E.D.C. Johnson

A copy of this book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Josephine Woods is a fairly angst-y 16 year old girl. She lives with her mother, struggling to make ends meet, after her father dies of cancer. While arguing with her mom they get into a car accident. Josie promptly finds herself in a completely different world; alone with nothing but the clothes on her back (and her trusty backpack). She meets Lucius though, a 17 year old boy who is of royal blood-- and, he can transform into a wolf.

Moonflower was a wonderfully written story. I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I started it. I certainly didn't expect to be so enamored with the story that I would read it all in one sitting! I found the prose so natural and easy. I was instantly living the story along with Josie, and I was eager to see what would happen! Lucius, or Luc, quickly becomes Josie's best friend...and crush. He's definitely a hottie. His friendliness, chivalrous behavior quickly had me rooting for him. His brother, Donovan started crushing on Josie too. Donovan was a military man, one year older than Luc. He's more serious and I definitely found myself secretly hoping she'd pick Luc over his brother.

Josie showed a lot of strength in her situation. I liked how she didn't let the boys pressure her and kept her resolve. I was a little confused though about which boy she was favoring. It seemed like she liked Luc more, but then if Donovan would write her a love note she got all flustered. Yet, there was not much reason for it. I guess I just didn't buy that that she was considering Donovan at all. I could buy that she had feelings for Luc, though.

The story had excellent world-building too. I felt it was a different land, kind of like old times in Europe, but had a uniqueness to it I loved. I loved the culture and how both boys were incredibly respectful and polite. I don't understand why some Ya books insist on having rude boys who cover the main character by being rude and ignoring her. This book was so refreshing because the guys actually cared for her and didn't show it by being rude jerks.

The only thing I can say truly disappointed me, and the only reason it's 4 stars instead of 5, is the ending. I really felt it was incomplete. I'm not sure if this is going to be a series or if I can expect a sequel? In a way I hope so because I felt the ending was sort of a cop-out. "It lives on in your heart" type of thing just didn't cut it. Is it wrong that I wish it hadn't ended like that? I don't want to say more of my frustrations because I don't want to give anything away.

I'd recommend this book to lovers of good young adult fiction with alternate realities. It's a wonderfully romantic book that will have you eagerly flipping the pages to find out where Josie's path leads her.… (meer)