First of all, this is the SECOND book of the Children of the Blood Moon series.  It is not a stand-alone novel, and yes, you must read the first of the series FIRST. To read my review of Scarlet Moon, click here! With that said, while the first book only received four out of five stars from me, this novel is a definite five out of five!  I understand that Scarlet Moon was the debut novel of author S.D. Grimm, and while I enjoyed it immensely, she went above and beyond on this second addition.  

In Scarlet Moon, the characters were certainly likable and relatable -- but in this most recent story, they were even more developed and fleshed out.  I kept yearning to know more and more about them.  TELL ME ALL THE SECRETS!! Some you liked more than others, of course, and others you wondered what exactly is your part?? So good.  And the reason for the title: Amber Eyes. . . OHMIGOODNESS.  That character is probably the most intriguing and mysterious of all.  Can't wait for the next book!!!

As I mentioned in the review for Scarlet Moon, "The Creator is our God-figure in this story.  And there are so many mysteries in His creation and His people.  The talents given to the Children of the Blood Moon could include anything from speed to reading/feeling another person's emotions, to strength, to shapeshifting, to healing abilities, etc. etc."  

There are a race of women, known as Healers who keep their own code and live in isolation from the rest of the world.  healers heal by absorbing the pain of their patients into their own bodies, and transferring their own strength (as well as that of the injured) into the injuries -- thus, healing things as minor as a cut to as deep as a scar.  The deeper the wound, the more strength and energy it takes from the Healer.

The Mistress of Shadows is the ultimate villain of this tale, and the characters do all they can to prevent her minions from finally releasing her from her underworld prison.  Her powers are far-reaching, the closer her people are to accomplishing their goal, and she can more easily taint the hearts and minds of those she wishes.  

Faith plays a relevant part in these stories.  As does revenge.  And many will come to learn the hard way which one prevails.

A man kills a hostile giant by beheading it (after a bit of battle).  Someone (various characters) are ALWAYS pointing a sword at some untrustworthy person, or someone they deemed untrustworthy -- and with just enough pressure to draw a little blood.  (Honestly, that almost became annoying, simply because it happened SO OFTEN.)  

One man kills a messenger of their enemy in cold blood -- the man was simply an unlucky messenger, who was genuinely and obviously terrified, but couldn't be allowed to live because he had seen the rebel camp. . .  

A woman (definitely on the evil side) tortures a man for seven weeks, never healing him completely with her special ability as a Healer.  No details, but once freed from his bonds, he crawls through his own blood toward her begging for healing, and becomes her personal henchman.  That same man's stomach is cut open later in a fight -- he's kneeling on the ground holding his "entrails" before his mistress heals him from the fatal wound.

A girl is killed.  A young man beheads a prisoner in a fit of rage.  He's fueled by revenge, and viciously attacks the remaining enemy soldiers.  A man stabs a captured woman (an assassin) through the abdomen and up into the lungs (she dies, of course. . .).

None.

Ale and pipe tobacco are common things in the taverns.  A young girl drinks a little too much ale at a Summer's End feast, making her a little tipsy.  (Her brothers send her to bed.)

Jayden still has feelings for Ethan, [SPOILER!!] whom she believes is dead, although he's not. . . *GASP*  They both come to terms with each other and FINALLY talk it out.  Ryan, her almost-betrothed, releases Jayden in good faith, as they both realize they are more suited to a genuine friendship -- Ryan is not friend-zoned, I promise!  He is the one to release her feelings, he loves her, but he sees Jayden loves Ethan in a different way.  Ethan and Jayden kiss intimately, nothing further. 

There's so much more goodness I could share!! But I can't give ANYTHING away.  I will say this though, it's a bit of a cliffhanger. . . Where's the next book????  

There was so much more world-building and character development in this novel -- I greatly enjoyed it.  We dove deeper into the characters and their backstories, we learned more of their weaknesses and loves, and we experienced the value of faith, friendship, sacrifice, and utter loyalty in the face of ultimate evil.

READ THESE BOOKSSSSS!!!