I am very picky when it comes to audiobooks — I have to love both the story and the narrator in order to be hooked and invest my time. I recently listened to the audiobook version of Tainted Moonlight by Erin Kelly (ASIN: B08CDYNWFV), narrated by Torian Brackett, and I was greatly entertained. Kelly provides a fascinating urban fantasy centered around werewolves while Brackett allows the story to come alive.
Book 1 of the Tainted Moonlight series follows Korban Diego who was infected five years ago during an outbreak of a supernatural virus. Because of the virus, Diego transforms every full moon. Being unable to stop one’s self from transforming into a beast is bad enough, but the restrictions on and prejudices of werewolves make Diego’s life even more challenging.
As a lycanthrope, Diego struggles securing a job. When the book opens, we find him at a job interview. He is hopeful, but when the interviewer asks Diego to purposefully infect him, he realizes there was never a real job for him. He declines the request, even with an offer of a large sum of money. Disheartened, Diego returns home, still jobless. He later goes out with his two roommates/best friends where he meets the lovely Sophie Bane — and his life is never the same.
What will Diego do when someone he cares deeply about is attacked and faces the same fate as him? Will he be able to control his own internal beast in order to help them control theirs?
The world Kelly creates is intriguing, and I really enjoyed the backstory of the existence of werewolves and vampires. However, vampires were merely mentioned in passing. It would have been interesting to see the similarities and differences between the restrictions and rules of the two supernatural beings, as well as see them interact with one another. I’m hoping to see more vampires in books 2 and 3 of the series.
Even though I would have liked to have seen more vampires where they were mentioned, I did enjoy the focus on werewolves. I think Kelly does an excellent job creating layers for the character Diego, allowing the reader to relate to him on different levels.
I was disappointed that I correctly guessed the true antagonist early on in the book, so the intended twist was a bit lackluster. Yet, the book was well-paced with likable characters and a good premise, so I enjoyed it nonetheless.
In addition, Brackett’s narration is phenomenal. I will happily listen to any book he narrates!
Overall, Tainted Moonlight is an enjoyable urban fantasy, and I look forward to reading books 2 and 3 of the series. I give this book 4 stars. I highly recommend this audiobook to adult readers who enjoy werewolves, well-done romance tropes, and excellent story-telling.
Purchase your copy of Tainted Moonlight here!