The Keepers Moon

Keeper #2.5

by M.L. Burns

I know the words within may be difficult to read at times, but they all led me to you. I hope they convey just how much you are worth fighting for—then, now, and for all our tomorrows.

Remember that it's okay to be scared, but never to give up.

May our story reveal that even in the darkest moments, a guiding star can always be found. You, Sunshine, are the light that holds my night sky together.

I love you, for our forever.

----
I've been imprisoned for what seems like an eternity, but when Karver is able to set me free, freedom doesn't seem like what I yearn for.

But she is.

Azahara Starfall. The woman my soul searches for, yet can't seem to keep.

I'll protect you, Sunshine, even if that means allowing your heart to be with someone else.

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Romantasy, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance

Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2024

Reviews

[M.L. Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s my book, I clearly think it’s 5 ⭐️— I cried enough over this one I deserve to rate this shit.

🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠

[Mikaycakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to be able to dive back into the keepers series.

This is a novella that is in Jayce POV. It takes you through his journey with Aza. You get the ups & downs of their relationship.

I did enjoy the cute, tender, heart wrenching moments that make u wanna curl up with a blanket & not come out of it 🤣

I HIGHLY recommend you read this after The Dragons Keeper as there are MAJOR spoilers that would ruin the first two books.

[Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s genuinely something about these characters & the storyline in these books that heals something within me every time I step back into this universe. I never expected to love this series the way I do & I guess that’s what makes these books so special to me because the love I have for them is so unexpected.

Jayce is BY FAR one of the best MMCs ever written. Idc what anybody says. He is the epitome of unconditional love & what I wouldn’t do to experience a love like his. I appreciate these characters & this story more than I can even put into words.

I’ll always recommend this series until the end of my days. 🥹😮‍💨

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mel has captured my heart once more. Just when I believed I couldn't possibly fall deeper for a character, Mel shatters that illusion, leaving me breathless. This book wrung out my soul, bringing forth tears I didn't know I had, mending a piece of me that lay unseen and fractured. May we all be graced with the kind of love that dances off these pages and wraps around our hearts like a warm embrace.

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t say much in this due to spoilers other than the fact that this main character is literally the top tier of the top tier book boyfriends. He’s everything Rhysand wanted to be.
I’ll turn into an emotional mess if i write too much but basically go read the entire series cause M.L. Burns’ whole heart is in this character. The woman that you are, healing my cold heart one book at a time🥺🫶

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I’ve experienced attraction towards women before, but never like this. It wasn’t just my heart that was leaping to join hers in her chest; it was my soul. I have never felt my soul pull towards someone like this before, as if a string is being drawn through my veins and out to my fingertips, ready to wrap into her and tie a knot so tight, it could never be undone. "

SHES BACK AT IT AGAIN. I'm seriously ready for 2025 so I can have more. I cannot get enough of Aza & Jayce. Forget Kaed. I'll stand by that statement until death takes me. If you haven't read the first two books--
1. The Hourglass Keeper
2. The Dragons Keeper
Then you need to go away and read those, then come back and let's talk about my obsession with this series. I'll wait..........................okay, back yet?! I got this book as an ARC read and it's a fever dream being on the team, I am so lucky. 😭

The first two books are going to break your heart but don't worry, you'll read this novella from Jayce's POV & it will make everything so much sweeter. He waited 300 years for her and even watched her fall for another man vowing to keep her safe even if he wasn't directly in her life. WHAT A MAN (spoiler alert...obviously he is the love of her life, they are soul bonded after all) 🥰

I have so many highlights but I'll give you just a few

"I listen as her heart that was far too big for this world, beats for the last time. And I swear mine stops too.My soul withers like a flower without water. It becomes the soil without the Mother to nourish it."

"Death is so finite, and inevitable. I've come to love it over my time. It seems so peaceful."


"I would not hesitate to annihilate a civilization for you. I would eradicate my kind if you so much as asked me to do so. This world, if given the choice, would see me gone for its own survival."

[Cyd Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Keeper’s Moon by M.L. Burns will absolutely wreck you—in the best possible way. This is not just a book; it’s a full-blown experience in what it means to love someone so deeply that you’d endure any darkness just to protect their light.

Right from the opening, you’re pulled intoJayce’s heart—a place that’s bruised and battered but still beating with the purest, most selfless kind of love. He’s been locked away for what feels like a lifetime, but his freedom doesn’t matter if it doesn’t bring him closer to Azahara, his “Sunshine.” The way he fights not just for himself, but for her—oh, it’s gut-wrenching. His devotion isn’t about winning her heart; it’s about making sure she feels free, even if it breaks him in the process.

Burns writes with a raw intensity that makes every word feel like it’s searing right into your soul. There were moments I had to pause and just breathe because the way he speaks of Azahara—his unwavering commitment to let her go if that’s what brings her peace—it’s both beautiful and devastating.

This isn’t just another love story. The Keeper’s Moon feels like a promise, a reminder that even in our darkest hours, there’s a star, a person, a reason to keep going. If you’re looking for a series that grabs you by the heart and doesn’t let go, The Keeper series is it. It’s one of those rare reads that leaves you changed, that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page. This book will break you, heal you, and remind you just how fiercely love can burn—even if it has to live in the shadows.

[Taylor May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

In true M.L. Burns fashion, The Keepers Moon (TKM) is a 48372959 out of 5 stars novella that had me in tears. TKM is a fast paced, tear filled, romantasy novella that breaks out to follow the journey that Sam has had throughout The Hourglass Keeper and The Dragons Keeper. The only words I can type for this review to a) not spoil anything and b) convince you that you need to read TKM would be: Be prepared to cry. That's all. The Keepers Moon is my Roman Empire of Novellas and he will forever live rent free in my head.

Favorite quote: “She needs to be protected. There is… something different about her, but I can’t place it.” “She’s everything, ****. Everything this world doesn’t deserve. I don’t even deserve her, but by the Mother, I want her. I need her.”

Please!!! Before starting, read the trigger warnings at the start of the book. While none of this is happening in real life, some might still find the topics discussed in The Keepers Moon triggering.

[Kim (Your Book Bestie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Mel for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for the Keepers Moon - Book 2.5 in the Keepers Series.

I love Jayce so much - this is a perfect novella. I was instantly immersed back into this world. The found family in this series is one of my favorites.


“She has stamped a mark on my heart and soul. Steadily, she is starting to posses every part of me, even the scars of my past that I long for her to heal.”

“Do I…stalk her? Am I above that right now? No, absolutely not.”

I can’t recommend this series and this novella enough!

[kristyreads_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL OF THE STARS AND MORE!

This was everything my heart needed. My selfless and sweet baby Sam 😭😭😭🖤🖤🖤
What an absolute treat to hold me over until the next book in the Keeper series.


“All that matters is her happiness and safety. My heart, my soul, my feelings… don’t.”

HE DESERVES ALL OF THAT TOO 😭🖤

[Mia Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️

If you know me, you know, I don’t enjoy rewriting a timeline and also don’t enjoy flashbacks, however, this was so wonderfully done and truly did add so much to the plot of the overall series that I can throw that right out the window.

I’m obsessed and can’t get enough of these characters.

[MellissaMae · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the Mother... this was absolutely incredible! Jayce's side of the story of meeting/falling for Aza is bursting with so many emotions. This is just pure bliss and I loved seeing another perspective of the events from the other books!

[Jessica Rau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a necessary novella so I could experience the pain of Jayce yearning for Azahara for nearly 400 years! Wowowow.

[Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like it’s hard to write a review for this one without giving to much away. Let’s just say that this book features the book boyfriend that trumps any other fictional man I’ve ever read about. Getting to know him even better in this book and how he became this amazing person brought me to tears more times than I’d like to admit. I think I’m so in love with this story because the characters show how you can overcome your weaknesses and experiences to be strong for not just themselves but for each other. The make me feel like my struggles, though obviously very different from those in the book, don’t define me or keep me from becoming who I want to be. That we can achieve anything with the support of our family.

[Shelby McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mel does it again! A hundred million stars for TKM and Mel. Every new book in this series continues to blow me away and tug at my heart.
This beautiful book tells the story of Jayce and Aza from Jayce’s POV and follows him through the first 2 keeper books.
The unconditional love and devotion conveyed in this book is incomparable to anything else. Truly a masterpiece. 💫💫

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance
Series: The Keeper Series
Book 1: The Hourglass Keeper
Book 2: The Dragon’s Keeper
Book 3: The Keeper’s Moon
Upcoming: The Gods Keeper (2025)

The Keeper's Moon, number three in The Keeper Series, reprises a world with broken alliances, unresolved sorrows, and cosmic consequences. Jayce Othello, an Elder among the Fae, now mostly despised, confronts the remains of betrayals and the struggle for powers initiated earlier on. With Azahara Rothwen, this mysterious and strongly independent mortal lady, Jayce finds tenuous contact with hope amidst devastation.

The story navigates the aftermath of political upheaval and the mysterious connection Azahara has with the Fae world. In every interaction, there are themes of redemption, trust, and sacrifice. A brewing war between the mortal and Fae realms simmers, and Azahara holds a secret that could tip the balance of power.

The book ties in seamlessly with events from the previous installments, while propelling the overarching story forward with higher stakes and emotional depth.

Jayce Othello:
Jayce carries the series' emotional weight on his shoulders. His internal fight, between his sense of duty as a leader and his guilt over past failures, forms the heart of his arc. Jayce is a deeply flawed and endlessly loyal character. In him, love for Azahara is a deep driving force, but not one that ever overshadows the greater responsibilities.

Azahara Rothwen:
Azahara's character continues to blossom as a multi-faceted heroine. Her mysterious past, along with her quiet resilience, provides an anchor for both Jayce and the story. Her courage shines in moments of vulnerability, and her internal struggles—rooted in grief and identity—are explored with care.

Karver:
Karver, Jayce's stalwart friend, is a strong secondary character; his loyalty never wavers, and his presence serves to be Jayce's moral compass. Karver has a very interesting backstory hinted at throughout the series, adding more layers to this character.

Side Characters: The cast of supporting characters contains political players, cunning enemies, and loyal allies. Characters such as Helio, Jaakobai, and Illyan create tension and intrigue, while side characters like Zhal add some levity and emotional warmth to the story.

Power Dynamics and Relationships:
The book explores power imbalance, especially in the strained dynamic between the ruling Fae and the oppressed mortals. Jayce and Azahara's relationship finds its foundation on mutual respect but is also burdened by outside forces and Jayce's self-loathing. The power imbalance in their dynamic is very well thought out to bring authenticity to their love story.


Jayce's struggle with guilt over perceived failures of the past and his yearning for redemption drive his journey. His noble and selfish choices alike are products of this internal war. The ever-present question of destiny versus choice plays a great role in The Keeper's Moon. Azahara's mysterious connection to the Fae world brings up many questions as to what place fate has in their lives.
The sacrifices both Jayce and Azahara make bring out the emotional core of the novel. Loyalty-to a person, cause, or promise-drives most of the characters' decisions in this novel. Jayce and Azahara's romance is as tender as it is destructive, and love is portrayed to be capable of immense healing just as much as it can have devastating consequences.

M.L. Burns' prose is both lyrical and intense. Her use of first-person narration gives readers an intimate view into Jayce's turmoil and Azahara's resilience. The pacing balances heart-pounding action with moments of introspection, allowing the emotional stakes to hit harder.

In this installment, world-building is extended with deeper insight into Fae politics, magic systems, and cultural lore. Some plot threads could have been more deeply explored, but the narrative remains cohesive and engaging.

Conclusion:
The Keeper's Moon is a powerful sequel to The Keeper Series, mixing heart-wrenching romance with political intrigue and cosmic stakes. Jayce and Azahara's story is tragically beautiful; the raw emotional moments continue to linger long after the final page.

Strengths:
Deeply emotional character arcs, especially in the case of Jayce and Azahara.
Well-balanced romance and political intrigue.
Vivid writing style that immerses the reader in the world.

This book is perfect for readers who love Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses and Jennifer L. Armentrout's From Blood and Ash. It lives up to its promise of dark romance, emotional stakes, and fantasy that keeps one hooked.

Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
Writing Style: ★★★★☆
Characters: ★★★★★
World-Building: ★★★★☆

Recommended For:
Readers who love dark romantic fantasy, slow-burn emotional narratives, and morally complex characters.

The Keeper's Moon is the bittersweet tale of love and sacrifice and that eternal fight for redemption-this is the never-to-forget chapter of The Keeper Series.

[Sherri Lynn Parent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so thankful to have received an advance reader copy of this book to review.

I have read the first two books in the series (which is a must, before jumping into this novella) and I have enjoyed the journey immensely.

Burns knows how to create a world like no other. Her MMC's are always intriguing and have the best qualities.
Her FMC's are always strong and beautiful even if they've been broken in the past.

This story follows Jayce and Aza along their journey to finding one another. I can't wait to see where book 3 takes them. The trials that they will face together and how much stronger they will be at each other's side.

Burns is a must read/buy author for me!
Her dark fantasy and dark romance never disappoint.

[Darkling Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌙The Keepers Moon – M.L Burns 🌙

The Keeper’s Moon is book 2.5 of the keeper’s series. It’s a short run through Jayce & Aza's story from Jayce's point of view.
I’d be lying if I said that this novella isn’t heartbreaking. If you’ve read The Keepers series, you know why this is heartbreaking. Jayce is such a special character. His heart and his love are just so unique, and it clearly transcends time. He would literally do anything for Aza to keep her close... to keep her safe. He’s just... so swoon worthy.

I honestly loved the way this was written. I’m so excited to read the next book in the series – The Gods Keeper, which releases very soon. M.L Burns really has me in the edge of my seat with this story. I need to see Goddrick dead, I need to see Aza happy with our boy Jayce – Long may the reign as the sexiest couple to rule the world...

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to know how you’ll feel while reading this, just know I read this on a plane and cried for most of it. Imagine if chapter 54 of ACOTAR was a whole 200 page novella, but was also x10 better.

This is book 2.5 in the keepers series and you MUST read books 1 & 2 before this!!! This is so much more than a novella & this will always hold a special place in my heart (even though it also caused me pain).

This is from Jayces POV and is the story of how he fell in love with Aza. This is the EPITOME of “I will love you in every lifetime”. Forget ACOTAR, this is my new roman empire & I will scream about this forever until everyone reads it!!!!! There was so much love & patience & understanding in this and I love Jayce so much it makes me SICK.

[Devin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a critical piece of this series that made me fall more in love with the series. This is the novella that is one of our MMCs Jayce's POV. This is the most romantic, transcended, love you in every life time, realm and across centuries, yearnful book I have ever read!!! I don't know how this series is not getting more attention. This is pivotal yet entertaining and so worth the read. The perspective shift is undeniably loveable and really solidifies how underrated Jayce is as an MMC. This Novella also helps you see how much Jayce loves Aza and all that he saw in the first two books. It's really beautifully done. This really gave me the perspective of loving Jayce even more than I did and locking hi in as my #1 ML Burns Book Boyfriend!!

[Charlotte Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mel done it again 😭😂 what an absolutely beautiful story.

Never did I think I would enjoy these books! I am not a lover of fantasy at all but The Keeper Series is the most beautiful story ever! Every single book so far i have connected with and feel in love with immediately!

Jayce is a beautiful ray of sunshine ☀️ he is the best mmc by far in these books! I will love him forever! Reading the story from his POV was so emotional but so bloody beautiful! I laughed and I cried! In a good way.

I am so ready for more.. when Mel has it😍❤️

[Liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

⋆｡°✩ Spoiler Free Reviews ⋆｡°✩

This was the POV I needed.

This novella (200ish pages) follows a character we see a lot in TDK, and I cannot even tell you who it is without spoiling it. But be rest assured, if you were on the fence at the end of book 2, for whatever reason like I was, this will set you straight. The perspective shift was exactly what I needed.

Not to mention, we also get to revisit events from THK and TDK that we saw from Aza’s POV, but (and I’m gonna keep repeating it) THAT PERSPECTIVE SHIFT??? Absolutely groundbreaking. Earth shattering. Roman empire series right here.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

my gods was this perfect, i went from swooning to absolute heartache for this man and the yearning he endured. i want to cry again just writing this review at the absolute perfection this man is- he has blown every other book boyfriend i’ve ever had out of the water. he has healed me in ways i didn’t think were possible, he has my heart and i know he will protect it forever. “i love you, for our forever” 😭😭😭

[Jennifer Laymon · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first two books in The Keeper series (The Hourglass Keeper(1) and The Dragons Keeper (2)) I was so excited to get a novella with Jayce’s story. 🧡 And I can say this book did not disappoint. His story captured all the heart feels! To read about his devotion and struggle for years…. Years! To be there for the one his soul calls to…. 🥰😭 loved it!

[Dalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will wreck you in the best way. Jayce’s love for Azahara is raw and selfless. He fights for her even if he is to pay the price. Even in the darkest of times there is someone worth fighting for. Before anything please read the TW. This is short and powerful.

[Amy Laudick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novella I didn't know I needed! Loved reading the story from Jayce's POV. His absolute, unconditional love for her is beautiful.

Can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Jessica B · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love Jayce, and he needed his own book(: I loved it!

[Chloe Shilaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ for the YEARNING