Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Ryder's high school setting will be absorbing for readers with similar experiences, and the themes of violence and loneliness running throughout the story are paired nicely with resolutions for coping and moving forward.
Prose: The narration is aimed at immersing readers into the novel's world through Ryder's second-person point of view—a tactic that is initially successful but eventually overwhelms. Ryder writes with ease, but some sections of dialogue feel out of place.
Originality: The originality in this novel lies in the actions and events being driven by a character ascribed to the reader; unfortunately the style dominates the other events in the story.
Character/Execution: Nadine’s character is unconventional though not necessarily likable. Secondary characters run the gamut from relatable to otherworldly, including the presence of vampires and werewolves scattered throughout the plot.
Date Submitted: May 16, 2023
The more Nadine learns about Vince and his world, especially the reign of a vampire named Vladimir, the more she realizes that their chance encounter is more than fate—it is her destiny to aid in the ancient battle that will change her life and the lives of those closest to her. Ryder finds tension in the vampiric power to “compel” people, tying ancient lore to contemporary understanding of issues of consent, and a theme of sacrifice adds gravity to the action. As Nadine and Vince work together to fight an evil force, their bond strengthens but her other relationships suffer. Nadine must ultimately decide how much she is willing to give up to achieve victory.
The Darkest Side of the Moon explores themes of love, family, and betrayal through complex world building and character development, plus some fresh takes on familiar beasts, as it builds to an unexpected conclusion. The “you” perspective (“You hate gym,” one chapter starts) demands readers stay on their toes, but it lends an immersive power as readers seem to inhabit Nadine. Fans of vampire lore and supernatural fiction will relish the twists and attention to relationships—and they’ll be eager to sink their teeth into what’s next for the series.
Takeaway: This supernatural YA series casts “you” as the one to face ancient evil.
Comparable Titles: L.J. Smith’s The Vampire Diaries, Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl’s Beautiful Creatures.
Production grades
Cover: B-
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
"The Darkest Side of the Moon" is a gripping tale that seamlessly blends elements of romance, mystery, and supernatural intrigue. MC Ryder has crafted a memorable protagonist in Nadine, and the intricate plot keeps readers engaged from start to finish. I eagerly await the possibility of a prequel, as it promises to enrich the world created by the author and add further dimension to the fascinating characters. - Discourse
"An intriguing dark, mysterious, mythological fantasy." A M.C. Ryder weaves an exciting and suspenseful supernatural tale in this young adult fiction. Readers will not want the book to end. We highly recommend! ★★★★★ - Explore Authors Magazine
"The Darkest Side of the Moon is readable and entertaining, written from Nadine's point of view with a tone that has chutzpah and a touch of cynicism that reflects Nadine's personality. Her unusual way of looking at things as they unfold makes the plot a page-turner. M.C. Ryder keeps it light, mixing elements of horror with romance and comedy. Nadine's path from high school introvert to heroine delivers an edge where Nadine seems unfazed at witnessing the bizarre events taking place around her. If you're in the mood for a lightweight paranormal horror with a feel-good trajectory for vampires and werewolves, Ryder is going to take you for a joy ride." ★★★★ - Vincent Dublado, Readers' Favorite
"This is an interesting novel written in the second-person narrative, a voice that feels strange as readers start reading but that quickly gets interesting and compelling. Nadine's POV reflects her quirky character and unusual way of looking at life and events. The author conjures a world where elements of the supernatural and the mythical meld with the mundane life of ordinary characters to create an explosive literary experience. This propulsive tale will enthrall fans of The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer. I enjoyed the beautiful prose, the unpredictable plot, and the engrossing narrative voice in The Darkest Side of the Moon. The skillful exploration of romance, friendship, and the proverbial conflict between vampires and werewolves added a deeper layer to the entertainment." ★★★★★ Franklin Bauer, The Book Commentary
"Ryder's writing style is refreshingly new and innovative. The author's decision to refer to the female protagonist, Nadine Drexel, as "You" throughout the book was a bold move, but it paid off well. This approach allowed readers to immerse themselves in the character's journey, feeling as though they were experiencing it firsthand... This is a great book to kick off a trilogy; the author's decision to end the story will undoubtedly leave readers eager to read the sequel... If you are a fan of the Twilight saga, then you will love The Darkest Side of the Moon. This novel is an excellent starting point for teenagers who want to delve into the world of book series." ★★★★★ Literary Titan (Literary Titan Gold Award winner June 2023)
Included in DE MODE Magazine as "UNPUTDOWNABLE BOOKS FOR SUMMER 2023: A LIST OF PAGE TURNERS" with author interview. A free version of APR-MAY-JUNE 2023 Global Issue (Volume VI, Issue XXX) can be downloaded.
