Moon Sworn
by Keri Arthur
Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Dell
Available: May 25, 2010
Genre: Romantic Urban Fantasy
Book received from: Random House
SPOILER ALERT: If you have not read the entire series up to the final book Moon Sworn, you may find this review as well as the blurb for the book to contain spoilers. (Comments may contain spoilers as well)
Some nights never end.
Some desires never die. . . .Shape-shifting werewolf and vampire Riley Jenson is through with death—causing it, solving it, surviving it. Her soul mate, Kye Murphy, is dead—and at Riley’s own hands. Not even the seductive embrace of her vampire lover, Quinn, can fully ease her mind, for she has begun questioning everything that makes her Riley—including her job at the Directorate.
Now, the ritualistically slain bodies of ex-cons have started turning up. Reluctantly, Riley takes the case, but something even worse is waiting in the wings. A vicious enemy from her past is determined to strip Riley of everything that gives her life any meaning: her lover, her brother—and even her own identity. Can Riley survive this ultimate assault? All she knows is, she must fight one last time to find answers, before everything goes dark forever.
It’s always hard for me to say goodbye to a series that I’ve loved. After becoming attached to a cast of characters and having seen them through adventures, love, loss and joy, it’s difficult to know that it all must come to an end. However on some level I must appreciate an author that knows when to wrap up the story arc and move on. When to tie up the loose ends, put everything in order and say goodbye. Moon Sworn is the 9th and final book in the Riley Jenson Guardian series.
After what I would call a very emotional and unexpected ending in Bound to Shadows, Moon Sworn picks up with Riley mourning her soul-mate Kye’s death at her own hands, and the death of her long time friend Kade. While she has much to live for she is questioning her future as a Guardian and where her life is heading. She longs to realize her dream of having a family and leaving the violent life of a Guardian behind. However, because of the changes that are occurring in her body due to an experimental drug given to her, she is bound to the Directorate indefinitely.
When it becomes apparent that a killer is at work leaving brutally slain bodies of recently released ex-cons around, Riley is back on the job and deep in a mystery. She is once again the bold, vivacious Guardian we’ve come to know, determined to get the job done. But an enemy from her past is hell bent on revenge and has hatched an elaborate plan to get to her. Riley’s life will never be the same and she may lose everything and everyone she loves if she cannot indentify and conquer the enemy that seeks to take everything from her.
As this series has progressed the stories have become more and more exciting, always entertaining, and I’ve become somewhat emotionally invested in the characters and their lives. Knowing this was the last book in the series I was both excited and a little sad to read it. Without spoiling I will say that Moon Sworn gave me everything I was hoping for, for Riley Jenson. Having seen her struggle and grow throughout the series, I’ve always hoped that someday she would get her happily ever after, but sometimes that comes in ways one would not expect. Moon Sworn offers a thrilling murder mystery as well as a few unexpected surprises for Riley.
There was an aspect to the story that threw me off just a bit. It was the temporary absence of the characters key to Riley’s life throughout the course of the series. I realize this is Riley’s story and so the book should focus mostly on her, however, being the last book in the series I had hoped for more page time for Quinn, Rhoan, Leander and Jack. They do of course get some page time, but for a period of time it just felt like a there was a flat spot in story without them and I really missed Riley’s interaction with these characters.
Quinn and Riley have had a tumultuous relationship and I have not always liked Quinn or his treatment of Riley. But he too has grown with in the series becoming the man and vampire that fully owns Riley’s heart. Although I didn’t think it was possible for me to like him more than in Bound To Shadows, I fell well and truly hard for him in Moon Sworn.
Now that we have to say good-bye to Riley, I look forward to Keri Arthur’s spin-off series featuring Risa, daughter of Dia, another well loved character from the Guardian series.
Purchase a copy of Moon Sworn
Other books in the series:
- Full Moon Rising
- Kissing Sin
- Tempting Evil
- Dangerous Games
- Embraced by Darkness
- The Darkest Kiss
- Deadly Desire
- Bound To Shadows
Moon Sworn on GoodReads
Visit Keri Arthur at:
Website | Blog |Twitter | Facebook | GoodReads
****GIVEAWAY****
I have a copy of Moon Sworn to give away to one lucky reader. To enter, leave a comment here telling my your favorite thing about the Riley Jenson Guardian series. If you have not read this series, tell me what it is about the series that makes you want to give it a go. Contest is open until June 4, winner announced the following day. Open to US residents only.
About Sophia (FV)
Great review!
I have always loved this series.
I'll admit I got a little peeved when she brought Kyle into it but that's just because I love Quinn.
And I am beyond thrilled she is devulging into Dia's and her little girls story. Squeee.
Tori–Yes it was hard when Kye came onto the scene. Really complicated things and he was not a nice man at all. Was very sad at what happened in Bound to Shadows though.
Oh yes, I remember the ending of Bound To Shadows and I wanted to instantly read the whole series…still haven't gotten to it though *eek* I'm glad the ending was so very satisfactory!!
Leontine–Yes, things are ok for Riley but I'm not going to lie, I would have loved more for Leander and Rhoan. Just me being sad that is all over I guess.
Gah, I've been on a man love binge lately – I so need to read this series.
KC–This series and characters really have been amazing. Certainly not always what I've expected.
I love Riley's spunk! Sometimes she doesn't know what to do but once she figures it out she just plain goes.
I didn't read all the review, as you mentioned there were spoilers, but I did read your conclusion and I'm glad you liked it and thought it a fitting end to the series. I have yet to start this series, and as I have all the books I should get cracking, but need more time *sigh* Isn't that always the way?
I've really enjoyed this series. Riley has been a very special heroine. From the first pages of Full Moon Rising, she's been tough and capable and asolutely devoted to the folks she calls family. That hasn't always worked out for her. Riley's had to deal with so much betrayal and loss. Keri Arthur has given us a wonderful series. My favorite thing about it is Riley.
Sweet Vernal Zephyr–Yes, Riley has been such a great character. No matter what comes her way, she still kicks ass!
Carolyn–Very happy with the way this series wrapped up. Everything I'd hoped for for Riley.
LSUReader–You are spot on in your comment! Riley's devotion to her family has always been my favorite thing about her.
This has not always been my favorite series, but I have always loved the way Riley picks herself up and goes on no matter what is happening. I also love her interaction with her brother.
Sob! I can't believe the series is ending! This is such a fun series, it's hard to pick one favorite thing…I like Leander and Rhoan, but I think Riley is really what draws me to the series – she's a great heroine!
Melissa–I agree, Riley and Rhoan's relationship has been wonderful.
Patti–I know, I'm really sad to see the series end. I've loved Leander and Rhoan as well but the thing I really like about this series is that fact that I never fell in love with the secondary characters immediately. They've all grown on me as the series developed.
I love this series. Riley is what I have enjoyed most about this series. She is such a great heroine. I love her relationships with her brother Rhoan and with her vampire lover Quinn. I hate to see the series end.
Nice review! I've only read the previous book but I enjoyed it so much. Sad that the series is coming to a close – I should probably go back and start from the beginning
Great review. This is one of my favorites series.Am sad to see it go too. But I do believe we get a small glimpse of Riley in Risa's book as well as Kade's son. So looking forward to that.
I'm halfway though the series, I love her brother and Quinn! tWarner419@aol.com
I am super stoked for this book too!! I think my favorite part of the series was seeing Rielly progress from where she strated, to who she is now. I love her relationship with Quinn, and can't wait to see who the "villian from her past is". I have my theories!
I love the series and I'm really sad to see it end. My favorite thing about the series is how Riley always kept on fighting, no matter what was thrown at her – and she's never given up on finding love or having a family, whatever that entails. One of my favorite things was when she learned she could shift into a seagull, that was funny, but handy too.
Well, I've only read the first book in the series, but I really enjoyed the isolated feeling I got from reading it. You sorta understood how these creatures of the night have to live, in the dark hours of the day. It must get lonely, no?
I have not read it yet, but have heard nothing but compliments. Riley sounds like a kick-ass heroine, my favorite! Thanks for the contest!
I love Riley!!! I think she is so good at balancing both sides of her life (werewolf and vampire) She is like a normal woman in that she has so many problems with her men. Also she is a kick-ass heroine.
jellybelly82158 at gmail dot com
I love Riley and Quinn. Riley is just such a lively character.
bacchus76 at myself dot com
The Vapires the Werewolves the Drama and Action what is not to love about the series.
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
I absolutely hate that this awesome series is ending. I begged Ms. Arthur to reconsider but as you said a good author knows when to fold em.
I love Riley for all the obvious reasons and so want her to have the love and the life she deserves. I've only gotten to page 80 but let me tell you, I cried from the first page. Her pain is so intense that I could feel it through the written word. And thank god for Quinn for being there for her and not making her feel like shit because of her nature. She is strong, determined, smart, fast on her feet and just one shit kicking girl, what's not to like. It would be an honor to win a copy of her book, and I would cherish it always.
Thanks fiction Vixen for the opportunity.
Love following your review.
*bounces* SWEET GIVEAWAY!!!
And what do I love the most about the series! Hmmmm…let me think…oh yeah…QUINN! *melts* Plus all the different kinds of shifters are really cool! Esp the horse! LOL!
I like the bond between Riley and her twin brother, Roan.
The love between Quinn and Riley, and the humor between Riley and Sal.
caity_mack(at)yahoo(d0t)com
I love this series. I think Riley is great. She has really done great with what life has dished out to her. She has been able to accept both parts of herself, the vampire side and the wolf side.
I would love to win a copy of this book
jellybelly82158 at gmail dot com
I haven't read the series yet. I would love to read it because I am always looking for new authors to read and I've heard great things about this!
Thanks!
bangersis(at)msn(dot)com
I love this series and can't wait to read Moon Sworn.. it's sad that the series is ending but really what else can Keri Arthur put Riley through..she's been through so much that I think she deserves some kind of a happy ending (I hope!). Please sign me up for the giveaway!
I am only about 1/2 through the series, but I love it. I love Riley, and how she just picks herself up and goes on no matter what is happening. She has been through so much. I love how she accepts both sides of her.
Marissa
MDobson84@gmail.com
Good review. Makes me want to read the book even more. I love Riley!
13rubberducks at gmail dot com
I haven't read it yet but I hear Riley is a favorite character of many so there has to be a reason so I would love to read her stories.
usignolc(at)yahooDOTcom
I haven't read the series yet but it sounds really great. Riley sounds awesome.
misusedinnocence@aol.com
I haven't read any of them yet. I am always looking for new series to read. You make it sound so interesting, I think I would really like the characters.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
I've never read the series, but I want to now!
lovemybabysquid@yahoo.com
I have a friend that just raves about the series, but I just haven't had a chance to start it yet.
I so want to start this series soon. Of course, you the fab Vxn recommended it to me and I have to first book to start soon! The heroine appears badass and I'm all for that!
@amyt865
tnsongbird865@aol.com