Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Dark War Chronicles #1

In the Light of the Moon

Rate this book
Stripped of all control, shifter Kassity has no choice but to be a killer for a vampire named Lucius. Obeying the vampire from the shadows was simply her way of life, until Jax comes to town and brings trouble with him. When her panther half recognizes Jax as her fated mate, Kassity must deal with betrayal, secrets and Lucius in order to be with him.

With a war going on between all supernatural creatures Jaxon must figure out whose side he is on. What started as a simple job turned into a complicated game of hearts when he meets Kassity, the woman he thought he was rescuing, but not everything is as it seems in Lucius' territory.

ebook

First published June 8, 2013

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

A.L. Kessler

81 books333 followers
A.L. Kessler is a paranormal romance and steampunk author residing in Colorado Springs. Since she was a teenager she's loved weaving stories and spinning tales. When she's not at the beck-and-call of the Lord and Lady of the House, two black cats by the names of Jynx and Sophie, playing with her daughter, or killing creepers and mining all the things with her husband, she's either reading, participating in NaNoWriMo, or writing in her Blog Writing Rambles.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
30 (23%)
4 stars
46 (35%)
3 stars
35 (26%)
2 stars
16 (12%)
1 star
3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Laurie Garrison .
719 reviews172 followers
March 13, 2014
Fast pace story with action, love and an excellent start to a new paranormal romance world. I loved the characters and the way the author wrote the story.

You get to know Lucius and how he runs his clan. I know some will regard him as the true villain and at one point I also seen him as that, but as you read this book and the next you might change your tune. Kassity is part of his clan, she serves as his killer. I really liked Kassity character and I hope one day she will see her immortal mark, she has been though too much to not get it.

I also like Jax it didn’t take him too long to figure out what was going on. I love a smart hero they get things done LOL

The romance between Kassity and Jax is not full force all the time, so those of you who like one good hot sex scene and slight sexual tension during the story this is totally for you.

There are some issues unresolved but if you go to the next story you’ll find some answers to some of the unresolved issues.
Profile Image for Naomi.
1,381 reviews58 followers
July 3, 2013
4.5 Stars

I read another book by A. L. Kessler before, Midnight Symphony, and really enjoyed it. So I was excited to try something else written by her. In The Light Of the Moon is a new and exciting shifter series that I have completely fallen in love with!!

I was captured from the opening chapter where Kassity is told to run, as Lucius has located her. And in the second half of that chapter, Jaxon is hired by her family to recover Kass and bring her home. From that chapter I thought I had pegged who the good and bad guys were…… Not even close!! The longer I read, more mysteries were unravelled and the pieces slotted into place. There are a few twists throughout the story that had me on the edge of my seat, but the characters showed that they could step up to the challenges without fear.

From the book description it says that Kassity is a shifter and Killer for the Vampire named Lucius. She has been stripped of her abilities, but there are reasons for Lucius to do this as we find out throughout the story. Kassity comes across as a hardnosed person where in fact she struggles a lot on the inside, with her kitty and her emotions. I really liked her and it was nice to see her grow, not only as a person but as a shifter. She is a loyal person, but doesn’t realise that she is doing it.

Jaxon is a mercenary, who takes on top paying jobs to get by. However the one that he takes on in the beginning is going to shift his perspective of how things are in the shifter world. He tries to complete the job but circumstances beyond his control change how he sees things and he is reluctant to follow through with it. Jaxon…… yum!! I would have him visit me here in Aus anytime! He has that Alpha Male kinda thing happening but is a bit shady too. I love that mysteriousness in a guy and he has it in spades!

Lucius began as a coldhearted Vampire, but the more I saw of him, the more I grew to like him. He has tremendous respect for his people but is willing to punish them if they step out of line. He seems to be shifting pieces in the game and I am looking forward to see what happens when everything in place.

In The Light Of the Moon has everything that I love in a good shifter novel; action, Hot romance and mystery with a thrilling plot. There is a war going on in the shifter world that we kind of touch on, but I think it is building more behind the scenes. The main characters had some chemistry at their first meet, but their beasts are the ones that seem to have the say in the romance department, well, they are shifters, animal instincts always come out first! Amy’s characters are easy to relate to and I liked them all from the beginning. The story played out well, but there are some loose ends which will be tied up in future books and I cannot wait!


I received a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jasmyn.
1,502 reviews20 followers
April 22, 2018
This was a new and quite interesting world full of shifters of all types, vampires, and other things that I'm not even sure what they are yet. Kassity is one of the few remaining panthers in North America - she's special, and she's caught up in a war working for Lucius. At first I thought of Lucius as the bad guy, but once we get to know a few of the other characters better I realized he might actually be the good guy - just in a weird twisted way (which I love). His relationship with Kassity, and his other "people" is a strange one and his controlling nature makes it hard to appreciate him at times.

When Jaxon enters and inadvertently threatens Lucius's hold on Kassity and puts her in danger, all hell breaks loose. He finds himself stuck in a place between sides and not quite sure who is telling him the truth. What he is sure of, is that Kassity is his mate, and he proceeds to do everything in his power to make sure she stays safe.

In the background, we have the story of a missing stone. This might seem anti-climactic, but the stone turns out to be something very special - and Kassity's job is to find it. There is a lot going on at times in this story, but it was written in a way that really keeps in engaged and invested in all the characters, not just Kassity and Jaxon. It made me want to know more, especially about the mysterious Teagen.

Now, I had a paper copy of the book on hand since this was my first experience with an audio book. And since this was my first audio - I don't have anything to really compare it to (I think I also giggled through the first sex scene. Hearing it read out loud brought out my inner adolescent..) Because I read the book this way, I did notice just a couple of small little "oops" in the narration - nothing that takes anything away from the story. The narrator did a fantastic job of catching the personalities of the characters in her voice. My biggest fear before going in was that I would lose track of who was talking. Not an issue at all.

Part way through I forgo the paper copy and began listening to the audio book while I walked at lunch. It was a great escape and a good way to enjoy a book when I wasn't able to sit down and read. I'm glad I gave the audio book a try (thank you A.L.) because I know exactly what I'll be doing the next time I'm on a long car ride - say to Mackinac Island for Indie Romance Convention next year.

*The audio book was received free in exchange for an honest review*
*The paper book was purchased from the author at Indie Romance Convention 2014*
Profile Image for Beth Henry.
6 reviews
September 10, 2013
Fast paced and intense. Descriptive and captivating. The characters’ dynamics grow and twist as you read. Jaxon and Kass are a great pair that you just can’t help yourself from loving and praying desperately that fate, and Kessler, are on their side. Oddly, my favorite character in this book is Lucius, the villain from the prequel short story, Touch of Night (I strongly suggest reading that first!). He’s got twists and turns, viciousness and a well hidden compassion, and a sense of protection for all of his people, however strangely he goes about showing it. I’m keeping my fingers crossed he’s featured quite a bit in the next books and that we get a continuation of Jax and Kass’s relationship. As a new and up and coming author, it’s obvious that Kessler has a knack for writing with lycans, paranormal, and romance. There are so many opportunities for continuing the story in this book and I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series!
Profile Image for Mia Bishop.
Author 30 books95 followers
July 28, 2013
This was another fun read, I enjoyed the prequel and Book One didn't disappoint. The world A.L. Kessler has built is unique enough to stand out and familiar enough to be comforting to the reader (bars ran by the paranormal, conflicted lovers, etc). I enjoyed the new twists common aspects of this genre.

***SPOILERS***

I loved the idea that different factions have their own territories, these creatures are bad and don't seem to play well with others. I like that. And Lucius is a bad guy with something hidden just underneath. I love to hate him, I loved to hate him in the prequel and more so now. I really can't wait until his story is told. I am looking forward to the next book in the Dark War Chronicles universe to see what the author has in store for the rest of the players in this saga.
Profile Image for Ashley Nemer.
Author 24 books75 followers
July 16, 2013
This was a good book. I enjoyed the story lines, it was easy to follow and I do want to know what happens next in the series. I love shifter books and typically I like wolves, but I really enjoyed Amy's panther's in her story. I am however interested in the wolves from the bar that help Kass out. I'd like to hear more of them. I wasn't to fond of the vampire in this book. While I like a controlling male in a novel, there was something about him that rubbed me wrong. I suppose it could be the fact he caged Kass. I'm curious about the innocents that appear at the end and hope Amy's 2nd book comes out soon.
5 reviews
June 18, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this book and I found the characters to be interesting and emotion provoking. They were easy to relate to and the story pulled you in from the start. I for sure can not wait until we find out more about Lucius, I find him quite a bit mysterious in the way he keeps his people and how he treats Kass and his "human". Another really great read from A.L. Kessler!
Profile Image for Leigh Johnson.
27 reviews
Want to read
May 8, 2020
Another great read from A. L
Kessler. This introduction to the fae world makes you want to know what else is to come for the characters involved!
Profile Image for Cyle.
961 reviews143 followers
July 1, 2013
GENRE: Paranormal Romance
THEME: Shifters, Werewolves, Vampires
RECEIVED: Tour
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/

REVIEW:
I’ve read a lot of shifter stories but none that really focused on a Panther shifter. This is a new series with a lot of potential, solid characters, with a really interesting and mysterious plot.

In the light of the Moon follows Kassity a shifter who is controlled by very powerful vampire. After severing ties with her horrible family, she decided to go with a lesser evil by working for Lucius as his killer. But after meeting a rouge shifter of her kind, she is dealt with more trouble than she may be able to handle. With a war in the midst Kassity must finish the job she started for Lucius and then maybe she can find happiness with her destined mate.

Kassity is an extremely powerful woman and character. She demands attention on every page; all the while the readers will sympathize with her on the very sticky situations she’s put in. Her family is a key focus; they cause her a lot of heartache and only want to control her for themselves. She is special and it seems everyone knows this but Kassity. Lucius not only has control over her, but he keeps hiding secrets from her. I liked that even though she’s a strong and powerful shifter that she still has weaknesses and limits, it makes her more real.

Lucius may not be my favorite male lead character; but he truly isn’t all that bad. The readers will love to hate him and see that his intensions have a good side along with the bad. He is set on a mission, which he sends Kassity on to look for a special stone that was taken from him. This stone has extreme importance and in the wrong hand could cause a heap of problems.

Jaxon is a shifter and a rouge mercenary that is hired by both Lucius and Kassity’s crazy family. He gets put in a bit of a pickle once he realizes what side he should be on. After meeting Kassity his plans shift and he’s determined to protect her. I thought it was interesting to have the male character be the weaker two, usually the males are all strong and he-man like but he is a lover and a big supporter in helping Kassity.

Overall this is a series I will definitely be following, after the ending I’m super curious about this mysterious stone. If you’re looking for adventure, action, steamy romance, and characters that kick some major butt, then look no further.

RECOMMENDATION:
This is an adult novel, fans of both paranormal romance and urban fantasy wont want to miss out on this series. This story has sexual content that is meant for mature readers. If you enjoyed Amanda Bonilla’s Shaede Assassin series and Christina Henry’s Black Wings series you’ll enjoy In the Light of the Moon by A.L. Kessler.
Profile Image for Elle Klass.
Author 46 books165 followers
July 16, 2014
In the Light of the Moon (book 1 in the Dark War Chronicles) by A.L. Kessler has a unique twist on the supernatural. I found nothing “typical” about it, which drew me in as a reader. The protagonist Kass isn’t a normal human, she shifts form into a panther and a strong one at that. Lucius a formidable vampire rescued from her own family as they wanted her dead. Lucius uses her for his own means controlling her ability to shift and only allows it when he wants her to kill another supernatural. She meets a sizzling hot male panther Jax and their inside cats are drawn towards each other. Lucius has other ideas and does his best to keep Jax and Kass estranged but that can’t last forever as the war between supernaturals pushes forward and Jax and Kass attraction towards each other heats up.

Kessler does a phenomenal job using excellent pacing, deep character development and descriptions that will knock the socks off any reader. The novel started to intrigue instantly hooking me into reading. The subsequent flow made this an impossible book to put down. Her words oozed like honey to my mind forcing me to continue. Plot, subplots, romance, and action fill each page. Each character has a personality all their own, some lovable and some very hateable, working together to make this a book you won’t want to pass up reading.

In the Light of the Moon is a rare treat on to book 2!
Profile Image for Angus.
Author 9 books33 followers
April 15, 2014
Kassity is a different kind of Lycanthrope. She and her clan shape shift from human to panther. There is not one single family on Earth that doesn’t have some level of dysfunction and hers is no exception. That situation has led her into the protection of a vampire, Lucius, who has control of her ability to change and uses that for his own ends.

Deeper into the mystery it becomes apparent that the Circle is attempting to get control of Kassity for their own ends in the escalating war among the supernatural creatures. Cue the romantic entrance of Jaxon, a rogue Panther-shifter who really brings out the cat in Kassity. He has conflicting jobs and chooses her above the other things on his list.

This book was an amazingly quick read for me because it drew me in and had me through two sittings. The author crafted scenes between Kassity and Jaxon that get the pot boiling while at the same time laying the ground work for the deeper intrigue that structures the series. I give this a four out of five satisfaction units overall and five out of five for the heated scenes. Well played A.L. Kessler.


http://www.amazon.com/Light-Moon-Dark...
Profile Image for C.J. McKee.
Author 4 books14 followers
June 11, 2015
Although there are parts of A.L.'s book series, Dark War Chronicles that are familiar from other vampire or similar stories, A.L. has taken it all to the next level. In this first of the series, Kassity and Jaxon are the main, shape-shifter protagonists. Although the antagonist, Lucius controls Kassity and others, as the story goes you understand him, even if you don't agree with his actions.

One of the great things about the Dark War Chronicles is each book focuses on two protagonists, even though all these characters are in the series. Another awesome twist is the shape-shifters. You don't just have lycans, you have panthers, tigers and wolves, oh my! And as a final sprinkle on the cake there is also a protagonist that is a fae!

The romance that is found in this and the others in the series isn't over the top. Rather it has been tastefully done, even in the sexual descriptions. This book flows seamlessly from book one and you don't feel lost or separated from the series. (assuming you read it as a series)

I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of paranormal romance novels. Even though this is not my main genre (mine is fantasy and sci-fi), I enjoyed A.L.'s novels immensely!
28 reviews4 followers
June 23, 2014
Kassity has a beast insider her and controlling the blood thirsty beast is painful. Her master Lucius controls the blood thirsty beast to do his dirty work. Her cat seems ok with the blood that’s on her hands but the human side of Kassity is revolted at such carnage. Will she ever be at peace with the cat and truly become one as she should. She begins to think it might be possible when she meets Jaxon. His Cat seems to calm the she beast inside her.

Jaxon is one of the best trackers around, and given a mission he can’t pass up the money is to good.
“I am.” The man sat across from Jax. “I’ve heard good things about you, Jaxon, they say you are the best tracker in the states.”
Jax sat back down and shrugged one shoulder. “High praise. What can I do for you?”
“My daughter’s been kidnapped and I want her home.” Quinn crossed his arms and met Jax’s eyes.
“She was taken from our clan’s territory by a vampire.”
Jaxon may have gotten more than he bargained for in this deal. His cat wants Kassity’s but problems stand in their way. Lucius the vampire is a huge hurtle that they both have to leap. Kessler spins a great tale and I look forward to seeing how this plays out. It’s a great short read and I would recommend checking it out.
Profile Image for Johnnie-Marie Howard.
1,116 reviews36 followers
October 22, 2013
I really really enjoyed this story I have read from this Author before and really liked her story then and still do. I liked how it made me feel as if I was a bird in the sky watching from above. The description of the characters and just everything was great I really liked how it was a story about a Panther for once normally they are about everything else under the sun in the paranormal world and for once something else got the spot light yeppie.. I think I might have a new paranormal favorite.. hehe

The characters are all strong to a point and they all mix well with each other I don't think their isn't anything about this story I didn't like even the bad guys was great. I know that is way different for once to actually like the bad guys. lol

This book I would say everyone in the paranormal world needs to read at least once I know that I will be re- reading this thing again and plus I can't wait to get my hands on book #2.


*** I received this book for free in exchange for a honest review***
Profile Image for Lilac Reviews.
98 reviews3 followers
October 18, 2014
In the Light of the Moon’s main characters are Kassity and Jaxon, both panther lycans, and Lucius, a vampire. Lucius runs a territory and there is a war going on. This was a weakness to the first novel. We didn’t get really vested in who was fighting against who and more importantly, why we should care. I did care about Kassity and Jaxon. Lucious is still a little bit of a wild card. He seems to be the bad guy, but he does have a method for what he does. His actions aren’t just to be cruel. There are times when a person in power doesn’t explain all the reasons for his decisions. So A.L. is accomplished in creating believable characters.
It was a short, enjoyable read. It does have some adult content. I felt the ending left you adrift. It didn’t have that close the book shut feel when something was resolved. This may have been her intent. This may be the type of series where you are meant to purchase the further books to continue the story lines started in the preceding novels.
I was provided a copy of this book in order to write an honest review.
Profile Image for Karyn.
358 reviews7 followers
November 8, 2014
This is the first book in the series. Since this is the first book, the author starts to set up the story for the series and focuses on Kassidy and Jaxon, two shifters. We start to learn about this battle and the various characters in the story. We also start to find out about the different supernatural beings and how they relate to one another. Because this is book one and everything is being set up in this story, there is a lot going on as the author tries to familiarize the reader with the characters and the impending battle.

As I mentioned, this story focuses on the newly formed relationship between Kassidy and Jaxon. We learn about Kassidy’s family, which tells us why Kassidy is currenly in Vampire territory working for the lead vampire. It also gives us Jaxon’s background and how he came to meet Kassidy. We get a brief introduction to a few secondary characters but are left with wanting to know more about them. This books wraps up Kassidy and Jaxon’s part of the story nicely but ends with a cliffhanger related to the hints of a battle.
Profile Image for Fee (Ebook Addicts).
1,439 reviews44 followers
October 26, 2014
I have read my fair share of shifter series and this one didn't disappoint. It's a fast paced 


In the light of the moon book 1

We meet Kassity who is on the run from her family, Lucius who is keeping her as his killer, and Jaxson who is a rogue "bounty hunter"


Both Kass and Jax are panthers - who discover they are mates. This doesn't bode well with Lucius as he uses Kass by controlling her beast and getting her to kill for him. It is a better life than with her family, who basically wants her dead. She is not only a shifter but possibly an immortal as well.


Jax has been hired to find a stone and also find Kass who he doesn't realize it is her when he first meets her.


This booked grabbed me from the start, it is a great story with even better characters. I did feel a little lost at the beginning as if I had missed some part of the story, I had to triple check that I was indeed reading book 1.
Profile Image for Ashley Haines.
36 reviews7 followers
October 27, 2014
This story is a great start to a nice series. however I feel the story ended abruptly I think more could have been said on Jax and Kass I liked the happy ending with the couple but it just ended without any closing than again this is a series and I do not know what's going to happen next I look forward to starting the next book in the series and feel as if I will not be disappointed. A.L Kessler has taken a genre and ran with it giving it her own flare. I loved how the story was about different types of supernatural creatures that we may have never considered being such as Kass. I am now signing off to go read the next book in the series thanks for following me and my reviews. Let me know if they help you by liking and commenting on them thanks again.
Profile Image for Sheryl.
2,016 reviews20 followers
October 2, 2014
I am giving this review for author A.L.Kessler. This is book 1 of the Dark War Chronicles series by the author.

Kassity is on the run from her "family" and is caught by Licius. Now she must come to term what he is forcing her to do. Jax has been hired by Quinn to find his daughter but what Jax doesn't know can get Kassity killed.

This book was a very good read with the ups and down for the 2 main characters. I felt sorry for Kassity because of her situation and her relationship with Jax. The story line flow ran smooth from the start of the book to the finish.

This is the start of a series by the author. If you like your paranormal romance with werepanthers and vampires then this is a must read book for you.
Profile Image for Ashley Haines.
20 reviews10 followers
December 27, 2014
This story is a great start to a nice series. however I feel the story ended abruptly I think more could have been said on Jax and Kass I liked the happy ending with the couple but it just ended without any closing than again this is a series and I do not know what's going to happen next I look forward to starting the next book in the series and feel as if I will not be disappointed. A.L Kessler has taken a genre and ran with it giving it her own flare. I loved how the story was about different types of supernatural creatures that we may have never considered being such as Kass. I am now signing off to go read the next book in the series thanks for following me and my reviews. Let me know if they help you by liking and commenting on them thanks again.
Profile Image for Trakena.
Author 1 book5 followers
June 17, 2013
In the Light of the Moon was a fun and easy read, filled with passion and interesting characters.

I really enjoyed Kass and the dilemma she found herself in. She's a were-panther who's been stripped of her control and turned into a hired killer by the areas vampire leader. Kass is headstrong and knows her mind, and doesn't like being controlled by anyone, much less Lucius. But she feels an obligation to him that causes her to challenge her needs for freedom. This split mind causes some great tension throughout the book.

And I thoroughly enjoyed her interactions with her love interest, Jax. He was carefree and bold, much like Kass.

Nice read!
Profile Image for Toria.
5 reviews4 followers
August 29, 2013
I've read quite a few books that shifters were a part of and i havent really read one that completely focused on panther shifters. I was trying to pick something off my shelve to read the other night and this book stood out, it look like something i could get through pretty fast if it wasn't that great. Normally i like the longer stories that let you get the know the characters in more detail but this book just had me from the start i couldn't put it down. Loved the characters and the story line.

I actually won this book in a giveaway and i'm so glad that i did. Cant wait to read more.
Profile Image for K.A. Jones.
Author 9 books26 followers
June 20, 2013
An enjoyable read.

Love the characters and the story line.

Kassity is a strong Panther shifter who has had a hard life. She finds herself needing the protection of others. Lucian is a Vampire and takes her in and offers her work and the protection she needs. He is a mean character and is using her - yet you get the impression that he does care for her.

I'm looking forward to finding out about the impending war and the story behind the stone.
Profile Image for SB Morales.
447 reviews87 followers
June 12, 2014

This book grabbed my attention right from the first page! The main character Kassity was my favorite. She's been betrayed by everyone, but never stops fighting. Once I started this book I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to find out more about this world that Kessler created. This was a great start to a series and I can't wait to see what happens next. If you love vampires, shifters, and everything paranormal like I do, read this book!
Profile Image for P.S. Winn.
Author 84 books351 followers
August 7, 2014
This novel involves all kinds of supernatural creatures. Vampires, shape-shifters that turn into panthers, and more. Kassity is special not only can she shape-shift into panther form but chances are she is half immortal too. The problem is her dad and her half siblings aren't exactly striving for the same things she is. This is a story that pulls you into the supernatural world and doesn't let you go. Each new book takes you further in and growing hungry for the amazing conclusion to the saga.
Profile Image for Eating Between.
307 reviews29 followers
April 19, 2015
I really loved this book! I have to say that in a genre that shifters and vamps and magic had become so jaded A.L. Kessler really breathes new life into with this story! The best part is it ONLY GETS BETTER!!! I should know as this is the second time i read this wonderful series gearing up for theneest installment in the series Past Demons. This is a must read!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
53 reviews17 followers
June 15, 2013
Another fun read from up and coming author A.L. Kessler, In the Light of the Moon tells the story of Jax and Kass, two shifters who find each other on accident but are kept apart by forces more powerful than themselves. A fun summer read that is sure to entertain :)
Profile Image for Sara Galbraith.
27 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2015
This book was a very fun one to read. The story line with vampires and shifters was engaging. It drew you in, and at the end, left me wanting to read more. The characters were both love able and hate inducing. I can't wait for the next book in this wonderful new series.
Profile Image for Teresa Clark.
4 reviews
February 5, 2014
A gripping story with great character development and depth of interest, a world you become immersed in and hooked on! I had to read more of her things after reading this!! I'm addicted to A.L. Kessler now!
June 25, 2015
Good story

The only thing keeping from a five star rating is lacking background information such as what the war is about, who between, how started. Also not much information on Kass' family.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.