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Many Savage Moons
A smartly written contemporary fantasy influenced by the genre-bending styles of David Mitchell, V.E. Schwab, Benjamin Percy, and Lev Grossman.
In the space of a single afternoon, Nathaniel falls hard for Winter York, the beguiling, tattooed woman he meets at the local bookstore. She entrances him with her enigmatic sophistication, and the fact that she is avoiding another man only increases his interest. What starts as the perfect day ends in a violent home invasion when the man Winter is avoiding tracks her home.
Nathaniel fights him off, sure the worst is over. Winter, however, insists that the man is capable of a strange and twisted magic: once he touches someone, he can write them into dreams, dreams where that person can die. How does Winter know? She is the inspiration for the man’s fantasy book series, and she has seen her friends perish at the stroke of his pen.
Many Savage Moons is an unconventional love story full of literary references and haunting tattoos, set in a world where a writer wields fantastical powers over those who inspire his work. Straddling the literary and fantasy realms, Many Savage Moons is a compelling work of fiction.
In the space of a single afternoon, Nathaniel falls hard for Winter York, the beguiling, tattooed woman he meets at the local bookstore. She entrances him with her enigmatic sophistication, and the fact that she is avoiding another man only increases his interest. What starts as the perfect day ends in a violent home invasion when the man Winter is avoiding tracks her home.
Nathaniel fights him off, sure the worst is over. Winter, however, insists that the man is capable of a strange and twisted magic: once he touches someone, he can write them into dreams, dreams where that person can die. How does Winter know? She is the inspiration for the man’s fantasy book series, and she has seen her friends perish at the stroke of his pen.
Many Savage Moons is an unconventional love story full of literary references and haunting tattoos, set in a world where a writer wields fantastical powers over those who inspire his work. Straddling the literary and fantasy realms, Many Savage Moons is a compelling work of fiction.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2023
31 people are currently reading
4892 people want to read
About the author
Ben Spencer
8 books84 followersBen Spencer is the author of The Prophecy of the Yubriy Tree, Book One in the The Song of the Burning Heart universe. Ben writes character-driven fantasy full of style and heart.
Ben's fiction has appeared in Literary Orphans, Corner Bar Magazine, and Scholars & Rogues. He has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize. Please visit his newsletter at benspencer.substack.com and/or his website, benspencerwrites.com for more information.
Ben's fiction has appeared in Literary Orphans, Corner Bar Magazine, and Scholars & Rogues. He has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize. Please visit his newsletter at benspencer.substack.com and/or his website, benspencerwrites.com for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 6, 2023
Full disclosure: I won an autographed copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
What if the fictional twists and turns of a popular fantasy series had real life consequences?
Nathaniel Pilot had no idea what was in store for him when he met Winter York. He flirted. She responded. What seemed like a promising first date was going fine until the writer showed up. He pushes his way into Winter's home. Nathaniel fights him off. The worst appears over. But Winter tells him that his troubles have only begun. The man is a writer possessed of the ability to control the dreams of anyone he touches, and use the events in his popular fantasy book series. She knows this because she is the inspiration for his main character, and she has seen friends perish at the stroke of a pen. Because if they die in their dreams, they die in real life.
Just writing that summary helped me to see how contrived the whole thing is. Still, I won't lie: it was a fun read. If you've ever commented on how your favorite writers seem to enjoy torturing and/or killing your favorite characters (for instance, "George R.R. Martin, Stephen Moffatt, and Joss Whedon walk into a bar … and everyone you ever loved dies."), this book should resonate. It's an interesting hook for a story, and I was wondering right up until the end how it was all going to work out.
Ben Spencer does have a sadistic habit of ending a scene on a pivotal moment, and then jumping forward in time, eventually revealing the outcome of said pivotal moment in a flashback. He's an evil man, and I mean that in the kindest, most loving way possible.
As I said, an enjoyable book. The premise is intriguing, the characters memorable … Definitely check this out if you get a chance. Recommended.
What if the fictional twists and turns of a popular fantasy series had real life consequences?
Nathaniel Pilot had no idea what was in store for him when he met Winter York. He flirted. She responded. What seemed like a promising first date was going fine until the writer showed up. He pushes his way into Winter's home. Nathaniel fights him off. The worst appears over. But Winter tells him that his troubles have only begun. The man is a writer possessed of the ability to control the dreams of anyone he touches, and use the events in his popular fantasy book series. She knows this because she is the inspiration for his main character, and she has seen friends perish at the stroke of a pen. Because if they die in their dreams, they die in real life.
Just writing that summary helped me to see how contrived the whole thing is. Still, I won't lie: it was a fun read. If you've ever commented on how your favorite writers seem to enjoy torturing and/or killing your favorite characters (for instance, "George R.R. Martin, Stephen Moffatt, and Joss Whedon walk into a bar … and everyone you ever loved dies."), this book should resonate. It's an interesting hook for a story, and I was wondering right up until the end how it was all going to work out.
Ben Spencer does have a sadistic habit of ending a scene on a pivotal moment, and then jumping forward in time, eventually revealing the outcome of said pivotal moment in a flashback. He's an evil man, and I mean that in the kindest, most loving way possible.
As I said, an enjoyable book. The premise is intriguing, the characters memorable … Definitely check this out if you get a chance. Recommended.
May 28, 2023
'Many Savage Moons' leaps off with an abrupt start, but as it unfolds, it ropes readers into a tense dreamworld that blends real-world drama with fantastical shadow selves that come out when characters go to sleep.
Ben Spencer creates a thrilling landscape that is vibrant, alive, and rich in lore both written and implied. The dreamworld within the novel feels massive and full of potential.
The primary antagonist, James Breach, is also crafted in such a way that his menace is explained and hinted at just enough, leaving much unspoken, which adds a sense of unpredictability and uncertainty to his character.
Overall, 'Many Savage Moons' is a wonderful blend of fantasy, adventure, and drama. Would recommend to readers looking for something new and unique.
Ben Spencer creates a thrilling landscape that is vibrant, alive, and rich in lore both written and implied. The dreamworld within the novel feels massive and full of potential.
The primary antagonist, James Breach, is also crafted in such a way that his menace is explained and hinted at just enough, leaving much unspoken, which adds a sense of unpredictability and uncertainty to his character.
Overall, 'Many Savage Moons' is a wonderful blend of fantasy, adventure, and drama. Would recommend to readers looking for something new and unique.
June 6, 2023
I have a book hangover from this one!
This is Inkheart, but the darker, beautiful Inkheart in the later books, mixed with Inception.
It's dark, it's so multi-layered, and it has beautiful prose. If I have to be super picky, I would like the author to drop some of his similes for other metaphorical language. But this author can turn a nice poetic sentence.
The characters! The ending!
I love the cover too. This is epic. It's just gone into my top 5 for 2023. It might be in my top 3.
This is Inkheart, but the darker, beautiful Inkheart in the later books, mixed with Inception.
It's dark, it's so multi-layered, and it has beautiful prose. If I have to be super picky, I would like the author to drop some of his similes for other metaphorical language. But this author can turn a nice poetic sentence.
The characters! The ending!
I love the cover too. This is epic. It's just gone into my top 5 for 2023. It might be in my top 3.
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February 3, 2024It's been really cool to see the reviews coming in for Many Savage Moons. If you enjoyed it, don't forget to tell your best reading buds about it. I'm greatly appreciative to anyone who takes the time to spread the word.
"But now here she stood, one of the front-of-the-mall folk, smoking a cigarette. He angled her way, the swirling smoke from her cigarette beckoning him closer like witch's fingers. Tasty in the nostrils. She saw him and bit."
If you'd like to check out more of my work, please don't hesitate to sign up for my email newsletter over at https://benspencer.substack.com/
"But now here she stood, one of the front-of-the-mall folk, smoking a cigarette. He angled her way, the swirling smoke from her cigarette beckoning him closer like witch's fingers. Tasty in the nostrils. She saw him and bit."
If you'd like to check out more of my work, please don't hesitate to sign up for my email newsletter over at https://benspencer.substack.com/
July 10, 2023
This was a quick fun read that I struggled to put down. Having finished, my soul hurts, the whole time rooting for the homies to get together only to have my hopes dashed by a man with a stupid looking hat. An absolute devastating right person wrong time that had me by throat. Idk how a feel about the time jumps but it’s an artistic choice that provides some context to what’s happening in the “real world.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2023
I loved this! Such a suck-you-in sort of world, and never really a lull in the story. Would absolutely read this author again. I purchased it because it said if you like Lev Grossman or VE Schwab, you’d like this author. I think that’s so true!
January 16, 2025
Strange yet AWESOME!
I had this book on my TBR. I don't remember where I got it but I took a chance and it was AWESOME. Winter and Nathaniel meet by chance and find an instant connection. Both are then thrust into the realm of 'Many Savage Moons'! It's crazy and so Good!!!!
I had this book on my TBR. I don't remember where I got it but I took a chance and it was AWESOME. Winter and Nathaniel meet by chance and find an instant connection. Both are then thrust into the realm of 'Many Savage Moons'! It's crazy and so Good!!!!
December 28, 2023
I usually steer away from books in the “fantasy” genre. I decided to give this one a try due to other books by the author that I really enjoyed. I’m not sure “fantasy” fits for this book. There are no wizards, magicians, dragons, etc. like the stereotypical “fantasy” novel. It does incorporate some unexplained supernatural concepts, but nothing that borderlines “fantasy” to the extent of the typical for that genre. This is a full bore novel with entertaining, captivating, and complex storylines that engulf the reader in multiple worlds simultaneously.
I was intrigued by the love story, that is not a love story; the storyline within the storyline; the duplicity of characters that is beyond the characters’ control. The book is well structured to build the story. It develops in an intriguing way around the main character, but the heroine is not in control of the outcome. It is ingenious in how it intertwines two different worlds: dream and waking.
The book is a relatively quick read. It is well written and has easily digestible sections/segments. The second half of the book is so intriguing it is hard to put down. Overall, it is one of the best books I’ve read this year.
I was intrigued by the love story, that is not a love story; the storyline within the storyline; the duplicity of characters that is beyond the characters’ control. The book is well structured to build the story. It develops in an intriguing way around the main character, but the heroine is not in control of the outcome. It is ingenious in how it intertwines two different worlds: dream and waking.
The book is a relatively quick read. It is well written and has easily digestible sections/segments. The second half of the book is so intriguing it is hard to put down. Overall, it is one of the best books I’ve read this year.
May 24, 2023
Disclaimer: I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I really loved the concept of this book. It was like a weird fiction writer Nightmare on Elm Street situation. I always love the “if you die in the dream/game you die in real life” trope.
I really enjoyed the character of Winter. Solid BBEG. The ending was great.
My only critique of the book was that the chapter structure was not consistent throughout the book. It made it hard to get into a flow. Also, some descriptions and sections were clunky and repetitive. With a tad more editing and structure this book would be great.
I really loved the concept of this book. It was like a weird fiction writer Nightmare on Elm Street situation. I always love the “if you die in the dream/game you die in real life” trope.
I really enjoyed the character of Winter. Solid BBEG. The ending was great.
My only critique of the book was that the chapter structure was not consistent throughout the book. It made it hard to get into a flow. Also, some descriptions and sections were clunky and repetitive. With a tad more editing and structure this book would be great.
June 14, 2025
Many Savage Moons takes place in a modern setting—one not too many moons ago. The opening pages were so charming that they swept me up right away and they set the tone at once without missing a beat. Ben’s style and writer’s voice is so lovely; it moves smoothly and poetically without irony or trying too hard to be as much. He uses metaphors expertly and with great strength, alternating deftly between said metaphors and similes which paint a lovely and detailed picture of the story that unfolds. The concept of this novel is a refreshingly unique one in an age where it is seemingly so hard to be unique. I highly recommend this book—it is my first encounter with Ben’s work and I find myself spellbound, eager to seek out his other works.
June 3, 2023
I won this book from Goodreads. Which is great, but doesn't affect my review, I loved this book! Got sucked in to storyline right away, and held my interest. Only complaint is that it was short. I would have given 4.5 stars if I could have. I reserve 5 stars for life changing books. Definitely going to look for more of his work.
January 16, 2025
Strange yet AWESOME!
I had this book on my TBR. I don't remember where I got it but I took a chance and it was AWESOME. Winter and Nathaniel meet by chance and find an instant connection. Both are then thrust into the realm of 'Many Savage Moons'! It's crazy and so good! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had this book on my TBR. I don't remember where I got it but I took a chance and it was AWESOME. Winter and Nathaniel meet by chance and find an instant connection. Both are then thrust into the realm of 'Many Savage Moons'! It's crazy and so good! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 25, 2023
Great book, and it is a signed copy so am am excited.
August 18, 2024
Many Savage Moons takes on an entertaining format of a book within a book. This is fun and entertaining, though admittedly, there are a couple of scenes I have yet to fully decipher. However, the obscure areas seem to add to the flow of the cryptic nature.
Strong tropes of Ben Spencer's book include the characters, the craving of relationships, actions taken/not taken by those involved and the wonder of what could've been. Imbued with a contemporary familiarity, Nathaniel and Winter could be your neighbor or someone you know. Several other individuals exude strong temperaments, covetous natures, redeeming kindness and corrupt wickedness. One in particular drips evil and you just want to run when you know he is near.
This is one of the few times I wish the book had pictures, as it would be a bonus to see the tattoos!
Thank you for the free Kindle edition. I have voluntarily left an honest review.
Strong tropes of Ben Spencer's book include the characters, the craving of relationships, actions taken/not taken by those involved and the wonder of what could've been. Imbued with a contemporary familiarity, Nathaniel and Winter could be your neighbor or someone you know. Several other individuals exude strong temperaments, covetous natures, redeeming kindness and corrupt wickedness. One in particular drips evil and you just want to run when you know he is near.
This is one of the few times I wish the book had pictures, as it would be a bonus to see the tattoos!
Thank you for the free Kindle edition. I have voluntarily left an honest review.
October 13, 2024
Might contain some small spoilers.
I have no idea what it is with Ben Spencer's style that gets me hooked in a second. I wanted to read another book, saw this one, and just glanced over the first page. That was it. I dumped my plans and read Many Savage Moons - and it was a great decision! Now I don't know where to start explaining how much and why I love this book! The pace, the story line, the characters that are very complex as well as the relationships between them, the eerie atmosphere, the entanglement of fiction and reality,...
Nathaniel falls for a girl he saw in the bookstore and goes on a little adventure with her in a tattoo parlor. They end up in her apartment, but it turns out that the mystery that surrounds Winter is her involvement with a writer who can pull you inside his dream book world just by touching you. If you die inside the dream as his fantasy character, you will die in the real world as well. Winter sacrifice her short lived freedom to save Nathaniel from a certain death. After eleven years, they still remember each other, but Nathaniel is happily married and Winter is a prisoner and her all life is dictated by the fictional character she must become while dreaming.
I felt all of it! All the "love and heartache and melancholy mixed with horror and hopelessness" (quote from the book), and I am utterly in love with this story. It was so well written that I want to read it again and I've just finished it. 5/5 stars!
I have no idea what it is with Ben Spencer's style that gets me hooked in a second. I wanted to read another book, saw this one, and just glanced over the first page. That was it. I dumped my plans and read Many Savage Moons - and it was a great decision! Now I don't know where to start explaining how much and why I love this book! The pace, the story line, the characters that are very complex as well as the relationships between them, the eerie atmosphere, the entanglement of fiction and reality,...
Nathaniel falls for a girl he saw in the bookstore and goes on a little adventure with her in a tattoo parlor. They end up in her apartment, but it turns out that the mystery that surrounds Winter is her involvement with a writer who can pull you inside his dream book world just by touching you. If you die inside the dream as his fantasy character, you will die in the real world as well. Winter sacrifice her short lived freedom to save Nathaniel from a certain death. After eleven years, they still remember each other, but Nathaniel is happily married and Winter is a prisoner and her all life is dictated by the fictional character she must become while dreaming.
I felt all of it! All the "love and heartache and melancholy mixed with horror and hopelessness" (quote from the book), and I am utterly in love with this story. It was so well written that I want to read it again and I've just finished it. 5/5 stars!
August 22, 2023
Even though I haven't finished this and am putting it aside for a while I'm giving it 2 stars for what I've read so far (35%)
Im enjoying the premise - the power of the written word being life or death, the tattoos and more but I got slightly triggered by Winter's stalker. I'm definitely coming back to this.
Im enjoying the premise - the power of the written word being life or death, the tattoos and more but I got slightly triggered by Winter's stalker. I'm definitely coming back to this.
March 27, 2025
This one is hard to review
Is it fantasy? Is it literature? Is it both?
Winter has become the muse of a deranged fantasy author. But it's more than muse. He is able to drag her into dreams and use that to write his stories. But any harm done in dreams, pain-wise, follows into the real life. Including death with no wounds. Can she escape?
Is it fantasy? Is it literature? Is it both?
Winter has become the muse of a deranged fantasy author. But it's more than muse. He is able to drag her into dreams and use that to write his stories. But any harm done in dreams, pain-wise, follows into the real life. Including death with no wounds. Can she escape?
September 20, 2023
Very strange book.
Thanks to Goodreads for the kindle copy.
Thanks to Goodreads for the kindle copy.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews