Recommended with Caution

This is the third book in the Full Moon trilogy. Celeste finally reveals to her friends that she likes Brandon and that they have been seeing each other. They are shocked that Celeste has been associating with a Westsider. Nash keeps trying to win her back, but he is also struggling with turning into an angry werewolf. Three other werewolves show up in town from a neighboring town. Turns out that adjoining towns have had werewolf legends. The three new werewolves are there to find girlfriends and turn them into werewolves. Ryder, the dangerous werewolf, is stalking Celeste and intends to turn her at the next full moon. Brandon gives Nash his serum and then splits the final vial with Ryder’s friends. His dad makes one final vial of serum and pleads with Brandon to use it for himself. All the girls are saved, the boys all become normal again…except for Brandon. He wants to remain a werewolf and throws the vial of serum away in the woods.

This was one of the most frustrating endings I have read in a very long time. The romance is a “happy ever after”, but the choice to stay a werewolf will leave most readers scratching their heads. Celeste was attracted to Brandon outside of full moon nights. There is nothing to suggest they would not be happy together.

This book would just be an addition to a school library if there is extra money in the budget. I would not recommend this series to a classroom teacher. It is just for fun reading. I agree that this book is formulaic, but I still think the dialogue and character development could have been stronger, even for middle school readers. It is a simple, quick read for those students looking for a book such as this. ( )