I truly didn’t have words when I finished this book! This was so beautifully written – the world-building was intricate and unique, and Raeve’s character pulled me in from the beginning.

I listened to the audiobook for this one, and it was really well-done. However, I would note that the audiobook was a little tough to follow along with because of all the world-building. I usually can keep up with audiobooks no problem, but even I was struggling with some of the terminology and names/places.

So, with that being said, I would probably recommend the physical or e-book for this one or in combination with the audiobook – that way you can reference the terminology as needed.

If you love an intricate fantasy realm with elemental powers, dragons, bad ass assassins, eternal love, and an impending rebellion, then this one is for you!

*** SPOILERS AHEAD – If you want the spoiler-free Goodreads synopsis, jump to the bottom of my post!

I was definitely shaken at that ending, and now I cannot wait for book two. I have to admit that Elluin’s mysterious ending and Raeve’s mysterious past were KILLING me though throughout the book – I’m truly an impatient reader. EVERY time Kaan was about to reveal her past, she would divert or the storyline would turn. I know the whole point is that Raeve can’t or doesn’t want to face the pain of Elluin’s past, but it was torturing me lol.

I think I’m most excited to see if Raeve bonds with Lirri in the next book (or maybe we get to see a healed Slatra?). The dragons are probably my favorite part of the book.

Now that we know Elluin’s downfall, will we get to see Raeve accept her truth early on in the next book? I sure hope so, but we at least now know that Kyzari is her (And Kaan’s) daughter. I am so proud of myself because I guessed that Nee belonged to Kyzari once we got to a certain point in the book.

I’m still unsure of how Elluin died – maybe I missed that – but I don’t think King’s betrayal was super clear besides that he blackmailed Elluin into marrying Kaan’s brother instead.

I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments!

Characters

Raeve/Elluin: I do love Raeve – it’s just her refusal to acknowledge Elluin’s past (or her current love for Kaan) is killllliiinnnnggg me.

The Other: I also hope we get further clarity on “The Other” within Raeve – is that part of her completely new since her rebirth or is it just a part of Elluin that remains hidden within Raeve because she doesn’t like to face the pain and flames? And okay, that last scene was amazing. Rekk deserved what he got.

Kaan: Wow, who wouldn’t love Kaan. The King of eternal love. The man literally spent years searching for every piece of Slatra’s shattered moon to piece her back together in honor of Elluin, his one true love. His love and respect for Elluin is just incredible to me, but it really shines through with how he treats and honors Raeve.

Veya: I think we have only just seen the beginning of Veya, and I really want to see her relationship with Raeve develop. I still want to know the mystery behind the bangal though and how she got it/why she got rid of it.

Quotes

Honestly, the writing in this book is so beautiful and emotional and moving and hilarious. But here are just a few:

“Chase death, Moonbeam. And I pray your bloodlust brings you the same sense of peace I feel just knowing you exist.”

“He’s fire and brimstone. I’m shattered ice. Our collision is steam and destruction, destined to dissipate, but I’ll gladly burn beneath him until the world comes crumbling down.”

“Sadness is like stones that stack inside you, making it harder to move.”

“I knew a female who died. Tragically. Whose lifeless body was sailed into the sky by the adoring beast at your back with my torn-out heart in her fucking fist,” he rasps, lifting his hand into a claw that he shakes in my face. “Her name was Elluin, and she laughed with the wind, cried with the rain. She angered with fire and bellowed with the ground.”

“but I’d die knowing I left something bright behind in this beautiful world sketched in so many shades of ugly.  I also like the idea of being able to fall from the sky and squash somebody if they piss me off.”

“So many assholes, so few fingers to count them all.”

GoodReads Synopsis

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker

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.

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