Disclaimer - parts of this review may seem to be (and indeed are) blatantly copied from my review of New Moon. The lack of originality in the novels left with me a lack of inspiration for these reviews. Please read at your own risk.
Werewolves have been part of human mythology for millenia, going all the way back to ancient Greece. Though the stories vary in their details the basic idea is always the same: a human transforms into a wolf under the influence of the full moon. Rebecca York takes this idea and ties it into the men of the Marshall family. All of the men are born to become werewolves, thanks to an ancient Celtic ancestor who requested assistance from a god and cursed his family in the process. Moon Swept combines two of York's previous novels into one book detailing the stories of Grant and Johnny Marshall and the horrors they face as they learn to accept their true natures.
Witching Moon opens with Grant Marshall taking a new job as the head ranger at a Louisiana nature refuge. Because of his nature Grant has never allowed himself to become close to anyone, especially women. He keeps his family at arm's length as well, as the Marshall men seem incapable of being together in the same room without violence ensuing. All of this has led to a very solitary existence which becomes threatened when beautiful botanist Dr. Sara Weston comes to the refuge on a research project for a pharmaceuticals company. Sara harbors powers of her own which only grow stronger with her proximity to the refuge and the swamp it contains. As Grant and Sara grow closer they become entwined in a horrible plot of vengance being crafted by the children of townspeople who were harassed and even murdered for suspected witchcraft. Can Grant protect Sara and learn to deal with her growing powers and will he be able to reveal his werewolf side without losing her forever?
Crimson Moon tells the tale of Johnny Marshall who is forced to run after a bar fight turns to murder and he becomes the main suspect. He flees to California, becomes Sam Morgan, and builds a fruitful career based on Robin Hood-like ideals. Like his brother, Sam prefers to keep women at arms length to avoid revealing his werewolf side. He moves through life in this manner for almost 10 years, until he meets Olivia Woodlock. Olivia intends to hire Sam to retrieve an item that has been stolen from her family, something that is integral to their very existence. Sam takes the job but isn't prepared to fall in love with Olivia. When her own powers are discovered Sam isn't sure that he can handle being with someone who may be stronger then him. Can Sam protect Olivia and learn to deal with her growing powers and will he be able to reveal his werewolf side without losing her forever?
Now I'm sure you're thinking "that last sentence sounds remarkably similar to the last sentence of the previous paragraph...". That's because these are basically the same book. The names are different and the circumstances changed but the personalities and conflicts are the same. I found the characters to be very flat and not at all engaging. I was unable to connect with any of them at any level. And I won't even mention the love scenes. Some things are beyond cliche and this is one of them. I cannot in good faith recommend this book.
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Paperback: 512 pages
Publisher: Berkley Trade (November 7, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425211991
ISBN-13: 978-0425211991
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