Echoes of Night has a very promising premise with supernatural creatures and a complex storyline. I liked the unique werewolf system and the plot was a fun mix of forbidden romance, enemies to lovers, and found family. I think the ideas for this book were great, but the execution itself was a little lacking for me.

You can tell the author has a lot of big plans for this series but I feel like there was too much going on to really build a solid foundation. The world-building was almost a little too complicated and made it hard to follow at times. Not only were there werewolves (which I love, and this story was such a unique spin on werewolves) but there were also pretty much every other mythical creature, as well as the story taking place in an apocalyptic world which was only briefly touched on, and there is also a magic system built into all of it as well. Terms like the “Quiet”, the “Waking” and “Wars of Power” were brought up but I never really understood what actually occurred during these events. Same with the dystopian elements, apparently ingredients like sugar and chocolate are a rarity, but then there’s balls and feasts with elaborate silk gowns and dresses and wine? I think the concept is fun and unique, but it felt like there were too many things trying to be squeezed in that it ended up not making sense.

I love a good enemies to lovers, and I liked the relationship between the two main characters but it lacked tension and chemistry for me. The writing was very expository, there was a lot of “this happened, then this happened, then this happened” and I think the story could be elevated a lot more with more descriptive writing to set scenes up and show the story happening rather than telling it. Also, focusing more on pivotal plot points. I felt like a lot of the twists and reveals that happened were quickly glossed over and the story and characters kind of just moved on, and it made the impact of them less significant to me.

I think this series has so much potential, it just needs a bit more development in my opinion. Definitely a fun read for paranormal forbidden romance fans.

In the sometime not-too-distant future (and in a possibly alternate world), the emergence of magic has torn the old world apart, and created new schisms…and it’s within this semi-dystopia of the United States that ‘Daughters of the Shattered Moon’ sits. And it’s quite a chaotic world too, with almost every kind of magical creature appearing, scrabbling for their own order and territory in what appears to be a very fragmented society.

For a first book of the series, there’s quite a bit going on to establish the rules of this particular world, as I’d expected: neighbouring (and warring packs), the emergence of other magical and mysterious species, and in the midst of it, long-lost children of a cruel warlord who need to help save the world. The trope itself isn’t quite new however; McFarland uses the downtrodden-girl-turned-most-powerful-werewolf trajectory, with whom she find her family and clan, except that within the werewolves, there’s lots of infighting, curses and betrayal that she’s inadvertently found herself thrust into.

My few complaints perhaps, revolved mostly around the very clear black-white lines that were drawn at the start. Selena's sister emerges as cartoonishly villainous rather than a nuanced antagonist, and many characters fall firmly into clearly delineated "good" or "evil” categories, save for a secondary character who seems to be leaning heavily towards becoming the lead of the sequel. The romance between Selena and Killian also follows predictable patterns that grow repetitive as the narrative progresses. Their relationship cycles through attraction and conflict multiple times with similar beats, though you can’t argue that the HEA is hard-earned by the time the end rolls around and the hard work is just beginning.

That said though, I’ve read Caitlyn McFarland ages ago and had quite liked what I read back in the day as one of my first few forays into romantic fantasy and decided to give this a go once again, in the hopes my appetite for yet another compelling series would be whetted. And so far, I’m cautiously optimistic. Book 1 is a solid setup for the next and I can't wait to see where this goes.

*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley

This book really captured my attention right from the start, and I devoured it so fast. I love paranormal romance, and this one is the first in a new series. it's filled with forbidden romance, enemies to lovers, magic, and just enough spice and intrigue to keep you on the edge of your seat. I can't wait to read more.

WOW. This was fantastic. I stayed up all night reading it because I had to know all the secrets. This is a paranormal romance, involving two wolves from different wolf packs an arranged marriage...you know the usual BUT there is more to this story & let me tell you. I was hooked. This is the first book, and it does a great job of setting up for the books to come, there is plenty of magic & I can't wait to see more of it show up in the books to come. (view spoiler)

Thanks Netgalley and Caitlyn McFarland for the ARC

This book scratched an itch for me in a completely satisfying way. I really wanted a spicy, angsty werewolf romance and this one dug deep into it with its claws and tore if up from the root. It’ll definitely grow back in time for the next installment.

There was plenty of plot, pack intrigue, political finagling between warring packs and other supes, and hidden origin story to keep this interesting throughout all 513 pages.

Not sure when we can expect the next one, but there will by 8 books in the Daughter’s of the Shattered Moon series including ECHOES OF NIGHT!

Thanks to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for the advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review

This book is fun! It’s a paranormal romance set in a world that is a combination of a fantasy world and our modern world with a great magic system.
I found it so interesting and really easy to get invested in. I love the enemies to lovers of the mains and how caring the FMC was to her little brother
There are A LOT of twists and turns. This was definitely a great time and I cannot wait for more. I just hope I don’t have to wait too long before book 2!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC

It is a captivating addition to the fantasy genre, offering readers an immersive experience filled with intricate world-building and compelling characters.​ The world-building in "Echoes of the Night" is exceptional, with McFarland crafting a setting that feels both breathtaking and intimidating. The narrative is rich with action, suspense, and moments that quicken the pulse, making it a must-read

Could not put this book down! It's got enemies to lovers, intrigue, spice, fated mates, and magic.

Echoes of Night is the first in the new Shattered Moon series. Killian, alpha of the Shattered Moon pack, is cursed. Selene, the wolfless daughter of Redcedar Hollow's pack's leaders, is sent to die by his hand.

Just when you think you've got what happens next figured out: you don't. McFarland weaves worldbuilding within a quickly moving plot. Whether you're a fantasy lover or tend to stick more towards contemporary romance, you'll find aspects of the book that are right up your alley.

I'm eagerly awaiting book 2!

Echoes of Night has a HEA and does NOT end on a cliffhanger.

Pre thoughts
- Wolf romance

Post thoughts
- Quite an enchanting forbidden romance read.
- Interesting plot line, great pacing
- Good combination of fantasy and modern day
- Killian s curse is a interesting and causes the reader to be invested

Overall
- It was a great fantasy/paranormal romance read and features a great dynamic between the MMC and FMC.

stars = 3.5 rounded to 4

This book exceeded expectations! If you are not a fan of dystopian society (like me), give this one a try! Selene is the wolfless daughter of the Alpha pair, sent to her death to violate the shaky treaty, and Killian is the rival pack Alpha who murdered her brother. When Killian lets her into his territory, sparks fly, complete with pack intrigue, loyal friends, and secrets that should probably stay hidden.

Lots of twists and turns in this paranormal romance adventure. A young woman is a pawn in power games between wolf packs and other types of supernaturals and humans. She is the wolfless daughter of alphas of one pack and given to another pack as an insulting bride for their alpha Killian. But she has the mysterious ability to hold off that alpha's eldritch curse where he becomes a mindless killing machine at night on all but the new moon. Figuring out who to trust, protecting her brother, learning secrets of her past and Killian's, all to navigate the forces pushing them together and tearing them apart. It is a bit of a rollercoaster with twists, betrayals, and revelations that just keep coming. I really enjoyed it and look forward to future installments.

A wonderful start to an enchanting tale of forbidden romance and magic. I was drawn in from the first couple of sentences and couldn’t stop reading. From enemies-to-lovers, Selene and Killian are perfect for each other and I can’t wait for the series to continue to see what happens next.

I loved the opening for this novel. Tightly plotted, emotional characterization, and I enjoyed the dynamic between the main characters. Really good.

It's a great start to a new series that's sometimes hard to follow. I loved the main characters and their dynamic, but the plot sometimes got overly complicated. I am looking forward to reading more from this author! 3.75 stars!

The Alpha's Curse blends familiar tropes of forbidden romance and transformation, but lacks originality in its execution. Selene’s journey from sacrificial bride to reluctant ally is predictable, and Killian’s mysterious curse feels more like a plot device than a truly compelling conflict. While their chemistry is undeniable, the story leans heavily on cliches, leaving little room for deeper exploration of its potential. Fans of supernatural romance may enjoy it, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that the story’s heart is hidden beneath a veil of predictability.

I found the story interesting but hard to follow at times...... I had no opinions of the Mc. I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. I did finish the story after forcing myself to read it. but have no desire to read anything else by this author.

LOVED this book. Devoured over a couple of days whenever I had any free time, it kept me totally hooked.
My first werewolf book, and it did not disappoint.
Super excited for the series and I think everything is set up perfectly in book 1, I just hope I don’t have to wait too long before book 2!
I really think it will be a booktok fave of 2025!

This book has a great world and magic system.
I found it so interesting and really easy to get into.
You’re sucked in after the first page!
I love the enemies to lovers of the mains and how caring the FMC was to her little brother
There are A LOT of twists and turns.

However, the reason it isn’t 5 stars, the relentless bullying is really hard for me to take.

This book is fun. It’s a paranormal romance set in a world that is a combination of a fantasy world and our modern world. The setting really adds to the story because we get the best of both worlds while ignoring some of the less favorable parts of both.

The series that is obviously following this book is set up so well! We meet the characters, dive into the world, and get an addictive taste in this first installment.

I’m a sucker for a good paranormal fantasy romance, and I can absolutely see this one going places.

Thank you very much to Oliver-Herber Books, Caitlyn McFarland, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and are not influenced by the manner in which I received it.