All Things Under the Moon

by Ann Yu-Kyung Choi

Pachinko meets Beasts of a Little Land in this stunning, evocative tale, set in 1920s Korea, of one seemingly ordinary woman—living under Japanese occupation—who rises from illiterate villager to reluctant revolutionary to one of the voices of her generation.

“Women need other women to survive.”

In 1924, Korea is an occupied country. In Seoul’s secret, underground networks and throughout the countryside, rebellion against the Japanese Empire simmers, threatening to boil over. Kim Na-Young lives a simple life in the rural village of Daegeori, where she watches the moon rise and set over the pine-wooded mountains, tends to her household alongside her best friend, Yeon-Soo, and cares for her sick mother.

But the occupation touches every Korean life—even Na-Young’s. In the wake of a tragedy that stuns the village, Na-Young’s father arranges her marriage to a man she’s never met, and Na-Young and Yeon-Soo decide to flee, taking their fate into their own hands. That decision sets them on their own collision course with the occupying forces, resulting in a violent encounter that will alter both of their lives forever—in shockingly different ways.

Taking us from a small village to the bustling corridors of Seoul, where women and girls can learn to read and write in multiple languages and members of the revolution pass coded messages through the back rooms of teahouses, Ann Y. K. Choi weaves a masterful tale of a woman taking command not only of her own identity but her own destiny.

A sweeping journey through historical Korea and an utterly compelling portrait of one woman’s remarkable life, All Things Under the Moon is both a stunning literary achievement and a beautifully written tribute to the sacrifices women make for each other.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Canada, Historical, Asia, Adult Fiction, Coming Of Age

320 pages, Paperback

Published September 2, 2025

Reviews

[charlie medusa · Rating 3 out of 5]

c'était à la fois super intéressant dans ses thèmes et en même temps très frustrant en termes de construction d'intrigue : le livre lance quelque chose tu te dis OK c'est ça l'histoire et en fait à 12% non pas du tout avortement de cette intrigue. alors il lance autre chose tu te dis OK malin en fait il m'a fait croire que ce serait intrigue A mais en fait ce sera intrigue B. sauf qu'à 31% intrigue B finito on repart sur une autre intrigue C qui on va se le dire franchement ne me fait pas vraiment frétiller des vertèbres. et oui, voilà, l'intrigue C aussi est vite évacuée, et de période en période, de moment en moment, on arrive à la fin avec l'avantage d'avoir lu une chronique, une succession d'épisodes, plus qu'un roman d'initiation. tous les thèmes sont abordés ça c'est clair mais... du coup... aucun n'a la place de se déployer au-delà de son pitch et de ses enjeux initiaux, et je crois que ça m'a pas mal frustrée, que ça m'a tenue tout du long à distance du roman, car ça m'a empêchée d'oublier que je tenais entre mes mains un roman (enfin les épreuves non corrigées d'un roman dans ma liseuse électronique mais ta gueule charlie on s'en fout), ça m'a empêché d'oublier le roman au profit de l'histoire qui m'était racontée, ce qui est je crois à la fin des fins le critère ultime de distinction des excellents romans - après je dis ça mais on pourrait aussi me dire franchement charlie t'abuses à dire ouiiii beaucoup de romans historiques ne se donnent même pas la peine de quitter les schémas narratifs classiques et quand on t'en donne un qui change un peu tu dis ouin j'aime pas. cela se peut. je suis un être de nuance (mauvaise foi)

[Y · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-2.75⭐ This is a story about a young Korean woman trying to find her own path under Japanese occupation of the country. It felt like a rather quiet story, trickling along gently, but the short chapters make for an easy reading experience. However, I don't think the comparison to Pachinko is fair, as this felt a lot less developed and much smaller in scope both in terms of plot and characters (though this one is a debut novel, afaik, so certain concessions can be made). I found the writing at times frustrating; there were several times when it referred to the protagonist's previous actions, such as a habit, that seemed to come out of nowhere as those actions had never gotten any page time.

Overall, this is for you if you want an easy historical read and to learn a bit about life in Japanese-occupied Korea, but don't expect a riveting plot or deep insights into character's inner life.

Finally, the first (bold) paragraph encompassed the entire arc of the story, including what happens in the last 5-10%, which seems like a spoiler? Maybe this will get changed by publication date.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the e-arc!

[Karen Sokoloff · Rating 4 out of 5]

for fans of pachinko and beasts of a little land - this is the story of women supporting women, in 1920s Korea. inspired by the author's great grandmother who was illiterate, ATutM, tells the story of the Korean resistance against the the ruling Japanese, survival and resilience, and ultimately, about coming home.

[P Yang · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I continue to find interesting about ALL THINGS UNDER THE MOON is that the author, Ann Y.K. Choi, is doing what the characters themselves are doing - spreading awareness of the many dimensions of human rights violations. The story is set in Korea during the early 1900s and offers North American readers a glimpse into East Asian history, while delving into themes such as identity, sacrifice, survival, and friendship, which remain deeply relevant today.

As a Korean-Canadian male, I was curious (and I must admit, a bit worried) that I might feel defensive since one of the major threads that weave throughout the story is the oppression of women. For example, I did not know that men were once allowed to have multiple wives, and how that practice affected family dynamics. Yet throughout my reading, I did not feel threatened or insecure, because the author frames these struggles as structural and historical forces that left both men and women helpless in many ways. The writing emphasized that everyone suffered under the same system, and I found myself empathizing with multiple characters regardless of gender or ethnicity. One of the most beautiful aspects of this novel is its message that, through a mix of fate and human effort, even the most entrenched forces can be shifted towards the common good, a truth revealed most powerfully through Na-Young’s journey.

The one thing I wish is that the beginning and the ending had been given more time. After about page 50, the story settled into a beautiful rhythm where the writing felt seamless. I often re-read passages because I didn’t want to miss any details. It felt like watching a movie, where every frame demands your full attention. Near the ending, the pace quickened again, and I found myself wishing it would slow down. Perhaps it was because, deep down, I didn’t want the story to end. Some characters introduced and developed along the way seemed to have more to offer, and I wanted to see more of them intertwined in Na-Young’s journey.

The final chapter, “Harmony,” is especially touching as it brings the story full circle. For those who may not know, “harmony” also means “grandmother” in Korean. After reading the Author’s Note at the very end, I re-read those last two pages, and I felt even more moved.

The novel ends with the sense that both Na-Young and the entire country are on the cusp of a new beginning. For that reason, I believe this story deserves a sequel, and I truly hope the author will consider writing one.

[lauren🌷 · Rating 5 out of 5]

We need to talk about this book and the multi layered story Choi so brilliantly created! Ann Y.K. Choi’s depiction of how important friendships, connection, and community of women is remarkable. “All Things Under The Moon” touches on deeply meaningful portrayals of loss (and the many ways it can show up in life), Korea’s history with Japan’s occupation, how vital women connection is, and the unforgettable journey of a young woman making her way in 1920s Korea. The character journey of Na-Young was done so seamlessly. I absolutely loved this novel and I think everyone and their mother, sister, friend, and the lady across the street should read it! As well as fathers, brothers, guy friends, and the man across the street! The prose in this book was also so worth the read!! Her writing is atmospheric and tangible, as if Na-Young’s were an extension of ours. The second I began a chapter, I could not put it down! I highly recommend this novel. 5 stars!!!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical fiction takes place in 1924 when Korean women had no voice, no power, no schooling and no choice but to do what was expected. Na-Young wanted to be different. She did not want a husband. This story chronicles her adventures while gently informing the reader of a time in history when Japan chose to rule in Korea. Japan believed Koreans needed their help to prosper but their help was not sought, nor wanted. Factions of rebels rose up to reclaim their country. Na-Young was fortunate that she learned to read and write over the years.
This story is well told without being preachy. The reader roots for Na-Young although I did sometimes question her actions.

This was a NetGalley arc which is an advanced copy received for free. I leave this review voluntarily. I urge you to read this book when ut is published September 2, 2025.

[Chloé · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 round up 4 ⭐️

I liked this book and the historical setting. However the main character can be quite naive at time which was a bit frustrating. Knowing very little to this part of history, Japanese occupying Korea, I felt like the book was lacking of historical explanation which was a bit disappointing. I really liked the second part of the book which is why I rounded up to 4 stars, even though I felt like there was some flaws - not everything get resolved to my taste -

Overall it is still a very enjoyable book.

To compare another historical feminism book, The Lion Women of Teheran is better executed in my opinion.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Ning · Rating 2 out of 5]

My mental star rating for this diminished as the story progressed. I really wanted to love this because of the historical setting, but the writing didn't work for me. The author drops massive, traumatic plot bombs — rape, pregnancy from rape, finding out your father-in-law likes you romantically, finding out your husband is in love with a man, leaving your son (?!) — like she’s just sprinkling pepper while cooking. There is zero follow through on the emotional aftermath on these life-altering events.

About 65% of the way through, the author attempts to justify this emotional detachment by suggesting Na-Young has suppressed her memories: “Her inside burst with sudden waves of sorrow. For three years, she had managed to shut down whenever thoughts of her son invaded her mind." This felt like a narrative cop-out to me, and using "suppressed memory" as a device to explain away a lack of character development felt lazy. It got to the point where I was only finishing the book to ensure I had the receipts for this review.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review: 5/5 ⭐️
Genre: historical fiction
Themes: occupation, feminism, independence, sisterhood
📖 Read if you like: The Lotus Shoes

Na-Yeong lives in a time when the only thing expected from a woman is to be a wife and bear children. Her desires for an education are dashed, because no husband wants a wife who is smarter than him and her naturally inquisitive nature is stifled by formality. When her marriage is rapidly arranged without her knowledge, she decides to flee her rural village with best friend and confidante Yeon Soo who is similarly fleeing her own circumstance. When the girls take fate in hand, they will unknowingly step into disaster. For Korea has been occupied by a brutal Japanese regime in 1924 with a police force who only understand violence and control. One chance encounter will set about a chain reaction of events which will charter the future for both friends in unexpected ways.

Na-Yeong journey through a life of discovery, moral ambiguity and sacrifice is spell-binding. She may be naive, but as she plays parts to propel herself through changing roles she begins to understand herself and the power of women supporting women. The historical context was an interesting one I learned a little about during my first trip to Korea, but the long standing animosity between Korea and Japan leaves a lingering taste of rebellion. Hearing the mindset of a learned Japanese invader and a young woman still learning the power of her own voice, yet fully aware of her feelings was an interesting contrast and provided thoughtful discourse. I felt like I was transported in time with this story and gained an understanding of the complex political situation and rise of resistance groups at the time.

I am always going to love a story where women are shattering the roles society has confined them to, so one in which women are educating each other and finding new avenues to succeed in a world made for men is motivational in it’s own right. As is that quiet recognition of seeing suffering in one another and offering the only form of kindness available.

People will want different things, yet they can still be connected by mutual decency. Na-Yonge is far from perfect and makes impulsive choices without thought and she tells a white lie or two to fit in, but fear and loneliness can control the decision making process. It is here where growth happens through surviving through mistakes and living in the now instead of dwelling in the past. This is exactly the sort of coming of age historical fiction I search for and I devoured this novel in a single day, so clearly I was engaged.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for an advanced copy for review!

[Chineen · Rating 3 out of 5]

All Things Under The Moon is a historical fiction which takes place during the occupation of Korea by the Japanese. Its mainly about the women the lived through this historical event.

It follows protagonist Kim Na-Young, who despite Korea's circumstances lives a simple quite life. When her father arranges for her to get married, she becomes "rebellious" and decides she will run away, this is where her story begins to unfold. I'm assuming the author wanted Na-Young to be perceived as strong, a feminist, and strong willed, however, throughout the book, it was evident to me just how weak and immature she is. Without being too spoilery, one of the scenes that proved this to me happened pretty early in the book. Na-Young talked her good friend into doing something with her, only to change her mind when things got rough and go back to the very thing she was running away from. I understand being conflicted, especially after suffering though such a tough event, but i hated how she did this to her friend. Other instances where I was unhappy with Na-Young's lack of resilience were her different journeys in her life, like becoming a wife, a daughter in law, a mother etc. It seemed that with most of her events where she had the opportunity to do the right things, she ultimately decided it was too hard, or none of her business to do so.

Although I couldn't put the book down I did find the plot be predictable. I was very aware of plot twists, not only because it was spoiled in the synopsis, but also because a lot of it was quite obvious. There isn't a lot of historical explanation. I assume the author either assumes the reader to be knowledgeable in regards to the Japanese colonization of Korea, or expects the reader to do self research. Either way, although there is some conversation of historical elements, it is very little.

I enjoyed the writing style, and the shorter chapters made for a quick read. There was some repetition which i obviously didn't like, and some characteristics that popped up out of no where in regards to a characters habits that was never mentioned prior, and seems to be dropped into the text maybe to take up space? There were places that I wish the author went into more detail. For example, when Na-Young discovers something that may be happening to her, we get absolutely no depth as to how she may be feeling about this. I found this to be odd due to the event that led up to this thing.

Overall, although I have some criticism, I did enjoy the book and look forward to more from this author. 3 stars.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada and the author for my ARC.

[Chelsea Kowalski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading this book early and I am very grateful for that. All Things Under the Moon evokes every intense emotion that comes from an unbreakable bond between women. Set in the 1920's, we travel through Korea under Japanese occupation with the protagonist, Na-Young, who must grow up quickly in the face of extreme hardship, loss, and danger. There is a clear aspect of historical accuracy throughout the novel that aligns well with the dangers and risks that Korean women, and other women, have faced. We see Na-Young try to exist within a system that prioritizes men and her yearning for love, education, and respect for other women is truly heart-warming. We see how the fates of various women intertwine but only a few end up achieving the goals they work toward, often at a cost. And yet, it's that tone of realism that creates a dimensional world in which you find yourself swept away by the choices that Na-Young must make and endure in order to survive.

What I love in particular is how much the intelligence and character of each woman shines. Even when forced into silence or fear, every female character displays a sense of resilience, strategy, charisma, or cleverness that allows them to keep each other safe.

This novel truly embodies the notion that women need other women and that it has been the case since time immemorial. Add in a hauntingly beautiful setting during a tragic time with a journey that few could imagine experiencing and you've got this book. All Things Under the Moon stays with you, in the best way possible.

[Peter A · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-paced debut historical novel, set in Korea between 1924 and 1930. At that time, Korea was a Japanese colony. Little is set in this extremely interesting time.

We experience the story through Kim Na-Young, the youngest daughter of a first wife. When the story opens, Na-Young is living in a small village, in a household run by the second wife, with an elder sister who died, and an older brother she admires, and a father who barely talks with the family. Her best friend’s son just died, and when Na-Young hears she is to be married, she convinces her best friend to leave with her. Though they escape, they encounter tragedy when they stumble upon a set of three Japanese policemen who are torturing a man. Though they escape, they are wanted people by the police.

Shaken, Na-Young returns to the village, but her friend continues on her own path. The marriage is cold, though in a town closer to Seoul, where she learns to read. Finally, Na-Young leaves for Seoul and is exposed to more learning (through contacts at Ewha University). She also became embroiled in the Korean resistance effort. Though she escapes again, she is hounded by tragedy.

Over the course of the six years, we see Na-Young grow in character and understand the need to support women in Korean society.

FB. A well-paced book, exploring the growth of a woman through education and life experiences in Japanese-occupied Korea of the 1920s.


The author has also put together a set of resources for this unique time in Korean history. See https://annykchoi.com/resources-and-m....

[Sunaina Das · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book suffers from misleading advertising. As a book about the difficult life of one Korean occupation-era woman, it’s pretty good! But a resistance story it is not.

Choi offers a very plausible, realistic portrayal of what life the protagonist, Na-young, would have led. It is clearly well-researched and has a lot of descriptive prose that immerses you in the time period and societal context needed to understand Na-young’s life (and choices).

However, the plot is thus rather predictable. Na-young’s choices are realistic and befitting of a sheltered, uneducated young woman, but it is that same realism that makes her feel like a pitiful character more than an empowering one. I felt so sorry for her each time she realized she’d been duped by yet another powerful man.

Overall, this book is a lovingly crafted snapshot of 1920s occupied Korea as seen through the eyes of a very average woman. I think there’s great merit to describing what that life would have been. However, this story simply does not take us into the anti-Japanese resistance movement the way I expected based on the synopsis! I think with different expectations I could have enjoyed this read a lot more.

[librarylovestory · Rating 3 out of 5]

All Things Under the Moon was a powerful look into the lives of women during Japan's occupation of Korea in the 1920s and the resistance movement. Japan, at the time, was not only trying to change the culture, traditions, and goverment in Korea, but also imprisoning, torturing, and killing those who tried to resist. Even women, despite their social status compared to men at the time, fearlessly joined the resistance movement.

This book taught me a lot about some of Korea's history. There are not many historical fiction novels set in Asia out there (that I know of) yet I love learning about the history of the world through literature and will continue to read more similar books.

All Things Under the Moon is a work of fiction, yet it features strong female characters as well as some of the challenges they faced in their culture, like organized marriage and pressure to birth children, especially sons, to become heirs.

Read if you like...
⏳️ Historical Fiction
🇰🇷 East Asian History
💪 Strong Female Main Characters

🙏Thank you Simon and Schuster Canada and NetGalley for a gifted advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mike Broderick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the advance copy of this book.
3.5 stars for me, I am going to bump it up here.
The first half of this book, had me enthralled. A new historical fiction about Japanese occupation of Korea. Na Young was a very likeable character who questioned the traditions with which she was forced to leave.
The second half of the book, this did not go in the direction that I was hoping for it to go. This book looked like it was going to really highlight the difficulty with Japanese occupation, highlight the lives of women in this culture and create a strong female protagonist.
There were a number of subplots in this one, including: the rise of Christianity in Korea, women’s roles in society and Japanese occupation. However, this book is about the strength of some women to fight back and keep Korean culture alive during occupation.
Even though this fizzled in the middle for me a bit, it ended well, with a very realistic ending and a reasonable outcome.
Middle of the pack for me on this one.

[Angie F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Things Under the Moon by Ann Y.K. Choi is a historical fiction novel set in Korea during the Japanese occupation. While this is a well written novel with important themes, readers should be advised to look up trigger warnings as this novel deals with significant trauma.

Due to a tragedy at the beginning of the novel and the realities of life in her village, Na-Young has to flee. This decision sets off a course of events that changes her life significantly.

This novel takes the reader on quite the journey, similar to the one that the characters have to undertake. At times it takes on a surreal quality as both Na-Young and the reader is wondering whether something that happened was real, or just a dream. I enjoyed the writing and found it to be evocative and descriptive. In some places, less detail would have sufficed, while in other places, major events were described in just a sentence. I would have preferred the time skips to be less jarring.

This is the first book I have read by Ann Y.K. Choi and would read more in the future. It is scheduled to be published on September 2, 2025 and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and wants to learn a bit more about Korea in the early part of the 20th century.

Thank you very much to Simon and Schuster Canada for providing a digital advanced reader copy of this novel for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

tw: child death, sexual assault, animal cruelty, graphic violence

[Nancy Cook Lauer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5. Arranged marriages. Husbands free to take multiple wives. Women confined to the female area of the home and not allowed to leave without the husband's say-so. Such is life in colonial Korea, a life made even more restrictive after the 1920s Japanese occupation of their country. This is a story about a woman who broke free from the family life and used her feminine wiles to learn to read and do math, ending up as a bookkeeper at a teahouse in the city. Everything is temporary, and she eventually returns home. "Sometimes we need to go backwards before we can move forward," she said. A solid enough tale and I learned a little more history, but somehow, it lacked the literary prose and the spark that differentiates a 3-star book from a 4-star book for me.

[Sandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway and it did not disappoint. The story is set in Korea during the Japanese occupation. It begins in 1924 and weaves the tale of Na-Young and her best friend Yeon-Soo trying to navigate life through rural village life and the oppression life brings to women during this time. A violent event occurs and forces their paths to take a different turn and forge new paths. Secrets and shielding your true feelings are the steady presence in their world. While it was a bit choppy at times,overall it was an excellent book set in an interesting, yet tragic time in Korean history.

[Tami · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm a fan of historical fiction and can say with all sincerity that this was one of the worst books I've read in past few years. Na-Young was simply not a believable character - the ability to interpret and quote Tolstoy and other authors because she "remembered something" Father in law or some other minor charcacter once said, just doesn't ring true. I don't know how this can be compared to Pachinko, which even if you didn't enjoy the book, it was at least well written. This is poor writing, wholly predictable and unbelievable. I can't even give the author credit for the attempt because it didn't seem like she put much effort into creating these characters.

[Megan Clement · Rating 3 out of 5]

Choi tells a story about two women trying to find their way in a time of female oppression in Korea. Both characters are facing arranged marriages. Na-Young follows the traditional and safe path of marrying while her best friend Yeon-Soo escapes and dedicates her life to fighting against the Japanese. Although the historical events and conflicts were interesting, the overall book was slow. The beginning was great because Choi highlighted the female friendship while showing how the girls had different goals. When the book became just about Yeon-Soo’s perspective, the book seemed to drag and lose its original intention.

[Chyx Xyng · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Things Under the Moon by Ann is a historical novel set in Korea during Japanese colonial occupation. It follows Na-Young, who longs to read and write. Yet, this simple act is seen as an act of rebellion. Although the story takes place in the 1920s, it tackles critical issues that remain just as relevant today; for example, thought control through media manipulation: “… now they’ll be able to disseminate their version of the news…” All Things Under the Moon is a fantastic novel that explores the question: What does it mean to speak up in a world that wants you to remain silent?

[Monica (unplugandreadwithme) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful story around the time period when Korea was occupied by Japan. The themes of privilege, feminism and societal expectations were well discussed. The writing style is very similar to Pachinko and Kim Ji Young: Born 1982 so if you enjoyed those two, I highly recommend reading this. The writing tone was a bit dry and not as engaging so it was a slow read for me. Other than that, I learned a lot about the Korean history, culture and conflict in this book.

[Jackie A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a beautiful example of meaningful storytelling. Through Na-Young’s literal and figurative journey across a tumultuous landscape, the reader is offered the rare gift of perspective. Seeing the world through Na-Young’s eyes invites us to pause and reflect on the shared humanity that connects us across generations, carefully preserved in pages that may not have been possible to write in her own era.

[Enid Wray]

Well that was not what I was expecting at all!

Completely different than Kay’s Lucky Coin Variety - which was a favourite of mine the year it came out.

Sadly I just could not get into this title. I never connected with it right from the very start.
I hope it finds its readership.

Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for granting me access to an early digital review copy.

DNF

[Debora · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was interesting, but for this to be about a time when females had no voice, the protagonist seemed very selfish and naive -- her go-to thought was to leave and find someplace new, but with what resources? It was kind of frustrating. Then she finds her voice, but that was just kind of an afterthought. Strange pacing for me.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Multi layered story about a young Korean woman trying to find her way in a Japanese occupied Korea. Emotional, devastating? but strangely hopeful. Characters were multifaceted and the storyline kept the reader engaged. I recommend this to anyone who enjoyed Pachinko, and narrative like the glass castle

[Stephanie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting story about a time and place that I know very little about. I was happy to learn and quite enthralled with Na-Young’s story. I feel like she was a good main character who made legitimate mistakes with legitimate consequences and who maintained her naivety while also growing wiser. This made her interesting to follow along her journey.

[Shannon A · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rich and compelling historical novel of a woman and her best friend attempting to make it in a world where rebellion seems to be inevitable at every turn. For fans of Pachinko, this 1920’s tale will remind you what sacrifices women make for each other.

I loved it.

[Izabel | izreadsthings · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a really great build, but the ending fell a bit flat for me. Some of the characters, such as her husband, could have had much greater of a role, or her friend (trying to not spoil here!). I wish this book was about 100 pages longer to delve into their stories more!