Title: Bayou Moon
Author: Ilona Andrews
First published September 1, 2010
447 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780441019458 (ISBN10: 0441019455)
Rating: 4.09
Overview
Ilona Andrews’ Bayou Moon is a thrilling tale set in The Edge, the border between the Broken and the Weird. The Mire, a swampland in Louisiana, is home to Cerise Mar and her clan.
They may be cash poor, but their claim on the land is worth a fortune. When Cerise’s parents go missing, their rivals become the prime suspects.
However, things are not always as they seem. Two nations of the Weird are fighting a cold war that’s about to turn into espionage in The Edge.
William, a changeling soldier who’s trying to avoid the politics of the Weird, is forced back into service to track down a spymaster from a rival nation. When William and Cerise cross paths while on their missions, sparks fly.
But if they want to succeed and survive, they’ll have to work together. Get ready for a thrilling adventure full of magic, danger, and romance in the heart of the swamp.
About the Author
The dynamic writing duo known as Ilona Andrews is actually a husband-and-wife team. Gordon, a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army, and Ilona, a native-born Russian, are the creative minds behind the pseudonym.
Despite what some may think, Gordon was never a spy with a license to kill, and Ilona was never his seductive Russian counterpart. In fact, they first met in college while taking an English Composition 101 class.
Rumor has it that Ilona received a higher grade, which still irks Gordon to this day.
Nowadays, the couple calls Oregon home, along with their furry and loyal companions: three dogs and a cat. Their collaborative efforts have resulted in two successful series, the urban fantasy Kate Daniels and the romantic urban fantasy The Edge.
Editoral Review
Ilona Andrews Bayou Moon is a thrilling urban fantasy filled with action, romance, and Louisiana charm. Andrews is a New York Times bestselling author responsible for creating beloved series like Kate Daniels and The Edge, and Bayou Moon is the second book of The Edge series, published on September 1, 2010.
The Edge series is set in the border between the Broken, a world devoid of magic, and the Weird, a world ruled by magic. The mix of swamp culture, southern belle charm, and fantastical elements creates a unique reading experience that is both intriguing and captivating.
The book follows the story of William Wolf, an exiled aristocrat werewolf, and Cerise Mar, a formidable swamp-bred warrior, as they embark on a mission to retrieve stolen family heirlooms in the Weird. The duo, along with their families, encounter dangerous magical creatures, political intrigue, and romance on their journey.
Andrews excels at creating complex and well-rounded characters that the reader can genuinely care about, even if they are supernatural. Cerise is a fearless heroine who wears her heart on her sleeve, and William is a brooding hero who is both endearing and frustrating.
The supporting characters are equally fascinating, with their intricate relationships and backstories. Andrews also manages to balance the action-packed plot with moments of humor and tenderness, making the book a well-rounded experience.
Furthermore, Andrews writing style is fluid, descriptive, and engaging. The pacing of the book is well-timed, with the high-stakes action scenes balanced against quiet moments of introspection that give the reader some much-needed rest.
The vivid descriptions of Louisianas swampy landscape, combined with creatures straight out of a fairy tale, bring a fantastical atmosphere to the book. However, Bayou Moon is not without flaws.
The book has some clichs typical of the urban fantasy genre, like a hero that initially resists the heroine and a love triangle. The plot, while entertaining, sometimes feels like it is happening at the convenience of the author rather than naturally flowing.
Despite its imperfections, Bayou Moon is a worthwhile read for fans of urban fantasy, supernatural romance, and Louisiana culture. Andrews ability to create compelling characters and engaging plotlines makes for a delightful read that is hard to put down.
Anyone looking for a break from reality with an escape to a world filled with magic and suspense should add Bayou Moon to their booklist. Overall, Bayou Moon receives a solid four out of five stars.
While flawed, the book succeeds in its ambition to deliver a unique and captivating experience. The characterization, writing style, and plot are all strengths that make for an enjoyable read.
Anyone interested in supernatural romance with a dash of Bayou culture should give this book a chance.
