I have much love for my fellow reviewer who graciously offered to swap her ARC of Oracle’s Moon with me. Seriously, I love this series and was dying to get my hands on this book and March is just too dang on far away (ok, so yeah, “dang on” really isn’t what word I’d use…but well *G*). I love Thea Harrison’s writing and the world she’s created with her Elder Races series is fan friggin tastic. If you haven’t picked it up yet, what in the world are you still doing reading this review? GO…go now …and buy LOL!
As a second daughter, Grace Andreas never had to worry about the intrigues of the Elder Races. But when her sister, Petra, and Petra’s husband are both killed, Grace inherits the Power and responsibilities of the Oracle of Louisville, as well as her sister’s two young children – neither of which she is prepared for.
Yet, she is not alone. Khalil, Demonkind and Djinn prince of House Marid – driven by his genuine caring for the children – has decided to make himself a part of the household both as their guardian and as an exasperating counterpoint to Grace’s impudence toward the Elder Races.
But when an attempt is made on Grace’s life, she realizes that Khalil is the only one who can protect her – and offer her more than a mortal man…
I can’t even begin to imagine how upside down Grace’s life was when her sister and brother-in-law were killed in a tragic accident. Grace does what any aunt would do…she took in her niece (age 3) and nephew (not even a year old) and is raising them on her own. We first met Grace back in Serpent’s Kiss when Carling and Rune went to see her. You see…after Grace’s sister passed, Grace also inherited the power of the Oracle. I admire Grace. She’s been through hell (she was in the car during the accident that killed her family) and is struggling to make ends meet. She’s one tough cookie. She takes it all in stride and is determined to do the best she can with what she has. Very relatable…I’d say even more so if you’re a single parent. Grace is stronger than I think she even knew was possible. Some of the things she does in this book are flat out amazing. I really really hope we get more of her in future books. I’m dang curious to find out how some of things we discover about her and things she’s done turn out.
Oh and then we have this uber powerful and well…rather scary Djinn. Oh Khalil. Can I haz a Djinn too? *G* I’m not really even all too sure what to say about Khalil other than HOLY friggin MOLY! Behind that uber scary and arrogant as hell attitude is really an awesome um…Djinn? Yeah, person doesn’t really work, heh. He honestly even surprised himself with how he feels for Grace and the kids. You can tell from the moment you meet him again in Oracle’s Moon that he was very taken with the children. It was unexpected for him and thus for the reader. Watching his transformation from this being who has lived for so long, and will continue to live for eons and thus, to this being who cares…truly cares. Well, it was a great read.
So my only “meh” issue with Oracle’s Moon was the very slow buildup to who the antagonist was and the main conflict of the book. I was pretty sure I had some idea who the baddies would end up being, but the why remained quite the mystery. There really just wasn’t much drama, unlike the first three books in this series. Now, make no mistake, when the revelation came about and the dramatic action came to light, Thea did not disappoint. It’s just that Oracle’s Moon really is very much centered on the relationship between Grace and Khalil. This is not a bad thing, it was just different. All the books thus far center around the main couple in each book, but I just felt you got more weaving in of the antagonist and more dramatic buildup. It was a good respite in Oracle’s Moon, though. The pacing was never really slow and when the action finally picked up, the story really flew.
As you can guess, I’m now anxiously awaiting book 5, which will again feature Dragos and Pia from the first book, Dragon Bound. I love them and cannot wait. I love me some Dragos…mmm, hot, smexy dragon. Hmmm, wait I changed my mind. After reading Oracle’s Moon, can I haz both dragon AND djinn? Bwa ha ha ha ;).
Read Order:
Dragon Bound
Storm’s Heart
Serpent’s Kiss
True Colors (novella)
Oracle’s Moon