For a novella that is only 48 pages, I thought this was really good. Great setup, fast paced, well written. I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish. Highly recommend if you like a good thriller/horror. Will definitely be checking out his other books.

**Thank you Netgalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing this ebook. All opinions are my own.**

This novella hooked me almost immediately.

The premise is simple but incredibly effective: a mysterious drifter warns a small-town sheriff that if he isn't released before the moon rises, everyone will die. With a massive storm trapping everyone inside, the suspense builds quickly as the characters try to decide whether they're dealing with a dangerous liar... or something much worse.

For only forty-eight pages, the author does an excellent job creating tension and keeping the reader engaged. The writing is so, sooo good, the pacing was quick, and I found myself completely invested in discovering what was really happening.

My only issue was... the ending.

It felt incredibly abrupt, almost as though I'd just finished the first chapter of a much longer novel rather than a complete story. Instead of feeling satisfied, I was left wanting much more, which is both a compliment to the writing and my biggest frustration with the novella.

Overall, I really enjoyed the concept and the execution. I just wish the story had been expanded into a full-length novel because I would absolutely read it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Night of the Blood Moon!

This review is hard. I feel a little conflicted. I enjoyed the story. It was incredibly fast paced and enjoyable. But I think the work could have used an editor or some beta readers.

What I enjoyed:
Eugene "Oh... so he's insane." absolute best line! Had me laughing out loud!
The pace of the story was consistent and building.
For being only 48 pages, you got to know each character at least a bit and form an opinion about them. Bob and me would have beef.
The overall story. While I had qualms with the writing, the story itself was very enjoyable!

What I simply didn't love:
Some of the writing was incredibly redundant or simply added nothing to the plot. We didn't need to know the full history of the building the sheriff's department was in. We didn't need to know the full set of directions from how to get from the station to the front of the barn house. It also included dialog like this:
<i>“Josie, you there? Pick up.”
The radio crackled, then a soft woman’s voice replied. “I’m here, Sheriff. Need something? It’s Josie by the way.”
“Yeah, I know it’s you Josie[…]”</i>
Bob says <i>"I'll shoot you dead"</i> a total of 3 times in less than 50 pages.
There is an argument between the FMC and the stranger that uses at least two fallacies such as thinking in black and white and the composition fallacy which really stood out to me. (If you believe in God, you must then believe in werewolves?)
And for such a short book, there were a few inconsistencies that really stood out to me. The first being that the FMC is said to be feeling around in the dark shed for the generator switch and cord, but in the same paragraph talks about shining the flashlight on the generator to ensure she starts it properly. The second being someone sprains their ankle and is limping, only to be able to run a full mile shortly after.

All in all, I think the author has incredible ideas! I just wish there was a better editing process occurring.

Huge thanks to J.W. Holmes and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this advanced copy of Night of the Blood Moon. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions expressed are my own.

This novella had a very atmospheric setting. I particularly liked how claustrophobic the story got once all of the characters were trapped in the police station due to the storm.

The prisoner, who claimed to be a werewolf, was quite menacing. I've always been a fan of werewolf stories so this was right up my street.

I would have liked a little bit more from the end if I am being completely honest, but at the same time I understand why the author chose to do it this way.

For me this was an engaging and interesting in between read when I needed a break from full-length novels.

I found myself quite intrigued throughout the story, especially since it's a genre I love and I also live in a very rural part of the US. The premise had be interested from the start and the characters were diverse. Bob and I would have thrown hands (or he'd just shoot me), but his character seemed like a good standin for the current state of policing aka a little too trigger happy sometimes.

I found the pacing to be perfect. Not too slow but not too rushed, despite the short length.

There was a small thing I noticed during the scene where our MC was going to get the generator going. It mentioned her feeling around in the dark to find it, but then a sentence or two later, she was using her lit flashlight.

The ending also kept this from being a 5 Star for me. I wanted more out of it...some sort of definitive reveal.

Overall, I enjoyed the read and would definitely read other content from the author!

Thank you for the ARC!