Review: The Crescent (The Crescent, #1) by Jordan Deen

Becoming a werewolf is not an option for seventeen-year-old Lacey Quinn, but death can be a strong motivator. Lacey is so focused on her future that everyday life has passed her by. Counting down the days to her eighteenth birthday, Lacey is almost home free. But when she falls for the mysterious Alex Morris, she lands in the middle of an ancient war between two enemy wolf packs.


Tempting dreams, tantalizing lies and a dangerous love triangle ensues leaving Lacey heartbroken and confused. Lacey's fate rests in the hands of Alex and Brandon, but both are pulling her strings for their own agendas. Even as she slips further into the dark world of werewolves, Lacey struggles to find the truth and save the only family she's ever know.


Talk about your love triangles, The Crescent even had me struggling with my feelings over who I wanted Lacey to end up with. Normally when I read a book with strong male leads fighting over the attentions of a female character I find myself easily choosing a side. I then proceed to get frustrated with the female character if she doesn't instantly heed my internal advice. That wasn't the case this time around. I was right there with Lacey, sympathizing the whole time with her situation and the difficult decisions she's being forced to make, not to mention the fact that she doesn't even have all the information and background that would be helpful in her case to make an informed choice. I am still torn, even after having finished the last page. Who do I really think is right for Lacey?

Lacey was an interesting character for me. She had the qualities you can expect from a female protagonist, but at the same time I must admit that the men in the story, in my opinion, overpowered her. She was quickly finding that what she knew and had come to believe in, was in fact far from the truth. Or at least it wasn't all there laid out in black and white as she had once thought. Information had been withheld from her and she quickly found herself not sure who she could trust and believe. People she had always counted on now appear to have nefarious plots involving her, and we all know how hard it is to trust someone you've just met let alone be expected to trust them as if you've known them your entire life.

We meet Alex, who is that stereotypical boy in high school that girls swoon over, and never think they have a chance at catching the attention of. But Lacey is all Alex is interested in, he makes her his whole world. What girl wouldn't swoon a little as a result of that kind of attention right? He's good looking and kind and has eyes only for her, would you pass that up? I'm not sure that anyone could, at least until we meet Brandon. Just as qualified in the looks department, not to mention the boy is completely devoted, but what's a girl to do when she's already started to become involved with someone else? I'd go crazy, that's for sure!
I will admit that while this was a story I enjoyed, there were gaps for me. Some details didn't add up and sometimes I found myself confused as to what was what. But with lives on the line and hearts at risk of breaking, pressure becomes a very familiar feeling to these characters. Lacey ultimately must make a choice and it's definitely not going to be an easy one, not for anyone. She's at the center of a very serious tug of war and must make a decision that brings finality to a whole new level. I was sad that the story ended with a cliffhanger. Normally I love a series, but this time I wanted closure. I ended up finishing feeling extremely bereft. I want to know what happens next, what craziness awaits our characters and what surprises are in store for me and my fellow readers next. I am completely hoping the sequel, Half Moon comes out very very soon.

I gave The Crescent (The Crescent, #1) 3 shamrocks!!!