Review: "Chaos and Moonlight" by A.D. Marrow (Order of the Nines #1)

May 04, 2015

Note: This ARC was provided by Full Fathom Five via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"So what is it that's more to life than breathing?"

"There's you."

Taris is the oldest living vampire still roaming the earth and he's watched as others before and after him have died, leaving behind just several hundred vampires. Each passing day brings them closer to extinction, with every attempt at finding a cure for their dilemma failing and the humans who helped sacrificing themselves in the process. Taris and those who remain part of the Order of the Nines cannot help but wonder how much longer they have left. And then, as if by a miracle, Taris learns of the work of Dr. Sarah Bridgeman and her partner Dr. Nicholas Patton and hope cautiously springs forth once again.

Sarah doesn't understand why she's been taken by an undeniably mesmerizing and intoxicating man but when he tells her that he needs her because her research could help save his vampire race, she's sure that he's nuts. But when Taris shows her that vampires do, indeed, exist, it is with the help of his sister Kalin that Sarah is convinced to help them as much as she can. However, Taris and those loyal to the Nines aren't the only ones who want what Sarah is offering, and with the need to growing need to care for and protect her, Taris will have to face old foes as well as his own past if he and Sarah are to survive all this.

Whenever I start a new book, I always hope that, at the very least, I'm entertained long enough that I'm not tempted to skim or to put the book down. Chaos and Moonlight, the first book in the Order of the Nines series by A.D. Marrow, did not just entertain me; it made the rest of the world disappear and my main focus was on Taris and Sarah and their quest to find a cure to battle the vampire extinction and dealing with their developing feelings for one another. The world that the author has created has elements that bring about a uniqueness yet also a sense of familiarity, a creative blend that I thoroughly enjoyed.

One of the best things about this book was its cast of characters. Taris and Sarah weren't your typical vampire and human, respectively, both of them being forces to be reckoned with. Taris had an imposing and powerful presence yet was sensitive and loyal, while Sarah had insecurities and doubts but could hold her own when necessary. They had this capacity to care about people beyond themselves and when they were together, there was this almost palpable connection that made their love story such an absorbing read. Along with the paranormal suspense thriller element, I must admit I'm now very happily addicted.

Kalin, Rhiannon, Judah, Achan, Zillah, Nick, and yes, even Bane also have there own stories to tell, though Kalin and Nick, Taris's sister and Sarah's best friend and research partner, respectively, have already gotten a share of the spotlight in this first book. The rest of the Nines, specifically, Rhiannon, Judah, Achan, and Zillah, had bits and pieces of their histories told here but I craved to learn so much more about each one of them, though I'm guessing that Judah and Zillah's story will be told in the next book. I'd also like to know where Bane goes from here and hopefully, he'll also get an opportunity to share his own tale.

If I haven't gushed enough about this book then let me make it as clear as day: I. FREAKING. LOVED. IT. On it's own, it was already an amazing read, but what makes it even better is that it sets the stage for other stories to be told and whets your literary appetite for anything else to follow. From the imaginative and original story arc to the characters that capture your heart, Chaos and Moonlight is everything you want in a paranormal romance and so much more. Suffice it to say that I am highly recommending this and already have the second book on my radar. Chaos and Moonlight gets five-plus stars and is a 2015 favorite! ♥♥♥

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