A rogue assassin on the run.
Former assassin Emamori Matsukara stands alone against the warring Ichiyo Faction. The once-notorious “Black Thorn’’ struggles to protect the innocent and bring justice to the Faction’s brutal raiders. But with a bounty on her head, she can’t evade her enemies forever. When an impossible encounter with a mythological Shadow of Death leaves Ema critically injured, … critically injured, she finds herself at the mercy of three men from a rival clan — and they know exactly who she is.
A tentative trust in uncertain times
Lord Commander Saitama Ren faces dwindling allies and the demands of a merciless high lord. The last thing he needs is a wanted criminal on his hands — especially one who saves his life. Worse, his closest friend Hagane quickly accepts Ema into their fold, while his stoic vice commander Akhito wants nothing to do with her. Yet despite her unknown allegiances, she may be the key to preventing his clan’s demise.
A bond born from the shadows.
Alliances are uncertain, trust is a rare commodity, and peace is a relic of the past. As shadows spread across the land, secrets unfold and death lurks ever closer. Ema and her unexpected allies must venture through the dark night of dishonor and betrayal to uncover the world’s inevitable fate.
For the one who controls the shadows controls the world.
For fans of epic fantasy reverse harem like The Gladiator’s Downfall (Kristen Banet) and stories deeply rooted in Japanese history and mythology like Red Winter (Annette Marie).
Immerse yourself in a Japanese-inspired world of assassins and samurai, honor and intrigue, sentient shadows of death, and a strong-willed heroine finding her path. VISION OF THE MOON is Book 1 in the epic fantasy reverse harem series, “Shadowed World Saga”. It is a complete novel with a steamy enemies-to-lovers romance, multiple consensual love interests, and no cliffhanger. The series is intended for mature readers due to language and themes of violence, sex, and death.
★ Books in the Shadowed World Saga series:
- Temper the Soul (short story)
- Promise of a Storm (prequel)
- Vision of the Moon (Book 1)
more
“Vision of the Moon” by Catharine Glen is the first full-length instalment in her “Shadowed World Saga” series, from which a short story (“Temper of the Soul”) and a mid-length prequel (“Promise of a Storm”, almost 200 pages) are already available. The series is set in the fictional world of Hinae, which is itself heavily influenced by the very real historical Tokugawa Japan (also known as Edo Era). It should be stressed that the Shadowed World Saga is not historical fiction, but epic RH fantasy, and while Catharine Glen knowledge of and admiration for Japanese culture flows through the pages, her choice of characters, situations and interaction are fully fictional, which works beautifully for the intended genre. The plot is very original, the character fully fleshed, captivating, realistic and relatable, and the world-building exceptionally ingenious and carefully curated.
Emamori Matsukara, the main character, is a former assassin who already one broke the clan code, and now – with a bounty on her person – finds herself standing alone against the Ichiyo Faction, trying to protect the victims of the clan. After a fateful encounter with the infamous ‘Shadow of Death’, Emamori ends up in the hands of her rivals, at the mercy of three men that know her secret identity, and react very different to her presence: Lord Saitama Ren is not exactly ecstatic to have to deal with a wanted criminal, who – to make things even worse – just saved his own life; much on the contrary Hagane accepts Emamori without restrains; and finally, there is Akhito Nazhe, Saitama’s second, who openly rejects her. Fate, however, has clear plans for the four of them, plans in which Emamori plays a paramount role.
Catharine Glen writing style is excellent, highly descriptive, and very-well balanced between action and character development, the plot moves steadily forward with added turns and twists that really do have a purpose going forward, and are not mere used for ‘shock’ value, which is very appreciated. A real fast-paced and action-rich epic RH fantasy that not only offers entertainment non-stop and captivates the reader from the very first pace, but also possess a depth that sets it apart from most of the series in the genre. A clear recommendation for fans of RH and/or Japanese culture and all those looking for a fresh, new epic fantasy high-quality reading.
I’m not going to give much away, but I LOVE this series!
The guys all have unique personalities, the world building is amazing and Akhito is soooo hot!
I licked him, he’s mine!
The Shadowed World Saga is a new Japenese inspired adult fantasy series by Catharine Glen. She writes captivating characters, fast action, and crisp worldbuilding. Vision of the Moon had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I had to keep turning the pages! I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
I recommend reading the short story, Temper the Soul, and the prequel, Promise of a Storm, first. They will give you a good understanding of the backstory.
I really like Ema and her guys. They make a great team. This is an epic fantasy reverse harem series with slow-burn romance.