Moonflower

by Shaina Anastasi

Saya's Origin Story is a vampire novella coming Early 2026

Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Romantasy, Vampires, Dark Fantasy, Dystopia

Unknown Binding

Published January 1, 2025

About the author

Shaina Anastasi is a romantic fantasy author who loves delving into magic, blending elements of science fiction and horror into her work.

She loves pushing boundaries and crafting stories that stem from an overflowing mind filled with chaotic imagination.

Lately, she’s been dabbling in horromance and enjoying all things spooky and dark.

When she's not writing through the late hours of the night–keeping the ghosts company–Shaina creates Emergency Evacuation Diagrams for her day job and is also a full-time carer and cat enthusiast.

Your cat pics won't go unnoticed!

Reviews

[Berry ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ (Updating Reviews!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Shaina Anastasi and Bookfunnel for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! Moonflower releases on February 22nd!

3.75 / 5 ⭐️ rounded up
1 / 5 🌶

To start this review off, I want to just say that I have been following Shaina Anastasi for months in anticipation for Moonflower to come out, and I am so happy it's here for everyone to enjoy now! the artwork and marketing for this book is what drew me in, then I read the blurb and I knew I needed to read this.

That being said, I am pleasantly surprised with Moonflower. I did think the first 40-50% of the book dragged quite a bit, but once Serun was fully introduced, I couldn't put it down.

Our FMC, Saya, is an enigma to everyone around her. Nobody knows who or what she truly is. And all she's doing is trying to keep her brother safe.

Once Serun was integrated into the plotline, this book had my full attention!
He was dark, mysterious, and his reveal was my favorite part. I loved all the chapter annotations regarding Serun's Law as well! Also, his character design is sooooo good 👀

All in all, I think Moonflower definitely has potential! There were quite a lot of questions unanswered in this first book, so I am eager to see where Saya and Serun's story leads.

♡ pre-read ♡


I SQUEALED when I got this email! This book's marketing has been amazing and on my Instagram feed for MONTHS. I cannot wait to finally read this!

[Miryam Drakon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

This had an interesting premise, and honestly, I’m pretty sure I applied for the ARC because of the character art alone. I really wish I could say it delivered, but for me it felt a bit bland until about halfway through, once we finally met the main character, that’s when the story started picking up.

That said, even after that, a lot of the events felt predictable, and I wish it had offered something a little more original.

Still, despite not enjoying it as much as I expected, I would recommend this to horrantasy fans. It blends horror and romance in a fantasy-dystopian setting, and I think readers who enjoy morally grey characters will have a much better time with it than I did.

[Alana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy from the author!

Honestly I’d say more of a 2.5 if I’m being honest but I did really enjoy the first 70% of this book it was just the end that did it in for me.

Firstly I want to say thank you so much to Shaina for sending me an early copy!

This book had a really cool concept with a mix of dystopian and horror plus fantasy. The marketing and character art for this were so good I was so excited to read it. But unfortunately I feel like the book fell flat in many places.

I liked getting to see the daily life of a feeder and understanding the conditions and fear they live in I do think it spent a little too much time on it before introducing the love interest. I also was annoyed with how much time was spent with Jax. I think a lot of the characters fell a little flat and the dialogue could be a bit awkward. I did really like the love interest once he was introduced.

Something else that bothered me is that the author attempts to give background information through short flashbacks but none of them really offer any actual answers to what’s happening and only succeed in taking you out of the story at random times. This is one of the few books I will say I think it could’ve been about a hundred pages longer and actually answer a few of the questions it poses. I realize the author is trying to create mystery and anticipation for the second book but literally not one question was answered and some of the reveals really just leave you more confused.

All that being said though I would recommend giving this a read it’s a fresh take on a vampire world and despite my gripes with it I was thoroughly entertained and read it in a day. I was surprised about the amount of people that died and the gore was pretty well written. I’m confident that the second book will be more flushed out and answer a lot of questions this book poses.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Moonflower from BookFunnel in exchange for an honest review.

I have been following this author on Threads for a few months and love her passion for her book. I genuinely want to give this book a higher review from that alone, but will strive to remain as objective as possible.

While there were a few portions of this book that got honest laughs out of me, I felt it was a struggle connecting to the characters. The dialogue confused me more often than clarified anything, and I found myself having to re-read entire sections trying to figure out if I had overlooked something (I didn’t 😬).

I had hoped the ending would entice me to continue the series, but the conclusion was a bit frustrating and confusing for me, so I probably will not. (I am still so confused over how she realized her mysterious nightwalker was Serun - I re-read the memory of the boy and couldn’t figure anything that indicated who he was to make her say it with such certainty)

I do not want to end this review on a low note, though! I wish all the best to Shaina - I imagine a few years from now she’ll release a story that knocks my socks off. Moonflower certainly shows she is an author to keep an eye on!

[Stasia Roze · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars out of 5

I did enjoy this book. it's very fast-paced and is easy to read. I read it all within one day. The premise is really exciting and had me hooked instantly, but I did struggle with a few elements around characters.

mild spoilers ahead!

Cole - I feel like we never really understood his part in the book. He didn't do anything, nor did I feel he added anything. He was unable to produce blood, and the bleeders were fine with it, but the one day Saya couldn't, she got taken to the private room? I know that she was bleeding extra for her brother, but they didn't even let her friends offer more blood she was just taken out immediately. This just felt like a huge inconsistency and was only used to extend the plot rather than serve the plot. Unfortunately, it bugged me the entire time, and that's why I'm writing about it in the review and have given it 3.5 stars. But that is not a reflection of the author. Reading is subjective, and just because something twigged in my head doesn't mean it'll also be the same for another reader. So please do give this book a try, regardless of this point!

That being said, I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series. I am completely invested in Saya's story, and I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Leah Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this felt very refreshing in a world of a lot of similar plots! The setting is very dystopian but with a horror and fantasy story and an intriguing love interest. Saya has been stuck in a place called the Feeding Ground for 10 years along with her little brother Cole. The Feeding Ground is advertised as a safe place to live in exchange for blood to send to the underworld. They are told they can leave at anytime, but it appears they can only leave if they are murdered by a nightwalker. Saya has a very big secret, that if got out, she would lose her life over.

This book has been on my radar for about a month now. The artwork alone had me so interested in this story. I did feel the beginning was a little slow, but I understand backstory and current plot needed to be laid prior to moving forward. I still read 70% in one sitting. And once Serun was introduced, I did not want to put this down. Definitely excited to see where the story goes in book 2 and what happens with Saya and Serun! Don’t get me started on Jax, that man is the definition of fragile masculinity and toxic af. I kept hoping a nightwalker would get him. This story was a great thing to binge read on Friday the 13th!

[Charlotte Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided with an ARC of this story in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Overall, I liked it! The horror elements were gross in a great way and the world itself is really interesting. Theres definitely a sense of peril the whole time that keeps you reading on.

I would say, though, that there could have been a little more world building in this, which is something I almost never say about fantasy books 😂 I felt for a lot of the story that I was a step or two behind understanding what was going on. The action does make up for this in a lot of ways and I'll be honest, I tore through this in less than 24 hours so it's still compelling. I don't generally mind being clueless if I'm going to find out soon, but even at the end, after I read the glossary etc (which was useful but probably could have been at the beginning of the book with a few tweaks to avoid spoilers, or even split) I think I have more questions than answers.

So I guess I'll be reading the next one! Because I need to know what happens next!

Also check out the artwork on the author's instagram, it is absolutely what lured me in in the first place 🔥

[Kassandra Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If a man had tricked me, buried me alive and then played a harp while I was fighting for my life.. I would lose my mind.

I binged this book in a seven hour period. A literal seven hour period and it’s done. And I’m sitting here spiraling because of the ending.

The characters are unbelievably well written. I found myself wrapped up in their stories, even the side characters. There was a nice balance between them all. They were well written AND well developed. None of them felt unnecessary.

The writing is beautifully done. I found myself seeing the scenes play out before me, even though I have difficulty at times with that. This story drew me in and gripped me from the start. It left me unsettled and emotionally wrecked.

Saya, my dear girl.. I found my own story reflected in pieces of her own. And, Serun, the way I both love and loathe this man’s decisions.

There is so much unknown and so much that screams to be told. I cannot wait to see what Shaina writes next.

[salma · Rating 2 out of 5]

thanks to the author for the ARC. i’m genuinely grateful for the chance to read it early.

i actually really liked the idea behind the story and the base it was built on, it has a lot of potential and some parts were genuinely interesting, but overall, it just didn’t quite work for me. the writing itself felt quite awkward, especially when it came to the dialogue, which often came across as unnatural. and the language also felt a bit too simplistic, kind of plain at times. the pacing was a little weird, some parts felt slightly rushed. i also struggled with the flow a bit, both the writing and the dialogue felt kinda clunky to me. as much as i hate to say it, a lot of the metaphors didn’t land for me and sometimes felt a bit forced. it was also somewhat predictable at times. i did finish the book, but overall it just wasn’t the right fit for me.

[Julia Fuchs]

First of all I just wanted to say is I really liked that I want the second book now !!! The beginning of the book was a little skeptical when I was like I don’t know how I feel about this, but then towards the end, I was really enjoying it there was definitely a few sentences that felt a little cringey.
⭐️⭐️⭐️½ / 5
Moonflower – ARC Review

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of Moonflower.

I enjoyed the story overall and appreciated the atmosphere and concept, . I would have loved more depth—especially with the characters and world—to really sink into the story but I feel it’ll happen with book 2

That said, it was still an enjoyable, quick read, and I think it will appeal to readers looking for something light and easy to get through. I’m grateful for the chance to read it early and look forward to seeing how readers connect with it.

[Madison Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for sending me the ARK. I read this so fast and enjoyed every minute of it. This was a finish in a day and can’t stop thinking about it type of book. Loved the FMC. She is truly giving mother energy and I love that. Love her. She’s definitely growing into herself and I can’t wait to see her truly bloom. Can’t wait to get to know the MMC better in the next book. Loved the bit we get to know of him from this book. He’s a baddie but gentle with her and I can’t get enough of that.

I loved this book and seriously cannot wait for book 2. Lots was explored in this book, can’t wait to see where it goes. I need more. Love the fantasy, romance, and horror themes smoothly written into a page turning, nail biting adventure.

[OM · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you haven’t seen the character art for this novel, I highly recommend it. It’s what made me request an ARC, and I’m happy I did.

Horror(dark) romantasy is a very apt description of what I read.

It’s a fast-paced, SCARY AF, novel. I’m so proud of myself for getting through, because I get scared easily, but it was worth it.

There are certain characters I’d speak more on, but then I’d go into a full dissertation of why I hate X character, which would spoil it, and you need to experience it yourself.

The main couple, though? They’re really goated. I can tell. I feel it in the force!

I’m really excited to see where Book 2 goes. I’m hoping we get more of the two main characters together because all their scenes were *chef kiss*

[Brittni · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌙 When the goddess of Kelper vanished, she took the light with her. 🌙

Moonflower is book one is The Script of Serun by Shaina Anastasi. This is a horrantasy series blending horror, fantasy and a splash of romance in a dystopian setting.

I finished this book in less than a day, I was HOOKED right from the very beginning! This dystopian world was so interestingly built and meeting all the different characters and how they all fit in the group was fun. I love the fmc and the mmc in this book, they are very much giving feisty light mommy and stalker shadow daddy 🤣

This was another book where I was theorizing the entire time and still ended up being taken by surprise by the end. I genuinely cannot wait for book two so I can find out what happens next!! 🔥

[Meitachi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC!

3.5 stars

I devoured this in a day. It was a very fun read! I love the premise, the characters are mostly fun if a little predictable. The writing is enjoyable and mostly very nicely done. And wow, how refreshing it is to have a 28 year old FMC.

You might be thinking, why am I rating it at 3.5 if I enjoyed it? The pacing is a little clunky at times and overall feels a bit rushed for how much has occurred. Some of the terms were hard to grasp but there is a glossary of terms at the end that might be helpful.

Overall, it's a solid read! More fantasy than horror. But you can bet I'll be back for Book 2: Vervain

[Cristina M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received the ARC for this book just few days ago, and I remember that I’ve applied just because of the art work!
Completely blind, didn’t want to read anything aside from knowing he’s a shadow daddy and she’s stunning.

Do I regret not knowing the blurb? Absolutely not.

Sold, and excuse me Shaina, how long do I need to wait for book 2? 100% recommended!

[Denise Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to read this as an ARC reader and I have been waiting for months to get my hands on it and oh boy it did not disappoint, I cannot wait to see where this story goes in the next book, I devoured this in one sitting.

[Ash Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic! I was hooked from beginning to end! With the way it ended I’m really curious as to what will happen next. I’m thankful for the ARC to the start of Saya and Serun’s story, I can’t wait to see what’s in store for them next!

[ᗰIᔕᔕIᔕᔕIᑭᑭI · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good but i was expecting more after seeing the art. The book itself isnt bad, it felt like the first book was building the story and ended when it was supposed to continue. Will be reading book 2 for answers.

[KoguKento · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC

Unbelievably amazing story to dive into. I had so many questions bloom while reading through! Partially answered at the end, so curious to what is in store for us next as we follow along Saya’s story.

[Gabriela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ciencia ficción, magia, un poco de horror y mucho de caos

Puntuación: 2.5 ⭐ (redondeado por exceso)

Gracias a la autora por permitirme leer una copia adelantada de este libro. Las opiniones que leerán son mías y solo mías.

Reseña en construcción

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

I loved this book!

The writing was beautiful, the story/plot was addictive and the characters were intriguing. I cannot wait to read what happens next!