Book Review: Red Moon by Sein Ares (Arcana of the Crimson Book 1)

     With people going missing clan leader, Elizabeth Raven, is determined to save who she can. Even if it means raiding the Emperor's son's camp against the approval of her council. When they arrive, with a stowaway toddler, the rescue is both a success and a failure. Now to get home with the remains, her uncle has taken charge and decided to route them through the forest. What meets them, however, is members of the Forest Clan attacking them. With both sides claiming the fault of the other will either survive? 

    I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was very interested in this book at the beginning. 

    The rescue mission was great and I was really enjoying the start. Even the first half of the battle between the Raven clan and the Forest was entertaining to read. From there there was a lot of skimming and simply waiting for it to be done. One battle raged on for a third of the book. I just wanted the seemingly endless battle to end. Then the author put themselves into the book. Using the name Sein Ares. I get it. A lot of authors mold a character using their characteristics. But Sein Ares is a deity in the book. Cringe-worthy to say the least. 

    If you ignore how long the fight scenes last and the Sein Ares in the book it is a good read and I liked the artwork scattered throughout. It is rare to see artwork within indie author books, so it was a nice change. Broke up the story a bit and allowed you to see the characters as the author intended, even in anime style. 

    I don't really have a favorite character. It was hard to get attached to the characters in this book. That being said, I really liked the world building in the book. Especially the Forest Clan's tree. You'll find out for yourself, I promise it is worth the read just for that. The picture seems like it belongs on a mana card in MTG. No complaints at all on that. This book is the first in a series and does end on a cliffhanger. I don't think that I will personally be reading any of the others in the series, but others I am sure will want to continue on.

    There is action, adventure, a Who Done It aspect, and even romance in this book. Plus the world building. Have to give props where it is due. 

    If you'd like to read this book it is available on Amazon for $3.99 by clicking here.