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A Chord of Silver Moons
“A descriptive high fantasy action-adventure with well-written relationships and high stakes. Must read!” —
Jada Wilson, Reedsy Reviewer
Aryam Sinanan has spent her life training to fulfill her bloodline oath to defend the princess of Beldemar. An ancient seal keeps the vengeful creatures known as the akbarrin trapped in a devastating wasteland called The Shadows, and Aryam believes they will never return. So why should she sacrifice her youth and happiness for such an unlikely calling?
Instead of dedicating her every breath to her training, Aryam pushes the boundaries of her oath, trying to lead a somewhat normal life.
But on the day she turns sixteen, the captain of the royal guard arrives and summons Aryam to duty with dire news—the king has been assassinated, and the princess is in danger.
Worse, the captain believes akbarrin are responsible and that the seal is weakening.
Too soon, Aryam is forced to leave behind everything and everyone she loves, joining her sister guardians to battle the akbarrin with their spirit weapons.
The problem is Aryam doesn't have one. And without it, she might not only fail Beldemar—she might doom it.
The first in a bold and immersive fantasy series for fans of The Gilded Ones and The Bone Shard Daughter.
Aryam Sinanan has spent her life training to fulfill her bloodline oath to defend the princess of Beldemar. An ancient seal keeps the vengeful creatures known as the akbarrin trapped in a devastating wasteland called The Shadows, and Aryam believes they will never return. So why should she sacrifice her youth and happiness for such an unlikely calling?
Instead of dedicating her every breath to her training, Aryam pushes the boundaries of her oath, trying to lead a somewhat normal life.
But on the day she turns sixteen, the captain of the royal guard arrives and summons Aryam to duty with dire news—the king has been assassinated, and the princess is in danger.
Worse, the captain believes akbarrin are responsible and that the seal is weakening.
Too soon, Aryam is forced to leave behind everything and everyone she loves, joining her sister guardians to battle the akbarrin with their spirit weapons.
The problem is Aryam doesn't have one. And without it, she might not only fail Beldemar—she might doom it.
The first in a bold and immersive fantasy series for fans of The Gilded Ones and The Bone Shard Daughter.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 14, 2025
In A Chord of Silver Moons, Tylisha Washington has created a breathtaking coming-of-age story full of magic and friendship. The book follows a girl called Aryam as she tries to find her oju (basically a power given to guardians, who are protectors of royals) while protecting Princess Marleyn, but ends up trying to save the people of Beldemar from an ancient threat.
There is so much to love about ACoSM! The immersive story, the way they track time, the lovely names...almost everything is perfect! Let us start with the story. Every step of Aryam's journey promised some new consideration, some new obstacle, resulting in a story that does not fail to be entertaining. Well, except for a small portion just before the middle. The pacing was off in that part, making it kind of hard to get through. That little pacing problem resulted in the book losing a star, but it stays a four star read since the rest of the book is so good! The story towards the end was fast paced and engaging, offering a hook for the sequel while finishing the story. Seriously, there are so many books that put a "cliffhanger" at the end, but it is just them being lazy and not bothering to actually close the story. ACoSM does not have this problem at all, instead offering a resolution while still providing more than enough material for a sequel.
The next thing worth praise is the way the characters refer to time. They measure time in "measures" (close to an hour, I think) and "scores" (maybe a year?) which was a bit confusing at first, until you realize that those terms are musical terms. The series is titled "Songs of Aryam." Songs. The story is a song, and the characters are referring to the passage of time in technical music terms! It just felt good to figure this out, but someone else has to find this interesting too, right?
Anyways...let's move on! The final thing to love is the names, or more specifically, the cultures shown. The names like Maya, Chori, and Kyrel are beautiful, but they are simply reflections of wonderful cultures. I loved the storytellers, called griori. I loved the stories shown. I loved the names of the kingdoms (Zehir, Jara, Gedra, and Marad). There was so much to love about the rich culture of these kingdoms, and learning tidbits of their history was fascinating! Again, there is simply so much to catch your interest, but if you are looking for a book with characters that grow, kingdoms rich in culture, and friendships strong as titanium, ACoSM is for you!
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for providing me with this advanced reader copy in exchange for a review, but all opinions and thoughts expressed are my own!
There is so much to love about ACoSM! The immersive story, the way they track time, the lovely names...almost everything is perfect! Let us start with the story. Every step of Aryam's journey promised some new consideration, some new obstacle, resulting in a story that does not fail to be entertaining. Well, except for a small portion just before the middle. The pacing was off in that part, making it kind of hard to get through. That little pacing problem resulted in the book losing a star, but it stays a four star read since the rest of the book is so good! The story towards the end was fast paced and engaging, offering a hook for the sequel while finishing the story. Seriously, there are so many books that put a "cliffhanger" at the end, but it is just them being lazy and not bothering to actually close the story. ACoSM does not have this problem at all, instead offering a resolution while still providing more than enough material for a sequel.
The next thing worth praise is the way the characters refer to time. They measure time in "measures" (close to an hour, I think) and "scores" (maybe a year?) which was a bit confusing at first, until you realize that those terms are musical terms. The series is titled "Songs of Aryam." Songs. The story is a song, and the characters are referring to the passage of time in technical music terms! It just felt good to figure this out, but someone else has to find this interesting too, right?
Anyways...let's move on! The final thing to love is the names, or more specifically, the cultures shown. The names like Maya, Chori, and Kyrel are beautiful, but they are simply reflections of wonderful cultures. I loved the storytellers, called griori. I loved the stories shown. I loved the names of the kingdoms (Zehir, Jara, Gedra, and Marad). There was so much to love about the rich culture of these kingdoms, and learning tidbits of their history was fascinating! Again, there is simply so much to catch your interest, but if you are looking for a book with characters that grow, kingdoms rich in culture, and friendships strong as titanium, ACoSM is for you!
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for providing me with this advanced reader copy in exchange for a review, but all opinions and thoughts expressed are my own!
December 20, 2024
I received an ARC of the book from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for a review.
A descriptive high fantasy action-adventure with well-written relationships and high stakes.
A Chord of Silver Moons is a fantasy novel about Aryam Sinanan, a girl bound from birth to serve as the guardian of a princess she's never met. The book shares her story as she is uprooted from what little semblance of a 'normal' life she managed to have between her training with her monitor, Ranee. After King Felix is killed, she is forced to fulfill her destiny as one of Princess Marley's guardians, where failure would cost her life. However, Aryam lacks an oju, the magic guardians use to defeat akbarrin, previously imprisoned monsters that once terrorized the kingdoms. Without an oju, she is unsure of her worth and abilities as a guardian, especially after an encounter on the way to the palace that resulted in her monitor and mentor, Ranee, being taken away by a river demigoddess. This forced Aryam to continue without her, worried about Ranee's unknown fate and wondering what drove the once peaceful entity to violence. This event marked only the beginning of the mysteries Aryam would uncover and the creatures she would have to face.
The book features interesting worldbuilding with its settings, lore, and creatures, elegantly scattering information about the four kingdoms, the dragon king and akbarrin, the deities, and the history behind everything throughout the story. There were plentiful hints of intrigue and implications of deeper goings-on for Aryam and her three chorus sisters, the other three guardians who make up her team, to figure out. The writing is very descriptive and detailed in the way it sets up the beauty or eerieness of the story's locations. It also contains exciting action scenes, especially with the guardians' creative spiritual weapons. The scenes do well to convey a sense of danger, with a very real threat of death in more tense moments. Tylisha Washington crafts a vibrant world that's equal parts wondrous and dangerous. The relationships are also well-written, with dialogue and interactions that do well to establish characters and build emotional impact.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in high fantasy adventures, exciting action, deep intrigue, and even deeper emotional connections.
A descriptive high fantasy action-adventure with well-written relationships and high stakes.
A Chord of Silver Moons is a fantasy novel about Aryam Sinanan, a girl bound from birth to serve as the guardian of a princess she's never met. The book shares her story as she is uprooted from what little semblance of a 'normal' life she managed to have between her training with her monitor, Ranee. After King Felix is killed, she is forced to fulfill her destiny as one of Princess Marley's guardians, where failure would cost her life. However, Aryam lacks an oju, the magic guardians use to defeat akbarrin, previously imprisoned monsters that once terrorized the kingdoms. Without an oju, she is unsure of her worth and abilities as a guardian, especially after an encounter on the way to the palace that resulted in her monitor and mentor, Ranee, being taken away by a river demigoddess. This forced Aryam to continue without her, worried about Ranee's unknown fate and wondering what drove the once peaceful entity to violence. This event marked only the beginning of the mysteries Aryam would uncover and the creatures she would have to face.
The book features interesting worldbuilding with its settings, lore, and creatures, elegantly scattering information about the four kingdoms, the dragon king and akbarrin, the deities, and the history behind everything throughout the story. There were plentiful hints of intrigue and implications of deeper goings-on for Aryam and her three chorus sisters, the other three guardians who make up her team, to figure out. The writing is very descriptive and detailed in the way it sets up the beauty or eerieness of the story's locations. It also contains exciting action scenes, especially with the guardians' creative spiritual weapons. The scenes do well to convey a sense of danger, with a very real threat of death in more tense moments. Tylisha Washington crafts a vibrant world that's equal parts wondrous and dangerous. The relationships are also well-written, with dialogue and interactions that do well to establish characters and build emotional impact.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in high fantasy adventures, exciting action, deep intrigue, and even deeper emotional connections.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2025
A Chord of Silver Moons is a richly imagined young adult fantasy that blends high-stakes action, emotional depth, and immersive worldbuilding into a compelling and memorable story.
Aryam Sinanan is a standout protagonist bound by duty, conflicted by desire, and deeply human in her uncertainty. Watching her struggle with identity, obligation, and self-worth especially as a guardian without an oju adds real emotional weight to the narrative. Her journey feels earned, vulnerable, and powerful.
The worldbuilding is one of the novel’s strongest elements. Tylisha Washington introduces the kingdoms, lore, deities, akbarrin, and history with care, weaving details naturally into the story rather than overwhelming the reader. The result is a world that feels expansive, ancient, and alive. The spiritual weapons are especially creative, and the action scenes carry genuine tension with real consequences.
What truly elevates this book, however, are the relationships. The bonds between Aryam and her fellow guardians are layered and emotionally resonant, strengthened by well-written dialogue and meaningful character interactions. These connections ground the story and heighten the stakes, making every loss, risk, and triumph feel personal.
With its descriptive prose, intriguing mysteries, and balance of wonder and danger, A Chord of Silver Moons is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy high fantasy adventures with strong character development and emotional payoff. I highly recommend it to fans of epic fantasy, magical lore, and stories that explore duty, courage, and connection.
Aryam Sinanan is a standout protagonist bound by duty, conflicted by desire, and deeply human in her uncertainty. Watching her struggle with identity, obligation, and self-worth especially as a guardian without an oju adds real emotional weight to the narrative. Her journey feels earned, vulnerable, and powerful.
The worldbuilding is one of the novel’s strongest elements. Tylisha Washington introduces the kingdoms, lore, deities, akbarrin, and history with care, weaving details naturally into the story rather than overwhelming the reader. The result is a world that feels expansive, ancient, and alive. The spiritual weapons are especially creative, and the action scenes carry genuine tension with real consequences.
What truly elevates this book, however, are the relationships. The bonds between Aryam and her fellow guardians are layered and emotionally resonant, strengthened by well-written dialogue and meaningful character interactions. These connections ground the story and heighten the stakes, making every loss, risk, and triumph feel personal.
With its descriptive prose, intriguing mysteries, and balance of wonder and danger, A Chord of Silver Moons is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy high fantasy adventures with strong character development and emotional payoff. I highly recommend it to fans of epic fantasy, magical lore, and stories that explore duty, courage, and connection.
June 8, 2025
A Chord of Silver Moons is a coming of age novel following sixteen year old Aryam, who has been training her whole life to protect a princess she has never met and doesn't know while also desperately trying to gain her Oju (an ancient weapon given exclusively to guardians).
There was so much to love about this book including the world building and character development I've seen other reviewers describe the world building as being immersive and I completely agree. This has such a unique magic system and world, that it was hard for me to put the book down at times. From the diversity in cultures and the various other creatures and characters, I loved it.
I also loved the character development of not just Aryam but the other supporting characters. My favorite aspect of this book was the developing relationship of Aryam's chorus sisters and Princess Marelyn. The pacing of their friendships was perfect, it felt authentic for a group of girls who never met before and were kind of forced together. Each character has their own distinctive personality and I appreciate that so much as the characters really are diverse and not copies of each other.
My only issue is that the relationship between Aryam and her love interest doesn't quite make sense to me. He's not present for most of the story so we miss out on any real context to their relationship. I look forward to reading them together in the next book to really see their relationship flourish.
Thanks to Net Galley for letting me read and review this!
There was so much to love about this book including the world building and character development I've seen other reviewers describe the world building as being immersive and I completely agree. This has such a unique magic system and world, that it was hard for me to put the book down at times. From the diversity in cultures and the various other creatures and characters, I loved it.
I also loved the character development of not just Aryam but the other supporting characters. My favorite aspect of this book was the developing relationship of Aryam's chorus sisters and Princess Marelyn. The pacing of their friendships was perfect, it felt authentic for a group of girls who never met before and were kind of forced together. Each character has their own distinctive personality and I appreciate that so much as the characters really are diverse and not copies of each other.
My only issue is that the relationship between Aryam and her love interest doesn't quite make sense to me. He's not present for most of the story so we miss out on any real context to their relationship. I look forward to reading them together in the next book to really see their relationship flourish.
Thanks to Net Galley for letting me read and review this!
August 7, 2025
In this fascinating and brilliant new high fantasy novel, readers follow Aryam Sinanan as she trains to fulfill her bloodline’s oath to defend the princess of Beldemar against the vengeful akbarrin. Believing the akbarrin will not return from The Shadows, Aryam tests the bounds of her oath until she is summoned to duty after the king’s assassination -- and the captain of the royal guard believes the akbarrin are responsible. Forced to leave her home and family behind to fight the akbarrin with spirit weapons (which Aryam does not have), she embarks on a high stakes and dangerous quest to save Beldemar before she dooms it to failure. Intense, entertaining, and vibrant, this first book in an incredible fantasy series will pull readers into the complex and brilliant story. The details are impeccable and the world-building is totally immersive, and readers will love the magic and detail that Tylisha Washington uses throughout the book. The characters are particularly well-written, and Aryam’s relationship to her oath and changing beliefs in the world are particularly interesting and relatable. Brilliant, immersive, and fascinating, readers will be totally ready for the next book in this incredible series immediately after finishing this entertaining and well-written first book.
Thanks to NetGalley, Mahogany Griot LLC, and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley, Mahogany Griot LLC, and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for the advance copy.
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August 11, 2025Another fantasy romance walked into my reading life like a mysterious tavern stranger, and naturally, I bought it several drinks.
Washington has crafted a world so immersive I forgot I had real-world responsibilities. My cat judged me heavily, but Mr. Whiskers doesn't understand fantasy romance complexities.
The magic system hits that sweet spot – complex enough to make you feel smart without requiring a PhD in fictional physics. The romance builds tension that had me yelling at my e-reader (my neighbors definitely think I've lost it).
The Minor Quibbles:
Pacing occasionally took scenic detours when I wanted the express train to Dramaville. Some secondary characters felt like they were waiting for personality transplants – not terrible, just under-seasoned.
Bottom Line:
This book makes you forget you're reading words on a page. It's got heart, believable magic, swoon-worthy romance, and enough twists to keep you guessing without giving you whiplash. Washington is definitely an author to watch.
Perfect for: Fantasy romance lovers who need an excuse to ignore adult responsibilities.
Will I read the sequel? Absolutely, and I'm already clearing my schedule.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions (and questionable commentary) are my own.
Washington has crafted a world so immersive I forgot I had real-world responsibilities. My cat judged me heavily, but Mr. Whiskers doesn't understand fantasy romance complexities.
The magic system hits that sweet spot – complex enough to make you feel smart without requiring a PhD in fictional physics. The romance builds tension that had me yelling at my e-reader (my neighbors definitely think I've lost it).
The Minor Quibbles:
Pacing occasionally took scenic detours when I wanted the express train to Dramaville. Some secondary characters felt like they were waiting for personality transplants – not terrible, just under-seasoned.
Bottom Line:
This book makes you forget you're reading words on a page. It's got heart, believable magic, swoon-worthy romance, and enough twists to keep you guessing without giving you whiplash. Washington is definitely an author to watch.
Perfect for: Fantasy romance lovers who need an excuse to ignore adult responsibilities.
Will I read the sequel? Absolutely, and I'm already clearing my schedule.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions (and questionable commentary) are my own.
November 19, 2024
It’s been a long time since I’ve found a fiction book (besides mystery genre) that I could really get lost in. This book is one that you don’t want to set down. The author does such a good job of creating compelling action and characters that are believable and you resonate with (who doesn’t regularly feel like Aryam, completely unsure they can do anything and struggling to summon the bravery needed in the moment ?), all while unraveling mysteries that build up a story world you want to live in.
I have personally known the author since high school. I loved the short stories she wrote back then, and always knew she would achieve her dream of becoming an excellent published writer. I had great expectations for this book, and she blew me away with the writing all the same. I can’t wait to see what she does with the rest of the series.
I have personally known the author since high school. I loved the short stories she wrote back then, and always knew she would achieve her dream of becoming an excellent published writer. I had great expectations for this book, and she blew me away with the writing all the same. I can’t wait to see what she does with the rest of the series.
April 17, 2025
There's a lot to dive into so here we go.
This book throws you right into the world in such an immersive way. Time is measured in musical terms, which I thought was a unique element. There is a lot of world building with explanations that sometimes went over my head, but I trusted it would all make sense in the end. The last 20% flew by because it was full of action and revelation.
I had two main issues: 1) this could use just a little more polishing and make it outstanding, and 2) the love subplot feels forced. The love interest isn't even really present for most of the book, so it's hard to believe Aryam is in love by the end.
Overall, this is an enjoyable fantasy with tons of potential. Plus, it has dragons!
Thank you to NetGalley and author for the opportunity to read and review.
This book throws you right into the world in such an immersive way. Time is measured in musical terms, which I thought was a unique element. There is a lot of world building with explanations that sometimes went over my head, but I trusted it would all make sense in the end. The last 20% flew by because it was full of action and revelation.
I had two main issues: 1) this could use just a little more polishing and make it outstanding, and 2) the love subplot feels forced. The love interest isn't even really present for most of the book, so it's hard to believe Aryam is in love by the end.
Overall, this is an enjoyable fantasy with tons of potential. Plus, it has dragons!
Thank you to NetGalley and author for the opportunity to read and review.
May 19, 2025
Actual rating 4.25⭐
WOW, it was so good. At first the pace was a bit slower, but the more you read, the more you don’t want to put the book down, and want to figure out everything . The writing was descriptive and you can picture everything. The world was beautiful and I love learning more about it.
I love the FMC Aryam, she was so brave. I really loved the twist and turns in the book. I also really love the other 4 girls, every girl had their personality and they were really likable.
I can’t wait to continue the story in the second book.
WOW, it was so good. At first the pace was a bit slower, but the more you read, the more you don’t want to put the book down, and want to figure out everything . The writing was descriptive and you can picture everything. The world was beautiful and I love learning more about it.
I love the FMC Aryam, she was so brave. I really loved the twist and turns in the book. I also really love the other 4 girls, every girl had their personality and they were really likable.
I can’t wait to continue the story in the second book.
January 4, 2025
What a ride!!! This definitely takes you on an amazing fantasy journey. So many twist and turns. Love the growth you see in the characters. I can't even put my words together bc I am still reeling with how it ended. I cannot wait for the next book. If you are a looking for a book that will take you on a journey and bring you to a mystical place? Then you have to read this book. Once shit hits the fan, you will devour this book, just like i did!
Well done Tylisha, well done! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
July 1, 2025
This book is a page turner- I couldn’t put it down and finished it in 2 days. Reading this book felt like being 11 years old again and reading Harry Potter for the first time. I was in complete wonderment, awe and on the edge of the next page to find out what happens next. The characters are so beautifully written and you feel like you know them. This is a book I will read over and over again. MUST READ.
March 30, 2026
A sweet, and highly entertaining coming-of-age adventure set in a beautiful, magical world. It had fast-paced action, generous helpings of whimsy, dragon legends, lovable characters, an elusive princess, fierce found family bonds, and a touch of romance.
It reminded me of getting up early to catch a weekly instalment of my favourite cartoon series, armed with a giant bowl of my favourite cereal!
A absolute pleasure to read and I look forward to the next one!
It reminded me of getting up early to catch a weekly instalment of my favourite cartoon series, armed with a giant bowl of my favourite cereal!
A absolute pleasure to read and I look forward to the next one!
June 12, 2025
I enjoyed this! It is the mildest book I've read in ages. There is a lot of fantasy, and the world and concepts are so creative and different. There were a few spelling/typing errors along the way, but it didn't take much to read through it. I've also cursed myself with adding on another unfinished series as there will be a book 2 continuing the journey!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2025
A absolutely gripping tale from start to finish. I never wanted to put it down. The description of the world, characters, and history was breathtaking! It will leave loving then hating and back to loving multiple characters. An overall amazing work and I couldn’t be more excited for book 2 “A chorale of beating hearts” hopefully soon to come! A great read for fantasy lovers of all ages!
September 10, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The writing is so imaginative and descriptive that it makes for a really immersive experience. The characters and creatures were fascinating and dynamic, the plot was well-developed and there were twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. I think this book will captivate audiences of all ages and I'm already really looking forward to the sequel.
August 5, 2026
Great YA fantasy written by someone I used to work with! Can't wait to recommend this to my students this year
November 29, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
It took some time to get through this. Let me start by saying I loved the world, its characters, and the entire plot. Loved its treatment of the sensationalized creatures that are the dragons nowadays, the myths, and how the stories were important to the plot. I love me some story-based fantasy, in this case, song storytelling was an incredible addition. But all of it went crumbling down because the pace was off. The entire thing felt rushed, and we were fed reveal after reveal without the much-needed space to breathe; all the information was too much for how it was handled. I think it would've been convenient for the book to be much longer, let the characters grow in between all the horrors that they faced. All that being said, I'm looking forward to continuing the series, with special expectation for what the author can do with more experience.
A little side note, it has insta-love, let's see how their relationship will develop further in the series.
It took some time to get through this. Let me start by saying I loved the world, its characters, and the entire plot. Loved its treatment of the sensationalized creatures that are the dragons nowadays, the myths, and how the stories were important to the plot. I love me some story-based fantasy, in this case, song storytelling was an incredible addition. But all of it went crumbling down because the pace was off. The entire thing felt rushed, and we were fed reveal after reveal without the much-needed space to breathe; all the information was too much for how it was handled. I think it would've been convenient for the book to be much longer, let the characters grow in between all the horrors that they faced. All that being said, I'm looking forward to continuing the series, with special expectation for what the author can do with more experience.
A little side note, it has insta-love, let's see how their relationship will develop further in the series.
November 30, 2025
The book felt like at first it was going to be slow, but it picked up pace. Had me all in twists and turns. Sometimes too much is revealed too fast and the other times not fast enough. I can't wait for book 2.
Also in the beginning I really was annoyed with the MC and then I remembered she is a teen and when I was a teen I'm sure I was annoying too lol. So I had empathy for her.
I really enjoyed the ensemble around her. I think they balanced out my annoyed feelings for the MC.
I love the way the characters were described, how everyone had their own personalities should trust in the story. and lived experiences. How I couldn't tell what was going to happen next and who I could and
Also in the beginning I really was annoyed with the MC and then I remembered she is a teen and when I was a teen I'm sure I was annoying too lol. So I had empathy for her.
I really enjoyed the ensemble around her. I think they balanced out my annoyed feelings for the MC.
I love the way the characters were described, how everyone had their own personalities should trust in the story. and lived experiences. How I couldn't tell what was going to happen next and who I could and
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews