before.
Notably, the insensitivity in creating this culture is boggling. I suppose it doesn't matter much because we don't see almost any of these other characters, but I hate it. These women all presumably were already living lives in their country, had plans for their futures, and were their own people. In the world the author presents, it is customary for these women to be kidnapped (presumably the men carried them off without asking) and not only uprooted from the lives they were living, but never given the chance to return to those lives. In fact, we are told that they don't want to return to their lives. Once they get settled in their new home with their new mates, they are presumably happy. If this is really the culture the author has created, I despise reading such bullshit. Aside from the sexism, it's just not realistic. When people are taken away from their lives, it is natural that some of them will seek to return to the plans they had before and the life they were making for themselves. Overlooking this reality and the nature and psychology of such an act repeated throughout an entire culture is hopelessly short-sighted just for the sake of creating a culture. Why create a new race and culture unless you're going to make it interesting and do it well?
Now, I don't know how much of that is true about the entire culture. But it is certainly true of the main love interest. He kidnaps the main character quite against her will, literally carrying her over his shoulder off into the mountains. The only explanation he gives her is that she is destined to be his mate, and she will see. I realize that the author has created a scenario in which this is the truth-- the main character IS destined to be the love interest's lifelong mate-- but I found his treatment of her abhorrent. She was frightened, she was clearly being taken against her will, and she felt strongly that she had other plans (to go rescue her sisters). The love interest did not care, because ~*destiny*~. In my opinion, even if the destiny ultimately turned out to be true, the love interest was quite loathable and the story did not work for me. The main character had a life, from which she was torn away against her wishes; and she had plans, which she was prevented from completing simply because of a ~*destiny*~ that she could not see. (And because her love interest got in the way, and told her it was her destiny. That's the part that really gets me.)
Now, I know, ultimately at the end she makes plans to return to her sisters and follow through on her earlier plans, etc. But I think this is a piss poor execution of a character's goals and desires. The fact that Juliet is not allowed to make these decisions herself until the end of the story is infuriating and infantilizing.
Also, the love interest is easy to despise. He is described as being wonderfully handsome, but that is really not enough to make him a worthy character. The reason he is so despicable is because of his attitude and actions. Aside from never comforting the main character or assuaging her fears or explaining ANYTHING, he holds a strong and unswayable sexism. (Again, "it's just part of his culture," which is bullshit.) At the beginning, when he kidnaps the main character, he has planned out an entire future for them. He has built her a house in his country, and he will take her there, and she will bear him many sons, and she will raise them and keep the house and serve him and be obedient. But when the main character's true destiny is revealed, and it becomes apparent that she will be superior to him, and not subservient, he has a chapters-long sulk about it. The narrative explicitly says at one point that he could not bear to take orders from a woman. So there you go-- the main character, and apparently his entire culture, have no problem with one sex giving orders to the other, but it is intolerable when that situation is reversed.
I would have found the plot of this book interesting, but I was constantly distracted by the love interest's sexism and the bullshit plot device of "it is destiny and she will eventually accept it." There is no character development in a character passively coming to accept her destiny, not when she is grappling with the need to return to her sisters and the country the was kidnapped from. If we are meant to buy that she simply realized such things were not important to her anymore, then I don't, because the book ends with the main character re-asserting the importance of these issues. I think that this aspect of the book was especially sloppy, and it ruined every other part of the story for me.
December 11, 2017
~3.5
I definitely liked it more than the first book in the series. There was much more adventure than in the first one. And I think it was established enough that it could jump directly into the plot, whereas the first one was slower and had to set it up. Also, unlike the first one, Juliet and Ryn had more time to get to know each other and understand each other.
Overall, I liked Juliet more than Sophie in that as readers we got to grow with her and see how she changes as a person. The whole time you're really rooting for her to find herself and her strength.
I also really like the villains in this story. They're almost more interesting than the protagonists.
One few things that did bother me though:
1. The going back and forth aspect of the story. It kind of felt like at times near the beginning-middle, the author didn't quite know what to do with the characters.
2. Ryn's personality. I thought he was interesting and noble and kind-hearted at the beginning.
Overall, it was pretty good, I finished it in like 2 days. Can't wait to read the next one!
I definitely liked it more than the first book in the series. There was much more adventure than in the first one. And I think it was established enough that it could jump directly into the plot, whereas the first one was slower and had to set it up. Also, unlike the first one, Juliet and Ryn had more time to get to know each other and understand each other.
Overall, I liked Juliet more than Sophie in that as readers we got to grow with her and see how she changes as a person. The whole time you're really rooting for her to find herself and her strength.
I also really like the villains in this story. They're almost more interesting than the protagonists.
One few things that did bother me though:
1. The going back and forth aspect of the story. It kind of felt like at times near the beginning-middle, the author didn't quite know what to do with the characters.
2. Ryn's personality. I thought he was interesting and noble and kind-hearted at the beginning.
Overall, it was pretty good, I finished it in like 2 days. Can't wait to read the next one!
August 2, 2011
This is the first book I've read in the series. Though it was meant to stand alone, and did so, I'm sure it would have helped significantly if I'd caught the backstory on the youngest sister. A world unto itself, the culture, and politics included were unusually complex. I was drawn to the lupine aspect of this book, which made it my primary interest. That much I felt was handled very well.
Along with the complexities came a little more head-hopping than I tend to personally like. In addition to the separated perspectives and journeys of the three Fyne sisters, you spend a good deal of time with Ryn, and a divergent plotline with an empress. It took me a long while to become remotely attached to the empress, as I had apparently missed a great deal by not reading the first book. The scenes involving relationships other than Juliet and Ryn felt a bit cumbersome, but then, they were the only couple I had any attachment to. It likely works just fine in the scope of the series.
I did find Juliet difficult to like for a very long while. She felt childish and immature, and hen her abrupt character advancement seemed almost too easily explained away. suppose there was plenty of physical emphasis as far as romances go, but I didn't connect as well to the emotional aspects, for whatever reason. Again, just my opinion.
Along with the complexities came a little more head-hopping than I tend to personally like. In addition to the separated perspectives and journeys of the three Fyne sisters, you spend a good deal of time with Ryn, and a divergent plotline with an empress. It took me a long while to become remotely attached to the empress, as I had apparently missed a great deal by not reading the first book. The scenes involving relationships other than Juliet and Ryn felt a bit cumbersome, but then, they were the only couple I had any attachment to. It likely works just fine in the scope of the series.
I did find Juliet difficult to like for a very long while. She felt childish and immature, and hen her abrupt character advancement seemed almost too easily explained away. suppose there was plenty of physical emphasis as far as romances go, but I didn't connect as well to the emotional aspects, for whatever reason. Again, just my opinion.
March 15, 2010
I'm very glad I took the chance and decided to read the other books in this series. For once, the second book far outweighs the first. The female character, Juliet, is more intriguing and her actions come from a stronger and more appealing self determination than Sophie from the first book. There is again the emphasis on traditional marriage as the place "where couples find happiness," but there are multiple power structures outside of the traditional male centered patriarchy of many fantasy stories.
July 23, 2017
2.5 Stars
The first in this series is one I reread generally at least once a year so when I stumbled across this in my local uused bookstore I had to pick it up. In a lot of ways it was a disappointing follow up. Juliet is definitely the least interesting of the 3 sisters and though she does grow a backbone a bit this book didn't change that. This book was truly not a romance but rather an interesting plot based book that includes a "couple" brought together by Stockholm syndrome or at least something like it. In truth feelings never grew between the 2 because they never shared their lives with each other. Ryn steadfastly refused to do anything comforting...he wasn't a disgusting "hero" that permeates NA books these days but neither was he the romantic hero that is supposed to be the bright part of these kinds of books. He wouldn't tell her about himself, only about how their lives together were going to be as dictated by him (and believe me my inner feminist had some things to say about that). He wasn't an asshole to her or anything but he just wasn't very appealing. And so the romance didn't work in this book, though their moments of lust were believable their declarations of love were not. And because the romance didn't work I noticed the incredible multitude of different plots going on. The first book was the same way but it flowed better so it wasn't noticeable. This book had me wishing the author would focus on the couple whose book this actually was and make me believe in the romance rather than spreading the pages so thin with other plot lines. Also thin was my understanding of the Arwyns. The last book brought them up but you'd expect more detail in the book where the hero is one...not so much. You do get some more detail but not really enough to satisfy my curiosity. Also I wish she would cease all efforts to make the emperor likable. I don't buy him as a conflicted man who has light and dark in him so go ahead and just make him a true villain
I'm getting the 3rd book from the library to round out my reading of the series but I expect that only the first will remain on my shelf to be reread in the future.
The first in this series is one I reread generally at least once a year so when I stumbled across this in my local uused bookstore I had to pick it up. In a lot of ways it was a disappointing follow up. Juliet is definitely the least interesting of the 3 sisters and though she does grow a backbone a bit this book didn't change that. This book was truly not a romance but rather an interesting plot based book that includes a "couple" brought together by Stockholm syndrome or at least something like it. In truth feelings never grew between the 2 because they never shared their lives with each other. Ryn steadfastly refused to do anything comforting...he wasn't a disgusting "hero" that permeates NA books these days but neither was he the romantic hero that is supposed to be the bright part of these kinds of books. He wouldn't tell her about himself, only about how their lives together were going to be as dictated by him (and believe me my inner feminist had some things to say about that). He wasn't an asshole to her or anything but he just wasn't very appealing. And so the romance didn't work in this book, though their moments of lust were believable their declarations of love were not. And because the romance didn't work I noticed the incredible multitude of different plots going on. The first book was the same way but it flowed better so it wasn't noticeable. This book had me wishing the author would focus on the couple whose book this actually was and make me believe in the romance rather than spreading the pages so thin with other plot lines. Also thin was my understanding of the Arwyns. The last book brought them up but you'd expect more detail in the book where the hero is one...not so much. You do get some more detail but not really enough to satisfy my curiosity. Also I wish she would cease all efforts to make the emperor likable. I don't buy him as a conflicted man who has light and dark in him so go ahead and just make him a true villain
I'm getting the 3rd book from the library to round out my reading of the series but I expect that only the first will remain on my shelf to be reread in the future.
August 28, 2023
Okay, so, in all honesty, I enjoyed the first book so much that I figured that the two following books would be a letdown, especially since I had a hard time discerning which of Sophie's sisters was Isadora and which was Juliet. I mean, I still had a hard time keeping the two straight from the start of book 2, and I frankly couldn't have given y'all their individual abilities if my life had depended upon it. But thankfully, this book proved to be anything but a letdown. In fact, I enjoyed this just as much, if not slightly more than, the first one.
For one thing, I was certainly more invested in the palace intrigue this time around, both because I liked Liane standing up for herself and what she wanted (though, I felt bad for Mahri) and because I feel there's a big plot twist coming and I'm eager to see if this theory I have is correct.
For another, as awesome as Sophie's fertility powers are, I found Juliet's powers and true heritage to be far more interesting. Not necessarily the fact that she had visions that weren't always convenient, but the fact that she was so connected to the earth and every living thing on it. Also, disappointingly, the cutaways to Sophie and Kane did very little to advance the overarching story, and I couldn't care less about what was going on with Isadora throughout the book. Instead, I was happy when the author focused on Juliet and Ryn, and their animalistic connection.
Sure, Anwyn society is a bit...primitive in their consideration of gender roles, to the point that modern Western society would be appalled. But that aside, I did find their whole species fascinating, and their whole caveman outlook spoke to something primal within myself. Besides, they eventually showed that they're willing to embrace a few changes to their traditions and therefore not totally rigid in how their society functions.
Overall Verdict: 9 Anwyn queens out of 10
For one thing, I was certainly more invested in the palace intrigue this time around, both because I liked Liane standing up for herself and what she wanted (though, I felt bad for Mahri) and because I feel there's a big plot twist coming and I'm eager to see if this theory I have is correct.
For another, as awesome as Sophie's fertility powers are, I found Juliet's powers and true heritage to be far more interesting. Not necessarily the fact that she had visions that weren't always convenient, but the fact that she was so connected to the earth and every living thing on it. Also, disappointingly, the cutaways to Sophie and Kane did very little to advance the overarching story, and I couldn't care less about what was going on with Isadora throughout the book. Instead, I was happy when the author focused on Juliet and Ryn, and their animalistic connection.
Sure, Anwyn society is a bit...primitive in their consideration of gender roles, to the point that modern Western society would be appalled. But that aside, I did find their whole species fascinating, and their whole caveman outlook spoke to something primal within myself. Besides, they eventually showed that they're willing to embrace a few changes to their traditions and therefore not totally rigid in how their society functions.
Overall Verdict: 9 Anwyn queens out of 10
July 5, 2022
Witches, shape-shifters, rebels, and two monarchies. So much action and adventure, but also tender moments and passion.
This is the story of Juliet, the middle sister, the seer. Her transformation to fully becoming herself is a wonder to behold.
I particularly enjoyed how the author brought the other two sisters back into the story, weaving them into the plot.
An all around good read that leaves me looking forward to the next in the series.
This is the story of Juliet, the middle sister, the seer. Her transformation to fully becoming herself is a wonder to behold.
I particularly enjoyed how the author brought the other two sisters back into the story, weaving them into the plot.
An all around good read that leaves me looking forward to the next in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2020
I often find myself enjoying the second book of a series the best. I think this might be one of those times. I loved the story line between Juliet and Ryan. I'm also becoming more intrigued by Liane- I think she is a great contrast of good and bad, and you wonder should I like her or not? Can't wait to see how all these story lines end!
July 14, 2024
I love this book. I love this series. I love this author. This book is what started me on my Linda path. She is my favorite author, and I love all of the books I've read that she had written. I still have quite a bit to read with her aliases. I recommend her ALWAYS!
May 15, 2019
This was my favorite book in the trilogy. Juliette bring A female Anwen (sp) and was to be queen. Loved Rhys he is definitely a real man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2023
Such an amazing Sega. On my keep shelf
Want to read
January 31, 2025Thrift store find with book 3, just gotta find the first one.
February 20, 2025
Love Juliet!
Ryn is a great mix of a character. Loved their coming together and married! Cannot wait for the 3rd book!
Ryn is a great mix of a character. Loved their coming together and married! Cannot wait for the 3rd book!
May 26, 2016
This is a sprawling fantasy epic covering many different characters/plotlines with four central protagonists and their 4 male love interests. Three sisters and... the villains. Kind of. I'm not sure if classifying them as straight villains really works in a book that allows them to be nuanced and have true love in the middle of murdering people and waging a war. They're characters as well-constructed and well-handled as the others.
This book is so much fun. All the love stories happen simultaneously, and all their plotlines are interesting. I never knew this was the kind of book I wanted to write until I read this book. You mean I don't have to choose between fantasy and romance? I don't have to make it just about one main couple whose love story is obvious from page one? :O
The plot is interesting in that I'm really not sure what's going to happen. Because the author has given a life and love to the villain, I'm not sure if she'll kill him off. So I'm not sure how the "good guys" are going to overcome evil in the end... when evil is in love and cares deeply for his wife and unborn child. It's really interesting, and I definitely want to read the entire series.
Just an FYI, since most of my readers are super queer feminisists - this book is very heteronormative. So so so so so much. I can turn my brain off and enjoy, but that might not be your thing.
There was one thing about this book that bothered me, and I considered marking it 4 stars just for this, but... overall my hardcore love and enjoyment of this book and this series won out. :) That one thing, however, was this. Ryn belongs to a very patriarchal wereolf society where "men dominate the homes," and it's so heteronormative it makes my eyes water. The women are "soft and comforting" at home while the men are "strong and protective" outside of it. The men literally drag women back to their village and all the women accept this fate complacently and are happy to serve and have babies forever. Like. There's some magic involved here, with fated lovers and soulmates, and I'm willing to turn off my disbelief and accept this as a magical culture. I have to like, turn off my whole brain, but I can handle it.
However, when plot develops and Juliet accepts that she's Ryn's soulmate and they are going to live together and etc., Ryn basically spends several chapters throwing a fit because he won't be able to boss "his woman" around, or she "might ask me to make her dinner sometimes!!" (the horror!!!) etc. At one point he and Juliet are fighting and he says he wants an uncomplicated life, and she says "what you want is an uncomplicated wife" and he says "yes," and like. The book acts as though this feelings/behavior are 100% acceptable, and it just grated on my nerves hardcore. You drag a woman back to your home against her will. She slowly accepts that this is fate/destiny and is willing to make it work, but now you're going to be upset because you can't be a tyrant and boss her around whenever you want? Sorry? She should dump your ass?
So, that really really irked me. A lot. The rest of the book was wonderful, though, and I can work hard to turn off my mind and accept this ridiculous culture, lol, but I can't really accept a romantic hero who gets pissy because he can't order his love interest to make him dinner.
This book is so much fun. All the love stories happen simultaneously, and all their plotlines are interesting. I never knew this was the kind of book I wanted to write until I read this book. You mean I don't have to choose between fantasy and romance? I don't have to make it just about one main couple whose love story is obvious from page one? :O
The plot is interesting in that I'm really not sure what's going to happen. Because the author has given a life and love to the villain, I'm not sure if she'll kill him off. So I'm not sure how the "good guys" are going to overcome evil in the end... when evil is in love and cares deeply for his wife and unborn child. It's really interesting, and I definitely want to read the entire series.
Just an FYI, since most of my readers are super queer feminisists - this book is very heteronormative. So so so so so much. I can turn my brain off and enjoy, but that might not be your thing.
There was one thing about this book that bothered me, and I considered marking it 4 stars just for this, but... overall my hardcore love and enjoyment of this book and this series won out. :) That one thing, however, was this. Ryn belongs to a very patriarchal wereolf society where "men dominate the homes," and it's so heteronormative it makes my eyes water. The women are "soft and comforting" at home while the men are "strong and protective" outside of it. The men literally drag women back to their village and all the women accept this fate complacently and are happy to serve and have babies forever. Like. There's some magic involved here, with fated lovers and soulmates, and I'm willing to turn off my disbelief and accept this as a magical culture. I have to like, turn off my whole brain, but I can handle it.
However, when plot develops and Juliet accepts that she's Ryn's soulmate and they are going to live together and etc., Ryn basically spends several chapters throwing a fit because he won't be able to boss "his woman" around, or she "might ask me to make her dinner sometimes!!" (the horror!!!) etc. At one point he and Juliet are fighting and he says he wants an uncomplicated life, and she says "what you want is an uncomplicated wife" and he says "yes," and like. The book acts as though this feelings/behavior are 100% acceptable, and it just grated on my nerves hardcore. You drag a woman back to your home against her will. She slowly accepts that this is fate/destiny and is willing to make it work, but now you're going to be upset because you can't be a tyrant and boss her around whenever you want? Sorry? She should dump your ass?
So, that really really irked me. A lot. The rest of the book was wonderful, though, and I can work hard to turn off my mind and accept this ridiculous culture, lol, but I can't really accept a romantic hero who gets pissy because he can't order his love interest to make him dinner.
September 6, 2012
The Fyne sisters continue to try to battle the curse preventing them from finding lasting love in this second volume in the series, The Moon Witch. This one involves a shape-shifter who kidnaps the middle Fyne sister, Juliette, in the tradition of his people. They know who their true mate is, and are led to them, then they kidnap them and bring them home.
In the first book, I reported feeling engaged early on, but losing patience as time wore on. I felt the same way in this book. At first, I was intrigued by Juliette's visions, and her part-wolf captor. But the tension didn't hold. I knew the cures wouldn't break at the end of this book, because there was still another Fyne witch's story to tell, but that was only part of the problem. It was all too easy for me...their coming together. I never for one second doubted it. And I realize that thanks to the HEA strcture, I never *really* doubt it, but in this case there was more, or maybe less, depending upon how you look at it.
When it comes to fantasy, the whole "meant to be together" thing sounds good in theory, but is a PITA to pull off for real. I'm struggling to remember if I've ever seen it done well, and nothing is coming to mind. (Doesn't mean I won't think of something later.) The trouble is, once you've got some magical connection binding two people, the story's basically over. Okay, nothing more to see here. Let's move on. The magical binding, as I've just decided to call it, undermines "that which keeps them apart." The only thing keeping these two people apart was that they weren't together yet.
There was one aspect that could have worked well, but didn't. Ryn started having second thoughts when he learned about Juliete's true destiny. (Won't give details for the sake of spoilers.) Actually, it probably should have worked, but I have a feeling that it was going to end up being sort of hand waved away. Something in the way both this book and the previous book were written led me to that conclusion long before discovering that indeed, his fears ended up being ridiculously simple to overcome and the whole potential complication amounted to nothing.
There's one book left in this series, and I'll read it because it's a trilogy that's meant to be read together. I can't honestly say I'm enthusiastic, though.
In the first book, I reported feeling engaged early on, but losing patience as time wore on. I felt the same way in this book. At first, I was intrigued by Juliette's visions, and her part-wolf captor. But the tension didn't hold. I knew the cures wouldn't break at the end of this book, because there was still another Fyne witch's story to tell, but that was only part of the problem. It was all too easy for me...their coming together. I never for one second doubted it. And I realize that thanks to the HEA strcture, I never *really* doubt it, but in this case there was more, or maybe less, depending upon how you look at it.
When it comes to fantasy, the whole "meant to be together" thing sounds good in theory, but is a PITA to pull off for real. I'm struggling to remember if I've ever seen it done well, and nothing is coming to mind. (Doesn't mean I won't think of something later.) The trouble is, once you've got some magical connection binding two people, the story's basically over. Okay, nothing more to see here. Let's move on. The magical binding, as I've just decided to call it, undermines "that which keeps them apart." The only thing keeping these two people apart was that they weren't together yet.
There was one aspect that could have worked well, but didn't. Ryn started having second thoughts when he learned about Juliete's true destiny. (Won't give details for the sake of spoilers.) Actually, it probably should have worked, but I have a feeling that it was going to end up being sort of hand waved away. Something in the way both this book and the previous book were written led me to that conclusion long before discovering that indeed, his fears ended up being ridiculously simple to overcome and the whole potential complication amounted to nothing.
There's one book left in this series, and I'll read it because it's a trilogy that's meant to be read together. I can't honestly say I'm enthusiastic, though.
January 17, 2021
The adventures of middle sister, Juliet, a psychic and healer, is the focus of The Moon Witch, which IMO, is the weakest book of the three. But that didn’t detract my pursuing the story’s development.
Upon learning of the powers of the Fyne witches, the emperor Sebastyen sent out his men to capture the remaining two sisters so that he can harness their powers for his own nefarious purposes. On the way, Juliet was ‘rescued� by a mysterious man who seems to be connected in the mind to Juliet.
Juliet has had terrifying dreams of her first time with a man in her future, only she didn’t know that the blood of Anwyn, a tribe of wolf-beast shape shifters, runs in her veins and that those nightmares actually portents her discovering even greater powers of her own. This instalment borders a little on the paranormal, and although I read it as feverishly as the first, it was the plot development which drew me in. I guess it’s because I’ve never really taken to paranormal romances involving werewolves.
Still, the author built up the tension and pace the story towards its conclusion, and that fantastical world of the Anwyns she created is fascinating in that the tribe is ruled by a Queen. And Juliet is the Queen foretold in prophecies. I got quite a kick out of seeing the unassuming and humble Juliet taking on the leadership and discovering that [she] actually has the natural ability to rule and command.
First posted of this book in 2006.
Upon learning of the powers of the Fyne witches, the emperor Sebastyen sent out his men to capture the remaining two sisters so that he can harness their powers for his own nefarious purposes. On the way, Juliet was ‘rescued� by a mysterious man who seems to be connected in the mind to Juliet.
Juliet has had terrifying dreams of her first time with a man in her future, only she didn’t know that the blood of Anwyn, a tribe of wolf-beast shape shifters, runs in her veins and that those nightmares actually portents her discovering even greater powers of her own. This instalment borders a little on the paranormal, and although I read it as feverishly as the first, it was the plot development which drew me in. I guess it’s because I’ve never really taken to paranormal romances involving werewolves.
Still, the author built up the tension and pace the story towards its conclusion, and that fantastical world of the Anwyns she created is fascinating in that the tribe is ruled by a Queen. And Juliet is the Queen foretold in prophecies. I got quite a kick out of seeing the unassuming and humble Juliet taking on the leadership and discovering that [she] actually has the natural ability to rule and command.
First posted of this book in 2006.
May 12, 2013
The Moon Witch is a good book ruined by a boring main character. Juliet is a a goody-two-shoes Mary Sue of the annoying variety. She becomes Queen based on the virtue of being female. Even her love interest, Ryn, is not given enough chance to grow into his own like his predecessor in book one, Kane. (his culture views and society do not help)
Now that negatives are out of the way, I can start with the things I loved. The writing style is just as good as the Sun Witch . Just because the protagonist and her beau are lame doesn't mean that the book is bad. There is an excellent overarching story being told with a good amount of description, action and love scenes. The storylines of the Royal Palace are simply a delight. Court intrigues created the real tension and backbone of the story. I've come to appreciate Liane, Sebestyen and Isadora even more. I loved when they were in the same location.
Three stars out of five: one star deducted for Juliet's cliche transformation from meekfarmgirl middle sister to predestined werewolf queen. She even has a prophecy (oooh, red haired queen. So shiny!) And one star for the endlessly repeated paragraphs about how she will not hook up/marry the hot guy and become queen. Even Sophie wasn't this annoying! At least Sophie was honest about what she wanted and did no waste pages.
ps: Sophie and Kane are not bad, they just shine less compared to the older cast.
Now that negatives are out of the way, I can start with the things I loved. The writing style is just as good as the Sun Witch . Just because the protagonist and her beau are lame doesn't mean that the book is bad. There is an excellent overarching story being told with a good amount of description, action and love scenes. The storylines of the Royal Palace are simply a delight. Court intrigues created the real tension and backbone of the story. I've come to appreciate Liane, Sebestyen and Isadora even more. I loved when they were in the same location.
Three stars out of five: one star deducted for Juliet's cliche transformation from meek
ps: Sophie and Kane are not bad, they just shine less compared to the older cast.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2023
A young witch is kidnapped from her cottage by the king but is soon after kidnapped again by a mountain man who claims her to be his mate and takes her to his city. The heroine spends half the trip adamantly denying being his wife and mate but the male is calm, soft spoken and more so adamant about the fact that she is. Finally the girl begins to lose some of her fear and embraces the physical act of love with him. Turns out she's the long awaited queen of the males race and this brings a new set of troubles. She's no longer his mate, instead he's her consort-a fact that kills him inside especially given the prophecy that she's to sire a baby with another male. But is all turns out in the end. The best thing about this story was the males character. He was a study is opposites. Strong and gentle, savage and cultured. He spoke only when he had sometime meaningful to say and treated his female with tenderness and love-though he doesn't recognize the emotion until much later. This was a lovely book.
August 21, 2012
I liked it, and I didn't.
The writing style is stilted and impersonal, which I found rather tedious in places--there's no character to the writing, although the characters themselves are well-realized and constantly growing. I enjoyed following Juliet's path with Ryn, especially as she began to accept him, and her life developed at his side. I was far less interested in the part of the story that featured Isadora, unfortunately, which makes me loathe to pick up The Star Witch, even though the story is certainly not finished. The only plot that Moon Witch ties up is Juliet's own growth. The three books have their own overreaching plot that is as yet unfinished.
I'm not sure I could appreciate how quickly characters could change their minds and make realizations, however. It seemed to simple. The writing was blunt and straightforward, with little to no finesse and scant drawing on the senses.
The writing style is stilted and impersonal, which I found rather tedious in places--there's no character to the writing, although the characters themselves are well-realized and constantly growing. I enjoyed following Juliet's path with Ryn, especially as she began to accept him, and her life developed at his side. I was far less interested in the part of the story that featured Isadora, unfortunately, which makes me loathe to pick up The Star Witch, even though the story is certainly not finished. The only plot that Moon Witch ties up is Juliet's own growth. The three books have their own overreaching plot that is as yet unfinished.
I'm not sure I could appreciate how quickly characters could change their minds and make realizations, however. It seemed to simple. The writing was blunt and straightforward, with little to no finesse and scant drawing on the senses.
May 26, 2008
This book is the sequel to The Sun Witch, and is about the journey of Juliet. When Sophie left with Kane to find the baby, the Emperor's men came to their home and kidnapped Juliet and Isdora under the Emperor's order (he wants to use their powers). On the way back to the palace, a man called Ryn rescued and kidnapped Juliet from the Emperor's men. At first, Juliet was really scared of him and his wild ways. (Ryn is a Anwyn, a ancient and powerful species). AS they approached Ryn's homeland, Juliet grows to accept him and even love him. But soon Ryn discovered that Juliet is also Anwyn, not just any Anwyn but the child Queen who went missing years ago. Will they be able to overcome their obstacles? the next book in this series is the Star Witch.
August 8, 2012
I randomly picked this up off the library paperback shelves. Of course it is the second in a trilogy, and of course they don't have the other two, but I found it engaging, and a fast, easy read. A palate cleanser from the serious nonfiction, disturbing mystery, and thought-provoking poetry that I've been reading lately. Also? I've been reading a slew of cheap/free romance on the Kindle since I got it, and it's harder for me to find the acceptable romance in the Kindle marketplace. I'm not saying that if it's published in mass market paperback that it's automatically better than ebook only - not by a long shot - but my ebook screening process isn't quite honed yet.
November 16, 2010
So, book #2 was a bit of a let down. The sister is a pansy. And the "hero" of the story is just the big strong man without any real additional interesting bits. Now, I don't mind a feminine character, but this sister was set up to be a strong woman and she just kind of fell flat. Also, the peripheral characters weren't quite as necessary to this story, so a bit too much time was spent on them. I think this definitely suffered from being the arc in the larger story that had to be gotten through before the third book.
March 17, 2010
4.5 stars
I thought this book was just as good as The Sun Witch, but I didn't like Juliet and Ryn as much. I thought Juliet was a prude and her insistence on denying her destiny got annoying really fast. Ryn had a cave-man mentality that made sense for the story, but was equally annoying.
Even though Liane and Sebestyen are the "villains", I think they are very interesting characters and I hope they get a HEA.
I thought this book was just as good as The Sun Witch, but I didn't like Juliet and Ryn as much. I thought Juliet was a prude and her insistence on denying her destiny got annoying really fast. Ryn had a cave-man mentality that made sense for the story, but was equally annoying.
Even though Liane and Sebestyen are the "villains", I think they are very interesting characters and I hope they get a HEA.
February 17, 2008
Juliet Fyne, who has the power of sight, and her sister Isadora are prisoners of the emperor when she is kidnapped by Ryn, and Anwyn who asserts that she is his mate. Traveling to the Anwyn city, she discovers her birthright, her inherent royalty, and her love for Ryn.
This installment is a little more fantastical than the other two, but it still flows well. Ryn is likeable at first, but when he discovers Juliet is a queen he acts like a spoiled child.
This installment is a little more fantastical than the other two, but it still flows well. Ryn is likeable at first, but when he discovers Juliet is a queen he acts like a spoiled child.
March 18, 2013
The book was decent...don't think the author built enough with the main charcters do to flipping back and forth with Isadora and Sophie. Instead of feeling like this was a book for Juliet, I felt like the author was trying to play catch up with the other charcters and the charcter building kinda got lost in the mix. But, if you don't focus to hard on it and just read it for entertainment value then I think its a pretty good read.
May 16, 2009
Better than Sun Witch. Here is a character I can get behind. And although the mate thing can be over the top sometimes, it's still sweet, I think.
Not bad, and good enough to make me want to read the third. Though I'm not sure I like Isadora...
Not bad, and good enough to make me want to read the third. Though I'm not sure I like Isadora...
October 11, 2010
I LOOOOVVVVVE THIS BOOK. I don't remember how many times i've read it but mom thinks i'm weird becuz of it. She's only read it once and doesn't remember very mush if anything at all. I wish I could be Sophie.
December 2, 2011
Story was better than the first. Sophie was some sex crazed woman looks for a man while Juliet was more reserved. Now once she got it, she was sex crazed, lol. Im really enjoying the back story with Sebastyn and Liane alot. I can't wait to see what is gonna happen next.
November 21, 2014
really good, want to read the next one
in the series, The Star Witch, first one was The Sun Witch, which
I also want to read, but haven't found either of them yet.
in the series, The Star Witch, first one was The Sun Witch, which
I also want to read, but haven't found either of them yet.
December 21, 2014
This is not my favorite book in the series, but I have to give it 5 stars because it got me hooked on all the others! The ending really shocked me. Didn't see that storyline coming! Great combo of romance, mystery, and fantasy!
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