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Chasing Moonflowers: A Gothic Historical Fantasy
"A dazzling blend of fantasy intrigue and historical drama." Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
BEST OF INDIE BOOKS 2025, TOP 100 INDIE BOOKS in Kirkus Reviews Magazine (December 2025)
BEST OF INDIE BOOKS in Kirkus Reviews Magazine (September 2025)
In 1925 colonial Hong Kong, young herbalist Ling Shaw witnesses a murder committed by a bloodthirsty creature. When her uncle is wrongfully arrested for the crime, Ling is the only one who can find the real killer. Teaming up with her private academy best friend and a Red Society thug from the Kowloon Walled City, she uncovers dark family secrets, occult rituals, vampires, and a sinister plot tied to the Canton Labor Strikes. To protect her family and all of Kowloon, Ling must overcome ancient and eldritch forces.
Blending historical fantasy, gothic horror, and family drama, this story explores the What makes a real monster?
BEST OF INDIE BOOKS 2025, TOP 100 INDIE BOOKS in Kirkus Reviews Magazine (December 2025)
BEST OF INDIE BOOKS in Kirkus Reviews Magazine (September 2025)
In 1925 colonial Hong Kong, young herbalist Ling Shaw witnesses a murder committed by a bloodthirsty creature. When her uncle is wrongfully arrested for the crime, Ling is the only one who can find the real killer. Teaming up with her private academy best friend and a Red Society thug from the Kowloon Walled City, she uncovers dark family secrets, occult rituals, vampires, and a sinister plot tied to the Canton Labor Strikes. To protect her family and all of Kowloon, Ling must overcome ancient and eldritch forces.
Blending historical fantasy, gothic horror, and family drama, this story explores the What makes a real monster?
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2025
6 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Pauline Chow
8 books10 followersPauline Chow is a writer, herbalist-in-training, and ancestral magic practitioner, crafting alternative histories and optimistic futures. Not your average data scientist, she once sued slumlords and advocated for affordable housing in Southern California. Now, she lives in the woods and is planning her next trip to a historical (hopefully haunted) hotel. She is a Pushcart Prize nominated author with words in Cosmic Monthly Horror, Space and Time Magazine, Apocalypse Confidential, and more. She is co-editing an anthology called Coven of the East (Sep 2025), an anthology that reimagines Asian women's magical histories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 8, 2025
This would make a good intro to Gothic horror for YA readers who are looking to dip their toes into this specific genre.
The Gothic vibes were definitely on full display in this novel. The mix of Eastern and Western horror tropes and monsters helped cement the story's themes of colonization and Westernization in 1925 Hong Kong. (If you're from one of the Asian Tiger countries, this sense of place and time will feel familiar.)
While the horror was top notch (vampire-like monsters and Chinese ghosts galore!), I really wish the descriptions for the setting were a lot more fleshed out and written more strongly.
It felt very bare minimum and relied too much on the reader's prior knowledge of this time period. There was definitely a missed opportunity there. While I could imagine the setting in my head (I used to live in an Asian country that was also colonized by the British, so a lot of elements were very familiar) I still had to Google pictures of Hong Kong in the 1920s to fully grasp the picture.
Other than that, I had a good time and I'd give this author another try.
Thank you to Ghastly Goings-On Press and NetGalley for this arc.
The Gothic vibes were definitely on full display in this novel. The mix of Eastern and Western horror tropes and monsters helped cement the story's themes of colonization and Westernization in 1925 Hong Kong. (If you're from one of the Asian Tiger countries, this sense of place and time will feel familiar.)
While the horror was top notch (vampire-like monsters and Chinese ghosts galore!), I really wish the descriptions for the setting were a lot more fleshed out and written more strongly.
It felt very bare minimum and relied too much on the reader's prior knowledge of this time period. There was definitely a missed opportunity there. While I could imagine the setting in my head (I used to live in an Asian country that was also colonized by the British, so a lot of elements were very familiar) I still had to Google pictures of Hong Kong in the 1920s to fully grasp the picture.
Other than that, I had a good time and I'd give this author another try.
Thank you to Ghastly Goings-On Press and NetGalley for this arc.
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May 14, 2025A big thank you to the author for an eARC of the book for a blurb!
CHASING MOONFLOWERS is a mysterious, cosmic, folk horror with elements of the weird nestled in a web of politics and the occult, exploring power, choice, and the way both changes our relationships to others. Atmospheric and enticing, this is a book you'll want to read by a the dim, quivering light of a lantern in a garden at night.
CHASING MOONFLOWERS is a mysterious, cosmic, folk horror with elements of the weird nestled in a web of politics and the occult, exploring power, choice, and the way both changes our relationships to others. Atmospheric and enticing, this is a book you'll want to read by a the dim, quivering light of a lantern in a garden at night.
June 30, 2025
"She was a flower collapsing into its center, like the millions that fade at the end of each spring. Beautiful colors wilting into decay." (Ch 38)
As I was reading this, the beginning flashed a recall of Hansel & Gretel to mind, albeit very abstracted. Then there was the sense and thrill of danger and suspense. Then horror. All of that within the first 3 chapters!
“Be good, little children.”
“Don’t play close to the jungle. Wicked creatures prey on the weak.” (Ch 1)
There are strange creatures, disembodied parts, whispers, visions, nightmares... a missing girl, a witnessed murder. Ling would see and experience many unnatural, grotesque, and monstrous things. Some creatures she thought were fiction were indeed real.
While researching and investigating a mystery to save her uncle, more strange occurrences happen, some causing disappearances hitting closer to home.
Ling was brave and resillient, full of curiousity, intelligence, and gifted. Immersing and entangling deeply into the mysteries to protect her family.
Oh, and the twist in the last 10% I had an inkling of, and it was satisfying to know I was right!
Interestingly dark, yet not heavily so. It's an eerie and poignant story that takes you through magical realism, historical fantasy, and laces it with folk-loric-esque horror.
“Nature knows how to reset. But sometimes, it requires darkness, a lot of it.” (Ch 21)
eARC courtesy of BookSirens
As I was reading this, the beginning flashed a recall of Hansel & Gretel to mind, albeit very abstracted. Then there was the sense and thrill of danger and suspense. Then horror. All of that within the first 3 chapters!
“Be good, little children.”
“Don’t play close to the jungle. Wicked creatures prey on the weak.” (Ch 1)
There are strange creatures, disembodied parts, whispers, visions, nightmares... a missing girl, a witnessed murder. Ling would see and experience many unnatural, grotesque, and monstrous things. Some creatures she thought were fiction were indeed real.
While researching and investigating a mystery to save her uncle, more strange occurrences happen, some causing disappearances hitting closer to home.
Ling was brave and resillient, full of curiousity, intelligence, and gifted. Immersing and entangling deeply into the mysteries to protect her family.
Oh, and the twist in the last 10% I had an inkling of, and it was satisfying to know I was right!
Interestingly dark, yet not heavily so. It's an eerie and poignant story that takes you through magical realism, historical fantasy, and laces it with folk-loric-esque horror.
“Nature knows how to reset. But sometimes, it requires darkness, a lot of it.” (Ch 21)
eARC courtesy of BookSirens
June 26, 2025
An atmosferic horror fantasy tale about Ling, an girl that helps her uncle in his aphotecary, that have to save her family and her city for the monsters . Really like the descripts of Hong Kong, Ling´s love for herbalism and the way vampirs are use to represent the imperalism.
May 21, 2025
Vampires, cults, and Eldritch horrors await readers of this YA Gothic Horror. Thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for access to an ARC!!! All thoughts below are genuine and my own.
TW: racism, systemic inequality, police brutality, murder, body horror (eyes), violence, attempted sexual assault, enslavement
It's 1925 and Ling Shaw just witnessed something that shouldn't be possible: a vampire attack. Her uncle is falsely accused of the murder that occured, and will suffer the blame if Ling can't solve the crime herself. She has to find the true culprit and fast, before her uncle and the life she holds dear are forever changed.
As an herbalist training at her beloved uncle's apothecary, Ling uses her knowledge of nature to make sense of the world. Her beliefs are put into question however, when more supernatural events occur. Myths may hold more truth to them than she could have ever imagined... far more horrors than vampires stalk the streets of Hong Kong.
Please note if you gravitate towards action-heavy thrillers/mysteries this may not be the best fit. It is a Gothic Horror with a mystery and thus focuses moreso on mental states and family secrets, with the addition of the Eldritch there's also forbidden knowledge at play. Ling does the work to investigate by rigorously researching plants and anything possibly related to the attack, not breaking doors and shaking down witnesses.
Ling can't solve this mystery alone. Scouring the books at her school library and her uncle's secret texts, she hopes to discern just what Dr. Shaw has been hiding. He's far more involved in the ominous goings-on than Ling could have ever expected. Yet the written word alone cannot help her, thus she relies on two of her friends to provide additional insight. Ling hopes their differing perspectives will help shine a light on the dark underbelly of the city.
A member of the Red Society Enlai had once been her closest friend, before he betrayed her. Now a young man he longs to rekindle their connection and protect Ling from the seedier sides of the city. In the wealthier stratosphere, a fellow classmate and daughter of a European noble (and colonizer), Emma offers glimpses into high society life and lessons in manipulation that prove vitally useful.
Also I will die on the hill both of these characters have romantic feelings for Ling....
Learning about traditional eastern medicine and folklore made this a fascinating read!! I love to learn about other cultures with a historical spin on the information provided. We had a blending of eastern and western myths as well which I thoroughly enjoyed. Once things took a turn for the Eldritch, I couldn't turn away!!
The layers of oppression and prejudice in this rapidly changing city, I also found incredibly well-written.
There's a great deal of nuance between how people are perceived based on what they offer their community and how they interact with the white ghosts who are actively colonizing them. As someone who intermingles with many facets of society, it makes our lead Ling feel incredibly ostracized. She's too poor and provencial for the wealthy colonizers—even with all her education and family standing—while her own people have difficulty fully trusting her.
I do hope this story has another round of edits planned, as my ARC had numerous word errors for things like tenses, pronouns, and duplications. Errors in ARC are par the course for receiving something that's still in development. If another round of edits isn't planned, I would highly recommend doing so before sending to print... should the window still be open. This is just an adendum note to clarify, I didn't knock my score down for something that petty in an uncorrected proof. However should these still appear in the printed editions, I'd be remiss to not at least mention their existence.
TW: racism, systemic inequality, police brutality, murder, body horror (eyes), violence, attempted sexual assault, enslavement
It's 1925 and Ling Shaw just witnessed something that shouldn't be possible: a vampire attack. Her uncle is falsely accused of the murder that occured, and will suffer the blame if Ling can't solve the crime herself. She has to find the true culprit and fast, before her uncle and the life she holds dear are forever changed.
As an herbalist training at her beloved uncle's apothecary, Ling uses her knowledge of nature to make sense of the world. Her beliefs are put into question however, when more supernatural events occur. Myths may hold more truth to them than she could have ever imagined... far more horrors than vampires stalk the streets of Hong Kong.
Please note if you gravitate towards action-heavy thrillers/mysteries this may not be the best fit. It is a Gothic Horror with a mystery and thus focuses moreso on mental states and family secrets, with the addition of the Eldritch there's also forbidden knowledge at play. Ling does the work to investigate by rigorously researching plants and anything possibly related to the attack, not breaking doors and shaking down witnesses.
Ling can't solve this mystery alone. Scouring the books at her school library and her uncle's secret texts, she hopes to discern just what Dr. Shaw has been hiding. He's far more involved in the ominous goings-on than Ling could have ever expected. Yet the written word alone cannot help her, thus she relies on two of her friends to provide additional insight. Ling hopes their differing perspectives will help shine a light on the dark underbelly of the city.
A member of the Red Society Enlai had once been her closest friend, before he betrayed her. Now a young man he longs to rekindle their connection and protect Ling from the seedier sides of the city. In the wealthier stratosphere, a fellow classmate and daughter of a European noble (and colonizer), Emma offers glimpses into high society life and lessons in manipulation that prove vitally useful.
Also I will die on the hill both of these characters have romantic feelings for Ling....
Learning about traditional eastern medicine and folklore made this a fascinating read!! I love to learn about other cultures with a historical spin on the information provided. We had a blending of eastern and western myths as well which I thoroughly enjoyed. Once things took a turn for the Eldritch, I couldn't turn away!!
The layers of oppression and prejudice in this rapidly changing city, I also found incredibly well-written.
There's a great deal of nuance between how people are perceived based on what they offer their community and how they interact with the white ghosts who are actively colonizing them. As someone who intermingles with many facets of society, it makes our lead Ling feel incredibly ostracized. She's too poor and provencial for the wealthy colonizers—even with all her education and family standing—while her own people have difficulty fully trusting her.
I do hope this story has another round of edits planned, as my ARC had numerous word errors for things like tenses, pronouns, and duplications. Errors in ARC are par the course for receiving something that's still in development. If another round of edits isn't planned, I would highly recommend doing so before sending to print... should the window still be open. This is just an adendum note to clarify, I didn't knock my score down for something that petty in an uncorrected proof. However should these still appear in the printed editions, I'd be remiss to not at least mention their existence.
September 14, 2025
While I enjoyed the overall premise, the book felt like it was missing a lot. I was reading from an ARC provided by BookSirens so possibly the published copy is a bit more refined but there seemed to be a significant amount of errors. The environment could do with more description and situations needed more explanation. There were several times I had to look back to see if we had left somewhere or what the context was to what Ling was talking or thinking about.
It wasn’t clear to me the creature at the beginning was a vampire, I saw it more as a Harry-Potter-style werewolf based on the description. I’m also not clear about the stockpile of eyes? Why did she collect them rather than use them? Did she need so many of them? Why was Ling so quick to just decide a massive life alternating change? Why did she take meeting her dad so coolly? Was she flying at one point?! Why couldn’t anyone else do that? Why was she invisible to the Ghosts but only sometimes, was it the salve? But didn’t she always wear it? And why just to the Ghosts? How did she not recognise her dad? Because of his face scar? How did they just so easily find Wupo, nearly take her out and then she’s just gone again and everyone is fine? Why wasn’t Wupo on guard after that if they found her the first time? If she had all those eyes, why didn’t she go back and take them? Was Wupo/Lady Eggers always the oracle or did she die and get replaced by this one? I guess I was a lot more confused than I thought while reading.
However, I do like that she’s walking on the fence of whether she’s going to give into a life like Wupo’s or stay good- if I’ve understood that correctly. Also, I think the author did a great job with the characters. None of them were flat or uninteresting.
Again, this was a free ARC provided by BookSirens and the author. All opinions are my own.
It wasn’t clear to me the creature at the beginning was a vampire, I saw it more as a Harry-Potter-style werewolf based on the description. I’m also not clear about the stockpile of eyes? Why did she collect them rather than use them? Did she need so many of them? Why was Ling so quick to just decide a massive life alternating change? Why did she take meeting her dad so coolly? Was she flying at one point?! Why couldn’t anyone else do that? Why was she invisible to the Ghosts but only sometimes, was it the salve? But didn’t she always wear it? And why just to the Ghosts? How did she not recognise her dad? Because of his face scar? How did they just so easily find Wupo, nearly take her out and then she’s just gone again and everyone is fine? Why wasn’t Wupo on guard after that if they found her the first time? If she had all those eyes, why didn’t she go back and take them? Was Wupo/Lady Eggers always the oracle or did she die and get replaced by this one? I guess I was a lot more confused than I thought while reading.
However, I do like that she’s walking on the fence of whether she’s going to give into a life like Wupo’s or stay good- if I’ve understood that correctly. Also, I think the author did a great job with the characters. None of them were flat or uninteresting.
Again, this was a free ARC provided by BookSirens and the author. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2025
2025 is the year of the vampire in the best way possible. Seems like all of the authors got the memo that we needed something fresh and they have delivered. Chasing Moonflowers is a vampiric story taking place in the Kowloon district of Hong Kong during the 1920s. Normally, I’m not a huge fan of reading books from this specific era (I think after Gatsby it’s a bit overdone) but it being set in Hong Kong immediately piqued my interest. Because of the setting and the time period, you really got an in depth vision of what it means to be a monster, but literally and figuratively. With the British colonization of Hong Kong, political uprising, and the cut away chapters in the Guineas where the sailors have been held captive and forced into slavery, there so much going on and yet it all fit in beautifully into the story. I had my suspicions about some of the characters and was right about one and completely wrong about another. I loved that along with the traditional idea of the vampire (coupled with our main girl Ling literally reading Carmilla) the eastern legends and myths were intertwined. One quick note for readers with possible triggers- there are eyes- literal eyes floating around in this book. If that grosses you out, you may want to skip this one.
This was my first book by Pauline Chow, but I hope to read more! Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing | Ghastly Goings-On Press for the advanced copy. I devoured this one!
This was my first book by Pauline Chow, but I hope to read more! Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing | Ghastly Goings-On Press for the advanced copy. I devoured this one!
April 22, 2025
Content warning for creepy eyeball body horror!
This wonderfully rich first novel hooked me in right away with the complexity of the setting. I have a passion for traditional Chinese herbalism and felt delighted every time Ling broke out one of my old friends sour jujube seeds and reishi. While some other early readers have described this book as slow to start, I enjoyed the main character's methodical information gathering and thought it felt very realistic. This is a fresh take on vampirism as a metaphor for colonialism, with a few meta references in-narrative to Carmilla. There were a few veiled references to Ling being queer and ace but it wasn't ever fully explored. The pace changed dramatically toward the end and the resolution felt a bit rushed and unexpected, but I would still wholeheartedly recommend this book!
I think it will appeal to people who like lush, creepy, gothic horror/fantasy, like T. Kingfisher and Caitlin Kiernan.
I received an ARC from the author through Book Sirens. There were a few homonym typos but overall it was well edited and easy to read. I'll definitely be following the author's career and looking forward to more of her work!
This wonderfully rich first novel hooked me in right away with the complexity of the setting. I have a passion for traditional Chinese herbalism and felt delighted every time Ling broke out one of my old friends sour jujube seeds and reishi. While some other early readers have described this book as slow to start, I enjoyed the main character's methodical information gathering and thought it felt very realistic. This is a fresh take on vampirism as a metaphor for colonialism, with a few meta references in-narrative to Carmilla. There were a few veiled references to Ling being queer and ace but it wasn't ever fully explored. The pace changed dramatically toward the end and the resolution felt a bit rushed and unexpected, but I would still wholeheartedly recommend this book!
I think it will appeal to people who like lush, creepy, gothic horror/fantasy, like T. Kingfisher and Caitlin Kiernan.
I received an ARC from the author through Book Sirens. There were a few homonym typos but overall it was well edited and easy to read. I'll definitely be following the author's career and looking forward to more of her work!
May 7, 2025
Thank you so much to the author and BookSirens for letting me read an ARC of this book!💕
📍In summary, this story is located in 1925’s Hong Kong, where the British Crown ruled over the whole territory, with the exception of the walled city of Kowloon.
✍️This book is a magnificent history lesson, that perfectly manages to keep you absolutely hooked because of the brilliang writing style of the author, and the magical elements related to the plants and flowers our main character works with. The story sets a tense tone in which we follow a young girl who’ll have to fight her own demons to protect her family, after the death of a neighbor awakens something paranormal that spreads outside of Kowloon, threatening to stop the revolution against the British Crown. The plot thickens and gets more sinister after every page, with the lines between the real world and the fantasy world getting blurrier by the second, making the reader question what exactly turns someone into a monster, and where humanity’s limits end in the face of invisible, evil forces.
👥Ling is our main character and narrator, and she’s an absolute treasure! This young girl flawlessly carries the weight of the story on her shoulders, directing the plot brilliantly with the help of the author’s craft, who expertly keeps Ling’s young girl’s freshness and innocence, despite all the adult sacrifices and obstacles she faces.
🖇️This book should be on your tbr if you adore history lessons when they’re perfectly entangled with an entertaining story, and also if you wish to know more about a key event in Asian history.
📍In summary, this story is located in 1925’s Hong Kong, where the British Crown ruled over the whole territory, with the exception of the walled city of Kowloon.
✍️This book is a magnificent history lesson, that perfectly manages to keep you absolutely hooked because of the brilliang writing style of the author, and the magical elements related to the plants and flowers our main character works with. The story sets a tense tone in which we follow a young girl who’ll have to fight her own demons to protect her family, after the death of a neighbor awakens something paranormal that spreads outside of Kowloon, threatening to stop the revolution against the British Crown. The plot thickens and gets more sinister after every page, with the lines between the real world and the fantasy world getting blurrier by the second, making the reader question what exactly turns someone into a monster, and where humanity’s limits end in the face of invisible, evil forces.
👥Ling is our main character and narrator, and she’s an absolute treasure! This young girl flawlessly carries the weight of the story on her shoulders, directing the plot brilliantly with the help of the author’s craft, who expertly keeps Ling’s young girl’s freshness and innocence, despite all the adult sacrifices and obstacles she faces.
🖇️This book should be on your tbr if you adore history lessons when they’re perfectly entangled with an entertaining story, and also if you wish to know more about a key event in Asian history.
June 20, 2025
I just knew this book will be my thing the moment Carmilla is referenced. Vampires, with admittedly significantly less sapphic undertones, but so lush and so incredibly unique in its setting.
It is 1925 colonial Hong Kong, and Ling needs to be someone important and respected by both the local and the British communities to turn her family's hard life around. Witnessing the gruesome murder of an Englishwoman in the hands of an eldritch creature is absolutely not going to help her cause!
Ling is immediately swept up in secrets and diabolism in an already unsettled town gearing up for a labour strike (based on the historical event, Canton–Hong Kong strike). This was both a delightfully gothic but sobering read.
Thank you to the author, Ghastly Goings-On Press (what a wonderful name ✨), and NetGalley for this eARC. I leave this review voluntarily.
It is 1925 colonial Hong Kong, and Ling needs to be someone important and respected by both the local and the British communities to turn her family's hard life around. Witnessing the gruesome murder of an Englishwoman in the hands of an eldritch creature is absolutely not going to help her cause!
Ling is immediately swept up in secrets and diabolism in an already unsettled town gearing up for a labour strike (based on the historical event, Canton–Hong Kong strike). This was both a delightfully gothic but sobering read.
Thank you to the author, Ghastly Goings-On Press (what a wonderful name ✨), and NetGalley for this eARC. I leave this review voluntarily.
June 28, 2025
🌕 A Lush and Lurking Fantasy Set in Colonial-Era Hong Kong
🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 My rating: 3.5 / 5 — Recommended
round up to 4 for Goodreads
A gothic fantasy steeped in history and East Asian folklore, Chasing Moonflowers brings readers to 1920s Kowloon (九龍), where a young girl named Ling—devoted to herbalism—finds herself fighting to save her family, her city, and her culture from creeping monsters. Vampires, political unrest, and colonial power all intertwine in this atmospheric tale that’s as haunting as it is beautiful.
╰┈➤ Historical Context
Set in British-occupied Hong Kong in the 1920s, the story unfolds in a time when the Kowloon Walled City (九龙城寨) hadn’t yet fully enclosed itself but had already become a space of tension—between locals and colonial powers, between power and survival. The novel highlights how local Cantonese speakers were often dismissed as “uncivilised” by the ruling elite, and how systemic oppression seeped into everyday life. There are also interwoven chapters set in Guinea, where enslaved sailors are held captive, adding another layer of brutal realism to the book’s colonial critique.
╰┈➤ Thoughts & Impressions
The writing is incredibly vivid and immersive, filled with a creeping tension that slowly wraps around you. The vampire mythos here isn't just for horror—it doubles as a metaphor for colonialism, where invaders drain the life out of local cultures, languages, and identities. Ling’s reading of Carmilla cleverly bridges Western vampire lore with Eastern legends, highlighting how myth, resistance, and identity all blur together.
That said, the book might be challenging for those unfamiliar with Cantonese or Cantonese Pronunciation—some details hinge on language, tone, and local nuance. The latter parts of the novel also escalate quickly, with surreal and complex elements that might be confusing for casual readers.
✨ You’ll probably enjoy this if you like:
✔️ Gothic historical fantasy
✔️ Female-led stories with family bonds
✔️ Folklore and political allegory woven together
🥱 Maybe skip it if you:
❌ Are sensitive to gore or body horror (yes, there are eyeballs)
❌ Prefer fast-paced plots with clear-cut worldbuilding
❌ Don’t enjoy layered metaphors or sociopolitical undertones
📎 Keywords: 1920s Hong Kong, anti-colonial resistance, Cantonese identity, vampires, Kowloon Walled City, herbal medicine, female protagonist, gothic fantasy, political upheaval, systemic racism, surreal body horror
📌 Recommended for readers who:
🌿 Love lush, slow-burn gothic stories
🌿 Are into Hong Kong-set speculative fiction
🌿 Want a fresh take on vampire mythology from an Eastern perspective
📦 Thanks to NetGalley and Ghastly Goings-On Press for the ARC. Chasing Moonflowers will be published on 1 July 2025.
🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 My rating: 3.5 / 5 — Recommended
round up to 4 for Goodreads
A gothic fantasy steeped in history and East Asian folklore, Chasing Moonflowers brings readers to 1920s Kowloon (九龍), where a young girl named Ling—devoted to herbalism—finds herself fighting to save her family, her city, and her culture from creeping monsters. Vampires, political unrest, and colonial power all intertwine in this atmospheric tale that’s as haunting as it is beautiful.
╰┈➤ Historical Context
Set in British-occupied Hong Kong in the 1920s, the story unfolds in a time when the Kowloon Walled City (九龙城寨) hadn’t yet fully enclosed itself but had already become a space of tension—between locals and colonial powers, between power and survival. The novel highlights how local Cantonese speakers were often dismissed as “uncivilised” by the ruling elite, and how systemic oppression seeped into everyday life. There are also interwoven chapters set in Guinea, where enslaved sailors are held captive, adding another layer of brutal realism to the book’s colonial critique.
╰┈➤ Thoughts & Impressions
The writing is incredibly vivid and immersive, filled with a creeping tension that slowly wraps around you. The vampire mythos here isn't just for horror—it doubles as a metaphor for colonialism, where invaders drain the life out of local cultures, languages, and identities. Ling’s reading of Carmilla cleverly bridges Western vampire lore with Eastern legends, highlighting how myth, resistance, and identity all blur together.
That said, the book might be challenging for those unfamiliar with Cantonese or Cantonese Pronunciation—some details hinge on language, tone, and local nuance. The latter parts of the novel also escalate quickly, with surreal and complex elements that might be confusing for casual readers.
✨ You’ll probably enjoy this if you like:
✔️ Gothic historical fantasy
✔️ Female-led stories with family bonds
✔️ Folklore and political allegory woven together
🥱 Maybe skip it if you:
❌ Are sensitive to gore or body horror (yes, there are eyeballs)
❌ Prefer fast-paced plots with clear-cut worldbuilding
❌ Don’t enjoy layered metaphors or sociopolitical undertones
📎 Keywords: 1920s Hong Kong, anti-colonial resistance, Cantonese identity, vampires, Kowloon Walled City, herbal medicine, female protagonist, gothic fantasy, political upheaval, systemic racism, surreal body horror
📌 Recommended for readers who:
🌿 Love lush, slow-burn gothic stories
🌿 Are into Hong Kong-set speculative fiction
🌿 Want a fresh take on vampire mythology from an Eastern perspective
📦 Thanks to NetGalley and Ghastly Goings-On Press for the ARC. Chasing Moonflowers will be published on 1 July 2025.
July 5, 2025
3.2/5
Set in Hong Kong’s infamous Kowloon Walled City (九龍城寨), this Gothic horror novel promises an atmospheric dive into a place full of urban legends. As a Hong Konger, I was thrilled by the premise. Growing up, I heard tales of the Walled City and visited its remnants. I eagerly anticipated a story, but I was disappointed by the execution.
What I like about the novel is the delightful Cantonese references sprinkled like Easter eggs, but its execution falters, leaving me with mixed feelings. The inclusion of Cantonese phrases and Chinese cultural elements, such as the bone scripts, adds authenticity to the narrative. However, some linguistic inaccuracies, such as using “mm goi” (thank you) in response to a compliment, which feels unnatural, or mixing Mandarin terms like “wu po” with Cantonese phrases like “Ceot loi ba, Ceot loi ba”, distorted my immersion with the story. While I appreciate the author's efforts, they occasionally feel misplaced or inconsistent.
For readers unfamiliar with Cantonese or Mandarin, the sporadic English explanations may not be enough, potentially leaving them confused by the linguistic blend.
The novel begins with a very gripping pace, setting a perfect vibe for this horror story. Chapter 3, in particular, is a standout to me, with the FMC, Ling’s heart-pounding journey keeping me on edge.
The prose is vivid and visceral, painting gory, detailed deaths that amplify the horror. Yet, the momentum falls significantly around the midpoint. The narrative drags, bogged down by unnecessary chapters that dilute the tension. I found myself wishing for deeper character development, particularly for the twins, whose arcs could have heightened the emotional impact of the pivotal plotline since Chapter 28.
While the premise and setting are captivating, the plot often feels disjointed. Major storylines are hard to follow, veering into abstract territory that left even this local Hong Konger perplexed. Some cultural references, though intriguing, are introduced without enough context, making them more confusing than enriching. The result is a narrative that often feels scattered and messy.
Despite these flaws, I don’t regret reading this book. The concept, prose, and horror elements are genuinely compelling, and the Kowloon Walled City is a fascinating backdrop that pulses with eerie life. However, the messy execution and uneven pacing prevent it from fully delivering on its promise.
For fans of gothic horror and Hong Kong culture, it might be an interesting read for its unique setting and vivid moments, but be prepared for a story that doesn’t quite live up to its ambitious premise.
Thank you to Netgalley and Ghastly Goings-On Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Set in Hong Kong’s infamous Kowloon Walled City (九龍城寨), this Gothic horror novel promises an atmospheric dive into a place full of urban legends. As a Hong Konger, I was thrilled by the premise. Growing up, I heard tales of the Walled City and visited its remnants. I eagerly anticipated a story, but I was disappointed by the execution.
What I like about the novel is the delightful Cantonese references sprinkled like Easter eggs, but its execution falters, leaving me with mixed feelings. The inclusion of Cantonese phrases and Chinese cultural elements, such as the bone scripts, adds authenticity to the narrative. However, some linguistic inaccuracies, such as using “mm goi” (thank you) in response to a compliment, which feels unnatural, or mixing Mandarin terms like “wu po” with Cantonese phrases like “Ceot loi ba, Ceot loi ba”, distorted my immersion with the story. While I appreciate the author's efforts, they occasionally feel misplaced or inconsistent.
For readers unfamiliar with Cantonese or Mandarin, the sporadic English explanations may not be enough, potentially leaving them confused by the linguistic blend.
The novel begins with a very gripping pace, setting a perfect vibe for this horror story. Chapter 3, in particular, is a standout to me, with the FMC, Ling’s heart-pounding journey keeping me on edge.
The prose is vivid and visceral, painting gory, detailed deaths that amplify the horror. Yet, the momentum falls significantly around the midpoint. The narrative drags, bogged down by unnecessary chapters that dilute the tension. I found myself wishing for deeper character development, particularly for the twins, whose arcs could have heightened the emotional impact of the pivotal plotline since Chapter 28.
While the premise and setting are captivating, the plot often feels disjointed. Major storylines are hard to follow, veering into abstract territory that left even this local Hong Konger perplexed. Some cultural references, though intriguing, are introduced without enough context, making them more confusing than enriching. The result is a narrative that often feels scattered and messy.
Despite these flaws, I don’t regret reading this book. The concept, prose, and horror elements are genuinely compelling, and the Kowloon Walled City is a fascinating backdrop that pulses with eerie life. However, the messy execution and uneven pacing prevent it from fully delivering on its promise.
For fans of gothic horror and Hong Kong culture, it might be an interesting read for its unique setting and vivid moments, but be prepared for a story that doesn’t quite live up to its ambitious premise.
Thank you to Netgalley and Ghastly Goings-On Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 16, 2025
Content Warnings: Racism, systemic inequality, police brutality, murder, body horror (especially involving eyes), violence, attempted sexual assault, enslavement.
Set in 1925 colonial Hong Kong, Chasing Moonflowers is a gothic historical fantasy wrapped in blood and moonlight. Dark, tender, and deeply immersive, it combines coming-of-age storytelling with murder mystery and fantasy horror, resulting in something that feels both intimate and epic.
Ling Shaw is a young herbalist raised in a world where revolution simmers underfoot and monsters don’t always wear fangs. When she witnesses a brutal murder and her uncle is wrongfully arrested, Ling’s life is upended. Desperate to clear her family’s name, she dives headfirst into the shadows—alongside a sharp-tongued school friend and a reckless Red Society thug from Kowloon’s Walled City. The trio uncovers secrets soaked in blood and magic, tangled up in colonial violence and the politics of labor and power.
There’s a great deal of nuance in how characters are treated depending on what they offer their community and how they interact with the white ghosts who are actively colonizing them. Ling, caught between worlds, is seen as too poor and provincial for the colonizers despite her education, yet she’s not fully trusted by her own people either. This intersectional tension makes her feel deeply ostracized and adds layers of emotional complexity that echo throughout the novel.
From cursed monsters to class struggles, Chow paints a vividly textured world full of danger, rage, and impossible choices. The body horror is visceral, the social commentary sharp, and the central question 'What truly makes a monster?' resonates on every level.
The story doesn’t shy away from the horrors of its setting: racial tension, colonial violence, and exploitation all haunt its pages. But it also pulses with resistance, resilience, and a desire for justice that feels fierce and earned. The ending brings a sense of hopeful closure while hinting at much more to come, and I’ll absolutely be back for it.
Chasing Moonflowers doesn’t just chase monsters; it unearths them, names them, and dares its heroine to face them down with all the fury and grace of the moon itself. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Set in 1925 colonial Hong Kong, Chasing Moonflowers is a gothic historical fantasy wrapped in blood and moonlight. Dark, tender, and deeply immersive, it combines coming-of-age storytelling with murder mystery and fantasy horror, resulting in something that feels both intimate and epic.
Ling Shaw is a young herbalist raised in a world where revolution simmers underfoot and monsters don’t always wear fangs. When she witnesses a brutal murder and her uncle is wrongfully arrested, Ling’s life is upended. Desperate to clear her family’s name, she dives headfirst into the shadows—alongside a sharp-tongued school friend and a reckless Red Society thug from Kowloon’s Walled City. The trio uncovers secrets soaked in blood and magic, tangled up in colonial violence and the politics of labor and power.
There’s a great deal of nuance in how characters are treated depending on what they offer their community and how they interact with the white ghosts who are actively colonizing them. Ling, caught between worlds, is seen as too poor and provincial for the colonizers despite her education, yet she’s not fully trusted by her own people either. This intersectional tension makes her feel deeply ostracized and adds layers of emotional complexity that echo throughout the novel.
From cursed monsters to class struggles, Chow paints a vividly textured world full of danger, rage, and impossible choices. The body horror is visceral, the social commentary sharp, and the central question 'What truly makes a monster?' resonates on every level.
The story doesn’t shy away from the horrors of its setting: racial tension, colonial violence, and exploitation all haunt its pages. But it also pulses with resistance, resilience, and a desire for justice that feels fierce and earned. The ending brings a sense of hopeful closure while hinting at much more to come, and I’ll absolutely be back for it.
Chasing Moonflowers doesn’t just chase monsters; it unearths them, names them, and dares its heroine to face them down with all the fury and grace of the moon itself. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 14, 2025
Pauline Chow’s Chasing Moonflowers is a vivid and haunting novel that weaves together historical fiction, supernatural horror, and coming-of-age themes. Set in 1920s colonial Hong Kong, the story follows Ling, a young woman caught between her family’s traditions and the turbulent sociopolitical currents of the time. As Ling uncovers strange disappearances tied to mythic horrors and colonial oppression, her journey through the Kowloon Walled City and the surrounding marshlands becomes a fight for truth, identity, and survival. The story is steeped in Chinese folklore, political tension, and eerie mystery, creating a rich and unsettling atmosphere.
From the first few pages, I was hooked. The prose is crisp, full of sensory detail, and never afraid to get gritty. Chow doesn’t just describe Hong Kong, she drags you into its alleys, lets you feel the damp walls of Kowloon, and hear the eerie lullabies whispered to children. I felt a real emotional attachment to Ling, a clever and fiercely curious young woman who manages to be brave even while terrified. Her relationship with her family, especially her younger brothers, grounded the novel in a warmth that balanced the story’s darker turns. And make no mistake, the horror elements here are chilling. The supernatural is strange, grotesque, and soaked in myth. Think Lovecraft meets The Monkey King.
Some chapters fly by in a haze of thrilling discoveries and shocking twists, while others linger long on introspection or minor characters’ subplots. That said, I appreciated how Chow dared to explore trauma without giving neat resolutions. Her portrayal of colonialism’s reach, how it deforms not just cities, but psyches, is brutal and honest. There's a weight to this story that sticks with you.
Chasing Moonflowers is a powerful story that blends historical fiction and horror in a way that feels timeless. If you’re someone who enjoys complex female leads, folklore-laced thrillers, or tales of rebellion against monstrous systems—literal and figurative—this book’s for you. It shook me, entertained me, and made me think.
From the first few pages, I was hooked. The prose is crisp, full of sensory detail, and never afraid to get gritty. Chow doesn’t just describe Hong Kong, she drags you into its alleys, lets you feel the damp walls of Kowloon, and hear the eerie lullabies whispered to children. I felt a real emotional attachment to Ling, a clever and fiercely curious young woman who manages to be brave even while terrified. Her relationship with her family, especially her younger brothers, grounded the novel in a warmth that balanced the story’s darker turns. And make no mistake, the horror elements here are chilling. The supernatural is strange, grotesque, and soaked in myth. Think Lovecraft meets The Monkey King.
Some chapters fly by in a haze of thrilling discoveries and shocking twists, while others linger long on introspection or minor characters’ subplots. That said, I appreciated how Chow dared to explore trauma without giving neat resolutions. Her portrayal of colonialism’s reach, how it deforms not just cities, but psyches, is brutal and honest. There's a weight to this story that sticks with you.
Chasing Moonflowers is a powerful story that blends historical fiction and horror in a way that feels timeless. If you’re someone who enjoys complex female leads, folklore-laced thrillers, or tales of rebellion against monstrous systems—literal and figurative—this book’s for you. It shook me, entertained me, and made me think.
July 1, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
I thought the premise of this story was very good and I liked Ling's character. However, there were portions that were abstract and almost like fever dreams and I just couldn't quite figure out what was happening. I'm sure that was to add to the atmosphere (which it often did), but there were times when I had to reread passages to make sure I understood what she was either seeing or thinking she was seeing. Still, I very much enjoyed the set-up of this story. Ling is the oldest of three children and has been working for her uncle (father's brother), a talented apothecarist, ever since her father was presumed lost at sea. Her mother seems like she has checked out and Ling does a lot of the caring for her younger twin brothers. It is 1925 in colonial Hong Kong, and things are very unsettled in Kowloon, where gangs seem to roam. She is not on the best of terms with her childhood friend who joined the Red Society Gang, and while she has a best friend at school, school is challenging as she is not exactly popular, even if she is one of the top students in the class. Her dream has always been to attend medical school, but with very few resources, she just wants to keep her family alive, especially when children start going missing.
This story had a slow build, but as I started learning more things at the end, I remembered little bits of information the author dropped throughout the story. I thought it was very well done and even though I was able to predict part of the ending, I still very much enjoyed it. I also enjoyed the incorporation of Chinese herbalism/medicine and loved the idea that it would have an effect on supernatural afflictions.
I would recommend this to people who enjoy slow building dark fantasies with the line between reality and fantasy somewhat blurred.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I thought the premise of this story was very good and I liked Ling's character. However, there were portions that were abstract and almost like fever dreams and I just couldn't quite figure out what was happening. I'm sure that was to add to the atmosphere (which it often did), but there were times when I had to reread passages to make sure I understood what she was either seeing or thinking she was seeing. Still, I very much enjoyed the set-up of this story. Ling is the oldest of three children and has been working for her uncle (father's brother), a talented apothecarist, ever since her father was presumed lost at sea. Her mother seems like she has checked out and Ling does a lot of the caring for her younger twin brothers. It is 1925 in colonial Hong Kong, and things are very unsettled in Kowloon, where gangs seem to roam. She is not on the best of terms with her childhood friend who joined the Red Society Gang, and while she has a best friend at school, school is challenging as she is not exactly popular, even if she is one of the top students in the class. Her dream has always been to attend medical school, but with very few resources, she just wants to keep her family alive, especially when children start going missing.
This story had a slow build, but as I started learning more things at the end, I remembered little bits of information the author dropped throughout the story. I thought it was very well done and even though I was able to predict part of the ending, I still very much enjoyed it. I also enjoyed the incorporation of Chinese herbalism/medicine and loved the idea that it would have an effect on supernatural afflictions.
I would recommend this to people who enjoy slow building dark fantasies with the line between reality and fantasy somewhat blurred.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 20, 2025
thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the e-arc!!
it seems i am in the minority because i am not rating this five stars. i will say i liked the world that was set up, 1920s Hong Kong filled with magic and vampires that blends well with the themes of oppression from conquerors and the labour strikes. i thought those themes were done wonderfully and i fully enjoyed it.
my gripe is that it took too long for the story to get going. i slogged through at least 50% of it to really get into it. it was a lot of Ling running around getting information. personally i found that information came to our protagonist Ling a little to easily via conveniently found medical texts or literal knowledge transferrence from another vampire.
however i did like the familial bonds between Ling, her brothers, her uncle, Ahma (as someone who does know chinese, why does she call her mother that? it could a different dialect but it means grandmother to me and is so jarring) and even her long lost father. the length she does to save her uncle from being falsely accused of murder, rescue her brothers from Wupo and finding her father again is really what kept me flipping the pages throughout.
i thought the ending was the best part. it was realistic. because when faced with immense power? most cannot resist the call, and Ling is an excellent representation of someone who has needed this power all her life, not just some pure hearted protagonist. her turning down Enlai's proposal (ngl i did like his character a lot, i just wish he was fleshed out a lot more than just being a childhood friend who betrayed her and joined the Red Society but loves her) and leaving her family was the only path she could have gone down.
the epilogue was fantastic, with Xie's letter to her and her reply that she would come back sometime.
might read this again some other time to see if i would like it more.
it seems i am in the minority because i am not rating this five stars. i will say i liked the world that was set up, 1920s Hong Kong filled with magic and vampires that blends well with the themes of oppression from conquerors and the labour strikes. i thought those themes were done wonderfully and i fully enjoyed it.
my gripe is that it took too long for the story to get going. i slogged through at least 50% of it to really get into it. it was a lot of Ling running around getting information. personally i found that information came to our protagonist Ling a little to easily via conveniently found medical texts or literal knowledge transferrence from another vampire.
however i did like the familial bonds between Ling, her brothers, her uncle, Ahma (as someone who does know chinese, why does she call her mother that? it could a different dialect but it means grandmother to me and is so jarring) and even her long lost father. the length she does to save her uncle from being falsely accused of murder, rescue her brothers from Wupo and finding her father again is really what kept me flipping the pages throughout.
i thought the ending was the best part. it was realistic. because when faced with immense power? most cannot resist the call, and Ling is an excellent representation of someone who has needed this power all her life, not just some pure hearted protagonist. her turning down Enlai's proposal (ngl i did like his character a lot, i just wish he was fleshed out a lot more than just being a childhood friend who betrayed her and joined the Red Society but loves her) and leaving her family was the only path she could have gone down.
the epilogue was fantastic, with Xie's letter to her and her reply that she would come back sometime.
might read this again some other time to see if i would like it more.
April 18, 2025
Chasing Moonflowers is an intriguing blend of mystery and horror, set against a backdrop of political tension and cultural transformation. Pauline Chow injects that history with the dangerous undercurrent of a monster story, creating something that feels both timeless and unnervingly fresh!
I was especially drawn to Ling’s relationships—her bond with her younger twin brothers, the complicated mentorship with her uncle, and the quiet ache left by her father’s absence. There's a deep emotional weight in the way she carries responsibility, and the guilt that coils through her choices really hit home for me—as a parent, a partner, a brother, and someone constantly trying to do right by the people I love.
The pacing is tight, with a structure that kept me guessing the whole way through. And the horror scenes? Genuinely chilling. Chow doesn’t hold back—the first attack scene, in particular, is visceral, unpredictable, and burned into my brain. And the eyes… yeah. That’ll stay with me.
What really impressed me was how seamlessly Chow blends a strong sense of time and place with modern emotional beats. The setting feels fully alive—clearly the result of deep research—but it never feels dry or distant. It’s always in service of the characters and the stakes.
If you're into Alma Katsu’s work, this is definitely in your lane: steadily escalating dread, layered characters, and a setting that amplifies the horror in all the right ways.
I was especially drawn to Ling’s relationships—her bond with her younger twin brothers, the complicated mentorship with her uncle, and the quiet ache left by her father’s absence. There's a deep emotional weight in the way she carries responsibility, and the guilt that coils through her choices really hit home for me—as a parent, a partner, a brother, and someone constantly trying to do right by the people I love.
The pacing is tight, with a structure that kept me guessing the whole way through. And the horror scenes? Genuinely chilling. Chow doesn’t hold back—the first attack scene, in particular, is visceral, unpredictable, and burned into my brain. And the eyes… yeah. That’ll stay with me.
What really impressed me was how seamlessly Chow blends a strong sense of time and place with modern emotional beats. The setting feels fully alive—clearly the result of deep research—but it never feels dry or distant. It’s always in service of the characters and the stakes.
If you're into Alma Katsu’s work, this is definitely in your lane: steadily escalating dread, layered characters, and a setting that amplifies the horror in all the right ways.
July 9, 2025
I love this novel!
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Chasing Moonflowers, and it did not disappoint. Previously, I had read some of Chow's shorter work, which was great.
There's a lot to compliment here. First, the impressive historical information and accuracy. Chow did her homework, and I loved getting to know about the walled city of Kowloon, and the Canton-Honk Kong Strike of the 1920s, and the social and cultural dynamics at play during that time period. I also appreciated that Chow included an overview of that history as a preface to the story, so that I already had important context as I read.
The characters are fantastic. Ling, her uncle (Dabak), her siblings, her (creepy) aunt, her missing father, and Lady Tun. I won't say more because I want to avoid spoilers, but, each character is well crafted, interesting, and realistic, which I think is harder to pull off in historical fiction.
The settings are always fantastic. The swamp and seashore, the cave, Kowloon at night...they are all fraught with mystique and danger, and become characters in their own right--my favorite kinds of settings.
The story itself is awesome, and I love the alternating narratives. It really keeps the story fresh and gives it momentum. Again, I won't say more, because I do not want to include spoilers.
Overall, I recommend this to anyone who loves a good genre blend: this includes aspects of horror, adventure, coming-of-age, family drama, mystery, and urban fantasy.
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Chasing Moonflowers, and it did not disappoint. Previously, I had read some of Chow's shorter work, which was great.
There's a lot to compliment here. First, the impressive historical information and accuracy. Chow did her homework, and I loved getting to know about the walled city of Kowloon, and the Canton-Honk Kong Strike of the 1920s, and the social and cultural dynamics at play during that time period. I also appreciated that Chow included an overview of that history as a preface to the story, so that I already had important context as I read.
The characters are fantastic. Ling, her uncle (Dabak), her siblings, her (creepy) aunt, her missing father, and Lady Tun. I won't say more because I want to avoid spoilers, but, each character is well crafted, interesting, and realistic, which I think is harder to pull off in historical fiction.
The settings are always fantastic. The swamp and seashore, the cave, Kowloon at night...they are all fraught with mystique and danger, and become characters in their own right--my favorite kinds of settings.
The story itself is awesome, and I love the alternating narratives. It really keeps the story fresh and gives it momentum. Again, I won't say more, because I do not want to include spoilers.
Overall, I recommend this to anyone who loves a good genre blend: this includes aspects of horror, adventure, coming-of-age, family drama, mystery, and urban fantasy.
April 22, 2025
I just finished reading an advance copy of Chasing Moonflowers, and I was completely drawn in from the start. It’s a beautifully written story that blends the supernatural with grounded, emotional storytelling.
Ling is a standout character, written with depth and care. Her background and development gave the story a lot of emotional weight and made her feel incredibly real. The dialogue throughout felt natural and compelling, really bringing the characters to life.
I especially enjoyed the herbal medicine shop elements—they added a unique cultural richness and atmosphere that made the setting feel even more immersive.
The pacing is well done, and I appreciated the balance—there are supernatural elements, but the story always feels rooted in something very human and relatable.
If I had one critique, it would be that the story felt a little short—I definitely wanted more by the time I reached the end. Still, that’s more a testament to how much I enjoyed it than a complaint.
Overall, Chasing Moonflowers is a thoughtful, engaging read that left a lasting impression. I’m excited to see what Pauline Chow writes next.
Ling is a standout character, written with depth and care. Her background and development gave the story a lot of emotional weight and made her feel incredibly real. The dialogue throughout felt natural and compelling, really bringing the characters to life.
I especially enjoyed the herbal medicine shop elements—they added a unique cultural richness and atmosphere that made the setting feel even more immersive.
The pacing is well done, and I appreciated the balance—there are supernatural elements, but the story always feels rooted in something very human and relatable.
If I had one critique, it would be that the story felt a little short—I definitely wanted more by the time I reached the end. Still, that’s more a testament to how much I enjoyed it than a complaint.
Overall, Chasing Moonflowers is a thoughtful, engaging read that left a lasting impression. I’m excited to see what Pauline Chow writes next.
May 15, 2025
There were so many elements I enjoyed about this story! Our main character Ling is a student and also works as an herbalist in 1920’s Hong Kong. While making a medicine delivery, she witnesses a horrific murder that defies logical explanation. As she tries to make sense of what she is seen, she becomes wrapped up in a world of monsters, magical plants, and ancient curses. When her family is targeted, Ling must sacrifice everything to bring them home.
This novel had a lot of mystery and horror aspects that drew me in. The setting deeply intrigued me and allows for exploration of racism, colonialism, and slavery. I enjoyed the botanical magic aspects, the murder mystery, and the nods to Carmilla. The story lags a bit after Ling witnesses the murder, but it picked up for me halfway through and the ending was very satisfying!
I took off a star for some grammatical errors and because there were many instances of Ling asking herself multiple rhetorical questions. This broke immersion for me, but I think it just comes down to preferred style.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
This novel had a lot of mystery and horror aspects that drew me in. The setting deeply intrigued me and allows for exploration of racism, colonialism, and slavery. I enjoyed the botanical magic aspects, the murder mystery, and the nods to Carmilla. The story lags a bit after Ling witnesses the murder, but it picked up for me halfway through and the ending was very satisfying!
I took off a star for some grammatical errors and because there were many instances of Ling asking herself multiple rhetorical questions. This broke immersion for me, but I think it just comes down to preferred style.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
September 27, 2025
This book combines several of my favorite subjects. Near victorian era or the victorian era settings. Magic systems. And most of all, Vampires. Bonus is the fact that it’s written in Hong Kong, in the mid 1920’s. I don’t know that those are places many current books are set in, and so I got to learn all kinds of things about the time and place b y soaking up the descriptions throughout.
Bonus bonus there’s a ton of plant related information in this book, so it really felt like we were watching magic practitioners duke it out, and the one on our side used botany as their paradigm, which was super cool.
All these ingredients come together in the thickening reagent that is the horror. This book is creepy, it is unsettling, it is gruesome at times. You have vampires draining people in grisly fashion, eyeballs that move on their own and tell you secrets by touching you. There’s the ever present threat of being a woman underlying it all. This is to say nothing of the complex relationships threaded throughout.
If you like original stories with tragedy, violence, and a whole lot of plants and magic, you’ll love this book.
Bonus bonus there’s a ton of plant related information in this book, so it really felt like we were watching magic practitioners duke it out, and the one on our side used botany as their paradigm, which was super cool.
All these ingredients come together in the thickening reagent that is the horror. This book is creepy, it is unsettling, it is gruesome at times. You have vampires draining people in grisly fashion, eyeballs that move on their own and tell you secrets by touching you. There’s the ever present threat of being a woman underlying it all. This is to say nothing of the complex relationships threaded throughout.
If you like original stories with tragedy, violence, and a whole lot of plants and magic, you’ll love this book.
June 2, 2025
Chasing Moonflowers effortlessly blends historical fiction, folk horror, and supernatural mystery. Set against the turbulent backdrop of 1925 colonial Hong Kong, Ling navigates through the sinister secrets of Kowloon, Pauline's meticulous attention to cultural authenticity brought joy to my want-to-be herbalist heart with mentions of herbs and the usage of them throughout. The slow, careful unraveling of clues felt refreshingly genuine, enhancing the depth of Ling's journey. Pauline’s fresh take on vampirism, intertwined with themes of colonial oppression and cultural identity, offers profound reflections that linger beyond the last page.
I had the pleasure of mentor Pauline through the creation of this fantastic story, I enjoy her richly textured storytelling and thoughtful character portrayals. Ling is an unforgettable protagonist, courageous yet authentically vulnerable, demonstrating the interplay between power and humanity. Chasing Moonflowers is both chilling and enchanting, definitely a book that deserves to be read slowly and savored.
I had the pleasure of mentor Pauline through the creation of this fantastic story, I enjoy her richly textured storytelling and thoughtful character portrayals. Ling is an unforgettable protagonist, courageous yet authentically vulnerable, demonstrating the interplay between power and humanity. Chasing Moonflowers is both chilling and enchanting, definitely a book that deserves to be read slowly and savored.
July 26, 2025
Chasing Moonflowers is an unique and fresh historical fantasy set in 1920s Hong Kong with a strong relatable female protagonist. The book was at times eerie, especially with the descriptions of the vampires.
On the Cantonese words/phrases, I felt like since there is no translations for them, it might be hard for non-Cantonese speakers to figure out as there wasn't really enough context. Also, I felt some Cantonese were a bit weird, like there were some Mandarin mixed in but I'm not sure if it's a certain dialect being used.
I enjoyed the setting and tone/vibe of the book and reading Ling's journey throughout. I also liked the version of vampires and the herbal medicine aspects. And I thought the ending was really fitting for what Ling learned throughout the course of the book and how she has changed with that knowledge.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I recommend to others who like fantasy with a historical element. Chasing Moonflowers is definitely one to check out!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy to review.
On the Cantonese words/phrases, I felt like since there is no translations for them, it might be hard for non-Cantonese speakers to figure out as there wasn't really enough context. Also, I felt some Cantonese were a bit weird, like there were some Mandarin mixed in but I'm not sure if it's a certain dialect being used.
I enjoyed the setting and tone/vibe of the book and reading Ling's journey throughout. I also liked the version of vampires and the herbal medicine aspects. And I thought the ending was really fitting for what Ling learned throughout the course of the book and how she has changed with that knowledge.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I recommend to others who like fantasy with a historical element. Chasing Moonflowers is definitely one to check out!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy to review.
December 4, 2025
This is a compelling dark urban fantasy in a tense setting that is about to blow even without supernatural elements. The setting of Hong Kong in 1925 is fascinating: a century ago, yet modern, with both traditional and colonial influences. Ling is a young woman with skills and ambitions for a better future. She is learning herbal medicine from her uncle while looking forward to studying Western medicine, too. When she witnesses a horrific supernatural attack, she is drawn into a previously unknown world of vampires, monster hunters, and magical protection. Her daring choices drive the story as she fights for her family and friends against a backdrop of criminal gangs and labor strikes.
Inconsistencies in the text sometimes left me confused—characters being surprised by information they knew and accepted a few pages earlier, or suddenly knowing important information without ever discovering it in their investigations. These were only momentary stumbles. Overall, a thrilling and spooky tale filled with atmosphere and history.
Inconsistencies in the text sometimes left me confused—characters being surprised by information they knew and accepted a few pages earlier, or suddenly knowing important information without ever discovering it in their investigations. These were only momentary stumbles. Overall, a thrilling and spooky tale filled with atmosphere and history.
August 6, 2025
A short *synopsis*
In 1925 colonial Hong Kong, young herbalist Ling Shaw witnesses a murder committed by a bloodthirsty creature. When her uncle is wrongfully arrested for the crime, Ling is the only one who can find the real killer. Teaming up with her private academy best friend and a Red Society thug from the Kowloon Walled City, she uncovers dark family secrets, occult rituals, vampires, and a sinister plot tied to the Canton Labor Strikes. To protect her family and all of Kowloon, Ling must overcome ancient and eldritch forces.
Intriguing: 2
Unsettling: 2 (body horror)
Scary: 1
This an interesting historical YA horror novel with lot of body horror (creepy eyeballs), set in Hong Kong. It's has a wonderful writing style which is also very accessible and hooked me from the very first page. Had a fun time with it. (Also the vampires!!!). It's a 4 ⭐ read for me. Highly recommend.
Thank you Ghastly Goings-on press and Netgalley for the ARC.
In 1925 colonial Hong Kong, young herbalist Ling Shaw witnesses a murder committed by a bloodthirsty creature. When her uncle is wrongfully arrested for the crime, Ling is the only one who can find the real killer. Teaming up with her private academy best friend and a Red Society thug from the Kowloon Walled City, she uncovers dark family secrets, occult rituals, vampires, and a sinister plot tied to the Canton Labor Strikes. To protect her family and all of Kowloon, Ling must overcome ancient and eldritch forces.
Intriguing: 2
Unsettling: 2 (body horror)
Scary: 1
This an interesting historical YA horror novel with lot of body horror (creepy eyeballs), set in Hong Kong. It's has a wonderful writing style which is also very accessible and hooked me from the very first page. Had a fun time with it. (Also the vampires!!!). It's a 4 ⭐ read for me. Highly recommend.
Thank you Ghastly Goings-on press and Netgalley for the ARC.
May 20, 2025
Chasing Moonflowers by Pauline Chow
Received as an ARC.
Ling is a young woman in China circa 1925. She is a budding herbalist and wants to be a doctor like her uncle.
Her father is missing and presumed dead but he is battling gain his freedom.
One night Ling delivers a package a strange attack on the woman she was seeking. They were harvesting her eyes but Ling gets away with them.
There are beings craving human blood and flesh in Kowloon same as there her father is.
Ling is trying to free her Uncle wrongly accused of the woman’s death.
The further she investigates the more she learns of the natural medicines, the creatures attacking, the missing children, and a group that worship the ancient ones.
She will do whatever she must to save her brothers.
Very Lovecraft styles in this story.
5⭐️
Received as an ARC.
Ling is a young woman in China circa 1925. She is a budding herbalist and wants to be a doctor like her uncle.
Her father is missing and presumed dead but he is battling gain his freedom.
One night Ling delivers a package a strange attack on the woman she was seeking. They were harvesting her eyes but Ling gets away with them.
There are beings craving human blood and flesh in Kowloon same as there her father is.
Ling is trying to free her Uncle wrongly accused of the woman’s death.
The further she investigates the more she learns of the natural medicines, the creatures attacking, the missing children, and a group that worship the ancient ones.
She will do whatever she must to save her brothers.
Very Lovecraft styles in this story.
5⭐️
April 28, 2025
Eerie, atmospheric, horror, yet redemptive. A story of love, bravery, tragedy, magic, healing, killing, and everything in between. The mixture of abandonment and restoration all tied into one makes this book so truly captivating. Reading this book transported me right to the very time and place the story is set in. It was so well written and descriptive that I often forgot I was sitting in my home rather than running along the pier with Ling. Ling felt like the right mixture of young and naive with brave and grownup. She was a heroine that is human, knowing her power and also knowing her limits. I loved this book and I would suggest everyone read it. You won’t regret it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 21, 2025
I didn’t expect to fall this hard for a historical fantasy, but here we are—completely obsessed. This book pulled me in from the first chapter and refused to let go. The worldbuilding? Impeccable. The unraveling of long-buried secrets and ancestral threads? Absolutely addictive.
Ling was such a standout protagonist—complex, determined, and achingly real. Her transformation over the course of the story gave me chills, and by the time I reached the epilogue, I was an emotional mess (in the best way). That final reflection on her strength? Perfection.
This story was transportive, moving, and full of heart. I’ll be shouting about it to anyone who’ll listen—and yes, a reread is definitely in my future. Can’t wait to see what this author does next.
Ling was such a standout protagonist—complex, determined, and achingly real. Her transformation over the course of the story gave me chills, and by the time I reached the epilogue, I was an emotional mess (in the best way). That final reflection on her strength? Perfection.
This story was transportive, moving, and full of heart. I’ll be shouting about it to anyone who’ll listen—and yes, a reread is definitely in my future. Can’t wait to see what this author does next.
July 6, 2025
Set in 1925 Hong Kong, Chasing Moonflowers is a spellbinding mix of historical fiction and supernatural mystery. When Ling Shaw witnesses a vampire attack, her world is turned upside down, especially when her uncle is falsely accused of the murder that follows. With time running out and revolution brewing, Ling must uncover the truth and confront the dark forces threatening everything she loves.
This book is a gothic delight, steeped in rich atmosphere and layered with political tension drawn from real historical events like the Canton–Hong Kong strike. The story masterfully weaves in magical realism through Ling’s connection to plants and flowers, adding depth and symbolism to the eerie mystery.
Ling is a brilliant narrator—resilient in the face of injustice, relentlessly curious as she pieces together the truth, and full of heart as she risks everything to protect her family. Her voice brings a youthful innocence to a story filled with secrets, injustice, and otherworldly danger. As the line between myth and reality begins to blur, Chasing Moonflowers asks powerful questions about identity, sacrifice, and what it means to fight for the truth.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book.
This book is a gothic delight, steeped in rich atmosphere and layered with political tension drawn from real historical events like the Canton–Hong Kong strike. The story masterfully weaves in magical realism through Ling’s connection to plants and flowers, adding depth and symbolism to the eerie mystery.
Ling is a brilliant narrator—resilient in the face of injustice, relentlessly curious as she pieces together the truth, and full of heart as she risks everything to protect her family. Her voice brings a youthful innocence to a story filled with secrets, injustice, and otherworldly danger. As the line between myth and reality begins to blur, Chasing Moonflowers asks powerful questions about identity, sacrifice, and what it means to fight for the truth.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book.
April 9, 2025
I received an Advanced Reading Copy from the Author Pauline Chow. I immensely enjoyed this supernatural tale of vampires and family secrets. If I hadn't been so busy the last few weeks I would have devoured this book within a couple of days. The book starts off a little slow as it sets up the world but very quickly you start seeing some threads that don't quite seem to belong to the setting at first. Pretty soon those will have you hooked and you'll charge on through this exceptional read and be transported to 1920's Hong Kong and a world of vampires and magic. This vampire occult thriller is well worth the price. In fact I already pre-ordered a copy to keep on my kindle.
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