The Moonstone

Wolfmoon #1

by Nikki Broadwell

Alternate cover edition ASIN: B007DXI9SM

Finna’s mother is dead. So why is this woman standing on her stoop claiming to be just that? Catriona arrives bearing a gift—a luminous moonstone that holds the secrets to Finna’s heritage. What heritage? Catriona insists that the two of them must journey to the castle of the Celtic moon goddess, Arianrhod.

The story Catriona weaves is preposterous. A parallel reality, known as the ‘Otherworld’, exists next to this one. “The moonstone will show the way,” Catriona intones cryptically.

Newly pregnant Finna is naturally skeptical, but Catriona is uncannily persuasive, convincing her despite her misgivings.

What a trip through this alternate reality really means, and the secrets Catriona reveals about their family and the baby Finna carries, have Finna questioning everything she has ever known. With her life and that of her unborn child in jeopardy, Finna must find a way to survive.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Mythology, Amazon

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 12, 2012

About the author

I graduated with a BA in art and English from Sonoma State University in California. I've been an avid reader since I first learned how and a writer from my early teenage years on. I've had several art related businesses, including greeting cards and more recently a silk painting business. When I began to write in earnest I put aside the art, concentrating only on the writing.

I've traveled a lot over the years, finding inspiration wherever I go. Scotland holds a special place in my heart, hence the setting for "The Moonstone". I had to make a 4th trip there to do research as I was putting the book together!

Reviews

[Richard Bunning · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book strikes straight out of the heart of traditional fantasy, carefully combining many elements from ancient culture and modern fairy-tales. Broadwell's sources are a well-crafted mix of Celtic mythologies, Gaelic rooted language, life observations, and fantasy themes. We are set at first in a recently past Scotland, and follow a path from there into an Otherworld of mysticism, sorcery, and the swirling mists of our childhood dreams and adult mares.
The journey which the heroines take has an undeniably real feeling start to it. We travel from a present Highlands into landscapes from Scotland's past, lands of vast oak forests, wolves, and hard, rural, centuries old life. This is only a step away from the heather and boggy grasslands, from the modern stands of spruce and pine, from the tarmac torn wilderness; an easy step for fantasy readers. We are with an ordinary girl from a modern, broken family-life, torn away from the familiar mix of love and abuse common to so many backgrounds. This pregnant, already married and separated, heroine is drawn away. The pull provided by an, until the moment, long absent promiscuous "new age" mother. They travel into another world, of hallucinogenic spells, ancient beliefs, Celtic gods, magical herbs, fantastical apparitions, and immemorial struggles. It is an intoxicating idea that somewhere between the familiar and the deep cold ground that awaits all but the most innocent and pious, is another world. Such is the bedrock of fantasy. Broadwell's well-painted fantasy is far better than most, even more rational, (if that isn't a contradiction,) and worth every easy moment it takes to read.
The Moonstone is a beautifully crafted book, driving a compelling narrative that has many adventurous surprises, highs and lows. No theme in the book is totally original, or even unpredictable, but it is all magically put together, with enough description to enchant without overwhelming our vivid, private imaginations. The path in the moonstone is as compelling as that route to any golden-fleece, or promised chalice. It is a path worth taking, an exciting one.
The weave of this story has enchanted me into needing more, to see further into the flawed mystical world created by Broadwell's deep well of imagination. I will consume the rest of the trilogy without the slightest effort. The plot is often predictable, as is most adventure, but it's play of character, its mix of ideas and psychology isn't. Enjoy all, the craft in Broadwell's writing, the mix of myth and mythology, of ancient art and modern thought, the frustrating predictability of flawed character, and the sometimes unforeseen, all the elements that make this a great story.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is full of Celtic mysticism and it definitely makes a pleasant change to read about Scotland rather than Ireland. It is also full of characters that will get you turning the page, from druids to Goddesses to wolves to the necessary "bad guys". However, it is also full of Finna and Catriona which were more likely to make me stop reading than to turn the page. It is a shame that a book with so much promise is let down by the two main characters when some of the supporting characters have so much more to offer. Finna is supposed to be 20 but comes across as a very whiney and whingy young girl. She is pregnant following a "legal rape" by her husband and also has issues with her mother as she was told that her mother had died and now she has turned up in her life. Catriona is described as a free spirit who hasn't wanted to be tied down with anyone other than the love of her life who just happens to be married to someone else.

The storyline is a bit jerky, at times it feels like nothing is happening and then there is a blast of action which you may have to re-read to make sure you haven't missed out anything.

As you can see from the title, this is one of three but I'm afraid that I really don't care enough about the main characters to get the others. Saying that, if you enjoy reading books with a Celtic twist then you may enjoy this.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a captivating, delightful, creative treat the world of “The Moonstone” turned out to be!

Read full review in the 2012 November issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Valery · Rating 1 out of 5]

Right from the beginning this book bothered me. And the ending is no different. Too many unanswered questions. A loose mother. And giving beer to a pregnant woman?
It's an appalling and weak story. I just can't give it a good review.

For my clean readers:
Sex, mild language, and violence.

[Mary Enck · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been some time since I have read a Fantasy Novel. This was a refreshing return to the genre and a bit of relief from some of the more modern day settings I have immersed myself in lately.

I always enjoy a story that takes place with the characters traveling on a quest and the experiences they have along the way. The Moonstone certainly has its share of that as well as some pretty nasty creatures. There are even some who being more Human in appearance turn out to be something quite different. This is surprising just when you think you have it all figured out. There's very little down time in the events and that will keep you turning the pages with varying degrees of anticipation.

I really enjoyed this story and read on to the first chapter of the next book in line that you are given at the end. I am not sure how it will connect with this first one but I am eager to see and I will read it to discover what the author has in mind.

[Jo-ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journey through the Otherworld for a prophecy blessing for her unborn child

While Finna and her mother are on a journey through the Otherworld, Finna learns about the Otherworld, plus about her heritage. She also finds learns to overcome her fears.

A story myths, heritage and self discoveries of a young woman and a prophecy concerning her unborn daughter.

Jo-Ann Doyle

[ThatReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice read. It was entertaining and kept me going, I read real fast, because it is a very easy read. Sure, there's a few problems with the writing - too much tell, not enough show - and the flow of the narrative, there's some iffy stuff concerning the characters that left me thinking wtf (Finna's husband and father) but all in all, I really enjoyed the author's writing voice and the story. I loved the long, lush scenic descriptions, which I know is not to everyone's preference. And I did enjoy the fact both MC were sooooo annoying. It's what made me like them better. Instead of the brave, courageous, selfless, kickass heroine that seems to be the norm - and they can do no harm, ever - the two women in this novel are really problematic. Finna is childlish, immature, constantly complaining and baby acting. Catriona is a smart ass know-it-all who treats Finna as a child, and after having been the absolute worst mother, comes back demanding her daughter follow her blindly and obbey her every order because she's the mother - and this, my dears, is what mothers do. They demand their children listen and do as they're told, because they're the mother, no explanations needed eheh. SO, this is a nice novel to read for sheer entertainment, if you're looking for a story filled with old myths and gods and plenty of magic. I can see potential for this author to grow her skills, a lot of it, and am rather curious to what she's done in the following books of the series.

[Mike McAdam · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received this book free in a goodreads giveaway*

A very long time ago and then misplaced the book. 10+ years later I found it so this review is way overdue. My first thought was "Oh no!" because I didn't like it at first. Luckily it improved (albeit slowly) and, by the end, I rather enjoyed it. The plot (no spoilers) became interesting over time. Interesting new creatures, etc. There were a few things I didn't like that affected my enjoyment. I couldn't stand the main character. I found her whiny, too judgmental, a bit dimwitted and annoying. And it feels like she screams every 10 minutes. I didn't like the mother much better but I can't explain that one without spoilers. Overall, I did enjoy it, though.

[John Turney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celtic Legends Come to Life

Enjoyed the book and hated to see it come to an end. This is a quest book not unlike the journey of Bilbo Baggins. The main character starts out as a scared girl uncertain of her place in the world. We see her begin to become a woman of strength. By book’s end that transformation has started. My only grip is a pet peeve. I’m not a fan of books where the writer jumps from one character’s head to another in the same scene. That occurred here but the story was still an enjoyable read.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced epic adventure. The beginning of a battle for the preservation of good.
An unlikely pregnant heroine embarks on a journey to bless her unborn child. Following a stranger who says she is her Mom, she embarks on a trip to a mythical location. Meeting many peoples and beings who could be myths and legends to bring forth the prophecy of balance.

[Amelia James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story

I read several chapters before I started to understand somewhat. First the main character was a strong minded person, but then she became fearful of almost everything. Left me a little confused.

[Jackie Alford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

With all the information packed into this story, unless you know your celtic myths, legends, gods and goddesses, you might feel a bit overwhelmed. This could have been a three parts story and I would have liked it just fine!

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premise and loved all of the Celtic goddesses making appearances, but the main characters (particularly Finna) were absolutely exhausting.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

an incredible original tale

[Connie Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

exceptional

What a fantastic well written book. Incredible characters with pure magic. Twist, and turns keeps you on the edge waiting for the next crisis.

[Lori Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonstone

This book was fascinating from start to finish. I can't wait to start the next book in this series. I'm sure I won't be disappointed.

[Windy Blevins-tolliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faery tales

Love the lore and symbols
:)
Fav scene, meeting bio dad

Least fav part ... it ended ... have to get another book to find out more ... :(

[Vivienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as a review copy from the author, who contacted me due to a mutual interest in Celtic mythology.

Certainly the premise caught my attention as journeys into the Otherworld always intrigue me. I found it easy to read in a single sitting. It is the first in a planned trilogy and one of the difficulties with trilogies is that it is hard to judge from the opening act how the story and characters will develop. Still I found it a promising start.

I did find that I had some issues with the lead characters, especially at the opening. Finna seemed very passive and naive for a 20-year old. She appeared much younger, more of a teen really though part of that may have been down to her living in a fairly isolated location in the mid-1980s.

Catriona, her mother, managed to push a number of buttons for me. Mainly this was because I've certainly encountered women like her in my life determined to get their way or impose their ideas through their own will. I applauded when Finna began to find a stronger sense of self.

Despite this initial active dislike of Catriona as she and Finna interacted more I could appreciate her point of view and why she had acted as she had at the opening. Broadwell also does not shy away from introducing uncomfortable real-life issues such as domestic violence and abuse into the back-story for her characters.

The ecology of Broadwell's Otherworld allowed two of my favourite species, long absent from Britain in the wild, to have a place again.

The sneak peak of Book 2 included indicates that the second book will be more contemporary as it is set in 2009. I'd certainly be interested to see how Finna has fared in the interim.

[Allizabeth Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review:

I love getting lost in the fantastical worlds created by authors, and the mythological Celtic "Otherworld" conceived by Nikki Broadwell is no exception! It is often the realm in which the book takes place that draws the reader into the story, and the mythology surrounding The Moonstone definitely pulled me in from the start; its mixture of fantasy, adventure, and Scottish "surprises" making for a very intriguing all-season read. The characters, mainly Finna and Catriona, were difficult to like or relate to in the beginning, their attitudes immature and aggravating, but as the story progressed, I began to understand each character's background; not everything is always what it seems. I enjoyed the stressed dynamics of Finna's/ Catriona's mother-daughter relationship, the dialogue was well-developed and full of beautiful Gaelic words and phrases. There was an abundance of sorcery and Celtic lore thoroughly able to enchant any reader, especially those looking to get lost in a new world. The only aspects I disliked were grammatical, but that rarely stops me from reading more. I know that the second book is going on my "Need to Read" list, I hear that it takes place some time after the first, and I can't wait to see how Finna has fared. Overall, I really enjoyed The Moonstone and its well-researched plot-line, particularly the vivid imagination needed to create the "Otherworld", and I recommend it to readers 16+ who want a book they can either savor, or read in a single sitting.

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Shah Wharton · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5: I received this book, compliments of the author for review. This in no way influenced my opinions.

Finna, a young naive pregnant woman is reunited with her supposedly dead mother, Catriona who arrives bearing a gift—a luminous moonstone that holds the secrets to Finna’s heritage. After some persuasion they travel together to the castle of the Celtic moon goddess, Arianrhod.

Catriona tells her daughter of a parallel reality, the ‘Otherworld’, which she finds hard to believe at first. But during the journey she cannot deny the magical realities she encounters.

Finna experiences a sharp a learning curve on her way to Arianrhod, as well as unbelievable revelations at the end of the journey, along with a new reality for Finna and her unborn child.

I didn’t find either Catriona or Finna relatable, which made this a difficult read to begin with. Also it dragged in places, over explained in others, and the rare areas of action seemed hurried in comparison. However, I enjoyed the mysticism, the magic, and fell into the wonder of Broadwell’s ‘Otherworld,’ and eventually understood the characters as they evolved throughout their journey, via sacrifice, revelation and extraordinary experience.

Overall, if you enjoy reading about magic, the Celts and like your fiction more fantasy than reality, you’ll enjoy this book. It’s the first of The Wolfmoon series too, so there’s much more to look forward to. This book is set in the 1980’s and the next set in 2009, so I’m already wondering what how Finna has passed the time.

[Christine Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young woman is reunited with her estranged mother who tells her that they must leave immediately to visit the Otherworld so the young woman’s unborn child can be blessed. However, there’s more to it than a pleasant (walking) mother-daughter road trip.

This book intrigued me with its Scottish setting and a heroine on a quest that challenges her to keep an open mind about magic and spirituality. I have roots in both Ireland and Scotland and while I have more of an affinity towards Ireland, that didn’t stop me from relating to this story. A Scottish brogue is as romantic as an Irish lilt, and magic is magic whatever country you’re in. The Otherworld was described beautifully and Gaelic words and Celtic lore were mostly explained within the context of the story. This book is strong on magic, replete with gods/godesses, magic stones, prophecies, and healers who do more than administer herbs. I loved that I was encouraged to let go of the secular world and trust in the unseen, as the protaganist, Finna, must do on her quest.

I didn’t connect with Finna as much as I would have liked, but the hints about her future child lead me to believe that I will like that character very much as she develops in the next books. I was also distracted by some typos, especially in the last third of the book (I am very picky about that kind of thing). Overall, the author wove a story that made up for the technical hiccups, and I will be buying the next in the series.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recieved this book from the Goodreads giveaways.

I ended up liking the book but up until about 3/4 of the way through the book I didn't care for it much. It has some interesting characters and the magical aspects of the book were good but the storyline itself kinda dragged in certain parts. But, the further in I got the more it came together and it progressed into a pretty good book.

I like how the Otherworld was portrayed, it was well written with a great mix of human, animals, druids, gods and goddesses. The writing leaves you hoping for the best but dreading what is going to happen to Finna and her baby.

At the beginning of the book I did not care for either Finna or Catriona. Finna, I thought came off as rather weak and whiny and Catriona just annoyed me with her I know what I'm doing stop asking questions even though she appeared out of the blue after having left Finna as a baby. Thankfully, both women grow and become more likable as the book progresses.

I am planning on reading the 2nd book as the first was enough to make me want to know what is going to happen and how the story progresses.

[Francene Stanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A powerful plot and wonderful descriptions tugged me into the story.

Given a moonstone by her newly found mother, the immature, pregnant Finna is convinced to accompany her to the Glass Mountain to bless her unborn baby. During the journey to the Otherworld, where rocks pulsate with light and energy, Finna tries to come to terms with being abandoned and jealousy about her mother's friends. Full of wonderful sensory descriptions, nature's cures and strange words, the young woman struggles to make sense of her supposed magical gift.

Protected by the moonstone's power, Finna contacts creatures speaking like wind chimes, essences and mysterious thought-forms. With winter sweeping the land, Finna meets her real father and although judgmental, hears about her mother's past life. Foes throw trick after trick in the two women's way toward the blessing of the child. Wrestling with death, Finna gains more insight into the daughter she carries who is foretold to bring the earth back into peace and balance.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, thanks to the author, I won a signed copy from the give-away page here! Sorry it has taken me a little while to read it. This is a very good book! I really loved Finna's transition from basically a child to mature woman in this story. Oh, she starts already grown and with child, but she's still fairly naive about life. You see her maturing through out the book, though some of it is fairly rough for an expecting mom. Anyway, I think you would enjoy this book. I know I'm going to be getting the next book in this series.

Thanks again!

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stepped into another world in this book and it was an amazing journey. Full of fantasy and adventure, I fully enjoyed the story and look forward to reading the next! I received this book for free through a Goodreads First Reads give away.

[Kayla Beck Kalnasy]

Review to come

[Mimi Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Reviewed for InD'tale here

[Johanna Nilles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Good