Awakening: A Trickster’s Moon – Book Review
Awakening: A Trickster’s Moon by Baron Saterbak is a captivating debut that pulsates with vitality, emotion, and unadulterated primordial force beneath the eerie illumination of a full moon. I love shifter books, so I was super excited to get a review copy of this new release, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it.
Ozzy Miller, a former military sniper troubled by his history and scarred by combat, is at the center of the book. Ozzy is thrust into a secret world of shapeshifters, secret packs, and an evil known only as the Void after a near-fatal encounter tears open the barrier between the natural and supernatural. Saterbak captivates the reader with incisive wording and dramatic action sequences in the first chapter, establishing a rapid-fire tempo that never slows.
This book’s emotional essence is what really sets it apart. Ozzy’s internal conflict is equally as fascinating as the conflicts he encounters outside. The trauma and alienation that so many veterans experience are skillfully portrayed by Saterbak, who then creates a link between that suffering and the journey of transformation into something more – something fierce, strong, and incredibly rooted in the community. Ozzy’s transformation feels genuine and motivating as he comes to accept his wolf form and the Family’s oneness.
Another notable figure in our story is Harmony Mason, Ozzy’s intriguing guide to the paranormal world. She is a powerful, multi-layered, and ferocious figure who dominates every scene in which she appears. Their tense and trustworthy relationship raises the emotional stakes and enhances the story.
It vividly depicts the Family, a group of werewolves united by blood and honor. Fans of The Witcher and A Discovery of Witches will value the richness and vivid worldbuilding that their traditions, relationships, and internal politics provide. Then there is the Void, a sinister, encroaching taint that jeopardizes not just the pack but the world’s equilibrium itself. It is the ideal adversary: abstract yet real in its effects and menacing in its gradual intrusion.
Saterbak writes with assurance and emotion. The tone and meaning of the scene are rich, ranging from intense woods hunts to peaceful, contemplative periods by the fire. Without ever letting up, the book explores important subjects like what it means to find your place, how to make peace with your past and future, and the price of change. Every chapter raises the stakes for Ozzy on a personal level as well as for the supernatural community he joins on a worldwide scale.
Some highlights:
- Immersion Worldbuilding: The Family’s legend and the Void’s mythology are skillfully presented and incorporated into the action.
- Characters Well-Drawn: Harmony’s cryptic power and Ozzy’s quest for self-discovery offer a gripping emotional core.
- Action-Packed: The novel never lags. Each scene moves the plot along with weight and intensity, and the pacing is tight.
- Thematic Depth: The story is rooted in genuine human feeling as redemption, dualism, and the quest for balance strike a chord that extends well beyond the fantasy aspects.
Awakening: A Trickster’s Moon is a strong beginning to a series that seems to be both exciting and emotionally impactful. Mythology and modernity meet in Baron Saterbak’s universe, creating an unparalleled experience. This novel is a must-read for readers who enjoy gritty urban fantasy, character-driven sagas, and supernatural thrillers.
Rating: 5/5