Review: Fantasy-Like Paranormal Read....
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 4, 2013
V.L. Moon takes readers on a poetic journey to an intriguing paranormal haven where those looking for sanctuary find a sense of family amongst other unique creatures.  It's a secret place protected by a group of Elders who only ask that peace and acceptance reign in this haven, the Mist.  Ms. Moon's writing style is lyrical and relies mostly on descriptions and inner reflections, very little dialogue is actually spoken.  Each chapter is told from a different character's viewpoint and gives us greater insight into the uniqueness of who and what Tyrian is and what he means to those around him.  With so much mythological and character descriptors the story feels quite wordy and heavy at times but I still found myself completely immersed in this story.From the moment he's born Tyrian is thought of as either an abomination or a miracle.  To save his life means death to his parents and fate intervening to send a Guide to bring him to the safety of the Mist.  From the loss of his parents to the loss of the mother-figure who gave her life to take him to safety, Tyrian knows nothing but loss.  Even the close friendship he has with a wolf-shifter ends in her leaving the Mist with her newly-discovered family.  The only constant in his life is the Guardian assigned to mentor him, Jaral.  Tyrian has come to count on the comfort and support Jaral gives him and as they get closer their closeness morphs into feelings of love on Tyrian's part.  These feelings are cause for confusion and sorrow though once Tyrian transitions into a vampire/angel.  He now sees himself as an abomination, as most vampires care nothing for others, and believes that Jaral will cast him aside.  Desperate for family, and believing himself alone now, leads him to a fateful decision that will change his life forever when a pair of vampires enter the Mist.Jaral has always wanted to have someone to mentor and is honored to be given Tyrian.  He's immediately drawn to him as he's gorgeous to look at with unique bodily markings and a kind-hearted soul that Jaral wants to keep from becoming corrupt in a blood lust haze.  He also feels sympathy for the loneliness Tyrian forever carries and spends great amounts of time bonding with him.  Their closeness soon leads to feelings of love that Jaral thinks is wrong in his role as Guardian and has him trying to fight these feelings which alienates Tyrian and sends him into the arms of a nefarious pair of vampires.  The possibility of losing Tyrian forever leads to a heartfelt revelation that has Jaral proclaiming his true feelings loud and clear in a gut-wrenching, and blood thirsty, conclusion.This story jumps immediately into the action from page one and keeps the action and emotions reeling until the very end.  The Mist is an intriguing place full of colorful characters allowed to be themselves and there's something almost spiritual about it and the Elders who protect it.  The author seamlessly incorporates a m/m romance into this magical world where sexual tension permeates throughout the majority of the story culminating in an explosively charged sexual interlude towards the very end.  Jaral and Tyrian are both sexy creatures who are perfect for one another in that they both provide that feeling of love and family they've both longed for.  Fans of the paranormal genre will enjoy the world Ms. Moon has created and I would love to pay a return visit to the Mist in the future.