🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Five sparkling stars to author Julie Embleton for her absolutely perfect finale in the Turning Moon series! ♥🐺♥🐺♥!
Find this book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tormented-suspenseful-paranormal-shifter-vampire-ebook/dp/B0BSS7KYQN
The final book in the Turning Moon series exceeded my great expectations!
I’ve been dying to read “Tormented,” the fifth book in the Turning Moon series by Julie Embleton, for months! The cliffhanger the author presented at the end of book four, “Torn,” sent me reeling. My heart thumping in my chest, I waited on pins and needles for book five to drop.
It’s difficult to write a review at a series’ end without revealing spoilers, but I’ll try to keep anything too revealing to a minimum.
In “Tormented,” we pick up a chain of events set in motion at the end of “Torn.” Compelled by a truly vile vampire (Haakin), Tori is on the hunt for her own Maker – who is also the love of her life. Her friends – shifter wolves, witches, and humans – struggle to connect with her, to find her, to save her before she does something she’ll regret for the rest of her days.
Author Embleton continues to excel at delivering perfect pacing. Admittedly, I expected the book to begin with a mad race knowing what had happened at the end of “Torn.” And yes, there is definitely a scramble afoot as friends try to locate Tori. But Embleton’s style is not to rush. She unfolds this story with precision, taking the reader to different spaces: Cedar Copse (wolf world), London (the Walker Institute), and of course, to Alexander – whatever locale he is fleeing through at the moment. We see Tori’s tale, her plight, through many sets of eyes. It’s brilliant. Certainly, Tori’s path, perspective, and struggles are revealed throughout the book, but I realized that had the author solely focused on Tori’s point of view, the story would have become one-dimensional. Instead, Embleton moved beyond world-building and created a universe.
While Tori’s tale led the plot, side stories such as Blake’s and Emer’s were spotlighted. There are several “shifting” scenes that made my heart soar. Blake Creedon is a good, good man. I adore him. One of the best lines from this installment comes from a scene with these two: “When Blake used that bossy tone, it turned her bones to ribbons.” The language flowing from Embleton’s pen is delicious, and in all her books, I’ve often found myself reading a line or a paragraph twice simply for the pleasure of it.
In “Tormented,” readers are also rewarded with updates on other character favorites, such as Michael Vincent and Genna Clancey. There are many bright spots in a book filled with on-the-edge-of-your-seat tension.
I tried to pick a standout character in this installment – shifter Graham in London, nephew Andrew, her loyal friend Genna, or witches Lola and Lara – but the truth is, Embleton delivered such an amazing cast of characters, it’s impossible to pick. And yet, Joan Clancey, a small side character, brought in much-needed levity. (I’d like to advocate for a vampire romance for momma Clancey.)
But back to the heart of the story: Alexander Durand, the hunted, knows the risk of Tori finding him, yet he seeks to make a connection, leaving her clues of their past life together. (Oh, how I love Alexander!) His fate hangs in the balance. Will his ‘darling girl’ become his executioner? Observing a vulnerable Alexander is an unusual experience – but captivating nonetheless. His brother Johann fills his role as expected. Do I like Johann? Yes and no. But he loves his brother so much that he’s willing to lose their relationship to save him, so devotion counts for something. The Johann the author presents is fragile yet still commands power. The balance was believable.
The ending of “Tormented” is immensely satisfying – even better than I could’ve hoped for in this book. While I realize this is the ‘final installment’ of the Turning Moon series, I can see a new beginning in the future. Perhaps something with the witch Lola – loyal friend of Tori – and her wolf shifter lover Nick Bracken? (Yes, please!)
As mentioned at the beginning of this review, I held my breath as I read this story, fearful of the author’s plans. But as I’ve learned time and time again, Julie Embleton is an author to trust. Through twists, reveals, and risks, she will lead you through a world of wolf shifters, vampires, witches, and humans. With this extraordinary author, you will never lose your way.
Five stars to “Tormented”! With all five books in the series now published, why delay your reading a moment longer? Start with “Bound” – Julie Embleton’s characters will win your heart, and you’ll think about them long after you read the last page.
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