When the Moon Hatched: a romantasy that failed to live up to the hype

When the Moon Hatched is the first book in the Moonfall series by Sarah A Parker. When the Creators created their beloved dragons, they never expected they would fall and they punished those responsible. Raeve’s job is simply to kill. As a member of the rebel Fíur du Ath, she must complete her orders without being caught. When a well-known bounty hunter is employed by the Crown to capture members of the Ath, Raeve finds herself at the mercy of the Guild of Nobles who intended to use her as a political statement. Kaan Vaegor took the crown as king and continued his hunt for the moonshard when he stumbled across Raeve in shackles. As a song from the past begins to echo louder and louder, they learn of some truths that may be more dangerous than they ever imagined. 

When the Moon Hatched has been all over social media for a while with both rave and not so rave reviews. With a gorgeous cover and an intriguing premise, I was excited for the romantasy that story of “fast paced fantasy romance” with “witty banter and strong sassy protagonists.” The book is a beast at 576 pages and over 89 chapters. The prologue reeled me in; however, the rest of the book failed to keep me hooked. The author knows how to develop mood and atmosphere; however, I was bored and completely lost at times. There was so much going on with the magic system, the mythology and the politics that it was overwhelming. Overall, I was expecting to be taken to a magical world of action adventures and disappointed in this book. I do not recommend When the Moon Hatched. 

When the Moon Hatched is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Edgewood: the first book in a young adult sci fi action adventure series

Edgewood is the first book in the Edgewood series by Karen McQuestion. Russ Becker has found the late night walks along the quiet streets of his small town as an escape. One night it all changed as he witnessed a strange astronomical event in the sky. He soon discovers that he has gained extraordinary powers and he wasn’t the only one. He soon meets Mallory, a young girl with the power to control minds. Jameson can move objects with his thoughts and Nadia has developed empathic abilities. He learns that they have more in common than just their new abilities. As they are learning about their new abilities, they also learn there is a ruthless organization that wants to exploit their powers. As the enemy closes in and threatens Russ’s family, Russ and his new friends join forces and fight back. 

I am more familiar with Karen McQuestion’s contemporary fiction book and she is one of my go-to authors. The Edgewood series has always been on my radar to read. Edgewood is the first book in an action-packed sci-fi young adult novel. It does start off a bit slow, as most sci-fi stories do in my opinion, however, the story picks up and I was on the edge of my seat. I was Intrigued with Russ as a young man who suffers from insomnia. A series of strange events leads him to a small group of other extraordinary teenagers. As the story reveals hidden agendas and secret organizations, I had a few questions and suspicions that the story does not answer. However, overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend Edgewood. 

Edgewood is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Marked: a young adult action adventure dystopian novel

Marked by Bridget E Baker is the first book in the Sins of Our Ancestors series. All seventeen year old Ruby Behl wants is a good career match and to kiss her long time crush, Wesley Fairchild. It seems all that any teenage girl would want. However, Ruby doesn’t live in a normal world. Ten years ago, a deadly virus nearly wiped out the human race. Transmitted through touch so even the slightest contact is strictly prohibited. During an innocent game of Spin the Bottle, Ruby gets the opportunity to kiss Wesley. After their kiss, she learns that he has been Marked. She discovers that she may be the key to finding the cure. Now it is a race against time as she must search her mysterious past for a possible cure. 

I’ve been a fan of Bridget E Baker’s adult books and through her Facebook fan group, I discovered she also wrote young adult novels. A young adult dystopian novel with Hunger Games vibes, Marked is an action filled story with a mystery and “romance.”  I enjoyed Ruby as she discovers a strength and tenacity she didn’t know she had and fights through her self-doubt. Reluctantly at first, she is accompanied by Sam who proves he is a worthy ally to have at her side. I enjoyed Ruby and Sam’s interaction with each other and they make a great team. There were quite a few twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series. If you enjoy young adult dystopian stories, I recommend Marked. 

Marked is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook