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Albert Camus

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

Thursday, December 30, 2021

REVIEW - A Cry in the Moon's Light (A Cry in the Moon's Light #1) by Alan McGill


In a time of castles, muskets, and hideous creatures of the night, a beautiful woman travels across the treacherous Dark Forest to be by the side of her dying grandmother.


REVIEW

I am trapped in the middle in what regards “A Cry in the Moon’s Light” which is a more intense, darker version of Beauty and the Beast with a bit of dust of danger from the Little Red Riding Hood’s cape.

There are a lot of things that I liked. The author successfully attracted me from the first lines and kept me interested in the story. I liked the author’s choice for the narrator, one that I did not meet for some time. The “narrator” gives his (at least I think is a he – despite the corset scene) testimony of what has seen, though, and done during the challenging events. His words and impressions, his reactions, and his feelings are those that shape the story, helping also with the originality element.

I liked the chameleonic language which adapts to the specific moment of the story. The plot, probably developed from the well or less known versions of the classical fairy tales with a "Stoker-ed" folklore influence and enough room for unknown and twists, is good even if a hypercritical reader could say that some aspects could have benefited from a little more detail. The love and sorrow permeate the air and the action scenes are good, have rhythm and tension. I liked the general atmosphere of the story and how the author controlled the darkness and gruesome – the right amount at the right time.

So, why do I hesitate to say that I liked “A Cry in the Moon’s Light” A LOT? Mainly, because I didn’t like that the author preferred the easy path of the reminiscences. On one hand, I would have wanted to receive those explanations in another way as I am a “show me don’t tell me” type of reader. On another hand, the reminiscences are much too long. They interrupt the tension and normal flow and impede the previous good pace. Maybe, one (and shorter) should have been enough. Also, I was not convinced that the bond between the characters is deep and powerful enough for such confessions. Another thing is that the very end is a bit girlish, in total opposition to the fine general tension and the darkness of the story. I would have liked a similar (same) end but with graver nuances.

Still, “A Cry in the Moon’s Light” was an enjoyable read that kept my curiosity about what it will happen next. Now, I really want to find out more about Mr. Alan McGill and discover other of his works.

πŸŒ‘πŸŒ’πŸŒ“πŸŒ”πŸŒ•πŸŒ–πŸŒ—πŸŒ˜

Description:

Cover Artist: Emily’s World of Design

In a time of castles, muskets, and hideous creatures of the night, a beautiful woman travels across the treacherous Dark Forest to be by the side of her dying grandmother. With only a young carriage driver to protect her, she must use her wits and all of her courage to cross the wild country—and to evade the mysterious beast who stalks her.

What follows is a tale full of horror, mystery, and romance: gruesome murders at a village hidden deep in the forest, a castle that holds dark secrets, and a black wolf leading a deadly pack. Nothing is as it seems, and this journey has only just begun. The beautiful lady in the carriage will learn that only love can defeat evil, but is it love or danger that cries out to her in the deceitful light of the moon?

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Father Daniel's Compendium of the Undead

A Companion Novella

Father Daniel and his Right Hand of God Order are a secret society fighting hideous creatures of the night. Gathering relics and creating weapons for decades at a place called The Forge. 
The Forge was built at the face of a silver mine below the Abbey on Feldberg mountain. 
The monks there compiled this Compendium at the Abbey in hopes it may help you understand the story that is A Cry in the Moon’s Light. 

Dispelling myths, retelling legends, and digging deeper into the characters and places you love from the story. There are over 75 illustrations from various artists along with detailed descriptions and some spoilers where the past and future collide! Everything you need to fight evil.

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About the author:
Alan McGill is an American author who lives in Northwestern Pennsylvania with a clowder of cats. Alan was close to his grandparents who grew up in the Great Depression. They were married young and remained together until his grandmother’s passing. His grandfather served in the Navy during WWII and was a gifted storyteller who weaved humorous tales about tough events. Alan grew up with these stories of right and wrong along with watching fictional heroes such as The Lone Ranger, Adam West’s Batman, and Captain America. Heroes who stood up to bullies and protected those who could not protect themselves. This made an impression on the author to always do what was right in his own life and shaped his love for storytelling. He is a multi-genre author with his debut novel being A Cry in the Moon’s Light which is a horror romance and mystery series. As with all his books, one of the primary themes involves characters who strive to do the right thing regardless of the adversity they face. The second theme present in all his books is love. A pure and deep love that defeats all evil.


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