Stevie McCoy

A rich world accompanies fast-paced adventures as this story twists and turns in all sorts of wonderful ways.

Note: This is the second book in the series and cannot be read as a stand-alone, since everything builds and continues from book one.

After a dangerous decision, Crystal now finds herself at a school where those who are not human or demon, train their powers. But she's not sure what she is. She's not even sure she'll be alive much longer as the human part of her is dying and the snake venom is battling whatever divine blood she might have. Her new 'classmates' aren't only much more powerful and advanced than her, but many aren't ready to accept her in their midst. She's not sure who to trust as one of her few possible friends reveals the future which awaits Crystal, one that means her sacrifice. Yet, the Moon Goddess insists Crystal must find a way to survive. Too bad, Crystal is up against blood-thirsty, soul sucking demons and other creatures—all desiring to kill or possess her. She needs to figure out what she is, become capable and somehow, deal with a man who's convinced they are past and forever soul mates. Crystal is in way over her head.

I enjoyed this book much more than the first one in the series. While there was still holes and confusion, especially in the first chapters, concerning the magic and characters Crystal met, the story settled into an engaging read I couldn't put down. This is a complex world, one where its uncertain who is good and who is evil. And most characters probably fall somewhere in between. The range of creatures, magic and scenes explodes with colorful fantasy and promises all sorts of surprises. As a fantasy fan, it was a treat to experience the variety and vivid characters and descriptions. Yet, the author manages to keep it anchored down so that Crystal comes across fairly normal for an older teenager.

While there are fight scenes, some gore and evil twists which chill, Crystal herself is not the powerful, defeat-all fighter. She's unsure of her powers...as is everyone else...and has much to learn even at the end (which promises much to come in the next book). There are quite a few characters, each with a distinct personality and purpose. Most are a treat to follow and very intriguing (I have a few favorites), where a couple needed a little more purpose and depth. But I'm assuming this will be covered in the next book as well.

This was a quick paced read without a boring moment. The romance is different than the usual YA reads, and carries a little spark but is uncertain and unsure, making it slide nicely with the rest of the plot. In other words, it's as questionable (as is the hero) as everything else. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book to see where all of it will go because Crystal does have herself in quite the mess.

I received a complimentary copy and was surprised how caught up in this read I was. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts. I'm giving it 4.5 stars and rounding up.… (meer)

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In this magical, and quite ambitious, story [a:Stevie McCoy|5153248|Stevie McCoy|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1524605488p2/5153248.jpg] delves into the mystical world of Blood Crescent where main character realises her missing mother may still be alive and her own life is not what she thought it was. Big time! What they wanted from her mother, they now want from her. But who are 'they'?

To
begin with Blood Crescent has a surreal, hazy, yet mystical feel to it, as the mysterious Crystal slowly comes to grips with what is happening to her forcing her to embark on a fantastical and multi-layered journey of self-discovery and adventure.

As the story unfolded, I was transported into another realm where I met some amazing characters. Angel Aishlin with her witchy ways, and the (adorable) anti-hero Victor are just two characters who leapt right out of the pages and into my heart! Not only that, but I felt that this is ventured into the vampire world with a unique slant. You've heard of people being called 'emotional vampires' right? There the sort of people who drain your energy by just being in the same room as them, because they're for some reason, negative or miserable. Well this book takes that idea and runs with it. Like energy draining vampires who can suck out any goodness in your aura, just because they can. But of course, in this wor
ld it's not that simple. And for good reason, too!

Overall I have the feeling this is the start of a vast universe, with complex rules and therefore has the capacity to branch off in so many directions, this could the first of a long-running series, and would make great viewing on the box. In fact, I watched these characters play out their roles in my head as if it were already on the TV! There's an intense, dark atmosphere to this story where the surreal meets a reality not unlike our own... if we are to believe there's more to life than what we can see. And why shouldn't there be?

A rich tapestry of characters in a world where there is so much more to be discovered. I'm looking forward to continuing this adventure!… (meer)