Circle of the Moon

4.5 of 5 stars Faith Hunter’s CIRCLE OF THE MOON is a thrilling experience. Psy-Law Enforcement Probation agent Nell helps the Head agent Rick LaFleur investigate witch circles that are targeting him and using dark magic. For me, this was one of those stories that kept getting better the more you read it. The beginning felt a little slow, but there was a lot of pertinent information that was relevant to the rest of the story. The details that have gone into this story is impressive. The plot was creative and original. The investigation had a lot of unexpected twists. I like how the story tied into the Jane Yellowrock novels. The characters are well developed. They learned a lot and grew throughout the story. Nell is an interesting character. I like that she has unique abilities. They played a fascinating role in the novel. CIRCLE OF THE MOON was skillfully written. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

sometimes I just need something to read, anything, and I'll race through, maybe have it read quick on my way to work and back. Too many characters fall inexplicably in love, and it's really only about them, and they love each other so much they don't need any family, and it is strange to find children in the story. Not so much here, I don't want to race through these stories about Nell and her family. The romance is there, but there's so much more, and really all compelling. I'm sure this could be skeletal and starved, but I love the refreshment of reading from this author.

Circle of the Moon is the fourth book in the Soulwood series. Set in the Jane Yellowrock universe, the events in this book take place after Dark Queen, so there are big spoilers for that book in this one! Nell Ingram is still a probationary officer in Unit Eighteen of PSY-LED, the US law-enforcement agency covering crimes involving non-humans, aka supernaturals. Unit Eighteen is based in Knoxville, TN, where some unusual witch circles have been showing up. It isn't clear what the circles are intended to do, but it can't be good with the blood magic involved. Other things start happening, as well. Are they coincidences? Separate cases? This novel is jam-packed with mystery, action, and danger. There is friendship, family, romance, and betrayal. And, of course, continual character-development is a hallmark of Faith Hunter's writing. Readers may also want to look for the short story Cat Tats for extra context, but Ms. Hunter gives an abbreviated version of events in this book.