The Rising Moon by Nilsa Rodriguez

Title: The Rising Moon
Author: Nilsa Rodriguez
Black Dove Publishing
Release Date: September 12, 2011
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Synopsis:

How many lives do you have to live to realize that love is stronger than time and death?

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Orphaned at the age of five, Angelia (Lia) Lafosse was left with questions about whom and what she truly was. One thing was clear. Lia was different. Some might even say cursed.

With the help of her best friend, Ryan Woodruff, she begins to unlock the secrets of her families past and discover answers that prove more startling than she ever imagined. Not only was she a werewolf, but a reincarnation of the immortal werewolf, a werewolf with immense powers beyond any of her kind. A werewolf that if discovered by the Lobison’s to have returned, can jeopardize both Lia and those she love.

As destiny finds her love does too…and they couldn’t be more different. Torn between Lyle Ulric, the charming werewolf whose bloodline is as ancient and powerful as her own. And Adam Ambrose, the mysterious and alluring vampire who’s determined not to allow fate or anyone tear their love apart again.

Lia has to make a choice… Destiny or Love…Run or Fight…Live or Die.

Nilsa Rodriguez created a dark and fascinating world for her debut novel. Set in present day Wyoming, Lia suffers from losses that leave her lonely and secluded. As she begins her senior year, she will face shape-shifters, werewolves, and vampires. As she learns of the secrets that have been hidden from her; it is hard not to feel bad for her. Nothing is what she once thought it was, not even the people who took her in after biological parents’ deaths.

Many people cross her path, attempting to pull her out of the shell she has lived in for too long. Many to use her for their own gain. Shall we meet a few of them?

• Angelia – (Lia) is a young woman who has dealt with more death than any girl her age should have to; and, it may only be the beginning. She lives with her foster father, John, on the Ulric Ranch. A place surrounded by secrets and mystery. Lia tends to be a loner, maybe because she has already lost so much, maybe because she hasn’t found her place in the world…yet.
• Emi – is a young neighbor girl who will be riding to school with Lia this year. Emi is a socialite and urges Lia to break out of her shell and meet new people. Enjoy her senior year. There is a great possibility that Emi has more to gain from Lia than it appears.
• Ryan – is a young man who goes to school with Emi and Lia. He notices Lia the first day and attempts to befriend her to no avail…at least in the beginning. Slowly Ryan is able to bring Lia into his family and friends. She finds a home filled with friends, unlike she has never had before.
• John – is Lia’s foster father. After the loss of his wife, he turned to alcohol. He spent his days working on the ranch and nights drinking.
• Ramira – happens to be Emi’s grandmother who holds powers out of this world and when she dies, her powers will be passed on to another female in the family. One who may cause more harm than good.
• Fenix – is Emi’s older brother, who she thinks the world of. After their father died, he took over all the ranch business.
• Galiliani Wahya – (Ani) is Ryan’s aunt whose unique talent at interpreting dreams becomes a invaluable gift and holds the secret to helping Lia learn who she truly is.
• Lyle – is one of Emi’s other brothers who has been dealt a truly bad hand in life. His love for Lia is enduring and almost makes him likeable. Almost.
• Adam – the long lost love of someone Lia is close to. He poses a threat to actions those around Lia have set in motion and these people are desperate to see them through.

The Rising Moon is a wonderful love story weaved together with tradition and mythology. I love Indian mythology, and the way Nilsa combines it with the world of fantasy is quite unusual.The darkness of the story is what drew me in and captivated me through its entirety. The characters make a known presence from page one but continue to grow in complexity throughout the book.

The story is told from Lia’s point of view allowing you to feel everything she feels, including her intense fear, pain and occasional pleasure. The writing flows well, though, sometimes I felt certain words were used repetitively. At times Lia’s character was a little uncertain and weak; however, she became stronger and more independent as the story progressed. By the end, I felt she was a pretty terrific protagonist.

Here are a couple of my favorite scenes...this was hard, because there were a ton of really great scenes.

"It's you!" she shouted rabidly, pointing her crooked finger at me. She turned her attention to Emi and her brothers. "Can't you fools see that Zaria's returned? Don't you know if she's here, Adam will be too? You must destroy her before it's too late!"

Tears streamed down my face as I flew into his arms. He ran his fingers along the line of my back with a gentle rhythm that pushed past the pain and fear. Altogether the tears stopped. He wrapped his arm around my waist and drew me closer to him. His hand moved up my arm and gently caressed my blushing cheeks. I gazed into his beautiful clear blue eyes and for the first time in my life, I knew what falling in love felt like.

Everyone who knows me, already knows I am a sucker for a good love scene!

IMPORTANT: Those who leave a comment on one or more of the blog tour stops will have a chance to with a large prize pack containing The Rising Moon stickers, pins, bookmarks, a mirror, and a signed paperback copy, and a dream catcher identical to the one mentioned in the book.

Tomorrows stop will be Ya Books: Beyond the Cover.

*I received an Advanced Reader Copy in the form of an E-Book from the Author, Nilsa Rodriguez. This gift was in exchange for an honest review and to take part in this wonderful blog tour. There may be changes made to the final copy!