Moonborn

The Soulstar Saga #1

by Annaïa Rowan, Alice Sudlow (Editor), Natalia Leigh (Editor)

Some dreams are memories. Some loves span lifetimes. And some truths require the courage to shatter everything you thought you knew about yourself.

I am property. For ten years, that's all I've been allowed to be. Chained. Worthless. Powerless. Invisible.

In Bronich, darkness reigns, and even the barest whisper of magic is punishable by death. So, I've learned to stay quiet. To expect nothing. Survive. Until I saw something I wasn't supposed to see. A murder that forced me to flee. Right into the forgotten world of Reā.

Here, I thought I'd be free. Instead, I find every truth I know to be a lie; my soul is tethered; my dreams are not my own. At night, I live through the eyes of a woman I've never seen, love with a heart that isn't mine, and awaken with the phantom touch of hands that know my body better than I know myself.

Everyone I meet seems determined to keep me from learning why. But I'm done being powerless. Done being invisible. I will reclaim what was stolen from me.

Moonborn is a spellbinding fantasy romance of stolen souls, found family, and discovering that the greatest freedom lies in choosing your own destiny.

For lovers of From Blood and Ash, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Quicksilver.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy

412 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 2, 2026

About the author

Annaïa Rowan is a fantasy romance author who creates epic adventures in the new adult genre.

Annaïa holds a Msc in business and marketing, but after seven years of business studies and a short career in banking, she decided to follow her passion and create a slower life with more time to read, write, create and and cherish moments with her little ones.

When she's not weaving stories, Annaïa is also a yoga teacher, and has been teaching yoga and leading circles, workshops and retreats for over a decade. She has a strong passion for astrology, witchcraft, and spiritual and emotional energy healing, and in addition to being certified with over 1000 hours within yoga, she holds degrees from The Four Winds (Andean shamanism), Sacred Mist (Wicca) and OBOD (Druidry).​

Annaïa's writing is influenced by two distinct traditions: the epic fantasy mastery of Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, whose complex world-building and magic systems inspire her own fantastical realms, and the romantic fantasy brilliance of Carissa Broadbents and Callie Hart, who craft unforgettable love stories within high-stakes magical adventures. This combination of intricate world-building and epic romance defines the Moonborn series.

Reviews

[Selene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has excellent pacing, lovable characters that grow on you , a very high fantasy feel with excellent world building and a romance sub plot. It explores some deep and interesting themes, religion, slavery, tyranny, dark vs light, the good of one vs many. I thoroughly enjoyed this and the story is as beautiful as the book itself is (seriously it’s gorgeous you’re gonna want a physical copy of this!) thank you so much to Annaia for the arc 💜

[Stephanie Keijzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I learned a long time ago that the only one looking out for me is me."

Laïna has been property for over ten years of her life. Her master is a cruel man, but she has to follow his wishes, do to a brace that constricts her life. They live in Bronich a dark, sinister town with strict rules to follow and were anything light or fun is banned. One day she escapes town with help from a friend. They travel to Rea a magical place were she can be free. Or so she thinks...

This fantasy book with a romance side plot was amazing. The world building was phenomenal. It was so well written. I imagined everything vividly. I loved the world, the magic system and the powers. The story is a mix between fast paced and medium paced.

"What's the point in fighting to survive when I don't have a single thing worth living for?"

Laïna was a great FMC. She had enormous growth throughout the book. She learns to think for herself, begins to heal all her trauma and learns to let people in. She finally begins to see she is worth living her life.

The MMC is a little absent throughout the book but what we get to see.. My oh my! He says the quote; "Who did this to you?" Do I need to say more? We only want more.

Another big highlight of the story was the found family with her new friends. Vilder and Seniia. They also have a story to tell and are so fierce and loyal from the start. They are exactly the friends Laïna needs. Cant wait to see more of them.

"Want to be brave?" she says. "Be vulnerable. There’s no courage without vulnerability. Most importantly, you don't have to carry it all by yourself, Laïna. You are not alone."

The story takes you on a journey with mystery, betrayal, friendship, fated mates, grief, trauma, loss, magic, funny side characters and divine fate.

This is the first book in probably a three book series. Go grab your copy and enjoy!

[Kassaayyee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need the next book 🫠
I didn't want to put this down. I fell in love with the characters, the world, the journey, and the growth. I struggled a little with absorbing the story in the beginning, but I got the hang of it fairly quickly. I can't wait to see what happens in the next one.

side note: such a stunning cover 😍

[Kelsea Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moonborn is a high fantasy novel with a romance subplot which explores themes of agency, trust, and friendship / belonging. I enjoyed the unique world building along with the host of side characters. At times I found myself frustrated with our FMC Laïna and some of her decision making skills, but I really enjoyed watching her character grow and find herself. I think the only ones shocked by the identity reveal at the end were Laïna and Seniia, but I still enjoyed it. The last line has me chomping at the bit to know wha happens next! There are some heavy themes and triggers - so check TWs before reading!

I received an eARC and am leaving feedback voluntarily - huge thank you to The Nerd Fam and the author!

[Marilyn Formosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 out of 10. Devoured it in a day. I simply couldn't put it down. Get world building, great character development, great story telling. Can't wait for the second installment.

[Carrie Mckown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a high fantasy romance that will become your next obsession. The healing journey of Laïna is so deeply beautiful. This slow burn, fated mates, found family book has epic world building that draws you in. I cannot wait for the next book.

[Vicki Freezer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story flows the way a river does, gently and free flowing, but reminds you at the most unexpected times, propelling you down waterfalls and tossing you about in its choppy waters, reminding you that you should never underestimate the beauty of the water because as beautiful and serene as it is, it’s dangerous and unpredictable.


The FMC is a breath of fresh air, from the moment that we meet her, she’s been beaten down, tortured and betrayed by those that she is supposed to trust, and that is something that haunts her, the constant question of who exactly can she trust, when shes thrust into a new world that she’s only heard, terrifying stories of. She’s been led to believe that the world outside of her place of living is cruel and deadly, killing all those who dare venture there. Being forced to flee, though, means she’s going to have to face both this new world and the realisation that everything she’s been led to believe are simply lies, and she is wholly unprepared for the life she’s been thrust into.


She’s strong, she’s head to be strong, she’s been forced to be strong, because it was either survive or perish. She knows enough to survive, but surviving off the land is nothing when you are thrust into a new world that is unlike anything else. And it is, unlike anything else. The world that she walks into (honestly, the whole world) is breathtaking. It’s new and imaginative, and the way that the author writes, it’s as if youve been picked up and dropped right into the world. It’s so refreshing to have something different to everything else out there, and you can tell that so much thought has been put into it, especially when you take into account the huge glossary we get at the end of the book, which, personally, I did glance over, but some of it does spoil potential revelations later on.


It’s not just the world either; the magic system is super unique, and there is a lot of world-building, which I personally love, and it’s done in such a clever way, because our poor FMC knows nothing about this world, and so we learn with her. Every drop of information she finds out, we find out right along with her, so it never comes off as info dumping, but a natural progression.


Speaking of our FMC, it’s so refreshing to see someone struggle, yeah, she’s good at hunting and surviving off the land, but she’s haunted by her past traumas, and It haunts her and the narrative. She doesn’t just shrug everything off that has happened to her, she struggles with it, she struggles with coming to terms with who she is, what she’s been through and the desire to survive. She struggles so much, and yet, it is through friends that she finds along the way that keep her alive, who give her strength to want to keep fighting when, and as she states so many times, it would be easier to just not. Her trauma isn’t forgotten, it’s not shrugged off, it’s handled with such care, that it’s healing.


It’s not just her trauma either; trauma haunts the narrative, and it’s just a ragtag group of three people who are learning to trust, and finding themselves, and each other. Their strength and bonding that happens is so breathtaking that It had been tearing up towards the end and how far they had come.


The MMC is also handled in a way that is new and refreshing; he’s a ghost, haunting the narrative of the story. He’s barely there, but his presence is felt, it’s remembered, it’s important. And his importance becomes even more evident towards the end. We don’t get a lot of him, but what we get leaves us wanting more. We’re left wanting to know who he is, why he’s so important, and it’s honestly really refreshing.


The story moves, perhaps for some, a little slow, but i like it, because it’s not slow, it’s a gradual pace that lulls yo uinto false sense of security, and then slaps you in the face with twists and turns and suddenly your racing towards the finish line, and the finish line is a brick wall, and you crash into it at such a fast pace, and your just left wanting….needing more.


I did figure out the twist, not because it was obvious (it was), but because it was made obvious via storytelling. You are given lore drops throughout the story, and honestly, everyone could figure out but our FMC. Honestly, for someone smart, she did miss some clues.


That ending is criminal htough, because what do you mean I now need to wait???


This is a story about healing. About friendships made along the way. It’s about never giving up. But more importantly, it’s about choice and freedom. And it is told so beautifully. I’ve read a lot of books, this is one of my all time favourites.


thank you to the author for the early access.

[L. Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my last read of 2025, and I'm ending the year on a high note.

Moonborn is one of those rare fantasy romances that, in my opinion, strikes the right balance between romance and plot by, for the most part, favouring the latter over the former.

From the very outset it was clear that this was going to be Laïna’s story, and that we were going to follow her journey from cowed, frightened “property” (as in, is literally owned by someone who can do what they want to her), to unwilling sacrifice who doesn’t understand her circumstances, to someone who can finally trust not only those around her, but herself, too.

We follow Laïna as she finds herself in the strange world of Reā, having fled certain death in her hometown. From there, she struggles to understand the rules she must now live by and falls in with two native Reāns, Vilder and Seniia, who serve as Laïna’s found family. Through the development of their friendship, Laïna begins to learn how this world functions, what its magic system is, and what her place in the fight against the Void might be. I think it was an inspired choice for the author to have Laïna, a newcomer to this world, as the narrative’s voice, as we get to learn everything alongside her. The worldbuilding therefore unfolded at a natural pace, each new revelation provided to Laïna at a time when it was relevant to the plot, or when she asked the right questions of the right people.

The plot itself focuses on Laïna’s ultimate destiny, which is slowly built up to involve potentially world-saving consequences. Because she had no agency in her hometown, Laïna isn’t too happy to find that her fate has been already laid out for her, and decides to take matters into her own hands. The decisions she makes once she decides to take back her own agency are questionable, though this aligns with her characterisation and is actually quite appropriate for a character kept largely ignorant by the factions trying to manoeuvre her. When left with no other options, and unsure who she can trust, striking out on her own is actually fairly sensible.

The romance itself is a relatively small part of this story, though the way it’s being set up here makes me certain it’s going to come to the forefront in the sequel. I was pleasantly surprised that the romance took the backseat; we’re not even certain for a good chunk of the book who the real love interest is going to be, with Vilder initially being framed as a potential suitor before another Reān enters the picture and makes clear some strange, complex history with Laïna.

In terms of relationships, the focus in this first book is the found family dynamic Laïna forges with Vilder and Seniia. The exploration of their friendship was endearing and engaging, and there’s a huge moment of pay-off towards the end.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It subverted my expectations and moulds the genre conventions in ways that veer away from clichés and archetypes. After those three quite major plot twists that exploded in short succession towards the end of the book, I’m very excited to see where this story goes next.

Thank you to the author for my ARC :)

[j]

2.5 stars rounded up

I received Moonborn from the author as an eARC in exchange for my opinion. I wanted to thank the author for doing so and allowing me the opportunity to read this book.

Moonborn is the author’s debut novel, and it features Laïna, who lives in Bronich where magic is punishable by death. She lives there as essentially a sex slave, where she is braced and expected to service her master. Pretty early on, Laïna stumbles across a murder that she wasn’t supposed to see, forcing her to flee with another person from the town Llyr.

Honestly, this is where I start to have problems with the book. I could get past the clunky dialogue (for the most part) until we meet Vilder and Seniia. She immediately trusts these two with her life, and it’s a bit jarring given what she has experienced. I suppose you could chalk it up to naivety, but the behavior isn’t consistent.

Also, let me back track for a moment, the immediate and random almost sex scene that happens within like less than 100 pages of the book?? Like hello? I know it’s a “vision” or whatever but for her to go from absolutely no visions to one of sex just doesn’t fit in the book whatsoever, it honestly feels slapped in.

I think the main issue I have with this book is that the dialogue is extremely childish and not well thought out. This book will genuinely read like a book written for 15-year-olds and then throw in the most adult topics on the planet. I didn’t always feel like I was reading the same book because I would read these decently written chunks of prose, and then Laïna opens her mouth, and I cringe. I get that she is naïve in this new world, but I genuinely feel, at times, that she is childish and shouldn’t be written into these scenes that talk about visions that she has of sex with some hundreds-year-old god. There is just truly no substance to these characters, and I feel like writing from a first-person POV hurts it even more. Maybe, if we were given more third-person POV, we could feel some semblance of character building.

I have a love/hate relationship with this book. I am intrigued by the world-building and lore (though the development could use some work), but I do not like the characters at all. Laïna was JUST reborn, and Astēr is trying to get into her pants — have we heard of self-control and WAITING FOR PERMISSION? To let this relationship develop over TIME?? Let the poor lady breathe, she’s got a lot going on.

I’m unsure if I will continue the series. I would like to see the ways in which the author grows; however, so it may be that by the time the next novel is out, I will want to continue.

[itsmaGIA · Rating 4 out of 5]

THANK YOU so absolutely much for the E arc of this book, I am truly grateful for the experience, it has been truly enchanting.
(Bare with me, I’m in shock after finishing this book)
My close ones will be begging for me to shut up about this book, what a way to start the year by finishing this book. Around the 50% mark i was hooked could not put it down and completely immersed in the intricate world building of this truly magical read. My only complaint is that I feel like I am still lacking a lot of information, that will no doubt be shown in the rest of the series and i cannot wait for it.
I need to start this off with the fact that this is the book that took me out of my reading slump and i will be forever grateful as it really came at the perfect time to reflect over my own life, which honestly it genuinely helped me with. The way anxiety and questioning yourself has been presented in such a relatable way really made me see myself through a mirror and how many of my decisions are impacted.

I’m not gonna lie it starts pretty slow, there is A LOT to take in as the world building is so intricate and detailed my focus kept drifting away for a bit, BUT once I got to see the characters’ flaws and strengths i was sold.
I would say in some parts the story gets somewhat predictable which (for me at least) made it a comfy read aka what i wished for.

I was very easily able to connect with Laïna through her questioning whenever she was put in the position of making a choice for herself and how much anxiety she would go through with her decisions, which at times annoyed me, until i realised the experiences and line of questioning she was going through are very valid and can apply to real life to some extent.
The found family concept is done in an exciting way, although i feel like her being drawn to trust others over her friends to then get betrayed and then not trust her friends either when she had no reason to other than previous experiences was a bit rough and confusing for me.

I feel like the ending was a bit rushed, im lacking a lot of missed information scattered in bits and pieces throughout the book that hasn’t really reached a conclusion towards the end although the cliff hanger makes me reaaaaallly excited for the next book.
Honestly, quite a refreshing read in some parts. The argument of “some fantasy books start blending together” really cannot describe Moonborn as, imo, it has some new elements and concepts I haven’t seen described the way they are here.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes an ARC crosses your path and you’re so grateful it did. It’s been a while since I read a fantasy, but it was so nice settling back into a familiar and homely genre.

Moonborn, achieves what I consider one of the most important elements of a successful romantasy, balance. The author balances, a well crafted plot with small pockets of lustful literature which leaves the reader excited for more … The book also has very dark elements. In fact the opening of the book gives quite a gut punch (as a mother I felt this hard!) but the dark moments are dealt with sensitively and respectfully, demonstrating the authors adept ability to traverse darker subjects.

The FMC, Laïna, is someone you root for, from the start. She is brave, head strong but also vulnerable to her past traumas. She is a complicated character with many layers.

“I’m worth saving too” - Laïna

Her life so far has been incredibly unfair and while she is a born survivor, she hasn’t exactly been equipped with the knowledge to survive outside of what she knows.

She has a lot to learn in a short amount of time and is joined by a whole host of both likeable and ‘I’m going to slap you so hard’ characters, each having an important impact on the plot. Vilder and Seniia are introduced with flair and their dynamic is fun. The friendship that is developed between them and Laïna is one of the highlights of the book for me. The story is a great example of found family done right!

The MMC was refreshingly absent from the book as a whole (what? I hear you say) but trust me his presence was felt throughout.

At its core, this is an epic adventure in a fantastical world. But it transcends that, it absolutely exudes beauty, there’s truly a lot of soul to this book. It’s as if magic has been written into the pages. The world building is particularly strong but I get the feeling we’ve only just scratched the surface and that there is far more to come.

Definitely add this to your TBR list if you love your fantasy full of plot and pleasure 😉

I am so grateful for receiving the ARC for Moonborn! It’s truly a wonderful work!

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from the author.

I wish I knew where to begin on how I think and feel about this book! Moonborn is an incredible story with versatile and endearing characters with its own unique magical systems. To say I loved this book is an understatement!

Moonborn is has very heavy world building and begins tediously, focusing on Laïna's unfortunate circumstances of being property to a less-than-ideal owner. The concept of the Moonborn is explained but still a mystery in the beginning of the book and we watch as she is catalysed into a world she's unable to begin to understand after seeing horrific circumstances.

Laïna's journey, after being brutally treated, is one that plays out beautifully. Watching her character grow, develop, and even change (IYKYK) was pristine. She goes from being helpless to an incredible force who learns to trust those around her and herself again. I loved reading her journey and learning who she is as a character, but I also loved seeing the way she interpreted everything happening around her with a cool eye that eventually taps into deep emotional intelligence. She is a fantastic FMC to follow.

The supporting characters compliment the story well, both Vilder and Seniia are beyond likeable and interesting. The contrasting dynamics between both compliment Laïna and each other well! I love the individual stories they share and how their own magic systems are so different from other stories I have read, particularly Vilder's storytelling. Both characters remind me of Hermione and Ron to Harry, the trio just works and their bonds are inseparable. Aster was interesting to read and I'm incredibly curious to see how book two explores him further - this primary book focused heavily on world building and the significant twists of the final chapters, romance was lurking but not the prominent component of the plot, which I completely appreciate.

I definitely will read this story again and I'm beyond excited for when the next instalment appears. I would 15/10 recommend this book to anyone wanting a high fantasy read without the typical features in this genre.

[Beetween the Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the e-arc.

I really enjoyed Moonborn. I found that the story really flowed extremely well. I did find most of the story predictable but sometimes that’s exactly what you need in a book. It’s like a comfort book you read when you want to read something you know won’t disappoint you, except this wasn’t a book I’ve read before.

The FMC was strong, brave, and had to learn to trust again. This wasn’t your typical love story where she learns to trust with the MMC again. This was learning to trust friends and let them in to be there for her. The FMC was a captive and she fought to break free. Everyone she thought she could trust, everyone she did trust, betrayed her. The fact that she was even able to learn to trust again was amazing to me.

There is romance, sort of. You’re not getting much of it in this book, which was fine by me. You are going to get a found family, one that is willing to risk their lives for the FMC and the FMC for their lives. I love a good romantasy, but sometimes it’s a breath of fresh air for the friendships to be the focus before the romance. The FMC has to go through a journey of finding herself again and discovering who she is meant to be.

The FMC does have moments of suicidal ideation. For me, it’s really good to see such things written and spoken about in books. Sure it’s fantasy, but to read real world emotions and struggles written about so well, it just makes the book hit deeper.

“Life is painful. Death, on the other hand, sounds like a release from the weight of the world, a silent, peaceful embrace.”

““Want to be brave?” she says. “Be vulnerable. There’s no courage without vulnerability. Most importantly, you don’t have to carry it all by yourself, Laïna. You are not alone.””

Moonborn is what I like to call a soft cliffhanger. Leaves you wanting more, but not angry because someone is dead and you won’t know until the next book.

[Janina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of Moonborn offered a lot of potential, and I went into this book with high hopes. Unfortunately, the execution left me feeling confused and frustrated for much of the story.

The novel is written in present tense and told strictly from the protagonist’s point of view, which didn’t fully work for me. Because the protagonist has limited knowledge of the world, very few reliable allies, and rarely questions the events unfolding around her, the worldbuilding felt shallow and underdeveloped. I found myself wanting more depth and context to better understand the setting and its rules, particularly once characters were introduced who were not openly hostile toward her.

I also struggled with the protagonist’s characterization. Some of her actions and decisions felt inconsistent, especially in how she trusted certain characters while doubting others. At times, other characters seemed able to read her thoughts or intentions, while at other moments she was portrayed as a skilled liar, which created confusion around character dynamics and believability.

Readers primarily looking for romance may find the romantic elements fairly limited, with little interaction between the protagonist and her love interest, though there is potential for further development in future installments.

The final chapters did expand the world significantly and provided important context that helped clarify earlier events. Unfortunately, this clarity came too late to fully change my overall reading experience.

That said, Moonborn may still appeal to readers who enjoy present tense narration, unreliable narrators, and slower, more indirect approaches to worldbuilding. I appreciate the opportunity to read this early and will be interested to see how the author’s work develops in the future.

Thank you to the author for providing an advance copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[BegilsdottirB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc reader here, but I pride myself in always giving an honest rewiev.
I recomend having the glossary awailable for the whole read to get the best experience.

The worldbuilding is first class and the vivid imagination knocked my socks off. Same with the magic system. I have seen glyphs before, but there is a cap with how many one can have in this book that balance the magic out. So new and refreshing! To follow Laïnas growt in both personality and confidence, but still get the elements of her background ghosts and anxiety, is a journey that many can recognize for themself, and see the strenght in.

The romance in Mooborn are limited, but there is still yearning. But personaly I prefer alot of tension before the 'Oh fuck it' moment.

The plot is quite big and gives tons of information and some loose strings that I'm guessing gonna be tied up in book two, but they add nicely to the story. But because of the huge plot something happens every page so its impossible to lay the book down. And there are no 'filler gaps' where everything is slow like there are in many other fantasy books. It's apparent that this book is Annaïa Rowans baby, and her entire soul are poured into every page.

- Some sentences are realy long, so with adhd I had to read them from the start a couple of times to get the whole picture.

NB: SOME SPOILERS FROM HERE.



- Didnt quite catch how the mfc got so fast best friends with Seniia and Vilder and they got so protective of her. Ready to die. So that felt a bit forced. But I appreciate the closeness of friendships she gets after the betrayals she experienced in her life. There were tears!!

[Summer Seeds · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I know you are never supposed to judge a book by its cover, but can anyone blame me for taking one look at this beautiful artwork and immediately knowing that I HAD to read this novel? Luckily, the story inside is just beautiful and attention grabbing!

Moonborn sets the foundation. The worldbuilding is lush with vivid details that transport the reader to a new world. A world that is equally lovely and dangerous. The magic system is unique. Starts a little slow, but this is definitely the kind of book I want to crawl into and live. Alas! I would settle for a map at the beginning.

The FMC Laïna was raised in a strict society devoid of magic. When we meet her, she is a slave, little more than property. She dreams of being free and living for herself. When the opportunity presents itself, she escapes with some help, but the world she enters is vastly different from the life she has always known. The character growth from the start of the book to the end is superb. She goes from being alone and expecting the worst, to finding individuals that she'd do anything for. The romance was good (maybe a little predictable), but the found family moments had me absolutely gushing. Vilder and Seniia have my heart.

I liked that the romance, while present, did not overpower the plot. Aster is great and all, but I've hit a bit of a reading block as of late, and I feel weary of heavy romance. I'm craving fantastical worlds, high-stakes adventures, and complex relationships. I think this book delivered. That being said, I do hope to learn more about our MMC in the next book!

Thank you to the author for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.

[Hazel F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh goodness what a great start to the new year! This was a definite 5 star read for me because I could not put it down! I was traveling all day and this was my read for two flights and the flights went by in a blink because I was so absorbed in the story.

I loved the FMC. You get so much back story and the author has a fantastic style of giving her history in the telling of the current situation. She has been downtrodden her whole life but decides she is worth fighting for.

I also liked the friendship aspects of this book. The FMC has been betrayed so many times she doesn’t know who to trust. But two friends emerge and I may like them as much or more than the main characters. They both have a great backstory and this book is as much about friendships as it is about intrigue and romance. Frankly, the romance takes a bit of a back seat to the friendship storyline.

In this book we don’t get a lot of the MMC. He is featured throughout but I felt like he was just getting introduced in this book. I expect we will see much more about him in the next book of the series. 😉

I really can’t say enough about how well this author writes. She paints vivid pictures with her words and I found myself totally engrossed in the world and was emotionally attached to all the characters. For a first book I am so impressed.

If you enjoy good writing, strong characters, world building and a unique magic system, this would be one to add to your 2026 TBR.

[Stephanie Rhamstine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy from Nerd Fam

I honestly don’t even know where to begin with this one. Moonborn is an incredible story with rich worldbuilding, compelling characters, and a magic system that feels truly unique. This is one of those ARCs you’re genuinely grateful to stumble across. It had been a while since I’d read a fantasy, and sinking back into this genre felt like coming home.

And can we talk about the cover for a second? Because it is gorgeous. Easily one of the prettiest books I’ve seen in a long time. I need a physical copy in my hands immediately, because this is absolutely a shelf trophy kind of book.

One of the biggest strengths of this story is its balance. The plot is well crafted, the pacing works, and the author weaves in just enough tension and longing to keep you hooked without overwhelming the story. There is romance, but it takes a backseat here and honestly, I loved that. The found family dynamic, the loyalty, and the willingness to risk everything for one another made this so emotionally satisfying.

The worldbuilding is phenomenal. The magic system is intriguing, the atmosphere is vivid, and the writing is beautifully done. Annaïa Rowan paints scenes so clearly that I felt completely immersed and emotionally invested in every character.

For a debut, this was incredibly impressive. I already know I’ll be screaming this book’s praises for a long time and yes, I absolutely need special editions on my shelves.

[Liana Van Doren · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, a huge shout-out to the cover illustrator — absolutely stunning. Truly one of the most beautiful covers I’ve seen, and the main reason I picked this ARC up in the first place.

The book starts strong with a captivating opening and an incredibly interesting world. The atmosphere is rich and intriguing, but the mystery is held onto for a bit too long. I really wanted to understand what was going on and where the story was heading, yet many aspects of the world remained secretive. Some explanations and revelations could have been handled more clearly, and I often found the worldbuilding confusing — though that might just be me.

That said, the characters were very well done. I absolutely loved Seniia and Vilder; they were fantastic companions, and I truly enjoyed following the FMC on her journey. The writing itself was a pleasure to read — smooth, engaging, and immersive.

The world is undeniably cool and beautifully imagined. However, the story itself felt like it was missing that extra spark. I had higher hopes for it, and while it’s good, it didn’t quite reach its full potential for me..

The ending, though, was surprisingly strong and genuinely captivating. It pulled me back in and left a great final impression.

Overall, a beautifully written story with strong characters and a gorgeous world — just not as impactful as it could have been.

[Colleen Gershey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but the cover of Moonborn is what immediately grabbed my attention. The blurb sounded interesting, so I was super excited to receive an advance copy of this book!

The world building in Moonborn is fantastic. There are unique cultures, as well as two distinct races (humans and Reans). Scenes were painted vividly and contrasted well with the bleakness of the Void at the beginning of the book.

My favorite characters were Senia and Vilder. I loved Senia’s kind heart and easy warmth. With Vilder, his kindness and protectiveness were swoon worthy. These two paired with the FMC made a great friend group.

Although I found the start of the novel to be slow and slightly confusing (in the way that you are first learning about a complex new world), as a whole, the book was fast paced and action packed. The momentum of the story kept pulling me forward.

I loved how creative the premise and world were. That being said, I found the pantheon of gods to be too complex and confusing. Every time I felt I understood the number and roles of the gods, more were introduced. It did not impede my ability to enjoy the story, but it did leave me scratching my head a few times.

Overall, I give Moonboorn 4 stars. It was entertaining, but not enough to make me completely forget some of the more perplexing parts.

[Loren · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Even in the darkest night, a single unwavering candle shines bright. I will be that light for you. When things get too hard to handle, look toward me. I have known darkness, and, most importantly, I know it is possible to make it out”

If that beautiful quote doesn’t want you to read this one then maybe the tropes will!

❤️‍🔥 Fated Mates & Bonds
✨ Forbidden Magic
🐺 Wolves & Fae
💔 Betrayals & Secrets
✨ Found Family

Bronich, also known as the Voidlands by the outer realms, is the grey and depressing city you want no part of. That’s especially true for Laïna, a human who grew up in the shadowed lands stealing information to buy her freedom from her Master and to escape his daily tortures. That is until she stumbles upon some information that is sure to get her killed. Entrusting this information to those closest to her, it is then that she realises just how deep a betrayal can go.

Listen, I didn’t know what to expect while going into this one but I enjoyed it so much! You’ve got hot Fae (Reāns), wolves, fast plot and an incredibly witty priestess (who was my fave by the way) and is an absolute boss! The banter between Vilder and Seniia added so much lightness to the otherwise darker story and then you have Astẽr, um yes please 👀🥵

I fear I will need SE’s of this one, goodbye savings 😭😭 I honestly can’t wait for book 2 and to see where things go after that ending!!!

[rofesta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice: Medium
Romance: Low
Fated Mates
One love interest
Dark hair MMC
RATING: 4.9 out of 5

This was everything I hoped it was going to be and soooooo much more.
The story was non-stop engaging and so unique but easy to follow and understand at the same time which is so hard for a lot of fantasy books to achieve but this author nailed it.

The FMC is loveable from the very first chapter, she has had such a rough and traumatic life but is so strong minded and resilient. My favorite part about her is that she is a realistic woman, she constantly questions people and doesn't blindly jump into things without having a healthy amount of skepticism.

The MMC is not actually in this book for a majority of it but he is still a huge part of this story. The moments we do see him or interact with him are very beautiful and tender. I can't wait to see more of him and his personality in the next book.

My only reason for not having this not be a full 5 out of 5 is that I felt the spice was misplaced and overused, it was placed in unnecessary scenes.

Thank you so much to Annaïa Rowan for providing me an ARC, I am so thankful I got to read this masterpiece!!!!

[Louise Searle · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GODS
I’m obsessed.
And it feels like we haven’t even touched the surface of this story!

Laïna is property. Solely here to serve in a godsforsaken place where light never touches and magic is forbidden. She longs to be free and make her own choices so when her long time friend offers to come with her she escapes only to find a new world full of the very magic she has been taught to fear.

I can’t even begin to explain how much I loved this book! Laïna is so innocent but ridiculously brave. Her need for body autonomy is heart wrenching and knowing how much has been taken from her her whole life it’s easy to feel for her when the people she trusts try to take it away from her again.

The friends she meets along the way are also one of the main reasons this story is so gripping when you’ve known nothing but loneliness and betrayal, finally finding the people you can trust and who would give their lives for you really brings the emotion to the risk of losing them 😭

How do I even begin to do justice to the incredible world building Annaïa creates with the beautiful landscape descriptions, the fresh magic system, the gods and goddesses, even the sky and its incredible moons!

This is going to be the next big fantasy I can’t already tell!

[Dayna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moonborn is a dazzling entry into the world of the Soulstar Saga. Annaïa Rowan has crafted a richly imaginative universe full of cosmic intrigue, magical societies, and morally complex characters that immediately draw you in. The story balances fast-paced adventure with moments of quiet introspection, and I found myself genuinely invested in the journey of the protagonists.

The editing by Alice Sudlow and Natalia Leigh ensures the narrative flows smoothly, while Carmen Di Muro’s illustrations add a visually striking layer that enhances the reading experience without overshadowing the story. The world-building is immersive, and the stakes feel both epic and personal, making it easy to root for the characters while being captivated by the larger-than-life plot.

My only minor critique is that at times the pacing felt a bit uneven, with certain exposition-heavy sections slowing the momentum. However, this is a small flaw in an otherwise compelling and beautifully written debut.

Overall, Moonborn is a stellar start to a promising series that fans of dark fantasy and cosmic adventure will likely devour. I’m looking forward to seeing where the saga goes from here.

[Serrendippiet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the book I was most excited to get my hands on coming into 2026 and as my first book of the year... it was breathtaking!
Moonborn was poetic and ethereal. I could not stop reading. The world-building was absolutely incredible, the FMC has been thrust into this new world that to her is dangerous and terrifying but really it's mesmerizing and unlike anything else. A true fantasy world that the reader learns about alongside the FMC. The way the world of Rae is described is like a dream, I stopped reading because it honestly just became a cinematic vision in my head that I was a part of. The magic system is unique and refreshing, there is so much thought and care put into how this world works and how everyone is part of it. There was character development and true relatability, the trauma the FMC carries isn't brushed off and she doesn't power through it. It haunts her. It shapes her every step and thought and action.

Moonborn was enchanting and just... I'm out of words without ruining a masterpiece that should be discovered by oneself. Please read this book. You won't regret it.

[Taylor van Doren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author, Annaïa Rowan, for providing me an e-ARC for Moonborn!

I was so excited to get my hands on this book, and it did not disappoint. This is one of the most genuinely unique, lore-dense, and well-written high fantasy debuts that I have read in a very long time. There were so many things in here to love: a believable and powerful journey of healing, found family, an interesting magic system, and a building romantic storyline (which I am sure will develop in the following installments, but I loved its presence in this book and I can't wait for more).

My rating of 4 stars represents what I think is really a 4.5 star book and reflects nothing but the limitations of Goodread's archaic rating system. However, if I must write of weaknesses of Moonborn, one would be that some of the scenes felt overly descriptive and took way too long to play out. This could have been my own impatience for the story to advance and to learn more about the secrets being withheld, but trust that it all plays out in a satisfying way with plenty more to anticipate for the next book.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Celestial magic ✔️
Hidden identity ✔️
Epic world building ✔️
Mates ✔️
Touch her & ☠️ ✔️
Who did this to you ✔️
Power awakening ✔️
Court/political intrigue ✔️
Betrayal ✔️
Found family ✔️

Moonborn follows LaÏna, who resides in a village where not is all as it seems. Fed up with her life in servitude of others, she sets out on a quest to gain her freedom. Little does she know what awaits her on the other side of the mists.

This book was so fricken good! The world building and writing in this was absolutely beautiful. 💕

I especially loved the magic system and how deeply it’s tied to the moon, the gods and goddesses, and their glyphs—which signify just how powerful someone is. The lunar aspect felt fresh and unique, and I couldn’t get enough of it. 🌙

The journey that LaÏna goes on is wonderful to experience; watching her slowly learn to trust, to heal, and to find pieces of what she’s been searching for was deeply rewarding. It was lovely to watch her slowly accept this new world, everything that came with it & embrace it all.

The found family (anamè) is strong in this one & honestly, I want to be their friend. I loved how Vilder and Seniia did not give up on LaÏna and proved their loyalty again & again - genuinely made me cry 🥹.

So, we only saw a little of Aster but I have high hopes for him. Here’s hoping 🤞

If you love epic world building, bonded wolves, celestial magic & saucy Gods, then this is for you!

[Roosa Rantakokko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Moonborn immensely and I’m genuinely excited for everyone else to experience the world of Reā. Reading it felt, at the same time, like coming home and like discovering something entirely new.

The worldbuilding was immersive, the character arcs were compelling, and the magic system was well thought out and engaging. It’s the kind of book that’s easy to sink into, and I often found myself wanting to keep reading longer than I had time for.

I received an advance reader copy at the end of December, ahead of its publication in February. Knowing this is the author’s first novel, as well as her first NA high fantasy, makes the achievement even more impressive. This story clearly feels like the beginning of something bigger, and as it’s meant to be a saga, I’m very excited to see where the story goes next.

While there were a few aspects that didn’t fully resonate with me personally, they didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. This was a captivating and immersive read, and I’ll definitely be continuing the series.

[Lucy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want an adventure with original world building, one of a kind fantasy creatures, characters that make you feel all the emotions, and context for days, then this is a book for you.

As an avid reader, it's sometimes hard to come across entirely original work, but this has.
It has context and history that is not narrated but given throughout the book. The world building is next level and is uncovered slowly as the main character flows through the different areas. Through her hardship and challenges, as she passes through, you get a better understanding of the world.

This is a single pov story, and it's refreshing to just follow one person view of this new world. I didn't feel like anything was lost or that it needed other views.

The friendship and found family were nicely developed through trust, care, and acceptance. However, this story does have a tone of heartbreak, deception, back stabbing, and poeple just out for power no matter the cost.

[kayleighsBookCorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Moonborn by @annaiarowan is book one in the series

The sheer brilliance of this book has left me with the biggest hangover. I need more now! I can already tell that this is going to be one of my top 5 reads this year.

The beautiful world building sucks you in, and the the unique magic system keeps you there.
Our FMC has one of the best character growths that I've read in a long time. In spite of what she's been subjected too whilst growing up, she's become strong, fierce and resilient. And the friendships she's made along the way have only helped her more.

This book is a slow slow burn, and I look forward to hopefully seeing more of our MMC in the next book.

This book is definitely not one to be missed. Though do check out the trigger warnings, as the first chapter is a little dark

Thank you so much for a copy of this eARC to read and review 💛
I also can't get over how stunning this cover is 😍