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Thaumatology #2

Demon's Moon

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A PhD thesis on the metaphysical change process of were-creatures, what could possibly go wrong with that? Ceridwyn Brent, thaumatologist and sorceress, figured it was just a matter of getting a few friends together, putting them in the middle of a scanning thaumometer rig, collating the results, and writing it all up. No muss, no fuss. She even has one of the rare South American were-creatures to work with, and exciting new insight into the process to write up. Her doctorate is a shoe-in and her personal life with Lily, her half-succubus “pet” has never been better.

But something is going on among the werewolves. Dane, leader of the North Hills pack, believes that an old menace is returning to Britain. Alexandra, the enigmatic Alpha of the Battersea pack believes that Ceri is the only person who can stop that menace from doing something which will threaten mankind as well as the wolf packs. When werewolves across the country suddenly go to war with each other, Ceri and Lily have to go to war themselves to save their new friends, and Ceri must find “The Fair One” before the Winter Solstice. For then, beneath the Demon’s Moon, the fate of all werewolves will be decided.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2011

46 people are currently reading
94 people want to read

About the author

Niall Teasdale

74 books294 followers
I was born in the vicinity of Hadrian's Wall so perhaps a bit of history rubbed off. Ancient history obviously, and border history, right on the edge of the Empire. I always preferred the Dark Ages anyway; there’s so much more room for imagination when people aren’t writing down every last detail. So my idea of a good fantasy novel involved dirt and leather, not shining plate armour and Hollywood-medieval manners. The same applies to my sci-fi, really; I prefer gritty over shiny.

Oddly, then, one of the first fantasy novels I remember reading was The Dark Is Rising, by Susan Cooper (later made into a terrible juvenile movie). These days we would call Cooper’s series Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy and looking back on it, it influenced me a lot. It has that mix of modern day life, hidden history, and magic which failed to hit popular culture until the early days of Buffy and Anne Rice. Of course, Cooper’s characters spend their time around places I could actually visit in Cornwall, and South East England, and mid-Wales. In fact, when I went to university in Aberystwyth, it was partially because some of Cooper’s books were set a few miles to the north around Tywyn.

I got into writing through roleplaying, however, so my early work was related to the kind of roleplaying game I was interested in. I wrote “high fantasy” when I was playing Dungeons & Dragons. I wrote a lot of superhero fiction when I was playing City of Heroes. I still loved the idea of a modern world with magic in it and I’ve been trying to write a novel based on this for a long time. As with any form of expression, practice is the key and I can look back on all the aborted attempts at books, and the more successful short stories, as steps along the path to the Thaumatology Series.

As of 2015, I have thrown in my lot with writing. After thirty years of being a computer programmer I am making enough money to quit the day job and write full time. Dreams, occasionally, come true. My favourite authors are Terry Pratchett, Susan Cooper, and (recently) Kim Harrison. Kim’s Hollows books were what finally spurred me to publish something, even if the trail to here came by way of Susan, back in school, several decades ago.

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5 stars
274 (34%)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Crystin.
60 reviews9 followers
June 25, 2013
Even though I enjoyed the first book in this series, I had multiple issues with this one. The biggest problem I will mention is the use of sex in this book. I understand that there will be quite a bit with a half-succubus as a major character, but there still seemed to be a ridiculous amount of it. Further, I don't like to read books with rape scenes and secondly it was not carefully or thoughtfully handled. I don't see how it is realistic for a character to be okay to have sex a little while after being violated and not have any apparent emotional scars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for M L Brooks .
594 reviews9 followers
July 30, 2022
Ruined the character

The first book has the MC being quite...sexually open but not slutty. This one has her sleeping with all kinds of random people. It kinda ruined the character.
1,198 reviews5 followers
July 10, 2020
If I was asked to give a list of the worst books I have ever read this book would be in it - and I read a lot of books. I guess you could almost call this a dnf as I skimmed a lot of the last 2/3 of the book
I don't know where to start on what I disliked and I don't like to just write everything.
In #1 the author sets up the relationship between Ceri and Lily and doesn't bother to explore it deeper in #2. What a great story this missed opportunity could have been.
In #1 the author sets up the opportunity to explore his system of magic and doesn't bother to explore it deeper in #2
As well as the missed opportunities there is the beyond pitiful mating with and getting raped by werewolves, by God, don't you just hate these new agey werewolves, werewolves and vampires are solitary MONSTERS, they don't have a civilization and hierarchy and such crap. Rape is not fun and the werewolves are not great guys because they do it and the females are even worse for being complicit.
On top of all this and more there is an almost complete lack of plot.
I will never read another in this series again and would advise all potential readers to avoid it like the plague.
122 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2022
Basically a copy of my review for book 1.

In the first book the MC is ensorcelled, enslaved, then raped for a week or so by a friend. Another friend in the same domicile is aware of this but reacts to friend a raping friend b with disinterest (they'll figure it out).

This sequence is then entirely glossed over, with no negative repercussions, emotional, traumatic or otherwise.

In this book, the MC is gang-raped. Immediately afterwards we have parties, giggles and back to normal. No negative effects again.

I'm not SAYING something's off with the author, but...

PS: The idiotic Michael character that just shows up, and becomes "the boyfriend" a minute later seems to stick around for a several books, there're mentions of this uninteresting nonentity in the blurb for book 6 as well. (less)
8 reviews
February 7, 2023
OK Story with immature attitude to group sex

OK story dislocated my the main character first sleeping with two werewolf packs, then being raped by a camp of men before shrugging it off as unimportant. Killed the series for me completely. I know other series by this author tend to be sex (not that implicit) heavy but this was too much, too casually and too badly done.
Profile Image for Jilleen.
Author 44 books190 followers
May 3, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. It was polished and it read fast. I really enjoyed the "magical sciences" idea introduced as Ceri is attempting to earn her doctorate by studying how werewolves change and how they are linked together through their alpha. The only drawback I had was the background I missed from not reading the first book. I realize there was a mix-up and it wasn't the author's fault in R2R, I just wished I had read it first. The book does a good job and even though I missed the first book, this one stood on its own.

The author does a masterful job weaving mythologies together. Typically Lupercal and Romulus and Remus aren't part of the Fenrir myths (being from different areas of the world), so it was interesting to see how the author brought them together and then fit them into his own world mythology. I love folklore and myth so I was instantly fascinated by this.

He also does a nice job separating out the various types of magic users. In English, we have so many words for various magic users, its great to have the characters defined up front. Witches, warlocks, mages, sorcerers etc. can mean different things to different people so I was happy the author kept this clear.

The author likes the traditional type of werewolf as well, keeping the wolves in man-wolf shape rather than changing them completely into full wolf shape. I'm a traditionalist with my monsters so I liked this. I felt that it kept the wolves, for some reason, more in the realm of possibility. Also, he distinguished between true werewolves and lycanthropes which was an interesting idea. Lycanthropes are "made" werewolves and only change with the moon and are wild and animalistic. Werewolves can change anytime and retain human attributes(except speech of course).

The story was unique and fun. Somehow Ceri is drawn into an ancient werewolf's vendetta against humanity. He wants to bring the demon wolf Fenrir into this realm and destroy all humanity. Ceri has to find a way to save the world using her skills as a researcher and a sorceress. She has some help from an enigmatic werewolf seer and an ancient, but unstable goddess.

If I were to fault this book anywhere, and the only reason I didn't give it a 5, was the ridiculous amount of unconventional sex in the book. The main character lives with a succubus demon that she keeps as a pet (must have happened in book one). Both females are constantly at it, and although (thank goodness) not much is described in detail it got a little gag worthy. Also, the main character sleeps with two packs of werewolves and whatever else she finds. This may be a male fantasy to have a kick ass heroine that will do anything and anybody (or everybody), but its not something everyone may want to stomach. If the sexual situations and references were cut down to a small fraction the book would only improve.

Overall, I'd recommend this to paranormal and urban fantasy lovers (adult of course) because the bottom line is it was interesting, original and was fascinating. I read it quickly and didn't want to put it down.


Profile Image for Daisy Sloan.
776 reviews115 followers
August 15, 2012
Demon's Moon has a bit of everything in it.....demons, werewolves, vampires, witches, sorceresses. It also has a lot of sex in it without the sex. It seems like everyone was having sex every other page, but without the descriptive detail.

I love paranormal books and shapeshifter stories are one of my favorite.

There were some things I liked about this book and others I did not. I loved the battle scenes and reading about the fights was interesting. I was a bit disappointed in the final battle. I found it anti-climatic. I was also disappointed in Ceri that she didn't figure out how to win until the very last moment when I figured it out as soon as I read the prophecy.

I also loved her pet demon Lily. Lily added a lightheartedness that was enjoyable and very much needed in the dark story. I also found her to be a fierce protector of Ceri and that made me lover her more.

A couple of things I did not like were just flat out confusing to me. The beginning of the story focuses on Ceri and her doctoral work. New terminology had me struggling with the story at first but then it got easier to follow. I'm not sure why we spent so much time on her scientific research. I thought it was going to come into play later in the story but it never manifested.

I also had a hard time following the mythology as she was conducting her research. It became more clear after she spoke with Alexandria and then even more clear as they approached the final battle.

The first half of the book was a struggle for me to get through. The last half of the book was very good and I couldn't put it down after that point.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Frank Van Meer.
226 reviews9 followers
April 30, 2014
Not as good as the first one.

Thaumatology 101 was a fun read about magic and science, and all kinds of supernatural beings, and a girl that comes into her power rather unexpectantly.

This one was all talk (and talk and talk) about some old prophecy. Too much time is spent on werewolves. There were very few action scenes, there was not enough techno babble ( which I really loved in 101), the end battle was kind of meh (pages and pages whith Ceri having dicussions wbout them good ol' days with the villain, and not enough Lily.

Lily was the one character that stood in 101, even more so than Ceri. The interactions between Ceri and Lily were bland, but then again, I guess that happens when characters get settled into their relationship.

I think the author came up with an interesting world in 101, but I felt there were too many characters in this one, and Ceri is having sex with almost all of them. Not that the sex bothers me, but it's not that long ago Ceri was a recluse, and now she gets along with everyone she meets, doesn't think twice about being passed around an entire werewolf pack (I lost track of how many werewolve packs played a role in this story). It felt a bit odd, but the good thing is she stays loyal to Lily.
Seriously, we have Carter, Alec, Dane, Cheryl, Kate, the Radclyff's, Alexandra, Catherine, Tabhita, Michael, and probably 20 more I already forgot about.

And yes, the rape scene was dismissed pretty quick, without any ill effect on Ceri. At least I expected Lily to go nuts about it. I dunno, it was weird and not needed.

Well, the end hints at a new science project, so I hope the next one is focussed on that, because I really like Ceri and Lily. ( and Twill ofcourse, we need more Twill).

Profile Image for Join the Penguin Resistance!  .
5,663 reviews331 followers
April 21, 2012
Intriguingly magical, a London where Fae, Demons, Succubi, Werewolves (both “true” werewolves and lycanthropes-which are those subjected to the werewolf virus and thence turned), exist, are accepted, studied, and considered “natural.” This “world” even has weres of other species: panther, fox, and so forth. It ranges from high academia and research science to lowly nightclubs and exotic dancing. Magic is real, accessible, and utilized.

Ceri is a serious scientific researcher, preparing her doctorate dissertation in the field of thaumaturgy, or magical energy-specifically as it applies to weres. Her research has already had practical applications: she’s devised a device to measure the energy surges cast off by weres as they enter into a change. Such an application has been extremely effective in nightclubs, for example. Ceri happens to have been the daughter of a witch, and lives in a magicked multi-story home. Her roommates are a Faery, and a half-demonic succubus; not too surprising, as Ceri has some unidentifiable energies and is partially demonic herself.

This novel is sexy, but not too explicit. I would still rate it at 18+. It will highly appeal to fanciers of paranormal romance and urban fantasy, as well as those who prefer traditional fantasy brought into a contemporary setting. The juxtaposition of the different magical species (weres, succubi, demons, Fae, and more) will broaden the novel’s appeal and bring in expanded readership.
Profile Image for Cloak88.
1,064 reviews20 followers
November 28, 2020
3.5 Good but there are some discordant notes.

Life, study and the scientific pursuit goes on. Ceri continues her study into magic. But along the way mystery starts to build slowly. The novel starts with slice-of-life expands to mystery to adventure to.... something weird and rather discordant with the rest of the story.

All combined I'd say that apart from two strange and unpleasant notes at about 30% an another at 90% of the novel things are exceptionally good. The world expands in interesting ways and the characters develop in new and interesting ways. The best parts remain the relationship between Ceri and Lily and the magico/techolore.

A good book in the series apart from some discordant notes, but not enough to skip the next novel.

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Trigger Warning:--- Rape and dubious consent

So about those discordant notes..... Perhaps it is my more knolegable/ more mature look upon this re-read, but these really did not sit well with me. The psycological inpact of especially the latter will be addressed in smaller and larger ways in following novels, but not really by much. These are light pulpy novels after all, but yeah. Not my favorite aspects of this novel.
Profile Image for Hazel *Craves the Angst Reviews*.
770 reviews289 followers
May 14, 2012
Demon's Moon is a paranormal fantasy written by Niall Teasdale. I read this as part of a R2R with Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy Fanatics! As always, sending out a big thank you to the moderators and the author for allowing me to participate!

This book was filled with an array of paranormal creatures and an exciting world where theres a knowledge and study of the fantastical. Ceri is a scientific researcher studying thaumaturgy in were theology and preparing her doctorate dissertation. The first half of the book is spent with this research and was an interesting read. The second half of the book picks up pace and throws you into a world of danger and suspense. The fight scenes were thrilling and the mystery was engaging. The author certainly has an very creative imagination and an effective and fascinating way of telling a story. I really liked this book. The characters were fun, the dialog was excellently written and the writing flow was power-driven. I enjoyed all the technical aspects of the story and found the research entertaining. The only down sides to this story was though I did enjoy the beginning it was a bit slow. I also thought the ending was a bit anti-climatic. But all in all, I think this is a read worth taking the time out for. I enjoyed it and would love to read more about these characters and this world.
Profile Image for Maghon Thomas.
1,543 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2012
First as I always, I need to thank R2R for allowing me to read this for review and the author for participating! Now first I will tell you that this is book 2 and I haven't read book 1. I would sense I was missing some details, but the author would kindly explain things without informational dumps which made this very easy to read just jumping in. Now, this is a very
Fun read for me. It's got all sorts of magical things going on and I love when there's a new twist to the plots and supernatural world! I can't give that away but I will say it makes for an exciting climax. Also if you are prudish maybe this one isn't for you as there is lots of "loving" BUT the scenes are NOT graphic which makes things better for me! I know I can't help it, but when there's a ton of sex scenes written for pages on end, I get bored lol! This book is perfect for giving you an all in one package. Lots of thinking, which is awesome. As a science kid myself that was SO cool!! And it made the world of science meets supernatural the coolest combination! Usually scientists are like the BIG BAD WOLF TO THE BIG BAD WOLF LOL!! I will now totally pick up book 1 & 3!! I'm very glad I picked this one to read!! 4 big paws for me :)
Profile Image for Heather (Raevynemyst).
72 reviews
May 15, 2012
I received this book as a R2R and enjoyed very much. I had to read the first one before starting this one but am so glad I was introduced to such a wonderful series. The concept of looking at magic energy from a scientific view point was very unique while adding a quest of fighting an ancient enemy and seeking help along the way from new characters and friends. I loved all the characters especially Ceri and Lily, as well as Alec, Cheryl and Carter amongst a few. One of the things I love best about the book was the character interaction and that Niall mixes all the supernatural races together (I love books that do this when there are witches, werewolves, and vampires, and succubi all in one book.) It lends to diversity and opens the potential for the series to continue. Which I am so glad it does. This series is a definite recommend. I have enjoyed the first two books very much and am looking forward to reading the rest. I plan on picking up purchasing the third book today!
Profile Image for Anne.
275 reviews6 followers
May 17, 2012
I want to that the author and R2r for the opportunity to read this. It was a quick, enjoyable read. Wish I had read the first book because it may have cleared up my initial confusion, but I got past them quickly. Loved the whole scientific approach of Ceri studying magical energy-specifically as it applies to weres for her doctorate. I also enjoyed the weaving together of the large variety of paranormal creatures including werewolves, demons, vampires, witches, faeries, etc. The author did a good job of making the scientific portions understandable while drawing us into the drama. My only negative comment about this book is the sex. While it doesn’t add to or detract from the overall story, the frequency is a distraction. Overall I would recommend this book, after reading the first one.
Profile Image for Solluna.
11 reviews9 followers
April 27, 2012
I actually had to use a dictionary on the web for this book, I am not familiar with wizardry terms so I had a hard time following this book. It is definitely not for those wanting an easy read. I tried to follow the best I could but got bored and fell asleep twice in the first quarter of the book. The writing conjures up sexy images but doesn't follow through...bummer. All in all it is about a sorceress that has a Ph.D and is studying the way different werewolves, shape shifters, lycos change using certain instruments. There is also a half-succubus, fae, witches in the story...you would think a paranormal lover's dream all rolled into one but I simply don't think it is something I will recommend. Sorry.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
19 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2012
Demon's Moon is a paranormal romance, about Ceridwyn Brent who is writing a thesis on were-creatures and who also happens to be a sorceress.

I enjoyed this story. I was a little confused at first with some of the terms used, but then I found out that this is the 2nd book of a series and I will now be reading the first also.

There was some great action in the story. There was also quite a bit of sex in it, but it was not overly descriptive of it. Lilly was a fun character in an otherwise darker story.

Niall created a interesting supernatural world with all kinds of paranormal creatures in it. It was an original idea that I have not read before, I will be sure to read the first and third books now.
Profile Image for Lauren Cote.
38 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2012
Demon's Moon by Niall Teasdale

I really liked this book... I wish I knew there was a book before this one, it might have helped with the confusion I had in the begginning and some parts in the book.
This book had a little of every paranormal aspect in it...just enough to enjoy.
Lily was one of my favorite characters. I'll have to go read the first book to see how thier relationship started...
I would recommend this book but remember to go read the first one. It will help. I have already ought the next two books to see where thier journey takes them.

This book review was given for R2R.

Profile Image for Discfan2.
188 reviews7 followers
January 9, 2014
Decent follow-up to the first book. The author has a half-succubus as one of the main support casts and tends to fade to black quiet a bit. I was hoping for more world building in this book. The first one set it up, but not much added in this one.
Profile Image for Grazzit.
112 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2014
This is one of the series i re-read every few months or whenever there is a new book. I love the take on the combination of Science and Magic. The real strength of the series is the main characters, and the great supporting characters. I highly suggest you try the series.
Profile Image for Iori.
593 reviews4 followers
July 13, 2013
Seriously, Niall make them too short, I love his work. The characters got good and we discover a lot of things.
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