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Shadow of the Moon follows a man as he moves from being an uncertain leader to serving as the human anchor of an ancient alien archive hidden beneath the Moon. What draws you to the science fiction genre?
I have been a fan of science fiction since my childhood. I read books about it such as Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth and From the Earth to the Moon. The original movie version of The Day the Earth Stood Still from 1951, Buck Rogers and Lost in Space. I grew up watching these with my family on the weekends. And of course, Star Trek in it’s various forms, Star Wars and all its spinoffs as well. For me it’s fun to write about this and paranormal as well.
Ian grows considerably over the course of the story, evolving from an uncertain leader into someone others depend on. How did you approach his character development?
I modeled Ian after a lot of reluctant leaders, who in the beginning really has very little to do with the idea of being a leader. After he learns about his family and his so-called aunt and uncle in the first book (The Venusians Among Us 2nd edition) he begins to take a strong approach to leading the survivors against the rebels from his own race. He had to do it or else everything else would have fallen apart and they would have lost everything. Even losing everyone’s lives who opposed Gorse.
The book explores the tension between preserving an ancient civilization and protecting humanity’s future. What interested you about that moral conflict?
It fascinates me that there were ancient cultures in the past who compared to today seemed more advanced than we are now. As a race we seem to be going backward as we seem to destroy the earth for profit and gain rather than protecting humanity. The wealthy seem to push for the exploration of space to save humanity rather than doing what’s right to preserve what we have here on this planet. But their motive seems to be profit rather than saving humanity. It reminds me of the movie Don’t Look Up.
Can you give us a glimpse inside the next book you are working on? When can we expect to see it released?
I have already released my newest book titled “The Dream Killer”, and it revolves around the lead character Jonathan Tooms. He has lost his wife and then a short time later his daughter is murdered by a career criminal. After the trial, the criminal is found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. As he leaves the court room, he smiles at Jonathan as if nothing really happened. A friend points him in the direction of an ancient race of people who have dwindled in numbers but have a certain skill for finding justice that borders on the paranormal. Jonathan learns much about the ancient race and gets caught up within a feud between two different factions.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook
After the daring takeover of the ancient starship hidden behind the moon, Ian and Kendra remain on Earth to protect the thousands left behind. But Howard Gorse has not surrendered. Stripped of the vessel that once guaranteed his power, he becomes more dangerous than ever, tightening his grip on governments, militaries, and the hidden network of followers still loyal to him.
Meanwhile, deep among the stars, the stolen ship races across the universe in search of the lost descendants of the original travelers. What the crew discovers will challenge everything they believed about their past—and reveal that the wormhole that brought them to Earth may not have been an accident at all.
As new worlds emerge, ancient enemies awaken, and hidden civilizations reveal themselves, Ian must prepare for a conflict far greater than the battle for Earth. The fate of multiple universes may depend on secrets buried long before humanity existed.
The adventure continues in this action-packed sequel filled with interstellar mystery, political intrigue, and the enduring hope of finding a home among the stars.
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A Top of the Line Predator
Kwen Griffeth Author Interview
Shadow of the Moon follows Special Agent Trakes and Detective Meeker who are sent to a shocking crime scene where a faceless man sparks the beginning of a thrilling investigation. What interested you the most about writing this novel?
This is, at its core, a werewolf story and we all know the werewolf can be extremely violent. I started the story with the vicious crime to establish that part of the werewolf character. A few years ago, I read a novel and I was really disappointed by how the werewolves were described. The story bothered me and I kept thinking, “I can write a better story than that.” Shadow of the Moon is the result of that process and I hope I accomplished what I set out to do. I wanted to tell a story that held true to the idea of the werewolf being a top of the line predator, but I also wanted the wolf to be caring for the family and have a deeper character than is usually portrayed.
This story provides a lot of really great lore and information about werewolves. What kind of research did you do for this book?
Thank heavens for the internet. I did several searches in an effort to build as complete a history for the animal as I could. I wanted the reader to have a little fun and wonder if they just might be out there.
The story takes place in New York. Why choose this place and time for the setting of the story?
Special Agent Trakes is a throwback to the “G-men” of the 30’s and 40’s. She cares nothing about political ramifications and only focuses on getting the “bad guy.” I wanted her to be placed in a situation where she was handicapped and had to develop other strengths. I also wanted the contrast between the city and the country, where the Lloyds live. I wanted Trakes, who is tough and sure of herself to be off-balance.
What is the next story that you are working on and when will it be available?
“Shadow” will be a trilogy at minimum and book two, “Reflection of the Moon,” is planned to be out early next spring.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Twitter
Shadow of the Moon
![Shadow of the Moon: A Fantasy of Love, Murder and Werewolves by [Griffeth, Kwen]](https://i0.wp.com/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51rCnBlweuL.jpg?resize=304%2C486&ssl=1)
Shadow of the Moon, written by Kwen Griffeth, follows Special Agent Adaline “Andee” Trakes and Detective Gerald Meeker who are sent to a shocking crime scene in Central Park. Here, a faceless man sparks the beginning of a thrilling investigation into the life and death of a diplomat’s son.
Together they work on the case where they uncover an unusual aspect of the murder. Werewolves, or more importantly, a werewolf executioner, seems to be on the loose. Baffled by the case, Trakes is sent to meet with a history professor, Alwyn Lloyd, who specializes in myths and legends. Andee Trakes will soon learn that there may be some truth behind the notion of werewolves as she delves deep into a world of hierarchy and crime. Who is the killer behind these gruesome attacks?
Shadow of the Moon is a crime novel with a dash of supernatural mystery that will have you fixed to the edge of your seat. Prepare to be taken on a wild ride as you uncover gruesome secrets involving werewolves, FBI agents, and killers. There’s a taste of everything in this novel, from crime to romance, to action and mystery.
The first scene is gruesome, with a man who has been shot with what appears to be a canon to his face. Even the tracker dogs are avoiding the scene like the plague, leaving the agents baffled by the scene. Andee Trakes takes on the case, determined to get the bottom of the killer’s intentions, even if she stumbles across more than what she bargained for. Arthur Hubbard, the Special Agent in Charge of the case, is wary of her and how much she has been shifted around. Trakes takes it in her stride and proves that she is more than just a pretty face. She’s confident, smart and understands the motives of killers better than most.
One of my favorite characters was Professor Alwyn Lloyd. Lloyd is smooth, sexy and claims to be an Alpha werewolf. When Trakes goes to meet Lloyd for information, there is an instant attraction between the pair. However, there is more to Lloyd then meets the eye and Trake’s must divide her attention between her attraction to the Professor and government business. Lloyd provides deep intel into the history of werewolves, leaving the reader with the impression that they could potentially be a very real and alive.
Shadow of the Moon takes readers on a journey where they are able to visit the parks, city, and homes of the people who live in the great city of New York. Kwen Griffeth paints a picture of a busy city life and provides a stark imagery contrasted with Trakes visits to the countryside. Griffeth, as usual, provides a literary masterpiece that will capture the reader’s attention with its clever plot line and intriguing characters.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys being kept on their toes as they delve into crime, romance, and supernatural beings.
Pages: 336 | ASIN: B075XCD516
Shadow of the Moon: A Fantasy of Love, Murder and Werewolves
The grisly murder of a diplomat’s son in Central Park draw NYPD Detective Gerald Meeker and FBI Special Agent Andee Trakes into a twisted and confusing investigation. Within hours, the evidence indicates the man was executed in the manner saved for werewolves. Andee Trakes is assigned to liaison with a history professor, who is an expert on folklore and legends.
Professor Alwyn Lloyd, handsome, articulate and successful, not only agrees the method of death was indeed an execution, he claims to be a werewolf. Andee is torn between the desire to date the man and the suspicion to arrest him.
From the initial killing in the park, a bloody spree is ignited that soon has Andee and Lloyd forced to work together to protect themselves and family members.
Shadow of the Moon explores the world of werewolves and paints a picture of what is good about them, as well as bad. The story explains what is beautiful as well as ugly about the wolf.
The story is fast paced and full of interesting characters and several twists and turns to keep both the fantasy as well as the suspense and romance enthusiasts entertained.
