Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE:  Death of the Moon

SERIES:  Secrets of the Moon, Book 1

AUTHOR:  S.A. Pavlik

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  321 pages

RELEASE DATE:  April 14, 2022

BLURB:

A werewolf with secrets.

Alec Channing has lived a long life, and he’s just going through the motions, lost in his troubled past, until fellow werewolves and shifters start dying around him. An increase in werewolf attacks only adds to Alec’s problems. As his past closes in, his only hope lies in one man—an unaware human whose vanilla and spice scent and easygoing attitude draw Alec in. However, Alec can’t help but worry about what will happen when that man uncovers the truth about Alec’s preternatural world.

A homicide detective who is out of his depth.

Detective Damien O’Connor joined the Columbus Police Department to bring closure to victims and their families—closure that he never got for himself. But when none of the evidence adds up for what should be a routine death investigation, he’s floundering. As the bodies continue to pile up, the sweet man who has caught Damien’s eye is at the center of the storm. When closely guarded secrets start to emerge, can Damien reconcile himself to an entirely new reality—and solve the case that might also save the man he’s come to care for?

Death of the Moon is Book One of the Secrets of the Moon trilogy, an 84k-word M/M, paranormal crime/mystery romance, with an HFN ending. While there is a complete story arc in this book, there are plot threads that will carry on throughout the trilogy. There is language and explicit intimate scenes not suitable for readers under the age of 18. Warnings: MC with PTSD, past torture implied through flashbacks, dealing with grief.

REVIEW: 

Death of the Moon is an impressive debut novel by S.A. Pavlik.  The first book in what is anticipated to be a trilogy, Secrets of the Moon, this story is a gripping paranormal, murder mystery, M/M romance focusing on Alec Channing, a traumatized, lonely werewolf who’s disengaged from living, and Damien O’Connor, a tenacious, “unaware human” detective who’s determined to solve a series of murders with inexplicable, bizarre circumstances.  Ms. Pavlik does an excellent job creating complex, endearing, multi-faceted characters in Alec and Damien.  I was hooked from word one and invested in the progression of the fascinating story arc and its impact on these two men.

Ms. Pavlik deftly meshes the competing aspects of the storyline – an M/M romance and a crime drama – and strikes a perfect balance between the two.  She pays sufficient attention to Alec and Damien’s relationship, including some steamy, emotionally connected scenes, while incorporating the intricate threads of the mystery and peril playing out around them.  Alec, in particular, grapples with trust issues after having experienced nothing but people leaving him throughout his long life.  He’s packless, for reasons … and his world primarily revolves around the one constant in his life, Ari – a powerful shifter who guides Alec’s life and purpose.  Alec struggles with acceptance and his developing feelings for Damien as his solitary world begins to expand.  Ms. Pavlik foreshadows some unique aspects of Alec’s preternatural nature that will likely be explored in the following series books.

The story arc spans the three books of the trilogy, so while some aspects of the story are wrapped up at the end of Death of the Moon, Alec and Damien only achieve a HFN, as many open questions linger.  The pacing across the book is generally even and appropriate for the events that transpire, but the reveals and resolution that come at the end feel rushed in comparison.  Even though continuation of the story is intended, the ending still felt a bit abrupt.  That being said, it didn’t impact my enjoyment of the book at all.  If anything, it just piqued my anticipation for the next book.

I highly recommend this engrossing tale, chock full of emotional dynamics, unexpected plot twists, and carefully drawn characters in Alec and Damien. The romance between them is impactful and authentic, bridging the improbability of a relationship between these two very different men who share an unexpected connection.  Grab this urban fantasy, paranormal gem, and jump into the fascinating world Ms. Pavlik has created. 

RATING:

BUY LINKS: 

Amazon