Daughter of the Moon

Guardians of the Fae Gate #1

by Isla Elrick

Guardian or deceiver? Princess or pawn? Only the moon remembers who I used to be...

As a huntress of Clan Stag Gréine, I’ve always been ready to defend my people to the last. But nothing could have prepared me for the conquest of the Aquilian Empire. With my sister’s body still warm in its grave, I am forced to serve the very people who destroyed her.

Until, at my breaking point, I'm lured into the forest by the mysterious fae Guardian, Hiberos.

Hiberos is fickle and secretive, yet his moonstone eyes draw me further and further under his spell. According to him, my recurring dreams of the lunar fae’s lost princess may not be dreams after all—they may be memories.

If I can cross through the Moon Gate and persuade the lunar fae to help me, I might stand a chance in defeating the Empire. But to prove I am their lost princess, I must first survive three deadly trials. And as I'm pulled into the spiral of my past lives, I begin to wonder ... is Hiberos my enemy, or is there a reason his soul calls to mine?

Daughter of the Moon is the first book in the Guardians of the Fae Gate series, a slow-burn, dark fantasy romance inspired by Celtic mythology. Featuring an unbreakable heroine, an enigmatic faun love interest, and vast worldbuilding, this is a must-read for fans of Throne of Glass, 80s dark fantasy films, and Pan's Labyrinth.

The spiciness increases as the series progresses. Full trigger warnings can be found on my website and in the front of the book.

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Romantasy, Romance, Mythology, Ebooks, Slow Burn

390 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2024

Reviews

[Amy C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is not for the faint of heart!

Isla Elrick brings to life complex characters in this futuristic realm of natives versus the overtaking empire. Mave, the FMC, works through a series of trials for the sake of her tribe but learns more about herself along the way than she bargained for. Dreams give her hints of a strange world unlike her own, and she meets a mysterious faun named Hiberos, who she struggles to pin as friend or foe. Mave is a warrior at heart with unwavering perseverance and fire. I am very much looking forward to the sequel after the cliffhanger Isla has us having onto for dear life!

As others have mentioned, the story can be a struggle in the beginning. The author has chosen to build a world reminiscent of Ireland and Celtic vibes. There's eventually a turning point in which the plot takes hold of your interest over the building, so it's a smoother read after that. There was an index for pronunciation of names at the end, but this would be best served at the beginning for reference and doesn't detract from the story. Many trigger warnings are listed and should be heeded. I especially appreciated knowing Mave's baby nephew was going to be okay ahead of time, as there are many perilous moments.

I was selected as an ARC reader in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Isla Elrick, for giving me an opportunity to read your book baby! I'm honored! Keep writing, girl!

[Nicole H. ✨️nicoledreamsofbooks✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Daughter of the Moon
Author: Isla Elrick
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: none, but gets spicier as the series goes on
Pub Date: May 31, 2024
77/125📚

Daughter of the Moon completely pulled me in! The writing is beautiful, the world is rich with magic and mystery, and the main character’s journey is both powerful and emotional. It’s the kind of story that lingers with you long after you finish. Mave, the FMC, goes through a series of trials, she has to trust herself and she finds it difficult to decipher if this faun she meets is friend or foe. I really couldn't put it down. A must-read for fans of atmospheric, character-driven fantasy! I definitely got Pan's Labyrinth vibes and I am here for it.

Please read through the trigger warnings, I appreciated them a lot for this read.

Thank you for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was graciously given an ARC to review and I cannot believe that I hadn’t read anything by this author before. This story completely drew me in by the end of the second chapter and I couldn’t put it down! The characters are beautifully unique, profound, and three-dimensional. Mave (the FMC) is so strong and tenacious and I absolutely loved her journey of self-discovery. Gaius (the villain) is absolutely abominable and spectacularly written for you to love to hate. The immaculate world building & imagery are second to none and I have to say that this was one of my favorite fantasy reads in a long while. This is just one of those books that will stick with you and I wish that I could go back and read it for the first time again.

[Heather E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was my first experience with Isla Elrick and it won’t be the last! Her writing style painted an amazingly detailed world that immediately drew you in. You felt like you were part of every battle and trial.

Mave is a hunter for her tribe and when the invading Aquilan Empire clashed with her village she loses more than she ever thought possible in the blink of an eye. Her perseverance and determination to follow her convictions is truly admirable. She is tested time and again by the enemy general but she always finds a way to survive, but not give in.

In her dreams she meets with a charming soul whom her own soul recognizes as its other half.

“The way stars love the moon, my rose, in their quiet and eternal yearning….”

This was an amazing first book in the series and I can’t wait for the next one!

[Ayesha Farhat · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really, really tried, but.. DNF’d at page 291 of 376.

This story tried so hard to be epic and valiant and meaningful, but its FMC was simply one dimensional and unlikeable. There was no gray, or anything to make me root for her. It’s so disappointing, because I do love the history of Britannia vs. Rome, but this book didn’t do it any type of justice.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC reader review
The triggers say everything you need to know, so if you continue to read. You've been warned

The world building is detailed so well, you can see it clearly.
Love how Mav isn't completely perfect but still a badass
The mystery of some characters got me very excited to see what will happen during the book. Not knowing what they are really up to is very entertaining
I very much dislike books that are too predictable, so this was a very good read for me.
Hopefully it will for many of you

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a bloody, wild, heartbreakingly fantastic ride!

I approached this book mostly blind, having only read the trigger warnings. Initially, I struggled with the pronunciation of words in the story's native language, which I thought would make it hard to get into. However, once I found the pronunciation guide and got a better grasp of the names and terms, I couldn't put it down! I was completely engrossed and could not put it down.

As a big fan of the video game Baldur's Gate 3, I could easily imagine this book fitting seamlessly into that universe. It evoked the same feelings I experienced while playing the game, from the laughs and heartaches to Isla's masterful portrayal of the intense hatred we feel toward the villain. I have to give this book 5 out of 5 stars and can't praise it enough.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughter of the Moon. My fellow readers, I have a new writer here. Let me start my review by saying this, I freaking love this book. This book was positively outstanding from beginning to end. Well, I will have to admit the beginning moves the story at a medium pace.
It’s where most of the language barriers, the names of people and places are addressed. Basically it’s getting you settled and comfortable with the book and the characters. Once you are a few chapters into the book that’s when the story picks up in the excitement. Maeve is the FMC. Her character brings a lot to the story. You would think that she was the queen of her peoples land. On her journey through the book, Maeve has witness and experienced torture that is Unfathomable. Her nephew is what keeps her going. The bond between these two is the strongest there is. There are friends and Allie’s who hide in the shadows, but you have to question, how strong is their bond?
After the locals land has been savagely taken. Their loved ones murdered before their eyes. Cries of torture in the wind travels to every corner, the people Maeve has called friends and family has lost hope. People are dying around you Maeve. What are you going to do? I’m going to find Eytin. Well now Gwynedd thinks that Maeve has gone mad and destined to get herself killed. I enjoyed the drama between Maeve, Gwynedd and Gaius. There’s so much to say about Gaius, but I think it’s better that you read about him. The book is unbelievably brilliant.
The writing is amazing. The writer connected the plot and each characters background story. The story was in the details and that was awesome. The book has great imagination. Well done. I give this book two snaps and a, oh Hiberos, you sneaky little— Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daughter of the Moon is vivid, intense and powerful. I felt drawn in from the very first chapter and was captivated by a rich world and unforgettable characters. The lead female is of course my favorite kind fierce undeniably strong and absolutely able to kick it and take names! I truly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

[PrettyBookish13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in absolute awe of this story and I need more!! What will become of Mave? I need to know what happens next!

[Kim Boggess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 


Daughter of the Moon follows Mave, one of the Eirin people, as the Aquilans invade her town. 


Mave is strong. Physically strong and incredibly headstrong. She gets a little frustrating at times, but her decisions all make sense. Her love and adoration of her sister Eytine is clear throughout. 


The world is full of magic, pain, and names that are very hard to pronounce. (Uaine? He's called Wayne in my head). 


Years ago, the Shift happened allowing all sorts of magic into the regular world. There are druids that can heal and transform people into animals; humanoid wolves; a definitely magical forest; and confusingly attractive tree faun.


There is also a lot of suffering. The Aquilans are vicious. There are detailed descriptions of the aftermath of physical torture, as well as bloody battles and emotional pain. There are many scenes that definitely pull at the heartstrings. 


Some of the names can be a bit daunting for us American English speakers. Most of the main characters are pretty easy: Mave, Gaius, Hiberos. But some of the side characters: Eytine, Uaine, and locations Geatacoil, Fraochgleann, I know I'm pronouncing wrong. (Fun fact, theres a pronunciation key in the back. Which I didn't realize until now).


The writing is gorgeous. There is so much detail about the forest along the edge of town. The writing works to bring that magic of the forest to life. There is also this beautiful fairytale feel to it. "The way stars love the moon, my rose, in their quiet and eternal yearning" is the most magical fairytale way to describe love and longing. 


I'll admit, at first, this was a little slow reading. There was a lot of detail in the beginning, and it lost my interest for a bit. However, as I kept reading, it hooked me more and more. This book embodies slow burn. The more I read, the more I needed to read more. 


I'm very ready for the sequel. 

[Bones · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The way the stars love the moon, my rose, in all their quiet and eternal yearning…”

Mave is a huntress in a village nestled deep in the forests of what was once Northern Ireland, where she shares a home with her adoptive guardian Gwynedd, her older sister and closest friend Eytine, and her newly born and not yet named nephew.
In spite of the secrets her sister has been keeping, mysterious dreams that feel just a bit too real, and the looming threat of invasion by the rapidly expanding Aquilan Empire, Mave is more or less content with her life amongst her family and her clansmen at the edge of the forest that gives them life. That is, until it all goes up in flames. In the aftermath, Mave begins to realize that her dreams of another life, and of the man who holds her through them, are realer than she could have ever imagined.

Inspired by beloved Del Toro classic Pans Labyrinth, 1986 Jim Henson masterpiece Labyrinth, fantasy fan favorite game series Dragon age, and (of course) Celtic mythology and paganism, Daughter of the Moon has all the shimmer and slime of a perfect dark fairytale.

Note that this book and the coming series are truly a dark fantasy, and this first entry in the trilogy explores immense grief and the devastation of colonialism in a way that will make your heart ache, your eyes sting, and anger rise in your chest along with the character you follow. Do take a look at the trigger warnings before diving in and see if this story is for you.

While the buildup in the first few chapters may be a bit slow (I mean hey, a bit hard not to do with the first book in a series in all fairness,) when the story starts moving it easily takes you with it on a wild and twisting ride through enchanted forests and through the barracks of a Roman cavalry and all the way to the kingdom of the Moon Fae.

The characters are all likable and easy to get attached to (especially the hilarious animal companion, my personal favorite character,) and while Mave may make decisions that will frustrate the reader, it’s always easy to understand why she does the things she does. It’s all for love! Of her family, her clansmen, her country, her culture, her language, her mind. It’s her passion for the things she holds dear that leads her through the narrative and through every trial she faces, fae or otherwise.

Isla Elrick has yet to fail in writing an absolutely riveting story that keeps you on the edge and in the moment from beginning to end, and I’ll be very eagerly waiting for the sequel.

[ThatBook Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an ARC Review.

(Warning: If you are looking for a light read, or a fun, light-hearted fantasy romance - this is not the book for you. This is a dark fantasy series that is beautifully written and well worth the read. I strongly encourage you to consider the trigger warnings before reading.)

“How can we let our fears hold us captive, when the cost of silence is far greater than the price of action?”

Those words embody the driving force of main character Mave, from the start of the book through to an act of courage that could change the course of history, and Mave’s life, forever.

Daughter of the Moon hits hard, and keeps hitting at every turn. This is my first experience with Isla Elrick’s writing, and she doesn't shy away from acknowledging difficult subjects like war, assimilation, death and loss. She writes in an impactful way that challenges the reader to assess their own beliefs and face the harsh reality that history is often written by the victors.

I found the first two chapters to be slow, in part because of the Irish names and words that are unfamiliar and difficult to figure out. (This is the reason for the loss of one star in my review.) There is a pronunciation guide at the back of the book, but I feel this would better serve readers at the start. I actually took screen captures and referenced the guide as I was reading. Once I hit chapter 3, the story captured me and I didn’t want to stop reading.

The story follows Mave, whose peaceful clan is threatened by a brutal and conquering Aquilan Empire, led by the sadistic Gaius who has an unusual and dangerous interest in her. Mave forces herself to endure demoralization and humiliation at the hands of those who deign to call her barbarian in order to ensure the safety of her clan and an infant she is obligated to care for.

What I enjoyed about this book is the strong female lead, with unwavering values and morals and the desire to do right by her clan. Being a warrior and hunter, Mave is at the front line against the invaders fighting for her friends and family. Despite witnessing shocking atrocities, Mave relentlessly fights in her own small way, never giving up hope of retribution and retaliation.

The theme of assimilation in this book really affected me. At times I found this difficult to read, but I am so glad I had the opportunity to. This is powerfully written, a true dark fantasy that captures and holds readers attention until the end, and will leave you wanting more.

The book takes a more fantasy-inspired turn as Mave’s strange dreams become reality when she meets a mysterious stranger in the enchanted forest surrounding her homeland.

“I would never leave you. I am incapable. No matter how many times you leave me.”

These words stayed with me throughout the book. The stranger alludes to a past Mave cannot remember, but with the promise of being reunited with her family and a renewed hope for her people, Mave sets out on a quest of self-discovery for a future, and a past, she never thought possible.

I highly recommend reading this book, and I can’t wait to read the next installment!

[Dayna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Emotionally Charged, Magical Masterpiece – A Brilliant Start to an Epic Fantasy Series

Daughter of the Moon by Isla Elrick is a breathtaking and deeply emotional journey that left me completely captivated. I began this book knowing very little beyond the trigger warnings, which I always appreciate being included. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and I’ll admit that at first I found myself stumbling a little with the unfamiliar names and terms. But once I located the pronunciation guide (which is a great touch, by the way), everything started to click into place—and from that point on, I was fully immersed.

The world Elrick has created is rich, immersive, and beautifully layered with culture, language, lore, and emotion. This isn’t just a fantasy realm—it feels alive, with every detail carefully woven into the narrative. From tribal traditions to the looming threat of the Aquilan Empire, every element of this world feels purposeful and organic.

At the heart of the story is Mave, a hunter of her tribe whose life is torn apart when the Empire invades her village. What follows is a harrowing and powerful tale of survival, strength, and identity. Mave is not your typical fantasy heroine—she is raw, real, and deeply human. Her pain is palpable, her resilience is inspiring, and her refusal to bow to those who try to break her makes her a character I will carry with me for a long time. She is not infallible, but she endures.

Mave’s relationship with the enemy general is a fascinating, layered dynamic. Their interactions are full of tension, danger, and psychological complexity. Every confrontation is a battle not just of power, but of will. Watching her navigate these moments with courage and cunning kept me constantly on edge.

But what truly surprised and moved me was the ethereal, dreamlike bond Mave shares with a mysterious soul in her dreams. These moments were haunting and poetic, a striking contrast to the brutality of her waking world. There’s a line that perfectly captures the beauty and aching intimacy of their connection:

“The way stars love the moon, my rose, in their quiet and eternal yearning…”

That line alone took my breath away. It encapsulates the kind of lyrical writing that Elrick excels at—emotionally resonant, poetic, and timeless.

The themes in this book run deep—colonialism, loss, survival, identity, soulmates, and the quiet rebellion of refusing to be broken. It’s dark at times, but never gratuitous. Every challenge Mave faces adds meaning to her journey, and to the world Elrick is building. There’s also a strong undercurrent of hope and destiny that balances the darker elements beautifully.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of "The Daughter of Moon" by Isla Elrick, and here's my honest take.

I'm calling this a dark romantasy, 'cause that's the vibe I'm getting. I don't know if that's officially a genre, but it fits.

The beginning of the story is kinda slow, not gonna lie. It took me a hot minute to really get into it. But once things start rolling, they roll hard. And let's be real, fantasy books always start a bit slow, right? At least, that's what I've noticed.

And magic's everywhere in this story. We're talking druids, wolf-people, and forests straight out of a fairy tale. But it's not all rainbows and sunshine, nah, there's some heavy stuff too. Get ready for some intense battles and major feels.

So, there's this girl named Mave, and she's a total badass hunter. She gives me Meirida vibes. Her village gets wrecked by these jerks called the Aquilans, and she loses everything. But does she sit around moping? Nah, she keeps on grinding, even when the enemy big shot keeps testing her. And then there's her sis. Let me tell you, some cold-blooded stuff goes down with her. Mave ends up in this messed-up situation, serving the very people who wrecked her family. Like, no way could I handle that. It's a whole different level of tough. But Mave...I feel like she survives in honor of her sister. Mave starts dreaming about this dreamy dude who feels like her soulmate. The romance? It's written so beautifully. I'm talking Adam Driver levels of hotness here.

I'm hyped for the sequel.

*I utilize the assistance of ChatGPT to write reviews because I get ripped reading books, and my notes don’t make very much sense.

[Megsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughter of the Moon was such a great read, it had me going through such a rollercoaster of emotions! I got so engrossed that I accidentally stayed up late a few times, I was just enjoying it so much.

Mave and her family and friends are taken by surprise when the Aquilan Empire attacks. Plenty of death, terror and hopelessness follows, as many lives are lost or captured. Mave is captured and forced to serve the very people who killed her sister and many of her village. She goes through a lot of terrible things throughout the course of DotM, and Mave spends a lot of time oh so very angry and for good reason. Sometimes this rage made her a bit rash and made her make decisions that weren't the smartest - which was definitely hard to read, I wanted to hold her back so many times, or give her all the hugs! (Also to punch a certain someone many, MANY times.) The trials she went through to prove herself to gain access to the Lunar Fae were pretty interesting and creative and definitely gave Fae vibes. I especially liked all the riddles.

Overall the book was very well written, the world building well done, and I am very curious to see more of the world of the Fae. The story did start off a little slower, especially with having to check pronunciations as others have said, but there's a pronunciation guide in the beginning which is fantastic. Once I got used to the pronunciations of names and commonly repeated things, the story was decently paced. It does get pretty dark and brings up some heavy topics, there were a lot of brutal scenes and heartbreak.
This book ended in a cliffhanger, so I can't wait to read the next installment!

Thank you to Netgalley for the copy.

[Stephanie Sidoti · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much mystery and intrigue throughout!

A fun (although also sometimes dark) mix of Roman-esque conquerors, fated lovers (but they haven't found each other yet, at least maybe), druids, Irish touches, fairies, death, destruction, hope, magic, and a faithful pig! - There's something for so many readers to connect with.

We get some strong characters in this opening story and some nods to side characters from the Everwinter series (also set in this time/world, but not necessary to read first). I have to say, Conan is my favorite character, but I won't share why - just read and find out if you like him yourself. There is great depth to the characters, some of which develops throughout the book and maintains some mystery - who are they really? Again, I don't want to give too much away, so you'll have to uncover the depths of the characters for yourself.

I feel like I'm rambling here, but there is a lot going on in this book without it being hard to keep track of the storyline. Isla has done a good job of developing characters, building the world (and tearing it down at times), giving us clues to what is to come while keeping us guessing until the reveal, and putting the reader through anguish but also giving us hope.

I had a lot of fun reading this book and am looking forward to how the story continues to develop in the next installment - there is definitely a lot to look forward to.

[Eter · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Trying to keep this spoiler free**

Visceral and breathtaking fantasy. Made an account to say something about this book— It made me feel a lot of things, and the writing was just so beautiful. As an Indigenous person, I feel like authors often struggle to weave the horrors of colonialism into narratives. Isla clearly has a very impressive understanding of the issue, and it reminds me a lot of the things my own family and ancestors suffered through.

The characters are rich and well fleshed out. I appreciate a female protag who is strong, and not arbitrarily so— Mave is going through and processing a lot. I really appreciate the weight of the conflicts she faces (no spoilers!) and how real her relationships feel (love for her clan and family group, tempered by frustration, hopelessness, and a need for survival).

The villain of this book is truly a devious bastard, but I appreciate that he’s the worst type of monster— A regular-looking (even handsome!) human man. I can definitely see where some readers might be tempted to fall for him. He’s definitely a complicated one, and I love to hate him.

One of my favorite reads this year. It’s hard to find fantasy that scratches the itch right for me, and this first book has done it so far. Favorite touch is that it’s not only fantasy, but also post-apocalyptic (as other stories in this world are). Excited for the next book!

[Aria Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really took me for a ride. It is a bit slower to get into and there is alot of detailed world building and backstory that takes a bit of concentration but it is so descriptive and vivid it really creates a beautiful landscape in your mind. There's lots of action and suspense, secrets to uncover, and some characters shrowded in an air of mystery. The relationships that develop are truly beautiful, not just the romantic ones but the friendship bonds and the chosen family connections are so well done. The character building is also spot on, and so I have strong feelings for many of the characters, and a good few have a wee soft spot in my heart. The last third of the book had me in a chokehold, and I couldn't put it down. I will definitely be waiting not so patiently for book 2. I am northern Irish, and so some of the themes hit me quite hard as someone whose heritage has been impacted by the Irish/British conflict. I felt the heartwrench right alongside mave in some places. It was endearing, though, to see some of the folklore that I grew up with included, i.e., the banshee. I recommend giving it a read. The plot is very original and definitely not predictable, which I think can be hard to come by nowadays. It does have some darker themes and a brave bit of detailed gore, so read the trigger warnings before diving in.

[Cinnamon&Pine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in a far-future world that faintly echoes an ancient Ireland, Daughter of the Moon builds its atmosphere slowly—sometimes painfully so. The concept of a tribal people resisting a magically and technologically superior empire (think Celtic tribes versus Rome with a dash of lunar mysticism) is strong, but the execution requires patience.

Mave, our hunter protagonist, isn’t written to be likable, which is fine—until the narrative expects us to root for her through long stretches of hardship and moral ambiguity. Her capture, forced servitude, and uneasy guardianship of her sister’s infant all make sense in theory, but in practice the emotional stakes flatten under the weight of prolonged world-building.

The faun who guides her through the trials of cunning, purity, and loyalty is one of the more intriguing elements: equal parts eerie and tragic, a creature that literally smells of the forest floor: earth, deep forest, pine and moss. His presence lends texture to an otherwise stark tale.

The story ends abruptly, right when it begins to gather momentum, leaving more questions than answers. I would probably have preferred one complete novel over this clean cut between volumes.

A well-imagined world and glimpses of mythic depth—but the pacing drags, and the payoff doesn’t quite meet the setup.

[Rayna K · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC review***
Check your trigger warnings and understand this is dark fantasy!!!

This was my first Isla Elrick experience and it won’t be my last because I am hooked with this series. I love mythology and the inspiration of this story through Roman/British Celtic/Irish conflicts and mythology sets this story apart from others. I crave that kind of mythology being employed in storytelling and Isla did not disappoint. I devoured this story and wish I had the next because I NEED to know what’s happening with our beloved characters. I love the character development; they feel like fully alive characters and I do appreciate the growth our FMC (Mave) has from the beginning to end of Daughter of the Moon. The immense grief Mave experiences, clear devastation of colonialism, and navigating a new world all lay the foundation to this series. Is Mave frustrating at times? Absolutely! But what FMC isn’t when faced with what Mave is at such an age.

I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series. Isla Elrick captivates and keeps you on edge during Daughter of the Moon; such a riveting story and character development.

[H.M. Bloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughter of the Moon

ARC REVIEW

Rating: 🌟⭐️⭐️🌟
Spice: 🌶️

I was very intrigued with the concept of this book from the start. It had a strong Roman occupation meets Irish Pan’s Labyrinth feel within the first few chapters. Like the movie, Pan’s Labyrinth, I felt repeatedly torn: first preferring the present-day story then that preference switching to the faerie tale that could all be a trick. Honestly, in the end, I felt more attached the the occupation side of the story. It has such intriguing characters that I wanted to know more about, such as: Drusilla and even Lieutenant Ottavian. Of course Gaius was the most interesting character. I wanted to know what made him so cruel and brutal, what the story was that led to this man who was so different than his father had been spoken of. Regardless, I very much enjoyed this read. The only downside was, knowing it was Pam’s Labyrinth-inspired, I saw the ending coming from the moment the nephew was introduced. Still greatly enjoyed it, but wish it hadn’t had its own built-in spoiler.

[Oops I ARC'd Again · Rating 4 out of 5]

Atmospheric, heart-tugging, and unapologetically fierce.

Daughter of the Moon is a dark, romantic fantasy that doesn’t whisper, it pulls you into prophecy, moonlight, and the weight of destiny from the first beat.

Brisa’s world is ruled by fae magic, broken promises, and hidden gates. She should be powerless. Instead, she’s dangerous. Her forbidden love with someone bound by duty, the secrets that threaten everything she holds dear, Elrick weaves them so tightly you feel the tension ripple under every quiet moment.

What hits hardest is the way love becomes rebellion, how longing demands courage, and how silence carries more danger than overt spells. The romance isn’t a distraction, it’s the blade between loyalty and truth. The pacing gives space for ache, for doubt, for betrayal, so when things break, they shatter beautifully.

If you’re drawn to tales where duty and love collide, where magic carries consequences, and where the heroine refuses to just survive, Daughter of the Moon might just ruin you.

[Maraya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Every chapter ended on a cliff hanger and I couldn't put it down.

I'm not always the best at putting a book I've read into words, but when I tell you the vibes for this book are 5 stars all round, I mean it! It has everything - "Who did this to you?", a hot villain (I hate myself for thinking that), magic, sacrifice, slooooow burn, grief and a fierce FMC. And the ending has left me NEEDING book 2, pre-ordered already, I can't wait.

It get's straight into the action right from the beginning, with mystery, riddles and fighting. There's lots of information in the world building stage like most fantasy books, but this was written so well and was really well thought out. I felt like I knew the characters right off the bat which made it all the more heart wrenching as the story progressed.

This is the first fantasy book I have read in a while that has felt really unique. I can't wait for book 2!

[Roselia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and loyalty, myth and magic. Isla Elrick has built a world reminiscent of tales of Del Toro, where the truth is never quite what it seems and the reader must decide what they believe.

The protagonist of a story whose setting calls to a long tradition of historical fiction, our heroine Mave is thrust into a struggle between her homeland Eire and the invading armies of Aquila. After the death of her sister, she is expected to care for her yet-to-be-named nephew, even as she dreams of another place and a lover whose touch she remembers in a way she cannot explain. She could have dismissed them as mere dreams, until someone who looks very much like her dream lover saves her life and opens her eyes to the existence of a world beyond her own. Will she stay and raise her sister's son in the world she knows? Or will she abandon everything she has ever learned for a life of comfort and safety from pain and death?

[Kellie- SpicedTeaandChapters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when a story kicks off with a bang—and this one did not disappoint. The action starts right away and instantly pulled me in. No waiting around—just straight into the good stuff, and I was hooked from the first few chapters.

The author's writing is fantastic. The details were so vivid and immersive, I could see everything play out in my head like a movie. Honestly, I think my favorite part was meeting all the characters. Each one was introduced with so much personality and depth that I felt like I knew them, like I was right there with them. That kind of writing just makes the reading experience feel next-level, and it definitely did here.

The FMC? Total badass. She’s strong, fierce, and layered in all the right ways. I felt every emotion right along with her—her struggles, her strength, her fight. It made the story that much more intense and emotionally charged in the best way.

If the rest of the series is anything like this, I know I’m in for something amazing

[Barby Howe Biggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic. Dark. Twisted. Delightful.

Those are the descriptive words I would use to describe Daughter of the Moon. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and it was well worth the read.

Epic world building. Like George R.R. Martin epic. The first few chapters move a little slower as you learn about all of the details you will need for the remainder of the book. You feel all the sights, sounds and color’s described on the page. I think a still have some of the smells twirling in my head.

Dark. Read the trigger warnings. This is not a fluffy fantasy read. It’s deeply rooted in the middle of an invasion, war and occupation and it feels very very real. There is torture, death, slavery and conscription so I will say again read the trigger warnings and then put on your big kid pants and dive right in.

Twisted. Oh boy I’m not even sure where to start with this one as this review is a zero spoiler review. Every time I thought I had something figured out boy was I wrong. All the twists had me turning the pages into the late hours of the night.

Delightful. I loved Daughter of the Moon. It was an overall great read. It was different from anything I’ve read recently. It built a new world for me to be immersed in and I can’t wait to see hiding around the corner in book two.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed this story. I found the characters engaging and full of life. For a minute there I didn't trust Hiberos, but by the end I got over that. There is a part of me that's hoping Gaius will be able to redeem himself somehow. I hope the next few books will elaborate on some of the other interesting characters and their backstories.
I did find some of the words difficult to pronounce but there is a pronunciation page at the end of the book which is very helpful. I also enjoyed the dynamics of those who've been conquered for a while to those who were recently conquered and the conquerors. Its a theme we see a lot of in history, specifically in the Roman empire.
All in all I find this book great and I can't wait for the next one.

[Rebecca Hartwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vibrant, easy read.
This Irish folklore-inspired romantic fantasy is addictive, unique, and deep from the first sentence to the last.
I’m not usually a fan of the “3 weeks earlier” trope to catch up to the opening moment, but this one really worked for me. The emotions the story explores and makes you feel are big, and you’d best be prepared to deal with a LOT right alongside Mave, her way of life, and the forest itself. Both the Irish (Éirin) and Roman (Aquilan) cultural flavors are delightful, and a great contrast against each other. I’m pretty sure Connan is my favorite animal companion of all time, and just say you’ll have to read to see why. So hilariously realistic without getting too anthropomorphized.

[Alonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot of this book is amazing. You have two sisters who live in a village that had fallen to the enemy. Mave is a warrior who not only has to find some way to save her people, but also find out who she really is. In the enemies' hands lays her nephew and the only family she knows left, her obedience is demanded, but of course she hasn't given up the fight as much as they think. The characters are all unique and the plot is intriguing. The love interest has you wondering if he is as trustworthy as he wants you to think he is. If you are looking for a book with bad arse females, creepy and love to hate villains, twists and riddles, with vibes of Pan's Labyrinth and other 80s dark fantasy rolled into it, this book is for you.