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The Moonstone Covenant
The story of four women who set out to uncover the secret origins of an intricate, magical city—and to change its fate.
Istehar Sha'an, whose unique powers allow her to communicate with trees and books, has led her community of refugee forest people to a remarkable place. In the archipelago-city of Moonstone, the Sha'an people find themselves in an extraordinary, multicultural metropolis that houses the the world's all-encompassing repository of wisdom. But in their search for a new home, the refugees soon garner the suspicion of Moonstone's locals, who forbid their magical practices. And when a hostile prince makes a bid to inherit the city's rule from his father, Istehar and her people realize they may be faced with exile—or worse. Meanwhile, Istehar has married three wives of Moonstone—a brave warrior librarian, a subtle-minded former concubine, and a tenacious apothecary who has spent years trying to solve her parents' murder. Driven by magical intuition and guided by a mysterious book, Istehar and her wives embark on a journey that will transform not only their lives, but the city of Moonstone itself.
Istehar Sha'an, whose unique powers allow her to communicate with trees and books, has led her community of refugee forest people to a remarkable place. In the archipelago-city of Moonstone, the Sha'an people find themselves in an extraordinary, multicultural metropolis that houses the the world's all-encompassing repository of wisdom. But in their search for a new home, the refugees soon garner the suspicion of Moonstone's locals, who forbid their magical practices. And when a hostile prince makes a bid to inherit the city's rule from his father, Istehar and her people realize they may be faced with exile—or worse. Meanwhile, Istehar has married three wives of Moonstone—a brave warrior librarian, a subtle-minded former concubine, and a tenacious apothecary who has spent years trying to solve her parents' murder. Driven by magical intuition and guided by a mysterious book, Istehar and her wives embark on a journey that will transform not only their lives, but the city of Moonstone itself.
409 pages, Paperback
First published November 12, 2024
13 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Jill Hammer
22 books33 followersJill Hammer is a celebrated author, scholar, poet, rabbi, ritualist and dreamworker. The Moonstone Covenant, forthcoming in fall 2024, is her first work of fantasy. Like some of her characters, she has a deep love of books, trees, water, and mysterious journeys. She is also the author of Undertorah: An Earth-Based Kabbalah of Dreaming, Return to the Place: The Magic, Meditation, and Mystery of Sefer Yetzirah, The Hebrew Priestess: Ancient and New Visions of Jewish Women’s Spiritual Leadership (with Taya Shere), The Jewish Book of Days: A Companion for All Seasons, The Omer Calendar of Biblical Women, Sisters at Sinai: New Tales of Biblical Women, and The Book of Earth and Other Mysteries. She lives with her family in Manhattan. You can learn more about her and her books at themoonstonecovenant.net or jillhammer.net.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 15, 2025
i'm listening at 3x speed but the thought of doing that still for another 2 and a half hours is enough to make me dnf lol so. dnf'ed @ 33%. the most interesting part of this one was the lesbian polyamory but that wasn't enough.
November 29, 2024
I'm really conflicted by this. Good worldbuilding, but honestly it just felt generic. The cover made me think of classic fantasy paperbacks from the .50 bins and the writing supports that. So if you're nostalgic for that era of publishing you'll be in luck. But beyond that, it just falls flat. None of the characters grabbed me. I appreciate the poly marriage but, at the same time, that led to a lot of characters who were just kind of there and not very distinctive. Add to that the fact everyone has "skim-over" names like Annlynn Jissakhar, Vasmine Kinora, and Istehar Sha'an, no one felt real by the end. I couldn't tell them apart, let alone connect to any of them.
Overall disappointing, which is tragic considering it's a book about gay warrior librarians. Such high hopes.
Overall disappointing, which is tragic considering it's a book about gay warrior librarians. Such high hopes.
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September 11, 2024j'ai trouvé le mariage entre les 4 héroïnes hyper intéressant au niveau des différentes relations mais sinon l'histoire ne m'a pas emballé...
July 28, 2025
Annlynn, Istehar, Oilloise and Vasmine are brought together by the wildly different circumstances of their lives, and bound together by their shared love for each other. Their already complicated lives together become even more knotty as it becomes clear that each of them has a part to play in the dramatic changes that are coming to the city in which they have forged their lives together.
I can't lie: I was drawn to this book, first and foremost, by the cover. It put me in mind of the fantasy books that I grew up reading. Having now read it, I think that comparison still stands - to a certain degree.
One thing that this book does have is detail. There is so, so much detail about the world in which this story takes place that it's clear that Hammer has put a lot of thought into it. In that respect, it's a very rich text, and I could see this being turned into a series of books without any problem.
I do think, however, that there needed to be more work put into filling this world with distinct characters who not only existed in it, but had a real influence of it. Instead, while each of the four main characters are initially described as having different personalities, they all feel a bit too similar after a certain point; and, rather than driving the story, they largely seem to be along for the ride. This drains several key scenes of their dramatic tension, as solutions - usually in the form of a new character, who will soon fade into the background - present themselves, almost before the main characters have had a chance to try and show some of their own agency. I almost wish the story had been written as a duology, so the characters had more space to come to life.
The one other thing I think needed more work was the magic system. I was intrigued when we were introduced to Istehar's ability to communicate with trees - and, by extension, the books that had been created using their wood. But, despite being a key part of her character - and of various other kinds of magic playing a big part in the world of the book - magic quickly becomes a muddy, amorphous tool of the plot.
Despite my disappointment with these elements, I can't help but take into consideration how much potential there is here. Hammer is an excellent writer, and the world that she's created has so much in it that could be explored in more detail, that I can't help but hope for a sequel (or prequel). With more focus on character development, this could turn into something really special.
Rating: 3.5/5
I can't lie: I was drawn to this book, first and foremost, by the cover. It put me in mind of the fantasy books that I grew up reading. Having now read it, I think that comparison still stands - to a certain degree.
One thing that this book does have is detail. There is so, so much detail about the world in which this story takes place that it's clear that Hammer has put a lot of thought into it. In that respect, it's a very rich text, and I could see this being turned into a series of books without any problem.
I do think, however, that there needed to be more work put into filling this world with distinct characters who not only existed in it, but had a real influence of it. Instead, while each of the four main characters are initially described as having different personalities, they all feel a bit too similar after a certain point; and, rather than driving the story, they largely seem to be along for the ride. This drains several key scenes of their dramatic tension, as solutions - usually in the form of a new character, who will soon fade into the background - present themselves, almost before the main characters have had a chance to try and show some of their own agency. I almost wish the story had been written as a duology, so the characters had more space to come to life.
The one other thing I think needed more work was the magic system. I was intrigued when we were introduced to Istehar's ability to communicate with trees - and, by extension, the books that had been created using their wood. But, despite being a key part of her character - and of various other kinds of magic playing a big part in the world of the book - magic quickly becomes a muddy, amorphous tool of the plot.
Despite my disappointment with these elements, I can't help but take into consideration how much potential there is here. Hammer is an excellent writer, and the world that she's created has so much in it that could be explored in more detail, that I can't help but hope for a sequel (or prequel). With more focus on character development, this could turn into something really special.
Rating: 3.5/5
November 30, 2024
Acquired from the library new books section. In the city-state of Moonstone, four women navigate the turmoil of the old prince dying—and passing on his rule to the cruel and short-sighted heir, who has vowed to cast out Istehar's people and control the library where Annlynn serves. Not to mention courtesan Vasmine's entanglement in court politics or apothecary Olloise's investigation into the mysterious murder of her parents a decade ago...
Despite the delightfully 1970s cover, this book actually came out November of this year and features four women in a poly marriage with each other. The worldbuilding of the library city-state of Moonstone, with its setting on a handful of river islands, its precarious governance, and its oppression of sorcerers and the tree-speaking Sha'an, was not especially unique for a fantasy setting, but it was distinctly enough drawn to be engaging. I also liked this book's slow and subtle political plot, although perhaps due to the four separate POV characters, it was very slow to come to a boil.
However, I did find that this book lacked a bit of drama and emotional immediacy. The characters' reactions seem muted and not particularly sharply drawn. For example, a character casually drops a reveal that they've seriously betrayed people that they're close to, which does not match with previous depictions of the characters. Especially considering both the flippantness of the reveal and the shallow reaction of the people who've been betrayed. I think Hammer also struggles a bit with depicting the poly marriage with the depth it deserves—that's six separate relationships over four different POV characters in only three hundred and fifty pages, which is a struggle to depict properly.
Recommended for fans of classic fantasy novels who don't mind a slow pace and are looking for a book with a more modern, queer twist.
Despite the delightfully 1970s cover, this book actually came out November of this year and features four women in a poly marriage with each other. The worldbuilding of the library city-state of Moonstone, with its setting on a handful of river islands, its precarious governance, and its oppression of sorcerers and the tree-speaking Sha'an, was not especially unique for a fantasy setting, but it was distinctly enough drawn to be engaging. I also liked this book's slow and subtle political plot, although perhaps due to the four separate POV characters, it was very slow to come to a boil.
However, I did find that this book lacked a bit of drama and emotional immediacy. The characters' reactions seem muted and not particularly sharply drawn. For example, a character casually drops a reveal that they've seriously betrayed people that they're close to, which does not match with previous depictions of the characters. Especially considering both the flippantness of the reveal and the shallow reaction of the people who've been betrayed. I think Hammer also struggles a bit with depicting the poly marriage with the depth it deserves—that's six separate relationships over four different POV characters in only three hundred and fifty pages, which is a struggle to depict properly.
Recommended for fans of classic fantasy novels who don't mind a slow pace and are looking for a book with a more modern, queer twist.
November 16, 2024
A beautiful optimistic fable of possibility.
Jill Hammer has created a new world, realistic and fantastical, colorful and exciting, complex yet distinguishing right from wrong. There are enough loose ends for a few dozen sequels and prequels, but the book is a pleasure for itself alone. A quick read, suitable for adults and for young readers alike. If only real life were like this.
Jill Hammer has created a new world, realistic and fantastical, colorful and exciting, complex yet distinguishing right from wrong. There are enough loose ends for a few dozen sequels and prequels, but the book is a pleasure for itself alone. A quick read, suitable for adults and for young readers alike. If only real life were like this.
June 12, 2025
Rabbi Jill Hammer has written a mind-blowing book… It’s actually not just a book as she has created an amazing city and a universe to go along with it. The first few chapters were so mesmerizing with such creative detail that I had to read them twice to understand what she was really communicating. For example, one of her characters is a warrior librarian. If there was ever a juxtaposition contest, that might take the cake, but it makes so much sense in the context of her world.
She develops the four main characters in depth, including flashbacks to explain how they came to be who they are in present time. Without giving so much away, I want to say that they are both archetypical as well as completely unique. The book is set in a magical city. It stimulates your imagination just to read and try to envision the setting. I can certainly see this on the big screen!
“The Moonstone Covenant“ holds your attention as the plot twist in terms, and as our four heroines do battle each in their own way. The language, imagery, and the setting all catapult the reader to somewhere between a dream and a sci-fi movie. This is definitely the book that I want to read again–something that I never do–because it is not just one book as Jill Hammer has opened a universe with many characters to explore. I can’t wait for the next one.
With feminist and queer underpinnings, Hammer adds her voice to the ever-expanding consciousness and potential equality of human beings.
She develops the four main characters in depth, including flashbacks to explain how they came to be who they are in present time. Without giving so much away, I want to say that they are both archetypical as well as completely unique. The book is set in a magical city. It stimulates your imagination just to read and try to envision the setting. I can certainly see this on the big screen!
“The Moonstone Covenant“ holds your attention as the plot twist in terms, and as our four heroines do battle each in their own way. The language, imagery, and the setting all catapult the reader to somewhere between a dream and a sci-fi movie. This is definitely the book that I want to read again–something that I never do–because it is not just one book as Jill Hammer has opened a universe with many characters to explore. I can’t wait for the next one.
With feminist and queer underpinnings, Hammer adds her voice to the ever-expanding consciousness and potential equality of human beings.
June 9, 2025
A mesmerizing blend of fantasy and cultural commentary, "The Moonstone Covenant" by Rabbi Jill Hammer transports readers to the richly detailed city of Moonstone. This isn't just a story; it's an exploration of societal tensions, religious divides, and the power of hidden knowledge, all anchored within a meticulously crafted world.
My favorite part is the description of what each of the four main characters had to give up or bring forward from their family legacy to unite in the bureaucracy of matrimony and devotion of kinhood. At the heart of the story are these four unforgettable women: Annlynn, a warrior-librarian; Vasmine, a cunning concubine; Olloise, an orphaned apothecary; and Istehar, a Sha’an shaman who speaks the language of trees and texts. Each woman must confront what she carries from her lineage and what must be relinquished, reclaimed, or reshaped.
Haunted by a secret from the past, Moonstone forbids magical practice but the four wives possess their own alchemy: streetwise brilliance, spiritual grounding, and their love lives. When a hostile prince is poised to seize city rule from his father, these four navigate a landscape of labyrinths, boats, canals, treachery, love, bribery, and alliances — all lit by the glow of lanterns and liturgy. The most fun I’ve had with a novel in decades!
My favorite part is the description of what each of the four main characters had to give up or bring forward from their family legacy to unite in the bureaucracy of matrimony and devotion of kinhood. At the heart of the story are these four unforgettable women: Annlynn, a warrior-librarian; Vasmine, a cunning concubine; Olloise, an orphaned apothecary; and Istehar, a Sha’an shaman who speaks the language of trees and texts. Each woman must confront what she carries from her lineage and what must be relinquished, reclaimed, or reshaped.
Haunted by a secret from the past, Moonstone forbids magical practice but the four wives possess their own alchemy: streetwise brilliance, spiritual grounding, and their love lives. When a hostile prince is poised to seize city rule from his father, these four navigate a landscape of labyrinths, boats, canals, treachery, love, bribery, and alliances — all lit by the glow of lanterns and liturgy. The most fun I’ve had with a novel in decades!
September 28, 2025
This was a super interesting read and I was engaged the whole way through.
This is very much a political fantasy that focuses on the workings of a massive city ruled by competing nobles. IF you don't like fantasy where the polictics is the main thing this will not be for you, like at all. If you don't like slow paced reads then I think this would also be difficult.
It also takes quite a deep look into the poly marriage of our 4 main characters. It looks at how they manage their relationships with each other, primary partnership for each person within the whole, and how each of them temper/complement the other 3 in ways very specific to their individual relationships.
I freakin loved it. I love this slow paced stuff.
This is very much a political fantasy that focuses on the workings of a massive city ruled by competing nobles. IF you don't like fantasy where the polictics is the main thing this will not be for you, like at all. If you don't like slow paced reads then I think this would also be difficult.
It also takes quite a deep look into the poly marriage of our 4 main characters. It looks at how they manage their relationships with each other, primary partnership for each person within the whole, and how each of them temper/complement the other 3 in ways very specific to their individual relationships.
I freakin loved it. I love this slow paced stuff.
June 25, 2025
I enjoyed this book but I also felt that it was far too tell and not show. Also, my biggest contention with this book is that it is written in 1st person and yet has 4 POV characters, which makes the story confusing as you try to remember who "I" is in that specific portion of the book. However, it's a nice story about a poly romance with political intrigue and magic, and I did enjoy it.
February 18, 2025
I didn’t really like this book, but I am certain that this would be someone else’s *favorite* book
May 24, 2025
Moonstone Covenant is a widely applicable allegory of the individuals or people who have been, or are being, threatened by those who do not understand, choose xenophobia and greed, over inclusion, collaboration, generosity, and love. Characters are willing to go to harrowing lengths in the service of hiding or revealing Truth, as they see it. It is a complex tale mined from the earth of sacred historical truths and legends, texts, religious beliefs, metaphors, practices, and myths. It is an empowering novel appropriate for many open-minded readers, especially those who have felt marginalized, misunderstood, or existentially threatened, and who struggle to internalize, or express their uniqueness and value; those who suffer loneliness even among friends, but who at their core, know that they too possess secret powers, gifts and talents, which when appreciated, have the great potential to move the evolutionary dial. Jill Hammer has created an alternate reality worthy of our immersion. It is a timely cautionary tale, with far reaching resonance. It sparkles with imagination, is rich in detail, action and novelty, which makes it an appealing candidate for translation onto the big screen.
October 2, 2024
In the fantasy world of Moonstone, four women in a group marriage struggle against the forces of oppression which threaten those for whom they care.
Though initially confusing as a complex world is introduced and the point of view shifts rapidly between the four main characters, the plot gathers pace as it progresses and the tension rises. In the face of intimidation and violence, the protagonists move from uncertainty and anxiety to heroic resistance which increasingly engages the reader’s admiration as well as sympathy. The resolution to the conflict, moreover, offers a lesson of not only the value of tolerance and compromise, but the necessity of vigorous opposition to those who seek to further their own political ambitions by cynically stirring up resentment against groups perceived as different in some way, whether a threat or inferior. Or both.
A timely warning for divisive times.
Though initially confusing as a complex world is introduced and the point of view shifts rapidly between the four main characters, the plot gathers pace as it progresses and the tension rises. In the face of intimidation and violence, the protagonists move from uncertainty and anxiety to heroic resistance which increasingly engages the reader’s admiration as well as sympathy. The resolution to the conflict, moreover, offers a lesson of not only the value of tolerance and compromise, but the necessity of vigorous opposition to those who seek to further their own political ambitions by cynically stirring up resentment against groups perceived as different in some way, whether a threat or inferior. Or both.
A timely warning for divisive times.
February 15, 2025
Phenomenal world building. The details that went into the religions and societal hierarchy and society itself were incredible and clearly showed that the author cared deeply about the world they were creating and working within. The book's like 2/3 build-up and explanation of why rebellion is gonna happen, which I don't mind, but the payoff in the last third didn't feel as explosive and emotional as I thought it would be. Like Olloise and Vasmine stopped talking to each other after Vasmine revealled she was under a spy contract, but that never resolved itself? Each of the four women expressed insecurities about the others in their polycule loving someone else in their polycule more than them, but that was never expressed to the others? The revolution was resolved in what seemed to be ~24 hours, which just is not correct for a revolution? Idk, the plot to me felt like it should've been spread out over two books at least, but maybe Hammer was only signed to a one book contract.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2024
The structure is very effective - short chapters narrated by each of the four main characters, interspersed with flashbacks. Each woman's voice is well-developed and unique, and we see them both through their own eyes and through the eyes of their wives. The world-building is dazzling - Moonstone is both exquisite and terrifying, deeply-rooted and fragile. A great deal is suggested without being over-explained: a hallmark of really good fantasy. There are worlds within worlds here, and always something new to be discovered.
November 14, 2024
Truly spectacular world building, that unfortunately came at the cost of some character building. I wish we got to learn more about the wives themselves and saw more of them being together, because their relationship definitely took a backseat to the plot. I would love to read more stories set in this amazing city state the author created though
December 22, 2024
I listened to the Audiobook while i was doing other things, which made it hard, especially as a visual learner, to follow the intricacies of the world and characters at first. Despite this I eventually got drawn in and invested, and was cheering them on by the satisfying resolution. Now I want to give it a more thorough read, along with perusing the interactive map on the website.
November 17, 2024
Love the world building, the inclusivity, the deep bonds among characters. I’m especially into the sacred books idea—librarians as warriors. Couldn’t put it down. Really looking forward to the next installment.
July 31, 2024
Genuinely one of the best books I've ever read. And the first true 5-star book I've read in so long!! In-depth review to come xx
December 1, 2024
Excellent! Total page turner!
January 29, 2025
This was a really enjoyable and fun read. The writing is tight, the characterisation is perfect, and the story is engaging. I highly recommend you read this.
August 4, 2025
I wanted to like this so much more than I did. I liked so many elements of the world and story but ultimately did not find the way the story was told to be compelling.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews