“When the Moon Hatched” is a fantasy romance novel that captivates with its unique plot, richly developed world, and the strong emotions it evokes.
Book Review: “When the Moon Hatched”
- Author: Sarah A. Parker
- Series: Moonfall #1
- Format: Kindle Edition (718 pages)
- Published: January 13, 2024
- ASIN: B0CNRY3M44
From the moment I first heard about When the Moon Hatched, I was filled with eager anticipation. Rarely has a book both impressed and irritated me as much as this one.
Plot
The narrative centers on Raeve, an unyielding assassin for the Fíur du Ath rebellion. Her role is to eliminate targets, and she is introduced with the genre’s signature traits: sharp-tongued, brash, and with an air of contempt that makes her initially unapproachable. The first-person narrative immerses readers in Raeve’s dark world, making her complex character challenging to connect with at first. However, as the story progresses, her mysterious past and defensive behavior unfold, revealing a multifaceted and vulnerable personality that becomes increasingly compelling.
Caan’s entrance shifts the story’s tone, adding depth and emotion. He embodies many familiar traits of a dark, brooding king while also displaying remarkable kindness and vulnerability. His journey to uncover Raeve’s past and his own inner struggles are beautifully portrayed. Every chapter from Caan’s perspective evoked a whirlwind of emotions, often leaving me close to tears. Sarah A. Parker excels at crafting deeply emotional moments, particularly through his character.
The romance is seamlessly integrated into the fantasy narrative, never overshadowing the plot. The story’s mysteries and unique twists kept me engaged, with the love story and the fantasy elements blending perfectly to enhance the overall experience.
World-Building
The world of When the Moon Hatched is intricate and imaginative. It features dragons, unique magic systems, and unfamiliar terms that require some patience to understand. Parker provides a glossary at the beginning, which is helpful, though the complexity of the world can feel overwhelming at first. The effort to adapt to the setting pays off as the story unfolds, revealing a richly developed and unexpected universe.
Rating
Despite its slow start and initial challenges, When the Moon Hatched is an exceptional addition to the fantasy genre. The physical edition of the book, with its colorful design and intricate cut-outs, adds to its appeal. The originality of the plot, the well-balanced romance, and the compelling characters ultimately convinced me that this book deserves a full five-star rating.
Sarah A. Parker has crafted a story that lingers in the mind, blending emotion, intrigue, and fantasy into a truly memorable experience.
The Creators did not expect their beloved dragons to sail skyward upon their end. To curl into balls just beyond gravity’s grip, littering the sky with tombstones. With moons.
They certainly did not expect them to fall.
As a valued Elding Blade of the rebellion group Fíur du Ath, Raeve’s job is to kill. To complete orders and never get caught. When a renowned bounty hunter is employed by The Crown to capture a member of the Ath, Raeve’s world is turned upside down. Blood spills, hearts break, and Raeve finds herself at the mercy of the Guild of Nobles—a group of dual-beaded elementals who intend to turn her into a political statement. Only death will set her free.
Crushed beneath a mourning weight, Kaan Vaegor took the head of a king and donned his melted crown. Now on a tireless quest to assuage the never-ebbing ache in his chest, his hunt for a moonshard lures him into the belly of Gore’s notorious prison where he stumbles upon something that rips apart his perception of reality. A shackled miracle with eyes full of rage and blood on her hands.
The echo of the past sings louder than the Creators themselves, and even Raeve can’t ignore the truths blaring at her from a warmer, happier time.
However.
There’s more to this song than meets the eye, and some truths …
They’re too poisonous to swallow.When the Moon Hatched is a fast-paced fantasy romance for fans of witty banter and strong, sassy protagonists. Beneath the cover is an immersive, vibrant world with mysterious creatures, a unique magic system, and a love that blazes through the ages.
