Series Name: Elder Races, # 4
Review By Veronica
Oracle’s Moon is another interesting and addictive installment in the Elder Races series.
Favourite Quote:
You destroyed me, she had said.
If that was true, she had destroyed him as well.
He was too old to have allowed just anybody to do so. He did not think he would have allowed her, except that those incredible, loving children had acted as a stealthy vanguard and stole their way into his heart. When he dropped his defenses and opened up to them, Grace somehow became the engine that drove his existence.
Goodreads Synopsis:
When Grace Andreas’s sister, Petra, and her husband are both killed, Grace inherits the Power and responsibilities of the Oracle of Louisville, as well as her sister’s two young children–neither of which she is prepared for. Then Khalil, Demonkind and Djinn Prince of House Marid, decides to make himself a part of the household both as guardian and counterpoint to Grace’s impudence towards the Elder Races.
This is the fourth book in the Elder Race series. I would highly recommend reading the previous books in the series before diving into this. Up to this point each book focuses on a different couple, but there are a few overarching story plots that are built upon with each new book. Oracle’s Moon is a slower, less action-packed book. I found myself enjoying this switch in pace and hell, even in the homey setting. Most of this book takes place in Grace’s home and focuses on Grace, her niece and nephew, and Khalil and this growing relationship they all have. As the story progresses, they become this family of sorts. This story definitely has a domestic feel, which, surprisingly, I loved. And the reason why I loved it was because you get quite a few delightful fish-out-of-water moments. Khalil is a Djinn Prince and has little to no understanding of the human world, which means he has no idea how many things work in a home and in the human world. It was funny at times watching him try and adjust to our world and helping Grace take care of her niece and nephew.
Grace is a different kind of heroine. She is a human who, up until now, had very little connection to the paranormal world. Her world dramatically changed when her sister and brother-in-law passed away in a tragic car accident, an accident in which Grace was seriously hurt. Now, Grace finds herself the guardian of her niece and nephew, the new oracle, and has to deal with a troubling financial situation. Grace is barely keeping everything together, and when this mysterious Djinn starts watching over her niece and nephew, she doesn’t know if she should be grateful for the help or weary of this unknown being visiting her house. I liked Grace; she has a strength in her character that comes from her heart. The other heroines from this series are fierce and strong because they can protect themselves and the ones they love. Grace doesn’t. She is thrown into a world that she doesn’t know of and wants to be a part of. But she takes all responsibility placed on her very seriously and truly gives it her all.
Khalil is a quieter hero. He definitely has the broody gruffness to him. But he is a hero of few words and really is a mystery. I like him a lot. He has that alpha male vibe while, at the same time, he makes such comical mistakes that I couldn’t help but fall in love with him. Gosh, when he took Grace out on a date, I was so smitten by the Djinn and the lengths he went to try to make it perfect. He is truly befuddled by Grace but also humbled by her. He recognizes that she possesses this strength that many don’t have. She also always honours her promises, which is very important to a Djinn.
As I mentioned, the story is slower-paced. In some ways, this book is a bit of a filler. It is pretty clear that Thea is laying down some foundation stones for a larger overarching story plot. There is this mysterious prophecy that Grace has given Dragos. This prophecy has rattled Dragos, Grace, and Khalil, but we don’t fully understand its meaning. Grace also deals with the fallout of events from the previous book that was connected to the Vampire Kingdom. For those who like fantasy books with romance, you will love this book and series. It was delightful and spicy watching the growing relationship develop between Grace and Khalil. There were so many swoony, spicy, and heartwarming moments between these two. It is bound to please any romance bookworm.
Oracle’s Moon is a great and satisfying fantasy, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
