Review: Oracle's Moon by Thea Harrison

As a second daughter, Grace Andreas never had to worry about the intrigues of the Elder Races. But when her sister, Petra, and Petra’s husband are both killed, Grace inherits the Power and responsibilities of the Oracle of Louisville, as well as her sister’s two young children – neither of which she is prepared for.

Yet, she is not alone. Khalil, Demonkind and Djinn prince of House Marid – driven by his genuine caring for the children – has decided to make himself a part of the household both as their guardian and as an exasperating counterpoint to Grace’s impudence toward the Elder Races.

But when an attempt is made on Grace’s life, she realizes that Khalil is the only one who can protect her – and offer her more than a mortal man…

Oracle's Moon picks right up from where Serpent's Kiss ended in the continuing Elder Races series.  I do think Oracle's Moon can be read alone, especially since Serpent's Kiss was my least favorite of the books.   Oracle's Moon brought me back to what I loved about this series in the first place:  extraordinary characters.

Grace Andreas never wanted to be an Oracle.  Her older sister, Petra, inherited the gift, and Grace was just fine without that kind of added pressure.  Then her sister and her brother-in-law are killed in an accident, Grace herself is injured, and she must attempt to raise her young niece and nephew while allowing the Oracle's power to integrate within her.  Her introduction in Serpent's Kiss is how Grace became acquainted with Khalil, Djinn prince. 

What I loved the most is that we see every aspect of Grace's life: the injury she'll continue to suffer from thanks to the accident; her financial concerns;  her exploration of her innate ability plus the power of the Oracle; and raising her sister's children on top of all that.  She first views Khalil as a nuisance, then comes to rely on him, especially to keep the children from harm.  We see this unlikely couple fall in love -- and it's sweet and passionate and amazing.  The subplot and major source of external conflict was a bit weak in my opinion, though I'm sure the repercussions will be felt by the  entire Wyr world in future books.