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Sky Brooks #1
Moon Tortured
Alternative cover edition of ASIN B00K9W0F9A
Death should be the end of your life— not the beginning.
Sky Brooks’s life started with a death—her own. Sky’s spent the first twenty-three years of her life unaware of this, among other things. She always thought she was just a shapeshifter until she wakes up in a strange house in rural Illinois—battered, bruised, and with only vague memories of her mother’s death at the hands of vampires.
At the request of a powerful witch, Sky is put under the protection of the Midwest Pack. But she isn’t sure she can trust them, especially after she meets the dangerously sexy Ethan, a pack member, who’s known for being more ruthless than altruistic. After she’s attacked by a necromancer, a mercenary, and the vampires who killed her mother, she has no choice but to accept the pack’s help.
The Midwest Pack aren’t quite what they seem—but then again, neither is Sky. As they form an uneasy alliance to search for the reason behind the vampires’ vicious attacks, it becomes clear that Sky possesses magic no one has ever seen—and it all started with what happened at her birth.
Death should be the end of your life— not the beginning.
Sky Brooks’s life started with a death—her own. Sky’s spent the first twenty-three years of her life unaware of this, among other things. She always thought she was just a shapeshifter until she wakes up in a strange house in rural Illinois—battered, bruised, and with only vague memories of her mother’s death at the hands of vampires.
At the request of a powerful witch, Sky is put under the protection of the Midwest Pack. But she isn’t sure she can trust them, especially after she meets the dangerously sexy Ethan, a pack member, who’s known for being more ruthless than altruistic. After she’s attacked by a necromancer, a mercenary, and the vampires who killed her mother, she has no choice but to accept the pack’s help.
The Midwest Pack aren’t quite what they seem—but then again, neither is Sky. As they form an uneasy alliance to search for the reason behind the vampires’ vicious attacks, it becomes clear that Sky possesses magic no one has ever seen—and it all started with what happened at her birth.
370 pages, ebook
First published May 11, 2014
5803 people are currently reading
3613 people want to read
About the author
McKenzie Hunter
78 books1,094 followersMcKenzie Hunter is the author of urban fantasy, dark fantasy, and paranormal romance books. She discovered early that new adventures were just a page-turn away; all she had to do was read a book. She’s had her share of escapades from hanging out with vamps, joining the chaos of shifter packs, creating spells with witches, and avoiding deals with the fae.
When she isn't working on her next book, she’s reading, binge-watching TV, or disappearing into her own world during nature walks (probably on the lookout for magical beings—or maybe not).
Want to chat with McKenzie Hunter, discuss her books in her readers group or stay up to date with new releases, see cover reveals first, and participate in exclusive giveaways? Click the link: https://mckenziehunter.com/social-links/
When she isn't working on her next book, she’s reading, binge-watching TV, or disappearing into her own world during nature walks (probably on the lookout for magical beings—or maybe not).
Want to chat with McKenzie Hunter, discuss her books in her readers group or stay up to date with new releases, see cover reveals first, and participate in exclusive giveaways? Click the link: https://mckenziehunter.com/social-links/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 557 reviews
June 19, 2014
Wasted Potential
The description intrigued me. I thought it was about as new an idea as you can get in this over saturated genre. That being said I can't recommend this book. First Skylar is all but nonexistent in this book. Oh she's the main character but she doesn't do anything remotely important or even useful. She's a werewolf but she's a weak victim. She can't fight or protect herself. She doesn't have an iron will or anything that stands out. She isn't completely stupid but she's not smart. Skylar contributes nothing to the story other than a plot device. I waited the whole book for her to do something. I'm still waiting.
The lycanthropes in this book are not ones I want to read about. With the exception of one were jaguar they are all psychopathic monsters. Remorseless killers that are just as bad as the vampires. Nothing in the story made me care about them.
If your looking for romance there is none. The author makes a half hearted effort but the characters are so unlikable that it's just bad.
The description intrigued me. I thought it was about as new an idea as you can get in this over saturated genre. That being said I can't recommend this book. First Skylar is all but nonexistent in this book. Oh she's the main character but she doesn't do anything remotely important or even useful. She's a werewolf but she's a weak victim. She can't fight or protect herself. She doesn't have an iron will or anything that stands out. She isn't completely stupid but she's not smart. Skylar contributes nothing to the story other than a plot device. I waited the whole book for her to do something. I'm still waiting.
The lycanthropes in this book are not ones I want to read about. With the exception of one were jaguar they are all psychopathic monsters. Remorseless killers that are just as bad as the vampires. Nothing in the story made me care about them.
If your looking for romance there is none. The author makes a half hearted effort but the characters are so unlikable that it's just bad.
December 7, 2015
I'm half way through this novel and I'm bored out of my mind. I see the potential although I'm unsure if it can be reached. The heroine is weak and has a pathetic story line. There is really nothing to her other than what she is or potentially could be. I find myself really frustrated and angry that the most she does, is get bit by vampires all the time. LAME!!
Finished and I still found it boring... I think I'll try the next novel and hope for the best.
Finished and I still found it boring... I think I'll try the next novel and hope for the best.
November 3, 2015
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
"This isn't the first time I awoke in a strange place, naked and bloodstained."
4.5 stars! That line was on the first page. It was an epic first page to say the least and I was completely intrigued. I thought I was over the whole vampires and werewolves stories but I am so happy to say that apparently I'm not!
So many amazing character were introduced in this book and I can't even name who was my favorite. Too difficult a task. They're so complex, that one moment they have you melting and infuriating the bejeezus out of you on the next. It's definitely a love-hate relationship with ALL of them for me. I devoured this book in a day. I was exhausted from lack of sleep but I didn't have it in me to put it down before the last word. The action was almost nonstop and so much badassery everywhere! Whenever magic is involved you know something will go amiss and McKenzie brought it! Sometimes Skylar, the main heroine, was too naive for me and her actions were a tad repetitive but I see why they had to happen like that so I didn't mind it.
The only bad comment I have to make is that I wish I hadn't read the synopsis, I don't usually but I did with this, since it gave away too much of the plot. So if you can refrain from it, do it! Better that way.
And that ending!! I was kept guessing throughout the entire thing and I have no idea what else is in store for these characters but I love it!
"This isn't the first time I awoke in a strange place, naked and bloodstained."
4.5 stars! That line was on the first page. It was an epic first page to say the least and I was completely intrigued. I thought I was over the whole vampires and werewolves stories but I am so happy to say that apparently I'm not!
So many amazing character were introduced in this book and I can't even name who was my favorite. Too difficult a task. They're so complex, that one moment they have you melting and infuriating the bejeezus out of you on the next. It's definitely a love-hate relationship with ALL of them for me. I devoured this book in a day. I was exhausted from lack of sleep but I didn't have it in me to put it down before the last word. The action was almost nonstop and so much badassery everywhere! Whenever magic is involved you know something will go amiss and McKenzie brought it! Sometimes Skylar, the main heroine, was too naive for me and her actions were a tad repetitive but I see why they had to happen like that so I didn't mind it.
The only bad comment I have to make is that I wish I hadn't read the synopsis, I don't usually but I did with this, since it gave away too much of the plot. So if you can refrain from it, do it! Better that way.
And that ending!! I was kept guessing throughout the entire thing and I have no idea what else is in store for these characters but I love it!
April 6, 2019
Here's the problem with this book: I loathe the entire secondary cast. Yes, all of them. Ethan, Winter, and Sebastian are The Worst - pig-headed, entitled, elitist assholes. Joan and Steven suck - I don't buy their false friendliness, because it flips on a dime and they still refuse to actually help Skylar or tell her anything about anything. So to me, they are just playing Good Cop - trying to induce Stockholm Syndrome in the girl they've abducted and are holding against her will. Josh is no better, but he's got a scary addition of magic addiction/compulsion that makes me not trust him at all. The worst part about all of them is that they are such condescending assholes about her wolf. Even when she lays it out for Ethan, asking about his first change - with his father, he was excited about it, knew it was going to happen, had support. Compared to her first change - an orphan, didn't even know werewolves existed, changed and lost control and attacked her mother - how can he not understand that she'd find the wolf to be monstrous? But he doesn't understand, none of them do. They just treat her like a stupid whiny moron for not having some balance with her wolf. As if she should have just magically known how to do that all by herself. They are pieces of shit who never once acknowledge everything she's been through. Hell, when the book opens, her mother has just been murdered! Not only do they have no sympathy, they refuse to allow her to just sit in her room and mourn - they drag her out, because the prisoner must socialize, I guess.
I liked Skylar at first, when she refused to buy into their bullshit. For the first half, she recognized that they may have been keeping the vampires from her, but they weren't doing it to help her. They were doing it to stop the vampires. And they could give a shit about her. That made them her enemies, just as much as the vampires. But somewhere along the way, she gave into Stockholm Syndrome, and started to buy their bullshit about how weak she was, and that she should be grateful for their "help", and that she should feel guilty about all this mess ... even though the only thing she did to actually cause it was be born. What a bitch, amirite?
I'm also tagging this as amateur, even though it's not the worst example. But the dialogue gets repetitive, and the way everyone is always roaring in tantrum gets repetitive. Also, the dialogue is just overly written. No one talks like that, except perhaps in a 17th century HR. There are times where this wasn't so bad, and times when it REALLY popped me out of the story.
I'm not sure if I'll continue - I am curious about Maya, so I don't want to make it seem like the overall story is a wash. But I just don't see how to enjoy a story when I think the entire cast of secondary characters needs to be lit on fire. Especially when the heroine is caving into their way of thinking about her. Her capability and self-confidence went into the toilet over the course of this book. It doesn't bode well.
Another Kindle Unlimited that doesn't impress me. Maybe I'll cancel it after the free trial.
I liked Skylar at first, when she refused to buy into their bullshit. For the first half, she recognized that they may have been keeping the vampires from her, but they weren't doing it to help her. They were doing it to stop the vampires. And they could give a shit about her. That made them her enemies, just as much as the vampires. But somewhere along the way, she gave into Stockholm Syndrome, and started to buy their bullshit about how weak she was, and that she should be grateful for their "help", and that she should feel guilty about all this mess ... even though the only thing she did to actually cause it was be born. What a bitch, amirite?
I'm also tagging this as amateur, even though it's not the worst example. But the dialogue gets repetitive, and the way everyone is always roaring in tantrum gets repetitive. Also, the dialogue is just overly written. No one talks like that, except perhaps in a 17th century HR. There are times where this wasn't so bad, and times when it REALLY popped me out of the story.
I'm not sure if I'll continue - I am curious about Maya, so I don't want to make it seem like the overall story is a wash. But I just don't see how to enjoy a story when I think the entire cast of secondary characters needs to be lit on fire. Especially when the heroine is caving into their way of thinking about her. Her capability and self-confidence went into the toilet over the course of this book. It doesn't bode well.
Another Kindle Unlimited that doesn't impress me. Maybe I'll cancel it after the free trial.
February 7, 2017
I really wanted to like this book, but I think I just set myself up for disappointment. Based on the premise--and let's be honest, mostly the title-- I thought it would be a lot like Patricia Briggs' Moon Called. Not so much. Despite the interesting premise, the plot never did grab me, the characters fell flat (especially the heroine) and the dialogue was really stilted and awkward at times.
The pacing was a little weird; at times it felt like the book sped through scenes/skipped over important things and other times it really dragged. Some of this could be due to editing (e.g. when they introduce Dakota, Skylar starts to refer to him by name even though she was never told that information) but some of it is just story structure.
Also, the heroine wasn't my favorite. I am all for underestimated, fly under the radar type heroines, but there's a difference between that and a doormat and Skylar tends to have very mat-like qualities. She is definitely one of those special snowflake types, because of how unique she is yadda yadda, but why does being a special snowflake mean you can't be interesting? I think that's my main irritation with her. She's a blank canvas and the only thing unique about her is physical specialness.
Oh, and she makes terrible decisions. She's told that vampires are after her and she decides to leave the safety of her rescuers IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. She couldn't have waited until sunrise when, you know, vampires aren't prowling the streets? And after the disaster of that terrible decision, she insists on going to a coffee shop hours away because she has cabin fever from staying at a nice mansion for a couple of days? Seriously, why was that even entertained?
I also really wanted to like the characters--they all had potential and I'm a sucker for an entertaining ensemble cast. But their dialogue sounded like it was the same person, regardless of the situation.
A part of me wants to give the other books a chance, but another part of me knows that I won't have the patience to see Skylar's adventures through. Here's to hoping she develops a little more personality in the other books.
The pacing was a little weird; at times it felt like the book sped through scenes/skipped over important things and other times it really dragged. Some of this could be due to editing (e.g. when they introduce Dakota, Skylar starts to refer to him by name even though she was never told that information) but some of it is just story structure.
Also, the heroine wasn't my favorite. I am all for underestimated, fly under the radar type heroines, but there's a difference between that and a doormat and Skylar tends to have very mat-like qualities. She is definitely one of those special snowflake types, because of how unique she is yadda yadda, but why does being a special snowflake mean you can't be interesting? I think that's my main irritation with her. She's a blank canvas and the only thing unique about her is physical specialness.
Oh, and she makes terrible decisions. She's told that vampires are after her and she decides to leave the safety of her rescuers IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. She couldn't have waited until sunrise when, you know, vampires aren't prowling the streets? And after the disaster of that terrible decision, she insists on going to a coffee shop hours away because she has cabin fever from staying at a nice mansion for a couple of days? Seriously, why was that even entertained?
I also really wanted to like the characters--they all had potential and I'm a sucker for an entertaining ensemble cast. But their dialogue sounded like it was the same person, regardless of the situation.
A part of me wants to give the other books a chance, but another part of me knows that I won't have the patience to see Skylar's adventures through. Here's to hoping she develops a little more personality in the other books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2017
Free on Kindle Unlimited. Find more cheap paranormal books at Paranormal Book Feast http://on.fb.me/1SRyijA
The main character keeps up a good level of maturity and sensibility which I find refreshing, considering the quantity of people that are regularly as thick as a whale omelette. I'm not saying she never makes a stupid move, but when she does it tends to be a knee jerk reaction that she believes she can live with.
There's a good cast of characters including a diverse crew of shifters. In this book, so far, the vampires are definitely the evil that walks the earth, and the werewolves are hard and tough. That's not to say they aren't attractive. Yep, we're going tough and sexy.
There's a hint of romance, but it doesn't go much further than suggestion, and I expect this is going to move onwards and upwards (yes, I am very funny) in future novels. There's loads of areas where this book has room to branch out, vampires, shifters and magic, with lots of inner political wrangling.
I would recommend this to readers of the solid werewolf/vampire novels with a good bit of action, and a sensitive down to earth heroine.
The main character keeps up a good level of maturity and sensibility which I find refreshing, considering the quantity of people that are regularly as thick as a whale omelette. I'm not saying she never makes a stupid move, but when she does it tends to be a knee jerk reaction that she believes she can live with.
There's a good cast of characters including a diverse crew of shifters. In this book, so far, the vampires are definitely the evil that walks the earth, and the werewolves are hard and tough. That's not to say they aren't attractive. Yep, we're going tough and sexy.
There's a hint of romance, but it doesn't go much further than suggestion, and I expect this is going to move onwards and upwards (yes, I am very funny) in future novels. There's loads of areas where this book has room to branch out, vampires, shifters and magic, with lots of inner political wrangling.
I would recommend this to readers of the solid werewolf/vampire novels with a good bit of action, and a sensitive down to earth heroine.
May 18, 2017
DNF @ 60%
I've read textbooks more interesting. 'nuff said.
March 19, 2020
2nd time
I had to read this one again since I had forgotten much about the series. Sky is an interesting woman. She's not prepared for how her life has been turned upside down and she admits that its partially her fault since she ignored her supernaturalness. I can't help but feel for her though.
I had to read this one again since I had forgotten much about the series. Sky is an interesting woman. She's not prepared for how her life has been turned upside down and she admits that its partially her fault since she ignored her supernaturalness. I can't help but feel for her though.
Read
July 10, 2016Edit: I received an update from the author that Moon Tortured was taken to a new editor, and a lot of things I complained about in this review might not be important anymore, since it sounds like it got some heavy editing. Anyway, I still don't know if it's the series for me (because I haven't read the new version), but I don't feel right leaving a negative review when so much work has been done to improve it, so I've cleared my rating, and might give the new version a go.
Irrelevant and cranky review commencing in 3...2...
Where to start?
I figure I shouldn't rehash the blurb, because it actually reveals more than what Skylar and everyone around her knows for about two thirds of the book. The story starts the morning after her adoptive mother has been murdered by vampires, and she awakes to find herself among strangers who belong to a shapeshifter pack. Almost all of them, and many other characters in the story, consider Sky an abomination, and their reactions got really annoying after a while.
I debated giving Moon Tortured a higher rating, but that was mostly because I held hope that the following novels would move the story forward, improving on some of the problems that bothered me in the first book. But after some investigating, it seems that Sky will remain an observer rather than an actual player in the novels, and character development will be non-existent.
I think I'll start with the writing problem: This story is told from first person POV in the past tense. Except when it's not. Sometimes Sky's thoughts are shown directly in italics, and sometimes they're not. I occasionally wondered whether some dialogue marks were missing or something. Ultimately, I didn't get the impression that Sky's direct thoughts were done as well as they could have been. Some examples below:
From Sky's thoughts: How surprising, a were-animal wants me dead. This was becoming so repetitive that I barely felt threatened anymore." Does this need to be in italics?
In plain text: You have to be kidding me!...I wasn't a feminist by any stretch of the word, but that offended whatever sensibilities I did possess."
Sky's thoughts in italics: Who the hell was this woman?"
Annnd this doozy in plain text: "Why not? I had tried before and I was capable of doing it again. I wish the thought of imminent death brought me more fear, but it didn't." (p. 319)
o.0 These aren't really big inconsistencies, and some people won't notice them, but it bothered me because it happens through the entire book.
I wish there had been a little more variety in describing the characters and delivering their dialogue. From one page (p. 187 in my kindle):
"...he urged"
"...he commanded in a low drawl."
"...he challenged."
"...I muttered in a low voice..."
"...I stated, forcing myself to keep eye contact with him."
"...he admitted reluctantly."
Arg.
Most of the story takes place with Skylar confined to the house the pack is staying in for her protection. Every single interaction between Skylar and the other members, save the deceptively nice teenager Steven, is tense and borderline hostile. By the end of the book, they still don't like her as a person, and she hasn't changed from her stupid, helpless self. Steven comments that she has the self preservation skills of a bunny. Sky doesn't even like herself. Why should I, the reader, like Sky?
"How does it feel to know that you are this helpless? You're nothing more than a victim... Own the powerlessness, because it's yours to bear. It's what you are - a perpetual victim. You make me sick," she hissed
There were other things that were off for me. I didn't like the romantic interest(s), although there was very little development there anyway. I didn't understand why the Alpha had such a short fuse and so much difficulty with diplomacy. It bothers me even more to read the synopsis of the third book and realize that Skylar won't change - I don't want to read another book where she justifies hating herself, other people hating her, and being generally pathetic. Not recommended.
Irrelevant and cranky review commencing in 3...2...
Where to start?
I figure I shouldn't rehash the blurb, because it actually reveals more than what Skylar and everyone around her knows for about two thirds of the book. The story starts the morning after her adoptive mother has been murdered by vampires, and she awakes to find herself among strangers who belong to a shapeshifter pack. Almost all of them, and many other characters in the story, consider Sky an abomination, and their reactions got really annoying after a while.
I debated giving Moon Tortured a higher rating, but that was mostly because I held hope that the following novels would move the story forward, improving on some of the problems that bothered me in the first book. But after some investigating, it seems that Sky will remain an observer rather than an actual player in the novels, and character development will be non-existent.
I think I'll start with the writing problem: This story is told from first person POV in the past tense. Except when it's not. Sometimes Sky's thoughts are shown directly in italics, and sometimes they're not. I occasionally wondered whether some dialogue marks were missing or something. Ultimately, I didn't get the impression that Sky's direct thoughts were done as well as they could have been. Some examples below:
From Sky's thoughts: How surprising, a were-animal wants me dead. This was becoming so repetitive that I barely felt threatened anymore." Does this need to be in italics?
In plain text: You have to be kidding me!...I wasn't a feminist by any stretch of the word, but that offended whatever sensibilities I did possess."
Sky's thoughts in italics: Who the hell was this woman?"
Annnd this doozy in plain text: "Why not? I had tried before and I was capable of doing it again. I wish the thought of imminent death brought me more fear, but it didn't." (p. 319)
o.0 These aren't really big inconsistencies, and some people won't notice them, but it bothered me because it happens through the entire book.
I wish there had been a little more variety in describing the characters and delivering their dialogue. From one page (p. 187 in my kindle):
"...he urged"
"...he commanded in a low drawl."
"...he challenged."
"...I muttered in a low voice..."
"...I stated, forcing myself to keep eye contact with him."
"...he admitted reluctantly."
Arg.
Most of the story takes place with Skylar confined to the house the pack is staying in for her protection. Every single interaction between Skylar and the other members, save the deceptively nice teenager Steven, is tense and borderline hostile. By the end of the book, they still don't like her as a person, and she hasn't changed from her stupid, helpless self. Steven comments that she has the self preservation skills of a bunny. Sky doesn't even like herself. Why should I, the reader, like Sky?
"How does it feel to know that you are this helpless? You're nothing more than a victim... Own the powerlessness, because it's yours to bear. It's what you are - a perpetual victim. You make me sick," she hissed
There were other things that were off for me. I didn't like the romantic interest(s), although there was very little development there anyway. I didn't understand why the Alpha had such a short fuse and so much difficulty with diplomacy. It bothers me even more to read the synopsis of the third book and realize that Skylar won't change - I don't want to read another book where she justifies hating herself, other people hating her, and being generally pathetic. Not recommended.
August 5, 2020
This was my introduction to McKenzine Hunter and I was not disappointed! I thoroughly enjoyed the world McKenzie built and she took her time building the dynamics and hierarchies of pack life. It did take me a couple of chapters to completely immerse myself into this world, but once I did I haven't been able to get enough!
Sky, for me is such a relatable heroine, being thrust into this new and strange world. She isn't your typical 'kick ass' hero. Her approach is a lot more subtle and human. We see a significant growth in her character throughout the book but she never compromises her beliefs for her own preservation or that of the pack.
Sky and Ethan - I really hope we see more interaction between these two. I think they could be something great.
I absolutely loved this book, it is one of my all time favourite 'go to' reads, which I can read again and again.
To read my full review make your way over to:
https://www.booksident.com/moon-tortu...
Katie xx
Sky, for me is such a relatable heroine, being thrust into this new and strange world. She isn't your typical 'kick ass' hero. Her approach is a lot more subtle and human. We see a significant growth in her character throughout the book but she never compromises her beliefs for her own preservation or that of the pack.
Sky and Ethan - I really hope we see more interaction between these two. I think they could be something great.
I absolutely loved this book, it is one of my all time favourite 'go to' reads, which I can read again and again.
To read my full review make your way over to:
https://www.booksident.com/moon-tortu...
Katie xx
dnf
July 25, 2020This book should have been titled "Reader's torture", because it is the only thing it delivers.
It's all over the place, with a weird plot and world building (if you can find them) and it has the odd honor to be the only book I read that had me hating all characters bar none.
It's so boring you would be glad to torture it.
Like so many readers on GR I DNFed around 60%
Please read Katyana's indepth review (she did finish it) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It's all over the place, with a weird plot and world building (if you can find them) and it has the odd honor to be the only book I read that had me hating all characters bar none.
It's so boring you would be glad to torture it.
Like so many readers on GR I DNFed around 60%
Please read Katyana's indepth review (she did finish it) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
April 3, 2024
Okay. This has so much angst and feels promising. Looks like a train wreck about to happen. 😏
February 24, 2015
Meet Skylar, a beautiful and peacefully innocent young woman, in a beautifully peaceful and innocent life. She loves her adopted mother, she loves her boring little world, and if she’s a bit snarky it can be forgiven because, after all, her birth mother was a witch and the book launches off almost immediately with her beloved adopted mother being murdered by brutal vampires. Oh, and she herself is possessed by a spirit shade (the only means by which her hexy birth mother was able to save her life while dying in utero). Into this collision of worlds comes a pack of werewolves, a scheming necromancer, and of course a dark but unbrooding potential love triangle between Skylar and the brothers Josh & Ethan. As you follow along with Sky’s discovery of her true identity, powers, and the world into which she’s been plunged, what’s left to miss with such a set of dynamics?
The answer is, surprisingly, very little! With a cast of solidly dark, cynically antiheroic characters and a heroine brimming with angst and sexual tension but too strong a personality to just tip over at the typical cues or temptations of the genre, McKenzie Hunter’s first book in the Sky Brooks Series is a fantastic read. The origin stories and character development are creative, the interplay of fantasy with realism keeps things grounded and believable (there aren’t any “oh come ON” beggar-belief moments to exasperate the reader), and the plot hinges on scenes of intense action with deeply emotional internal development for Skylar rather than on her potential love triangle. With a powerful female lead who refuses to be controlled by anyone, enemy or ally, and instead forges her own path and her own band of friends in a supernaturally shady world just to the left of our normal Starbucks and sunshine reality, Moon Tortured reads more akin to Buffy than Twilight, without feeling copied or tired in any way. This book is excellent, and will leave you very happy that there’s a series following it!
The answer is, surprisingly, very little! With a cast of solidly dark, cynically antiheroic characters and a heroine brimming with angst and sexual tension but too strong a personality to just tip over at the typical cues or temptations of the genre, McKenzie Hunter’s first book in the Sky Brooks Series is a fantastic read. The origin stories and character development are creative, the interplay of fantasy with realism keeps things grounded and believable (there aren’t any “oh come ON” beggar-belief moments to exasperate the reader), and the plot hinges on scenes of intense action with deeply emotional internal development for Skylar rather than on her potential love triangle. With a powerful female lead who refuses to be controlled by anyone, enemy or ally, and instead forges her own path and her own band of friends in a supernaturally shady world just to the left of our normal Starbucks and sunshine reality, Moon Tortured reads more akin to Buffy than Twilight, without feeling copied or tired in any way. This book is excellent, and will leave you very happy that there’s a series following it!
September 18, 2020
Exciting story
I was pleasantly surprised to have been fully emerged in this story. I read another book by the author and it wasn't for me but this, this I couldn't put it down. It's twisty and with great interactions. A slightly unique way of packlife, but despite the MC I kind of liked her. I will definitely be reading the rest, and so should you guys 🤭 thank you for the book!
I was pleasantly surprised to have been fully emerged in this story. I read another book by the author and it wasn't for me but this, this I couldn't put it down. It's twisty and with great interactions. A slightly unique way of packlife, but despite the MC I kind of liked her. I will definitely be reading the rest, and so should you guys 🤭 thank you for the book!
August 20, 2016
Sky is a shapeshifter. She and her mom are attacked, and when she wakes up her mom is dead. She's not at home either. The Pack, a local group of shapeshifters, has been asked to protect her from the vampires who attacked her and her mom. This is only the beginning into Sky discovering who she really is. Why would vampires attack her? Why was she important to them? What do they want from her?
This is a great book. A wonderful start to the series. I love the characters! McKenzie did a great job developing them. The dialog is awesome. Sky is full of fire and makes for a great main character! The book is well written and I like the length of it too. I highly recommend this book!
This is a great book. A wonderful start to the series. I love the characters! McKenzie did a great job developing them. The dialog is awesome. Sky is full of fire and makes for a great main character! The book is well written and I like the length of it too. I highly recommend this book!
December 28, 2020
DNF at 54% , I tried it kept trying ,I tried to like it , it would get better but no, there’s nothing likeable about any of the characters, nothing sympathetic and most of the book so far is just going around in circles and nothing happening , just no. Sad because the description seemed so interesting and my type of read
May 27, 2017
Skylar was a brat, and was not emotionally mature enough to handle everything that was thrown at her. I'm really happy that she didn't have much play time in the story itself. I did love the rest of the characters. But not quite enough to continue with the series.
July 8, 2016
Fans of Patricia Briggs's Mercy Thompson series and Racel Vincent's Shifter series will fall head over heels for this series!
Meet Skye Brooks - a born werewolf who wants nothing more than to be normal. Too bad the paranormal world is so determined to welcome her into its own. After an attack on her home, Skye is offered protection from the local werewolf pack - whether she wants it or not. Here she will meet a vast array of new people including Ethan, the brooding and domineering Beta of the pack as well as his light hearted and flirtatious warlock brother Josh.
Will this pack be able to protect Skye from the malicious forces who want her dead? Or is there more to this pack then meets the eye?
Honestly this is a wonderful story, with a great sarcastic heroine who is continuously making be laugh with her witty and charming personality as well as her constant desire to prove that she can take care of herself to a group of overprotective werewolves.
I picked this book up and could not put it down! A must read for any fans of the paranormal/urban fantasy genre, especially if you love your shifter tales!
Meet Skye Brooks - a born werewolf who wants nothing more than to be normal. Too bad the paranormal world is so determined to welcome her into its own. After an attack on her home, Skye is offered protection from the local werewolf pack - whether she wants it or not. Here she will meet a vast array of new people including Ethan, the brooding and domineering Beta of the pack as well as his light hearted and flirtatious warlock brother Josh.
Will this pack be able to protect Skye from the malicious forces who want her dead? Or is there more to this pack then meets the eye?
Honestly this is a wonderful story, with a great sarcastic heroine who is continuously making be laugh with her witty and charming personality as well as her constant desire to prove that she can take care of herself to a group of overprotective werewolves.
I picked this book up and could not put it down! A must read for any fans of the paranormal/urban fantasy genre, especially if you love your shifter tales!
May 4, 2018
I liked the characters compassion but not her common sense; frankly, she did some frustrating and downright stupid moves that drove me as bonkers as it did the characters. The pack bonding is interesting to a degree but of course brutal and a turn-off at once. I have a feeling it may end up being a triangle dangle between brothers on the love front. I found Sebastian especially intriguing but there seems to be a no-go there on warming up to the leader. The vamps in this series are brutal and I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of them, although I'm happy the author isn't carrying over the gem plotline to the sequel. The story could have dealt with more layers of revelation and newness to keep it fresher, but overall it was worth a read and I'll be checking out the sequel sometimes - although from the reviews of the second book and feeling like this series isn't fully my thing, it likely won't be soon. Full review to come.
January 17, 2020
This book has action, magic, suspense, mystery, passion, and drama what more can you want! Sky ito me was a very relatable character who grows throughout the series, she’s snarky, imperfect, and funny with a huge heart. She said thrown into a world she knows nothing about and has to learn how to navigate it. Ethan the pack beta is your alpha male but there is so much more to him😍 He will do anything for his pack and the people he cares about. I can go on about all the characters in this book because they are all pretty awesome and hard not to grow to love. I definitely recommend reading!
April 7, 2021
So the first time I read this novel, I was frustrated multiple times where the heroine, Skyler, would do things that she was deliberately asked not to do so she could assert her independence. Each time, it would put not only herself in danger, but others. I picked this book up again because although she frustrated me in the beginning, towards the end of the book, she seemed to be getting better. I'm looking forward to reading these books as well as the Ethan books alternately, to get a larger picture of what is going on in the world around them.
dnf
May 28, 2019The advertisement on Facebook caught my attention and it is a Kindle Unlimited offering so I thought I would give it a go. I'm not exactly DNF'ing it... but I'm definitely not in the right frame of mind to read Moon Tortured right now. I have been doing a reread of the Kate Daniels series and Skylar can't even come close to Kate. It wouldn't be fair to this book to read it right now so I'm setting it aside with plans to try again some other time.
October 12, 2020
Love this book 📖
So this book held my attention from the beginning to the end I love how the characters are developing and this book was awesome to read next
So this book held my attention from the beginning to the end I love how the characters are developing and this book was awesome to read next
April 7, 2018
I had high hopes for this book from the description and the fact that it was a werewolf book, but alas it feel short. I would have liked the action scenes to have been fleshed out more and the whiney brat who runs away all the time parts to have been put in the background rather than the forefront of the story. The underlying ideas had merit and I'm sure they are delved into deeper in the following books of the series but I have no desire to continue reading on.
September 7, 2020
3.5⭐️
“Moon Tortured” is book one in McKenzie Hunter’s Sky Brooks series. This series is in Skylar’s POV and follows her life into the world of the supernatural.
Being a werewolf has always been the one thing that Skylar despises about herself. Each month when the moon calls for her wolf she would sedate and lock herself in a cage. When a bunch of Vampires attack her home and is saved by the local Werewolf pack, learning to accept her wolf is going to be one of the many things she is going to have to do. Demetrius the leader of the Seethe wants Skylar and it’s now the Midwest Pack’s responsibility to keep her safe and out of the hands of the Vampires, or life as they know it will be total chaos.
This is the first time I have read something by this author. I can say I am really enjoying her writing.
This book was well paced with lots of action, suspense, angst, excitement and surprises. I read this book in one sitting it was that enjoyable. With so many great characters that I can’t wait to see grow and flourish in this series. I did find Skylar to be immature, eradicate and annoying at times. Now I understand she has been thrown into a world she knows nothing about or want anything to do with. But seriously her life is at risk, you’d think after the first two attempts on her life she would stop acting so stubborn and listen to the people trying to keep her alive and safe. Yes they may be werewolves with tempers and uncertainty in regards to how the future is going to look, but they are the experts in regards to the supernatural world.
Ethan, wow a typical alpha male, banging on chest and expecting the female to listen. Sorry bud but you are going to have to try harder. He is going to be fun to read when I go to his POV that have been written.
Josh, I’m really unsure of what I think of him, I’m on the fence about him.
Stephen, is a real sweetheart and is the friend that Skylar needed.
“Moon Tortured” is book one in McKenzie Hunter’s Sky Brooks series. This series is in Skylar’s POV and follows her life into the world of the supernatural.
Being a werewolf has always been the one thing that Skylar despises about herself. Each month when the moon calls for her wolf she would sedate and lock herself in a cage. When a bunch of Vampires attack her home and is saved by the local Werewolf pack, learning to accept her wolf is going to be one of the many things she is going to have to do. Demetrius the leader of the Seethe wants Skylar and it’s now the Midwest Pack’s responsibility to keep her safe and out of the hands of the Vampires, or life as they know it will be total chaos.
This is the first time I have read something by this author. I can say I am really enjoying her writing.
This book was well paced with lots of action, suspense, angst, excitement and surprises. I read this book in one sitting it was that enjoyable. With so many great characters that I can’t wait to see grow and flourish in this series. I did find Skylar to be immature, eradicate and annoying at times. Now I understand she has been thrown into a world she knows nothing about or want anything to do with. But seriously her life is at risk, you’d think after the first two attempts on her life she would stop acting so stubborn and listen to the people trying to keep her alive and safe. Yes they may be werewolves with tempers and uncertainty in regards to how the future is going to look, but they are the experts in regards to the supernatural world.
Ethan, wow a typical alpha male, banging on chest and expecting the female to listen. Sorry bud but you are going to have to try harder. He is going to be fun to read when I go to his POV that have been written.
Josh, I’m really unsure of what I think of him, I’m on the fence about him.
Stephen, is a real sweetheart and is the friend that Skylar needed.
May 31, 2018
I do not think that word means what you think it means....
ever feel an author has tried too hard? Ever had that "friend" that tried to prove their superiority by using words meant to go over your head? There's a technical term for it.
In this case, the author used grandiose words when "lesser" would do. The use of words that didn't quite fit kept interrupting the flow of the story, causing this reader to not gain enjoyment nor an ease of suspending disbelief.
The characters were one dimensional, none of them showing any growth. It seems the author hoped to rely on violence and sensuality to build the story but failed.
The author also refused to maintain consistency, stating a fact mere chapters prior to *spoiler* then suddenly remembering and trying to redeem the character's seeming lack of information retention.
I am considering the next book in the series, but only after deciding if I have anything in my KU I would prefer to purchase so I can free up some space for Skylar's next story.
Oh, and the author has written a book from the H's perspective but never gave any real reason for wanting or needing it. There's no draw to discover that character's PoV.
The potential relationships fail. They're too forced. At the end, it seems as though the author realized it wasn't working and decided to abandon *spoiler*.
The "plot twist" wasn't really a twist, as the author did an admirable job writing the *spoiler*....thus, the character behind the twist was believable as the *spoiler*.
The ending could have been so much better but read as though either the author lost their train of thought, lost steam, or lost the passion for the story they meant to write.
ever feel an author has tried too hard? Ever had that "friend" that tried to prove their superiority by using words meant to go over your head? There's a technical term for it.
In this case, the author used grandiose words when "lesser" would do. The use of words that didn't quite fit kept interrupting the flow of the story, causing this reader to not gain enjoyment nor an ease of suspending disbelief.
The characters were one dimensional, none of them showing any growth. It seems the author hoped to rely on violence and sensuality to build the story but failed.
The author also refused to maintain consistency, stating a fact mere chapters prior to *spoiler* then suddenly remembering and trying to redeem the character's seeming lack of information retention.
I am considering the next book in the series, but only after deciding if I have anything in my KU I would prefer to purchase so I can free up some space for Skylar's next story.
Oh, and the author has written a book from the H's perspective but never gave any real reason for wanting or needing it. There's no draw to discover that character's PoV.
The potential relationships fail. They're too forced. At the end, it seems as though the author realized it wasn't working and decided to abandon *spoiler*.
The "plot twist" wasn't really a twist, as the author did an admirable job writing the *spoiler*....thus, the character behind the twist was believable as the *spoiler*.
The ending could have been so much better but read as though either the author lost their train of thought, lost steam, or lost the passion for the story they meant to write.
dnf
November 8, 2017Mostly for my own reminder - DNF 8%. it took me two hours to get thru 8% because I just could not care. Skylar just felt petulant much of it. I understand her confusion, her frustration. What I didn't understand was why she insisted on ignoring practical advice.
She had a choice between hanging with a group of dangerous strangers who had a vested interest in keeping her alive or running off to be hunted by dangerous strangers who already brutally murdered her adoptive mother and seemed intent on, at the very least, doing her extreme physical harm.
Take the lesser evil. The folk at Sebastian's seemed willing to leave her be as long as she STAYED PUT. But nah brah Skylar was damned certain she'd be safer away from them. She barely seems to get two feet from the compound of safety before she's ATTACKED. I kid you not.
Nope. Big nope. I have far too many things to read to deal with a TSTL MC.
She had a choice between hanging with a group of dangerous strangers who had a vested interest in keeping her alive or running off to be hunted by dangerous strangers who already brutally murdered her adoptive mother and seemed intent on, at the very least, doing her extreme physical harm.
Take the lesser evil. The folk at Sebastian's seemed willing to leave her be as long as she STAYED PUT. But nah brah Skylar was damned certain she'd be safer away from them. She barely seems to get two feet from the compound of safety before she's ATTACKED. I kid you not.
Nope. Big nope. I have far too many things to read to deal with a TSTL MC.
April 5, 2021
It feels the Heroin goes out of her way to misunderstand things and take everything the worse way possible. Felt like her goal was to cause issue to the rest of the characters so something would happen.
January 18, 2020
Interesting world
Interesting world and characters. Very much enjoyed the book. This urban fantasy book was engrossing and captivating. So far this story has been pretty clean.
Interesting world and characters. Very much enjoyed the book. This urban fantasy book was engrossing and captivating. So far this story has been pretty clean.
January 25, 2020
Enjoyed the Book
The story went in interesting directions. I enjoyed the twists and surprises. I am looking forward to reading more of the series
The story went in interesting directions. I enjoyed the twists and surprises. I am looking forward to reading more of the series
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