Worlds Collide by Moondancer Drake

Publisher:      P. D. Publishing

Moondancer Drake continues her story about the extended family of shape shifters from her first book Natural Order.  In this book, Rune Nqumayo is a veterinary student in Madison, Wisconsin, and the leader of her local pack.  Rune runs her life by a strict code of honor and duty, but she’s facing a number of challenges.  A rogue group of vampires is threatening the lives of humans and shape shifters in the area, then, after a serious attack, she finds herself depending on the help of vampires.  Everything she has been taught tells her that Nara is a disgusting creature, but neither she nor her people match the stereotypes by which Rune has been taught to live.  If she is going to bring peace and safety to her people and the humans, Rune may have to risk being ostracized by her own clan.

Worlds Collide is another of those books that takes an alternative view of vampires (some of them), werewolves and other supernatural creatures.  This is becoming a common theme in literature, probably due partially to the success of the Twilight series, but it doesn’t make the story any less enjoyable.  The book is short and could have contained more detail, but it basically contains a good story.  There is a classic battle between good and evil and a hero who stands out by her strength.  The book has entertainment appeal.

For those who like a book that is quick to read and features paranormal creatures, Worlds Collide fits the bill.  It’s fine for a little escapism.

Natural Order by Moondancer Drake

Publisher:               P. D. Publishing

If the measure of a book is the opening scene, Natural Order starts off as a success.

Beth Crew and her partner Dusty are fleeing from people who want to kill them and  Dusty buys safety for Beth and their unborn child by paying with her life.  Just before she dies, Dusty makes Beth promise that she'll go to live with Dusty's family at their compound in Wisconsin.  Since Beth doesn't know what to do with her life and she wants to escape the turmoil being stirred up in Chicago by the GLBT community over what it perceives as a hate crime, she packs up everything and goes to live with a family that she hardly knows.  She finds herself plunged into a community that practices an alternative religion, organic farming and holistic medicine.  Beth isn't sure how she feels about all of this, but Dusty's family is very nice and it's only supposed to be until the baby arrives.  What Beth doesn't know is that there are secrets about Dusty's family that she's never been told and that make them the targets of a cult called the Imperium.  When it becomes clear that Beth and her baby are the real prize the Imperium is after, Isha is assigned as their protector and the women begin to fall in love.  Beth has a lot to learn about her new family and herself.  They are lessons that could mean life or death for Beth and the baby.

Natural Order combines aspects of several cultures to create its story.  The book is steeped in Native American culture and pre-Christian religion with information about natural healing and organic foods that seem to bring in New Age attitudes.  Then to make the blend truly unique Drake throws in a fanatical Christian cult and the fact that all of the women in the family are shape shifters.  Beth rises out of several tragedies to discover that she may be the most powerful of them all…..if she can survive.

Moondancer Drake has created a book that holds a sense of mystery throughout the story.  As more details are reviewed, the suspense grows as the reader tries to figure out why the Imperium has targeted this family and what role Beth plays in the scenario without realizing it.  Though this part of the story is concluded in this book, a lot of information is left hanging and needs to be answered.  If there isn't a sequel to this book, readers are going to be disappointed.

Ancestral Magic by Moondancer Drake

Publisher:              P. D. Publishing

What if everyone knows you have a secret except you?

Life hasn't been easy for Sky.  She's struggling to pay the bills on her waitress salary and her son Drake is blind.  When she hears she's inherited a large house from a relative she doesn't remember, she thinks her fortunes might be turning around.  The whole situation is very mysterious, so she invites her best friend Meg to move with them.  Meg has secretly loved Sky for years, but has watched her move from one bad relationship after another.  Meg doesn't believe Sky will ever love her as a partner, but she'll do anything for this woman and her son.  When they arrive in Green Grove they are bombarded with surprises.  Sky comes from an ancient family with magic in their blood and her new home is a portal which she is destined to protect.  A dark magic group called the Sect is trying to take it over and Sky has to muster all of the forces she remembers nothing about to fight them off.  All is not hopeless because Sky begins to realize what exactly she feels for Meg.  All they have to do is survive to enjoy their new relationship.

Ancestral Magic is light entertaining reading that features a good story and strong characters.  Sky is a strong woman who is buffeted by situations she doesn't want to be part of, but can't control.  The reader can sympathize with her as she struggles to understand how the pieces of her life are finally fitting together.  Meg's struggle to be the "best friend" to the woman she loves can have a familiar ring to women who think they can't reveal how they truly feel to their straight friends.  The atmosphere of Green Grove rolls off of the pages, drawing the reader in and casting a spell that will make you wish there is going to be a sequel to this story.

Ancestral Magic is a quick easy read for someone looking to pass a few hours.  The supernatural part will appeal to fans of that genre, but there's also a decent romance for other people.  Anyone into wizards, witches, Druids and such will like this book.