nytxia's review
4.0
I was offered a copy of this novella by the authors. This novella gets 3.5 stars from me, which means 4 stars on any websites that do not accept half-stars.
The Plot
The plot moved slowly but in a way that easily caught my interest. Despite the intriguing world-building, the story is not so much a conflict based story, but more of a character driven narrative. The Fantasy setting serves as an interesting stage for several internal struggles. The premise was excellent, there was depth in it too. Considering this is the first volume, I would understand that many of the unanswered questions could still be answered later in the series, and that the initial stage of world building would serve a greater purpose. However, I did feel, as a reader, that I was not fed enough information, which was a shame, because I was really interested to know more. The other issue is the fact that this novella feels more like an introduction than an actual full story - and I am not blaming the length of the book. Apart from that, Faith and Moonlight did pique my interest and made me curious to read the rest of the series.
The Characters
The story is mostly focused on the orphans Kay and Roan. These characters are refreshing within the Young Adult genre, they feel extremely real and genuine. You might like them or dislike them, but I assure you that you will 'feel' something. Their actions and decisions, even if you don't agree with them, suit their personality and make perfect sense. I was not as invested in any other characters, but I can imagine they might be relevant in the following volumes.
The Writing Style
This is a pleasantly well done third person limited narrative, multi-POV alternating between Kay and Roan. Transitions in time and plot development are very well done too. The story telling is excellent, very clear and expressive, it makes us jump straight into the mind of each character.
The Plot
The plot moved slowly but in a way that easily caught my interest. Despite the intriguing world-building, the story is not so much a conflict based story, but more of a character driven narrative. The Fantasy setting serves as an interesting stage for several internal struggles. The premise was excellent, there was depth in it too. Considering this is the first volume, I would understand that many of the unanswered questions could still be answered later in the series, and that the initial stage of world building would serve a greater purpose. However, I did feel, as a reader, that I was not fed enough information, which was a shame, because I was really interested to know more. The other issue is the fact that this novella feels more like an introduction than an actual full story - and I am not blaming the length of the book. Apart from that, Faith and Moonlight did pique my interest and made me curious to read the rest of the series.
The Characters
The story is mostly focused on the orphans Kay and Roan. These characters are refreshing within the Young Adult genre, they feel extremely real and genuine. You might like them or dislike them, but I assure you that you will 'feel' something. Their actions and decisions, even if you don't agree with them, suit their personality and make perfect sense. I was not as invested in any other characters, but I can imagine they might be relevant in the following volumes.
The Writing Style
This is a pleasantly well done third person limited narrative, multi-POV alternating between Kay and Roan. Transitions in time and plot development are very well done too. The story telling is excellent, very clear and expressive, it makes us jump straight into the mind of each character.
beammey's review
5.0
I think this was one of my favorite books by Gelineau and King thus far that I've read (I still have Skinshaper left). I connected with Kay and Roan from the very first page and just wanted what was best for them. I felt for them so, so much. Their struggles, their need to stay together, acclimate to a new place, training, etc. I loved this book. It left off at such a cliffhanger too! I would recommend this book. 5 out of 5 stars. I can't wait for book two!
elvenavari's review
3.0
I'm torn as to what to give this book... On one hand, it was well written and I liked the way the characters were developed. The magic in the book seems really interesting, I just wish we had either gotten to see more of it or gotten more of the history. I think we would have except that the last 15% of the book was previews for other books.
urlphantomhive's review
4.0
3.5 Stars
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
Faith and Moonlight is part of The Echoes of the Ascended which contains four different plots, in four different series, set in the same universe, but with different genres for each book.
This book features Kay and Roan who enter into a magic school where they have one month to proof themselves.
These were very interesting characters again. I would really like to see their dynamics and problems in the next books of these series. Also, I started to see links between the books of which I think we'll be seeing a lot more in the coming books. (And which is something I always really like to look for).
This was the first round of four novellas and I really enjoyed reading them. I'm looking forward to the next batch!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
Faith and Moonlight is part of The Echoes of the Ascended which contains four different plots, in four different series, set in the same universe, but with different genres for each book.
This book features Kay and Roan who enter into a magic school where they have one month to proof themselves.
These were very interesting characters again. I would really like to see their dynamics and problems in the next books of these series. Also, I started to see links between the books of which I think we'll be seeing a lot more in the coming books. (And which is something I always really like to look for).
This was the first round of four novellas and I really enjoyed reading them. I'm looking forward to the next batch!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
bookwormbunny's review
5.0
Faith and Moonlight is the first in its storyline introducing us to two new characters: Roan and Alys in this section of the Echoes of the Ascended. They are both orphans all but five of who remain of an orphanage that burned down. They are heading to the Razor School of Faith in hopes that they will be accepted and be able to start new lives there and become Razors. But one must be able to pierce the veil in order to become a Razor and neither one of these have…or so they think and most have been training by their age and been able to do so. They are given a set amount of time to accomplish this task or they must leave the school and so the task begins. One begins to excel quickly but the other struggles…but will the one who struggles have the strength and resolve to walk away from the other if they must? They made a promise to stay together no matter what but what do you do when one is called and you are not?
This book is really and truly engaging for sure. You follow Roan and Alys as they struggle to become what it is that they want to be so that they can stay together but you quickly see that one is called to it while the other is not. But what price will the other pay so that they can stay? We are introduced to other characters who show us that they will have an important role in their futures as their story progresses and it continues to get more interesting as you see and learn that there are a variety of different types of Razors and that there are some who are called and meant to become true Ascended.
For a first book this one is really good. It leaves you with quite a few questions when it ends though but that is the point. So that when the next book comes out you’ll be more engaged to pick it up and learn more about them as they grow and evolve. I think that some of us who read this will feel a connection to Roan while others of us (myself included) will lean more toward Alys who has no real desire to fight but feels she must. But which ever character you are more compelled towards you will enjoy this, yet another engaging work by Joe King and Mark Gelineau, very much and will come back for more.
I give Faith and Moonlight 4 out of 5 stars. Can’t wait to read the read the next book in this engaging series.
***I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review and the opinions stated are solely my own.***
This book is really and truly engaging for sure. You follow Roan and Alys as they struggle to become what it is that they want to be so that they can stay together but you quickly see that one is called to it while the other is not. But what price will the other pay so that they can stay? We are introduced to other characters who show us that they will have an important role in their futures as their story progresses and it continues to get more interesting as you see and learn that there are a variety of different types of Razors and that there are some who are called and meant to become true Ascended.
For a first book this one is really good. It leaves you with quite a few questions when it ends though but that is the point. So that when the next book comes out you’ll be more engaged to pick it up and learn more about them as they grow and evolve. I think that some of us who read this will feel a connection to Roan while others of us (myself included) will lean more toward Alys who has no real desire to fight but feels she must. But which ever character you are more compelled towards you will enjoy this, yet another engaging work by Joe King and Mark Gelineau, very much and will come back for more.
I give Faith and Moonlight 4 out of 5 stars. Can’t wait to read the read the next book in this engaging series.
***I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review and the opinions stated are solely my own.***
just_hebah's review
4.0
Having recently read [b:A Reaper of Stone|26721866|A Reaper of Stone (A Reaper of Stone #1)|Mark Gelineau|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1442718604s/26721866.jpg|46084021], I was looking forward to more visits to the world of Echoes of the Ascended. While the former was more of a political intrigue story, this one felt much more YA in conflict and is more in the vein of "gifted students go to school to learn how to use their talents."
Or, at least, that's the case for Roan, who takes to his lessons ably, while Kay falters at every step. The orphans vowed to stick together after tragedy tore their lives apart, but their relative abilities (or lack thereof) may tear them apart after all. With only a set amount of time to prove their worthiness, difficult decisions must be made, the ramifications of which, maddeningly, are not to be revealed until a separate novella. That said, the central conflict is answered, yet in a way that leaves this reader waiting for the next installment. If I have one complaint, it's that the epilogue feels a bit abrupt, which perhaps could have been bridged a bit more smoothly with a little more development after the climactic, life-changing decision made by one of the main characters. (Good thing I have part 2 downloaded already!)
The School of Faith is a fascinating setting, with unique challenges like walking the Rose, a test in agility and wits, or its sometimes tangible glimpses of the history of the Ascended. It fills in some of the knowledge of Razors, the warriors of this world, and the potential power they can yield. The student life, of course, has its hierarchy and rituals and mild hazing, but with its own unique flavor. Worldbuilding is handled sparingly, with enough glimpses of the larger world to incite interest but not so much as to detract from the plot or pacing, something I am coming to appreciate in fantasy novellas.
Faith and Moonlight reminded me a bit of [b:Skyborn|25066567|Skyborn (Seraphim, #1)|David Dalglish|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1435146051s/25066567.jpg|44751187], with its training of would-be warriors and the difficulties of two close siblings (or near-siblings, in Roan and Kay's case) and the jealousy, conflict, and anxiety present in both sides when one half is more capable than the other.
I was recently telling a coworker that as much as I love fantasy as a genre, I didn't care for much YA fantasy, but Empires of the Ascended may have me changing my tune.
Copy received free from Netgalley in exchange for honest review.
Or, at least, that's the case for Roan, who takes to his lessons ably, while Kay falters at every step. The orphans vowed to stick together after tragedy tore their lives apart, but their relative abilities (or lack thereof) may tear them apart after all. With only a set amount of time to prove their worthiness, difficult decisions must be made, the ramifications of which, maddeningly, are not to be revealed until a separate novella. That said, the central conflict is answered, yet in a way that leaves this reader waiting for the next installment. If I have one complaint, it's that the epilogue feels a bit abrupt, which perhaps could have been bridged a bit more smoothly with a little more development after the climactic, life-changing decision made by one of the main characters. (Good thing I have part 2 downloaded already!)
The School of Faith is a fascinating setting, with unique challenges like walking the Rose, a test in agility and wits, or its sometimes tangible glimpses of the history of the Ascended. It fills in some of the knowledge of Razors, the warriors of this world, and the potential power they can yield. The student life, of course, has its hierarchy and rituals and mild hazing, but with its own unique flavor. Worldbuilding is handled sparingly, with enough glimpses of the larger world to incite interest but not so much as to detract from the plot or pacing, something I am coming to appreciate in fantasy novellas.
Faith and Moonlight reminded me a bit of [b:Skyborn|25066567|Skyborn (Seraphim, #1)|David Dalglish|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1435146051s/25066567.jpg|44751187], with its training of would-be warriors and the difficulties of two close siblings (or near-siblings, in Roan and Kay's case) and the jealousy, conflict, and anxiety present in both sides when one half is more capable than the other.
I was recently telling a coworker that as much as I love fantasy as a genre, I didn't care for much YA fantasy, but Empires of the Ascended may have me changing my tune.
Copy received free from Netgalley in exchange for honest review.
coolcurrybooks's review
3.0
Faith and Moonlight is a stand alone novella that takes place within a larger world and series of novellas. After a fire destroys their orphanage, Roan and Kay apply to the School of Faith and are given one month to prove that they deserve admittance. Roan is naturally gifted, but Kay struggles to keep up. The two swore that they would stick together, but can Kay gain entrance to the school? And if she can’t, would it be fair for Roan to leave his dream because of her?
The School of Faith seems to be mostly training to become an elite fighter with some magical mysticism thrown in. It’s one of five related schools, all of which have a shared legendary background. The world building seems interesting, but I have a lot of questions – what’s keeping these warrior training schools going if no wars are being fought? Why haven’t they lost prestige? I don’t really hold this against Faith and Moonlight though, since I’d probably have to read more stories set in the world to get a feel for how things work.
Faith and Moonlight‘s biggest problem is its sheer brevity. It does not feel like a complete story. In fact, I feel like it ends right where the more interesting things should start to happen.
The biggest conflict driving the story was whether Kay would make it into the school and how and if the two friends (and probable love interests) would stick together. Unfortunately, Kay makes hardly any actions of her own. She mostly just rides the coattails of Roan’s decisions.
Kay only makes one decision in the entire book, and it’s at the very end. The book ends before you get to see any ramifications of her decision. This is what I mean when I say Faith and Moonlight doesn’t feel like a complete story.
I’m not adverse to reading more set in this world, but I wouldn’t recommend Faith and Moonlight as a stand alone story.
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
I received a free ARC copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The School of Faith seems to be mostly training to become an elite fighter with some magical mysticism thrown in. It’s one of five related schools, all of which have a shared legendary background. The world building seems interesting, but I have a lot of questions – what’s keeping these warrior training schools going if no wars are being fought? Why haven’t they lost prestige? I don’t really hold this against Faith and Moonlight though, since I’d probably have to read more stories set in the world to get a feel for how things work.
Faith and Moonlight‘s biggest problem is its sheer brevity. It does not feel like a complete story. In fact, I feel like it ends right where the more interesting things should start to happen.
The biggest conflict driving the story was whether Kay would make it into the school and how and if the two friends (and probable love interests) would stick together. Unfortunately, Kay makes hardly any actions of her own. She mostly just rides the coattails of Roan’s decisions.
Kay only makes one decision in the entire book, and it’s at the very end. The book ends before you get to see any ramifications of her decision. This is what I mean when I say Faith and Moonlight doesn’t feel like a complete story.
I’m not adverse to reading more set in this world, but I wouldn’t recommend Faith and Moonlight as a stand alone story.
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
I received a free ARC copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
keyapaha16's review
3.0
** I received this ebook for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence myself review at all. **
When I first saw this book's cover, I became pretty excited. Three artwork was great and the title sounded pretty cool. It almost reminded me of Tamora Peirce's books and I absolutely love her writing. So to say I had some high expectations for this book would be true.
All throughout the book, I had to keep reminding myself that the main characters were only 14 years of age. With the situations they find themselves in and the way their personalities and behaviors were written, I was always thinking they were older. I appreciated the way the author wrote all of the characters in the book. They had just enough depth for me to be intrigued of their adventures and want too know more, but not so complex that I ever felt confused trying to follow along in the story.
The one thing I find that I didn't like was the dialogue between the characters. At times, it felt a bit forced and juvenile and I wouldn't spend any extra time with it. Three were definitely some great bones there. Overall, I enjoyed getting to know the characters and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
I gave this book 3 magical stars!
When I first saw this book's cover, I became pretty excited. Three artwork was great and the title sounded pretty cool. It almost reminded me of Tamora Peirce's books and I absolutely love her writing. So to say I had some high expectations for this book would be true.
All throughout the book, I had to keep reminding myself that the main characters were only 14 years of age. With the situations they find themselves in and the way their personalities and behaviors were written, I was always thinking they were older. I appreciated the way the author wrote all of the characters in the book. They had just enough depth for me to be intrigued of their adventures and want too know more, but not so complex that I ever felt confused trying to follow along in the story.
The one thing I find that I didn't like was the dialogue between the characters. At times, it felt a bit forced and juvenile and I wouldn't spend any extra time with it. Three were definitely some great bones there. Overall, I enjoyed getting to know the characters and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
I gave this book 3 magical stars!
trisarey's review
4.0
The world development and writing are excellent, the best in the series so far. The setting, the School of Faith, is beautifully described–the structures and statues (which sound pretty impressive in their massive glory), the grounds, the attire, the rituals and pastimes. I could go on, but I think you get my point.
One of my favorite aspects of the narrative is the lore, which explores the history of Razors and how they came to be, and explains how they develop now. Something I’ve been eager to know since the first novella, but I like this slow reveal approach. The School of Faith’s depiction, the factions among students and their range of expertise, their hierarchy and interplay all made for fascinating reading. It grants us our first glimpse at young Razors before they become deadly weapons.
The action scenes are equally entertaining, of course. What starts off as goodhearted fun among the students of different factions quickly becomes a more intense battle of strength, agility, and power between two duelers. I took that “little” display as a bit of foreshadowing; I expect more conflict between those two in the next installment in this series, but we’ll see. Obviously, there’s much more to learn–about Roan and Kay, the School, Aedaron, the Ascended. And someone else, a highly skilled fighter–one of the best and one I overlooked initially. After you read the story, you’ll know who I mean.
And the characters. I couldn’t help feeling for them, especially Kay. I’m sure many of us can relate to her struggle. Wanting something so badly only to find that it’s not attainable, or not as easily attainable, as it once seemed.
And Roan. Watching Kay’s pain and devastation, but helpless to remedy her situation. Accepting that there are some things he can’t protect her from; some battles she must fight on her own. The pain is palpable–as is the excitement brought on by their new environment and companions. There’s a lot of conflict going on in their world–internal and external.
While I empathized with her, I did find it frustrating that Kay seemed to defeat herself before she even attempted some tasks. Maybe her self-defeatism was brought on by the imposed time limit, her inexperience with fighting, her affliction for comparing her progress to others’. I’m not sure. I suppose we’ll find out more as their story develops, and we learn more about Kay and how she thinks.
Not all the characters are moody though. Erik, Sabine, and Lillarn add a playfulness to the story that had me chuckling to myself. (That drew a few looks in my direction. But I have no regrets.)
What I find so surprising about this novella (as well as its companions) is the striking amount of detail compressed into such a short work of fiction. It skillfully manages to provide morsels of backstory, plot, and a few subplots. Just enough to quell your appetite for now, and, yet, whet it for more to come. (Now, I’m really hungry.)
The ending is shocking, leaving room for an intriguing storyline for our two protagonists. I’d really like to know just how powerful Roan is. And what consequences Kay will face, and how soon. I’m very eager to see what’s in store next for Roan and Kay, and how their all decisions will effect their futures together and apart.
*I received a free copy of Faith and Moonlight from NetGalley*
One of my favorite aspects of the narrative is the lore, which explores the history of Razors and how they came to be, and explains how they develop now. Something I’ve been eager to know since the first novella, but I like this slow reveal approach. The School of Faith’s depiction, the factions among students and their range of expertise, their hierarchy and interplay all made for fascinating reading. It grants us our first glimpse at young Razors before they become deadly weapons.
The action scenes are equally entertaining, of course. What starts off as goodhearted fun among the students of different factions quickly becomes a more intense battle of strength, agility, and power between two duelers. I took that “little” display as a bit of foreshadowing; I expect more conflict between those two in the next installment in this series, but we’ll see. Obviously, there’s much more to learn–about Roan and Kay, the School, Aedaron, the Ascended. And someone else, a highly skilled fighter–one of the best and one I overlooked initially. After you read the story, you’ll know who I mean.
And the characters. I couldn’t help feeling for them, especially Kay. I’m sure many of us can relate to her struggle. Wanting something so badly only to find that it’s not attainable, or not as easily attainable, as it once seemed.
And Roan. Watching Kay’s pain and devastation, but helpless to remedy her situation. Accepting that there are some things he can’t protect her from; some battles she must fight on her own. The pain is palpable–as is the excitement brought on by their new environment and companions. There’s a lot of conflict going on in their world–internal and external.
While I empathized with her, I did find it frustrating that Kay seemed to defeat herself before she even attempted some tasks. Maybe her self-defeatism was brought on by the imposed time limit, her inexperience with fighting, her affliction for comparing her progress to others’. I’m not sure. I suppose we’ll find out more as their story develops, and we learn more about Kay and how she thinks.
Not all the characters are moody though. Erik, Sabine, and Lillarn add a playfulness to the story that had me chuckling to myself. (That drew a few looks in my direction. But I have no regrets.)
What I find so surprising about this novella (as well as its companions) is the striking amount of detail compressed into such a short work of fiction. It skillfully manages to provide morsels of backstory, plot, and a few subplots. Just enough to quell your appetite for now, and, yet, whet it for more to come. (Now, I’m really hungry.)
The ending is shocking, leaving room for an intriguing storyline for our two protagonists. I’d really like to know just how powerful Roan is. And what consequences Kay will face, and how soon. I’m very eager to see what’s in store next for Roan and Kay, and how their all decisions will effect their futures together and apart.
*I received a free copy of Faith and Moonlight from NetGalley*
ssminski's review
4.0
I loved this! Faith and Moonlight did not disappoint, set in the same word as the others. However what set this novella apart from the others is that it shows the past, when Elinor, Roan, Kay, Alys, and Ferran were just orphans getting ready to experience destiny.
Faith and Moonlight follows Roan and Kay, the only two who did not split up, as they enter Razor school. Roan picks up the classes right away and "pierces the veil," aka tapping into the Ascended one's power, immediately, while Kay struggles. Will they be able to stick it out together, or will Kay be left in the dust, alone once again?
For some reason, this one felt less developed than the other Galineau and King novellas I have read. I am not sure if it is because it leaves the reader in suspense in the end or if it has to do with the fact that they are (presumably) younger than the other protagonists, but I wanted more. However, it was still an amazing read, and truly shows the ambitious plan that Galineau and King have in the works. Will all of our characters meet again for the final battle, Avengers style?
Faith and Moonlight follows Roan and Kay, the only two who did not split up, as they enter Razor school. Roan picks up the classes right away and "pierces the veil," aka tapping into the Ascended one's power, immediately, while Kay struggles. Will they be able to stick it out together, or will Kay be left in the dust, alone once again?
For some reason, this one felt less developed than the other Galineau and King novellas I have read. I am not sure if it is because it leaves the reader in suspense in the end or if it has to do with the fact that they are (presumably) younger than the other protagonists, but I wanted more. However, it was still an amazing read, and truly shows the ambitious plan that Galineau and King have in the works. Will all of our characters meet again for the final battle, Avengers style?