The Moth Reborn

The Bone Season #6

by Samantha Shannon

The epic and heartbreaking penultimate novel in the million-copy bestselling Bone Season series from Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author Samantha Shannon.

'Blazing a trail for a new generation of feminist fantasy authors' Grazia
'Truly extraordinary and thrilling' Andy Serkis

The world has been plunged into chaos. Beyond the Republic of Scion, humans now know that gods walk among them.

After months abroad, Paige Mahoney is ready to reunite with Arcturus and finish the fight they started together. Before returning to Scion, they accept an invitation from the Ranthen, who are choosing their new leader in Iceland – only for the night to end in violence.

Forced to go on the run through the unforgiving Alps, the labyrinths of Lyon and beyond, Paige must now solve the mystery of her own existence – and the origins of clairvoyance – to save the revolution. Alliances will be tested, hearts will be shattered, and ancient truths will be unearthed.

Sweeping, suspenseful and emotionally charged, the sixth instalment Bone Season novel cements Samantha Shannon as a master of epic storytelling as the series hurtles towards a breath-taking finale.

'Part fantasy, part dystopia, all intrigue. It's a world of impressive scope' Vogue
'A masterclass in page-turning prose' Saara El-Arifi

Genres: Fantasy, Dystopia, Fiction, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Adult, Urban Fantasy

368 pages, ebook

Expected publication February 23, 2027

About the author

Samantha Shannon is the New York Times and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of the Bone Season series. From 2010 to 2013 she studied English Language and Literature at the University of Oxford. Her fourth novel, The Priory of the Orange Tree (2019), was her first outside of the series. It has sold over a million copies in English alone, and was a finalist in the Lambda Literary Awards 2020. Its standalone prequel, A Day of Fallen Night (2023), won the gold medal in the Fantasy category at the Ippy Awards 2024.

Samantha's work has been translated into twenty-seven languages. Her most recent book is The Dark Mirror (2025), the fifth instalment in the Bone Season series.

Reviews

[Samantha Shannon]

With almost two months to go until The Dark Mirror comes out, I think I'll start my update diary for TBS6 . . .

14 December 2024: I've officially started the first draft. Very excited for this one. I can't believe I'm on the penultimate instalment of the series.

17 March 2025: Had to postpone work on the draft while I was touring for The Dark Mirror – I find it difficult to write on tours with a stop almost every day – but I made sure I'd done the prologue and two more chapters before leaving for my tour, as I find openings the hardest part of a draft, so now I'm jumping straight into Chapter 3. I have a lot of threads to draw together in these last two instalments, which I know is going to push my abilities to the limit; it's daunting, but I find I'm looking forward to the challenge. My current deadline for the first draft is mid-July, and if I hit this, it would allow for a late 2026 release. However, for safety, I'm giving 2026/2027 as my estimation for this Bone Season instalment, as I really don't want such a pivotal book in the series to feel rushed or undercooked. I really can't see any reason there would be a longer gap than two years this time. As ever, I'm very grateful for your patience.

22 July 2025: It's been difficult to find time to work solidly on the draft over the last few months. This is my first ever time publishing two books in a year, and there's been a lot to juggle – I recently had to sign more than 60K tip-ins (mostly for Among the Burning Flowers), for example – but I have made slow and steady progress on TBS6 and am now well into Part 2. To my enormous relief, I looked at my calendar yesterday and realised that I finally have some uninterrupted weeks to write before I go on tour again in September – almost the whole rest of the summer. I'm going to do my utmost to protect this time, as I’m the kind of writer who ideally needs to get deeply immersed in order to make big, fast chunks of progress. Fingers crossed I can finish a zero draft by autumn.

14 November 2025: About two weeks after I wrote my last update, I was hit by a health issue that forced me to request a deadline extension from Bloomsbury. A second health issue struck a month later, just as I was going on my tour for Among the Burning Flowers. Although I'm still dealing with both issues, I'm proud and relieved to report that the first draft of TBS6 has (almost) been handed in. I say (almost) because I've sent the first 165K words, but just need an extra few days to write the finale. I'll let you know the complete word count in a few days, but safe to say . . . she's a big one

25 November 2025: The entire first draft is now with my editor at 190K words, making it the longest Bone Season draft I've ever submitted. I'm sure I'll whittle it down a bit during the edits, but this one is going to be a chunk. Thank you for your patience while I work on fine-tuning it.

1 February 2026: Almost done with the structural edit!

28 March 2026: Almost done with the line edit. I've knocked it down to about 168K, so just a touch longer than The Dark Mirror. I absolutely love this book.

5 August 2026: Copyedit done! The Moth Reborn is off to be typeset. The next and final stage is proofreading.

[Robin]

THE MOTH WAS INDEED REBORN and it was to such a degree that I am a shell of my former self!! in many ways much like Paige herself!!!

To anyone out there wondering why I need intense therapy, I would like to present into evidence this entire book.

Call this installment: woman with an ancient, mysterious power and her strange creature from another world embark on a quest à la National Treasure while waging war against an empire. Samantha Shannon’s dystopian fantasy epic makes its penultimate ascent in The Moth Reborn, and like moths drawn endlessly to the light, we answer the eternal call. In this sixth Bone Season novel, Shannon masterfully unearths the forgotten origins of clairvoyance and the truth to heroine Paige Mahoney’s place within an accord laid down centuries prior, all while furthering a revolution against the Scion Republic. This sixth novel feels, in every sense of the word, penultimate. The Moth Reborn is where this series calls upon something ancient and powerful that buries into your bones and aches to be restored. Where the entire world stage is being redefined, we, the reader, are part of the remaking. The Moth Reborn is a book of revelations, conversations, and thwarted assassination attempts as our favorite duo uncover a truth that will transform their world. For Paige and Arcturus, the romance lies in the conversations, in challenging each other to see beyond their perspectives, and in remaining steadfast in their devotion. The Moth Reborn asks us to stare into the eyes of revolution—the toll it takes on those who further it, die for it, and survive it by remaking themselves. This sixth chapter is its own chrysalis for Paige, who must step into the light of her inheritance and embrace her gifts. Across this novel's course, Samantha Shannon had me rejoicing, yearning, hoping, and raging all in equal measure—emerging in my own way, reborn. To read The Moth Reborn is to be unmade and recreated, and to do so readily. Consider it the Samantha Shannon promise.

Samantha Shannon is a master and I am eagerly anticipating her next disturbing plot twist like some kind of rabid animal

Thank you to edelweiss for graciously allowing me to be humbled by this book in advance of publication. you all can anticipate a full review from me soon

For now…in the Black Moth we trust!! and in scion we will meet again🫡

Bookstagram | Blog

[hailee]

thank you to the publisher for the arc. all opinions are my own.

samantha shannon, i am so happy to exist at the same time as you <3

this, easily, is my favorite installment in the bone season series thus far. this book just feels penultimate and you might be saying “well, yes” but it really is a culmination of character development and intricate plot lines and every little thing coming together in the most satisfying of ways. as the characters have said, this truly is the beginning of the end (and the start of the final stand against scion).

samantha, as usual, does not shy from reality. she doesn’t shelter her characters (or us) from the horrors and casualties of war, she doesn’t hide from grief and suffering, and she doesn’t downplay medical situations that cause lasting impacts on characters.

and maybe bearing witness to these dark aspects is what makes the other side of this book (and this series, as a whole) so special. we have each other and we have hope and we have love and kindness that can still endure during even the bleakest of times.

one of the recurring messages/themes that stood out to me was that you need to look for the good, whether it be dreaming of the future and better days or leaning on one another in times of despair. either way, we cannot give up hope. these books remind me that you can’t appreciate life’s goodness without facing the horrors and that it is imperative we keep the light in our grasp.

and a perfect example of this is the way arcturus and paige’s relationship has developed and solidified. they are written in such a real, genuine way. their love for each other, throughout the series, remained a steady presence and a guiding light ;) for each other. i appreciate how samantha handles their characters, especially their flaws, and the way you can see their growth so clearly in this installment. their banter is still my favorite and their tender moments cut to the bone (complimentary, of course) like no other fictional couple. they are the only two to ever exist, ever.

arcturus has quickly become one of my all time favorite characters the moth reborn has only emphasized that to me. and paige mahoney, they could never make me hate you. i truly adore her and really feel as if i have grown alongside her. she is so resilient and strong and courageous and selfless. even though i adore how much she cares about others, i really loved seeing her (finally!!!!) take care of herself in this book. her growth is unmatched.

also, the lore and world building and plot twists/reveals were absolutely incredible. this is such a rich world and i loved getting to learn more about certain things and seeing which of my theories came to fruition. of course, i still have questions that i cannot wait to see answered in the final book.

i also really enjoyed the commentary on religion in this one. it was fascinating to see paige and arcturus discuss faith and devotion and challenge each other in that way. as always with these books, the commentary on tyranny and oppression was also so well done.

this was absolutely fantastic and again, i feel so lucky to be able to read this series and fall in love with these characters.

[val]

paige mahoney is my underqueen, my mother, my sister, my best friend, my doctor, my engineer, my pilot, my savior. everything i do is for paige mahoney!!!!

when reading THE DARK MIRROR i was incoherently screaming at the book (every time i reread niente i grieve all over again). in THE MOTH REBORN i was rendered speechless more times than i can count. i spent my friday night spiraling at 2 am. thank you very much samantha shannon!

im never left wanting more in terms of plot and characterization because TRUST samantha always delivers. the revelations were fucking insane. the pacing was on point. paige went everywhere but it never felt rushed. the rephs were batshit crazy. and paige and arcturus were INDEED a power couple🙂‍↕️ look how far they’ve come😭 soulmateism and earnestness wins🤟

so grateful to have received an early copy of this masterpiece. and now i am scared for the last book…the elusive 7th card😵‍💫

i’m not ready to say goodbye to paige and arcturus.

oh well time to reread books 1-5 !!!!

[layan (hiatus)]

08.25.2026
Lmao i kinda begged for this on edelweiss+, let’s see if I get the arc! :)))

06.17.2026
that cover. my godddd. the red poppies are so back :D

05.14.2026
YESS

05.10.2026
title reveal in three days :))

09.2025
i can’t believe i have to wait two more years to return to this world. i literally think about this series twice a day. 🫩

[Melissa (bookishmelissa)]

Thank you so much to Bloomsbury and Edelweiss for the eARC in exchange for a honest review!

Is it a surprise that I rated this 5 stars? No, no it's not! As a long time Bone Season reader (10+ years!) I am continuously blown away by how each book in this series just gets better and better. Samantha Shannon never misses! The Moth Reborn took me on the wildest, most intense, edge of my seat emotional roller coaster of a ride from page one and didn't let up until the very end. There was one mind blowing reveal after another to the point where I spent many chapters in a row with my jaw dropped trying to take in the fact that theories I've had for years were finally coming to fruition in the most unexpected and twisty ways. I'm actually still reeling over some of those reveals to be honest.

Plus, when I say this series has become the blueprint for a world spanning, complex, dystopian fantasy with paranormal aspects that I hold all other world spanning series to I mean it. The Moth Reborn made that even more clear for me as Paige traversed many parts of this world in the sixth installment. Within that journey you learn so much more about certain intricacies behind clairvoyance and the Ranthen and Rephiate history and culture. I enjoyed every single moment of it.

Paige. She has been with me as a character since we were the same age, and she will forever be one of my favorites. Her journey in this one is heart-wrenching at times, but the way I loved seeing her become the badass she always was and forever will be in The Moth Reborn. Incredible.

Plus, her and Arcturus! The way those two have had a chokehold on me for so long. They are particularly swoon worthy in this one. I won't say much, but wow Arcturus really looked at me and said put me back in the number one spot because I was always number one and no one can replace me.

SO MUCH happens in The Moth Reborn to set up the beginning of the end of The Bone Season series, and damn if the ending isn't so emotionally intense it will leave you staring at a wall wondering what you'll do with your life while you wait for book 7. Or the double edged sword of wondering how you could possibly wait, but also how you'll move on once this series is over. I for one can't wait to see how Samantha wraps it all up!

-----
8/24/2026: ARCS HAVE DROPPED ON EDELWEISS!! *insert me running around in circles in excitement* I will be reading this as soon as I finish a few other arcs I have that publish sooner. 🙈
---
5/13/2026: WE HAVE A TITLE!! The Moth Reborn! Don't mind me I'll be here freaking out and counting down the days until February 2027. 🙃
---
12/17/2024: I'll officially be hibernating until TBS6... ._.

---
12/13/2024: To think I first marked this for my TBR back in 2015 right after I read The Mime Order 🥺

[pages._.turned]

I think about this book at least twice a day

[Lea]

Samantha Shannon. I don’t like you anymore.

[Katherine]

maybe this is the one where Paige fixes her sleep schedule (unlikely but I can hope)

[leidi]

[ 4.5 Stars ]

this is such an extraordinary continuation, and once again Samantha Shannon demonstrates how much emotional weight she can put into her writing. she has a particular way with words that makes you feel things. her characters stop feeling like characters and start feeling like people you know, people you have spent enough time with that their choices, fears, and relationships carry a kind of personal weight.

one of the things I admire most about samantha’s writing is her sense of time. Paige goes to many places, encounters so much, and so much changes around her, but the narrative gives individual moments enough space to settle. conversations matter. small discoveries matter. a look, a decision, a moment between characters can linger, there is so much emotional and narrative substance packed into it.

Paige remains one of my favorite characters I’ve ever read. she is extraordinarily strong, but what makes her compelling to me is that her strength has never required her to become hard. she is kind, emotionally intelligent, and constantly trying to do the right thing, even when the right thing is difficult or when she has every reason to become bitter. more importantly, she is always trying to become a better person. after everything she has endured, that quality feels more significant than any of her supernatural abilities.

Arcturus was another particular pleasure in this book. his devotion to Paige has always been one of the most moving aspects of their relationship, but it was good to see him develop further and, especially, to see him stand his ground more firmly and fight for what he loves. his love for Paige is remarkably selfless without making him passive, and their relationship continues to be one of my favorite depictions of love in the series. they protect each other, challenge each other, and give each other room to be vulnerable. their intimacy is often found less in grand declarations than in conversations and in the quiet certainty that neither of them will abandon the other.

the expansion of the Ranthen was probably one of my favorite parts of the book. learning more about their history, politics, beliefs, and origins gives the world a much deeper sense of history than simply being a backdrop for Paige’s story. Shannon continues to uncover pieces of Paige’s past while simultaneously revealing how much of the present was shaped by things that happened centuries before she was born. the revelations surrounding the forgotten origins of clairvoyance and Paige’s place within an accord laid down long before her time make the mythology feel increasingly interconnected. I especially hope the final book gives us even more of the Ranthen, because there is still so much there that I want to understand.

and that is where the book’s position in the series becomes particularly effective. The Moth Reborn feels unmistakably penultimate. the world is being rearranged on a fundamental level, old assumptions are collapsing, and the characters are beginning to understand how much larger the conflict really is. the revolution against the Scion Republic continues, but the book is also reaching much further back, toward the origins of clairvoyance and the forgotten agreements that have shaped the world for generations.

we are witnessing the world being remade alongside Paige and Arcturus, and because we have spent so much time with these characters, the changes actually feel consequential.

for me, that is ultimately what makes this book work so well. the mythology and politics are fascinating, but they matter because Shannon has spent so much time making the people at the center of them matter. Paige and Arcturus feel like people I have known for years, and watching them navigate everything that comes their way carries an emotional weight that goes beyond the plot.

now I just have to deal with the fact that there is only one book left.😭

[Louise]

i’m going to be TWENTY by the time this comes out

[Molly Elyn]

Once again Samantha Shannon has ruined both mine and Paige Mahoney’s lives (affectionate)

This is the best bone season book yet

Thank you to Bloomsbury and Netgalley for the ARC, review to come nearer to release date

[Pam]

I guess I'm at the part where I get to review this now huh.

I first read The Bone Season in 2017 so it's been almost a decade since I started this journey with Paige. And now I get to read The Moth Reborn in advance thanks to my oomf and her oomf for giving me the chance!

Paige Mahoney, you are everything to me! The struggles you went through in this book, I felt it all. Every scene where she's hurt or crying, I feel her pain myself. I wish I was joking! She feels so real to me. Paige was Mr. Worldwide in this book but I never really felt like the pacing was rushed or the characters moved on from one place to another too quickly. Samantha Shannon did an excellent job! Not glaze, trust me.

And where do I start with Paigewarden?? I love them dearly with all of my heart. MY FAMILY 😭
I don't wanna spoil anything about them so I'm just going to leave a quote that I think perfectly describes their dynamic in this book:

"I was him, I was me, I was both of us. It was impossible. It was sublime."

And now after reading the 6th book, I get to go back to waiting again. For the final book this time. Am I ready? No. It's never a good time to wait for the last book especially when it's your all time favorite. Samantha Shannon, I eagerly await what you have in store for us for TBS7. I know it's going to be excellent. Just don't make it too painful, alright? Please thank you

[Lu]

When I got the mail I got accepted for one of my most anticipated book ever I was out of my mind.
I won't write any kind of spoilers because this book needs to be read and enjoyed without any of it.
I was so happy to dive into this fantastic and rich worldbuilding yet again, so excited and scared to read this book and it was such a brilliant ride!
I cried, I giggled, I was shocked and surprised and scared while following Paige around the world and through twists and reveals, secrets and lies. Reading this book was such an emotional rollercoaster. I was so Happy to spend more time with Paige and Arcturus, Nick, Eliza, Zeke, Nadine, Maria, even Jaxon.

In this brilliant sixth installment Samantha Shannon wrote an unforgettable story, revealing more and more of Paige's past and Ranthen's history, more about their politics and beliefs, Scion and clairvoyance. We finally can enjoy Paige and Arcturus as a couple, treasuring their alone moments, while the war become more dire and as new and old allies prepare themselves for the final, surely brutal, act. Like the previous books, the reader follows Paige and her allies travelling the world, from America to Iceland to Paris and London, as we discover more and more about Scion, the rebellion and clairvoyance, forging alliances, meeting new and old characters and the scope of this installment becomes more and more wide and deep.

I loved reading this book. I love Paige with all my heart and it's a pleasure watching her becoming a formidable woman and her relationship with Arcturus is absolutely perfect, as they navigate their new status as a couple, while fighting prejudices and beliefs and the war against Scion.
The worldbuilding becomes ever more detailed and intriguing, the scope spanning cities and continents, following new and old characters, while secrets come to light, that could change everything we know about the world.
This sixth installment is incredible, a vicious, heartwrenching and brilliant emotional rollercoaster, adding more and more puzzle pieces, preparing the reader for this last book and the final act.

A brilliant masterpiece. I loved every single moment.

[Vel]

I've been obsessed over the series and binged everything in days. I NEED THIS BOOK. MISS SAMANTHA PLEASE

[Megan]

So shocked and excited I got an advance copy of this insanely gorgeous and heart wrenching book. Samantha really knows how to make me feel all the emotions and now I’ll be impatiently awaiting the final book for 2+ years 🫠 😭 💔

[Gabrielle]

What am I supposed to do now?? How do I move on from this?! - RTC

[khadijah]

Wow wow wow. I had to take a moment to collect my thoughts before writing a review because this book rendered me speechless. Brilliant, heart wrenching, and unputdownable, this was an absolute masterclass of a novel. Every emotional beat landed, every twist and revelation was jaw dropping. This book felt penultimate. The scale of this world and the stakes these characters face have been building since The Bone Season, but The Moth Reborn took it to a level that made it feel like the beginning of the end. While following Paige's journey and witnessing all the puzzle pieces slowly start to come together, I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, switching rapidly from joy to anger to sadness to dread. Paige and Arcturus have also grown so much since The Bone Season, and The Moth Reborn shows us that growth in every conversation—especially in the ways they challenge each other, lift each other up, and navigate their struggles and fears, in both the quiet intimate moments and the life altering ones. As I patiently wait for the final instalment, I’ll be trying to process everything that happened in this book. It'll take me a long time to emotionally recover.

Thank you so, so much to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was my most anticipated read of the year, possibly my most anticipated read ever, and I am so incredibly grateful that I got to read it early.

[Raquel Flockhart]

Previous installments:
*. The Pale Dreamer ★★★
1. The Bone Season ★★★
2. The Mime Order ★★★★
3. The Song Rising ★★★★
*. The Dawn Chorus ★★★★
4. The Mask Falling ★★★★
5. The Dark Mirror ★★★★

The Roots of Chaos cycle:
0. A Day of Fallen Night ★★★★
*. Among the Burning Flowers ★★★★
1. The Priory of the Orange Tree ★★★★

[Monique Hall]

Absolutely blown away at the masterpiece this series continues to be, and can confirm this has taken top spot as my favourite book of the year.
I loved being back with Paige and Arcturus, they are such a force of nature together and they have come such a long way and overcome so much to continue to forge a better future for not only themselves but humanity.
Ms Shannon… you stole my heart and my capacity to breathe quite a few times in this book. The enormous plot twist was so obvious looking back at all the clues but my god did it blow my mind!! The attention to detail in the locations, language and characters is absolutely incredible and makes this story seem eerily possible in this world.
Thank you so much NetGalley for making this gal so very lucky to be blessed to have the opportunity to have read this before release.

[Keri]

I'm over here screaming. Samantha does it again by weaving a story that has you second-guessing one minute, only to have you cry for more than one reason. Not only was the book a rollercoaster of emotions, but more of the ethereal mystery of the Rephs and clairvoyants are revealed. I need the last book in this series to answer the new revelations brought forth and to know how it ends for our Under queen and her Shadow.

[Sara]

My friends, please read THE BONE SEASON series by Samantha Shannon. It is my favorite series of all time, and I can't even begin to express how much these books mean to me. Part Dystopian, part fantasy, part adventure, part espionage, part epic romance, these books transcend genre conventions in the most fun and ingenious ways. I usually find romance in books to be boring, but I would swear an oath to protect Paige and Arcturus. Best book couple ever.

I am honored to have received an ARC of the newest BONE SEASON book, THE MOTH REBORN, and I have savored its pages over the last few days. No spoilers because, duh, but it's beyond amazing. Thank you for pushing through a variety of life difficulties to keep this series going, Samantha. I know you have had a rough couple of years, and I am truly grateful for your words and stories. I can't wait to read THE MOTH REBORN again before it officially comes out in February 2027.

Thank you for these books, Samantha! I might want to throw them across the room sometimes (IYKYK), but I will love and protect them until the bitter end.

[Ashleigh (ash_and_books)]

Was this ever gonna be anything other than a 5 star read? Knowing SamShan, no.

I don't really have words at the moment. I will add TWs and more thoughts once I've gone through my highlights. I need 3-250 business days to recover and I will be sending the invoice for my therapist to Samantha.

I can't believe the series I've loved for over a decade is almost over.

[Mandy]

TITLE RELEASE!!!!

I'm seated. The booksellers are scared and asking me to leave because 'it's not February 2027 yet' but I'm simply too seated.

[Tahls]

This TITLEE?!!!! Are you joking Samantha?? I can't 🙂‍↔️🥹

[ANUSHKA]

Hasn't even released yet, but I know this ate.

[Taif]

Samantha Shannon described this installment as “epic and heartbreaking” and I’m not sure if I’m ready for the heartbreaking part

[Vanessa (The Wolf & Her Books)]

I HAVE BEEN READING THIS SERIES FOR TEN YEARS.

I first read The Bone Season in 2016.
The announcement of Book 6 means...we're close to the end.
For me, this series has only continued to get better and better. It's wild to me that I've been following Paige Mahoney's journey for 10 years when it's only been roughly 2 years for her.

April 2021: The Bone Season (reread) - ★★★★
March 2022: The Mime Order - ★★★★
January 2024: The Song Rising - ★★★★½
April 2024: The Dawn Chorus - n/a
January 2025: The Mask Falling - ★★★★★
September 2026: The Dark Mirror - ★★★½
TBD: The Moth Reborn -
TBD: The Bone Season 7 -