Synopsis:
With a traumatic year of fending off a serial killer behind her, Arista has settled contentedly into her temporary home with Auntie in Sedona, Arizona. She enjoys her new job selling all things metaphysical and even has her eye on the hot security guard, Dakota, after her recent breakup with Shane.
But a series of new fainting spells has her worried, and when Auntie witnesses one, they decide the answer lies in her home of Boulder Creek. However, returning means not only dealing with her breakup and its heartache but also the possibility of drawing her bloodthirsty Uncle Fergus to her once safe haven in the redwoods. And this time he has recruited an even more dangerous alliance.
Arista’s closest bonds will be strengthened, but the mounting tension of a death in the desert, a stalker on the streets, and the relentless pursuit of Fergus puts her in dangerous territory, and escaping sorrow proves impossible.
Favorite Lines:
“Even the moon seemed to be watching, its silver glow illuminating the truths they had all tried so hard to ignore.”
“She wasn’t sure if she was hunting the truth or if the truth had been hunting her all along.”
“There are those who seek power and those who are chosen by it. The difference is what they’re willing to sacrifice.”
My Opinion:
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
Sherri L. Dodd’s Moonset on Desert Sands is an intoxicating blend of mystery, magic, and suspense that grips the reader from the very first page. Set against a hauntingly beautiful yet treacherous landscape, this novel weaves a spellbinding tale of fate, power, and deception, where nothing is quite as it seems. With richly detailed prose and a carefully constructed world, Dodd delivers a story that is as immersive as it is thought-provoking.
At the heart of the novel is a tangled web of characters, each with their own motives, secrets, and hidden pasts. Their fates are drawn together by the discovery of an ancient relic—one that holds immense power and carries with it both temptation and destruction. As the story unfolds, layers of intrigue, betrayal, and supernatural forces come into play, leading to unexpected alliances and devastating consequences.
Dodd’s mastery of atmospheric storytelling shines throughout the novel. Her descriptions of the desert at night, where shadows stretch long and the air hums with unspoken magic, create an eerie yet hypnotic setting that perfectly complements the book’s themes. The tension builds steadily, punctuated by moments of quiet introspection and explosive revelations. There is a delicate balance between the mystical and the human—while magic plays a central role in the story, it is the characters’ emotions, ambitions, and fears that truly drive the narrative.
What sets Moonset on Desert Sands apart from other fantasy novels is its intricate plot and multi-dimensional characters. Instead of relying on clear-cut heroes and villains, Dodd presents individuals shaped by their circumstances, forced to make difficult choices that challenge their morality. The protagonist’s journey is particularly compelling, as they navigate the blurred lines between destiny and free will, trust and treachery.
The novel’s pacing is masterfully executed, keeping the reader engaged through unexpected twists, political intrigue, and moments of chilling suspense. The action sequences are well-crafted, and the dialogue is sharp and purposeful, revealing just enough at the right moments to keep the mystery alive. And while the book ties together many of its story threads by the end, it also leaves room for speculation, making it clear that the world Dodd has built is far from finished revealing its secrets.
Summary:
Overall, Moonset on Desert Sands is an enthralling read for those who love dark, immersive fantasy with elements of mystery and the supernatural. With its evocative prose, complex characters, and spellbinding world, it is a novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. Fans of magical realism, occult fiction, and intricate storytelling will find themselves completely captivated Happy reading!
Check out Moonset on Desert Sands here!