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Moonlight Prophecies #1

By the Red Moonlight

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Alpha werewolf, crime boss, and secret Seer Bashir Bain is neck-deep in negotiating a marriage of convenience with a neighboring alpha when a tense situation goes from bad to worse. A job applicant at one of Bash’s businesses—a guy who was supposed to be a simple ex-cop, ex-con tattoo artist—suddenly turns up undead.

A rogue newborn vampire would have been a big wrench in Bash’s plans even without his attraction to the man. After all, new vampires are under their sire’s control, and Ethan Lambert doesn’t even know who turned him. When Bash spares his life, he opens himself up for mutiny, a broken engagement, and an unexpected—and risky—relationship.

Ethan just wants a fresh start after being released from prison. Before he can get it, he’ll need to turn private investigator to find out who sired him and what he wants. And he’d better do it quick, because the moon is full, and according to Bash’s prophecy, life and death hang in the balance.

218 pages, Paperback

First published October 5, 2021

28 people are currently reading
187 people want to read

About the author

Amanda Meuwissen

58 books662 followers
Amanda Meuwissen is a queer author with a primary focus on M/M fiction and romance. As the author of LGBTQ+ Fantasy #1 Best Seller, Coming Up for Air, LGBTQ+ Horror #1 Best Seller and #1 New Release, A Delicious Descent, and several other titles through various publishers, Amanda regularly attends local comic conventions for fun and to meet with fans, where she will often be seen in costume as one of her favorite fictional characters. She lives in Minnesota with her husband, John, and their cat, Helga.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
Profile Image for Sailor Neptuno.
171 reviews40 followers
September 1, 2021


“It’s just… calmer when I’m near you.”
“Calmer?” Bash pressed, allowing the touch, if only because it came so naturally. “What is?”
“The world. Everything. Like I said before, you ground me”


Even though I loved my journey to the contemporary genre, I’m glad to be back to one of my favorite ones. This time the writing style was very different from The Prince and the Ice King, less fairytale-like and more paranormal-like. My favorite part was the pack, don’t get me wrong I loved Bash and Ethan but I’m a sucker for secondary characters well written. I'm all in for a prequel of Luke and Preston’s story.

description

The romance wasn’t the main priority in this installment but that doesn't mean that it was nonexistent. If I’m not mistaken Bash and Ethan aren’t going to be the MCs in the next couple of books, but they are going to be back after those. So, even though there wasn’t a huge development relationship-wise, I’m happy that their story wasn’t rushed and didn't fall into insta-love. I loved the way they complimented each other to solve all the problems around them.

description


A pack alpha afraid of his prophecies. A newborn vampire discovering secrets. Can’t wait to know who are going to be the next MCs!


*Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a free and honest review*
Profile Image for Showarst.
1,113 reviews
April 2, 2025
By the Red Moonlight by Amanda Meuwissen is book 1 in the Moonlight Prophecies series. It was previously published in 2021 but is being rereleased. Ethan Lambert is a recent parolee who is looking for a job at a tattoo parlor. While there, he gets turned into a vampire and thrust into the paranormal world. Bash is the Alpha of the pack who has to decide what to do with Ethan. They are drawn to each other, but Bash is engaged to marry an alpha from a neighboring city in a political marriage. I really loved all of the characters and the plot was fascinating to me. I didn't like how Bash pushed Ethan away so much and still considered marrying Jay. Bash was a hard one to get to know. Ethan was such a sweetheart and everyone fell in love with him. I like how each book had a conclusion to a part of the prophecy. It was hard to understand what all the magical elements were (Seer, Focus, and Null), but by the end it was clear what they were and how they impacted the plot. I am looking forward to the next book.

I received an ARC from the author for my honest review
Profile Image for RedsBookReads.
475 reviews20 followers
October 4, 2021
I found the description of this book interesting which made me want to read it but I was surprised just how much I enjoyed this book. The romance between Bash and Ethan wasn’t the main focus here and for me that helped the story develop more and helped you understand the characters better. I am hoping there are more books in this series as there are so many characters I want to know more about! This was a really good book and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a paranormal romance.
Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
4,193 reviews119 followers
July 12, 2023
BY THE RED MOONLIGHT is the first book in the Moonlight Prophecies series and, oh boy, I think we're in for a treat. Amanda Meuwissen is fast becoming a one-click author for me. She is able to give me a story rich in detail with unique details, and a cast of characters second to none.

Now, being as this paranormal, you might assume that insta-love and fated mates are involved. Well, nope. You'd be wrong. Insta-lust is involved but, hey, you don't have to read paranormal to get that! Bash is trying to form an alliance with a neighbouring pack, purely business/sex, with no love involved. Ethan throws a spanner in the works with that by being turned into a vampire. He's very strong but very different from the other vampires, and the pull between Bash and Ethan is incredible.

I was wary and hopeful going into this one. I knew there was a sort of triangle (which isn't my favourite) but I really hoped it would be sorted fairly early on. It was and it wasn't, and I won't say more than that!

There are so many great characters in here, and shifters/magic I've not seen used before. The Rat King? Oh man, absolutely brilliant! *kisses fingers like a French chef*

After reading this, I'm feeling very greedy and want stories for ALL the characters. In fact, I feel like Gollum, I wants them; I needs them!

A brilliant start to the series, set in a world that is both fantastical and believable, that will leave you wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 6, 2021
Profile Image for Anabela.M..
959 reviews15 followers
September 26, 2021
Bash was Alpha to a mix-species pack, a man with many insecurities and leader to his inner circle that sometimes seemed more like a gang of biker vigilantes. He cared for every member of his pack, doubted he did enough for them and his inner circle was his council and most importantly, his family. Just like any family, they riled up one another, they bantered and they faught, and their interactions as a group was one of the things I loved most about this book.

Then they found Ethan, just turned into a vampire, and Bash decided to keep him alive. Ethan had to gain their trust while the vampire who turned him maybe influenced his actions and a prophecy that foresaw bloody doom threatened their city. Ethan was sweet and caring, so it was the easiest to be won over by him...Bash certainly couldn't resist him. Ethan and Bash were incredibly attracted to each other and they shared a few moments of intense passion...but would they be given the chance to fall in love and a future together?

I don't want to give any spoilers, because I think this story should be experienced start to finish. For me it's been a thrilling and fun ride. Fear and uncertainty underlined even the most entertaining moments. I loved Bash and Ethan, and the cast of secondary characters were charming and interesting. Surprisingly, even the villain wasn't quite that hateful.

The story kept me glued to the pages. I loved everything about it and I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for P Leslie.
3,206 reviews17 followers
November 24, 2022
Fantastic book!

The storyline was intriguing; it was full of mystery, romance and suspense.

I adored Ethan; he was always treated as an outcast and for a while, I thought the pack would be the same but things took a turn for the better.

I highly recommend this book - the storyline was refreshingly different which pulled me instantly.

“I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
Profile Image for Kochka94.
1,217 reviews10 followers
March 2, 2024
Centrus City peut être fière de son alpha : Bashir Bain est un loup qui prône le mélange des genres. Son cercle de confiance est constitué de métamorphes rat, chat, lézard, de shamans, ... et il a créé un refuge pour recueillir les solitaires qui veulent trouver une meute et une famille. Et cette position fait des envieux et des jaloux, c'est pour cela qu'il est en pleine négociation avec Jay Russell, l'alpha de Brookdale, une meute voisine, afin de conclure une alliance, un mariage qui protègera les deux meutes. Mais si Jay souhaite que cette union soit plus qu'une simple alliance de pouvoirs, Bash ne ressent pas d'étincelles, pas d'attirance, même s'il respecte l'autre alpha.

Un soir, alors que Bash et sa garde rapprochée passe au salon de tatouage de la meute, il est intrigué par le book laissé par un jeune homme, en recherche d'emploi : Ethan Lambert, ex flic, ex taulard, fait des dessins qui éveillent quelque chose chez Bash, une sensation de familiarité, de déjà vu... peut-être pour ça que quand il se fait attaquer un vampire nouveau-né en sortant du salon, il ne le tue pas sur le champ : c'est Ethan Lambert.

Une connexion s'opère entre les deux hommes, immédiate, forte, comme une pièce manquante qui trouve son complément chez l'autre, bref... c'est pas ça qui va arranger ses négociations avec Jay...

D'autant qu'Ethan semble cristalliser une menace bien plus grande encore...

J'ai été très agréablement surprise par ce roman, l'auteur, dont j'avais découvert et apprécié la plume, dans un tout autre style, avec Un modèle d'escort, a su créer un univers de surnaturels assez original, mêlant plusieurs types de métamorphes, y ajoutant de la magie, des pouvoirs qui s'ajoutent et se complètent, comme les Voyants, les Focus et les Nulls. Rajoutez à cela le mystère que représente Ethan, la dilemme qui déchire Bash entre la raison qui le pousse vers Jay pour le bien de la meute et l'attirance inexplicable qui le jette dans les bras d'Ethan, une meute disparate plutôt sympathique même si les méthodes tendent un peu vers un système gentiment crapuleux, tout ça pour un final plutôt réussi.

Bref, j'ai passé un très bon moment avec ce petit monde, je vais poursuivre l'aventure, centrée sur deux autres personnages que Bash et Ethan, même si j'espère quand même avoir en filigrane de leurs nouvelles.
Profile Image for Juniper.
3,398 reviews24 followers
October 5, 2021
There’s mystery, chemistry, fate, danger, and some sweetness, camaraderie and humor to be had in this novel, and I liked the way they all came together. This novel definitely has some complicated things to say about family: the one’s we’re born with (complicated) and the ones we make for ourselves (also complicated, but in good ways). I loved the community that is Bash’s pack, as it’s a diverse, delightful group of chosen family that includes witches, shifters, rat kings, and more (dude...that needs a book of its own, and while we’re on the subject, I would absolutely love to see more stories set in this world-- I’d read Bari’s in a heartbeat too). While a vampire is initially treated with plenty of suspicion, the fact that Ethan finds a place with them feels somehow inevitable, given that love, acceptance, and care is pretty much everyone’s default setting, even the initially snarly ones (looking at you here, Deanna). There are plenty of quasi magical beings (beings with quasi magical power?) as well: foci, seers, nulls, etc. It could have been overwhelming, but somehow all manages to make sense-- I think it helps to have Ethan’s character as a foil, as readers, like him, are pitched into the deep end of supernatural existence. Ethan’s deeply likeable, in fact, and it’s easy to be angry with those who treat him as less-than just for what he is. Bash is more enigmatic, and harder, as a result, to know. He’s definitely a good alpha, but I didn’t always feel like I knew who *he* was, beyond the fact that he’ll do anything for his pack, including consider an arranged marriage even after meeting his soul mate. Good leader? Absolutely. Memorable character? Maybe not so much. I never actively disliked him, but amidst the other strong personalities: Ethan’s shrewd sweetness, Jay’s stoic /soft charm, Deanna’s growly protectiveness, and Bari’s easy and gregarious kindness, he just sort of gets a bit lost. Overall, however, for setting, story, and supporting characters, I can’t recommend this book enough.

*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Annie.
1,715 reviews26 followers
October 12, 2021
I was hoping for a good exciting story after reading the blurb for By the Red Moonlight. What I got was an original story with fabulous characters plus suspense, intrigue, steam, and action. I really enjoyed every moment of reading this story and was enthralled from beginning to end.

Bashir and Ethan made for an interesting and unlikely couple. I enjoyed watching these two meet and come together despite Bashir's plans to unite local packs. There was a lot of back and forth between Bashir and Ethan while they fight their attraction and try to do what's best for their community and stay true to themselves, but it never felt excessively drawn out or caused my interest to diminish. In fact, their story on its own would have likely hooked me.

While the couple was decidedly interesting, the world the author created in By the Red Moonlight is utterly intriguing and one I wouldn't mind revisiting it for more stories. I loved how many different paranormal beings steered this fantasy and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the various abilities, groupings, and rules which allowed these societies to cohabitate and thrive. Even better, I liked that there were surprises within their own community that kept me and the characters guessing. The idea of this story being guided somewhat by prophecies made it all the more intriguing...and oh so satisfying when all the details are revealed in the end.

Fast-moving stories with multiple characters and plotlines can be extremely exciting or extremely jumbled. I really appreciated that By the Moonlight was well developed and constructed in a way that made it easy to stay engaged and follow along with all the different surprise revelations, twists, and actions that came the characters' way. If you enjoy paranormal fantasies, I'd definitely recommend this book.

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Profile Image for Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡.
1,549 reviews104 followers
October 4, 2021
I enjoyed this new start to a supernatural series by Amanda Meuwissen. Ethan, a recently turned vampire, steals your heart from the very beginning. Though vampires are universally hated by shifter species and usually killed on sight, there is something so innocent and sweet about Ethan that even the Shifters who meet him come to adore him too.

Bash wasn't as likeable. He can be cold and tends to keep things close to the vest. He admits to being a liar, but the man runs a criminal enterprise and is Alpha of an entire city. One can't expect him to be all warm fuzzies and be able to hold his position. I did wish he would have been a little more sweet to Ethan in the end. I'd hoped he would have at least said those 3 little words, but again Bash himself would proclaim he isn't exactly a talk about feelings type of wolf.

I enjoyed the side characters, especially Bash's twin Bari and I hope book 2 is going to be about him and a certain Alpha of another pack. If so, I expect that book to be more on the sweet side with the personalities of those two. Let's just say Bari and Bash being identical in appearance is the ONLY thing they have in common.

This author tends to jump to different series when writing so I have no idea what's next. I'm hoping she continues this series or the Jeweled Kingdom next because both books will definitely be on my TBR list once announced.
Profile Image for Devoted❤️Reader.
1,615 reviews31 followers
October 3, 2021
❤️ Inconceivable ❤️

There’s something magical about this book and I’m not saying that because it’s PNR, but it has something extra that makes it sparkle. The intriguing characters, the fiercely lovable found family, the beguiling storyline, it all meshes so wonderfully into a fantastic world that I wish I could step right into. Bash and Ethan, and this whole book, are full of surprises that had me glued to the pages as they all unfold. The tension and the mystery that surrounds them and the passion that sparks between them is all so nngh, I want more.

“Marking me is not something I’d allow lightly.”
“Lightly,” Ethan panted back, “isn’t our style.”

No, it sure isn’t but I love how these two just can’t help themselves. They’re a true match made in… you’ll have to read to see. I hope future books in this series feature some of the side characters we met as I fell in love with them all and would love to see their journeys too. Here’s hoping we won’t be left in suspense for too long. Hmm, maybe there’s a prophecy about it…
Profile Image for K-Me.
2,842 reviews
October 5, 2021
Ok.. So Bash and Ethan are my new favorite paranormal couple! Bash is an alpha shifter with Seer abilities and Ethan is a brand newly turned Vampire! Ethan so beautiful, innocent yet now dangerous! The world building and character development in this story is magnificent. It is written in what feels like a truly Paranormal style! The story is intriguing and fresh and everything is so descriptive it gives you the feels of being in their world with them! I loved Bash's pack! So fun and sarcastic but serious about protecting each other. Bash and Ethan should not be together of course.. Vampire - Shifter.. but you can feel their connection and chemistry so completely! I received an ARC of this book I highly recommend for those looking for a captivating and exciting paranormal romance! I cannot wait for another!!!
Profile Image for Suzanne Irving.
2,730 reviews24 followers
October 8, 2021
This delightful book by Amanda Meuwissen combines so many different tropes that it would be hard to list them all. She has no trouble however juggling them all in this mm urban fantasy about a werewolf, crime boss called Bashir and the new vampire/ex-con Ethan. Ms. Meuwissen brings in prophecies that help to drive the story and take it in different directions than the usual vampire/werewolf tale.
I have only read a few of Ms. Meuwissen’s books, but she is quickly becoming one of my new favorite mm fantasy romance authors. At its heart this book is a detective story with the main characters trying to figure out how Ethan became a vampire and why he’s not feral as all newly made vampires are in this version of earth. I loved the idea that this romance starts with one character locking up the other one. There is a lot in this book that will keep you on your reading toes as it were because things are not always what they seem to be. I devoured this book that drew me in from the beginning until the end. If you like mm fantasy romance then I recommend this book to you.
Profile Image for Jerri.
723 reviews4 followers
September 28, 2021
Wow, another great read from Amanda! Once more, the heroes of the story are technically bad guys. Not really, though. Bash isn’t his father. Everything he does is for his pack. It’s not legal, but it’s required to take care of them. Ethan is a predator of a type that frequently can’t control their appetites. He’s a monster. But he’s not. He’s sweet, nerdy, and fortunately has more control than expected.
I love Bash’s pack. They are so accepting of others and work together to take care of each other. They’re wary of Ethan, but warm up quickly as they get to know him. Not a bad lesson for the world today!
There’s plenty of action, powerful shifters of varying sorts, a few stray humans, and an adorable dorky vampire with a passion for tattooing. I devoured it in one go!
Profile Image for Maggie.
Author 26 books342 followers
October 8, 2021
Bash has his hands full. Not only is he negotiating a marriage with an alpha from a neighbouring pack, being a Seer, he is having visions, and not of the good kind. Now he has a newly-turned vampire to deal with.

Newly-turned vampire Ethan also has his hands full. Not only is he a vampire against his will, but this happened after he got out of prison and was simply trying to find a job as a tattoo artist.

It’s by chance the two meet. Or is it by chance?

That’s the big question for this thriller by the author. Not only does she have a romance going on, but also a big mystery for readers to solve. She creates a new world of every type of paranormal being you can imagine, and she explains not through heavy backstory or exposition, but as the characters are introduced. Well done.

Read more here: https://t.co/SGvaBOjokY?amp=1
Profile Image for Cheryl_cajun .
1,213 reviews29 followers
September 20, 2021
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Bash was changing the ways of his father's run pack, Now with prophecy looming no thanks to his sight, Bash is about to have an even bad night when a new turned baby vamp enters his life. Kill or learn is about to become the question of the daily norm. Dang talk about poor Ethan, to have everything and then some thrown at him in one night. A darker energy is lurking in the background, but is Ethan a puppet for the up and coming. 
 I  love how Bash is a leader of mixed lot, that may not be blood but they are family. I just couldn't get enough of this book, all the amazing different characters was amazing. It was one of those edge of the seat reads with the fireworks combination between them.
500 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2021
A very exciting start to a new paranormal series. Engaging characters and intriguing premise.

The plot and the main characters in this book held my attention but the supporting cast were just as interesting and I look forward to learning more about them and reading their stories. The world-building was multi-layered and seemed very ‘real’. I enjoyed the poetic prophecies and the suspense of working out what they meant!

I am definitely looking forward to more stories set in this universe.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,534 reviews48 followers
October 4, 2021
Wow, the mystery of who sired Ethan would have been enough on its own to carry this story but we also get Bash, his pack and his "business", the arranged marriage that comes to an abrupt end and the dark things Bash can see in the future if they don't solve Ethan's mystery and find out who their enemies are. The budding relationship between Bash and Ethan adds interesting complications and is clearly going to be a great one.
Profile Image for Dixiecowgirl.
1,437 reviews25 followers
October 9, 2021
Delightfully creative mystery with werewolves, vampires and seers and a variety of shifters.   Terrific world-building, imaginative plot and engaging characters create a fascinating story.  Bash's pack will entertain you and win your heart. 

Bash and  Ethan have an amazing connection and tons of chemistry.  This paranormal mm romance will definitely keep you reading. 

I  was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review
Profile Image for Phoenix.
645 reviews
October 11, 2021
This was a fantastic book. New author to me and definitely worth the read. The characters were great, loved how they developed and the story was wonderful! Going to check out more books by this author.
Profile Image for RACHEL REED.
950 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2021
I absolutely loved this sweet paranormal MM romance.

Such a great book with a solid storyline and great characters.

I eagerly look forward to reading more from this author.

A definite recommend!
Profile Image for Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog).
3,113 reviews92 followers
September 12, 2021
Fast-paced and fabulous! I absolutely loved the characters not only the MCs but the whole pack and cast of characters as well. It was a such fun and entertaining read full of plenty of suspense, mystery and of course a sexy romance.
Profile Image for Cynthia M Brow.
1,306 reviews17 followers
March 30, 2025
By the Red Moonlight is the first book in the Moonlight Prophecies series. This is the story of Bash the alpha and seer of a werewolf pack and Ethan a newly turned vampire. I loved both main characters and how they are as individuals. I loved the plot and the set up for the rest of the series. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Alix Gray.
173 reviews4 followers
June 21, 2023
Bash est un loup métamorphe, alpha d’une meute aux représentants mixtes de tout poils, plumes et écailles, ainsi que patron du crime possédant des dons de prescience.
Ces derniers lui permirent de prédire que lors d’une nuit de lune rousse, à Halloween, le choix de vie ou de mort d’une seule âme reposerait au creux de ses mains, et que de cette décision dépendrai le sort de chacun.
Cette âme, c’est celle d’Ethan. Ancien flic, ancien prisonnier… et ancien humain. Mordu et changé en vampire sans son consentement, Ethan cherche désormais qui est responsable d’avoir jeté une fois de plus sa vie dans un mauvais virage.
Leur deux espèces sont ennemies depuis toujours semble-t-il mais cette prophétie et la curiosité de Bash à l’égard d’Ethan vont provoquer le début de quelque chose de nouveau pour ces dernières.
Les choses entre eux commencent par s’enflammer violemment pour finalement ne plus être que jeux de séductions et regards distants et languides par la suite. Car si chacun ressent la pression de l’attirance qui existe entre eux, ils ressentent également celle de l’engagement que Bash a prit auprès de l’alpha d’une meute voisine.
J’ai aussi beaucoup aimé l’intrigue secondaire, pleine de prophéties absconses et mystérieuses ainsi que de références pop-culture qui ont contenté mon côté geek comme jamais.😆😇
Personne n’écrit de prophétie aussi poétique que cryptique et intrigante qu’Amanda Meuwissen! ♥️
Tout comme la grande diversité de métamorphes mais également de nouvelles figures de mythe aux aptitudes inédites! 😉
Et une fin rafraîchissante qui romp avec le traditionnel "tuons le méchant"!
445 reviews24 followers
October 6, 2021
~3.5
I liked the premise and the diverse paranormal world created by the author. It was fast and interesting read but I wasn't emotionally engaged. Mainly because romance wasn't the main focus of the book and connection between MCs was too fast. There was undeniable attraction but not enough relationships development. I liked Ethan and his determination to protect the innocent, even from himself. Him discovering the paranormal world and his own abilities was fun. Bash kept too many secrets and his behavior was questionable at times so it was harder to connect with him.
I still largely enjoyed the story. The paranormal and mystery aspects were good. I was genuinely surprised when the villain was revealed. Magical abilities that manifest in shifters, vampires and humans alike were a welcome addition. Secondary characters were fleshed out and likable, especially Jay, the fiancé, and Bash's brother. If there are more books set in this universe - I will read those.
Profile Image for Bkwrm24.
1,887 reviews14 followers
October 8, 2021
3 Stars 🌟🌟

Be warned: This was a dark one, that's for sure!!! I'm actually torn on this one, there were elements of this story that I really enjoyed between Bash and Ethan and there were elements that I didn't...specifically the cheating.....I'd say it was a 75/25 split. I think paranormal fans will love this book, Wolf shifter/ Vampire pairing 🔥need I say more 😜 I would defiantly recommend for those fans. This wasn't your typical m/m sweet romance read, it was suspenseful, gritty and dirty..... all in all this story was a good one....I'd also recommend it for those who are looking for a well written story with darker elements and aren't triggers by much 😉

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
1,068 reviews6 followers
December 17, 2021
A wonderful shifter/vampire book with great carachters and a page turning story.

Ethan wakes up as a newborn vampire in the middle of Alpha werewolf shifter Bash's city. Vampires are usually terminated but everything about Ethan is different from the attraction between him and Bash to how the pack reacts to him.
Now they have to work together against a unknown enemy, pack members who are afraid and an arranged marriage.

I love Ethan and Bash and the story has just the right amount of suspense and romance. All the secondary carachters are interesting and well written and I would love more books in the same world. 
Profile Image for Debra  (Dragon Nanny) Phiri.
1,613 reviews19 followers
August 16, 2025
It was a fun, angsty with a some steam thrown in! A little mystery of who done it thrown it!

The characters are 100% likable and the story was just right!

I enjoyed it!


(I received an advanced reader copy of this book, it did not affect my opinion of this story)
Profile Image for Maijie.
232 reviews10 followers
October 4, 2021
By the Red Moonlight is the first book in the Moonlight Prophecies series. A bit different from the fairytale like feel and style from her The Prince and the Ice King, this story is in the paranormal genre and is a bit darker in tone.

Bashir Bain is the Alpha and the leader of the mixed-species pack in Centrus City. Known only to a very select few that he trusts, he is also a seer and a prophecy he has made has haunted him for years. Ethan Lambert who just came out of prison for falsifying evidence has just been unknowingly turned into a vampire and runs into Bash and his pact. Their meeting seems like destiny as a prophecy the two men saw foretold a bloody doom to their city.

Bash and Ethan had an intense initial attraction for each other resulting in the two of them sleeping with each other early on. Their chemistry is undeniable but their relationship matured from that initial attraction. Through the traumatic events and trials that both had to endure and overcome, Bash and his pack got to know Ethan better, their bond and trust for each other growing stronger.

Both characters are likeable. Ethan is sweet, caring and nerdy and surprisingly has a very tight control on his hunger as a vampire. As a former CSI, he wants to establish his own investigating agency in order to help others. Bash is responsible and cares a lot about his pack. He tries so hard to be fair and gives everyone a fair chance no matter what species they are. Additionally, the secondary characters are interesting and the banter and interactions they have as a group is one of the book's strongest point.

The romance wasn’t the main focus of the book, but it does not mean it is non-existant. The overall plot was interesting though finding out who the antagonist wasn't much of a surprise. I liked the resolution of the story but the journey in getting there is a bit bumpy in my opinion. The pacing in the middle is a bit slow and stilted. The introduction to this world felt one-dimensional though hopefully the next installments flesh it out more.

Still, despite the criticisms above, I still enjoyed this book. By the Red Moonlight is an entertaining story with enough suspense, mystery, and romance to keep one engaged from the first page until the end.

I am giving this 4 stars out of 5 stars.

I received an ARC of this book via GBP and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Sreberko.
85 reviews6 followers
November 23, 2022
This is a book about shifters - and usually, shifters come with a set of pre-made tropes and plot points, that may be nice for some people, and too predictable for others; thankfully, Amanda Meuwissen balances these elements well and focuses on characters and mystery.

🌙 The first important thing worth mentioning is the world. The story isn't set in omegaverse, and while most of the characters are shifters, and we get to read about their transformations, it's just one of their characteristics. There is no predominant behavior (ex. betas being automatically submissive, or alphas wanting to overpower everyone), and while we know that there are SOME more orthodox communities, the main pack is definitely not one of them.
🌙 Another really important thing to touch is possible cheating. For me, in this book it's established clearly that one of the characters doesn't want to be a romantic partner for their fiancé, and has another relationship, which the fiancé KNOWS about. Jay's expectations and rules are unreasonable, especially when he KNOWS they will end up broken.
(There is no cheating between MCs).
🌙 I am very sensitive to topics of non-con and dub-con. And for me, there is no dub-con. The author makes sure to point out that Bashir and Ethan want each other and are capable of breaking the shackles of someone's magic.
🌙 I loved Rat-king and Luke. With my whole heart. They aren't the main characters in this book, and still, every scene with them made me smile and want to squeeze them really hard. #couple_goals!
🌙 The main couple was okay. I liked their magic, Ethan's reactions toward the alpha, and his whole circle. He really was likable, and it wasn't hard to believe that he charmed everyone around him. The romance had to be rushed, but somehow I still believed in their feelings.
I'm curious how their relationship will develop with time.
🌙 It's a good book for fans of Ilona Andrews's books - the plot goes exactly as you could predict, there are more than 1 Big Fight, and still there are surprises that make the tropes freshly new.
🌙 Something that I can complain about is the plot and solution of the conflict; everything went too fast and too... descriptive for my liking. There were too many characters explaining to each other their motivations, how the world works, and what just happened.
It's not wrong per se, but from Amanda Meuwissen I have learned to expect more - and I hope next books will be exactly that.

I received an ARC of this book from the author, and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
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