Tormented: A suspenseful, dark paranormal shifter and vampire fantasy (Turning Moon) Paperback – February 17, 2023

I so enjoyed the first book of this series that I immediately purchased the remaining four books. I really enjoy shifter fantasies except for the explicit sex scenes so I loved the first book. I like shifters and witches but always avoid vampire books. Imagine my surprise when the following four books were more about vampires, with just a bit about wolves and witches. With that said, I still loved the writing, characterizations, and plot twists of the whole series. The interactions and connections between humans, wolves, and even vampires were believable. Julie Embleton is a wonderfully skilled author who does not rely on "common" plot devices to flesh out her stories.

Tormented is the fifth and possibly final book of the fantastic Turning Moon series. Although primarily a series about werewolves, it gradually expanded to include witches and vampires, with an intriguing take on their coexistence. Among other enjoyable side plots, the main focus of this book is a vampire’s struggle to to reclaim her mind and identity. Great stuff! Embleton’s characters have grown to be friends and I will be sad to see the last of them.

Tormented features Tori whose last known whereabouts in the last book of The Turning Moon series ended on a shocking and mouth dropping scene. Tori is out to destroy Alexander, her maker and love of her life and there is nothing that can stop her. Things look dismal as the clock ticks down.The stage is set. All of the characters have their parts to play. The story flow is neck breaking fast and tumultuous as it binds the story together. Although Alexander is barely able to stay a half step ahead of Tori, we are given an occasional back story to catch our breath. These little nuggets add so much to the whole picture by slowing things down long enough to take a deep breath. It also has a binding effect by tying it all up in the end. When it all comes down to the wire, one voice stands out…nope not telling! What an explosive ending it is! Embleton gave us a finale to remember!Do I see more in this crazy and mixed up world of wolves, witches, vampires and humans? Yes, I do. That being said,I think there’s one more story to tell from Joan, Genna’s mom. I can see her with … Nope, not telling. She has a story that’s yet to be told. I hope she raises a ruckus inside the author’s head and keeps it up till she’s heard.A Blood Chilling ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In Tormented, Tori is set on destroying Alexander, but Alexander remains determined to restore their love and finds many unique ways to remind Tori of their passion. I especially liked the character Genna; her resolve is a great trait to find in a friend. I can't wait to read more from this author.

I’ve been dying to read “Tormented,” the fifth book in the Turning Moon series by Julie Embleton, for months! The cliffhanger the author presented at the end of book four, “Torn,” sent me reeling. My heart thumping in my chest, I waited on pins and needles for book five to drop.It’s difficult to write a review at a series’ end without revealing spoilers, but I’ll try to keep anything too revealing to a minimum.In “Tormented,” we pick up a chain of events set in motion at the end of “Torn.” Compelled by a truly vile vampire (Haakin), Tori is on the hunt for her own Maker – who is also the love of her life. Her friends – shifter wolves, witches, and humans – struggle to connect with her, to find her, to save her before she does something she’ll regret for the rest of her days.Author Embleton continues to excel at delivering perfect pacing. Admittedly, I expected the book to begin with a mad race knowing what had happened at the end of “Torn.” And yes, there is definitely a scramble afoot as friends try to locate Tori. But Embleton’s style is not to rush. She unfolds this story with precision, taking the reader to different spaces: Cedar Copse (wolf world), London (the Walker Institute), and of course, to Alexander – whatever locale he is fleeing through at the moment. We see Tori’s tale, her plight, through many sets of eyes. It’s brilliant. Certainly, Tori’s path, perspective, and struggles are revealed throughout the book, but I realized that had the author solely focused on Tori’s point of view, the story would have become one-dimensional. Instead, Embleton moved beyond world-building and created a universe.While Tori’s tale led the plot, side stories such as Blake’s and Emer’s were spotlighted. There are several “shifting” scenes that made my heart soar. Blake Creedon is a good, good man. I adore him. One of the best lines from this installment comes from a scene with these two: “When Blake used that bossy tone, it turned her bones to ribbons.” The language flowing from Embleton’s pen is delicious, and in all her books, I’ve often found myself reading a line or a paragraph twice simply for the pleasure of it.In “Tormented,” readers are also rewarded with updates on other character favorites, such as Michael Vincent and Genna Clancey. There are many bright spots in a book filled with on-the-edge-of-your-seat tension.I tried to pick a standout character in this installment – shifter Graham in London, nephew Andrew, her loyal friend Genna, or witches Lola and Lara – but the truth is, Embleton delivered such an amazing cast of characters, it’s impossible to pick. And yet, Joan Clancey, a small side character, brought in much-needed levity. (I’d like to advocate for a vampire romance for momma Clancey.)But back to the heart of the story: Alexander Durand, the hunted, knows the risk of Tori finding him, yet he seeks to make a connection, leaving her clues of their past life together. (Oh, how I love Alexander!) His fate hangs in the balance. Will his ‘darling girl’ become his executioner? Observing a vulnerable Alexander is an unusual experience – but captivating nonetheless. His brother Johann fills his role as expected. Do I like Johann? Yes and no. But he loves his brother so much that he’s willing to lose their relationship to save him, so devotion counts for something. The Johann the author presents is fragile yet still commands power. The balance was believable.The ending of “Tormented” is immensely satisfying – even better than I could’ve hoped for in this book. While I realize this is the ‘final installment’ of the Turning Moon series, I can see a new beginning in the future. Perhaps something with the witch Lola – loyal friend of Tori – and her wolf shifter lover Nick Bracken? (Yes, please!)As mentioned at the beginning of this review, I held my breath as I read this story, fearful of the author’s plans. But as I’ve learned time and time again, Julie Embleton is an author to trust. Through twists, reveals, and risks, she will lead you through a world of wolf shifters, vampires, witches, and humans. With this extraordinary author, you will never lose your way.Five stars to “Tormented”! With all five books in the series now published, why delay your reading a moment longer? Start with “Bound” – Julie Embleton’s characters will win your heart, and you’ll think about them long after you read the last page.(See the photo with this review. I love this series so much that after reading each ebook, I bought the paperback!)

I have been waiting a long time for this book so when it was finally published, I consumed it in three greedy sittings. I love the wolf shifters community that Embleton has created in this series. Never a fan of the werewolf trope, book one “Bound” changed my mind and I have been an addict of this series ever since.The previous book ended on such a cliffhanger – Tori was kidnapped and compelled to kill her vampire sire and love of her life, Alexander – that the wait for book five “Tormented” was torment. I was worried it couldn’t possibly meet my expectations, but it delivered in spades.Fast-paced, thrilling, and engrossing, the book hits the ground running and keeps the reader turning the pages until long after bedtime. But there are also moments of quietness and such sweet connection between the characters, that it had me wishing I could find a wolf man of my own.Superbly written with great world-building, this is contemporary fantasy at its finest and gets a howling five stars from me.

Tormented is an epic, adventurous end to the Turning Moon series. Julie Embleton’s writing flows beautifully, keeping the reader engaged with the much loved characters of the Turning Moon Series. This final volume continues with well-developed characters and epic descriptions which bring the reader into the heart of the story, living it alongside the characters we can’t help but love or hate. Littered with emotional moments, it’s difficult to put down.Tormented left me with one overwhelming thought … “I want more!!!”

Tormented is the fifth book in the Turning Moon series. And sadly, I believe it's the last. I've loved the whole series and Tormented really was the icing on the cake.Tormented tells the story of Tori after she was left in thrall by an older, more powerful vampire and specifically ordered to track down and kill her maker. Can she break the shackles that now bind her or will she destroy everything that she's ever loved?Unlike the other books in this series, Tormented weaves a couple of side stories in among the main story. It's well done, but I wouldn't have said no if the author had decided to tell those stories in separate books and with a bit more detail. Perhaps there is scope for more books in this series after all? I can live in hope, right?Anyway, if you've read this far in the series you don't need me to tell you that you're going to love Tormented. You'll already know that! But you will love it! It's a great story, it's very well told, the pace is fabulous, Tori and Alexander are wonderful lead characters and the rest of the characters are just as endearing.

Following on from the devastating events of Torn, vampire Tori barely recovers from her broken heart when compulsion shatters her identity and recreates the hunter of hunters.As her prey stays barely ahead of his tortured lover, friends and family fight to break her free of her shackles. But betrayal has not yet finished its work and the long forgotten will arise.I've yet to read an Embleton book I didn't love and tormented is another 5 star wonder. Mixing action, flashback and desperate plans, the narrative zips along with a sense of time closing in on our beloved characters.Neatly tying up all the loose ends and giving lovers of the series everything they could want in relation to all the supernatural communities, Tormented is a fitting conclusion to a labour of love. True friendship never gives up.

Julie has done it again. Tormented takes off from the last book and dives straight in. It is a good read and promises to "probably" not be the last of this series. Here is hope!