Book Review: Gray Moon Rising by S.M. Reine (Seasons of the Moon)

Gray Moon Rising by S.M. Reine is the fourth, and final, book in the Seasons of the Moon series. Although, it is important to note that the author does continue the story of this world (and Rylie) in a other series and stand alone books. 

It’s been almost a year since Rylie Gresham was bitten by a werewolf on Gray Mountain. Now something is beckoning her back to the place she was attacked, along with every other werewolf in the world. But they aren’t the only ones heeding the call. A group of hunters notices them gathering and sees it as their chance to wipe out the entire species. Seth is about to graduate high school when he learns of the final hunt. He secretly plans to save Rylie and his werewolf brother even though he has to play along with the hunters to do it. But Rylie doesn’t want to be saved. She’s already decided to solve her problems with a silver bullet if answers aren’t waiting on Gray Mountain. One way or another, everything is about to end—whether it means Rylie’s liberation or the end of her life.

Gray Moon Rising is a needed conclusion to the story, and offers a significant about of character development for Rylie  and her closest friends. I like that she grew up and took charge, and that the action made the larger story arc move in an interesting direction. I liked that most characters, new and old, were neither all good or bad. Even some of the characters that could have initially have been pegged as an good or bad guy fell somewhere in the middle, or a good person that thinks they are doing the right thing but ignoring how it effects others. Some of the secondary characters had a good amount of personal growth as well. I think that fans of the series will need to read the book, just to finish off this story arc. Many will be disappointed with the number of new questions raised, and the lack of closure with Rylie's story. However, it did offer enough of a wrap up that I feel like I can skip some of the Cain Chronicles, which promise a significant about of world building and changes, also promises to contain a love triangle which I have no interest in following.

Gray Moon Rising is a good conclusion to this quartet, however there are still questions left unanswered. The Cain Chronicles follows it and covers more of Rylie's story, but I am unsure if I want to read it. There are so many other sub series by the author that I want to explore first.