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Moonlight
Moonlight is a fantasy romance set in modern Japan. Two young teenagers, Tadao and Yuzuki, pledge their love in the face of imminent separation. Can they honour their promise to meet again as adults? Can they overcome an impossible challenge to achieve happiness together? The story includes elements of tragedy and magic, and Yuzuki's little cat, Miss Moonbeam, holds the key.
- GenresFantasy
43 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2014
21 people want to read
About the author
David Rose
7 books54 followersIf you need to email me: davidr (at?sign) weblink1 one.dot co and.anotherdot za.
Please do not offer me a free book in exchange for a review. Amazon no longer allows this, except (I believe) for ARCs. Feel free to ask me for a review. If I like the look of your book I will buy it and then review.
I began writing before I was 18, and have never stopped.
I have been a soldier, a merchant seaman, an agricultural development worker, a cubicle rat, and a preacher; and I have travelled throughout Southern Africa, and also to Europe, Asia, Australia and North America.
I married Chantelle in 1991 and cannot imagine being with anyone else.
I was partially disabled in a flying accident in 2002.
You can find an interview with more about me here.
Feel free to contact me. They say I'm mostly harmless.
Please do not offer me a free book in exchange for a review. Amazon no longer allows this, except (I believe) for ARCs. Feel free to ask me for a review. If I like the look of your book I will buy it and then review.
I began writing before I was 18, and have never stopped.
I have been a soldier, a merchant seaman, an agricultural development worker, a cubicle rat, and a preacher; and I have travelled throughout Southern Africa, and also to Europe, Asia, Australia and North America.
I married Chantelle in 1991 and cannot imagine being with anyone else.
I was partially disabled in a flying accident in 2002.
You can find an interview with more about me here.
Feel free to contact me. They say I'm mostly harmless.
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 4, 2017
After reading all of David Rose’s other books, I know he can turn his hand to different genres with the natural ease of a chameleon blending into its surroundings. There’s a certain confidence to the way he does this which translates itself onto the page. If his books didn’t have his name on the cover, I could believe I was reading books by different authors. Moonlight is no exception. Told as an alternating his and hers first person story, Moonlight is a YA romance set in Japan filled with the kind of heartache and tenderness you’d hope for from this genre.
What is typical of David Rose’s writing is that he never takes the reader down the tried and true path. Just when you think you know where the story is going, he changes direction and leads you somewhere else. Moonlight appears to be a cotton-candy heart-warming story complete with a cute kitten, but once established, the story makes a swift departure from the sweet to the supernatural. This too is handled with natural ease, keeping the story convincing through all the twists and turns leading to the conclusion.
Even though Moonlight is labelled as a YA romance, there’s plenty in this story for older readers to appreciate too, and an important reminder about why you should always keep a spare can of tuna in the cupboard. As a caution, if you wear your emotions close to the surface, make sure you have a box of tissues handy.
Four stars for length (c’mon, David, can’t you give us just a little more, puh-lease?), five stars for a totally unexpected story and conclusion, and six stars for lovely writing, rounded out to five overall.
What is typical of David Rose’s writing is that he never takes the reader down the tried and true path. Just when you think you know where the story is going, he changes direction and leads you somewhere else. Moonlight appears to be a cotton-candy heart-warming story complete with a cute kitten, but once established, the story makes a swift departure from the sweet to the supernatural. This too is handled with natural ease, keeping the story convincing through all the twists and turns leading to the conclusion.
Even though Moonlight is labelled as a YA romance, there’s plenty in this story for older readers to appreciate too, and an important reminder about why you should always keep a spare can of tuna in the cupboard. As a caution, if you wear your emotions close to the surface, make sure you have a box of tissues handy.
Four stars for length (c’mon, David, can’t you give us just a little more, puh-lease?), five stars for a totally unexpected story and conclusion, and six stars for lovely writing, rounded out to five overall.
December 23, 2016
"Moonlight" is a charming tale that gradually pulls in more magical elements as the love story of a very young Japanese couple unfolds. Tadao and Yuzuki are best friends at first. When they’re in their early teens, they realize they’re in love just as they’re pulled apart when Yuzuki’s father takes a job in another city. Mr. Rose has some nice Japanese touches in his story, along with an interesting paranormal element involving Yuzuki’s cat and the strong romantic bond the couple feels. It’s a chaste, romantic story that might appeal to middle graders and people who believe true love never dies.
January 11, 2018
This short story is atmospheric and poignant, all the more powerful because it is written in simple and precise language. My own youth is far behind me, but this is the kind of story I would have loved to read as a teenager. There is tragedy, but there is also hope born of deep conviction and a loyal, purposeful heart.
June 11, 2018
A delightful, immensely satisfying short read.
'Moonlight' is a beautifully written fantasy story that starts out with a simple meeting of children, but soon becomes something much more enchanting and compelling.
Rose writes with eloquence that gives his story poetic qualities that lure the reader in as he seduces the imagination with his words. It's almost impossible not to visualise the characters and settings as one reads.
The alternating perspectives of Tadao and Yuzuki give the story depth of insight which may not otherwise be possible to achieve in a short work, helping the reader to appreciate the strength of the bond between the characters and their determination to overcome the challenges they face.
This is a delightful short read that can be read in less than an hour, so it's ideal for busy booklovers, as well as readers who simply want a taste of something different yet immensely satisfying.
'Moonlight' is a beautifully written fantasy story that starts out with a simple meeting of children, but soon becomes something much more enchanting and compelling.
Rose writes with eloquence that gives his story poetic qualities that lure the reader in as he seduces the imagination with his words. It's almost impossible not to visualise the characters and settings as one reads.
The alternating perspectives of Tadao and Yuzuki give the story depth of insight which may not otherwise be possible to achieve in a short work, helping the reader to appreciate the strength of the bond between the characters and their determination to overcome the challenges they face.
This is a delightful short read that can be read in less than an hour, so it's ideal for busy booklovers, as well as readers who simply want a taste of something different yet immensely satisfying.
June 30, 2018
Moonlight, by David Rose is a young adult fantasy/romance set in Japan. This short tale tells the beautiful and yet tragic love story of Tadao and Yuzuki. When they first meet as childhood neighbours, the pair instantly bond, with their feelings for each-other steadily growing over time.
The author's writing style is beautifully descriptive and evoked an intense mixture of emotions in me throughout. The story switches between Tadao and Yuzuki's perspectives, detailing events as they experience them.
The real drama begins when Tadao's father relocates his family because of a new job role, thus tearing our two young lovers apart. But they have a plan and it is this very plan that stands true, even after a terrible tragedy befalls the pair. I won't give the ending away, but I actually found it to be oddly romantic.
I could not stop reading.
My rating: 5 Galaxy Cupcakes.
The author's writing style is beautifully descriptive and evoked an intense mixture of emotions in me throughout. The story switches between Tadao and Yuzuki's perspectives, detailing events as they experience them.
The real drama begins when Tadao's father relocates his family because of a new job role, thus tearing our two young lovers apart. But they have a plan and it is this very plan that stands true, even after a terrible tragedy befalls the pair. I won't give the ending away, but I actually found it to be oddly romantic.
I could not stop reading.
My rating: 5 Galaxy Cupcakes.
October 19, 2014
Moonlight by David Rose is a middle grades YA fantasy about the eleven-year-old Tadao, his childhood gal pal Yuzuki, her magical cat Gekkō-san, and their journey through childhood into true love.
Tadao and his parents just moved into town, and the mother shoos her son into the garden to explore while she unpacks. A beautiful cat with silver-grey fur and pale golden eyes squeezes through the fence and sits down as comfortable as you please. A pretty ten-year-old girl follows her kitty into the garden, and so begins the wonderful friendship between two lonely children.
They soon became as close as brother and sister, and also best friends. The teens’ friendship turns into young love. As often happens with working parents, in less than four years Tadao’s parents must move to another town. A few months after Tadao moves away, the biggest loss takes Yuzuki away forever. But the little cat Gekkō-san works her magic with the moonlight, and nothing is ever the same for Tadao.
Moonlight is a bittersweet story full of beautiful images. David Rose uses a masterful hand capturing the innocence and sweetness of solemn childhood promises. A life of duty and inevitability swirl around these children living in their Japanese world.
This story would delight all young YA readers with its rich fantasy world and a most magical moonlight-colored cat.
Tadao and his parents just moved into town, and the mother shoos her son into the garden to explore while she unpacks. A beautiful cat with silver-grey fur and pale golden eyes squeezes through the fence and sits down as comfortable as you please. A pretty ten-year-old girl follows her kitty into the garden, and so begins the wonderful friendship between two lonely children.
They soon became as close as brother and sister, and also best friends. The teens’ friendship turns into young love. As often happens with working parents, in less than four years Tadao’s parents must move to another town. A few months after Tadao moves away, the biggest loss takes Yuzuki away forever. But the little cat Gekkō-san works her magic with the moonlight, and nothing is ever the same for Tadao.
Moonlight is a bittersweet story full of beautiful images. David Rose uses a masterful hand capturing the innocence and sweetness of solemn childhood promises. A life of duty and inevitability swirl around these children living in their Japanese world.
This story would delight all young YA readers with its rich fantasy world and a most magical moonlight-colored cat.
October 12, 2017
Moonlight starts with the first day Tadao and Yuzuki met. They take turns in sharing their side of how they saw their childhood, of becoming best friends - lovers eventually. They're separated but vow to meet again as adults. Will they stand a chance?!
Gekkō-san might hold a key, but David Rose has got one too: Alternating narrators, romance meets tragedy, modern Japan and old beliefs with a sprinkle of magic. It flows unbelievably smooth! This, however, does not take away you might ride a few waves (and possibly get a little dust in your eye Å_Å )!
This novella had a bigger impact on me than expected and looking forward to read more of Rose's works!
Gekkō-san might hold a key, but David Rose has got one too: Alternating narrators, romance meets tragedy, modern Japan and old beliefs with a sprinkle of magic. It flows unbelievably smooth! This, however, does not take away you might ride a few waves (and possibly get a little dust in your eye Å_Å )!
This novella had a bigger impact on me than expected and looking forward to read more of Rose's works!
January 22, 2015
I grabbed a sample of this book when the author pitched it to me for review and was totally frustrated when I got to the last page and there was no more story. That's always the way I get hooked on a read, and Rose did a great job of setting the stage for a heart-wrenching story to unfold. I had to have the rest of the tale! Off to Amazon I went to one-click. But let's get to what matters.
From a Reader's Perspective:
Because I'm not familiar with Japanese nomenclature, it was a bit difficult to follow the story in the beginning with the changing of names (it coincided with the changing of relationships in the children's heads). Once I got used to that, it was a much easier story to get into the groove with. And did I ever get into the groove. There were tissue needing moments, moments that make you move to the edge of your chair and cross your fingers, and moments where I hoped it wouldn't end the way I thought it might. To tell you any more would be to ruin the story. Character development was well done for such a short read, and I became completely invested in the outcome. There wasn't much in the way of scene/world building, but I appreciated that Rose left so much of it to my imagination and focused on what was important (the relationship building). This left me adoring the cat as much as I did the children. Plot and pacing were excellent, and I read the book in a couple of hours.
From an Editor's Perspective:
It needs a proofreader's touch to clean up punctuation here and there (dialogue tags vs action tags were the worst of it), but otherwise I didn't highlight much.
Rating:
1 Star for making me cry
1 Star for character building
1 Star for letting me identify and bond with the characters (even the dang cat)
1 Star for plot and pacing
.75 Star for editing
-.25 Star for punctuation usage
Overall, 4.75 out of 5 stars! I round up, so this book gets 5 starry stars. Recommended if you enjoy a romance built over time where the characters go through more than just doe-eyed love star strikes.
From a Reader's Perspective:
Because I'm not familiar with Japanese nomenclature, it was a bit difficult to follow the story in the beginning with the changing of names (it coincided with the changing of relationships in the children's heads). Once I got used to that, it was a much easier story to get into the groove with. And did I ever get into the groove. There were tissue needing moments, moments that make you move to the edge of your chair and cross your fingers, and moments where I hoped it wouldn't end the way I thought it might. To tell you any more would be to ruin the story. Character development was well done for such a short read, and I became completely invested in the outcome. There wasn't much in the way of scene/world building, but I appreciated that Rose left so much of it to my imagination and focused on what was important (the relationship building). This left me adoring the cat as much as I did the children. Plot and pacing were excellent, and I read the book in a couple of hours.
From an Editor's Perspective:
It needs a proofreader's touch to clean up punctuation here and there (dialogue tags vs action tags were the worst of it), but otherwise I didn't highlight much.
Rating:
1 Star for making me cry
1 Star for character building
1 Star for letting me identify and bond with the characters (even the dang cat)
1 Star for plot and pacing
.75 Star for editing
-.25 Star for punctuation usage
Overall, 4.75 out of 5 stars! I round up, so this book gets 5 starry stars. Recommended if you enjoy a romance built over time where the characters go through more than just doe-eyed love star strikes.
July 29, 2016
Moonlight from David Rose is a fine love story about second chances and the power of love over life and death. It's difficult to describe the plot without giving away several of the major plot twists, but suffice to say, the story moves several times in unexpected directions. It's told alternately from the perspective of the two main characters, Tadao (which means 'loyal') and Yuzuki (whose name means 'tender moon'). The imagery of the moon is beautiful throughout and is personified in the character of the moon who bathes the lovers in his presence.
What I love about David Rose's writing is his ability to pack a great deal into a short space. This story is not quite novella length but it manages to feel real and substantial. I debated between 4 stars and 5, and in the end settled for four. The prose focuses almost exclusively on the characters and makes little use of the different senses, or backstory and setting (modern Japan, but I did not 'feel' it), and in the final analysis I felt that there was just too little to really move me to care enough for the characters and their situation. However I want to add that the story is well told and hangs together well. It's definitely one for the romantics!
Most enjoyable reading and I thank David for providing a copy for an honest, non-reciprocal review. I will be reading this author again.
What I love about David Rose's writing is his ability to pack a great deal into a short space. This story is not quite novella length but it manages to feel real and substantial. I debated between 4 stars and 5, and in the end settled for four. The prose focuses almost exclusively on the characters and makes little use of the different senses, or backstory and setting (modern Japan, but I did not 'feel' it), and in the final analysis I felt that there was just too little to really move me to care enough for the characters and their situation. However I want to add that the story is well told and hangs together well. It's definitely one for the romantics!
Most enjoyable reading and I thank David for providing a copy for an honest, non-reciprocal review. I will be reading this author again.
November 14, 2014
Tadao and Yuzuki spent three years together as the best of childhood friends, brought together by the wandering cat Gekkō-san and their loneliness. It is not until Tadao must leave the city with his parents at the age of 14 that he and Yuzuki realize they were more than just friends. The two young kids make a pact by the moon, that in seven years they will meet again in their special place on the beach. “And then, too soon, we were parted, with nothing to sustain us but faith and moonlight.” (Location 419).
Moonlight is an adorable short novel at just around 50 pages and the entire time I was reading it I was reminded of an animated short. Moonlight has a wonderfully delightful twist to the romance that involves what I would call magical realism. In order not to spoil the book, I will not go into further detail but I will say that it was a well-executed twist that gives the story more depth and meaning.
Moonlight involved a cute story of a romance between two of the sweetest characters. Unfortunately because it was such a short book, the reader is not given much information about the characters as individuals, although I believe the story stands alone solidly without the need for more background or description. Personally I would have liked more information, but that’s because the story was so well-rounded and easy to read that I wanted more of it.
David Rose gives us something a little different with Moonlight and I was thoroughly delighted with this short romance story set in Japan.
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys short stories, cute romances, stories set in other countries such as japan, or animated shorts.
Moonlight is an adorable short novel at just around 50 pages and the entire time I was reading it I was reminded of an animated short. Moonlight has a wonderfully delightful twist to the romance that involves what I would call magical realism. In order not to spoil the book, I will not go into further detail but I will say that it was a well-executed twist that gives the story more depth and meaning.
Moonlight involved a cute story of a romance between two of the sweetest characters. Unfortunately because it was such a short book, the reader is not given much information about the characters as individuals, although I believe the story stands alone solidly without the need for more background or description. Personally I would have liked more information, but that’s because the story was so well-rounded and easy to read that I wanted more of it.
David Rose gives us something a little different with Moonlight and I was thoroughly delighted with this short romance story set in Japan.
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys short stories, cute romances, stories set in other countries such as japan, or animated shorts.
May 27, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a non-reciprocal review.
I usually don't comment on the covers, but I will mention I like this cover. I'm a sucker for art.
This is a short but sweet book. Because of its length, I'd say the story revolves more around a concept than developing characters. We fly through certain portions of their lives, being told a lot about what happens rather than shown. If you're looking for a quick, interesting take on a tragic love story that's fine. It's a pretty sweet, innocent love story with an ending that is up for interpretation.
The narration is stilted but I believe that's done purposefully, to make it sound like it was translated from Japanese. I read Japanese translations all the time so it didn't really bother me. The dialogue sounded more like a historical manga than a modern one to me, but I don't pick up a lot of romances so it could just be modeled after a genre I don't follow.
Honestly, the author could probably take this exact same story and flesh it out into something much bigger. As I mentioned, we get told a lot, so it would be easy to expand on parts and spend a lot more time with the characters. The overall story is pretty solid, and it's a good concept.
It would be a good book for someone to pick up if they're looking for a quick, romantic read and don't mind some sad twists.
I usually don't comment on the covers, but I will mention I like this cover. I'm a sucker for art.
This is a short but sweet book. Because of its length, I'd say the story revolves more around a concept than developing characters. We fly through certain portions of their lives, being told a lot about what happens rather than shown. If you're looking for a quick, interesting take on a tragic love story that's fine. It's a pretty sweet, innocent love story with an ending that is up for interpretation.
The narration is stilted but I believe that's done purposefully, to make it sound like it was translated from Japanese. I read Japanese translations all the time so it didn't really bother me. The dialogue sounded more like a historical manga than a modern one to me, but I don't pick up a lot of romances so it could just be modeled after a genre I don't follow.
Honestly, the author could probably take this exact same story and flesh it out into something much bigger. As I mentioned, we get told a lot, so it would be easy to expand on parts and spend a lot more time with the characters. The overall story is pretty solid, and it's a good concept.
It would be a good book for someone to pick up if they're looking for a quick, romantic read and don't mind some sad twists.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2015
Moonlight was definitely penned for those drawn to romance and tragedy. The setting is most apt for this purpose; the tale takes place in a land of deities and spirits, where tragedy has struck innumerous times before.
There are elements to this short story that held me to it, most notably the destructive effect that professional nomadism has over the families that are victim to it, tearing children from their newfound friends over and over until they become disinclined to forming bonds ever again. Anyone who has lived through this will understand what I mean.
From the technical perspective, Moonlight was very well written; the narrative flowed smoothly and without flaw, and left me with an experience which, although short, was certainly memorable.
In all, this is the kind of book that, if wrapped up neatly along with other short stories of the same genre, will always be among the most outstanding of the selection.
There are elements to this short story that held me to it, most notably the destructive effect that professional nomadism has over the families that are victim to it, tearing children from their newfound friends over and over until they become disinclined to forming bonds ever again. Anyone who has lived through this will understand what I mean.
From the technical perspective, Moonlight was very well written; the narrative flowed smoothly and without flaw, and left me with an experience which, although short, was certainly memorable.
In all, this is the kind of book that, if wrapped up neatly along with other short stories of the same genre, will always be among the most outstanding of the selection.
Read
October 4, 2017This is a very romantic love story, short of a novella in length, which may possibly require a tissue or two ready to hand. Or not, depending on the reader. It is firmly set in contemporary Japan, which some readers might find distracting. The reasons I did that are 1) that the inspiration for the book came out of reading some pretty good Japanese graphic novels, and 2) the theme and storyline fitted far better there than anywhere else. You will probably enjoy this if you like young adult romance with a fair dose of fantasy (but not of the currently popular 'paranormal' type).
June 24, 2018
This is a super sweet tale set in Japan, which accompanies a childhood promise to a magical end.
Tadao and Yzuki are neighbors and great friends. When life's problems force their parents to move to another town, the pledge to find each other again. With the promise of meeting at a certain time and place in many years, they go their separate ways only to have tragedy strike. But love has its own magical plans for them.
Fans of Japanese tales of magic and sweet love will enjoy this one. It's a very innocent tale and follows Tadao and Yzuki as they become childhood friends. Various moments in progressive chronological order are given from each character in their point of view as they discover their love for each other right before they're pulled apart. This never grows confusing and allows the reader to get a glance into each character. However, it has a very traditional 'telling' feel allowing the first chapters to glance over with moments here and there instead of a flowing story. It's a short story, and due to this, looses some depth which could have made this even a better read.
As the story switches into a more magical mode about halfway through, the tale grabs with wonder. The author does a wonderful job at bringing the odd circumstances to life for each character as well as their hopes and fears. It's a beautiful story with tons of hope and leaves a smile on the face.
I was lucky enough to win a copy in a giveaway and enjoyed it enough to want to leave my honest thoughts.
Tadao and Yzuki are neighbors and great friends. When life's problems force their parents to move to another town, the pledge to find each other again. With the promise of meeting at a certain time and place in many years, they go their separate ways only to have tragedy strike. But love has its own magical plans for them.
Fans of Japanese tales of magic and sweet love will enjoy this one. It's a very innocent tale and follows Tadao and Yzuki as they become childhood friends. Various moments in progressive chronological order are given from each character in their point of view as they discover their love for each other right before they're pulled apart. This never grows confusing and allows the reader to get a glance into each character. However, it has a very traditional 'telling' feel allowing the first chapters to glance over with moments here and there instead of a flowing story. It's a short story, and due to this, looses some depth which could have made this even a better read.
As the story switches into a more magical mode about halfway through, the tale grabs with wonder. The author does a wonderful job at bringing the odd circumstances to life for each character as well as their hopes and fears. It's a beautiful story with tons of hope and leaves a smile on the face.
I was lucky enough to win a copy in a giveaway and enjoyed it enough to want to leave my honest thoughts.
November 29, 2014
Moonlight is a story of two Japanese children, Tadao and Yuzuki, who fall in love. When Tadao is forced to leave, the young couple resolve to meet again when Yuzuki, the younger of the two, comes of age.
I`m not sure as to the age of the reader whom the author is intending to reach with this book but I found the style too simplistic and the story too naive.
The characters were two dimensional. When I try to describe them, their personalities, their idiosyncracies, I have nothing, the author provides me nothing, aside from the nauseating repetition that they love each other.
This is not a bad book but I need more.
I`m not sure as to the age of the reader whom the author is intending to reach with this book but I found the style too simplistic and the story too naive.
The characters were two dimensional. When I try to describe them, their personalities, their idiosyncracies, I have nothing, the author provides me nothing, aside from the nauseating repetition that they love each other.
This is not a bad book but I need more.
May 4, 2014
What a great little story! But its too short! Thats why i put four stars. It is so unusual but really nice characters and i was really surprised by the ending. I loved the little cat!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews