Thursday, February 6, 2025

Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon

Ancient Artifacts, Forbidden Love, Endless Possibilities

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It's a book that will have you turning pages late into the night, dreaming of underground explorations and passionate embraces with mythical creatures. Ruby Dixon has struck gold with this new series, and readers will be clamoring for more.

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A Steamy Descent into Fantasy Romance

In the realm of romantasy, where magic and passion intertwine, Ruby Dixon’s “Bull Moon Rising” emerges as a shining gem from the subterranean depths. This first installment in the Royal Artifactual Guild series plunges readers into a world where ancient artifacts hold immense power, and the pursuit of these relics leads to unexpected alliances and scorching romance. Dixon, known for her Ice Planet Barbarians series, proves once again that she’s a master at crafting unique paranormal pairings that sizzle with chemistry and heart.

A Plot as Intricate as Ancient Glyphs

The Desperate Heiress

At the heart of this tale is Aspeth Honori, a holder’s daughter whose family teeters on the brink of ruin. With her father’s reckless gambling having depleted their store of magical artifacts—the very lifeblood of their power and status—Aspeth takes matters into her own hands. Her solution? Join the Royal Artifactual Guild and retrieve artifacts herself. It’s a brilliant plan, save for one tiny snag: the guild doesn’t accept women.

An Unlikely Alliance

Enter Hawk, a minotaur guild member with his own set of problems. Facing the impending Conquest Moon—a time when Taurians enter a ferocious mating frenzy—Hawk needs a partner to weather the storm. When Aspeth proposes a marriage of convenience, it seems like the perfect solution for both. She gets her chaperone, he gets his mate, and neither expects anything more.

But as we all know, the best-laid plans often go awry, especially when hearts are involved.

Characters That Leap Off the Page

Dixon excels in creating characters that are both fantastical and relatable. Aspeth is a delightful protagonist—intelligent, determined, and refreshingly honest about her desires. Her journey from sheltered noblewoman to aspiring artifactor is both empowering and endearing. Hawk, with his gruff exterior and unexpected vulnerability, makes for a swoon-worthy hero. Their evolving relationship, fraught with misunderstandings and simmering attraction, forms the emotional core of the story.

The supporting cast is equally colorful:

  • Gwenna, Aspeth’s loyal maid-turned-friend
  • Lark, the sassy niece of a legendary guild member
  • Kipp, the silent but expressive slitherskin
  • Mereden, a reluctant priestess seeking adventure

Each adds depth and humor to the narrative, creating a found family that readers will root for.

A World Rich in Magic and Lore

The Ruins of Old Prell

Dixon’s worldbuilding is nothing short of spectacular. The ancient ruins of Old Prell, with their magical artifacts and mysterious glyphs, create a sense of wonder and danger. The author’s attention to detail in describing Prellian magic and artifacts adds an air of authenticity to the fantasy elements.

Guild Politics and Societal Tensions

The Royal Artifactual Guild itself is a fascinating construct, rife with politics, prejudice, and potential for change. The exploration of gender roles and the challenges faced by women and non-human races in this male-dominated field adds depth to the story’s themes.

Steamy Romance with Heart

True to Dixon’s style, the romance in “Bull Moon Rising” is both steamy and sweet. The attraction between Aspeth and Hawk builds slowly, with tension that crackles off the page. Their intimate scenes are explicit yet tasteful, focusing on mutual pleasure and emotional connection. The impending Conquest Moon adds an element of urgency to their relationship, creating a delicious slow burn that pays off spectacularly.

Pros and Cons

What Shines:

  • Unique and well-developed fantasy world
  • Strong, likable characters with clear motivations
  • Steamy romance that doesn’t overshadow the plot
  • Themes of found family and overcoming prejudice

What Could Be Polished:

  • Some readers might find the pacing slow in the early chapters
  • The complexity of guild politics and Prellian lore may overwhelm at times
  • Secondary antagonists could be more fully developed

Comparisons and Context

Fans of Sarah J. Maas’s “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series or Ilona Andrews’s “Hidden Legacy” books will find familiar elements in “Bull Moon Rising”—strong heroines, supernatural romance, and intricate magical systems. However, Dixon’s unique blend of humor, heart, and heat sets this book apart in the crowded romantasy field.

Final Thoughts: A Gem Worth Excavating

“Bull Moon Rising” is a triumphant start to what promises to be an exciting new series. Ruby Dixon has crafted a world that readers will eagerly want to explore further, populated by characters they’ll fall in love with. The blend of adventure, romance, and magic creates a perfect escape for anyone looking to get lost in a good book.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Dixon’s work or new to the romantasy genre, “Bull Moon Rising” offers something for everyone. It’s a story about finding your place in the world, challenging societal norms, and opening your heart to unexpected possibilities. As Aspeth and Hawk navigate the perils of ancient ruins and their own growing feelings, readers will find themselves thoroughly invested in their journey.

With its cliffhanger ending and tantalizing hints at future adventures, “Bull Moon Rising” leaves you eager for the next installment. It’s clear that Dixon has only scratched the surface of this rich world, and there are many more artifacts—and romances—waiting to be unearthed.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Magical Artifacts

For its engaging characters, imaginative worldbuilding, and perfect balance of romance and adventure, “Bull Moon Rising” earns a solid 4 out of 5. It’s a book that will have you turning pages late into the night, dreaming of underground explorations and passionate embraces with mythical creatures. Ruby Dixon has struck gold with this new series, and readers will be clamoring for more.

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It's a book that will have you turning pages late into the night, dreaming of underground explorations and passionate embraces with mythical creatures. Ruby Dixon has struck gold with this new series, and readers will be clamoring for more.Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon