Era of the Moon

by S. Frasher

The Trial…

It is their duty. A call to cleanse the Realm with blood, appease the Deities, and maintain order. Every decade, the Isle hosts a competition in which one heir from each of the three royal families must lead a clan of warriors in a one-hundred-day battle to the death. The prize is coveted above all else – to be crowned ruler over the entire Realm for the next ten years.

The Moon…

The Moon Monarchy’s future now rests in Cerilla’s hands. She never expected to be her nation’s champion, but once again her fate has been decided for her. Fate will continue to work in mysterious ways, especially when enemies become allies and the Trial becomes about much more than simply winning.

The Earth…

Forsaken by the Deities, the Earth Province is on the cusp of ruin. Callahan has much to gain from winning the Trial, and everything to lose. But when his heart gets involved the pressures of the Trial may prove to be too much for him to handle as one relationship threatens to put everything at risk – including his sanity.

The Sun…

Sebastian, the soon-to-be king of the Sun Dominion, has something to prove. His nation hasn’t won a Trial in nearly a century, and while his people are strong, their position in the Realm is not. He will do anything to change that – but a twist of fate may force him to reevaluate all his priorities.

To win, the champions must kill and outsmart their competitors, even when love and fate threaten to bring them all to their knees.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Enemies To Lovers, Fantasy Romance, Fiction, Ebooks

490 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2023

Reviews

[Danixdarling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book. I was captivated the whole time. I have two reasons I am not giving this 5 stars. One: just a few grammatical errors that my ocd couldn’t quite get past. Second: Feck. It bugged me every time my eyes saw the word it would make me cringe. Those two things were the books only downfall. Other than than that, I absolutely loved the journey this book took my imagination on. I’m always curious who would be played as the characters if this were a movie.

[Keila Rivera · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. This book had so much potential but i was left disappointed. I thought it would be a Survivor meets The Hunger Games kind of book with the concept of a trial between three kingdoms but it was very anticlimactic. I mean, one of the “challenges” was a freaking chess match! Granted, it wasn’t in detail but i feel it was a wasted opportunity to have a truly great book. Sadly, there were also many spelling errors that were hard to miss and were distracting from the story. And lastly, the romance in the book just fell flat. Im not sure if there was no chemistry or just not properly developed characters. Think enemies to lovers but more like fated/forced lovers but they don’t really do a great job of selling you the enemies part because it’s so brief. There’s quite a few sex scenes, but they almost seem unnecessary in some instances and reduce the main characters to sex maniacs who throw aside duty during a seemingly important trial…
It could use a re-write because the story is there, just needs fine tuning and a bit more development.

[Katherine Twomlow · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly one of the worst books I have ever read. Spelling mistakes, poor story line, sex scenes shoved everywhere but with almost zero chemistry.

[Megan Love Goodell · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read about 100 pages, the chapters are too long with grammar errors & the FMC irritated me with her indecisiveness lol

[Emarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This steamy enemies to lovers & fated mates is a very fun adventure that takes you on a roller coaster of emotions.

Cerilla is honor-bound and willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill her duties as Princess of the Moon Kingdom. Even if it means marrying for duty instead of love.

She is cunning and skilled with weapons & we love that in a strong willed -if not stubborn- FMC.

Callahan is the very powerful Prince of the Earth Kingdom and he doesn’t care what it takes or who he has to crush; Cerilla is his to defend and control.

Sebastian is the Prince of the Sun Kingdom and will play whatever games as ruthlessly as possible in order to win the favor of the gods for his kingdom.

[Evelyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead

Cringey and corny dialogue? Check

Blame it on the “mates”.

Story started out as promising but after they got mated they were unbearable. Had to skim through it just to see if there was more substance to the story. Spoiler alert: there’s not.

I’m never following Booktok recommendations again.

[Crispi · Rating 2 out of 5]

honestly idk why i finished reading this book. it was just okay. i knew where it was heading from the get go and was happy to see that play out but i feel like the book was longer than it needed to be. specifically the cave scenes. i feel like we were in the caves for so long.

someone said “sex scenes were shoved into this book” in another review and i feel like that’s the best way to put it. idk. it was fine. just don’t expect too much from it. would not read a second book if there is one

[Jessica Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I really thought I knew how the Tri-Wizard Tournament was gonna go and who the love interest was going to be and i was wrong on all accounts. It was a fun twist that I didn’t see coming, and it really got good then.

There was maybe too much time in the caves, but I also just might still be scarred from half of HOFAS being in a fucking cave.

The ending of the epilogue feels like there might be another book coming in this series but I can’t find any info about another book existing…? I would definitely read another book in this world.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Yoooooooo this book does not disappoint.

[Alex · Rating 1 out of 5]

I struggled to finish this and skimmed over quite a bit of it. The spicy parts weren’t good enough to redeem the lacklustre plot, and the plot wasn’t enthralling enough to distract from the disappointing sex scenes.

I wanted to like this book but it just got repetitive after a while, Sebastian and Cerilla were stuck in the cave for so long 😭 took slow burn to a whole other level that I just could not enjoy. Over and over they would get close to intimacy and then she would get angry and shut it down, and the same thing just kept repeating over and over. The same happened at the beginning with Ceri and Callahan, how many times did they have to nearly shag but just get interrupted my stupid stuff EVERY time 🙃

The narrative was just repetitive and the plot wasn’t fleshed out enough for me to really get into it. A lot of the characters are one dimensional which made it really difficult for me to fall in love with them. Callahan had essentially 0 redeemable qualities, don’t know how I was supposed to root for him. I was rooting for Sebastian even when him and ceri were trying to kill each other lol. Callahan had as much depth to him as a puddle in the desert, and most of the other characters weren’t much better.

The one star is basically for Sebastian, he’s my fave and seems to be the only character with any type of complexity or depth.

Overall, this book just really wasn’t my thing. Not enough thought into the plot and too repetitive in its plot points and descriptions. Mine also had a lot of typos, unfortunately, and the whole thing just felt generally clumsy.

This book would be suited to someone who likes spicy romantasy books, but not if you like world building and complex characters. This book was an easy, quick read for me, and could be enjoyable for those who like more basic spicy reads.

[Sofia Thein · Rating 2 out of 5]

The blurb of the book hooked me in. Always a fan of enemies to lovers, so it seemed like an exciting read, but the plot was very underwhelming.

The beginning was the best part of the book, the build up and strong FMC made it seem like a promising story and I was invested. I slowly lost interest during the middle part, but I couldn't tell if it was due to the shallowness of the characters or the pacing of the plot. I took a couple months of a break in between due to life responsibilities, so I do not want to completely blame the book for my loss of interest, but it did not thoroughly excite me for more.

There was one part of the book towards the end that drew me in, but I was confused at the abrupt stop of tone with a smut scene at the beginning of the next chapter. I was frustrated and confused how the characters could even fathom wanting to make love with the preceding events. As I continued reading, I felt like there were more questions about the MCs, the events that occurred, and the how many things were not acknowledged by side characters.

TLDR: The concept of the book had great potential, but failed with poor characters, stories, and tone.

[Carina · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really did not enjoy this book at all. It was another that the only reason I did not DNF it was that it was slightly better reading this than it was to stare out the window whilst waiting for a ferry. It was a two hour wait and I do still wonder if just cloud watching would have been more enjoyable...

I started to dislike this book when the first male started day-dreaming about subjugating the female character in rather graphic detail. On the plus side it was the quickest I have ever seen the 'heroic' lead ever become the villain.

The other characters seemed to have split personalites, and the plot needs dictated which personality you saw. Add in the smut scenes (most of which were at the most RIDICULOUS times) and I almost rolled my eyes out of my head.

[Austin Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going into this novel I was a little apprehensive. Not really my genre, I heard about certain content in this book I didn't think I'd be too fond of, a brand new author to me as well but I will say, when I finished the novel I was glad I pushed through and finished the book. The concept alone in this story is amazing. The conflict is great, the setting is mesmerizing, the magic system is one of the best systems I've read in a while, the wittiness, banter, and chemistry between quite a few of the characters is wonderful it even had me audibly laugh a few times.

I never found myself having an issue with the pacing or the timeline. I even saw some other reviews that had some issues with spending too much time in certain places but I never had any issues with that, those scenes felt fine and well paced as well.

I did take one star off just due to some of the spice feeling abrupt and out of place, mostly in the last third of the book or maybe out of priority would be a better way to put it. Sometimes it felt like characters would be in a situation where that shouldn't be at the top of their mind but it could just be me being new to the genre but I'll stay open minded.

I was happy to read the epilogue and see that it seems like this will be the start to a series and if so I'll be glad to hop back into this world in the future to read any sequels to this novel. Would love some more background on the world or just lore in general as I said the fantasy aspects of this book were definitely working for me.

[Megan Russ · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much potential

I honestly contemplated giving this book two stars but I don't want it to come across as a bad review I really really liked the story. I think this fantasy story has a lot of potential there are amazing elements to this story that S. Frasher has built and I believe that the elements are there for a great plot. The idea of countries that were once unified that have been divided by the gods to stand trial every decade sounds like an amazing idea and going into it I think had there been more showing unless telling I would have given this book a much better rating.
I greatly enjoyed the blending of fantasy and mythology. However where I took issue was characters like Adam or Adonis from Christianity and Greek mythology making their way into a fantasy world that in theory has no belief in these people from our world.
They're also quite a few typos that I hope that the author can go through and grab out because that was a little bit distracting especially one that was just a whole bunch of jumbled keys and possibility letters that maybe the keyboard just got hit while they were typing.
as much as I enjoyed the era of the moon I might not be picking up book two because of the glaring issues that were in book 1 but I do appreciate this great story and this great idea and I hope that perhaps in the future the author can go through and perhaps edit it and make it even better than it already is.

[G. Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the absolute pleasure of reading this as an arc reader and a beta reader.

To start I love the prologue, it really sets the mood of the story and enlightens the reader enough but not too much about what is to come in this novel. One of my favourite things about S. Frasher's books are her worldbuilding, she is phenomenal. I have been an arc reader twice for her, have read more of her books and it is something that is consistent in all of her novels. You feel as if you are a part of the story, a character in the world she is creating and I adore that!

I love S. Frasher's writing style, it is effortless and flows beautifully throughout this book and all of the books that she has written. My problem with her books is knowing when to put them down. I was beta reading her first draft and I got that into the story that before I knew it, it was gone two o'clock in the morning. Now I won't spoil this book for you but if you are lover of forbidden romance, prophecy's, grumpy x sunshine, Hunger Games, fantasy, romance, shocks, twists and turns at every turn this book is for you. Would I recommend this book? 100%

P.s If you have ordered this book check the acknowledgements when you get it you'll find me there don't believe me? You'll just have to buy it, check and see for yourself.

[Dana Weingarten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story, there is so much potential going forward. I would very much like to read what happens next.

The main reason I am not giving 5 stars is due to consistent grammatical errors throughout the whole book. I am not an expert when it comes to grammar so when I notice it, I feel like that’s a true indication that error is afoot.

Another reason is that there were certain scenes/events that I felt carried on too long when those pages could have been utilized to advance the story forward or dig deeper into character development/ dynamic exploration.

THAT BEING SAID, I truly did enjoy it and am invested in the plot and characters.

[Erika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, this book is just okay. Some scenes could have been much longer, while some could have been much shorter. I also felt like some of the wording was just filler, and could have been cut down. I'm not attached to any of the characters, as I don't know that I got enough of a back story for each of the characters, it really only was in the first 10% and last few pages that backgrounds and families were talked about, which the characters needed that depth. The plot is interesting with a neat concept, but the character development was really lacking and made it hard to get in to because of it.

[Karm · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was very hard to get through and I ended skipping chapters feeling like I didn’t miss anything at all.

I’m not a fan of the writing style, where it was everyone’s point of view the entire time, every convo and every other paragraph would switch and hard to keep track or know who was talking in some points. It was also in the third person which isn’t one of my favorites.

The whole mating thing was annoying and honestly not my favorite. That’s saying something since I’m a fan of fated mates but the way this was done was just very cringe worthy. It wasn’t even romantic, instead I got a very big ick from it. It was more like forced mates…

[Tasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fated mates, live longer, magic, elemental magic, goddesses, enemies to lovers, slow paced, mild spice

Not written in the first person so took a lot for me personally to stay focused as bounced between character in the same paragraph. So you knew all their thoughts and feelings and I found it hard to focus.

The plot I think is setting it up for another book so could explain why not much happens but lots pf understanding the characters thoughts etc.

I was invested in the characters just struggled to keep them separate.

[Kaela Tyrrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and different read- a little spice

I have been in a reading slump and have tired of fae stories. I found this book and loved that is was different with a trial involved. It was fun and had different creative elements and some twists. It did have some repetition once the main characters got together and could have expanded a little more during the trial, but would recommend. Spice was a 2/5, hoping for a book 2

[Zuko has a Bride · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the idea and the one she ends up with was my favorite but after some point it gets hard to read. There quite a few mistakes in this book not just in grammar bit in general. The author uses words such as disco ball and endorphins in a universe where they don't 'exist'. There is a lot of smut in the book, pointless shut if you ask my opinion. The relationship between all the characters with each other is weak and there is no character development.

[Ashley Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing as always

I give this book 5 stars because the action is so well timed. I was worried during the cave scenes that it would get boring but as always S. Frasher hit it out of the park. I love that this is a TRUE enemies to lovers and the spice..... Holy smokes...this was definitely spicier than the last series I read by S. Frasher. Over all absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read the next release.

[Noelle Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Era of the Moon was everything that I wanted it to be. Enemies to lovers with a side of world impacting competition. The characters are endearing with enough spice to keep you hooked. S. Frasher does an amazing job of building the scene with words, I could picture the story unfolding as I was reading it. Highly recommend!

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book had a very good idea but it was not carried out efficiently. It felt like a Wattpad book. I came into it thinking it was similar to the hunger games with more Romance (based on reviews) but it was just straight up romance with a hint of hunger games. The plot was lost and the characters fell short.

[hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOD i swear i’ll never shut up about this book. where the hype at??? the writing was really good and THE TROPES?!!? don’t even get me started it was everything. maybe gives stars was a bit much but i’m a reader for the vibes and THIS BOOK HAD ALL THE VIBES i was kicking my feet, giggling, crying, the whole shebang

[echo · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow

Amazing this was everything I wanted it to be omg the enemies to lovers and the spice loved the story building so much and loved the competition it was written so good really enjoyed this so much first time reading this author and definitely not the last

[Cristen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I downloaded this book from the kindle sale that someone recommended and thankfully did not spend money on it. Was not into it at all from the get go, but some people might like the type of feel(?) this book may have so good for them. Just was not for me.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This starts off slow, but I’m so glad I persevered, because it’s a great read.
I loved the trials, the magic and the chemistry between the two main characters.
It’s paced well, the plot is good and the spice is done well.
This is a great read for any fantasy romance lover.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this read. I felt like it could have been 2 books because there is so much story to it! It's got a Hunger Games vibe but with mates!
It was a fun, easy to read adventure with love and character growth!

[Chela Coronado Olvera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book from this author and I was not disappointed. This is my first book to read about a competition type of read, I really enjoyed it. I cant wait to see what’s more to come

[Jeni · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea of this book was great, but the execution fell flat.
I felt like I was trudging through mud trying to progress.